Thriller

What Lies In The Woods | Book Review

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About The Book
As children, Naomi, Cassidy, and Olivia believed in magic. Then one summer, Naomi suffered a brutal attack but survived. She and her friends identified the attacker, leading to the capture and prosecution of a serial killer. But the girls are hiding something. Years later, all grown up, Naomi must confront the truth about what happened in the woods.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/42c2XE4

My Rating

My expectations were sky-high for this book because of the rave reviews and the author’s popularity in the mystery/thriller genre, leading me to anticipate a five-star read. Though the synopsis included many elements I usually enjoy, I almost gave up on the book, which is disappointing.

Naomi, the story’s protagonist, survived a brutal attack over twenty years ago while exploring the woods with her two best friends. Now, years later and with her assailant dead, Naomi doubts her own memories. The story felt like a true crime vibe, reminding me of similar incidents I’ve heard about over the years (i.e. the Slender Man stabbing).

The mystery is kinda cliché, a past secret revealed years later. I’m not complaining, but common plots need twists, otherwise they’re predictable. And, sadly, it was as predictable as could be. I saw the ending coming a mile away, so the book was a bit of a letdown.

“Nothing good comes from digging up old trouble.”

Since I’ve read a ton of mystery/thriller books, it’s pretty hard to surprise me, so I’m not usually bummed when I figure out the ending. But, honestly, this book was boring. Though it pains me to admit, I had to push myself to finish. I found the first 75% of the book to be slow and uninteresting. I’m a sucker for unreliable narrators, but this book’s writing just didn’t grab me.

Overall, I thought the story was weak, the characters blah, and the ending disappointing. If you’re into mysteries/thrillers like me, skip this book. Honestly, I don’t get the hype, and I wouldn’t suggest it. Despite this, I may give the author another opportunity in the future.

Do you think this book is as good as everyone says? Comment below! Don’t forget to like and share this post! Sign up for my mailing list (in the sidebar) so you don’t miss new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Coachella 2025 | Book Recommedations

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Hi Friends,
If you’re a music fan like me, you know Coachella 2025 starts April 11th! Sadly, I won’t be there, and I suspect other readers like me won’t either. However, I thought I’d share some books where music plays a major role in honor of the event. This list includes both books I’ve read and books on my to-read list.

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Olivia’s been through a lot of heartbreaks, but this time she’s decided no more crushes. Her ideal escape? A weekend of music, art, and friendship at Farmland Festival, free from drama. Toni’s starting college soon and is nervous about the future, hoping the festival will help her feel closer to her dad, who passed away. Upon meeting, the two girls decide that joining forces is their best bet for a great weekend. With the music playing, maybe Olivia and Toni will discover all they really need is each other.
Related Post: You Should See Me In A Crown | Book Review

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Saturday, the wildly popular boy band, includes eighteen-year-olds Ruben Montez and Zach Knight. The pressure of keeping his sexuality secret weighs heavily on Ruben, leading him to open up to Zach, despite their public image as teen idols. Throughout their European tour, their friendship grows into more. The more their relationship develops, the more they long to live openly. But, revealing their true selves could mean losing everything, forcing them to question whether love is worth the risk.
Related Post: If This Gets Out | Book Review

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Following a difficult family history, country music’s Annie Mathers has avoided the spotlight and romantic entanglements. Clay Coolidge, a troubled superstar, faces being dropped by his label unless he convinces her to join his summer tour. Charmed by Clay, Annie agrees, and they quickly become a fan favorite both on and off stage. Worried about repeating her parents’ mistakes, Annie doubts the future of their relationship. However, Clay’s vulnerability and struggles make leaving difficult for her. The question is whether love and music can heal their broken hearts.
Related Post: You’d Be Mine | Book Review

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In the late 1960s Los Angeles, Daisy, a young woman, pursues her dream of singing at the Whisky a Go Go, sneaking into clubs along the way. Sex and drugs may be part of the backdrop, but her real passion is rock and roll. The pressures of sudden fame and becoming a father unexpectedly are weighing heavily on Billy Dunne, the lead singer of The Six. Seeing the potential for a legendary collaboration, the producer wants to pair Daisy and Billy. A whirlwind of music, fame, and unforgettable moments follow, transforming the band into legends.
Related Post: Daisy Jones And The Six | Book Review

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Alix Summerlin, a college senior, anticipates a weekend filled with music and fun at the Garlic Groove Music Festival with her friends. Yet, a deadly secret is concealed within the small town of Allium Valley. People at the festival are vanishing, and a mysterious stranger, Kade, warns Alix to escape before it’s too late. To survive the monstrous attack on their town, Alix forges an uneasy alliance with her ex, Logan, and the intriguing Kade. Secrets are emerging, danger is imminent, and Alix must choose who to trust, and quickly.

These books should help with that Coachella FOMO. Let me know in the comments whether or not you’re going to Coachella this year. Also, if you know any other books about music or festivals, let me know! To stay updated on all my bookish content, sign up for my mailing list.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Audible’s 2-for-1 Sale | My Picks

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Hi Friends,
Audible’s two-for-one credit sale for March ends today. Their monthly sale lets you get two audiobooks for the price of one credit. FYI, this sale is for Audible members only. I thought it would be helpful to share some audiobooks I would recommend getting on sale. Audiobook and book recommendation lovers, keep reading!

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
I read and enjoyed this mystery suspense novel. The ending was a total shocker, and I loved the writing style! A movie adaption and sequel are coming out, so now’s the time to read the book!
Related Post: You Shouldn’t Have Come Here | Book Review

Mister Magic by Kiersten White
This is such an underrated book! It blends mystery, thriller, and horror seamlessly. This thriller/horror is unlike any other, and you should definitely give it a chance.
Related Post: Mister Magic | Book Review

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
I love Lynn Painter’s YA books, but I’m still searching for an adult book by her that I adore. Despite that, the book’s concept is, in my opinion, very unique. I find it to be a playfully cynical spin on romantic comedies. I recommend this book to those who dislike cheesy, Hallmark-style romances.
Related Post: Happily Never After | Book Review

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
In all honesty, this book was a huge disappointment. But I really think a lot of people will love this book. One of my favorite tropes is featured in the plot, a teacher-student dynamic where the MMC tutors the FMC in dating. And it’s a clean romance, which is not always easy to find.
Related Post: Practice Makes Perfect | Book Review

Three Holidays And A Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin And Marissa Stapley
This Christmas novel I read last year was such a fun, different take on the typical holiday romcom. We’ve got Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan in this book. This story’s about two girls, total opposites, who meet during the holidays and discover themselves and maybe even find love.
Related Post: Three Holidays And A Wedding | Book Review

Sally’s Lament by Mari Mancusi
I thought this retelling was awesome. This Twisted Tales book shows what would’ve happened if Sally, not Jack, found Christmas Town. I haven’t loved most of the Twisted Tales books I’ve read, but this one was actually really good. It was a cool twist on the original story.
Related Post: Part Of Your World | Book Review

These are only a few of my Audible sale picks! This sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm, so don’t miss out on these books if you are interested! If you found this post enjoyable, please share and like it. Hit the follow button before you leave to stay updated on new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Two Sides To Every Murder | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Seventeen years after the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders and her birth, Olivia’s life couldn’t be better. But a family secret sends her searching Camp Lost Lake for answers. Reagan’s hellbent on clearing her mom’s name in the Camp Lost Lake murders. Camp Lost Lake’s reopening gives Olivia and Reagan a chance to find answers. But someone will kill to keep the past buried.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bZSxKT

My Rating

This book is not for you if you prefer intense thrillers full of twists and turns. But if you enjoy well-written YA mystery thrillers that evoke the spirit of cheesy 90s teen slasher films, you’ll adore this book. Weirdly, I got ‘The Parent Trap’ vibes from this book, even though it’s nothing like it. It’s probably because the story centers on twin girls and the summer camp setting.

At Camp Lost Lake (aka Camp Crystal Lake, in my head!), Olivia and Reagan are on a researching for answers. A shout-out to all my fellow horror lovers who know which movie that camp’s in! Okay, back to the review. Olivia’s dad isn’t her biological father, and a past murder at Camp Lost Lake might reveal who is. Meanwhile, Reagan, who’s been lying low with her mom (the prime suspect in the Camp Lost Lake massacre), is dead set in going to the camp to prove her mom’s innocent.

The premise was so appealing, and it lived up to my expectations. The quick pace was perfect—exactly what I want in a thriller. It was non-stop excitement, and the suspense was awesome, which is something most YA thrillers tend to struggling with.

“Family takes care of each other.”

I really enjoy the campiness of this book. It’s not that gory, and it’s not a super intense plot. No huge surprises, but I really liked how the book gave us Olivia and Reagan’s points of view, and also included past chapters about the people connected to the camp killings.

Despite the multiple POVs and time jumps, the book didn’t feel overwhelming. The plot was easy to follow and never overly complicated. I guessed a lot of what would happen, and I was mostly right, but some stuff—like the ending—still shocked me.

Overall, Danielle Valentine really knows how to write a thriller that keeps you hooked. Her YA books are seriously addictive. They’re a fun, easy read that makes me want to watch a classic slasher flick. This book isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s an entertaining and engaging read worth your time.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it or want to! Don’t forget to like and share this review! Don’t forget to follow before you leave, it helps me out tons!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kind Worth Killing | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

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

- Bunny Leave a comment

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

- Bunny Leave a comment

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