56 DAYS by Catherine Ryan Howard

Blackstone Publishing; 8/17/21

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: claustrophobic, tense, irresistible psychological suspense

Synopsis: As Covid-19 hits Ireland’s shores and the Irish government enacts strict lockdown rules, a new couple decides to move in together for the lockdown period—but before lockdown is up, one of them will be dead.

Pros: Everything! This was my personal favorite book of 2021. This thriller expertly uses the backdrop of lockdown as a pressure cooker for its characters. (It’s not a thriller about Covid - Covid is just the background to this story!) Claustrophobic plot; ever-increasing tension; expert use of multiple timelines. Loved this one!!

Cons: None!

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ALL THE BEAUTIFUL LIES by Peter Swanson

William Morrow; 4/3/18

CBTB Rating: 1.5/5

The Verdict: uncomfortable and disturbing suspense

Synopsis: A young man returns home from college upon the death of his father, and becomes embroiled in a web of family secrets.

Pros: Hard for me to come up with. I had a really hard time with this book.

Cons: Much of this book centers around illicit or taboo relationships between step-parents and their step-children. I was very uncomfortable with the way this topic was handled - it felt indulgent, and I wasn’t comfortable with the way the disturbing relationships at the center of this book were presented.

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CBTB Rating: 2.5/5

The Verdict: starts out strong & takes a nosedive

Synopsis: when a young teenage girl is brutally raped, her family elects to treat her with a drug that will erase her memory of the assault. This book traces that decision's fallout.

Pros: fantastic concept - raises fascinating questions regarding trauma and its treatment.

Cons: utter lack of character development left me seriously wanting, and totally undermined a fantastic plot. I wouldn't recommend this book.

ARE YOU SLEEPING by Kathleen Barber
Gallery Books; 8/1/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a fresh take on psychological suspense

Synopsis: a woman's carefully constructed life is shattered when a podcaster re-opens the case of her father's murder years before.

Pros: on-trend psychological suspense, great for fans of Ruth Ware and Clare Mackintosh; non-traditional storytelling elements like podcast "transcripts" 

Cons: not necessarily a con, but this book isn't particularly dark - just something to be aware of! 

PLUS: This post also includes my top true crime podcast recommendations! 

Read my full review here. 

BEAUTIFUL BAD by Annie Ward

Park Row; 3/5/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: domestic suspense meets globe-trotting thriller

Synopsis: A horrible crime occurs at an ordinary suburban home, bringing to light the dark secrets of a picture-perfect couple.

Pros: intricate, complex plot - readers will travel from the Balkans to post-9/11 Manhattan to a small, rural community in the middle of America. This is an epic, sweeping novel, but it’s also a very intimate domestic suspense story.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but you do need to keep in mind that this is NOT an ordinary domestic thriller! It includes global politics, discussions of PTSD and the traumas of war, and much more. That was a plus for me, but just keep it in mind when determining if it’s for you!

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BEST DAY EVER by Kaira Rouda
Graydon House; 9/19/17
CBTB Rating: 2/5
The Verdict: overdone, forced suspense

Synopsis: Narrator Paul takes his wife out of town for the perfect weekend - but might have ulterior motives. 

Pros: fast-paced read

Cons: forced and overdone characterization - Paul is over-the-top "evil"; lackluster plot twists (Paul is consistently "bad" - it's not surprising when he does terrible things)

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BLACK WIDOW by Christopher Brookmyre
Grove Atlantic; 11/1/16
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a smart, sophisticated web of lies

Synopsis: Journalist Jack Parlabane investigates the strange case of a husband gone missing, and a wife with dark secrets. 

Pros: layered, complex plotting - Brookmyre weaves a compelling and attention-grabbing mystery that touches on social issues and delivers a gut-punch finale.

Cons: not necessarily a con, but readers should be aware that this book isn't one that's easy to binge-read - its complexity requires your full attention. 

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BLOODLINE by Jess Lourey

Thomas & Mercer; 1/1/21

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: sinister small-town suspense

Synopsis: A pregnant journalist agrees to move to her fiance’s hometown to give their baby the best life possible, but discovers that she’s walked into a sinister community that might have other plans for her and her child.

Pros: Everything!! I loved this book. A sinister blend of small-town suspense and horror vibes; a compelling protagonist; intricate, shocking plotting. Major Rosemary’s Baby vibes!

Cons: None! Just keep in mind that this book does get creepy.

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CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: mind-bending & graphic exploration of memory loss and manipulation

Pros: vivid characterization, shocking plot twists, elevating the "unreliable narrator" trend, just all-around perfect crime writing

Cons: absolutely none. I have met a new favorite author in Pierre Lemaitre. 

Full review here.

THE BOY AT THE DOOR by Alex Dahl

Berkley; 7/24/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a compelling balance of light suspense & dark subject matter

Synopsis: Cecilia’s picture-perfect life is shattered when she offers to look after a young boy found abandoned at a local swimming pool.

Pros: Superb blend of lighter suspense tone and dark subject matter; Nordic backdrop meets modern psychological thriller

Cons: No real cons! Just don’t expect your standard Nordic Noir thriller here - this book may be set in Norway, but it’s much more aligned with modern psychological thrillers.

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BRING ME BACK by B.A. Paris

St. Martin’s Press; 6/19/18

CBTB Rating: 2/5

The Verdict: Uneven and improbable suspense

Synopsis: Ten years ago, Layla disappeared - but now her former boyfriend believes she has come back, and is out for revenge.

Pros: Unfortunately few and far between. Readers looking for lighter suspense may enjoy this book more than I did.

Cons: Implausible plotting; lack of menace/tension throughout the story; wholly far-fetched ending

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THE BROKEN GIRLS by Simone St. James

Berkley; 3/20/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: page-turning suspense with a supernatural edge

Synopsis: A journalist in rural Vermont is writing a story about the renovation of an abandoned all-girls boarding school - the location where her sister was found dead years prior. 

Pros: So much to love about this one! Boarding school locale, interpersonal suspense, and a bit of an urban legend/ghost story - but it's a ghost story handled really well. 

Cons: The fact that there is a ghost element to this story will be a turn-off for some readers; there is also one thread to this story's final explanation that was just a bit too convenient. 

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MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read if you dare

Synopsis: Meet the Morrow family: cannibals living on an isolated farm in Appalachia. The youngest Morrow boy, Michael, wants to escape his twisted family, but can he ever shed the sins of his past?

Pros: haunting horror novel, brimming with gore and suspense. Michael is a truly tragic character. Major shock at the end.

Cons: read with caution—this one is nightmare-inducing.

THE BURNING GIRLS by C.J. Tudor

Ballantine Books; 2/9/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: chilling suspense-meets-folk horror

Synopsis: An unconventional vicar takes a new job at the local parish in a small village, and discovers that the town is haunted by its dark history.

Pros: Engaging, compelling characters; creepy elements of folk horror reminiscent of The Wicker Man; a sinister small town with lots of secrets in its past.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but keep in mind that this book focuses heavily on religion and also includes a potential ghostly element. I personally loved these elements, but they may not work for everyone.

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THE CHILD by Fiona Barton
Berkley; 6/27/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: character-driven, immersive suspense

Synopsis: The discovery of an infant's skeleton in a building site prompts an investigation into the secrets of three women living in the neighborhood.

Pros: Immersive, character-driven suspense - draws you into the lives and minds of the three women under investigation

Cons: starts off slower but rewards patient readers!

Read my full review here.

THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: add to your summer TBR!

Synopsis: when a baby girl is kidnapped from her home, her parents must deal with the fallout—and the secrets they learn about each other.

Pros: great characterization, twisty plot, emotional, FANTASTIC ending! 

Cons: would have liked a bit more focus on the mother - wanted to know more about her.

THE DARK by Emma Haughton

Mobius; 10/19/21

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: a chilling locked room mystery

Synopsis: An emergency medicine doctor accepts the job of a lifetime, working as the on-site doctor at a research station in Antarctica. But then she learns the disturbing truth about how her predecessor died…

Pros: Terrific setting—the ideal winter read! Isolated location; locked room-style plot (limited cast of characters, murderer in their midst). A chilling read perfect for your winter TBR.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but just expect this book to take a bit of time to set the scene & introduce readers to its central characters before the real tension and mystery sets in!

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DARK THINGS I ADORE by Katie Lattari

Sourcebooks; 9/14/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A dark and hypnotic revenge tale

Synopsis: An art student and her professor travel to the student’s remote home to review her work—but each individual has ulterior motives, and the trip is bound to end in disaster.

Pros: Lush, hypnotic writing—this is a dark story that’s beautifully told. Ever-increasing tension and a cat-and-mouse game between the characters will keep readers invested. Well-timed flashback chapters give readers insight into the backstory between the book’s two central characters.

Cons: This book deals with very dark and disturbing content that won’t be for every reader. Slow-burning pacing similarly won’t be for everyone.

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CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: an aging writer is stalked by an obsessive neighbor with personal ties to the writer's bestselling crime novel.

Pros: brimming with Koch's trademark wit and cynicism; experimental & nonlinear plot

Cons: lacking Koch's usual sucker punch plot twist - not as visceral as Koch's previous books.

My full review here.

THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY by Ruth Ware

Gallery/Scout Press; 5/29/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: unputdownable, gothic-inspired suspense - my favorite Ware book yet

Synopsis: An identity mix-up puts one young woman in the position to inherit a vast fortune - the only problem? She'll have to pretend to be someone else to get it.

Pros: EVERYTHING! This is without a doubt my favorite Ruth Ware book yet - and I'm such a Ruth Ware fan. From the gothic atmosphere to the Agatha Christie-worthy plot to the compelling main character, this is just gold. 

Cons: None!

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THE DEVIL CREPT IN by Ania Ahlborn
Gallery Books; On sale 2/7/17
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: masterful, vivid horror

Synopsis: When Jude goes missing, his younger cousin Stevie embarks on a personal investigation into the case - and discovers a years-old horror, lurking on the outskirts of his town.

Pros: vivid, three-dimensional storytelling; masterfully plotted novel - Ahlborn knows exactly when to drop moments of violence into the story for maximum effect.

Cons: none! 

Read my full review here. 

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: spooky binge-read

Synopsis: a boy's disappearance takes a turn for the supernatural, with ghostly sightings plaguing his mother.

Pros: fast-paced, atmospheric, fantastic blurring of the lines between reality and the supernatural 

Cons: not a pure supernatural thriller (will disappoint fans looking for that), not the most complex story

Full review here.

EIGHT PERFECT MURDERS by Peter Swanson

William Morrow; 3/3/20

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a must-read for crime fiction obsessed bookworms

Synopsis: A bookseller is tapped by the FBI to consult on the investigation of murders inspired by classic crime novels.

Pros: A book tailor-made for crime fiction readers. Clever plot, addictive pacing, and lots of nods to genre history and the current state of the genre. I loved this one!

Cons: The only possible con is that, as the murders in this book are based on real crime novels, there are some spoilers for the classic crime novels discussed in this book. Read the classics first if you don’t want to be spoiled.

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FIND HER

MY RATING: 4.5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Meet Flora Dane, a young woman rebuilding her life after having been kidnapped. But is she really a victim, or a vigilante?

Pros: fast-paced, addictive plot, unreliable main character, strong character development

Cons: none

* RELEASES FEB. 2016 *

THE FIRE CHILD by S.K. Tremayne

CBTB Rating: 2.5/5

The Verdict: a mixed bag - a slow start that leads to a creepy ending

Synopsis: When Rachel marries handsome, wealthy David, she seems to inherit the perfect life - but David has secrets. 

Pros: creepy, tense ending - really enjoyed the last 100 pages

Cons: slow, "fluffy" start - takes a long time to start to feel like a psychological thriller

Read my full review here. 

THE FIRST MISTAKE by Sandie Jones

Minotaur Books; 6/11/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Binge-worthy beach reading

Synopsis: A woman suspects her husband is cheating on her, and turns to her best friend for help.

Pros: This book takes a very familiar premise and pushes it in totally fresh directions. This is perfect “popcorn reading” - an entertaining, devour-it-whole kind of suspense novel! Oh, and if you’re a reader who loves a great twist, this book has one.

Cons: There are still elements of familiarity to this book; it’s overall very fun and fresh, but you have to be in the mood for domestic suspense.

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CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: immersive, psychologically astute suspense

Synopsis: When armed men break into Clara's home and drag her away from her family, she has no idea the secrets they will reveal about her husband and his business... 

Pros: tactful and compassionate portrayal of the effects of emotional and physical abuse; strong character development; immersive plot

Cons: subject matter won't be for everyone

Full review here.

FOR YOUR OWN GOOD by Samantha Downing

Berkley; 7/20/21

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: wickedly fun psychological suspense

Synopsis: A very dedicated teacher at an exclusive prep school is willing to do anything - and I mean anything - to help his students and his school succeed.

Pros: This book is so much fun! A campus thriller infused with dark humor and zany, wickedly entertaining character development. Follows a truly one-of-a-kind antihero as he enacts all manner of evil schemes to get what he wants.

Cons: The only thing I’d say about this one is you really have to be okay with a humorous component in your crime fiction to enjoy this story - this book doesn’t take itself too seriously, in the best way!

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THE GIRL IN THE RED COAT

MY RATING: 5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Carmel has always been different. When she is abducted, she and her mother begin two very different journeys of loss, grief, and hope.

Pros: gorgeously written, emotional, tragic, strong character development, intelligent writing. Must-read.

Cons: absolutely none.

* RELEASES FEB. 2016 *

THE GOOD DAUGHTER by Karin Slaughter
William Morrow; 8/8/17
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: layered, character-driven suspense

Synopsis: the secrets from a family's dark past come back into the light when a brutal act of violence is committed in a small town.

Pros: richly developed characters, complex plotting, gritty & dark writing

Cons: none! 

Read my full review here.

GOOD GIRLS LIE by J.T. Ellison

MIRA; 12/30/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: Deliciously dark psychological suspense

Synopsis: A young woman begins her first semester at an elite boarding school in rural Virginia - and both she and the school are carrying dark, deadly secrets.

Pros: Everything! I absolutely loved this read. Juicy drama, intrigue, boarding school traditions and secret societies… this is the perfect binge-read, particularly for fans of Pretty Little Liars and/or Gossip Girl. A clever, dark, totally addictive “popcorn read.”

Cons: None!

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THE GOOD SON by You-jeong Jeong

Penguin Books; 6/15/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: an insidious dive into psychopathy

Synopsis: A young man wakes up to a strange metallic smell - and finds his mother’s corpse in his home. He sets out to investigate the crime, and uncovers earth-shattering secrets about his family.

Pros: Absolutely everything. Sharp writing, astute psychology, utterly chilling storytelling - loved it! This one is a standout.

Cons: None!

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THE GRIP OF IT by Jac Jemc
FSG Originals; 8/1/17
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: subtle literary horror

Synopsis: A young couple buys their dream home, but it seems the house has its own plans for them

Pros: vivid, rich language; unique and affecting blend of literary horror and domestic suspense

Cons: this is NOT a blood-and-guts horror read - won't be the right choice for horror readers looking for something scary

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GRIST MILL ROAD by Christopher J. Yates

Picador; 1/9/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: harrowing, visceral psychological suspense

Synopsis: a tragedy from the past comes back to haunt three characters, who each take turns giving their unique perspective on the events of years prior.

Pros: visceral storytelling - this book is harrowing, tragic, and completely immersive. This is a tough read - the experiences of its characters are heartbreaking. Loved the way each character gets a turn to tell his or her side of the story.

Cons: None! Just be aware that this book deals with genuinely difficult topics. 

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CBTB Rating: 2/5

The Verdict: skip unless you love spiders

Synopsis: unexplained phenomena across the globe turn out to be the work of bloodthirsty spiders

Pros: more entertaining than I expected, but my expectations were very low

Cons: limited plot development, no character development, seriously unsatisfying ending

MY RATING: 3.5/5

THE VERDICT: neutral

Synopsis: When Marjorie Barrett begins exhibiting signs of demonic possession, her family becomes the subject of a reality TV show. But what's worse, supernatural evil or human?

Pros: A fresh twist on the exorcism theme. Pits humans against demons, family members against each other, and packs a punch.

Cons: Atypical for the possession subgenre; might disappoint readers looking for a more classic exorcism story.
 

THE HEART KEEPER by Alex Dahl

Berkley; 7/16/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A compelling blend of Nordic + domestic noir

Synopsis: One mother’s life is shattered by the death of her young daughter, while another mother’s life changes for the better when her daughter is the recipient of a heart transplant.

Pros: Sinister tension; a story of love and grief turned to dark obsession. Dahl writes with razor-sharp observations on motherhood and womanhood. Nordic atmosphere/sense of place add texture to this riveting and emotional story.

Cons: This is not an action-packed thriller; it’s a subtle story, so readers who prefer action and overt violence will be better served looking elsewhere.

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HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson

On Sale: 1/10/17

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: addictive, Hitchcockian suspense

Synopsis: Kate moves from London to Boston to stay in her cousin's apartment, but when his next door neighbor is found murdered, she becomes obsessed with the crime. 

Pros: masterful plotting, slow-burning suspense, delves deep into the minds of its characters, chilling villain

Cons: if you're looking for an action-packed thriller, you won't find it here. This book is very much about the minds of its characters.

Full review here. 

HELLO, TRANSCRIBER by Hannah Morrissey

Minotaur; 11/30/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a gritty, atmospheric procedural-meets-suspense novel

Synopsis: A woman newly employed as a police transcriber at her local police station finds herself drawn into an investigation with ties to her troubled city’s dark underbelly.

Pros: Gritty atmosphere will appeal to fans of noir; dark and immersive setting (small town in Wisconsin); compelling protagonist; fresh spin on a procedural.

Cons: This book does have a romance aspect to it, which I know isn’t for everyone!

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HER THREE LIVES by Cate Holahan

Grand Central Publishing; 4/20/21

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: a paranoia-inducing “popcorn thriller”

Synopsis: In the wake of a terrifying home invasion, a couple begins to doubt whether or not they can trust one another.

Pros: Engaging, easy-to-read pacing; a story that will keep you on your toes and suspecting everyone.

Cons: Occasionally the story veers into over-the-top drama that requires a bit of suspense of reality.

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HIDE AND SEEK by M.J. Arlidge
Berkley; 10/10/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: locked room mystery meets Criminal Minds

Synopsis: DI Helen Grace faces her toughest challenge yet - she's incarcerated with criminals who she herself arrested, and a serial killer is at work in the prison.

Pros: trademark Arlidge - gripping plotting, shocking final reveal, and a great new twist with the "locked in" element of the mystery

Cons: the story took me just a touch longer than usual to get into the groove of it - normally these books completely grab me from page one. That being said, once I was in, I was totally hooked - this is one of my favorite series installments now!

READ MY FULL REVIEW

THE HIDING PLACE by C.J. Tudor

Crown Publishing; 2/5/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: An exceptional suspense novel from an author to watch

Synopsis: A man returns to his childhood hometown, the place where a terrible tragedy struck his family during his youth. His motivation? Presumably, he’s returning to take a job as an English teacher at his old school… but there may be more going on behind the scenes.

Pros: Everything!! Touches of horror, a rich sense of place (gloomy, melancholy atmosphere, and even a hint of gothic inspiration), a superbly plotted mystery with plenty of scares in store for the reader.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but do be aware that there are touches of the otherworldly interwoven into this book.

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HIS & HERS by Alice Feeney

Flatiron; 7/28/20

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: intricate, twisty psychological suspense

Synopsis: A journalist and a police officer cross paths in a sleepy British town where the body of a woman has been found.

Pros: Alice Feeney is known for twisty thrillers, and this book delivers. Propulsive plotting, unreliable narrators, and a jaw-dropping final conclusion will thrill readers of psychological suspense.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but be aware that this book gets dark, particularly in its portrayal of toxic teenage friendships and relationships.

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HOME BEFORE DARK by Riley Sager

Dutton; 6/30/20

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: A chilling ghost story-meets-family mystery

Synopsis: A woman returns to the childhood home her family fled years prior, determined to disprove the ghost story her father wrote about the house, and about her childhood.

Pros: CREEPY! This is Riley Sager’s most chilling novel yet. A “book within a book” structure gives this story complexity and depth; Gothic influences add to the book’s atmosphere; a strong protagonist grounds the story.

Cons: Not necessarily a con, but something to be aware of - this book does have a significant ghost story component to it. (Readers who don’t like any supernatural elements in their thrillers might not enjoy this one as much.)

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THE HOURS BEFORE DAWN by Celia Fremlin

Faber & Faber; Reprint Edition, 6/7/17

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: classic crime for fans of modern psychological suspense

Synopsis: A young family takes in a tenant to earn a bit of extra income... and begins to suspect that she's up to no good. 

Pros: A thought-provoking book originally published in the 1950's, tackling issues of motherhood - in particular, the expectations (often unrealistic) put on mothers. Also fascinating to read a book from this era that feels like a precursor to current psychological suspense trends. 

Cons: given that it is an older read, just be aware that its pacing is slower than many modern suspense novels. 

READ THE REVIEW

THE HUNTING PARTY by Lucy Foley

William Morrow; 2/12/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A stylish, atmospheric suspense novel perfect for fans of Ruth Ware

Synopsis: A group of friends head to a remote luxury hotel in the Scottish highlands to celebrate New Year’s Eve. When a blizzard descends, cutting off access to and from the hotel, claustrophobia begins to set in… and old tensions and secrets begin to resurface. Matters become worse when one of the friends goes missing…

Pros: A stylish, sly mystery. Rich atmosphere and sense of place, Agatha Christie-inspired “locked room mystery” structure, and delicious drama between old friends.

Cons: Occasionally the story gets a bit melodramatic - not much, but just a touch! It’s also a much lighter suspense story - not a negative, but just something to keep in mind.

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THE HUNTING WIVES by May Cobb

Berkley; 5/18/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: juicy and unputdownable summer suspense

Synopsis: A woman moves to a small town in East Texas and befriends a group of wealthy housewives with dark hobbies.

Pros: sizzling, sexy summer suspense - this book is over-the-top fun! Page-turning pacing, juicy entertainment, and lots of drama.

Cons: not necessarily a con, but just keep in mind this is a lighter suspense read.

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MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: Married couple Angus and Sarah are reeling from the untimely death of one of their twin daughters, Lydia. Matters are made worse when the surviving twin, Kirstie, insists that she is Lydia, and Kirstie is the twin who died fourteen months prior. A little bit supernatural and a whole lot of creepy, this story is totally addictive.

Pros: fast-paced, genuinely creepy (kept me up at night, in a good way)

Cons: no complaints. Just don't read this right before bed.

IF I DISAPPEAR by Eliza Jane Brazier

Berkley; 1/26/21

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: a compelling suspense novel with a confusing finale

Synopsis: When a woman’s favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, she sets off on an ill-advised mission to track her down.

Pros: Gritty-yet-beautiful writing; hypnotic storytelling; a complicated and obsessive protagonist.

Cons: The ending to this book was very confusing to me, and unfortunately undermined my overall enjoyment of this story.

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I KNOW WHO YOU ARE by Alice Feeney

Flatiron Books; 4/23/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: gripping, edge-of-your-seat suspense with a killer twist

Synopsis: An actress harboring a dark secret finds her life upended when her husband goes missing.

Pros: This book is sneakily very dark—I truly wasn’t expecting a story as chilling as I found here. Feeney writes characters that leap off the page, and her plotting is sinister, and this book has a killer twist.

Cons: Parts of this story might be hard to stomach for some readers.

READ THE FULL REVIEW

MY RATING: 5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Summary: A mother's worst nightmare comes true when her young child is killed in front of her in a hit and run accident. She retreats to a secluded cottage to try to piece together her broken heart. Meanwhile, two police officers are sacrificing everything to solve the case.

Pros: a superbly-planned thriller, full of shocking twists you'll never see coming. Emotional, raw, gasp-out-loud good.

Cons: none. Buy this one ASAP.
 

MY RATING: 4.5/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: Reclusive writer Leonora is startled to get an invitation to an estranged former friend's bachelorette celebration. What follows is pure Agatha Christie: isolation, deceit, and building tension. Read with all the lights on.

Pros: spine-tinglingly creepy, fast-paced, expert plot development. Loved this one!!

Cons: none.

IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk

Thomas & Mercer; 7/17/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: twisted psychological suspense

Synopsis: A young woman visits her estranged aunt, and discovers that her aunt is hiding dark family secrets.

Pros: Such a fun - and twisted - read. This book follows the deterioration of the main characters' sanity in such an effective way - this is one demented read! "Popcorn reading" with a stronger bite.

Cons: Not necessarily a con - but the author's writing style will take some getting used to. She writes very vividly, detailed sentences - I found myself needing to take my time with them. It's a very addictive read, but not one that you'll necessarily fly through.  

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IN MY DREAMS I HOLD A KNIFE by Ashley Winstead

Sourcebooks Landmark; 8/3/21

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: academic suspense perfect for Pretty Little Liars fans

Synopsis: A woman attends her 10-year college reunion determined to put her best foot forward, but dark secrets from her past are lurking around every corner on her former college campus.

Pros: Perfect for fans of campus thrillers; ensemble cast of characters draws readers slowly but surely into the dark secrets at the heart of this mystery and keeps readers on their toes; unexpected romance adds a dash of entertainment value.

Cons: Lighter suspense at the story’s outset requires a bit of patience - the book didn’t fully grab me until around the 100 page mark, but then I was totally hooked!

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JANE DOE by Victoria Helen Stone

Lake Union; 8/1/18

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: an addictive but slightly overdone revenge thriller

Synopsis: A woman seeks revenge by targeting a man who did her dear friend wrong.

Pros: Fast-paced; easy-to-binge; turns the tables on the “unreliable narrator” trope by giving us a protagonist who is very clear on what she’s all about from the get-go

Cons: Overdone and melodramatic. This book is just too much in a number of ways.

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THE LAST TIME I LIED by Riley Sager

Dutton; 7/3/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: chilling beach reading for fans of Pretty Little Liars

Synopsis: A young woman returns to the summer camp she attended as a teen to confront the ghosts left behind by the disappearance of 3 of her camp-mates years prior.

Pros: Atmospheric; fantastic cast of characters readers will feel instantly aligned with; easy-to-binge; shocking twist!

Cons: Not necessarily a con - but this is a lighter suspense read. It’s not the same horror-inspired story as Sager’s FINAL GIRLS.

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LET ME LIE by Clare Mackintosh

Berkley; 3/13/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: slow-burning, lighter suspense with a killer ending

Synopsis: A woman digs into the death of her parents - assumed to be suicide, but she can't accept that explanation. 

Pros: Endearing characters, a trademark-Mackintosh ending (aka it's a jaw-dropper!)

Cons: An overall slower-paced read; it doesn't have the same energy of her previous novels. My least favorite of hers, sadly.

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CBTB Rating: 3/5

The Verdict: a slight disappointment

Synopsis: DI Helen Grace faces off against a serial arsonist in the 4th installment of Arlidge's series.

Pros: fast paced, short chapters, always fun to read about Helen! 

Cons: not as compelling of a plot as previous books, hardly any Helen character development

Full review here.

LIES by T.M. Logan

St. Martin’s; 9/11/18

CBTB Rating: 2.75/5

The Verdict: binge-able suspense with a disappointing final twist

Synopsis: A chance encounter turns the life of an ordinary suburban dad upside down.

Pros: A binge-able story - very fast-paced.

Cons: My reading experience was totally undermined by an illogical and over-the-top finale. Not the right book if you like a “fair play” conclusion to a mystery.

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LIE TO ME by JT Ellison
Mira Books; 9/5/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: twisty plotting & pure entertainment

Synopsis: When Sutton goes missing, all suspicion falls on her husband Ethan - but there might be more to the story behind this seemingly perfect couple. 

Pros: engaging, addictive pacing; plenty of surprising plot twists; seems built for the big screen! 

Cons: this is a more dramatic psychological thriller - readers looking for something really realistic will be disappointed

Read my full review here. 

LIES SHE TOLD by Cate Holahan
Crooked Lane Books; 9/12/17
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: addictive, obsessive psychological thriller

Synopsis: a crime writer sets out to write a thriller that could get her back on the bestseller list - but her real life begins to mirror her fiction, with deadly results

Pros: fantastic "book within a book" plotting; engaging, addictive storytelling

Cons: a bit dramatic - readers have to be okay with some drama! 

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THE LINGERING by S.J.I. Holliday

Orenda Books; 9/30/18 (E-book), 11/15/18 (UK Paperback)

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: atmospheric, supernatural suspense

Synopsis: A couple moves to a communal living retreat to escape the stress of city life… but what they find there is more than either could have bargained for.

Pros: Richly atmospheric; fantastic sense of place; set in an old asylum; a compelling collection of characters.

Cons: Has a strong supernatural component that won’t work for every reader.

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LOCK EVERY DOOR by Riley Sager

Dutton Books; 7/2/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a must-read — gothic suspense with a modern twist

Synopsis: A young woman accepts a job as an apartment-sitter at a high-end New York apartment building with a dark history.

Pros: Everything!! I’m a huge Sager fan, and this is my new favorite book of his. A bewitching blend of Gothic inspiration and modern-day suspense; a relatable protagonist; shades of Rosemary’s Baby. Brilliant!

Cons: None!

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THE LYING GAME by Ruth Ware
Gallery Books/Scout Press; 7/25/17

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: taut, steadily-building suspense

Synopsis: four friends must face the consequences of lies they told in their youth

Pros: completely addictive plotting, fast-paced, delves into past secrets and lies between friends

Cons: won't deliver enough thrills for readers looking for serious crime fiction - this is definitely lighter suspense

Read my full review here.

LYING IN WAIT by Liz Nugent

Gallery/Scout Press; 6/12/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a masterful, utterly addictive crime novel

Synopsis: A family deals with the fallout of a crime committed by one of their own.

Pros: Superb character development; sharp, to-the-point prose; astute observations on human nature

Cons: None!

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MAESTRA by L.S. Hilton
CBTB Rating: 3.5/5
The verdict:  take this book to the beach this summer!

Synopsis: a young woman schemes her way to the top of the art world.

Pros: larger-than-life plot, exotic locales, international art forgery.

Cons: sex scenes were too explicit for me, and with all its exaggerations, this book will irritate readers looking for more serious, realistic crime fiction.

MISTER TENDER’S GIRL by Carter Wilson

Sourcebooks; 2/13/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: chilling suspense worthy of a weekend binge-read

Synopsis: A young woman survives a brutal attack inspired by the cartoon character “Mister Tender”. Years later, she sets out to uncover the truth about the attack. Inspired by the real-life “Slenderman” case.

Pros: Gripping blurring of the lines between fiction and reality; fascinating tie-in to real-life events that will suit those interested in true crime.

Cons: This book will appeal most to readers looking for unusual suspense - this isn’t a straightforward mystery, though it does have lots of suspense and mystery elements.

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MY LOVELY WIFE by Samantha Downing

Berkley Publishing; 3/26/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: addictive, wickedly irresistible domestic suspense

Synopsis: A husband and wife engage in serial murder to keep the spark alive in their marriage.

Pros: A fresh & inventive plot puts a whole new spin on the domestic/serial killer thriller! This one is definitely over-the-top - be prepared for a dark and playful twist on a serial killer story.

Cons: If you want something realistic and down-to-earth, give this one a pass.

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MY RATING: 2.5/5

THE VERDICT: pass on this one

Synopsis: Picture-perfect couple Adrienne and Gabe are trying to adopt a child. They meet an apparently-perfect birth mother, and invite her to stay with them until the baby is born. Everything goes downhill from there.

Pros: good twist at the end.

Cons: not a whole lot of depth to the plot, lots of extra stuff that could've been edited out. Disappointing read.

MY RATING: 3.5/5

THE VERDICT: neutral

Synopsis: Elderly Margaret, an avid mystery reader, finds a real-life mystery in her enigmatic new neighbor, Jennifer. What is Jennifer running from? Stewart explores the intersecting lives of two isolated women.

Pros: layered, contemplative, half mystery & half fiction

Cons: slow-paced, not a traditional cat-and-mouse mystery

THE NIGHT VISITOR by Lucy Atkins

Quercus; 7/3/18

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: fresh, unputdownable suspense - a Summer 2018 must-read!

Synopsis: An author working on a biography of a pioneering female surgeon discovers that all is not as it seems with the research assistant who has been contributing to her latest project.

Pros: Everything! One of the most genuinely addictive and surprising psychological suspense novels I’ve read in ages. Touches on the world of academia, the complexity of friendships between women, and a whole lot more.

Cons: None!

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