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.
In "The Ex," Freida McFadden explores themes of jealousy and insecurity within relationships. Despite a gripping narrative and emotional tension, the plot can become convoluted, making it hard to follow. The climax reveals deeper issues with character motivations, leaving readers perplexed. Overall, it’s an intriguing but messy psychological thriller.
Every time I pick up a Stephen King novel, I expect something monstrous lurking in the shadows, a clown, a creature, a curse. But Misery reminds you that some of King’s most terrifying villains are painfully, horrifyingly human. There are no ghosts here, no cosmic horrors or ancient evils. Just a farmhouse, a snowstorm, a broken author, and the most chilling biggest fan of all time.
For this review, I get into my third Cormac McCarthy book, Blood Meridian or the Evening Redness in the West. A difficult, dense, and frankly brutal book that is downright fantastic from start to finish. It’s a tough one in both the plot and how it's presented, but if you take the time to really get into it and think, it’s a great read to pick up.
Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton follows Elise King, a detective on medical leave, who observes her small town grappling with tension from gentrification and a missing local, Charlie Perry. Despite strong character development, the story feels muddled and fails to tie together key plot points, resulting in an unsatisfying mystery experience.
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.
The book "Everyone Here is Lying" by Shari Lapena is a thrilling mystery revolving around a family with deep secrets and a missing daughter. The story explores the struggles within the Wooler family. It delves into complex themes and unexpected twists, leading to a rating of 7/10.
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