Thriller

The Kind Worth Killing | Book Review

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About The Book
On a flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson confesses to the mysterious Lily Kintner that he wishes his cheating wife were dead—only for Lily to offer her help. As their twisted plan unfolds, Ted remains unaware of Lily’s dark past and expertise in murder. With secrets unraveling and a relentless detective closing in, their deadly game of deception spirals into a battle for survival.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/40KFDLw

My Rating

This was a very unique thriller, and I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if it hadn’t been recommended to me. I would say it falls into the thriller/suspense category, and it’s a very character-driven story, which is how I typically prefer my thrillers. I also enjoyed how the author connected all these different characters in surprising ways.

Throughout the story, we get multiple points of view. First, we have Ted, who is heartbroken over the fact that his wife is cheating on him. He ends up meeting Lily, and the two strike up a deal to kill his wife, Miranda. As for Lily, she’s a very complex character, and we get a lot of backstory about her and why she is so willing to help Ted kill his wife.

We also get a bit of Miranda’s POV in the story, which was very interesting. I didn’t expect any chapters following her thoughts. The last main point of view we get is from the detective, Henry, as he follows the case and gets closer to Lily. He becomes very fascinated by her and wonders how she fits into all that is going on.

“Everyone dies. What difference does it make if a few bad apples get pushed along a little sooner than God intended?”

This book is full of twists and turns, and I just kept wanting to read it. It’s one of those thrillers that you don’t want to put down. I will say that the pacing was a bit off for me, which hindered my enjoyment a bit. Also, I’m not a huge fan of detective/cop thrillers where they’re trying to solve a case. However, I think this one worked because there was a lot more to it than the standard crime thriller. It also had a bunch of different elements that set it apart.

I really liked how Lily was a morally grey character because I find it fascinating to get inside the headspace of that type of character—one who isn’t all bad but not necessarily all good either. The ending was very well done, and I know there’s a sequel or more so a companion novel, so I’d be interested in reading more about these characters.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and it was fairly entertaining. It isn’t going to be an all-time favorite thriller of mine, and I don’t know if I truly enjoy the author’s writing style. Still, I would be willing to pick up other books by them. I recommend this to anyone looking for a less intense, but still twisty thriller. As I said, it follows more along the lines of suspense, and a bit of mystery.

In the comments, let me know what your favorite types of thrillers are to read! I’m definitely a fan of suspense and unreliable narrator thrillers. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other readers. Before you go, if you could give the blog a follow, it would really help it grow and keep you up-to-date with all the new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Silent Patient | Book Review

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About The Book
Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, had the perfect life until she brutally murders her husband and never speaks another word. Institutionalized, her silence makes the crime infamous and art valuable. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to make Alicia talk, but his pursuit of the truth takes a perilous and unforeseen turn.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ghkgXU

My Rating

There is a ton of hype behind this thriller, but unfortunately, I don’t understand the rave reviews for this book. The plot is straightforward—we follow Theo, a criminal psychotherapist who takes a job at a psychiatric facility to get close to Alicia Berenson.

Alicia is at the facility because she was accused of murdering her husband—shooting him five times in the face. Since his death, she has never spoken a word or defended herself. Theo finds Alicia fascinating and hopes he can be the one to help her break her silence.

Now, that premise sounds amazing! However, the book didn’t intrigue me as much as I had hoped. It’s a very character-driven thriller, which is something I typically love. However, for this story, I needed it to be a little more plot-driven. Still, I understand why the author focused on making us invested in these characters and their lives.

“Perhaps some of us are simply born evil, and despite our best efforts we remain that way.”

Throughout the book, we get chapters showcasing Alicia’s life before her husband’s death. We also learn a lot about Theo and his personal struggles. As the story progresses, we even discover why he is so obsessed with Alicia and determined to help her.

I will say that the twist in the book was really well done, and I didn’t actually see it coming until right before it happened. Everything fell into place, but it took me way too long to get invested in the story. I’m not sure if that was due to the plot, the characters, or simply not meshing with the author’s writing style.

Overall, I don’t think the book deserves to be recommended so much. Is it a good thriller? Objectively, yes. Is it something that stands out in my mind? No. However, I do see why people love the ending—the last few chapters are a roller coaster, and I don’t think many readers, including myself, will guess the twist before it’s revealed.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read the book and what you thought of it. Do you think it’s worth the hype? Before you go, hit the like button and share this post with other readers. As always, follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Daisy Darker | Book Review

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About The Book
Daisy Darker returns to her Nana’s crumbling gothic estate to celebrate her grandmother’s 80th birthday, reuniting with her family after years apart. At midnight, a storm rages, and Nana is found dead, followed by another family member just an hour later. Trapped, the Darkers must confront their past secrets before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48rE3BZ

My Rating

I think it is safe to say that Alice Feeney’s Daisy Darker is a new favorite adult thriller of mine. I was captivated right from the first chapter, and I could not put the book down. This is one of those books that you think about even when you’re not reading it, and I certainly couldn’t put it down. The story is just that good, and it’s definitely a page-turner.

In the book, we follow Daisy Darker and her very complicated family. When they all return to her grandmother’s gothic mansion, called Seaglass, on a small remote island for her grandmother’s 80th birthday, which conveniently falls on Halloween, they think it’ll just be another birthday celebration. However, when dear old grandmother winds up dead, the Darker family must now face not only a killer but also the secrets they’ve kept hidden for years.

Daisy is an interesting main character. I enjoyed her insights into her family and the backstory that led us to this point. I totally agree with her that a book about the Darker family would be a bestseller; if this book is any indication, she’s right. I felt for Daisy at times because she was an outcast in her family, but she also showed that she wasn’t just a sweet, innocent girl.

“I guess knowing your place in your family is like some sort of muscle memory, and not something you forget.”

The mystery was one of the best parts of the book. This wasn’t one of those times when I had a guess about who could be behind everything going on. I was truly just along for the ride, and I didn’t mind that. One of the great things about the book was its good mix of being character-driven as well as plot-driven.

When I tell you that the ending made my jaw drop, I am not exaggerating. It 100% took me by surprise. However, I could see how some readers might have seen it coming; even my husband guessed it before I revealed the twist. Maybe I was just having such a good time with the book that I didn’t think it would be a possibility. But I loved it—it totally took the book to the next level.

Overall, everything from the writing to the characters, the plot, and the setting made this a five-star thriller for me. The fact that it was set on Halloween added an extra something that made it even spookier. I think this is a great book for anyone looking to get out of a reading slump because it will keep you invested throughout the entire time, and if you’re like me, it will shock you at the end.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you have, did you guess the twist ending? Before you leave, consider joining my little bookish community by following the blog so you never miss out on posts like this.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

The Haunting | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Penny has been trying to forget Nash, her ex, since his father was exposed as a serial killer last Halloween. But when she finds a classmate stabbed, Nash and his sister, Grace, become the easy suspects. As Halloween approaches and the body count rises, Penny suspects the copycat killer might be someone no one expects.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hgL8cm

My Rating

This book gave me major ‘90s teen slasher vibes, which instantly hooked me. From the very first chapter, we’re thrown into the chaos of a new killer on the loose, with our main character, Penny, caught right in the middle of it all. The story’s backdrop felt very reminiscent of Scream 4, with its small-town mystery and the return of a killer following in the footsteps of an infamous murderer. We also get a peek into Penny’s complicated relationship with her ex, Nash, which definitely added layers to the tension.

The murder mystery at the center of the plot follows a brutal pattern—one that echoes the killings Nash’s dad committed just last October. I really liked the way Preston set this up because it made every character feel suspicious and connected to a dark past, much like the vibe of the Scream movies. The pacing was fast, and there was never a dull moment, keeping me engaged throughout. Each new twist pulled me deeper into the story, even though I had a strong hunch about where the narrative might go.

However, I can’t say I completely connected with Penny as a protagonist. She has moments where she seems sympathetic toward Nash, yet at other times, it feels like she’s making everything about herself. That back-and-forth occasionally pulled me out of the story, though her inner conflict did make sense given their complicated history. I just wish her character had more depth beyond her relationship struggles. Despite this, I enjoyed how the mystery drove her forward, which felt fitting for the genre.

“I assume you don’t want me to call the cops and tell them about the killer in the cornfield?”

While I suspected early on where the story was headed, there were enough unexpected elements to keep me on my toes. I often find YA thrillers to be predictable, so I was pleasantly surprised that Preston didn’t go down the obvious route. The final twist was one I hadn’t even considered until right before it happened, which made for a satisfying payoff. I love when a book can keep me guessing, and this one definitely succeeded in that area.

That said, I’m not sure I loved the very ending. Preston tends to wrap up her books in a way that feels a little abrupt for my taste, and this one was no exception. But that’s more of a personal quirk of mine than a fault of the book. While the ending didn’t completely wow me, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. It stayed true to her signature style, which I know a lot of readers appreciate.

Overall, this was an entertaining read, especially perfect for October. The Halloween setting enhanced the creepy atmosphere, making it the perfect book for the spooky season. While it didn’t become an instant favorite, I think fans of Scream—especially Scream 4—will find a lot to love here. The book delivers on its slasher vibes while offering just enough twists to keep things fresh.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it and what you thought! Also, what’s your favorite Scream film? Personally, I’m still partial to the original. Don’t forget to like and share this review, and if you enjoy book content, hit that follow button!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

The Housemaid’s Secret | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
For me, finding an employer who doesn’t pry into my past is tough, so I’m grateful that the Garricks hire me to clean their penthouse and prepare meals. However, when I discover blood on Mrs. Garrick’s nightgown, everything changes. I promise to protect her while keeping my secrets safe, but Douglas Garrick has done wrong, and he will pay—it’s just a matter of how far I’m willing to go.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aUIvtj

My Rating

I was very excited for the sequel to The Housemaid because I found that book fantastic. I had high hopes for this one, especially after hearing it was better than the first. Sadly, I might be the odd one out, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as others have.

This isn’t to say the book was bad, but the storyline wasn’t as engaging as in the first. We once again follow Millie as she starts a new job as a cook/housekeeper for a wealthy couple, but their marriage is far from perfect.

I found Millie to be completely different from the first book, which threw me for a loop. Honestly, she got on my nerves a lot this time. I understood her desire to put her past and the events from The Housemaid behind her, but she felt really, really naive in this installment.

“Although isn’t there another side to everyone?”

Additionally, I saw the twist coming from a mile away. There was no shock value; the plot was very straightforward, and the twist was right there in plain sight. Not to mention, the writing felt off somehow—it didn’t give me the same wow factor as the first book.

Overall, maybe my expectations were set too high. I did enjoy the book, but seeing all the twists coming made it underwhelming. I would have preferred to stick to the first book and skip the sequel. However, I will probably read more from this author in the future, so that says something.

In the comments, let me know if you prefer The Housemaid or The Housemaid’s Secret. If you’d like to share this post with others, that would be amazing. Also, you can follow the blog so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Housemaid | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Every day, I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house, care for their daughter, and prepare their meals. I try to ignore Nina’s messes and lies while envying her perfect life with her handsome husband, Andrew. But after Nina learns I tried on one of her dresses and I realize the door to my attic room locks from the outside, it’s too late. Fortunately, I have a secret. The Winchesters don’t know what I’m capable of.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BUQNow

My Rating

This was a fun thriller that left me shocked and entertained. I was hooked from the start, and just when I thought I knew what was going on, the author would throw me for a loop. The plot is so well done that you honestly cannot see the twist coming. I love a good shocking turn of events in a mystery/thriller, and this book had a fantastic twist.

The main character, Millie, was likable, but she was a bit naive at times. However, I think this worked for the storyline. The star of the show was the plot, and I loved how fast-paced the book was because we didn’t get any unnecessary filler chapters. I felt like the story progressed with the turn of every page.

The writing was amazing! The author did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I was completely engaged in her writing, and I could see why a lot of people enjoy her storytelling style. The book is very well thought out, and I believe that the shocking twists showcase that she took a lot of time with the story.

“This room could be a death trap.”

I really enjoyed the book. The twist didn’t come out of nowhere, and I liked how it all wrapped up. The last few chapters took me by surprise, and I think this book has one of the best ending twists I’ve read. As someone who loves a good mystery/thriller, that is a high compliment.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a top-notch mystery/thriller. If you want a story that will keep you engaged and an ending that will leave you shocked, then this one is for you. I’m not going to say that everyone won’t see the twist coming, but I didn’t, and that’s good enough for me.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book. Did you figure out the twist? If you would like to support my book blog, please give it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Girls | Book Review

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About The Book
Ten years after surviving a brutal massacre, Quincy Carpenter is trying to move on with her life, despite being part of the infamous “Final Girls” group. But when Lisa, a Final Girl, is found dead and Sam, another Final Girl, shows up unannounced, Quincy must confront her traumatic past and uncover the truth before history repeats itself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hd1JxD

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book frustrated me quite a bit. I believe it’s Riley Sager’s debut novel, and it definitely reads like one. The premise is intriguing, but the main character really got on my nerves, making it hard for me to enjoy the story. Oddly enough, this seems to be a recurring issue for me with Sager’s protagonists.

The book follows Quincy, a final girl who survived a mass murder but has no memory of the attack. When she hears that another final girl has died, apparently by suicide, she reconnects with the only other survivor she knows of, Samantha. However, once Samantha enters her life, Quincy starts remembering her attack and quickly realizes Samantha might not be trustworthy.

Quincy comes across as really naïve for most of the book. Sure, she tries to act like she’s fine, even though she’s dealing with unresolved trauma, but I feel like someone who went through what she did wouldn’t be so trusting of Samantha. There were times I just wanted to shake Quincy.

Samantha, on the other hand, was an intriguing character. I liked her personality and wanted to know more about her. Her backstory, for me, was the most captivating part of the entire story. Besides Samantha, the other side characters weren’t that important, except for Quincy’s boyfriend, who I actually felt bad for at times. There was also the cop who saved Quincy the night of the attack, and let’s just say he and Quincy have a special bond.

“You can’t change what’s happened. The only thing you can control is how you deal with it.”

The story includes flashbacks that help the reader piece together what Quincy forgot about the massacre. I wouldn’t necessarily call her an unreliable narrator, but as the story went on, there were moments when I wasn’t sure who to trust or what twists were coming. Riley Sager has a way of making me second-guess who’s telling the truth and who’s lying, which, in my opinion, makes for a good thriller.

However, I found the ending quite predictable. I figured it out about halfway through and was hoping for something more surprising, so I was disappointed with how the book concluded. In my opinion, there wasn’t much suspense throughout the plot. Although the story did become more exciting as the plot progressed, I found it difficult to stay interested for most of the time.

Overall, I’m trying to remind myself that this is a debut novel, especially since I’ve enjoyed other books by this author much more. Despite the plot having promise, it didn’t shock or surprise me, and I saw most of the twists coming. Still, I’m glad I read it, even though it wasn’t the most thrilling experience. If you like the final girl trope, you might enjoy this book, but I wouldn’t call it a must-read.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of books that revolve around “final girls.” If so, share which one you’d recommend. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and help my blog grow by following it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 October Reads | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
The spooky season is ending soon, so I thought it would be fun to share some books that I think would make great October reads. I’ve put together a list of 5 books to recommend that will work for many different types of readers. I understand that not all of us enjoy thrillers and mysteries but still want a book to get us in the mood for the season.

House of Hollow By Krystal Sutherland
I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a tamer horror story. This book nails the creepy and mysterious elements, but since it’s a young adult book, it isn’t too scary.
Related Post: House Of Hollow | Book Review

Hidden Pictures By Jason Rekulak
This is one of my all-time favorite thrillers! If you love a suspenseful page-turner, you’ll enjoy this book. It has plenty of twists and turns and played out like a thriller movie in my head. Hopefully, we’ll get a screen adaptation one day.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures | Book Review

The Only One Left By Riley Sager
This book got me to jump on the Riley Sager bandwagon. The fact that it’s a Lizzie Borden retelling of sorts makes the plot even more intriguing. I found the story captivating, thrilling, and the twists were really good.
Related Post: The Only One Left | Book Review

How To Survive Your Murder By Danielle Valentine
This book isn’t the most complex plot, and some might find it over the top and a little far-fetched. However, I loved it! It’s a classic teen slasher with a twist. The book is set on Halloween, which makes it perfect for October, and the ending was wild.
Related Post: How To Survive Your Murder | Book Review

The Ex Hex By Erin Sterling
I found this to be a cute, witchy romcom! It kind of has a Good Witch feel to it, which I found quite fun. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but I think this book really embraces Halloween vibes. If you’re someone who only reads romances, this is a great fall book option.
Related Post: The Ex Hex | Book Review

In the comments, leave me some fall book recommendations. You can find all of these books in my Amazon storefront! And don’t forget to use my link [Here] to sign up for a free trial of the audiobook and ebook service Everand, so you can read some of these books. Are you a fan of book recommendations? Let me know by giving this post a like and following the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The House Across The Lake | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress escaping bad press, retreats to her family’s lake house in Vermont, where she observes glamorous neighbors Tom and Katherine Royce. After saving Katherine from drowning and befriending her, Casey discovers their marriage isn’t as perfect as it seems. When Katherine disappears, Casey suspects Tom, unaware of the shocking secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/486Htd2

My Rating

This is a thriller with so many twists and turns that you won’t see coming. The main protagonist, Casey Fletcher, is an unreliable narrator due to her drinking problem and is determined to find out what happened to one of her neighbors across the lake. Soon, a crazy mystery and thriller unfold.

I really enjoy stories with unreliable narrators because I think they make the plot—especially in thrillers—much more interesting, and this book was no exception. Casey is not only struggling with her alcoholism but also with her husband’s passing, her failing acting career, and fears that the husband across the lake might have done something to his wife.

I wouldn’t say that the book had me hooked from the start, as I think it took a while for the plot to get going. However, I found it interesting that we got chapters from the present, then the past, and finally, by the end, the timelines catch up to one another. I don’t normally love books that start in the present day and then take us back in time to show how we got to this point, but it worked in this instance.

“After all, following someone on social media is just a more acceptable form of spying.”

I had so many guesses about what was going on and how the story was going to end, and I didn’t guess a single thing correctly. The author added so many twists and surprises that I didn’t see coming. Some of those things were in the back of my mind, but I didn’t believe they were actual paths that the story would follow.

The writing wasn’t very fast-paced, and the plot was a bit out there, so I can see why some people wouldn’t enjoy the book. However, I really like Riley Sager’s storytelling, even if his plots aren’t the most intense. This book caught me off guard many times, and I was stunned by so many of the reveals. The ending was fantastic and shocking, and I didn’t see it coming at all, which is why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of just 4.

Overall, I believe that if you are a fan of unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and character-driven plots, then you should give this book a chance. If you like Grady Hendrix’s works, this book has a similar style, though it’s not so much campy horror like Hendrix’s books. Still, I think fans of ‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism’ might also find this to be a fun read.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book and your thoughts on it. If you know other readers, feel free to share this post with them. Don’t forget that you can find more bookish content like this on my blog, so please give it a follow so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Live Your Best Lie | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Influencer Summer Cartwright appears to be living the dream with fame, fashion, and a book deal. But when she disappears at her Halloween party and a post claims she’ll be dead in minutes, those closest to her know it’s no stunt. After finding her body, they’re forced to face the unsettling truths they’ve been hiding.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4eCADOK

My Rating

I was hoping that this would be a good, suspenseful young adult thriller. Unfortunately, from the first chapter, I could tell that this book probably wasn’t going to be for me. It reads very YA, which, to be fair, makes sense for a young adult book.

I went into this expecting the same vibes as a Karen M. McManus or Holly Jackson novel, but by the end, my feelings were more in line with how I feel about Jessica Goodman’s books. They aren’t bad, but they’re very one-dimensional. We follow stereotypical teenagers, and most of them live a Gossip Girl type of life.

In this book, Summer Cartwright, a teen influencer, dies on Halloween night. But someone is still posting on Summer’s Instagram, and they want to make it known that her death was no accident. We have the usual suspects: the ex-boyfriend, the best friend, the wannabe, and the frenemy.

“Is your teen safe engaging with social media? And darker still, how far would they go to find fame on the internet? ”

Honestly, this book was a basic thriller, but in the best way possible. I couldn’t put it down, and that really speaks to the author’s writing. Although the story wasn’t particularly compelling, I still couldn’t stop reading. So, I’d say that makes this a pretty solid and easy read.

The ending wasn’t shocking, because you can kind of see it coming. I felt there needed to be one or two more twists to make the book stand out. Unfortunately, I wanted more from the plot—something to set it apart from other thrillers I’ve read.

Overall, for a debut novel, it is pretty good. The YA thriller genre is saturated and still growing, so you really need a plot that stands out. Although this book probably won’t have a lasting impact on me, but I can see myself reading more from this author. The plot and characters weren’t my favorite, but I’m excited to see what they release in the future.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you like this post, please give it a share, and don’t forget to follow my blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny