New Release Tuesday: 1/24/17
MIDNIGHT SUN (paperback edition) by Jo Nesbo & THE GIRL BEFORE by JP Delaney
I don’t think a pair of books could possibly be more different from one another if they tried. This Tuesday’s new releases are totally, completely different in pacing, subject matter, writing style, setting… you name it, they’re probably different in that way, too.
But that being said—I love them both, and highly recommend both of them!
MINIGHT SUN by Jo Nesbo (paperback edition)
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: a masterful, emotional crime story
MIDNIGHT SUN is a short crime novel that packs an emotional punch. Nesbo is best known for his Harry Hole series, but MIDNIGHT SUN showcases a totally different side of Nesbo's talents as an author. Where the Harry Hole books are gritty and gripping, MIDNIGHT SUN is raw and heartfelt.
A hitman named Ulf is fleeing his former employer, one of Oslo's most notorious drug kings. He makes his way to one of Norway's most northern towns, and discovers a new way of life that might just offer him a chance for redemption... if he can manage to evade his former employer's men, who are dead-set on revenge. This book packs raw emotion and tension into a short, sparse story. It’s no secret that I love everything Nesbo does, but this book truly showed me a new side to his talent.
Don’t read this book if: you’re looking for action and gritty policework. This book is truly an emotional journey—yes, it has moments of violence and slow-burning suspense, but it’s a totally different kind of story from Nesbo’s Harry Hole books. You won’t find any police investigations or pulse-pounding action here, but you will find a gripping character study and an undercurrent of tension.
Read my full review here // Amazon info here // Enter my Instagram giveaway here (ends 1/29/17)
THE GIRL BEFORE by JP Delaney
CBTB Rating: 5/5
The Verdict: a fresh, addictive take on the domestic thriller
THE GIRL BEFORE was one of those “I literally can’t put this book down” reads for me. I was completely, utterly absorbed in the world of One Folgate and its tenants. If you're looking for the next big psychological thriller, you've found it! This book is binge-readable, darkly sexy, and completely engrossing.
One Folgate has a dark history. This state-of-the-art home has been the site of many tragedies, and its enigmatic landlord has a very stringent - and odd - set of rules for its tenants. But for both Emma and Jane, this house is just what they need, providing shelter at periods of upheavals in their lives. Until one of the women becomes obsessed with the fate of her predecessor... and begins making the same deadly mistakes as the girl before. Told in alternate timelines, THE GIRL BEFORE traces the experiences of these two women living in One Folgate at different times. There’s almost nothing I can say except… pick this book up if you’re looking for a twist on the domestic thriller that will completely hook you.
Don’t read this book if: you don’t want any romance in your books. THE GIRL BEFORE has a dose of 50 Shades to it—and I’m usually the first one to say I don’t want romance in my crime books, but in this case… it was perfect. I never found the dark, edgy romance of this book too much - it was just enough to keep me hooked.
Are you planning to read either of these books? I'd love to hear from you!
xx A