bookreviewsbyaimy's Reviews (788)

 

Okay, The Locked Ward totally pulled me in. I mean, how could it not? Georgia Cartwright finds out she has a twin she never knew existed… right as she’s accused of murdering their biological sister and gets locked up in a psych ward. I was instantly hooked. 

The story flips between Georgia, who's trapped in this super intense, high-security mental hospital, and Amanda, her long-lost twin who suddenly gets dragged into a mess of family secrets. Georgia claims she’s innocent — but is she? Or is she playing everyone? That question kept me flying through the chapters. 

I loved how the book played with perception — you’re constantly questioning what’s real and who to believe. The psych ward setting is creepy in the best way, and Pekkanen nails that unsettling atmosphere. Georgia’s POV was especially eerie (some of it written in second person, which gave it such a disorienting vibe), while Amanda’s chapters gave you a chance to breathe — and also dig into the mystery. 

The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars for me is that a few twists were kind of predictable. I saw them coming, which took a bit of the suspense out. But honestly? It didn’t even ruin the experience. The journey — the emotional intensity, the sister dynamic, the unraveling secrets — made it such a solid, satisfying read. 

If you're into twisty thrillers with psychological depth and messy family drama, this one should definitely be on your list. 

 Okay, this one pulled me in fast. If you enjoy multiple POVs and dual timelines like I do, Lauren is Missing definitely delivers on that front. S.J. King builds tension slowly, revealing just enough to keep you curious but never quite enough to make you feel settled—which is both a strength and a slight weakness, depending on your patience level. 

The writing reminded me a lot of Lisa Jewell—dark domestic vibes, flawed characters, and secrets bubbling just beneath the surface. You’re thrown right into a “what the hell is actually going on?” kind of mystery, and while that feeling was fun at first, I’ll admit it dragged on a little too long for me. There’s a fine line between suspenseful and frustrating, and this book danced a little close to that edge. 

I also had a strong suspicion early on about what the big twist was going to be, and unfortunately, I ended up being right—so the reveal didn’t hit quite as hard as I think the author intended. That said, the way the story wraps up is satisfying, and I appreciated how the pieces eventually came together. 

If you like layered thrillers with shifting perspectives and a slow-burn mystery, this one’s worth picking up. While it didn’t fully shock me, it did keep me turning pages, and I’d still recommend it to fans of Lisa Jewell, B.A. Paris, or Freida McFadden. 

 Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for this free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 

S.A. Cosby does not miss. King of Ashes is a gripping, emotionally heavy Southern noir that digs into family, grief, and the weight of the past. It’s raw, complex, and soaked in atmosphere—the kind of story that stays with you.

The book follows Roman Carruthers, a successful financial advisor who returns to his small hometown after his estranged father is shot. What he thinks will be a quick trip becomes anything but. His younger brother is caught up in dangerous debts, his sister’s holding their crumbling family together, and there’s a long-buried mystery around their mother’s disappearance that refuses to stay buried.

I was lucky enough to receive an ALC (thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio!), and I have to say—the audiobook narration by Adam Lazarre-White was phenomenal. He brought so much intensity and emotion to Roman’s character. Definitely one of the best narrations I’ve heard all year.

I’m giving this one 4 stars—while the character work and themes were incredible, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle for me. Still, it’s a powerful story, and Cosby’s writing is as sharp and soulful as ever.

King of Ashes releases June 10, 2025—add this to your list if you’re into gritty, character-driven thrillers with serious emotional weight.

Twisty, addictive, and impossible to put down—Their Double Lives is a deliciously tense thriller that had me second-guessing every character. Jamie Lynn Hendricks masterfully peels back the layers of deception, betrayal, and double lives in a story where no one is exactly who they seem. The dual timelines and morally gray characters had me hooked from page one, and the final twist? Chef’s kiss.

This is domestic suspense at its best—perfect for fans of The Last Mrs. Parrish and Behind Closed Doors.

Huge thanks to Panzer Publishers and NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. Be sure to grab your copy when Their Double Lives hits shelves on May 20, 2025!

 

 Thank you to Macmillan/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the free ARC! 

Stacy Willingham is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated thriller authors out there. Every time she releases a new book, I’m left wondering why more people aren’t raving about her storytelling—and Forget Me Not is no exception. 

This one had me hooked from the first page. Willingham masterfully blends a tense, eerie atmosphere with layered psychological depth and a protagonist you can’t help but root for—even when you’re not sure if you should. I won’t spoil the plot, but I will say this: if you love thrillers that mess with your head and keep you questioning everything until the final page, this is a must-read. 

I recently had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay, thanks to an advance listening copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher. As a fan of Finlay’s previous thrillers, I was eager to dive into this one, and it did not disappoint!

The story kicks off during a seemingly typical Parents Weekend at a secluded Northern California college. Five students—Libby, Blane, Mark, Felix, and Stella—fail to show up for dinner with their families, sparking a tense and emotional search. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of the parents and FBI Special Agent Sarah Keller, a familiar character from Finlay’s earlier works.

What I appreciated most was the audiobook’s ability to bring each character’s voice to life, making the shifting viewpoints easy to follow and deeply engaging. The pacing is brisk, with short chapters that kept me hooked, and the plot is layered with secrets and twists that kept me guessing until the end.

If you’re into fast-paced thrillers that explore family dynamics and hidden pasts, this one should be on your radar. It’s a compelling listen that balances suspense with emotional depth.