I Need You to Read This by Jesse Maxwell

 An advice columnist solves the mystery of her predecessor’s death.

This was a very predictable amateur sleuth story that was slow and formulaic. I didn’t care for any of the characters, especially not Alex, the protagonist, and most of what happens to her was unlikely and highly improbable. The leaps to conclusions made me laugh, but I don’t think that was the intent. I could barely force myself to finish this once Alex starts trying to do some investigating and goes off totally half cocked. Her diner friendships were convenient, and the new boyfriend should have left her behind the minute she got so weirded out after he asked her a simple question. Alex’s backstory told in the form of the overly long and detailed Dear Constance letters was not a good use of that writing style/technique. In any case, I’d not recommend this. In truth, it was boring and banal. 

I listened to the audiobook while also following along in the ebook ARC provided by the publisher. It did little to enhance the narrative and I was meh about the narrator’s voice and her attempts to give life to the characters. It wasn’t enough to save it.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - mystery

Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker

 Meandering drama disguised and promoted as a thriller.

I should have marked this DNF but once I start something, I have to finish it. This story of a totally neurotic married woman (known as Clove) with two children basically turned me off from the start. Her mother is in prison because she confessed to killing Clove's father many years ago. Clove has not once contacted her mother so is sent into a downward spiral when she receives a letter begging for Clove's help to get released from prison now that domestic violence is better understood. 

I can't even begin to describe the angsty stream of consciousness narrative that follows as Clove attempts to deal with the stress of her mother's request/demand. There is not one decision or action she takes that I could relate to. I couldn't stand anything about Clove or Jane. The whole healthy living and clean food part drove me up the wall. Clove needs years of therapy. Any empathy I initially felt for her was gone after the first couple of chapters. It seemed like this went on forever and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. 

I tried listening to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book but did not like the narrator at all -- all the voices basically sounded the same. I recognize that I am an outlier in my thoughts, but I was definitely the wrong audience for this type of story.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - emotional drama, spousal abuse, psychological

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

 Tantalizing family drama and murder mystery on Nantucket.

I love reading about a group of badly behaved rich people doing dumb things and winning stupid prizes. Even though there aren't really a lot of characters to root for in this contemporary and fast paced beach read, the story was very entertaining and easy to read in a couple of hours. 

The wealthy Winbury family is hosting the wedding of their son at their lovely oceanfront home on the island. The bride is the daughter of parents who've lived paycheck to paycheck and her mother is dying of cancer. The others who have been invited come to the estate ready for a fabulous event.  It promises to be an extravagant celebration -- but then, tragedy strikes.

Everyone is suddenly a suspect, and the local police need to interview the family and the guests. That's when all the secrets come to light. There is "no perfect couple" on the island, or anywhere. 

I was lucky enough to be able to read the e-book while listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a wonderful job of voicing all the characters and adding the appropriate amount of dramatic flair to the reading. It definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book, and I can't wait to see the adaptation on Netflix.  

This is the 3rd book in a series of 4 but it is not necessary to have read the others to enjoy this as a standalone.

Genre - contemporary beach read, family drama, mystery, murder

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

 Absorbing family drama and psychological suspense.

I've read a ton of mother and daughter stories, but not too many that focus on the relationship between a father and daughter. I found most of the plot to be entertaining as well as filled with some unexpected twists. 

Although Frank loves his daughter, Margaret (Maggie), very much, the pair is estranged because of things that happened in the past. When he's invited, out of the blue, to come to her wedding to the wealthy heir of a huge technology magnate, Frank jumps at the chance to reconnect. When he and his sister and her foster child arrive at the Gardner family compound in New Hampshire, Frank feels immediately out of his element. Not to mention that Maggie is distant and unavailable, and he can't manage to get much private face time with his future in-laws to get to know them properly. Frank is disturbed by things he sees and hears. he can't help feeling that if he doesn't figure it out, he's going to lose his daughter forever.    

I kept thinking I knew exactly where things were going but there were several surprises. Although annoyed by Frank's sister's behavior and reactions as well as being a bit freaked out by that crazy weird spider thing, I thought that Frank seemed like a basically decent guy trying hard to stay true to his values while trying desperately to demonstrate his love for his daughter. I was a bit perplexed by some of his choices and decisions but had to admire him for trying to find the answers. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator was excellent and gave all the characters distinct personalities, but he was absolutely phenomenal giving voice to the character of Frank. The audio performance added immensely to my enjoyment of this book. 

This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

Genre - psychological thriller, family drama

Identity Unknown (Kay Scarpetta #28) by Patricia Cornwell

 Another great story in this long running mystery series.

Kay Scarpetta is in the middle of an autopsy on what she suspects is a murdered child when she gets a call from her niece Lucy. It seems that an old flame and friend, Sal Giordano, was kidnapped and violently killed. The strangest thing is that he seems to have been dropped from a great height out of something Lucy can only say was likely some sort of UAP — an unidentified anomalous phenomenon. Collecting her head of investigations, Pete Marino, they head off to the discovery location where everything is cloak and dagger classified. 

I love the way that the author describes everything and gives great detail about persons, places, and things. The writing style draws me in and makes me feel a part of the story as if I am right there. Over the past years after reading all the books in this series, I’ve come to like some characters more than others who get on my nerves. I always find the theme and plots interesting and unique. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the ebook ARC, both provided by the publishers. I loved the experience as the narrator did an excellent job voicing all the characters and bringing the appropriate amount of drama and tone to the book. As always, I look forward to the next installment. 

This is the 28th book in a long running series that definitely should be read, in order, from the beginning.

Genre - mystery thriller, forensic pathologist

The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

 Another wild ride with totally despicable characters in this domestic thriller.

Didn’t get enough of Amber, Jackson, and Daphne in the first book? Well, this should satisfy the most devoted fans who were clamoring for more of this hideous trio. And, yes, I include Daphne in this characterization. Although I’m sure she’s meant to be the best of the lot, and in many ways, definitely she’s less overtly evil than the other two, she just got on my last nerves with her stupid decisions and histrionics. I don’t have much tolerance for a Daphne type who thinks they can play the game against a narcissistic and abusive man with a vendetta and a plan. And all these helpful friends who have lots of money, well that was convenient. Let’s just say, she should never have returned to Bishops Harbor. All the twists and turns and double crosses gave me whiplash. Many of the resolutions were hugely coincidental and convenient. 

In any event, while hating on Amber and Jackson with a passion and hoping for them to get what’s coming to them, there was a lot of action and the pace was fast as events leapt from one location to another. The different characters narrated at various times giving the reader insight into their schemes. Anyone who enjoyed the previous book will want to find out if everyone in the story got what they deserved. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The cast of 4 did a great job voicing all the characters and added an appraise amount of dramatic flair to the performances. It definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a follow-up to The Last Mrs. Parrish which should be read first.

Genre - domestic thriller, spousal abuse, murder