booksthrilljessica's reviews
449 reviews

Okay, hear me out…. I did enjoy this book, but the numerous,  and I mean NUMEROUS narrators were incredibly distracting. Which at times felt unnecessary for the story’s progression. The plot and twist could have been much more impactful if told from just a few perspectives, which would have allowed for better character development and more effective scene building. Instead, it felt like I was constantly trying to keep track of too many characters, making it hard to fully appreciate the story’s direction. I also wished for a deeper connection with the two main characters, Stephanie and Jasmine. While we did get a brief look into Jasmine’s life that helped build empathy for her, a key moment from her past was glossed over, but this could have provided significant insight into her character. That said, it was still an engaging mystery full of deception and wildly unhinged characters.

*Thank you to Jessie Garcia, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

When FBI agent Tori Hunter is drawn back to her hometown after a teenage girl goes missing in a manner eerily similar to her sister’s disappearance, she knows it’s time to uncover the person responsible for taking these girls. Along the way, she'll have to confront painful truths and face difficult challenges, all while working alongside the charming local detective. As tensions rise, so do Tori’s emotions and attraction. Will she be able to overcome her past and the obstacles in her way to find the person behind the abductions?

The opening chapter instantly drew me in, but as the story progressed, I struggled to stay engaged with the characters and the plot. The narrative seemed to linger too much on the romance angle, which distracted from the mystery. The ending also felt predictable and clichéd. Despite this, I’m still curious to see how Agent Tori develops throughout the series and whether she can navigate the path she ultimately chooses.

*Thank you to Roger Stelljes, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book is packed with characters that readers will love to despise. The story follows a couple celebrating their first anniversary in Paris, but as the plot unfolds, we discover that both have dangerous secrets. Rouda keeps readers on edge, constantly questioning who the villain is, who the victim is, and who will ultimately come out on top. I found Paul to be unbearably unlikable, and Nick Landrum's narration was so effective that I couldn't help but feel intense disdain for him. Although I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, it works perfectly as a standalone, with minimal backstory needed for the plot to unfold smoothly. The ending twist, while somewhat predictable, was still engaging and enjoyable. However, it left me wondering... Do three wrongs make a right?

*Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the  copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

In this psychological thriller, Strangers on a Train meets a victim support group. Mia, a grief counselor, brings together women who have lost their sisters to domestic violence. Together, they devise a plan that will not only change their lives but the lives of many others. 

I was captivated by this fresh twist on the classic Strangers on a Train and was hoping for more chaos and intrigue. However, I was left somewhat perplexed by the ending, especially the abrupt resolution between the women and the lone officer who was onto them. That said, I did enjoy the journey each woman took in finalizing their parts of the plan, and how they each had to confront and overcome their personal demons.

*Thank you to Katherine Kovacic, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I’ve been following this story in the news since it first broke, eagerly awaiting an autobiography to gain a deeper understanding of what truly happened. The writing style captivated me, shedding light on circumstances that made my heart ache for the family. I especially appreciated hearing from one of the older children, offering their perspective on how things went from good to bad and what contributed to Ruby's downfall. I also respected how the book kept the names and experiences of the younger children private, focusing instead on Shari’s journey and insights. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime and uncovering the real stories behind these tragic events.

This historical mystery transports readers to a world that spans both the physical and the spiritual realms. Hecate Cavendish discovers there’s more to her than just a brilliant mind and a passion for ancient texts. She finds out that she can communicate with lost spirits, and it’s now her responsibility to help them. However, as a woman in the 1800s, she faces numerous limitations. Hecate must navigate not only the challenges of her newfound abilities but also the societal constraints placed upon her. Along the way, she will experience love, heartbreak, adventure, and mystery. But can she uncover the true purpose of her gifts before it is too late?

I was really excited about this story based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, I felt the narrative fell flat at times. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that pulled me out of the story and left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their development. I also hoped the love interest or a slow-burning romance would emerge earlier in the book, with more focus on that relationship rather than the overemphasis on Hecate’s connection with her father.

*Thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Adele is struggling to pick up the pieces after her husband’s devastating betrayal. Not only has he swindled their company and deceived their friends and neighbors, but he’s also drained the family’s finances, leaving Adele to face an uncertain future. In a desperate attempt to secure a better life for herself and her two children, she must resort to bold and extreme measures. But what she uncovers in the process will push her beyond what she ever thought she’d be willing to do.

Enter Maverick Dillan, a daring YouTuber known for his extreme stunts. His next big project? A high-stakes game of hide and seek on a deserted island, with a massive cash prize at stake. However, Maverick’s past game, which ended in tragedy, looms over him. Can he shake the ghosts of that disaster, or will it mark the end of his career?

The premise of this book immediately hooked me, and I was intrigued by the concept of the abandoned building and the inspiration Unger drew from her own family trip. However, I did feel that the novel contained too many subplots that didn’t quite come together. I wished the story had focused more on the deserted island and the game show, with additional attention to the backstory of the main character and more exploration of her husband’s role in the narrative. However, the ending twists were expertly executed, delivering a sense of justice and wrapping up the story in a satisfying, neatly tied bow.

*Thank you to Lisa Unger, Harlequin Trade Publishing  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I am completely obsessed with this book! Tamsyn, the royal whipping girl, has come to accept the life she’s been dealt. But when The Beast, or Border King, demands to marry a Penterran princess, Tamsyn is thrust into a marriage with a man who stirs up a whirlwind of emotions within her. This forced marriage is the ultimate enemies-to-lovers tale. Jordan’s writing style pulled me into this world, and I never wanted to leave. I adored all the characters, whether they were villains or heroes, and the dynamic they brought to the story. Even though the spice was minimal, the love story between Fell and Tamsyn was both steamy and heartbreaking. And the ending… wow, I need more of this world and story right now!

*Thank you to Sophie Jordan, Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This was perfectly creepy! When Mina, a newly graduated child psychologist, is approached by a journalist during one of her grief counseling sessions, she can’t help but be intrigued by his offer. Sam has just wrapped up an interview with a teenage girl from a small town who believes a witch is watching her through the walls and he needs help from Mina to understand if Alice is truly being haunted. While others think the girl can communicate with the dead, Sam and Mina decide to uncover the truth behind what’s happening to Alice. Both have their own hidden motives, while they want to help Alice, they also hope that she might be the key to reconnecting with their lost loved ones.

I loved the eerie atmosphere of this book and wished it was longer. I do think it could have explored certain elements more deeply. More background on the town and its people would have helped set up the ending better. Additionally, it was difficult to connect with some characters since they were introduced abruptly without much development. If you enjoy the vibe of a haunted, isolated town with a touch of Midsommar, you’re in for a real treat.

*Thank you to Daisy Pearce, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

This book had me completely hooked. Grady Green, a down and out writer who is still reeling from his wife’s disappearance, is struggling to revive his career with little success. When his publicist suggests a peaceful writing retreat on a remote Scottish island, Grady jumps at the chance for some much-needed isolation. But once he arrives, he begins to sense that something sinister is at play. I absolutely loved the mystery and the gothic atmosphere in this book, especially how Feeney hints at an underlying lie that keeps the reader guessing. While the ending was a bit underwhelming, I still really enjoyed the book overall.