Book Review: She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

Title: She's Not Sorry

Author: Mary Kubica

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 330

Publisher: Park Row

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"Meghan Michaels is trying to find the balance between being a single mum to a teenage daughter and working as a full-time nurse. While on duty at the hospital one day, a patient named Caitlin arrives in a coma, having plunged from a bridge onto train tracks below.

But when a witness comes forward with shocking details about the fall, it calls everything they know into question. Was Caitlin pushed and if so, by whom and why?

Meghan has always tried to stay emotionally detached from her patients, but this time she mistakenly lets herself get too close, until she's deeply entangled in Caitlin's and her family's lives. Only when it's too late, does she realise that she and her daughter could be the next victims."

My Rating: 2.75/5

I liked a lot of parts about this book; there were multiple mysteries and ideas at play throughout a lot of the book. Unfortunately, because I've read a lot from this author, I saw a lot of them coming. What I didn't expect was for the ending to almost be a cliffhanger. I also think the nurse conversations, while important, were almost too repetitive (I agree with what was said, but it felt like every other line was a stance). I will continue to read from the author; this just wasn't my favourite. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Title: The Couple Next Door

Author: Shari Lapena

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 308

Publisher: Penguin Books

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"You never know what's happening on the other side of the wall.

Your neighbor told you that she didn't want your six-month-old daughter at the dinner party. Nothing personal, she just couldn't stand her crying.

Your husband said it would be fine. After all, you only live next door. You'll have the baby monitor and you'll take it in turns to go back every half hour.

Your daughter was sleeping when you checked on her last. But now, as you race up the stairs in your deathly quiet house, your worst fears are realized. She's gone.

You've never had to call the police before. But now they're in your home, and who knows what they'll find there.

What would you be capable of, when pushed past your limit?"

My Rating: 3.5/5

In the moment, reading this book, I loved it. I remember being wowed by the twists and turns. It has been 16 days since I read it and... I don't remember most of it other than snippets. This is the reason for the rating, if it was right after reading it might have been a 4 but because of the lack of memorability it went down for me. What I will say about the author is I love the final twists in the two books I've read of hers! I will be reading more of her work, probably on audiobook, because the narrators for this and the other book I read by her were perfect. If you've read any of her work, what is your favourite of her works?

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #6)

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Cozy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 368

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Audiobook

"Life hasn't been easy for Finlay Donovan lately, but it just got a whole lot harder. Her nanny and partner-in-crime, Vero, has been extradited from Virginia to Maryland, where she's facing criminal charges for a theft she swears she didn't commit. A prisoner to an ankle bracelet as she awaits her trial, Vero is forced to live with her overbearing mother and nosy aunt. Threatening messages keep arriving on her mother's door, demanding Vero "turn over the money... or else."  And if she doesn't figure out who really stole her former sorority's treasury funds, her next home might be a prison cell.

But proving her innocence might be an impossible feat. Vero was the treasurer of her sorority when the money went missing- one of the only people who had access to the cash. And her alibi is a date who ghosted her. With her court date quickly approaching, and her mysterious stalker on her tail, Vero needs to clear her name fast. 

Finlay decides a trip to Maryland is in order. After all, Vero stood by her through her darkest moments, and Finlay will be damned if she lets her best friend and children's nanny be convicted for something she didn't do. She sets off on a mission to sus out the real thief and bring Vero home."

My Rating: 4.25/5

While reading this book, I found out that this series is being continued for at least another 4 books (at least, rumour has it). This made me concerned, but as I read the book, I enjoyed the cozy way it's written. The plot of this one was different in the sense that our main characters were solving a mystery, not covering themselves only. I also thought it was fun to have a book with newer characters (Vero's family, her past sorority crew, etc.). Some of the "twists" were pretty predictable, but that being said, isn't that why I'm reading this brand of mystery? That and for the characters whom I've grown to love (go Vero go). 

Sidny

Book Review: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Title: Listen for the Lie

Author: Amy Tintera

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Celadon Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter?

Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all and, if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. But after Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy's blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer.

It's been years since that horrible night, a night that lucy can't remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast Listen for the Lie and it's too-good-looking host, Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy's murder for the show's second season. Lucy is forced to returns to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend's murder, even if she is the one who did it.

The truth is out there, if we just listen."

My Rating: 4.75/5

I love a mystery that has a podcast element, especially an audiobook. The idea that we're partially solving the mystery beside the podcast host is already a draw for me, add figuring it out with the main character and I was hooked. I was incredibly surprised by the humor in this book too. For something pretty intense and dark, I laughed more than I thought I would (alot actually). The red herrings were well done, and the ending was surprising while still being logical. If anyone has further podcast mystery books they'd recommend I'd be open to suggestions.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

Title: Everyone Here is Lying

Author: Shari Lapena

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Random House

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Welcome to Stanhope. A safe neighborhood. A place for families.

William Wooler is a family man, on the surface. But he's been having an affair, an affair that ended horribly this afternoon at a motel up the road. So when he returns to his house, devastated and angry, to find his difficult nine-year-old daughter, Avery, unexpectedly home from school, William loses her temper.

Hours later, Avery's family declares her missing.

Suddenly Stanhope doesn't feel so safe. And William isn't the only one on his street who's hiding a lie.  As witnesses come forward with information that may or may not be true, Avery's neighbors become increasingly unhinged.

Who took Avery Wooler?

Nothing will prepare you for the truth."

My Rating: 5/5

I binged the audiobook of this, and it was addicting. I could not stop listening to it. The good news is that means I got a lot done today. I don't believe that I have read anything else by this author, but you can bet that there was a lot that was added to my TBR. The characters are interesting, the writing is fast-paced, and the mystery is fascinating. Would recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy, Mystery

Pages: 309

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet... but at least there's not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay's elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go... except Finlay's house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case- or sacrificing either of her bedrooms. After all, they've dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime, and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay's ex-husband Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets... before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was by far my favourite book in the series. I have to give most of the credit to Mrs. Haggerty's character and the use of women-led groups. The character growth between books is also noticeable. With a cast of incredibly lovable characters, a mystery that feels intriguing without being terrifying and a toddler who just won't keep his pants on, who could ask for more? 

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #4)

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls' weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are- seeing as it's actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero's childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car- it won't be all fun and games. When Finlay's ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi's kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi's life. But that's not all- he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark's suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for- Marco's already dead. They don't have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike- and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he's a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precious kids, her mother's marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero's missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she's done, or be forced to double down?"

My Rating: 3/5

This book wasn't all I wanted it to be. There were many parts that I felt were repetitive. I had a hard time keeping track of timing and what day we were on, as it felt like so much was happening in such a little amount of time. I then try to think about how many days it actually was, and I feel that I have no idea. I liked the inner relationships. I like certain scenes (the strip club especially), and I look forward to continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Veroncia Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

Title: Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan (Book #3.5)

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Novella

Pages: 119

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Anyone can spot a window of opportunity, but not everyone can manage to fall straight through one.

Vernoica Ruiz is on the run for the first time in her life- though certainly not the last. After being falsely accused of stealing money from her college sorority, she packs up and heads to her cousin Ramon's apartment, planning to change her name and rebuild start over away from backstabbing girls and university drama (and far, far away from her arrest warrant in Maryland).

At the local bank on the first morning of her new life, it occurs to Vero that she'd be a better bank teller than most of the current employees: she may not have much money, but what little she does have, she knows how to manage. Unfortunately, the only available position is a cleaning job and so, desperate for a fresh start, she takes the bank manager's offer.

But nothing Vero's world has ever been simple, so of course shortly after she begins work, she overhears a conversation between her new boss and a security guard: someone who works there has been stealing. Seeing a window of opportunity, Vero sets out to find the identity of the thief, present the evidence, and then push for the perfect job. All of which would be easier if her irresistibly infuriating childhood crush Javi wasn't living in the same damn town."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a great novella to get to know Vero more and understand how her and Finlay's friendship began. Seeing how she takes things into her own hands helps me understand some of her actions in the full-length novels. I look forward to seeing her and Javi's relationship continue throughout the rest of the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finaly Donovan Jumps the Gun by Ell Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan (Book #3)

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 304

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audibook

"Author and single mom Finlay Donovan has been in messes before- after all, she's a pro at removing bloodstains for various unexpected reasons- but none quite like this. When Finlay and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero accidentally destroyed a luxury car that they had 'borrowed' in the process of saving the life of Finlay's ex-husband, the Russian mob did her a favor and bought the car for her. And now Finlay owes them.

Mob boss Feliks is still running the show from behind bars, and he has a task for Finlay: find and identify a contract killer before the cops do. The problem is, the killer might be an officer themself.

Luckily, hot cop Nick has just been tasked with starting up a citizens' police academy, and combined pressure from Finlay's looming book deadline and Feliks is enough to convince Finlay and Vero to get involved. Through firearm training and forensic classes (and  some hands-on research with a tempting detective), Finlay and Vero use their time in police academy to sleuth out the real contract killer to free themselves from the mob's clutches- all the while dodging spies, confronting Vero's past, and juggling the daily trials of parenthood."

My Rating: 4/5

 I love this cozy mystery series. It's fun, ridiculous and fast paced, keeping my interest, while staying semi-light considering the content. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. I loved that this one had me second-guessing myself, and I still didn't realise who the villain was until the full reveal. The humour is excellent, the characters are unique, and the story is fantastically fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Title: The Housemaid

Author: Freida McFadden

Series/Standalone: The Housemaid Series (Book #1)

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 329

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Every day I clean the Winchesters' beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. 

I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lie about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew, seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew's handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it's hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina's life. The walk-in closet, the fancy, the perfect husband. 

I only try on one of Nina's pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it's like. But she soon finds out... and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it's far too late.

But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don't know who I really am.

They don't know what I'm capable of..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I love a fast-paced thriller. There is something about a story that has twists and turns throughout the story, and the quick action scenes that make it so fun to me. This author did a great job of landing those turns, making them surprising, but not unbelievable. The book was a quick read, and I look forward to continuing on with the series to see how the author will continue on with some of our characters. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery, Cozy

Pages: 357

Publisher: Minotaur 

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is- once again- struggling to finish her next novel and keep her head above water as a single mother of two. On the bright side, she had her live-in nanny and confidant Vero to rely on, and the only dead body she's dealt with lately is that of her daughter's pet goldfish. 

On the not-so-bright side, someone out there wants her ex-husband, Steven, out of the picture. Permanently. Whatever else Stevenmay be, he's a good father, but saving him will send her down a rabbit hole of hit-women disguised as soccer moms, and a little bit more involvement with the Russian mob than she'd like. 

Meanwhile, Vero's keeping secrets, and Detective Nick Anthony seems determined to get back into her life. He may be a hot cop, but Finlay's first priority is preventing her family from sleeping with the fishes... and if that means bending a few laws then so be it.

With her next book's deadline looming and an ex-husband to keep alive, Finlay is quickly coming to the end of her rope. She can only hope there isn't a noose at the end of it..."

My Rating: 4/5

This is a fun series. I love the concept of this cozy mystery. A romance suspense novelist gets tied up in a world she's never imagined being a part of herself. A love interest with spice, but not to much, and a mystery that is goofy in many ways but with real consequences. I loved the humour, the friendships and the writing. Overall, very fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

Title: None of This is True

Author: Lisa Jewell

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Pages: 390

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins. 

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix's children's school. Josie has been listening to Alix's podcast and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Josie's life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can't resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly, she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix's life- and into her home.

But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family's lives under mortal threat.

Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?"

My Rating: 5/5

It's been a long time since I finished an audiobook so quickly. I often listen to audiobooks when I'm driving or doing chores, but I was finding more chores to do to keep reading this book. The twists, the turns, the podcast elements. The time jumps, different perspectives. All of it was doing exactly what I wanted. I loved this. I cannot recommend the audiobook enough.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight

Title: The Outliers

Author: Kimberly McCreight

Series/Standalone: The Outliers Series

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller 

Pages: 336

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"It all starts with a text: Please, Wylie, I need your help.

Wylie hasn't heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesn't matter. Cassie's in trouble, so Wylie  decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself.

This time it's different, though. Instead of telling Wylie where she is, Cassie sends cryptic clues. And instead of having Wylie come by herself, Jasper shows up saying Cassie sent him to help. Trusting the guy who sent Cassie off the rails doesn't feel right, but Wylie has no choice: she has to ignore her gut instinct and go with him.

But figuring out where Cassie is goes from difficult to dangerous, fast. As Wylie and Jasper heard farther and farther north into the dense woods of Maine. Wylie struggles to control her growing sense that something is really wrong. What isn't Cassie telling them? And could finding her be only the beginning?"

My Rating: 2/5

I knew nothing about this book going in (a trend, I know) and it was odd. THe beginning I was hooked, the middle I was a little bored, and the end I was just left wondering what the hell I had read. Not necessarily in a good way. I think that this book in many ways reminded me of Maximum Ride mixed with mystery and a tinge of thriller. Needless to say, not for me and I won't be continuing with the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Pages: 355 

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is killing it... except, she's not really She's a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay's life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn't written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she's mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet.... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a rea-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a fun concept. I love the idea that someone gets thrown into a world they know nothing about and watch them figure things out (almost floundering a few times). It has an excellent cozy mystery vibe and if the concept sounds interesting to you it's definitely worth the read. I would also say that the audiobook was excellent. The only reason that it lost a star for me is I felt it lagged a little in the middle.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda

Title: The Only Survivors

Author: Megan Miranda

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult Fiction

Pages: 339

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A decade ago, two vans filled with high school seniors on a school service trip crashed into a Tennesse ravine- a tragedy that claimed the lives of multiple classmates and teachers. The nine students who managed to escape the river that night were irrevocably changed. A year later, after one of the survivors dies by suicide on the anniversary of the crash, the rest of them make a pact: to come together each year to commemorate that terrible night.

To keep one another safe.

To hold one another accountable.

Or both.

Their annual meeting place, a house on the Outer Banks, has long been a refuge. But by the tenth anniversary, Cassidy Bent has worked to distance herself from the tragedy and from the other survivors. She's changed her mobile number. She's blocked the others' email addresses. This year, she is determined to finally break ties once and for all. But on the day of the reunion, she receives a text with an obituary attached: another survivor is gone. Now they are seven- and Cassidy finds herself hurling back toward the group, wild with grief- and suspicion.

Almost immediately, something feels off this year. Cassidy is the first to notice when Amaya, the annual organizer, slips away, overwhelmed. This wouldn't raise alarm except for the impending storm. Suddenly, they're facing the threat of closed roads and surging waters... again. Then Amaya stops responding to her phone. After all they've been through, she wouldn't willfully make them worry. Would she?

And- as they promised long ago- each survivor will do whatever he or she can do to save one another. Won't they?"

My Rating: 5/5

Right after I thought to myself that maybe this author's writing wasn't for me, I picked up this one and I LOVE it! Megan Miranda's ability to write a creepy and unsettling environment is really unmatched by any other author I've read in this genre. It's always the part that ties me in. And this one had the twists and turns to match! It kept me on my toes, it made sense by the end but the differing p.o.v.s, the plot and just the building sense of unease that is worked on throughout the books is what made it a five star for me! Would highly recommend!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner

Title: The London Seance Society

Author: Sarah Penner

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Adult

Pages: 352

Publisher: Park Row

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A spellbinding tale about two daring women who hunt for truth and justice in the perilous art of conjuring the dead.

1873. At an abandoned chateau on the outskirts of Paris, a dark seance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D'Allaire. Known worldwide for her talent in conjuring the spirits of murder victims to ascertain the identities of the people who killed them, she is highly sought after by widows and investigators alike.

Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister's death, but to do so, she must embrace the unknown and overcome her own logic-driven bias against the occult. When Vaudeline is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London's exclusive Seance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves..."

My Rating: 2/5

After reading The Lost Apothecary by this author I was quick to pick up this one once it was available at my library. Unfortunately, it didn't give me the same feelings as her debut. The characters didn't grab my attention as quickly and the concept wasn't what I expected it to be. It was fun, but I felt that I knew where we were going from fairly early on. If you are looking for a historical mystery with twists and turns everywhere this might not be for you. If you are in it for the historical ideas about seances I think it would be a great pick for you. I don't think this book was for me but I hope that others find enjoyment in Sarah Penner's writing. 

-Sidny

Book Review: The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead

Title: The Last Housewife

Author: Ashley Winstead

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 385

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook (Own Paperback Copy)

"From the author of the acclaimed In My Dreams I Hold a Knife comes a pitch-black thriller about a woman determined to destroy a powerful cult and avenge the deaths of the women taken in by it, no matter the cost.

While in college in upstate New York, Shay Evans and her best friends met a captivating man who seduced them with a web of lies about the way the world works, bringing them under his thrall. By senior year, Shay and her friend Laurel were the only ones who managed to escape. Now, eight years later, Shay's built a new life in a tiny Texas suburb. But when she hears the horrifying news of Laurel's death- delivered, of all ways, by her favorite true-crime podcast crusader- she begins to suspect that the past she ]thought she buried is still very much alive, and the predators more dangerous than ever.

Recruiting the help of the podcast host, Shay goes back to the place she vowed never to return to in search of answers. As she follows the threads of her friend's life, she's pulled into a dark, seductive world, where wealth and privilege shield brutal philosophies that feel all too familiar. When Shay's obsession with uncovering the truth becomes also consuming she can no longer separate her desire for justice from darker desires newly reawakened, she must confront the depths of her own complicity and conditioning. But in a world built for men to rule it- both inside the cult and outside of it- is justice even possible, and if so, how far will Shay go to get it?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was such a great audiobook! I would highly recommend the audiobook if you're interested in the content matter as it helps the podcast feel alive. This book contained a lot of subject matter that I find interesting. Interesting in the way i find true crime interesting. I know that it's probably not a healthy thing to be curious about but it's just one of those things for me. I am always curious about how cults start, how they end up where they do and what makes people start them or even join them along the way. This delivered on the mystery aspect of these ideas and the use of a podcast to link it together was perfect! I would highly recommend it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act 2

Title: The Fade Out: Act 2

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Artist) 

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Act Two of the acclaimed Hollywood Noir from the best-selling team of Brubaker and Phillips."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This instalment felt like filler for a three-volume graphic novel series. I will be finishing the series, but I anticipated something else. It's just ok. Not something I could recommend at this current time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act One

Title: The Fade Out: Act One

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Illustrator) & Elizabeth Breitweiser (Colourist)

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Brubaker and Phillips' newest hit series, The Fade Out, is an epic noir set in the world of the noir itself, the backlots and bars of Hollywood at the end of its Golden Era. A movie stuck in endless reshoots, a writer damaged from the war and lost in the bottle, a dead movie star and the lookalike hired to replace her. Nothing is what it seems in the place where only lies are true."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was a fun introduction to the series and I liked the idea of the setting. I didn't anticipate how quick it would be to read and I wonder how quickly the writer will be able to wrap up the plot line. I'm curious about how all the characters weave together and what happens next, but overall it was just fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda

Title: Such a Quiet Place

Author: Megan Miranda

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 337

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Welcome to Hollow's Edge, where you can find secrets, scandal, and a suspected killer- all on one street.

Hollow's Edge use to be a quiet place. A private and idyllic neighborhood where neighbors dropped in on neighbors, celebrated graduation and holiday parties together, and looked out for one another. But then came the murder of Brandon and Fiona Truett. A year and a half later, Hollow's Edge is simmering. The residents are trapped, unable to sell their homes, confronted daily by the empty Truett house, and suffocated by their trial testimonies that implicated one of their own. Ruby Fletcher. And now, Ruby's back

With her conviction overturned, Ruby waltzes right back to Hollow's Edge, and into the home she shared with Harper Nash. Harper, five years older, has always treated Ruby like a wayward younger sister. But now she's terrified. What possible good could come of Ruby returning to the scene of the crime? And how can she possibly turn her away, when she knows Ruby has nowhere to go?

Within days, suspicion spreads like a virus across Hollow's Edge. It's increasingly clear that not everyone told the truth about the night of Truett's murders. And when Harper begins receiving threatening notes, she realizes she has to uncover the truth before someone else becomes the killer's next victim."

My Rating: 2/5

I was excited to read more by the author and I don't think that this was a great place to start again with this author. But it wasn't for me. It felt very anticlimactic throughout the book. The characters felt unreal to me and there were too many of them to keep track of. That being said the atmosphere was creepy and that worked for me. I do plan to read more from the author in the future. Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny