x_miss_mcrae_x's reviews
166 reviews

Close Your Eyes by Teresa Driscoll

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I'm very conflicted by this book. I read this in less than 24 hours, and from start to finish, it was packed with suspense and had me gripped. There was so much potential but i did feel the ending let it down. I was extremely invested in Olivia's story, and if I'm honest, she was the only person I actually felt really sorry for.  BUT i was expecting a bigger twist in regards to her mum. I didn't gel with Matthew at all. For an "ex" police officer/private investigator, he sure did a lot of the scared cowering man act over a threat made by an angry grieving mother 10 years prior, to the point he vowed his whole life plan on it, which in my opinion was slightly ridiculous.🙄
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The Seven by Robyn Delvey

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved the Law & Order vibes here, and I was very intrigued to see a crime/legal thriller from the CPS side of things, with multiple chapters from the surviving victims. Told in a dual timeline, you get to see what happened on the night of the bombing and the present day, where the trail is unfolding as Eve is tasked with reviewing the evidence. This was super suspenseful and had me instantly gripped with the numerous twists. To the point where I actually guessed one of them early on, but with so much happening, i had forgotten about that person by the end😅 This honestly would make an excellent TV drama. The characters are super engaging, and i hope some of them follow Eve along into the next book.
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Paradise In Progress by Alexis Buxton

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

it's safe to say that I absolutely adored this book!! I haven't been this invested in a romance read in a long time, especially when it's a slow burn. The chemistry and connection were electric with a little bit of spice that wasn't overpowering. There was everything i looked for in the enemys to lovers' trope, from banter and humour to tension and swoon-worthy main characters. I'm definitely a sucker for when he falls first, and he literally crawls on the floor for her!! The only thing I didn't like was the third act break up, but, regardless, Tristan Nelson has firmly secured a spot on the book boyfriends list! 😍
The Return of Frankie Whittle by Caroline England

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challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Well, that was a highly disturbing read, to say the least! The cover and plot concept immediately drew me into this one, with super creepy vibes from start to finish. It did take me a little while to get into as it was a slow build up to the actual story, but I was on the edge of my seat needing to know where this was going and I ended up flying through the pages in a few sittings. The numerous twists were surprisingly unexpected, and i did enjoy them even though this was quite a sinister and extreme case of "be careful what you wish for." I really liked Nina. As a single mum, i could really relate with her just trying to do her best, but i felt a little sad with how Frankie would treat her at times. 

However, it is worth noting that It is a very dark read, so there are a fair few triggers to be aware of. 
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Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

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dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Cleaners Wanted by Alex Franklyn

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This isn't your typical mobster/gangster book. A mixture of crime and comedy rolled into one is a surprisingly perfect blend. The writing is spot on. The pacing and the characters' backgrounds were done well. It's extremely witty, jam-packed with dark humour and just simply hilarious, with a few twists along the way. I really can't remember a book that's made me laugh this hard in a long time! John and Billy are quite the pair. They reminded me of the Chuckle Brothers a little. Overall, this was a really quick, fun read, and it was really nice to experience something a little more out there and different.
Witch Hunt: These Foolish things by Stephen J. Grant

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This was a satisfying sequel to False Tidings and is the second instalment in "The Fools Journey Medieval Satire' series. I was excited to get started with this as it is slightly different from the first one. It follows Matilda, who is starting to embrace her magic and is heading down a path with her powers, and William is on a brand new quest. Another brilliantly written addition to the series, and it was lovely to see the footnotes of wonderful facts still there. I was a little sad to see some of my favourite characters didn't join us this time, but those that were involved were fun, original, and continued to evolve throughout. Grant has a very unique way of writing, and I really hope to experience a lot more of his work
The First Girl by Claire McGowan

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Up until 10 years ago, Karen Walker was the best friend of notorious serial killer The Bagman, aka Aaron Hughes, until her evidence sent him to prison. Now, a girl has gone missing, and with the only clue being  the Bagman symbol, Karen must return home to discover the truth. 

I must admit the plot reeled me straight in, and it was a thoroughly entertaining ride. It was interesting to read a mixture of extracts from both Karen's memoir and present-day POV, although it's clear (she admits this) from the start that she is a VERY unreliable narrator. The story did drag slightly in the beginning, but once the drama kicks in, it doesn't stop! Almost none of the characters are likeable, but i really liked how true crime sleuths were added into the mix, and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of that. Plus i do enjoy rooting for the "bad guy" for a little while😂 Overall it was a gripping read, full of suspense, and I'm so glad i had the readalong group to chat to because it was a thrilling mind f**k, (in a good way, if there is such a thing), and my head would of probably exploded with theories😅
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The Family Next Door by Charlotte Stevenson

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

At 270 pages, I read this within 24 hours! It was a very quick, tense, and gripping read from start to finish. The characters are well written, to the point where you don't know whether to hate them or feel sorry for them. The family at Number 33 are very creepy, especially Mirabelle, whose behaviour is extremely erratic for an 8 year old, and Viola is great as the elderly, nosey neighbour. Some things were slightly far-fetched, and i just couldn't get over the fact that Viola, being a social worker, did nothing appropriate to safeguard a child who she thought was in danger. Instead, she continues to allow herself to be manipulated and put in danger numerous times without a backup plan. It was very hard to believe that with her line of work, she had never had to call the police before! However, it was a very enjoyable read, and the twists were unexpected.
Green Ray by O.C. Heaton, O.C. Heaton

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adventurous informative mysterious tense fast-paced

4.5

Green Ray is book 2 in 'The Race Is On' series and follows on 6 years later from LEAP. It's another fast paced read that is jam packed with even more thrills. This time though, with the US government wanting in on the action, the door is firmly opened to political power, corruption and greed. You don't know who to trust and there is no shortage of suspense. We see Uma develop a lot more as a character and she's as brilliant as ever. I really admire Heaton's writing style and knowledge in this series, plus some appreciation to the cover theme continuation.