momobookdiary's reviews
615 reviews

The Neighbor is a gripping and well-written read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and unsettling atmosphere pull you into the story, making you question every character’s motives. From the outset, there’s a growing sense of unease—not just about the new neighbours, Gary and Beth, but also about Kay, the woman keeping an unusually close eye on them. 

 

As president of the Homeowners’ Association, Kay takes her role as the neighbourhood watchdog very seriously—perhaps a little too seriously. She prides herself on being a friendly, helpful neighbour, but what she sees as kindness could just as easily be read as overbearing interference. She’s 

convinced something is off about Gary and Beth, but is she picking up on genuine red flags, or is her imagination running wild? Her husband, Warren, mostly humours her suspicions to keep the peace, but Kay becomes increasingly determined to get to the truth. 

 

Gary’s behaviour certainly raises suspicions—he’s domineering, often speaking for Beth and keeping a firm grip on their interactions—while Beth remains quiet and withdrawn, giving off ‘controlled wife’ vibes. Kay becomes convinced Beth is in danger, but as a reader, you’re left wondering whether Kay’s instincts are right or if she’s leaping to conclusions. Some of her assumptions had me cringing, but that only added to the intrigue. 

The suspense builds well throughout, and just when I thought I had things figured out, an unexpected twist turned everything on its head! While some moments felt a little far-fetched, and the tone occasionally leaned towards a cosy mystery rather than a full-blown psychological thriller, I was thoroughly entertained. 

 

Would I want Kay as my neighbour? Absolutely not. But did I enjoy the story? Definitely! 

Louise Hegarty’s Fair Play begins with an intriguing premise—a birthday celebration, a murder mystery party, and a group of friends navigating shifting relationships. Abigail and her brother Benjamin have always been close, but when the morning after the party arrives, Benjamin is found dead, and suddenly, reality takes an unexpected turn.

The novel starts off strong, shrouded in mystery and emotional depth. However, as the story transitions into a more traditional locked-room mystery—complete with an eminent detective, a butler, a gardener, and a housekeeper—the initial grip it had on me started to fade. While the book remains well-written and inventive, the shift in style and the introduction of additional characters made it feel less engaging for me personally.

That said, Fair Play is undoubtedly a creative and unique debut. It explores not just the mechanics of a murder mystery but also the hidden lives we think we know and the secrets buried beneath the surface of close relationships. For those who enjoy experimental takes on classic mystery structures, this book may prove to be a rewarding read.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Love Story That Stole My Heart and Shattered It in the Best Way

Some books come along at just the right time and completely consume you - What If I Never Get Over You is one of those books for me. I didn’t just love this story; I felt every single moment of it. 

From the instant connection between Ellie and Ash to the years of longing, heartbreak, and fate pulling them back together, this book held my emotions captive from start to finish.

Paige Toon is a master of writing love stories that aren’t just about romance but about the raw, messy, and deeply emotional journey of finding and losing someone who feels like home. I laughed, I smiled, and I sobbed—more than once. It’s the best emotional rollercoaster I’ve experienced in a long time, and I was utterly swept up in every joyful, devastating, and hopeful moment. Reading this book made me feel like I had sparklers inside me, fizzing and flickering with emotion, much like butterflies in my stomach. 💖

The way the story shifts between heartwarming and heartbreaking is brilliantly done. There’s a depth to Ellie and Ash’s relationship that makes you root for them, ache for them, and desperately need to know if they’ll find their way back to each other. 

I adored the settings, from the magic of Lisbon to the peace of the beautiful gardens and Welsh countryside. Ellie’s new job at Berkeley Hall, a privately owned estate on the Welsh side of the border with England, is described in such intoxicating detail—Paige Toon brings every square inch to life, filling the pages with vibrant colours, rich scents, and the sheer wonder of nature. The way the gardens mirror Ellie’s own journey of rediscovery and healing makes them feel like a character in their own right. The beautiful gardens are described so wonderfully that I wish I could jump in the car and drive to visit them myself.

This isn’t just a love story—it’s a story about fate, timing, and the kind of connection that never really fades, no matter how much time passes. It is, without a doubt, the most moving book I have read this year, and I know its impact will stay with me for a long time.  If you love books that break your heart and put it back together again, this is an absolute must-read.

Listen to Mother by LJ Smith took me by surprise in the best possible way. It’s unlike the typical psychological thrillers I read, yet I found myself completely engrossed. Rather than a fast-paced, hectic style, this is a calm, slow-burn psychological thriller—but the measured pace works perfectly for the Italian setting, enhancing the immersive atmosphere and sense of place. 

 

Set in Northern Italy, mainly Florence, the novel transports readers straight into its evocative locations. Despite the storm outside my window here in Scotland, I felt as though I was walking through the streets of Florence, surrounded by its stunning architecture and rich history. The writing held my attention from the very first page, making it a book I never wanted to put down. 

 

The story follows Lesley Hamilton, who has left her home in Scotland to spend some time in Florence finishing the book she has always wanted to write. As she settles into her new life, she comes across a dead body—but rather than reporting it, she walks past, stopping only to pick up a mobile phone from the scene. Unbeknownst to her, she is being watched by Paolo Bianchi, the assassin responsible for the killing. The phone is his, dropped in the chaos, and when he sees Lesley later discard it into the Arno, he is left wondering what she knows, how she will react, and who she might talk to. With the story unfolding through multiple points of view, we see how each thread gradually weaves together, even as the investigators remain in the dark for much of the novel. 

 

The characters were incredibly well-drawn, each feeling authentic and multi-dimensional. Whether innocent or criminal, their fates carried weight, and I felt genuine sadness when certain characters were killed - even when I saw it coming - because the author had made them so compelling. 

 

On a personal level, the slower pace was something I truly appreciated. I was on high-dose medication while reading and found myself continually falling asleep, despite my desire to keep going. Thankfully, I was able to read a good chunk each time, and I welcomed the measured, immersive storytelling, which suited my state of mind perfectly. It was a book I could sink into, without feeling overwhelmed by a breakneck pace. 

 

This is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page. LJ Smith has crafted a novel that blends psychological depth, crime, and a strong sense of place beautifully. If you love psychological thrillers with immersive writing and layered characters, this is one to add to your list.  Highly recommended!

🔥 GD Wright has done it again! After being completely hooked by his debut, After The Storm, which I devoured in 24 hours, I was beyond excited to see Into the Fire available for request on NetGalley. I jumped at the chance and was thrilled to be granted permission as an ARC reader!

From the very first page, I was completely engrossed. This is one of those books where you tell yourself, just one more chapter, and suddenly you’ve read half the book in one sitting. The pacing is relentless, with tension simmering in every chapter, and the deeper I got into the story, the harder it became to put down.

Steve is such a compelling and well-drawn character. What struck me most was how real he felt—he’s just an ordinary man trying to be a good husband and father, someone you could easily know in real life. His actions, his emotions, and the weight of his past all felt so authentic that I found myself fully invested in his journey. I could feel his desperation, his fear, and his determination as his world started to crumble around him. It was impossible not to root for him, even as the questions about his past began to surface.

The storytelling is masterful. GD Wright knows exactly how to layer the tension, feeding just enough details to keep you constantly on edge. At times, I felt my heart racing, desperate to know what would happen next. There’s a real emotional depth to this book that elevates it beyond a standard thriller—it’s not just about the twists (though they are brilliant!), but about the people at the heart of the story.

And then, that moment. The moment where my mind just screamed. I did not see it coming. The most heartbreaking lines of the story hit me so hard that I had to read them again just to fully absorb what was happening. It was utterly devastating, and the sheer impact of it left me reeling. Wright’s writing is indescribable—just when you think a thriller can’t possibly break your heart more, he delivers a scene so intense, so horrifying, that it takes your breath away.

By the time I reached the final chapters, I was completely on edge. The intensity, the emotions, and the sheer brilliance of the storytelling left me in awe. Wright has an incredible talent for making you feel every moment, and I know this book will stay with me for a long time.

With Into the Fire, GD Wright cements himself as a must-read author in the thriller genre. He’s now firmly on my will read anything list, and I cannot wait to see what he writes next. If you love gripping, character-driven thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this one is an absolute must-read!

A thrilling, twist-filled mystery that keeps you guessing! You Are Fatally Invited is an atmospheric and intricately woven suspense novel that lures you in with its irresistible premise and slowly tightens its grip, delivering a chilling experience. 

 

Six bestselling thriller authors, all eager for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, accept an exclusive invitation to a secluded retreat on a private island. Their host? The legendary yet enigmatic J.R. Alastor—an author whose books are known worldwide, but whose identity remains a mystery. Assisting in the retreat’s execution is Mila del Angél, a woman with her own hidden motives and a past she can’t escape. But what starts as a literary getaway soon turns into a terrifying game of survival when one of the guests turns up dead. Trapped, isolated, and unsure who to trust, the remaining authors must confront their deepest secrets—because in this game, fiction and reality blur, and the price of a wrong move could be fatal. 

 

The novel does a fantastic job of building tension, layering suspicion upon suspicion. The setting—a creepy, storm-lashed mansion on a remote island—adds a sinister edge, heightening the claustrophobic, inescapable dread that seeps through every page. The authors, each successful in their own right, bring unique personalities, egos, and secrets to the table, making for an explosive dynamic as suspicions rise and alliances fracture. It’s clear from the outset that everyone has something to hide, and Ande Pliego masterfully peels back those layers, keeping the reader constantly on edge. 

 

The multiple POVs add depth to the story, but at times, they made it difficult to keep track of who was who. I found myself needing to take notes to stay on top of the shifting perspectives, and while this complexity adds to the novel’s immersive nature, it also made certain sections feel a little dense. I was extremely grateful to have a physical copy in hand, as I don’t think I would have been able to follow as easily on a device. 

 

Even with the complexity, the story maintains a strong pace, building tension gradually while allowing key moments the space they need to land with impact. There’s an almost cinematic quality to the way the story unfolds—each twist hitting at just the right time, each reveal pulling you deeper into the mystery. And just when you think you have a handle on what’s happening, the novel pulls the rug right out from under you. More than just a suspense thriller, You Are Fatally Invited flirts with horror elements, making for an unsettling and truly gripping read. 

 

If there was one aspect that didn’t quite land for me, it was the ending. While the final twists were unexpected and well-executed, the resolution felt a little too neat given the bloodshed and chaos that preceded it. After so much tension and retribution, everything was tied up almost too cleanly, leaving me wanting just a bit more in terms of emotional fallout. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment—I still found it to be an exciting, cleverly crafted thriller. 

 

For fans of locked-room mysteries, dark academia-style intrigue, and unsettling psychological suspense, You Are Fatally Invited delivers in spades. It’s an immersive, twisty, and atmospheric read that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Who Can You Trust When Everyone Is Lying?

Emily Shiner delivers a gripping psychological thriller with The Nanny Share — a fast-paced, intricately plotted read packed with deception, secrets, and twists that will keep you turning the pages. 

 

From the very first page, I was captivated by the story’s setting: the exclusive, gated community of Blackwood, where two four-year-old girls mysteriously vanish, and every character seems to be hiding something behind a carefully crafted facade. 

 

The writing is exceptionally strong, and the world-building draws you deeply into this unsettling universe. Shiner masterfully creates a tense atmosphere where trust is a rare commodity. In this world, everyone is lying, and no one is truly likable. Yet, this very flaw in her characters makes them all the more compelling. They are flawed, deceitful, and tangled in a complex web of secrets that only deepens as the plot unfolds. The tension builds beautifully, with every chapter ratcheting up the suspense until the jaw-dropping conclusion. 

 

What I found particularly impressive was the intricate layering of the narrative. The story constantly challenges your assumptions, leaving you uncertain about who is really in control. At times, I wasn’t even sure who was spying on whom, as the layers of deception intertwined in a way that both confounded and fascinated me. The relentless pace and cleverly plotted twists ensure that you remain engaged, even when the sheer amount of lying, cheating, and manipulation becomes overwhelming. 

 

Despite the unsettling themes, the book is brilliantly crafted and utterly addictive. The vivid descriptions of Blackwood, paired with the tension-filled interactions between characters, create an immersive reading experience. It’s a story that not only entertains but also makes you reflect on the nature of trust and the complexities of human relationships. 

 

The Nanny Share is a well-written, twisty thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy psychological thrillers where every page is steeped in secrets and mind games, then this is one to add to your list. While the abundance of deceit left me with a slightly unsettled aftertaste, it’s clear that Shiner’s talent for storytelling is undeniable. Emily Shiner has cemented her place as an author I will eagerly read again, and this book is a testament to her ability to create narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling.

Eight Years of Lies by Lisa Hall is a psychological thriller that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The story begins with Claire’s ordinary morning taking a shocking turn when she spots a missing persons ad on Facebook. The plea reads, “Have you seen my missing husband and daughter?” — but it’s the photograph that freezes her in her tracks. It’s her husband, Tom, and their seven-year-old daughter, Isla. 

Unable to reach Tom throughout the day and left reeling when he fails to collect Isla from school, Claire’s worry turns into a full-blown nightmare. As she delves into his disappearance, the unsettling truth slowly unravels: the man she has loved for eight years is not who she thought he was. Their entire life together has been built on a web of lies. 

 

Lisa Hall crafts this story with a masterful touch, blending suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists. While I’m often wary of thrillers that promise a “shattering final twist,” this one truly delivers. Hall’s writing kept me from jumping ahead or second-guessing the plot—each chapter pulled me deeper into the story, with pacing that felt just right. 

 

The characters felt authentic and multifaceted. I found myself sympathising with Claire, even when her own actions had contributed to the unfolding chaos. The mix of empathy and frustration I felt toward her is a testament to Hall’s ability to create layered, believable characters. 

The world-building was vivid and immersive, with a strong sense of place that allowed each scene to play out clearly in my mind. As Claire’s life unraveled, I felt the tension rise, and by the time the truth was revealed, I was fully invested in the outcome. 

 

Overall, Eight Years of Lies is a gripping and well-crafted psychological thriller. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories filled with secrets, deception, and the unsettling realisation that you might not know the person sleeping beside you. 

 

I highly recommend this one—you won’t want to put it down! 

Freya Wallace delivers an outstanding start to a new crime thriller series with Hollow Ground, introducing readers to DI Jacob Knox in a gripping, atmospheric mystery set against the eerie backdrop of Dartmoor. 

From the very first page, this book pulled me in. The writing is incredibly well-crafted, making for an easy yet immersive read. The story flows seamlessly, striking the perfect balance between suspense, character depth, and investigative detail. Knox is a compelling lead—his past hardships and the personal issues he is currently dealing with add layers to his character, making him instantly intriguing. I love that this is the first book in a series because I’m already eager to follow his journey and see how he develops in future books. 

The mystery at the heart of Hollow Ground is expertly woven, keeping me guessing until the very end. Sophie Parsons’ disappearance, which occurs six months after another lone woman, Rachel, vanished while walking Dartmoor, is more than just a missing person case; it’s a tangle of secrets, relationships, and the ever-present whispers of Dartmoor’s chilling legends. There are similarities between both cases—including DI Knox—which raises the question: could they be linked? Wallace does a fantastic job blending the psychological with the procedural, making every revelation feel both shocking and completely plausible. 

One of the standout aspects of the book is the investigative team. The cast of officers involved in the case is just right—not too many to be overwhelming, but enough to feel authentic. Each officer is well-drawn, with enough detail to make them feel distinct and real. Their interactions and teamwork added to the novel’s realism and kept me fully engaged. 

I also loved the setting. The stark, rugged beauty of Dartmoor is brought to life in a way that feels almost cinematic, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to the novel. The descriptions of DI Knox’s early morning walks on the beach were a particular highlight—such a brilliant touch that made his character feel even more grounded and relatable. 

With a perfectly paced plot, a deeply satisfying conclusion, and an exciting protagonist, Hollow Ground is a stellar debut for DI Jacob Knox. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next! 

A Thoughtful and Immersive Reflection on Love, Loss, and Redemption 

 

Late Venetian by G.N. Lawson is a slow-paced yet immersive novel that unfolds like a memoir, offering a reflective journey through the lives of Teddy and Laura. Through alternating perspectives, the story explores their complex history—both together and apart—revealing how past choices and betrayals have shaped their futures. 

 

Although the novel begins and ends in Venice, much of the narrative unfolds elsewhere—primarily in England—adding depth to the characters' journeys. The descriptive prose brings each setting to life, whether it’s the grandeur of the art world or the quieter moments of personal reflection. Themes of love, regret, and redemption are woven throughout, making for a contemplative and layered read. 

 

While the plot involves deception in the art world, the novel leans more toward introspection than suspense. The slower pacing feels fitting, allowing the emotional weight of the story to fully settle. 

 

For those expecting a fast-paced crime novel, Late Venetian may not be the perfect fit. However, readers who enjoy richly developed characters and deeply reflective storytelling will find much to appreciate in its beautifully written prose.