Long Road to Mercy by David Balducci (Atlee Pines #1)

This book came to me as a family hand-me-down. My dad and sister both read it, loved it, and insisted I give David Baldacci a shot. With those glowing reviews in my head, I dove in with high expectations.

At first it was... fine. The premise was solid, but the pacing dragged. I didn’t realize this was the first in the Atlee Pine series, so I wasn’t prepared for how much time would be spent on character development and background. In hindsight, I get it, introducing a new lead takes time. But some parts felt like they were padded with more description and internal dialogue than necessary. Or at least necessary for me.

That said, once the words “nuke” and “Grand Canyon” appeared on the same page, I was in. Fully invested. Game on.

Atlee Pine is a strong lead. She is independent, competent, and relatable. She prefers working solo (something I totally understood in my younger years), but knows how to team up when it counts. Sam Kettles made a great secondary character: Capable, smart, and not there just to take up page space. Their dynamic worked well.

The writing had some repetitive moments, but I chalk that up to Baldacci laying the groundwork. I’d call the book a slow-burn mystery with a late-blooming thriller vibe. It took a while to get moving, but when it did, things escalated fast.

I plan to read another Atlee Pine book. I’m curious to see where the series goes and whether it finds a better rhythm. Would I recommend Long Road to Mercy? Yes, but only to readers who don’t mind a crime novel that takes its sweet time getting to the fireworks.

61 Hours by Lee Child (Reacher #14)

Lee Child really did something clever with the countdown structure in 61 Hours. At the end of each chapter, we got an update: 59 hours to go... 52 hours... 42 hours... It built tension like nobody’s business and made it nearly impossible to put the book down. Every chapter was like a ticking clock daring me to stop reading. 

But we must talk about the elephant in the snowstorm: that ending.

I hated it. I wanted to see Reacher dust himself off (metaphorically, but I’d also take literally), give a final smirk, and head off to catch his next bus out of town. Instead, we’re just left hanging. Sure, we know he survives (he’s got more books to star in) but still. Closure, Lee. Closure. Just a little! And since the next book doesn’t pick up where this one left off (at least, not in the ones I’ve read), I’m left grumbling.

That said, Jack Reacher continues to be one of my favorite characters of all time. The man is voluntarily homeless. He travels light with just a toothbrush and whatever clothes he's wearing. Who does that? But it makes sense when you realize he grew up on military bases, always on the move. He’s used to it. There’s a certain freedom in not being tied down. No stuff, no strings.

Also, he does the right thing. Not always the legal thing, but the right thing. And let’s be honest: we’ve all met people who needed a good butt-kicking. Reacher just goes ahead and handles it. Swiftly. Efficiently. Sometimes permanently.

The supporting cast in 61 Hours was great: 

• The bus driver? Certified whiner. Let's call a waaaambulance for him. I wanted to hand him a pacifier and a job application.

• Anderson, the next-in-line police chief, actually tried. I respected that. He was competent and decent.

• The current Chief? An HR disaster. He had one job. Reacher should’ve added him to the butt-kicking list.

The South Dakota winter setting made me cold, literally. I was curled up under blankets while reading—in July. I can barely handle New York winters; there’s no way I’d survive an icy Reacher-style showdown in the Dakotas.

The military drug angle was shocking to me. I actually looked it up, and it’s true! Disturbing and fascinating all at once. The idea that they'd store the leftovers the way they did? Let’s just say I did a lot of “what the heck” blinking while shaking my head and whispering, "Idiots!"

So where does that leave me?

I can’t give 61 Hours a perfect score because of the ending. But I can give it a solid 5/5 for suspense, pacing, and classic Reacher justice. Just know going in you won’t get that final “Reacher walks into the sunset” moment. You’ll have to supply that part with your imagination.

I would not recommend this one as an intro to the series. You need some Reacher backstory to fully appreciate it. Start earlier in the series, or at least with one that wraps up a little cleaner.

Final thought: If I were trapped in a South Dakota blizzard, would I rather have Jack Reacher or a space heater?

Easy. Reacher is the space heater.

Seeds of Deception by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #7.5)

Before Kate Burkholder was solving grisly murders and chasing down killers in Painters Mill, she was 14, Amish, and already showing signs of future police chief potential. In this novella, we get a peek at young Kate as she questions her best friend's story about a suspicious barn fire. Spoiler alert: it involves an English boy, teenage rebellion, and a whole lot of smoke.

Kate may not have had a badge yet, but her BS detector was already fully operational. Honestly, if I’d been this perceptive at 14, I might have figured out who kept stealing the good cookies from the school bake sales.

This one’s a short read but adds a neat little layer to Kate’s backstory. It gives us a glimpse into what might’ve sparked Kate’s interest in justice, and it’s a solid little mystery in its own right.

Dark of the Moon by John Sandford (Virgil Flowers #1)

Since this is the first book in the Virgil Flowers series, I expected some character setup, and I got it. Virgil is smart, laid-back, and apparently can't stay married. He’s also not what you’d expect from a small-town investigator. I’m still on the fence about whether I actually like him, but I’m intrigued enough to keep going.

The mystery is layered and gruesome in places, with a string of brutal murders tied to long-buried secrets. Small-town gossip meets explosive consequences. Overall, not bad for a series starter. I just hope Virgil grows on me. 

In Dark Company by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #9.5)

From the very first sentence, this story takes off running. Literally. An Amish girl is tearing through a cornfield, terrified and confused, with a man chasing her. The twist? She has no idea who she is or why she’s running. That’s where her memory starts. And honestly, that’s all it takes to hook you.

This novella is short (less than 100 pages) but it packs a punch. Kate Burkholder jumps into the investigation, and as usual, her ties to the Amish community make everything more complicated and more personal. There's a strong sense of urgency throughout the story. You feel the clock ticking as they try to uncover the girl's identity before whoever hurt her can come back to finish the job.

It’s suspenseful, intense, and surprisingly emotional given the length. If you're following the Kate Burkholder series, this is a great in-between read. If you're new to the series, this might convince you to dive into the full-length novels.

Only the Lucky by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #8.5)

Let’s talk about murder. Again.

Only the Lucky is a novella in the Kate Burkholder series, and even though it’s short, it packs a solid punch. Think of it as a bonus episode of a show you’re already obsessed with: Familiar faces, a new case, and just enough suspense to keep your coffee warm and your butt in the chair.

The story kicks off with a bang when a young Amish woman is found unconscious at a party in the Amish community. I mean, can we just have smoked ribs and potato salad like normal people? Apparently not. Especially not on Friday the 13th. As always, Kate shows up and starts asking the right questions, peeling back layers of small-town secrets while juggling that signature balance of grit and empathy I’ve come to really admire in her character.

What I loved most is how this novella still gives you everything you want from a full-length installment: Amish culture, moral complexity, and a satisfying resolution without the 300-page commitment. It’s fast, it’s tight, and it scratches the crime thriller itch just right. Definitely a great in-between read while working through the series.

If you're already into the Kate Burkholder books, Only the Lucky is a no-brainer. And if you’re not yet…well, consider this your sign to start.

The Gate Keeper by Charles Todd

I really wanted to like The Gatekeeper by Charles Todd. My father highly recommends the Ian Rutledge series. But I couldn’t even make it past the first chapter. A body is found on a lonely road. Great! Except somehow it still felt dull. The pacing was slooooow, and I found myself zoning out mid-sentence. Historical mysteries can be hit or miss for me, and this one just didn’t hit. I’m sure Rutledge is lovely, but I won’t be joining him on any more foggy road trips. Another DNF. Moving on!

Don't Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders

I started Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders a while back, drawn in by the creepy premise. Long-lost stepdaughter pretending to be a perfect angel but gives off weird vibes when alone with stepmom and half sister? Yes, please. But by chapter 10, I was still waiting for something (anything!) to happen. The tension just wasn’t there, and I found myself more interested in reorganizing my pantry than turning pages. Psychological thrillers usually have me hooked by chapter two if not before, not checking how many more chapters I need to suffer through. This one had potential, but it’s a DNF for me. Sorry, long-lost daughter—I'm out. 

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Alright, alright...Murder is wrong. And stealing is wrong. But it seems to me sometimes these things are justified. This book kind of proves it. Really.

I was on board when I saw that the Hello Kitty thief was working the party circuit. Then bam! A murder mid-burglary. And not just any murder, but one with a ready-made scapegoat. If you're planning to off your wife (and, just to be clear, you shouldn't), waiting for a masked cat burglar to do their thing is... ambitious. 

This book had two plotlines, and I enjoyed both. The Lipstick Killer made my skin crawl. Not just because he was out there targeting moms and kids, which was bad enough. The guy gave off serious “shouldn’t be allowed near people ever again” vibes. Honestly? I wouldn’t have minded a little street justice with that one.

But then, there's the Hello Kitty thief. Somehow, I found myself rooting for her, not because she was robbing the rich, but because she was clawing her way out of an abusive situation no one deserves. Then came the plot twist that her girlfriend was married to the Lipstick Killer. Suddenly I was rooting even harder for Hello Kitty to get away clean.

As if that wasn’t enough emotional whiplash, Joe’s plane went down, and I genuinely teared up. Hasn’t Lindsay been through enough? The woman needs a break, and by the end, she finally gets one. Fingers crossed it lasts longer than a chapter.

The pacing was relentless. I was flipping pages so fast I swear my fingers have friction burns. The ending was perfect! The woman who took out the Lipstick Killer wasn't named, but someone get her a medal, a therapist, and a lifetime supply of chocolate. She earned it.

The Women’s Murder Club were in fine form:

• Claire was commanding on TV and righteously furious.

• Cindy brought the Hello Kitty drama to the masses.

• Yuki was an absolute boss in the courtroom and finally got a man who doesn’t suck.

• And Lindsay? Still my girl. Gritty, fragile, exhausted, and doing it all anyway.

I laughed when Rich hummed the actor’s theme song just to get under his skin, and I held my breath through twist after twist after twist. This book didn’t let up, and I was all in. 

Whether you have been reading this series or not, anyone who likes crime thrillers is going to love this one. And if you're only going to read one James Patterson book, this one should be it. 

You don’t mess with women who’ve been pushed too far. Not the cops. Not the lawyers. Not even the thieves.

The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner

The Perfect Husband takes “page-turner” to a whole new level. I finished it around midnight, at which point I locked every door in the house (including the closets) and may or may not have considered sleeping with a flashlight and baseball bat. I plead the Fifth.

So how did I get here? Well, I was innocently scrolling ThriftBooks (as I am known to do), when I saw the tagline: "What would you do if the man of your dreams hid the soul of a killer?" Oh, yeah. Sign me up. I hit Buy Now so fast, I didn’t even check if I’d read it before. Turns out I had, back in 2022, but enough time had passed that I didn’t remember the details. And let’s be honest, the devil is in the details.

The prologue got me immediately. Jim Beckett, our “perfect husband”, had stalker vibes from the start, grooming Theresa when she was just 17. It was creepy in that “run!” kind of way, and it set the tone for a story with more twists than an overcaffeinated yoga instructor.

Jim Beckett was nightmare fuel. No conscience, no soul, just pure calculated evil. He was a cop, a killer, a manipulator, and a true, pure, 100%, no-holds-barred psychopath. When his end came, it felt like justice. Honestly, our heroine showed more restraint than I would’ve. If I knew how to handle a gun, I’d have emptied it into him, reloaded, and done it again.

The heroine of the story is Tess, and she's exactly the kind of person I root for. Delicate but tough, she is someone who has endured hell and still has the fire to fight. Her strength isn’t flashy; it’s that quiet kind that builds in layers until you realize she’s been carrying the whole weight of survival on her back. But to survive, she needs training. 

Hello, JT Wilder. Reclusive, gruff, ex-Special Forces (probably broods in his sleep). He didn’t need to “grow on me” because I liked him instantly. He’s the kind of man who might grumble and scowl, but you know he’ll do the right thing if it’s in his power. He's a great big brother. And Gardner gets bonus points for a sister who’s just as complex and loyal. Speaking of…

Marion deserves a mention. JT’s sister, an FBI agent with a tragic past, was clearly surviving by pouring everything into her work. When it mattered, she stepped up for both JT and Tess, even though it came at great personal cost.

This book was edge-of-your-seat, don't close your eyes, lock all your doors including your closets, and pull the covers over your head while praying type of psychological thriller. I sacrificed sleep to finish it, but I did skip the sex scenes. Not because I’m a prude, but because they didn’t add much. The chemistry between Tess and JT was already obvious; no need to spell it out with anatomical detail. (Also, if you can’t read between the lines, what are you doing with this book?)

This book was rich in tropes. For my book journal, I had to choose just one and I went with Trauma as Motivation. Every character in this story was propelled by trauma: Tess was running from it, JT was numbing his, Marion was managing hers through work. They all needed therapy. Like…a team of therapists. 

Other tropes that fit:

• Strong Lone Wolf with a Past (hi, JT)

• Loyal Inner Circle (JT and Marion came through big)

• Everyone Has Secrets (don’t they always?)

• Race Against Time (Jim was always just a half-step step behind)

• Isolated Setting (middle-of-nowhere Arizona)

• Justice Outside the System (because the system failed spectacularly)

In all the action, though, there was a bit of humor. JT to Tess after she finally hits the target during shooting practice: "Congratulations. You just killed a hay bale."

Deadpan humor in the middle of trauma training? I laughed out loud. 

This was a reread, but it still got my heart pounding. Lisa Gardner knows how to ratchet up suspense until your jaw aches from clenching it. If you like thrillers where damaged people find the courage to fight back, this one delivers. Just...maybe don’t read it alone at night. Or near closets.

The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The prologue of The 8th Confession doesn’t ease you in. It forcefully grabs you by the front of the shirt with a school bus explosion by page two. Not just any school bus, mind you. This one had been converted into a traveling meth lab. Honestly, what could go wrong? I mean, one pothole and—BOOM—goodbye PTA meeting. I was in.

At first, I thought I was juggling three separate plots: Exploding school buses, a murdered homeless preacher called Bagman Jesus, and a string of suspicious socialite deaths. But Patterson surprised me when two of those threads twisted together like a perfect little murder braid.

The murder method itself was disturbingly creative. I didn’t see that one coming. I also didn’t fully buy into the killer’s motive. Being bullied in school is awful, yes. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. But maybe just start a blog like the rest of us? Honestly, if I wanted revenge, I’d have hit their bank accounts, not their jugulars. Still, it worked in a chilling, “people are terrifying” kind of way.

This one had romance. Ugh. I’m not here for sex scenes unless they’re critical to the plot, and the one in this book was completely unnecessary. Could’ve been cut without changing a single thing. And while Lindsay tiptoed dangerously close to cheating on Joe, thank goodness she didn’t. That would’ve lost me and I wouldn't have picked up any more books in the series.

The Women’s Murder Club was less murder-solving girl gang and more “you do your thing, I’ll do mine” this time, but the story still held up. Cindy had a questionable moment with Rich (ugh), but redeemed herself eventually. I had one major for-crying-out-loud moment when Lindsay went full drama queen over that situation, but by the end, her brain cells had checked back in.

I devoured the first 200 pages in one sitting and only stopped because my eyes closed themselves. Hate it when that happens. I finished it while making my coffee the next morning. It's that kind of read.

Also, just saying...this book added “snakes in boxes” to my growing list of nightmare fuel. Yet another reason to avoid snakes. And maybe boxes. And anyone carrying boxes.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have The 9th Judgment to start.

Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series

Here for my quick reference:

1. Killing Floor (1997)
2. Die Trying (1998)
3. Tripwire (1999)
4. Running Blind / The Visitor (2000)
5. Echo Burning (2001)
6. Without Fail (2002)
7. Persuader (2003)
8. The Enemy (2004)
9. One Shot (2005)
10. The Hard Way (2006)
11. Bad Luck and Trouble (2007)
12. Nothing to Lose (2008)
13. Gone Tomorrow (2009)
14. 61 Hours (2010)
15. Worth Dying For (2010)
16. The Affair (2011)
17. A Wanted Man (2012)
18. Never Go Back (2013)
19. Personal (2014)
20. Make Me (2015)
21. Night School (2016)
22. The Midnight Line (2017)
23. Past Tense (2018)
24. Blue Moon (2019)
25. The Sentinel (2020)
26. Better Off Dead (2021)
27. No Plan B (2022)
28. The Secret (2023)
29. In Too Deep (2024)
30. Exit Strategy (2025)

From: https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/jack-reacher/

Crosshairs by James Patterson (Michael Bennett #16)

My sister recommended Crosshairs and warned me that once I started, I’d have trouble putting it down. She was not wrong. I picked it up intending to read a few chapters and ended up finishing it in one sitting. This book moves.

This was my first introduction to Michael Bennett, and now I want more. He’s a detective, a father of ten (yes, TEN), and somehow manages to balance solving crimes with family chaos and moral clarity. I loved his relationship with his wife Mary Catherine and the glimpse into his family life, which gave the book some warmth in between all the high-stakes tension. Crosshairs is #16 in the Michael Bennett series, so clearly I’ve got some catching up to do.

The plot is classic Patterson in the best way: It opens with a sniper killing and does not let up. What really stood out to me, though, was the killer’s motive. Without giving too much away, it taps into that frustration we all feel when people game the justice system and get away on technicalities. If that bothers me, I can only imagine how it feels for detectives like Bennett. The emotional weight behind the crimes made this more than just a “catch the bad guy” story.

One supporting character I really liked was Rob Trilling. Even when things got messy, he stayed grounded and determined to do the right thing. You need those kinds of people in stories like this—someone whose integrity never wavers.

I won’t spoil the ending, but let me just say this: I did not see it coming. And I was relieved the killer wasn’t someone I’d grown to like. I am officially on the hunt for more Michael Bennett thrillers! 

Kate Burkholder Series

Copied and pasted here for my quick reference (citation below). I think I'm on number 12.

Novels:

Sworn to Silence (2009)
Pray for Silence (2010)
Breaking Silence (2011)
Gone Missing (2011)
Her Last Breath (2013)
The Dead Will Tell (2014)
After the Storm (2015)
Among the Wicked (2016)
Down a Dark Road (2017)
A Gathering of Secrets (2018)
Shamed (2019)
Outsider (2020)
Fallen (2021)
The Hidden One (2022)
An Evil Heart (2023)
The Burning (2024)
Rage (2025)

Novellas:

Long Lost (2013)
A Hidden Secret (2015)
Seeds of Deception (2016)
Only the Lucky (2017)
In Dark Company (2018)
In Plain Sight (2019)
The Pact (2020)
Disappeared (2021)
Blood Moon (2022)
Hallowed Ground (2023)
Dark Storm Rising (2024)

Graeme. (2014, August 24). Kate Burkholder. Book Series in Order. https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/kate-burkholder/

FANTASTIC WEBSITE:

Book Series In Order

A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo (Burkholder #10)

After years of following Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder series, I’ve come to trust that each installment will be gripping, layered, and emotionally charged. A Gathering of Secrets did not disappoint. This one dives deep into the dark undercurrents of a seemingly peaceful Amish community. You’d think there’d be fewer skeletons in the closet when everyone’s wearing black and driving buggies, but oh no. Secrets abound. Like, everyone-has-one level secrets. It should’ve come with a disclaimer: “Trust no one.”

The story kicks off with the shocking suicide of an Amish teenager, an act that goes against everything in their belief system. I was immediately hooked. Suicide isn’t just a tragedy here; it’s also a mystery, and one that unravels slowly and painfully as Chief Kate Burkholder digs into the past and realizes not everything is as pure and simple as it appears.

Kate, as always, walks the delicate line between the Amish world she left behind and the English world she now polices. She handles both sides with compassion and a no-nonsense sense of justice. She listens. She observes. She pushes just enough. Her ability to read people, especially in a community where silence is often mistaken for virtue, is a big part of what makes her such a compelling character.

Let’s talk about that silence, though. That was the theme that hit the hardest for me. The cost of keeping quiet, especially when you're protecting someone who doesn't deserve protection... yeah, that stuck with me. Castillo doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of human nature, and she doesn’t sugarcoat the consequences. And she shouldn’t. When a crime is committed against someone, the shame should never fall on the victim. That this still happens in the real world is infuriating. "Boys will be boys" isn't a defense. It's an excuse, and a dangerous one at that.

As for the mystery itself, I suspected everyone. I was like Oprah with accusations. "You have a motive! And YOU have a motive!" Which is kind of the point. Castillo masterfully builds a web of tension and doubt. By the time the truth comes out, you're both vindicated and horrified. Let’s just say one of the victims in this one wasn’t exactly the sweet, God-fearing kid he was made out to be. Sometimes wolves wear bonnets and churn butter.

And I can’t not mention Tomasetti. He got baby chicks for Kate, and he's building a coop by hand. I mean, come on. If that isn’t fictional boyfriend material, I don’t know what is. Their relationship continues to evolve in realistic, often tender ways that balance out the heaviness of the crimes Kate investigates.

The pacing is spot on. I flew through this one. Castillo knows how to structure a story, layering clues, dropping reveals, and keeping the emotional stakes high without ever feeling manipulative.

Technically, this book can be read as a standalone. But if you’re in it for the long haul, starting from Sworn to Silence gives you a much richer experience, especially when it comes to Kate’s personal growth and her evolving relationship with John Tomasetti.  So, if you like crime fiction with complex characters, emotional depth, and a setting that adds just as much tension as the plot itself, this one’s for you. Just remember. Trust no one. 

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.