Tag: bookreview

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A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni- Book Review

I have loved the Tracy Crosswhite series for years now and I’m always excited when Robert Dugoni writes another book in this series. It’s empowering to read a series with a strong female lead and while this book gave me a glimpse into the life of Dan (her husband), it also focused on Tracy and her career. If you haven’t read this series or even heard of it, then I encourage you to check it out. There are 6 books in the series now and this is the 7th book which comes out February 4, 2020.  Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. Also a plus if you have Kindle Unlimited this book is free to read so put a star by this one.

Synopsis: The last time homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite was in Cedar Grove, it was to see her sister’s killer put behind bars. Now she’s returned for a respite and the chance to put her life back in order for herself, her attorney husband, Dan, and their new daughter. But tragic memories soon prove impossible to escape.Dan is drawn into representing a local merchant whose business is jeopardized by the town’s revitalization. And Tracy is urged by the local PD to put her own skills to work on a new case: the brutal murder of a police officer’s wife and local reporter who was investigating a cold-case slaying of a young woman. As Tracy’s and Dan’s cases crisscross, Tracy’s trail becomes dangerous. It’s stirring up her own haunted past and a decades-old conspiracy in Cedar Grove that has erupted in murder. Getting to the truth is all that matters. But what’s Tracy willing to risk as a killer gets closer to her and threatens everyone she loves?

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Lost You by Haylen Beck- Book Reviews

Whoa! I started this book honestly not knowing what it was about. I knew it was a suspense/thriller but that’s all I knew going into it. I started reading the book and thinking, okay I know where this is going. A woman says she will give up her child for adoption because she is getting the money she needs to survive but towards the end of her pregnancy she decides to keep the child but then it took a crazy turn of events. I couldn’t put this book down and I felt for the both of these women in this story. Libby, the one that couldn’t have children of her own so she put all her worth into adopting a child and Anna, the one who grows to love the baby in her womb and decides she can’t live without him. I loved the edge of suspense in the middle of the story being told because I did not see it coming. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. Although, I enjoyed this story, it’s one of those that isn’t quite believable but still worth reading. Thank you to Penguin Random House for gifting me this book.

Synopsis:

Libby needs a break. Three years ago her husband split, leaving her to raise their infant son Ethan alone as she struggled to launch her writing career. Now for the first time in years, things are looking up. She’s just sold her first novel, and she and Ethan are going on a much-needed vacation. Everything seems to be going their way, so why can’t she stop looking over her shoulder or panicking every time Ethan wanders out of view? Is it because of what happened when Ethan was born? Except Libby’s never told anyone the full story of what happened, and there’s no way anyone could find her and Ethan at a faraway resort . . . right?  But three days into their vacation, Libby’s fears prove justified. In a moment of inattention, Ethan wanders into an elevator before Libby can reach him. When the elevator stops and the doors open, Ethan is gone. Hotel security scours the building and finds no trace of him, but when CCTV footage is found of an adult finding the child wandering alone and leading him away by the hand, the police are called in. The search intensifies, a lost child case turning into a possible abduction. Hours later, a child is seen with a woman stepping through an emergency exit. Libby and the police track the woman down and corner her, but she refuses to release Ethan. Asked who she is, the woman replies: …“I’m his mother.”

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A Dream About Lighting Bugs by Ben Fold- Book Review

I asked my husband if he would like to read and review this book because he’s been a HUGE Ben Folds fan for a couple of decades now. Here are his thoughts about the book. Ben Folds’s new memoir, A Dream About Lightning Bugs, is a one-session read. I suppose one could break it up, but I don’t know how you’d be able to stop. Admittedly, I grew up on Ben’s music, and who doesn’t love to read about the life of one of their all-time musical heroes? Even if you’ve never heard a track of his music, however, Fold’s memoir is a refreshingly honest story of his life, blemishes and all. Peppered with plenty of humor (and four-letter words), the reader is transported to the other side of Ben’s kitchen table as he shares anecdotes and life lessons from his 20 years as a successful musician. This is a must-read for any Ben Folds fan, but I’d recommend it regardless. By the end you’ll be inspired to go create something, and building things is definitely something we could all benefit from doing a little more of. Ryan gives this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫. Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ARC.

Synopsis:

In the title chapter, “A Dream About Lightning Bugs,” Folds recalls his earliest childhood dream—and realizes how much it influenced his understanding of what it means to be an artist. In “Measure Twice, Cut Once” he learns to resist the urge to skip steps during the creative process. In “Hall Pass” he recounts his 1970s North Carolina working-class childhood, and in “Cheap Lessons” he returns to the painful life lessons he learned the hard way—but that luckily didn’t kill him.  In his inimitable voice, both relatable and thought-provoking, Folds digs deep into the life experiences that shaped him, imparting hard-earned wisdom about both art and life. Collectively, these stories embody the message Folds has been singing about for years: Smile like you’ve got nothing to prove, because it hurts to grow up, and life flies by in seconds.

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The Wolf Wants In by Laura McHugh- Book Review

This was such a great book. I had a hard time putting it down and read it in two nights. This book was captivating. It was not an easy read because of some of the subjects, like addiction and grief, but this book was also touching on so many levels because of the realistic setting. The characters were well written and this book offered so much with the secrets, suspicion and family loyalty. I felt for the main character, Sadie, the whole way through this book. Every emotion she was feeling, I was feeling it for her. It was a heavy read but had just enough suspense and mystery involved to keep it a little light hearted and intriguing. I didn’t get a little confused in the story with the back forth of the characters but still really enjoyed it. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 This book was just published on August 6th, 2019 and I definitely recommend that you pick it up. Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhousefor the ARC.

Synopsis:

Sadie Keller is determined to find out how her brother died, even if no one else thinks it’s worth investigating. Untimely deaths are all too common in rural Blackwater, Kansas, where crime and overdoses are on the rise, and the small-town police force is consumed with the recent discovery of a child’s skull in the woods. Sadie is on her own, delving into the dark corners of a life her brother kept hidden and unearthing more questions than answers.Eighteen-year-old Henley Pettit knows more than she’d like to about the seedy side of Blackwater, and she’s desperate to escape before she’s irreparably entangled in her family’s crimes. She dreams of disappearing and leaving her old life behind, but shedding the past is never easy, and getting out of town will be far more dangerous than she ever imagined.As more bones are found in the woods, time is running out for Sadie to uncover the truth and for Henley to make her escape. Both women are torn between family loyalties and the weight of the secrets they carry, knowing full well that while some secrets are hard to live with, others will get you killed.

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Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center- Book Review

I had some catching up to do with Katherine Centers’s books. I read Things You Save in a Fire first because I was given the ARC through Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press. I read this book in two nights because I couldn’t put it down and loved it. I was immediately loved the main character Cassie, she was strong, capable and knew exactly what she wanted…until a hot young Rookie firefighter stepped into her life. I loved that she came a little damaged because that made her even more relatable. She wasn’t perfect, she had a back story and that made her even more like able. Also picturing what that Rookie looked like and his sense of humor and likable also helped. I loved this story and so glad I was able to read it. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It was the perfect book to read in between my usual thrillers.

Synopsis:

Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own. The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.


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The Swallows by Lisa Lutz- Book Review

Talk about girl power! I love the combination of mystery and suspense and the fact that the messaging centered around empowering teenage girls to push back against sexisim and degradation. I also loved that it was a story in which these girls come together in an environment (high school) that often encourages them to tear one another down. I’m also in love with the book cover! 😍 I haven’t read one of Lisa Lutz previous books but I will definitely be adding them to my tbr list now. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This book will be published August 13th! Thank you to Penguin Random House for this ARC.

Synopsis:

When Alexandra Witt joins the faculty at Stonebridge Academy, she’s hoping to put a painful past behind her. Then one of her creative writing assignments generates some disturbing responses from students. Before long, Alex is immersed in an investigation of the students atop the school’s social hierarchy—and their connection to something called the Darkroom. She soon inspires the girls who’ve started to question the school’s “boys will be boys” attitude and incites a resistance. But just as the movement is gaining momentum, Alex attracts the attention of an unknown enemy who knows a little too much about her—and what brought her to Stonebridge in the first place. Meanwhile, Gemma, a defiant senior, has been plotting her attack for years, waiting for the right moment. Shy loner Norman hates his role in the Darkroom, but can’t find the courage to fight back until he makes an unlikely alliance. And then there’s Finn Ford, an English teacher with a shady reputation, who keeps one eye on his literary ambitions and one on Ms. Witt. As the school’s secrets begin to trickle out, a boys-versus-girls skirmish turns into an all-out war, with deeply personal—and potentially fatal—consequences for everyone involved.

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Gretchen By Shannon Kirk- Book Review

Y’all this book! So many crazy secrets and one mind blowing twist at the end. I really enjoyed this one and the author did an amazing job of bringing you into the story and leaving you shell shock because of all the books strange events. It takes you on one story line and you think you have all the answers and then it takes you down a crazy ass story of the insane next door neighbor and you’re completely mind blown. I didn’t expect the last 1/4 quarter of this this book and I think that’s why I really enjoyed it. I also really enjoyed the main character Lucy because she was trying to figure out who she is and learning to be confident in that and that allowed her character to be relatable. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC of this book.

Synopsis:

Ever since Lucy was two, she’s been on the run alongside her mother. She’s never understood the reason for a lifetime of paranoia, aliases, and lies. All she understands are the rules: never lock eyes with strangers, never let down your guard, and always be ready to move on. Finally, after thirteen years and eleven states, their next hideaway seems perfect. An isolated, fortresslike place in the New Hampshire woods is the new home they share with its owner, a gentlemanly pianist, and his lonely daughter, Gretchen. She’s Lucy’s age and soon becomes Lucy’s first real friend. But Gretchen and her father have secrets of their own—and an obsession with puzzles that draws Lucy into a terrifying new game of hide-and-seek. Lucy’s dark past is about to come calling. And this time, for her and her mother in the house on the hill, it might be too late to run.

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The Whisper Man by Alex North- Book Review

WOW! This book was suspenseful, nail-biting and creepy and I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down and read it within two days of starting it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I love that it had a creepy saying that told you a little about who The Whisper Man because that brought it to a whole new creepy level. I also find that very creative on the author’s side of writing. If you love a good mystery thriller book then definitely add this one to you list. It will be published August 20th. Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon books for the ARC. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Synopsis:

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank. But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night. Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter’s crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man. And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window…

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The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine – Book Review

I read this book at the beginning of the year and I devoured this book within two days because I couldn’t put this book down. I loved this book and the ending was so satisfying that I couldn’t stop thinking about for days after I read it. This book is written in two parts, the first part is written from the point of Amber and the second part is written form the point of Daphne. The story is filled with so many secrets and every turn you find out more and more details that continue to hook you into the story. Plus, this book is a perfect summer read, I mean just look at that cover. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. If you haven’t read this book than I urge you to go out and buy it or check it out at your local library.

Synopsis:

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces. 

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Triptych by Karin Slaughter- Book Review

Karin Slaughter does it once again. I bought this book right after I read her book Pretty Girls and for some reason continued to put off reading it. I think I was nervous that I was going to compare them and Pretty Girls was/is one of my favorite thrillers. So with that being said, I loved this book. I loved that Karin (yes, we are on first name basis), dives right in with details and although some are graphic, I absolutely feel that it truly makes the story. She doesn’t cut corners and I love that about her writing. I enjoyed the main character Will Trent. He extremely relatable and I enjoy his awkwardness. This is the first book in the Will Trent series and I have already bought the second book to start reading. I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s definitely a great book for the first in the series.

Synopsis:

From Atlanta’s wealthiest suburbs to its stark inner-city housing projects, a killer has crossed the boundaries of wealth and race. And the people who are chasing him must cross those boundaries, too. Among them is Michael Ormewood, a veteran detective whose marriage is hanging by a thread—and whose arrogance and explosive temper are threatening his career. And Angie Polaski, a beautiful vice cop who was once Michael’ s lover before she became his enemy. But unbeknownst to both of them, another player has entered the game: a loser ex-con who has stumbled upon the killer’s trail in the most coincidental of ways—and who may be the key to breaking the case wide open.