Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Published by Minotaur Books

Published on April 21, 2020

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 352

Source: Gifted

Format: Kindle

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Description: Overwhelmed by tragedy, a woman desperately tries to save her marriage in award-winning author Jennifer Hillier's Little Secrets, a riveting novel of psychological suspense.

All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret...

Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family—until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

Permanently.

Hello Readers.

This book was gifted to me from one of my best friends. She read an ARC of it and sent me a copy of it the day it released. I finally got to read it this week and I am so glad that I did. I got really into the story and even would send my friend messages about what I was reading. I was all in. 

I was pulled deeply into this book the first scene and plowed through it in less than a day. I started it one evening and finished it the next afternoon. I am sure that I would have read it faster but I had to person a little. The characters were wonderfully flawed. Driven by emotions, their actions left me in shock at times. A true roller coaster. I laughed. I cried. I wanted blood. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was an incredible book and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading all the other work by the author. I will definitely be watching for new releases. Highly recommend. 

InkedBookdragon

Murder on the Mountain by Carolyn LaRoche

Murder on the Mountain by Carolyn LaRoche

Marshall Brothers Book 1

Published by Hot Tree Publishing

Published on May 2, 2020

Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Thriller

Page Count: 208

Source: Enticing Journey Book Promotions

Format: eBook

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Description: She trusts him with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?

Emma Thomas hasn’t been home in years. Only back in Staunton for a few months, she plans to put her investigative reporter skills to use in exposing the trafficking group using her peaceful, idyllic hometown to move drugs. But when she stumbles onto more than drugs, bullets start flying and she has to ask the one person she left Virginia to avoid for help.

Detective Adam Marshall has been working this cartel case for months. On the precipice of breaking the organization wide open, he can’t believe the one woman he’d never been able to get over now holds the key to closing his case. His head warns him to steer clear, but his heart won’t let him walk away when Emma’s life is on the line.

Thrown together by chance after so many years, Adam and Emma work together to break the biggest case of both of their careers and heal some old wounds in the process. Falling in love wasn’t on the docket for either of them, but things don’t always go as planned.


Hello Readers.
I was sent a copy of this book and it looked like something that I could truly enjoy. Some books are sent to me and I am hesitant about them. This was not one of them. I love a romantic mystery. I have never read anything by the author prior to this book.

I read the first sentence and knew that this book had promise. It had my attention and I wanted to see if the author had follow through. Beautifully written. Strong character and likable characters. I could see myself grabbing a coffee with some of them. The story flowed wonderfully.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a really good read. I enjoyed reading it and will be reading more by the author. I definitely will be looking for more in this series. Solid recommendation.


InkedBookDragon

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on April 14, 2020

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary

Page Count: 384

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Description: What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?

-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.

-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.

-He anticipates her every need.

-He would never betray her like her first husband.

The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.

The question is, why?

Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone―presumably drowned while fishing on his boat―she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.

Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.

Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.

Hello Readers.

I was sent an ARC of this book and was really excited about reading it. I loved the other book written by D.J. Palmer and was delighted to hear that there was a new book. The premise looked so promising. Life got a little crazy so I did not get to read it as soon as I got it. Thankfully, I finally got to read it. 

I had such high expectations for this book. Perhaps they were too high going into it. The first chapter started out strong. The scenario was intriguing and I wanted to read as much as I could. I ended up reading five chapters that night before I needed to sleep. I wish that I could say that the momentum continued but it did not. The book became quite slow and even drug in some parts. I developed a love-hate relationship with some of the characters. I liked them at first and then grew to hate them as the book continued then liked them by the end. I wanted to throttle some of them at times. 

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because I liked it but it was really touch and go for a bit there. It took way too long for me to read. I tried to get into it more but there were moments that I wanted to read anything and everything else. I may be able to go back and read it again and feel differently about it but a three is all that I can give it now. I am not sure if I would recommend it.

InkedBookDragon

The God Game by Danny Tobey

The God Game by Danny Tobey

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 7, 2020

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Mystery, Adult

Page Count: 496

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Book Description:

You are invited!

Come inside and play with G.O.D.

Bring your friends!

It’s fun!

But remember the rules. Win and ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.™ Lose, you die!

With those words, Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of creeping vines, smoldering torches, runes, glyphs, gods, and mythical creatures. When they accomplish a mission, the game rewards them with expensive tech, revenge on high-school tormentors, and cash flowing from ATMs. Slaying a hydra and drawing a bloody pentagram as payment to a Greek god seem harmless at first. Fun even.

But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Complete a mission, however cruel, or the game reveals their secrets and crushes their dreams. Tasks that seemed harmless at first take on deadly consequences. Mysterious packages show up at their homes. Shadowy figures start following them, appearing around corners, attacking them in parking garages. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

And what of the game’s first promise: win, win big, lose, you die? Dying in a virtual world doesn’t really mean death in real life—does it?

As Charlie and his friends try to find a way out of the game, they realize they’ve been manipulated into a bigger web they can’t escape: an AI that learned its cruelty from watching us.

God is always watching, and He says when the game is done.

Hello Readers.

I read The God Game for a buddy read with some of my closest friends. I was sent a copy of it and this was the perfect opportunity to read it. What a book! This one was nothing like I thought it would be. I was drawn into it and could not wait to see what happened next. I have said it before but that truly is a rare thing for me. I read a lot of books and only a small percentage of them grab my full attention. This one did just that. Creepy at moments. Intense. Left me wanting more. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because I was torn on how to rate it. This would be one of those that I would rate with half books if I had that system. It was not quite a Five but it was more than a Four. I have purchased the other book by this author and look forward to reading it. Recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare and Leave No Scone Unturned by Denise Swanson

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir

Published by Crown

Published on February 11th 2014

Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space, Adult, Thriller, Humor, Survival, Fantasy

Page Count: 369

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.

Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.

Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.

But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills — and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit — he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

Hello Readers.

I was given this book. I glanced at it and then put it up to read later. When the movie released in 2015, I remembered that I owned the book and decided to read it. I am honestly annoyed with myself for waiting so long. This book is worth all the hype that surrounded it. 

I was captivated by this book from the very first page. It just grabbed me and I plowed through it in one afternoon. I loved the format. I loved the characters. It flowed so wonderfully. I totally understood the love surrounding this book. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it is incredible. It has become one of my favorites and I have reread it more than once. I have read the author's other works but this one still piques my interest. I honestly could recommend this book every single day if given the opportunity. If you have not read it, do so. It is well worth the read. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: I have finished all the books that I was working on and am not quite sure which books that I want to start now. So many books, so little time.

BLOG TOUR : FOUL IS FAIR

Foul Is Fair 

By Hannah Capin

Published by Wednesday Books

Published on February 18th 2020

Hannah Capin's Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

Jade and her friends Jenny, Mads, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Jade's sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Jade as their next target.

They picked the wrong girl.

Sworn to vengeance, Jade transfers to St. Andrew’s Prep. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She'll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school's hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

Here is an excerpt:

Foul is Fair

"Fierce, vicious, and electric. If books had teeth, Foul Is Fair would have fangs. Capin's language glitters dark and her writing cuts deep. Revenge is a dish best served by this deliciously unapologetic coven." - Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To

"Capin’s writing will seduce you with its beauty and then, when you least suspect it, slice you to the bone—just like Foul is Fair’s captivating, vicious, entirely unforgettable heroine, Jade." - Layne Fargo, author of Temper and co-host of Unlikeable Female Characters Podcast

“Vicious and beautifully brutal, Foul is Fair gives a sword to every girl who has ever been a victim and makes them a warrior. This book is pulls no punches and will make anyone think twice before uttering the phrase ‘just a girl’. An unapologetic feminist battle-cry that leaves you breathless and thirsting for vengeance.” - Sonia Hartl, author of Have a Little Faith in Me

"Foul is Fair delivers the story of a girl who snatches control back from a world that stole it away, through whatever means necessary. Hannah Capin deftly combines stunningly lyrical prose with the raw power of engulfing fury, sending a message written in blood. In a world where too many are forced into silence, this book roars back." - S. Gonzales, author of The Law of Inertia and Only Mostly Devastated

Buy here: https://wednesdaybooks.com/the-real-deal/foul-is-fair/

Author bio:

Hannah Capin is the author of Foul is Fair and The Dead Queens Club, a feminist retelling of the wives of Henry VIII. When she isn’t writing, she can be found singing, sailing, or pulling marathon gossip sessions with her girl squad. She lives in Tidewater, Virginia.

Author’s Twitter/Instagram: @tldaaollf

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

Published by Graydon House

Published on December 30th 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 336

Source: Publisher

Format: Paperback

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Description: Imagine that your husband has two other wives.

You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of this unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a week. But you love him so much you don’t care. Or at least that’s what you’ve told yourself.

But one day, while you’re doing laundry, you find a scrap of paper in his pocket—an appointment reminder for a woman named Hannah, and you just know it’s another of the wives.

You thought you were fine with your arrangement, but you can’t help yourself: you track her down, and, under false pretenses, you strike up a friendship. Hannah has no idea who you really are. Then, Hannah starts showing up to your coffee dates with telltale bruises, and you realize she’s being abused by her husband. Who, of course, is also your husband. But you’ve never known him to be violent, ever.

Who exactly is your husband, and how far would you go to find the truth? Would you risk your own life?

And who is his mysterious third wife?

Hello Readers.

"What in the world did I just read?" I frequently asked myself this as I read The Wives. This is the second book by Tarryn Fisher that I have read. The first one was Never Never that she co-wrote with Colleen Hoover. I was not sure if I would like her writing style. There was a lot of talk about this one. Those of you that have been around a while know how I feel about hyped up books. I usually shy away from them. An ARC of this book was delivered to my house. This meant, hype or not, I was going to read it. 

Where do I begin with this one? Complex characters. Some likeable and some were not. The reader is thrown curve balls throughout the story. There were multiple times that I stopped and thought, "Whoa...what?" It kept me guessing. I love that. I do not care for books that I can guess within the first few chapters. I like books that keep me wondering what is about to happen. This one was great for that. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it kept me on my toes. It was a roller coaster read and I loved it. I will be looking more into the author's body of work. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, Repeat by Kylie Scott, and Space Between: Explorations of Love, Sex, and Fluidity by Nico Tortorella

The Nanny By GIlly Macmillan

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan

Published by Willam Morrow

Published on September 10th 2019

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

Page Count: 400

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: The New York Times bestselling author of What She Knew conjures a dark and unpredictable tale of family secrets that explores the lengths people will go to hurt one another.

When her beloved nanny, Hannah, left without a trace in the summer of 1988, seven-year-old Jocelyn Holt was devastated. Haunted by the loss, Jo grew up bitter and distant, and eventually left her parents and Lake Hall, their faded aristocratic home, behind.

Thirty years later, Jo returns to the house and is forced to confront her troubled relationship with her mother. But when human remains are accidentally uncovered in a lake on the estate, Jo begins to question everything she thought she knew.

Then an unexpected visitor knocks on the door and Jo’s world is destroyed again. Desperate to piece together the gaping holes in her memory, Jo must uncover who her nanny really was, why she left, and if she can trust her own mother…

In this compulsively readable tale of secrets, lies, and deception, Gilly Macmillan explores the darkest impulses and desires of the human heart. Diabolically clever, The Nanny reminds us that sometimes the truth hurts so much you’d rather hear the lie.

Hello Readers.

I bought this book as a treat for myself. I read the synopsis and had to read it. I had never read a book by Gilly Macmillan but was quite interested. It felt like a book that I would really enjoy.

This book was everything that I was wanting. Intriguing, complex, deep, and with strong characters. It was intoxicating in a way. I hated to stop reading to sleep. I had questions and I wanted answers. That is a sign of a well written mystery. I was hanging on every word.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a great read. It is getting four books instead of five because there were some parts that were a little wordy and some parts that I guessed early on. Definitely worth a read. Fantastic. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Tell Me Three Things by Juliie Buxbaum, The Wives by Tarryn Fisher, and The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkesan

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 8th, 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 375

Source: Gift

Format: Hardback

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Description: Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking… and what she’s hiding.

Question #2: Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about?

As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

Question #3: Should a punishment always fit the crime?


Hello again.

After being blown away by The Wife Between Us, I was greatly looking forward to this book. I started it as soon as I could and had trouble stepping away from it when I had to "adult". Being responsible can be annoying at times. I love when books make me feel this way.

This book stayed in my thoughts when I was away from it. I loved some of the characters. I absolutely hated some of the others. They were wonderfully written but they were so infuriating that I wanted to throw my book. I would daydream about physically harming them. I assume that was what the authors were going for with this book. They did a great job.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I loved it. It kept my interest and I hated to see it end. I felt invested. Highly recommend.


InkedBookDragon


Currently reading: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler & Lucky Caller by Emma Mills, and She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones

Published by Minotaur Books

Published on June 11th 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 304

Source: Publisher

Format: Paperback

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Description: From Sandie Jones, the author of the Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller The Other Woman, comes an addictively readable new domestic suspense about a wife, her husband, and the woman who is supposedly her best friend.

THE WIFE: For Alice, life has never been better. With her second husband, she has a successful business, two children, and a beautiful house.

HER HUSBAND: Alice knows that life could have been different if her first husband had lived, but Nathan's arrival into her life gave her back the happiness she craved.

HER BEST FRIEND: Through the ups and downs of life, from celebratory nights out to comforting each other through loss, Alice knows that with her best friend Beth by her side, they can survive anything together. So when Nathan starts acting strangely, Alice turns to Beth for help. But soon, Alice begins to wonder whether her trust has been misplaced . . .

The first mistake could be her last. 

Hello again.

To say that I was excited to receive an arc of this book is an understatement. I had heard that Sandie Jones had written a sophomore novel and I could not wait to get my hands on it. Her previous book, "The Other Woman" was a real page-turner so I was beyond intrigued. Let the review begin...

Bravo! Most authors will tell you that it is super difficult to write that second book, especially if the first one was a big hit. Everyone expects greatness. Some fall horribly short. Some write meh books. Some write really good books. This was a really good book. 

Like a great puzzle, the pieces of this story fit together perfectly. The characters were layered. The characters were realistic. They were beautifully flawed. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I greatly enjoyed it. I would have read it in one setting if I had been given the chance. It truly was that good. The author has her third book coming out this year and I cannot wait. Highly recommend this author and this book. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Pines by Blake Crouch, She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin, and Lucky Caller by Emma Mills

Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven

Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven

Published by Skyhorse

Published on November 20th 2018 (October 11th 2016)

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller

Page Count: 304

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

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Description: Since the 1970s, FantasticLand has been the theme park where "Fun is Guaranteed!" But when a hurricane ravages the Florida coast and isolates the park, the employees find it anything but fun. Five weeks later, the authorities who rescue the survivors encounter a scene of horror. Photos soon emerge online of heads on spikes outside of rides and viscera and human bones littering the gift shops, breaking records for hits, views, likes, clicks, and shares. How could a group of survivors, mostly teenagers, commit such terrible acts?

Presented as a fact-finding investigation and a series of first-person interviews, FantasticLand pieces together the grisly series of events. Park policy was that the mostly college-aged employees surrender their electronic devices to preserve the authenticity of the FantasticLand experience. Cut off from the world and left on their own, the teenagers soon form rival tribes who viciously compete for food, medicine, social dominance, and even human flesh. This new social network divides the ravaged dreamland into territories ruled by the Pirates, the ShopGirls, the Freaks, and the Mole People. If meticulously curated online personas can replace private identities, what takes over when those constructs are lost?

FantasticLand is a modern take on Lord of the Flies meets Battle Royale that probes the consequences of a social civilization built online.

Hello Readers.

I encountered this book in an online book group chat. A member wanted to read it and I was intrigued so we did a buddy read. With my love of both Lord of the Flies and Battle Royale, the premise interested me. I had to see the author's approach on such a macabre concept. 

Wow. Yes, you read that right. My response to this story is "Wow." I could not stop reading this book once I started it. It pulled me in and refused to let me go. It haunted my thoughts when I wasn't reading it. There were moments that I am not sure I will ever forget. 

The author's mastery of the story is impressive. The format might throw some people but the flow of the story is so captivating that I completely forgot about it. Rich, complex characters. Perfect examples of mob mentality and overall herd logic. This is a powerful book. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I read it months ago and it has stayed with me. I purchased the other book by this author and hope to read it in the nexrt month or so because I have to know if it is even half the book that Fantasticland is. A reread may also be in order soon. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Pines by Blake Crouch, She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin, and Lucky Caller by Emma Mills

The Break Down by B. A. Paris

The Break Down by B.A. Paris

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin (reprint edition)

Published on May 22nd, 2018 

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Page Count: 352

Source: Gifted

Format:Paperback

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Description: 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. It was on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, and a woman was 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, and she probably would have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. Not only that, her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code.

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

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

Hello Readers.

I was given this book as a present this past Christmas. I had put it on my wishlist because it intrigued me. I had heard things about the author so I wanted to try some of her work. I thought this book would be a good read and it did not disappoint. 

Where do I begin? Hmm...this book was extremely hard to put down once I started it. I grabbed it for a long trip for the holidays.  I was pulled into the story almost immediately and was a bit heartbroken when I had to step away from it and socialize. I would think about it when I couldn't read it and could not wait to get back to it. 

The characters were complex and surprising. I thought that I could probably be friends with some of them. It really takes skill to write characters so multi-dimensional that the reader wants to befriend them. Bravo for that! 

This book did not feel like it was over 300 pages. It flowed beautifully. I was captivated the entire time.  I did not experience any lag. That is super rare. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I think it is absolutely incredible. I added all of the author's work to my TBR and greatly look forward to reading more of it. Highly recommend!

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: P.S. I Like You by Kasie West, Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian, The First Mistake by Sandie Jones, and The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Published by Dutton

Published on December 3, 2019

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

Page Count: 384 

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: In this fast-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, a tight-knit college town scrambles for answers when an e-mail hack reveals life-changing secrets and scandals.

Aldrich University is rocked to its core when a hacker dumps 40,000 people's e-mails—the entire faculty, staff, students, alums—onto an easily searchable database. Rumors and affairs immediately leak, but things turn explosive when Kit Manning's handsome husband, Dr. Greg Strasser, is found murdered. Kit's sister, Willa, returns for the funeral, setting foot in a hometown she fled fifteen years ago, after a night she wishes she could forget. As an investigative reporter, Willa knows something isn't right about the night Greg was killed, and she's determined to find the truth. What she doesn't expect is that everyone has something to hide. And with a killer on the loose, Willa and Kit must figure out who killed Greg before someone else is murdered.

Told from multiple points of view, Reputation is full of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It's a story of intrigue, sabotage, and the secrets we keep—and how far we go to keep them hidden.


Hello Readers.

I went into this book not knowing what I would encounter. This is the first book by Sara Shepard that I have read so I was not sure what to expect with her writing style. I know that her work has been adapted. I separated this piece in my mind from everything that I had heard about her before. Now that I have given that disclaimer, let's move on to my review.

This book surprised me. I thought that the premise would be interesting but I was pleasantly surprised. The flow felt organic and not strained. The story maintained even with the different view points. That is not an easy feat to pull off. 

The characters were complex yet relatable. We have all encountered people like them. This allowed for the reader to embrace them and want to continue on this journey. I was impressed at how well the author approached character development.

I am rating this book Five Red Books because I was sad that it was over. The ease with which the author transitioned the storyline was fantastic. So many layers and paths that came together beautifully. I find myself wanting to look into Sara Shepard's body of work more. I highly recommend this book.


InkedBookDragon

Murder at the University by Faith Martin

Murder At The University by Faith Martin

Published by Joffe Books

Published on October 12, 2017

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

Page Count: 251

Source: Netgalley

Format: eBook

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Description: Looking for a brilliant murder mystery with a feisty female detective?

MEET DI HILLARY GREENE, A POLICE WOMAN WITH A THIRST FOR JUSTICE AND A COMPLICATED CAREER

A pretty French student is found dead in her room at an exclusive Oxford college. Everyone thinks it is another tragic case of accidental drug overdose.

But Detective Hillary Greene has a nose for the truth. She quickly discovers that the student had been up to some very unusual activities.

With a shocking cause of death found, the case becomes a high-profile murder investigation.

Adding to the pressure, Hillary’s nemesis is transferred to work with her at the station.

Can Hillary keep her cool and get justice for the unfortunate student?

MURDER AT THE UNIVERSITY is the second in a series of page-turning crime thrillers set in Oxfordshire.

Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.

THE LOCATION

The Oxford Canal meanders through the beautiful county of Oxfordshire, sometimes joining up with the rivers Cherwell and Thames, and flows past the world-famous university city of Oxford. Unlike many canals which are practically ruler-straight commercial waterways, built to help transport goods and heavy traffic before the advent of the railways, the Oxford Canal is a more winding and natural-looking body of water, and is a haven for wildlife and wildflowers. It has several romantically-named locks on its length (such as the Three Pigeons Lock, and Dashwood Lock) and boasts the ominously-sounding Somerton Deep Lock, which often terrifies first-time boating holiday-makers.

THE DETECTIVES

DI Hillary Greene

An attractive woman in her forties, Hillary Greene is a police officer of many years’ experience, and came up through the ranks. Consequently, she knows how the system works, and is fiercely loyal to the force without being blinkered to its faults. She is a long-standing friend of her immediate superior officer, 'Mellow' Mallow and enjoys a rather enigmatic relationship with the steely Superintendent Marcus Donleavy. Popular with the rank and file for her no-nonsense attitude and competence, she is currently under investigation on account of her recently deceased, and definitely corrupt husband (Ronnie Greene). But adversity has never stopped her from doing her job.

DCI Philip 'Mellow' Mallow

Mel appreciates Hillary's first-rate ability to solve her cases, and isn't happy about her harassment by the officers from York. Known for his sartorial elegance and laid-back manners, he has a sharp mind, and an eye for the ladies. A good friend and ally for Hillary in her recent tribulations, he's determined to keep his best investigator focused on the problems at hand.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A REVISED EDITION OF A BOOK FIRST PUBLISHED AS “ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW.”


Hello Readers.

Tonight, I am reviewing "Murder at the University" by Faith Martin. I received a free copy of it from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Any quotes that follow are from the text and not my own words.

I love a great mystery.  I always have enjoyed trying to figure out a book as I read it.  This one was a good read but I found myself leaning towards the solution about middle of the way through. I was highly disappointed when I did not experience the "A-ha" moment that I long for when reading mysteries.

The author has a way with words and paints the people and locations in such a light that you feel as though you may have encountered them in real life and are remembering them. I did thoroughly enjoy the main character.  She has experienced great hardship and has gotten the short end of the stick because of the actions of others yet continues to apply herself with passion for her job. Most people would take the easy road or just give up. It was refreshing to go on this journey with such a strong woman.

I felt that some of the characters were unnecessary but the majority of the characters relatable. I felt myself rooting for the tenacious heroes and shrinking away from the dastardly villains and the similar scum. In interacting with these detestable individuals, I frequently felt drug through the muck and felt in need of a good wash.

I am giving this book Three Orange Books because even though it was a good read, I highly doubt that I will read it again. It was billed as a mystery thriller but felt more like a police procedural mystery. It had a solid beginning but the ending felt rushed. I found myself greatly disappointed with the twists and turns of the mystery itself. Overall it was a well written book, however there were pacing problems and the mystery itself became transparent in the latter half.

InkedBookDragon