Everything She Ever Wanted by Ann Rule

Old wooden barn at night with a horse inside glowing eyes and light from lantern

For this review, I get into an Ann Rule true crime book that focuses on the life and crimes of Patricia Taylor, who reigned terror on those around her in the 1970’s. While this wasn’t my favourite Ann Rule book I’ve read so far, it was still an interesting case and well written overall.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Shadowy silhouette of a person in a dimly lit hallway near an open bedroom door

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

"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.

Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica

Two gold rings rest on a weathered wooden surface with dried flowers and moss.

Just the Nicest Couple follows two couples, Nina and Jake, and their friends Lily and Christian. When Jake Hayes suddenly goes missing, his wife Nina is left searching for answers. At the same time, Lily Scott is dealing with secrets of her own, ones that may be more connected to Jake’s disappearance than anyone initially realizes. As the story unfolds, shifting perspectives reveal hidden truths, complicated relationships, and a web of lies that slowly comes to the surface.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Rusty, cylindrical spacecraft with damaged solar panels drifting near a bright orange star in space.

In this review of Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary," the reviewer, initially skeptical of science fiction, found the story engaging and accessible. They praised protagonist Ryland Grace for his relatability and the unexpected relationships that develop. The book's emotional depth and immersive space setting contributed to a surprising and enjoyable reading experience, earning a 9/10 rating.

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

Sydney Shaw is single, unlucky in love, and exhausted by the dating scene. When she meets Tom, charming, attentive, successful, and seemingly perfect, it feels like she’s finally caught a break. Their relationship moves quickly, but not so fast that it feels unrealistic. In fact, that’s part of what makes this book work: everything feelsplausible. But then women in the city start disappearing. And suddenly, the question isn’t whether Sydney has found the right guy, it’s whether she’s made a catastrophic mistake.

Tell No Lies by Allison Brennan (Quinn & Costa #2)

In "Tell No Lies," the second book of the Quinn and Costa series by Allison Brennan, FBI agent Kara Quinn and LAPD detective Matt Costa investigate the mysterious death of activist Emma Perez. The novel offers a deeper, introspective exploration of trauma and secrets, enhancing character development, particularly in Quinn and Costa’s evolving partnership.

The Ex by Freida McFadden

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.

The Family Experiment by John Marrs

Hello, beautiful people, welcome to a new review! For this review, I get into The Family Experiment by John Marrs. I believe this will be my first time reviewing a John Marrs book, and I do think this was the first of his that I have read, but it isn’t the last. I am hoping… Continue reading The Family Experiment by John Marrs

Blood Meridian or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy

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.