Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

I enjoyed McAllister's "Wrong Place Wrong Time. " It had an original premise and good plot twists that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure she could top that, but while "Famous Last Words" isn't anything like "Wrong Place Wrong Time," it is equally as entertaining.

Camilla returns to work after a lengthy maternity leave when breaking news of a hostage situation captures her attention. She is astonished to find that her husband, Luke, is involved--not as a hostage, but as a gunman. How could this be? The hostage negotiator, Niall, calls Cam to help diffuse the situation, but before she can get involved, the situation escalates, and Cam's life is forever changed. Cam's quest for answers takes her on a perilous journey where every decision she makes has unintended consequences.

This psychological thriller explores the moral dilemmas the characters face and tests the marriage bonds. Told mainly from Cam's and Niall's points of view, it is a situational study of marriage, love, and personal and professional relationships. It made me wonder what I would do in similar circumstances. It is a quick read with twists and "oh, wow!" moments that kept me turning pages. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is February 25, 2025.

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We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin

I usually like psychological thrillers because they are dark and suspenseful. We Are Watching is both dark and suspenseful, and this, combined with an interesting plotline, hooked me.

Justin and Meg are taking their daughter, Lily, to college when they are involved in a bizarre accident that kills Justin. Meg and Lily pick up the pieces and try to move forward when a woman enters Meg's bookstore and, after behaving peculiarly, tells Meg "they" are watching. More strangers begin to threaten Meg and Lily and video their encounters. It turns out there is a cult of conspiracy theorists who believe Meg and her rock musician father have predicted the apocalypse and the end is coming. Not knowing who to trust, Meg, Lily, and Meg's father battle for their lives only days before the prophesized apocalypse as the cult becomes bolder.

I liked this book's odd storyline; it was dark and all too plausible. The writing is good, and the pacing kept me wanting to read more. I'm surprised I haven't run across this award-winning author before now. She is on my radar now and I look forward to reading more of her books. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is January 28, 2025.

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The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

I like to read a book by an unknown author, and even more so when it is a debut novel. This book, Jessie Garcia's debut, sounded promising with its intriguing plot. Unfortunately, it fell short on the delivery.

Jasmine and Stephanie meet on a long flight. Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship, and Stephanie is going to yet another conference for her television newsroom. Although they are far apart on the socioeconomic ladder, they find common ground. A few days after the flight, they both disappear after apparently meeting the same man. Both are in contact with friends and business associates through texts, but as the texts become more alarming, the fate of the two women comes into question. Who is this mystery man, and what has happened to the two women?

Told from multiple POVs and numerous text messages, it is quickly apparent that everything is not as it should be. The reader is led down a winding path of clues as more is revealed about the two women and the mystery man. I was sucked into the story at the beginning as I tried to figure out what was happening. The suspense is good, but I had a problem accepting the twists as the story became more complex, and it became harder to suspend disbelief. Overall, this is a good first effort, but a bit hard to swallow at times. 

3/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is January 14, 2025.

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No One Will Know by Rose Carlyle

I liked Rose Carlyle's debut novel, The Girl in the Mirror, but this second book, No One Will Know, is even better. The prose is smoother, the action more intense, and the twists believable.

Eve Sylvester has found the man of her dreams, but when he is killed in a car crash, she finds herself penniless, homeless, and pregnant. Enter the mysterious Zelde Finch with an offer that will solve her problems: become the nanny for the wealthy Hygate family and raise her child with theirs. It appears idyllic: living in luxury on a remote island in Tasmania and giving her child advantages Eve could never afford. Eve accepts the Hygate's unusual offer, but it's not long before she has second thoughts based on unusual conditions tied to her employment. Why must no one know she is there until her child is born? What's happening with the mysterious yacht that sometimes comes in the night? These and many more questions give her pause.

The moral dilemma that Eve faces drives the plot: to what extent is she willing to go for the welfare of her child? This twisty, suspenseful story is entertaining and kept me guessing. The characters are interesting, and I rooted for Eve to overcome life's obstacles. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is October 1, 2024.

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Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

 I still have all of Michael Crichton's previous books on my bookshelf, so I was excited when I saw a new book coming out based on an unpublished manuscript. I'm thankful I checked this book out of my library instead of purchasing it. Although promising, it doesn't measure up to his other books.

It's April 2025, and Dr. John "Mac" MacGregor, chief vulcanologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and his team are preparing for a massive Mauna Loa eruption. The one bright spot is that the lava flow isn't projected to endanger any towns; only an Army facility is in its path. When Mac finds out that the facility contains hazardous materials so deadly it could kill off all humankind, plans suddenly shift. Less than a week before the eruption, Mac, his team, and other interested parties are in a race to devise a plan to divert the lava flow, which has been unsuccessfully tried before. Can Mac be the first to succeed? With the existence of humankind at stake, failure is not an option.

I could see Crichton's hand in this book, but its touch was too light. I respect the effort to complete the manuscript with noted author James Patterson, but Patterson didn't pull it off. Some characters are stereotypes, and their fate is a foregone conclusion. Note to self: if I am ever around an active volcano, do not be the photographer; it never ends well. 

2.5/5 stars.

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Ladykiller by Katherine Wood

This sounded like a promising book, and although it didn't meet my expectations, it was good.

Gia comes from a privileged background, but when her father dies and leaves his fortune to charity, she unexpectedly needs money. To solve her problems, Gia decides to sell the one thing of value: a villa on a Greek Island. Newly married, Gia and her husband are at odds about what improvements need to be made to sell the house. Tension develops in the newlywed's relationship. Gia's best friend, Abby, whose mother worked for Gia's family, is working hard to become a partner at her law firm. When Gia, decides to celebrate her birthday in Switzerland with just her brother Benny and Abby, Abby drops everything to go to Switzerland. Gia fails to show up, so Abby and Benny head to Greece, only to find Gia has vanished.

The book started quickly but slowed down just as fast. I found the descriptions of the characters lusting after each other and the sex descriptions distracting. They didn't move the story along, and I wondered why so many romantic scenes were needed. The mystery surrounding Gia was good, and there were some twists, but overall, this falls short of being a thriller. 

3/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bantam, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is July 9, 2024. 

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Vengeance is Mine by Michael Wood

 

This standalone isn't as dark as Wood's Matilda Darke series. Perhaps because it has taken him more than twenty years to publish it, and he has perfected the dark, twisty murder mysteries for which he is now known, "Vengeance is Mine" isn't a typical Michael Wood book. That's not to say this isn't a good book because it is; it just wasn't what I expected.

Dominic Griffiths has been in prison for twenty years for the abduction and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, a crime he swears he can't remember committing. It has since been found that a prescription drug he was on at the time had a personality-altering side effect. Now, he is being released with a hefty settlement from the drug company, and few people are happy about his release, least of all the police and the girl's parents.

On the eve of Dominic's release, Dawn Shepherd's mother confesses that Dominic is Dawn's father. Not sure how she feels about that, Dawn is determined to get to know her father and the family she didn't think she had. In doing so, Dawn uncovers family secrets and raises more questions surrounding the girl's murder. Just who is Dominic, and was he capable of murder?

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller. When I thought I knew where the story was going, a twist sent me in another direction. Red herrings galore and unreliable characters make for a fascinating read. While not what I was anticipating, this book is a terrific read. 

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 29, 2024.

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Horror Movie by Paul Trembla;y

 I loved Paul Tremblay's "The Cabin at the End of the World" and "Survivor Song" and liked "A Head Full of Ghosts" but didn't care for "The Pallbearers Club." So, I didn't know what to expect going into "Horror Movie." The premise sounded intriguing, but unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations.

Thirty years ago, a small group of twenty-something filmmakers decided to make a horror movie on a shoestring budget. Although the film was completed, it was never fully released--only parts were uploaded to YouTube, just enough to gain a cult following. Now, Hollywood has decided to "reboot" the film on a much bigger scale. Only one of the original cast members is still alive, and he has been recruited as a consultant and to reprise parts of his role as "The Thin Kid.” Will this version successfully live up to the fanbase's expectations? And, what is more important, will the cast members survive the filming?

Spanning two timelines and incorporating the original script into the storyline, Tremblay does a tightrope walk between the filming of both versions of the "Horror Movie." The book slowly reveals what happened to the original cast members—sometimes a bit too slowly. Told in the first person by "The Thin Kid," there are times when the level of detail is overwhelming, spanning multiple pages. I skimmed parts because they didn't seem to move the story forward. The story also bogged down in the middle, but the ending was satisfying enough to overcome both problems. I liked this book, but it doesn't rank up there with some of Tremblay's other novels. 

3/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 11, 2024.

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If Something Happens to Me by Aex Finlay

 I read and enjoyed two of Alex Finlay's previous books, "The Night Shift" and "Every Last Fear," so I was looking forward to another good psychological thriller with "If Something Happens to Me." I wasn't disappointed. If anything, I think this is Finlay's best book yet.

Five years ago, while Ryan Richardson and his girlfriend, Ali, were at a secluded place, Ali was abducted. Both she and the car vanished that night, and Ryan became a person of interest in her disappearance. Ryan was never charged, but the suspicion and notoriety has haunted him. Now a law student with a different name, Ryan's past comes back to haunt him when Ali's car is recovered from a lake with two dead men in it, but still no trace of Ali, just a coded note with the words "if something happens to me" on the envelope.

Newly appointed sheriff's deputy Poppy McGee is assigned to the task force attempting to figure out who the two dead men are and what is in Ali's note. As Poppy digs into the old case about Ali's disappearance, she doubts the quality of the investigation and suspects a coverup--but why?

The story, told by several characters simultaneously, combines a classic psychological thriller and a twisty, suspenseful murder mystery. Finlay deftly intertwines the characters' lives with plot twists into a seamless story of love and revenge. It is a fast-moving and engaging read that never disappoints. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is May 28, 2024.

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Profile K by Helen Fields

Helen Fields is a master at capturing a killer's dark, twisted mind. Be it her DI Callanach or Connie Woolwine series, she consistently delivers captivating characters and unique plots. This standalone book is no exception.

Midnight Jones, a profile analyst at the highly structured and client-confidential Necto Corporation, is startled to find a Profile K applicant file--K indicating killer. When she brings the file to management's attention, she is told it is an anomaly and that there is no such thing as a Profile K.  Then a murder occurs whose killer fits the Profile K applicant's profile. Midnight is conflicted: go against company confidentiality rules and contact the police or keep her much-needed job. Knowing the killer is likely to strike again, Midnight faces not only a moral dilemma but also the real possibility of putting herself in the path of the killer.

Although this plot seems futuristic, the author's notes state that this profiling technology is already available, bringing thoughts of Big Brother to mind and the dilemma Midnight faced very real. This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with a murderer whose twisted thoughts are brilliantly captured in a dark and fascinating plot. If you have not read a Helen Fields book, "Profile K" is an excellent introduction to her complex characters and plots. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 25, 2024.

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Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

 

This is my first time reading this author, although she is a familiar name with a proven track record for writing good thrillers. If this book is any indication, I will read her again.

Tweens Jessica, Norah, and Alicia form a sisterly bond over the abuse they suffer at the hands of Miss Fairchild in foster care. Afraid of being separated if they report psychological abuse, they cope as best they can instead of trying to fight a broken social services system. Would anyone believe them or do anything?

Flash forward to the present: bones have been found under the house where they were in care, and the trauma the three suffered and dealt with in different ways comes rushing back. Now, as adults, they have another chance to address the wrongs they were dealt in their childhoods. But will they be believed even now?

This fast-paced book, which travels back and forth in time and is told from multiple points of view, is gripping and poignant. I rooted for the three and was saddened by their helpless position. This is a psychological thriller with a couple of twists,  but it is more of a look at the problems of children stuck in social services and how powerless they feel. I also found myself relating to their situation and remembering my dysfunctional childhood more than I would have liked. Overall, this is a satisfying read. 

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 23, 2024.

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Caught by Harlan Coben

 

I started watching Harlan Coben's adapted books on Netflix and enjoyed them so much that I thought I would try one in book form. Even though this is one of his older books, it has held up and proved to be suspenseful and twisty—much like his adaptations.

When investigative TV reporter Wendy Tynes sets up a sting to catch suspected pedophile Dan Mercer, she sets off a string of events that eventually calls into question her journalistic integrity. As Wendy dives deeper into Dan's past, she finds secrets and perhaps a link to a missing teenager. Could seemingly good guy Dan be a monster, or did Wendy miss something? The more she digs, the more questions arise.

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller that doesn't disappoint. Although written in 2010, only a few instances show its age. I tried Coben's Myton Bolitar series a few years ago but gave up after the first book for reasons I don't remember. Based on this book and the adapted books, I think I'll give it another try. 

4/5 stars.

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The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood

 I think Michael Wood is the master of psychological thrillers. His DI Matilda Darke series is excellent, and this start of a new series promises to be just as good.

Olivia Winter is not a profiler; she is a world-famous forensic psychologist who studies serial killers. The twist is that her father is a convicted serial killer who killed her mother and sister and attempted to kill nine-year-old Olivia before he was captured. Now he is in a London hospital after heart surgery, and he wants to see Olivia--this is just when a new killer is stalking women using a similar killing method as her father. Is there a connection? When the killer strikes close to home, Olivia agrees to help the police investigation despite dredging up painful memories and putting her own life in danger.

I found Olivia to be an engaging character with a strong personality despite her emotional baggage. The story is dark and twisty, just the way I like them. I'm looking forward to this new series. 

4.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is March 28, 2024.

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The Fury by Alex Michaelides

 

I liked Michaelides's two previous books, "The Silent Patient" and "The Maidens," and was set to be entertained by yet another twisty thriller--"The Fury" certainly lives up to that.

Elliott Chase had a rotten childhood, bullied by his peers and neglected by his parents; he escaped by falling in love with film star Lana Farrar. Years later, he met Lana at a party, and their friendship was cemented. When Lana invited Elliott and her best friend Kate to spend the Easter holiday with her, her husband, and her son on her private Greek island, he jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, a windstorm, known as the Fury, isolates them on the island, and when one of the group gets murdered, all are suspects. Will the killer strike again?

This was a fast read that was engrossing and kept me guessing. Most of the story is a first-person narration by Elliott that sometimes diverges from the storyline with asides and speculations that I felt didn't move the story along. This was a minor annoyance, but overall, this was a satisfying read. I think fans of his previous books will find this an excellent addition to Michaelides's works. 

3.5/5 stars.

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What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan

Apparently, this book's plot was inspired by the Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie case. Still, the author does an excellent job of expanding and developing the fictionalized main characters and digging into what the parents went through.

Simon and Nina, together since high school, decide to go climbing at Simon's family home outside Stowe, Vermont, during a college break. Unfortunately, only Simon returns home, and the hunt is on to find out what happened to Nina. Simon's account of the events has holes in it, and Nina's parents enlist the help of the Vermont state police to find her. Meanwhile, Simon's parents, knowing Simon will be the prime suspect, hire a firm to focus on Nina and discredit Nina's family on social media. What follows is a story of what desperate parents will do to find/protect their children.

I thoroughly enjoyed McTiernan's book, "The Murder Rule," so I eagerly anticipated this book. Both are psychological thrillers that deal with family, especially between parents and their children and while both are good, "What Happened to Nina?" didn't quite measure up. The pacing and story are good and kept me turning pages, but this book fell apart at the end. The ending felt rushed, and some storylines weren't adequately addressed to my liking. Overall, it's a good, engaging read. 

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is March 26, 2024.

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The Guest by B. A. Paris

This is the first book by this author I've read, and based on it, I will certainly read more.

Iris and Gabriel are going through a rocky spot in their marriage. The tension between them isn't helped when they return home from a vacation and find their friend Laure has left her husband Pierre and moved into their house. Laure is constantly underfoot and knows no boundaries, and as her stay doesn't seem to be ending any time soon, both fragile marriages are put to the test. Iris turns to her new neighbors for emotional support, but they, too, have a guest in the form of a mysterious gardener whose secrets Iris and Gabriel try to unravel. The tension continues to mount as the couple's lives become more intertwined.

Although not particularly fast-paced, this is an interesting story with secrets abounding. There are twists, but mostly, this is about the delicate nature of relationships. There are deaths, some of which I didn't find especially plausible. Overall, I found this to be a satisfying psychological thriller. 

3.5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The publication date is February 20, 2024.

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Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate

 Ashley Tate delivers the goods in this excellent debut novel. She teases the reader with bits of information to piece together the puzzle about what happened the night of a horrific accident, but what is accurate, and what is misdirection? Tate surprises right up to the end.

Phoebe Dean has it all: brains, personality, and looks. All of that is wiped away one night in an automobile accident with her brother Grant at the wheel and neighbor Becca on board. It's a tragedy that affects the small town of West Wilmer for years and creates gossip about what happened during those twenty-seven minutes between when the accident occurred and when Grant called for an ambulance. Perhaps Phoebe could have been saved had help arrived sooner. On that same night, another teenager, troublemaker Wyatt, disappears and is all but forgotten over the town's grief for the beloved Phoebe.

Ten years after the accident, Phoebe's mother, who has never forgiven Grant for the accident, decides to hold a memorial service for her daughter., thus ripping off the scabs on the wounds that have never healed for either Grant, Becca, or West Wilmer. It is also the anniversary of Wyatt's disappearance, and his sister June, who is grieving for her recently deceased mother, again wonders what happened to Wyatt and if there is a connection between his disappearance and the accident. As the memorial approaches, emotions are ratcheted up, setting the scene for a big reveal about what happened that night.

The story takes place over three days and is told from the perspectives of those closest to Phoebe and Wyatt. The relationship between Grant and Becca is also explored. Both are suffering from survivor's guilt, and Becca's reliance on Grant's account of what happened that night results in a toxic ten-year relationship that is coming to a head. The fast-paced story, combined with well-developed characters, results in a dark psychological thriller that is suspenseful and engrossing. I loved how the author meted out the clues to the accident and the disappearance along the way. The tension built from the first page and never let up. I loved it! 

4.5 stars.

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Survivor's Guilt by Michael Wood

 Once again, Michael Wood delivers in this eighth Matilda Drake mystery. I'm still catching up in the series, and it gets better with each installment.

It's been nine months since the deadly killing spree that claimed the lives of three of Matilda's murder squad team and the son of her best friend, pathologist Adele Kean; all are dealing with survivor's guilt in different ways. Adele and Matilda are now estranged, and Matilda has just been cleared to work after her long rehabilitation from gunshot wounds when news comes in about a body found in a wooded area. As the squad begins to investigate the latest murder, they find cold cases involving similar victims and the body count mounts. They now know a serial killer is on the loose in Sheffield and targeting prostitutes. Pressure from the press and from above is applied to this fragile team of detectives, and they each respond differently, but all eyes are on Matilda: is she truly ready to be back at work? As the pressure mounts, so do the doubts.

Wood nicely ties in previous storylines from the series in moving the characters forward. This is another twisty, fast-paced police procedural that grips the reader and takes them on a rollercoaster ride. We see the characters at their most vulnerable and a different Matilda who questions herself and her methods of leading her team. Wood is the master of psychological thrillers.

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The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

 This is the first book by Rachel Hawkins that I have read, but the premise piqued my interest, so I decided to try this book; I'm glad I did. It grabbed me from the start and didn't let go.

Ruby McTavish, the heir to the vast McTavish fortune, was abducted when she was a child, survived four sketchy marriages, and childless, adopted Camden when he was a child. Ten years after Ruby's death, Cam married and a teacher in Colorado, is summoned back to North Carolina to face his remaining relatives, who feel he has no right to his inheritance. While there, questions about Ruby's past, as well as the untimely deaths of her four husbands, surface. What happened when she was abducted, and were the circumstances of her husband's deaths honestly as reported?

Told from the point of view of Cam and his wife, Jules, and unsent letters written by Ruby, the answers to the above questions are teasingly revealed. This is a fast-paced psychological thriller with twists that are excellently plotted. I rooted for Cam to stay true to himself despite the Siren song of wealth and power.

 4.5 stars. 

The publication date is January 9, 2024.

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The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

 I'm always searching for new authors and finding this debut novel by an Australian author piqued my interest even more. Based on this promising book, I will add Matlin to my list of authors to follow.

Sarah Slade is a therapist and best-selling self-help author whose own marriage is in shambles. When she and her husband buy a run-down Victorian house where a gruesome murder occurred 40 years ago, Sarah hopes to restore it and flip it for a profit. She doesn't count on the hostile neighbors who want the house demolished, not restored, and the creepy feeling the house emanates. When odd things begin happening both to her and the contractors working on her house, she begins to wonder if the stories about the house are true: is it haunted?

I found the story a bit uneven at times, but overall this was a satisfying read. Although Sarah increasingly is captivated, if not captured by the house, her personality begins to change--or maybe it's revealing her true self. In any event, she becomes an increasingly unlikeable character whose decisions become poorer as events spiral out of her control. I think this is a good atmospheric novel and I look forward to more from Matlin.

Thank you NetGalley and Bantam publishers for an advance copy of this book n exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. The publication date is September 12, 2023.

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