I read nine – nine – books this month! I’m smashing the challenge this year and will probably raise my goal soon, given that I only have five books to go before I reach it and it’s only June.

Here are the books I’ve finished since the last update with a brief review of each!

Circus of the Dead: Book 1 (Kimberly Loth)

Rating: 4/5

I enjoyed this introduction to the world of the circus, but I don’t have much to say about it as I felt that’s mostly all the book was – an introduction. Loth has given readers a rundown of the circus and its major players, and how Callie gets stuck there. I believe the true tale will begin in book 2, so I’m gonna check it out! I would recommend giving this series a try, though, if you like creepy circuses, scary clowns, murderous (yet attractive) ghosts, and other such things.

Winterset Hollow (Jonathan Edward Durham)

Rating: 5/5

I loved Winterset Hollow. First off, it was so well-written, and the plot was at least semi-original. I mean, it’s been done before, but not with any frequency. The characters were given so much depth; we were even granted glimpses into those who weren’t the main protagonists…or antagonists. I almost hate to use the word “antagonist” here, because the bad guys had understandable reason for their actions and were as sympathetic as Eamon, Caroline, and Mark. This novel is horrific, but not in the usual way. It is the story of discovering that a story you used to navigate the world, that taught you about love and bravery and friendship, actually stemmed from violence and cruelty. It is the story of having to re-evaluate all you ever thought you knew. It is also a story of triumph, of friendship and courage and discovering that you are a force to be reckoned with in the real world. I definitely recommend that you add Winterset Hollow to your TBR pile!

Ghoul You Be My Valentine? (Olivia Jaymes)

Rating: 4/5

I am entranced with Ravenmist and all its quirky inhabitants, including the spirits. This is another series that I’m praising because it’s cute and funny. The books are easy reads, so if you’re looking for a paranormal cozy mystery you can curl up with and breeze through with a number of laughs, the Ravenmist Whodunits are right up your alley.

Hidden Pictures (Jason Rekulak)

Rating: 4/5

Hidden Pictures was not what I was expecting. I was prepared for the pictures to tell a story that led to a murderer being found. However, this book had quite a few twists and turns, and I didn’t see the ending coming. I don’t want to say too much or include any spoilers, but you should read this book.

Puzzle House (Duncan Ralston)

Rating: 3/5

The concept of Puzzle House was an intriguing one, but the execution and the ending kinda turned me off. The characters were basically put into a series of escape rooms and had to find their way out. What they didn’t know, but soon learned, is that each puzzle required a sacrifice. I’m not going to explain the ultimate goal of the puzzles and sacrifices. Just…it got weird. Lol. If you like movies such as Saw and Cabin in the Woods, you should probably check out this book.

Legendary (Stephanie Garber)

Rating: 4.5/5

I actually enjoyed Legendary more than Caraval. I liked that we were given more background into Tella and Scarlett’s history. Plus, it is revealed why Tella was involved in Caraval the first time. I liked the inclusion of the Fates and, of course, finally learning Legend’s identity! I can’t wait to read Finale!

FantasticLand (Mike Bockoven)

Rating: 2/5

I wasn’t all that impressed with FantasticLand. First, I hoped it would be told as it was happening. I don’t necessarily care for gore and such, but I went in to this book with the expectation of violence, bloodshed, and more! (Oh my!) Second, I didn’t necessarily care for the stories being told in the style of interviews. And last, it all happened so fast, and I just couldn’t get lost in it because there was a distinct lack of believability, from the first death to the formation of tribes within 24-48 hours of them leaving the shelter.

All These Bodies (Kendare Blake)

Rating: 4/5

All These Bodies is the story of a string of unexplainable murders that culminates in a young girl covered in blood being found at the final scene. The sheriff’s son, Michael, dreams of becoming a journalist, and the biggest story of the year falls right into his lap – the girl, Marie, agrees to tell her story, but only to Michael.

I devoured this book in only three days. It was very interesting, well-written, and kept me guessing about what was real and what wasn’t. I only gave it a four because I wanted the ending to answer at least one of my questions and it didn’t.

Ghosts, Lies, and Videotape (Olivia Jaymes)

Rating: 4/5

Another murder mystery in Ravenmist. The quaint town in which nothing ever happens has quite a bit happening lately, including spirits with enough energy to almost seem alive. Inn owner Tedi, her mother, best friend Missy, and an eclectic cast of characters have learned the explanation for the sudden energy surge, and it’s a doozy. Now, Sheriff Jackson Garrett has to solve the two murders, grudgingly accepting help from Tedi, who is also busy trying to find the – spoiler alert! – demon that has come to their tiny corner of Illinois.

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I am currently reading Christmas Presents (Lisa Unger) and the fourth installment of the Ravenmist series, Grandma Got Run Over By a Demon (Olivia Jaymes).

Progress: 45/50