Posted in Book Review

Review: Dial A For Aunties, by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Meddelin Chan is no murderer, but there is a body in her car. When she panics and involves her family, her mother and aunties leap into action to protect her. What follows is a near-slapstick series of near misses as they try to hide the body while carrying on with their wedding planning business’s biggest event yet.

My impressions:

I wouldn’t have expected to laugh myself breathless while reading something so high stakes, but that’s exactly what happened. Full-blown, doubled over shrieking laughing. If you need an absolutely riotous dark comedy, this is the book for you.

Where I think this book shines the most is in the personalities of the characters. They were so fleshed out, they felt like real people. I couldn’t help but root for them all even as they spent most of the book lugging around and concealing a dead body. By the end, the main character and her family felt like old friends, in a way that most standalone books can’t quite achieve. This novel is without a doubt one of the best things I’ve read all year.

I highly recommend this as a fun beach read for the summer, and to anyone who needs a good hearty laugh. The author’s sense of humor and timing is truly impressive, and the sheer quality of the craft in this book make it a can’t-miss read.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Diabolical Bones, by Bella Ellis

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Bella Ellis is back with a second mystery novel featuring the Bronte sisters as investigators. This time, it’s the case of a child’s bones found in a neighboring home. Despite the grisly nature of the discovery, the Brontes are practically bubbling with excitement to solve a new case.

My impressions:

Have you ever thought to yourself, “wow, I wish there was a historical novel with the same vibe as Veronica Mars,” or wondered what it would be like if the famous Bronte sisters had been plucky lady detectives? If so, this is the book and series for you!

I was definitely not expecting this book to be quite as dark as it was, given the writing style, which felt almost reminiscent of old school Nancy Drew novels. However, I will say, I think the darkness complements the style perfectly, creating just enough contrast to really highlight the suspense in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I’ll say this: if you’re sensitive about children being hurt or killed, you may want to skip this. I don’t have any kids of my own, and parts of this still make me a little queasy, so if you’re a parent, this may really upset you. It’s not the worst I’ve seen, and most of the violence is implied and off screen, but any murder mystery involving the remains of a child is bound to be disturbing.

All that said, if you’re a fan of classic mystery series like Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes, this will definitely scratch the same itch. The protagonists are endearing and relatable, and it’s impossible not to root for them as they peel back the layers of this twisty mysteries. I highly recommend this book, as well as the previous book in the series, and anything else the authors write next. Personally, I can’t wait to see what mystery the sisters will solve next!

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Echo Wife, by Sarah Gailey

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Look, I could type up a blurb but honestly, go into this one knowing as little about it as possible. Just take my word for it, and go in blind.

My impressions:

If you haven’t read everything by Sarah Gailey you can get your hands on already, do it now. Everything I’ve seen from this author is clever and sharp-edged and lingers in my mind a long time afterwards. This book is no different, as it exemplifies Gailey’s writing style perfectly. This book will take you on a journey and refuse to let go until you’ve seen it through to the end.

I should add, if you’re unfamiliar with Gailey’s work, that you should go into it prepared for some gory bits. As with their other works, Gailey does not shy away from going into sometimes stomach-churning detail. There are scenes that go beyond my usual comfort zone when it comes to explicit gore, so be forewarned. However, if you can stomach it, the gory parts are worth it to get to the raw, beating heart of the characters in this book.

If you enjoy very high concept works that still manage to be character driven and insightful, this is absolutely the book (and the author) for you. I highly recommend it, though I can’t say much more because I really do feel like it’s best to go into this one knowing as little about the premise as possible.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Project, by Courtney Summers

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Lo’s big sister Bea has been swept up in a cult called The Unity Project ever since their parents died in the tragic car accident that left Lo fighting for her life. Now, journalistic minded Lo is determined to find the truth behind The Project and get her sister back.

My impressions:

If you’ve read anything by Courtney Summers, you know not to expect to come away feeling good. This, like her other works, is about as far from a feel good book as you can get, but it’s enthralling all the same. And I promise you, no matter how prepared you are for things to get dark, you’re still going to find yourself hoping you’re wrong, believing, on some level, in a happy resolution that isn’t coming.

I highly recommend this book if you’re in the mood for something dark and twisted, something that will make your stomach turn even as you silently plead with the characters to save themselves. If you enjoy Summers’s other works or if you’re a fan of authors like Gillian Flynn, you will almost certainly enjoy this book. If you want to feel safe and secure after you put the book down, maybe read something else. You’ll be leaving the lights on after this one.

Happy reading may not be the best sign off here! XD

Posted in Book Review

Review: If I Disappear, by Eliza Jane Brazier

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

When true crime podcaster Rachel goes missing, her avid fan, a woman named Sera, becomes obsessed with finding her. As she embroils herself in the unsettling dynamics of Rachel’s family and hometown, she finds herself on a slippery slope into darker and darker secrets. And Rachel, it seems, is not the first woman who has gone missing there.

My impressions:

This book actually made me queasy. I promise that’s a compliment, in this context anyway. The author creates such an oppressive feeling of dread, it clings to the reader like humidity. By the end of the book, you’re bound to find yourself sweating under the pressure, struggling not to yell to the characters to watch out.

If you enjoy trying to untangle what’s going on, only to figure things out just enough before the protagonist does to be filled with dread as she puts herself in increasingly more danger, this is the book for you. I seriously think I may have actually yelped out loud a few times while reading it, and I’m already tempted to re read and look for any clues I missed.

I highly recommend this thrilling read for mystery fans and anyone who enjoyed “Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” or “Sadie” as this is very much in the same vein.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It, by Elle Cosimano

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

A struggling mystery novelist is mistaken for a hit woman by a would-be client who wants her husband killed. Before she knows it, Finlay Donovan is in over her head, embroiled in a very non-fictional murder case.

My impressions:

Holy cats you guys… This might actually be the best book I’ve read all year. Not only did the suspense keep me on the edge of my seat, the humor had me periodically doubling over with giggle fits. The writing voice was incredibly fun, bringing Finlay to life on the page so much so that I already can’t wait to hear more from this character. If there’s no sequel, my heart might actually break.

Finlay is an endearing character, relatable if slightly unbelievably good at getting out of tight spots. From the first page, I wanted to see her succeed, and I found myself even more thoroughly on her side than I am with most protagonists. I would happily read an entire series revolving around Finlay and the cast of characters in her orbit.

If you’re looking for an engrossing read with characters you’ll find yourself immediately attached to, I highly recommend this book. Fans of Dial A for Aunties and Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts are bound to enjoy this compulsive read.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

A struggling dog walker named Jane is swept up into a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic and wealthy widower Eddie Rochester. Both of them have secrets, both of them have hidden agendas, but are either of them dangerous? You’ll have to read to find out.

My impressions:

I may be biased because I have a major sweet tooth for retellings of Jane Eyre, but oh my goodness, this book is going straight in my list of favorites. The characters were complex and interesting, shying away from straightforward likeability and falling solidly in the zone of characters you root for out of fascination. No one is completely morally upright, and that’s the book’s main strength: because no one is overly trustworthy or sympathetic, it’s easier to find yourself unsure what you hope happens next, much less predict how this thriller will end.

Whether you’ve read Jane Eyre or not, this book is worth the read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat even after you believe you’ve figured out the ending- and your first or even second guess may not be correct!

Before I say too much and accidentally spoil something, I’ll leave it at this: if you want a thoroughly fun read with plenty of suspense, I highly recommend this book.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: You Don’t Own Me (Under Suspicion #6)

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

A woman accused of killing her husband pleads with Laurie Moran to clear her name. Newly engaged true crime aficionado Laurie takes on the case, perhaps placing herself in danger as she tries to find the truth.

My impressions:

This was perhaps my favorite Under Suspicion novel. It had all the elements that I’d come to love about the series by this point: memorable suspects, compelling interpersonal drama, and a twisty mystery case full of bombshell revelations about the victim and suspects.

Without spoiling anything I can absolutely say that the resolution of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down, and I mean that. I don’t think I got anything done all day the day I read this book. There are multiple threads of intrigue that come together in surprising and interesting ways, and the whole thing was executed with the crisp, tightly plotted accuracy I’ve come to expect from the co-authors Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke.

It’s hard to gush more without risking spoiling important plot points so I’ll just say this: whether or not you plan to read the whole Under Suspicion series, this book alone is a knockout. I highly recommend it as a beach read or just a little something to keep you from sleeping tonight.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: Every Breath You Take (Under Suspicion #5)

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

A murder at the Met Gala turns into a cold case. The glamorous suspects become the next subjects of Laurie Moran’s (fictional) true crime series Under Suspicion.

My impressions:

This was a really fun entry in the Under Suspicion series. It’s full of twists and revelations to keep readers on edge, and the crisp storytelling style flows with fantastic pacing. I was relieved to see that the characters were basically back to acting like themselves again, especially Laurie, who was back to her usual fiery self.

The interpersonal stakes felt more important than the mystery in this one, which makes sense, as (minor spoiler alert) Laurie and Alex are at a turning point in their relationship this time around. The characterization was a lot neater this time around, and I suspect that the messiness of the previous book may have been the result of trying to shoehorn in some conflict in the B-plot of the characters personal lives. Regardless, this time around we get a healthy dose of character drama paired with the glitzy glamour of the murder plot.

I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say I listened to the end of the audiobook with wide eyes, on the edge of my seat. I absolutely recommend this entry in the popular “Under Suspicion” series. Alafair Burke and Mary Higgins Clark make an excellent co-writing duo that is a can’t-miss.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Sleeping Beauty Killer (Under Suspicion #4)

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

A woman is convicted of killing her golden boy fiancée, though she claims to have slept through his murder. After serving her time, she contacts true crime aficionado Laurie Moran, requesting to be the next case on Laurie’s show “Under Suspicion.”

My impressions:

Ok so normally if I’m not a huge fan of something, I don’t write a review, because I prefer to spend my energy lifting up things I’ve genuinely loved. I’m making an exception here because I loved the rest of the book series, and I’m hoping if anyone started with this book and is unsure whether to read the series, perhaps they’ll come across this review to assure them, the rest of the series is so much better than this particular book.

So why didn’t I like this one? First off, it was unmemorable. It’s been a couple of weeks now since I binge read the whole series, and this book is the only one where I genuinely do not remember the ending. It bored me so profoundly I had to Google who the killer was to refresh my memory. On top of that, Laurie felt off kilter and out of character, and her father and Alex both felt dramatically less sympathetic than they had in other entries in the series. Had I not accidentally read later books out of order before this one, I would’ve been expecting Alex to turn out to be a killer or at least an abuser based on the weird characterization he gets in this book alone.

Fear not though! These strange character development issues clear up after this book, and the rest of the series is definitely worth a read. Honestly you can probably skip this one and read the rest of the series without missing much. Don’t let this one dud keep you from enjoying what is otherwise a thoroughly satisfying series that will scratch all your grown-up former Nancy Drew fan itches.

Happy reading!