Mystery

2023 Lucky 13 // Best Books

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Here, we have my best books for 2023! I had such a hard time narrowing down my best books, and 12 was not going to cut it. Therefore, I decided that 13 books deserve to be on this list. However, there is probably more that I could have added. Thus, without further ado, let us talk about my favorite books from last year.

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Originally, I gave this book four stars, but the story was stuck in my mind for weeks. For that reason, I knew that I had to bump it up to five stars. This is a young adult romance about a long-distance relationship, which is something that is not written about much. I loved how the story went, and the character development was one of the best things in the book.

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I did not expect a cozy fantasy to make this list, but this one really pulled at my heartstrings. No, I do not think it resembles Gilmore Girls or Practically Magic, but nevertheless, I loved the characters and story. A small town, family of witches, and mystery all make for a wonderful read. However, you might also shed a few tears at the end of the book because I certainly did.

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I never thought that I was a pirate girl, but this book had me thinking I might be. This story was so action packed, and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I loved our female main character, and despite the romance being very typical of a young adult book, I found it enjoyable to read.

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I do not hear anyone talking about this book, which is such a shame. Although this story is probably not anything to write home about, I had such a great experience reading this book. It was a fast-paced adult romcom with a happily ever after ending. Personally, I sometimes need a feel-good love story, which is exactly what this book was for me.

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I am so happy that I was finally able to read the first book in this mystery series because it was brilliant. I loved how we followed a cast of animal characters in a small town. The mystery was fun, although predictable. However, the slight romance plot is unexpected and entertaining. This is both an easy and enjoyable read.

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This is one, if not the best, queer romance I have read. What makes this even better is that it is a YA story. I found that the book provides a real look at different sexualities and what it is like to struggle with one’s own sexual identity. And let me just mention that an open door spicy scene was very unexpected for a young adult novel, but I did not mind it one bit.

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Honestly, I cannot say why this book sticks out in my mind, besides the fact that the plot was so well-done. I thought that this was going to be a simple psychological thriller, but there was so much more to it. The story was surprisingly more twisted than I expected. Still, I liked how the author showed the darker and more horrifying side of the publishing world.

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In my opinion, this book is underrated in the thriller genre. I have heard some negative things about it, but I loved the slower character-driven plot. Although there were not many twists and turns, I found the story very engaging. I found myself unable to put the book down, which made my reading experience even better.

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At first, I thought that this was going to be a thriller involving vampires, but I was actually very wrong. This is a difficult book to describe, but I loved the writing style, the found family element to be a nice touch, and the plot incredibly unique. The story I was so captivating that I read it in a day.

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I knew from the synopsis that I was going to love this book, but I did not expect it to become a new favorite romcom. Everything about this book from the story to the spice is perfection. I think it is a great book for readers who do not typically love the friends-to-lovers romance trope.

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This book has such an interesting plot and is a wonderful start for the series. I had never read anything by this author before and picked up this book because of its title alone. However, I am so glad that I read it because it was an enjoyable experience. The love story is original, and the magical aspect is fascinating.

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I was truly surprised by how much I loved the book. This is similar to the Hunger Games but with vampires and magic elements. The world building was amazing and the characters were very interesting. However, the last few chapters take this book the extra mile and really cement it as a standout read, in my opinion.

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Right from the first chapter, I felt that this was going to be my favorite book of the year. I loved it even more than the first book (Belladonna), and the ending has anxiously awaiting the release of what I believe is the final book in this series. I am in love with this story, the world, and characters.

I hope that you enjoyed if not all some of these books. Feel free to share your favorite books of 2023 in the comments. If you weren’t a fan of one of these books I mentioned, that’s okay too, because I still adore all of these books. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. It would be great if you could follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

12 Letdowns From 2023 // Worst Books

- Bunny 8 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today I’m talking about my worst reads of 2023. Now this year, it is more disappointments than worst books, because 2023 was a fairly good reading year for me. I had mostly 3 and 4 stars, and I don’t consider a 3 star to be a bad book. So, with all that out of the way, let’s jump into my top 10 most disappointing reads of 2023.

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I thought that this was going to be such an interesting YA thriller, but it was fairly confusing. I am still not sure of the plot. The book was very weird, and the writing style wasn’t my favorite. And, for a thriller, it wasn’t necessarily a thrilling book. You see what I did there?

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Frankly this isn’t a huge disappointment since I didn’t really have high expectations going into this book. I hadn’t heard anything about it, but as someone that grew up watching ‘Buffy The Vampire Slayer’, I wanted to get similar vibes from the show. But, for a book based on Spike, the character wasn’t very reminiscent of his television counterpart.

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This book frustrated me to no end. Besides the writing, it has no redeeming qualities. I wouldn’t even call it a romance story. Well, it might be a romance, but a messy one (that isn’t exactly romantic). Also, anyone can see where the plot is going to go? The ending was crystal clear, making me wonder what the point to the story was. Needless to say, I wasn’t a fan.

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I wish that I loved more from this author, but I just can’t seem to enjoy much that I read from her. Although, I can’t seem to stop reading her books either. This plot was very generic, and I’m not a fan of books based on snobby rich kids. This is like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars, which might appeal to some, but for me it didn’t work at all.

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I was so disappointed in this book, because I was hoping for a cute supernatural romance but it was very slow paced and cringy. The storyline wasn’t very engaging, and the characters barely had any chemistry.

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I have a love/hate relationship with the Disney Twisted Tales books, but this one was low on the totem pole for me. I didn’t get ‘The Little Mermaid’ vibes, and truthfully, I was barely making it through reading the book. It could be that the ‘What If’ storyline didn’t work for me this time around, but the story wasn’t captivating as other books in this series have been.

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In my opinion, this book was not good at all. It completely read like a middle grade, and the story was not compelling at all. I wasn’t a big fan of the characters or the supernatural elements. But the book cover was so pretty that I wished I liked the inside more.

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This book sounded so appealing, but it was a struggle to get through it. The magic aspect felt weird in the story, which isn’t good when it’s the basis for the plot. And, it’s never good when you have a dual timeline story but only one of the timelines is actually interesting.

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I don’t know if it’s the fact that adult are writing teenagers but the main character in this book was so unrelated and immature. The biggest problem with this book is that it was boring. I know that’s a bit harsh but I can honestly say that I was bored throughout the whole book. That’s not exactly the reading experience I was looking for.

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The main character drove me insane throughout the whole book. Also, I like books where things are actually happening. However, I wasn’t aware that this is a ‘Death On The Nile’ retelling, which I have heard struggles with a slow moving plot as well. Still, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anyone.

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I can’t believe that I even read this book considering I had such a distaste for the first book, ‘So, This Is Christmas,’ in this companion series. Hopefully, this will be the last book because I can’t get behind the characters, the romance or the writing. It feels like I’m reading about two middle schoolers. That’s all I’m going to say.

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I cannot begin to tell you how sad I am that this is most disappointing read of 2023. I am still a Holly Jackson fan, but this book was a major flop. It could be that she wrote it fairly quickly, but every part, from the plot to the character, was bad. I know that it might be for some people, but I am not one of those people.

In the comments, let me know what some of your disappointing reads for 2023. Remember that nobody’s reading experience is the same, so if you liked any of these books that is great! They did not work for me. Before you go, please follow my blog, so that it continues to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

24 In 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today is Bookmas day 20, I am going to talk about 24 books that I hope to read in 2024. I did not want this list to be only new releases, so I think I have come up with a good mix of both newer and backlist books. There are many series on this list for some reason, but I am not mad about it.

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In the comments, let me know if you have read any of the books. Also, I would love to know what is on your 2024 TBR. Remember to follow the blog because I will be sure to be reviewing each of these books once I read them.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Family Game | Book Review

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About The Book
A confession to a grisly crime. A murder. And, suddenly, the game is in motion. Harriet Reed is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir to an extremely powerful American family. When Edward’s father hands her a tape of a book he’s been working on, she is desperate to listen. But as she presses play, it’s clear that this isn’t a novel. It’s a confession to murder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/47AZWNM

My Rating

This was a very slow moving thriller that focused mainly on the main character. We get to learn a lot about her, and the story is told through her eyes. And although it wasn’t a quick paced story, I really enjoyed it and think that it’s a great winter time thriller.

In the book, we follow Harry, a novelist, who is newly engaged to Edward. Her fiancé comes from a very wealthy family. But Harry soon learns that the family not only has money, but secrets as well. Although she finds herself drawn in to her new family, she’s starting to wonder if they can truly be trusted.

Harry as a main character was great. I found her to be likable and for the most part smart. And I love that she was a thriller author, and used the knowledge she gained from writing her books to help her uncover some of the family’s secrets. However, Harry has a secret of her own, which shows the darker side to the character, but also very human side.

“Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.”

No, I won’t say this book is full of twists and turns, but there were a few moments that shocked me. I enjoyed the slower pace of this book, and I loved that it was at Christmas time. I haven’t read many thrillers that take place during the holidays, so it was a nice change for me. And the mention of Krampus, although small, was pretty interesting.

I have heard others say that they wished that the book focused more on the family game part, which is understandable, considering it’s the title. However, that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. And the ending was fantastic! It started off as a four star, but was bumped up to five because those last few chapters.

Overall, the writing was excellent, the plot was amazing, and my reading experience was great. I will 100% be reading more from this author, and I would recommend this book to others who are looking for a thriller to read in the winter time. But please check trigger warnings before picking up this book.

In the comments, let me know if you will be reading this book. Don’t forget that you can stay up to date with the blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Did I Read My 2023 Anticipated Releases?

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Hi Friends,
For day 2 of Bookmas, I am going to be taking a look back at my most anticipated book releases of 2023. I have done 4 anticipated releases post this year, so I am hoping that I have at least read half of the books that I was excited for this year. If not, I am going to try and make it a priority to read some of them before the year is over.

I did a post talking about my most anticipated YA romances, and I am happy to say that I read 3 out of the five books I mentioned in that post. I read ‘Never Vacation with Your Ex’, ‘Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl’ and ‘Borrow My Heart.’ But, I wasn’t able to pick up ‘Promposal’ and I completely forgot about ‘The Borrow a Boyfriend Club.’ However, I am still interested in both of those books.
Related Post: 2023 YA Romances // Anticipated Releases

My next release post was talking about 2023 summer books. I read 5 of the books in that post, which were ‘The Only One Left,’ ‘The Seven Year Slip,’ ‘One of Us Is Back,’ ‘Delicate Condition,’ and ‘Foxglove.’ And, all of these books were between 4 and 5 stars for me. As for the ones I didn’t read we have ‘Summer Rental,’ ‘Business or Pleasure,’ and ‘Ghosted: A Northanger Abbey.’ All of those books still sound so good. There were two other books in this post, ‘The Trap‘ and ‘Good Bad Girl‘ that I didn’t read, but started. And, since putting down ‘Good Bad Girl’, I haven’t heard the greatest thing about it, so it might be a DNF.
Related Post: Anticipated Releases // Summer 2023

Moving on to a post I did recently, my October anticipated releases. I am going to keep this short and sweet by saying that I have yet to read any of the six books I mentioned. Still, I am very interested in all of them. Lastly, is my November book release post and, like October, I haven’t read any of these books. I might try and get to one out of six books in that post, which will most likely be ‘Iron Flame’ or ‘Betting On You.’
Related Post: Anticipated Releases // October 2023
Related Post: Anticipated Releases // November 2023

Honestly, I don’t think I did too badly this year when it came to reading books I was excited for. It doesn’t shock me that I did poorly in October and November, since I’m a mood reader and like to read certain books during those months. In the comments, tell me if you have read any of my anticipated releases, and if they are worth the read. Don’t forget that it is completely free and makes me smile when you follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

You Shouldn’t Have Come Here | Book Review

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About The Book
Grace Evans traded NYC for a Wyoming ranch Airbnb. Handsome Calvin Wells welcomes her into his home and promises her a relaxing vacation. But with no cell service and a missing woman, Grace begins to doubt the ranch is the oasis she’d hoped for.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Qi1iW9

My Rating

This book was nothing like I expected it to be, and I am still trying to figure out whether that is a good thing. Jeneva Rose is considered the queen of twists, but whether or not those twists are good is still up for debate, in my opinion. However, if you are looking for a book with a completely shocking twist (that you will probably never see coming), I can see you enjoying this book.

The plot revolves around Grace, who is staying at an Airbnb in a small town in Wyoming. She is instantly drawn to Calvin, the owner of the Airbnb, but you can immediately tell that both Grace and Calvin have some dark secrets. However, both Calvin and Grace are decent characters. I was shocked that we actually received POV’s from both Calvin and Grace throughout the book.

The writing style was great, and I found myself unable to put down the book. I read it in a day, and I am a fan of short chapters, so that was a major plus for me. The author did a good job of keeping the story moving without any unnecessary chapters that do nothing for the plot. I can see why people enjoy her books and I will pick up more of them in the future.

“There was something both beautiful and terrifying about isolation. It made you feel important and insignificant at the same time.”

Regarding the queen of twists title, there were too many breadcrumbs in the story. I quickly figured out two of the twists. Now, I am not the type of reader that tries to figure out book twists, and normally I do not see things coming, but a few of the twists in this book were just plain obvious. However, the end twist was completely out of left field and was unusual. In my opinion, it did not seem to fit the story.

Overall, the book has a decent plot, but the direction the author took the story is baffling. It seemed as if the author threw in this out-of-the-blue twist for the shock value rather than making sense for the plot. I had an idea of where the plot was going and would have actually preferred it if I was correct. Also, the fact that this book title reminds me of the movie ‘You Should Have Left’ is strange to me.

In the comments, let me know your thoughts on the end of the book. Do you agree that Jeneva Rose is the queen of book twists? Do not forget to follow me on Bookstagram (@Books.With.Bunny) and Pinterest, for more bookish content. And help support my blog by giving it a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

None Of This Is True // Book Review

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About The Book
 A woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast. Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realize that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3s6HgGc

My Rating

I was a little scared going into this book, because my first Lisa Jewell novel, And Then She Was Gone, was very predictable, and quite sad. But in the moment I heard about this book, it immediately rose to the top of my TBR. The plot sounded so intriguing, and because of that, I was willing to give Lisa Jewell another chance.

The premise follows two women who share a birthday, but live completely different lies. But when Podcaster Alix is approached by her birthday twin Josie to do a new Podcast, telling Josie‘s story of her what she claims to be twisted life. Alix’s takes the opportunity, but quickly start seeing the holes in Josie story.

This book is probably one of the most insane thrillers I have ever read. Honestly, the whole time you aren’t sure what to believe. I kept having my guesses at what was going to happen, and who is telling the truth, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking of the title of the book that none of this is true so maybe nobody is completely trustworthy.

“You have to be free in order to be in control, Alix. You have to be free. No baggage. A clean break.”

The author did a great job at keeping me intrigued and guessing throughout the story. The writing was good, yet there’s just something about Lisa Jewell’s writing that doesn’t quite pull me in as much as I would like. And to me, this was a slower read. It’s not that I didn’t want to pick the book up, the plot seemed to move at a more mid-level pace.

The ending wasn’t super shocking, but it was it underwhelming either. I like how even after everything was said, and done, the author threw in a little comment, one final chapter that made you wonder if the truth is really the truth. For me the jury still out on who to believe.

Overall, this book was a good time at a really solid mystery thriller. It it has made me consider picking up more of the authors other books. Because this one kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire story. So my overall read experience was really good.

In the comments, leave me some Lisa Jewell book recommendations. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. As always, you can help my blog grow by giving it a follow! It’s also the best way to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

She Is A Haunting // Book Review

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About The Book
 A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic. Chilling, evocative, and atmospheric, She Is a Haunting is a slow burn debut horror novel about the ghosts of the past and the ways in which they connect to our present. Tran’s vivid imagery makes this terrifying tale a true standout. This house eats and is eaten . . .
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/47fvqbV

My Rating

This is a haunted house story that has been compared to ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and I can see why it can be seen as a YA version of that book. However, I did not enjoy it as much. This story was not gripping, and it was also slightly more confusing. And if I am being honest, I do not remember a lot of the book, which should say something.

The plot follows Jade, as she goes to Vietnam with her sister to visit their estranged father. However, weird things start happening in the house where they are staying with their Ba. Although, it didn’t feel like a ‘true’ spooky haunted house story, which probably doesn’t make any sense.

As a main character, Jada was mediocre, and she did not want to be there, which was apparent throughout much of the story. Truthfully, she had reasons for coming to Vietnam, but she could have left at any time instead of forcing herself to be in a situation that made her uncomfortable.

“I know this is a dream because I am not afraid of my father.”

The book was entertaining but kind of all over the place. I found myself becoming confused and having to reread passages. I found it easy to read mindlessly, without really understanding it. At the end of the book, I was confused, shocked and disappointed.

The writing was not my favorite and did not keep me engaged. The story felt slow moving, and I kept waiting for more to happen. The author is a great storyteller, but her writing form is not what I prefer.

Overall, I did not get the spooky vibes that I was looking for in the story. I would not call it a bad read at all, it just was not something that really interested me. However, I am willing to give the author another shot in the future.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the book. Also, did you know I have an Instagram (@books.with.bunny) account? I post bookish photos each week, so if you are looking for more content from me, you can always follow me on there as well. Please support my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House Of Salt And Sorrows // Book Review

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About The Book
 Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls’ lives have been cut short. When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family–before it claims her next.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PYe4sV

My Rating

I thought this book would be a five-star, because of its interesting plot, but it did not quite live up to my expectations. This is a young adult horror retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Being someone who had never heard of the original version, I did not know exactly what to expect. However, after reading this book, I am curious about the original story.

In the book, we follow Annaleigh, she was one out of a family of 12 daughters, however, four of her sisters, along with her mother, passed away. Because of this, people assume that the family is cursed. However, when strange things start happening, Annaleigh begins to wonder if these deaths are not accidents.

This book is full of many twists and turns. Annaleigh was a very smart main character, and I loved how she was willing to believe in the impossible. However, grief clouds our judgment slightly, which could be why she was quick to believe in unusal and strange things going on.

“We are born of the Salt, we live by the Salt, and to the Salt we return.”

The plot was interesting, and it kept me engaged. There is even a romance that I did not see coming but loved. However, there were times when I thought the story lagged, and I did not want to pick up the book quite as much as I would have hoped. However, I never saw the ending coming, and it was amazing.

Overall, I enjoyed how the author brought this story to life, and it was almost a bit of a gothic haunted spin on ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ story. The last few chapters were fairly creepy, so I would say it is a true horror story, even if it is on the tamer side of things.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” and what you thought of this retelling. Do not forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you want to become part of my little bookish family, hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Every Last Fear // Book Review

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About The Book
A family made infamous by a true crime documentary is found dead, leaving their surviving son to uncover the truth about their final days. Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present, Alex Finlay’s Every Last Fear is not only a page-turning thriller, it’s also a poignant story about a family managing heartbreak and tragedy, and living through a fame they never wanted.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Qhbcsi

My Rating

This book was not exactly like I had imagined it, but then again, I went into it, not knowing much about the plot. I was hoping for a thriller that I could not put down, but sadly, that was not the case. However, I do not think that is the book fault, but mainly my expectations being too high.

The plot centers around Matt Pine, a college student whose family was found dead in Mexico due to a gas leak. However, the FBI gets involved, believing that there may be more to the Pine family’s deaths. In addition, Matt’s older brother is in jail for murdering his girlfriend when he was a teenager. A murder that none of his family thinks that he has committed.

The characters in the story failed to draw me in. I found it challenging to care about them sufficiently to truly become invested in the narrative. The story is told from multiple points of view, as well as the past-and-present timelines. I understand the authors’ reasoning for this, but it did not work for me. I generally prefer more focused narratives with fewer perspectives.

“You have two choices when you’re confronted with your every last fear: Give up or fight like hell.”

The story unfolds at a slow pace, lacking the fast-paced tension that often keeps me hooked. Throughout the book, I found myself waiting for more substantial developments that would truly captivate me, but these moments never truly came. The ending did not pack the shocking punch that I had hoped for either, which left me to want more from the story.

The narrative had a familiar feel, akin to a typical episode of a crime show like “Law and Order.” This similarity to formulaic crime dramas was somewhat disappointing. As a fan of the author’s previous work, “The Night Shift,” I had higher expectations of this novel. Unfortunately, these were not met. The plot and ending, while well executed, left a lingering sense of sadness, which might not be everyones cup of tea.

Overall, it is a decent read, but it did not have the magnetic pull that made me excited to pick it up. It falls safely into the tamer side of the thriller category, making it better suited to readers who prefer a less intense experience. So, not really aligned with my tastes, but while it might not be the most captivating, it still has its merits and could very well be an enjoyable read for those seeking a milder kind of thriller/suspense.

In the comments, let me know if you read the book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. As always, follow the blog to help it grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny