Vortex by Catherine Counter (FBI Thriller #25)

Jumping into book #25 of any long-running series is a bit like walking into a family reunion and realizing you only recognize two cousins.

I just finished Vortex by Catherine Coulter, and overall, I landed on a solid four stars on my slightly snarky rating system: Good, solid read, and I laughed more than I eye-rolled.

Now, I’ve read a couple books in this series before (years ago) but not nearly enough to confidently stroll into book #25 like I belong there. And this series does have history. You can feel it in the interactions between some of the characters.

Savich and Sherlock are still some of the most memorable character names out there. No notes. Love them. Apparently they have a son, Sean. Like I said, I missed a few in the series.

I did get a bit disconnected in this one. This is technically an FBI thriller, but I never quite felt that edge-of-your-seat urgency I usually expect from the genre. The stakes were there, the crimes were happening, but the pacing didn’t quite match the intensity I was hoping for. It felt more like a steady cruise than a high-speed chase.

And then there were the two storylines. They didn’t really connect. At all. Which left me wondering, are Savich and Sherlock not really working together anymore? Because one of the things I remember liking about this series was their partnership. That back-and-forth, solving-the-same-case energy. Here, it felt more like they were off doing their own separate things in the same general universe.

To be fair, this is book twenty-five. At this point, it makes sense that the world has expanded, side characters have stepped up, and the storytelling has shifted a bit. But as someone who clearly missed a lot of the middle, it did leave me feeling like I showed up late to the party and everyone else already knows the inside jokes.

Still, it was a solid read. Entertaining, easy to pick up when life gets busy, and engaging enough to keep me turning the pages even if I wasn’t exactly on the edge of my seat.

Would I recommend starting here? Absolutely not. I will read another one at some point, just maybe not book #26.

Murder Unabridged by PJ Nelson

If your newly inherited bookshop has a repeat body problem…maybe it’s not the business, it’s the building.

I gave Murder Unabridged by PJ Nelson a solid 4 stars. This is firmly in my “laughed more than I eye-rolled” category, and exactly the kind of cozy mystery I reach for when life gets busy but I still want something fun and engaging.

The story follows Maddy, who inherits a bookshop from the previous owner and distant relative, Rose. When an elderly man arrives claiming to have known and loved Rose, Maddy reluctantly lets him stay the night ... only for him to turn up dead the next morning. What initially seems like an unfortunate natural death quickly turns into a murder investigation with Maddy as the only obvious suspect. With few options, she takes matters into her own hands and begins investigating to clear her name.

The plot is classic cozy mystery with a fun twist. It is a locked-room style situation that kept me guessing. I didn’t see the culprit coming, and the motivation behind it added an extra layer of intrigue without getting too heavy for the genre.

The characters were one of the highlights for me. From Billy, the small-town cop who’s sharper than he first appears, to Tanya, the local conspiracy theorist who adds just the right amount of craziness, the cast felt lively and entertaining. Maddy herself is a strong, likable main character, and her humor really carries the story. There were multiple moments where I had to stop myself from laughing out loud. Never over-the-top, but perfectly timed.

What I appreciated most was how easy this book was to pick up and get lost in. As a teacher nearing the end of the school year, my reading time is scattered at best, but this was the kind of story I could jump back into anytime and immediately feel pulled in. It played out vividly in my head, which always makes for a more immersive read.

In terms of content, this is very much a traditional cozy mystery: no profanity, no explicit content, very light romance, and minimal on-page violence. The only potential content note (outside of the central murder) is that Maddy’s parents passed away when she was young, but it’s not handled in a heavy or distressing way.

If I had one small critique, it’s that my practical brain occasionally popped in to ask questions, like how Maddy is managing everyday life while running around investigating, but that’s a minor quibble and pretty easy to set aside in a story like this. The focus here is clearly on the mystery and the characters, and both deliver.

Overall, Murder Unabridged is a cozy, entertaining read with a strong cast, a clever mystery, and just the right amount of humor. It’s perfect for fans of lighthearted whodunits, especially those who love bookish settings and small-town charm.

This is a “curl up with a blanket on a rainy evening” kind of book, and I’d happily read more if this turns into a series. A special thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. 

Rage by Linda Castillo (Kate Burkholder #17)

Read in one sitting...almost.

 

I just finished Rage by Linda Castillo, and this one grabbed me by the collar and did not let go. Five stars, no hesitation. This was almost a one-sitting read. The only thing that pulled me away was the inconvenient human need for food. {heavy sigh}

First, let’s talk about the title, because I went in expecting anger, violence, maybe some explosive tempers. Instead, I learned something new: Amish teens sometimes throw impromptu parties called “rages.” And this particular rage came with big consequences. 

From that one party, everything spirals into secrets, danger, and the kind of trouble that doesn’t politely knock before barging in. And once it starts, the pacing just goes. There’s no lull, no “safe place to stop,” just that constant pull of “one more chapter”… which is how you end up ignoring responsibilities and questioning your life choices around dinner time.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this series is Kate Burkholder. She’s easily one of my favorite characters, and in this book, she gets banged up quite a bit. The bad guys do not take it easy on her, and I found myself wincing more than once.

Thankfully, John Tomasetti is right there with her, and he's another favorite. What I love about these two is how they work together. They talk through cases, they trust each other, and they respect each other enough to let the other do their job. There’s concern, sure, but no over-the-top drama or ridiculous demands. Just two people who care about each other, trust and respect each other, and know exactly who they’re dealing with. It’s refreshing.

I’ll admit, I suspected what was going on pretty early. But that didn’t take anything away from the story. If anything, it added a different kind of tension, watching Kate piece it all together, step by step, while I was sitting there thinking, “Oh no… please don’t let it be that.” Because I really don’t want to believe certain things can happen in tiny, rural, seemingly innocent communities.

That contrast is where this book really shines. Quiet setting, dark reality, and the reminder that trouble doesn’t care how peaceful a place looks on the surface.

This story would have kept me up too late. The only reason it didn’t is because I started it early enough to finish before I completely wrecked my sleep schedule. Note to self: Do this more often. 

Imposter by LJ Ross (Alexander Gregory #1)

I suspected everyone… which, as it turns out, was both impressive and completely useless.

I just finished Imposter by LJ Ross, and this one falls squarely into my “solid, satisfying read” category.

First, the setting. The story takes place in County Mayo, Ireland, and the descriptions alone made me want to pack a bag and go stare dramatically at the countryside for a while. It sounds absolutely gorgeous ... rugged, atmospheric, and just a little bit eerie, which is exactly what you want in a book like this.

We follow Dr. Alexander Gregory, a psychiatrist specializing in criminal profiling, who’s brought in to help with a case. So naturally, things stay calm, rational, and completely professional ... just kidding. He takes the job home with him in the worst possible way: Nightmares. 

I really enjoyed the mystery itself. I spent the entire book suspicious of basically everyone. If there was a character on the page, I had a mental file open on them. Motive? Probably. Opportunity? Definitely. Vibes? Questionable at best. And yet… I still didn’t land on the actual villain.

It’s a tricky balance, keeping the reader guessing without making the ending feel like it came out of nowhere, and this one managed it. The reveal worked, even if it made me question all my detective instincts (which were clearly thriving in the wrong direction).

That said, this wasn’t a “stay up until 2 a.m. because I need answers immediately” kind of book. It didn’t quite hit that obsessive, can’t-put-it-down level. But it did keep me engaged, entertained, and happily guessing the whole way through.

With my slightly snarky rating system, this lands at a solid four stars. A good, enjoyable read with a mystery that actually does its job, even if it made me look wildly incompetent as a detective.

Little Child Gone by Stacy Green (Nikki Hunt #10)

Two gripping storylines… and one that was unnecessary.

I just finished Little Child Gone by Stacy Green, and this lands solidly at four stars on my slightly snarky rating system. I didn’t lose sleep over it, but it was a strong, steady thriller that kept me engaged the whole way through with two standout storylines and one that… didn’t quite earn its keep.

The story weaves together multiple threads, which is always a bit of a gamble. Here, we have three: the discovery of two skeletons in a farmhouse being renovated, the disappearance of Taylor Hall, and a separate case involving a missing teenager named Eli Robertson.

Let’s start with what worked, because when this book works, it really works.

The farmhouse skeletons and Taylor’s disappearance are beautifully done. There’s a slow unraveling of the past that ties into the present in a way that feels both natural and surprising. I had my suspicions early on that the family from the prologue was connected to the farmhouse, but the way that thread ultimately ties into Taylor’s case caught me off guard. It’s one of those reveals where you immediately want to flip back and see what you missed.

And the setting absolutely delivers that small-town thriller vibe. Everything takes place in Stillwater, Minnesota, a place where secrets don’t stay buried nearly as well as people think they do. It adds that underlying tension of “someone here knows more than they’re saying,” which always works for me.

Now… Eli.

Eli’s storyline is where things get a little murky. Yes, he’s missing. Yes, he’s eventually found. But compared to the other two plotlines, his story feels underdeveloped and, honestly, a bit unnecessary. It doesn’t carry the same emotional weight or narrative importance, and it never fully weaves into the main story in a satisfying way. It’s not bad; it just feels like it belongs in a slightly different book.

That said, Nikki Hunt holds everything together. I liked her immediately. She’s a strong female lead without being over-the-top about it: capable, empathetic, and refreshingly human. No dramatic perfection, no exaggerated flaws, just someone doing her job and doing it well. 

Overall, this is one of those thrillers that doesn’t try to reinvent the genre but executes it really well where it counts. Two of the three storylines are compelling, layered, and worth the ride. Unfortunately, the third just didn’t quite keep up.

Four stars for a good, solid read, the kind that keeps you turning pages, even if it doesn’t quite keep you up at night.

Fake It to the Limit by Mary Frame (Castle Cove #1)

Nothing says ‘life choices’ quite like accidentally becoming the town psychic.

I picked up Fake It to the Limit by Mary Frame fully expecting something light and cute and that’s exactly what I got. Four stars on my slightly snarky rating system: it made me laugh more than it made me roll my eyes, which is always a win.

Charlotte is temporarily house-sitting for a real psychic who’s conveniently out of the country… and somehow ends up pretending to be that psychic. As one does. What starts as a small, harmless-ish lie quickly snowballs into a full-blown situation, complete with clients, expectations, and the looming, inevitable disaster of the actual psychic returning home.

Because that is going to happen. And I, for one, am very interested in how Charlotte plans to survive it.

What really made this book work for me wasn’t just the premise (which is already pretty fun), but the relationships Charlotte starts building. She finds herself with people she genuinely cares about and who care about her, which raises the stakes in a way that sneaks up on you. It’s not just about keeping up a lie anymore; it’s about what happens when that lie collides with real connections.

Tone-wise, this sits firmly in the “easy, cozy, and mildly chaotic” category. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t demand your full emotional bandwidth but still keeps you entertained the whole way through. I listened to it while baking brownies and chocolate chip cookies for my students, which feels like exactly the right vibe for this book: comforting, a little indulgent, and just plain enjoyable.

Now, will I be immediately dropping $24 on the next books in the trilogy? No. I’m curious, not reckless. This is a “let me check the library app first” situation. But I do want to know what happens next, which says a lot.

Overall, this was a cute, funny start to the Castle Cove mystery trilogy, with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. And when that real psychic comes back? Oh, it’s going to be a mess. A very entertaining mess.

Zero Day by David Baldacci (John Puller #1)

Stand-out audio turned this into a full-time commitment.

This was supposed to be my “drive to work” audiobook. You know, a little something to make traffic slightly less soul-crushing. Instead, I found myself lying in bed, eyes wide open at 10:30 PM thinking, well I can’t just stop here. Oops.

Zero Day by David Baldacci isn’t one of those books that grabs you by the throat in chapter one. It’s more of a slow, steady tightening of the screws. At first, I was like, okay, I’m in, this is fine. And then we hit this moment where John Puller calls Samantha Cole at zero-dark-thirty and she asks him if he has a death wish. That was it. It made me laugh and I was fully invested. From there, it’s less about a shocking twist and more about the journey, which worked really well here.

John Puller is exactly my kind of character: Strong, lone wolf, definitely has a past, and runs on a strict moral code… until that code conflicts with reality. His whole “I follow orders… unless those orders are wrong” thing adds a layer of tension that keeps everything interesting, and the military angle brings in that extra dose of secrecy that I love. Samantha Cole was just as strong in her own way. She’s competent, grounded, and fiercely protective of her town. She holds her own, and more importantly, she feels real. Their dynamic develops naturally over time, which made their partnership one of my favorite parts of the book. And then there’s Bobby Puller… sitting in jail for treason with barely any explanation. If anyone reading this knows Mr. Baldacci, please tell him I’m going to need more details in future books.

The setting does a lot of heavy lifting too. A small town of about 6,000 people, the kind of place where everyone should matter, which makes it hit even harder when those lives start getting treated like collateral damage. That thread added a layer of moral weight that elevated this beyond just another crime thriller. It’s not just about solving a case, it’s about who gets protected and who gets sacrificed.

And then there’s the audio, which honestly pushed this into five-star territory for me. Dual narrators (male and female, thank you), no awkward voice gymnastics, subtle sound effects, and background music that actually fits. Nothing felt overdone. It all sounded like what I was already imagining in my head, which is rare. The story absolutely stands on its own - I would have enjoyed this in paperback - but the audio elevated it. I’m not even sure I would have devoured it this fast without that added layer. It’s just a really solid thriller with great characters, a strong atmosphere, and a story that builds in a way that keeps you listening just a little longer every time.

If you’re into military thrillers, crime thrillers, or anything by James Patterson, this is absolutely worth your time. And the fact that I already bought book two? Yep. That tells you everything you need to know.

Something Is Killing the Children: Hope Is a Knife by James Tynion, IV and Kierston White

That monster under your bed? It's real.

I went into Something Is Killing the Children: Hope Is a Knife with absolutely no comic book background and no expectations. I've never read the original series, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect from a novel based on a comic.

Turns out I loved it. The premise is phenomenal: children are dying, and the adults either can't see what's happening or refuse to believe it. But the monsters are very real and someone has to stop them. Enter Erica Slaughter, a mysterious monster hunter wearing a black mask, who arrives in town just as things spiral out of control.

One of the things I appreciated immediately was how accessible the story was. The world-building was handled beautifully. Even as someone brand new to this story line, I was never confused. The masks and their meaning were explained early, which made it easy to settle into the story without feeling lost.

This book felt more like action horror than straight horror to me, although it was definitely emotional. The deaths of children hit hard, and some scenes were intense. Content warnings should absolutely include violence and the death of children, which may be difficult for some readers.

What surprised me most, though, was how emotionally invested I became. Charity completely pulled at my heartstrings. She was trying so hard to be perfect, without sin, constantly praying, believing she was somehow responsible for what was happening. Watching her carry guilt that wasn't hers was heartbreaking. And honestly I blame the crazy, cult-like preacher who helped plant those ideas in her head. Charity and her mother were both deeply affected, and their storyline added a powerful emotional layer to the novel.

Erica, meanwhile, grew on me as the story progressed. She's not overly warm or approachable, but when it matters most, she does what needs to be done. Her determination to protect the town, and especially the children, made her a compelling main character.

The pacing was absolutely perfect. This was a fast-paced, "just one more chapter" kind of book. I stayed up far later than I intended, doing the classic "well, I guess I'll sleep when I'm dead" routine. I read it quickly and immediately wanted more.

If I had one small thought, and it's not really a criticism, I would have loved to see Erica interact more with other masks. Since she's a black mask, it might have been interesting to see her working with a partner. That said, I loved the book as-is and wouldn't change a thing.

I also found the story more emotional than scary. While some readers may find it frightening, I was more affected by the sadness, especially when you begin to understand how the monsters come into existence. That's when you want to wrap your arms around the entire town and protect everyone.

I absolutely loved this book. It's easy to see why the comic series is a bestseller, and this novel works beautifully for both longtime fans and newcomers like me. No comic book background required.

If James Tynion IV and Kiersten White are planning another novel, sign me up. Five stars. I lost sleep. I want more. I'd recommend this for horror readers, thriller readers, and anyone who enjoys fast-paced, emotionally driven stories.

A special thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Maximum Damage by Jack Mars (Grant Valor #1)

 If you're going to narrate an audiobook, quit smoking.

I just finished listening to Maximum Damage by Jack Mars, and I have…mixed feelings.

The premise was excellent. Grant Valor and four others find themselves in the maximum amount of trouble possible with their respective governments. These are not rule-followers. They’re the kind of people who get results…even if those results occasionally make their superiors nervous.

Enter Commander Kent, who forms Sentinel, a covert team designed to stop trouble before it starts. They operate outside traditional government restraints, outside normal chains of command, and definitely outside the comfort zone. I was in. It’s a solid setup for a fast-paced thriller. A group of highly skilled operatives, working off the grid, tackling global threats before they explode? Yes, please.

The story itself was good. I think. And that’s where things get tricky. Because the narrator kept pulling me out of the story.

You know how sometimes a narrator enhances a book so much that you forget you’re even listening? This was…not that. Definitely Not That.

The voice sounded like a four-pack-a-day smoker, and there was something just…off…about the cadence. Pauses where there shouldn’t be pauses. Sentences that sounded like they were restarted mid-thought. Occasionally, it even felt like parts of lines were skipped or repeated. Instead of getting lost in the action, I kept getting pulled back to the actual narration. And that’s frustrating, because the story deserved better.

I really think the right narrator could have added so much more tension, urgency, personality. Instead, the narration made it harder to fully connect with the story. That said, I’m not giving up on the series. The premise is strong enough, and the characters interesting enough, that I’d like to give the author another chance. This time, though, I think I’ll grab a hard copy of the next book. Because this feels like one where reading it myself might make all the difference. After all, it’s not the author’s fault the narration left a lot to be desired.

And sometimes, the right voice changes everything.

Before You Were Anne by Emiko Jean

Her problem became my problem, and I was going to help her find a solution. 

Before You Were Anne by Emiko Jean is an emotional thriller that pulled me in from the very first pages and didn’t let go. The story opens with a prologue that immediately sets the tone: a woman trapped in a relationship defined by manipulation, control, and abuse. I was hooked instantly, not just curious, but emotionally invested. I didn’t know who she was yet, but I felt her fear and wanted her to escape.

From there, the novel unfolds across dual timelines, shifting between present-day United States and Japan years earlier. The Japan storyline adds important context, slowly filling in the gaps and revealing why the characters became who they are and made the choices they did. I was more invested in the present-day storyline, but both timelines worked together to build a complete and compelling picture.

One of the most striking elements was the use of second-person narration. It made the experience feel intimate and immediate, almost like the story was being directed straight at me. It’s not a style I see often, but here it absolutely worked and deepened the emotional impact.

The characters felt real and layered. I connected deeply with Anne, her trauma, her resilience, and above all, her love for her daughter. Naomi felt just as authentic, especially in the way she navigated fear, independence, and teenage defiance. Aunt May stood out as a grounding, loyal presence. Even secondary relationships felt believable and emotionally grounded.

The pacing starts as a slow burn, but the tension builds steadily until it becomes impossible to put down. By the end, I was fully caught up in the urgency of it all, wanting answers, wanting safety for the characters, and needing to know how everything would resolve.

I was completely blindsided by the reveal. I didn’t feel misled in a frustrating way, just genuinely surprised. Looking back, everything fit, but I never saw it coming.

This book deals with heavy themes, including emotional and physical abuse, coercive control, and survival. It’s worth noting as a content warning, though I found it handled thoughtfully and without unnecessary sensationalism.

The title Before You Were Anne becomes especially meaningful by the end, tying everything together in a way that feels intentional and satisfying. Overall, this is more of an emotional thriller than a fast-paced one, and it worked beautifully for me. It was tense, immersive, and stayed with me long after I finished.

I lost sleep reading this and I’m definitely paying for it now while trying to read code with tired eyes. Worth it. Totally worth it.

A special thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Bound for Murder by Audrey Shine

When the audiobook literally reads 'asterisk asterisk asterisk' out loud… we have a problem.

I listened to Bound for Murder by Audrey Shine, and this one falls squarely into my "it was fine, but I won’t be recommending it" category.

The premise itself was decent enough. A woman discovers her husband is cheating, gets divorced, and decides to follow her dreams. Along the way, because this is a mystery after all, there’s a murder. It’s a familiar setup, but sometimes familiar works. This time it worked almost just enough.

The story kept me mildly interested, but I was never fully invested. It leaned much more toward cozy mystery than thriller, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I kept waiting for more tension, more urgency, more anything. Instead, the pacing stayed comfortable, predictable, and slow. Honestly, though, the audiobook narration may have hurt this one more than anything else.

This version was read by Caroline, a synthesized voice. And while I’m open-minded about new technology, this one didn’t quite land. There were mispronunciations. The inflection for different characters was sometimes off… and sometimes completely absent. Conversations occasionally blurred together, and emotional moments didn’t quite feel emotional. And then there was the moment that completely took me out of the story. The narration literally read:

"asterisk… asterisk… asterisk…"

Yeah. That’s when I realized I was no longer listening to a story. I was listening to software.

Would the story have worked better with a human reader? I suspect yes. A skilled narrator can add nuance, pacing, and personality, all things this artificial reader struggled with.

Using my rather snarky rating system, this one lands at a 3 out of 5. It kept me mildly interested, but I won’t be recommending it, and I probably won’t remember much about it in a few weeks. It wasn’t terrible. It just never rose above “okay.”

And for the record, as much as I love technology, I think authors might want to stick with human readers… at least for now.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

 A reluctant hero, an unlikely friendship, smart science, and a perfect ending. 

I went into Project Hail Mary fully expecting to love it. I’ve watched The Martian more times than I can count, so I already knew Andy Weir could turn science, survival, and sarcasm into something special. I was not disappointed.

The book opens with Ryland Grace waking up alone, weak, and confused. A computer is taking care of him, and two crewmates lie nearby, both deceased. He has no memory of who he is, where he is, or how he got there. That hooked me immediately.

From there, the story unfolds gradually as his memory returns. First, he remembers being a science teacher. Then a researcher. Then… oh-holy-cow… he’s not even in his own solar system anymore.

The amnesia structure worked incredibly well. Each recovered memory raised the stakes and pulled me deeper into the story. And when Grace finally remembers why he’s there and how he got there, his anger is completely understandable. I was right there with him, thinking some very uncharitable thoughts about the project leadership.

Ryland Grace isn’t your typical hero. He’s a normal guy. He teaches science. He grades papers. He’s reluctant, scared, and honestly not thrilled about saving humanity under those conditions. That made him incredibly relatable. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have volunteered either.

But then we meet Rocky. And suddenly, this story becomes something even better.

Watching Grace and Rocky learn to communicate was fascinating. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t quick, but once they figured it out, they became partners in the truest sense. They weren’t just trying to save one world; they were trying to save two.

Their friendship became the emotional core of the story. They respected each other’s cultures, adapted to each other’s environments, and worked together to solve problem after problem. Grace couldn’t have done this alone. Neither could Rocky.

I also loved the science in this book. It was understandable, engaging, and rooted in problem solving. Define the problem. Try a solution. Reflect. Try again. Watching that process play out made the story feel smart and satisfying rather than overwhelming.

The emotional moments sneak up on you, especially as their friendship grows. They look out for each other, rescue each other, and genuinely care about each other’s survival. I didn’t expect to be so invested, but I absolutely was.

The flashbacks to Earth were just as interesting as the space storyline. They were essential to understanding both the stakes and Grace’s character. Without them, the story wouldn’t have had the same depth. 

And the ending was Perfect.

It surprised me, but in a good way. It didn’t make me emotional, but it left me smiling. Grace has time to figure things out. And after everything he accomplished, I have no doubt that he will.

This was a smart, engaging, and unexpectedly heartfelt science fiction story about friendship, cooperation, and problem solving. I loved every minute of it and I completely understand why it’s being turned into a movie. 

Which I plan to see as soon as possible. 

According to my rather snarky rating system, I am giving this book four out of five stars. It didn't keep me up at night or make me lose sleep, but it was a good, solid read that kept me engaged ... and sometimes even laughing. 

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Turston

Don't tick her off.... Just sayin'.

Recommended to me by my work daughter, Hannah. For some reason, it reminded her of me. Hmmm...

This little elderly lady hasn't killed anyone, but Maud is a whole different story. She got away with it. And I loved it. 

16th Seduction by James Patterson (Women's Murder Club #16)

Finally! No Joe drama! 

I read 16th Seduction by James Patterson in one sitting, which is always my first sign that a book is doing something very right.

And thankfully, mercifully even, we are done with the should Lindsay trust Joe or not malarkey. Joe is back in Lindsay’s life, and the story is better for it. I didn’t realize how much that storyline was dragging things down until it was almost gone.

This installment brings multiple storylines, which is exactly what I love about the Women's Murder Club series:

• A bomber destroys a children's science museum, confesses… then suddenly denies everything and tries to gaslight Lindsay. (Spoiler: It does not go over well.)
• A terrorist organization called GAR wreaks havoc with bombings and ominous videos.
• A criminally insane genius steals anesthetic from a hospital and begins randomly killing people.

In other words: Chaos, tension, and just enough "oh holy cow" to keep the pages turning.

All four members of the Women’s Murder Club get their moment here. Cindy’s role is smaller this time, but Lindsay, Claire, and Yuki each have meaningful pieces of the puzzle. I always enjoy when the story gives each of them something to do. It makes the series feel balanced and familiar in the best way.

This one moved Really Fast. The kind of fast where you tell yourself "just one more chapter" and suddenly you're at the end wondering where the day went.

I do have one small question: why is this book called 16th Seduction?

I kept waiting for the "seduction" angle to appear… and it never really did. There wasn’t a femme fatale, romantic manipulation, or anything that clearly tied into the title. Instead, we got bombers, terrorists, and a criminally insane killer, none of which exactly scream seduction. Maybe you could argue the criminals were trying to manipulate or “seduce” public opinion… but that feels like a reach.

Still, the title confusion didn’t take away from my enjoyment. This felt like classic Women's Murder Club: fast-paced, twisty, and impossible to put down.

Between the multiple storylines, nonstop tension, and the welcome absence of relationship drama, 16th Seduction delivered exactly what I was hoping for and I loved every minute of it. Five stars, hands down.

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

I finished it, but only because quitting felt like losing.

That probably tells you everything you need to know about my experience with Happiness Falls.

Let me start by saying this: This is probably a four- or five-star book for the right reader. I am not that reader.

From the very first chapter, I knew I was in for a challenging read. Mia, our narrator, explains that she gets sidetracked easily and uses footnotes to share her extra thoughts. That meant I either had to flip back and forth constantly or try to remember what was in the footnotes until the end of each chapter. I tried both methods. Eventually, I gave up and started ignoring them altogether. Not exactly a great start.

The story centers around a family whose father goes missing after spending time in the park with Eugene, the youngest sibling. Eugene has special needs, Mia and John are twins, and the family dynamics between the three siblings, along with their parents, were actually one of the strongest parts of the book. I genuinely cared about this family. I wanted to know what happened to their father. I just didn’t enjoy the long philosophical detours along the way.

And there were a lot of philosophical detours.

I have a math brain. I like definitive answers. Soft sciences don’t satisfy me, and the philosophical discussions about happiness didn’t interest me At All. The idea of calculating a “happiness quotient,” which Mia’s father was working on, felt abstract and theoretical in a way that just didn’t click with me. I found myself skimming those sections, not because they weren’t thoughtfully written, but because they simply weren’t what I enjoy reading.

The pacing suffered because of this. I cared about the central mystery, but I often felt like I had to slog through pages of philosophical discussion to get back to the story. At one point, I realized I was skipping ahead just to find out what happened to Mia’s father, which is never a great sign.

To be clear, Mia herself didn’t bother me. She’s a 20-year-old trying to figure things out, and her perspective felt realistic. The family dynamics were compelling, and I appreciated how much the story focused on relationships and communication, especially surrounding Eugene. But overall, this was a struggle for me.

I finished the book, but only because quitting felt like losing. And while I can absolutely see why some readers would love the thoughtful, philosophical nature of this story, I personally found it slow and difficult to stay engaged. It's a thoughtful, well-written book, just not my kind of book.

Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen

A great premise, but the tension never quite checked in. 

I received an advanced copy of Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen, and I found myself with mixed feelings by the time I finished.

First, I have to mention the title and cover. Please Enjoy Your Stay is such a wonderfully creepy title, and paired with the cover, it immediately gave me thriller vibes. I went in expecting something tense, unsettling, and hard to put down, and the premise absolutely supports that expectation.

When Mia was young, she witnessed her cousin Tristan’s murder. Her testimony helped convict the killer (or so she believed). Years later, the case is reopened when the convicted man claims innocence, forcing Mia to revisit the past she’s tried to leave behind. She returns to the castle where the murder took place to help her aunt Iris, a true crime writer, uncover what really happened that night.

This is a fantastic premise. A childhood eyewitness, a reopened case, and a remote castle setting all feel like the ingredients for a tense, atmospheric thriller. And to its credit, the castle setting was atmospheric. There was a lingering sense of unease and mystery, and I kept thinking how much potential there was for this to build into something truly suspenseful.

Unfortunately, the pacing felt slow, and the tension never quite developed. The story alternates between present-day events and Iris’s notes, along with podcast elements sprinkled throughout. While these additions were interesting, they sometimes disrupted the momentum. I found myself wishing the podcast pieces had been grouped together like newspaper articles, rather than scattered, and that some of the backstory elements, including other crimes connected to the castle, had been more fully explored instead of briefly mentioned. There were several intriguing ideas introduced, but they didn’t feel fully developed.

Mia herself felt reliable, but I struggled to connect with her. I didn’t feel like I really got to know her, and because of that, the emotional stakes never fully landed. Her decision to return to the castle also felt unlikely to me. If I had been in her shoes, I would have stayed far, far away. A stronger motivation for her return might have helped deepen both her character and the tension.

There were elements I enjoyed. Matteo, the gardener, added warmth to the story and was one of the more engaging characters. I also appreciated that I didn’t guess the reveal. However, when the truth came out, my reaction was more “Ah, okay. Makes sense,” rather than a shocking twist. The resolution worked logically, but it lacked the emotional impact I was hoping for.

Overall, this felt more like a quiet mystery than a thriller. The story was there, but it didn’t feel fully developed. It kept me mildly interested, but it never grabbed me in a way that made it hard to put down, and that’s a shame, because the premise, title, and setting all suggested something much more suspenseful.

I think readers who enjoy slower-paced mysteries or cozy-style suspense may appreciate this more than readers looking for high tension or fast-paced thrills.

Content warnings: Murder (including past child murder), grief, discussion of violence.

My final rating is 3 stars. It has an atmospheric setting and strong concept, but the execution didn’t quite deliver the tension I was hoping for.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Paris Files by Eva Jurczyk

 Another one that rearranged by brain furniture and then hid the throw pillows. I need a fuzzy blanket.

Some books entertain you. Some books keep you turning pages. And then there are the rare ones that quietly rearrange your brain furniture while you're still standing there holding a throw pillow. The Paris Files is another one of those books.

Told entirely through police interviews, this novel unfolds piece by piece, layer by layer, like a puzzle you don’t realize you’re solving until you're already deep inside it. At the center of the story is Genevieve St. Onge, Genie to her friends, a woman who falls in love easily and has endured her fair share of heartbreak. Now 40, she believes she’s found something real with Jacob Ford while traveling abroad. Their whirlwind romance leads them to Paris… and then Jacob disappears.

From there, the story unfolds through a series of interviews: the landlord, the neighbor, the best friend, the shopkeeper, the caretaker, the classmate, and even Jacob’s wife. Each voice adds another layer. Each perspective shifts the ground just a little more. And before long, you find yourself questioning everything and everyone.

Did Jacob exist?
Is Genie a reliable narrator?
Are any of these witnesses telling the full truth?
And what about that elevator?

What I loved most about this book was the structure. The police interview format felt fresh and incredibly effective. Rather than building tension through action, the author builds unease through contradiction, omission, and subtle shifts in perspective. The tension starts quietly, almost gently, before tightening slowly until I realized I couldn’t stop reading.

This is very much a psychological thriller, but not in a don't-close-your-eyes way. Instead, it creates a creeping unease. I wasn’t scared; I was more unsettled. I felt like there was something deeper happening just out of reach, something I needed to understand but couldn’t quite grasp. 

The characters were another highlight. Genie is romantic, hopeful, and vulnerable in a way that makes you root for her even as you begin to doubt her. The supporting cast is equally compelling, even Rolande, the caretaker experiencing early dementia, whose perspective adds another layer of uncertainty. Each character felt distinct, believable, and important to the unfolding mystery.

The plot was brilliantly constructed. The layering of perspectives creates a perfect storm of unreliable narration. By the end, I trusted no one. Absolutely no one.

If I had to offer a small critique, it’s that the tension builds slowly at first. Readers expecting immediate suspense might need to settle into the pacing. That slow burn, however, is exactly what makes the payoff so effective.

Content warnings to consider: themes of psychological manipulation, dementia, emotional distress, and disappearance.

This book will appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators, layered storytelling, and stories that leave you thinking long after the final page. If you like books that quietly get under your skin, this one is absolutely worth your time.

The ending was one of those stare-at-the-wall-for-a-few-minutes endings that makes you immediately want to reread the book and see what you missed the first time.

And yes… I’m already considering a reread.

Thank you to Viking Penguin for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. 

The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler

Five Stars. Sleep Is Overrated.

Some books ease you in gently. This one grabbed me by the collar in the prologue and said, You're not sleeping tonight. And it was absolutely right.

The story opens with a woman trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship. She’s terrified, newly pregnant, and planning her escape. The tension is immediate, and I was invested before Chapter 1 even began.

Then Chapter 1 shifts to what appears to be a normal day. Sarah is heading out to pick up the kids from school. Her husband Mike is acting a little strange, and she can’t find the car keys. No big deal… except Mike rarely takes the car. When Sarah arrives at school, the kids are gone. Mike picked them up early after telling the school Sarah had been in a terrible accident. Then Sarah receives a text from him: Don’t go home. It’s too dangerous.

And just like that, <panic mode on>. From that moment on, I was completely hooked.

What I loved most about this book was the constant uncertainty. Nothing and no one was what they seemed. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something shifted. The pacing was tight, the suspense kept building, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust.

I trusted Sarah, the stepmother, throughout the entire book. Her reactions felt authentic and grounded, even when her secrets started to surface. I understood why she made the choices she did, which made the emotional stakes even higher.

But everyone else? Suspicious. All of them. Paloma, the helpful friend who sometimes acted  ... unexpectedly. Mike, the children’s father. Surely I should trust him ... right? Sarah’s brother, believed dead for twenty years, suddenly reappearing. Helpful? Maybe. Maybe not. Alasdair, the kind, wealthy businessman looking to buy Mike’s company and eager to help. Or is he? Then the children’s godmother, who I absolutely did not trust, is murdered, Sarah becomes the police’s number one suspect, and the entire time I’m thinking:

What the Fuzzy Kitty? There will be no sleep tonight.

This book made me feel tense, suspicious, and completely invested. I kept reading “just one more chapter” and ended up staying up far too late. By the time I finished, I had a full-blown book hangover, which is always the sign of a great psychological thriller. Thank heavens I don't have any responsibilities tomorrow.

The plot itself was twisty and layered, with strong pacing and well-timed reveals. I especially appreciated that the twists felt earned rather than forced. And the ending delivered. It was satisfying, including outside-the-system justice, and best of all, no loose ends.

If I had one small critique, it’s that the sheer number of suspicious characters occasionally made me second-guess everyone at once, but honestly, that also added to the tension and kept me turning pages. So even that worked in the book’s favor.

Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, controlling relationships, and violence, which may be difficult for some readers.

This is a top-tier psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy twisty plots, unreliable characters, and high emotional stakes. If you like stories where you trust no one and question everything, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Five stars, no question. I am already recommending it. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. 

Guilty By Association by TG Wolff (Rizk Brothers #2)

I came for the mystery, stayed for the twins, and want book three immediately.

One of my favorite things about this series is the relationship between the identical twins, Jakob and Seth, and Guilty by Association delivers that dynamic beautifully. They may look alike, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Jakob is the cool-headed lawyer running for Attorney General, while Seth is the hot-headed investigator who charges forward without hesitation. Despite their differences, they share strong moral codes and an unshakable loyalty to each other that makes this series stand out.

Their bond really shines in this installment. Jakob is willing to skip a meeting with the Governor to fly to Florida when Seth needs help, while Seth considers a career move to protect Jakob’s campaign. That kind of loyalty is rare and compelling. We also finally meet their father and learn what really happened to their mother, which adds meaningful depth to both characters and helps explain why their bond is so strong.

I especially enjoyed Seth in this book. He’s stubborn, impulsive, and never quits but he’s also able to laugh at himself, which adds subtle humor throughout the story. Courtney’s pregnancy plays a smaller role this time, but every mention, especially Seth’s hilarious baby name suggestions, brought a smile.

The plot follows Jakob’s Attorney General campaign as his opponent attempts to sabotage him, while Seth investigates the suspicious death of a retired cop who had been looking into their mother’s case years earlier. The pacing is steady and engaging, with multiple threads unfolding at once. I was surprised by how the investigation developed and found myself sneaking in chapters whenever I had a spare moment, including staying up far too late to read “just one more.”

The characters and family dynamic are the heart of this book, and they’re what keep me coming back to the series. My only complaint is that the ending is a cliffhanger, and while it’s effective, I’m impatiently waiting for the next book because I need answers now.

If you enjoy character-driven suspense with strong family bonds, subtle humor, and layered investigations, this series is well worth picking up. This is the second book in the series, and I’m already looking forward to the third.

A special thank you to Lost Lake Press for this advanced reader copy. 

Harmless Women by Rebecca Sharpe

Harmless...yeah. We'll stick with that, sure.

Five stars. I lost sleep and procrastinated my to-do list. That’s my gold-standard rating system, and Harmless Women earned it.

This fast-paced thriller follows three women: Avalon, Prim, and Bianca. Avalon is a con artist who drugs Prim, steals her money, gives her a Botox “makeover,” shaves her head to make identification difficult, and leaves her sedated in a remote cabin. Prim, meanwhile, believes she’s headed for a relaxing spa getaway, away from her demanding job and her self-absorbed, cheating husband. Bianca is searching for her missing daughter and slowly losing her grip on reality.

I was hooked from the very first chapter, when Avalon is making preparations for Prim’s “makeover.” The tension only builds from there.

I loved the moral ambiguity in this book. At first, I trusted Prim and hated Avalon. Then I started trusting Avalon and wondering about Prim. Eventually, I found myself rooting for both of them even when there may have been a couple of murders along the way. That kind of character complexity kept me turning pages long past my bedtime.

I also really appreciated the moments when strangers chose to help Avalon and Prim, even though they were on the run and wanted for murder. These characters could have easily turned them in, but instead offered help, adding another layer of humanity to a very dark story and reinforcing how compelling these women became as they fought to survive.

The title Harmless Women is beautifully ironic. Throughout the story, the women are pressured, by men and even by Bianca’s distorted worldview, to be subservient, obedient, and controllable. Instead, these women are strong-willed, intelligent, and determined to survive. This theme of underestimated women stood out to me and made the story even more compelling.

The pacing is fast and the writing style is straightforward, which made this a quick, intense read. The shifting points of view built tension effectively, particularly as Bianca’s storyline became increasingly unsettling. Her descent into instability with flies, filth, and rambling thoughts added a creepy psychological layer that kept me guessing.

I also appreciated the unexpected emotional bond that developed between Avalon and Prim. Both women had suffered immense trauma, and watching them form a connection and become stronger together was one of my favorite parts of the book.

That said, I did have a few minor critiques. Bianca’s role felt somewhat confusing at times, and I wasn’t always sure how her storyline would ultimately connect to Avalon and Prim. I also would have appreciated translations for the French phrases used in a few places in the book. And while I enjoyed the ending, I found myself wishing for an epilogue. These women worked hard for their survival, and I would have loved a glimpse of their happily-ever-after.

Content warnings include violence against women and child abuse.

Overall, this is a dark, fast-paced thriller with morally gray characters, unexpected twists, and a strong theme of underestimated women finding their strength. I would highly recommend this to fans of dark thrillers, psychological suspense, and anyone who doesn’t mind losing sleep to finish “just one more chapter.”

Because this is what happens when independent, intelligent women stop playing nice. I loved every minute of it.

A special thank you to St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.