bookswithlydscl's Reviews (639)

 3.25* for the story, 3.5* for the audiobook experience

I love a destination thriller and enjoy suspending belief to become immersed into the high unrealistic and crazy world of the story and 'Sun Trap' is no different. You really do need to suspend belief with the story premise but it's so ridiculous that you can't help but go along for the ride. There are plenty of twists and turns and our main character, Ellie is well realised and reasonably likeable (not often the case in these books!). There are pacing issues for the middle third of the book but the ending comes at you like a speeding train with reveal after reveal that for the most part I didn't see coming.

What also helped was the enjoyable narration from the audiobook narrator. I felt that Alexandra Boulton did a really solid job bringing each character and the story to life. I really appreciated that Ellie's inner thoughts were in an English accent and when she was speaking 'in character' she maintained her American accent. The production quality is great as well - high quality, clear, well edited and produced. The glamourous but deadly setting was well brought to life and helped keep me engaged when the story pacing felt off.

You know what you're getting with this kind of book so don't think too much about the story or how far fetched it is. Just go along and enjoy the whirlwind ride, and whilst it's a cliché to say, it really is going to be a great read by the pool for your 2025 holiday. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus Audiobooks | Aries Fiction for a review copy of the Audiobook of "Sun Trap" and Aria & Aries | Head of Zeus - an Aries Book for a digital review copy of "Sun Trap" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

This was a case of being drawn in by a title and cover and it not living up to it's promise. Sadly this book didn't work for me and after showing real potential with the opening chapter it failed to continue that high and really didn't engage me.

Based on the premise and opening chapter I was hoping for a gory, cannabalism storyline with literal eating of the rich but unfortunately my expectations weren't met and I worry that other readers will feel the same way.

A case of reader beware - this may not be the story you're expecting but as always with any book I will say that just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Children's Group | Hodder Children's Books for a digital review copy of "The Summer I Ate the Rich" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Really enjoyed this one,favourite in the series so far

Can't stand the family, not for me right now.

Enjoyed overall but 1 enough

I have to admit I didn't get it all but i enjoyed it. Will have to return to it in future.

 

A Genuine Delight and Surprise:

My 5* review synopsis - read this if you love mysteries that are about the people rather than the case, if you love moving and heartfelt writing and if you enjoyed the aging chosen family set up of The Thursday Murder Club and Marlow Murder Club series'

Reminiscent of The List of Suspicious Things - this is a story first and foremost about people, finding identity, growing up (growing old in this case) and coming to terms with the situations life throws at you. The mystery is there but it's not the most important part of the narrative, though it does have a very satisfying conclusion.

I loved this book from page one and thought the cast of characters were lovable and incredibly human. I connected with their desire to find out who they are now that they are in the last phase of their life and the desire to find joy even whilst facing the challenges of old age. The story is strong and the slightly supernatural elements aren't overplayed and rather enhance it.

A surprise hit for me and I'll definitely be searching out more from Melissa Payne.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a digital review copy of "In The Beautiful Dark" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

 

Loved this, it dipped a little in the middle but otherwise thoroughly enjoyed

5* for that final quarter alone. 
So many questions, no answers and yet I come away completely satisfied. 

this is a series that gets stronger and stronger and this is a great installment - 4 25*