Guess Again by Charlie Donlea

 Fast paced and convoluted psychological crime thriller.

3.5 stars rounded up

A teenage girl disappeared 10 years ago and detectives in Cherryview, Wisconsin found no clues so the case went cold. Ethan Hall, previously a detective, currently working as an ER physician, is called back into law enforcement by a former partner who is dying and can’t let it go. The situation is complicated because an inmate at the local prison (convicted and incarcerated for murdering Ethan’s father who was also a detective) seems to know something about Callie Jones and wants to make a deal. 

This was twisty but quite predictable despite the red herrings and diversions into other points of view and shifts in time. I love Donlea and will always want to read his new books despite the need to often suspend disbelief. How is it that everyone (but me) casually knows a fantastic hacker who can give them tons of information? I liked the main character ok, but honestly none of the cast was fully fleshed out and I never related to any of them. Multiple threads unwound for the big climax and reveal. The themes in the story are familiar ones of friendship, relationships, loyalty, revenge, and murder. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Vivienne Leheny, did an acceptable job of voicing the characters but the choice of a female for the voice seemed wrong as so much of the book was male point of view and the story would have been well served with a male narrator instead. I find that listening while reading allows for a more immersive and enjoyable experience with a book. 

This is a standalone and not part of any series though the ending leaves one to imagine that there might be a follow-up with this same main character, I would prefer not.

Genre and tags, mystery, crime thriller, serial killers, missing persons, teenagers

The List by Steve Berry

 Very entertaining novel of suspense and a departure from this author’s typical work.

Brent Walker has moved back to Concord, a small town in central Georgia, after being hired by Southern Republic Pulp and Paper Company as its assistant general counsel. When he left it behind years ago, he also left a woman he loved and his parents. Now, since his father is no longer alive, he is going to help care for his mom who has recently been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. 

Not too long after beginning his new job and reuniting with an old friend, union leader Hank Reed, Brent faces a curious mystery when a list of names and numbers comes to his attention. Once the implications of that list becomes clear to Brent and Hank, they know that everything they believed about their town and its biggest employer was wrong. 

This was so well written and very fast paced. I found it hard to put down as things heated up quickly. So many characters, easily divided into the good guys vs the bad guys, but the premise was good and there was lots of action. It was a fun read and though the ending was anticipated to some degree, I enjoyed how it all played out.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided for review by the publishers. The audio format was narrated by the incomparable Scott Brick. I love his voice and his dramatic flair that always brings the novel to life and this production was no exception. This immersive experience definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book!

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - mystery, thriller, suspense, action 

I Did Warn Her by Sian Gilbert

 A whodunit on the high seas.

A beautiful yacht, owned by a billionaire, and a full crew is crossing the Atlantic. The stunning stewardesses, Sasha, Jade, Imogen, Euphemia, and Lola. Lots of competition and gossip among them. The handsome deck hands taking care of the ship and the ladies don’t you know. The captain on his last cruise before retiring and the chief trying to keep the schedule. Everyone’s main purpose is to keep the two rich men and their female escort guests happy and satisfied. 

But the boat and its occupants are keeping lots of secrets and definitely there’s a hidden agenda for this trip. Then one of the stewardesses is murdered. Jewelry and other items going missing. Everyone is suspicious of the rest and they are all held hostage and isolated on this yacht in the middle of the ocean. Who is doing what and to whom.

This was a locked room style mystery complicated by a large cast of characters who are skulking about, lying, and doing things they should not. The story is told in shifting point of view as each stewardess reveals her thoughts, motivations, and activities. They were hard to keep straight at first, especially with the all the other names bandied about. Eventually it became easier but be sure to note who is speaking at the beginning of each chapter.

I felt this was definitely like a reality show with all the expected misbehavior below decks and the way that the clients acted during the voyage. There were red herrings and twists, but the denouement was a bit anticlimactic. Definitely a lot of irrelevant side plots but everything was wrapped up in a tidy conclusion. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The production had a large cast of all female narrators and I definitely preferred some of the voices over others. The disappointment in the audio, however, is because there was not a single male voice to do those character roles so the voices of the men were not ideal. It would have been so much better had that happened. At times I had to stop listening and just read when I became annoyed at the sound of a particular voice. I do enjoy, however, the immersive experience of both listening and reading.

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

Genre and tags - mystery, locked room, rich people doing bad things, yachts, below deck crew, murder, schemes

The Housemaid is Watching (#3 in series) by Freida McFadden

 "The third [book] in a series usually isn't that great."

That's a quote directly from this book and sums up my thoughts. 

In fact, this was such a let down and a horrible way to end the Millie and Enzo story but I'd never read another even if Freida McFadden tried to redeem the couple. Their move to Long Island and description of their lives in the new neighborhood 11 years into married life with two children was slow, boring, and deadly dull. Everything fun about Millie and Enzo is way gone.

Right when things start to be not OK in their marriage, with their kids, and because of the weird neighbors, they don't talk to each other? Come on Millie and Enzo. You two have been through everything and now they have problems and their interaction was terrible. No one for an instant thought Enzo was doing anything bad so how could Millie even entertain any ridiculous suspicions even though Enzo was acting like a total idiot. 

Then the big reveal and that's when this narrative went totally off the rails from semi interesting to ridiculous, over the top, and completely unbelievable. A sting of coincidences that strains credulity. Everything could have turned out differently if the people in the family would have talked to each other. The worst part of the book for me was when Ada took over the narrative point of view. I also quit reading and DNF but I guess I wanted to torture myself just a bit more. My advice: if you're thinking that you want more of the Millie exploits and are tempted to read this, just give it a hard pass and remember her how she was. 

I listened to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. I had to wait a long time for the audio format to come up at the library so that's why I am reading so late after publication. The main narrator, Lauryn Allman, voices the character of Millie and she does a fantastic job with the accent. Her performance has always made that character come to life and seemed to embody the spirit of Millie. Ina Marie Smith is the second narrator.

This is the third book featuring Millie and Enzo and should not be read without having read the other 2 in the series. If you must.

Genre - mystery, abuse, sexual abuse, murder 

Last Night at Villa Lucia by Simon McCleave

 Psychological drama and mystery set on a Tuscan bed and breakfast.

Divorced Cerys owns Villa Lucia and is running it as a holiday rental while also living nearby in an annex on the property. Her daughter, Lowri is currently visiting. Harry and Zoe Collard arrive for a stay along with their son, Charlie. Things go awry fairly quickly and one of them ends up stabbed to death in the infinity swimming pool. 

Predictable despite the attempts at misdirection, the characters all have some damage from domestic trauma. Along with spousal abuse, other themes include alcoholism, sexual assault, toxic masculinity, divorce, casual drug use, and effects of parental issues on children growing up in their homes. I never managed to connect with any of the characters as they were all fairly one dimensional and their behavior seemed an unbelievable many times. The relationship between Lowri and Charlie was too convenient and the two men, Nick and Harry were just complete jerks. No nuance. Just all bad. The story drug on in places and the ending seemed to take forever to arrive. The plot was banal and I never felt any suspense or thrills. 

I listened to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Clare Corbett, did an OK job of voicing the characters but they most all sounded the same. This production definitely would have benefited by having a larger cast, or at least one male voice.

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

Tags, genre — murder, abuse, alcoholism, sexual assault, infidelity

The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline

 Gothic thriller with supernatural elements.

I should have read the synopsis more closely. A grief stricken widow whose husband was killed in front of her (she had a premonition) inherits a huge Tuscan estate from a woman she's never heard of. Julia goes to Italy to check out the villa and vineyard, both worth millions. Once there, Julia, who was adopted as an infant, begins to suspect that the owner of this estate, Emilia Rossi, must be related to her. While ensconced in the villa and thinking about selling, Julia starts to experience visions, hallucinations, and crazy dreams. 

This was a psychological thriller that never quite created any suspense or uneasiness for me especially when the paranormal events escalated and Julia started to believe she had special gifts in connecting with the dead and being guided by them. Most of what Julia did and thought defied credulity and I got bored very quickly. I am not a fan of anything metaphysical, paranormal, otherworldy etc. I do enjoy historical fiction and would definitely have liked more of those details, especially from the Renaissance period. The meet cute and instant romance (her husband had only been dead 6 months) was really off putting and pushed me over the edge. The whole conspiracy set up and explanation also didn't really even make that much sense as being the reason for all the persecution. 

I have read most all of this author's legal procedurals and definitely prefer those to this kind of departure. I'm definitely not the intended audience for this type of mystery.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Maria Marquis, did a fine job of voicing the characters but her talent was not enough to overcome what I perceived as shortcomings with the plot and storyline.

This is a standalone and is a departure from this author's usual series. 

Genre - astrology, paranormal, supernatural, gothic, mystery, psychological thriller

Julie Tudor is not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich

 Though the subject matter is not, this debut psychological thriller was a hoot because of the way the author uses dark humor to make the main character "almost" endearing.

Julie Tudor has had quite the life, constantly having to fight for her love interest du jour. Eliminating romantic rivals is a lot of work. She works in the financial world and is a whiz with spreadsheets, but her job isn't her main focus. Her colleague, 25-year-old, Sean, is the man of her dreams. Even though he's half her age, Julie is convinced her feelings are reciprocated despite the fact that Sean keeps hooking up with other women. What to do? She's tired of waiting for him. 

Told from Julie's delusional perspective, the book is definitely black comedy as she continues to spiral. She must be on the spectrum because she totally lacks any sort of ability to read a room or honestly analyze her situations. She gets a little fast and loose with those eliminations and her coworkers become increasingly aware that a real psycho is amongst them. 

I loved the tone and the writing in this novel. I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Clare Corbett, strikes just the right notes of self righteousness and defensiveness as she voices Julie. She does a good job with the rest of the characters as well. The production definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book. 

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

Genre - dark humor, serial killer, thriller 

The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

 Overly complicated mystery thriller centered on three lifelong friends who have a tradition of spending summer vacation at their generational family lakeside homes in Vermont. 

When the 3 friends, their significant others, and their kids converge on the lake this time, old conflicts and dark secrets are exposed. All are having some issues in their personal lives — between marital problems, alcoholism, debt, and many lies. David has brought along a new girlfriend, Fiona, as well as a young nanny to care for his 5-year old twins. It seems the nanny has a hidden agenda. Julia and Christian are facing some serious money problems along with a betrayal that might undo them. Erika and Rick have harbored deceit for many years. It all comes to a head when Fiona goes missing. And this isn’t the first time a young woman has disappeared from Lake Timmeny.

I really got into this at first, intrigued by all the possibilities. The further along I read, however, the more the book became a bit over the top. There was way too much that stretched my credulity and the plot became so complex with a ton of characters and relationships that it got to the point of ridiculous. I especially didn’t like the revelations or the conclusions. Bummer. I also never cared for any of the characters with all the coincidences and unlikely behavior they exhibited. So, although a quick read, I ended up unsatisfied and disappointed.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators, Lisa Larsen and Phoebe Strole, did a great job of voicing the characters and did their best to provide dramatic flair to a story that just couldn’t match their talents despite their excellent performances. 

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - mystery, suspense, murder, missing women, lifelong friends, family drama

Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft

 Solid mystery thriller debut with a strong element of true crime and psychological suspense. 

A late night radio host in Portland, Oregon, Nola Strate, experienced a terrifying event as a child. Her babysitter was murdered in front of her by a notorious serial killer dubbed "the Hiding Man." He was never caught. Even though 20 years has passed, it all comes back when a woman calling in to Nola's show is actually killed while on air with her show. Is the killer active again after all these years? And most concerning to Nola -- has he returned to get her?

This was fast paced and I read it this evening in one sitting. The characters were an interesting mix and the plot was fairly predictable with some red herrings and additional threats. The detective and the investigation seemed rather inept as was the focus on a particular suspect (who was a loser but not a killer). I think the most disappointing part was the revelation of the identity of the killer -- what a stretch and a let down. I definitely would have enjoyed more elements that featured Nola working on her actual radio show and other callers. This really wasn't particularly scary and it was never really fully explained how the perpetrator managed to elude law enforcement all those years.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book was when the author talks about herself, her own true crime podcast, and her Aunt Carol. This was not included in the e-book ARC but only on the audio as an introduction. She also discusses ethics and the societal impact of crime and those who investigate it while also expressing true concern for the victims and their families. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrators are the talented duo of Helen Laser and Will Collyer. They both brought great dramatic flair to the production and definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book.

This is a standalone and is not part of any series. I'd definitely be interested in a sequel.

Genre - psychological suspense, mystery thriller, true crime, murder, serial killer, radio talk show host 

We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin

 Entertaining and suspenseful.

If you're surrounded by conspiracy nuts or just kooks with crazy ideas, then this psychological thriller will hit in a different way. Sometimes people in this day and age get a little derailed by a seemingly normal event or person and that's what happens in this book. Misinformation and conspiracists attract these truthers who, unfortunately, carry things way too far when they decide to act.

The plot centers around a family who are targeted and pursued by violent online conspiracy theorists. The Russos -- Justin, Meg, and their daughter, Lily --  are threatened by some obsessed cult who latched onto the family because of their deluded notion that music lyrics (written by rock musician Nathan who is Meg's father) and a book (written by Meg as a teenager) contain proof of Satanism, a curse, and predictions of the end of the world which the group believes is coming in just a few days time. The true believers' behavior is escalating as the "end" approaches and everyone in the Russo family is in extreme danger. 

This was fast paced and a bit out there, and I liked it. Certainly some suspension of disbelief required, but the concept was well developed and the characters interesting. I always wonder, though, how people can get so drawn into an idea that is kind of bonkers. 

I was able to listen to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers for review. The narrator, Jennifer Pickens, did a great job of voicing all the characters and bringing dramatic flair to the story. Her performance definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the twisty and somewhat chilling novel.

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

Genre - suspense, thriller, conspiracy theorists, end of world scenario, family drama, psychological 

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten

 This was a suspenseful psychological thriller.

Written in dual timelines, the novel kept me glued to the pages as I tried to keep up with all the characters and figure out what had gone on years ago and what was going to happen in the present. Tessa Nilsson is attending a bachelorette party along with her sister, Lena, for one of their oldest friends on a remote, basically deserted island known as Isle Blind. Coincidentally (or not) the place happens to be where four friends disappeared 1o years ago. It so happens that Tessa is a true crime podcaster (now disgraced and canceled) who is set on trying to revive her career by finding out what really happened to those women known as the Nacka Four. Shortly, Tessa finds herself in a very precarious position that might just end her and her friends. 

Without spoilers, the book deals with sisterhood, friendship, and the girl code as well as what happens when you don’t do the right thing by others. Although it didn’t end as I’d hoped, it kept me in suspense and guessing throughout the story. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC —both formats provided by the publishers. The narrator, Laura Jennings, did a great job of voicing all the characters and bringing great dramatic flair that made for an excellent production. At one point, toward the end, I just had to speed up ahead of the audio as things got really tense and exciting. The audio definitely enhanced my enjoyment.

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

Genre - mystery, psychological, thriller, revenge 

The Housemaid's Secret (Housemaid #2) by Freida McFadden

 Fast-paced fun!

This is the second book the Housemaid series and I realize I'm slow to the party with all the hype and reader awards this garnered. I enjoyed the first so thought I'd give this a try. Started it late in the evening and didn't put it down until 2 am as I had to finish before I could sleep.

This features the same character, Millie Calloway, who is lucky enough to get a position with the Garricks after getting fired by her previous employer whose baby kept calling Millie "mama". Mr. and Mrs. Garrick have a fantastic penthouse apartment and all Millie has to do is a bit of light cleaning, laundry, and cook. The money is good and Millie is excited. There is one thing though -- she has been warned by Douglass Garrick that she is not to bother his wife, Wendy, who is ill and stays mostly shut in her bedroom up on the second floor. Hmmm. Of course Millie is curious. After awhile she hears and sees things that make her suspicious that Wendy is actually hiding because she's being abused. Now this is Millie's area of expertise. Helping. What could go wrong?

Of course knowing this author's previous books well has the added benefit (?) of anticipating the crazy twists and turns that are hallmarks of her work. Some are crazy over the top, but I was fully prepared for whatever was coming. Even though predictable, I still enjoyed seeing it all play out. McFadden's books are hit and miss with me and I've even sworn a time or two that I wouldn't read any more, but sometimes you just can't avoid picking up. I'll be reading the third one too.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio book while also following along in the e-book. The narrator, Lauren Allman, does a fantastic job of voicing Millie with her accent and inflection. She fully brings the character to life and it really enhanced my enjoyment of the story. 

This is the second book in a series that should be read in order.

Genre - domestic drama, mystery, suspense, thriller 

Nightshade (#1 Detective Stilwell) by Michael Connelly

 The first in a new crime thriller series by this bestselling author!

Set on beautiful Catalina Island, this novel introduces a new character, Detective Sergeant Stilwell, who has been assigned to the sheriff’s substation there because of problems he had as a homicide cop in LA County, California. One of his cases is the investigation of the death of a young woman who was found wrapped in a sail bag and weighted with an anchor in the harbor. Assisted by his girlfriend, Tash Dano, assistant harbor master, and the other police officers also exiled there, he attempts to solve the murder as well as expose corruption and other crimes on this beautiful island.

I liked the action and the excellent writing that kept this moving a fast pace that I could easily devour in a single setting. The characters need to be a bit more fleshed out, including perhaps getting the first name of our main character Stilwell, but I am looking forward to a follow up installment. The details about the setting are interesting and the locale will doubtless prove that bad things happen even in idyllic places. 

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator, Will Damron, who always does a great job voicing strong male characters. His performance enhanced my enjoyment of the novel.

This is the first in a new series that I plan to follow.

Genre - police procedural, crime thriller, Catalina Island

Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams

 Entertaining psychological thriller and missing person mystery.

Rose Gibson is in the middle of finalizing a contentious divorce when her friend, Eve Castillo, a proximate cause of said marriage breakdown, goes missing. Rose and Eve haven’t spoken for months, but Eve’s sister is desperate to find her. Eve, a travel vlogger, apparently rented a lake cabin in North Carolina but is not now responding to her sister or any of her boyfriends. Despite Rose’s issues with Eve, she decides to go to Sage Hill to see if she can find out what happened. 

I enjoyed reading the NetGalley ARC e-book along with listening to the audio book provided by the publishers. The setting was interesting and the action fast paced. The mystery of the disappearance solved by an amateur sleuth facing off with bad small town cops and residents was fairly predictable. Eve’s journal entries provided the details while Rose floundered around questioning people. Rose is helped by fellow journalists and computer hackers who can get her information. In peril at the climax, the conclusion follows quickly. 

The narrators, Dominque Franceschi and Jasmin Walker, did a good job of voicing the characters and adding the dramatic flair that enhanced my appreciation of the book.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Genre - friendship, psychological thriller, mystery, missing person

2 Sisters Murder Investigations (#2 in series) by James Patterson and Candice Fox

 The Bird sisters are back in this second installment of their detective agency series.

Rhonda and Barbara (Baby) Bird are half sisters who have taken over their deceased father's LA detective agency. There's a huge age gap between them as Baby is only 16. This time they seem to be at odds and each sister is sort of running an independent operation. Rhonda used to be an attorney so has a lot more experience and a methodical approach to her work. She is trying to help a man accused of harming his missing wife and just might also be a serial killer.  Baby is a teenager who never behaved in any believable way and using the name Baby for her was like nails on a chalkboard. Baby has decided to help an old man who's being forced out of his lifelong home by a big bad development corporation.

I'm typically a fan of this author and whomever he writes with, but this book just wasn't for me. I didn't like the characters, the plot was lame, and the actions of both women were often totally preposterous. Lots of times the sisters are in peril. Amazing escapes from attacks and terrible people. Convenient rescues. And then the ending rushed up from out of nowhere. 

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-book ARC of this but I won't be continuing the series. I obtained the audio book from the library to listen while I read and wasn't impressed with the narrator so that didn't help me to enjoy the book more either.

This is the second book in a series featuring the sisters who run a detective agency. I did not read the first. It didn't make any difference. I didn't like this one enough to go back and catch up.

Genre - female detectives, crime, murder 

Death at a Paris Hotel (Lady Swift #22) by Verity Bright

 

Blog Tour for Bookouture

Follow Lady Swift and her new husband, Detective Hugh Seldon, as they enjoy a honeymoon in Paris. 

The newlyweds are living it up in the city of love and have taken Clifford and Gladstone along to ensure the best time. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, their dinner toast is interrupted by the body of a man falling through the glass roof onto their table. Though Eleanor tries her best, the poor guy can’t be saved and he dies pressing a brooch into her hands. Now instead of sight seeing and other delights, Eleanor, Hugh, and Clifford become involved in the investigation into what seems to be theft from a museum and murder.

Now everyone knows that in the cozy mystery genre there’s a dead person in every story. So Eleanor has been quite busy for 22 installments in her story. But that’s the thing about a cozy. Everyone knows that the mystery will be solved and the good guys will come out on top and all the grisly details that many of us enjoy at times are absent. And that’s why we read them — it gives us a break and provides a sense of rightness and comfort. Eleanor and her cohort are just overly wonderful people so you totally know what’s coming but there is a sense of solace that all can be made right in the world.

I enjoy the golden age details with regard to the clothes, food, social customs, and the upper class lifestyle during that period in history. I do wish Eleanor and Hugh would have more to attend to at Henley Hall and I sense a shift in the series as perhaps they will form some sort of detective agency with Clifford. Who knows, but I look forward to whatever comes next for the happy couple and their entourage. 

Thank you to Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. It’s a great series that should be read from the beginning for best experience.

This is part of a long series and I have read them all.

Genre- historical cozy mystery, 1920s, English Lady

Note: the wife in this husband and wife team unexpectedly died recently. Hopefully the series will continue. Of course it won’t be the same, but I hope to see more of Lady Swift.