Goodreads

Release date: September 16, 2025

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

In this twisty tale of domestic suspense, four neighbors become the prime suspects in a murder investigation that reveals the sinister underside of their picture-perfect community.

Hawthorne Lane is the perfect place to live. Its tree-lined street and stately homes are the envy of the town. Every Halloween the residents of Hawthorne Lane come together to host their famous Fall Festival. But this year, someone won’t survive the night.

As a murder investigation ensues, it quickly becomes clear there’s more going on behind closed doors on Hawthorne Lane than meets the eye. And four women, each with secrets worth killing for, find themselves at the center of it all.

There’s Georgina, the perfectionist and reigning Queen Bee, who pays a high price for her elevated status. There’s Audrey, the bold and beautiful neighbor with the high-flying corporate career, but whose marriage is on the rocks. There’s Libby, the working mother who is struggling to come to terms with her recent divorce while parenting her teenage son. And finally, Hannah—the newcomer with a mysterious past that’s returning with a vengeance.

As the clock ticks down to Halloween, their lives will cross in the most unexpected ways. And soon only one question remains: Who will pay the ultimate price for the lies they all tried so hard to bury?

Review:

If you’re hunting for one of the best fall thrillers for your spooky season TBR, look no further than The Wives of Hawthorne Lane by Stephanie DeCarolis. This domestic suspense novel follows four neighbors whose seemingly picture perfect lives unravel when a shocking murder rocks their street. But here’s the twist: the victim’s identity isn’t revealed until the very end, keeping readers turning pages late into the night.

While the first few chapters introduce a lot of moving pieces, once you get to know the cast, the suspense and secrets pull you in quickly. Between the atmospheric fall setting, the layers of neighborhood drama, and the sharp twists, this thriller feels tailor made for spooky season reading lists.

With a chilling mood, unpredictable reveals, and a satisfying ending, The Wives of Hawthorne Lane is a standout among domestic thrillers with neighborhood secrets. Fans of twisty dramas like Big Little Lies will devour it. Just note a trigger warning for abuse. Add this one to your autumn reading recommendations—it’s a page turner that proves why suburban secrets make the best thrillers.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 26, 2025

Publisher: Tantor Media

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

Welcome to Candy Cane Hollow, where every day feels like Christmas!
Holly Wood (yes, that’s her real name) is driving home for Christmas and not feeling too happy about the empty house waiting for her. 

When her car skids into a snow bank, she’s rescued by a sweet old lady who promises her name is Mrs Claus. 

Holly is taken to Candy Cane Hollow to recover, and finds herself in a genuine winter wonderland. 

As Christmas Day approaches, the grouchy medical receptionist appears to have been poisoned by a mince pie.

And to Holly’s surprise, Mrs Claus is the prime suspect. 

With Mrs Claus under suspicion, Holly vows to return the woman’s generosity by clearing her name.

Maybe it will impress Mrs Claus’ dimpled dish of a son, too?

Review:

If you’re looking for a cozy, festive escape, Christmas Corpse by Mona Marple is a delightful pick. Narrated by Charlie Albers, the audio version is a treat and the British accent makes the cheeky holiday puns and playful dialogue even more enjoyable. The story moves quickly, perfect for a short binge listen, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Set in the whimsically named Candy Cane Hallow, the book follows Holly Wood as she navigates a town full of quirky residents and funny mishaps. The author leans fully into the holiday spirit, with plenty of pun filled charm and light hearted antics. It’s a little cheesy at times, but that’s exactly what makes it feel warm, carefree, and ideal for a festive mood.

This first entry in what promises to be a fun cozy series is uncomplicated and feel good, perfect for anyone looking for a quick, escapist holiday read. Overall, it’s charming, easy, and full of festive vibes—definitely something to add to your holiday TBR if you want something light and merry. 

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 9, 2025

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

You never know who’s listening.

To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.

Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive,her true crime podcast.

In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.

A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.

Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…

Review:

A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon is a gripping cat and mouse thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The story follows Stella, a true crime podcast host whose life has been defined by the disappearance of her brother six years ago. Blaming herself for his vanishing, she has channeled her grief into her podcast, exploring unsolved cases—but nothing prepares her for the chilling turn her own life takes when an unknown figure claims to have information about her brother.

The novel builds slowly at first, immersing you in Stella’s world and her emotional weight, but once the second half kicks in, the pace accelerates, and the tension becomes almost unbearable. McKinnon’s plotting is masterful, with reveals both big and small that keep you guessing. The suspense is perfectly balanced with Stella’s personal grief, making her journey feel both thrilling and heartbreakingly human.

I found myself biting my nails and racing through the pages, desperate to see what would happen next. A Killer Motive is addictive, compelling, and perfect for fans of true crime, psychological thrillers, and edge of your seat suspense. Highly recommended if you love a story that combines emotional depth with relentless tension.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 26, 2025

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A pulse-pounding new Southern thriller from the author of the runaway bestseller A Flicker in the Dark.

Twenty-two years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Days later, her blood was found in a car, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed. In the decades since, Claire has attempted to forget her traumatic past by moving to the city and climbing the ranks as an investigative journalist… until an unexpected call from her father forces her to come back home and face it all anew.

With the entire summer now looming ahead—a summer spent with nothing to do in her childhood home, with her estranged mother—Claire decides on a whim to accept a seasonal job at Galloway Farm, a muscadine vineyard in coastal South Carolina less than an hour away from where she grew up. At first glance, Galloway is an idyllic escape for Claire. A scenic retreat full of slow-paced nostalgia, as well as a place where her sister seemed truly happy in that last summer before she vanished, it feels like the perfect plan to pass the time. However, as soon as Claire starts to settle in, she stumbles across an old diary written by one of the vineyard’s owners, and what at first seems like a story of young rebellion and love turns into something much more sinister as it begins to describe details of various unsolved crimes. As the days stretch on, Claire finds herself becoming more and more secluded as she starts to obsess over the diary’s contents… as well as the lingering feeling that her own sister’s disappearance may be somehow tied to it all.

Galloway was supposed to be a place to help her move forward, but instead, Claire quickly finds herself immersed in her own dark and dangerous past.

Review:

Forget Me Not is an atmospheric slow burn thriller steeped in Southern charm, with just enough bite to keep you on your toes. Think “bless your heart,” but with a razor sharp edge. Claire’s life has long been overshadowed by the disappearance of her sister, Natalie, twenty two years ago. When eerie parallels emerge in the present day, the old wound is ripped wide open. The slower pace may not be for everyone, but it’s deliberate—building a quiet, steady sense of dread that seeps into every page.

Willingham layers the story with a compelling cold case, simmering tension, and rich Southern detail. The discovery of an old diary adds a voyeuristic edge, pulling the reader into the past as it intertwines with the present. While some of the bigger twists were easy to see coming, it was the smaller, sharper surprises that made this an especially engaging read.

If you’re drawn to atmospheric mysteries that balance character depth with suspense, Forget Me Not delivers. It’s worth picking up if you enjoy slow burn Southern thrillers with an undercurrent of menace, family secrets, and a touch of true crime intrigue.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads Amazon

Release date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The boy keeps walking, his curl-covered head down and his arms folded protectively across his body. The arcade is full of happy families but he is all alone. It’s the last time he is ever seen… Can Detective Kim Stone bring him home again?

Twelve-year-old Lewis Stephens walks out of a seafront arcade and disappears. A week later, eleven-year-old Noah Reid vanishes from the pier stretching out over the beach. There are no leads and no clues.

Detective Kim Stone doesn’t play well with others. But she has been sent halfway across the country to Blackpool, to join the hunt for the two children – and to find out if the dark whispers about corruption in the local force are justified. Her boss insists it must be he knows she won’t stop searching for the truth no matter who gets in her way. Kim just wants to find these lost children before it’s too late.

On arrival, she knows instantly something isn’t right. Why is everyone so convinced Lewis ran away? Why don’t his family seem to care that he’s missing? With time running out, she and her team work tirelessly to prove the abductions are linked – a job made harder when a list of cases is left for them in secret. The list proves one of their fellow cops is rotten to the core… but who?

And when another boy turns up dead back home, his body bruised and broken, Kim learns that the criminals she’s facing are more ruthless than she could have ever imagined. She and her team must solve the case before more children are taken. But the closer they get, the greater the danger – and they cannot trust a single soul…

A completely gripping page-turning crime thriller from no.1 multi-million-copy bestseller Angela Marsons. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.

Review:

Angela Marsons has done it again with Little Children, the 22nd installment in her phenomenal DI Kim Stone series. While jumping in at book twenty two might sound daunting, rest assured it’s possible—and even rewarding—to do so. That said, this is truly a series worth starting from the beginning if you love compelling police procedurals, page turning thrillers, and character driven storytelling. Marsons has a gift for keeping this long running series fresh, unique, and emotionally resonant. Her books never feel like filler; each new installment adds depth and richness to an already exceptional body of work. For readers who love sinking deep into a cast of characters until they feel like family, this series delivers every single time.

In Little Children, Kim and her team are temporarily sent outside their usual jurisdiction to assist in the heartbreaking investigation of two missing boys. At the same time, they’re covertly digging into anonymous corruption allegations, adding a layer of tension and secrecy to the case. As if that weren’t enough, Kim is also being pulled back into another investigation closer to home, stacking the pressure in a way that makes the pacing absolutely relentless. Yet despite the layered plot, the writing never feels rushed or chaotic. Marsons maintains total control, balancing urgency with emotional depth and ensuring every subplot feels essential. The missing persons case leads the team, and the reader, down some dark and emotionally devastating paths, but the author’s sensitive and thoughtful approach to difficult subject matter ensures nothing feels gratuitous.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it pushes familiar characters into new dynamics. Because the team is working with unfamiliar officers, we see them shifting their behavior slightly, adapting to the unfamiliar environment and navigating interpersonal politics in new ways. I found myself especially captivated by Bryant in this installment, his actions and decisions revealed sides of him we haven’t seen before, and it was genuinely fascinating to watch unfold. The plot is gripping, the emotional stakes are high, and the writing is sharp and assured. Little Children is exactly what I’m always hoping to find when I pick up a thriller: fast paced, emotionally resonant, and expertly executed. Truly, no notes.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Author bio:

Angela Marsons is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of the D.I. Kim Stone series. Her books have sold more than six million copies, and have been translated into over thirty languages.

She lives in Worcestershire with her wife, two cheeky Golden Retrievers, and a Bernedoodle.

Goodreads

Release date: August 12, 2025

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Four friends became three. Only murder will set things right. 

An emotional “what would you do?” thriller debut about revenge, the bonds of friendship, the reverberations of a small-town crime, the limits of justice.

Peter Miles has to die. And Dylan Darcy, Priyanka Shah, and Isabel Guerrero—a bartender, a nurse, and a student—have to be the ones to kill him. As they see it, this local cop deserves death for murdering their best friend and getting away with it. All they need to do to pull off the perfect crime is stick to their carefully prepared plan.

So that’s exactly what they do. Murder, it turns out, is surprisingly easy when you’re fueled by revenge. What comes after is the hard part.

As the dry Texas heat gives way to cooler weather, their blazing rage is replaced by a chill fear. Because there’s a fallout that comes from settling the score against someone like Peter, and it could cost them more than they’ve bargained for. When the lead investigator on the case starts sniffing around for a cop-killer, the three friends are not feeling as confident as they did on that fateful night. And when they start receiving death threats, it weakens their resolve even further . . . but it’s too little too late.

What they don’t realize is that this detective has her own reasons for wanting to get to the bottom of Peter’s murder. Reasons that don’t involve them at all. The investigation ramps up, and so does the pressure, leaving Dylan, Priya, and Isabel to wonder if ending his life may end up costing them theirs. 

As the guilt of what they’ve done settles in their bones, they realize there’s no going back. Someone is going to have to take the fall.

Review:

This hooked me right away with a strong  premise, three women banding together to avenge their friend’s death by taking down the man responsible. Add in a mid 90s setting (with another timeline in the late 90s) and a secret narrator twist, and I was intrigued from the start. It definitely gave me John Tucker Must Die vibes, only darker and with a revenge driven, suspenseful edge. 

The story’s multiple POVs helped keep things dynamic, but the pacing did feel a little uneven. Some stretches flew by with tension and reveals, while others lingered longer than needed. Still, the different perspectives added layers to the mystery, especially once the narrator’s identity was revealed. The blend of friendship drama, vengeance, and shifting alliances kept me turning the pages, even when the momentum dipped a bit.

Overall, I’d give this one a 3.75. It’s twisty, nostalgic, and offers a few genuine surprises. If you enjoy revenge plots with a strong female ensemble and a throwback feel, it’s worth picking up. Just be ready for a few pacing hiccups along the way, but you might forgive them for the sake of the satisfying reveals and the 90s vibe.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 19, 2025

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The lengths neighbors will go to protect their secrets become downright frightening in a gripping novel of suspense by Minka Kent, the Edgar-nominated author of Unmissing.

Camille and Will Prescott have relocated from San Diego to Phoenix for a fresh start in a quiet gated community. After the traumas Camille’s marriage survived, it’s just the sanctuary she needs. As for her new neighbors, there’s Sozi, seemingly well intentioned if not for her invasive meddling and her desperate overtures to make a friend. And Mara and Oscar, an unstable couple around whom troubling rumors swirl.

Patiently listening to Sozi’s gossip and watching Mara and Oscar ever so closely has become something of a hobby for Camille. But while she obsesses about the cracks in everyone else’s lives, she begins to see the cracks in her own. And when a monster from her past reaches out to reconnect, it’s all Camille can do not to snap. Then one day she finds a dead body in her garage lying in a pool of blood.

Camille is about to discover what’s really going on behind the closed doors of this cozy cul-de-sac. And the worst is yet to come.

Review:

This is the second book in a twisty domestic suspense series, and you absolutely need to read book one first. This sequel picks up right where the first left off, dropping us back into Camille’s unsettling world. Both books are fast paced, bingeable reads that you can tear through in an afternoon, but this one takes the tension up a notch. The Arizona gated community setting adds a fresh layer of creepiness, with its manicured streets hiding shady neighbors, whispered secrets, and the constant sense that something is about to go very, very wrong.

What makes this installment stand out is how much deeper we get into Camille’s mind. She’s such a fascinating character, a sociopath who’s both unsettling and oddly compelling. Being inside her head again was an experience in itself, as she navigates family dynamics, neighborhood drama, and her own unpredictable impulses. The atmosphere is thick with dread, yet Kent’s pacing keeps you flipping pages without ever feeling weighed down.

As for the twists, most were unpredictable, which is always a win for me in this genre. The ending in particular took me by surprise and has me crossing my fingers for a third book. If you like domestic suspense with a smart, sharp edge, and you’re not afraid to spend some time in the mind of a morally complex character, this series is well worth starting from the beginning.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

She has the recipe for the perfect murder…

Maria Capello is a celebrity chef like no other. A household name, an inspiration, an icon. Her dozens of cookbooks and weekly television show, broadcast from her beautiful Italian-style kitchen, not to mention her line of bestselling supermarket sauces. And of course there’s her history. Once just the timid wife of famous chef Damien Capello, she stepped into the spotlight after Damien’s mysterious disappearance twenty years before. An event she’s never spoken about publicly until now, when it is announced that she is looking for a publisher for her memoirs.

Why is Maria willing to finally break her silence? Why does she turn down seven-figure offers from large publishing houses and sign up with a small press? And why does she do so on the condition that it is edited by Thea Woods? Thea is a lifelong fan but has never met Maria and can’t figure it out, plus she had been planning to hand in her notice that very day. But when she is invited to Maria’s remote farm to work on the manuscript, she can’t resist. After all, she may finally learn whether the rumours are that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and the legendary ‘secret ingredient’…

A deliciously rich thriller, perfect for readers of Bella Mackie’s How To Kill Your Family and Alexia Casale’s The Best Way to Bury Your Husband

Review:

If you’re hungry for a thriller that’s equal parts delicious and disturbing, The Dead Husband Cookbook serves it up with flair. This addictive page turner blends a cold case mystery, a twisted psychological undercurrent, and mouthwatering culinary details into one unforgettable read. Maria, a celebrity chef with a glossy public persona and a past full of secrets, finally agrees to write the memoir her fans, and the public, have been desperate for. But she’ll only work with one editor, Thea, setting the stage for a tense collaboration that peels back layers of both women’s pasts.

At the heart of the novel is Damien, Maria’s husband who vanished years ago without a trace. As Thea digs into the memoir process, it becomes clear that Maria’s cookbook is far more than a collection of recipes, it’s a breadcrumb trail of clues. The “book within a book” structure is brilliantly executed, with excerpts from Maria’s writing adding depth, intrigue, and a creeping sense of dread. Every chapter is laced with recipes and food descriptions so vivid you’ll crave a snack, and possibly question what’s in it.

Smart, suspenseful, and infused with shades of horror, this novel keeps the tension simmering until it boils over. Danielle Valentine delivers sharp twists, complex female leads, and a deliciously dark premise that’s both unsettling and impossible to look away from. The Dead Husband Cookbook is a feast for thriller lovers, just maybe don’t read it before dinner.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

It’s the duet of a lifetime when a rock star and his backup singer find a new kind of harmony off stage in this sensational contemporary romance.

Clementine Clark isn’t looking for love. Growing up with a single mom who weeps over a new guy each week tends to have that effect on a girl. But Clementine doesn’t mind being the rational one—she’s even buried her musical dreams so deeply within herself that she hardly notices the hole it’s left in her life.

That is until her best friend calls her with a life-changing opportunity: to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist. Clementine wants to reject the offer, but the pay is enough to change her and her mom’s life. Overnight, Clementine goes from serving enchiladas at the Happy Tortilla to belting high notes before a cheering crowd.

But the whiplash of trading small-town Texas for sold-out stadiums is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic Thomas Patrick Halloran. Poet, introvert, and lyrical genius, Halloran quickly gets under Clementine’s skin. The two couldn’t see the world more differently. And yet, over the course of the next eight weeks on tour, the romantic rockstar might just strike an unforgettable chord in Clementine. But will it be enough for an encore?

Review:

Kate Golden delivers a moody, emotionally immersive romance in If Not for My Baby, a story that perfectly blends angst and intimacy with the raw allure of a rockstar romance. Tom, the brooding Irish lead singer of a popular band, is magnetic both onstage and off, but it’s Clem, she’s sharp, grounded, and unexpectedly vulnerable, who steals the spotlight. When Clem gets the chance to join the tour as a backup singer, she’s pulled into a world that’s equal parts glamorous and lonely, and her connection with Tom starts simmering from the very first harmony.

Golden’s writing shines with a lyrical, introspective quality that feels especially poignant in a story centered around music. The song lyrics scattered throughout aren’t just filler, they’re emotional anchors, offering insight into Tom and Clem’s inner lives. Their chemistry is undeniable, especially when they sing together, the kind of electricity that makes your chest ache. The tension is slow burn and packed with longing, Tom falls hard and early, but Clem has her reasons for keeping him at arm’s length. This push and pull creates a beautifully frustrating rhythm that keeps you fully invested.

Despite the emotional weight, the book also feels surprisingly soft at times, (cozy even)with quiet moments of connection that balance the yearning. It’s opposites attract done right, layered with vulnerability and that achey “what if” energy that lingers even after the final page. Whether you’re in it for the rockstar romance, the introspective character arcs, or simply the musical backdrop, this one delivers on all fronts.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 5, 2025

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

Synopsis:

Determined daughters. Controlling mothers. There’s no such thing as friendly competition in a twisty novel of suspense about ambition, revenge, and unrealized dreams.

Valerie Yarnell is a hardworking single mother who’d do anything for her daughter, Kate. Kate is a dancer with dreams of stardom, just like her talented best friend, Colette. Despite Valerie’s sacrifices, it’s Colette’s mother, former prima ballerina Elise, whom Kate adores. And Colette has become like the practically perfect sister Kate never had. How can Valerie not feel frustrated, ineffectual, and a little jealous of the queen bee of dance moms? Not only has she hijacked her daughter, but Elise is married to the man Valerie pines for.

Rivalries are forming. Tension is mounting. In preparation for an elite dance competition, Kate outshines the more promising Colette onstage, and the pressure is on for Colette to keep her position in the spotlight—and especially to keep her demanding mother happy. Who could have foreseen the violent attack that sabotages everything? Anyone who’s been watching closely.

As ruthless and sinister ambitions are exposed, a media firestorm and an explosive town scandal erupt. Before it’s over, two mothers and two daughters will learn just how fierce and dangerous a rivalry can still get.

Review:

What’s Yours is Mine is an emotionally layered domestic suspense that taps into every parent’s worst fear while delivering a compelling story of obsession, identity, and what it means to be truly seen. What makes this novel so effective is the way Jabaley explores the psychology of mothers and daughters. There’s an authenticity to these womens inner worlds, there’s vulnerability, guilt, and desperate need to protect their daughters and that grounds the more chilling elements of the plot. The suspense feels rooted in emotional truth rather than just plot mechanics. This is a slow burn with a payoff, perfect for fans of You by Caroline Kepnes or The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine.

With sharp writing, an escalating sense of dread, and a chilling exploration of rivalry, What’s Yours is Mine is a standout in the psych suspense genre as it explores how far mothers will go for their children.

Overall rating: 4/5