Book Review: You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews

 

From the publisher:

Dark domestic suspense meets haunted house horror in this unnerving adult debut guaranteed to keep you awake for days afterward, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn

The walls are closing in on her perfect new life.

Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts Golden-retriever-devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.

Until Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it―something strange is going on.

The question is, Is it with the house, or with her son?

And what is Elodie hiding?

You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews was released March 17, 2026 from St. Martin's Press.

My Thoughts:

I gave this book 4/5 stars. It is gothic horror coupled with domestic suspense at its best. 

We see what's going on in the house through Elodie's eyes. And Elodie is an unreliable narrator. The reader begins to wonder how much of the haunting is paranormal and how much of the terror in the house is from the people who live there. At first I liked Elodie. But as the book goes on, it becomes clear that something is not quite right with her. And Jude swears that the house doesn't like what they are doing to it to remodel it. Eventually Elodie asks him a loaded question: Who is hurting you? The answer is kind of played down some, I think mainly because Elodie doesn't want to believe it, but it is integral to the plot. 

The plot moves along at a good pace. There are a few flashbacks that slow it down a little, but bring us more information about the characters of Elodie and Bren. As the plot draws closer to the end, it moves at breakneck speed. The twists there really surprised me. And it is a plot and book that will stay with you after you've shut the book.

If you enjoy domestic suspense and gothic tales, then you will most likely enjoy this book. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

 

From the publisher:

After a decades-long stint in prison, former serial killer Carol is looking to kick back and relax in her new retirement home...until a fellow resident drops dead and Carol has to prove she actually didn't do it this time....

Carol is delighted to be leaving her tiny prison cell behind to take her place in a luxury retirement home. She's hoping her past as a serial killer won't come to light so she can make a few friends and find some murder-free hobbies. But it's not long before a fellow resident—who happens to be a former police commissioner—drops dead, and Carol's true identity is leaked—making catching up over daily activities of bingo and baking rather awkward.

Just her luck, Carol soon realizes that the victim wasn't the only former law enforcement officer at Sheldon Oaks—it's filled to the brim with former cops, barristers, and government representatives, her newfound friends included. And everyone thinks Carol's guilt is a no-brainer, but she is ready to prove them dead wrong...without killing anyone, for once.

I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig was released February 17, 2026 from Berkley.

My Thoughts: I thought the whole premise was interesting from a retirement home filled with law enforcement and government officials to a main character who was formerly a serial killer.

Carol, the retired serial killer, has to prove her innocence if she has any hope of staying out of jail and staying in her nice new digs. She uses her history and personal experience as a killer to suss out who it might be. Her new friends help her reluctantly. Simply put, they are wary of her, but want to solve the mystery. With their backgrounds as a cop, forensic pathologist, and barrister/government official, the group is well equipped with Carol to solve the mysteries surrounding the death she witnesses from her balcony. I especially like that while the characters are older, none of them fit the doddering old pensioner stereotype, but are instead forces to be reckoned with.

The plot moved along at a good pace and maintained my interest. My only complaint was that there was evidence the reader is not privy to as they try and solve along with the group. There were many suspects, but in the end it was down to one. 

I enjoyed the mystery and the characters and gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you have enjoyed mysteries like The Thursday Murder Club mysteries and Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn, then you will most likely enjoy this one as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: The Only One Who Knows by Lisa M. Matlin

 

From the publisher:

A disgraced TV news reporter returns to her violent hometown to investigate a series of deadly shark attacks in this nail-biting suspense novel from the author of The Stranger Upstairs.

“A gothic coastal noir about generational violence and the cyclical nature of predation, The Only One Who Knows is visceral, haunting, and impossible to look away from.”—Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling author of Tell Me What You Did

Something is lurking below the surface . . . and it’s hungry.

With her polished persona as a morning show co-host, Minnow Greenwood seems to have it all. But behind the camera, something’s about to break. When a public meltdown shatters her facade, Minnow flees back to Kangaroo Bay—a grimy fishing town on Australia’s southern coast, where locals vanish and something deadly hunts in the water.

On her first night back, a horrifying shark attack rocks the town, adding another body to the unsettling list of deaths and disappearances. Then a former colleague arrives to investigate, so she reluctantly teams up with him to find answers for herself and keep her own dark secrets buried.

But with danger closing in, Minnow must unearth her town’s deadly past—and face the darkness festering inside her—before she becomes the next to disappear.

The Only One Who Knows by Lisa M. Matlin was released March 3, 2026 from Bantam.

My Thoughts:

This is my first time reading something that is dubbed gothic coastal noir. And I would have to say it met the criteria on all three adjectives as well as thriller. The description intrigued me. All of that, plus shark attacks. I have a love/hate relationship with sharks. Would hate to meet one, but love to know more about them. This does definitely not fall into the knowledge based fiction, but more sensationalist with the deaths by shark attack. And yet the sharks seem to add to some of both the gothic mood and the noir.

Minnow is a flawed character and narrator. We see most of what's happening, past and present, through her eyes. The beginning of the novel serves to show the difference from where she came to where she was currently before she travels home. Home is such a comforting word usually, but for Minnow, it has mixed emotions. She has memories both good and bad, and more violent than peaceful. I would have to say she is the only really well developed character. All the others are supporting characters in some way, shape, or form.

The story itself generally moves forward at a decent rate. There are some flashbacks that can be a little jarring. It is definitely a mystery/thriller as well. 

i gave the story 4 out of 5 stars. It kept my attention and kept me guessing. If you enjoy thrillers with an unreliable narrator and sharks, you will probably enjoy this book. Just a note, it does get a little gruesome at some points. And there is a fair amount of different kinds of violence.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions. 

Book Review: Dollface by Lindy Ryan

 

From the publisher:

Barbie meets Scream with a 90s nostalgia twist in this horror romp from Bless Your Heart author Lindy Ryan.

Horror author Jill has just moved to suburban New Jersey, hoping to fit in with the new PTA moms and maybe not weird everyone out with her Final Girl coffee mug. You know. Make some real friends.

But then a plastic face-masked serial killer begins slashing their way through town, one overly made-up mom at a time. The police are incredulous. The moms are indignant. And Jill is slowly wrapped into a killer’s murderous spree, until she might just be the last woman standing.

A delightfully murderous novel that is equal parts scathing and salacious, Dollface will win you over with its gossip and gore, one body at a time.

"A juicy, irreverent and bloody twist on the genre." - Variety

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the book. I've enjoyed other things that I had read by Lindy Ryan, so I went into it thinking that I might enjoy this book as well. I like my horror a little on the light side. This was perfect for me. There were some scenes that were horrifying to be sure, but it all came together to make one good book.

From the minute that Jill has to answer the door in her bathrobe for her overly friendly new neighbor to the final scene, the book delivers on its promise. There is 90s nostalgia and horror trivia. There are mean girls. All that Jilly wants is to fit in and get her book written. The attacks and the growing friendship she has with Darla keep the book moving forward. It moves along at a good pace, right up until the final scenes with the plot twists. While I did guess at some of what was going on, I didn't predict all of the twists. That makes it a good book. It was unique. 

I gave this book 5 stars. I would recommend it to people who enjoy light horror and aren't too squeamish. There are a few scenes that are rather descriptive when it comes to the actual attacks.If you enjoyed other writings by Lindy Ryan, you will most likely enjoy this as well. Also, if you enjoyed Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer, you might enjoy this one as well.

Dollface by Lindy Ryan was released February 24, 2026 from Minotaur Books.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson

 

From the publisher:

An ordinary man discovers a hidden world of supernatural creatures—and an unexpected home—in this enchanting contemporary fantasy debut.

Green trips on the curb, falls flat into the street, and sees the city bus speeding toward him. And then . . . blink. He’s back on the curb, miraculously still alive. A five-foot-tall crow watches him from atop a nearby sign, somehow unseen by the rushing crowd of morning commuters.

Desperate for answers and beset by more visions of impossible creatures, Green finds his way to a remote campsite in the Appalachian Mountains, where he meets a centuries-old teacher and begins an apprenticeship unlike anything he could imagine.

Under his new mentor’s grouchy tutelage, Green studies the time-bending rag moth, the glass fawn, and the menacing horned wolf. He begins to see past hidden nature’s terrors and glimpse its beauty, all while befriending fellow misfits—and finding connection and community.

Along the way come clues about the forces that set him on this path—and, most incredibly, a sense of purpose and fulfillment like nothing he’s felt before.

But Green’s new happiness promises to be short-lived, because alongside these marvels lurks a deadly threat to this place he’s already come to love.

Creepy, cozy, and beautiful, Strange Animals is a fantasy about home, belonging, and the fearfully wondrous nature all around us.

Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson was released February 10, 2026 from Ballantine Books.

My thoughts: The book kicks off with Green's death and not death as witnessed by a very large crow. This makes a lot of sense since crows are known to be something of a trickster spirit. And they can signify change as well. Change is definitely what the crow brings to Green. He is drawn to the mountains and to a particular campsite. And change continues to hound him in both good and bad ways (though I think mostly good) throughout the book.

I liked Green and his teacher as well as the camp owner Dancer. The characters all move him on his journey as do the events. There is seldom a dull moment even when it's quiet.

The pace of the book was well done. The ending was a little much, but it was foreshadowed and looking back could be seen that way. This is a standalone novel, but I am hoping that there will be more of these characters at some point in the future.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I felt it was a well-written debut novel. I would recommend it to people who enjoy contemporary fantasy, found family, and stories with cryptids. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: Wreck Your Heart by Lori Rader-Day

 

From the publisher: 

From award-winning author Lori Rader-Day, Wreck Your Heart is an engaging, “wisecracking and wonderful” crime novel with a big heart, about a country and midwestern singer out to catch her big break before family—or murder—wrecks everything.

Dahlia “Doll” Devine had the kind of hardscrabble beginning that could launch a thousand broken-hearted country songs, but now she’s the star of her own stage at McPhee’s Tavern. As part of Chicago’s—yes, Chicago’s—country music scene, Dahlia is an up-and-coming singer in spangles and boots of classic country tunes. Up and coming, that is, until her boyfriend Joey up and went, taking the rent money with him.

So Dahlia is back to square one, relying on Alex McPhee—again. Alex helped her out of a bad situation when she was a kid living rough with her mother. Now he’s part landlord, part band booster, all-around rescuer. It’s just that Dahlia wishes she didn’t keep giving him reasons to have to do it.

Just as Dahlia suspects she’s scraped rock bottom, the mother she hasn’t spoken to in twenty years shows up with something to say. The next morning, a distraught young woman arrives at the bar, asking after her missing mother—Dahlia's mother, too, even if the missing suburban PTA mom the girl describes sounds pretty different from the one who let Dahlia down all those years ago.

Though no one is using the word sister any time soon, Dahlia lets herself be drawn into reuniting the family that might have been hers. But when a body is discovered outside McPhee’s Tavern, the crime threatens not just the place Dahlia has made into a home, but everything she’s believed about her past, her dreams for the future, and the people she was just, maybe, beginning to let into her heart.

Wreck Your Heart by Lori Rader-Day was published January 6, 2026 by Minotaur Books.

My Thoughts: The characters were interesting, some more than others. Dahlia was probably the most interesting character in the book which is apt since it's a book about her. When the book starts, we see her at close to her lowest moment. She has been evicted because her boyfriend Joey disappeared with the rent money. She's carrying her belongings in a trash bag going back to Alex McPhee's Tavern. Her life after this point has its ups and downs. More downs than ups. Honestly I felt for her much of the time, but there were occasions where she came across to me as difficult and a little bratty. As the book progresses, the reader can see her changing. She grows emotionally.

Second most interesting character would be Alex McPhee. He is the neurodivergent owner and bartender of McPhee's Tavern. I thought that the author did a pretty good job of portraying him without hitting the audience over the head with his differences.

Plot wise, it's slow at first. When it picked up though, it kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. The closer to the end, the faster the plot runs. I was rooting for Dahlia and her friends and family to come out alive at the end. The mysteries that drive the plot are varied. There's something for everyone.

I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars. Overall it is well-written. The characters are interesting. The plot moves once it gets going. I would recommend this mystery for people who like found family stories, a variety of mysteries, and diversity in the characters. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: King Sorrow by Joe Hill

 

From the publisher:

Arthur Oakes is a reader, a dreamer, and a student at Rackham College, Maine, renowned for its frosty winters, exceptional library, and beautiful buildings. But his idyll—and burgeoning romance with Gwen Underfoot—is shattered when a local drug dealer and her partner corner him into one of the worst crimes he can imagine: stealing rare books from the college library.

Trapped and desperate, Arthur turns to his closest friends for comfort and help. Together they dream up a wild, fantastical scheme to free Arthur from the cruel trap in which he finds himself. Wealthy, irrepressible Colin Wren suggests using the unnerving Crane journal (bound in the skin of its author) to summon a dragon to do their bidding. The others—brave, beautiful Alison Shiner; the battling twins Donna and Donovan McBride; and brainy, bold Gwen—don’t hesitate to join Colin in an effort to smash reality and bring a creature of the impossible into our world.

But there’s nothing simple about dealing with dragons, and their pact to save Arthur becomes a terrifying bargain in which the six must choose a new sacrifice for King Sorrow every year—or become his next meal.

King Sorrow by Joe Hill was published October 21, 2025 by William Morrow.

My Thoughts: When I started this book, I didn't realize that it was more than 800 pages long. By the time I found out, I was hooked on the characters and the plot and wanted to see what would happen. That desire to see what would happen next to the characters drove me to finish the whole book in a little over a week. For me, that's great. It had been a long time since I had read a Joe Hill novel. I had forgotten just how much of a master he is at grabbing your attention and keeping it. And that he has such a way with words.

The characters were interesting. There are 6 friends who are definitely individuals. My favorites would have to be Gwen and Arthur. I loved the way that they did the crossword puzzle together. There were other things, but their sweet feelings for each other shone through.

Plot and pace wise, the book is fantastic. It has momentum. And so much happens with and to the characters it keeps your attention. There is a huge twist at one point that was surprising to me, but it works. And while there are dragons, there are other fantastical creatures as well. This is definitely a dark story. Still, I would read it again if my TBR list wasn't so long. Who knows, I might reread it some day anyway.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. The characters are real. There is plenty of action. The plot is interesting and well paced. If you have read and enjoyed Joe Hill, then this is a must read. Don't let the size deter you. You will want to finish it once you've started. It will get its talons into you and keep you reading to the end.

I borrowed my copy of King Sorrow from my local library. Check it out. You might love it too!

Book Review: A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

 

Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol are called in again to solve a seemingly impossible mystery. This time a man has disappeared from a locked room at the far edge of the empire. Ana and Din quickly discover there is more murder than missing about this crime. And discovering one mystery leads to another and things snowball fast. The number and complexity of mysteries puts Ana to work. The suspects and crimes seem impossible. And the perpetrators seem one step ahead of Ana which is nigh on to impossible. 

We see what's going on filtered through Din's eyes, much the same way Ana does. And we are privy to his worry that Ana may finally have met her match.

This is the sequel to The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. It's the second book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series. It was released April 1, 2025 from Del Rey.

The setting for A Drop of Corruption is another well realized portion of the world we were introduced to in The Tainted Cup. This time we are at the edge of the Empire bumping hips with a more primitive autocracy. Some people are born into a life of nobility. Others are born as slaves. And still others are the ruling class of the autocracy. There is a busy port town which is primarily run by people from the Empire. More rural areas are home to the nobility and their slaves. And then there is the capital city where negotiations are taking place to give them a place in the Empire. The world is complex and fully realized.

I have read other reviews that compare the partnership of Din and Ana to Watson and Sherlock. This seems valid since both are told from the non  eccentric genius's point of view. And Ana and Sherlock are masters at deduction. My favorite other character is Malo who has enhanced vision, smell, and hearing. These things help Ana and Din to move towards solving the mysteries at hand.

The book gets your attention and keeps it. Every scene helps move the plot forward. There are very few slower scenes. And as I said, each mystery leads to another. They are not all solved until the big reveal scene, although we get many clues along the way. 

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's very well written and enjoyable as a fantasy mystery. If you read The Tainted Cup and enjoyed it, this book is not to be missed. It can be read as a standalone, but it's better read in order. I recommend this book to people who like their mysteries in new, fantastical, fully realized settings. It's also perfect for fans of locked room mysteries.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion.

Book Review: Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

 

Have you ever shopped in Ikea? Did you get lost trying to find the exit or the bathroom or the people you came with? Getting lost like that is horrifying enough. Grady Hendrix  starts with that and runs with it in his low budget knock off of Ikea called Orsk. On top of being difficult to navigate at times, strange things are happening in the store overnight. Things are being broken or otherwise desecrated. As the book goes on, so does the strangeness.

Management is having fits. People from corporate are coming to see the store. 3 employees volunteer to stay overnight and try and puzzle out what's going on. But, will they make it through the night?

My Thoughts: Haunted building stories are interesting. Like a good haunted house story, they can be satisfying and perhaps make you a little more grateful for the mundane homes and businesses. 

The main character of the book is Amy Porter. Her point of view is crucial to the success of the story. The other 2 employees that stayed are Basil (management) and Ruth Anne. In some ways they are stereotypes. Amy is the employee that wants to get by by doing the least she can. Basil wants everyone to toe the line and follow corporate rules. Ruth Anne is that employee who is nice to everyone - customer and fellow employee alike. I wasn't expecting it, but each character reveals more about themselves as the book goes on. They go from stereotypes to real people. And they are not always what you would expect them to be. The other thing that surprised me about some of them was that their characters showed growth and change as the story progressed.

The plot moves along fairly quickly once night has come to this Orsk store. At first everything is pretty normal. Then stuff hits the fan. One event leads to another and it snowballs to the conclusion.

I could suspend my disbelief for most things in the book because I was expecting a haunted building story and it delivered. The only thing that I couldn't quite buy was the very end of the book. It was set up in such a way that the author could have written a sequel if he wanted to do so. Otherwise, I loved the character development, setting, and pace of the novel.

I gave this book 5 out of  5 stars. It has stayed with me even after more than a week's time since my reading it. And I have to admit I am currently a little less likely to go shop in Ikea until this works its way out of my system. If you like a good haunted house story, especially one with a little humor, then this could be a good match for you. I think it's definitely worth a read.

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix was published September 2014 by Quirk Books. I purchased my review copy.

Book Review: The Salvage by Anbara Salam

 

From the Publisher:

It is 1962, and Marta Khoury, a trailblazing marine archaeologist, has been called to Cairnroch, a small island off the east coast of Scotland. A Victorian shipwreck, dragged from arctic waters, holds the remains of a celebrated explorer and the treasures of his final expedition. But on her first dive down to the ship, Marta becomes convinced she has seen a dark figure lurking amid the wreckage.

When the Cuban Missile Crisis and the deep chill of a record-breaking winter keeps Marta stranded on Cairnroch, she forms a relationship with Elsie, a local woman working in the island’s only hotel. When the ship's artifacts inexplicably disappear, Marta and Elsie have to brave the freezing conditions to search for the missing objects before anyone else catches on. As something eerie seems to follow her at every step, Marta must confront if the haunting is a figment of her imagination, the repercussions from a terrible mistake from her past, or if something more sinister is at play that will trap her and everyone on the island—and their secrets—in an icy wilderness.

The Salvage by Anbara Salam was published October 7, 2025 by Tin House Books.

My Thoughts: This is a gothic tale set in the 1960s. It starts in the water, but spreads to land. Marta's dive is creepy in and of itself. But, then she sees a figure amidst the wreckage of the ship. Later she thinks she might have also seen it on land. Convinced it is a ghost, Marta has to figure out who or what it is haunting. She keeps the sightings of the ghostly figure to herself for many reasons including fear that she wouldn't be believed. As she works to recover the stolen artifacts, there are more clues as to the mystery of the figure.

I liked Marta and her love interest the best, but there are other good characters. There are bad as well as morally questionable characters also.

The plot was interesting, but moved slowly for the most part. The slowness seemed to echo how life had slowed down on the island with the uncharacteristic amount of snow and freezing temperatures. Still, I felt like it could have moved a tad faster.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The haunting is mysterious. And it is infectious. More people are aware of it than are willing to admit to it. And it affects people in different ways. There is a question of whether or not it is a real haunting. It is definitely gothic in tone. And it is generally well-written. If you like gothic books with some effects from the real world, then this would be a good book for you. I would buy it for a fan of gothic literature and I enjoyed it as a fan of gothic literature. This does make a good spooky season read.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa

 

Sheriff Jax Turner of Misty Pines is invited on a getaway by his ex-wife Abby who he is trying to reunite with. This means leaving his second in command, Rachel, in charge of the unit while he's gone. It's not her, but leaving at all that has him anxious. And when Abby requests that they leave their service revolvers behind for the weekend, he has his qualms.

When they arrive at the cabin, there are signs of a break-in.  And soon other events follow that have the hairs standing up on the back of his neck and his suspicions in overdrive. A death with the markings of a serial killer that he put away ratchets up the tension. Meanwhile, they are dealing with a similar death in town. Add in a mysterious young woman and a wildfire for a few more elements and you have the makings of a thrilling mystery.

My Thoughts: This is a good, solid mystery/thriller. The action, thrills, and mystery start early on. They grab you and take you on a ride as the tension only increases. Jax and Abby are in danger in one place. Rachel and his deputies are dealing with dangers back in town. 

The book is told from Jax's viewpoint and Rachel's. We get to know more about both characters. And we get to see them both wrestle with issues and grow as people and law officers.

There's an unexpected twist to the ending of the crime storyline that works quite well. There is a personal twist as well.

I did have a little trouble suspending disbelief that two officers of the law would go someplace isolated and not carry their service revolvers. The shotgun makes a nice compromise.

Overall, I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. The thing with the guns was my only complaint. Otherwise the mystery/thriller was well executed. I would recommend it to people who have been reading the Misty Pines series as this is book 3. But, it can probably be read as a standalone as well. Things were explained well enough to enjoy the mystery. So, if you enjoy fast-paced, small town mysteries, this could be a good book for you. It's not quite a cozy because it's professionals doing the crime solving, but it still has a little of that vibe.

Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa was released September 30, 2025 from Level Best Books. I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Book Review: No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams

 

From the publisher:

With an expert hand, Rachel Louise Adams’s debut No Rest for the Wicked reads like an edge of your seat, heart-pounding scary movie.

In one Halloween obsessed Midwestern town, everyone’s on red alert after a local politician goes missing. Little do they know it’s only the beginning.

It’s been close to twenty years since forensic pathologist Dolores Hawthorne left her hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin. The town is famous for its Halloween celebrations, but also its history of violent deaths linked to the holiday. To Dolores, it’s the place she fled, family, bad memories, and all. Until the FBI calls to tell her that her father--the former mayor turned US Senator--is missing under mysterious circumstances.

Some people count to ten to wake up from a nightmare. Dolores always counts the bones of her head instead: sphenoid, frontal, lacrimal. But no matter how many times she counts them, it doesn’t change the fact that her father is missing, that his final words of warning to her were to trust no one, and that now, the rest of her family is giving Dolores a chilling welcome. With Halloween fast approaching, Dolores must face the past she left behind before it’s too late.

No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams was released September 16, 2025 by Minotaur Books. I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion nor my review.

My thoughts: Overall this is a good book. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 possible. 

The characters are well drawn. Some you will probably like for the most part,  like Dolores. Others you won't like as much, like Charlotte. It was hard for me to figure out who the kidnapper was. It was a surprise twist and a good one. 

The book had good pacing. It begins right away with Dolores finding out her father has been kidnapped. This captured my attention. There's more than one mystery in this book. There is a subplot of what happened to Dolores all those years ago. Flashbacks help tell the tale and don't slow it down. There are also at least 2 other subplots. Most of the subplots enrich the story. The one about the stray cats, though, I felt could have been done without for the most part. It did help characterize the female police officer's place among the other officers though.

I felt like the synopsis was a little misleading. It focuses on the town being associated with Halloween and having deaths around that holiday. I thought it was gearing up for something paranormal to be going on. Don't get me wrong. It is still a very well written mystery/thriller. It's just that Halloween is more a coincidence rather than a plot point.

Also some people may prefer there to be trigger warnings for at least sexual assault and the cat subplot. Neither one is really done in great detail. The sexual assault is mostly behind closed doors. And the thing with the cats is likewise very minor part of the plot.

Overall I would recommend this book to people who enjoy thrillers and mysteries. It's basically well-written and interesting. And there are some good twists.

Have you read this book yet? What did you think? Will you add it to your TBR list? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: Here for a Good Time by Pyae Moe Thet War

 

From the publisher: 

A trip they'll never forget...

Poe Myat Sabei has the publishing career that any writer would kill for: her first novel sold at auction, became an international number one bestseller, and is being turned into a Netflix film. But now on deadline for her second book, Poe is facing a catastrophic case of writer’s block. The solution? Book a two-week getaway to an exclusive island resort for her and her best friend Zwe where she’ll undoubtedly be inspired to write her next bestseller.

But the vacation of their dreams disintegrates in a flash when the resort is taken over by a group of masked women who are very armed and very angry. As they try to leave the island before the group can track them down, Poe and Zwe suddenly find themselves facing the kinds of conflicts that only come up when, well, you’re trapped in a life or death situation on a remote island with your (hot) best friend.

My thoughts: 

Overall, I liked the book. Poe and Zwe were nice characters. The secondary characters of Leila and Antonio gave the plot more depth and helped propel it along. I liked that it was action/adventure too in a way.

I did have trouble seeing the romance developing between Poe and Zwe even though I knew they were the designated couple. They seemed to act more brother and sister than lovers in their verbal exchanges. And they hide their feelings well from each other. Also, I felt that the sex scenes were unnecessary and seemed like an afterthought. And I had a little trouble suspending disbelief at some points.

Even given the flaws, it was overall a good book. The plot was interesting. The characters were likable. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions nor my review.

Book Review: Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez

 

From the publisher: 

An eerie, hypnotic debut about friendship, desire, and memory set against the sultry backdrop of Florida’s swamplands.

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE

It’s been years since Ingrid has heard from her childhood best friend, Mayra, a fearless rebel who fled their hometown of Hialeah, a Cuban neighborhood just west of Miami, for college in the Northeast. But when Mayra calls out of the blue to invite Ingrid to a weekend getaway at a house in the Everglades, she impulsively accepts.

From the moment Ingrid sets out, danger looms: The directions are difficult, she’s out of reach of cell service, and as she drives deeper into the Everglades, the wet maw of the swamp threatens to swallow her whole. But once Ingrid arrives, Mayra is, in many ways, just as she remembers—with her sharp tongue and effortless, seductive beauty, still thumbing her nose at the world.

Before they can fully settle into the familiar intimacy of each other’s company, their reunion is spoiled by the reemergence of past disagreements and the unexpected presence of Mayra’s new boyfriend, Benji. The trio spend their hours eating lavish meals and exploring the labyrinthine house, which holds as much mystery as the swamp itself. Indoors and on the grounds, time itself seems to expand, and Ingrid begins to lose a sense of the outside world, and herself.

Against this disquieting setting, where lizards dart in and out of porches and alligators peek from dark waters, Gonzalez weaves a surreal, unforgettable story about the dizzying power of early friendship and the lengths we’ll go to earn love and acceptance—even at the risk of losing ourselves entirely.

Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez was published July 22, 2025 by Random House.

My Thoughts: It's a good haunted house/gothic novel. The story is told from Ingrid's point of view. To me she came across as a pretty normal person. Not really happy with her job, looking for love, and she has family ties. Presented with an opportunity to revisit an earlier friendship that was very important to her, she feels ambiguous. Last time they saw each other didn't go spectacularly. Pushed together in this way out of the way place, Ingrid tentatively tries to bond with Mayra again. 

It's awkward with Mayra's boyfriend Benji around. He's doing everything for them - cooking, cleaning, laundry. Their happiness seems to be paramount to him to the point of being creepy. And as they explore the house, they keep finding creepy little details that make them wonder about the previous residents.

The narrative takes on a dreamlike tone the longer they are there. Ingrid feels like she is forgetting something, but not quite what. She is lulled into a false sense of security. It's at this point, you speculate what is causing the disconnect. I somewhat expected the source, but there were still surprises. I ended up staying up to finish it once I hit the 90% mark. I had to know what would happen next.

I gave the book 4 out of 5 stars. Dreamlike, the story is a little slow in a few places. It still moves the ladies further down the path to the conclusion. And it makes the ending feel positively manic. I enjoyed the book as a whole. I would recommend it for people who enjoy gothic literature and gothic horror.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Have you read Mayra? What did you think?

Book Review: The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 

From the publisher: 

“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches”: That was how Nana Alba always began the stories she told her great-granddaughter Minerva—stories that have stayed with Minerva all her life. Perhaps that’s why Minerva has become a graduate student focused on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales.

In the course of assembling her thesis, Minerva uncovers information that reveals that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story: Decades earlier, during the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying and became obsessed with her beautiful and otherworldly roommate, who then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva descends ever deeper into Tremblay’s manuscript, she begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus. These disturbing events also echo the stories Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had a terrifying encounter with a witch.

Minerva suspects that the same shadow that darkened the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now threatening her own in 1990s Massachusetts. An academic career can be a punishing pursuit, but it might turn outright deadly when witchcraft is involved.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia was released July 15, 2025 by Del Rey.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Told in 3 timelines, three women have experiences with witches that are different from what we typically read. They overlap a little bit throughout the book. Even though there are 3 timelines, in the end they are successfully tied together. 

My favorite character was Minerva. I also had a lot of respect for Nana Alba. I felt that they were the most well written. The book was kind of gross at times - some of the occurrences of witchcraft were both frightening and kind of disgusting. This did not in any way take away from the story. It just was a part of it.

The pace of the novel went well. Towards the end, Minerva's story really had me flipping pages and refusing to talk to people until I finished it. There were other similar points in the other stories too, but Minerva's was the strongest.

I gave The Bewitching 5 stars out of 5. It's very well-written. It has good characters and good pacing. If you are a fan of horror, or gothic literature, or Silvia Moreno-Garcia, this is not a book to be missed.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion nor my review.

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

 

From the publisher:

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano was published March 4th, 2025 by Minotaur Books. This is book 5 in the series.

My thoughts: I was really looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed. There is a really good mystery. A little less Vero than I would have liked, but more Mrs. Haggerty. Mrs. Haggerty is often a scene stealer, but this book couldn't have happened without her.

Characterizations were well done. Finlay continues to grow in her relationship with Nick. Vero and Javi are struggling to grow as a couple. Mrs. Haggerty is gradually revealed as the plot goes on.

The story moves along at a good pace. It kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. As in the other books some of the goings on are a stretch of the imagination, but overall it's a fun read.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I wasn't crazy about the cliffhanger at the end of the book, but I was happy with the way the mystery was resolved. I would recommend this series to people who enjoy humorous cozies. And it's better read from book one on. This series would make a great beach read.

Book Review: Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal

From the publisher: 

Clark Thomas returns, ready to embark on a new chapter in Myrtle Beach. But everything is not as normal as he hoped.

Clark takes his visiting friend, a huge country music fan, to the Legends Theater to watch her favorite musician perform – Dolly Parton. Except, this Dolly isn’t the real Dolly. She’s an incredible impersonator who travels the country entertaining legions of fans who believe she’s the next best thing.

The theater is hosting a special concert series featuring fan-favorite celebrity impersonators, such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis Presley. What starts out as a great evening goes awry when one performer collapses on stage during the concert. In the aftermath, rumors of foul play arise, throwing Clark into an investigation to uncover if the collapse wasn’t driven by natural causes.

As Clark’s search for answers unfolds, he questions the other performers and discovers that deceased had enemies. When the police get involved Clark must navigate an insular cast and a police investigation, while trying to entertain his friend and her son.

Once more, the case leads to Clark facing a life-changing moment where he must figure out what happened and what to do next to protect the ones he loves.

“Death of a Legend” promises a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and depth, showcasing the masterful storytelling that fans of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series have come to love.

My thoughts: Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal is a well-written mystery. The chapters are told from either Clark's point of view or Gina's. This really works out well for the readers because it allows twice as much information to be passed onto them. 

There are many suspects. It seems like almost everyone has a motive. And the method of murder is interesting. I had only heard of it being used for assassinations before, but it is believable here as well, especially in the end.

There are a fair share of red herrings because of the number of suspects and how long they'd known each other. The plot progresses at a good pace. I was surprised in the end when the big reveal is played out. This is a good thing.

I gave this book 5 stars out of 5. It's well written. The alternating point of view is handled in a good way and adds to the book. It's well paced. And the ending was unpredictable for me. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a good mystery. Be aware, though, that the epilogue gives a possible set up for the next book in the series. I'm interested to see where the author will go with it.

Thanks to the publisher for an e-arc. This did not affect my opinions or my review.

Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal was released May 6, 2025 from Franklin/Kerr Press. It's book 8 in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series.

Book Review: Rose of Jericho by Alex Grecian

What would happen if the dead don't seem to stay dead? They walk, talk, and more. They aren't zombies. There's no craving to eat flesh. How did they get this way and is there a way to restore the normal order of things? It's not enough that the house they've bought is very haunted. Sadie Grace, Rose Nettles, and Rabbit find themselves confronted with this situation when they move to the small town of Ascension, Massachusetts. They are trying to keep a low profile while they investigate. And yet as the dead walk around, chaos ensues.

You might be able to read this as a standalone, but it would be better to go back and start with Red Rabbit where the characters are first encountered. This gives you more of a background as to what they are like and what they are capable of doing and how they've changed in the 10 yrs between Red Rabbit and Rose of Jericho.

I found the way that the author handled the idea of death ceasing to be interesting. He examines not only what happens to the dead physically, but how it affects their thoughts and emotions. And the living get to weigh in on how they feel about what is going on.

I gave this book five stars. It was a good read. There are some interesting characters to go with the interesting predicament. If you've read Red Rabbit and enjoyed it, this is a must read. If the plot sounds interesting to you, then you should give it a try. It's well-written.

I borrowed my copy from the library.

Rose of Jericho by Alex Grecian was released March 11th, 2025 from Tor Nightfire.

Book Review: Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg

 

From the publisher:

Whimbrel House is changing. Merritt and Hulda are raising a family. Owein has signed a marriage contract with the magically compatible Lady Cora, a heavyweight of British nobility who’s an ocean away. And the lovely shape-shifting druid Fallon makes a distractingly fetching friend for Owein. But another change is in the air, and this time it’s something wicked.

The greatest wizard of the millennium, Silas Hogwood, is back—after five years dead. New body, same foul scent, and driven by madness and revenge. Owein, fearing he isn’t strong enough to fend off Silas, seeks Cora’s help and influence in England. Alarms ringing, Queen Victoria dispatches her League of Magicians, including her personal necromancer, to aid in Owein’s defense.

As magic, both good and evil, converges on Blaugdone Island, Owein realizes how harrowing the forces against them are. Combating them will require some digging—literally—for half-formed secrets of magic Hulda doesn’t want him to have. But no promise, lock, or government red tape will keep Owein from doing what’s necessary to protect those he loves. One way or another, Silas will only take Whimbrel House over Owein’s third dead body.

Wizard of Most Wicked Ways by Charlie N. Holmberg is the 4th book in the Whimbrel House series. It was released March 4, 2025 from 47North.

My Thoughts: I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

It began slowly, but that gave time for showing character growth, especially in Owein. I did find it a little agonizing because I like the characters a lot and knew bad things were in store for them. In his previous appearances, Silas seemed to be motivated solely by greed. Now he still seems greedy, but also like he's losing his sanity. Once the action started, things moved along at a better pace. 

This should not be read as a standalone. There are references to earlier books that would be better understood if the previous volumes have been read. Plus, only then can you really appreciate the changes in the characters.

I did get a little teary near the end of the book. To me, that means it was well-written and the characters are mostly sympathetic. Also, I thought it was the last book in the series, but it appears there will be at least one more.

I would recommend this book to others who've read the series. And I would recommend the series to those who enjoy historical fantasy. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions nor my review.