booksthrilljessica's Reviews (537)

Ok this book was not what I was expecting AT ALL! I went in thinking it would be more of a mystery, but within the first few chapters, I found myself in tears. This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster I wasn’t prepared for, but somehow really needed.

Told through a countdown leading to “the funeral,” we follow Maggie, a woman coming to terms with her terminal diagnosis, the same fate her mother faced. But before she reaches this fate she is determined to find the perfect woman to step into her shoes and raise her children after she’s gone. What unfolds is a powerful journey through love, loss, legacy, and resilience. Maggie’s character arc from grief stricken teenager, to rebeling, to small-town mayor is unforgettable. I mean, she was voted “Most Likely to Kill Someone to Get What She Wants” after all.

I usually struggle with male authors writing from a female perspective, but this one absolutely nailed it. The writing is heartfelt, raw, and surprisingly easy to connect with. And January LaVoy’s narration was absolutely heart-wrenching and full of emotion. Just when I thought I had it all figured out *boom* a twist I never saw coming hit me like a ton of bricks. It left me questioning everything and everyone.

This book was heartbreaking, hopeful, and beautifully written. I can't recommend it enough.

What a wild ride this story was! With separated twins, identity fraud, cult-like groups, and a mysterious private island, this book pulls the reader into a dark, twisted journey. One of the things I appreciated most was how Zhang exposes the darker side of social media. How addicting it can be, how corrupt it has become, and how the pursuit of influencer fame can warp identity and reality.

I loved how the author weaves real life news elements into fiction, giving us a story that feels disturbingly possible. Zhang explores the price of fame in today’s world, where power is measured in followers and approval comes in likes and comments. Julie’s descent into this influencer culture is both fascinating and unsettling.

There are also some really interesting, subtle parallels between the fictional cult like group and real life conspiracy theories about celebrity elites and secret islands. Bella Marie’s island, for instance, eerily mirrors Epstein’s, and I found this comparison both bold and clever. While some readers found these elements far fetched, I think that’s exactly the point. It blurs the line between fiction and the hidden truths of our world.

If I had one critique, it’s that I wish the plot had focused more on Julie investigating Chloe’s disappearance from the start, leaning more into the mystery. The island section also felt a bit off track, almost like a separate storyline.

Still, this book is a captivating, fictional reflection of our society's obsession with fame, the dark allure of the rich and powerful, and the cost of chasing a life that isn’t your own. It leaves you wondering…. What would you do if you had the chance to take over the life of someone rich and famous?

*Thank you to Liann Zhang, Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Olivia has been trying to make sense of her life ever since her sister's unexpected death at the Brown Palace Hotel. But when she receives a call suggesting her sister might be connected to a mysterious cult and the eerie pattern of women dying in Room 904 every five years, Olivia finally sees a chance to make things right.

Now one of the most sought after paranormal investigators, known for her rare ability to communicate with the dead, Olivia still can't shake the relentless scrutiny from a particular “reporter” determined to discredit her. Despite facing constant doubt not just for her abilities, but for being a woman in a male dominated field, she remains fiercely committed to advocating for the rights of Indigenous and marginalized communities who’ve long been silenced. 

As she delves deeper into one of Denver’s most chilling mysteries, Olivia must confront her guilt, her past, and the truth she's been chasing. Will she finally uncover the answers she's been seeking, or will the weight of her sister’s death continue to haunt her?

I really appreciated how Wurth addressed harassment and discrimination, especially in today’s digital age where a single defamatory post can unleash a wave of online attacks from keyboard warriors. The story’s commentary on this modern day mob mentality felt incredibly timely and relevant.

I also loved the way different cultural and religious perspectives on ghosts and beliefs were woven into the narrative. That said, I found myself wishing for a deeper exploration of Native American beliefs and traditions related to the supernatural. Highlighting these elements more fully would have added even greater depth and offered valuable insight for readers unfamiliar with their cultural significance.

I had a tough time getting into this book. The beginning felt like déjà vu almost as if I were reading The Girl on the Train, but set on a boat instead. The storyline felt overly familiar, and unfortunately, the middle didn’t do much to pull me in either. I found myself just wanting to get through it.
That said, the last 25% completely turned things around. It was gripping, fast-paced, and everything I had hoped the rest of the book would be. And that epic twist at the end? Totally unexpected. I was left thinking, What the heck just happened?

As a devoted fan of The Golden Girls, I was eager to dive into this book. I thoroughly enjoyed being swept into Dorothy’s journey as she reenters the dating world. Only she discovers that it’s not quite the romantic adventure Blanche makes it out to be. And soon things take an unexpected turn when Dorothy’s disastrous date turns up dead at Rose’s cousin’s wedding. How did he end up there and who’s responsible?

While the mystery was fun, I did find myself missing some of the show’s signature charm. Rose’s whimsical stories about Olaf and Sophia’s sharp tongued wit were noticeably absent, and I felt there were missed opportunities to truly capture the essence of these beloved characters. The connection to the show’s original magic didn’t fully land for me.

That said, I appreciated the continued theme of deep female friendship and found family, which is at the heart of what makes The Golden Girls so special. I’m looking forward to the next installment and hope it brings more of that classic dynamic we know and love.

*Thank you to Rachel Ekstrom Courage, Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

As we pick up after Finlay is finally ready to leave her divorce in the rearview and embrace a fresh start and with a younger, handsome soon to be lawyer boyfriend by her side. But before she can fully move on, there are a few lingering threads from the last installment that need tying up. Most pressing? Figuring out who wants her ex-husband dead… and stopping them before it’s too late.

Following Finlay is always a wild and entertaining ride. She’s a woman in her prime, juggling life as a writer, mom, friend, and accidental sleuth. And doing all this while also rediscovering her confidence and spark. I absolutely adore this series and can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes her!

*Thank you to Elle Cosimano, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I’m torn between giving this a 3 or a 4. I was really drawn in by the premise of a woman named Sarah grappling with the unsettling feeling that she’s losing her grip on reality. Her husband’s quiet revulsion toward her adds a layer of tension, though the reason behind it remains unclear for much of the story. There’s a strong thread of mystery and secrecy woven throughout, and I especially appreciated the exploration of mental illness. It gave me strong Yellow Wallpaper vibes, which I loved.

That said, the pacing did linger at times, and I think the story would have benefitted from introducing the dual POV earlier on. I really liked the ending, but I wish it had been developed more fully and given a stronger buildup.

Kelli Amari is utterly obsessed with psychopaths, to the point where she questions whether she might be one herself… or hopes she is. As a reporter, she’s on a mission to write a book centered around a serial killer, The White Widower Dick Monroe. But when a new killer emerges and pulls Kelli into their twisted game, she becomes determined to uncover their identity. Haunted by the creeping suspicion that the person responsible might be much closer to her than she realizes.

I found myself struggling with Kelli’s character. At times, she came across as immature and more self-absorbed than psychopathic. Her reactions felt inconsistent. At times Kel would seem emotionally detached from certain victims, only to show concern or distress over others in later chapters. The shifts in her emotional responses didn’t quite align with the psychological profile the book seemed to be building. Perhaps this was intentional on Barnett’s part, meant to create a more relatable protagonist. But for me, it fell flat. I just couldn’t connect with her on a deeper level.

That said, I did really enjoy the premise of a character so immersed in true crime that it begins to emerge with their everyday experiences, feeding anxiety and fear that they could become a victim themselves. It’s a compelling and intriguing concept that adds a unique edge to the narrative. 

*Thank you to Tam Barnett, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book infuriated me and made me cringe in all the best ways. Set in a not so distant future where chips and predictive technology can be implanted in one’s brain that may determine whether someone might commit a crime. The story blends the chilling mixture of Minority Report with the oppressive atmosphere of The Handmaid’s Tale. 

This story follows a newly mother of twins, Sara, whose brain scores have come back at a dangerous level, she's then abruptly detained and thrown into a detention center with no hope of release.

As the narrative unfolds, it paints a stark and unsettling picture of a world where every action is monitored and technology is idolized as the solution to human problems. The characters are forced to confront the horror of being punished for crimes they haven’t committed, and might never commit. 

Lalami doesn’t hold back in exploring what such a future would look like, especially for those who are marginalized, discriminated against, and stripped of their rights. 

Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say I had a growing suspicion that this story would lean into the idea that such control and punishment were specifically targeted at women. And while the ending didn’t take the turn I was expecting, it did dive deep into the psychological toll such a system would inflict. It forces readers to ask themselves….. 

In a world that teaches women to be obedient, would you submit, or would you fight for what you know is right, in whatever way you can?

*Thank you to Laila Lalami, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Pantheon and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

After surviving a high stakes shooting, former detective Ben Packard is forced to confront the ghosts of his past. While on leave, he uncovers new information about a cold case that has haunted him since childhood. The disappearance of his own brother, who he was the last to see. Determined to finally find closure, Ben dives back into the case. But the question lingers, how far is he willing to go for the truth?

I did find some of the humor around characters’ sexual orientation a bit jarring. It felt more harmful than helpful to the story. While I appreciated the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters, at times it seemed like the jokes came at their expense rather than adding depth or representation.

I also found myself wishing for a dual timeline that explored the immediate aftermath of Ben’s brother’s disappearance and how the family and town responded. And perhaps a deeper look at the suspect which would have led to a more powerful twist. Still, if you're a fan of character driven mysteries, this one might be right up your alley.

*Thank you to Joshua Moehling, Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.