The Bridesmaid A Novel by Cate Quinn

The Bridesmaid is the latest book from Cate Quinn.

A wedding is a joyous event. Some are simple affairs and others are circuses. And the elite? They own the whole island. Adriana is the bride and she has asked for a number of her schoolmates to be her bridesmaids. Holly Stone is one of those people, but she has her own agenda…… as do others.

Keep track of who is speaking at the top of each chapter. If you don’t, you’ll wonder who’s talking. Each of the bridesmaids as well as our bride has a voice and a chapter or two.

The plot is busy and will keep you guessing. I wonder if some of the characters were taken from reality! Quinn keeps the tension tight up to the final page. I really liked Holly and her skill set. It was really fascinating to hear what she does. Maybe we’ll see her in another book.

Parents Weekend - A Novel by Alex Finlay

Parents Weekend is the new book from Alex Finlay. I've read and enjoyed his previous titles and I knew I was going to enjoy Parents Weekend.

Why? Well...first is the lead character - FBI Special Agent Sarah Keller. She's brilliant and is always a step ahead. I really enjoy how she finds the next steps. 

The plot is a good one - five college kids are missing - and one is already dead. And another reason to hunker down - the book is told from multiple view points - and it's hard to put the book down. And of course some are lying, leaving out pieces of their accounts and more... Piecing everything in time is Keller's goal.

Alex Finlay keeps the suspense up on every page. Parents Weekend reads like a movie. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Parents Weekend.

The Haters - Robyn Harding

Robyn Harding has come up with a great premise in The Haters!

What you ask? Well, the main character is Camryn. She works  as a high school guidance counsellor in the daytime. But on nights and weekends, she works on her novel until…she’s finally published. And the reviews look promising! Until they don't. Someone is working very hard to make sure she fails. The harassment starts with a bad rating and grows until…

I’m not going spoil it for you. I couldn’t believe how insidious it was. Anyone in Camryn’s circle could be the one. Ex-husband daughter, friends, coworkers, boyfriend, her work, her publishing house and more. Initially, I was behind Camryn. But some of her actions and words are self-serving. But on the flipside, Camryn’s dream is to become a noted author and how can you fault that.

 I was really impressed with Harding’s writing and her plotting. I thought I had the culprit, but was proven wrong more than once. And as the book near the final chapters, the culprit was revealed, and I’m happy to say I couldn’t figure it out before the end!

Kudos to Robin Harding for another great suspense read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Haters.

The Business Trip - Jessie Garcia

The Business Trip is Jessie Garcia's debut fiction novel.

Garcia introduces us to the lead character - Jasmine. She's in a really bad domestic situation and has been planning for a year to get away. When her moment appears, she doesn't look back. And then she meets Stephanie. And an opportunity presents itself...

Garcia has penned a great suspense tale. There's no lack of twists and turns to be had. Those twists will take you right down to the last pages. Garcia has crafted a 'can't put it down" tale. You might have to suspend belief with some bits, especially the ending, but just go with it. The book is very entertaining.

  

I liked how the book was presented from many viewpoints and supporting characters. And - a full cast of narrators! I always feel more immersed in a book when I listen it. That was definitely the case with The Business Trip. Each reader was easy to understand and their 'voices' matched the characters they were presenting. A great listen!

The Business Trip - Jessie Garcia

The Business Trip is Jessie Garcia's fiction debut.

Garcia introduces us to the lead character - Jasmine. She's in a really bad domestic situation and has been planning for a year to get away. When her moment appears, she doesn't look back. And then she meets Stephanie. And an opportunity presents itself...

Garcia has penned a great suspense tale. There's no lack of twists and turns to be had. Those twists will take you right down to the last pages. Garcia has crafted a 'can't put it down" tale. You might have to suspend belief with some bits, especially the ending, but just go with it. The book is very entertaining.

  

I liked how the book was presented from many viewpoints and supporting characters. Who to tell? Who to believe?

See for  yourself - read an excerpt of the Business Trip.

One Big Happy Family - Jamie Day

The first thing I noticed on the cover of Jamie Day's new book was the lovely pastel beach chairs. But, then I looked at that stormy background - and that small print. One Big Happy Family may not be the truth...

The Precipice Hotel is about to change hands as George Bishop has died. His three daughters are gathering to hear the will read. It's been years since they've seen each other...

Okay, so far we've got three women who don't see eye to eye. A odd lawyer with the will. And from the cover - a bad storm coming. Isolated hotel. Limited staff - and that would be Charley. She's our protagonist. And some other supporting characters. I thought that all the pieces for a 'locked room mystery' were in place.

I liked the setting very much - especially the library room and there are many more rooms. Charley is worried about what this change of ownership would mean to her circumstances. I liked her early in the book, but found a number of her actions were questionable as the book progressed. 

I'm all up for twists and turns and a plot that keeps the reader guessing. But for me, this plot just asked too much of the reader. I found it to be too far-fetched in places and repetitive in others. 

Still, it was an entertaining book for the beach. See for yourself - read an excerpt of One Big Happy Family. 

Fire and Bones - Kathy Reichs

Yay! A new novel Temperance Brennan from Kathy Reichs! Fire and Bones has just released - and it's a hot read!

I've read every Tempe book and I'm always eager to see what her next case will be about. This time Tempe is headed to Washington to help identify fire victims and add her expertise to the investigation. And Tempe can't walk away when she comes across clues pointing to a much bigger operation.

I really enjoy Tempe as a protagonist. She's got a rich personal life that has progressed over the course of all 23 books in the series. She's dogged in her search for the answers and justice as a forensic anthropologist. Kathy Reichs herself is a certified forensic anthropologist. Her cases and writing have the details that tell you it's the real deal. I quite enjoy Tempe's inner dialogue as well!

The cases are always interesting. There's lots of history is this latest - and no way to predict how or what will come next. (I like the twist in the final chapter!) 

Her counterpart in this latest is journalist Ivy Doyle. Can Ivy be trusted with what's going on behind doors. I wasn't a fan of this character in the beginning, but... 

An excellent entry in this long running series. See for your self - read an excerpt of Fire and Bones.

Night Watching - Tracy Sierra

Wow! Night Watching is a debut novel from Tracy Sierra.

I live in an older house and know which stair riser is the squeaky one, which door won't stay shut, which faucet drips and so much more. I know all of those sounds and they belong. 

In Night Watching, an unnamed mother wakes up at midnight, in a snow storm and hears boots on the stairs - and she knows it is not her husband. Her two children are in their bedrooms. What to do?! I'm going to let you find out who is on the stairs and what happens next...

Oh, this is a terrifying tale. I really didn't want to read it alone at home at night. Sierra gives us bigger goose bumps with the lack of violence. It's so much more with the threat of what might transpire.

My attention never wavered and I had to know what would happen next.  Kudos to Tracy Sierra. I can't wait to see what she writes next. See for yourself - read an excerpt from Night Watching.

Storm Child - Michael Robotham

Storm Child is the fourth entry in Michael Robotham's Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac series. 

Quick catch up if you've not read the first three books. Cyrus is a  psychologist and is the person who found Evie as a child, hiding in a house of horrors. Evie doesn't remember much of her early years - until now...

Robotham has added clues about Evie over the course of the first three books. But fans of this series thrilled to know that this new book does give readers answers at last! But at what cost to Evie?

I really these two characters - Cyrus's slower pace and thinking before acting is the exact opposite to Evie's scattergun approach. They play off each other well. And the care is there between them. I've become invested in both of them.

Robotham's plotting has been wonderful in each entry. This latest could have been torn from newspaper headlines. The plot has a satisfying finish, but I thing there is still much in store for Evie and Cyrus. There are a few questions left...

An easy five star read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Storm Child. 

Known to the Victim - K.L. Armstrong

Okay, suspense fans! You need to read Known to the Victim by K.L. Armstrong.

Amy Gibson's mother was murdered by her boyfriend. It took years and a lot of love from her brother Oliver to get Amy where she is now. She is a speaker and hosts a popular true crime podcast that focuses on crimes against women committed by their partners. 

When Oliver is charged with an unthinkable crime, it's Amy's turn to defend him...because there's no way he did what they're saying...right?

This is such an addictive read! Just as you think you're on the path to one answer, the direction changes - and again and again. I loved having no idea as to how things are going to finally finish up.

There are two main characters - Amy and a P.I. named Dean. Both are strong personalities and they slowly earn the respect of the other. 

I honestly couldn't book the book down! I needed to know the answer! See for yourself - read an excerpt of Known to the Victim.

The Housemaid is Watching - Freida McFadden

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog tour for The Housemaid is Watching.

I've seen so many positive reviews of Freida McFadden's suspense novels, so I thought it was about time I read one. Her latest is The Housemaid is Watching. 

McFadden starts off with a prologue guaranteed to hook the reader. We now know what awaits us in further along in the book. What we need now is the who and why...

Millie, her husband Enzo and their two children have just moved into a house on a quiet cul-de-sac. The neighbors are a bit 'off', but that can't take away from their happiness of owning a house at last. Or can it?

McFadden is a master of misdirection. She had me looking at one set of events, while I should have been looking at another. Bravo! I love being unable to predict what is going to happen next in a plot. Almost every chapter ends with foreshadowing, which means I just had to read just another chapter and another. 

Most of the chapters belong to Millie's point of view, but other characters are given a voice as the end of the book draws near. Clues about Millie's past are dropped in as the book progresses. My perception about Millie changed quite a few times as the book continued. It was the same for many other characters as well. McFadden gives us some crazy twists that were unexpected - but very welcomed!

While this was my first McFadden tale, it won't be my last! This would be a great beach read!

If Something Happens To Me - Alex Finlay

I'm an avid suspense reader and listener, so I'm always on the lookout for more! I have enjoyed Alex Finlay's previous books, so picking up his title 'If Something Happens to Me', was an easy decision.

The story is told through multiple characters. Five years ago Ryan was knocked out and his girlfriend Ali was taken. No body was ever  found - and Ryan was the prime suspect. And then he sees a man that he has seen before... And a cryptic clue starts the hunt all over again.

A Philly mobster is the second voice and a new to the force sheriff’s deputy is the third. I really liked Deputy Poppy McGee! (Nudge, nudge maybe she'll turn up up in another book?) There's a number of supporting players as well.

I always like a tale that unfolds told from more than one viewpoint. We're privy to what's going on in all three threads. Well, we do and we don't in this plot that is. By the time you get back to the first voice, things have changed. Finlay is a master at giving the reader many, many twists and turns - also another element I really enjoy.

I really enjoy a book that employs a cast to perform the novel. Paul Dateh, Helen Laser, and John Pirhalla did a wonderful job of presenting Finlay's work. Having a cast it makes it very easy to know who is speaking. I always imagine what the characters look like from hearing their voices. Distinctive voices are also put in place for supporting characters. Everyone spoke clearly, cleanly and were easy on the ears. Each narrator brought their characters to life, capturing the action and suspense of Finlay's book. A great presentation!

 An entertaining book for sure! See for yourself - listen to an excerpt from If Something Happens to Me.

One Perfect Couple - Ruth Ware

I'm a big fan of Ruth Ware's writing. I adore her suspense tales. Her latest is One Perfect Couple - and I think it's one of her best.

Lyla's boyfriend Nico convinces her to try out for a reality show with him. It's one that will have five couples hoping to be the 'perfect pair' and win the big prize at the end. 

There are reality shows of all type available on so many platforms these days. And the ante is being ramped up to attract viewers. (Admit it - you've watched at least one episode!)

Lyla has her doubts before they go and...I'm going to let you discover what happens next. Ware's plotting is devious - I honestly could not stop listening. There are many unexpected twists and turns woven into the narrative. The tension is palpable on every page.

Lyla is a great lead character - she's quick, clever, sees the big picture and isn't afraid to speak her mind. It's her viewpoint and action that we are listening to. And how about the flip side? You'll have no problem recognizing and despising the antagonist!

I knew this would be a fantastic listen for me. Ware's writing and Imogen Church's reading guaranteed it! Church has such a versatile voice - she's created a different, recognizable  voices for all the characters. She easily captures the emotions of the players with her voice. And the same with the danger and suspense of the plot. The listener is easy drawn into the story. She speaks clearly and enunciates well. I'm always impressed when a single reader can have me thinking there's more than one person!

An easy five stars for One Perfect Couple the book and the presentation. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of One Perfect Couple.

Think Twice - Harlan Coben

I have read each and every book Harlan Coben has written. His standalones are great - but I have a soft spot for Myron Bolitar and his friend Windsor Horne Lockwood III aka Win. Think Twice partners up the two again.

Things start off with a curious prologue. A man who died three years ago has just left his fingerprints at a crime scene. How can that be? The FBI comes knocking on Myron's door to ask the same question...

The plotting is impeccable and there's no way you're going to suss out the answer to the question of whodunit. There are twists and revelations along the way that change the direction of the investigation many times. The ending is edge of your seat, nail biting good. I loved being along for the ride as Win and Myron stay one step ahead of the FBI - and others. The two of them have each other's back. The dialogue between Win and Myron is short, snappy and a heck of lot of fun to read. 

There are a lot of supporting players - some good, some of them not so much. I'm happy to say though, that Esperanza and Big Cyndi are back as well. We also hear from a mystery person in chapters that are chilling.

A satisfying read that I finished far too soon. More please! An easy five stars from this  reader. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Think Twice.

The Off Season - Amber Cowie

If you love suspense novels, you're going to want to pick Amber Cowie's new book - The Off Season. 

The set up for this tale was perfect! Jane has just married a man she's known for only six months, he's thirteen years older, has a teenage daughter and has been married already. Jane doesn't want children and is rebounding from something that went very bad in her work. A recipe for disaster? Maybe. How about adding in being caretakers for a remote lodge in the winter? Oh definitely yes...

The setting is wonderfully described. The lodge is large and luxurious. The forest surrounding the lodge beautiful - but also dangerous. And this crossed my thoughts...Redrum...

Cowie's character building is perfect. The dynamics between Jane and Dom are still in the honeymoon stage. But relations between Jane and Dom's daughter Sienna, are fractious, to say the least. The past is also a character in the plot. But is anyone telling the truth at all?

Oh my gosh - with every chapter Cowie builds and builds the tension in the lodge. There was no way I was going to stop reading! The plotting is great - I had no idea how things were to going to play out. Cowie kept me guessing right through to the last pages.

The Off Season is a fantastic entry for your summer reading list! 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Off Season.

I Will Ruin You - Linwood Barclay

I am always excited when I see that Linwood Barclay is releasing a new title! It's here - I Will Ruin You. Turn the first few pages -  I guarantee you won't be able to stop  reading!

Richard Boyle is a teacher who finds himself front and center on the news, after a very serious incident on the school grounds. He's a hero to many, but there are others with a different opinion...

This is one of the reasons I love Barclay's suspense. An ordinary guy dropped into a crazy, unbelievable situation. He can handle what's going on - right? Well you know what's going to happen don't you? He can't control it - and things start to spin out of control. There's a wealth of twists and turns that I hadn't couldn't have expected or predicted. I love being surprised by an author. And Barclay does with every book.

Making things even better is the cast of supporting players - some good, some bad, but all with a hand in the action. Most of those players have a voice with their own take on things.

Another great suspense tale from Barclay - I can see this one as a show series! See for yourself - read an excerpt of I Will Ruin You.

Safe and Sound - Laura McHugh

Laura McHugh has just released her new book - Safe and Sound. I  really enjoyed her debut novel, The Weight of Water. (my review) And I really enjoyed Safe and Sound as well.

McHugh again does a brilliant job of building the setting. Beaumont Missouri is a small town that the younger residents can't wait to leave. There's a heaviness to the town, dusty, dirty and worn with nothing to redeem it. Some folks get out - with a sigh of relief. Some stay. And some go missing...

Sisters Amelia and Kylee's older cousin Grace, is one of the missing. The girls are determined once again to try and find out what happened to her. Someone has to know something. And yes,   omeone does indeed know something...

McHugh's prose are dark and gritty. There are moments where the sun shines through, letting hope in. And times where the 'wrong' comes to visit.  

The plotting was excellent - with a finale that I couldn't predict. The ending was apt and right - I wish I knew what happened after the last page. An excellent read for me. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Safe and Sound.

 (Gentle readers, there are some triggers.)

Everyone Is Watching - Heather Gudenkauf

Game shows have evolved from the days of Bob Barker and guessing prices to 'games' that you couldn't imagine! Heather Gudenkauf has set her latest book - Everyone is Watching - in a 'game' that will keep you turning pages 'til the wee hours. 

The prize is ten million dollars. But - there are only five players. Does that make it easier to win? Or tougher? Oh, and the competition is being streamed in real time around the world.

I like the way Gudenkauf set the book up. We meet the players in their present with flashbacks to their pasts. As you read, you'll have your suspicions about every player - and the staff.

Each event is not at what was expected by the players - or this reader! But is it really so far from reality? What will someone do for a chance at ten million dollars? The tension, suspense and action doesn't let up until the threads are all tied up in the last pages.

I can see Everyone is Watching as a movie. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Everyone is Watching.

Daughter of Mine - Megan Miranda

Daughter of Mine is Megan Miranda's new novel.

Hazel Sharp hasn't been back to Mirror Lake for almost a decade. There are just too many memories there - especially the disappearance of her mother. Why didn't she take Hazel with her? It's the death of her father that brings her back to the family home in Mirror Lake. Old disagreements and resentments rear there ugly heads as Hazel and her two brothers argue over the will. And other secrets are exposed as the water level in the lake drops...My answer for whodunit changed frequently.

Daughter of Mine is a bit of a slow burn in the beginning as the scene is set, the characters introduced and the crux of the matter is exposed. Family matters, old hurts, actions, secrets, and more keep the narrative moving forward. I thought Miranda did a great job of drawing the relationships between all the players. The headers of each chapter lists the days without rain - and the level of the lake keeps dropping.

I chose to listen to Daughter of Mine. The narrator was Inés del Castillo. I've enjoyed other books she's read. Her voice matched the mental image I had created for Hazel. She provides many other voices, including men's, that are believable. The speed is good. She enunciates well and her voice is pleasant to listen to. She interprets Miranda's work and uses her voice to capture the emotions and action of the book.  A good performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt for Daughter of Mine.  Runtime is 10 hours and 20 minutes.

Kill for Me Kill for You - Steve Cavanagh

Kill for Me Kill for You is Steve Cavanagh's latest book - and it's a doozy!

Have you ever watched Alfred Hitchcock's 1951 movie called Strangers on a Train? The premise is that two strangers will execute a murder for the other, thereby creating an unbreakable alibi for each another.

But Cavanagh puts his own spin on things, with more characters, more killing, and my favorite - more twists and turns! Just when I thought I had nailed down my choice for the whodunit, I was proven wrong. I love it when I can't guess how a plot is going to unfold. There's no down time in Cavanagh's writing!

I chose to listen to Kill for Me Kill for You. The narrator was Stephanie Cannon and she was fantastic! There are many characters in the book, but Cannon has created a voice for every last one - male and female - that are believable. You'd swear that there are two people having a conversation. I don't know who she can flip back and forth. Cannon speaks clearly and enunciates well. The speed was just right. She captured the tone of Cavanagh's work. A wonderful performance! Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of Kill for Me Kill for You. And I'll be watching for Cavanagh's next book.