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Release date: March 7, 2017

Publisher: Dutton

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: 

A powerful and moving breakout thriller about a couple who are plunged into unimaginable terror when their children are kidnapped, and the stop at nothing compulsion to get them back.

Judge Scott Sampson doesn’t brag about having a perfect life, but the evidence is clear: A prestigious job. A beloved family. On an ordinary Wednesday afternoon, he is about to pick up his six-year-old twins to go swimming when his wife, Alison, texts him that she’ll get the kids from school instead.

It’s not until she gets home later that Scott realizes she doesn’t have the children. And she never sent the text. Then the phone rings, and every parent’s most chilling nightmare begins. A man has stolen Sam and Emma. A man who warns the judge to do exactly as he is told in a drug case he is about to rule on. If the judge fails to follow his instructions, the consequences for the children will be dire.

For Scott and Alison, the kidnapper’s call is only the beginning of a twisting, gut-churning ordeal of blackmail, deceit, and terror; a high-profile trial like none the judge or his wife has ever experienced. Their marriage falters. Suspicions and long-buried jealousies rise to the surface. Fractures appear. Lies are told.

Through it all, Scott and Alison will stop at nothing to get their children back, no matter the cost to themselves…or to each other. 

Review: 

This is another book, that as a parent shattered my heart. Scott Sampson has a pretty awesome life, he’s a federal judge and has been married to his wife Alison for years and they have adorable six year old twins, Sam and Emma. Then one day Scott gets a text from Ali saying she’s picking up the kids from school even though it’s his day. When they meet up at home it’s immediately clear that something has gone horribly wrong. Sam and Emma have been taken, and the Sampsons have no idea why. Soon enough, he realizes that’s he just the pawn in someone’s sick game and they only need him because of the power he holds as a judge. 

I’ve read several books where the plot centers around a parent having to go to extreme measures to keep their child safe , but I haven’t come across one quite like this. For Scott and Alison, they’re asked to do basically nothing. Yes, he has to pass down verdicts in his cases based on what the kidnappers tell him, but they’re not to speak about it to anyone. I can’t fathom how hard this would be, the feeling of helplessness would be overwhelming and Parks coveys their desperation perfectly, I could feel their pain leaping off of the pages. 

This has a complex plot with tons of twists packed in, both big and small. The characterization is credible, especially as Scott and Alison’s marriage falters under the extreme stress. Cracks begin to appear as they try to live their lives so no one suspects anything untoward is going on and they begin to doubt one another. This is a seamless blending of genres, it’s part mystery, part domestic suspense and part legal thriller. It all culminates in a powerful, explosive ending that left me broken-hearted and showed the true depth of a parental bond and love. 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Dutton Books for my review copy. 

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Release date: February 9, 2017

Publisher: HQ

Genre: Psychological Thriller 

Blurb: 

If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if she’d stopped.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesn’t have a baby.

The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.

Or the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her… 

Review: 

Last year, Behind Closed Doors was one of my favorite reads and is still one of my most recommended books, hands down. (By the way, everyone I’ve recommended it to has been just as pleased as I was, it’s really that good) It knocked me off of my feet and to say I’ve been eagerly awaiting Paris’ second book is an understatement. I was actually so impatient that I ordered a U.K. copy because I didn’t want to wait until this summer for the U. S. version to be released. If you missed my review, you can find it here and if for some reason you haven’t it read it yet I urge you to ignore your growing TBR and get on it in a hurry. 

The Breakdown had many of the same elements that BCD had that made me such a fan. It was another addictive page turner with the same breathless pacing that makes for such a compelling read. I read it in one frantic, do not disturb, me sitting making it totally absorbing. There was something missing for me though, maybe a huge shocking twist? Though there were still surprises nothing that kicked me in the teeth like BCD, and the ending wasn’t nearly as chilling either, but I was consumed by this one and feel that Paris is a force to be reckoned with as a psychological thriller writer. 

The less you know the better here, but when Cass makes the decision to keep on driving after passing a woman on the side of the road she has no idea how much that minor choice will effect her entire life. The guilt consumes her and turns her into a paranoid, insecure person who’s entire life starts to crumble in the aftermath. Paris sure knows how to set an uneasy stage full of suspense, spine tingling dread and later, full blown hysteria. She is extremely talented at getting under the reader’s skin as you race through the pages trying to figure out who is trustworthy and who isn’t. 

All in all, this was a really entertaining read and a solid follow up to a massive success. Maybe it’s unfair of me to compare this book so much to her debut, but it’s inevitable I think, and it was still a really gripping read and a powerful psychological thriller in the truest sense of the word. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5

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Release date: July 14, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture 

Genre: Chick Lit 

Blurb: 

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: 

I was recently chatting with the lovely Kim from Bookouture and she mentioned that the second book in the Chapelwick Mystery series was coming out this month and was shocked when I told her I hadn’t even read the first one! After hearing her endorsement (she named it as her top read of last year) I knew I HAD to hurry and catch up before the second book came out, and man am I glad I listened! This book was fabulous, it had a little bit of everything for everyone. There’s a mystery, humor, heart, warmth, love, and humor. Did I say humor twice? It was that funny, I even tweeted this right after I started. 

Melody is one of those characters that’s immediately likable, I don’t think I’ve taken to a heroine so quickly since Becky Bloomwood and Bridget Jones. She’s a 27 year old woman with a penchant for sugar and converse. Totally a woman after my own heart, and if that isn’t enough she can see dead people. Yes, just like The Sixth Sense, except less creepy and more spooktacular fun. Her family consists of her mom and grandma, Silvana and Dicey and they have the family gift, or curse as it sometimes is. These two meddlesome woman were a laugh and a half, the first scene they both appear in is memorable to say the least. I’m chuckling just thinking about it. Besides her family there’s her lifelong best friend Marina, a snarky, sexy Italian badass who starts the Girls Ghostbusting Agency with Melody. They hire Artie and bless him, he’s a doll. He’s an awkward guy, a loner who has never really belonged but he fits in great with the gal pals and begins to come out of his shell. Lastly, there’s Leo, Melody’s ex boyfriend who also has a gift and local reporter Fletch who thinks her and her family are a sham and scoffs at anything even hinting at the supernatural. I can’t forget to mention Lestat the fat, lazy pug Melody winds up with, he’s a riot and Babs the van they drive for work purposes. Yes, the van is a character on it’s own, think the Mystery Machine. This whole cast of characters are wildly entertaining and totally unforgettable.

This is has a historical cozy mystery vibe as the agencies first job is to clear the ghosts from Scarborough House. Melody finds three brothers who died in the early 1900’s until the 70’s and to say their relationships are complicated is an understatement. It sounds goofy, and it totally is but that’s part of the charm. I’m not usually a big fan of paranormal stuff in books but I swear French pulls it off perfectly and puts a refreshing twist on typical chick lit. 

If I had to describe this book in one word it would be hilarious, it was so funny and had so much sass. Melody is so quirky and adorable and is the perfect character to lead such a whimsical new series. It’s a total escape from reality and immersing myself in Melody’s wacky world was the most fun I’ve had in awhile. 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my review copy. 

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Release date: March 21, 2017

Publisher: Atria Books

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: 

The Cutaway draws you into the tangled world of corruption and cover-up as a young television producer investigates the disappearance of a beautiful Georgetown lawyer in this stunning psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn.

When brilliant TV news producer Virginia Knightly receives a disturbing “MISSING” notice on her desk related to the disappearance of a beautiful young attorney, she can’t seem to shake the image from her head. Despite skepticism from her colleagues, Knightly suspects this ambitious young lawyer may be at the heart of something far more sinister, especially since she was last seen leaving an upscale restaurant after a domestic dispute. Yet, as the only woman of power at her station, Knightly quickly finds herself investigating on her own.

Risking her career, her life, and perhaps even her own sanity, Knightly dives deep into the dark underbelly of Washington, DC business and politics in an investigation that will drag her mercilessly through the inextricable webs of corruption that bind the press, the police, and politics in our nation’s capital.

Review: 

I love reading a mystery from a new perspective, it’s so refreshing! This is all about the world of broadcast journalism and though veteran producer Virginia has covered tons of missing persons cases before, something about the disappearance of Evelyn Carney pulls her in. As she dives deeper into the story, she encounters many roadblocks and becomes entangled in the high power world of D. C. politics and police corruption. 

I really like Virginia as a protagonist, she’s a strong, intelligent and empowered woman and though you don’t find out very much about who she is and what drives her until about the halfway point of the book, what is shared was enough to make me a fan. I had no idea what really goes into making a major news program but I found the behind the scenes look totally fascinating. This is a seriously cutthroat business and the atmosphere of the news room was intense. Kovac’s knowledge of journalism is heavily apparent, there was such an authenticity to the plot. 

This was a slow burning mystery, not as many thrills as I was expecting, though it did have it’s moments towards the end. I think this is partly because you’re slogging along with Virginia as she does investigative work, but I found it to be pretty interesting. There’s only a handful of suspects so some may be able to figure out who the culprit is, but I didn’t have things totally nailed down myself. 

I really enjoyed this unique viewpoint and approach and found myself easily caught up in this hard hitting, competitive environment. There was just a hint of romance that added to the story instead of detracting from it, along with political intrigue and corrupt cops, totally juicy. If you’ve ever wanted a peek at what really happens before the cameras roll in a newsroom, check this out. Hint; it’s not as glamorous as you think. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Atria Mystery Bus for my review copy. 

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Release date: June 27, 2017

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: 

Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, “A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.”

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. 

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller. 

Review: 

I’ve mentioned before that I have a sick fascination with serial killers and I’m especially interested in the way they think and what made them this way. Were they born to literally kill? Were they taught that killing is a way of life? Were they abused and mistreated then something inside them just snapped one day? The Fourth Monkey is an insanely creepy look inside the mind of a serial killer with a twist. The FMK actually dies at the very beginning of the book, but he left one last victim for the police to find. She’s hidden away somewhere in Chicago and she doesn’t have long before she dies. Porter has been chasing FMK for years now and he won’t let another young woman die on his watch. He’s forced to follow the breadcrumbs left behind by a sadistic killer, but can he figure out the puzzle before it’s too late? 

This is told from Sam Porter’s point of view in the present as he tries desperately to outwit a cunningly smart killer and also has chapters from 4MK’s diary. These entries made my skin crawl as much as they transfixed me, it outlines his childhood and shows how he became the monster he is today. Getting a deep look inside the darkest of minds was so scary, 4MK is so emotionless as he describes his horrifying childhood it gave me chills. 

This was a daring, fearless, in your face read. Barker holds nothing back in terms of his graphic and oftentimes gory descriptions, this is definitely not for the squeamish. I, however loved this approach and even though sometimes the detailed manner in which crime scenes were described was a bit hard to stomach, it really added something dark and sinister to the story. 

Barker’s writing is fluid and sharp at the same time, it held me tight in it’s menacing grip throughout and weaved some stunning twists and turns along the way. This was a down and dirty, nitty gritty read that was an easy five stars for me, no hesitation. Preorder this one, it’s not available until this summer, but I think it’s one that everyone will be talking about, don’t miss out! 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for my review copy. 

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Release date: March 7, 2017

Publisher: Crown Publishing 

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: 

Roanoke girls never last long around here. In the end, we either run or we die.

After her mother’s suicide, fifteen year-old Lane Roanoke came to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin, Allegra, on their vast estate in rural Kansas. Lane knew little of her mother’s mysterious family, but she quickly embraced life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran fast and far away.

Eleven years later, Lane is adrift in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Did she run too? Or something worse? Unable to resist his pleas, Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.

As it weaves between Lane s first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart. 

Review: 

I’ve been struggling with this review, this book has left me feeling really conflicted and I have a feeling that I won’t be the only person who winds up feeling like this once they finish this book. There were as many strong aspects to it as there were weaker ones for me, and this is also a difficult one to review anyway based on the subject matter alone, but I’ll do my very best. 

This is told from Then and Now, then being the one summer Lane spent with her mothers family and now being when Allegra goes missing and she heads back to help find her. There are also several chapters, one for each Roanoke girl there ever was. I actually probably enjoyed those the most, there was something chilling about their accounts of what was happening behind closed doors. The Roanoke family is seriously messed up, I don’t even think the word dysfunctional begins to describe the family secret they’re all hiding. While the secret is revealed pretty early on, I’m still not comfortable discussing it here, but as much as the what shocked me, the actual manner in which it was revealed was lackluster and left me wanting a bit more drama. I wouldn’t even really label this a thriller, I would call it a mystery at the most. There wasn’t that sense of urgency that thrillers always have, I think in part because the huge secret was outed so quickly. There was another twist in the end but it was obvious to me and I had worked it out easily. Perhaps if I hadn’t I would’ve been more satisfied. 

I have to give credit to the addictive writing of Engel, there was something mesmerizing about this story that urged me to keep reading even though the subject matter was taboo and forbidden. Nothing was over the top and graphic though, she handled the situation as pleasantly as possible. I found myself wondering what the hell was wrong with me for being so enraptured by this twisted family. This will definitely be one with strong fans and those on the opposite side who can’t stomach the unsettling story or even buy into the plausibility of it actually happening. I’m honestly right in the middle, I can see both sides. If you’ve read it I would love to know how you feel!

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to Crown Publishing for my review copy. 

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Release date: March 14, 2017

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb: 

Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash escaped into the night with her young daughter and left an abusive relationship. Her ex-husband was sent to jail and she started over with a new life. Now, Lindsey is older and wiser, with a teenage daughter who needs her more than ever. When her ex-husband is finally released, Lindsey believes she’s cut all ties. But she gets the sense that someone is watching her. Her new boyfriend is threatened. Her home is invaded, and her daughter is shadowed. Lindsey is convinced it’s her ex-husband, even though he claims he’s a different person. But can he really change? Is the one who wants her dead closer to home than she thought? 

Chevy Stevens targets her readership with a novel that hits all the notes they come to expect from her—and ratchets up the stakes even more in a novel that explores the darkest heart of love and obsession.

Review: 

This was my first Stevens book but I’m not even exaggerating when I say before I even made it to the halfway point of this book I had filled my Amazon cart with every other book she’s released. I don’t often find myself so connected to an authors writing, you guys know I read a lot and I generally know how to choose books that I end up liking, but not always loving. But this time? I’m completely hooked on Stevens, I feel like I found one of my new favorite, auto buy authors. Is there a better feeling for a bookaholic?! I don’t think so. 

This is told from two perspectives; Lindsey a woman who has escaped a really frightening past and her daughter, Sophie. It flashes back from past to present outlining Lindsey’s abusive relationship and how it all ended to now when Sophie’s all grown up and they’re both settled and as happy as can be expected. Stevens transitions back and forth flawlessly drawing you in steadily, hooking you in with razor sharp writing and an unbelievably tense plot. The sense of dread and anxiety gradually amps up as I feared for Lindsey and Sophie’s safety. It was one of those reads where my heart was in my throat for the majority of the book. 

There were so many unpredictable twists here that I’m choosing to avoid discussing the plot at all really. The characterization was amazing, I loved Lindsey and Sophie and thought their relationship was genuine and heartfelt. The insight into a troubling abusive marriage was authentic, chilling and disturbing, so beware if abuse is a trigger for you. I loved how the mounting tension resulted in a heart pounding climax, my anxiety was through the roof but I love when a thriller makes me feel like that. If, like me you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t read Stevens before AND you consider yourself a fan of thrillers, pre order this one, its remarkable. 

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my review copy.