You don't even know who I am: THE PERFECT HOSTS.

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you want a wild ride of a thriller, THE PERFECT HOSTS fits the bill.

It starts off with an explosion at an over-the-top gender reveal and just keeps going.

Madeline and Wes Drake run Lone Tree Ranch. Their gender reveal party goes terribly wrong, resulting in the death of a close friend.

Agent Jamie Saldano is sent to the tiny town of Nightjar to investigate--but Jamie has his own mysterious ties to Nightjar. Add in a couple of surprise visitors to Lone Tree Ranch, and you have the perfect recipe for a crazy mystery.

Go in blind to this one -- sure, it's a little preposterous at times, but it's also twisty, maniacal, and fun!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Park Row in return for an unbiased review.

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I'm waiting for an answer, listening for hope: IT COULD HAVE BEEN HER.

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell


Out walking her property one day, Jane Trevally comes across a small white dog. She tracks down the dog's owner after she realizes that the girl who was with the dog has disappeared. The owner lives in London, nowhere near Jane, but when she arrives at their home, she discovers she's had an eerie encounter there before. Jane doesn't believe the owner that Hugo, the dog, ran away, and starts her own investigation.

Her amateur sleuthing leads her into the twisted depths of a deeply messed up family. Jane slowly learns more about the spooky house, its history, and the family that lived there. The house--and therefore the story--gives off a creepy, horrifying atmosphere, especially as Jane slowly uncovers each layer.

Jane is an interesting character (she appears in a previous Jewell book, briefly). She's a nosy, somewhat lonely, woman, who finds joy in trying to solve mysteries. The crime is interspersed with Jane's own personal issues, as she struggles to maintain her family's home and interacts with her gaggle of former stepchildren. It seems ridiculous that she'd try to track down Hugo's owner... but somehow it works. We get the POV of multiple other characters, as well.

Overall, this is a really dark tale, with some deeply disturbing plot turns. It keeps you guessing as you attempt to put together all the complicated plot pieces. I am in awe of how Jewell comes up with all these books!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review.


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A secret's a boat tossed on a wave: THE ANNIVERSARY.

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a typical Alex Finlay page turner that I blew through in about 24 hours!

It follows the intertwining lives of classmates Quinn and Jules, checking in on both of them every May 1st, starting in 1992.

That first fateful May 1, 1992 is a big one: Quinn, a good kid from a poor household is arrested after trying to help stop a fight. And Jules survives an attack from the so-called "May Day Killer" that leaves her horribly traumatized.

After his time in prison, Quinn spends his time looking for his mom's killer, while Jules becomes a model trying to outrun her past. But over time, we see their paths overlapping more and more. This one is hard to put down, as we have lots to figure out--who is the May Day killer? Who killed Quinn's mother?

The only reason this isn't rated higher is that while I found the story captivating, I did find much of it predictable, figuring out the main culprits fairly early on. There's only so much character development when we check on our protagonists once a year. Still, this is an enjoyable thriller that also delves into serious topics, such as sexual assault and how society views missing women. 3.5+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.

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It's midnight on the highway I'm coming back for you: CALLER UNKNOWN.

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a slightly different one. Half thriller, half treatise on motherhood.

Simone leaves the U.K. to visit her daughter Lucy in Texas. She wakes up after her first night there and discovers Lucy is gone. She soon finds a burner phone in Lucy's place and realizes her daughter has been kidnapped. A message on the phone warns that Simone should not involve the police. Her husband wants her to call them anyway, but Simone refuses, going rogue to save Lucy, especially when she realizes that the kidnapper doesn't want money.

It's a captivating plot, but unfortunately it starts to border on preposterous fairly early on. Simone and Lucy make some insane decisions and are unwilling to listen to reason (e.g., lawyers, family). Much of the book focuses on Simone's fears of Lucy going to university, portraying her (justifiably) as a clingy mother unwilling to let her only child go. She thinks she loves Lucy more than her husband does, and makes statements on how mothers love kids best or children need two parents. It just wasn't necessary and the story spent much too much time focusing on it.

There are some good twists here and the plot is tense, but marred by annoyed decisions and outlandish developments. Add in Simone's crazy ramblings about motherhood and a plot that wraps up too easily and this is a decent read, but not a great one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow in return for an unbiased review.

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Trouble is you got to have yourself an alternate plan: THE LONG CON.

The Long Con: A Novel by Jenna Voris
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I will preface this review by saying that I have absolutely adored all the YA work by Jenna Voris that I've read and that I will continue to read anything else she writes. This one--an adult mystery--just didn't work for me. Sadly, it was a bit of a slog, featuring unlikable characters and an unbelievable plot. Two warring hotel moguls fighting about stuff... who cares? Meanwhile, we have Chloe, a con artist, and her accomplice friends Logan and Priya and then Chloe's nemesis, Harper, a rich girl who likes conning other rich people.

The idea is that there will be a slow burn romance between Chloe and Harper as one hotel exec hires them to steal from another. But there's no slow burn, just a slow... nothing. The two have no chemistry, no witty banter, just anger--with zero pay off. And the con they unite on is not exciting (and not a long con, maybe a week-long con).

The ending is slightly redeemable and Priya and Logan are enjoyable. This one had a lot of promise, but it wasn't my favorite. Others may enjoy it, and I love seeing Voris writing different in genres and across all ages. I can't wait to see what's next, even if this one was a miss for me.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press Trade Paperback in return for an unbiased review.

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One day, she's looking over her shoulder at the past: MISSING SISTER.

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twins Penny and Nix grew up incredibly close, but Penny lost Nix to a drug addiction. Nix's last voicemail has haunted Penny for five years. Now Penny's a rookie cop, hoping to save others from Nix's fate. But on one of her early training cases, she recognizes the victim as one of the men she blames for her sister's death. While on scene, she comes across a woman covered in blood, a weapon by her side.

Incredulously (seriously, it seems a shocking way to start this book!), Penny lets the woman go, thinking her whispered "sisters" has ties to Nix. She pockets the box cutter this woman was holding and lies to her training officers and fellow cops. The woman vanishes, but of course, Penny's behavior is suspicious, leading to a suspension.

What follows is a story that focuses both on Penny's feelings about Nix's passing and the death of the man she blames for Nix's death. A few of the outcomes seem a bit obvious but other twists are excellent and surprising. This is a dark and gory story, with a focus on the dangers of drug addiction. It also delves into sisterhood and the complicated feelings that family can dredge up.

Penny is a tough woman, even if she makes some questionable decisions. Her love for Nix shines through the story, giving it added depth and dimension. This is a complicated, dark, and twisty tale.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow in return for an unbiased review.

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Freeze frames in time move through me: STRANGERS IN A VILLA.

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very dramatic thriller set in picturesque Spain!

After Sydney's husband, Curtis, cheats on her, the two decide to leave their life in New York City behind and buy a Spanish villa. They hope a new house and location will allow them to start fresh and focus on their marriage. But then a young couple shows up and destroys their peace--Bianca and Damian, two Aussies, are traveling in their camper van when it breaks down outside the villa. At first, the group gets along well (with the exception of Curtis, who resents the intrusion), but soon, cracks begin to form.

This is an interesting book--the tension builds slowly, and it feels like a locked room mystery at time, with both couples mainly trapped in the villa. As such, Harding does an excellent job creating a claustrophobic feel. There's a strange forced sexual tension between the group, which made me feel awkward. Lies and secrets abound, with information gradually revealed across various perspectives, and ratcheting up the mystery and suspense.

Be prepared for a tale that takes some dark turns and centers on often quite selfish and unhappy people. It's a good quick read though, and one which will keep you guessing. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in return for an unbiased review. Look for STRANGERS IN THE VILLA on 03/03/2026!

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Time that you notice the girl next door: JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME.

Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be prepared, this is a quirky and sometimes weird story, but it's truly quite touching.

Twins Joy and Cassie grew up believing they were from the future. Isolated, with most of their life occurring at the family's laundromat, they know little about the real world. So when their mom, Joy, dies shortly after their 21st birthday--right after the twins realize they aren't returning to the future as promised, their lives are turned upside down.

This book has such a fun cast of characters, despite mainly taking place at the laundromat -- we meet the three other business owners who share the laundromat's building -- and each play such an important role in the story. My favorite was Monty, the locksmith who was madly in love with Joy. Each character bounces off the pages, pulling you into the strange world of Joy Moody and her children.

This is a lovely story, touching on the importance of found family, and delving deeply into the powerful bonds of motherhood and what you would do for those you love. While not a conventional read, it's a poignant, well-written one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

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If we'd known ten years ago today would be ten years from now: GONE IN THE NIGHT.

Gone in the Night by Joanna Schaffhausen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent mystery from Schaffhausen, as always.

In book #5 featuring Detective (now PI) Annalisa Vega, we have incredibly well-developed characters and an excellent plot that ties disparate threads together so well while still keeping you guessing until the end. By now, Annalisa and Nick are married (again) and expecting their first child. Annalisa takes on a new case, a client recommended by her brother (who is in jail, as is her new client). But the new case drudges up an old one Nick worked as a cop. Joe claims he's in jail for something he did not do; Annalisa agrees, but soon realizes the situation is far more complicated than it seems.

While investigating on Joe's behalf, Annalisa meets the crew at Ruby's Place, a shelter for abused women. Did Joe abuse his wife? How about his first wife, Jessica? Schaffhausen does an excellent job tying together intricate plot pieces about Joe's life, Nick's past investigation, and Annalisa's current case, giving us an intense and moving story of spousal abuse and family ties (and, of course, murder). We also get to see Nick and Annalisa emotions, as they feel forced to compete against one another, with Annalisa's investigation into Nick's old cases not exactly helping the couple's relationship.

This is a great mystery, and it gives us more insight into Annalisa and Nick as well. Such a good series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.

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So I laid in broken pieces on the floor: THE LOCKED WARD.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those crazy page turners that kept me flipping the pages like mad. This reads like a soap opera. There's not always logic here, but it's exciting!

Georgia is in a mental ward, suspecting of killing her adopted sister. Her wealthy family is now shunning her. With no one else to turn to, Georgia reaches out to her birth twin, Mandy, to get her name cleared. Only problem? Mandy has no idea Georgia exists.

Pekkanen alternates the POV between Georgia and Mandy, as Georgia pulls Mandy into her web and forces her to investigate on her behalf. Along the way, we get drama with rich families, ambitious senators, suspicious ward patients, and angry grudges and secrets. It's all a bit histrionic and crazy, but it makes for a compelling and wild tale that dips into sisterhood and family ties.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review.

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And I had to break your heart to make you see: NO BODY NO CRIME.

No Body No Crime: A Novel by Tess Sharpe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The lesbian crime thriller we all need in our lives.

At Chloe's sweet sixteen party, she and Mel kill a boy. The ramifications extend far beyond what the two could have ever imagined, and two years later, Chloe disappears. Mel becomes a Private Investigator (PI) and with the help of her mentor, tracks her down.

This is a wild tale filled with crooked politicians, drug dealers, and secrets piled on top of lies. But there's also the intense love between Chloe and Mel, paired with simmering tension and chemistry. Nothing like lesbian longing that endures gun fights and years apart!

The duo's story is told with sarcasm and humor, giving us a quick-moving page-turner that's part love story and part crime thriller. There are plenty of surprise twists to keep you guessing, with intense suspense and heightened emotions. This is a very enjoyable read! 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Farrar, Straus and Giroux/MCD and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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The wind blows where it will: ANATOMY OF AN ALIBI.

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an excellent page-turner that keeps you guessing!

We have Camille, a wealthy woman married to a well-known lawyer, Ben. And we have Aubrey, a waitress whose life was drastically changed by an accident over ten years ago. Camille and Aubrey's lives are about to intersect--and Ben's is about to end. My favorite character was easily Hank, Ben's law partner. We get narrations from Hank, Aubrey, and Camille.

It's good to go into this book blind and just enjoy it. Sure it's wild with a slightly preposterous plot, but it's twisty and dark and a really good read, too.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Pamela Dorman Books in return for an unbiased review.

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Never seen anything wild as you: THE STORM.

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins


Ok, THE STORM is just pure, delicious fun!

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is well-known for its hurricanes—and the many deaths that have accompanied them. During it all has stood the Rosalie Inn, a beach hotel that has made it through every storm. And during Hurricane Marie in the 1980s, it’s where the infamous Gloria “Lo” Bailey was accused of murdering her lover, Landon Fitzroy, the far older son of Alabama’s governor. Lo got off on a hung jury, but the scandal has stuck with Medard’s Bay all these years.

Geneva now owns the Rosalie, passed on from her parents, and is thrilled when she hears a writer, August, is coming to stay at the Inn. He wants to research Lo and Landon’s murder; Geneva hopes a mention of the Inn could help drum up some much-needed business. But when August shows up, he isn’t alone—he’s brought Lo Bailey with him—and soon it looks like things will never be the same in St. Medard’s or at the Rosalie.  It takes a minute to get into this one – so many names and dates to place! But once you do, it reads like an amazing soap opera.

At its heart, is this: did nineteen-year-old Lo Bailey, St. Medard’s “most beautiful girl” bash in the head of Landon Fitzroy and leave him to drown the night of Hurricane Marie? Lo claims no, and August’s book is going to tell her story in her own words. As it does, we get clippings from that time period, excerpts from Lo’s old journals, and flashbacks to other various major storms in St. Medard’s history.

What results is an incredibly dark and twisty tale that keeps you reading (and often guessing) until the very end. This is a stormy book (ha!) filled with anger and betrayal and centered around big events that occurred at various hurricanes. It covers the power of friendship (and the power of wealth and class). Overall, though, I found this to be a fun page-turner with a dark side that does an excellent job of playing up its ominous beach setting. 4+ stars.  

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in return for an unbiased review. Look for it on 1/6/2026! 

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Cheating time cheating death: YOU BELONG HERE.

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am always willing to read anything by Megan Miranda, even if some books are more of a hit than others.  YOU BELONG HERE is a solid 3.5 star read.

I found its overly theatrical writing style a bit much at times, but it’s a great twisty thriller with some excellent turns that took me by surprise. Plus, I’m always a sucker for a Virginia setting, even if it’s fictious (I hope!). Beckett attended local Wyatt College, thanks to the fact that her parents were both professors there. But senior year, tragedy strikes, leaving two local men dead, and Beckett is shipped off to finish her college years overseas. She returns pregnant with her daughter Delilah and rarely speaks of the incident again.

So, imagine her surprise when Delilah secretly applies to Wyatt and receives a scholarship! When she gets a strange phone call for Delilah and can’t reach her, Beckett worries that the past is coming back to haunt her.  This is such a tense book, brimming with parental fear and small-town anger and secrets! The dark, academic setting shines; you can practically hear the wind (“the howling”) whipping through the mountains behind Wyatt College. Miranda deftly ties together Delilah’s story with her mother’s past, slowly revealing what happened with Beckett via flashbacks that intertwine with the present-day story. It’s a very effective mechanism, as I found this story very difficult to put down. At the same time, beyond its eerie vibes, this is a story of motherhood—and how far a mother would go to protect her daughter. It’s a little wild sometimes, but a good page-turner.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Simon Element in return for an unbiased review.

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And the pins were pulled long ago: HE'S TO DIE FOR.

He's to Die For by Erin Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rav is not your typical NYC cop -- he's a posh British gay man; the son of a British lord, with an ivy league education and a penchant for designer clothing. Rav loves being on the force and is thrilled when his lieutenant gives him a high profile case involving a music executive. As part of the case, he meets Jack, the lead singer for the famous band The Knickerbockers. Sparks fly between Jack and Rav immediately, but unfortunately, Jack is a suspect in Rav's case. Getting close with him means an end to Rav's career.

I'm always a sucker for the "regular" person and famous person romances. This story pairs that storyline with an over-the-top mystery. At times, it feels like a lot of plot jammed in! There are dying people tossed in with FBI agents and conspiracy theories galore. Add that to Jack and Rav's relationship ups and downs, and it can become very difficult to keep all the mystery threads straight!

Still, Rav and Jack are cute together, and while there's nothing really revolutionary about this romance, it's a fun m/m romance with a mystery twist.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.

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I've always wondered what was wrong with me: NOT QUITE DEAD YET.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's really fun to read a book with a different premise!

The idea is that Jet has seven days to solve her own murder. On Halloween, she's attacked at home and left for dead. While she awakes several days later, her injuries have left her with a brain aneurysm that will kill her within a week. Jet--who has always pushed things off until "later"--vows to find her killer.

Jet is the best part about this book. She's an excellent witty and sarcastic protagonist. She cracks jokes constantly, even with her impending death. While this is a mystery, it's quirky and layered. The story is tense, keeping you guessing at every turn. It's dark, chock full of family drama along with secrets and small town stories. Jet has a difficult relationship with her family, leading her to stay with her childhood best friend Billy. Their friendship over the week is its own story and adds extra warmth and nuance to an otherwise dark story.

I wasn't sure about reading a book where it was known the protagonist would die, but NOT QUITE DEAD YET is worth the read. It's complex, funny, and mysterious.


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One day I'll return to dust: TOO OLD FOR THIS.

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elderly Lottie James lives alone, far away from her son and grandchildren. No one knows that years ago she changed her name, moving away from those who knew her, to distance herself from a life of crime. Now the highlights of her week are Thursday bingo nights at church.

But when journalist Plum Jones shows up at Lottie's door, she threatens to upend Lottie's quiet life. It's hard enough to commit murder when you're young, but when you're old... still Lottie sure doesn't want anything--or anyone--getting in the way of her new life.

This book is everywhere right now, but seems justifiably so. It's dark but wryly humorous. Lottie is a nuanced, flawed (!), but oddly endearing character, and the skill of this book is how easily it makes its reader empathize and root for a murderer. This is a suspenseful page-turner and fascinating character study.

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Say, I could sleep here, forget all the fear: OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES.

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's wonderful to be back with DC Ffion Morgan again; this is such a great series.

This time we're hearing from Fi, her boyfriend DS Leo Brady, and--a new twist--Leo's ex-wife, Allie. Leo is investigating a series of burglaries at houses on The Hill, a place for the wealthy and exclusive. And guess what, The Hill just happens to be the place where Allie wants to live (she claims her house nearby is, in fact, The Hill) and where she's trying--way too hard--to fit in.

Meanwhile, Fi is looking into the murder of an estate agent, found dead in a canoe after a weekend away with her colleagues. And Fi finds herself captivated by a podcast detailing a cold case about the murder of a wealthy couple, the Carmichaels.

Because she's Clare Mackintosh, Mackintosh flawlessly weaves all of these intersecting cases together while simultaneously keeping us guessing at every turn. We also get a peek into the houses and lives of the rich. And wow, do we get to see their problems, as well as the secrets they are keeping!

I love the tone in these books; Fi is just the best character, with her sarcasm, humor, flaws, and real nature. It makes the books so easy-to-read, especially because the mystery aspect is full of suspense and tension. It's wonderful seeing Fi growing into her relationship with Leo, even if it's slowly and in Ffion style; it's especially notable with Allie lurking around every corner, ready to tear them apart. At first I was so irritated with the inclusion of Allie in the story, but honestly, she adds a nuance that provides emotional depth to the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful and suspenseful story with excellent characters.

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Did I grow up according to plan: NO REST FOR THE WICKED.

No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a great mystery-- I can't believe it's a debut! So rarely does a twist truly surprise me anymore, but this one was really shocking!

Dolores, a forensic pathologist in California, has been estranged from her father, Alexander; stepmom, Charlotte; and two half siblings since age 18. She left her hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin and never looked back. Little Horton is famous for its Halloween celebrations--and violence that has occurred over the years on that date--but for Dolores, it's just a holiday that she studiously avoids since she left.

But then she receives a call from the FBI: her father has gone missing. She reluctantly returns to Little Horton to investigate with two agents.

This book is spell binding! It effortlessly draws you into the claustrophobic and judgmental town of Little Horton, with its relentless focus on Halloween--and secrets and lies. Everyone in Little Horton reveres Alexander as their former mayor and Senator. For Dolores' family, especially the formidable and scary Charlotte, nothing matters more than appearances.

Adams weaves a taut and dark tale, as the bodies pile up, and Dolores looks into her father's life and disappearance, while slowly remembering more and more about why she left Little Horton so long ago. This story is dramatic and well-written, filled with plenty of suspense. It keeps you guessing, while also featuring nuanced, flawed characters. I would love a sequel!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for NO REST FOR THE WICKED on 09/16/2025!

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With a pain that ever grows: WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great start to a new Karin Slaughter series!

On the night of the town's 4th of July celebration, Emmy Clifton turns away her friend's teenage daughter, Madison, when she asks for help. That decision haunts her forever, as Madison and her best friend, Cheyenne disappear that night, destroying Emmy's friendship and leaving a lasting legacy on the town.

Now another girl is missing and Emmy and her father, the local Sheriff to Emmy's deputy Sheriff, must try not to repeat past mistakes.

This is a typical Karin Slaughter mystery--gritty, dark, and not afraid to delve into uncomfortable topics. Emmy is a nuanced and flawed character, making her fascinating to read about, especially when the story explores her relationship with her father and her son, both in the force.

GUILTY is both an excellent thriller, slowly spooling together disparate threads and unraveling secrets about a town, while also being a character-driven tale, delving into Emmy's family, friendships, and feelings. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

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