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Release date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: Witness Impulse 

Genre: Mystery/Thriller 

Blurb:

With the dead of a bitter Vermont winter closing in, evil is alive and well . . .

Frank Rath thought he was done with murder when he turned in his detective’s badge to become a private investigator and raise a daughter alone. Then the police in his remote rural community of Canaan find an ’89 Monte Carlo abandoned by the side of the road, and the beautiful teenage girl who owned the car seems to have disappeared without a trace.

Soon Rath’s investigation brings him face-to-face with the darkest abominations of the human soul.

With the consequences of his violent and painful past plaguing him, and young women with secrets vanishing one by one, he discovers once again that even in the smallest towns on the map, evil lurks everywhere–and no one is safe.

Morally complex, seething with wickedness and mystery, and rich in gritty atmosphere and electrifying plot turns, The Silent Girls marks the return of critically acclaimed author Eric Rickstad. Readers of Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo, and Greg Iles will love this book and find themselves breathless at the incendiary, ambitious, and unforgettable story.

Review: 

The Silent Girls opens with a shocking and creepy prologue that made me eager to learn more. It was so crazy, intense and scary that I read it out loud to my husband so he could be creeped out as well, and he is NOT a reader whatsoever and even he was captivated. It’s Halloween in 1985 and a woman opens her door to a trick or treater expecting to have an ordinary interaction and it’s anything but. I’ll just say there is bloodshed and the hair on the back of my neck was standing up, a truly chilling opening to a really gripping book. 

It flips to 2011 and you’re introduced to Frank Rath a former police officer turned private investigator living in Vermont. I’m a big fan of a PI as a lead rather than a cop as I love how they can skirt the boundaries of the law and Rath definitely toes the line. He was a really strong protagonist and was crafted extremely well, I totally felt like I had a solid sense of who he is and what motivates him by the end. The secondary characters were also well drawn, they were mostly detectives who were working alongside Rath and you can definitely tell that Rickstad is laying the groundwork for a series. 

The writing style was smart and very distinct, I think I could pick up another one of the authors books with no name on the cover and still know that it was his work. It’s dark and gritty at times, a great companion to the stark setting in the lead up to a brutal Vermont winter. The plot was well constructed and kept me guessing and the subplot surrounding Rath’s personal life really piqued my interest. And that ending, talk about an explosive cliffhanger, I am SO glad that I’ll be reading the second book in this series really soon! 

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy. 

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Release date: August 10, 2017

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Genre: Thriller

Blurb:

When Caitlin moved from London to New York, she thought she had left her problems behind: her alcoholic father, her dead mother, the pressure to succeed. But now, down to her last dollar in a foreign city, she is desperately lonely.

Then she meets Jake. Handsome, smart, slightly damaged Jake. He lives off-grid, in a lakeside commune whose members practise regular exercise and frequent group therapy. Before long, Caitlin has settled into her idyllic new home.

It looks like she has found the fresh start she longed for. But, as the commune tightens its grip on her freedom and her sanity, Caitlin realizes too late that she might become lost forever… 

Review: 

I’ve had a long fascination with cults, it’s always so interesting to see why an average person would ever join one. Was it just because they were at a vulnerable time in their life? Were they targeted and stalked like a hunter circling their prey? And how were they roped in to a place where they have to cut off contact with the outside world? 

Caitlin was definitely in a tough time in her life and I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her. She was fragile and very easily manipulated and cult leaders are generally very adept at spotting this and using it to their advantage. Don is the leader of the group Caitlin joins and she is instantly mesmerized and intrigued by him, he has a charisma that speaks to her. The cast of characters here were well drawn and complex with histories and backgrounds that made it easy to see why they were drawn to “The Group”.

This was a slow burn with a lot of psychological insight as group members all participate in both individual and group therapy sessions. The bulk of this novel focuses on Caitlin and her sessions and as human psych interests me, I liked it. Things do get intense the further you read, there is a sense of discomfort and uneasiness because you know sinister things are lurking just beneath the surface. If you like books that explore cults and the behavior of their members, this is a solid read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. 

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Release date: August 1, 2017

Publisher: Dutton Books

Genre: Historical Fiction

Blurb:

Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse, returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota, New York City’s most famous residence. 

After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility–no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else . . . and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children. 

In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her -cousin- Melinda–Camden’s biological great-granddaughter–will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in . . . and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. 

One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages–for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City–and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich–and often tragic–as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden–and the woman who killed him–on its head. 

With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives –and lies–of the beating hearts within. 

Review: 

Last summer I had the pleasure of reading Davis’ debut, The Dollhouse and I was so impressed. I was never a huge fan of historical fiction before I read her books and I have her to thank for opening my eyes to yet another amazing genre. I’ve read so much more HF this past year and I don’t know if I would’ve without reading The Dollhouse, so thanks Fiona Davis for expanding my world!

Having been such a fan of her debut I had that nervous feeling I always feel when I’m about to read an authors sophmore book. Well, I shouldn’t have worried at all, I ended up liking this one even more than her first, it was mesmerizing, full of detailed historical descriptions, an amazing setting and two characters that I fully connected with.

This is told using dual narratives set one hundred years apart. Sara is a thirty year old woman who moves from England to New York for a job opportunity in 1884 and Bailey is also thirty and living in NYC in 1985. Both of the timelines were equally fascinating for me, they were both mainly set in the famed Dakota Apartments and Davis truly brought this wonderful setting to life. Most of the book was historically accurate and the liberties she took fictionally were perfectly executed. I really felt like I was beside both women in the Dakota, it was such an immersive, engrossing setting.

Sara and Bailey had many similarities despite being from two completely different worlds. They both have struggles and difficulties to overcome and I was rooting for them the whole way. I found myself sympathizing easily with both of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would wind up happening with their lives.

This is one of those books that will truly sweep you away to another time, there is such a strong sense of place that really worked well for me. While this isn’t a traditional mystery there were some surprises along the way that add another layer to the wonderful plot. If you loved The Dollhouse you’ll like this one as well, and if you haven’t read it but enjoy HF what are you waiting for?!

Overall rating: 5/5

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Release date: August 1, 2017

Publisher: Gallery Books

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Serial meets Ruth Ware’s In A Dark, Dark Wood in this inventive and twisty psychological thriller about a mega-hit podcast that reopens a murder case—and threatens to unravel the carefully constructed life of the victim’s daughter.

The only thing more dangerous than a lie…is the truth.

Josie Buhrman has spent the last ten years trying to escape her family’s reputation and with good reason. After her father’s murder thirteen years prior, her mother ran away to join a cult and her twin sister Lanie, once Josie’s closest friend and confidant, betrayed her in an unimaginable way. Now, Josie has finally put down roots in New York, settling into domestic life with her partner Caleb, and that’s where she intends to stay. The only problem is that she has lied to Caleb about every detail of her past—starting with her last name.

When investigative reporter Poppy Parnell sets off a media firestorm with a mega-hit podcast that reopens the long-closed case of Josie’s father’s murder, Josie’s world begins to unravel. Meanwhile, the unexpected death of Josie’s long-absent mother forces her to return to her Midwestern hometown where she must confront the demons from her past—and the lies on which she has staked her future. 

Review: 

Well guys, it’s time for me to officially topple your summer reading list. Sorry, but I’m not sorry! (Not even a little bit, haha) Are You Sleeping is a perfect addition to your TBR, it’s compulsive, engrossing and highly addictive, I loved it!

Two things that always catch my eye in a thriller is sister or twin relationships and a cold case and this gem had both. Josie and Lanie have an extremely complex relationship and haven’t seen or talked to each other in ten years. Both were the kind of character that can frustrate the hell out of you on one page and then the next they’re tugging on your heartstrings. That sense of unease and uncertainty really added to this tale of lies and betrayals. The girls moved in with their Aunt A and cousin Ellen after their father was killed and I really liked Ellen. She’s kind of bossy and overbearing, but she has a huge heart and was super endearing. 

My favorite thing about this book was how engaging it was, there is something about Barber’s writing style that just hooked me. There is a great social media addition in the form of podcast excerpts, Reddit threads and updates from Twitter and Facebook feeds that added something really unique and current. If you’ve read Six Stories there is a similarity but not completely the same, this one easily stands on its own feet.

This was one of those reads where I kept thinking I had things all figured out and then Barber would throw in a new twist to shake things up. Ultimately, I did have some aspects worked out but it absolutely did not take away from my enjoyment of this highly entertaining read. This would be perfect for readers who don’t like graphic violence, it’s on the lighter side and has very few truly dark moments, but it’s still very compelling. Pack this one in your bag next time you’re going on vacation, I think it would be ideal! 

Overall rating: 4/5 

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. 

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Release date: August 8, 2017

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of All Is Not Forgotten comes a thriller about two missing sisters, a twisted family, and what happens when one girl comes back…

One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn’t add up. Looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister’s return might just be the beginning of the crime. 

Review: 

This is told using dual narratives, it alternates between Cass who disappeared three years ago and shows up suddenly at home and also from Abby, the psychiatrist that has been working the case since Cass and her sister Emma vanished. I especially enjoyed the chapters from Abby’s point of view as a psychological insight fascinates me and there is much to explore in Cass and her complicated family. It chronicles the days immediately following Cass return as Abby and the FBI try to uncover where exactly Cass has been and where Emma is now. There are SO many questions and layers to this insane mystery, it’s a constant guessing game and then second guessing that had me on the edge of my seat.

While I liked the pacing and it definitely held my attention, the process of learning the details of Cass three year disappearance was sometimes painstakingly slow. Oddly enough, I was still totally captivated by this dark tale of a twisted family and their bizarre dynamics. It really was an intoxicating read for me, but if you don’t like your psychological thrillers with a heavy dose of psychology, this could be a frustrating read. 

This is full of unlikable characters and unreliability, but each character was extremely well drawn. The writing was strong and smart and the plot was very well thought out and executed. While there were some twists early on, towards the end there were an onslaught of turns that left me reeling, I especially liked the ending. If you like thrillers with an insight into the human psyche, check this one out. 

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. 

Release date: August 8, 2017

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

The stunning new novel from the international #1 bestselling author — a searing, spellbinding blend of cold-case thriller and psychological suspense.

Two girls are forced into the woods at gunpoint. One runs for her life. One is left behind…

Twenty-eight years ago, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn’s happy small-town family life was torn apart by a terrifying attack on their family home. It left their mother dead. It left their father — Pikeville’s notorious defense attorney — devastated. And it left the family fractured beyond repair, consumed by secrets from that terrible night.

Twenty-eight years later, and Charlie has followed in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer herself — the ideal good daughter. But when violence comes to Pikeville again — and a shocking tragedy leaves the whole town traumatized — Charlie is plunged into a nightmare. Not only is she the first witness on the scene, but it’s a case that unleashes the terrible memories she’s spent so long trying to suppress. Because the shocking truth about the crime that destroyed her family nearly thirty years ago won’t stay buried forever…

Packed with twists and turns, brimming with emotion and heart, The Good Daughter is fiction at its most thrilling.

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Review:
I’m going to structure this review a little differently than normal, I feel like I need to do something a bit special to highlight one of my all time favorite authors and show why Karin Slaughter is one of the best crime fiction writers out there. Besides, her books are always really difficult for me to review in terms of the plot as she’s the master of the gut punching twist, so instead I’ll be trying to convince you why you’re missing out if you’re a thriller reader and you haven’t read her before.

She’s bold, unflinching and refuses to be ignored.

Some readers may not be able to stomach such a dark, gritty writing style full of vivid imagery and descriptions, but if you can handle it, there is no better writer. Her prose is sharp and considered, yes it can be brutally graphic and harrowing and Slaughter doesn’t shy away from disturbing subject matter and horrifying crimes against women and children, (think rape, abuse, etc) BUT it serves a purpose. It’s not gratuitous, it’s part of the plot for a reason and is never meant to glamorize victims. 

Her characterization is unparalleled. 

Slaughter has the uncanny ability to craft characters that are extremely complex and beyond fascinating. The Quinn family is no exception and there was much to explore here. Sam and Charlie are sisters so of course they have a complicated relationship, but they also experienced a God awful tragedy when they were just teenagers that has completely shattered their relationship. Their father Rusty is another highly tricky character and the sisters relationship with him was an additional layer to this already multilayered work. I was very invested in the Quinn family and they stirred my emotions in unexpected ways. 

Her plotting is the type that I just know makes other writers jealous.

Brilliant is not a word I use lightly, but there is no more apt description here. The plot of this book was so intricate that I’m scared to even really discuss it here! I was totally hooked by the time I finished the first page and that never changed for an instant throughout the 500 odd pages of this book. Slaughter is a very detailed writer, but she only reveals what is necessary when she is ready and not a moment sooner. Just when things start to come together and you feel like you have another piece of the puzzle, a twist will be delivered that shakes things up again. 

She creates settings that are unmatched. 

The Good Daughter is set in Pikeville, Georgia and has that small town, backwoods feel. The residents are judgmental, unaccepting fools for the most part, but they are real. There is something so immersive about the way she crafts a setting even though Pikeville is a stifling, claustrophobic place. I could feel the hostility, the tension in the air and envision every single scene she laid out. 

There’s an emotional component to her work.

I don’t know about you, but when I pick up a thriller, the last thing I’m expecting is to have an emotional, visceral response to the book. Not only does she create characters that you’ll be totally invested in, they’ll evoke emotions in you that will catch you off guard. Every time I finish one of her novels I have the same initial thought; she shattered my heart then slowly pieced it back together again. 

I want to close by pointing out that I was pleasantly surprised by how diverse this book was. Not that Slaughter’s other books haven’t been diverse, it was just unexpected and appreciated. I really hope I’ve piqued your interest about The Good Daughter, I feel like this is Slaughter at her best, she can really do no wrong in my eyes. 

Overall rating: 5/5 (Can I give it a 10/5?!)

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. 

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Release date: August 15, 2017

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Women's Fiction

Blurb:

When her estranged mother wins a Jersey Shore bed and breakfast in a lottery and heads east to survey the prize, Faith Sterling fears her mother has fallen victim to yet another scam. Their visit to the B & B confirms her suspicions. Wave’s End is not as advertised—it's nowhere near the beach, it's sorely in need of an overhaul, and its finances are shaky. But despite Faith’s attempts to dissuade her mother, Connie Sterling is determined to try her hand at running the inn.

A frustrated Faith heads back to Brooklyn, dreading the havoc her mother's proximity will wreak on her well-ordered and successful life. She doesn't have to wait long. When a supersized hurricane pummels the East Coast, Faith reluctantly agrees to return and help her mother run Wave’s End…temporarily.

But just as inn life settles into a comfortable rhythm, a grievous secret about Wave’s End surfaces, threatening the inn’s future and fraying the already fragile mother-daughter bonds.

Review:

You guys know I'm a huge sucker for a pretty cover and this one is swoon worthy! Anything beach themed grabs my eye, and while this is set near the ocean, there's a twist. This isn't about some amazing vacation where the characters sit with a fruity cocktail in their hand, it's a story about what happens after tragedy strikes in the form of a devastating hurricane and how several people are effected and changed by it. It's a beach read with depth and heart, it explores family bonds as well as the bonds that can be formed quickly between strangers when a natural disaster strikes. There is a little something for everyone, a hint of a mystery, some love and romance, and some wonderful themes and lessons.

The characters in At Wave's End are great, they're very realistic and wholly relatable. Faith is a chef based in NYC who heads to Wave's End to help her mom, Connie after Hurricane Nadine hits. Both women are flawed and have made plenty of mistakes in their lives, they haven't had the easiest relationship, but aren't mother/daughter relationships always tricky?! When they team up to help the residents of Wave's End they become a force to be reckoned with and I loved watching them grow and change throughout the story. There is a great cast of secondary characters that also undergo tremendous growth and seeing them all band together restored my faith in humanity a bit.

The Mermaid's Purse is the inn that Connie wins in a lottery and despite it being rundown, there is something magical about it. The entire setting has a bit of magic to it as seeing the community come together was such an inspiration. The kindness of strangers was heartwarming and the resiliency of the people effected by the hurricane was amazing. This was a really lovely read full of heart, strength and meaningful relationships developed during a tragic event, I truly enjoyed this one.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

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Release date: August 1, 2017

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Genre: Women's Fiction

Blurb:

Set on the glamorous Italian island, Emerald Coast is a touching and humorous story about marriage and the difficulty of finding love and happiness at the same time.

Lily Bristol arrives at a luxurious resort in Sardinia for the grand opening of her newest home furnishing store on the Emerald Coast. She's a successful business woman with an international chain of stores from San Francisco to Milan. Thirty-two and newly divorced, she's ready to handle things on her own. At least until her private butler, Enzo, escorts her to a beautiful suite where she notices a suspiciously familiar pair of men's slippers and shaving kit.

Lily is horrified. Her ex-husband Oliver moved out of their restored Connecticut farmhouse six months ago, but they booked this trip when they were trying to save their marriage and never cancelled the reservation. Oliver, a food critic for the New York Times, is here covering Sardinia's hottest new restaurant. The only other available room is the adjoining suite; and worse, Oliver isn't alone. He's brought a twenty-something named Angela with him.

Lily is determined to make do and enlists Enzo to find her a suitable man. But it's not as easy to find new love as they both expected. When Lily and Oliver find themselves alone on a very important night, they turn to each other. Sparks begin to fly, but can they be together without breaking each other's hearts?

Review:

If you're looking for the perfect book to completely escape into, Emerald Coast is it! While I was reading it I felt like I was indulging myself, it had a decadent feel to it as most of the people visiting this exotic locale are glamorous. Though it wasn't quite as scintillating, I still felt a similar vibe to Nigel May and Jackie Collins, it had that same breezy style and stunning setting that their books both have.

The premise for this put a fresh spin on a standard romance; Lily and Oliver are already divorced so there is no brand new love story here. Instead, they both reflect on their relationship throughout the book so you learn about their past that way, which was fun. Both were pretty complex characters with their own quirks and habits that made them endearing. I connected more to Lily than to Oliver, she was a lovable scatterbrain while he was a bit annoying at times.

My favorite part of this was the gorgeous setting, Hughes did a fabulous job of bringing the Emerald Coast to life. The writing was rich and the descriptions were vivid and so easy to conjure up. Add in a little humor and a bit of raciness, what more could you want for a fun, summer beach read?!

Overall rating: 4/5