Mystery

Summerween 2024 | Day Five

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween day five! I can’t believe the readathon is almost over. I’ve actually completed all the prompts today, so any more books I read are just extra and don’t have to fit the prompts. I finished ‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager, and it was amazing. It counted for a book that takes place during the summer and also worked for the five-word title prompt. I have a lot to say about this book, but you’ll have to wait for my review.

I also completed the graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children’. It was another great read, and I’m definitely going to continue with this graphic novel series. I read the e-book via Everand, and you can get a free trial using my link (click here).

Even though I’ve finished all the prompts, I decided to try and read one more book before the readathon ends. So, I ended day five by starting ‘How To Sell A Haunted House’ by Grady Hendrix. I got about five chapters in, and I’m actually enjoying the story, which is interesting since this author isn’t a favorite of mine.

In the comments, let me know how you’re doing on your Summerween TBR or your reading goals in general. Please like and share this post with other readers and follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Red, White, and Blue Books // July 4th Reading

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
In honor of the 4th of July holiday, I wanted to share some red, white, and blue books. These might not be my all-time favorite books in these colors, but they are definitely ones worth checking out. I know this post isn’t the most original, but I love recommending books I’ve enjoyed. I hope you might find joy in them too!

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‘Summer’s Edge’ By Dana Mele
I am going to be upfront and admit that this isn’t truly a favorite of mine, but I think the concept of this book is really cool. It’s a queer young adult paranormal thriller that takes place during the summer. Although I had my issues with it, I do think that it is a pretty decent summer thriller. Also, it is compared to *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, which, if you are a horror movie fan, takes place during July 4th.
Related Post: Summer’s Edge // Book Review

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‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ By Holly Jackson
I really wanted to give out new recommendations, but when it came to a white book, the only one that stood out was *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder*. I’m not going to rave about it too much since it is a widely popular YA mystery book, but this is such a good, fast-paced mystery with great characters and an interesting storyline.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder // Book Review

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‘How Not to Fall in Love’ By Jacqueline Firkins
This is a blue book that I think is underrated. It is a young adult friends-to-lovers romance. I found it to be so cute, and it has the exchange of service plot that I adore. The plot follows Harper, who tries to teach her hopeless romantic best friend Theo how not to fall in love with every girl they go out with. I read this book really fast, so if you’re looking for a quick and cute read, you should definitely give this book a chance.
Related Post: How Not to Fall in Love // Book Review

There you have three recommendations for books to read this 4th of July. These books might not take place during the summer holiday, but they are still good reads nonetheless. Before you leave, hit the follow button so that you get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Game Most Foul // Book Review

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About The Book
Attending Ashford College’s writing seminar in London, Jules Montgomery faces challenges with her recent hearing loss and writer’s block. When a fellow student disappears and authorities show little concern, Jules teams up with new friends Percy and Suruthi. Together, aided unexpectedly by a man claiming to be Sherlock Holmes, they unravel mysteries both modern and from fiction, discovering truths that defy time and perception.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/45ImL1T

My Rating

First, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for granting me access to an audiobook ALC of “A Game Most Foul” by Alison Gervais. Going into this book, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The premise of a young adult mystery with a Sherlock Holmes twist intrigued me, as I usually enjoy YA mysteries. However, I have mixed feelings about this one.

Let’s start with what I liked. The main character, Jules, is attending a writing workshop in the UK for the summer. Jules has tinnitus and uses hearing aids, which is a refreshing and important representation that’s rarely seen in books. The setting in London is always a plus for me; mysteries set there always seem more enjoyable to me. The plot about a missing classmate initially caught my interest, and I liked the small friend group Jules formed throughout the story.

However, the negatives outweighed the positives for me. Despite the intriguing premise, I found it hard to connect with Jules. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why, but her intense interest in her classmate’s disappearance felt unnatural and a bit over-the-top. Additionally, the romance subplot seemed unnecessary and added little to the main story.

“There’s a story somewhere in my brain, maybe a mystery or a thriller, needing to be written.”

II didn’t expect Sherlock and Watson’s inclusion to be done the way it was. The supernatural element, while somewhat well executed, surprised me and didn’t fit smoothly with the story. I enjoyed Sherlock’s character as it stayed true to the original portrayal. However, I found the other characters less likable, especially the teenagers, who seemed to be trying too hard to act grown-up. They didn’t feel realistic as teenagers; it was obvious that an adult was writing them.

My main problem was with the writing style. It seemed better suited for younger readers than for young adults. Maybe it’s just me getting older or having different tastes, but it made it hard for me to stay engaged in the story. Still, I have to give credit for the ending—it tied things up neatly, even though by then, I wasn’t as invested in the plot.

Overall, while the book has its moments and brings some valuable representation to the table, I just didn’t find the story compelling. It might be more appealing to younger readers or those new to YA mysteries, but it didn’t keep me fully engaged. Thanks again to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for letting me listen to the ALC.

Please comment if you’re an older reader who still enjoys YA books. And don’t forget to like, share, and follow the blog before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Reappearance Of Rachel Price // Book Review

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About The Book
Eighteen-year-old Bel has lived in the shadow of her mother Rachel’s mysterious disappearance 16 years ago, of which she has no memory. Rachel, presumed dead, resurfaces during a true crime documentary, claiming an unbelievable tale. Unsure of its truth, Bel questions Rachel’s motives and the potential danger she poses. With cameras rolling, Bel embarks on a quest to uncover why Rachel returned and the secrets she may harbor.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Rtgz89

My Rating

This book had me hooked from start to finish. The complex plot and unexpected twists kept me intrigued until the very end. Imagine your mom showing up after sixteen years – would you trust her? That’s the dilemma facing Bel, the main character, as she navigates who to believe and trust. It’s a gripping story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

One thing I loved about this book is how it keeps you guessing the whole time. Every chapter brings new surprises, making me wonder what’s going to happen next. I did get a bit frustrated with Bel since she always has her guard up and finds it hard to trust others, but the story is so gripping that it kept me interested with its compelling mystery.

The fact that there’s a documentary being made about Rachel’s disappearance and sudden return adds a really interesting twist to the story. It gives a whole new perspective on what’s happening, and I found it super captivating. Some might think it’s not needed, but for me, it made the mystery even more exciting.

“Making people leave her before they chose to go anyway. Same result in the end, because everybody left eventually, but it hurt less. That was what life was, choosing the way that hurt less.”

The book includes a bit of romance, but it’s mostly about Bel growing and learning to connect with someone. It’s not the main focus, so it doesn’t dominate the plot. However, it does add depth to her character and makes the story more meaningful. Personally, I enjoyed Bel’s love interest, Ash, even though he’s not the main character. Their differences made their relationship really enjoyable.

Jackson’s talent as a writer truly stands out in this book, with plenty of unexpected twists and a jaw-dropping ending that left me—and will surely leave other readers—stunned. While it might not surpass her earlier works, this book is a thrilling mystery that showcases Jackson’s knack for crafting engaging and emotionally resonant stories.

Overall, there were times when the story slowed down and the pacing wasn’t quite right, but the book ends with a deeply satisfying and intense conclusion. It has all the elements I look for in a great YA thriller – mystery, suspense, and plenty of emotionally powerful moments. If you love books that keep you captivated until the very last page, this one is definitely worth picking up.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book. Don’t forget that you can like and share this post with other readers. Show your support for my blog by giving it a follow.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Good Bad Girl | Book Review

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About The Book
Twenty years after a baby is stolen, a woman is murdered in a care home. Edith, planning her escape from the nursing home, bonds with Patience, who is hiding secrets. Edith’s estranged daughter, Clio, is soon approached by a suspicious person. The women must solve a mystery involving three suspects, two murders, and one missing baby. Good Bad Girl is a twist-filled thriller where no one can be trusted.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Va1V6C

My Rating

I’m not exactly sure how to categorize this book, because it doesn’t really fall into the thriller category, but it wasn’t a very compelling mystery. Throughout the story, we follow four women’s different perspectives, all of which are connected. There’s the mystery of a missing baby from years ago, and a present day murder – all taking place around Mother’s Day.

Each woman had a very distinctive voice, but none of their perspectives really captivated me. Also, I didn’t find any of the characters in this book particularly likable, which isn’t a good thing, since you have to be somewhat invested in the characters you’re reading about.

Unfortunately, the plot also fell flat for me. Although there were two ‘sort of’ mysteries going on throughout the book, I wasn’t gripped by the story. I want there to be more twists and turns and shocking moments that I didn’t see coming, however, I completely figured out where the book was going from pretty early on. This book didn’t have any plot twists, which I think are an essential part of a good mystery/thriller.

“Everybody has a mother, but not everybody has a mother’s love.”

As for the writing, Alice Feeney is a great author! Although the storyline wasn’t for me, I still wanted to keep reading. I attribute my inability to put the book down to her fantastic writing style. Her books are fairly easy to read, and bingeable too. I read this book in about a day, and I could see others doing the same.

Overall, I didn’t hate the book, but it’s nothing to write home about. I would not recommend it to someone searching for a fast-paced and exciting mystery. One thing to know – motherhood is a big factor in this book, so maybe I would’ve had more of a connection to the story if I was a mother, but all in all, I don’t think you’re missing out on anything if you choose not to read the book.

In the comments, let me know if this is on your TBR. If you have already read the book, tell me your thoughts on it! Do you think it is worth the read? Or was it not the thriller for you? Don’t forget to share this post with others, and as always, you can follow the blog, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Are You Listening? // Audiobook Recommendations

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hello Friends,
Today, I’m excited to talk about audiobooks, one of my favorite ways to read. If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I love them. So, I wanted to share five exceptional audiobooks with you. The best part? You can find all of them on Everand.

This gripping mystery novel features a full cast of narrators, offering an immersive experience. The story follows a team of experts who come together to solve a cold case while filming a true crime documentary. With sound clips and interviews included, it truly grabs your attention.
Related Post: Murder In The Family // Book Review

A short but captivating audiobook, perfect for fans of the movie. It’s both eerie and entertaining, a bit creepier than the film, with some intriguing differences.
Related Post: Coraline // Book Review

This heartbreaking tale explores themes of grief with an original take on loss. The audiobook format adds a unique dimension by incorporating text message elements, making the story feel more real.
Related Post: Message Not Found // Book Review

Although this book wasn’t my favorite, the audiobook was outstanding. The skilled narrators brought the story to life, keeping me more engaged and immersed in the plot. Without the audiobook, I might not have finished the book at all.
Related Post: All Of Us Villains // Book Review

The first book in this YA fantasy series is long but captivating. The audiobook enhances the experience, especially with its detailed world-building and Arthurian elements. Listening to it helped me understand the story better.
Related Post: Legendborn // Book Review

Here are some of my favorite audiobooks. I’d love to hear about yours in the comments below! You can find these titles on Everand. If you’re not already a subscriber, you can sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). It’s my favorite platform for enjoying audiobooks. Before you go, please hit the follow button to show your support.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

From Cover To Closet (A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder) // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s been ages since I’ve done a fashion post, so I thought it was about time to bring them back. This time, I drew inspiration from the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ trilogy. I’ve created three different looks, each inspired by one of the book covers from the main trilogy. There is a novella, but I wanted to focus this post on the main three books.

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4dNVnTO
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aC2Fra
Related Post: Good Girl, Bad Blood // Book Review

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ULSlH7
Related Post: As Good As Dead // Book Review

In the comments, let me know what other types of fashion posts you’d like to see. If you’re a fan of bookish content like reviews, tags, and the occasional fashion and beauty posts, please follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

First Lie Wins | Book Review

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About The Book
For Evie Porter, identity is everything. Tasked by her mysterious employer, Mr. Smith, she investigates her target, Ryan Sumner. As her feelings for Ryan grow, so do the risks of her covert mission. With her past threatening to unravel, Evie must balance her fabricated persona with her true self in a high-stakes game of deception to secure her future.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aUIvtj

My Rating

This book dives deep into truth, morality, and self-discovery, but in a way that really grabs you. We follow our main character as she tries to untangle a mess of lies and deceit. The characters within are not just black and white; they’re morally grey, which adds a whole new layer to the story, and makes you question everything.

It’s a perfect mix of gripping plot twists and characters you can’t help but care about. While some parts might seem predictable, the suspense keeps you flipping the pages. It’s not exactly a thriller, but it sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Ashley Elston’s storytelling is so vivid that you can easily picture this book on the big screen. Just a heads up, though – it takes a bit to really get going. But once you push through that first chunk, you’re in for a wild ride.

“Mama always said to be successful in life you need to do three things: learn everything you can, try your hardest, and be the best at what you do.”

The book was very entertaining, and I had fun trying to figure out how things were going to end. Speaking of the ending, I didn’t expect things to turn out the way they did, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story played out. Being inside these characters’ heads was great, and the plot was very well executed.

Overall, the book didn’t make Elston a new favorite thriller author of mine, but it definitely showed that she has incredible talent. While everyone might not vibe with the pacing, or level of action, I think the book is worth the read. Who knows, you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. If you like bookish content, then follow the blog. It is completely free, and you will get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2024 // Reading Wrap Up

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
March has officially ended, so now it is time for my March reading wrap up. I’m surprised that I was able to read 12 books in the month of March, considering that I was in a huge reading slump for a big part of the month. But, I was able to catch up on my reading goal, which makes me so happy.


Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, 2) by Rebecca Ross
This was probably my favorite read of the month, and the conclusion of an amazing duology. I can say much about it without spoilers, but it was a satisfying ending.
Related Post: Ruthless Vows // Book Review

In the Weeds (Lovelight 2) by B.K. Borison
This is the second book in a romance series of interconnected standalones. They take place in the small town of Lovelight, but mainly on this Christmas tree farm in the town. This one was a second chance romance between a farmer from that farm, and an influencer.

The Naturals (The Naturals, 1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I think BookTok is the major contributor to the sudden success of this series. This is the first book in a series that follows a bunch of teenagers with unique skills, being recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. And from this first book, I can see why everyone loves this series.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This is a somewhat of a psychological thriller about a therapist working at a psychiatric clinic to get close to a woman that was convicted of killing her husband, but hasn’t spoken in years. Lots of twists and turns, but the ending was quite predictable.


Brutal Obsession by S. Massery
This is a dark hockey romance, the first in an interconnected, standalone series. This book was very intense, and a dark Romance for sure. Not exactly sure how I feel about it but I do really enjoy these books.

Killer Instinct (The Naturals, 2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This is the second book in the ‘Naturals’ series, and again, it follows the exact same formula of the first book. We are following the same group of teenagers working for the FBI trying to stop another serial killer. Super fast-paced, and a good read.

Where Darkness Blooms by Andrea Hannah
This is a young adult contemporary thriller, where we follow four girls, whose mothers mysteriously disappeared one day. The story was definitely a roller coaster, and it was interesting to get the perspectives of all four girls throughout the book.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
This is a young adult queer romance that is part enemies to lovers, part opposites attract. Honestly, I don’t have much to say about this book, because it doesn’t really stick out in my mind.


How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the audiobook through NetGalley. I am so happy that I got the chance to read this book because it took me completely by surprise. It was such a fantastic read.

The Nowhere Girls (Detective Nikki Cassidy) by Dana Perry
This is another book that I received the audiobook ARC via NetGalley. If you’re a fan of Law and Order: SVU, then I think you’d really enjoy this book. Apparently it’s part of a series that follows different FBI agents. In this book, we follow Detective Nikki Cassidy, who returns home to get answers from the man who murdered her 12 year old sister. But when he confesses that he didn’t murder her sister, Nikki starts to wonder if her sister’s killer is still out there.

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
Yes, this is actually on my April TBR, but I went ahead and read it early. This is an adult mystery/thriller, where our main character, Naomi, is trying to put together the pieces of what really happened when she was attacked at 11 years old. Super quick read, in my opinion, but I unfortunately didn’t love it as much as I thought I would.

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
I’ve heard so many people talk about wanting to read this book, but nobody actually reviewing it. She wrote my all-time favorite young adult, contemporary romance ‘Better Than The Movies’. This, however, is an adult romance; and sadly, I didn’t love it. But it’s Lynn Painter, so I still recommend the book.

Those are all 12 books that I read in the month of March. In the comments, let me know how many books you were able to read. The audiobook for some of these books are available on Everand, and you can get a free trial when you sign up using my link. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, so that you get notified whenever there’s a new post, because I will have reviews up for almost all the books that I have read in the month of March.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today is another TBR post. This is going to be my monthly TBR. Usually, I will play my Bookopoly game, but I decided that I am going to start switching up how I pick my TBR each month. This month I chose to use a prompt spinner wheel to help me pick the books this month. I used a random number generator to see how many spins I was going to do and got 10, so this TBR is a bit much considering all the readathons I’m participating in.


I’m very excited that my first prompt was a seasonal read. Since spring starts at the end of March, I’m putting a spring read on my TBR. That book is going to be ‘In The Weeds’ by B.K. Borison. Honestly, I don’t have high hopes for this book, like at all. It just happens to be my least favorite trope – second chance romance. But if I don’t just put it on a TBR, I may never read it.


The second prompt was a book that ends on an even number of pages. I am, once again, putting ‘Ruthless Vows’ by Rebecca Ross on my TBR. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to it in February, but I am dying to see how this duology ends.


My third prompt was a low star prediction, which is more of a punishment prompt, but that’s okay . I picked ‘Liar’s Beach’ by Katie Cotugno. This is a young adult mystery, and an Agatha Christie retelling. I’ve only read one other book by this author, which I didn’t enjoy. I hope that this book is slightly better.
Related Post: Fireworks // Book Review


The fourth spin’s prompt was a book under 250 pages. I am happy about this, because it means I get to add a short book to my TBR. However, I don’t own many short books. That means that I’ll be picking a graphic novel. Luckily I’ve been in the mood to read volume two of ‘Unfamiliar’ by Haley Newsome, because the first volume was such a cute read.


The fifth prompt was a book you bought used, which is easy since I’m a book buying addict. I am choosing ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides, since it is going to work perfectly for a readathon which I’ll be taking part in this month. All I know about the book is that it’s a thriller that people seem to really enjoy.


My sixth spin gave me the prompt a book with a map. Now I should not be starting any new series, but most of the books I have that contain maps are starts of series. So, with my husband’s help I chose ‘A Curse So Dark And Lonely’ by Brigid Kemmerer. All I know is that this is the start of a trilogy, and it’s also a Beauty and the Beast retelling.


My seventh prompt was a book published after 2015, which is most books on my TBR. I’m going to put ‘Two Twisted Crowns’ by Rachel Gillig back on my TBR, since it was another February book that I wasn’t able to read.


Prompt number eight was to read an author’s debut book, which is amazing. I really wanted to get ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts on this month’s TBR. If I am not mistaken, this is her debut novel, and apparently it’s heavily inspired by ‘The Hunger Games.’


The ninth spin gave me one that was most recent purchased, which again, is easy for me. I decided to pick ‘The Bone Witch‘ by Rin Chupeco. This is the start of a gothic fantasy series that I haven’t seen anyone talk about. I’m interested to see if it is any good.


The tenth and final spin landed on the prompt a book with an illustrated cover. I’m happy to get this prompt, because I don’t have much romance on this TBR. So, I picked ‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy, since my copies of this series are the illustrated versions. I am very intimidated by this series, and just hoping that I love it.

There you have my March TBR! Let me know in the comments which TBR game you think I should play next month, or follow my Threads to vote for one! Don’t forget that you can like and share this post with others. If you would like to stay up to date with the blog, give it a follow, so that you get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny