What's the quickest way to this girl's heart? A well-told Sherlock Holmes tale. So imagine how happy this girl is to have read seventeen stories inspired by the greatest detective who never lived. Off the charts happy.
Now, I'm a little nervous of collections like this, because they tend to run the gamut from just okay to amazing, but this is one of the rare short story collections in which nearly all were gems. And the only one I didn't care too much for was not due to the quality; I just wasn't a fan of the genre used to tell the story. I'm shocked at how fantastic each of these stories, including a comic, were. My personal favorites were “Before a Bohemian Scandal” by Tasha Alexander, “Mrs. Hudson Investigates” by Tony Lee and Bevis Musson, “The Adventure of the Dancing Women” by Hank Phillippi Ryan, and “The Adventure of the Empty Grave” by Jonathan Maberry (the reason I decided to read this book).
So, if you like Holmes and enjoy mysteries, this is a great book to try. I hope you'll like it as much as I did.
I wanted to like this book, but I just don't think I was the right reader for it.
I went into it thinking that it was a romantic suspense, but it's not. It's a closed-door romance where the characters happen to be solving a crime. In romantic suspense, the crime takes center stage, and the romance comes second. Here, it's the romance that's front and center. The crime just seems like an afterthought, especially when you have multiple chapters that focus on other characters, who are not involved in solving the crime, and their love lives.
All that said, I have some other issues with this book. I was worried going into it, because the author does not live in the United States, but her book is set in both San Diego and Independence, Colorado. Because of that, you do see some issues where things are said inaccurately, or the setting is not clear. For instance, a character is described as getting their Ph.D. from “the university in Denver.” I want to believe that the author meant the University of Denver, but there are multiple universities in Denver, several of which have Denver in their titles. In another scene, the characters are at the police department, which is run by the sheriff. That is simply not how things work here in the US. Maybe some of these issues are translation errors, but they just didn't land well with me as a result.
I really wanted to like this book, as I like both romance and romantic suspense novels, but it just didn't work for me.
This was a cute read that perfectly describes dating in this modern world, especially if you're older and not just looking for a fling. I knew pretty early how it was going to turn out, but that's okay. I enjoyed the journey.
Want a thriller that leaves you guessing all the way to the last page? Then this is the book for you. Told in alternating perspectives, you have no idea what is happening and who is at fault.
This book is very well-written. The tension is great, and the pacing is perfect. You don't know who to believe, but you know that, when everything is revealed, the story will be crazy. And it was.
This is my first time reading anything by Casey Kelleher, but I will definitely read more of her books now.
This is a fun novella with lots of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. As a romantic suspense story, the romance is sizzling, and the chemistry between the leads is spot on. I really enjoyed reading this story, which focused on human trafficking in Mexico. It's setting up another story, so I definitely want to read on in the series.
My only negative is that there were a good number of typos that took me out of the story when I came across them. It really seems like it needs one more run past an editor.
What a seriously good book! This is the first of Louisa Scarr's book I've read, and I am hooked. After having followed the leads, I want to go back and witness their history together.
You've got two crimes - a stalker and an arsonist - and as you read, you're curious how these worlds are going to come together. When they do, the action picks up. I swear, I plowed through the final third of the book because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The pacing is exquisite, and each chapter ending leaves you compelled to turn the page. The stakes are high, and the resolution was absolutely perfect.
Great read. I can't wait to read more!
I've been on a mission to discover more romantic suspense authors and their works. This was a great discovery.
Kiera is being stalked by someone, and her new neighbor, Cade, who just happens to work in private security, comes to the rescue.
This book featured a lot of good twists and turns and some creepy interactions with Kiera's stalker. The tension and pacing were perfect, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. If you like great tension, strong pacing, and a sexy romance, this is an excellent choice.
Maggie never knew she had an aunt, let alone one who disappeared 40 years earlier. As she asks around, she learns that her aunt went missing a week after a popular nun was murdered. It seems like the two cases were related, but the more she digs, the more she learns her hometown's terrible secrets.
I thought this was a fantastic book from a debut author. You're pulled into Maggie's investigation and are fed clues that keep you turning the page. The mystery was intriguing, and the answers were clever. I highly enjoyed this read and recommend it to others.
Interesting mystery of one sister's fight to find her missing sister. Blair's influencer sister, Eviana, has gone missing. A cast of menacing characters leave you wondering who, exactly, is responsible. Not helping matters is the fact that Blair has her own secrets that prevent her from seeking help from the authorities. Can she survive the search for her sister when Eviana's friends and husband are out for vengeance?
I always enjoy Dea Poirier's thrillers, and this is yet another engaging one. She strings readers along, feeding them little bits that keeps you desperate to turn the page. When everything unravels, you're left with a fascinating conclusion that makes the heart-racing story worthwhile.
I didn't know what I was getting into with this book, but I am so happy I read this book. It's fantastic!
A Misfortune of Lake Monsters follows Lemon Ziegler, who has just been tapped to take over her family's secret business: pretending the be the local lake monster in order to keep the family's business, as well as their town, afloat. She's heartbroken, as this means she will not be able to do the things she dreamed of, such as going to college to become a vet. In addition to Lemon, there's Troy Ramirez, son of the sheriff. He's fallen for Lemon, and he knows something's bothering her.
Lemon wants to tell her friends her secret, but before she can, one of her dogs is taken and killed by an actual lake monster. Then the school bully is killed. But because of the history of the lake monster, no one believes her, except for Troy and her other friend. Now, it's up to Lemon and her friends to save the town before anyone else dies.
I've followed Nicole on social media for some time but had never gotten around to reading her books before. Honestly, I wish I had. She is an excellent author, who knows how to tell a compelling, dark, and action-packed tale. With YA horror, there is always the fear that it will hold back, but Nicole doesn't hold back for her readers. As a result, the story takes readers down a dark trail, filled with bodies. Plus, there's a romance between Lemon and Troy that is beautifully crafted. Seriously, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a dark, yet sweet tale. After reading A Misfortune of Lake Monsters, I will absolutely be seeking out her other works.
This book. Was so good.
Seriously.
I went into it not knowing anything about it. I had read one of Dodd's other books earlier this year, but pure chance led me to this one. And I loved everything about it.
Kellen Adams is a woman with a mysterious past. She lost a year of her life, and she knows it has something to do with the gunshot wound on her forehead. But that's not all. She's living a lie. As she takes on a job as an assistant manager for a resort in Oregon, her past comes back to haunt her when she's tasked with taking on a smuggling ring while the owner is on vacation. No matter where she turns, she faces danger, and she doesn't know who she can trust.
I read this book in an afternoon, and as soon as I hit the last page, I knew I needed to read the sequel to see what happens next. I haven't done that in ages, but trust me, you'll feel the same way once you read this fantastic book.
Delilah has a secret. She's secretly a werewolf, and it tempers all of her actions. But when she literally bumps into the handsome but mysterious Cedric, she finds herself willing to let down her guard to spend more and more time with him. But Cedric is working against a deadline that will result in his leaving Delilah behind. As the days go on, they find themselves falling for one enough, but can they move past their secrets to find happily ever after?
What an absolutely lovely and fun book. From the moment, I started reading, I was pulled into the story. The characters are great. The story is compelling. I loved it so much, I couldn't put it down. This is an excellent series starter, and I can't wait to read the next one!
Notaro has definitely written her finest novel in Spooky Little Girl. The story is creative, funny and just plain entertaining. I loved every page, and I highly recommend it.
I love Laurel Snow. And Rebecca Zanetti.
I discovered this series about a month ago and instantly fell in love with Laurel Snow, Huck, and even Abigail. The mysteries are fantastic, the tension is always great, and the romance is perfect. So, when I heard there was a third book coming out, I was excited. Let me say, this book does not disappoint.
Laurel is called out to investigate the death of a man stabbed multiple times, but that's not all. His killer shoved handfuls of Valentine's candy hearts in his mouth. The dead man has a connection to someone close to Laurel, so she not only has to solve the death but clear a friend of murder. And then more men die in the exact same way. Through it all, Laurel's half-sister hovers, an ever-present threat.
It's a great premise, and Zanetti delivers on the suspense. There are some great, heartwarming moments as well. Seriously, it's a solid, well-rounded book. I highly recommend it.
Without a doubt, Kinsella's best book yet! I laughed, I cried, I could not put it down!
Though it starts a little slow, once the action kicks in, around chapter four or so, it is a darn good sequel to The [b:Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 2429135 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1) Stieg Larsson http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275608878s/2429135.jpg 1708725].
This was my first Harry Hole novel, and I have to say, if they're all this good, I'll definitely go back to the beginning and read my way through the series. It would definitely make a few things more clear.
Overall, this is a great story. It's an interesting mystery. The murders are creative, and the MO of the killer is absolutely fascinating. That alone would keep you reading the page, but when you throw in strong characters and great pacing, you've got yourself an amazing book here. Harry Hole is a fascinating character, but the supporting cast is really where this book shines. I love all of the characters and want to get to know them better.
If you're like me and never read a Harry Hole book before, you won't be too lost reading this book. There are some references to past cases and a couple of characters who are no longer in the series, but nothing was spoiled in such a way that I wouldn't enjoy reading about them when I get to them in the series.
I cannot think of a better book to showcase the beauty of the diversity of the United States. America Ferrera has gathered incredible stories from celebrities from all walks of life - actors, activists, writers, models, and more. The stories show just how much should celebrate those who have fought hard to immigrate to the United States. They show that we all come from different walks of life but we are all truly one beautiful nation. If you need hope and inspiration, this is definitely the book for you.
Want to read a book that fills you with dread through every single page? This book came highly recommended as a gripping thriller, but I knew nothing more than that going into it. And honestly, I think that's how everyone should go into this. Stay away from the plot synopsis and just let the impending doom wash over you. It's a quick read, mainly because you don't want to put it down until you know what is happening.
Seriously, just read it.
I've been a fan of Aaron Mahnke since Lore first came out. I've loved each of his podcasts and the TV show. Now I can say that I love the Lore books, as well.
Mahnke does a great job of telling folklore in ways that are interesting yet casual. He keeps the stories simple while still illustrating the crazy stories that are part of our world. And with Monstrous Creatures, he excels at giving you the history behind many of the monsters we're familiar with, including vampires, werewolves, and even the Mothman.
If you're a big fan of folklore or just want to learn more about the crazy tales that have happened throughout history, then this is a great place to start.
Nothing makes me happier than a book in which I can completely lose myself. Though rare, this is one of those books. Jane Steele is a complex protagonist, who means well, despite being a murderer. You cannot help but adore her as she journeys throughout her life. Lindsay Faye has created such a wonderful character, and she does a brilliant job of bringing Jane to life. The story is great, and the pacing is perfect. If you want a great twist on classic literature that tells a great story, you can't go wrong with Jane Steele. Huge recommend.
I tried, but it is very clear this older author was writing a 30-something character with no grasp for how we talk. No 30-something calls herself a gal. No one says they're going to eat “this hella cake” (that'd not even correct usage of the word). It just seems so contrived.
After being given a free copy of the sequel, I decided I should read the first book, and honestly, I'm glad I did. I Don't Know How She Does It is a fun book about what it's like to be a woman in a man's world. Kate Reddy is a fantastic protagonist, and while I had a rough idea of how things would turn out, the plot was a fun ride.
Pearson does a great job of writing comedy that women will relate to. This book is fun, and so is the sequel. You don't have to be a parent to get the story; you just have to know what it's like to be a woman in modern times.
It's nice to read a Stephen King book set in Castle Rock that is heartwarming for once. Does it feature a crazy premise? Absolutely. Does someone die? Of course. But the things we've come to know and love about Stephen King's works are used to create a beautiful and sweet tale.
Elevation follows a man who, despite the fact the is not physically losing weight, is rapidly losing weight. Confusing? Not when you read it. The best way I can describe Scott Carey's condition is that he is losing gravity. I don't want to give too much away, but I promise that this is a charming story, and it is beautifully written. But if you're reading this hoping for the dark and scary place that is Castle Rock, you'll have to turn to another book. There are a few nods - both a Cujo and It reference -to previous works, but I promise you, no horror.
Clocking in at fewer than 150 pages, this is a book you can polish off in one setting. And I promise that you'll be glad you took the time to read it. Enjoy!
What a fantastic love story! I love the characters, flaws and all. And I love their love story.
This is the second book in a series. I have not read the first, and there were a couple of times where I wondered what the references toward the couple from the first book were, but overall, this stands on its own. Caña writes vivid and strong-willed characters that you can't help but love. Not just the main characters, Saint and Lola, but their fiesta and fiery grandfathers as well. And this second-chance love story is fantastic. I absolutely want to go back and read the first book in the series. And I will read any book by Caña going forward.
Please read this.