Category: Mystery/Thriller

#BookReview My Girl by Jack Jordan @_JackJordan_

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#BookReview My Girl by Jack Jordan @_JackJordan_ Title: My Girl

Author: Jack Jordan

Published by: JJP on Jul. 4, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 240

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: JJP, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Paige Dawson: the mother of a murdered child and wife to a dead man.

She has nothing left to live for… until she finds her husband’s handgun hidden in their house.

Why did Ryan need a gun? What did he know about their daughter’s death?

Desperate for the truth, Paige begins to unearth her husband’s secrets.

But she has no idea who she is up against, or that her life isn’t hers to gamble – she belongs to me.

From the bestselling author of Anything for Her, Jack Jordan’s My Girl is the new chilling thriller that you won’t want to miss.

Review:

Frightening, spine-chilling, and deeply disturbing!

This is a psychological thriller full of familial dysfunction, violence, manipulation, degradation, murder, and mayhem.

The main character, Paige, is distraught, confused, and damaged. And the supporting characters are strong, troubled, and complex. The writing is well done. And the plot is jam-packed with twists, turns and mounting suspense.

This story is definitely not for the squeamish, but if you like fast-paced, creepy page turners this is the perfect novel for you. 

 

This book is due to be published on July 4, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Jack Jordan, follow him on Twitter at: @_JackJordan_

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially JJP, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview The Stepmother by Claire Seeber

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#BookReview The Stepmother by Claire Seeber Title: The Stepmother

Author: Claire Seeber

Published by: Bookouture on Jul. 15, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 345

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

The perfect wife. A fairytale family. Don’t believe your eyes…
Jeanie and Matthew are a happily married couple who both have teenage children from previous relationships.

No one said it would be easy to raise a blended family under one roof but Jeanie and Matthew are strong. They will make it work.

And whilst Jeanie’s step-daughter Scarlett rejects her, Jeanie will just have to try harder to win her over.

But Jeanie has a past. A terrible secret she thought she’d buried a long time ago. And now, it’s coming to the surface, threatening to destroy her new marriage.

Someone is playing a terrifying game on Jeanie and she must put a stop to it once and for all.

After all, a fairytale needs a happy ending … doesn’t it?

A compelling, dark and twisty psychological thriller that will grip fans of Behind Closed Doors, Between You and Me and The Teacher.

Review:

Fast-paced, dark, intense, and suspenseful!

This is a psychological roller coaster ride of manipulation, lies, secrets, jealousy, and revenge.

The main character, Jeanie, is kind-hearted, confused, and naive. And the supporting characters are selfish, troubled, unscrupulous and in most cases loathsome.

The writing is clear and impactful. And the plot is filled with lots of tension, mysterious incidents, and numerous twists and turns.

This is definitely not your usual fairy tale and you won’t be humming the Brady Bunch theme song, but if you love page-turning thrillers you can’t go wrong with this one.

 

This book is due to be published on July 15, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French

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#BookReview Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French Title: Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency

Author: Kitty French

Series: The Chapelwick Mysteries #1

Published by: Bookouture on Jul. 14, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 290

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Life’s tough for Melody Bittersweet.

She’s single, addicted to sugar and super heroes, her family are officially bonkers, and she sees dead people. Is it any wonder no-one’s swiping right on Tinder?
Waking up lonely on her twenty seventh birthday, Melody finally snaps. She can’t carry on basing all of her life decisions on the advice of her magic 8 ball; things have got to change.

Fast forward two months, and she’s now the proud proprietor of her very own ghostbusting agency – kind of like in the movies but without the dodgy white jumpsuits. She’s also flirting with her ex Leo Dark, fraternising with her enemy in alleyways, and she’s somehow ended up with a pug called Lestat.

Life just went from dull to dynamite and it’s showing no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Melody’s been hired to clear Scarborough House of its incumbent ghosts, there’s the small matter of a murder to solve, and then there’s the two very handsome, totally inappropriate men hoping to distract her from the job…

Welcome to Chapelwick, home of the brand new and hilarious Girls Ghostbusting Agency series, where things really do go bump in the night.

Review:

Highly Imaginative, entertaining, and down-right funny!

I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but boy was I pleasantly surprised.

This story has an extraordinary cast of characters that are lovable and unique, from the eccentric, quirky Melody Bittersweet, right down to Babs, the vintage company van and Lestat, the one-eared pug.

The writing is straightforward and smooth. And the plot is jam-packed full of oddball situations, witty banter, a dash of romance, and a century-old mystery.

This novel really is a hoot from start to finish. And I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what kind of hijinks, The Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency, gets up to next.

 

This book is due to be published on July 14, 2016

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Valentina by S. E. Lynes @SELynesAuthor

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#BookReview Valentina by S. E. Lynes @SELynesAuthor Title: Valentina

Author: S.E. Lynes

Published by: Blackbird Digital Books on Jul. 1, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 280

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Blackbird Digital Books

Book Rating: 9/10

When Glasgow journalist Shona McGilvery moves with her partner Mikey and their baby to an idyllic cottage in rural Scotland, they believe that all that lies ahead of them is happiness.

But with Mikey working offshore, the frightening isolation of the Aberdeenshire countryside begins to drive her insane…

That is, until she is rescued by a new friendship with the enchanting Valentina. 

She has the perfect home, the perfect man, and a charismatic new best friend – or does she?

As her fairytale life begins to unravel, the deep dark wood becomes the least of her fears…

A hauntingly intelligent, addictive psychological thriller from debut author S. E. Lynes. 

Review:

Disturbingly believable, intriguing, and spine-chillingly evil!

This is a psychological thriller that illustrates the mental and emotional anguish caused by secrets, lies, deception, selfishness, and manipulation.

The story is told from two perspectives. Shona, a new mother, struggling with loneliness and isolation. And Valentina, a confident, outgoing mother who befriends her.

The prose is clear, precise, and remarkably descriptive. The characters are multifaceted, flawed and absorbing. And the plot is dark, riveting, and suspenseful. 

This is a really well written, tension-filled, debut novel with an ending that takes the definition of karma to a whole other level.

This book is due to be published on July 1, 2016. 

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on S. E. Lynes, follow her on Twitter at: @SELynesAuthor

 

 

Thank you to Blackbird Books, and S.E. Lynes, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Into the Light by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig

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#BookReview Into the Light by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig Title: Into the Light

Author: Aleatha Romig

Series: The Light #1

Published by: Thomas & Mercer on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 352

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Sara Adams awakes blind, unable to remember the most basic details of her life, but her darkness seems a blessing when she discovers the terrors of The Light.

Stella Montgomery investigates the news on the mean streets of Detroit, where she’s noticed a disturbing trend: young women are vanishing. When her best friend disappears, Stella investigates—despite warnings from her police detective boyfriend—following a twisted trail that leads her through the city’s most dangerous and forsaken precincts. There she uncovers something more sinister than she could have imagined: a shadowy organization known as The Light, led by the enigmatic Father Gabriel.

As Sara struggles to understand her place in the strange world she’s awakened to—an oppressive cult demanding unquestioning obedience—and her feelings for Jacob, the husband she can’t recall and whose harsh and tender attentions confuse and beguile her, Stella risks all to discover the truth. But enlightenment always comes with a price…

Review:

Incredibly clever, disturbingly realistic, and positively creepy!

This is a thriller that transports you into the darkest corners of the human psyche and takes you on a roller coaster ride of psychological manipulation, control, indoctrination, murder, corruption, and deviant ideologies.

The prose is precise, original, and descriptive . The characters are dynamic and complex. And the story is perfectly plotted, powerful, creative, and magnificently twisty.

I guarantee that this story will ensnare you right from the prologue and the ending will blow you away.

This is the first book in the, The Light, series and is set to be published on June 14, 2016. And after reading this story you will definitely be counting down the days until the second book “Away From the Dark” is released later in the fall.

This novel is due to be published on June 14, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

#BookReview My Husband’s Son by Deborah O’Connor @deboc77

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#BookReview My Husband’s Son by Deborah O’Connor @deboc77 Title: My Husband's Son

Author: Deborah O'Connor

Published by: Twenty7 on Jun. 16, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

A captivating psychological thriller with a devastating twist, perfect for fans of Apple Tree Yard and Gone Girl

Heidi and Jason aren’t like other couples.

Six years ago, Heidi’s daughter was murdered. Five years ago, Jason’s son Barney disappeared. Their shared loss brought them together.

By chance, Heidi meets a boy she’s certain is Barney.

But Jason is equally convinced it’s not him.

Is Heidi mad? Or is Jason hiding something? And can their fragile marriage survive Heidi’s newfound quest for the truth . . .

Review:

Hauntingly realistic, disturbing, and intriguing!

This story takes us on a journey of both the physical and mental extent to which a parent will go when their worst nightmare has come true and their child is missing. And it exposes the fragility of relationships based on loss and heartbreak, and the devastation that can be caused by secrets and lies.

The writing is exceptional. The characters are determined, relentless, consumed, and damaged. And the plot is dark, captivating, and full of multiple twists that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride, through moral and ethical dilemmas, until the very end.

This is a truly gripping, psychological thriller that I guarantee you won’t be able to put down.

This book is due to be published on June 16, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bonnier Publishing – Twenty7, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview S is for Stranger by Louise Stone @writercharlie

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#BookReview S is for Stranger by Louise Stone @writercharlie Title: S is for Stranger

Author: Louise Stone

Published by: Carina UK on Jun. 16, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 234

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina UK, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

There are two sides to every story.

But only one is true.

Sophie wished she’d paid more attention when her little daughter, Amy, caught sight of a stranger watching them. She only looked away for a second. But now Amy’s gone.

No one trusts an alcoholic. Even a sober one. The police are suspicious of Sophie’s tangled story and so is her ex-husband, Paul. Especially when new information emerges that changes everything.

But what if Sophie is telling the truth? What if her daughter really is missing? And what if that stranger at the fairground wasn’t really a stranger at all…

Review:

Intriguing, engrossing, and disturbing!

This is a gripping psychological thriller that brings every parents worst nightmare to life and reminds us that everything is not always as it seems.

The main character, Sophie, is distraught, determined, and relentless. And the supporting characters are strong, bold, and complex.

The writing is well done. And the plot is precise, intense, creative, and suspenseful.

This is a really good, fast-paced novel, and I highly recommend it.

 

This book is due to be published on June 16, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

For more information on Louise Stone, visit her website at: writercharlie.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @writercharlie

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Carina UK, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Security Breach by Humphrey Hawksley @hwhawksley

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#BookReview Security Breach by Humphrey Hawksley @hwhawksley Title: Security Breach

Author: Humphrey Hawksley

Series: A Kat Polinski Thriller #1

Published by: Endeavour Press on Aug. 1, 2008

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 464

Format: eBook

Source: Endeavour Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

When you move, they watch. When you speak, they listen. 

They track you by what you touch and how you walk. 

Welcome to the not-so-distant future, where terrorism is so feared that near-total surveillance is the new way of life. 

In Washington, a young American agent, Kat Polinski, is on a routine assignment – break into the embassy of the energy-rich government of Kazakhstan. 

What she finds is a massacre. 

But the worst is yet to come. 

The murder of her sister and the discovery of a plot as dangerous as anything coming out of the Middle East, forces Kat on a new mission. 

Nothing and no-one will stop her from hunting down her sister’s killer. 

But the closer she gets, the more she peels away layers of her own society where fear is used as a control mechanism and governments act above the law. 

Kat is on a voyage of self-discovery as the truth about the ‘tragic’ deaths of both her parents – her father in an air crash and her mother’s subsequent suicide – comes into question. 

Is anyone, even close family, who and what they appear? 

What exactly is the relationship between her dad – a man of high moral principle – and the powerful female Russian oligarch Tina Gracheva?

Review:

Fast-paced, intelligent, intriguing, and suspenseful!

This a political thrill ride of murder, surveillance, power, and corruption that reminds us that the line between good and evil can be very blurry.

The main character, Kat, is smart, tough, and tenacious. And the supporting characters are multi-faceted and complex.

The story is well written and well plotted with multiple twists and turns that will keep you enthralled to the very end.

This is a highly exciting, action-packed novel that I couldn’t put down.

 It was a great read and I highly recommend it.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this novel from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada,

 

For more information on Humphrey Hawksley, visit his website at: humphreyhawksley.com

or follow him on Twitter at: @hwhawksley

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Endeavour Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight

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#BookReview The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight Title: The Outliers

Author: Kimberly McCreight

Series: The Outliers #1

Published by: HarperCollins on May 3, 2016

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 336

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 7/10

It all starts with a text: Please, Wylie, I need your help.

Wylie hasn’t heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesn’t matter. Cassie’s in trouble, so Wylie decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself.

This time it’s different, though. Instead of telling Wylie where she is, Cassie sends cryptic clues. And instead of having Wylie come by herself, Jasper shows up saying Cassie sent him to help. Trusting the guy who sent Cassie off the rails doesn’t feel right, but Wylie has no choice: she has to ignore her gut instinct and go with him.

But figuring out where Cassie is goes from difficult to dangerous, fast. As Wylie and Jasper head farther and farther north into the dense woods of Maine, Wylie struggles to control her growing sense that something is really wrong. What isn’t Cassie telling them? And could finding her be only the beginning?

Review:

I was really excited to read this novel as I have previously read Kimberly McCreight’s other two novels, Reconstructing Amelia and Where They Found Her, and really enjoyed them.

This story, for me, started off really well, in fact it was positively creepy. The plot was interesting, mysterious, and suspenseful. And all the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and totally engrossed.

However, the second half of the book seemed a little less intriguing. The plot lost a little momentum, became a bit disjointed, and felt slightly unrealistic.

Overall, though, I think it’s a good story. The writing is strong. And the characters are complex, flawed, and determined. 

This book is certainly unique and interesting, and I think it is definitely worth a read.

 

#BookReview Don’t You Cry by Mary Kubica

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#BookReview Don’t You Cry by Mary Kubica Title: Don't You Cry

Author: Mary Kubica

Published by: MIRA on May 17, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 320

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8.5/10

New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica returns with an electrifying and addictive tale of deceit and obsession 

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she’s the person Quinn thought she knew. 

Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her charm and beauty, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more dark and sinister than he ever expected.  

As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under Pearl’s spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and shows that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us in the end.

Review:

This is a dark, intelligent, psychological thriller that will have you asking yourself, “How well do we really know someone?”

The story is told from two different perspectives. One is that of Quinn, a young woman living in Chicago whose roommate, Esther, has gone missing. And the other is that of Alex, an 18-year-old boy living in a small town 70-miles outside of Chicago who recently noticed a strange woman wandering around the town. These two characters have never met and you are left to puzzle how and when their two paths will collide throughout the novel.

The characters are multi-layered, complex and empathetic. The story is skillfully written. And the multiple plots will have you pondering each and every twist and turn.

This story is not full of action or extremely suspenseful. However, the slow build will keep you enthralled and captivated until the very end.

I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it