reading_under_covers's Reviews (1.61k)

Really really enjoyed seeing this one play out!

This book is lengthy, but definitely worth it for all of the gotcha moments. 

This book is definitely helpful if you’re looking to downsize after a parent’s death (and also have other siblings to contend with), and there were a few bits of advice about what things are actually worth keeping that I’ll keep in my back pocket for when I’m feeling the itch to declutter my life.

This book did have massive sections that were literally copy and pasted (about garage sales no less!), that made this read less than enjoyable.

I was pleasantly surprised by this one!

It takes place over the course of a day, which did come off as a bit mundane and ordinary (which I happen to really enjoy - give me more to-do lists!) and the past and all of everyone's secrets slowly unravel as the day goes on.

This one is definitely more of a domestic suspense - so more rich people drama than your average thriller tropes - and a much slower pace filled with uncomfortable interactions.

Def recommend if you love a good domestic suspense!

Highly recommend listening to this one on audio if you find yourself missing the podcast!

It was great to finally hear John Moe’s story and also really loved how he incorporated sound bites from some of his podcast guests as well! Definitely something I’d encourage anyone and everyone to read!

When recently-widowed Oxford fellow Emily is invited for a weeklong retreat at the isolated Chalet des Anglais with some of her fellow colleagues and undergrads, she thinks it might be just what she needs in her time of grief. However, strange things seem to be happening to and around her, and she has a feeling one of their group is out to get her.

BRIGHT AND DEADLY THINGS by Lexie Elliott is a slow burn, atmospheric thriller. This is my first read by Elliott and I can see what draws readers to her work.

I loved how each character came into their own personality and quirks, and I really enjoyed that remote, no electricity feel, however, it didn’t have the full isolation I was hoping to get out of this book and setting!

While I love a good slow burn, this one was almost too slow and drawn out for my taste, and also doesn’t lead to anything truly groundbreaking to warrant such a slow meander.

I will say if you love an atmospheric read concerning academics with a slightly supernatural twist, don’t hesitate to pick this one up!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: February 14, 2023

When famous feminist horror writer Roza Vallo announces that she’ll be hosting a month-long writing retreat at her historic estate, a select group of women are chosen to be her special guests. What starts as a long, intense month of writing, soon takes a sinister turn when Roza starts playing mind games and strange happenings begin to occur.

THE WRITING RETREAT By Julia Bartz was an intensely atmospheric book that had me flipping pages. The story slowly builds to some amazing wtf moments, and I had such a fun time reading it!

I also really enjoyed that the author added in glimpses of the book our lead character, Alex, was writing while at the retreat - it added more history behind the estate, and also helped with drawing some eerie parallels!

Definitely recommend picking this one up this winter, and I look forward to Julia Bartz’s future books because, HELLO, I FORGOT TO MENTION THIS IS A DEBUT!?! 

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Emily Bestler Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Publication Date: February 21, 2023

I 👏🏻 LOVE 👏🏻 MAMA 👏🏻 DRAMA!!

I will eat up any book with rich housewives hitting the gossip hard, and this one was no exception!

There were plenty of lies and deceit and a PBA board to boot. I wasn’t fully convinced by the big reveal in this one, but it was enjoyable all the same!

They all said it was a bingeable popcorn thriller, and that was indeed what it was! 

Highly recommend listening to this on audio - read by the author! 

This book was morbid and so so fascinating! Makes me wish I could pick child Hannah’s brain for all of her weird and curious questions about life and death. 

This book was beautiful and the good people in Meredith’s life all felt like warm hugs 🥰 a lot of triggers surrounding mental health and abuse in this one, but also sooo many moments of hope.