Goodreads

Release date: January 28, 2025

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Head Cases follows an enigmatic group of FBI agents as they hunt down a murderer seeking his own justice in this electrifying—and commercial—series debut.

FBI Agent Gardner Camden is an analytical genius with an affinity for puzzles. He also has a blind spot on the human side of investigations, a blindness that sometimes even includes people in his own life, like his beloved seven-year-old daughter Camila. Gardner and his squad of brilliant yet quirky agents make up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, the FBI’s hidden edge, brought in for cases that no one else can solve.

When DNA links a murder victim to a serial killer long presumed dead, the team springs into action. A second victim establishes a pattern, and the murderer begins leaving a trail of clues and riddles especially for Gardner. And while the PAR team is usually relegated to working cold cases from behind a desk, the investigation puts them on the road and into the public eye, following in the footsteps of a killer.

Along with Gardner, PAR consists of a mathematician, a weapons expert, a computer analyst, and their leader, a career agent. Each of them must use every skill they have to solve the riddle of the killer’s identity. But with the perpetrator somehow learning more and more about the team at PAR, can they protect themselves and their families…before it’s too late?

With an enigmatic case that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and a thoroughly engaging ensemble cast, John McMahon’s Head Cases is a triumph.

Review:

This was such a strong start to a new series, if you’re a fan of Criminal Minds or other shows like that this was excellent! This follows an FBI team of misfits called PAR as they race to solve a complex and tricky case. I really liked that the team wasn’t a bunch of super agents with stellar records, instead they’re made of up individuals who toe the line and have some behavioral issues and quirky tendencies. The concept of a serial killer hunting other serial killers was fantastic and lent to a fast paced and exciting ride. The characters were well developed, the case was complex and twisty and the entire thing was gripping, definitely recommended!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: February 25, 2025

Publisher: Random House

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Mystery

Synopsis:

In this spellbinding novel, a young mother is struck by a mysterious psychological affliction that illuminates the eerie dimensions of the human mind—and of love. A provocative literary puzzle from the New York Times bestselling author of The Age of Miracles.

In the first year after her child is born, Jane suffers a series of strange episodes: amnesia, premonitions, hallucinations, and an inexplicable sense of dread. As her psychiatrist struggles to solve the mystery of what is happening to Jane’s mind, she suddenly goes missing. A day later she is found unconscious in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, in the midst of what seems to be an episode of dissociative fugue; when she comes to, she has no memory of what has happened to her.

Are Jane’s strange experiences related to the overwhelm of single motherhood, or are they the manifestation of a long-buried trauma from her past? Why is she having visions of a young man who died twenty years ago, who warns her of a disaster ahead? Jane’s symptoms lead her psychiatrist ever-deeper into the furthest reaches of her mind, and cause him to question everything he thought he knew about so-called reality—including events in his own life.

Karen Thompson Walker’s profound and beautifully written novel is a speculative mystery about memory, identity, and fate, a mesmerizing story about the bonds of love between a mother and child, a man and a woman, and those who we’ve lost but may still be alive among us.

Review:

This was a totally fascinating read for me, I’ve always been drawn to things dealing with psychology and Jane’s case was super interesting. The format really worked for me, there are sections from Dr. Byrd so you feel like you’re reading his file and case notes on Jane and I’m nosy so that appeals to me. With her case being a true medical mystery I wasn’t sure what would happen and it lent to a quiet and steady style of suspense that got under my skin. The character development was outstanding and I really cared for Jane and her son as well as the doctor. Jane was so complex and endlessly fascinating for me and the ending was satisfying and made me think. Such a unique read!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: February 25, 2025

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s confession about her husband sparks a dangerous cat-and-mouse game in this riveting domestic thriller

Gabby and Fred have just begun to adapt to their new life as empty nesters when Gabby makes a stunning realization: she can’t stand her husband.

One night at a bar, Gabby meets an enigmatic younger woman named Ellis, and in a haze of drunkenness, she confesses that she wishes Fred dead. Surely she didn’t expect anything to come of it, but when she tries to track Ellis down again, she realizes that Ellis might not have been who she said she was.

As Gabby begins to unravel the truth about Ellis, and what Fred might be hiding, she is thrown into a whirlwind of lies and manipulation. How much is she willing to risk to expose the truth? And who is the real target?

Review:

I’m normally not a huge fan of a slower burn with the intensity picking up in the end but it worked for me here. I liked the idea of Gabby confessing a dark secret to a total stranger, the whole concept of it being easier to be candid with someone you don’t know is interesting and I can see how it could be true. The suspense here was quieter, a sense of uneasiness, especially not knowing what Ellis goals and motivations were so maybe that’s why a slow burn made sense for me. There was something almost intoxicating about this book, enough so that even though the big twist wasn’t a surprise to me, I wasn’t bothered that much. If you enjoy books about secrets with a cat and mouse vibe try this!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: February 25, 2025

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Newly minted child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field where the first people called are experts, she’s been unable to get her feet wet. Instead she aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain, and anxiously contemplating her upcoming marriage to careful, precise researcher Oscar. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. And he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is a thirteen-year-old girl who claims a witch is haunting her. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. The town of Banathel has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world. They believe there are ways of…dealing with it. And they don’t expect outsiders to understand.

Review:

This was an odd one for me, there were parts I really liked and others that just didn’t work for me at all. Initially I was intrigued, it was a unique premise with fantastic creepy and unsettling vibes and I wasn’t sure what would happen next. I couldn’t figure out if it was supposed to be horror or not, and I’m still not quite sure honestly. Where it lost me is there were so so many unanswered questions in the end leaving giant plot holes that were never explained. There were just too many things that either didn’t make sense or were entirely implausible for me to overlook so unfortunately this was a total miss for me.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: February 11, 2025

Publisher: Graydon House

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Nothing ever happens in small towns…

When Shelby Dawson survives a harrowing attack that should have left her dead, she tries to move past it—for herself, and for her family. Fifteen months later, with the help of her best friend, Mackenzie, she finally feels safe again in the snowy Minnesota town she calls home. But when an anonymous note appears on her windshield bearing the same threats her attacker made, Shelby realizes that her nightmare has only just begun.

As new evidence surfaces, and a group of well-meaning senior citizens accidentally makes the case go viral online, the situation quickly goes from bad to worse. And with suspicious accidents targeting those closest to her happening all over town, Shelby can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. Fighting to stay one step ahead of disaster, she finds herself asking the question on everyone’s lips: Who attacked her that night?

But Shelby isn’t the only one with questions. Mackenzie’s husband, Leo, vanished without a trace on that terrible night, and over a year later, no one knows why. Until a deep dive into his finances reveals a history of debts, mismanaged funds, and hidden accounts—one of which is still active. Their suspicion that Leo is still alive only complicates things further, though, and when another person connected to Shelby goes missing, she’s caught in a race against time before her attacker becomes a killer.

Review:

I always enjoy the authors books and while this wasn’t my favorite from her, it was still a pretty solid read for me. I think it was a bit of a departure from the authors previous books so maybe that’s why I didn’t connect to it as much, but I appreciate that she did something a little different than usual. There’s a lot of characters to keep track of here, you have the main ones, Shelby and Mack and then the random residents in the small town, and my favorites, the seniors who all live together in a care home. I loved them all, especially Florence and her meddling ways and their podcast was hilarious! As much as I enjoyed that plot line I think it made things feel a little silly at times, especially next to such brutal crimes being committed. The central mystery was compelling though and I was definitely invested in Mack and Shelby’s lives and situations and I didn’t quite predict how things would play out. If you like thrillers with a side of humor try this, it was a pretty fun ride.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 28, 2025

Publisher: Dutton

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

An equal parts murder mystery and suspense novel delving into the mind of a serial manipulator who brings together a brother and sister looking to avenge the death of their mother and take back their sizeable inheritance

Hazel and Kagan Bailey aren’t on the best of terms when they’re informed of their mother’s untimely death under mysterious circumstances. When they reach out to their stepfather, a man they both aren’t fans of, they’re struck by his overwrought performance of grief. It’s obvious he’s putting on an act. To make matters worse he refuses to let the siblings get in touch with their mother’s lawyer to see about the family money Hazel and Kagan desperately need. Hazel is drowning in debt after being financially cut off, and Kagan never quite got his life together—his expensive habit isn’t much help.

The police seem to be more interested in interrogating the siblings instead of taking a closer look at their stepfather, whose airtight alibi has completely shielded him from further suspicion. Frustrated and increasingly headed toward financial ruin, the siblings take things into their own hands by tracking down their stepfather’s daughter, who he claimed died tragically years ago.

Ava, their stepsister, is unlike anyone they’ve ever met: an effortlessly gorgeous cyber genius with the psychological scars of being raised by an unrepentant conman. Both siblings are smitten and a tug-of-war over Ava’s affection ensues as the trio track down the man the siblings know as Perry. 
Trust Issues is a wonderfully complex suspense novel that will keep readers on their toes as the story unfolds in delightfully surprising ways.

Review:

This was another solid read from an author duo that I’ve enjoyed in the past. I liked the premise and how you never really knew who was trustworthy and since pretty much all of the characters are unlikable it’s easy to side eye them all. While there were some small surprises along the way the ending was really great for me and pretty unexpected. If you like con stories, domestic suspense, unlikable characters and vengeance thrillers try this!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 7, 2025

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From the author of The Reunion, a cozy rom-com about a writer who decamps to a Vermont lodge for work but finds herself distracted by the charming ski instructor next door.

Alix Morgan just got her big break as the ghostwriter of a memoir by Sebastian Green, a former member of the boy band True North. And when he offers her a penthouse at a luxurious resort in Vermont, she jumps at the chance to work far away from her noisy, cramped apartment.

Her career as an entertainment journalist has been building toward this dream job—after all, she used to cover True North and was one of the last people to interview former front man Jett Beckett before he disappeared. As she combs through her client’s voice memos, the specter of the missing lead singer remains, and fans are desperate to know the full story.

But Alix also has time for some fun at this glamorous resort, where she begins ski lessons with a handsome instructor named Tyler. As Alix and Tyler fall in love on the slopes, Alix’s work takes a complicated turn—and the mystery of True North’s downfall may be hers to solve.

Review:

This had the best cozy vibes and would be perfect to curl up with this winter! The lodge where Alix is staying sounds absolutely gorgeous and even though I have no desire to ski I would love to stay there just for the food and the ice skating. Alix and Tyler’s developing relationship was so charming and sweet, the little dates he planned for them were beyond adorable. While I adored them there were some truly awful secondary characters that never redeemed themselves fully for me. This was light and fluffy, very Hallmark movie style problems but overall really cute, despite the little twist being really obvious.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 14, 2025

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

In this haunting story that spans three decades, a young gymnast escapes a kidnapping. Years later, she’s forced to face the past when her own daughter disappears.

Cora Valentine has her whole life—and a shot at the Olympics—ahead of her. But when she’s kidnapped on Halloween, her name is splashed across headlines not as an athlete but as a victim. Not even her safe return changes that, especially since no one is caught for the crime.

Hounded by the public, Cora’s time as a missing girl and member of the Magnificent Eight has its consequences. Years later, when Cora has her own daughter, she’s determined to leave the past behind for a better life. Her daughter will never face those fears. And Cora will never face them again.

But four years later, on Halloween, the past comes knocking.

Now, Cora’s daughter is gone, and to get her back, Cora must take someone else’s child.

Clearly, whoever took her all those years ago isn’t done with her yet…but as long as they have her daughter, Cora’s not done with them either.

Review:

This was SO intense and exactly what I mean when I say I want a thriller that hooks me right from the start and never lets up. It’s dual timelines, one in present day as Cora searches for her daughter and another in the past when she was kidnapped as a young teenager. Who knew gymnastics and tense thrillers went so well together but when I tell you this combo had me in a chokehold, it was insane. It was very fast paced, one of those head spinning type of reads and even if things were over the top and I had to suspend disbelief I didn’t care, I was hooked! This was unhinged and so addictive and was almost a five star read for me but I guessed a big twist so I’m knocking a half star off. Still definitely worth a read, especially if you want a one sitting thrill ride.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 7, 2025

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: YA Thriller

Synopsis:

To Brooke, image is everything. She works hard to maintain perfect grades, perfect looks, a perfect life—especially after “the incident” that threatened it all. Getting into her dream university puts her that much closer to a fresh start. How can she say no to celebrating with all her classmates?

Hanging out with her crush by the bonfire is the perfect end to the night. Except it isn’t the end. An old truck starts aggressively tailing Brooke and her best friend on the isolated road toward home. Someone thinks they know the truth about “the incident,” and they won’t stop until it’s all out in the open. This terrifying drive is about to bring out Brooke’s worst fears…if she survives it.

Review:

There was a lot I liked about this one, it was fast paced and exciting and the tension kept mounting throughout the book. It’s also fairly short so between that and the pacing I flew through this. It flips between past and present with short chapters that kept me turning the pages and I was always desperate to get back to whatever timeline I wasn’t currently reading because most ended on a mini cliffhanger. It was also a bit outlandish and ridiculous with truly unlikable characters but I don’t always mind reading about awful people. If you don’t mind some silly plot points and terrible characters but do enjoy heart pounding and intense action try this.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 7, 2025

Publisher: Dreamscape

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Narrators: Andi Arndt & Sebastian York

Synopsis:

Sometimes the last thing you expect is exactly what you need, the final missing piece. And sometimes it comes in the form of a towering, broody sheriff, determined to get in your way at every step.  

Ridley Sawyer knows what it’s like to miss someone, to feel like a piece of her vanished—because it happened to her the night her twin sister disappeared.  

Now, Ridley channels that loss into hope, traveling the country covering cold cases for her true crime podcast. She might not have found justice for her sister but that doesn’t stop her from finding it for others.  

Until Sheriff Colter Brooks gets in her way.  

Colt knows what it’s like to have reporters descend on his town in the wake of a tragedy, and he’s not about to let a fiery podcaster stir up trouble. It doesn’t matter that her haunting blue eyes tell him there’s more to Ridley’s story or that he can’t stop imagining what it would be like to touch her.  

But when Ridley’s cold case turns hot and she’s thrust into the crosshairs, Colt has no choice but to step in. Suddenly, Ridley’s living at his house, drinking his whiskey, and stealing his dog’s affections. But she’s also proving that she’s so much more than his first impression.

And as they get closer to the truth, the game they’ve been playing might just turn deadly… 

Review:

The Queen of romantic suspense is back with a standalone that I hope turns into a series because I loved these characters and their town! Ridley is a true crime podcaster and her driving force is the disappearance of her twin sister so there’s a deep emotional connection for her and you can feel that energy throughout the book. Colt is the grumpy yet soft and squishy inside sheriff in Shady Cove and while these two have a rough start when they first meet, they actually have so much in common and they heal each other in a beautiful way. The author always surprises me with her twists but this one was next level and shocked me so well! Andi Arndt was one of the very first narrators that made me fall in love with audiobooks and she remains a legend, her emotional performance here was everything. No one plays a grisly grump better than Sebastian York so if you like audiobooks definitely try that format for this gem. If you like true crime, suspense, enemies to lovers, small town and grump and sunshine this was excellent!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.