A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon was a clever and interesting book with writing I enjoyed! This is a somewhat dark story, the main character of Linda is relatable in that she’s wondering about life, is there more?
It’s a slower-paced story but I did like it and will read more from this author.
PLOT:
Linda has lived in a quiet neighborhood since fleeing the dark events of her childhood in Wales. Now she sits in her kitchen, wondering if this is all there is: pushing the vacuum around and cooking fish sticks for dinner, a far cry from the glamorous lifestyle she sees in the glossy magazines coming through the mail slot addressed to the previous occupant, Rebecca.
Linda’s husband Terry isn’t perfect—he picks his teeth, tracks dirt through the house, and spends most of his time in front of the TV. But that seems fairly standard—until he starts keeping odd hours at work, at around the same time young women in the town start to go missing.
If only Linda could track down and befriend Rebecca, maybe some of that enviable lifestyle would rub off on her and she wouldn’t have to worry about what Terry is up to. But the grass isn’t always greener and you can’t change who you really are. And some secrets can’t stay buried forever…
August 2.
I am a big fan of A.R. Torre having read this book and The Good Lie. Both are awesome stories and I was glued to the pages as I kept reading. I was left wanting MORE MORE MORE from this author.
In A Familiar Stranger, Lillian is a writer of obituaries and bored with her husband. When she meets a man who gives her attention, she invents an entirely new life for herself. I just loved the premise and writing style.
PLOT:
Lillian Smith leads an unexceptional life, writing obituaries and killing time with her inattentive husband and disconnected son. Then she meets David, a handsome stranger, in a coffee shop. Lured into an affair, she invents a new persona, one without strings, deadlines, or brooding husbands.
Lillian has never felt so reckless, unpredictable, or wanted. But as her affair with David intensifies, she withdraws from everything that’s real, even her closest friend. When evidence of her life as a secret lover finds its way onto her son’s social media, she risks ruining much more than her marriage or reputation.
As lies beget lies, Lillian’s two worlds spiral dangerously out of control. And betrayals run deeper than she imagines. Because Lillian isn’t the only one leading a double life.
I highly recommend this if you are in the mood for a suspenseful book and check out the other books by this author.
Out on Sept. 22.
I’m a big fan of Carla Kovach’s books and her writing never lets me down! The House Share was excellent, there is nothing not to love about this book from the characters to the pacing to the descriptions and everything in between.
PLOT:
Opening the door to my new home, I walk into the bright, open living room. This is the fresh start I’ve been dreaming about.
‘You’re just the tenant I’ve been looking for,’ the landlord says as he drops the keys into my hand. It’s just what I’ve been looking for too – as I double lock my doors each night, I feel like I can finally be happy. I can finally be safe.
But days later, I am woken by the sound of my neighbours arguing through the wall. I swear I hear my name being mentioned. Why would they be talking about me?
Then I discover that the girl who lived in my apartment before me went missing. Why did my landlord tell me she left to go travelling?
As the weeks pass, I’m certain that someone is following my every move. And I’m terrified to my core when I find a note in my apartment: He’s always watching.
When some of my belongings go missing from my bedroom, I know someone has been in my home – someone who doesn’t want me here. I fear my past has followed me and, this time, I might not escape…
You can read all of her other books right now, this one comes out on August 16.
A celebrity living in the suburbs, who goes missing would definitely get the neighborhood talking. And what happens when a young boy goes missing next?It’s a safe, upper-class neighborhood in NJ, what is going on? The Perfect Neighborhood by Liz Alterman centers around secrets, gossip, and drama in the ‘hood. Told through multiple points of view, I thought this was an entertaining and quick read.
PLOT:
When actress Allison Langley leaves her former rock star husband in the middle of the night, her sudden departure becomes the talk of upmarket Oak Hill. But the relentless gossip comes to an abrupt halt when five-year-old Billy Barnes disappears on his walk home from kindergarten. Is there a predator lurking in the leafy suburb? Weeks later, three-year-old Amy-Pat Davies vanishes from her backyard. In addition to sharing a zip code, the missing children have another thing in common – their babysitter, Cassidy McLean, who has a secret of her own.
Out now!
After She’d Gone by Alex Dahl is a dark thriller with heavy topics. This isn’t a fun, breezy story so strap in and buckle up for this ride! After She’d Gone features multiple points of view and the book features locations such as Russia, Norway, and Milan. The story is tense!
When you start reading this, you won’t want to stop and after you finish, you will be thinking of the characters.
PLOT:
Unsettling, gripping and glamorous. A timely psychological thriller about the danger of beauty, the lure of power, and the fierce love of a mother for her son.
Liv keeps a low profile in Sandefjord, Norway: she’s just another tired single mother, trying to make ends meet. She has never told her son about the secrets she carries or the life she lived before he was born. She will do anything to keep him safe.
Anastasia‘s life is transformed when she moves from Russia to Milan to work as a model. She’s rich. She’s desired. But there’s a dark side to the high-pressure catwalk shows; the sun-baked Italian palazzos; the drink-fuelled after-parties hosted by powerful men. Soon, she will do anything to escape.
Selma is a journalist in Oslo. She’s investigating scandals in the modeling industry, but can’t get her article published. Then a woman goes missing in Sandefjord. Now Selma is about to uncover the biggest story of her life…
Don’t miss this one! Out on August 18.
I could have sworn I wrote a review for The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda! So excuse this if I already wrote one. I really like Megan’s books and writing style, this one was tense and atmospheric. I loved the setting of the mountains of North Carolina, I always enjoy an outdoor setting, especially in the mountains!
This novel was a solid read and I highly recommend it if you lean towards suspense and thrillers.
PLOT:
Ten years ago, Abigail Lovett fell into a job she loves, managing The Passage Inn, a cozy, upscale resort nestled in the North Carolina mountain town of Cutter’s Pass. Cutter’s Pass is best known for its outdoor offerings—rafting and hiking, with access to the Appalachian Trail by way of a gorgeous waterfall—and its mysterious history. As the book begins, the string of unsolved disappearances that has haunted the town is once again thrust into the spotlight when journalist Landon West, who was staying at the inn to investigate the story of the vanishing trail, then disappears himself.
Abby has sometimes felt like an outsider within the community, but she’s come to view Cutter’s Pass as her home. When Landon’s brother Trey shows up looking for answers, Abby can’t help but feel the town closing ranks. And she’s still on the outside. When she finds incriminating evidence that may bring them closer to the truth, Abby soon discovers how little she knows about her coworkers, neighbors, and even those closest to her.
This comes out on July 26.
The Waitress by Nina Manning comes out soon and you’re going to want to get your hands on it! Nina’s books are always good, you can count on her to write gripping suspense that moves quickly. This book is not mile-a-minute twists and turns but an entertaining, tense, and slow-burn kind of book.
PLOT:
Waitress Kit Lowman knows that people look down on her and the job she does. But being anonymous offers Kit safety and security and allows her own terrible secrets to remain hidden.
And then Kit’s luck changes, and she suddenly faces a terrible dilemma: reveal her true identity and accept that life will never be the same. Or stay in the shadows…where she hopes she’ll be safe?
But secrets can’t stay hidden forever. And the more Kit tries to hide away, the more someone makes it clear that they are going to make her pay for what she did.
Oooh yes!
This will be out on July 21!
I love the premise for The New House by Tess Stimson. Check it out:
PLOT:
Three couples. Three houses. One home to die for…
Stacey and Felix are the glamorous owners of the stylish, modern Glass House, with its pool and floor-to-ceiling windows. Now they’re downsizing, but Stacey can’t sell to just anyone. She needs the right buyer, who will keep her secrets.
Millie and Tom have always imagined living in the Glass House. Now it’s for sale. With property prices booming, if they can sell quickly, it could be theirs. But are the house and its charming owners all they seem?
Harper and Kyle are moving up in the world. They need a new house, in the right school district, to give their children the start in life they never had. Millie and Tom’s is perfect. It’ll take every penny they have, and more, but it’ll be worth it. Won’t it?
When one of the sales falls through, how far will someone go to get everything they’ve always wanted?
I liked the idea of the three couples and how Tess created the tension and stress centered around buying a house. This book is dark and tense and fun!
Out on August 4.
I read that you should go into this book without knowing what it’s about, so I did. I wish I had known this, however- it takes a sci-fi/fantasy turn. I absolutely cannot stand anything science-fiction in the books I read and try to steer clear because it’s a turn-off. I know many people enjoy it so if you are one of them, then by all means read this book! It’s super well written and I was really enjoying it up until it took a bit of a turn.
PLOT:
The Other Side of Night begins with a man named David Asha writing about his biggest regret: his sudden separation from his son, Elliot. In his grief, David tells a story.
Next, we step into the life of Harriet Kealty, a police officer trying to clear her name after a lapse of judgment. She discovers a curious inscription in a secondhand book—a plea: Help me, he’s trying to kill me. Who wrote this note? Who is “he”?
This note leads Harri to David Asha, who was last seen stepping off a cliff. Police suspect he couldn’t cope after his wife’s sudden death. Still, why would this man jump and leave behind his young son? Quickly, Harri’s attention zeroes in on a person she knows all too well.
Ben Elmys: once the love of her life. A surrogate father to Elliot Asha and trusted friend to the Ashas.
Ben may also be a murderer.
I feel like this might become a movie, its got the potential to be a Benjamin Button type of film!
Coming out on September 27.
