For this review, I get into the second Millennium book by Stieg Larsson, The Girl Who Played With Fire. Set some time after the first book, Lisbeth and Mikael are brought back together by a conspiracy to destroy Lisbeth, set by someone unknown. On the run, Lisbeth must protect herself as she always has, but with less on her side this time around.
For this review, we get into one of Freida’s newer book releases, Dear Debbie. While I usually enjoy Freida’s books a lot, this one fell flat for me in a few different ways. While it’s not one of my favourites by her, it was still an enjoyable mystery to follow, and she has some much better reads to check out in her catalogue.
The review highlights disappointment with Josh Malerman's Incidents Around the House, following young Bela, haunted by a paranormal being called Other Mommy. While the concept is intriguing, the childlike narration frustrated the reviewer, leading to a tedious and unengaging read. The book received a 4/10 rating, with a recommendation to explore Malerman's other works.
"Long Time Gone" by Charlie Donlea explores themes of family history and generational secrets through the journey of Sloan Hastings, who discovers she was kidnapped as a child. The mystery unfolds with compelling characters and ties to a historical disappearance, maintaining reader engagement despite some predictable elements and a mixed ending. Rated 7.5/10.
Marshall Karp's "Don't Tell Me How to Die" surprises with its emotional depth and intricate plot. The story follows Maggie Dunn, a mayor coping with a genetic illness, as she attempts to secure her family's future by finding her husband a new wife before her death. Full of twists, it explores love, grief, and control.
In "Fade Away" by Harlan Coben, the series delves into Myron Bolitar's emotional past as a former athlete. The narrative uncovers his complexities while tackling the disappearance of an old teammate, Greg Downing. This installment deepens character dynamics, emphasizing the impact of history on present relationships. The reviewer rates it 8.5/10.
In Drop Shot we are taken into the tennis world. When tennis star Valerie Simpson is murdered at the U.S. Open, Myron’s client, Duane Richwood, quickly becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear his client’s name, Myron dives into the investigation, only to find himself tangled in a much darker and more dangerous situation than he expected. As he digs deeper into Valerie’s life, secrets start to unravel, about her past, her relationships, and the world surrounding professional tennis. What initially seems like a straightforward case quickly spirals into something far more layered, pulling Myron into real danger as he gets closer to the truth.
The review praises Nat Cassidy’s horror novel "When the Wolf Comes Home" for its unique plot and emotional depth. It centers on Jess, a relatable protagonist, and a troubled boy facing terrifying realities. The fast-paced story explores fear's impact on individuals, making it both unsettling and compelling. The reviewer rates it an 8/10.
The Mad Wife by Meagan Church explores the struggles of a 1950s housewife, Lulu Mayfield, navigating mental health within societal expectations. As Lulu faces personal crises, her neighbor's mysterious presence amplifies her insecurities. The novel delves into the complexities of womanhood, identity, and the psychological toll of conformity, ultimately offering a reflective commentary on the era.
At its core, this novel asks one massive question, is it ever okay to kill someone you love if they ask you to? From that point on, Picoult does what she does best: she complicates it. Morally, legally, emotionally, and relationally. No angle is left untouched, which is both the book’s biggest strength and, at times, its biggest weakness.
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