Tell Me No Lies by Alex Sinclair

Is Grace grieving -- or losing her mind?

Grace watches as her husband, John Dalton, is the victim of a hit and run. They had been out celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary when he's hit and killed in the middle of the street. Grace sinks into despondency and depression with only her friend, Jennifer, sticking by to try to help her through the funeral and the visit to the lawyer about John's estate. They'd barely been making ends meet as Grace was working as a nurse and John in residency at the hospital. So, it's a total shock when she's given the news that John had bought a life insurance policy with money he'd kept in a secret bank account. And then, other strange things begging to happen as Grace tries to figure out what is going on and who John Dalton really was.

Well. I read this in a couple of hours and must say it wasn't very thrilling or suspenseful. The very predictable psychological drama has been told before and was mostly a cliche in terms of the setup, the action and the conclusion. No surprises here. I actually detested Grace and couldn't for the life of me understand where her parents were throughout all this affair. I just wanted to shake her until her teeth rattled -- oops, that's not very nice of me with her being a new widow and all. Lots of repetition and internal stream of consciousness angst while the other stereotypical characters played out their roles. In all honesty, I was very disappointed as I've read other books by this author that I've enjoyed so much more. I'll just chalk this as a one off miss.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for providing the e-book ARC for me to read and review and look forward to Mr. Sinclair's next book.

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

Closer by Kim Slater

Ending a marriage, especially when you have a 10-year-old daughter, is difficult. It's hard to see your former spouse moving on, and moving IN with a new woman who has a daughter the same age. And even more so when your man's new love is YOUR BOSS. Emma is finding the separation difficult, even though she wanted it, but she is becoming increasingly concerned for the safety and welfare of her daughter, Maisie. Soon-to-be ex husband Shaun and Joanne are playing happy family with Piper now. So what does that mean for Maisie? Emma is absorbed in her job and making her own adjustments but eventually she does notice the changes in Maisie. But what can she DO to get Shaun to see what is obvious to her. Joanne and Piper are not good for Maisie. How will this end? NO SPOILERS.

Psychological thrillers tend to focus on a lot of internal angst, and this novel is no different. The characters often seem oblivious and either take action that most people would never attempt or they ignore huge red flags that scream out for immediate intervention. I can't say that I could relate to any of the characters or their behavior within the pages of this story, but I had enough questions about how everything was going to be resolved that I kept reading. There were several characters who I actually despised (can we say Emma's mom talking about her to Shaun behind her back?) and of course the villains because we were suspicious about them from the start anyway given the setup. There were some surprises and a twist but you know it's coming even if you don't know specifically what it is. I like to play a game with myself to see how far off I am as I sort of lay it all out mentally before I start a book. Even in its attempt to be shocking, the conclusion came as no surprise after all said and done. Sure it's set up to be ambiguous and some may feel let down without a concrete finale.

I think this book was meant to focus on mother-daughter relationships and a few other issues that I won't list out here in case some would consider naming them to be spoilers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I've read most of the books by this author and will continue to look for her new titles.

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

Perfect Silence (Callanach and Turner #4) by Helen Fields

"Human beings don't have any limits when they're broken. It's the damage you can't see on the surface that's the most dangerous."

DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner with MIT are busy with the Babydoll Killer. A monster who makes dolls from skin cut from the bodies of young women who are kept alive while it happens. With few clues, the investigation keeps stalling out even as the death toll mounts. The killer seems to be a religious nutcase with a peculiar mandate and each victim is selected with care. Can they find this psychopath and get justice for the dead girls?

In addition, Callanach and Turner are running a parallel case involving random attacks on homeless drug users. Because they're high on "spice", they aren't reliable witnesses to their own assaults -- but then one victim dies. When information leads the team to a surprising perpetrator, all hell breaks loose within the police. Will Turner keep her job or has she gone too far this time with her arrogant disregard of orders from higher up?

I absolutely love this series. The setting, the characters, the cases -- it all rings with the authority of an author who knows the business. The story is immediately absorbing, quite chilling and the action interspersed with great dialogue and human interaction. Both police procedural and crime drama, this fourth in the series ticks all the boxes. I love the relationships between the members of the team and enjoy glimpses into their personal lives. I've been quite happy, however, that no romance has come into full bloom and hope it stays that way!

Now, unfortunately, I have come to the end of the available installments in this series. While I wait impatiently for #5 (PERFECT CRIME) to be released, I'll just keep all my new friends in Police Scotland in mind. I think it's best to read them all in order and I highly recommend the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Perfect Death (#3 Callanach and Turner) by Helen Fields

"There were different types of pain...the pain of loss...shocked pain...the slow dull ache of reality...followed by the mewling baby, self-pity."

There's someone in Edinburgh who enjoys sharing grief that others experience. An evil serial killer is wanting to get up close and personal with those who've experienced the death of a loved one. This sociopath wants to offer comfort -- so much so that maybe that monster is responsible for the deaths in the first place?

DI Luc Callanach and the newly promoted DCI Ava Turner are busy in the MIT. They've got a couple of poisoning deaths on one hand and a possible corruption case on the other. The teams divide to conquer and come quite close to blowing it all up as they face off some very dangerous people. These investigations are going to require tons of time and their best efforts as leads are met with dead ends and danger is lurking on every call-out. Callanach and Turner face some threats to their tenuous and fragile personal relationship as well. But Turner is Callanach's superior and she won't let him forget it. Both struggle with their own demons as they work to bring some justice in these two, big unrelated cases.

I love this series. So much so that I had to buy this one so that I could read it before downloading and reviewing the next installment, PERFECT SILENCE. I've read all 3 so far, in order, and would urge you to do the same so that you get the full picture of the two main characters. Both are quite unique and are becoming more real with each book. I really enjoy the camaraderie between them and enjoy their friendship and mutual respect. I almost feel as if I know them and I can't wait to see what happens next. Though the story is full of action, police procedural detail, and suspense, I feel so tense worrying about how things are going to play up that it creates a lot of tension. Instead of speeding up to get to what I hope is a successful conclusion, I slow down because I'm too worried that some member of the team will be hurt or lost and I don't want to face that. Anyway, if you're looking for great crime thrillers, this series has it all and I recommend it.

Don't Let Go by Michel Bussi

Deliver us from evil...

On holiday, Martial and Liane Bellion and their six-year-old daughter, Sopha, are enjoying the tropical paradise that is Reunion Island. This particular day will not end well. When Martial goes up to their hotel room to check on Liane, she's missing, there's blood everywhere and all of her personal effects are gone. The police are on the scene immediately. They know that the husband is the immediate suspect. Witness testimony places him at the scene and a there's a knife  with his fingerprints all over it. In a seeming panic, Martial flees with his daughter. There's more to this than meets the eye...NO SPOILERS.

This fast-paced novel kept me glued to my map of Reunion Island and had me sucking up every detail of its history and geography. I can't even tell you readers how much I enjoyed this mystery and crime thriller. There are so many unanswered questions, twists and turns, suspects and characters. I loved them all and have to admit to a tear or two when tragic events occur. The writing is top-notch, my only complaint is that my French is rusty and the footnotes weren't always helpful in explaining the terms in translation. The description and detail about the island enthralled me and I could not get enough. Do you know that I never even knew that this place existed? I totally love a book that takes me to a new setting, draws me in, and brings out the researcher in me!

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this, but totally recommend. Thank you to Edelweiss and Europa Editions for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Stranger Game by Peter Gadol

"The world was a world of strangers, and all anyone wanted...was to be seen and to be known, truly known."

Rebecca is alone and lonely. Her long-time boyfriend, Ezra, has disappeared without a word and even the police can't find him for her. After awhile, she finds an essay on Ezra's desk. The author of the piece wrote that he was quite disenchanted with his life, was lonesome and bored, had little human interaction, and no meaningful relationships. He started first watching people and then began actually following them as he yearned to connect. Anything but to go back home alone. The transformation he experienced was further developed into a scheme that was mostly voyeur on his part and fairly benign. As things often do, this essay was read and shared and changed until it became a craze. More like stalking than any kind of "game", it evolved to have three rules but was basically meant to see how long you could follow a person without getting caught. Many people lost themselves in the game and vanished while following random people that crossed their path. Rebecca, assuming that this is what happened to Ezra, begins to play the game herself. Soon Rebecca is caught up in something she doesn't understand with people she cannot believe or trust, and finds that it has evolved into a far more dangerous activity than the essayist ever imagined. NO SPOILERS.

This was a very strange but interesting book. Part existential, part social commentary, and mostly confusing, my overwhelming feeling while reading was probably exactly what the author meant for it to be -- I felt disconnected and longed for intimacy as I read about Rebecca's situation. Her reactions weren't on par with anything I would have done, but I was swept up in her desperate responses to her isolation. I can definitely see this "game" as a consequence of the way that society has changed to be more about things than about relationships. The detachment observed when seeing photos on social media where everyone is looking at a screen instead of at their companions, the distrust of others manifested by labeling and categorizing beliefs and behaviors rather than seeking understanding, and the seeming lack of permanence in the way people lead their lives. All great stuff for a book club discussion! If others want to be connected to people in a real way, how in the world would following strangers around make that happen? In that question is the main issue I had with the book. It is dark and twisty and sad.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Hanover Square Press  for the e-book ARC to read and review.

"Following" has a whole new meaning in this dark and twisty novel. It is a standalone and not part of any series.

Finding Eva by J.A. Baker

 "Some things are best left tucked away in the recesses of your brain; kept as unremembered images which only wreak havoc if toyed with and set free."

This is psychopathy at its worst -- or best -- depending on your predilections for genre fiction. I have never 'met' such a cast of dysfunctional characters in a very long time and my head is reeling after the revelations and the conclusion of this psychological thriller. I don't usually care for books where all the "action" is in the psyche of the characters in a stream of consciousness, but I stuck with it and raced to the end as I was filled with a sense of dread as to what the outcome would be given the beginning chapter.

I knew that there were dead bodies, just didn't know WHO they were as I began reading. Eva Tweedie has gone to Whitby to finally confront the parents who gave her into care when she was a child. She has questions, wants answers, and won't back down this time. She's fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend, Gareth, and it seems that she has told him something that makes reconciliation impossible. In addition, her best friend from the old days in care, Celia, is worried about Eva, has cautioned her about raking up the past, and is set on stopping her from further heartbreak.

The narrative unfolds from the perspectives of Eva, Celia and Gareth. The reader has no clue if any of them is reliable as each tells his or her version of the story. All seem a bit overwrought with emotion and there is a LOT of anger underlying their actions. The pace is slow by sure as all of them come to Twinby for answers -- seeking out Eva's mother as the source and wanting her to pay for the sorry mess that is their lives. Unfortunately, one of them is a total psycho...NO SPOILERS

Despite my misgivings at the internal angsting all were experiencing and the repetition of the emotional turmoil, I ended up enjoying this because the conclusion, though somewhat expected, was quite satisfying. I'm glad I finished it despite wanting to chuck it initially. If you want to read a novel about 3 really messed up young people, then this is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this e-book ARC to read and review.

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

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

So, you say you want to go on a wellness retreat? Nine people sign up for our the 10-day program that promises that they "will leave Tranquillum House feeling happier, healthier, lighter, freer."

The "guests" arrive at the beautiful compound, are escorted to rooms in the restored Victorian mansion and prepare to meet the director and team who will guide them in the personalized processes designed so that when they leave on the last day, they won't be the same person who entered. They certainly get a transformative experience during their stay NO SPOILERS.

The characters are totally engaging, each one so well-drawn that they feel like old friends by the end of the book. Quirky, prickly, obsessed, neurotic, depressed -- the nine have all had some very specific life events that have led them to Tranquillum House in need of, desperately seeking SOMETHING that will allow them to move beyond their pasts and resume living with a different attitude. A writer, a teacher, a midwife, a young woman focused on her social media, an ex football star, a lawyer, a divorced mother of 4, a man in love with his Lamborghini, a girl about to celebrate her 21st birthday -- all are about to meet the driving force behind this extraordinary resort -- Masha Dmitrichenko. She and her team (Yao and Delilah) have planned the 10 days down to the last detail. None of those attending this session will ever be the same again. But not in the way they had imagined.

I can't say which of the characters was my favorite as each had quite a unique presentation and I enjoyed the changing point of view through the narrative. Although it starts off a little slow as the reader is introduced to the characters, the pace picks up and becomes so engrossing that I found it impossible to put down and so had to finish it basically in one sitting. I loved it and I think you will too. It would make a great choice for a book club as there are so many themes to discuss and I know I'll be thinking about the story for a long time.

Where the Truth Lies (DI Tom Ridpath #1) by M.J. Lee

"We seek evidence, it's all that counts. The truth always lies. Only evidence is clear."

DI Tom Ridpath has been temporarily seconded to the coroner from Manchester Police. He's just returned to work after a 9 month absence for treatment of his myeloma. He's now in remission and has been cleared, but he has to smooth over relationships between the coroner's office and the constabulary before he can resume his previous position. His first assignment is to deal with the family of the murdered Alice Seagram. It seems they don't believe that the man who was found guilty and imprisoned for the crime, James Dalbey, was really the killer. It's been 10 years and an exhumation of the body is ordered. The problems begin when the coffin is unearthed and is found empty. And then, the body of a woman is found and the wounds are reminiscent of circumstances surrounding that of Alice Seagram. Ridpath, working with Coroner Margaret Challinor, and trying to liaise with the police, finds himself somewhat at odds in his new job and the nature of the investigation forces him to examine the very same case that put him on the fast-track to inspector years ago. NO SPOILERS.

This was a high-octane crime thriller that kept me guessing and completely engrossed until the very satisfying conclusion. I don't think I've ever read a book where the main character has this particular job title and I found it all very interesting. It's a great mix of police procedural and forensic investigation. I really liked the character of Tom Ridpath and it seems that, considering the last chapter, he may be continuing in that role for the next book -- I hope so, and I can't wait.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.

#1 in series DI Tom Ridpath

The Warning by Kathryn Croft

Absorbing and fast-paced psychological thriller with a conclusion you won't see coming. What really happened that night at the river?

Three years ago, Jake and Zoe Monaghan get the worst news that parents can ever hear -- their 14-year-old son, Ethan, and his best friend Josh drowned in the river near their home. Even though their deaths were ruled as accidental, the lives of the Monaghan's and that of their surviving older son, Harley, have not gone so well though they've been working at trying to be a family again. Their fragile peace is shattered when Zoe receives an email and subsequent text messages that hint that they did not know the truth about what happened to their son and his friend. Who is tormenting them -- Zoe can't be stopped from trying to find out and she may lose everything else in the process of finding out the real story.

With great characters and narrated from the point of view of several of them, this thriller takes off at a speedy clip and left me racing through to get to the answers I wanted as much as did Zoe! The author juggles a large cast of characters and a complex plot but it all comes together in a satisfying conclusion. Sort of left my head reeling with all the details and information about relationships, secrets, lies, obsession and revenge. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'll definitely want to read more books by this author.

Standalone and not part of any series.

Our Little Lies by Sue Watson

"Our present is informed by our past, the fears, the insecurities -- the loss"

I dare you to put this psychological drama down once you've started! The narrative, driven by the voice of Marianne Wilson, creates incredible tension and a sense of foreboding as the story evolves. Marianne --  wife to Dr. Simon Wilson, "the dashing and brilliant cardiac surgeon", stepmother to 17-year-old Sophie, and mother of 6-year-old boy twins -- has been married for 10 years. The family lives at the prestigious Number 5 Garden Close and seems to have a perfect life. Things are not so golden behind closed doors, however, and Marianne struggles daily to hold everything together. She has a history of mental health problems and a police record because she's not alway been able to have all under control. Simon has some high expectations and Marianne knows she's not doing her part to be the perfect wife and mother. But her medication makes her a bit foggy and...NO SPOILERS. Just read it and see if you can figure out where it's all going.

I really enjoyed this as I dissected the characters and made some guesses. I usually don't care for books that have a character spending a lot of time in his or her own mind, but this time I really got into it. Of course I was expecting a twist, you read enough of this type of thriller and you KNOW one is coming, but I liked how the revelations came out and found the book to have a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.

Riveting standalone psychological drama. Not part of a series.

Dead End (DI Kelly Porter #3) by Rachel Lynch

Family secrets, murder, and mysterious disappearances keep DI Kelly Porter busy in the Lake District. In the meanwhile, she's trying to navigate her new relationship with Johnny Frietz of the mountain rescue team.

I love this series and the character of Kelly Porter. She's sensible and pragmatic, but also has a good heart and strong loyalty to her family and team. I've read both previous books in this series and always look forward to a new installment as I get to know her better. The police procedural and crime thriller elements combine to make a compelling read that I have a hard time putting down. I like the description and detail of the location along with the pace of the narrative. Occasionally told in alternating viewpoints, the main plot here hums along with enough clues to keep you guessing at the identify of the criminal despite the red herrings.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishers for the e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to #4 in the series and hope I don't have to wait too long!

Series -- read in order for best enjoyment.

Never Say Goodbye (DI Tom Fabian #1) by Richard Parker

The names of the victims match city streets -- WHY?

DI Tom Fabian faces off with a killer on a mission in this first of a series, originally titled MURDER MAP. This is police procedural with a bit of personal drama thrown in, and focuses mainly on the investigation surrounding the murders of completely unrelated people though the same signature is present. Since the victims have nothing in common, it's been hard to get a feel for the case. The team is frustrated at their lack of progress and they can't seem to predict what or who might be the next intended. Why is this killer selecting these particular victims? The clues are slim and it's only with dedication to detail that the pieces finally start to come together. NO SPOILERS.

Tom Fabian is an older guy and is handed this case after the original DI died so the stakes are high and he wants and needs to solve it. He's not risk averse, but he's also sensible. He still seems to care for his ex-wife who has her own issues and he has a daughter who has now gone off to school so he worries about her well-being. It seems that there is a lot of room for character development if this series continues and I hope it does as it sort of ended with a walloping cliffhanger! At times it seemed to move rather slowly and the secondary characters definitely need some fleshing out in order to get that "team" feel. The main other character is DS Natasha Banner who seemed rather enigmatic. I'm looking forward to see where this goes next.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review. 

First in a new series. 

Something Wicked (Andrew Hunter #1) by Kerry Wilkinson

"If you decided you believed in something and chose to live according to that, then it became your own truth."

What a deliciously sinister novel featuring a new character, Andrew Hunter, who is a private investigator. He, along with his assistant, Jenny (a likely sociopath to some degree or "empathy deficit" as was said in the book), are tasked by Richard Elaine and Carr to find their son who had disappeared on his 18th birthday over 9 months prior. The police found 3 of Nicholas's fingers in a wooded area but even though they dug up a bit of the forest, the body was never found. Andrew accepts the case with no idea that the strange world he's about to enter will put him and Jenny in serious danger. NO SPOILERS.

The plot had an unexpected theme, and the narrative moved along with Wilkinson's trademark snark and his talent for description. The characters evolved along with the story as the reader learns more about Andrew's background and I can see great potential for further development as this series continues. I enjoyed the introduction to both Andrew and Jenny and am quite eager to see where this leads next. They are similarly unconventional as a detecting duo and I enjoyed their interaction. I admit to being surprised by the twist and the conclusion. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. Can't wait for #2 in the series!

First in a new series.

The Affair by Sheryl Browne

"...love could drive a person to acts of despair or even madness...cold-blooded murder might have its basis in love, or unrequited love."

More a family drama than a thriller, this book touches the on familiar theme of deceit. Alicia is married to Justin and they have two children, a teenage daughter, Sophie, and a newborn son, Lucas. When tragedy strikes the family, all of the lies and secrets come spilling out from unexpected sources and in very damaging fallout. NO SPOILERS but when all is said and done, the truth will be revealed and the consequences may hard to face. Can this family be saved?

A very quick read with a few surprises but if you read books in this genre, you won't be far off the mark if you predict what is likely to happen early on in the book. The narrative shifts between the points of view of Alicia, Justin and Sophie and the story is easy to follow. There is a lot of internal angsting going on in the narration and plenty of blame to go around between the main characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Lies We Told by Camilla Way

Oh my, what a wild ride. I read this compelling psychological drama over a couple of hours because I simply could not put it down -- I HAD to know how this sordid tale turned out. I was so tense while reading as the author stoked my unease with subtle hints about where it was all going but I didn't quite have it all figured out correctly though a couple of my guesses proved spot on. I'm glad that I took the advice of the other reviewers who warned not to read anything about the book beyond the synopsis before diving right in. NO SPOILERS so I won't even give the main themes away.

This is definitely a tale of secrets, lies, betrayal and horrible mistakes. I'm not sure that I really liked any of the characters but perhaps felt that Clara was at least somewhat decent as a person. She was so dedicated in trying to find her missing boyfriend even when she discovers some disturbing information.

The story is told via two points of view with one narrator the voice of Beth starting from 1986 and the other voice is that of Clara in present day. Even though it seems that these are separate stories, you can be sure that it's all going to come together and in a very explosive manner. The whole of it left me glad that I don't know those people! I guess there are some things that are really unforgivable. And choices you can't put right.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing (an imprint of Penguin Random House) for this e-book ARC to read and review. I definitely enjoyed the couple of hours spent with this novel. I've also read the author's previous book, WATCHING EDIE, and can't way to see what Camilla Way does next!

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

Eye for an Eye (DI Jessica Daniel #12) by Kerry Wilkinson

Oh, Kerry Wilkinson, how cruel you are to end your books with a cliffhanger and then force us to wait endlessly (it seems) for the next in the excellent Jessica Daniel series!

DI Jessica Daniel is as busy as ever! Based at the Longsight Police Station in the Manchester area, she has a caseload that keeps her working day and night. In this outing, Jessica teams up with DCI Lewis Topper as they monitor and work a bit behind the scenes while the rest of the team gets the groundwork on.

After the serial killer known as "Jaws" is released from a secure hospital after 17 years and is relocated in protective custody, the former Damian Walker who attacked 5 young women (only 4 died), is meant to be known as Eric Seasmith. Fitted with an ankle bracelet and monitored by 2 witness protection officers, Millie Evans and Clayton Gordon, Eric is set up in a house for his own safety as the public outcry escalates when it becomes known that he's been released. Supposedly well away and in the company of the two WPOs, the city goes nuts when 2 women are found killed in the same way as done by "Jaws".  NO SPOILERS.

The second case Jessica becomes involved with has to do with a visiting rocker, Blaine Banner, who claims he is receiving death threats. In addition, a young woman named Ellie Scanlon, is picketing the station and clamoring for the police to find her missing fiancé. Whew! Jessica has a lot on her plate and it's just as well because she has to face some serious decisions in her personal life especially since she's back to living alone since Bex has gone.

As always, the author juggles all of the parallel plots and keeps the action moving forward. The great interplay between the team members, the snarky dialogue, and the personality of the characters is always entertaining. Jessica has calmed down with age and maturity no longer such a liability with her reactions and impulses. I love seeing how the team is changing and evolving. The police/crime elements are there as well, and I'll continue to eager await the next installment in this gripping series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review. Hey, when can I expect to see #13??????

I had to find and read #11 before I could start this one. Best to read this series from the beginning, in order!

Nothing But Trouble (DI Jessica Daniel #11) by Kerry Wilkinson

DI Jessica Daniel of the Longsight Police Station for the Greater Manchester Police is BUSY. There are multiple investigations going on simultaneously leaving Jessica without sleep and ratcheting up her trademark snark. Top brass has her running all over interviewing crime bosses about a couple of murders while she's also trying to figure out who is sneaking into an old man's home as well as finding a con woman who poses as a cleaner to clean out valuables of pensioners. Jessica is also having some personal issues with occasional lover and fellow police, Archie Davey, and there's trouble brewing with her live-in sort of ward, 18-year-old Bex. WHEW! NO SPOILERS but this book starts off with a shocker and you'll have a hard time forgetting about that beginning as you race through the novel trying to figure out what's happened.

I almost made a big mistake and was about to start book #12 in the series, AN EYE FOR AN EYE, as I have it from NetGalley to review -- then, I realized I had not yet read #11 so had to scramble to find it and read it first. I apparently missed out on the ARC!!  This is definitely one of those series that you have to read from the beginning, in order, as each book builds upon known facts, people, issues, and relationships from the past.

I love this character and the rest of the team at the station. Their interplay and their strengths and weaknesses make each member of them memorable and pertinent to the action and the crime solving. Their interactions can make me tear up as well as laugh out loud. I'm still hopeful that Jessica will get some HAPPY resolution with the most critical personal issue that she's been dealing with over the last couple of books. I keep wondering how long this series can go on, but the author has a great way of telling a good story and he's still keeping it fresh. Now, I'm off to start #12 to see what trouble -- I mean, case -- Jessica will get involved with next.

If you like crime and detective thrillers with a strong female protagonist, you'll not want to miss Jessica Daniel.

The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton

Atmospheric and haunting, this is not a typical suspense novel nor a crime thriller. It's a mystery of sorts, but also a study of witchcraft and the dark arts. I could not put it down after I read the note to the reader."The Craftsman is the story of women, and witches. Of the children we love and must protect. And of the men who fear us."

WPC Florence Lovelady is 22 years old and the only woman on the police when the town of Sabden tries to solve the case of 3 missing teenagers in 1969. Being new and being a woman, she faces discrimination and frustration as she attempts to get involved with the investigation. When it's discovered that one of the victims was buried alive in a casket in a local cemetery, the clues lead to a local undertaker, Larry Glassbrook. He's remanded to prison and the book opens with his funeral and burial in his native Lancashire home 30 years later. Florence has returned to town for the occasion and has brought along her teenaged son, Ben. Events transpire that make Florence question if they actually arrested the right man...NO SPOILERS

The book is divided into two distinct time periods -- 1969 during the investigation of the case and then 1999 when Florence returns. There is so much interesting material within that it's hard to sum up in a synopsis. Whether or not you believe in witchcraft, you will be privy to information that indicates that it is not a lost art and that witches still practice and exist today despite historical evidence that society has tried to get rid of them by foul means for centuries. I was riveted.

The plot is complicated but very tightly woven and will likely leave you with more questions than answers. I understand that this is the first book of a planned trilogy (I hope that's accurate) and I promise I'm going to be first in line clamoring for #2 as I can't wait to learn more about the complex character that is Florence as I feel we've only been given a small glimpse into her psyche.

Different, yes! And I'm always enamored with a unique perspective on the familiar crime and punishment genre. I think this novel will give readers a lot to think about and much to discuss with others who read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur/St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Malice by Jennifer Jaynes

"This industry (big Pharma) was a machine...and a very powerful one at that."

Dr. Daniel Winters is a pediatrician and newlywed. Married to Mia and living on a beachfront property in Malibu, he's finally achieving all his dreams in the new practice at Healing Hands in Los Angeles, California. Trouble starts soon after the honeymoon when Daniel returns to work and is told about a new immunoceutical -- Respira -- that the doctors are expected to push on their young patients to prevent the common cold. It seems that there are undocumented adverse effects from this new vaccine and the powers that be do NOT want their patients to know. Things go from bad to worse for Daniel quite quickly and, not only does he suspect his new wife is lying to him, there's major trouble at work when one of his patients experiences a severe reaction to the drug. His new boss threatens him, other doctors who've gone public about Respira are killed, and Mia is sending private texts and sneaking off when she's supposed to be at work. NO SPOILERS but Daniel's life is about to spiral completely out of control.

This was a great thriller, very fast-paced and a bit unpredictable with the twists and turns. I read it over a matter of hours as I simply couldn't put it down. I love reading about anything "medical" and the whole topic of vaccinations was quite interesting from that standpoint. I've always been pro-immunization and can't always relate to or understand the hordes of anti-vaxers when I read stuff on social media, etc. because I do believe they are safe, effective and necessary. The new, FICTIONAL, vaccine in this book doesn't exist but I can understand the fears of parents who are told and nearly forced to get a new, untested vaccine for their child. All I can say is what I always say, do your research, consult with professionals and make an informed decision. I won't judge you for trying to do the best possible thing for your child as long as you are fully aware of all the consequences for whatever action you take.

Anyway, great read and I've never read anything else written by this author but I intend to rectify that in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this e-book ARC to read and review. I had a lovely couple of hours completely absorbed in the characters and the story. Absolutely riveting and timely medical thriller.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

The Dream Daughter by Diana Chamberlain

A Trip Through Time...

Well now. This book and its topics are so far out of my usual reading zone that I'm a bit taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. Perhaps I was secretly in need of a "feel good" story instead of crime and thrills! I don't want to say too much because I think readers would enjoy the drama more if they open and dive right in without any preconceived notions.

Most of what I can say about the plot without spoilers is this -- a young woman receives the news that her husband, Joe, has been killed in Pleiku during the Vietnam War. The year is 1970. Caroline (Carly) Sears lives with her sister, brother-in-law and nephew in Nag's Head on The Outer Banks and soon discovers that she is pregnant. Unfortunately, the fetus has a heart defect that will result in death once the baby is born. The grief is unbearable for Carly, until her brother-in-law, Hunter, tells her a fantastical tale that may provide a way for this baby to survive. Does Carly have the courage to make a leap of faith in order to save her unborn child? You'll just have to read it to find out.

Note -- this will require a lot of suspension of disbelief and reads more like a fairy tale than contemporary fiction. Despite that, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with all the details of time and setting. The writing made the characters come to life on the page and sure wrung out every emotion from tears (yes, I felt some prickling) to laughter. I would categorize it all as "uplifting".
I hope you enjoy this break as much as I did!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-book ARC to read and review. I've read most all of the books by this author, and will definitely be looking out for her next one.

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

Silent Victim by Caaroline Mitchell

"You can't walk away from your demons...They'll catch up with you in the end."

Emma is married to Alex and they have a son, Jamie. They live in her childhood home on Mersea Island -- remote, foggy, and cut off from the mainland by tides at certain times of the day. Everything is going well for the little family until Alex gets a promotion and wants to move them away to Leeds. Emma knows that there's something she must do -- she must dig up the body of the man she killed and buried there on the property many years ago. Unfortunately, her lies and her secrets may have finally been exposed. NO SPOILERS

As Emma's life spirals out of control, the narrative takes the reader on a ride that will leave your head swiveling! Told in alternating points of view and going back and forth in time, we hear the man, Luke, her previous high school teacher, tell his version -- and wonder if he's a psychopath. We read about Emma's mental health issues and question her reliability as a storyteller. Alex is trying hard to sustain his feelings for Emma and sort through what he's told but is having trouble figuring out the truth. And then there's Emma's sister who is keeping some secrets of her own. You may be able to figure out where this is all going, but won't be able to put the book down until you've reached the end of this dramatic thriller.

I enjoyed the wild ride and hope you do as well.

Amazon.com purchase
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.

The Proposal by SE Lynes

"...momentous events, be they good or bad, catapult us from our core, leave us floating, weightless, lost."

Pippa Gates has no idea what is going to happen to her after she opens the door to a wandering salesperson hawking cleaning supplies and invites him into her house. Pippa is a teacher and struggling wanna-be author with a less than stellar published book to her name and a synopsis of her next one due to the editor -- tomorrow! Instead of actually working to meet the contract, she is procrastinating and drinking heavily. Seeking some kind of inspiration, she makes an unusual proposal to the shabby, down-on-his luck man -- tell her the story of his life for 200 pounds. He agrees and sits down at her kitchen table and she hits gold. How could she know that this evening will lead to an insane obsession that will leave her...NO SPOILERS.

This psychological thriller is, without a doubt, the most bizarre, messed-up story I have ever read, and believe me, I've read some humdingers. But I mean that in a good way! The characters of Pippa and the man at the door, Ryan Marks, are two deeply disturbed individuals that defy explanation. The narrative is told in an unusual format -- part being the private journal written by Pippa and the other main segments are blog posts by the author Pippa that are on social media. In addition are a few italicized ramblings recorded by Ryan. Trust me, it all makes sense when you read it.

I'm not sure when a book has hooked me so completely while all the time I'm wondering what the heck it is that I'm reading! Pippa shares a very twisty tale that could only be told by someone who is or must be totally warped. The things she thinks and says and does surely defy the concept of normal! I think you'll enjoy the crazy ride as much as I did. Don't miss it if only to be able to talk about it with a fellow reader after you finish reading it!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this e-book ARC to read and review. This is not the first book that I've read by this author and after this, I just have to see what she comes up with next!

This is a standalone, not part of a series.

Death on the River (Tara Thorpe #2) by Clare Chase

Misadventure or murder?

In this second mystery featuring DC Tara Thorpe, she and Blake deal with "a group of self-serving and in some cases amoral individuals." The "Alcolytes" have lost their leader and mentor; Ralph Cairncross's body was found inside his classic Alfa Romeo submerged in the Forty Foot Drain. He was a controversial author who spent his time pushing his theories about the importantance of youth and the glory of dying young. At first written off as an accident -- Ralph was drunk driving -- Tara soon becomes convinced that there is more to it when the victim's sister insists that it was foul play. Since Tara is new to the team and because her boss, DS Wilkins is basically a jerk who doesn't really want the former journalist working under him, she starts looking into the situation on her own time at first. When another member of the Alcolytes dies under the guise of  "misadventure", Tara convinces DI Blake that this is more than coincidence. NO SPOILERS.

I really enjoyed this book as Tara uses her talents as a former investigative journalist in her new role as DC. Working under a difficult boss who doesn't want her to succeed and bashes her theories, she turns to Blake for support. The case becomes more complex as the author gives so many red herrings within the group of Alcolytes. Could one of them be committing murder, and why? Talk about a bunch of devious characters who admired Ralph Cairncross! His wife and daughter were not treated so well as he spent so much time with his little group of hero-worshippers. Could they be responsible for any of this? The team has its work cut out for them chasing down the Alcolytes and even as they firm up their theories, yet another of the members dies. Meanwhile, Wilkins stands firmly in his opinions frustrating Tara at every turn especially after an article appears in NOT NOW -- the old magazine that Tara used to write for before she quit and decided to become police.

There is so much going on within this very interesting and well-written book that kept me guessing about the entire case. I love the atmosphere created by the location, especially the snowy fens, as it gives the novel a bit of a gothic feel. The coldness of the winter, the isolation, the knowledge that someone sinister is lurking and watching combine to keep the reader enthralled. The devious characters and the ways in which they manage to avoid being totally truthful cause Tara and Blake some frustration and very late hours. The story builds to a great climax and gives a satisfying conclusion.

I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait for #3. It's a bit different to the gritty thrillers I typically read and a refreshing change up. Please continue to keep Blake an honorable man and avoid the romance trap! If you're thinking about picking this one up, be sure to read the first in the series before doing so as it provides so much about how Tara got to this point and who she is.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Murder on the Marshes by Clare Chase (Tara Thorpe #1)

Revenge or evening up the balance? A twisty tale with many red herrings...

"Death comes equally to us all, and makes us all equal when it comes." John Donne

Tara Thorpe is a journalist working for NOT NOW magazine when she is asked to investigate and write a feature about the murder of a charismatic and popular professor, Samantha Seabrook, a fellow of St. Francis's College at Cambridge. Professor Seabrook, young and athletic, somewhat impetuous and adventurous, had apparently been killed in a walled garden fountain. Several interesting clues come to light immediately and Tara's first problem is that she can't seem to get honest answers when she interviews Seabrook's colleagues at the institute. Her second problem is that the police, namely DI Blake and his team, don't feel that information should go both ways. They want access to her notes and recordings, but they aren't sharing everything with her. In addition, Tara, who has a history of being stalked, receives a message along with a handmade doll -- "It was a warning. This is a warning." And does this mean that her stalker has returned to terrorize her OR is the note an indication that the story Tara is working on has personal implications? NO SPOILERS.

This was a great first novel in a new series. I loved meeting the characters and enjoyed their interaction as their relationships deepen and develop. It was a bit of a class clash as those from Cambridge stall and hinder the police trying to solve the case. The bond between Tara and Blake is just developing and is not romantic...yet. Tara makes some big decisions by the end of this book and I'm thrilled that I can immediately pick up the second in this mystery series. Great storytelling with the added bonus of the setting at Cambridge add to the compelling nature of the tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'm off to start DEATH ON THE RIVER...

Fatal Promise (DI Kim Stone #9) by Angela Marsons

Who lives, who dies? There's really no choice...Grief is a monster.

"You were not only building a team, you were building a family."

DI Kim Stone is back at West Midlands after a break and those left of her previous team are returning to work as well as coming to grips with what happened in the previous book #8 so if you have not read the series from the beginning, please do not go further in this book. I don't really feel that this can be read as a standalone. The rest of this review may give away details from previous installments.

The theme of this book is grief. People handle their emotional pain and loss in different ways, and Kim, Stacey and Bryant are no exception. In addition, they are faced with having to deal with a new officer in Dawson's place -- Penn "NotKev" who is there as replacement. Met with anger and resentment, Penn is not welcome. But they still have to work together and get the job done.

The murder case builds slowly. A doctor is found dead and shortly thereafter his son is in a fatal automobile accident. Then an elderly woman. The victims keep coming. How are they all connected and why are they being killed? As the evidence seems to magically appear leading them in the direction of a viable suspect, Bryant helps Kim Stone see that things are falling into place a bit too conveniently. Meanwhile, Stacey is looking into the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl.

Although the investigation is certainly a big part of this book, the main focus is on the psychological aspects that the characters are dealing with and we learn more about the type of person that Kim is and how she has learned to deal with her personal issues from her past. We see how strong the bond is between the team members and how they support and care for each other. Once the killer is identified and the confession explains the "why" of it all, the point is again driven home that the things that happen to you or to those you love affect you deeply and differently. 

I love this series and with every book I feel as if I'm going to a family reunion when I start reading. I miss the characters while waiting for the next one in the series and can't wait to "see" them again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. 

The Crying Season (Alton and Kane #4) by DK Hood

 Black Rock Falls, Montana -- "Beautiful one day, crazy as hell the next."

A merciless predator is stalking the trails and woods of Black Rock Falls during peak hunting and hiking season. The killer seems to focus on couples who are going off to secluded areas and trails to spend some quality time alone. But they don't come back and bodies have been found -- murdered in very gruesome fashion. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her partner, Deputy David Kane begin the painstaking process of investigation with hopes of finding this madman before there are more deaths. When they suspect that there have been cameras placed along certain trails, it comes to their attention that the killer may be linked to the Dark Web and pay per view. NO SPOILERS.

This is simply a very entertaining series with characters that have grown on me since book #1. Both Jenna and Dave have a previous life history of being covert operators and are now in Black Rock Falls staying hidden from those who knew them before. The pair has a great relationship that I wish would finally be taken in a more romantic direction, but I do appreciate that there isn't any "romance" in the books. They work well together and have set up a great support team to help with solving the crimes. The descriptions of the area are very compelling and set the tone for the dark investigations that seem to be cropping up in their little remote town.

I do love the series and can't wait for #5. Be sure to start with book #1 and read in order. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Truth and Lies (DI Amy Winter #1) by Caroline Mitchell

DI Amy Winter, the adopted daughter of a police officer, is also the biological child of parents known as a murdering du0 -- the Beasts of Brentwood. The couple abducted and killed young girls back in the 1980s. Amy's real mom, Lillian Grimes, is in prison and her bio dad is dead. DI Winter's past is shrouded in vague memories that are brought to the forefront when Lillian contacts her from jail and promises to reveal the location of 3 bodies if Winter will help get her appeal going, "because she was framed."

This detective crime drama forces Amy Winter to accept that the circumstances of her birth do not add up to the person she is now. Although her adoptive father is dead, Amy is a dedicated police officer who agrees to see Lillian so as to give the closure necessary to the families of the dead girls by finding the bodies and taking them home. Lillian is living up to her part, taking Amy to the bodies, when another young girl is kidnapped. NO SPOILERS.

The narrative shifts in time and point of view as the various aspects of the case come together. The characters are fairly typical of this genre and not fully developed in this first of what I expect is a new series. This was more mystery than pulse-pounding suspense.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Marked for Revenge (Jana Berzelius #2) By Emelie Schepp

"You shouldn't hold on to the past...everything changes."

This is the second in a trilogy featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius. Set in Norrkoping, Sweden, this fast-paced police procedural focuses on the rampant drug trade and child trafficking. When a young Thai girl dies on a train and is found stuffed with capsules of heroin, the team of detectives that Jana works with tries to find out what happened to the friend who was traveling with the dead girl. In addition, Jana finds that this case has ties to her horrific past, and a man known as Danilo -- he knows all about her and she can't have him reveal her secrets. But there is worse to come when Jana's investigation reveals that someone close to her has ties to the network of crime. NO SPOILERS.

I love this series and have now read all three -- though, unfortunately, out of order as I read #3 first before I realized it. The books are very well-written and grab hold quickly with complex plots and interesting characters that have developed more with each book. The police team members are unique individuals and there is an occasional foray into their personal lives but most of the narrative is focused on the development of the case and the facets of investigation. Jana Berzelius herself is quite a complex woman with amazing fighting skills learned when she was a child. She's rather cold as a person and definitely keeps her private life, thoughts and feelings to herself so she has difficulty in creating or sustaining any relationships. Her tough exterior completely masks her inner turmoil but she is intent on succeeding at any cost. Destroy or be destroyed.

I'd like to thank Amazon Vine for a paperback ARC of this book to read and review. When I finished book #3, I thought there might be another book to follow because it seemed to leave many dangling questions and the story seemed unfinished. I'll definitely want to read more about Jana Berzelius in the future.

Marked for Life (Jana Berzelius #2) By Emelie Schepp

Edgy police procedural set in Sweden and featuring public prosecutor Jana Berzelius.

Although this is the first in the trilogy, it was the second one I read after falling hard for Jana Berzelius in book #3 (SLOWLY WE DIE). I just had to go back to the beginning because she is such an enigma as a character and I wanted to find out more about her back story. This book is where it all begins and the reader is introduced to the main characters as well as to the author's style of writing and the complexity that makes a great plot.

An official with the migration bureau is killed in his home and the only clue seems to be a handprint -- but forensic testing suggests that the print was made by a young child. How can that be as Hans Juhlen and his wife have no children. The case is becomes even more complicated when a young boy is found shot dead at the shoreline and can't be identified. Jana Berzelius begins to realize that this case may have a personal connection to her own past as she has a terrible history and the scars to prove it. Upon further investigation, the team finds evidence of child abuse and human trafficking.

I love this series. The excellent writing and the very unique characters combine with a compelling story line that just drag you in and will have you reading until you turn to the last page -- and want MORE. NO SPOILERS.

I love Scandinavian crime drama. The setting is always quite interesting to me especially when the author provides such significant detail about it. I can feel the cold temperature and imagine the city of Norrkoping though I've never been. I'm about to start book #2, MARKED FOR REVENGE, and then will just have to wait to see if Schepp continues with this very entertaining series and tells us more about Jana Berzelius.

Perfect Prey (DI Luc Callanach #2) by Helen Fields

"Four victims currently in limbo at the city mortuary. Death by strangulation, facial skinning, stabbing and crushing."  And there's more to come...

If you haven't yet picked up this series and moved it to the top of your TBR pile, I think you're missing some of the best crime fiction available. This series is awesome for many reasons: the plots, the action, the drama, and the characters. All of it, and more, bundled up to give you an evening or two of suspense and enough chills to keep you awake after you've finished the final page.

DI Luc Callanach, operating out of Police Scotland in Edinburgh, has been there less than a year. He'd left France under a bit of a cloud, and is still adjusting to his new position and his team. In this second book of the series, he's facing a set of gruesome murders with no leads or clues. His friend and colleague, DI Ava Turner, is working with him and the others but is somewhat distant lately due to personal matters. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard has sent detectives to Edinburgh in the hunt for a master cybercriminal. The man at the head of that force just happens to be an old acquaintance of Ava's and he, DCI Joe Edgar, does not like Luc at all! Can they all work together to bring their cases to a conclusion? NO SPOILERS.

Again, this is a very well-written police procedural and crime thriller with a very complicated plot and enough red herrings to keep even those most savvy reader enthralled and guessing. I love the characters and their interactions as they race against the clock and attempt to unravel the connections and apprehend those behind the murders. I am desperate for book #3 (PERFECT DEATH) which is not due out in the US until later this year! I've been looking for an ARC but have had no luck and patience is not one of my virtues!

The grisly nature of the crimes and the descriptions/detail may be off putting to some readers, so beware. Part of the story also involves the dark web so there's a fair amount of technical jargon as well. I enjoyed (?) every aspect of this book and highly recommend it. I suppose it could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on some great backstory about the characters.

If you're into this genre, be sure to put this book and the whole series on your list. Although I have the ARC of the 4th one in the series queued up to read, thanks to NetGalley UK, I don't know if I can read it without reading #3 first! Oh, the dilemma of a fan!

Perfect Remains (DI Luc Callanach #1) by Helen Fields

This police procedural, the first in a series featuring Detective Inspector Luc Callanach, is truly the definition of a gripping suspense crime thriller.

"How is life as a French-Scottish former Interpol agent in the wilds of Scotland?"

Life for DI Callanach is busy. He's not even unpacked his new office when he's called to attend the discovery of a completely burnt body found in the Cairngorm Mountains. Forensics indicate that the remains are those of Elaine Buxton, a lawyer from Edinburgh who had been reported missing a few weeks prior. As Callanach and his team take on the investigation, they shortly realize that they are dealing with a master criminal. And soon, another prominent woman goes missing. Racing against the clock, Callanach meticulously chases every clue despite the confounding evidence and the lack of critical information. Can he pull himself together and let go of his personal past to focus on the case? NO SPOILERS.

Excellent writing, fabulous well-drawn characters, incredible description and enough grisly detail to satisfy even the most dedicated of hardcore genre readers. This book was a "stumbled upon" for me and I can't believe I missed hearing about this series! I cannot wait to read the second, third, and fourth and look forward to seeing Luc Callanach's personal and professional growth as it continues. I could barely put this down, and had to force myself to go at a slower pace just so I could absorb everything. This is one story that will leave you chilled and never ever again will you be immune to the smell of mothballs...Sorta kidding. Anyway -- I highly recommend it to fans of this genre.

Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins Publishers for this e-book ARC to read and review. I'm off to start #2 -- PERFECT PREY.

First in a series.

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

"We are all drowning slowly in the tide of our opinions, oblivious that we are taking on water every time we open our mouths."

A Mississippi morning. Gunfire erupts in a health center that performs abortions. The women inside, along with a male doctor, are held hostage by a gunman who is seeking retribution because his daughter had been to the clinic and was counseled, he believes, to obtain an abortion. But the situation is more complicated than that. The hostage negotiator, Hugh McElroy, has a real crisis on his hands as he arrives at the center -- he's just found out that his daughter, Wren, and his sister, Bex, are inside. NO SPOILERS.

I must admit that I had some reservations about reading this book but, immediately after I downloaded it today, I started reading and just finished it a little while ago. I was totally glued to the pages of this story. Not only was it extremely even handed regarding its highly inflammatory subject matter of abortion, it was written in an unusual time structure going from present to past, in reverse order to the way I usually prefer my books to flow. So it ends with the beginning and follows with an epilogue that answers all the questions. At no time did I feel that I was being persuaded to take a side, nor were there subtle hints as to any author bias. It was obvious from the author's end note that she had done a tremendous amount of research, even to the point of spending time in a clinic and observing the termination procedures. The characters -- both those that were pro-choice and those who were anti-abortion (or pro-life) were all in the scenario and represented the various beliefs, wishes and desires with their reasons for doing and feeling as they did.

Jodi Picoult is not afraid of writing about controversial subjects and I believe that her purpose must surely be to open up dialogue about issues that tend to polarize people. In today's society, we seem to be bombarded by so many differences of opinion that result in responses that range from arguments to violence. What was once personal and private has become center stage. Activists on both sides of the abortion issue have various methods of rallying people to action or agreement. Lawmakers weigh in, deciding what is legal and what is not. Unfortunately, it's hard to remain objective in the face of it all as most of us no doubt feel pressures from different factions. At the end of the day, each person will have to come to their own perspective knowing, however, that it all boils down to the question of relevancy. And the fact that the way you feel one day may change depending on circumstances.

I am quite glad I was given an opportunity to read this and I'll be thinking of it for a long time. It would make an excellent choice for a book club, but I'm not sure everyone feels comfortable in this climate to share honest opinions without fear of judgement.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. I look forward to reading and hearing what others think of it.

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

Perfect Girls (DI Rachel Prince #3) by Alison James

"Pretty. Spoilt. Popular. Self-absorbed. Entitled." DEAD

DI Rachel Prince, an international liaison investigator for the UK National Crime Agency, is off to the USA in what will prove to be one of the most challenging cases of her career. Alone and without support from her partner, DS Mark Brickall, she is sent to find details about a murdered UK woman whose body was found rotting in a dumpster at the back of a Macy's store in LA. Phoebe Stiles, 25-years-old, had been dead for quite some time -- all the while, however, she had appeared to still be in contact with her parents via phone and had also filmed a commercial even though forensics found that Phoebe was already dead then. If that's true -- who went to the filming in her stead? Rachel Prince will crisscross the United States while doggedly pursuing the killer. This particular sociopath is quite busy as other bodies begin to appear. What emerges is a very chilling and complicated story of deceit and revenge. NO SPOILERS.

I really enjoyed this third in the series featuring Rachel Prince. She's fairly stereotypical as a character in this genre as she's a bit aloof and easily obsessed by her cases. She has difficulty in personal relationships but her determination to close her cases forces her to try to play nice with others. The series is very well-written and demonstrates great attention to detail as the complex case keeps the reader entertained. Equal parts police procedural, crime drama, and suspense thriller, PERFECT GIRLS kept me glued to the pages and I would have finished it in one sitting had it not been a holiday weekend! I can't wait for #4 and highly recommend the series to any fans of this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

#3 in the Detective Rachel Prince series.

Keep You Safe by Rona Halsall

Note -- original title GUILTY LITTLE SECRETS

Natalie is put in prison for embezzlement, though she claims that she is innocent. She's also found to be a drug addict, hooked on OxyContin. Through various means, she comes to realize that she's been framed and the only thing in her mind is getting out and back to her infant son, Harry. Finally, she gets out of prison and heads to the Isle of Man because she has found that is where her ex husband, Tom, has taken her son. No spoilers, but she meets a guy on the ferry across to the island. In addition, there is a Polish bad guy after her because of something that happened to his sister while they were both at the same prison.

If you really loved this book -- stop here and don't read any further.

OK. I don't really like to write reviews about books I didn't enjoy. This one didn't do it for me and I almost did the unthinkable (for me, anyway) and nearly marked as DNF. I really don't care for books full of angst and with a constant stream of consciousness where the main character goes on and on ad nauseum about the same old thing. Constantly about Harry. Her lame brained ideas to go get him from his father and "rescue" him. Her actions and the many coincidences that defied my ability to suspend disbelief. I just couldn't get into the story and it was so predictable that I really could have read the first and last chapter and called it done. The narrative is told in a "then" and "NOW" fashion and although I'm not that fond of the style, it worked OK though it took forever for the gist of the whole story to be teased out. I didn't even like the main character, Natalie. The ending was contrived, and let's just leave it now.

I understand this is a debut, and though I like psychological thrillers, this whole plot line has been done to death. I would consider trying a second novel by this author in hopes to see a more original story. I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book to read and review. My apologies to all for my opinions and I'm sure that others will find something different to mine to write about! If you're really picky and you like suspenseful thrillers with twists that leave you guessing and tension that makes you race through the pages, you may want to look for another book.

This is a standalone, not part of any series.

Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone

"I'll find out firsthand what Steven Hepsworth holds dear. Then I'll figure out how to take it all away from him."

Jane leaves her life and job in Kuala Lumpur and travels to Minnesota to put her plans into motion. She's determined to find and destroy the man whom she holds responsible for her best friend's death. Meg was the only person that Jane has ever really deeply cared about. You see, Jane is a sociopath. And she's very very good at acting. She's spent years perfecting the art of imitating people who truly have emotions and she's now going to play her biggest role yet. NO SPOILERS

What a deliciously nuanced revenge thriller! The narrative sucks you in quickly and it's a very hard book to put down as you are eager to see how Jane makes out in her mission. She's sure a different type of protagonist as we're not used to rooting for sociopaths in this genre as they're usually the bad guys, but I definitely wanted her to succeed and thought the way she handled the family was masterful. Jane is not the typical heroine, and it's likely that you might not even like her very much if you knew her as a relationship would be a lot of work due to her lack of empathy and authentic feeling. But I did like her and I hope she can enjoy her future life in the "fake it till you make it" mode!

I've not read other books by this author, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for any future titles. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this e-book ARC to read and review.

Standalone, not part of a series.

The Wife Before Me by Laura Elliot

PSA -- Ladies, if you meet a man at your mother's funeral and you find out that he has a wife who died under suspicious circumstances and her body was never recovered -- don't hook up with him!

Unfortunately, Elena Langdon did not heed that warning and got together with Nicholas Madison anyway. His wife, Amelia, looms as the third person in their relationship from the very beginning. But Nicholas is so charming and just insinuates himself into Elena's life, finally getting her to agree to a commitment ceremony because he is not yet able to marry her as Madison has not been legally declared dead. Despite his ardent declarations, Elena is vulnerable to his manipulations and is convinced to move into the house Nicholas shared with his former wife. That's when the real problems surface. NO SPOILERS.

I'm sure that all women have thought at one time or another when we hear about a case of spousal abuse -- why doesn't she leave him? There are as many reasons (or excuses) as there are the women who endure the beatings, the treachery, the isolation, the controlling and the lies. Elena is distraught and can't escape Nicholas even after he confesses that he's lost all her inheritance. Now, she's really dependent on him. Much of the book describes how the worm turned and how Nicholas torments Elena, especially as she is convinced that he still loves the dead Amelia -- why else would he lock the door to the couple's previous bedroom and what other secrets is he keeping.

I've read other reviews and I must say that I enjoyed this domestic drama and psychological thriller. I didn't read the "romance" aspect as being too much as I realize this is the way that the abuser draws in his victim. I could see the downward spiral of Elena's life and sympathized with her even as I kept telling myself that I would never be in her position. Ah hubris, right? Anyway, there is suspense and the author creates a nice bit of tension. You know there is something of course -- that there will be a twist, and it's pretty easy to anticipate though you're not sure when it is coming.

The book is told in alternating viewpoints with some flips in time and this strange bit in italics that was a bit disconcerting until you identify the owner of the voice. That aspect of the narrative fell a little flat and I definitely had to suspend some disbelief about some of the things that happened as the story builds to a dramatic climax and a satisfying conclusion. You may or may not identify or relate to the characters, but it won't be hard to despise Nicholas as he's definitely a psychopath!

It was easy to read this book in one sitting as I found it hard to put down so stayed up way late finishing. I hope you enjoy it as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Standalone, not part of any series.

The Wife's Secret by Kerry Wilkinson

Domestic suspense thriller. What if the woman you've married turns out to be someone you didn't know at all?

The Willis family seems to be followed by a curse of tragedy. Parents Annie and Paul, "Everyone's mum and dad" are famous for their books and television presence. When they are murdered one night, their 13-year-old daughter, Charley, is found by her sister Martha hiding in the wardrobe upstairs. The killer was never found. Fifteen years later, Charley marries vet Seth Chambers -- and goes missing from the wedding reception. As Seth tries to figure out where Charley has gone, with the police and the press coming and going, he's in a right state of exhaustion and worry.

The narrative goes back and forth in time and point of view as the story unravels layer by layer with surprising twists and bitter truth. The Willis family wasn't who they represented themselves to be, which isn't the most surprising revelation, but it's true that you can't always believe everything you hear, that you read, or that you see. Many secrets are hidden behind the front door of a family home and the Willis family has a lot to hide. Money may not be everything to everyone, but it sure can provide a lot of negative or positive motivation.

Enjoyed this standalone by one of my favorite authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Not part of a series.

The Body on the Shore (DCI Craig Gillard #2) by Nick Louth

Simply put -- this is a great police procedural, the second in a new series by Nick Louth. Set in Surrey and featuring DCI Craig Gillard, the crime thriller is complex and absorbing and very hard to put down!

A young architect is murdered in his office one morning and Gillard gets the nod to lead the investigation. The few leads soon dry up and, though it looks like a professional assassination, the detectives can't figure out why anyone would want to kill the husband and father. Until they discover that he came to the UK as an orphan seeking asylum... In what comes to be a related case, a body is found on the shore of a remote beach. And, to complicate an already complicated situation, the two adopted children of a local woman are kidnapped leading Gillard deep into the not-so-hidden blood wars of the Albanian Mafia. NO SPOILERS.

The narrative is fast-paced with action as well as a focus on the various methods used by the police and Gillard's team to track down the suspects, recover the children, and figure out the motivations for the murders. The descriptions and detail are meticulous and is focused mainly on police activity with only a little about their personal lives. I can see a lot of potential for this great series and can't wait for #3. I was riveted by the backstory of the Albanians and their vendettas between families -- all interesting and new information for me. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing this e-book ARC for me to read and review. I highly recommend this series and am eager to see what case Gillard is tasked with next. 

The Body in the Marsh (DCI Craig Gillard #1) by Nick Louth

Excellent and well-written police procedural, the first in a new series featuring DCI Craig Gillard out of Surrey Police in Guildford. With intricately constructed complex plotting, full of twists and red herrings, this crime thriller will appeal to any fan of this genre.

The case -- Elizabeth Knight, the wife of respected criminologist Martin Knight, is reported missing by one her oldest best friends. After the police contact her husband with questions, he also disappears. Gillard's team opens an investigation but he harbors a secret: he once dated Liz Knight and has never really gotten over her. Gillard's search for answers will take him to the continent and back again as he attempts to find out what happened and why. NO SPOILERS.

This is fast-paced and kept me glued to the pages as I tried to guess what would happen with all the clues and questions. Though I did figure out where it was going fairly early on, I was intrigued as events unfolded and the conclusion was completely satisfying. I can't wait to start the second book, THE BODY ON THE SHORE!

Thank you to the publisher (Canelo) for this e-book to read and review.

Series book #1

The Last Hours (Black Death #1) by Minette Walters

Summer 1348 heralds the arrival of the Black Death to Dorseteshire and seriously impacts the relatively small demesne of Develish. Shortly before the apocalypse of disease appears, Sir Richard leaves his land to journey to Bradmayne in an effort to marry off his 14-year-old daughter, Lady Eleanor. Instead of returning with news of a betrothal, Sir Richard brings the plague. When he's denied access across the moat to the manor and dies, his widow, Lady Anne takes over and creates an entirely new society inside the walls. Trained in a nunnery before she was wed, Lady Anne knows how to use practical hygiene and isolation methods to keep her serfs free from disease. She and two of her trusted serfs -- the bastard Thaddeus Thurkell and an older man named Gyles Startout -- encourage the people of the demesne to bond together to save themselves. Be forewarned, this ends on a cliffhanger as there is meant to be a book #2!

If you're in the mood for compelling and fascinating historical fiction focusing on how the Black Death affected a relatively small community and its impact on their way of life then this is the book for you. I found myself absorbed completely in the details and descriptions of the life and times of the characters in this extremely well-written novel. Because of the strength and leadership of Lady Anne, the loyalty of the people of the demesne, and the resilience of the human spirit, this incredible saga of the event that decimated much of the population of Europe is hard to put down. I have long been fascinated by stories surrounding how the plague destroyed centuries of social order, how it affected the religious beliefs held by the majority of the populace, and how it increased the awareness of how disease was spread including the emphasis on learning about sanitation and the importance of extermination. So few had any degree of understanding of epidemiology or even cleanliness and little was known of science as most people thought that it was sin that brought death and disease. It's hard for us now to imagine such degree of ignorance living as we do, but the author describes the setting and living conditions so well in this novel that you can see, hear, smell, feel and taste what it must have been like. I love books that send me into research mode, and I definitely made use of the Internet while reading.

I encourage you to read this if you like historical fiction and a great story with well-drawn characters that you learn to love and/or hate! I cannot wait for the sequel to this and am so grateful to NetGalley & Edelweiss and MIRA/Harper Collins for this e-book ARC to read and review. Hurry up, Ms Walters, and finish this masterpiece!

Her Final Hour (Gina Harte #2) by Carla Kovach

 DI Gina Harte has just returned home to Cleevesford from a short holiday spent with her daughter and granddaughter when she gets called to work. A murder. A 35-year-old wife and mother, Melissa Sanderson, was beaten and strangled to death in her own kitchen. Harte is made Senior Investifating Officer (which thrills her as it will be her first time and a huge step in her career) and she and her team begin to gather and follow the few clues and leads that will soon spiral into quite the case. There's no shortage of motives and suspects -- could it be Melissa's own husband who found her body and called police when he came home after a night out at the pub? Or is it Melissa's secret lover? Then there's the personal attack on Gina Harte herself. And yet another victim. In all 3 cases, there are some links and similarities. Gina and her fellow detectives are frustrated and stalled at every turn in this complex crime investigation. Painstaking attention to detail and chasing down people who may or may not be involved is going to take some doing.

I enjoyed this fast-paced police procedural, the second in the series. I like Gina Harte's character and she is working on achieving some personal growth with issues in her own life while still staying focused on her job. The personalities of the other members of the team are becoming more solid but there is still a long way to go before they become more than one-dimensional as the focus is mainly on Gina. It seems that in many books like this that the female detectives are messed up and have difficulty with relationships and I hope that Gina can break out of that mold. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read and review.

Second book in Detective Gina Harte series. I read the first and enjoyed it as well.

Their Last Words (#1 Ray Paterson) by Steve Parker

This was a fast-paced, well-written crime thriller and police procedural -- the first in a new series featuring Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson. He's a wealthy playboy, recently promoted to head his first murder squad case -- and the victim is a young woman, savagely mutilated with a word carved into her chest. He and his team, based out of Bermondsey, South London, barely get started on the investigation when another victim is found. They have a serial killer to hunt. Thankfully, Ray has a good group to work with, including a friend who's helping him learn the ropes, DS Dave Jordan.
As they delve into their jobs, even calling in a behavioral analyst, it becomes clear that this killer has an agenda, and their inability to find and apprehend this monster will cost the department dearly. NO SPOILERS.

What an absorbing read! I could not put this down and was absolutely glued to the pages, gripped by the twists and turns and the grisly details. The characters were depicted quite clearly and the dialog and actions of the team seemed so believable and realistic. The chills and tension kept escalating and the narrative paced perfectly to draw out maximum suspense. I loved it! If you enjoy a gritty police procedural with characters that are more unique than typical in the genre, this is the book for you. I cannot wait for the next novel by this author and highly recommend this one. Sign me up for an ARC now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for this e-book ARC to read and review. This debut screams for a follow-up and I'm so glad I had the chance to get in at the beginning of what I'm sure will be a great ride for this obviously talented author who has the chops to write what he knows!

Series #1

The Day I Lost You by Alex Sinclair

Erika is taking her 4-year-old daughter to her estranged husband's top floor apartment on the 14th floor of an upscale building when they get trapped inside a stuck elevator. When it moves a little and the doors open slightly at mid floor, little Alice squeezes through the small opening onto the 7th floor. Erika, already anxious, can't get through and the doors close again taking her down to the lobby. Frantic, she asks the young man at the reception desk, Henry, to help her find Alice. She enlists the help of another resident, Alan, to come with her when Henry seems loathe to take any action. When they get back up to the 7th floor, Alice is nowhere to be found. A door-to-door search is fruitless. What could have happened and where is Alice? And does Alice's disappearance have something to do with Erika's ex, Michael, or has someone in this building kidnapped her? NO SPOILERS.

I read this short book in a little over an hour. Not because it was so compelling, but because I was having such a hard time making sense of the story given how I found it all so utterly unbelievable. That's how I knew something was really off. Yes, it would be entirely normal for a mother to be hysterical if she had lost her child but Erika seemed bat-crap crazy and her madcap actions had me shaking my head. I just had to get to the end of this so that I could find out if my instincts were correct. Yes. There was a twist at the end and it sort of explained some of the day's events as Erika, Alan and several others race up and down and around the building. Definitely different sort of missing child book to what I expected.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read and review.

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

The Secret by K.L. Slater

"Three things cannot long stay hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth." BUDDHA

Archie, 8-years-old, lives in Nottinghamshire with his mom, Louise, and adoptive father, Darren. He has a secret too big to hold inside but too scary to tell. But his deteriorating behavior and anxiety slowly become worrisome when he starts spending more time with Alice -- Archie's aunt and Louise's younger sister. Alice lives alone in a flat that belonged to their mother, she has some physical injuries from an accident, and she is prone to fears of her own. She can't explain away the things she finds out, or those signs that are revealed in the dynamics of dysfunctional relationships. What is really going on with Archie and his family and can Alice become brave enough to confront truth once and for all?  NO SPOILERS.

This was a psychological drama centered on family and the keeping of secrets. Alice is a mousy character who never learned to stand up for herself but who is now called upon to stand up for others. Louise is a domineering older sister who shows a real proclivity to narcissism and who is quite manipulative. Is Louise really a monster behind a facade of mother, wife and working professional? Her husband, Darren, expresses deep concerns about his wife. Alice is worried about everyone, even the upstairs neighbor whose phone rings at odd hours during the middle of the night. What is it that Archie can't tell anyone?

Enjoyable and fast-paced read with a surprising twist or two along the way. The narrative is told from three points of view and flips back and forth in time giving the reader a historical perspective on the development of the characters. Although I really didn't care for any of the lot, I know we're meant to feel an affinity for their various plights. I wanted to shake Alice a time or two and I have no patience for disinterested mothering or favoritism. Louise? I detested her completely. Anyway, I've no doubt Slater's fans (and I'm one) will eat this up! It should be obvious to anyone that a secret can be a very dangerous thing to hold.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and not part of any series.

Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough

Sometimes a best friend isn't really good for you...

Two pre-adolescent girls from opposite sides of the track trying to find some care, love and affection in their lives. Drawn to each other, but bringing out the worst -- how far will they take things in order to be free from their suffocating and miserable existence? Charlotte and Katie want to be on the run like BONNIE and CLYDE. They make promises to each other, but one of them breaks their pact. And now, the past comes back with a vengeance. NO SPOILERS.

This domestic psychological drama flips back and forth in time and is told from the viewpoints of all the main players. It can be a bit confusing keeping it all straight so this is a book that is probably best read over a short period of time. The narration is not reliable and there are so many secrets and tidbits of important information kept from the reader until the last couple of chapters. There was no surprise or twist in this for me, I already knew from pretty much the beginning where this was going. So, I guess I can say now that I was fairly disappointed in this novel because it certainly didn't grab me or hold me in thrall with any suspense like BEHIND HER EYES did. I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I didn't find most of the narrative believable so it didn't create any tension for me.

A certain kind of reader will probably gobble this up and enjoy it tremendously. Unfortunately, that particular type of reader is not me. It took me far too long to get through this and I found it dragging at several points. I didn't really care that much about the characters and expected the resolution to be pretty much exactly what it was. I still hold on to the fact that I really loved her first book, so I will give Sarah Pinborough another go with her next outing, but this one left me feeling let down as I had such high expectations.

Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers for the e-book ARC to read and review courtesy of Edelweiss.

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

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

What a fun "locked room" whodunit set within the confines of the cozy Mitchell Inn located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State.

The 10 guests make their way to the beautiful accommodations high into the mountains during a snowstorm. Away from civilization, without internet service, and with lovely vistas and well-appointed rooms -- this promises to be a weekend that none will forget. Unfortunately, all of the guests will not make it out alive. When the storm cuts the power, those at the Inn are without heat or light...and without help from the outside. Tensions and suspicions mount in the confinement and finger pointing becomes dangerous to those still alive.

The characters are quite the mix of personalities and, though there were quite a few, the author gives such great backstory that it is easy to remember who is who as each is introduced. Since the narrative flips between the point of view of the different people, the reader is aware of conflict beneath the surface of the initialally convivial gathering of strangers. When the first dead body is discovered on the morning after everyone's arrival, it's thought to be an accident at first glance. One of the guests, however, is convinced it is murder. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I won't go into describing each person staying at the hotel, nor the father and son who are left to run the place single-handedly due to the isolation caused by the storm. They are all quite interesting and I enjoyed trying to piece together the clues to see if I could guess the identity and the motivation of the perpetrator.

I loved the setting, the atmosphere and the story line. The writing drew me in and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough so stayed up late to finish all in one sitting. The conclusion was excellent, except I was left with one burning question! Definitely enjoyed this guessing game mystery and would recommend to fans of Agatha Christie. I've read both of this author's other books as well and this was a very satisfactory third outing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books, Viking for the e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone and is not part of a series. Great cover!

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Mystery at a summer camp. What really happened to the girls?

"There's something worse than death...not knowing."

Artist Emma Davis has spent the last 15 years haunted by the disappearance of 3 of her cabin mates while they were at summer camp. Exhaustive searches revealed no hint of what happened to the teenagers. Now at age 28, she's been invited back to Camp Nightingale as an instructor. She decides to accept the offer in hopes that she can undo some of the damage she did back then -- because there were several things she lied about at the time. This time she's determined to find out what happened to Vivian, Natalie and Allison. Once back at the camp ensconced in the same cabin where she'd stayed when she was 13, Emma finds that she is still under a cloud of suspicion -- that's why there is a motion sensor camera trained right on the door to Dogwood. Emma knows that she really didn't have anything to do with whatever happened to those girls...

Told in past/present narrative style through Emma's voice at 13 and at 28, the events are slowly revealed which made me very impatient to get to the denouement and conclusion. Emma is a character that I never identified with and she is constantly scrutinizing all the secondary characters for hints of guilt or involvement. She suffers from hallucinations and paranoia while also acknowledging that she has never told the truth about certain things surrounding the relationship she had with the 3 girls who vanished. The family that owns the camp also comes under suspicion. And then there's the fact that the man made lake on the property actually might be concealing a secret. Lots of teen angst and drama and a mystery that drug on a bit too long. I had a bit of a problem with the ending and definitely issues with Emma.

This is the second book I've read by this author, and this had some similarities to the first in writing style and tone. I'm not a fan of the past-present structure, but I do prefer reading an adult perspective rather than that of teenager voice. The book didn't have that "can't put it down" vibe for me, but I admit that it can be difficult for a story to keep me fully engaged at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for this e-book ARC to read and review.

This is a standalone fiction book that is not part of any series.

Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter

Warning -- those of you who are die-hard Karin Slaughter fans might not want to read further. Or you can comment after you've read the book and this review!

The synopsis and premise were intriguing -- Andrea found out that her mother was not just some 55-year-old suburban cliche mom but was someone who had a really sordid history that she had had hidden from Andrea for 31 years, no -- that she had LIED about her entire life. When Laura kills a spree shooter at the mall and garners police suspicion, Andrea goes on the run and finds out the truth along the way. Told in past/present chapters with alternating voices, the story is at first confusing and unengaging. After the first couple of switches, the reader figures out how it's all connected.

This is not part of any series, but is a standalone. It's meant to be a suspense thriller for adults, but it reads more like YA fiction. Although the protagonist is 31, her thoughts, emotions and behavior are more like that of a teenager. Andrea (and how I hated the nickname, "Andy", not only because it was a dead giveaway of a supposed twist plot point, but my daughter's name is Andrea and I am so glad she never wanted to use that as a nickname) narrates alternating chapters as she's "on the run" where she spends all of her time vacillating, crying, making stupid decisions, angsting, having stream of consciousness repetitive thoughts in her head. She seems incapable of even forming complete sentences. Her character was so annoying that I was a breath away from just tossing the book down the stairs and never finishing it. But, I slogged on and got exactly what I expected. A long, drawn-out story about an adult daughter (Andrea) finding out that her mother (Laura) wasn't at all who she had pretended to be.

I had high expectations for this because I've read many other books by this author (who I almost never forgave for THAT ending). I was disappointed and, as I said, I had to force myself to finish. I didn't like ANY of the characters, I didn't care about what Laura had done, I thought the resolution and conclusion were both far-fetched and there was way too much drama in this for my taste. Way too much TELL and rambling description. No doubt I'll hear from other readers about how wrong I am, about how this book is "brilliant" and they "couldn't put it down", etc. and I say -- great! To each her own opinion. That's why we write reviews.

I'll hesitate in the future to request another KS book that is not part of her usual series style fare, but I thank the publisher, William Morrow, and Edelweiss for the e-book ARC of this to read and review.

Standalone -- not part of a series.