Maria

I had such mixed emotions going into this book because I have heard very differing opinions from people who have read this book before me. At first I wasn't even sure if I should pick it up but the cover really just sold it for me, yes I am a sucker for a beautiful book cover. Thankfully, I was not disappointed, on the contrary, I loved EVERY single second of this beautifully written and orchestrated book! It reminded me of Then There Were None by Agatha Christie and even though I read that book back in school, I remember absolutely loving it. I haven't read a closed off “who-dunn-it” in a really long time and this book reminded me of how much I love these kinds of thrillers. There is no way around it, this is my favorite Ruth Ware book and even though I've had mixed emotions about her books in the past, this book has restored my faith in her ability to write an outstanding thriller. I will be picking up all the other books she has written without any hesitation.

To start of, this novel is about a group of co-workers and ex co-workers who escape for the weekend to an expensive ski resort in a beautiful mountainous location and then, after an avalanche closes them inside of the resort, people start getting killed and various things start coming to light. I have read two of Ruth Ware's other novels and I have never seen a plot as intricate and complex as I saw in this book. It's fast paced and thrilling and even though I couldn't stop reading it for the life of me, I was also really anxious and stressing, afraid of what was going to happen. There was not a moment when I was bored reading this book, if anything I had to drag myself away because it was really late and I needed to go to sleep. If I didn't have two kids and a household to take care of, I would have, without a doubt, finished this book in one sitting. That's how good it really was.

Next, the characterization is the best I have ever encountered from Ruth Ware's books yet. In the other books, even though the characters were good, they weren't exceptional. However, in this novel she really delivers on that front. Because the book is written from the perspectives of two people who are at the resort when everything goes down, we really get a deep look into their psyches and what makes them tick and what ultimately drives them to be the person that they are. It was fascinating because every character, even the ones who's perspectives we didn't get to read from gave us a look into their own souls, either through their own actions or just how the two main characters saw and perceived them. I could see positives and also flaws in each character and it made me care about what happened to them all the more.

Thirdly, the writing is flawless, as I have always found with Ruth Ware's books. It flows smoothly and helps get through the book even faster, if that's at all possible considering I read this book in a few days with a lot of other responsibilities on my plate. I love that her writing really gets to the point and doesn't phrase things in odd ways to expand the book and make it longer. I feel like in thrillers especially, that is the wrong style of writing, at least I haven't found one thrillers with that kind of writing that I liked. Also, the writing really just painted all the action scenes beautifully and really made me see the story and things as they were happening, almost as though I was watching it on a screen.

In conclusion, I can say that I am beyond grateful that I brought this book, even if it was really mainly for the beautiful cover. It delivered an amazing story to me, full of twists and turns and things revealed that I never could have even imagined. I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves fast-paced and “makes-your-heart-beat-faster” kind of thrillers because I don't think you will be disappointed. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ruth Ware's books before this one but now I can say with certainty that she is one of my favorite thriller writers of all time. This book will forever be a favorite of mine! Highly recommend!

And Riley Sager does it again! Even though I was excited to read this Riley Sager novel, since the last time I read any of his novels was over three years ago and it was Final Girls, I had heard very mixed reviews about all of his works and didn't want to be disappointed. Well, I can honestly say that I was not disappointed, not even a little bit. This book rocked my world. Initially I was a bit worried about the length because it is on the longer side and I was hoping that it wouldn't drag for me but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Hence why I finished it in a few days! I will be reading all the other Riley Sager books very soon because this was just overwhelmingly terrific in so many ways.

The story is about a girl, Maggie, who inherits an old house, Baneberry Hall, that she and a lot of people have history with. Her dad brought the house when she was still a very young girl and after spending a very short time there, her family leaves and vows never to return again. As she goes back there to uncover the truth and get the house fixed up to sell, she realizes that the truth might be more than she bargained for. Another instance where the plot was so intricate, so much more than just a haunted house story. It had layers and layers, just like an onion being peeled. Even after I thought I had the whole story figured out, I was taken by surprise and another twist came out of nowhere and made me completely clueless all over again. I love books where reality and fiction is blurred and we try to figure out what's real and what's not.

Further on, the characterization is amazing! Maggie is such a complicated, conflicted character and even though she wasn't without flaws herself, there was so much truth to her and she was one of the most relatable characters I have ever encountered in a book. I loved that we got to see firsthand into her head and what she was thinking and how the story switched between the book that he father wrote that made her family rich and famous and also seeing things in present day as Maggie was experiencing them, many years after the initial incident and escape. The other characters were also very unique and I loved how that affected the dynamic between all of them, which is how it should always be in books.

Thirdly, Riley Sager's writing style is my favorite kind. So simple, yet touching and gets right to the heart of what is being said in the sentence. I had no trouble finishing this longer book because the writing was just a joy to behold and the pages literally flipped themselves and I was even sad when the book was over because I felt like it had passed in a blur. I could have actually finished the book last night but it was late and I wanted to savor it a little bit longer because it was an immensely enjoyable read and forever one of my favorites.

In conclusion, I think this book is a must read for thriller/mystery lovers everywhere. Riley Sager is one of the most famous authors of this genre and in my opinion his work is worth the hype! I have no doubt that the other books he has written will not disappoint either. If you want a fantastic plot with uniquely flawed characters and also flawless writing, look no further and pick this up. Thankfully I have two more of his novels waiting for me and will be picking them up very soon.

I gotta say, it's been a long while since I've read a Lisa Jewell book and she's proving to be consistently good. Even though I have read many great thrillers since reading Then She Was Gone, I can say that I was not disappointed. I will definitely be reading all her other books as well because she definitely writes really good ones. I found Invisible Girl to be very clever and engrossing, even if it wasn't the most shocking mystery/thriller novel I have ever read. She definitely puts a lot of effort into developing a complete story with many layers and I really like that about her books.

Invisible Girl is a story centering around multiple characters who live in close proximity to each other and how the disappearance of Saffyre Madox, affects them all in turn. A lot of things transpire from there and we also get to see the individual experiences and events of the individual characters that lead to the big mystery and her disappearance. It's not the most shocking plot I have ever come across in a thriller novel but it's very well planned and thought out and the pacing is spot on so I was definitely compelled to keep reading and wasn't bored. Even the slow burn at times didn't feel particularly uninteresting because the novel is just so wholesome and I loved finding out the little reveals and background on the characters.

Further on, the characterization was great. I love books with different points of view and this was no exception. I got immersed into the different lives surrounding the main characters and grew pretty attached to them, even though the writing style wasn't my absolute favorite and took a few chapters to get used to. They were all complicated individuals with histories and pasts and I loved seeing all the things they have been through in their lives and then seeing where life took them next. They were imperfectly flawed and that's the most important thing to me when it comes to a good, engrossing novel.

Thirdly, the writing style is really the only thing I had much problem with. I find Lisa Jewell's writing style rather impersonal and it has a tendency of keeping the reader at a distance which I find frustrating to say the least. Eventually I got used to it and didn't mind it as much anymore because I got invested in the story itself but it's definitely not a writing style that just effortlessly flows and makes the novel a treat to read. If it wasn't for the writing, the book would be even better in my opinion.

In conclusion, Invisible Girl is another great thriller by Lisa Jewell and since it was enjoyable to me, I would recommend it to other thriller lovers as well. Definitely not the book with the highest shock factor but it's really well developed and thought out and executed so it is still worth a read.

Yes! That is what I'm talking about! I feel like I've been stuck in mediocre thrillers lately and I am so ecstatic that this one totally blew me away! The only reason it took me longer to read this book is because I wanted to savor it, I wanted to fully feel every single page deep in my soul. Also, this is the only book in a school setting that left me feeling somewhat anxious and a bit nostalgic for my own school days, that's something I've never gotten from a book before this. I just think this is as close to perfect as a thriller can get for me- from the atmosphere to the pace of the plot and the twists and turns, I will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone that will give me the time of day!

To begin with, In My Dreams I Hold a Knife is about a girl, Jessica, who is going back to her college homecoming reunion, 10 years later, and she is desperate to prove herself as a woman who got it all, even though ten years prior a lot of messed up things happened on campus and her roommate was killed. Things take quite a turn, when her old roommate's brother corners Jessica and her old college friends, desperate to find answers about who really killed his sister all those years ago. I freaking loved this plot! School settings tend to not be my favorite tropes in thrillers and yet this one proved just how good that trope could be if done right. I thought the pacing was masterfully done and I was literally anxious to find out what actually happened all those years ago, and yet I also couldn't stop reading the book. The dual timelines are also masterfully crafted and I loved going between the now and then skipping around between all their four years in college. We also got a few chapters from the other friends' perspectives and I really appreciated that, since I grew attached to every single one of them. I will definitely be reading all her future works, she has instantly become an auto-buy author for me, that is for sure.

Further on, the characterization in this book was beyond superb. All the friends from the friend group had complicated backgrounds and I loved seeing how these backgrounds were able to come together into a rather messed up friend group and the dynamics that formed as a result. We are really able to dive deep into the psyches of these complex individuals and understand why they acted the way that they acted at certain times and what really drove them to end up in the place where they were now, in the present moment, at the reunion homecoming. There were so many layers to each of them and quite frankly, I would have been ecstatic if this book would have been made into a series or if we even got books from any of the other characters that we have read about in here.

Finally, the writing style was top notch, at least in my opinion. It was a bit sophisticated but not overly complex and definitely gave of a rather charming and dramatic vibe, but that's what I find I love in my thrillers. Each and every chapter flowed so smoothly and even though the chapters weren't the shortest I've ever read, the pages felt as if they were flipping themselves, effortlessly. Also, the end of every chapter left with a bit of a cliffhanger and I was hooked! There were also so many deep thoughts and pondering in this book that it's one I would like to reread in the future, to catch what I didn't catch the first time and I NEVER reread books. This book literally moved me that much!

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to EVERYONE! I think that thriller lovers would love it but so would most other readers as well because it left a lasting impression on me and moved me to the point of tears. I believe that anybody can benefit from delving into this story because at the root of it, there are tons of psychological aspects and life truths all throughout it. This is the kind of book that could really make for some profound discussions and conversations. If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for?!!

Woah, okay! Finally, a book that's just as good as the cover! I picked up Goodnight Beautiful as an add-on in my Book of the Month box and I am so freaking glad that I finally got around to reading this incredible book and I am happy that I decided to pick up another book by Aimee Molloy, after not liking The Perfect Mother at all. It really goes to show that not all books by the same author will work for an individual and I will be more hesitant to never read an author's work again, if I didn't particularly like their first one because you just never know. This book had nonstop twist and turns and I was immersed throughout the whole story, almost feeling like I got whiplash at certain points.

First of all, Goodnight Beautiful is about newly married couple, Annie and Sam, who move back to Sam's childhood neighborhood in order to be closer to his mother, who has a bad case of dementia. As they settle into their new lives and jobs, things transpire that no one could have seen coming. I loved this plot! As I have pointed out time and time again, I love a good domestic thriller and this one was fantastic. There were twists and turns all throughout the novel and a few big reveals at equal intervals all throughout as well. I love novels that have a big reveal towards the beginning of the book, it exhilarates me like nothing else can. There were times when I was confused whilst reading this book because I felt like I couldn't trust anything that I was inferring from it but it was more of a positive because it added to the excitement of feeling like I absolutely had to get to the end of the novel and find out exactly what transpired and how. Talk about a wild ride!

Secondly, the characterization was pretty good in this novel, I would put it above average. The main characters had complex backgrounds of their own and things they have been through in their lives and it made the story itself very believable and made the characters' actions understandable, even if also frowned upon. I found the ability to relate to all the flawed, messed up people in this novel and was experiencing the emotions right along with them. I will definitely be picking up Molloy's future works, without a doubt.

Thirdly, the writing style of the novel is the only thing that I found remotely negative at times. For me it felt a little choppy sometimes and there were moments when I had to reread the same sentence again to get the full understanding of what exactly was happening or if that particular thing was something that happened in the past or is happening in the present day. It wasn't too bad however, and I got used to it after a while. Also, the short chapters really added to the fast-paced nature of this novel and it was exactly what I needed after the last book I read was such a disappointment.

In conclusion, I think any and all thriller lovers and seekers will enjoy this novel. It was extremely fast-paced, suspenseful and shocking all throughout with the major and the minor reveals. I also felt that the novel is the perfect length and nothing is wasted or stretched longer then it needs to be. Give this book a shot, I think you'll like it!

I never understood before what people meant when they would say that a book is a “fun time” but now I actually do. This book was a freaking funtastic time and I had a lot of enjoyment reading it because it was over the top and yet it also didn't see too out there. I am glad I got this in my Book of the Month pick because it was something light and I haven't read a fun domestic thriller in a very long time. It was kind of like a palette cleaner and I flew through it, glad I decided to pick it up when I did because that's just what I needed.

First of all, The Hunting Wives is a novel about a married woman named Sophie, who moves with her little family to a small town, where she used to go to school a very long time ago. Initially she wanted to get away from the craziness of a big city setting but as she finds herself growing restless in her new surroundings, she is enveloped into an exclusive group of women who call themselves “The Hunting Wives”. Having nothing better to do, these women spend their days- drinking, shooting and doing downright awful things to spice up their lives. I really liked the plot of this book, I haven't read many novels with such a plot yet. Even though I enjoy domestic thrillers, I haven't read that many with a big group of flawed friends yet. The pacing was great and even though the climax wasn't quite as climactic as I was hoping for, I had no problem keeping an interest in this book and read the book in a few days.

Secondly, the characterization was above average. I wouldn't say that I got to see into the souls of these characters but I definitely got an idea of who they are as people and what kinds of lives they lead. Because the book was so atmospheric and you got a glimpse into the lives of the rich and privileged, it really made the book all the more realistic and helped the characters pop a bit off the page. I wish we would have gotten a deeper look into their backgrounds, even the main character's (Sophie's), but nonetheless I could kind of see why they did what they did and their thought processes behind those actions. In all, I really enjoyed following their stories and the relationships they formed with each other inside of the exclusive group.

Thirdly, the writing style is one I have absolutely no problems with. It was precise and to the point and really helped deliver the thriller to me. It got the scenes across effectively and kept me reading, unable to put the book down in many instances. I will be reading May Cobb's future works because this one was a much needed breath of fresh air.

In conclusion, I am glad I picked up this book finally because it was exactly what I needed at this point in my life. I was in a reading slump last month and needed a quick pick-me-up, that wasn't too heavy and this book did just that. I would recommend it to all of my thriller lovers who are looking for a quick read that will also give them a hell of a fun and crazy time!

Hmmmm......this is my second Karin Slaughter book and after Pretty Girls, which is one of my favorite thrillers of all time, I was severely disappointed. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but what I got was and action movie in book form, not the exciting thriller I was hoping for. Also, there were so many political aspects to this book and all those details made the book drag on forever, at least that's what it felt like and the reason this book put me in a severe reading slump and I only ended up reading two books in the month of March.

To begin with, Pieces of Her centers around a mother and daughter relationship that gets complicated when the daughter, Andrea, starts to find out that she doesn't know her mom as well as she thought she did. Things escalate quickly and Andrea has to go on a dangerous journey to find out the truth about her mother's past and to guarantee them a safe future. I thought this plot was okay. I haven't read that many books with a plot like this but it honestly felt more like an action book, then a thriller. It was mediocre but the whole time I was reading it, I saw the book as a movie in my head so I will definitely be watching the series adaptation. Also, the book was so unnecessarily long and it really dragged on, having a lot of political aspect talk and explanation, which made it very difficult for me to keep reading since I didn't really care what would happen. Also, what was up with those long chapters? They were almost unbearable to get through. I really hope Karin Slaughter's other books will be more to my liking.

Further on, the characterization was okay. I generally really enjoy mother/daughter relationship dynamics in books, since my own relationship with my mother has always been very complicated, but in this instance I really didn't feel invested whatsoever. I just didn't feel the essence of the closeness between them and a lot of the things that the mother did and what actions she took really made me question the depth of her love for her daughter. Or maybe the writing just wasn't transcendent enough for me to really feel the mother/daughter bond that is supposed to run so very deep.

Finally, the writing style was good since it is a Karin Slaughter book and I find I enjoy her writing for the most part. The only thing is that for some reason this time, it didn't quite move me or evoke any emotion in me like Pretty Girls did. Pretty Girls made me sob like a baby but this book didn't even drive me to get to the ending in order to find out the fates of the main characters. Overall, I think it was just okay, as is everything else about this book.

In conclusion, I would say that this is one book that I should have dnfed and just watched the show instead. Not only did it put me in a severe reading slump but nothing was really that thrilling about it. It felt more like an action genre than anything else but the length of it really made the book drag on for ages and it took me weeks to read. I really think that this book could be skipped and you wouldn't be missing out on anything at all.

And Michaelides does it again! I read his debut novel, The Silent Patient at the beginning of this year and it blew me completely away, especially the big reveal at the end. The Maidens I ,of course, had to pick up as soon as it came in the mail because I was so excited and had preordered it months ago. Although it didn't blow me away as much as The Silent Patient did, I really loved the majority of it and it was a very thrilling ride with impeccable pacing and a very beautiful atmosphere which comes across unforgettably in the writing style. I definitely will be recommending this book and Michaelides is definitely an auto buy author for me, without any hint of hesitation.

To begin with, The Maidens is following a group therapist, Mariana, who is dealing with the loss of her beloved husband, as she is brought into the world of Cambridge University by her niece Zoe, who's best friend and roommate has been brutally murdered. Determined to get to the bottom of who the killer is, she suspects strongly it is the charismatic Greek Tragedy professor who is kind of like a celebrity on campus and she sets out to prove this. The plot was great and I have no complaints at all, especially because the pacing of this novel was impeccable and I loved all the twists and turns coming every which way. This is the first novel in a while, where I literally trusted NO ONE and was suspicious of everyone! It was definitely a roller coast of emotions and it didn't let up until the very last page. The only thing I didn't really like was the big reveal at the end and the ending itself felt a little rushed and I wish there was more of it but besides that this book was perfection.

Secondly, the characterization in this novel was amazing. I was a psych major in college so all the psychological stuff was mind-blowing to me and I especially loved the main character, Mariana, because she was so flawed and yet so intricate and good at the core. I have come to the conclusion that I actually prefer a reliable narrator as opposed to an unreliable one but I can definitely enjoy both as long as they are done well. I loved seeing into her psyche and also getting a look into the killer's psyche, in the form of journal entries. We really got to dive deep into the characters and I got a really good sense of why they are the way that they are and a complete backstory, which I absolutely love in thrillers.

Finally, the writing style is probably my favorite thing about Michaelides' books. It is so simple and to the point and yet everything is phrased so beautifully and the atmosphere comes across without lengthy paragraphs and run-on sentences. A lot of times I find the atmosphere setup to be tedious but in this instance I enjoyed every second of it, being able to be immersed fully in this beautiful setting and all its surroundings. What a breath of fresh air!

In conclusion, this was another home run for Michaelides, even though it's not as good as The Silent Patient in my opinion. If you're looking for a fun, fast-paced and engrossing thriller, this is definitely for you and you should pick it up! It was also a relatively quick read and an easy book to get through, which is exactly what I needed at this time.

Yes! And another home-run by Holly Jackson! Even though this book in A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series wasn't my favorite it was still phenomenal and I couldn't put it down for the life of me. I read this book late into the night for all three days that I was reading it because it was fantastic. I loved how Pip changes as a main character in this one and the only thing that was a bit of a letdown was that I guessed the bad guy really early into the book and that never happens to me so the ending wasn't as exciting as I'd wanted it to be. Otherwise, it was an amazing sequel in my favorite YA thriller/mystery series of all time! Not disappointed!

To begin with, Good Girl, Bad Blood, the second book in the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series, follows Pip, who solved a cold case in the previous novel and has sworn off her detective days for good. However, when her close friend's brother goes missing and the police don't do anything to find him, Pip is thrown back into playing detective, only this time a person's life is literally at stake. I loved the plot of this one and I thought it was a very creative way to go from the first book to the second one so I have no complains there. It was very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. However, the ending wasn't as exciting and thrilling as it could have been because the bad guy was rather obvious to me a few chapters into the book and I was hoping that I was wrong so I could be blown away by something I did not see coming. I didn't guess all the nuances of the ending though, so there was still plenty I was surprised by. Can't wait to see what she does with the series next!

Secondly, the characterization is superb in this one specifically. Pip goes on such a transitional and life-changing journey in this book and the events of it that I really grew very attached to her and she feels especially real to me. I love that she has molded from everything that has happened to her because that's what happens in real life to us. She is also witty and as daring as can be and one of my all-time favorite heroines of all time. I should add that the side characters in this book are also very quirky and memorable and they all complement each other brilliantly. I just love their friend group, wish I could have had a friend group like this back when I was in high school.

Finally, the writing was even better than in the first one. Even though it was a YA genre, it definitely did not read like a YA and that made for a very entertaining read that I absolutely raced through. It was simple and straightforward and yet felt somewhat sophisticated and fluid at the same time. The pages just kept turning in my hands and it was a joy reading this novel. Bravo!

In conclusion, I am a lover of adult thriller novels and yet I absolutely loved this YA mystery series so far! Take that however you will but it is definitely by far my favorite YA series of all time, at least so far. I haven't read many yet but the ones I have read did not hit the spot like this one has. I would recommend to anyone who wants to get lost in a mystery where each chapter is full of twists and turns and the action is also not lacking at all. Also, the quirky and lovable heroine doesn't hurt either.

Woah! This is what they mean when they say that venturing out of your comfort zone sometimes pays off! I originally brought this book before I even started my bookstagram page, just as I was really getting into reading and discovering a love for it mostly for one reason- the cover. Yes, I am a sucker for beautiful and shiny things and this cover is one of the most beautiful but as I discovered my main love for all things thriller, the book just got left behind on my TBR shelf and I was in no hurry to pick it up. Then, as I gifted this same book to a dear friend from bookstagram and agreed to do a buddy read with her, I had no choice but to give it a shot. And I am so glad I did! It was something new and exciting for me and definitely reminded me of my love for adventure and YA novels. I don't love all of them but this one is just top notch!

First of, Fable is about a girl who was raised on the sea and when her father abandons her on one of the most dangerous islands in the world to fend for herself, after her mother dies in a shipwreck, she must trade and dredge and do everything necessary in order to survive so she can get off the island and claim from her father what's rightfully hers. This plot actually seemed confusing to me when I read the dust jacket but once you get into the book it is very well explained and I had no problem getting sucked into the epic adventure story that blew me completely away. I love the unpredictable plot and now feel like I need to buy the second book as soon as possible because I am dying to see what happens next to these amazing characters.

Secondly, the characterization was mesmerizing. All the characters came alive on the page and jumped right out of the book for me and I felt as if I was on the crew with them, feeling all the emotions as they were feeling them. I loved that they all had pasts and weren't even close to perfect considering they had to do what they had to do in order to survive, but they still strived to be better and didn't let the hard world defeat their goodness completely. Even though the story was so out there and not something I could relate to, the characters have grown to be my friends and it was a joy seeing them form relationships and grow as human beings.

Thirdly, the writing style was very usual for YA but there was a certain sophistication to the way she formed her sentences and carefully connected precise words together to make the story flow beautifully and come alive before the reader's eyes. I really don't think there was anything below extraordinary in this book and I will be reading all of Young's other novels because she is a very gifted author and moved me beyond words.

In conclusion, this is one of those books that I think anyone would enjoy, that's how moving and profound and exhilarating this beautiful story is. Even if YA fantasy is not your thing, I believe strongly that you will be pleasantly surprised. I definitely was!

Well, that's the last time I pick a book up blindly because a booktuber that I like said she loved it. So to be quite frank it was my fault for choosing to read a book that was not at all my cup of tea but I can't say I didn't enjoy it whatsoever so I am giving it three stars. It was a well written and developed book but it was just too out there for me and so far from any realm of possibility or reality that it was hard for me to take this book seriously and I forced myself to get through it because I have a hard time DNFing books. Plus, I am one of those people who likes to venture outside of her comfort zone so I gave it a chance and just because it was not for me I could see others loving it who are more into fantasy and probably have bigger imaginations than me because I have none.

Imaginary Friend is about a boy who moves into a new town with his mother, who is running away from an abusive relationship and how things start to go crazy after he goes into the woods and is missing for six days after. The plot itself sounded interesting enough to me but was a lot more than I bargained for. I thought it would be more rooted in reality but it was so fantastical that I had a hard time imagining all the weird happenings and growing attached to the characters in these impossible situations. I think I will be taking a long break from horror after this and will be sticking to my more realistic thrillers that seem more plausible and just touch me differently.

Further on, the characterization was probably the strongest point in this book and even though I rolled my eyes a lot at what was happening, I still found myself worried and stressing for all of the different personalities in this book and rooting for them to come out on top. They all had their quirks and flaws and I loved seeing how they all struggled in life one way or another because a lot of times we find ourselves wishing we had someone else's life without knowing what that person is actually going through themselves. I just wish the fantastical aspect would have been toned down just a bit and I would have grown attached to the characters even more but they ended up remaining at a distance to me.

Thirdly, the writing was problematic for me. I have been wanting to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower ever since watching the movie but I will not be doing that anymore because the writing was too much to stomach for me. There were too many descriptions and elongated sentences and they in turn took something away from the actual story in my opinion. There were a lot of instances where I had to go back and reread sentences to make sure I wasn't missing something crucial or significant from it. The overwhelming writing style along with an overly action-packed plot made for one difficult novel for me to finish. Also, what was done in 700 pages could have easily been done in 500 or less and would have been a lot more impactful.

In conclusion, I realize that I am probably not the right reader for this novel but even so there were too many issues that I had with it and had to force myself to get through it so I could move onto other novels. Putting the lack of reality aside, this novel was nothing but overwhelming in every sense of the word and I will not be recommending it to anyone in the near future. It could make a good tv show I think but too many things are up for interpretation and there's nothing much concrete to hold onto at all. For people who love thrillers like me and even horror based more in realism, I would advise you skip this one and save yourself the time of reading a 700 page novel.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I went into this book but I really want to watch the show, so I made it a priority to read the book first and am so glad I did! I immensely enjoyed almost everything from the flawless writing to the deep look into the strangers' psyches and it just goes to show- Liane Moriarty doesn't disappoint. And I am thrilled for it! I have a few more of her books on my shelf and am almost certain that I will really enjoy them as well.

To begin with, Nine Perfect Strangers is about nine individuals who go on a transformative retreat at Tranquillum House and get a bit more than they bargained for. This is my first retreat thriller but I loved it as the basis for a “locked-in” thriller, that felt more suspense than thriller at times. I didn't mind that though because even though the plot is definitely a lot more character driven then plot driven, which I usually am not the biggest fan of, in this book I couldn't get enough of it. The only thing that I had to bump a star down for is the pacing, which at times felt a little unnecessarily long and stretched out. This book is on the thick side, but could have easily been cut down by 50 pages, in my opinion. That's really the only issue I had with the book though.

Further on, the characterization in this book was absolutely astounding. I grew to like and relate to all of the nine imperfect strangers, even though they had a lot of really bad qualities and were extremely flawed in every way. That's actually what I look for most in my characters, the more real and raw- the better. As I have stated previously in this review, this book is extremely character driven and not a lot happens for a good majority of it, however, because the characters were so genuinely raw and because we got to see very deep into their innermost psyches, I really didn't mind at all- I actually loved to read from all their different perspectives. Bravo!

Finally, the writing style is so masterful, that Liane Moriarty is definitely one of my favorite authors of all time- hands down. The way that she can weave words together so intelligently and beautifully, and yet also make everything so comprehensive that I didn't have to go back and reread any parts more than once, that is truly a gift to behold for a reader. It was a chunkier book and the writing was kind of small and yet, I didn't mind in the least. Really need to get to her backlist soon!

In conclusion, I recommend this novel to fans of suspense and maybe thriller lovers who can stand a little bit of a slow burn and a character-driven plot. It's not a book that's for everyone but the right readers will really enjoy it, I believe. Now, I am beyond excited to watch the show because tv shows are my other favorite things besides books. Give it a shot, I'm so glad I did!

This is one of those novels where I felt that there was so much potential but it just didn't deliver in the way I was hoping it would. Right of the bat, I just felt off with reading this particular book and didn't realize the reasons until I was done with it. Even though I did enjoy it and I read it pretty quickly it was not one of those books where I couldn't put it down or couldn't wait to pick it back up again. I was curious to see what would happen in the plot but I wasn't dying to know either. It was neither here nor there for me, in regards to this novel.

The Wives is about a woman named Thursday, who is married to a polygamist but they have a rather unique setup where the wives all live apart and the husband comes to see them all separately one day a week, on their particularly scheduled days. Thursday starts to obsess about the other wives and as she digs to find out more info about who they are, she is thrust into a series of events that no one can see coming. The plot was unlike I've ever read before because this is my first novel about polygamy but whereas the first half of the novel drags a bit, the last half is too confusing and all over the place. I am still having a hard time processing exactly what the outcome of the story was. It had a promising start and premise but then veered of into something so completely out of the realm of possibility to me that I had a hard time connecting and relating to the story and the characters. Also, Thursday's relationship with Seth rubbed me the wrong way and since that was the foundation of the whole story, I was just not in this novel wholeheartedly.

Further on, the characterization was mediocre. It wasn't bad but it wasn't particularly good or memorable either. We got to see somewhat into the characters psyche but a lot of that was overshadowed by the turn the story took and nothing was the same ever again. The main relationship also didn't seem that genuine or believable to me, so that already got the book off to a bad start for me and then it just went downhill from there. The characters were somewhat two-dimensional but definitely did not pass into the realm of 3-D whatsoever.

Thirdly, the writing style was a bit confusing but not bad. There were sentences that were a bit hard to grasp fully and follow the full significance of. It didn't deter me from finishing the book but it definitely made the reading slightly less enjoyable. Also, some writing I found a bit too choppy.

In conclusion, even though I didn't hate this book, I also didn't love it. It sits in the middle for me when it comes to thriller novels. It's not going to be a book I will be recommending because it was just not entirely believable and the ending was confusing and anticlimactic at the most. There are so many great thrillers out there, I don't think you will be missing much by skipping this one.

As much as this pains me to say and this is definitely a first for me, I seem to be in the minority when it comes to my feelings towards this book. I remember feeling compelled to purchase this book because EVERYONE and their mother were raving about it and I had to find out what all the hype was about. And since I usually love books that the majority of thriller readers love, I thought this one would be a given. Well, I was damn wrong in this instance. It actually took me a few days to write a review for it because this book put me in a reading slump and I didn't even feel like putting my thoughts about it on paper. But finally, here we are.....

To begin with, Verity is about a writer, who is in a desperate need of money, so she takes a job writing the remaining books in a famous author's series because the writer had been in a car accident and can't move, let alone write more books. I thought that the plot in this novel was intriguing enough, especially since I've never come across this kind of story setup before. However, I found the pacing to be rather too slow and tedious for my liking. The majority of the book felt really repetitive and just documented Lowen going through Verity's writing office and dealing with Verity's husband, Jeremy and son Crew. I liked that the chapters switched of between what was happening in the actual story and also Verity's autobiography as Lowen was getting through it, that definitely helped me get through the story a little bit. I guess I was just expecting a lot more intensity and excitement going into this novel so that already was a big letdown. Also, can we talk about how this book felt more like a romance novel then a thriller in any way? I am not a fan of romance and when I got into this book I was not prepared for all the smut and cheesiness whatsoever. I understand this new-to-me genre is called romantic suspense and I am just glad I have figured out well in advance that this genre is just not for me.

Further on, the characterization in this book was okay. It wasn't bad by any means but it was hard to garner the real authenticity of these characters because there were contradicting pieces of evidence, pulling me in both directions. I thought that the characters were definitely dark and messed up but I found none of them to be reliable so it's hard for me to make a final judgement about who they really are. Ultimately, I felt like I didn't really get to know them at all. I like an unreliable narrator or character here and there but in this instance it was just overkill.

Finally, the writing style in this book is your typical Collen Hoover style and I can definitely appreciate its simplicity and how to-the-point it all is. This is probably my favorite aspect of the whole book and made getting through this book enjoyable, even if I didn't really enjoy or relate to the story or any of its characters. Overall I just found the whole thing to be unfittingly odd in its final execution.

In conclusion, as much as I was certain I would love this book because so many before me have loved it, I did not really enjoy it at all. If you're like me and not a big fan of romance or smut in your thrillers or even suspense novels, I would steer clear of this one. Otherwise, you should still give it a chance and ignore me because there is a reason this book is so wildly beloved. Definitely wasn't a home-run for me but it might be for you.

This was probably hands down, the creepiest book I have read. Part of it is probably because the plot itself, about child abductions, is one that gives me the most goosebumps when I am reading about it. However, the other reason for the creepiness is because that's the atmosphere of this book and it was masterfully written and I loved it, at least right up until the very end. I was going to give it five stars but the ending wasn't as satisfying to me as I would have hoped. Overall, it was a great book and I read it in a few days because that's how addictive it really was. I am now a big Alex North fan and will be reading his other books, definitely.

This novel is about the famous crimes committed by the so called “Whisper Man” who has been in jail for a long time, and how all those years later, similar crimes start popping up and odd things start resurfacing again. I loved this plot because even though it completely creeped me out and I had anxiety just getting through it, that just goes to show how well thought out the plot really was. There wasn't a moment when I was bored and except for the last three chapters or so, I was completely addicted and fully satisfied. The ending fell flat for me because even though it seemed like an overall coherent ending, it failed to satisfy me in the way that I was hoping and it also felt somewhat rushed and even random at times. Apart from that, the premise of the story was top notch and I was hanging off the edge of my seat.

Secondly, the characterization in this book is absolutely great! I loved that the chapters kept changing to different characters' perspectives and it really helped me get into their head and even see into their soul. It was easy to relate to most of the characters because their flaws were not hidden from us and laid bare for us to see. However, even with the flaws, most of the characters still had redeeming qualities and they were striving to be better then they were before, as hard as that might have been given their backgrounds. Alex North definitely knows how to create a well rounded character and that characterization made putting the book down even harder.

Thirdly, the writing style was also great and I have no complaints whatsoever. There is absolutely nothing I would change when it comes to his writing style and even though we switched from character to character, it was super easy to follow along and not get confused as to which character you were reading about.The writing was precise and really painted a picture in my head as to what was happening at what moment. I was afraid that this book might lag for me but the plot along with the characterization and writing style really made that impossible.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to all fans of thrillers, as I am. The atmosphere is absolutely immersive, the plot is beyond thrilling and the book is extraordinary in almost all aspects. Even with the ending not being my favorite in a thriller novel, I absolutely loved this book and inhaled it in a few sittings.

This book pleasantly surprised me. Going into it, I had no real expectations about whether this would be good or not and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. It wasn't that easy of a read but it flowed smoothly and the story developed naturally.

I found this book in a box that my boyfriend's mom was going to put out for a garage sale and since my Nook was out of battery and I had nothing better to do, I gave it a shot. Little did I know that Erica Spindler would become one of my favorite writers after this random book of hers that I came upon by total accident.

The cover leaves much to be desired in my opinion, especially since it is not a good representation of the complexity of what happens in this book and how all the characters react and adapt to these situations as they happen. To me the cover looks rather dull and because of that the book itself seems like it would be pretty damn forgettable. Of course, I was wrong about that and learned my lesson not to judge a book by its cover. It's all good, lesson learned.

Again, I am a big sucker for books that are written through the eyes of more than one character. In this instance, we see the story unfold through the eyes of the two main characters: Jane Killian and Stacy Killian. I love how their relationship as sisters starts out completely separate and then intertwines together as the book gets moving and the plot thickens.

I didn't really know how completely addicting mystery/suspense novels could be until I dove into this book. It sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happens next and I loved how the killer wasn't revealed until the second to last chapter or so. For this reason, I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. It's a good idea to hook people this way because I am personally a fan of working out my own theories of who the bad guy is all throughout the book and as more information is revealed I like reworking that theory accordingly. In this case, I only guessed right once I had about 50 pages left and then I had to make sure that I was indeed correct.

I really loved the heroine of this book as well because she's complex and flawed, which makes her that much more human and I was able to relate to her on a deeper level. Her character progresses with the events that happen in the book and it was extraordinary to follow her development all throughout. We are affected by our childhood experiences and it was apparent that her own horrific childhood experience made her the adult she grew up to be, most specifically in the beginning of the book. We begin with Stacy refusing to deal with her emotional issues/baggage and she is gradually forced to deal with them as the book progresses until she comes out of the whole experience at the end as a different person then she was at the beginning.

The reason I gave this book 4 stars as opposed to 5 was because I would have liked to have seen a little more at the end, after she goes through the major betrayal at the end of the book and would have liked more of the thoughts going through her mind after that happens. Because, it seems her world has suddenly come crashing down and then the book kind of cuts of abruptly and we are left wanting more. Of course, there's the next book in the series but the next one focuses on the next part of Stacy's story and only lightly mentions the events of the previous book.

All in all, this book is for anyone who wants a suspenseful, mystery read that will keep you guessing about who the bad guy is until the very end. It's also wonderfully written and not overly simplistic, so people of all ages can read it and enjoy it immensely.

Yes! Finally, we got a five star read! I have been meaning to read this book for so long but it was so long and that intimidates me, mostly because I am not a fast reader by any means. I really don't know what I was worried about, the writing was so easy to follow and the chapters were super short, just how I prefer them. If anyone is intimidated by this fat book, don't be, it is very reader-friendly. I am really happy to close out 2021 with a five-star book.

To begin with, The Chestnut Man is a story about a serial killer, who leaves chestnut men wherever he commits a gruesome crime. The two detectives on this case quickly realize that they're not dealing with just your average psychopath. I loved this whole storyline and even though sometimes I don't enjoy detective procedurals, in this instance I was hooked from the start and pulled into their world. The chapters were the perfect short length and almost all of them ended in a cliffhanger, which made it almost impossible to put the book down. If I didn't have responsibilities, I would have binged the book in one day, without question. This is one of the most exhilarating serial killer stories I have probably ever read in my life.

Further on, the characterization in this book is superb. The characters are very complex and imperfect, which makes them jump off the page. As I was reading this book, I was able to perfectly picture these intricate and complicated characters and I grew very attached to them. I was actually really sad when the book ended and hope that there will be more adventures to come for the two main detectives who were in charge of the case in this story. I just love how all the characters have in-depth backgrounds, helping us to understand why they are the way that they are. And I also love how they stay true to themselves, even whilst changing and growing as individuals, it makes them that much more believable.

Finally, the writing style was my favorite kind. I know this story is translated from another language but it seemed that nothing was lost in the translation because it's an absolutely amazing read through and through. The sentences were short and to the point without being choppy or confusing. I was able to picture things in my head as they were happening, even though I am not a very visual person whatsoever. I am really excited to watch the show now because I can compare what I was actually picturing and how they brought the story to life in the show.

In conclusion, this book helped me finish out 2021 with a bang and I am obsessed with the story, the characters and this talented writer. I hope they translate more of his work into English and that he keeps writing a continuation to this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a unique serial killer stories full of twists and turns and doesn't dislike detective procedural type of stories either, because that's what this story is at the root of it. I say it's a must read for thriller lovers alike!

Woah, I am on a roll reading one terrific thriller after another! I thought I couldn't love another of Riley Sager's books more than I loved Home Before Dark but I gotta say, I think I loved this one a bit more. Everything about this novel kept me glued and hanging on each and every word. I know I've used the word addictive when describing a novel before but it probably stands even more true in this instance because I dove head first into this book and didn't come out until I was completely done with it. I seriously think it's safe to say that Riley Sager is my favorite author currently because I've read almost all of his novels at this point and I've loved each and every one. Maybe I'm not as tough of a critic as some other people but I just can't get enough of all his twists and turns and intricately unique plots.

Lock Every Door is about a woman, named Jules, who has fallen pretty low in life and is struggling to make ends meet, when she sees an ad in the paper looking for a house sitter for three months at a prominent building called The Bartholomew and she ends up jumping at the chance to get her life back on track. She soon realizes that the job might be a lot more than she ever could have imagined. The plot was unlike any I've read before and I thought it was very well done and executed. There were a lot of layers to the story and I immensely enjoyed peeling it all back, layer after layer. I didn't think it was a slow burn because the twists and turns kept coming all throughout the book and just as I thought I had it all figured out, I realized there was a whole other level to the plot that I could never have even imagined.

Further on, the characterization was great. I loved the main character Jules and even the secondary characters because we really got to see what drove them to do the things that they did in the novel and I was never confused as to why a character is acting the way that they did. I love that we get to see into the main character's psyche and I found her very relatable as a struggling young girl trying to make it in life and still in the process of discovering who she is in the world.

Thirdly, the writing style was phenomenal as always. The chapters flowed and I loved how we kept jumping back from what was happening in the present moment with Jules and how she got to be where is she presently and her beginning at the Bartholomew. I find that way makes it even more exciting for me to read, especially when it's done right and Riley Sager did not disappoint. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be preordering and reading all of RIley Sager's novels that he releases in the future.

In conclusion, I loved this book and sped through it, unable to put it down. It was twisted and dark and it spiked my anxiety levels high in some parts. I would recommend this novel to all lovers of dark thrillers or even anyone who wants an exciting, albeit somewhat messed up read. Glad I finally got around to reading it!

Holly Jackson deserves a standing ovation because she did the impossible, she has single-handedly made me fall in love with the young adult thriller genre! Before this book I didn't even think it was possible because all the young adult thriller novels I have read before were mediocre at best and the vibe they gave off was too naive and they made me feel super old. Not this book. This book didn't even read like a young adult novel and it kept me guessing until the very end, even when I thought I already knew who the bad guy was and have solved the mystery myself. Well, I was extremely wrong.

The book is about a very good student, Pippa, who decides that the subject of a school project for her will be a murder case that happened a long time ago and as she starts looking into this case and gathering up information for her project, she realizes that things might not be as solved as people in her town believe. I loved every second of this plot. It was intricate and I didn't know where it was going to go at any point in the story, which is usually not the case for me in young adult novels. I loved that it felt raw and real and didn't feel as “schooly” as most young adult novels that take place in schools do for me. The only word I can think of to describe it would be- genius. I also loved the pace at which the story developed and how information was revealed all throughout, not just at the very end or the climax. This made for an addicting read that I couldn't put down because I had to find out who the bad guy really was. I will undoubtedly be reading the other books in these series and any other books that Holly Jackson decides to write, I might even pre-order the second book in this series soon, that's how much I freaking loved it!

Secondly, the characterization in this novel was superb. Pippa is undoubtedly one of my favorite heroines of all time and I loved that she was a good girl, through and through and that she felt the need to fight for what she thought was right. I have always been like that and it was very easy for me to relate to her. Some of the things she did was terrifying but I learned to truly appreciate her for her courage and her strong-willed, albeit very good-hearted personality. What a genuinely good person, we need more people like her in the real world. All the other characters were also amazing in their own way and didn't feel like they were just written in to move the story along and serve as place fillers for the story. Well done!

Finally, the writing was precise and to the point, as I love it to be. It wasn't too simple though, like YA writing style usually is, it was a bit more complicated than that and I was there for it. It was a joy to read through this amazing book and I raced through it, imagining what was happening in the book as I went through the story. I love that it took a young adult thriller and made me feel like I was reading an adult one. I think a wide array of different people and ages will love this story as much as I did.

In conclusion, I had no idea I would enjoy this story as much as I did. It took me completely by surprise and I am glad I gave it a chance, even if it was a YA novel and not my usual adult one. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller, regardless of your age or any other characteristics. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and will be pre-ordering it ASAP! I rarely pre-order books but I just can't hide my love for the world and characters that Holly Jackson has created in her novel! Go and read it now, you won't be disappointed!

After the last book I read proved to be such a disaster and was a genre totally out of my comfort zone, erotica, I went back to one of my favorite genres, mystery/thrillers and picked this book up randomly. I wasn't sure what to expect but I liked the synopsis and gave it a shot. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised. This book is a good psychological thriller, just like I was hoping for. I will definitely be reading the other books by this author.

The book centers around a couple, Hen and Lloyd, who move into a new house together and after having dinner with their new neighbors things transpire and Hen becomes convinced that their neighbor, Matthew is a serial killer and a whole chain of events ensues. The premise of the book itself was very interesting to me and it delivered.

To begin with, the plot of the book, as I've mentioned before, was up there in my opinion. I'm fairly new to thriller mysteries but I've read some and this one was unique enough to peek my interest. The book itself moved at a decent pace, although the first have of the novel dragged just a little bit. We didn't find out much until a good portion into it and I prefer books that reveal a little bit at a time but even with that minor flaw I didn't want to put the book down. That is the only negative I found with this book and the reason I gave it four and not five stars.

Further on, the characterization was pretty good. It could have been better if it was written from first person but even without that, we got a good look into the various characters' psyches and I loved finding out what made them tick and why the were the way that they were. If a character doesn't have a drive behind why they are a certain way it really ruins the book for me but in this case the backstory was really delivered well and I was satisfied on that front. Overall, the characters were above average I would say.

In continuation, when talking about the writing style, it was precise and to the point, just how I like it. It was easy to follow along and brought the story to life very well. It definitely helped me to keep reading, even when the pace of the story lagged a bit. As I have mentioned before, I will be checking out the other works from this author because I really enjoyed this one a lot.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. It might not be the most exciting for the first half of the book but it picks up and more than makes up for the lack in the beginning. I don't particularly know if this is a read that will stay with me for a long time but it was definitely somewhat memorable and enjoyable while I was reading it in the moment.

Woah, okay! I wasn't sure at all what to expect from this novel, mostly because it's beloved on bookstagram and I haven't seen many bad reviews about this novel whatsoever and I gotta say, it did not disappoint. It was one hell of a rollercoaster ride and even when I felt like it was over, it revealed another humongous drop and it became clear that it wasn't. The shock factor is definitely at an all-time high with this one and it doesn't really take a break, like at all.

To begin with, No Exit is about a woman, Darby, who is driving home a long way to see her mother ,from college, because her mother is sick. However, she gets caught in a snowstorm and pulls over at a remote rest stop, where she finds a child locked in a cage, in a van. A lot of things happen after this and it's hard to ever be bored with this book because the pacing is on the faster side and the plot just keeps you guessing because nothing is as it seems in this story. I enjoyed the plot immensely, however it was a bit too much for me at times and I wish it would have slowed down sometimes, even if for just a second. I usually love fast paced thrillers, but this one felt a bit too fast paced for me and I felt like I didn't have even a moment to catch my breath because the action just kept coming. It definitely feels more like an action thriller than a mystery thriller, so if that's what you prefer I don't think you would be disappointed whatsoever.

Further on, the characterization was pretty spot on all throughout the book. Even though it was super fast paced, the author was still able to take us into the minds of the main characters and show us how they see the world. I would have liked to see a bit more into their souls but what we were given was amazing, especially given how much action was packed into this novel. I liked that all the characters had backgrounds and flaws and they all seemed like potentially real people to me. I felt like I could relate to certain aspects of most of the characters, which at least made me slightly care what would happen to them.

Finally, the writing style was precise and to the point, exactly as it should be in my opinion, especially in an action thriller. I was able to picture things as they were happening and could even get a sense of the setting surrounding them, so it was definitely a very atmospheric read and I enjoyed almost everything about it.

In conclusion, if you want a super fast paced, action thriller, then this one is definitely for you. For my personal preference it was a little too action packed and didn't have enough of the mystery aspect to it. I did, however, have no problems getting through this book because it's also packed with some intricately flawed characters and the writing just flows without any effort on the reader's part. Glad I finally got to this one!

Finally! A psychological thriller that hit the spot for me! I have been having back luck with books lately and none of them have managed to deliver what I was looking for until this book! Even now, as I type this, I barely had any sleep last night and that's what I should already be doing but I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. Also, I loved that the main character is a psychotherapist, it's what I went to school for and I loved all the little insights and snippets into the psychology of the human psyche. I just couldn't put this book down for the life of me and it will be going down as one of my favorite books of all time and I will be reading everything that this writer writes in the future!

The Silent Patient, is about a psychotherapist on the quest of trying to help Alicia, a woman who was found guilty for shooting her husband and then reverting into herself and refusing to talk ever since. Now, as she's in a psychiatric facility, he makes it his personal mission to help her work through whatever is preventing her from talking facing what happened. First of, I don't remember loving a plot more! As much as I love domestic thrillers, I loved how psychological this one was and that it took place in a psychiatric facility. I thought it was genius and complex and there were so many intricate layers to it that it was extremely satisfying revealing the layers, one at a time. There was not a moment that this book dragged for me, there was amazing insight all throughout, even when nothing major was happening. Also, the fact that it goes back and forth between what Alicia wrote in her diary and what is actually happening at present time, that made it even more amazing and helped us put things together even more cleverly.

Further on, the characterization is mesmerizing to say the least. I got a deep look into the furthers recesses of the two main characters minds and psyches and I loved feeling and seeing what they were feeling and seeing as it was happening. We got to be able to spend time with the characters one on one, with them and their minds and souls. Such a complete picture was painted of them that it's hard to comprehend that these aren't real, living people and that they don't exist in real life. Also, I was able to relate to them on so many levels, I can't even express how relatable they were, regardless of whether they were what is considered “good” or “bad”. Brilliant!

Lastly, the writing is seriously my absolutely favorite. What a beautifully crafted masterpiece, through and through. The writing just made the story that much more memorable and it touched me to my very core. I felt one with this novel as I was reading it and the pages turned almost by themselves as I couldn't put the novel down. It was brilliant and sophisticated without being too complicated and taking away from the whole reading experience and the memorable plot.

In conclusion, this book is one that has deserved all the hype that it has gotten. I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers or suspense of just wants an amazing read that will stay with them for a long time after. I have been dying to get my hands on and read this novel for a really long time and I am so glad that I finally did! I will definitely be comparing all my future thrillers to this one because that's just how absolutely incredible it really was! No doubt about it- this book is a must read!

After reading John Marrs' novel What Lies Between Us, I knew it was only a matter of time before I picked up The One and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The book started a little too slow for my liking but then it picked up and the ending really just sealed the deal for me. John Marrs remains an auto-buy author for me and I will be picking up all his other works eventually, that is for sure.

To begin with, The One is about a matching service of the future, a potential love interests' DNA is looked at to find the one little bit that perfectly coincides with another person's DNA and that is your perfect match. This is a love like no other you will ever experience and five people are about to find out just how life changing finding “the one” is for them and the lives they have constructed so carefully. I freaking loved the premise of this book and the plot is downright genius. How the author came up with this is beyond me and the book deserves all the hype it has gotten, that is for sure. I loved how we followed five different people as they discovered who their matches were and then followed them as their lives completely turned upside down. Even though it wasn't the traditional thriller right off the bat, once I got into all the different characters, I had no problem getting through the rest of the book. Amazing premise!

Secondly, the characterization in this book is excellent. I love dark and messed up people doing dark and messed up things and that's just what I got. The author did not play it safe and I found myself stressing along with the characters, afraid of what would happen to them next. There was definitely the fear factor of being matched and how it caused seemingly normal people to do things they would have never imagined doing in their lives up to that point. The characters were very flawed and it was amazing to see them going through these insane circumstances and they were very relatable because they acted out of an irrational place, which made sense considering the circumstances surrounding them. Loved it!

Finally, the writing was precise and to the point, which I find very enjoyable in John Marrs' novels. It made it a lot easier to get into the book and keep going, without having to go back and reread parts of it. I also loved that the chapters were so short because that kind of format is my favorite and makes me want to get through the book even faster.

In conclusion, even though this is not your typical thriller, once you get into it, it's really hard to put it down because you will want to find out what is going to happen to the five different characters that the book is centered around. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dark and twisted novels, with a hint of mystery to it that's not revealed until the very end. I would definitely recommend you give this book a try, it's not like anything I've ever read before!

Holy crap! Now that's the way to start off the new year! I picked up this book because it was short and because I heard that there was a mind-blowing twist in it and I was not disappointed! This twist is something akin to Shutter Island and The Silent Patient- it just blew my mind! I also feel like this book is deeper in meaning than your average romance thriller/mystery and I loved the whimsical way that the author brought the story to life since it wasn't written in the most simple way. I'm just ecstatic that I started my reading year off this way!

To begin with, We Were Liars is about four kids from a privileged family who spend summers together on a private island. One summer things get a bit out of hand and repercussions follow not long after. I haven't read many plots like these but this one takes the cake. I loved the way we saw the world through Cadence's eyes and really felt like we were in her mind, even the book was written through a teenagers outlook on life. There were definitely plenty of twists but that last turn at the end, had me gasping out loud in disbelief. I usually don't particularly like books that skip around so much and have lots of flashbacks but in this case it didn't take way from me understanding the gist of the story. Masterfully done.

Further on, the characterization of the main character especially was otherworldly. I loved how we got to see her authentic self, without any airs or falsehoods. Also, the way she saw all her other best friends on the island, it really made me feel like I got to know them really personally as well. Lockhart wasn't afraid to go there, to the very disgusting and miraculous depth of the human soul and it made the main character so relatable, even though I am twice her age and things that concern her aren't really a concern at this stage of my life.

Finally, the writing style, as I have already mentioned above is so unique and yet packs quite the punch. The sentences are written in a whimsical style, at least in some parts and there are even creative renderings written from the heroine's point of view, which are not necessarily always woven in concrete reality and yet never fail to hold a truth to them either. I haven't read a book quite like this one before and will continue to pick up E. Lockhart's works in the future because that choice was absolutely mesmerizing and so unique/different- just a breath of fresh air!

In conclusion, even though this book is considered Young Adult and is written from the perspective of a teen, I think this book could positively affect any adult. There is romance, mystery and thrills in this novel and even though romance isn't a favorite genre of mine, I ate it all up in this one. The author was just able to deliver a story that was so authentically full of truth and hard life facts, that it was heartbreakingly impossible to put down. For such a small book, this sure packs quite a punch! A must read!

Wow, even though it took me a few months to get to the next Stillhouse Lake book because I was afraid that it wouldn't live up to the previous two, I am happy to say that that was not the case and that I loved every minute of this one as well! I honestly have nothing bad to say about this series and it says a lot that this is probably the longest I have stuck to a series in a very long time. Usually I read the first book and then my mind wonders elsewhere and I just end up not caring enough to get to the next book in a series. However, with this series that's different because I have grown attached to the characters and I love revisiting them over and over again. I am really glad that I have two more books to read in this series because I am not ready to say goodbye quite yet.

First of all, Wolfhunter River is the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series and it follows Gwen, who used to be married to a serial killer and didn't even realize it until a drunk driver drove into her garage and made a hole in it which revealed everything he was up to in there. In this one, Gwen is trying to live a normal life with her family in Stillhouse Lake, when she gets a call from a woman she doesn't know who asks for her help. When Gwen doesn't go to Wolfhunter River to help the woman, she gets another call from the woman's daughter, who tells her that her mom is dead and that she is being arrested for her murder. And Gwen is thrown into the middle of the action as she not only has to keep herself and her family alive but also this young girl that she's never met before. Honestly, I didn't think this series could remain as new and exciting but I was wrong. This plot was just as full of twists and turns as the previous two and I couldn't get through it fast enough. If you love a book that is full of action but also has really amazing character development, this book is definitely for you and you should check it out as soon as possible!

Secondly, the characterization in this series is what makes me come back book after book. I have grown so attached to the main characters and even the supporting characters that it will be very hard for me to say goodbye when I finish the series. I love that they are so immensely flawed and imperfect and yet fight to survive against all odds. They have been through hell and back again and yet they haven't let that harden them to the point of not letting anybody else in. It's hard to put into words but if you read the series I dare you not to fall in love with the main characters because in my eyes that would be very hard to do.

Finally, the writing style is still the kind that sucks you in and spits you out once you're done with the whole book. I usually hate long chapters but in this case I didn't mind it at all because the writing flowed so smoothly and I was transported into the story itself. The pages felt like they were turning themselves because I couldn't put the book down and had to know how the story would end. It was simple sentence structure and yet it didn't feel overly simplified either, which sometimes makes for a lot of repeats. No, this book delivered on every front, including this one.

In conclusion, I would recommend this book and series to EVERYONE! It doesn't get enough love for sure and I would love to see more people fall in love with it like I have from the very first book. It has something for everyone- action, romance, mystery....and thrill after thrill! Please pick this book up, you will not be disappointed!