The It Girl by Ruth Ware

University courtyard with gothic architecture lit up at dusk and two graduates walking

For this review, I get into The It Girl by Ruth Ware, an author whom I have enjoyed very much in the past. When a group of friends are thrown back into their traumatic past in university, even though they are all grown up now. With the mystery of the past still looming over their heads, the question of whether they can go back to their lives once the truth comes out threatens to ruin the present.

The Toy Box by Charly Cox (Detective Alyssa Wyatt #2)

Police officer near police car at taped-off crime scene in forest

For this review, I get into the second book in Charly Cox's Detective Alyssa Wyatt series, The Toy Box. While I read the first book a while ago, I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to getting to the next books in the series. The Toy Box isn’t set long after the first, but in terms of strength, it held up to the first book fantastically.

Dead Med by Freida McFadden

Two healthcare workers in scrubs walking down a hospital hallway reading papers

For this review, I continue on my train of Frieda reviews and get into Dead Med. Focusing on a group of medical students who quickly have their futures changed at a moment’s notice, it was a twisty, interesting story, but plot-wise, not a favourite of hers.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Investigation board showing suspects, victims, timeline, leads, and evidence connections for a crime case

A personal first for author Holly Jackson, we dive into one of her newer releases, Not Quite Dead Yet. A super interesting book navigating through family dynamics, grief, and the struggles of life and growing up, all tied up with a riveting mystery at the center.

Bag of Bones by Stephen King

Wooden cabin with lit windows beside calm lake at twilight

For this review, I get into a beloved Stephen King book, Bag of Bones. A different pace and style than his usual books, with still plenty of high stakes and dynamic moments, Bag of Bones hits differently in a lot of interesting ways. I enjoyed getting to see his usual style be presented in this way.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Person with umbrella walking on wet cobblestone street under neon signs and street lamps at night

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.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

Cracked wooden-framed mirror reflecting a cozy living room with armchair, bookshelf, fireplace, and warm lighting

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.

Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs (Temperance Brennan #7)

In this review of Kathy Reichs' "Monday Mourning," the seventh book in the Temperance Brennan series, the focus shifts to the investigation of three young girls' remains. The mystery is more cohesive and emotionally engaging, complemented by personal tension in Brennan’s relationship with Andrew Ryan. The reviewer rates it 7/10, appreciating its grounded narrative.

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.

Don’t Tell Me How to Die by Marshall Karp

Antique hourglass with cracked glass and sand spilling onto a wooden surface

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.