Review: The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish

Goodreads Blurb

It all happens so quickly. One day you’re living the dream, commuting to work by ferry with your charismatic neighbor Kit in the seat beside you. The next, Kit hasn’t turned up for the boat and his wife, Melia, has reported him missing.

When you get off at your stop, the police are waiting. Another passenger saw you and Kit arguing on the boat home the night before and the police say that you had a reason to want him dead. You protest. You and Kit are friends—ask Melia, she’ll vouch for you. And who exactly is this other passenger pointing the finger? What do they know about your lives?

No, whatever danger followed you home last night, you are innocent, totally innocent.

Aren’t you?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Louise never disappoints. Another fantastic thriller. She had me going left, while the whole story was going right. She writes such twisted thrillers that you suspect you know what is going on, but later on you find out, you are so wrong. A twisted story of a love triangle filled with so many secrets, so much uncertainty, all for the power of money. Having money is power and some just know how to manipulate a persons feelings, while blindsiding them with your hidden agenda.

The plot was well thought out and beautifully written. The characters worked so well together. The story is so twisted that you just don’t see the deception coming. Each character is portrayed as they have a secret in Kit’s disappearance. Will Kit be found safe and sound or will the plot keep twisting? Check out this thrilling story and also check out Louise’s other books. You won’t be disappointed.

Author Biography

‘A superb thriller’ Washington Post on OUR HOUSE

Hello! I’m the author of 14 novels, including my latest release THE OTHER PASSENGER, a dark thriller about envy and deception set on the Thames river buses. It is a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and has been longlisted for the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2021.

OUR HOUSE, a #1 bestseller in paperback, ebook and audio and won the British Book Awards 2019 Book of the Year – Crime & Thriller and will soon be on our screens as a major ITV series made by Red Planet Pictures.

Before writing fiction, I studied English at University College London and worked as an illustrated book editor and advertising copywriter.

I live in a South London neighborhood not unlike the one in my novels with my husband, teenage daughter, and our fox-red Labrador Bertie. Follow me on Twitter at @louise_candlish, Instagram @louisecandlish, or facebook.com/LouiseCandlishAuthor. I’d love to hear what you think of my books.

Review: An Ambush of Widows by Jeff Abbott

Goodreads Blurb

In New York Times bestselling author Jeff Abbott’s latest novel of riveting psychological suspense, an uneasy alliance forms as two widows delve into their husbands’ deadly and dangerous secrets—as they try to protect their own.

Henry North is a down-on-his-luck cybersecurity expert from New Orleans. Adam Zhang is the cofounder of one of Austin’s most successful venture capitalist firms. These two men didn’t know each other. They had never met. Yet they died together, violently, in a place neither had any business being.

When Henry doesn’t return from a business trip, his wife, Kirsten, panics—and then gets an anonymous phone call: “Your husband is dead in Austin.”

Flora Zhang knew her husband was keeping secrets. She suspected an affair, but she had decided she could forgive him for his weakness—until her husband ended up dead. And with no explanation for her husband’s murder, the police begin to suspect her.

Together, these two widows will face a powerful foe determined to write a false narrative about the murders. In doing so, neither Flora nor Kirsten will remain the women the world thought they were.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

A thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Don’t underestimate the widows. Kirsten and Flora both lost their husbands tragically. They work together to find who killed their husbands. What they find will unveil the hidden secrets of revenge a family has against Kirsten, her husband Henry and Zach her adoptive brother. This story starts off with a rollercoaster ride that will keep you looping in circles, while unraveling the true killers and their motives. This story has a great plot with characters that are perfect at keeping secrets from each other. I love that two widows sleuth around town looking for answers that not even the cops can find. I was happy that the story seems like it will continue as the two main characters hope to work together and revenge from another widow will arise when the time is right. Perfect thriller to keep you wanting more.

Author Biography

Jeff Abbott (born 1963) is a U.S. suspense novelist. He has a degree in History and English from Rice University. He lives in Austin, Texas. His early novels were traditional detective fiction but in recent years he has turned to writing thriller fiction. A theme of his work is the idea of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary danger and fighting to return to their normal lives. His novels are published in several countries and have also been bestsellers in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and France.

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Pretty Savage by T.A. Kunz

BOOK DETAILS:
Pretty Savage
by T.A. Kunz
Publication date: July 13th 2021
Genres: LGBTQ+, Thriller, Young Adult

Synopsis:

“An intriguing mystery, Pretty Savage is a tension packed, wild journey with engrossing characters. A true page turner.” – #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Bad things never happen in the picturesque town of Haddon Falls … until now.

It all starts with a killer party.

It will end with a savage crime spree.

Seniors Donovan Walsh and Drea Sullivan attend a high school party for very different reasons. But after discovering the body of one of their classmates, they find themselves thrust into the same waking nightmare. From that moment, their lives become intertwined in a search for answers to questions they never should have asked.

As bodies pile high, the unlikely pair dig into Haddon Falls’ past and uncover secrets someone would kill to keep hidden. In a small town where every face is friendly and every door unlocked, Donovan and Drea must unravel who is an ally … and who is willing to bury them-and the truth-six feet under.

“Pretty Savage is a gripping, fast-paced YA thriller featuring a savvy gay male protagonist and his kick-ass female counterpart! Readers who love hints of horror with a blood spatter of romance mixed with page-turning mystery will be left gasping by this wicked masterpiece by T.A. Kunz.” -Bestselling and award winning author Raine ThomasGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58422975-pretty-savage

AUTHOR BIO:

T.A. Kunz is the pen name for Adam Kunz, who lives in Orlando, Florida. And unfortunately a lot of the rumors you’ve heard about his state are true. When he’s not writing, Adam spends his time reading, playing video games, watching anime and Korean dramas, and spending time with his partner while cuddling with their two dogs, Nicky and Rusty. Since childhood, he’s had a great fondness for reading and writing. His fiction genres of choice are eclectic, but mainly are in the YA, MG, and NA categories. So, it was no surprise when he decided to write his own books that he’d be a grab bag kind of author in terms of story ideas. And he just loves mashing up genres. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Adam advocates strongly for diverse representation in all media. He may or may not have a coffee addiction, the jury’s still out on that one. And his hands-down favorite holiday is Halloween, which holds a very special place in Adam’s heart.

Author links:http://authortakunz.com/https://www.instagram.com/authorkunz/

Giveaway Link: Closes in two hours https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251234383/

Review: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Goodreads Blurb

Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.

Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.

Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The people you love and you feel safe with, can sometimes be the ones that will tear your heart apart. Mariana with her many losses will not see what is coming right at her. Mariana receives a call from her niece Zoe, because one of her friends was found dead. Mariana decides to investigate the murder and un-masquerade professor Edward Fosca, who Mariana believes is the murderer. Prof. Fosca is fascinated with Greek Tragedy. The maidens who are a group of elite privileged girls are the ones that are being murdered and who also have a very close relationship with Prof. Fosca.

As you read the story you will think that the murders can either be caused by a Greek goddess just like Mariana believed is how her husband was killed, you start wondering that it’s Prof. Fosca or Mariana’s new found friend, Fred. Alex will keep your mind spinning trying to make it so obvious that it must be Prof. Fosca, but what lurks in the dark will you leave you stunned. You will find out that Mariana herself was living a Greek Tragedy one that she didn’t even suspect. Sometimes you just don’t know even those closest to you.

I loved the story, but it definitely wasn’t as good as The Silent Patient. The story keeps you guessing until the very end. Your heart will shatter for Mariana when the sinister secrets unravel. I loved that Alex included Theo Faber the criminal psychotherapist in his first book The Silent Patient in this book. To have both stories run at the same time is brilliant. Mariana told Theo about the available position at the Grove. If you are looking to read a good murder mystery filled with Greek Tragedy at Cambridge University, then look no further.

Author Biography

Alex Michaelides was born and raised in Cyprus. He has an M.A. in English literature from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and an M.A. in screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. The Silent Patient was his first novel and was the biggest-selling debut in the world in 2019. It spent more than a year on the New York Times bestseller list and sold in a record-breaking forty-nine countries. Alex lives in London.

Review: Win by Harlan Coben

Release date is March 16, 2021.

Goodreads Blurb

The new novel from Harlan Coben, #1 New York Times bestselling author and creator of The Stranger on Netflix.

From a #1 New York Times bestselling author comes this thrilling story that shows what happens when a dead man’s secrets fall into the hands of vigilante antihero—drawing him down a dangerous road.

Over twenty years ago, the heiress Patricia Lockwood was abducted during a robbery of her family’s estate, then locked inside an isolated cabin for months. Patricia escaped, but so did her captors — and the items stolen from her family were never recovered.

Until now. On the Upper West Side, a recluse is found murdered in his penthouse apartment, alongside two objects of note: a stolen Vermeer painting and a leather suitcase bearing the initials WHL3. For the first time in years, the authorities have a lead — not only on Patricia’s kidnapping, but also on another FBI cold case — with the suitcase and painting both pointing them toward one man.

Windsor Horne Lockwood III — or Win, as his few friends call him — doesn’t know how his suitcase and his family’s stolen painting ended up with a dead man. But his interest is piqued, especially when the FBI tells him that the man who kidnapped his cousin was also behind an act of domestic terrorism — and that the conspirators may still be at large. The two cases have baffled the FBI for decades, but Win has three things the FBI doesn’t: a personal connection to the case; an ungodly fortune; and his own unique brand of justice.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 Stars

Family sometimes are full of surprises. An elite well known family with a reputation to uphold, will do anything to keep their name immaculate. One dead man found, one man searching for the truth.

Win is very rich and has so many connections. His main goal is to find his uncle’s killer, the kidnappers that kidnapped his cousin and find his family heirlooms that were stolen. He may not be a detective, but he sure doesn’t care of what danger he might be in. Win goes through a whirlwind search to find the truth about the whereabouts of the Jane Street Six in order to unravel the secrets that people keep.

You will be pulled from every angle while Win uses his elite power to finally find an end to this secret. You will find that families have a closet full of secrets and that the most vulnerable will surprise you on how sorrow will blind you for revenge. Win as a character annoyed me as he always used his macho power and money to have power over everyone. The thriller will keep you unraveling the truth until the very end.

Author Biography

With over 60 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben’s last seven consecutive novels, MISSING YOU, SIX YEARS, STAY CLOSE, LIVE WIRE, CAUGHT, LONG LOST and HOLD TIGHT all debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and lists around the world. His books are published in 43 languages around the globe.

Coben is the winner of the Edgar Award, Shamus Award and Anthony Award – the first author to win all three – and he has received an eclectic variety of honors from all over the world. His novel TELL NO ONE has been turned into a hit French film of the same name. His essays and columns have appeared in many top publications.

Harlan was born in Newark, New Jersey. He still lives in New Jersey with his wife, Anne Armstrong-Coben MD, a pediatrician, and their four children.
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Book Mail: The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

I am super excited to read this book. Alex’s first book was The Silent Patient. A thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a book I always recommend when someone is looking for a good book. I hope The Maidens will be just as amazing.

Goodreads Blurb

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly).

Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.

Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?

When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

Author Biography

Cover Reveal: Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan

SURPRISE BOOK REVEAL — just look at that cover!!
HER PERFECT LIFE by @hankpryan hits shelves Sept. 14 and I cannot wait — her twisty, page-turning thrillers are amazing.
Here’s the scoop:Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all — fame, fortune, Emmy awards, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it — all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.
Her own.
Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips about others—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life! How does he—or she—know so much? Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.
How much must she risk to keep her perfect life?
Ah! It’s got me guessing already! How about you? Ready to read? It’s available for pre-order right now. Follow @hankpryan & go to her bio for the link.
@forgereads #herperfectlife #catandmouse #authorsofinstagram #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #thriller #suspense #mysteryreader #psychologicalsuspense #hankphillippiryan #newbook #revealparty #coverreveal #tbr #goodreads #mustread

Review: The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

Goodreads Blurb

It’s Livia’s fortieth birthday and tonight she’s having a party, a party she’s been planning for a long time. The only person missing will be her daughter, Marnie.

But Livia has a secret, a secret she’s been keeping from Adam, her husband, until the party is over. Because how can she tell him that although she loves Marnie, she’s glad their daughter won’t be there to celebrate with her?

Adam is determined everything will be just right for Livia and the party is going to be perfect… until he learns something that will leave him facing an unbearable decision.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

One family, two secrets, a huge dilemma. Beautifully written with two sides of the story. Adam’s story will be his worst fear that will destroy his whole family. Livia’s secret will destroy Adam and her close friends and family. Can they have the courage to hold on to these shattering secrets and be able to unveil the worst day of their life? The plot of this book is any families worst nightmare.

You will not want to stop reading this book. The author wrote this story with two specific days and how each character was living that day per hour. The stories were building up so much energy, that when each story is revealed, the reader is shattered within their heartbreak. I felt for them both, but Adam had to confront two different situations in one. When it finally hit him, I was literally crying with him. The loss, deceit, anger, and heartbreak was unfathomable. My heart was left with these characters. I wanted to be help Adam tell everyone the truth early, but I understood why he didn’t. I know Livia was utterly devastated that he kept such terrifying information hidden, in order for her to have one day she could be happy. I recommend you read this book to see how one family tries their best to keep the family together.

Author Biography

B A Paris is the internationally bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, Bring Me Back and The Dilemma. Having sold over a million copies in the UK alone, she is a New York Times bestseller as well as a Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have been translated into 40 languages. Having lived in France for many years, she and her husband recently moved back to the UK.
Her fifth novel is out in 2021