Call Off The Dark: A Novel by Hallie Shepherd

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A haunting, atmospheric debut thriller with a love story at its heart, following a feisty young woman caught between her husband and a mysterious stranger who disturbs their off-grid life in rural Washington.

Helen and Tyler were soulmates, a couple with a storybook beginning and an enduring bond, until Tyler’s sudden murder shattered her world. Numb with grief and desperate for escape, Helen impulsively marries Wade—a near stranger—and goes off-grid with him to a farmhouse in rural Washington, far from her polished Seattle existence.

By day, Helen, who definitely wasn’t built for canning food and sewing dresses, contemplates setting her garden on fire. By night, she faces down insomnia and PTSD with her collection of poems by Plath and Poe—and daydreaming about her past with Tyler. But the routine of her “trad wife” life is broken when an unexpected traveler Isaac, Wade’s broodingly mysterious brother.

Wade is stunned—Isaac died in a horrific farm accident years ago—and he quietly insists to Helen they are in danger. Helen isn’t sure what to believe. Has Isaac truly come back from the dead? Is Wade manipulating her fragile grip on reality? Or is her mind turning against her? As her suspicions close in from every side, Helen must navigate a maze of secrets, grief, and uncertainty—where trusting the wrong person could be fatal.

A stunningly original debut, Call Off the Dark blends a heart-piercing love story, immersive psychological drama, and spine-tingling thriller, resulting in a multilayered, transportive narrative that reminds us of the magic in human connection and that our truest partners in life can keep us tethered to the world, even from the grave.

my thoughts:

Okay, so when I first started reading this book I had an idea of where the story was going and was not sure I wanted to keep reading, but then somewhere along the way I got hooked and could not put it down for anything. I fell in love with Call Off The Dark and wound up enjoying the book so much in the end.

Shepherd's debut novel is about a haunting love story. Helen and Tyler are true love and then something horrifying ends that love. Now, Helen is married to Wade and living off-grid. She's trying out the #tradwife lifestyle and hating every second of it. Plus, Wade is isolating her more and more when he doesn't bring her along on his trips into town for supplies. And, Helen's only friend is a young woman who visits once in a while, but never for long. Oh, and now Isaac has shown up - a man claiming to be Wade's brother, except Wade has revealed to Helen that Isaac is dead. So, yeah, life off-grid isn't turning out to be the escape that Helen was looking for after all. And, that is all I will share, because you MUST read this book to find out what is really going on and what will become of Helen in the end. 

I would happily recommend Call Off The Dark to anyone and everyone looking for their next Fall read - you are going to fall in deep with this one. The writing is terrific, the story is unputdownable, and the characters are unforgettable. This is a definite must-read! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Up Next is The Dahlia Suite: A Novel by Carinn Jade

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Up next on the docket is Carinn Jade's new novel, The Dahlia Suite. I love the cover and title. Plus, I think it looks like the perfect summertime read - makes me want to grab a fruity cocktail and sit by a pool, reading the day away. I'm definitely excited to dive right in and get lost in Jade's new book.

So, what's the story about? Well according to the blurb it's described as...

"In a riveting new novel from the acclaimed author of The Astrology House, three women come together to investigate a string of haunting disappearances in a tropical paradise.

When Paige arrives at Sueños, the Caribbean’s most exclusive resort on Beck Island, she’s eager to use the time away from her young son to shake off the writer’s block that has stifled her new career as an author.

Hollywood starlet Lindsay Law is on a mission of her own at Sueños: spiraling from a recent Oscar loss, she’s determined to find out why the winner in her category gave thanks to Mara Morgan, the legendary actress who owned Beck Island before her tragic death.

While Paige and Lindsay are drawn together by creative inspiration, Gabby, the resort’s concierge, is torn apart by the loss of a coworker and the mysterious appearance of a man from her past. Gabby still has the power to grant her guests’ most over-the-top requests, but she’s helpless against her own grief and confusion.

As the sun-soaked days of bliss morph into sinister connections, Paige, Lindsay, and Gabby are united by a shocking twist, and must race to untangle the knot of Beck Island’s mysteries before another woman vanishes."

How thrilling and suspenseful does that sound? A beautiful isolated resort screams TROUBLE, especially, when there have been disappearances. Hmm...and strangers drawn together always seem to lead to secrets and lies. Sounds like The Dahlia Suite is going to be one captivating and mysterious read - I can't wait to start reading!

Let me know if you've picked up this exciting new book and what your thoughts are on it. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Castaways: A Novel by Lucy Clarke

 

I'm a fan of Lucy Clarke's novels - they are always such a treat to read. Mystery thrillers that will leave you gobsmacked at every twist and turn - absolutely LOVE it every time! So, of course I was super excited to get my hands on an early copy of Clarke's latest book, The Castaways.  I dove right in and would not stop reading for anything - this story had me hooked right from the start. There was family drama, unexpected romance, betrayal, a plane crash, and an island - it was riveting and chock full of unpredictable moments. This book was fantastic!

So, what is the story about? Two sisters heading to their vacation destination. One misses their flight. The other one becomes a missing person when disaster strikes and the plane crashes. No one knows what happened or where it happened. We find out what happened from both sisters - the one who stayed behind and the one went missing. It's crazy, scary, and unbelievable all at once. And, that is all I will share about this riveting read. You have to check it out and find out what happened - it's a must-read! 

I would happily recommend any book written by Lucy Clarke - they are fun and exciting reads. So, I would definitely recommend The Castaways - you are going to LOVE it! 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

You Better Watch Out: A Thriller by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

From international bestselling authors James S. Murray (better known as "Murr" on the hit TV show Impractical Jokers) and Darren Wearmouth, comes You Better Watch Out, a suspenseful, serial killer thriller that leaves you wondering, is Christmas really the best time of the year? 

Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head. It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out. That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes. The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this highly entertaining and engaging Christmas horror story. You Better Watch Out is a fun and terrifying read - the perfect blend of mystery and gore. 

So, what is this story about? Well, it's a mystery and the whodunit is most definitely intriguing. Okay, so, Jessica went out for a run and was attacked. She wakes up to find herself in a deserted town. She's not alone. Five other people have also been attacked and are waking up in that deserted town, too. Her goal is to get out. The only problem is that people start to die. Yep, someone is out to kill them and Jessica has to figure out how to save herself ASAP. Whoa! How crazy and terrifying does that story sound? I know that I couldn't wait keep reading to find out who was behind all of this and why. Also, who would survive? Yikes! And, that is all I will share, because this was a fun one and you should definitely check it out. It's a fast-paced read chock full of horror - akin to a slasher film. I really enjoyed it - mainly because it's perfect for this Halloween season, although I would definitely read it at Christmas, too. It was fun and that is exactly what I wanted. So, I would happily recommend You Better Watch Out to anyone looking for an entertaining story - you'll enjoy this one. Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

Fatal Fudge Swirl: An Ice Cream Shop Mystery by Meri Allen

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A movie production brings drama―and murder―to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects.

Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn's kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.

But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?

my thoughts:

Cozy mysteries are my jam. I love them to bits! They are always such a fun treat to read. I was so excited to dive into Meri Allen's latest story, Fatal Fudge Swirl, the third book in her popular series, An Ice Cream Shop Mystery. I found myself indulging in a yummy sundae as I read the story - talk about a delicious combination!

Allen has created an entertaining story chock full of the usual suspects that go hand in hand to make a terrific murder mystery: a quaint New England village, quirky characters, a librarian/sleuth, an ice cream shop, Fall season - Halloween, a murder, and a best friend accused of the murder - yikes! How exciting does that sound? I know I enjoyed every minute I spend with this story. Loved it!

I would happily recommend Fatal Fudge Swirl to fans of Meri Allen and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Water Tower by Amy Young

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Josie Ashbury was a successful Hollywood actress with a booming career—until an on-set breakdown sends her back to her small Ohio hometown to recover. Taking a job teaching at her old high school, Josie is beginning to put the pieces of her life back together when one of her students dies under suspicious circumstances. The police close the case quickly, without any real answers. Josie is determined to find the truth behind the girl's death.

At the same time, Josie is battling demons of her own. As she faces debilitating insomnia that leaves her with gaps in her memory, she dives into the tangled secrets surrounding the investigation. When she finally unravels the web, she discovers that the truth lies much closer to home than she could have ever imagined.

my thoughts:

I love a good mystery thriller and Amy Young delivers with her new novel, The Water Tower. Wow! What a great story!

Josie was a hugely successful actress in Hollywood who suffered a breakdown on-set. In order to recover, she decides to head back home to Ohio. She takes a job teaching at her old high school and even starts to date a fellow teacher. Life is moving along. And then, she finds a dead body - a student named Amber. It is suicide? Or is it murder? The police are quick to close the case, but Josie isn't. She soon finds herself caught up in dangerous territory as she struggles to figure out what happened to Amber and what is happening in her hometown. And, that is all I will say - you have to read to find out the rest. 

Young has written a suspenseful and intriguing story that will make you turn pages faster and faster, eager to find out what happens next. Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Panther Gap: A Novel by James A. McLaughlin

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

The thrilling follow-up to the Edgar Award–winning Bearskin, about two siblings on the verge of inheriting millions but who discover dark secrets in their family’s past.

Siblings Bowman and Summer were raised by their father and two uncles on a remote Colorado ranch. They react differently to his radical teachings and the confusions of adolescence. As young adults, they become estranged but are brought back together in their thirties by the prospect of an illegal and potentially dangerous inheritance from their grandfather. They must ultimately reconcile with each other and their past in order to defeat ruthless criminal forces trying to extort the inheritance.

Set in the rugged American West and populated by drug cartels, shadowy domestic terrorists, and nefarious business interests, Panther Gap shows James McLaughlin’s talents on full display: gorgeous environmental writing, a white-knuckle thriller plot, and characters dealing with legacy, identity, and their own place in the world.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! I absolutely LOVED James A. McLaughlin's latest novel, Panther Gap. It was beautifully written and captivated me right from the start. I read the book in one sitting, because I would not put it down for anything - waffles be damned! 

Firstly, the cover. Wow. The colors and images evoke a 'Western frontier' atmosphere which I feel reflects the story so well. It feels retro and I LOVE that. After all the story involves a ranch in Colorado - how much more remote and rugged can you get, right? Nature all around. A simple life filled with quiet. Except, nothing is ever simple. Life, the outside, all that noise will always find a way in. 

Second, the characters. Talk about a damaged family. Siblings, Bowman and Summer, are estranged, eccentric, and so freaking fascinating that you can't help but want to get to know them even more.  I loved how polar opposite they were, and yet how similar they could be in some instances. And, the psychic/mystical element which Bowman exhibited was magical to read about. Everyone else in the story was icing on the cake. 

Third, the setting. Colorado in all its glory. McLaughlin's vivid and rich descriptions of the ranch, the surrounding land was excellent. I found myself easily imaging the terrain, the animals, the air, the wild feel of it all. It was mesmerizing. 

Fourth, the story. Oh, what a story. Like I mentioned earlier, a damaged family that lived off the grid. Bowman and Summer are raised by their father and two uncles and pretty much left to their own devices - they soak in nature and learn how to survive.  Throw in a drug cartel, money in an offshore account, dark secrets, and an environment that seems to be vanishing right before their eyes and you've got yourself one helluva story. And, did I mention the lost tourist and smugglers? Yep, this story has it all and let me just say it makes for quite an action-packed read.  Oh, and there are flashbacks throughout, which help provide a clearer picture regarding Bowman and Summer's relationship, their childhood, and how they became the way they are as adults. Plus, the ranch and land, add a texture to the story that creates such a strong  connection with the characters, making it an integral element to the story. I feel like I'm sharing, but not really and that's only because you need to read this magnificent story for yourself. I mean it. Panther Gap is unputdownable and unforgettable - it is a must-read for anyone and everyone! This is the type of book that reminds you why you LOVE to read. 

I would happily recommend Panther Gap by James A McLaughlin. I LOVED it to bits and am so excited to share about it. Definitely make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP - you are going to fall in deep with this book. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Drift: A Novel by C. J. Tudor

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

Whoa! A new book by C. J. Tudor was released earlier this month and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy. The book is titled...The Drift. And, it is AWESOME!! Think horror mystery chock full of twists and turns, suspense-filled scenes that will have you biting your nails, and did I mention that you won't be able to fall asleep until you turn that very last page BECAUSE you have to find out what happens. It is that damn good. I mean it, this book will hook you right from the start and won't let go until you get the very end and even then, you'll be thinking about it all long after. I know that I enjoyed this book and the way it swept me away to a freezing landscape, a horrific virus, and three groups of people trying to survive - what more could I want from a story, right? 

I LOVE Tudor's novels - they are eerie, entertaining, and unputdownable. She knows how to write a story that will captivate you and keep your mind whirling with all sorts of guesses about who did what and why. And, she will always surprise you with her creativity in the world of horror - meaning, she brings a freshness to the genre that is fun and exciting. So, I was stoked to read her latest book. 

I would definitely recommend The Drift to fans of Tudor and to anyone looking for their next thrilling read - you are going to LOVE this one to bits! Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP!

Beyond The Headlines: Clare Carlson #4 by R. G. Belsky

(Thank you to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

She was a mega-celebrity—he was a billionaire businessman—now he’s dead—she’s in jail

Laurie Bateman was living the American dream. Since her arrival as an infant in the U.S. after the fall of Saigon, the pretty Vietnamese girl had gone on to become a supermodel, a successful actress, and, finally, the wife of one of the country’s top corporate dealmakers. That dream has now turned into a nightmare when she is arrested for the murder of her wealthy husband.

New York City TV journalist Clare Carlson does an emotional jailhouse interview in which Bateman proclaims her innocence—and becomes a cause celebre for women’s rights groups around the country.

At first sympathetic, then increasingly suspicious of Laurie Bateman and her story, Clare delves into a baffling mystery which has roots extending back nearly fifty years to the height of the Vietnam War.

Soon, there are more murders, more victims, and more questions as Clare struggles against dire evil forces to break the biggest story of her life.

Beyond the Headlines is perfect for fans of Robert Crais and Harlan Coben

my thoughts:

Beyond the Headlines by R. G. Belsky is the fourth book in his popular Clare Carlson series, and it can be read as a standalone novel (thankfully!). Chock full of twists and turns, 70s history, secrets and reveals, family drama, murder and so much more - this book has it all! I found myself captivated right from the start and would not put the book down for anything! I had to find out what really happened to Bateman's husband and what information Carlson's deep dive into Bateman's history would dig up - talk about being riveted. OMG!

Belsky's writing is great! You can't help but get caught up in the chaotic lives of his characters and find yourself questioning their motives along the way. And the story lines - so much DRAMA! Beyond The Headlines makes for such an entertaining and thrilling read. I loved every second I spent with this book!

I would happily recommend Beyond The Headlines to fans of Belsky and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out!

Thank you to Oceanview Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Paper Caper: Bibliophile Mystery #16 by Kate Carlisle

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is back with an intriguing new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.

Joseph Cabot is a very popular wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt and now the man and his wife are friendly with Derek and Brooklyn. The friendship is helped along by the fact that Joseph is a big book lover and contributes lavishly to the Covington Library. His favorite author is Mark Twain (another newspaperman) and he’s underwritten the first annual Mark Twain Festival at the Covington.

As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be events all week, all around town, celebrating the time Twain spent in the city. But the biggest event is being run by Joseph’s newspaper: a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes! Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues all over their beloved city to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.

my thoughts:

What a fun and entertaining story! I just loved The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle. It's the sixteenth book in her best-selling series, Bibliophile Mystery. And it is fantastic!

It's the first annual Mark Twain Festival and everyone is excited! Brooklyn and her husband, Derek, will be participating at the event. There are going to be children's actives, demonstrations of re-binding books, and a look-a-like contest. Yep, the sponsor of the Mark Twain Festival, Joseph Cabot, wants to hold a contest to find his look-a-like. Well, he does and the two men agreed to switch places for the remainder of the festival. Except, murder happens and well, it looks like maybe the intended target is still in danger. Yikes! Brooklyn and Derek soon have their hands full trying to find whodunit. Whoa!

Carlisle has written a terrific mystery tale chock full of suspense and twists and turns. I just love the charm of the cozy mystery and found myself snuggling up with my copy on a rainy night. The Paper Caper was such a treat to read!

I would happily recommend this book to fans of the series and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

In The Dark We Forget: A Novel by Sandra SG Wong

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A jolting psychological suspense novel from an up-and-coming Chinese-Canadian crime writer about missing parents, a winning lottery ticket and the lies we tell ourselves in order to survive.

Some things are better left forgotten . . .

When a woman wakes up with amnesia beside a mountain highway, confused and alone, she fights to regain her identity, only to learn that her parents have disappeared—not long after her mother bought a winning $47 million lottery ticket.

As her memories painfully resurface and the police uncover details of her parents’ mysterious disappearance, Cleo Li finds herself under increasing suspicion. Even with the unwavering support of her brother, she can’t quite reconcile her fears with reality or keep the harrowing nightmares at bay.

As Cleo delves deeper for the truth, she cannot escape the nagging sense that maybe the person she should be afraid of...is herself.

With jolting revelations and taut ambiguity, In the Dark We Forget vividly examines the complexities of family—and the lies we tell ourselves in order to survive.

my thoughts:

Suspense and thrills at its very best! I LOVED In The Dark We Forget by Sandra SG Wong! What an exciting and entertaining read!

Cleo wakes up on the side of the road not remembering who she is or how she got there. She soon find outs that her parents are missing. Apparently they won the lottery and have since vanished. Say what?! Yep, a mystery to be sure. Cleo's memories start to tumble in and soon she is doubting her self and the people around her. 

Wong has written an interesting mystery that will have you guessing all the way through and enjoying every minute spent with Cleo. In The Dark We Forget is a must-read and will make the perfect addition to your summer TBR piles - check it out ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!