Victims by Jonathan Kellerman

I picked up Victims off the book exchange table at my manicurist’s salon. Who doesn’t love a free thriller with their top coat? The name Kellerman rang a vague bell, and I figured even if it was a dud, I was only out zero dollars. 

This book wastes no time. Page one: Brutal murder. Buckle up. The crime scenes are gruesome, the kind that make you stop and think, Surely no one would actually do that in real life...right? (Insert my own naïve horror here.)

We follow psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD detective Milo Sturgis, aka the Dynamic Duo of solving twisted crimes. I love their partnership. Alex brings the psychological insight, Milo brings the procedural grit, and together they somehow make sense of chaos. It’s a great formula, and it works.

The psychological angle here felt especially real. The killer wasn’t some misunderstood soul. You’re looking at someone empty inside from childhood. It’s chilling, and also weirdly compelling. When the full picture comes into focus (including the fact that two psychopaths were in on this together!), I was genuinely surprised. The twist caught me completely off guard, and I read a lot of twisty books.

I didn’t hit any draggy middle sections or unnecessary filler. It kept up the momentum all the way to a tidy, satisfying ending. No weird cliffhangers, no confusion, just a case closed and the sense that maybe I need to go find a few more Kellerman books to round out my Delaware knowledge.

I would definitely recommend Victims to someone brand new to the series. It works as a standalone though having some background on Alex and Milo would definitely make the ride even richer. It's a smart, gruesome, fast-paced crime novel with a psychological edge and a surprisingly satisfying conclusion. Not bad for a free salon grab.

Blue Moon by Lee Child

I picked up Blue Moon because I needed a guaranteed pulse-raiser. Enter Jack Reacher: My favorite fictional drifter with fists of justice and a moral compass that might be just a wee bit off-center.

I’ve read a lot of Reacher books. This isn’t my first rodeo with the man who travels with nothing but a toothbrush and rights wrongs wherever he wanders. In fact, I’m pretty sure I read Blue Moon when it first came out. Some scenes rang a bell. Like déjà vu, but with more body bags.

The plot kicks off in classic Reacher fashion: He’s minding his own business on a bus when he notices a guy about to get mugged. One thing leads to another, and suddenly Reacher’s knee-deep in a turf war between Ukrainian and Albanian crime syndicates. Because of course he is. Reacher doesn’t do anything halfway.

What cracked me up was how these gangs kept blaming each other for everything, and then (of course) blamed the Russians. It was like a deadly version of the Shaggy defense (“Wasn’t me”) or a throwback to the '70s when everyone thought the Commies were hiding in the shrubs.

Caught in the middle of this chaos is a sweet old couple trying to help their daughter, who’s battling cancer with no health insurance. Their situation felt heartbreakingly real. I’d absolutely spend my last penny to help my kid, too. I've done it before.

Reacher handles it all the way he always does with tactical brilliance, unshakable calm, and a steadily rising body count made up exclusively of bad guys. I cheered every time another thug hit the pavement.

And yes, I absolutely laughed when Reacher started filling a car trunk with bodies. My dad used to judge vehicles by how many bodies could fit in the back. It’s a thing. Ask around. For the record, my car currently has a one-body trunk. Not much wiggle room.

I wouldn’t recommend Blue Moon to a Reacher newbie. It’s better for those who already know his rhythm and moral code. But for seasoned fans? Oh yeah. This one delivers.

Unleashed by Emily Kimelman

Let me just preface this by saying I don’t usually fall victim to TikTok or Facebook ads... well, except when I do. And Unleashed was one of those times. Some targeted marketing wizard tossed this book into my scrolling doom spiral, and somehow I ended up one-clicking my way into a new crime fiction series. Absolutely no regrets.

This is the first book in the Sydney Rye series, even though Sydney Rye doesn’t actually show up until the last chapter. You spend the whole book with Joy Humbolt: Dog lover, accidental crime-solver, and future vigilante PI. I spent at least half the book wondering if this was a prequel, but no, it’s all just the setup for Joy’s transformation into Sydney. And honestly, it worked. The character development was solid, and I stayed invested even when I wasn’t entirely sure why the title was talking about someone who hadn't appeared yet. I did feel good about the whole justice outside the system vibe, though.

The pacing had its moments. There were times when I caught myself wondering who we were going to kill off next just to keep things moving. But Emily Kimelman always pulled it back in before I got too antsy. If this was her debut novel (and it kind of reads like it might be?), then I’m calling it now: She could be the next Evanovich. But with fewer car explosions and more “let’s take down corrupt politicians with our dog.”

Ah yes, the dog. Blue. He didn’t quite steal the show yet, but I’m keeping an eye on him. He’s smart, loyal, and has an excellent sense of character judgment. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kimelman gives him a full-on Lassie saves the day moment later in the series. He already growled at all the right people in this one, so we know he’s got good instincts.

We definitely had a touch of powerful people doing terrible things in this book. After all, the mayor was a murderer. And don’t even get me started on Joy’s mother. She was the kind of sanctimonious, judgmental nightmare that makes you want to throw a hymnal across the room and then burn the church. If any character ever deserved a fictional 2x4 to the head, it was her.

I really appreciated the moral ambiguity here. Joy isn’t a whiner, and she doesn’t wait around for someone else to take care of things. She’s the handle it yourself type, which I personally find refreshing. If you like your justice a little vigilante-flavored with a splash of snark, this might be your jam.

The ending left me more curious than satisfied. I want to see what happens next, especially now that we’ve officially met Sydney Rye. I’m off to hunt down a list of the books in order, because clearly, I’m in.

If you like crime fiction with solid character development, a few dark twists, and a side of dry humor, Unleashed is worth a look. Especially if you’re tired of whiny main characters and prefer someone who just gets things done—with or without a badge.

My Knee and I Are Speaking Again, But Only in a Professional Setting

A few months ago, I was suddenly plagued by knee pain so sharp, it felt like someone jamming a lava-hot ice pick into the back of my kneecap. Not a metaphorical ice pick. A very real, very angry one.

Now, I do have 52 steps (yes, I’ve counted) to my classroom and no elevator, so maybe I should’ve seen it coming. But still, the betrayal! My knee and I had a longstanding agreement: I walk, it cooperates. Clearly, that contract had expired.

Excelsior Orthopedics gave me a knee brace that was... less than flattering. Let’s just say it gave off strong “stormtrooper on casual Friday” vibes. But it got me through the worst of it, hobbling and all, until I could talk myself into doing what I was absolutely dreading: getting a cortisone shot.

Now, let me make one thing clear—I hate needles. Hate. I don’t understand how drug addicts do it. I have to psych myself up for a flu shot, and those are practically mosquito bites. The idea of a big ol’ needle going directly into my knee joint? I needed some serious self-talk. Like, two solid months of “I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.”

Everyone I know who’s had a cortisone shot told me the same thing: “It hurts like hell, but you’ll feel better.” And then, just to really seal the deal, they'd elaborate on exactly how it hurts like hell. So I walked into the appointment convinced that Dr. Zinno was about to stab me with a horse tranquilizer-sized needle while grinning like, “This won’t hurt a bit!” and laughing like Vincent Price in a black and white horror movie.

And since I drive a stick, I was also worried I’d be physically unable to drive myself home. Plan B: Uber.

But plot twist! The appointment was ridiculously fast. I walked in, barely sat down before they called me up to pay my co-pay. Then I sat for about three minutes (just enough time for a mild panic spiral) before I was called back.

The nurse asked some basic questions and left. I resumed chanting my “I can do this” mantra. Dr. Zinno came in and asked if I was ready. I told him flat-out that I was terrified. He smiled. (Of course he did.)

I refused to look at the needle. I squeezed my eyes shut so tight I probably looked like a toddler pretending to disappear. He said he was going to freeze the area first to minimize pain and sprayed this icy blast that made me jump a full six feet off the table. He and the nurse laughed like this was a sitcom, which, okay, let’s be honest, it kind of was.

And then... he gave me the shot.

No pain. Just pressure. A little weird squishy feeling in my joint. But not the medieval torture session I was promised by literally everyone I know. I was completely shocked. I even asked Dr. Zinno why people love to terrify others about this stuff. I mean, really! I was anxious enough.

I checked out, got my post-care sheet (ice and rest for 24 hours), and went home. The knee felt a little sore by the end of the day, and still does today, but it’s nothing compared to what it was. I haven’t tested it on stairs yet, but I no longer feel like I’m being stabbed by a vengeful kitchen utensil.

So if you’re considering a cortisone shot, here’s my advice:

Go straight to Dr. Zinno.

He says he’s done billions, that's billions with a B, and honestly, I believe him. He might laugh at you, but he won’t hurt you.

And if your knee suddenly turns on you like mine did? Don’t wait two months like I did. Your stairs (and your sanity) will thank you.

NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson (NYPD Red #6)

Let me start by saying I don't need another series to obsess over. But here we are.

NYPD Red 6 kicks off with a man named Bobby stalking the so-called “wedding of the century”, a reality TV star marrying a ridiculously rich guy. As far as high-society weddings go, this one comes with its own spy-level surveillance setup, and I was instantly intrigued. Bobby has all the tech gadgets: Cameras, trackers, you name it. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind borrowing a few of his toys, minus the whole criminal intent thing.

This was my first introduction to Detectives Zach and Kylie, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well their dynamic worked. They're exes, sure, but they actually function like adults, which in the world of fiction is practically a superpower. You can tell they've got a solid partnership, even with some lingering tension simmering beneath the surface.

The plot centers around a kidnapping that’s believable enough to keep you invested without requiring a conspiracy theory flowchart. But once Jamie’s lovely mother (read: controlling, power-wielding, ultra-rich matriarch) winds up dead, I couldn’t help but side-eye the reality star bride. I mean... people do crazy things for money and fame. Just saying.

One of my favorite parts of the story was Shane. He is a chef, a friend of Zach's, and Kylie's new love interest. He brings a personal element that gives the story depth beyond just the case. It was refreshing to see characters with lives outside their jobs, even if their lives are also completely chaotic.

As for Victoria (a.k.a. the aforementioned mother-in-law from hell), her murder shocked me… briefly. Then I remembered she had more enemies than the IRS and enough money to make someone feel real motivated.

The pacing was lightning fast. I read it in one sitting, which probably says more about the writing than it does about my ability to ignore adult responsibilities.

I would definitely absolutely positively recommend it. And yes, it works perfectly well as a standalone, even if you've never touched another NYPD Red book. That said, I now have five more books to add to my already out-of-control TBR pile. Thanks, Patterson. Thanks a lot.

The Bitterroots by CJ Box (Highway Quartet #5)

I picked up The Bitterroots by C.J. Box for my 50 States Challenge (Montana and Idaho) and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s the fifth in the Cassie Dewell series, and since I haven’t read the previous books, I came in cold. No backstory, no context. Just me, a PI I’ve never met, and a backwoods family that put the fun in dysfunctional (and by fun, I mean terrifying).

The story starts a bit slow, I won’t lie. But somewhere around page 112, I stopped putting the book down altogether. By the last 150 pages, I was flying.

This was my first time meeting Cassie Dewell, and she’s got it all: Integrity, brains, and the kind of persistence I can relate to. She doesn’t quit even when she probably should. (Personally, I would’ve gone home after spending the night in the pokey.)

And then there’s the Kleinsassers. O. M. G. Entitled, cruel, and powerful enough to bend an entire town to their will. The entitled snobbery tinged with evil practically jumps off the page. If corruption had a family crest, it would be theirs. The kind of people who don’t just sweep things under the rug. They bury the whole house and burn the blueprints.

The mystery itself took a minute to win me over. A man accused of assault claims innocence...it’s not the most original premise. But then Cassie starts hitting roadblocks, and you realize something’s not right. Why fight an investigation that’s supposed to prove guilt? Why set him up in that particular way? The more Cassie pushed, the twistier the road got, and I enjoyed every turn.

The Montana setting was perfect. Beautiful, remote, rugged—and the only place a family like the Kleinsassers could exist without the entire world noticing. In a big city they’d either be in jail or running for office. (Or both.)

There are some dark, disturbing themes in this book, but Box handles them with care. Nothing is sensationalized, and everything that happens adds to the urgency of justice. And let me tell you, I was ready to torch the whole fictional town just to get some.

Bottom line: I loved this book. I’m already planning to go back and start the Cassie Dewell series from the beginning. So if anyone wants to enable my habit, I’ll take a list of the series in order and maybe a gift card or two.

Our Little Secret by Lisa Jackson

Let me start by saying this book had me on edge from the first chapter. The central mystery revolves around a man named Gideon. Or Eli. Or some other name I lost track of because this guy collects aliases like they're Pokémon cards. And just like any good psychological thriller villain, he gaslights everyone in sight until you’re not even sure what’s real anymore. 

The constant back-and-forth in the timeline drove me a little nuts. I kept hoping the story would settle into a nice, linear groove, but ... nope. I get that the intent was to slowly reveal the truth, but personally, I like my plot twists in real time.

That said, the tension was immaculate. The secrets were juicy. The characters were flawed in the best, messiest ways. If you like thrillers where no one is entirely trustworthy and the past refuses to stay buried, you’ll be all over this one.

I won't read it again. Once was enough for the timeline whiplash. But I am glad I read it. Maybe next time, I’ll keep a flowchart handy for a Lisa Jackson novel.

Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton

I’ll be honest. I didn’t pick this book because I was dying to know what Kinsey Millhone was up to. I picked it because I needed a “Q” for my A to Z reading challenge, and the pickings were slim. I had vague memories of reading A or B in this series years ago, and even vaguer memories of not loving it. After reading Q is for Quarry, I now remember why.

It’s not that the book is bad. It’s actually well-written and thoughtfully plotted. Sue Grafton knew her craft, and the cold case premise, trying to solve the decades-old murder of an unidentified Jane Doe, was a nice change of pace from the usual high-stakes thrillers I tend to gravitate toward. The problem is… well, the pace. Or lack thereof. I’m a crime thriller reader. I like my books like I like my coffee: Strong and keeping me up at night. This one meandered like a Sunday stroll, and about halfway through I seriously considered skipping a few pages just to make things happen.

That said, Kinsey Millhone is a solid main character. She’s intelligent, capable, and emotionally grounded without being overly sentimental. I like a strong female lead who can do her job without falling into every cliché, and Kinsey checks that box.

She teams up with two retired cops, Stacey Oliphant and Con Dolan, who add some flavor to the investigation. Stacey brought unexpected humor, especially when he discovered the joys of fast food (late in life but enthusiastically), while Con was basically a heart attack waiting to happen. Spoiler alert: the whiskey and chain-smoking finally catch up to him. A blind man could have seen that coming.

The fictional California town of Quorum was well-drawn, and I actually enjoyed the small-town setting. Everyone knew everyone else’s business, which made the investigation more tangled and character-driven. It added texture to the story, even if it didn’t add speed.

In the end, Q is for Quarry is solid crime fiction; it’s just not my speed. If you like a slow-burn detective mystery and don’t mind when the real action waits until the third act, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I did. As for me, I’ll only be revisiting Kinsey Millhone if I get desperate for “X” or “Z.”

Obsession by Stuart Woods

Sometimes a book ends up on your nightstand because fate (or in this case, your father) insists. My dad went on a Stuart Woods shopping spree, read one, and promptly decided he wasn’t a fan, so naturally he passed the whole lot to me. I wasn’t planning on diving into another Woods novel, especially after my experience with one of his Stone Barrington books, which spent more time in the bedroom than anywhere else useful. But I needed an “O” book for my A to Z Challenge, so Obsession it was. I braced for disappointment. What I got instead was a crime fiction story I actually enjoyed.

Teddy Fay, our charming ex-CIA lead, was an enjoyable main character. The man has a closet full of disguises and a talent for blending in while keeping just enough distance to be dangerous. Honestly, if there’s ever a job opening for “morally gray fixer who gets stuff done,” Teddy’s the guy. I don't mind 'morally gray'. 

The plot split into two compelling storylines, both tied together by obsession. First, there’s a stalker obsessed with an actress, snipping out magazine photos and plotting her husband’s death because, naturally, that’s how you win someone’s heart. He’s creepy, predictable in the way stalkers are, and ultimately hoisted by his own petard. Karma, folks.

Then there's the kidnapping subplot. Poor Rebecca gets snatched, and while her captors are mostly idiots with fragile egos, their dysfunction actually added layers to the story. The stakes felt real enough, even if I wasn’t exactly chewing my nails. I did, however, want to slap one of them. Just because.

The pacing was solid. It read like a ride-along with a guy who knows what he’s doing and doesn’t much care about the rules. I liked that energy. I liked Teddy Fay. I liked that justice came from outside the system in a way that felt clever, not contrived.

All that being said, I will probably try another of Stuart Woods' books, especially if Teddy Fay is the main character. I do not, however, plan to revisit Stone Barrington. Not unless someone promises me there’s more plot and fewer silk sheets. Obsession was not a re-read, but could be a “tell a friend” kind of book, especially if that friends likes crime fiction. 

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

I’ll admit it. I was lured in by the price tag. BookBub dangled The Dark Wives in front of me for $1.99, and with a solid-sounding synopsis, I figured, why not? I’ve never read Ann Cleeves before, but I’m not immune to a good crime fiction bargain.

This one features DI Vera Stanhope, and I liked her straightaway. She’s no-nonsense, believable, and gets the job done without needing to be flashy or tortured or clever for clever’s sake. Just a solid, grounded detective doing her job.

The story centers on Chloe, a teenager on the run and in hiding, and once it was clear she was alive, I was completely in her corner. Her backstory gave the book emotional weight, and I found myself hoping she'd get more than just survival. She deserved a little peace.

The setting, Newcastle upon Tyne and its surrounding landscape, was atmospheric and gritty, and the old legend of the “dark wives” lent a haunting layer that gave the mystery some added depth. It worked well as a backdrop for tracking down some very real-world villains.

Because let’s talk about that crime: a financial scheme exploiting children’s homes. Honestly, it felt too believable to be fiction. I think there are absolutely people out there getting rich off the backs of the downtrodden, and it offends me to my core. No one should profit from innocent children in unfortunate circumstances. 

The pacing was decent, though I wouldn’t have complained if it picked up the pace now and then. The big twist was Chris Woodburn's character, and it genuinely shocked me. I can’t imagine the horror of finding out you played a role in your child’s death, even if you are guilty as sin in other aspects.

All in all, The Dark Wives was an average read. Not a waste of time, but not something I’d revisit or recommend enthusiastically. I don’t plan to dive into more of Ann Cleeves’ work, but I also don’t regret spending the afternoon with this one. Solid crime fiction with a strong sense of place and a few memorable moments. And hey. $1.99.

Down a Dark Road (Burkholder #9)

Let me start by saying this: If you’ve ever thought your high school reunion was intense, you haven’t been hunted through the woods by your former Amish classmate-turned-convicted-murderer. That’s Down a Dark Road in a nutshell. Linda Castillo once again drops us into Painters Mill, where people apparently can't sneeze without uncovering some deeply buried secret involving a gun, a buggy, and a whole lot of trauma.

This time, Chief Kate Burkholder is literally face-to-face with her past. Joseph King, a man she once knew well (and might’ve shared a few long, moody glances with in their teens), has escaped prison and wants to clear his name… by kidnapping people at gunpoint. The usual “I’m innocent” move.

Kate insists on doing things the hard way, like staying overnight with the fugitive while she puzzles out whether he’s a misunderstood victim or a very charming psychopath with a well-maintained beard.

The pacing is solid: it starts with a simmer and builds to a full boil. And while I guessed a few of the twists, the unraveling of the truth still kept me locked in. Castillo is great at giving you Amish tranquility and then slapping it with a violent thunderclap of “Nope!”

We've got a full house of themes: trauma, guilt, redemption, powerful people doing shady things, and how your past can sneak up on you with a rifle. There’s also a heavy helping of “everyone has secrets”, and in Painters Mill, they usually involve murder.

It’s gripping, gritty, and full of tension. Kate is as stubborn, smart, and scarred as ever. If you’re already on board with this series, Down a Dark Road delivers what you came for: Amish noir with heart, history, and high-stakes justice. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like your thrillers with a side of hay bale and your cops emotionally complicated.

The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose

If you read The Perfect Marriage and thought, “Wow, Sarah Morgan is terrifying,” buckle up, because The Perfect Divorce says, “Hold my wine.” Sarah’s back, and this time she’s a mother, a soon-to-be divorcée, and still the kind of person you’d trust with absolutely nothing sharp. Seriously. Don't turn your back.

Let’s start with Bob, the husband. He cheats, just like a narcissistic lawyer would. (Can you really ever trust a lawyer?) But was Sarah ever really going to stick with him? I don’t think so. When you hand your husband something that looks suspiciously like a murder weapon, it’s probably not because you’re planning a cozy anniversary dinner. Bob was a pawn, Sarah was the queen, and this was chess. Murder Chess. 

Motherhood hasn’t exactly softened Sarah. Yes, she loves Summer, but I wouldn’t recommend Summer forget her mom’s birthday or borrow her heels without asking. Just saying. That woman holds grudges like it's her full-time job.

And speaking of jobs, Adam’s case reopens, things spiral, and we’re all reminded that you can’t actually start over when your past involves a highly publicized murder trial and a trail of bodies. Please. The police were too busy covering their own behinds to bother with facts.

Every character had secrets. Every character crossed a line. I didn’t trust anyone, but Sarah especially. She could smile at you while holding a knife and you'd thank her for the compliment.

In the end, I can’t justify anything Sarah, Adam, or Bob did. They’re all awful, just in slightly different flavors. I wasn’t exactly satisfied with anyone’s fate (except maybe Carissa’s), and I’m pretty sure Sarah’s still out there, sipping tea, plotting someone’s downfall, and casually Googling “how to fake empathy.”

Oh, and the title? The Perfect Divorce basically means: divorce, but make it messy. And criminal. I love the cover - "Till death do us part. Yours. Not mine."

Among the Wicked by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #8)

Kate goes undercover in an Amish community and things go downhill fast. Dead girl, creepy bishop, shady cops. Even the police can’t be trusted. Secrets, lies, and a whole lot of oh-no-you-don't moments. I flew through it and may now be suspicious of anyone in a wide-brimmed hat.

After the Storm by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #7)

Well. I didn’t expect to be traumatized by hogs this week, but well, here we are.

After the Storm is another excellent installment in the Kate Burkholder series, and it kicks off with a tornado that rips through town and literally unearths a decades-old skeleton. Cue secrets, small-town scandal, and the kind of Amish drama that makes you want to look twice at your neighbor's barn.

The deeper Kate digs, the more tangled things get. There are hidden pasts, mysterious deaths, family tension, and just when you think things can’t get any darker, someone gets murdered in a way that ensures I will never look at pigs the same way again. Ever. I like bacon, but now it feels personal.

I loved the pacing, the emotional depth, and how Kate’s own trauma is always simmering under the surface. She’s tough, smart, and just the right amount of emotionally wrecked to keep things interesting. And like all wonderful Linda Castillo books so far, the “whodunnit” genuinely surprised me. I thought I had it figured out. I did not. At all. Just knock me over with a feather.

In short: small-town secrets, a big storm, emotional damage, and one heck of a hog-related plot twist. What’s not to love?

The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #6)

Murder, mayhem, and secrets in Amish country? Oh, yes. I'll have some of that in a side order to go.

In this sixth Kate Burkholder mystery, we’ve got a decades-old massacre, a fresh batch of murders, and a whole lot of people acting shady. Kate’s digging into the past, and let’s just say trauma doesn’t exactly age well. The story twists, turns, and I was not prepared for who the villain was. Never saw it coming. 

This one had me flipping pages like I was trying to fan out a deck of cards. Dark, emotional, and surprisingly twisty—just the way I like my crime fiction.

Backfire by Catherine Coulter

I picked up Backfire because I needed a book set (at least partially) in Montana for my 50 States Challenge. Catherine Coulter’s FBI series has been a reliable go-to for me, so this felt like a solid bet. Bonus: I didn’t have to slog through chapters of setup. The book opens with attempted murder and I was in. If the judge hadn’t turned at just the right moment, well, let’s just say it would’ve been a very short story.

One of the things I enjoyed most was that there were two crimes running side by side. At first, you think you’re following a straightforward “find the would-be assassin” plotline, but then surprise! There’s a twist (actually, several), and I especially loved that Sue turned out to be Xu. Double identities, dual cases, and criminals who apparently hold team meetings? Yes, please.

Savich and Sherlock were their usual FBI power couple selves, professional, sharp, and thankfully not tangled up in any unnecessary steamy scenes. (Appreciate you, Catherine Coulter.) I also found myself hoping we’ll see more of Harry and Eve. They’ve got spin-off potential written all over them. And Emma? The 11-year-old piano prodigy? Adorable. But it was Sean, the 5-year-old with three girlfriends and a financial plan to support them all, who completely stole the show. I hope he gets his own series by middle school.

The pacing felt just right—not too slow, not breakneck—and while it wasn’t the twistiest story I’ve read, the ending packed a satisfying punch. I had completely forgotten how things started out on the East Coast by the time we hit the big reveal on the West Coast. It all came full circle in a way that made me go, “Ohhhhhh.” Always a good sign.

Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series, you can definitely dive into this one without feeling lost. Longtime fans will appreciate the familiar characters, but new readers won’t feel like they’re missing half the story. And if you just need a solid crime thriller to check off the Montana box on your reading challenge? This one’s got you covered.

Linda 'Ma' Mosher 1943 - 2025

The memories come flooding back in waves, drowning me in a tide of emotion.

I was in 9th grade, following Steven around like a bunny, and there was Ma, shaking her head and saying, “Why do the smart girls always fall for the bad boys?”

In 10th grade, she taught us how to research—and gave me a failing grade on a paper. It forced my parents to let me go to the library, and in that way, she opened up a whole new world to me, far beyond the constraints of the religion I was being raised in.

In my senior year, I remember her piling eight of us kids into her Ford Escort to take us to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

She always seemed to just know. When I was 16, graduating from high school and dreading the future my parents had planned for me, she signed my yearbook, “Don’t ever take the easy way out.”

She was always there for me, especially when my brother couldn’t be.
My brother and I were both so… broken.

When my son was two and I had to have surgery on a Workers’ Comp injury (with no income coming in) she filled my refrigerator. When my son was seven, she realized I hadn’t bought clothes for myself in years. Things were getting threadbare, and she helped me get a few things so I didn’t look quite so ragamuffin at work.

She taught me how to write.
How to read with feeling.
How to survive when I knew that leaving my family was the only way I could truly live.

She healed my heart more times than I can count. Even knowing there would be scars, she gave me reasons to keep going.

I once told her I could never repay everything she’d done for me.
She said I could, by paying it forward. That’s what she wanted.

When I finally went back to school and earned my Master’s in Education, I don’t think anyone was prouder than she was. And when I joined Mensa? She made me see that the only one who ever doubted my intelligence was me.

She gave me parenting advice.
Life advice.
She was more of a mother to me than my own.

She never yelled, never demeaned, never overly criticized. She appealed to my intellect. She taught me that it’s not just okay, it’s essential to think for myself, to question everything, and to never settle for less when I’m capable of more.

She loved my son.
From the time he could talk, he always called her “Mommy’s Teacher.”
She used to joke about it:
“When I die, they’re going to ask him, ‘Who passed away?’ and he’s going to say, ‘Mommy’s Teacher.’
And they’ll ask, ‘What was her name?’
And he’ll look at them like they’re crazy and say, ‘Mommy’s Teacher!’”

She passed away today, and there’s a gaping hole where my heart should be.
I know I’ll have to stop crying eventually.
But not today.
And probably not tomorrow.

Linda “Ma” Mosher, you are loved more than you ever knew.
To some, you were just their English teacher.
To me, you were who I wanted to be when I grew up.

The stars will shine brighter now that you’re among them.

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I was in the mood for a little murder and mayhem (as one is, from time to time), and 7th Heaven was next up in the Women’s Murder Club series—so it was an easy choice. Right from page one, the book delivers: a home invasion, a murder, and arson all rolled into one. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath, which, honestly, was exactly what I needed.

There are two major cases in this book. One involves a series of arson murders, and the other a missing teenager with a court trial that had me rolling my eyes. While I appreciated the twist—a whole trial for someone who turns out to be not dead—my jaw hit the floor in disbelief. I didn’t see it coming, but I also didn’t totally buy it. No body, no DNA, no murder weapon… and yet they pushed forward with a murder charge? I don’t know which DA office that came from, but they’ve got some explaining to do.

The arson case, on the other hand, was gripping. Creepy, senseless, and devastating, classic Patterson villains at work. And once again, Lindsay holds everything together. She’s my favorite for a reason: smart, flawed, doing an impossible job in a world that doesn’t make it easy. She’s strong and human, and if she were really human, I would admire the heck out of her.

Patterson’s signature short chapters and quick pace kept things moving. I love how the story shifts perspectives without ever feeling disjointed. He doesn’t jump between ten different timelines or go so far back into a character’s childhood that I forget why we’re here in the first place. It’s clean, fast storytelling that I can count on when I need a good jolt of suspense.

That said, while I enjoyed 7th Heaven and tore through it pretty quickly, it’s not one I’d re-read. It gets a solid 4 out of 5 from me. If you’re new to the Women’s Murder Club series, though, maybe start a little earlier—this one hits better when you already know the crew.

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

 

The latest pick for my book club (The Mani-Scripts—we bonded over manicures and manic reading habits), The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden was an absolute win. I’ve read The Teacher, so I already knew McFadden could spin a thriller like nobody’s business, but this one had me second-guessing myself all the way to 2 a.m.

What I love about McFadden is that she doesn’t throw in fifty characters and expect me to keep track of them like some twisted literary Sudoku. She keeps the cast manageable and just shady enough to make everyone seem guilty.

Sydney, our main character, is single and bravely online dating, which is kind of like volunteering to get food poisoning repeatedly but with more ghosting and awkward coffee. She meets Tom, who’s either a sweetheart with a childhood crush or a future Netflix documentary subject. I wasn’t sure. Then we’ve got Slug, Tom’s creepy-crawly-loving friend. If someone’s stalking you and keeps a pet cockroach, you’re allowed to suspect them. I don’t make the rules.

Daisy and Allison are classic frenemies with secrets. Gretchen, the other girlfriend-turned-bestie, is shady with a capital S. And then there’s Randy the Super, who might be a peeping Tom, actual Tom, or Slug in disguise. Jake, Sydney’s ex-boyfriend detective, rounds out the cast with a broody side order of regret.

I suspected every single one of them at some point. Freida McFadden played me like a fiddle, and I loved every twisty second. I had no idea where it was going, but I absolutely needed to find out, even if it meant losing sleep.

Highly recommend to psychological thriller lovers who like their stories fast, twisty, and filled with red herrings. This one gets a solid 5 out of 5 from me.

Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #5)

Her Last Breath by Linda Castillo had me hooked from the first chapter—and by the time I got to the end, my jaw was practically on the floor. You’d think after a few of these Kate Burkholder books, I’d start catching on, but nope. This one snuck up on me with a twist I absolutely did not see coming. Not even a hint of suspicion.

It starts with what looks like a tragic hit-and-run involving an Amish family, but (as usual) there’s more going on under the surface. Kate dives into the investigation, and things get darker, twistier, and a little more personal. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough.

Linda Castillo delivers again: Great pacing, compelling characters, and an ending that made me sit there blinking like what just happened?!

The Becoming by Nora Patterson (Dragon Heart Legacy #2)

It wasn't as light on the sweaty romance as the first one, but I made it through. Romantic Fantasy isn’t usually my jam, but it’s June, I’m a teacher, and my brain has officially filed for summer break. In other words: bring on the elves.

The plot was fine, if a bit stretched. I honestly think she could’ve wrapped it all up in this book instead of dragging it into a third. But I’ve come this far, so I’ll finish the series. Eventually. Preferably with snacks and air conditioning.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

This book was everywhere. I can’t even count how many people told me I “had” to read it. When that many people agree on a book, it either means it’s truly great… or the result of an elaborate group hoax. I’m happy to report it’s the former. The hype was totally justified.

From the jump, I thought Sarah was just a high-powered defense attorney doing what she had to do to make it in a male-dominated world. Meanwhile, Adam... Let’s just say he needed to quit whining, stop playing tortured writer, and maybe remember the whole don’t cheat on your wife part of his marriage vows.

I didn’t really root for either of them. I just wanted to know who the biggest liar was. Sarah’s a lawyer, so naturally I didn’t trust her (I’ve seen enough true crime docs to know better), and Adam was… well, let’s just say not exactly husband-of-the-year material.

The dual POV kept the pacing snappy and the suspense dialed up to full. I read it in one sitting, stopping only for caffeine and the occasional bathroom break. Every time Adam made a move, I was just waiting for him to mess it up. Again.

There were clues, misleads, and enough sketchy side characters to keep me guessing, but that last chapter blew my mind. I never saw it coming. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather. Even the Sheriff, who I knew was somehow going to turn out shady, surprised me in the end.

The courtroom scenes were tight and well-written. No “Objection!” drama like on TV, but the legal tension added a nice edge and a real-time crunch that made it impossible for me to put down.

Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as The Perfect Marriage, and this book proves it in spades. Misleading title? Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun.

If you love psychological thrillers with twists that punch you in the gut, this is one you need to read. Trust the hype. Just don’t trust any of the characters.

Fearless Fourteen - Janet Evanovich

Years ago, I used to hang out with my friend Rick, and weird things always happened. One time we were at some restaurant on Route 5 (don’t ask me where—I wasn’t driving), and a Christmas wreath jumped off the wall and landed right in my dinner. No warning. Just—plop. Stuff like that happened to us all the time.

That’s exactly what reading Fearless Fourteen felt like. Stephanie Plum is basically the book version of that chaos. She's not graceful, she's not coordinated, but she’s got heart and a knack for getting into trouble for what feels like good reasons at the time. Whether she’s hauling in skips, dodging explosions, or juggling two very different men, Stephanie somehow always manages to land on her feet (usually while something’s on fire nearby).

This one was light on the romance, which I appreciated—because I’m not a fan of pages and pages of steamy scenes. What it was heavy on? Laughs. Real, full-body, ugly-laughing laughs. Grandma Mazur is in fine form, Mooner is out there living his best cosmic life, and the whole gang is back with their usual blend of disaster and loyalty.

Honestly, I need to read more Evanovich, especially this time of year, when the end-of-school madness sets in, the kids go full gremlin, and I start to remember why teachers drink.

Highly recommended if your life needs a little laughter and a lot of lightly criminal mischief.

Jack in a Box by Diane Capri

I’m sticking with it—but barely. Jack in a Box is another short installment in the Hunt for Reacher series, and while it hints that we’re inching closer to finally seeing Reacher himself—or at least finding out why anyone’s so desperate for a file on him—we’re still not there yet. Truth be told, I’m not crazy about this series. The premise has potential, but the execution never quite lands for me. That said, I’ve only got two more to go. At this point, it’s less about enjoyment and more about finishing what I started.

Holy Ghost by John Sandford

Sometimes, you pick up a book because it calls to you. Other times, you pick one because it begins with the right letter. Holy Ghost by John Sandford was an “H” book for my Alphabet Challenge, but it turned out to be a solid win all around.

This was my first Virgil Flowers book (I think)—though not my first Sandford. I think I’ve met one of his other main characters before, but can’t quite place which. Either way, Holy Ghost worked perfectly as a standalone. No need for homework or flipping back to earlier books in the series.

It’s casual, funny, and just suspenseful enough to keep me interested without demanding my full mental energy during the end-of-school chaos. It reads like regular people—quirky, nosy, slightly chaotic—are solving crimes, not some elite squad with cop jargon that sounds like they’re speaking in acronyms and Morse code. That’s a big part of the charm.

The story starts with a hoax (a Virgin Mary sighting with a bad Spanish recording), and slowly builds into a genuine murder mystery that takes its time pulling you in. Sandford keeps things moving by introducing new characters as Virgil Flowers settles into the town, poking around, asking questions, and navigating the bizarre charm of small-town life.

The town is a total highlight. The restaurant serves inedible food, so the convenient store sells potpies and offers the use of a community microwave. It's run by two guys who somehow end up being crucial to solving the case. Try pulling that off in downtown Chicago.

Character-wise, Skinner stood out for me—a whip-smart kid who goes to school when he feels like it and is always quietly calculating. Loved him. The whole cast is a quirky grab bag of people you could absolutely imagine meeting at the local diner or sitting next to at a town meeting about potholes.

By the end, Sandford ties everything up with a neat little bow. No loose ends, no confusing twists left unexplained—just a solid finish that made me want to grab the next Virgil Flowers book.

If you like crime fiction that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a smart mystery, this one’s for you. It’s light enough to pick up and put down, but engaging enough that you’ll want to keep turning pages. Bonus: no gritty cop drama or heavy procedural stuff to wade through. Just a good story with good characters—and a potpie plot-let.

Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich

I’m not a fan of mushy gushy romance. In fact, I’m fully prepared to skip entire chapters if things start getting too steamy. But I am a huge fan of Janet Evanovich’s humor, so I picked up Love Overboard, mostly because I needed a book with a pink cover for one of my book journal challenges, and typically psychological thrillers don't come with pink covers.

Totally worth it.

This book was light-hearted, ridiculous fun. Parts of it had me actually laughing out loud. Stephanie is forever getting herself into trouble, whether she’s rolling uncontrollably down a hill or cooking a questionable pot of fish chowder. The romance? Skimmable. The laughs? Solid.

If you need something quick, funny, and a little chaotic, this one delivers. Just maybe read it somewhere people won’t judge you for laughing to yourself.

An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #15)

I had to look up what number this is in the Kate Burkholder series. Frankly, it doesn’t matter. If Linda Castillo writes it, I’m reading it. Ever since Sworn to Silence, I’ve been hooked like an Amish quilt at a county fair.

As usual, Castillo lures you in with peaceful scenery—gentle rain, a bike ride, maybe even a rainbow or two—and then BAM! Someone gets shot in the chest with a crossbow. A crossbow, folks. Talk about putting the "what just happened?!" in your mystery. The victim? A young Amish man, just biking to work, minding his own business. Or so we’re led to believe...

This book hit a slightly more reflective note for Kate. She’s still sharp as ever, but with her wedding approaching, she’s pausing a bit more. It worked. It gave depth to her character and reminded me that behind the badge is someone still piecing together her place between two worlds.

A highlight for me was Bishop Troyer showing up for Kate’s wedding. If you know anything about shunning in the Amish community, you know how big of a deal that is. It made me unexpectedly proud of a fictional bishop. That's the magic of Castillo—she makes these characters real.

Now, let’s talk victim. I won’t spoil anything, but my sympathy level plummeted faster than a buggy on a downhill slope. Turns out, not every tragedy is tragic once the full story unravels. The motive? Completely believable. Drugs, alcohol, and a questionable moral compass are a bloodbath waiting to happen.

I teared up during the wedding prep scenes. Kate’s memories of her mother’s saying—"A marriage may be made in heaven, but man is responsible for the wedding"—touched me more than I expected. Especially when your wedding village has to churn butter and sew dresses without electricity. My idea of a rustic wedding is running low on ice cubes, so hats off to Kate.

Pacing-wise, Castillo nailed it again. It moved fast enough to keep me flipping pages but not so fast that I had to call in because 'the cat unplugged my alarm clock'.

One of Castillo’s greatest strengths is how she weaves the English and Amish worlds together. They stay distinct, but the overlap feels real, sometimes uncomfortable, and always compelling.

Bottom line: If you’re a fan of the series, An Evil Heart is another strong entry. If you’re new, do yourself a favor and start with Sworn to Silence. Trust me, it’s a wild and wonderful ride through Painters Mill.

The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

I read this for a challenge and, trust me, it was a challenge. Time loops, body swaps, and a murder at a crumbling estate—sounds cool, right? Yeah… no. I got halfway through and started skimming the right-hand pages just to make it to the end. It was weird, confusing, and honestly not my cup of tea. But hey, at least now I can say I survived Evelyn Hardcastle.

Shamed by Linda Castillo (Burkkholder #11)

Years ago, I read the first three books in the Kate Burkholder series and really enjoyed them—so much so that I was genuinely disappointed when there were only three. Fast-forward several years and hundreds of other books later, and I’d basically forgotten about the series. Until recently, that is, when I was squirreling around thriftbooks.com (as one does) and spotted Shamed. The title rang a bell. I remembered Sworn to Silence and how much I loved it, so I hit “buy” faster than a small-town cop chasing a lead.

It showed up two days ago. I set it on the couch, which—as any bookworm knows—is the universal sign for “you’re up next.” I started reading… and forgot to eat breakfast. (Priorities.)

This book hooked me from the beginning. It opens with a grandmother gathering black walnuts on a cool November day with her grandkids—sounds wholesome, right? Nope. BAM! Murder. Brutal murder. Then a kidnapping. Then trauma. Page-turning chaos, and I was in.

Kate Burkholder is still every bit the capable, intuitive Chief of Police I remembered, but it seems she gets a lot less resistance from the Amish than in earlier books. Either she’s earned their trust over the years, or I missed a whole chunk of growth while I was off reading other series. Either way, I need to backtrack and fill in the gaps. (There are seventeen books now. Seventeen! Happy dance.)

The Amish setting still adds an extra layer of complexity, especially for those of us who grew up in strict religious settings. I’m familiar with being “under bann”—the Amish equivalent of being kicked out of the cool kids’ table for eternity—and the idea that cooperation with law enforcement might conflict with religious values. Castillo gets those nuances right.

Oh, and one twist in particular floored me—Cohen’s Syndrome is real. Given the insularity of some religious communities, it makes sense genetically, but it still made me pause and Google. (I love when fiction nudges me into a mini research rabbit hole.)

The pacing? I blinked and it was lunchtime. Somewhere in Kentucky. I don’t even live near Kentucky.

Shamed is an absolute must-read. It had me flipping pages like a caffeine-fueled detective, and yes, I would re-read it. I’m even recommending it to the same person who first told me about Sworn to Silence. Full circle.