Tami Hoag's "Night Sins" begins the Deer Lake series, focusing on the unsettling kidnapping of young Josh after hockey practice, shaking the small town. Central characters include his parents, Hannah and Paul, and local sheriff Mitch Holt alongside Agent Megan O'Malley. The book effectively builds tension and character depth, setting the stage for the sequel.
Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh is a gripping thriller about Amanda and Wendy, two grieving mothers seeking justice for their murdered daughters. Their intertwined lives lead to a murder swap plan, but complications arise when secrets are revealed. The plot is engaging yet can be complex, with an unexpected twist at the end.
The Ship by Antonia Honeywell is a dystopian novel following Lala, a sheltered teen aboard a ship for survivors. As she confronts the harsh realities orchestrated by her parents, her unlikable character traits hinder reader engagement. Despite an intriguing premise, the plot and characters often disappoint, leading to a 5/10 rating.
"Daughter of Mine" by Megan Miranda is a gripping mystery thriller centered around Hazel, who returns home after her father's unexpected death. As family secrets surface following the discovery of a submerged car, Hazel navigates complicated relationships with her brothers and the tight-knit community, revealing hidden truths and deep emotional connections. The engaging narrative and well-developed characters make it a compelling read.
In Jodi Picoult's "House Rules," the Hunt family struggles with disability, secrets, and murder. The story unfolds when Jacob, an 18-year-old with autism, is accused of killing his aid. Emma, his mother, fights for her son's innocence amid flawed perceptions of autism in a gripping narrative that explores complex family dynamics and justice.
Abandoned Prayers by Gregg Olsen is a poignant true crime narrative centered on Eli Stutzman, a troubled ex-Amish man whose selfish actions lead to the tragic deaths of his wife, unborn child, and son, Danny. The book explores the complexities of Eli's life, victimization, and societal failures while highlighting the community's support for Danny.
The Frozen Dead by Bernard Minier is a chilling mystery set in a French Pyrenees town, centering on Commandant Martin Servaz tackling a peculiar murder case involving a horse, which escalates into human deaths. The reviewer found the plot convoluted and characters unengaging, ultimately rating it 5/10, with no intention to read further in the series.
In "Grave Secrets," the fifth book in Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan series, Temperance investigates a series of missing girls in Guatemala, facing cultural challenges. Despite intriguing plot elements, the reviewer finds the pacing slow and the mystery less gripping compared to previous entries, ultimately rating it a 6/10.
In this review of Ann Rule's "The Stranger Beside Me," the author reflects on her complex feelings toward Ted Bundy, detailing the extensive damage he caused. While revealing insights into Bundy's allure, the reviewer emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the numerous victims. Ultimately, the book is recommended for its unique, human perspective on a notorious figure.
The author shares their excitement for favorite reads of the year while juggling a demanding new job. They acknowledge that not all books listed have reviews yet due to time constraints but express gratitude for support. A list of recommended titles is shared, highlighting a passion for books amid challenges.
Baddie Book Reviews 
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