As a crime fiction reader, what could be better than finding a psychological thriller that is so effective and immersive in its portrayal of an unhinged mindset that it actually makes you start to feel just a bit unhinged yourself? Finding a book that does this effectively is never easy, but today’s featured title does it in spades. IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk will make for twisted, page-turning summer reading - a shocking and purely entertaining psychological suspense novel for the reader who doesn’t want to just see the deterioration of the story’s main characters, but wants to feel it, too. Kirk has written an immersive, addictive story of toxic family secrets and the fallout of their surfacing. From its atmospheric backdrop (a seaside New England estate, now falling into disrepair) to its vivid, impactful writing and (let’s not forget) genuinely twisted central mystery, IN THE VINES delivers the total package - and makes for the perfect addition to your summer reading list.
Read More
Book Review: THE GIRL IN THE ICE by Robert Bryndza
THE GIRL IN THE ICE by Robert Bryndza (Grand Central; 4/24/18) was a comfort read for me - and I mean that in the best possible way. From its compelling female lead to its breezy pacing and addictive tension, Bryndza’s police procedural struck exactly the right chord for this reader. Fans of M.J. Arlidge will find Bryndza’s work right up their alley - THE GIRL IN THE ICE has a similar tone to Arlidge’s DI Helen Grace books, which, if you know me, you’ll know I mean as a high compliment. Pick this one up for a weekend binge-read - you'll find Bryndza's world instantly-accessible, his characters compelling and endearing, and his story's central mystery wholly engrossing.
Read More
Book Review: THE ROSES OF MAY by Dot Hutchison
I recently read - and fell head-over-heels for - the dark, twisted page-turner that is THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN by Dot Hutchison, Book 1 in Hutchison’s Collector Trilogy. Naturally, I had to get my hands on the second series installment, THE ROSES OF MAY, as soon as possible - especially because the final book in the series releases this May. THE ROSES OF MAY would be hard-pressed to be more different from its predecessor, focusing on the inner life of survivors of traumatic events, rather than the traumatic events themselves; if you’re a fan of THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN like I was, be sure to go into this book with the right expectations.
Read More
Book Review: THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY by Ruth Ware
If you know me, you know I love Ruth Ware. Ware is one of those authors who continually reinvents herself with each new novel, giving readers stories that are fresh, inventive, and totally engaging—all while maintaining that trademark Ruth Ware pacing and tone that I love so much. THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY is another outstanding novel of psychological suspense from an author who has quickly earned her title of "modern-day Agatha Christie." Dare I say it? THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY is my favorite Ruth Ware book yet.
Read More
Book Review: THE BROKEN GIRLS by Simone St. James
Of the many books I’ve read so far in 2018, it’s hard to think of one that could beat THE BROKEN GIRLS by Simone St. James in sheer entertainment value. Told in alternate timelines, this chilling and unputdownable novel of psychological - and otherworldly - suspense delivered an imaginative and gripping mystery with a ghostly twist, centered around a boarding school in rural Vermont. THE BROKEN GIRLS will make a fantastic choice for escapist reading this March—just don’t read it right before bed.
Read More