Review: Let Her Lie

Let Her Lie by Bryan Reardon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

Theo Snyder was famous once. His documentary, The Basement, became a massive hit and brought all the fame he’d ever dreamed of having. Just as quickly, a scandal brought Theo to the bottom. Looking for a way to find his voice again, he decides to tell the story of the infamous Halo Killer, Jasper Ross-Johnson, a serial murderer facing life in prison. At first, Theo expects Jasper to cooperate, but the further Theo delves into the Halo Killer’s past, more questions arise than answers. Why did Jasper fail to murder his last victim? Who was the woman seen on the beach the night he was captured? Reardon’s mastery at weaving together the strands of a complex psychological thriller is palpable on every page. Theo’s manic foray into Jasper’s life and mind is described in disturbing detail, but this is not the typical murder mystery. Instead of focusing on the gruesome outcomes, Reardon brings forth Jasper’s methods and mind-set, answering the question of why someone would commit such heinous acts. Fans of Gillian Flynn will jump at this one.

View all my reviews

Review: The Dictionary of Lost Words

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this amazing title!

DEBUT NOVEL Esme Nicoll’s love of words began underneath her father’s desk inside the Scriptorium, a garden shed where a team of lexicographers and assistants fashioned the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. One day, a slip falls from a Scriptorium desk and lands in Esme’s lap. Believing it to be discarded, Esme pockets the slip and stores it in a wooden chest. As she grows, Esme continues to collect words and slowly begins to understand that the words used by women and poor people are often deemed unworthy to be immortalized in print. As she diligently devotes her life to the Oxford English Dictionary, Esme decides to give voice to the unwritten words by writing her own lexicon in secret—the Dictionary of Lost Words. Set in England in the harrowing era of women’s suffrage and the Great War, this fiction debut, by social researcher and memoirist Williams (One Italian Summer), uncovers perspectives that might have been lost if not for Esme’s love and dedication.
VERDICT Enchanting, sorrowful, and wonderfully written, the book is a one-of-a-kind celebration of language and its importance in our lives. A must-have for every library collection.

View all my reviews

Review: City of Dark Corners

City of Dark Corners by Jon Talton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

Living in Arizona during the Depression, WWI veteran and former police detective turned private investigator Gene Hammons finds himself on the wrong end of a heinous murder case. A young woman is found dismembered next to railroad tracks with Gene’s business card in her purse. The police department rules it a suspicious death, but Gene is certain it’s much more than that. As he searches for the victim’s identity, Gene begins to unravel her secrets, leading to confrontations with some of Phoenix’s most prominent movers and shakers, both power brokers and criminals. Talton, author of the long-running David Mapstone series (The Bomb Shelter, 2018), set in contemporary Phoenix, shows his range with his first venture into historical mystery. (At the outset, Talton provides a considerate explanation of and warning about his decision to use language from the era.) Gene is an amiable and savvy protagonist, and Talton shines in weaving together the mystery elements of the plots with historical events from the Prohibition period. Fast-paced, gritty, and exciting, this one will have fans of both Depression-era and southwestern-set crime fiction begging for more!

View all my reviews

Review: The Stranger Diaries

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this mystery! Claire and Harbinder were very likeable characters and I enjoyed the switching POV. I found Georgia extremely unlikeable and, of course, Herbert was one of my favorite elements to the story :) Highly recommended for whodunnit mystery lovers!

View all my reviews

Review: Codename Villanelle

Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Great beginning, tons of potential but all in all very underwhelming. As much as I'd like to know where the plot was going, I don't have the desire to possibly wait another whole book (or two) to find out.

View all my reviews

Review: A Dark and Secret Place

A Dark and Secret Place by Jen Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to read this title!

In this thoroughly addictive thriller from fantasy writer Williams, Heather Evans returns to her childhood home after her mother’s mysterious suicide and uncovers a shocking secret—her mother maintained a decades-long correspondence with imprisoned serial killer Michael Reave, also known as the Red Wolf. Even more chilling is the fact that women have started disappearing again, and the circumstances are eerily similar to those in Reave’s previous crimes. Is a copycat at work, or is Reave somehow hunting from prison? Heather joins DI Ben Parker’s investigation in the hopes of both uncovering her mother’s connection with Reave and helping to save the lives of any future victims who could be trapped in the Wolf’s murderous jaws. Williams does a marvelous job of establishing an ominous sense of place, and the juggling of two points of view—Heather’s and Reave’s in the letters—connect the past and present brilliantly. Heather is a haunted and at times unlikable protagonist whose complexity paves the way for the disturbing twist at the end. Fans of Alex North and C. J. Tudor should get their hands on this one ASAP, though a strong stomach will be required.

View all my reviews

Review: The Photographer

The Photographer by Mary Dixie Carter
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thanks to Library Journal for the ARC and the chance to review this title.

DEBUT The brilliant photographer Delta Dawn has built her career by capturing memories for New York's elite. Shooting intimate family moments simultaneously fills her with joy and utter sadness, because it reminds her of what's missing from her own life. When she's hired by Amelia and Fritz Straub to photograph their daughter Natalie's 11th birthday party, Delta immediately becomes attached to the family and harbors a deep desire to become a permanent part of the Straub clan. She befriends Amelia and is soon at the Straubs' complete disposal. Delta's frenzied mental state continuously pushes her own limits, until the moment when she goes too far. Following Delta's perspective throughout the novel allows readers to see just how disturbing and calculating her behavior has become. Amelia and Fritz are irritatingly unaware of Delta's manipulations, only catching on when she reaches a level of strangeness that can't be overlooked. Their self-absorbed decisions and apathetic treatment of Natalie are cringe-worthy, which may cause readers to have little sympathy for the Straubs' predicament. VERDICT Despite the heightened emotional state and slow burn throughout the novel, readers will be disappointed by Carter's sudden, surprisingly dull conclusion.

View all my reviews

Review: Godspeed

Godspeed by Nickolas Butler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

Childhood friends Cole, Bart, and Teddy have received the opportunity of a lifetime. Their company, True Triangle Construction, has been hired by the enigmatic Gretchen to build her substantial house in the mountainous remote region near Jackson, Wyoming. However, when they arrive to tour the property, they are welcomed by a house already in progress. The mysterious withdrawal of the previous builders leaves the men hesitant to accept the job, until Gretchen lures them in with a promise of a large bonus that would mean financial security for their business and families. The only catch is the seemingly impossible deadline. Cole, Bart, and Teddy set themselves up for failure in more ways than one. Family struggles, drug addiction, exhaustion, and violence bookend the tragic journey the three friends follow throughout the novel. Butler provides well-written backstories and differing perspectives to keep the novel relatively interesting. The plot moves along at a decent pace until it reaches a horrifying and out-of-the-blue climax that will throw every reader for a loop.

View all my reviews

Review: The Lost Girls

The Lost Girls by Jessica Chiarella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

Chiarella's engrossing second novel follows And Again (2016). It’s been more than 20 years since Marti Reese witnessed her sister, Maggie, get into a car and disappear forever. Maggie’s absence and unknown whereabouts have defined Marti’s life, causing her to implode, ruin her marriage, and turn to alcohol to cope. Marti continues to hope that Maggie is still alive and hunts for answers using her true-crime podcast. Ava Vreeland has never given up on overturning her brother’s murder conviction. Noticing some coincidences between her brother’s case and Maggie’s, Ava reaches out to Marti, and the two begin a journey to save their loved ones, both single-mindedly driven to find answers, no matter the cost. Chiarella brilliantly blends disturbing past events and the heart-thumping present, throwing the reader into Marti’s twisted and obsessive world. Marti is a sympathetic character despite her self-destructive life choices, and the plot moves steadily without revealing itself prematurely. Readers who expect a neat, satisfying conclusion will be disappointed—but enthralled nonetheless. Fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins will enjoy this one.

View all my reviews

Review: The Missing Hours

The Missing Hours by Julia Dahl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

Dahl's (Conviction; Run You Down) thriller is a fast-paced, multiple-perspective story of sexual abuse being dismissed, or even weaponized against its victim. At first glance, Claudia Castro has it all: famous parents, money, thousands of social media followers, sex appeal, and popularity. Unfortunately, things aren't as they seem. It turns out that Claudia is a hot mess. One night, she misses the birth of her niece and while she has bruises the next day, she has no memory of what she assumes was a drunken night out. Dumbfounded and ashamed, Claudia cuts off communication with her family and attempts to piece together the events of that night, with the help of a new friend. As Claudia's memory begins to clear, her feelings of dread transform into a deranged and dangerous desire for vengeance. What happens next is the outcry of an aggrieved woman whose only alibi is herself; wealthy and powerful people, like always, will attempt to prevail. VERDICT The plot is intriguing but doesn't quite hit the gritty climax readers might expect. Still, Dahl provides a timely story about an always relevant topic.

View all my reviews

Review: Luster

Luster by Raven Leilani
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Poetically written. Leilani has a mesmerizing way with words, which is the only reason I was able to finish this very short book.

The story itself fell short for me. Very lateral movements for all characters. I did respect the hell out of Rebecca for trying to keep her family together but also felt myself wishing she'd take her daughter and just leave. Edie's choices all felt excused and I found her very unlikeable. Do marriage vows and monogomy mean nothing anymore? Turned my stomach.

View all my reviews

Review: The Midnight Ride

The Midnight Ride by Ben Mezrich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

DEBUT Nonfiction writer Mezrich's (Bitcoin Billionaires) heart-pounding debut thriller is based on the 1990 heist at Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, with a National Treasure twist. When MIT student and mathematical genius Hailey Gordon is caught card-counting, she grabs her winnings and runs. While trying to hide from hotel security, she finds a room door ajar and its occupant dead. Ex-con Nick Patterson has inherited—okay, stolen—a heist job from a now-dead fellow inmate. Hoping to go straight after this theft, Nick enters his fence's hotel room to find him dead and a scared Hailey standing over the body. Meanwhile, history professor and Paul Revere expert Adrian Jensen receives a surprise delivery from his colleague and intellectual nemesis, Charles Walker, less than 24 hours before Charles meets his demise. Charles's discovery throws Hailey, Nick, and Adrian together into the most dangerous adventure of their lives—one that will change their lives or get them killed. VERDICT Fans of alternative history thrillers will enjoy this recommended adventure novel, which is already optioned for film.

View all my reviews

Review: The Hitman’s Daughter

The Hitman’s Daughter by Carolyne Topdjian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

The Chateau du Ciel was once a grand hotel that attracted the well-to-do for vacations and romantic getaways. Now it stands in shambles, with few guests and a haunted reputation. The manager decides to throw a fancy New Year’s Eve party to resurrect the Chateau’s luxurious past. It almost works, but then a blizzard descends and traps the guests in the hotel for the night. Mave Michael hasn’t been working at the Chateau du Ciel long, but her psychic ability to find lost objects is well known among staff. What her coworkers don’t know about Mave is that she is also the daughter of a notorious hitman. When Mave finds the resident artist dead and is discovered alone with the body moments later, she knows her secret has come back to haunt her. Topdjian’s debut thriller is intense with foreboding and an eerie sense of place. The past and present perspectives captivate the reader and connect brilliantly to reveal a shocking conclusion. Fans of Jen Williams, Karin Slaughter, and Alex North will enjoy this one!

View all my reviews

Review: Nothing to Lose

Nothing to Lose by J.A. Jance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Booklist for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title!

Retired homicide detective J. P. Beaumont is still reeling from the murder of his partner, Sue Danielson. Suffering from frequent nightmares, Beaumont revisits his memory of the night Sue’s ex-husband killed her and took his own life. Beaumont still blames himself for not responding more quickly to a call for help from Sue's son Jared. Fortunately, Beaumont was able to help Jared and Sue’s other son, Chris, escape before they came to any harm. Now, 20 years later, Jared arrives unannounced at Beaumont’s house with another request for help. Chris is missing and Jared wants Beaumont to find him. Beaumont doesn’t hesitate to take the case and makes the arduous journey to snowy Homer, Alaska. In his attempt to find Chris, Beaumont stumbles onto another case that just might give him the answers he needs. Jance’s latest Beaumont novel is thoroughly addictive. The plot moves steadily forward, and Beaumont's encounters with many of Homer’s colorful residents add humor and a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise heavy subject matter. A treat for Beaumont fans, but those new to the series will have no trouble following along. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.

View all my reviews

Review: Two Nights in Lisbon

Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Thank you to Library Journal for the ARC and the opportunity to review this title.

Ariel Pryce wakes up in a Lisbon hotel room and her husband is gone; no note, no explanation. She exoects John to appear any minute. When he doesn’t show up for breakfast, Ariel panics. She approaches hotel security for help, then the Lisbon police, and finally the American embassy. The police are asking too many questions, and Ariel doesn’t have the answers. Then the ransom call arrives, and a desperate Ariel takes matters into her own hands. Pavone’s newest international thriller (after The Paris Diversion) is as long as it is tedious. Ariel is long-suffering, and her history is laid out in excruciating detail, including her previous marital woes and many heartbreaking sexual assaults. Despite the quick back-and-forth between past and present, and the deluge of characters, the story turns out to have an interesting and unexpected conclusion.VERDICT Fans of Chris Bohjalian’s Cassie Bowden and Camilla Läckberg’s Faye Adelheim may be sympathetic to Ariel’s plight and able to overlook the high page count.
Reviewed by Carmen Clark, Elkhart Public Library, IN , Apr 01, 2022

View all my reviews