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the_joyful_book_club's reviews
64 reviews
Murder at Black Oaks by Phillip Margolin
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
So, first, if you've wondered if you need to read the Robin Lockwood series in order, or if you can jump in wherever, let me ease your mind: you can start wherever you'd like. This was my first one and everything made sense, and I was able to follow the characters and their histories. That said, I'm sure reading the others has some fun easter eggs for loyal readers.
Our story starts with Frank Melville winning a death row conviction for murder. But then he realizes a year or so later that the wrong man is in prison. He's stopped by the attorney-client privilege and cannot legally disclose who the true killer is. But once he can, he enlists Robin Lockwood to help him get the conviction of Jose Alvarez overturned.
This book was frustrating for me. It started off so good. Robin initially travels to Black Oaks Manor to meet Frank and his daughter, Nellie. As she's preparing, her assistant is sharing her findings not only about Frank Melville but also about the curse of Black Oaks itself. This was excellent foreshadowing and helped the manor maintain its creepy vibe.
However, once the story got into the last 25% or so, it just became too convoluted. At one point, a character makes a comment to the effect that they could be in an Agatha Christie novel. This is very true and the story gives off notes of "And Then There Were None". But then it's as if the author wanted to go in another direction altogether and just went overboard with different twists and villains. I think had there been one cohesive plan, it would have made the ending more satisfying.
If you're already a fan of the Robin Lockwood series, I'm sure you'll enjoy "Murder at Black Oaks"!
Our story starts with Frank Melville winning a death row conviction for murder. But then he realizes a year or so later that the wrong man is in prison. He's stopped by the attorney-client privilege and cannot legally disclose who the true killer is. But once he can, he enlists Robin Lockwood to help him get the conviction of Jose Alvarez overturned.
This book was frustrating for me. It started off so good. Robin initially travels to Black Oaks Manor to meet Frank and his daughter, Nellie. As she's preparing, her assistant is sharing her findings not only about Frank Melville but also about the curse of Black Oaks itself. This was excellent foreshadowing and helped the manor maintain its creepy vibe.
However, once the story got into the last 25% or so, it just became too convoluted. At one point, a character makes a comment to the effect that they could be in an Agatha Christie novel. This is very true and the story gives off notes of "And Then There Were None". But then it's as if the author wanted to go in another direction altogether and just went overboard with different twists and villains. I think had there been one cohesive plan, it would have made the ending more satisfying.
If you're already a fan of the Robin Lockwood series, I'm sure you'll enjoy "Murder at Black Oaks"!
Confessions of the Dead by James Patterson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was my first book from James Patterson and I was blown away. I am familiar with the Alex Cross novels but haven't read them. And I honestly expected this to be more of an investigative style of book (again, thinking in the vein of Alex Cross). I could not have been more wrong.
When the strange girl shows up at the local diner, she's naked and doesn't speak a word. Then the crows arrive. And slowly, everyone becomes more and more unhinged. With zero crime and only three members of law enforcement, mayhem ensues almost immediately.
This story does have alternating POVs. Partially, we read an interview transcript, and then we also see the events of this horrifying day through different characters and their experiences. The authors do an excellent job of conveying the panic and chaos that everyone is experiencing. The story is full of tension and it maintains that throughout the book.
This story isn't necessarily classified as horror, but there is violence and gore here. This story also unnerved me quite a bit. The chapters aren't super long, and this kept me feeling like I could get through just one more chapter, which would suck me into more of the madness.
I was trying to figure out why this book spooked me so much. I narrowed it down to how quickly they changed, even with their friends, kids, and spouses. One minute, everything was okay, and the next, they weren't even the same person anymore. Their irritations, rage, and true feelings came exploding out with dire consequences.
The twist at the end of this was completely unexpected. The idea of it never even crossed my mind. I always have a lot of respect if an author can "trick" me, and I was caught off-guard on this.
If you enjoy stories with a scary fall atmosphere, unexpected twists, and betrayals at every turn, you will enjoy this one from James Patterson and J.D. Barker.
When the strange girl shows up at the local diner, she's naked and doesn't speak a word. Then the crows arrive. And slowly, everyone becomes more and more unhinged. With zero crime and only three members of law enforcement, mayhem ensues almost immediately.
This story does have alternating POVs. Partially, we read an interview transcript, and then we also see the events of this horrifying day through different characters and their experiences. The authors do an excellent job of conveying the panic and chaos that everyone is experiencing. The story is full of tension and it maintains that throughout the book.
This story isn't necessarily classified as horror, but there is violence and gore here. This story also unnerved me quite a bit. The chapters aren't super long, and this kept me feeling like I could get through just one more chapter, which would suck me into more of the madness.
I was trying to figure out why this book spooked me so much. I narrowed it down to how quickly they changed, even with their friends, kids, and spouses. One minute, everything was okay, and the next, they weren't even the same person anymore. Their irritations, rage, and true feelings came exploding out with dire consequences.
The twist at the end of this was completely unexpected. The idea of it never even crossed my mind. I always have a lot of respect if an author can "trick" me, and I was caught off-guard on this.
If you enjoy stories with a scary fall atmosphere, unexpected twists, and betrayals at every turn, you will enjoy this one from James Patterson and J.D. Barker.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, and Blood
I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Let me start by saying that I could not put this book down. I kept coming back for more, and before I knew it, I had finished.
Our story starts with Alex, who is extremely guarded and doesn't go out much, besides to the cafe across the street from her apartment, and then she goes back to work from home. Her best neighbors and co-workers are the two pigeons who hang out by her window.
This changes when Alex finds out The Herald is ready to find their next Dear Constance. She applies, partially out of sarcastic amusement and partially out of anger that they would even try to replace THE Francis Keen. She's shocked when she's called in for an interview and offered the position.
Overall, this story was fast-paced and kept my interest. The story is lighter on any aspects of crazy twists throughout, and there is little to no goriness or profanity. This story does have some light aspects of a dual timeline, but it's fairly minimal and doesn't bounce back and forth between POVs.
One thing I did wish this book had was more character development. One thing that made me pause a few times was some of the decisions Alex made. For example, she's very cautious and guarded, yet would sit in an office building, that she's not familiar with, very late into the evening, and then walk home alone. But then would be panicky over noises she'd hear outside her own building. It didn't entirely make sense to me. That said, things tie together at the end, but again, I think more development would have made it easier to empathize with Alex.
The twist at the end was absolutely not expected. I did not even remotely guess it, or lean in the direction of it, and I am always appreciative of an author who stumps me.
If you enjoy hidden pasts, and fast-paced thrillers set in the big city, you'll definitely enjoy this one!
Our story starts with Alex, who is extremely guarded and doesn't go out much, besides to the cafe across the street from her apartment, and then she goes back to work from home. Her best neighbors and co-workers are the two pigeons who hang out by her window.
This changes when Alex finds out The Herald is ready to find their next Dear Constance. She applies, partially out of sarcastic amusement and partially out of anger that they would even try to replace THE Francis Keen. She's shocked when she's called in for an interview and offered the position.
Overall, this story was fast-paced and kept my interest. The story is lighter on any aspects of crazy twists throughout, and there is little to no goriness or profanity. This story does have some light aspects of a dual timeline, but it's fairly minimal and doesn't bounce back and forth between POVs.
One thing I did wish this book had was more character development. One thing that made me pause a few times was some of the decisions Alex made. For example, she's very cautious and guarded, yet would sit in an office building, that she's not familiar with, very late into the evening, and then walk home alone. But then would be panicky over noises she'd hear outside her own building. It didn't entirely make sense to me. That said, things tie together at the end, but again, I think more development would have made it easier to empathize with Alex.
The twist at the end was absolutely not expected. I did not even remotely guess it, or lean in the direction of it, and I am always appreciative of an author who stumps me.
If you enjoy hidden pasts, and fast-paced thrillers set in the big city, you'll definitely enjoy this one!
The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.0
This story was delightful to read. It's sweet, has big-time Hallmark vibes (even when it's not mentioned directly), and has something for readers of all ages.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is there is love for all ages. It can be romantic love, familial love, or platonic love. But also, you see love for hometown businesses and traditions. This was truly a story about finding joy in your life and I enjoyed that a lot.
Our story starts with Riley being unexpectedly laid off at work, due to AI taking over her team's roles on the Content Marketing team. She then finds out her mom has broken her leg and offers to come up for a few weeks to help out. When she tells her boyfriend, Jack(ass), he's nonchalant and Riley packs up her cat, Lily, and off they go.
Once Riley's back on the Cape, she finds herself spending time with her family, and guests at the family's bed & breakfast, including Aiden, her high-school sweetheart, and his son, Luke. Riley also meets Franny, who is visiting due to her older sister's passing and is fulfilling her last request, which was having Franny visit different places based on memories from their past.
One of my favorite parts of this story was that while it has the cheesy factor that we all love, there are some definite improvements over an actual Hallmark movie. For one, I liked that was some more realism for the characters and their careers. Riley has her job, and she's in a position where AI has eliminated her role: AI is discussed so much in the media, but I appreciated the author including such a relevant issue. I also really liked that Aiden has stayed in Chatham, but he has a successful career, and it didn't involve running some very obscure, niche, small business.
Another aspect I enjoyed was that, from a romance aspect, we see couples of all ages having a chance to connect. Riley's story dominates, but we see her Mom, and Sean, Franny, and her high-school-sweetheart, Joe. I appreciated this because as you age, your views on love and relationships change. The things you think are so important in your 20s may be less important in your 50s, or 70s. It was nice to see the phases of life and love be highlighted.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's a wonderful palette cleanser, especially if you usually read heavier books. From a purely holiday story perspective, this story has small-town charm, precious memories and second chances, and the love that makes the Christmas season so magical.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is there is love for all ages. It can be romantic love, familial love, or platonic love. But also, you see love for hometown businesses and traditions. This was truly a story about finding joy in your life and I enjoyed that a lot.
Our story starts with Riley being unexpectedly laid off at work, due to AI taking over her team's roles on the Content Marketing team. She then finds out her mom has broken her leg and offers to come up for a few weeks to help out. When she tells her boyfriend, Jack(ass), he's nonchalant and Riley packs up her cat, Lily, and off they go.
Once Riley's back on the Cape, she finds herself spending time with her family, and guests at the family's bed & breakfast, including Aiden, her high-school sweetheart, and his son, Luke. Riley also meets Franny, who is visiting due to her older sister's passing and is fulfilling her last request, which was having Franny visit different places based on memories from their past.
One of my favorite parts of this story was that while it has the cheesy factor that we all love, there are some definite improvements over an actual Hallmark movie. For one, I liked that was some more realism for the characters and their careers. Riley has her job, and she's in a position where AI has eliminated her role: AI is discussed so much in the media, but I appreciated the author including such a relevant issue. I also really liked that Aiden has stayed in Chatham, but he has a successful career, and it didn't involve running some very obscure, niche, small business.
Another aspect I enjoyed was that, from a romance aspect, we see couples of all ages having a chance to connect. Riley's story dominates, but we see her Mom, and Sean, Franny, and her high-school-sweetheart, Joe. I appreciated this because as you age, your views on love and relationships change. The things you think are so important in your 20s may be less important in your 50s, or 70s. It was nice to see the phases of life and love be highlighted.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's a wonderful palette cleanser, especially if you usually read heavier books. From a purely holiday story perspective, this story has small-town charm, precious memories and second chances, and the love that makes the Christmas season so magical.
The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This story takes the cake as one of the creepiest I've read this year. This is narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal and she does an excellent job of bringing Iðunn to life. I think the narrative talent shines as the story progresses and events become more chaotic.
TW: There is animal abuse in this story. It's done off-page but does involve dead cats. I didn't know that going in, and it would have affected my choice to listen. That said, it's only mentioned a few times, and it's near the end. This isn't a story where it's done overly gratuitously, or occurring throughout the story.
Our story starts with Iðunn , who is at a doctor's appointment, desperate for help after she's been experiencing fatigue, and aches and pains for months. Tests have been run, but nothing is coming back abnormal. She's let herself become riddled with worry, thinking she has ALS, leukemia, or worse.
As the story starts, things appear fairly normal. Iðunn has dinner with her parents, girls night with her friends, and even meets a man and goes on dates with him. As she received minimal medical support, she took matters into her own hands and purchased a fitness watch. Iðunn is getting her 10,000 daily steps in, and one morning, she wakes up with the watch on and 40,000 steps logged. This leads her to more self-diagnosing (sleepwalking) and Iðunn asks for sleeping pills to help her stop sleepwalking. It works...at first.
This story is considered to be part of the horror genre, and I would say that's accurate. There is some suspense/thriller aspects but I'd classify it as horror. The chapters are fairly short, and it's easy to continue reading/listening. However, this book is short. Approximately 208 pages, and less than three hours via audiobook. I have a great appreciation for authors who don't overdo the story, but in this case, I wish there had been some more explanation of the area, Iðunn's sister, and more character development. I think it would have truly enhanced the story.
The ending is left up to the reader's interpretation. Depending on your perspective, the ending could take on a few different meanings. This doesn't necessarily bother me, but I do love seeing how the author intended it to be, it sometimes can pull the rest of the story together because you see incidents in a different light.
As a horror novella, I would recommend this book. It kept me hooked, and I kept wanting to listen to one more chapter to get answers, which led me to devour this book quickly. The narration brings the scariness to life because you experience Iðunn becoming nervous, but knowing something else is happening, but can't find anyone to help her.
TW: There is animal abuse in this story. It's done off-page but does involve dead cats. I didn't know that going in, and it would have affected my choice to listen. That said, it's only mentioned a few times, and it's near the end. This isn't a story where it's done overly gratuitously, or occurring throughout the story.
Our story starts with Iðunn , who is at a doctor's appointment, desperate for help after she's been experiencing fatigue, and aches and pains for months. Tests have been run, but nothing is coming back abnormal. She's let herself become riddled with worry, thinking she has ALS, leukemia, or worse.
As the story starts, things appear fairly normal. Iðunn has dinner with her parents, girls night with her friends, and even meets a man and goes on dates with him. As she received minimal medical support, she took matters into her own hands and purchased a fitness watch. Iðunn is getting her 10,000 daily steps in, and one morning, she wakes up with the watch on and 40,000 steps logged. This leads her to more self-diagnosing (sleepwalking) and Iðunn asks for sleeping pills to help her stop sleepwalking. It works...at first.
This story is considered to be part of the horror genre, and I would say that's accurate. There is some suspense/thriller aspects but I'd classify it as horror. The chapters are fairly short, and it's easy to continue reading/listening. However, this book is short. Approximately 208 pages, and less than three hours via audiobook. I have a great appreciation for authors who don't overdo the story, but in this case, I wish there had been some more explanation of the area, Iðunn's sister, and more character development. I think it would have truly enhanced the story.
The ending is left up to the reader's interpretation. Depending on your perspective, the ending could take on a few different meanings. This doesn't necessarily bother me, but I do love seeing how the author intended it to be, it sometimes can pull the rest of the story together because you see incidents in a different light.
As a horror novella, I would recommend this book. It kept me hooked, and I kept wanting to listen to one more chapter to get answers, which led me to devour this book quickly. The narration brings the scariness to life because you experience Iðunn becoming nervous, but knowing something else is happening, but can't find anyone to help her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book might easily be one of the best of 2024. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Christine Lakin. I enjoyed her take on the story, and I appreciated that while the characters are in various frantic positions, she still made Ellery feel and sound exactly like I would expect.
Ellery is in her mid-40's and newly divorced. She was supposed to go on a 20th wedding anniversary trip with her husband, Luke, but then he abruptly announces he wants a divorce. Ellery continues onto the trip by herself, but her emotions are still raw, and she keeps hoping that Luke will realize he's made a mistake.
On her first night at Broken Point, Ellery meets Ravi and Nina. A gentle, cautious friendship starts to blossom but Ellery is still quite fragile. Part of the enjoyment of this story was seeing Ellery start to believe in herself again, make friendships and relationships on her own that are independent of her identity associated with her husband and kids, and just come into her own. There's a part in the story where someone tells Ellery that some people are butterflies, and some people are moths: attracted to the light that others give off. And that Ellery is a moth. Ellery thinks they're right, but as the story goes on, we see that change.
The mystery starts when Ellery finds the groom, Ben, dead, floating in the pool on Sunday morning. Then, the guests and staff find out that with all the rain and storms that have blown through, there are mudslides everywhere, and the bridge has been blocked off as well. No one can get to the resort or leave.
Shortly after, another member of the wedding party is dead at the bottom of the cliffs.
Soon, the lights start flickering and the backup generator is failing. Soon, more people are missing.
One of the main aspects I enjoyed in this book was the mystery itself. It was suspenseful, and follows the vein of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None", but it's certainly not a carbon copy of it. I also appreciate that the story wasn't overdone. There are a lot of twists at the end, but they aren't all relating to the deaths. Some are more casual, like finding out the truth behind some of the guests and their motives. I thought it was a clever way to give a reader a lot of surprises, without wringing the suspense to the point of unbelievable. In giving us the background of the characters, more of the mystery makes sense. It's definitely one where the ending helps you see the story in a new light.
If you enjoy locked room mysteries, vacation getaways, and your weddings with a side of murder, this will be the book for you!
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have heard so much about this book and I added it to my hold list, and finally got to listen. And then I finished the book in one day because I could not stop listening. So you could say it's good.
The story starts with Eve, home alone with her dog, when there's a knock on the door. There's a family standing there, with a man explaining he grew up in the home and just wanted to show his family around. Eve initially says no, blaming her partner, Charlie. But then she feels guilty and allows the family in. Things start to go wrong almost immediately.
The author does an excellent job at keeping the tension high in this book, while simultaneously keeping some things innocuous. A great example of this is Eve's inner voice, whom she names Mo after a childhood toy she had. She uses this tactic from her therapist to help deal with some of her anxiety and panic-induced thoughts. Throughout the story, Eve is hearing Mo, making her think the worst, and then her rational side, calming her back down. So there are times when Eve is freaking out, and as the reader, you aren't truly sure if what you're reading is real or if you're seeing it through the perspective of Eve's fear.
This story alternates between Eve's viewpoint, and a docket of evidence that someone has collected over the years. Jeremy Carlisle Parker narrates the docket chapters, and we hear Corey Brill for the rest of the story. Both narrators do an excellent job. Corey Brill, in particular, does an excellent job at bringing Eve's feelings to life. There were many times where the story felt so intensely real because the narrators brought it through so vividly.
The ending of this story does feel a bit unfulfilling. I had heard a rumor somewhere that the author may do a sequel and I sincerely hope that happens because this story is not done being told. There are tons of theories floating around online, and this story can be interpreted a few different ways, depending on the reader.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy tense, haunted (maybe) house thrillers, with a side of family drama and local lore mixed in. The author wove many facets together in a way that added intensity and also did a nice spin on the unreliable narrators trope. By the end, my head was spinning and was dying for more.
Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is one I will remember for a long time.
The story starts with Brecia, Meghan, and Skye all being murdered. Each is murdered years apart, in different states. This story moves between their timelines, but I wouldn't necessarily call this a true dual timeline. It feels more like each woman is telling her story and then they merge.
Brecia meets a man and he gives her the creeps, and she calls it off. A year later, he murders her. Meghan meets a man from a dating app, and she disappears after leaving a restaurant with him. Skye is about to leave for college and is leaving her job at a coffee shop when she takes a ride from one of her regular customers, but she is never seen again.
First, the premise and overall plot are unique to anything I have read. We get to see each character experience the immediate aftereffects of their deaths, the emotions they experience, and how they try desperately to interact with people and loved ones. One thing I appreciated about this book is that while we do see the murders, that isn't the sole focus of the book. There are some more graphic descriptions of the decomposition, but even that is done tastefully. This story truly revolves around the women and how they are trying to stop this man, James, from killing again.
I don't want to say a ton more, because I think it would spoil aspects of the story, but I highly recommend this book. The author also has a follow-up short that she offers a link for at the end of the e-book (on Amazon). It was a nice bit of closure to some of the other characters we meet and I appreciated the author taking the time.