Jaws: Memories From Mather's Vineyard: Revised And Updated Edition by Matt Taylor

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

Wow! What a beauty! This large coffee table book will be released from Titan Books on September 2nd and it is the absolute BEST read about one of America's favorite summertime films: Jaws. Plus, it is the 50th anniversary of the movie - how cool is that?! 

So, what's in Jaws: Memories From Martha's Vineyard: Revised And Updated Edition by Matt Taylor? 

(summary from Titan Books)

The filming of Jaws was a landmark event in the history of both movies and the quaint New England island of Martha’s Vineyard, where the geographic isolation necessitated hiring 100s of locals to work as cast and unseen crew. Among them were many professional and amateur photographers with full access to the production. 

Memories compiles their photos and stories for the 1st time into a unique compendium. Movie buffs, SFX enthusiasts, and fans of Jaws will thrill in this definitive volume’s special features:

• Updated edition includes +100 new photos, most previously unseen and many in colour, new interview material with local cast and crew, and an Afterword by Wendy Benchley, wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley.
• Foreword by Steven Spielberg.
• 100s of previously unpublished photos taken by local participants and bystanders, and a detailed account of how the filmmakers chose Martha’s Vineyard as their shooting location.
• Recollections of local crew and cast, including Lee Fierro (Mrs. Kintner), Chris Crawford, real-life captain of the Orca, and Craig Kingsbury, the inspiration for Robert Shaw’s portrayal of maniacal shark hunter Quint.
• Newly illustrated schematics by Jaws Production Designer Joe Alves, explaining the intricacies of the revolutionary sea sled fin mechanism, and his original 1974 storyboards.
• Insight on adapting Jaws from page to screen from Screenwriter Carl Gottlieb, Location Casting Director Shari Rhodes, and more.

How awesome does that sound? A beautiful coffee-table sized book chock full of amazing photographs, personal anecdotes from cast and crew, behind the scenes details about shooting the movie, fascinating information about the famous shark fin, and so much more - who wouldn't want to read about the creation of one of America's favorite summertime films?  I know that I really enjoyed flipping through this book and reading all about Jaws. It was such a thrilling treat. After all,  Jaws is a must-see film, which makes this book a definite must-read.  So, make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to 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!

The Summer Reunion by Leah Mercer

(Thank you to Bookouture Publishingf or providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Six friends on holiday. A secret worth dying for.

In a gorgeous French stone villa, a group of friends reunite for a weekend of reminiscing and laughter. But as glasses of wine are poured, they find they aren’t alone. 

Standing at the door is a man the friends thought they’d never see again. With a ferocious storm raging and roads closed, they have no choice but to let him in. Instantly the dream weekend takes a dark turn.

Because someone invited him here.

Because someone has been living a lie.

And someone wants revenge.

But when the truth is revealed, will anyone make it out alive?

A totally addictive psychological suspense thriller that fans of Lucy Foley, Adele Parks and Sally Hepworth will absolutely love.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this book! It was such a fun and thrilling story! I found myself hooked right from the start. Leah Mercer's novel, The Summer Reunion was chock full of drama, dysfunctional relationships, shocking secrets, and unbearable truths. What a humdinger of a book!

Okay, so what's this exciting story about? Well, it's about old college friends vacationing together. Except, this group of six aren't exactly besties. Plus, they all have one too many secrets they are keeping - all of which could make or break their lives. Oh, plus, their kids are also joining in on the trip - so, that adds another layer of familial tension. And, did I mention there is a thunderous and rainy storm brewing and everyone in town has been warned to stay indoors? Yep, the whole weekend is a recipe for disaster. And, I loved reading all about it!

I'm not going to share what happened, because it is too damn good to miss out on. You have to read it for yourself. Plus, there are so many people and storylines to parse through - I wouldn't want to ruin any of it for you. The fun was in keeping up with what was happening to who and when - it was all thrilling to read about. The Summer Reunion by Leah Mercer is a definite must-read! Make sure to grab a copy and dive right in  - you are going to LOVE it!

Thank you to Bookouture Publishing for providing me with a book!

Deadly Depths: A Novel by John F. Dobbyn

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

 

Adventure mystery novels are my new favorite genre! I love the excitement and thrills that these stories provide - they make for quite a fun reading experience. And, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of John F. Dobbyn's new book, Deadly Depths. It was fantastic! Think Indiana Jones-ish adventure story - awesome, right? 

Okay, so what is the story about? Well, it's about a hidden treasure and a group of archaeologists who belong to a secret society called The Monkey's Paw. How cool does that sound? And if you need more information, here's a summary of the book (thanks to Goodreads!):

A notable archaeologist, close to finding a priceless artifact, meets his untimely demise— Matthew Shane vows to find his murderer

Matthew Shane is a law professor in Salem, Massachusetts, where he enjoys a rewarding mentorship with Professor Barrington Holmes, a well-known archaeologist. So when Professor Holmes is found dead in his office and the police rule it a suicide, something doesn’ t sit right with Matthew. He becomes determined to find the true cause of Holmes’ death and bring closure to his widow.

Matthew soon learns that Professor Holmes belonged to a group of notable archaeologists dubbed “ The Monkey’ s Paw,” who were all entangled in an expedition to find an unknown object of unprecedented historical and financial value. Each member had been given one piece of the instructions to find the object, but some of the men had encountered horrific twists of fate before the group could reunite to continue in their search. Joining forces with the remaining members, Matthew’ s quest for the cause of the apparent curse of The Monkey’ s Paw leads him on a global wild goose chase that culminates in a turn of events not even Professor Holmes could have predicted.

Exciting, right? I know I was intrigued by that summary. And, once I started reading the book I was hooked right from the start. How could I not be? I had to find out what this object they were all seeking was and I had to find out what really happened to Professor Barrington Homes. Plus, I loved getting to know Matthew Shane. And, I mean, joining forces with The Monkey's Paw - well, you just knew that was going to be trouble and adventure all rolled into one, right?  So, yeah, I had to read this book, and let me just say, I'm so happy that I did. It was truly a treat to read. I loved the excitement and thrills of Matt's search for the truth. 

Deadly Depths is a definite must read for anyone and everyone looking for their next great action thriller - you will LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to check it out! 

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

Talking To Strangers by Fiona Barton

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

 

about book: (from Goodreads)

Detective Elise King’s investigation into a woman’s murder is getting derailed by a reporter who insists on doing her own investigation in this nail-biting mystery from the author of Local Gone Missing.

When Karen Simmons is murdered on Valentine’s Day, Detective Elise King wonders if she was killed by a man she met online. Karen was all over the dating apps, leading some townspeople to blame her for her own death, while others band together to protest society’s violence against women. Into the divide comes Kiki Nunn, whose aggressive newsgathering once again antagonizes Elise.

A single mother of a young daughter, Kiki is struggling to make a living in the diminished news landscape. Getting a scoop in the Simmons murder would do a lot for her career, and she’s willing to go up against not just Elise but the killer himself to do it.

my thoughts:

Mystery thrillers are my new go-to when it comes to picking up a fun new read. I just love all the twists and turns, along with trying to figure out whodunit. Plus, the characters are always a bit sketchy and untrustworthy, which makes them even more fun to read about. Oh, and the murder mystery is always chock full of drama, suspense, and a bit of dark humor. So, I was really excited to get my hands on a copy of Fiona Barton's latest book, Talking To Strangers, her second in the Elise King series. It was such a great read! I found myself captivated right from the start and wound up reading late into the night, because I had to figure out what would happen next. And, I really enjoyed how Barton focused on three specific points of view to tell this story, which is more police procedural than action packed thriller. I felt like I was able to get to know these characters really well, which made me more invested in their stories and connections. I just really loved this book. Definitely makes me want to read more Barton. 

I would happily recommend Talking To Strangers and Fiona Barton's works to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in love with Barton's writing. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP!

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

The Unraveling: A Novel by Vi Keeland

(Thank you Atria Books/Emily Bestler Books for my copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

This chilling, sizzling, and addictive thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Vi Keeland follows a New York psychiatrist’s dark descent into dangerous obsession.

This isn’t a love story.

It’s a story about obsession.

After experiencing a terrible loss, New York City psychiatrist Meredith McCall feels painfully adrift. When she crosses paths with a man with whom she has a tragic connection, she follows him, sparking an unhealthy obsession with Gabriel Wright. How is he doing so well while her life is in shambles?

But when Gabriel walks into her office as a patient, seemingly unaware of who she is, she knows it crosses all ethical and moral bounds to treat him. Yet, Meredith can’t bring herself to turn him away and becomes further entangled. With her life and career continuing to unravel, it appears that things could not get any worse…until they do.

my thoughts:

Dark and twisty, that's how I like my psychological thrillers, and Vi Keeland's new novel, The Unraveling,  delivers, along with a jaw-dropping ending. Whoa! What an exciting and thrilling story! I absolutely LOVED this book! I mean it. I devoured it all in one sitting, because I had to find out what would happen next. Keeland's storytelling was on fire! Damaged characters that are fascinating to read about. Storylines that keep you turning pages, because they are so damn good. And, a whole lot of twists and turns that will have you gasping out loud in shock. Love, love, loved this reading experience! Thank you Vi Keeland!!

Okay, so what is this awesome book about? Well, it's about a psychiatrist named, Meredith McCall. Her family, along with another family have suffered a tragedy. She's feeling the loss hard, and so when she sees that Gabriel, a man who should also be feeling numb with loss, but isn't...well...that leads her to wonder...why. Of course, when he walks through her office door as a new patient, boundaries are definitely crossed. And, her curiosity is further aroused. Think obsession, stalking, and some steaminess. That's all I will say about this unputdownable story. You MUST definitely read it for yourself to find out what happens to Meredith and Gabriel. It is crazy good!! 

Talk about the perfect summer read! I loved it to bits! I will happily recommend Vi Keeland's novel, The Unraveling to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. Make sure to check it out ASAP!

Thank you Emily Bestler Books/Atria Books for my copy of this book!

Death At The Dress Rehearsal: A Lowe and Le Breton Mystery by Stuart Douglas

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Two ageing actors attempt to solve a murder after a body is found on the set in this witty, fun whodunnit, perfect for fans of Thursday Murder Club and Death & Croissants .

In 1970, on the set of downmarket sitcom 'Floggit and Leggit', leading man Edward Lowe stumbles across the body of a woman, apparently the victim of a tragic drowning accident. But there's something about her that rings the faintest of bells in Edward's head and, convinced the woman has been murdered, he enlists the help of his co-star John le Breton to investigate further. 

Crossing the country and back again during gaps in filming, the two men uncover both a series of murders in the modern day, and links to another unfortunate death during the War. As the body count mounts, Edward and John face a race against time to save the innocent victims of a serial killer...

my thoughts:

What a fun and clever mystery! I LOVED Death At The Dress Rehearsal by Stuart Douglas. It's the first book in his new series, A Lowe and Le Breton Mystery, and it was terrific! I can't wait to read the next book, Death At The Playhouses. 

So, what's to love about this delicious new series? Well...

1. I love the book's cover and the title - they both intrigued me. 

2. I love the idea of two aging actors solving murders - how kooky does that sound? Sounds like a right treat to me.

3. Cozy mysteries are my jam, so I knew I would have fun reading this book. 

4. I enjoyed visiting a BBC tv set and the English countryside as the two pseudo-dectectives threw themselves into their new job - investigators.

5. I love that the murder traces back to WWII and that it may connect to even more murders - meaning a serial killer is on the loose and our 'odd couple' duo must hurry if they want to stop any more killings from happening. Crikey!

6. All in all, I really enjoyed the story. It was just such a great read with loads of twists and turns, and fascinating characters. The writing was top notch and the story was riveting. I would consider Death At The Dress Rehearsal a definite must-read! Make sure to check it out!

And, now I'm off to continue reading Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson. Happy reading!

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

Bones Under The Ice: A Jhonni Laurent Mystery by Mary Ann Miller

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Jhonni Laurent is the first female sheriff of Field's Crossing, Indiana—and now she has her first murder case

Two days after a blizzard hits Field's Crossing, Indiana, Sheriff Jhonni Laurent discovers the frozen body of a high school senior under a fifteen-foot pile of snow and ice. Murder is rare in farm country, and this death marks the beginning of Jhonni's first homicide case.

Just as the investigation gets underway, Jhonni's opponent for sheriff from four years prior wages a bitter reelection battle to oust her. Then, Jhonni finds another body, and further complications arise when a century-old feud between two families reaches its breaking point.

Soon, a slew of newspaper articles causes the Indiana State Election Board to doubt her credibility. Jhonni must fight to maintain her reputation, keep the small farming community together, and find the murderer at large—all while demons from her own past threaten to crush her. Can she find the killer and mend her battered spirit before it's too late?

my thoughts:

I'm freezing just looking at the cover, which I love. Makes me want to grab a cuppa and settle down with this book - which is what I did. And, I didn't stop reading until I turned the very last page. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. 

Bones Under The Ice is the first book in Mary Ann Miller's new series, A Jhonni Laurent Mystery. Set in Field's Crossing, Indiana, we meet Sheriff Jhonni Laurent. She's the town's first female sheriff and is already dealing with re-election drama, along with her first murder case. What can go wrong, right? Well for Jhonni, it seems that everything is happening all at once. Not only does she have to figure whodunit, but now she has save her own reputation thanks to a reporter bent on wrecking her career. Except a new body is found, which means Jhonni has to find out if the two murders are connected. So much to deal with, along with some personal drama, too. Suffice it to say, Jhonni is determined to get the job done. And, that is all I will share about this riveting read. You definitely need to check it out for yourself.

Miller's new book is chock full of suspense, mystery, drama - all of which make for a terrific story. I really enjoyed getting to know Jhonni and the town of Field's Crossing. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

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

The Far Side Of The Desert: A Novel by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A terrorist attack—a kidnapping—the ultimate vacation gone wrong 

Sisters Samantha and Monte Waters are vacationing together in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, enjoying a festival and planning to meet with their brother, Cal—but the idyllic plans are short-lived. When terrorists' attacks rock the city around them, Monte, a U.S. foreign service officer, and Samantha, an international television correspondent, are separated, and one of them is whisked away in the frenzy. 

The family mobilizes, using all their contacts to try to find their missing sister, but to no avail. She has vanished. As time presses on, the outlook darkens. Can she be found, or is she a lost cause? And, even if she returns, will the damage to her and those around her be irreparable? 

Moving from Spain to Washington to Morocco to Gibraltar to the Sahara Desert,The Far Side of the Desert is a family drama and political thriller that explores links of terrorism, crime, and financial manipulation, revealing the grace that ultimately foils destruction.

Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Daniel Silva

my thoughts:

Whoa! Talk about an amazing action-packed story! The Far Side Of The Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman is riveting! Once you start, you won't be able to stop reading for anything. I grabbed a huge cuppa and dove right in. I didn't put my copy down once. I mean it, this book will grab you right from the first page and won't let go. It's that damn good.

Two sisters vacationing in Spain get separated during a terrorist attack. One gets kidnapped and brutally abused, while the other one searches high and low to find her. It's heartbreaking, frustrating, and maddening. Alongside this family's nightmare, we get politics, spies, smuggling, and terrorists - all of which make for quite a tense and thrilling read. And, that is all I will share about this story - you have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. It's a must-read! Make sure to get your hands on a copy of The Far Side Of The Desert by Joanne Leedom-Ackerman - you won't want to miss out on this one! 

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

March 5th release: The Inmate by Freida McFadden

 

Freida McFadden has done it again - another thrilling must-read! I feel like I am gobbling up one of her books every week - they are just so damn addictive! I can't help myself! The twists and turns, the shocking reveals, and the stories themselves - riveting!! 

This time round in The Inmate I was definitely thrown for a loop. I thought I had figured out whodunit, but nope, I was wrong and then some. Whoa! And, I loved it!

So, what's the book about? (summary from Goodreads)

A gripping, twisty thriller from Freida McFadden, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret ! There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men's maximum-security 1) Treat all prisoners with respect. 2) Never reveal any personal information. 3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates. But none of the staff at the prison knows Brooke has already broken the rules. Nobody knows about her intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the penitentiary's most notorious and dangerous inmates. And they certainly don't know that Shane was Brooke's high school sweetheart―the star quarterback who is now spending the rest of his life in prison for a series of grisly murders. Or that Brooke's testimony was what put him there. But Shane knows. And he will never forget.

How awesome does that sound? Like, the kind of awesome where you have to get your hands on a copy ASAP and devote your evening to reading it all in one sitting, right? That's how it sounds to me. And that is what I did and let me just say it was the right decision. The Inmate by Freida McFadden was fan-freaking-tastic! Definitely one of my favorites so far. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, especially fans of Freida McFadden - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

My obsession with Freida McFadden's books continues...

 

I feel like I can't stop reading McFaddens' books - they are just so much fun and the shocking twists she always includes are just too good to be missed. So, I am now on the umpteenth book of her's from my FMTBR list...Ward D. And let me just say, creepy is the vibe. Or at least that is what I am getting so far based on the little girl mentioned in the story. Of course, I am barely at the start, so who knows where this story will wind up going. All I know is that my evening is booked with Ward D and I couldn't be more excited. Let me know if you've read this one or any of McFadden's books. We can fan out together. 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend! Happy reading!

Another Freida McFadden book...OMG!

Suspense, mystery-thrillers are my jam. So, I was stoked to stumble upon Freida McFadden's books  - they are such fun, quick reads. And, they always have a crazy, shocking twist - which I LOVE. She recently posted a list of her books on her IG account and I have been crossing off titles left and right. The latest book I read was:

I'm not going to lie, the cover is cheesy and the title reminds me of a bad 80s movie. And yet, I was excited to read it. After all, each book I've read by McFadden has been a hit. 

So, what was the book about? A med school with a bad reputation. Turns out that for the past 6 years a student has taken their life. Rumors are rampant. Is it a curse? Is it the handicapped anatomy professor, who people suspect could be pulling a Keyser Söze à la The Usual Suspects film? Or is it something even more sinister? Yikes!

Well, I read the story and let me just say that it was fun, funny, and ridiculous all at the same time. There were times where I found myself laughing out loud, because I couldn't believe where the story was going. And yet, I enjoyed the ride. I actually liked it in the end. I didn't love it, but I had fun reading it. 

And now, that is one less title to read. The question is, which one should I devour next? Hmm...

Woo hoo!

 

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books I was able to get my hands on an advanced copy of Ruth Ware's latest novel, One Perfect Couple. The book will be released on May 21st. 

The story is about five couples sent to a beautiful island to compete for the title of the Perfect Couple, a new reality TV show. Of course, everyone has secrets and nothing turns out as expected. Let's just say Mother Nature plays a role in wrecking havoc, along with human instinct (good and bad) - yikes! 

How awesome does that sound?! I know that I'm excited to dive right in - I can't wait to find out what happens to these couples in paradise. Hurrah! A book set on the beach when it's 45 degrees outside sounds like treat to me. 

Hope you have a great read in front of you, too. Happy reading!!

Just finished...

 

Another Freida McFadden book to check off my list. Because, yes, I am reading all of her books. I am hooked! I love her shocking twists that throw me for a loop - they are what I keep coming back for! I have been gobbling up McFadden's books lately - they are my new vice - and LOVING it! 

This time round, a girl goes missing and the only suspect is her semi-boyfriend. His mom believes he's guilty. She's tried to keep this from happening for years, because she is convinced her baby boy is a sociopath. The guilt she feels is tearing her apart. And then...the truth is revealed and it shocks her even more. Whoa!! How exciting does that sound? Well, it was. I was on the edge of my seat and I guessed wrong, which I actually enjoyed. I love when a story can surprise you. 

And now, I'm off to continue reading A Bookshop in Berlin. Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday! Happy reading!

Up next...

I loved Never Lie, so I had to read more McFadden and chose The Locked Door. I can't wait to dive into it tonight! Let me know if you've read it and what you thought. Are you a McFadden fan? Which ones do you recommend? 

And now, I'm off to finish a project so that I can start reading ASAP. Hope you are having a wonderful day! Happy reading!

Currently reading...

 

I've just started and already I am LOVING this mystery thriller! Can't wait to find out what happens! Have you read any Freida McFadden? What do you think? Would you recommend more by her? Let me know.

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!

Just finished...

I read one last night and the other one this morning. They were quick, easy reads. Mystery thrillers with a bit of suspense. Oh, and predictable. I enjoyed the Feeney book more than the Griffin. Her story was more exciting and kept me reading late into the night. Griffin's story had me flipping pages faster and faster, because I was skim reading to get to the end. I should have just DNFed The Second Stranger, but I wanted to make sure I was right, so I kept on reading. I won't make that mistake again. Oh well, I won't like them all, right?

What about you? Read any good books lately? If so, I'd love some recommendations. 

Hope you are having a great week. Happy reading!

Currently reading...

I wanted something fun to kick off the new reading year, so I went for Lisa Unger's latest novel, The New Couple In 5B. It's a mystery thriller set in a historic NYC building and it oozes with creepy vibes - I'm loving it! The book will be released March 5th. And, I just know that Unger's fans are going to LOVE reading all about the Lowans. 

And now, I'm off to find out what happens next once Rosie and Chad move into the Windermere. 

Hope you are having a terrific Monday morning.  Happy reading!

Thank you to HarperCollins for my advanced copy of this book!

Whispers At Dusk: The Blackbird Trilogy, Volume One by Heather Graham

 

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

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

When darkness falls, there’s nowhere to hide.

Four bodies have been discovered along Europe’s riverbanks, placed with care—and completely drained of blood. Pinpricks on their throats indicate a slender murder weapon, but DNA found in the wounds suggests something far more sinister. Tasked with investigating, the FBI recruits Agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter to Blackbird, an international offshoot of the Krewe of Hunters. If you want to catch a vampire killer, you need agents who can speak with the dead. 

The pair travel to Norway, where the shadowy forests of Lillehammer reveal a gruesome scene. The killer is thirsty for more victims, and the bloodless trail soon leads Della and Mason to a group that believes drinking blood is the key to immortality. To catch the culprit of such an intimate crime, the agents will have to get close. Mason’s already lost one partner; he’s not ready to risk Della as bait. But sometimes justice requires a sacrifice…

my thoughts:

Heather Graham is back with a new series, The Blackbird Trilogy. Whispers At Dusk is the first book and it is a thrilling and exciting read. I loved cozying up with it on a rainy night. What a great story!

Okay, so what's it about? FBI agents who can 'see' and talk to ghosts. Yep, Agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter are tasked with heading up the Blackbird Team, which is part of the Krewe of Hunters. And, they are going international. This new case will have them heading to Norway to hunt down a serial killer 

who may or may not be a vampire. And, they'll need the help of the dead to capture the 'undead'. Yikes! How awesome does that sound? 

Graham has created a great cast and terrifying adventures for them to tangle with. I loved getting to know Della and Mason - their chemistry was fantastic! And, I really enjoyed traveling all over with them - talk about action-packed! What a fun ride!

I would happily recommend Whispers At Dusk to fans of Heather Graham and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this new series! Make sure to check it out!

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

Try Not To Breathe: A Novel by David Bell

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

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

An ex-cop sets out to find her missing sister and discovers the horrifying truth about her family...

A traumatic experience in the line of duty forces thirty-year-old Avery Rogers to abandon both her relationship and her position as a Kentucky State Police officer. She retreats to a college town where she works an unfulfilling job as a security guard, breaking up fights between drunken frat boys. 

But a frantic phone call turns Avery’s life upside down. Her father—a retired cop who never fails to convey his disappointment in Avery—says her half sister is missing and in danger. Avery is sure Anna’s just crashing with friends, but her father strong-arms her into searching for the sister she barely knows.

Anna Rogers is fed up with her family—a half sister who resents her existence and a domineering father who thinks it’s okay for cops to shoot unarmed civilians. She hits the road to attend a protest against police brutality, unaware of the danger that awaits her there. 

Just after catching a glimpse of Avery at the protest, Anna receives a shocking text. Now she’s no longer road-tripping; she’s running, pursued by an older sister she doesn’t trust and a violent stranger who has been stalking her for weeks. 

When Avery discovers Anna’s hiding place near a remote cave system, she risks everything to save her. Little do the sisters know that the past is catching up with them—including the explosive secret at the very heart of the Rogers family.

my thoughts:

Whoa! What a thrill ride! Try Not To Breathe by David Bell is AMAZING! It's a mystery thriller at its very best and it is unputdownable! Loved it to bits!!

Avery is an ex-cop turned security guard in a college town. She walked away from her old job and boyfriend after nearly dying in the line of duty. Now, she's just working and getting by. Until she gets a call from her dad - a retired cop - telling her that her half-sister Anna is missing. Avery thinks Anna is just hanging out with her college friends. But her dad convinces her to look for Anna. So, she hits the road. Anna is at a protest about cops shooting unarmed civilians. Little does she know that danger lurks nearby. And, that is all I will share, because this book is too damn good for you to miss out on. Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP. You have to read this gem. It is chock full of top notch writing, unlikeable characters that you can't help but connect with, and twists and turns that will have you flipping pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. Such a great story!

I would happily recommend Try Not To Breathe to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book!

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