THE OLD YOU by Louise Voss

Orenda Books; 5/15/18 (UK) & 1/1/19 (US)

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: page-turning, subtle suspense

Synopsis: Lynn’s world is turned upside down when her beloved husband develops early-onset dementia - and secrets from his past come into the light.

Pros: Subtle suspense - readers looking to be drawn into a slow-burning story will enjoy the tension Voss crafts

Cons: Predictable plot twists undercut the suspense factor here

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THE ONE by John Marrs

Hanover Square; 2/20/18

CBTB Rating: 3/5

The Verdict: light, binge-able suspense

Synopsis: imagine that a DNA test could tell you who your one true soulmate is. What happens if your soulmate is someone with dark secrets? And what if you have your own secrets, too?

Pros: this is a read that's "popcorn reading" - something light and easy to fly through; feels a bit like watching an episode of a reality TV show crossed with light suspense. 

Cons: this is NOT a really dark or thrilling read, and I could have done with less of the relationship drama that went along with it. 

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ONE BY ONE by Ruth Ware

Gallery Books; 9/8/20

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a must-read modern “locked room” mystery

Synopsis: A corporate retreat to a luxurious ski chalet in the French Alps takes a deadly turn when a snowstorm cuts the group off from the rest of the world, and tensions and secrets within the group are revealed.

Pros: Another page-turner from Ruth Ware! An engaging cast of characters (with multiple narrators); a clever “locked room”-style plot; an immersive and atmospheric setting.

Cons: I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t my favorite of Ware’s. Something about it just wasn’t quite as addictive as Ware’s other books, though it still has plenty of entertainment value! A couple other books to check out: if you’re new to Ware’s work, check out my personal favorite book of hers, THE TURN OF THE KEY; if you’re looking for another option for a page-turning “locked room”-style mystery, check out SHIVER by Allie Reynolds.

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OPEN YOUR EYES by Paula Daly

Grove Press; 10/9/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: Original and chillingly realistic suspense

Synopsis: The wife of a bestselling crime writer uncovers secrets in her marriage after her husband falls into a coma.

Pros: Subtle, mature suspense; fascinating insights into the life of a writer; rich character development; a very realistic story.

Cons: Not a dramatic story - it’s very subtle. Just something to be aware of! No huge plot twists or major drama here.

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THE OTHER PEOPLE by C.J. Tudor

Ballantine Books; 1/28/20

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: A gripping, inventive, sinister thriller

Synopsis: A father searching for his missing daughter comes across a shadowy organization.

Pros: Mind-bending plotting and a sinister story from an author who always pushes the envelope. Dual-timelines collide in a clever, masterfully-plotted thriller.

Cons: One potential con is that this story does include elements of supernatural suspense. I personally didn’t mind it at all, but just keep this in mind!

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THE OTHER TWIN by L.V. Hay
Orenda Books; 7/3/17 (UK) & 11/1/17 (US)
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: an addictive thriller with a strong message

Synopsis: When Poppy learns of her sister's apparent suicide, she's immediately suspicious - and returns home to investigate. 

Pros: addictive & engaging - a psychological thriller with a strong social message at its core

Cons: not really a con, but just be aware that this book dives into social issues - in case that's not your cup of tea. 

Read my full review here. 

THE OTHER WOMAN by Sandie Jones

Minotaur Books; 8/21/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: binge-worthy suspense perfect for the last few weekends of summer

Synopsis: A woman has met her perfect man, and the two are planning to marry - but her new mother-in-law has other ideas.

Pros: A fun weekend binge-read! Dramatic, with a significant twist. Think a book version of the movie “Monster in Law.”

Cons: This is definitely a lighter suspense read; this won’t be the right choice if you want a dark or gritty read.

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OUR HOUSE by Louise Candlish

Berkley; 8/7/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: Page-turning, addictive suspense with a fresh angle

Synopsis: Fiona returns home to discover a new family moving into her house - and her husband and sons missing.

Pros: A fresh kind of psychological suspense (unexpected plotting, inventive storytelling devices) and downright entertaining reading material

Cons: I don’t consider this a con - but the book is a bit dramatic! Just be prepared for that.

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PAPER GHOSTS by Julia Heaberlin

Ballantine Books; 5/15/18

CBTB Rating: 3.5/5

The Verdict: a compelling travelogue-meets-serial killer novel

Synopsis: A young woman lures the man she believed killed her sister on a road trip, intending to get a confession out of him and finally get closure on her sister’s death.

Pros: A compelling, unique concept; fantastic descriptions of Texas; great road-trip story

Cons: A circuitous storytelling structure makes it hard to stay invested - the story meanders a bit and can lag at many points. This book will also not be the right choice for readers looking for a true serial killer thriller.

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THE PARTY by Robyn Harding
Scout Press; 6/6/17
CBTB Rating: 3/5
The Verdict: a quick read that doesn't quite deliver

Synopsis: explores the fallout from a tragic accident at a Sweet Sixteen party

Pros: intriguing plot, moments of dark humor and insight, good if you want a story about teenage cliques

Cons: a very average read. Not enough tension/character development to take the story to the next level. 

Read my full review here. 

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: the perfect bridge between literary suspense and a crime "beach read"

Pros: draws you into a dysfunctional and fascinating family, true-to-life voice of the main character, slow-burning and immersive mystery

Cons: more of a suspense novel than a crime novel - might disappoint readers looking for a procedural or a super-twisty plot

Full review here.

THE PERFECT MOTHER by Aimee Molloy

Harper; 5/1/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: compulsively readable & utterly binge-worthy

Synopsis: a group of Brooklyn mothers find their lives upended when the child of one of their own goes missing. 

Pros: breezy plotting + interpersonal drama = complete page-turner! This is "popcorn reading" at its best.

Cons: something to be aware of - this book has a flair for the dramatic. It's not the most realistic story, but if you're in the mood for something with a bit of drama, you'll love this one. 

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THE PERFECT NANNY by Leila Slimani
Penguin Books; 1/9/18
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: sophisticated, subtle suspense

Synopsis: a family hires a (seemingly) perfect nanny to care for their children - but all is not as it seems. 

Pros: flawless writing; chilling, understated suspense; disturbing lead character - this book pairs a crime plot with literary delivery.

Cons: not overtly "thrilling" - this won't be the right fit if you're looking for a book like GONE GIRL or THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN. 

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RAZORBLADE TEARS by S.A. Cosby

Flatiron Books; 7/6/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The Verdict: A gritty, no-holds-barred thrill ride

Synopsis: After their sons are murdered, two fathers join forces to avenge their deaths.

Pros: Gripping, action-packed plotting; deep character development (readers will become very emotionally-invested in this book’s protagonists and their character arcs); powerful and timely themes explored.

Cons: This wasn’t a con for me personally, but just a note to say there are some quite violent and bloody scenes on the page that may not suit every reader.

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RECKLESS GIRLS by Rachel Hawkins

St. Martin’s Press; 1/4/22

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: a wickedly entertaining, seafaring “popcorn thriller”

Synopsis: The seafaring adventure of a lifetime takes a dark and deadly turn for four twenty-somethings.

Pros: Escapist + cinematic setting (an island paradise with a dark side), “popcorn thriller” vibes (easy-to-read, lighter content), shifting allegiances & hidden secrets between characters.

Cons: This will really just depend what you’re looking for - this book does include some steamy/romantic aspects, which I know doesn’t appeal to everyone!

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REWIND by Catherine Ryan Howard

Blackstone Publishing; 9/3/19

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: a just-one-more-page “popcorn read”

Synopsis: a murder is caught on video, and a woman travels to a small rural town under suspicious circumstances.

Pros: Highly inventive plot structure brings creativity and intrigue to this suspense novel. Lighter suspense will work well for readers who prefer interpersonal drama and secrets over lots of violence. Binge-worthy “popcorn reading”!

Cons: I did predict the ending to this story. It didn’t take much away from my enjoyment of the book, though! Also not necessarily a con, but this book has a large cast of characters—it might take a moment to orient yourself in this story.

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ROCK PAPER SCISSORS by Alice Feeney

Flatiron; 9/7/21

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: inventive domestic suspense with an explosive finale

Synopsis: A married couple embark on an anniversary getaway that’s a last-ditch attempt to save their marriage…and someone seems determined to make sure it ends in disaster.

Pros: Atmospheric and remote setting (a chapel-turned-Airbnb in Scotland); unreliable characters; cinematic final showdown (and a big twist!). Perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Lisa Jewell.

Cons: Slow-burning at first - requires a bit of patience from readers.

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THE SANATORIUM by Sarah Pearse

Pamela Dorman Books; 2/2/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a gripping locked room mystery with Gothic touches

Synopsis: A detective on leave from her job travels to a luxurious hotel nestled in the Swiss Alps to celebrate her estranged brother’s engagement. But things take a deadly turn when a snowstorm strands the group.

Pros: I loved this one! A compelling protagonist; an A+ setting - atmospheric, vividly-crafted, and hiding so many secrets; an increasingly urgent “locked room”-style plot as characters realize a killer is in their midst.

Cons: This one starts out quite slow-burning, but it gradually builds into a totally page-turning story.

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CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: must-read

Synopsis: Enter the Manderley—a luxury resort on the eve of its grand opening. But an anonymous figure is determined to make sure the hotel never opens... 

Pros: totally unique voice—Wohlsdorf writes about gore in a sterile, detached manner. Extremely unsettling and engrossing. 

Cons: readers looking for characters to become emotionally engaged in will not find them here; the characters in this book are intentionally disposable.

SHIVER by Allie Reynolds

G.P. Putnam’s Sons; 1/19/21

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A “popcorn thriller”-meets-locked room mystery

Synopsis: A group of friends are invited to a reunion at the ski chalet where they first met ten years ago, but they might just be walking into a trap.

Pros: I loved this one! A page-turning “popcorn thriller.” Great atmosphere/sense of place; engaging characters; dual timelines handled masterfully; a compelling locked room mystery.

Cons: Not necessarily a con but just note that this is a lighter story - definitely a “popcorn read”!

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MY RATING: 2/5

THE VERDICT: do not read

Synopsis: Cheating husband + vengeful wife. Husband's mistress becomes pregnant; husband plans to leave wife; wife plots revenge.

Pros: unfortunately none.

Cons: Predictable and painfully slow-paced. 

SINCE WE FELL by Dennis Lehane
Ecco; 5/9/17
CBTB Rating: 4/5
The Verdict: sophisticated, nuanced suspense

Synopsis: after an on-air breakdown, journalist Rachel is piecing her life back together - until she witnesses something that threatens to bring everything crashing back down around her. 

Pros: rich character development; unusual/unexpected plotting

Cons: long introduction to the story might be too slow for some readers - 100+ pgs of character development before the suspense kicks in

Read my full review here. 

SIRENS by Joseph Knox
Crown; 2/20/18
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a taut, gritty debut thriller

Synopsis: A police officer is tasked with infiltrating a criminal organization to rescue a missing girl.

Pros: a stellar debut - tense and superbly written, with heartbreaking and human characters

Cons: the subject matter of this book might not be for everyone - it deals with organized crime and drug culture.

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THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 3/5/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: a superb, modern take on Gothic suspense

Synopsis: The lines between fact and fiction begin to blur when an English teacher’s life is rocked by sinister events reflecting her favorite Gothic literature.

Pros: Absolutely everything! A bookish/academic backdrop; a modern take on Gothic suspense; compelling characters; layered plot; immersive pacing.

Cons: None! Just a note that this story is a bit more slow-burning, but totally engaging.

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THE STRANGER INSIDE by Lisa Unger

Park Row; 9/17/19

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: A gripping, binge-worthy thriller

Synopsis: A woman begins to investigate her own past when a series of vigilante killings begin occurring in her town.

Pros: Deep-dive into the psychology of a very disturbed villain; rich character development; binge-worthy pacing

Cons: Took me a little bit to get into the flow of the story (maybe 50 or so pages) but once I was in the flow of it, I was hooked!

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SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Riley Sager

Dutton; 6/29/21

CBTB Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Verdict: My new favorite Sager book! A summer 2021 must-read.

Synopsis: A film-obsessed college student finds herself in the car with a man she believes might be a serial killer.

Pros: Everything!! This is my new favorite Riley Sager book. This book’s plot draws on Sager’s personal love of film (so many terrific movie references!), features an endearing and compelling protagonist, and includes a mind-boggling reveal. I loved it!

Cons: None. This book is undeniably different from Sager’s previous releases, but I absolutely loved it!

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TANGERINE by Christine Mangan
Ecco; 3/27/18
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: an outstanding debut in the vein of Patricia Highsmith

Synopsis: The last person Alice expected to see in Morocco was Lucy - her former college roommate and best friend, until tragedy drove a wedge between them. But there Lucy is, and she seems intent on making sure she and Alice aren't separated again... 

Pros: vivid locale - amazing sense of place and setting; a plot worthy of Patricia Highsmith; vivid characterization; a movie-worthy debut. 

Cons: none! 

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TEAR ME APART by J.T. Ellison

MIRA; 8/28/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: addictive “popcorn reading” at its best

Synopsis: When a professional skier discovers that her parents aren’t biologically related to her, it sets in motion an unraveling of long-held secrets.

Pros: binge-worthy pacing; compelling characters (tons of strong women!); takes place in the fascinating world of professional skiing

Cons: Not a con, but this is a lighter suspense story - just something to be aware of!

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THIS IS HOW IT ENDS by Eva Dolan

Bloomsbury; 3/13/18

CBTB Rating: 3/5

The Verdict: gritty, socially-conscious crime fiction

Synopsis: An activist squatting in a building set to be demolished finds the body of a man in her apartment, and must deal with the fallout of concealing the crime.

Pros: Will work well for readers looking for socially-aware crime fiction that examines cultural and social tensions.

Cons: This one just kind of fell flat for me. Dolan is a strong writer, but the story's structure was confusing and it lacked drive. I had very conflicting thoughts on this one. 

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THREE DAYS AND A LIFE by Pierre Lemaitre
Quercus/MacLehose Press; 11/7/17
CBTB Rating: 3/5
The Verdict: beautifully written, but maybe not for crime readers

Synopsis: a young boy in a small French town makes a horrible mistake, and must live the rest of his life with the knowledge of what he's done.

Pros: beautiful writing - Lemaitre is a gifted storyteller; immersive portrait of a small town dealing with a tragedy

Cons: not best suited for crime readers - there's very little tension or suspense here. DON'T go into this expecting another read like Lemaitre's thriller, BLOOD WEDDING.

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CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis: a reclusive writer sets a trap for her sister's murderer - in the form of a crime book.

Pros: deliciously unreliable narrator, twisty & unpredictable plot, and a mind game of a novel - it's impossible not to get sucked into this one!

Cons: none for me, but if a reader is looking for lots of changes of scenery, they might be disappointed - this book is very centralized in the narrator's mind.

Full review here. 

THE TRAP releases July 5 from Grand Central Publishing.

MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: Crime writer Jerry Gray (pen name Henry Cutter) develops early-onset Alzheimer's, and begins confessing to the crimes he wrote about in his novels. Is his dementia messing with his memory, or is he finally telling the truth about his past?

Pros: unique concept, witty, moving, so many plot twists—you literally can't trust anyone in the story. 

Cons: none.

MY RATING: 4.5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Henry Hayden has it all: loving wife, successful career as an author, money to spare. But Henry has secrets that are coming to the surface, and he'll do whatever necessary to keep them hidden.

Pros: witty, gripping, jam-packed with entertainment. One of my favorite thrillers of 2015.

Cons: none!

THE TURN OF THE KEY by Ruth Ware

Gallery/Scout Press; 8/6/19

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: Gothic inspiration meets modern technology; a summer 2019 must-read

Synopsis: An homage to The Turn of the Screw; a young woman accepts a nanny position at a “smart house” in the Scottish highlands.

Pros: Everything! My new favorite Ruth Ware book. A brilliant blend of Gothic suspense and modern-day technology. This story begins with our nanny in prison, and unravels as she recounts how she ended up there. Totally chilling and fun to devour psychological suspense. No need to be familiar with The Turn of the Screw to enjoy Ware’s newest.

Cons: None!

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UNDERTOW by Elizabeth Heathcote
Park Road Books; 6/13/17
CBTB Rating: 3.5/5
The Verdict: light, binge-worthy psychological suspense

Synopsis: A woman learns that her husband may have been involved in the death of his former lover. 

Pros: Totally binge-able, fast-paced, entertaining

Cons: Not very chilling or dark - this is better for readers looking for pure entertainment, not a chilling thriller

Read my full review here. 

UNRAVELING OLIVER by Liz Nugent
Gallery Books; 8/22/17
CBTB Rating: 4.5/5
The Verdict: a tense & compelling character study

Synopsis: Oliver seemed to have the perfect life - until he snapped and abused his wife. Trace the development of a sociopath in this unnerving book. 

Pros: chilling psychological profile - a portrait of a sociopath; unique storytelling - readers learn about Oliver through chapters narrated by people in his life

Cons: not exactly a con, but readers should be aware that this isn't really a psychological "thriller" - it's more of a psychological profile. 

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UNSPEAKABLE THINGS by Jess Lourey

Thomas & Mercer; 1/1/20

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: a dread-inducing, gripping coming-of-age tale

Synopsis: A young girl navigates the dangers in her hometown, and in her family.

Pros: SO much. Gritty atmosphere, deep character development, and sinister undertones running throughout this story.

Cons: Be aware that this is a very dark story, one that touches on themes surrounding harm coming to children. It’s handled sensitively, but still very dark.

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UNTIL THE DAY I DIE by Emily Carpenter

Lake Union; 3/12/19

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: binge-worthy “popcorn reading”

Synopsis: After the sudden death of her husband, a woman goes to a remote wellness retreat to recover - but not everything at the retreat is as it seems.

Pros: Brimming with entertainment value, this is a great example of “popcorn reading”! Binge-worthy pacing, creepy “wellness retreat” with sinister side, all kinds of drama perfect for when you want something escapist to devour.

Cons: You’ll need to suspend reality a bit to read this one - it’s definitely on the dramatic/over-the-top side.

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WHERE I LEFT HER by Amber Garza

MIRA; 8/24/21

CBTB Rating: 3.75/5

The Verdict: a dramatic and entertaining “popcorn thriller”

Synopsis: A mother’s worst nightmare comes true when she drops her daughter off at a sleepover, and returns the next day to pick her up…only to discover her daughter has gone missing.

Pros: Easy-to-read tone and pacing (this is a true “popcorn read!”); engaging dynamics and secrets between mother and daughter.

Cons: This book’s finale veers into the unrealistic and did detract a bit from my reading experience.

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WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins
Touchstone; 9/19/17
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: obsessive, twisted psychological suspense

Synopsis: Callie sets out to save her twin sister Tilda from an abusive relationship. 

Pros: offbeat, slightly quirky characters; twisted, genuinely shocking plotting; all around addictive! 

Cons: readers looking for realistic crime fiction won't find that here

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MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Jean was a dutiful wife to her husband, standing by him when he was accused of a heinous crime. Now that her husband is dead, will she break her silence?

Pros: strong character development, original plot, totally unreliable narrator, shocking ending

Cons: indirect story development—need to be patient to see where the story goes
 

CBTB Rating: 5/5

The Verdict: must-read

Synopsis: a "locked-room mystery" takes to the high seas, with a murder on a luxury cruise liner

Pros: a delicious blend of classic mystery novel structure, fast-paced plot, and chilling suspense

Cons: absolutely none!

THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 releases July 19, 2016 from Gallery Books.

THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW by A.J. Finn

William Morrow; 1/2/18

CBTB Rating: 4.5/5

The Verdict: paranoid, Hitchcockian suspense

Synopsis: a reclusive woman witnesses something from her window that threatens to upend her entire world.

Pros: truly deserving of the term "Hitchcockian" - a voyeuristic, paranoid suspense story that puts its own spin on the unreliable narrator

Cons: not the most "twisty" thriller - this worked totally fine for me, but is something to be aware of! 

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MY RATING: 5/5

THE VERDICT: must-read

Synopsis: Blum is an undertaker by trade, happily married to a police officer, mother to two sweet little girls. When her husband is murdered, Blum exacts her revenge in this gripping story of love, revenge, and betrayal.

Pros: complex protagonist, gritty, totally addictive, atmospheric.

Cons: none. I never give books a 5/5 rating, but this one deserves it.

MY RATING: 4/5

THE VERDICT: read

Synopsis: Bookstore employee meets aspiring writer Beck, and is instantly obsessed with her. He will stop at nothing to have her completely to himself.

Pros: Written from Joe's POV, you get inundated with Joe's twisted, obsessive thoughts. Eerily plausible plot. Will haunt you!

Cons: Read with caution, this book is quite explicit.

YOU WERE MADE FOR THIS by Michelle Sacks

Hachette; 6/19/18

CBTB Rating: 4/5

The Verdict: nasty, biting, page-turning drama

Synopsis: A couple living in rural Sweden finds their life upended when a friend from the past comes to visit, and unearths dark dynamics within the relationship.

Pros: An incisive exploration of the pressures of motherhood; unexpected, dark plot twists; will work really well for readers who love books with unlikeable characters (which I do!)

Cons: The flip-side is that these characters are really tough to like - if that doesn’t sound up your alley, skip this book.

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