Remember That Day: A Ravenswood Novel by Mary Balogh

 

Historical fiction and romance - what more could I want? Mary Balogh's latest book in her popular Ravenswood series, Remember That Day, combines the two perfectly. 

Winifred and Nicholas are engaged to be married to other people and yet, they can't seem to stop falling deeper and deeper in love with one another. Yep, seems that there is trouble in Ravenswood and two families may be broken by an undeniable love story. WHOA! Talk about a riveting Regency romance. I absolutely loved getting to know the characters and seeing their love bloom and blossom. And, of course I wanted to find out if they would have their happily ever after. This was one book that I found to be a delight to read. 

I would happily recommend Balogh's books - they are always a joy to read. Make sure to grab a copy of her latest story, Remember That Day - you are going to fall in love with it and Balogh! 

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!

Rereading An Old Favorite

 

Don't you love it when a book stays with you long after you've turned the final page? I do. Reminds me that the written word is powerful and meaningful. Especially, when it resonates so deeply.  I loved reading Cleo Wade's book, Remember Love: Words For Tender Times in 2023 - her poetry and prose were thoughtful, inspiring, and unforgettable. I found myself dipping in and out of the book for days - I just loved it so much. So, I was thrilled to be gifted a copy of the new paperback edition - available today! 

Once again I found myself dipping in and out of this beautiful book, savoring each poem and passage. I marveled at Wade's writing; which is chock full of wisdom, warmth, and insight. I loved reading her personal annotations printed in her own handwriting - something new in this edition. And, the cover's facelift was the perfect addition - the simplicity of it, along with the color palette combined to provide a fresh new look. Remember Love felt like a whole new book this time round and I loved that. I found myself lingering over the lines of her poetry, and reflecting on my own life as I immersed myself in her prose. Reading this book felt special and helpful all at once. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, reading is a balm for me, and this book was a balm. I cried and smiled as I read this book; it filled me to the brim with emotions. I absolutely loved Wade's 'words for tender times.' Talk about a poetic classic. 

I would happily recommend Remember Love to everyone - it's a definite must-read! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP and dive right in. You are going to fall in deep. 

Thank you to Harmony Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Unfathomable Curse: An Undetectables Mystery #3 by Courtney Smyth

(Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A witty, witchy fantasy murder mystery packed with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles. When Cornelia’s twin sisters are taken by the Wickermere Reaper, Mallory, Diana and Theodore must race against time to uncover the buried secrets of the Broadwicks before it’s too late. Perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries and cosy crime by authors such as Ben Aaranovitch, Josiah Bancroft and Tammie Painter.

The summer after the events of The Undead Complex, the unthinkable finally happens – Cornelia’s money is running out. Estranged from her family, furious at her parents following recent revelations, the Broadwick heir finds herself living on her own resources for the first time.

Meanwhile two crimes are rocking the Apparent community. The Wrackton Digger is stealing bodies from the cemetery, and a new serial killer – the Wickermere Reaper – has emerged. But when the Reaper snatches their next victims – Cornelia’s twin sisters – she must return to her family’s home, and seat of the Ghoul Council, to conduct the search.

With their resources split, and a ticking clock on the race to save the twins, The Undetectables must do what they do best – solve the strangest, most well-hidden magical mysteries to save the people they love.

my thoughts:

Book 3 is out today! Hurrah! I'm so excited to share about this fantastic book, The Unfathomable Curse, in Courtney Smyth's unforgettable and unputdownable series, An Undetectables Mystery.  

Think murder mystery with magic - how intriguing doest that sound?! There are witches, vampires, and other magical beings throughout this story and they all make for quite the eclectic cast of characters. And the story itself is chockfull of thrilling and chilling drama - a grave digger, a serial killer, the Ghoul Council, and of course, the Undetectables; along with the usual everyday struggles in life - finances and health. Plus, the writing is top notch - it's smart, captivating, and emotionally moving. I loved it! 

I would happily recommend The Unfathomable Curse to fans of the series, but also to everyone else looking for a new great read - you can definitely read this book as a standalone. However, I advise reading the first two, because they are amazing and you won't want to miss out. So, make sure to grab a copy ASAP!  Happy reading!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Ghosts of Merry Hall by Heather Davey

(Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A chilling ghost story in which a mother and daughter move into a crumbling house haunted by the ghost of a girl who performed in Victorian freak shows, through which wind whistles eerily, floorboards creak ominously and things go bump in the night.

It's Laura Purcell's The Silent Companions meets Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things.

In the present day, following the break-up of a controlling marriage, single mother Nell moves into the crumbling Victorian Merry Hall with her teenage daughter, Fern. She's determined to make a new life but the noises, moving objects, and strange smells in her new home make her increasingly unsettled.

In the 1840s, showman Abel Wenham seduces Dolly, a talented albino girl and makes her the star of his performing collection of 'freaks'. But after she becomes pregnant with his child, he discards her and imprisons her at Merry Hall, where her only solace is the company of fellow performers Ada the Bear Lady and the Jack the Posturer. They plan to escape with Dolly and her child and set up in business, but Wenham has other ideas.

When Fern admits she, too, is pregnant, it seems as though history may be about to repeat itself. But is Dolly, just one of the ghosts that haunt Merry Hall, reaching out across the centuries to protect her own child?

Told in alternating chapters across two timelines – one in the mid-19th century, one in the present day – this page-turning gothic chiller is ideal for those who love The Whistling by Rebecca Netley, The Whispering Muse by Laura Purcell and The Wayward Girls by Amanda Mason.

My thoughts:

I love the book's cover - talk about holiday horror vibes, which are perfect for a spooky read during the fall season. And, of course, I love the sound of the story - a crumbling Victorian that has "creepy" emanating from the walls. Within the house we get two stories told in dual timelines - Dolly, a ghost who was forced to live at Merry Hall in the 1840s; and in the present day, Nell, recently divorced and trying to figure out her next steps, so that she can take care of herself and her teenaged daughter, Fern. This unlikely trio find themselves unraveling mysteries, battling an evil ghost, and searching for answers in the unlikeliest of places. All the while living in a haunted house. Talk about being ghosted! 

Suffice it to say, I really enjoyed spending time with Nell and Dolly. The Ghosts of Merry Hall is a fantastic ghost story! Atmospheric and entertaining, it makes for quite a thrilling read. I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone. You are going to enjoy this haunted house thriller to bits! Make sure to grab a copy!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

New Book: Acquired Taste: Chilling Stories by Clay McLeod Chapman

(Thank you Titan Books for my copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A startling, witty and downright terrifying collection of short stories from the "21st century's Richard Matheson" (Richard Chizmar, Chasing the Boogeyman.) Perfect for fans of Paul Tremblay, Rachel Harrison and Eric LaRocca.

They're feeding on you too.

A father returns from serving in Vietnam with a strange and terrifying addiction; a man removes something horrifying from his fireplace, and becomes desperate to return it; and a right-wing news channel has its hooks in people in more ways than one. 

From department store Santas to ghost boyfriends and salamander-worshipping nuns; from the claustrophobia of the Covid-19 pandemic to small-town Chesapeake USA, Clay McLeod Chapman takes universal fears of parenthood, addiction and political divisions and makes them uniquely his own. 

Packed full of humanity, humour and above all, relentless creeping dread, Acquired Taste is a timely descent into the mind of one of modern horror's finest authors.

My thoughts:

Chilling stories - what more could I want, right? Especially for fall - my favorite season! I am thrilled to recommend Acquired Taste by Clay McLeod Chapman - you are going to LOVE these dark, creepy, and weird horror stories to bits! Talk about a fun and exciting read!

I really enjoyed dipping in and out this book every night - it made for the perfect bedtime story. Except, some nights the story would spook me out and I had to sleep with the light on. Other nights I would gobble up two or three shorts, because I couldn't help but want more. Acquired Taste is such a great mix of short stories about hauntings, ghosts, trick or treating, and so many other unsettling situations - it truly makes for a captivating read. I would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out ASAP!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Tenants by M. A. Hunter

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

If walls could talk...

Looking after and tending to the needs of my tenants is what gives me purpose. Every day I go out of my way to watch over them and keep them safe. They're more than just paying guests, they're my neighbours, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure they're happy.

But when one of them is found dead in their apartment, everything I thought I knew is thrown into chaos. I always thought that danger only lived in the outside world, it’s why I’ve not stepped foot outside this building for 5 years. But I’m quickly realising that there is more to fear inside these walls.

When I inherited this building from my dad I had no idea about its sordid history. But as far as I'm concerned, no good comes from digging up the past. But with the police asking probing questions - about them, about me - and with my tenants holding secret meetings, I must uncover the truth before anyone else comes to harm, even if it means risking everything I've carefully built.

my thoughts:

The Tenants kept me reading late into the night and I enjoyed every minute I spent with the book. I found myself second guessing what would happen next, which I loved. M. A. Hunter has written a captivating and thrilling story about a landlord obsessed with keeping the peace in her apartment building. And I mean, she is obsessed. There are creepy passageways behind the walls of the apartments to spy from, secret meetings between the tenants, gossiping neighbors, a possibly alcoholic agoraphobic landlord, a dark history that taints the building, and a murder. Yeah, a lot happens and it is unputdownable. The Tenants is a must-read for anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this clever and eerie tale. Grab a copy ASAP and find out what all the fuss is about! 

Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Your Favorite Scary Movie: How The Scream Films Rewrote The Rules Of Horror by Ashley Cullins

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

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

From debut author Ashley Cullins, the definitive story of the Scream movie franchise, with dozens of exclusive interviews from key players and an in-depth exploration of the creation and legacy of the iconic films that rebooted a dying genre.

Its been nearly three decades since Drew Barrymore's iconic scream first pierced through the night, popcorn burning abandoned on the stove, blood soaking her beige sweater and blonde bob, but Scream is as popular today as ever before. 

In Your Favorite Scary Movie, journalist Ashley Cullins examines the history and making of the Scream films with behind-the-scenes insight from the movies' cast and creators (including gleeful descriptions of the backstage summer camp-like atmosphere, and producers threatening to pull the film's funding because early footage wasn't scary.... at all) and sharp analysis on how the movies' special blend of gruesome violence and humorous self-awareness completely rewrote the horror movie playbook.

Perfect for fans of Scream, horror movies, and general film buffs, this is the story of how a little movie about a ghost-faced killer terrorizing highschoolers overcame countless obstacles to become a historic success that still has audiences screaming over twenty-five years later.

my thoughts:

I loved Scream - it was such a fun horror film. And, I enjoy watching all of the sequels that followed. Yes, the films became more and more ridiculous, but I still couldn't help but enjoy them. They were a fun treat to watch - scary, but not really scary. Also, I love how they seem to make fun of themselves and somehow still add a freshness to the horror genre. The Scream films are definitely must-watch. So, when I was offered the chance to read Ashley Cullins new book, Your Favorite Scary Movie: How The Scream Films Rewrote The Rules Of Horror - I knew I had to say yes! A book about Scream - a definite must-read! And let me just say, I was right! This book is awesome! Chock full of movie quotes, behind the scenes details, and cast stories - this book is a love letter to the film and horror movies. It is the ultimate deep dive into the Scream franchise - a must-have for fans of the films. I loved it! And, I can't wait to send my cousin a copy of the book - she loves horror movies more than I do, so I just know she is going to gobble this book right up. Make sure to grab a copy of Your Favorite Scary Movie - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! 

Thank you to Plume and Dutton Marketing for my copy of this book!

The Tapes by Kerry Wilkinson

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

 

about book: (summary from publisher)

‘If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.’

Eve is clearing her father’s house when she finds an old cassette player and a box of tapes. Though grieving, she smiles at the spark of nostalgia.

One tape is labelled ‘Eve’ – in her mother, Angela’s, scrawled handwriting. She disappeared for good more than ten years ago.

The tape whirrs. A voice crackles. ‘My name is Angela’. Tears fill Eve’s eyes at the familiar voice, at the thought this message is just for her. But the next words make her heart pound.

‘If they say I’m missing, I’m not. If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.’

Desperate for answers, Eve has no one left to ask – only a box of tapes that could lead to the truth. But the more she listens, the more she realises she can never go to the police…

Because Eve’s mother had her own secrets. But what if her killer is still out there? And what if Eve is next?

An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller that will have you racing through the pages late into the night! Anyone who loves Shari Lapena, John Marrs or Lisa Jewell will be totally addicted.

my thoughts:

The Tapes by Kerry Wilkinson sounds like a terrific read, right? I mean, that summary makes you want to grab a copy and dive right in. And so, I did just that. However, the story itself wound up disappointing me rather quickly. I loved the idea of old cassette tapes revealing secrets to Eve about her mother. What I didn't enjoy were all the other little mysteries that seemed to crop up - they were too distracting and way too obviously connected to the secret on the tapes. Overall, this story was not my cup of tea. I just found the twists and turns too predictable. And, the characters were annoying - I didn't like any of them. As for the murder mystery, well, that was interesting, but not enough to stop me from skim reading. Oh well.

I would still recommend The Tapes to fans of Wilkinson - after all, you may enjoy the story in a way that I just didn't. To each his own, right? 

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

The Book Of Witching: A Novel by C.J. Cooke

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A mother must fight for her daughter’s life in this fierce and haunting tale of witchcraft and revenge from the author of A Haunting in the Arctic.

Clem gets a call that is every mother’s worst nightmare. Her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin is unconscious in the hospital after a hiking trip with her friends on the remote Orkney Islands that met a horrifying end, leaving her boyfriend dead and her best friend missing. When Erin wakes, she doesn’t recognize her mother. And she doesn’t answer to her name, but insists she is someone named Nyx.

Clem travels the site of her daughter’s accident, determined to find out what happened to her. The answer may lie in a dark secret in the history of the Orkneys: a woman wrongly accused of witchcraft and murder four centuries ago. Clem begins to wonder if Erin’s strange behavior is a symptom of a broken mind, or the effects of an ancient curse?

my thoughts:

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a freaking fantastic story! I loved C. J. Cooke's latest novel, The Book of Witching. We get past histories affecting the present day in HUGE and horrifying ways, witches, Scotland, family drama, and so much deliciousness, that you won't be able to put this book down for anything! I absolutely LOVED The Book of Witching to bits! 

Erin was on a hiking trip and now she's in hospital with burns and doesn't know her own mother. Her boyfriend is dead and her best friend is missing. Oh, and her name is not Erin, it's Nyx. Say what?! Yep, talk about a trip gone wrong. Clem, Erin's mom, is beside herself. She's horrified at her daughter's condition and what transpired on the hiking trip, except, what really happened? That is the mystery, because now the cops are wondering if Erin killed her boyfriend and hurt her best friend. And if so, why? Looks like Clem will have to figure out the truth if she wants to save her daughter, and fast. Yikes! 

Cooke has created a terrific tale chock full of mystery and intrigue that will have you reading late into the night. You won't want to miss out! Make sure to grab a copy of The Book Of Witching ASAP!

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

The Narrows by Ronald Malfi

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A creepy and atmospheric slice of small-town horror from the Bram Stoker award finalist and bestselling author of Come With Me. Perfect for readers of  Christopher Golden and fans of Mike Flanagan. 

In the aftermath of a terrible storm, the town of Stillwater, Maryland tries to recover what it has  lost. From flooded roads and houses, to ruined businesses—the residents of the town begin to  clean up and return to normal. 

In the midst of the clear up, people begin to see things. Matthew Crawly spies his father in thewoodlands above the Narrows, but that cannot be possible; Maggie Quedentock nearly hits a child  with her car, only to find an empty road lying before her; and in the middle of it all, Sergeant Ben  Journell is thrust into an impossible investigation. Animals are being slaughtered, their brains  systematically removed from their bodies. Something is happening to the town of  Stillwater…something dark and ancient and evil has its grip on everyone. 

The saying goes, still waters run deep, but no one in Stillwater is prepared for just how deep they  run, and no one can possibly be ready for what they might find when they reach the bottom of the  gray waters of the Narrows.

my thoughts:

My first spooky read for Halloween month is Ronald Malfi's, The Narrows. A vampire book without a vampire? Hmm...sounds intriguing, eh? Well, according to Malfi, that is the type of story he wanted to create and The Narrows is it. Not going to lie - I love vampire stories, so I was definitely interested in reading this one. Especially, since I wanted to find out how Malfi would go about creating a monster that was not your typical bloodsucker. 

Stillwater has just endured a horrible flood and are still recovering from it when they are suddenly riddled with murder and missing children. Say what?! Yep, the town has suddenly sunk into something worse than despair, it is a horror show - a nightmare they can't seem to wake from. Yikes! And, that is all I will share about this terrific tale of gruesome deaths, haunting visions, and vampire-like monsters. 

Malfi has created a riveting story that will grab you and pull you right in. I loved how easy it was to get caught up in the all the drama and horror surrounding this small town. I found myself easily befriending the Crawly family, Ben, and everyone involved in this terrifying tale. I even teared up when Dwight purchased a vampire mask for his missing best friend. Kids really can be the sweetest. And, I loved how one of the police officers was obsessed with horror movies and magazines - his take on the villain was that it could be a chupacabra. Oh, and small-town life was captured perfectly, especially a small-town that was dying economically - I could picture it all perfectly. Plus, the mention of the flooding reminded me of what just happened with Helene. Also, I live in South Florida, so I'm no stranger to hurricanes and flooding. Also, I loved that all the vampire knowledge they had seemed to come from the movies - that is just so relatable. LOL!  Suffice it to say, there are so many wonderful parts to this story and they made for a fun read. I really enjoyed getting to know the town of Stillwater, but I was happy when the remaining residents decided it was time to pack up and leave - I know that I would. All in all, The Narrows is a must-read, especially this fall/winter season. Make sure to pick up a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

A Wolff in the Family: A Novel by Francine Falk-Allen

(Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Based on a true story, A Wolff in the Family is a riveting saga of prejudice, passion, and revenge, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds. What mysterious scandals led a father to abandon the youngest of his children—and for the elder siblings to keep their shame a secret for eighty years? 

Frank and Naomi Wolff were happily married in 1908. She was a Kansas farmgirl; he was a railroad engineer. She was excited to embark upon her role as wife and mother with a hardworking man, and in their early years together they made a life in thriving Ogden, Utah. Despite Frank’s almost-constant absence for his job riding the rails, which left pretty Naomi to raise their children virtually alone, their romantic relationship begat fourteen offspring in eighteen years. Like other lower-middle-class women, Naomi’s life was consumed with caring for her brood, who became helpers as soon as they could fold a diaper—and who, by and by, were required to attend the school of hard knocks as much as public schools. Affection and struggle endured within the family, crowded into a humble house. Despite the respite of occasional family train trips across the plains, the marriage ultimately faced exceptional challenges, just before the Depression era began. 

What scandals led Frank Wolff to abandon his younger children at an orphanage far from home? And why did his elder children keep this a secret for eighty years?

Based on true family history, A Wolff in the Family is a gripping saga permeated with misogyny, prejudice, and passion . . . for fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds.

my thoughts:

Wow! A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen is an excellent read! Historical fiction with a bit of a memoir twist, this family saga is one for the ages. I mean it. This story has it all - secrets, drama, loss, love, injustice, and so much more. And it is riveting - you won't be able to put this book down for anything - it's just too damn good. I mean it. Once you start, you must finish and I mean, like you have to turn off your phone and just let yourself get caught up in the story. No interruptions, just reading, reading, reading...until you turn that very last page. It'll be worth it. 

I don't really want to share much about the story, because it is definitely one you must read for yourself. You'll want to experience it all as you delve further into this family's history. It's definitely an emotional and relatable story at times, so get ready to feel all the feels.  A Wolff in the Family is one book you won't forget.

I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

Thank you to She Writes Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Undead Complex: An Undectables Mystery by Courtney Smyth

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The Undetectables are back in a witty, witchy fantasy murder  mystery packed with ancient magic and fiendish puzzles, as Mallory, Diana, Cornelia and Theodore are hired to solve a murder on a TV shoot by the victim herself…

GREENLIGHT, GATEKEEP, GHOSTHUNT. Five months after the events of The Undetectables,  business is booming – but finding cases that call for magical forensic investigators is not. So when  Diana’s ex, Taylor, asks them to solve a murder – her own – Diana, Mallory and Cornelia can’t say no. 

Called to investigate the set of Undead Complex, Diana re-enters the world of TV-show prop making – even in death, the show must go on – where the appearance of a genuine-article Francine Leon  

dollhouse can't make up for the fact she's being pulled down a path of crime-solving she maybe doesn't  want to walk forever. Meanwhile, Theodore's coming apart at the seams – literally – in the aftermath of  their last case, and Mallory is running out of ways to help him. Especially as he seems to be keeping  secrets from her. 

As the clues – and the bodies – keep piling up, each one making less and less sense, the Undetectables find themselves in a new race against the clock to find out what, exactly, the killer is up to – before they  strike again...

my thoughts:

A creepy and slow-paced read, The Undead Complex is the second book in Courtney Smyth's An Undectables Mystery series and it is terrific! Now, I've never read the first book, so to be honest I didn't know what to expect. Fortunately, I was met with unputdownable writing and unforgettable characters. So, I loved it! I'm definitely going to read the first book and can't wait to see where Smyth takes these characters in the next book. 

So, what exactly is this story about? Well, it's about three witches working together to solve a murder. Except the victim may or may not be dead - her body was found murdered and yet she's showing up for work later that day...hmm...something is not making sense, right? Well, luckily the Undetectables are on the case. And what a case it is! Soon enough there are way too many clues and way too many bodies to deal with. Oh, and time is running out - yikes! And, that's all I'll share about this magical story filled with  twists and turns that will leave your mind turning in all directions as you try to figure out whodunit. 

Smyth has created a fun and smart series that will have her readers wanting more. I know that I can't wait to find out where this series will go next. It was such a great reading experience - entertaining and ghoulish at times, this book was a real treat. I'd definitely recommend The Undead Complex to fans of Smyth's writing - you are going to LOVE this series to bits! Make sure to grab a copy!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Hitchcock Hotel: A Novel by Stephanie Wrobel

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

 

When I think of Hitchcock, I think of The Birds and Norman Bates.  Am I right? So, when I was asked if I wanted a copy of Stephanie Wrobel's latest story, The Hitchcock Hotel, I couldn't resist. I immediately said, "Yes!" Plus, the book's cover hooked me right in - how could I not pick up a book with that cover? Oh, and the story itself sounded like fun - a hotel inspired by Hitchcock hosting a group of old friends keeping a secret from long ago - you just know that is a recipe for trouble! I mean, c'mon! Right?! Especially when the friend hosting the reunion is out for revenge - Yikes! Talk about old grudges.

The Hitchcock Hotel is a mystery-thriller horror story that is entertaining and fun. The characters are horrible - so unlikable that you really don't care what happens to any of them. And yet, you can't help but keep reading because you find yourself wanting to know what will happen next - I know I enjoyed getting caught up in the twists and turns. Plus, all the Hitchcockian references were such a treat! And, that is all I will share about this terrific read. Definitely check it out!

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

Gaslight by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard

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

 

Stories about cults are fascinating. The psychology behind these horrifying sects that brainwash people is both terrifying and captivating to read about. So, of course I was interested in getting my hands on a copy of Gaslight by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard. How could I not be? Especially when I saw the book's cover. Oh, my! I loved the pink and black. And those characters - that head! Talk about making a bold statement with that cover! Love it! Plus, a friend of mine loves the Pretty Little Liars series, which Shepard wrote, so I knew that I would be in for a treat with this book. As for the story itself, here's what it's about: (summary from Goodreads)

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sara Shepard and Sundance Award-winning filmmaker and podcast creator Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Gaslight is a tense thriller that dredges the inner workings of cults, the susceptibility of young minds, and the fragility of both friendship and marriage.

Rebecca is living a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her past is in the past and she does a good job of keeping it there, until her old friend, Danny, shows up on the doorstep one morning, throwing her sweet family life into turmoil. Danny is nothing but a reminder of what Rebecca fled all those years ago, and all the secrets she’s keeping from Tom. She tries her hardest to manage the situation and figure out what Danny wants, but all Rebecca seems to find are layers upon layers of deception.

That deception has a lot to do with ISB, the cult Danny has been part of for ten years; a group of spiritual seekers living deep in the woods, cut off from their families and friends, led by a charismatic leader who’s a master at manipulation and mind control. Is Danny here because she’s trying to break free from the cult? Or is she on a recruiting mission? It’s hard for Rebecca to know when Danny’s telling the truth and when she’s lying, but one thing’s for her presence might just blow up Rebecca’s life. As she scrambles to figure out Danny’s intentions, Rebecca begins to lose sight of the people she loves most—and the danger closing in on them all.

What do you think? Sounds great, right? I know that I wanted to find out what Danny was really up to and whether or not Rebecca would survive her past. Plus, I knew that we'd delve into Rebecca's life with the cult, ISB. I wanted to find out how she was able to escape ISB and start over. I wanted to know if Danny would disrupt and ruin Rebecca's new life. I wanted to find out what would happen to them in the end. Yep, I was hooked right from that book's cover - who wouldn't be, right? And let me just, whoa! What a story! It was riveting right from the start. I could not, would not put the book down for anything! I had to keep reading. I had to know what would happen next. I even found myself thinking about the book's title, the image on the cover, and the way the story played out long after I put the book down. Gaslight is just a great story. 

I would happily recommend Gaslight to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this one! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP! 

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

Hum: A Novel by Helen Phillips

(Thank you to S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster) for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

Book mail is fun mail when it introduces me to new-to-me authors. I was excited to get my hands on a copy of HUM by Helen Phillips. I love science fiction, and I knew this book would be right up my alley - robots, AI, dystopian cities, technology, climate issues, etc. I always enjoy reading about different worlds and cities where we as humans are living with all of the repercussions of the choices we've made in  allowing technology to become the main focus in our lives and livelihood; and nature is viewed as a secondary concern, almost like a last resort. Definitely makes you think about the future and how the worlds this genre creates are terrifying and we can only hope they never come true. 

So, what exactly is this story about? Well, here's the summary from Goodreads:

From the National Book Award–longlisted author of The Need comes an extraordinary novel about a wife and mother who—after losing her job to AI—undergoes a procedure that renders her undetectable to surveillance…but at what cost?

In a city addled by climate change and populated by intelligent robots called “hums,” May loses her job to artificial intelligence. In a desperate bid to resolve her family’s debt and secure their future for another few months, she becomes a guinea pig in an experiment that alters her face so it cannot be recognized by surveillance.

Seeking some reprieve from her recent hardships and from her family’s addiction to their devices, she splurges on passes that allow them three nights’ respite inside the Botanical Garden: a rare green refuge where forests, streams, and animals flourish. But her insistence that her son, daughter, and husband leave their devices at home proves far more fraught than she anticipated, and the lush beauty of the Botanical Garden is not the balm she hoped it would be. When her children come under threat, May is forced to put her trust in a hum of uncertain motives as she works to restore the life of her family.

Written in taut, urgent prose, Hum is a work of speculative fiction that unflinchingly explores marriage, motherhood, and selfhood in a world compromised by global warming and dizzying technological advancement, a world of both dystopian and utopian possibilities. As New York Timesbestselling author Jeff VanderMeer says, “Helen Phillips, in typical bravura fashion, has found a way to make visible uncomfortable truths about our present by interrogating the near-future.”

How awesome does that sound? I know that I can't wait to dive right in. HUM is definitely going to be a treat to read. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP - I'm sure you'll want to enjoy this techno-drama, too! 

Thank you to S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster) for providing me with a copy of this book!

Bound In Blood: Stories Of Cursed Books, Damned Libraries, And Unearthly Authors edited by Johnny Mains

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A chilling anthology of nineteen stories of cursed and haunted books; featuring  malevolent second-hand books, cursed novelizations, unsettling journals and the  end of the world. From award-winning authors including: Eric LaRocca, Charlie  Higson, Kim Newman and A. G. Slatter.  

You find it hidden in the dark corner of the bookstore; tucked away in a box in the attic,  desperate to be read; lurking on your bookshelf, never seen before. Crack the spine, feel  the ancient pages. Read it aloud, if you dare.  

This anthology brings together horror’s best and brightest to delve into the pages of  cursed books, Eldritch tomes and haunted bookstores.  

Featuring stories from: 

Adam Cesare 

Eric LaRocca 

Isy Suttie 

Charlie Higson 

A. G. Slatter 

Priya Sharma 

Lucie McKnight Hardy 

Alison Moore 

Kim Newman 

And many more!

my thoughts:

Creepy and thrilling, Bound In Blood: Stories Of Cursed Books, Damned Libraries, And Unearthly Authors is a terrific anthology that will definitely spook. Edited by Johnny Mains, this collection of short stories is chock full of horror stories about books and tales that will haunt you for days long after you turn the last page. Yikes! 

Just in time to celebrate the fall season, this book is just the ticket. Grab a cuppa, a fuzzy throw blanket, and settle on down with Bound In Blood. Make sure to leave all the lights on, because these eerie and supernatural themed stories will make you jump every time you hear a sound. I know that I did. 

I also enjoyed getting to know so many new-to-me authors because of this book, too. It was fun experiencing new writing styles and creative ideas this way - made me look forward to picking up my copy every day. I normally devour short stories, but I preferred dipping in and out of this one. Such a treat to read!

I would happily recommend Bound In Blood to everyone looking for their next great spooky read - you will LOVE this one to bits! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!