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booktrishandmagic's reviews
396 reviews
The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Last Room on the Left was a solid, gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The multiple POVs added an interesting dynamic, and I was genuinely invested in discovering what would happen next. The isolated, wintery motel setting was perfect for a chilling atmosphere, and I loved the suspense it created.
However, the ending left me a bit disappointed. After all the build-up and tension, it felt a bit flat, especially with so many twists throughout the story. I also found myself tiring of the "drunk, crazy female" trope, which is becoming a bit overdone for me.
That being said, it’s a great choice if you’re after a popcorn thriller with a locked-room mystery vibe. The cover is striking and definitely catches the eye. I wouldn’t compare it to *The Shining* though—that’s a bit of a stretch. Still, if you’re into atmospheric thrillers with plenty of suspense, this one’s worth the read.
A Girl Like Us by Anna Sophia McLoughlin
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A Girl Like Us was an engaging and thrilling read that I found hard to put down—so much so that I ended up finishing it in one sitting! The story was definitely a locked-room style popcorn thriller, full of suspense. While the pacing was a bit slow at times, and the book felt a little longer than necessary, it kept me hooked throughout. I did struggle to keep track of the numerous characters, and there was a bit too much drama for my taste. However, if you're a fan of domestic thrillers and enjoy a bit of rich people drama, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie
3.75
Midwinter Murder is a delightful collection of winter-themed short stories that showcase the wit and charm Christie is known for. With a wonderful blend of suspense, intrigue, and humor, this collection features some of my favorite characters—Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Tommy and Tuppence. Each story is masterfully crafted, with the trademark sass and sharp dialogue that Christie often weaves into her characters. While all the stories are thoroughly enjoyable, Three Blind Mice and The Christmas Adventure stood out as personal favorites. Whether you're a longtime fan of Christie or new to her work, this collection is a cozy and gripping way to dive into her world of mystery and murder.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
3.5
I didn’t fully connect with this story—probably because I don’t like children and have never been pregnant—but Grady’s writing is extraordinary. I devoured this book in one sitting while sick, which says a lot for me. It’s a haunting and beautifully written novel, though I was hoping for more… monsters. The intro note in my edition was stunning and even made me cry. While it wasn’t my favorite, I’ll read anything Grady writes. Fans of witchcraft and sticking it to the patriarchy will love this. A bit slow at times, but still an empowering and worthwhile read. Highly recommended!
And a huge thank you to Grady Hendrix for speaking up for those that had been silenced. 🫶🏻
The Couples Trip: A Novel by Ulf Kvensler
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I absolutely loved The Couples Trip! I devoured it from start to finish, unable to put it down. It consumed my thoughts all day, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it after work. @crimebythebook recommendation was spot on—I love a good isolated winter thriller, and this book delivered in every way. The chilling, atmospheric setting in the snowy mountains was completely immersive. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story filled with untrustworthy characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The use of multiple timelines added depth, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the twist ending threw me completely off balance. What a wild ride! The characters were so compelling, and I loved discovering their secrets as the story progressed. The book’s foreign setting made it even more exciting; I don’t travel much, so reading about other countries is always a thrilling escape for me. If you’re a fan of gripping plots, jaw-dropping twists, and a vividly atmospheric setting, The Couples Trip is an absolute must-read. Grab a warm blanket, because you’ll be flipping pages as fast as you can, and won’t want to put it down.
The Gifts of Cutter County by Audrey Zajac
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The Gifts of Cutter County offers an intriguing premise, imagining a future where another meltdown occurs at Three Mile Island and the world is shaped by its aftermath. As someone living in the blast radius, I found this element chilling and compelling, though the "radiation zone" fear didn’t play as central a role as I had hoped. The story leans more heavily on the dynamics of teenage emotions and friendships, focusing on the characters’ personal struggles and relationships rather than the survival-driven intensity of their isolated predicament. While this shift made the narrative feel more character-driven and introspective, it left some of the potential tension and stakes under-explored. Overall, it’s a great YA read for those seeking a light mystery with a focus on character development. It may not fully deliver on the post-apocalyptic tension, but it’s still an enjoyable read.
Dead Space by Kali Wallace
medium-paced
3.5
Dead Space delivers an atmospheric sci-fi murder mystery set in the eerie expanse of a space station. The writing shined, immersing me in its creepy ambiance and building tension as the mystery unfolded. While the pacing starts slow, it picks up in the second half, making for a compelling and enjoyable read.
The horror elements are a bit mild, which may not satisfy fans of more intense scares, and the queer representation, while present, feels somewhat underdeveloped. Still, the engaging plot and skillful storytelling make it a worthwhile experience.
Dead Space is a solid read, and I’ll definitely keep an eye out for more from this author.
The Bitter End by Alexa Donne
medium-paced
2.25
I had high hopes for The Bitter End—the chilling cover and eerie summary promised an atmospheric thrill, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver for me. The isolated winter cabin setting initially intrigued me, and the secrets held my attention early on. However, I struggled with the characters, none of whom I found relatable or redeemable. The ending left me unsatisfied, and the themes explored weren’t to my taste—I read to escape reality, and this book felt more like a harsh reminder of it. While it wasn’t the story I’d hoped for, others might appreciate the dark and heavy tone. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me.
The Cherished by Patricia Sarrafian Ward
3.0
With a gorgeous cover that immediately grabbed attention, The Cherished promises a visceral horror experience similar to Midsommar—but falls short of delivering on that comparison. While the book isn’t outright terrible, it struggles to find its footing between genres, leaving the story in a somewhat "meh" middle ground for me. The supernatural element comes across as more ridiculous than menacing, which veers away from the horror element, and suggests the story might have worked better as a dark fantasy. Readers seeking a truly thrilling or unsettling experience might find themselves disappointed, but those open to a lighter, genre-blending read may still find some enjoyment. Ultimately, The Cherished didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Dark Fantasy readers should definitely check this out, though!
Summer Camp for Slasher Victims by Matthew Mercer
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Summer Camp for Slasher Victims is a fast-paced, addicting read that slasher fans won’t want to put down. I devoured it in one evening and can’t wait for the sequel! Packed with campy 80s slasher vibes, it’s a thrilling and gory ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The summer camp setting perfectly captures the eerie nostalgia of classic horror, and the twists are as sharp as the killer’s blade. If you love slashers and don’t mind a little blood with your marshmallows (IYKYK), this one’s a must-read! 😆