fantasy novels

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (8/31/24)

August 31, 2024 — 2 Comments

August was a bit of a slow month for me. I finished seven books. To be fair, I probably could have read more if I hadn’t spent so much time wading through Peter Straub’s Ghost Story. But I digress. I’ll talk more about that below.

Circus of the Dead: Book Two (Kimberly Loth)

Rating: 3/5

I rather enjoyed the way Loth used the first book in this series to develop her characters because I am actually quite partial to slow builds (if done right). However, Circus of the Dead: Book Two went into hyperdrive. Everything moved so quickly, and in my opinion, Loth didn’t dedicate enough time to the story. It was like…BAM!…Callie can do magic and is going to take on Samuel? And everyone sides with her? I don’t know. There is some plot construction missing here. I am going to try the third book, but if it’s as lacking as this one, I will not finish this series.

Murder Mystery Book Club (Danielle Collins)

Rating: 4/5

Y’all know I’m a sucker for cozy mysteries, so I decided to read a summery one, given that it is August. Murder Mystery Book Club was a cute story with likable characters. There were definitely some liberties taken in regard to how involved with the homicide case Eva was allowed to be, but still, this was a fun book.

They All Had a Reason: A rumor. A secret. A lie. A murder. (Michele Leathers)

Rating: 3/5

I don’t have much to say about this book. It was readable. With the characters being teens, They All Had a Reason had its fair share of angst and focused a lot of the social hierarchy, but I did like the main character, Charlotte, and the twist was pretty interesting.

They All Had a Secret: A betrayal. A deception. A tragedy. A murder. (Michele Leathers)

Rating: 2.5/5

Not as readable as the first one. I didn’t care for the characters, though Bellany is a very determined young woman, and you kinda have to admire her every-woman-for-herself attitude. I don’t believe, however, that I will be continuing this series.

Episode Thirteen (Craig DiLouie)

Rating: 4.5/5

I am a big fan of the found footage genre, but I’m not a lover of the paranormal – I prefer slashers – so I hesitated to even read Episode Thirteen. Now, though, I’m very glad I did. I enjoyed the way it was written as a collection of emails, texts, descriptions of raw footage, and journal entries. The character development was very well-done, and each individual had a redeeming quality or two, which made them all likable if not downright relatable. DiLouie did a great job creating atmosphere, and the whole vibe was just…eerie, from start to finish. I would highly recommend adding this to your TBR list.

The Graveyard Thief (Danielle Collins)

Rating: 3/5

I will repeat my praise of the characters, and the need for a willing suspension of disbelief on how far into these cases Eva is being permitted to go. However, I did find something I disliked and could not ignore. Collins repeatedly created situations where Eva would have a conversation with someone, but the content would not be included at the time and would be revealed later in order to not give away the main twist too soon. If you are writing from this character’s point-of-view, even in the third person, you follow everything they say/do. The way Eva figured stuff out was excluded so as not to give away the answers and the plot twist – because the twist wasn’t a strong one.

Ghost Story (Peter Straub)

Rating: 2/5

Okay. This is a difficult review for me. Overall, the story in Ghost Story was a good one. It was definitely creepy. It was also well-thought-out, and Straub had a solid plot with basically zero holes. But oh, my God, did it have to be so LONG?! My attention wandered quite a bit, to be honest, and by the time a point was reached, I didn’t really care anymore. This may be the only instance in which a movie is better than the book it’s based on.

***

I am currently reading The Nightmare Man (J.H. Markert), The Dead Key (D.M. Pulley), and Sinister Summer (Colleen Gleason).

Progress: 57/75

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (7/30/24)

July 30, 2024 — 1 Comment

My pace slowed a bit in July because this past month has, frankly, kicked my ass. It seems it should be the other way around, right? What better way to escape from stress than to curl up with a good book? Unfortunately, it didn’t work that way for me. I still managed to finish five books, though, which put me at my goal of 50 reads for 2024 – so I changed my goal to 75.

Five Total Strangers (Natalie D. Richards)

Rating: 3.5/5

I enjoyed Five Total Strangers, except for the initial premise. Honestly, why would Mira accept the ride from a stranger? I understand the circumstances were exceptional, and she was desperate to get home, but I just can’t wrap my head around her decision, especially once she saw that Harper had invited others along as well. Willingly suspending my disbelief, however, I sank into this story and I must admit, it kept me guessing until the end.

Christmas Presents (Lisa Unger)

Rating: 4/5

I found Christmas Presents at our local library. It was a good read and definitely held my interest, but the story jumped from high point to high point without a lot of buildup or description of the progression between these major events. Don’t get me wrong: the way things unfolded made sense! The book just needed a little more descriptive filler to bridge the gaps between each event meant to carry the story forward. Plus, I had figured out the twist… When an author pointedly skates over a character too much, it becomes obvious that s/he is going to play a relevant role.

Rules for Vanishing (Kate Alice Marshall)

Rating: 4/5

I liked everything about Rules for Vanishing except the end. The concept of a ghost story and a childhood game being real, of this road to a different reality and each gate bringing about a new horror, was intriguing. Marhsall’s writing was superb, and all of the dark imagery was portrayed expertly. I was particularly creeped out by the town and the house. (The spiders and the lady will the bells were just…eerie!) However, the fact that this became a possession/exorcism story was rather anticlimactic, and the open ending was not my favorite. Sometimes, not spelling things out works to add to the spooky atmosphere, but in this case, I wanted a definite resolution.

Grandma Got Run Over By a Demon (Olivia Jaymes)

Rating: 3.5/5

While I am rather fond of Ravenmist and its cast of unique characters, Grandma Got Run Over By a Demon took a bit of an odd turn. I’m not even bothered by the events themselves, it just seems Jaymes rushed through some things that are important. I don’t want to include any spoilers, but come on – how do you make a trip to Hell a passing mention? This is the first instance I have been displeased with, though, so I will continue with this series. It’s just fun and quirky and humorous, and I’m not ready to give up on Tedi and the others yet.

A Dark Lure (Loreth Anne White)

Rating: 4.5/5

I loved this book! As someone who favors horror/thrillers, A Dark Lure marked basically all of my boxes: a serial killer with a penchant for hunting and gory postmortem rituals, a survivor who is pretty much a badass, a romance that doesn’t overshadow the plot, and an intricate web of twists and turns that all tie in neatly and grant the reader a catharsis at the end. I would highly recommend you adding this to your TBR pile if you enjoy mysteries, suspenseful thrillers, and/or horror novels.

***

I am currently reading Ghost Story (Peter Straub) and Circus of the Dead: Book 2 (Kimberly Loth).

Progress: 50/75

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (6/29/24)

June 29, 2024 — 1 Comment

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.

***

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

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (5/29/24)

May 29, 2024 — 1 Comment

Man, it seems like May flew by in the blink of an eye! I didn’t realize how close to June it was and almost missed this month’s reading challenge update.

I read 9 (!) books in May. Here they are with my rating and a brief review.

Stillhouse Lake (Rachel Caine)

Rating: 4/5

As someone who really enjoyed the Morganville Vampires series, I knew I had to give more of Rachel Caine’s books a try. I stumbled across this one, recommended to me by Amazon, and I thought it sounded interesting so I added it to my TBR pile. I was not disappointed. Stillhouse Lake follows the story of Gina Royal after her life is utterly destroyed by the revelation that her husband is a serial killer. I will forever love Caine’s writing style, her strong characters, and how real everything seems. There is the occasional moment where it seems her own beliefs/opinions/stereotypes become part of her characters’ make up, but at least most of their ideas and decisions follow a logical route. At no point did I find myself wondering why Gina (Gwen, once she’d gone into hiding) and those around her made the choices they did, and I can’t tell you how refreshing that is after some of the books I’ve read.

Tastes Like Candy 2: Sugarless (Ivy Tholen)

Rating: 4/5

I did not enjoy this as much as Tastes Like Candy; however, it was a wild, fun ride that I devoured in a matter of days (mostly reading it during my lunch breaks at work). The motive behind the copycat killer’s actions was lackluster at best, but I was really sucked in by the return of two original characters. There was gore, though less than last time, and more creative murders – and murder attempts. Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read that almost did justice to its predecessor. A must-read if you liked the first one.

The Housemaid (Freida McFadden)

Rating: 3/5

This was my first Freida McFadden. A friend of mine recommended a few of her books, but I chose this one because it helped me earn an achievement on Kindle. Lame, I know. Still, it led me to The Housemaid, so I’m not mad. Haha.

While I was not head-over-heels for this book, I did like it. The relationship between Nina and Andrew was just…extreme, I couldn’t make myself buy into how fast Andrew and Millie fell in “love,” and none of the characters were that great. However, if you want a mystery/thriller that doesn’t require much thinking, this is it. On the bright side, the twist is fairly solid.

The Mermaid’s Sister (Carrie Anne Noble)

Rating: 4.5/5

I love mermaids. The whole concept has captivated me since I was a kid and watched The Little Mermaid literally every day. Make no mistake: I also enjoy the darker versions of mermaid lore. I spend so much time wishing they would make a horror movie based on the original The Little Mermaid. But I digress…

The Mermaid’s Sister employs the lighter aspects of being a mermaid, including the idea that she doesn’t change until she reaches her teen years. The story follows the desperation of Clara to save her sister Maren, who is transforming and will fade to nothing if not returned to the sea. There is action, adventure, a little romance, and a sprinkle of sadness, all woven into a fantasy tale that will touch your inner child.

Killman Creek (Rachel Caine)

Rating: 4/5

Killman Creek is the sequel to Stillhouse Lake. Tired of living in constant fear after her serial killer ex-husband escapes from prison, Gina/Gwen goes hunting with the help of the brother of one of his victims.

What I really loved about this book was Caine’s ability to put her characters in such a dark, unimaginable scenario without ever losing that touch of humanity that makes them so…real. Gina/Gwen is a certified badass, don’t get me wrong. But that softer underbelly that fears for and wants to protect her loved ones? That’s what made me cheer her on up to and through her climactic face-to-face with her ex.

Eat, Drink, and Be Scary (Olivia Jaymes)

Rating: 4/5

Okay, so it’s not the Great American Novel, but come on – y’all know I love cozy mysteries, and Eat, Drink, and Be Scary is a paranormal cozy mystery! These books (because yes, I have started the second in the series) are really cute. The characters are funny, and our main protagonist, Tedi, is sassy and witty and I kinda love her. Also, she isn’t some super genius crime solver, which is the trap a lot of cozy mystery authors fall into, so that’s a point in Olivia Jaymes’ favor.

Don’t Wake Up (Liz Lawler)

Rating: 3/5

There are things I liked about Don’t Wake Up and there are things I hated. Without giving too much away, because I try not to include spoilers, this story kept getting more and more ridiculous. Yes, there was a very real – human – reason for all that happened to our main character, Alex Taylor, but the motive was…really just a woman being stupid over a man. And I know it happens, but I can’t stand how often even female authors make their female characters act out because they fell for the wrong guy. Lol.

One by One (Freida McFadden)

Rating: 2.5/3

All I can say is, One by One was readable, but the motive behind what was done was soooo bad.

The Mermaid (Christina Henry)

Rating: 3/5

Oh, look. Another book about a mermaid! So I did enjoy this story on the surface, but man, oh man, did Henry slip as many stereotypes as possible into this novel, mostly about men. I don’t mind when something like that is applied to a character in order to add to the story and make him/her multi-faceted. I do, however, find it annoying when an author throws out blanket statements/descriptions that are only promoting their opinions and are not entirely relevant to the story itself.

***

I am currently reading Fantastic Land (Mike Bockoven), Ghoul You Be My Valentine? (Olivia Jaymes), and Circus of the Dead (Kimberly Loth).

Progress: 36/50

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (4/26/24)

April 26, 2024 — 1 Comment

I have been reading 6-7 books per month, but I managed 8 in April (though I’ve been working so much, I don’t know that I’ve absorbed any of them – ha). I dove further into the world of Catriona Ward, knocked out a couple of novellas, and indulged in another cozy mystery. I also discovered just two days ago that Ivy Tholen released a sequel to Tastes Like Candy, so naturally, that has jumped to the top of my TBR pile!

Here are the books I devoured in April.

Sundial (Catriona Ward)

Rating: 4/5

Have I mentioned that I adore Cat Ward? No? Well, I do. I’ve enjoyed every book from her that I’ve read, and Sundial is no different. I love her writing style, the complexities of her (flawed) characters, and how there’s always a twist that catches me just a little off-guard. I also appreciate the fact that she can break my heart into a million pieces with the tragicness of her characters, even if one would typically consider them “bad.”

Sundial explores the darkest parts of human nature, and how deep familial bonds can go…even triumphing over science. “You can’t escape what’s in your blood.“ But perhaps you can help control what you pass on.

Devil in Ohio (Daria Polatin)

Rating: 3/5

I read Devil in Ohio after I watched the series, and I actually liked the show better. (And I never say that.) The twist at the end of the series was frustrating, but it worked. Not to say the book was bad! It wasn’t, and you should definitely read it. The story is fascinating and dark. I thought the characters were very real, especially the teen daughter, Jules. The writing style is easy; I finished the book much quicker than I thought I would.

Bad Girls With Perfect Faces (Lynn Weingarten)

Rating: 4/5

Another quick read. Bad Girls With Perfect Faces was nothing that I expected. The story kept me guessing, and every character was relatable in certain ways and very sympathetic. It was a book that had me considering what I would do in the main character Sasha’s position. (There were multiple points of view, but Sasha was the major player, involved on all fronts.) I would recommend this be added to your TBR right now! I will be checking out other books from Lynn Weingarten.

Channel X: A Streaming Service to Kill For (Matt Shaw)

Rating: 3/5

This could have been a good book, if Shaw had bothered to go a little deeper and make the characters more three-dimensional. However, I didn’t hate it. When I was finished, I just thought “Meh.” The violence and gore were on point, if that’s your thing, but the plot was not a fresh one. It’s been done before and done better. If you like books that focus on newer technology and have a penchant for blood splattered pages, Channel X is for you.

Alice (Christina Henry)

Rating: 4/5

I love retellings of Alice in Wonderland. There’s so much that can be done with it, and Christina Henry took it in the direction of a gangland and the sex trade. It is a darkly enchanting book, a horror fantasy, an adult fairytale. There is violence and murder and multiple mentions of rape, but if you can handle that, I would highly recommend this novel.

The Social Media Murders (Jon Athan)

Rating: 2/5

The Social Media Murders was a book that had a solid – if overdone – concept, but the execution fell flat. Reminiscent of any number of slashers that have come into being since the rise of social media, the plot is simple: students being slaughtered for views, all because (spoiler alert) someone was bullied. I feel that Athan put a lot of thought into the methods of murder, but let everything else slide. I did not care for the writing style, either. Sorry I keep mentioning that; it’s just important to me.

Murder Next Door (Michele Pariza Wacek)

Rating: 2/5

Book 3 in the Charlie Kingsley series really fell flat for me. It took me ages to get through it. The plot wasn’t great. Charlie was attempting to solve two mysteries at once, and I’m still not sure exactly how she arrived at the right answer this time. One minute she’s talking to the girl who was missing and reappeared, the next she suddenly knows who murdered the man who was found in someone’s backyard. I still like the writing and the characters, and I will give this series another chance. Murder Next Door just wasn’t it.

The Wonderland Murders (Lanie Olson)

Rating: 2/5

This is another missed opportunity. It was only 65 pages, so there was zero character development. The story was short, quick, and had an abrupt, unsatisfying ending. And honestly, I could have done without the unnecessary smut. I don’t suggest reading this one.

***

I am currently reading Stillhouse Lake (Rachel Caine), The Mermaid’s Sister (Carrie Anne  Noble), and Eat, Drink, and Be Scary (Olivia Jaymes).

Progress: 27 of 50

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (3/29/24)

March 29, 2024 — 1 Comment

March was a good reading month for me! I temporarily lost track of the Goodreads challenge, though. I’m pretty sure I actually read Pressure by Jeff Strand in February… Oops! I’ll review it here since I missed it last month. (I am usually reading 2-3 books at any given time, so I occasionally mess up this list.)

Pressure (Jeff Strand)

Rating: 4/5

I have read one other Jeff Strand novel (My Pretties), and I find I like his writing style and his twisted ideas. Pressure was a tense story throughout. The reader can feel the frustration of Alex’s dealings with Darren and how hopeless it is to think Darren can be bested. I won’t say anything else because I try my best not to include spoiler alerts, but I highly recommend adding Pressure to your TBR is you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge.

Virgin Night (Christopher Robertson)

Rating: 5/5

I love Christopher Robertson. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m just devouring his books. Lol. I love his take on all of my favorite horror tropes, and Virgin Night is another masterful ode to 90s slasher flicks. The core characters were well-written and relatable, and the ones you’re supposed to hate…well, you will. The references to AIM, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” industrial/metal bands that were what I listened to back then, etc., just carried me on a wave of nostalgia, while the story itself was crafted in a way that kept you on your toes. There was never a lull in the action: Virgin Night will have you hooked from page one!

Hannah’s War (Jan Eliasberg)

Rating: 4/5

Hannah’s War was sent to me via a “Blind Date With a Book” purchase on Etsy. I put off reading it for a while because I wasn’t sure it was going to be my cup of tea. However, once I started it, I was drawn in almost instantly. This book is historical fiction, set during the final months of World War II. It’s a love story, yes, but all the intricacies of the tale are not drowned in a sappy, over-the-top romance. Hannah is a remarkable woman, intelligent and poised, and the men around her can’t help noticing. She also holds the future in her hands, as she has made a discovery that could alter everything – and she risks losing it all, including her life, to protect that discovery and keep it out of the wrong hands.

Ice Cold Murder (Michele Pariza Wacek)

Rating: 4/5

Another installment in the Charlie Kingsley series, Ice Cold Murder takes the reader on a journey through a blizzard, to a haunted house, for a weekend with estranged family members and a will reading. Only before any business can be handled, the lawyer is found dead in the woodshed. Now, it is up to Charlie and Officer Wyle to discover the culprit. Have they unwittingly found themselves spending the weekend with a murderer?

All I can say is, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, you’ve gotta try this series.

The Ritual (Adam Nevill)

Rating: 4/5

I actually watched the movie based on this novel a while ago, so naturally, I had to read it, too. The Ritual does take a bit of patience to get through. The main characters are lost in the woods, so there are times when nothing much is happening aside from hiking or huddling I tents. However, the shadow of fear lurks around every corner as Luke, Hutch, Phil, and Dom attempt to escape the ancient forest and slowly discover that they’ve stumbled upon a corner of the world where the things that go bump in the night still exist. If you like messed up stories about people who live beyond the outskirts of society and still respect old traditions (including human sacrifice), this is the book for you.

A Swiftly Tilting Planet (Madeleine L’Engle)

Rating: 3/5

I read A Wrinkle in Time many, many years ago. When I found three of the companion novels, I bought them without hesitation. I’m glad I did, but I have to say that neither A Wind in the Door nor A Swiftly Tilting Planet was able to recapture the magic of that first book. A Swiftly Tilting Planet was readable, I just didn’t get sucked in. I had to work to get through it. Here’s hoping Many Waters is better.

The Playroom (Wallace Henry)

Rating: 3/5

I generously gave The Playroom three stars for one reason only: the first part of this book is gloriously fucked-up. The story began like dozens of horror movies I’ve loved. Two cops find a woman covered in blood out in the middle of nowhere, and she has a harrowing tale about a house in the woods where a twisted duo did unspeakable things to her. Sounds promising, right? Yeah, it’s not. The twist killed it for me. You can try it, though. Just brace yourself for the genre-bend about halfway through.

***

I am currently reading Sundial (Catriona Ward) and the next book in the Charlie Kingsley series, Murder Next Door.

Progress: 19/50

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (2/28/24)

February 28, 2024 — 1 Comment

I hope you all had a fantastic February, and if it’s something you enjoy, I hope you found time to get lost in a few books! I continued my reading challenge. As a reminder, my goal for 2024 is 50 books. Here are the novels I finished this month!

Gone to See the River Man (Kristopher Triana)

Rating: 4/5

Gone to See the River Man was a truly eerie work. Without giving too much away, the plot involves a woman going on a quest to impress a convicted serial killer…so that in itself sets it up to be a rather twisted tale. I enjoyed how dark and atmospheric it was, and I loved Triana’s writing style. The blurring of the line between reality and the main character’s own thoughts is gloriously gradual, until you as the reader are no longer sure what is actually happening and what she’s imagining. I would highly recommend this book. I will be reading the second one soon!

The Murder Before Christmas (Michele Pariza Wacek)

Rating: 5/5

I feel like I have made it very clear how much I love cozy mysteries, and The Murder Before Christmas is no exception. Yes, it follows a semi-generic plot for the genre, but the main protagonist, Charlie Kingsley, is such a likable character. The author, Wacek, did an admirable job of creating an intelligent character who doesn’t magically solve everything at the drop of a hat. In fact, Charlie had a list of suspects but had not exactly narrowed it down to the actual perpetrator until certain information was thrown in her lap. I am currently reading book two in the series – Ice Cold Murder – and I think it might take on a supernatural edge 😊

Room For Rent (Noelle W. Ihli)

Rating: 4/5

I have now read four books by Noelle Ihli, and I have enjoyed all but one. In Room For Rent, Ihli builds the tension at an agonizing pace, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, she throws in a final twist. If you enjoy suspense, this book should definitely be added to your TBR pile.

Looking Glass Sound (Catriona Ward)

Rating: 5/5

Catriona Ward is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I fell head-over-heels with The Last House on Needless Street, and while Looking Glass Sound has not stolen the top spot, it was a fantastic read. The concept was a fairly original one, and it kept you guessing until the end…an ending that was not what you expect. Again, if you enjoy suspenseful thrillers filled with twists, add Looking Glass Sound to your TBR list.

The October Society: Season One (Christopher Robertson)

Rating: 5/5

Christopher Robertson is the reason Catriona Ward isn’t my new favorite author. Lol. I love the way he writes, and I love his homages to pop culture, 90s slashers, classic horror and sci-fi, and all the things that make my little heart happy. The October Society: Season One gave me “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” vibes. I figured out the twist pretty early on, but that in no way ruined the book. And while there were gruesome moments, The October Society: Season One was a heartfelt story overall. I cried at the end. Read this one, NOW!!!!! I’ll be checking out season two in March!

Caraval (Stephanie Garber)

Rating: 5/5

Caraval is a mix of magic, carnival, and a mind-bending fantastical scavenger hunt, with a ribbon of romance thrown in. I devoured this novel, and I wasn’t even halfway finished when I ordered the second in the series. This is yet another must-read.

***

I did a lot better in February than I did in January! As mentioned, I am now reading Ice Cold Murder, the second book in the Charlie Kingsley series, as well as Virgin Night by Christopher Robertson.

Progress: 12/50

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2024 (1/29/24)

January 29, 2024 — 1 Comment

Welcome to another year of my Goodreads Reading Challenge! I have set a goal of 50 books in 2024. That’s a reasonable goal, considering I read, like, 65 last year, two of them after I’d stopped counting.

Anyway, if you’ve been following for a while, you know the drill. If you’re new here, it’s very simple: each month, I’ll list the books I read with my rating and a (very) brief…review? Well, not exactly a review. More an explanation of my rating. I always invite my followers to tell me what they’re currently reading and to recommend books they think I’d enjoy. (Hint: I’m a huge sucker for horror! And, more recently, I’ve discovered a love for cozy mysteries.)

So here are the books I have read thus far in 2024.

For You and Only You (Caroline Kepnes)

Rating: 2/5

Okay, I wanted to like this book. I really did. But at this point, it’s basically the same story we’ve been through three other times! Not to mention Wonder was just…unlikable. I mean, I wasn’t Mary Kay’s biggest fan, but sheesh. For You and Only You spends a lot of time waxing poetic about being a writer while no one is actually writing. The kills are lackluster, as if Joe’s heart isn’t even in it anymore, and – spoiler alert! – the person who figures him out this time is kind of a fangirl. This is the last of the Joe Goldberg series, in theory, and I, for one, am glad. He’s made too many mistakes at this point and is no longer the suave serial killer we all adored after reading You.

Paper and Fire (Rachel Caine)

Rating: 4/5

I gave Paper and Fire a solid rating because I love Rachel Caine’s writing style and her characters. However, as much as I find myself entertained by this series so far, I’m still not sure there’s going to be a definitive point. The story seems to be moving forward, I suppose, but it feels a little aimless. To be fair, this is only the second book in The Great Library series. I will be diving into the third novel soon, and I hope it carries me somewhere gripping!

Peppermint Cookie Murder (Trixie Silvertale)

Rating: 2/5

Know how I said I love cozy mysteries? Well, I thought this one would be a homerun, as it’s a “paranormal” cozy mystery. Needless to say, I was wrong. It’s a cutesy idea. Peppermint Cookie Murder centers around Cindy Claus, the daughter of – you guessed it – Santa! Instead of following in her father’s footsteps, she decides to go to the human world and open a bakery. But when her neighbor is murdered, Cindy becomes the top suspect and has to solve the crime before she goes down for it. Not a terrible plot, right? The thing is, Cindy was annoying. She was too much of a goody-two-shoes. (I know, I know. Santa’s daughter! But come on.) Not only that, I couldn’t stand how little she knew about the human world. Again, Santa’s daughter. You’re telling me that Santa shipped his daughter off to the human world with his adviser (a talking arctic fox, by the way) and not a single lesson on how life in that other world works? Nope. Not buying it.

The Lost Girls: Get It Started/After Hours/Last Call (Morgan Burke)

Rating: 2/5

This was a trilogy – and shouldn’t have been. It’s not so much that the story was bad, it’s just that it could have been wrapped up much sooner. Lost Girls is a teen melodrama/murder mystery, heavy on the teen melodrama. The main character does a lot of dumb stuff and “falls in love” with every guy she speaks to. It’s rather ridiculous. Plus, if you put even an ounce of brain power into it, you can figure out who the killer is pretty quickly.

The Ritual (Shantel Tessier)

Rating: 1/5 (only because I can’t give it a zero on Goodreads)

Y’all. This book was so bad. My best friend recommended it, telling me only that it was a spicy read. (Apparently, it was trending on TikTok, but I don’t have one, so…) The Ritual is categorized as a dark college romance, whatever the hell that is, and it came with a list of trigger warnings from those on social media. I didn’t find anything triggering, the story just sucked. The characters weren’t likable: Ryat was too controlling, and Blakely was a whiny brat who was into being dominated and didn’t insist on Ryat respecting her limits (not that there was much discussion of limits, or safe words, or anything, really). The sex scenes were repetitive, the descriptions nearly identical each time. Oh, and there were all these big “twists” that the characters were aware of – everyone but Blakely, for the most part – but that were never alluded to until BAM, it conveniently moved the story along. No explanations of how the characters knew these things; there would just be the big dramatic moment when someone decided to drop the knowledge. The writing was awful, the editing even worse, and it was over 600 pages long. This one almost landed on my DNF list, but I am truly stubborn. Lol.

Horror Circus

Rating: 1/5 (again, only because there’s no way to put zero)

The nicest thing I can say about Horror Circus is at least it was short. There was a plot, kind of, but it was a struggle to get to it. Basically, the circus visits the town of Darkside each year, and half the residents want it shut down because bad things always happen when it arrives, while the other half – mostly business owners – welcome the increased cash flow. Farkas then goes on to explain each terrible incident that has occurred during the circus’s time in Darkside. The novella concludes with a group of townspeople attempting to destroy the circus, and those who support the circus going to stop them. The writing was bad and often redundant, and though I know there wasn’t a focus on character development, all of the characters were just…lame. I would not recommend Horror Circus to anyone, but hey, it’s only 62 pages if you wanna give it a try!

***

I am currently reading Caraval (Stephanie Garber) and Gone to See the River Man (Kristopher Triana). Here’s hoping they are better than what I’ve made it through so far!

Progress: 6/50

Update: Goodreads Reading Challenge 2023 (12/23/23)

December 23, 2023 — Leave a comment

This will be my last update of 2023! I reached my goal of 60. I actually surpassed it and finished the year with 63 books read.

Here are the books I read in December with my personal ratings and a little review. If you would like to see my full year-in-review (without having to find the blog posts), you can visit my Instagram account.

Dracula (Bram Stoker)

Rating: 4/5

The story itself was really good. It definitely held my interest. The writing style, however, took some getting used to. (Yes, I am aware when it was written and that Stoker was Irish. Lol.) If this is a classic that you have also not read thus far, I would highly recommend it.

The Witch of Halloween House (Jeff DeGordick)

Rating: 2/5

I was not a fan of The Witch of Halloween House. It was very simply written and rather predictable, and I didn’t care for how DeGordick wrapped it up. This is apparently part of a series, but I doubt I will be pursuing its successors.

You Love Me (Caroline Kepnes)

Rating: 2/5

Okay. I have overlooked a few things I do not care for in this series (like Kepnes’ insistence on waxing poetic about her liberal beliefs via Joe), but this novel… This was the worst of the series so far. I will not include spoilers; however, I will say that too much time is dedicated to the building of Joe’s relationship with Mary Kay for the book to end the way it does. Unfortunately, I am not a quitter, and I’ve made it this far, so I am going to read For You and Only You.

Camp Slaughter (Sergio Gomez)

Rating: 3/5

If you want a slasher without any deeper plot and with some graphic descriptions that might make you gag, Camp Slaughter is the book for you. It’s like a cross between Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sergio’s writing style was not my favorite, but I do think I’ll try out the sequel, Halloween Slaughter.

Witching on a Star (Amanda M. Lee)

Rating: 3/5

So far, Witching on a Star has been my least favorite of Amanda M. Lee’s “Wicked Witches of the Midwest” series. I do enjoy the cozy mystery genre, but Lee is teetering on a little too much seriousness. I will continue this series; if the books continue in this vein, though, I will likely stop reading them.

Redemption (David Baldacci)

Rating: 4/5

This was my first Baldacci. I received it when I did one of those “blind date with a book” things on Etsy. As someone who is not a huge fan of books that center around cops, FBI agents, etc. as the main focus, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Redemption. To my surprise, I enjoyed this one! Detective Amos Decker was quite likable, as was his former partner, Mary Lancaster, and the man Decker saved from death row, Melvin Mars. Redemption was the fifth book in Baldacci’s “Memory Man” series. I may have to go back and read its predecessors.

Twelve Slays of Christmas (Jacqueline Frost)

Rating: 4/5

Have I mentioned my love of cozy mysteries? I saw Twelve Slays of Christmas recommended on Instagram and decided to try it. After all, ’tis the season! This is definitely a book you choose when you’re going to be wrapped in a blanket, sipping tea or cocoa, and indulging in a merry murder mystery! I’m about to dive deep into this series, even if Christmas is almost over.

Horseman: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow (Christina Henry)

Rating: 4/5

Horseman was an interesting re-imagining of the well-known legend of Sleepy Hollow. Learn the “real” story of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane, the man who won Katrina’s heart and their granddaughter who bucks social norms and sets her own path. This was a fun read, a well-written page turner. I already have my next Christina Henry novel picked out: Alice.

**

If you read anything in 2023 that you particularly enjoyed, drop a comment and tell me about it!

Update: Goodreads Reading Challenge 2023 (11/15/23)

November 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

My November was even slower than my October, in regard to the reading challenge. To be fair, that could have something to do with extra hours at work and my week-long trip to Colorado…

Anyway, I have only read five books since my last update. I did reach my goal of 55; time to raise the number again.

So here are the books I finished, complete with ratings and brief reviews. Enjoy, and remember to recommend anything you think I’d find interesting!

None of This is True (Lisa Jewell)

Rating: 4/5

None of This is True was an intriguing read – until the very end. The story was enough to hold my interest, and Lisa did quite well in keeping certain things shrouded in mystery. However, the big reveal was a mite disappointing and, frankly, dissatisfying. I would still recommend it, though, because not everyone will feel as I do about the conclusion.

Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)

Rating: 2/5

After hearing about Frankenstein for years, I finally decided to read it. How had I missed such a classic, right? Especially given how much I love all things horror. Well… having read this infamous novel, I feel that I could have continued living without it. I’m sure many of you will herald Frankenstein as a must-read, and I do understand its importance in literary history, but I just couldn’t get into it. Victor pissed me off. That’s the gist of my complaint. I won’t bore you with my opinion on this particular book any further.

Ghost (Kat Blackthorne)

Rating: 3/5

Ghost is the first in Kat Blackthorne’s “The Halloween Boys” series. I like the concept behind this book, and I love Kat diving into several facets of the supernatural. On the other hand, I lost my patience with Blythe, the female lead. I’ll give the short version of what didn’t win me over: everyone wanted Blythe, she accepted what was going on way too easily, and – I can’t believe I’m saying this – most of the smut was unnecessary.

Witching You Were Here (Amanda M. Lee)

Rating: 3.5/5

Amanda M. Lee’s “Wicked Witches of the Midwest” series are considered cozy mysteries, and that description is accurate. I read most of Witching You Were Here on my flights to and from Colorado. This is the third book in the series, and while I do enjoy the quirky relationships among the Winchester witches and their friends/significant others, I am waiting on a more intricate plot, or even a darker scenario like the murders in the first book. Still, these are fun and easy reads. I highly recommend grabbing your favorite blanket and a mug of tea (or coffee) and curling up with one of these books.

The Drowning Kind (Jennifer McMahon)

Rating: 4/5

My mom read The Drowning Kind first and told me that I would enjoy it, and she was right. I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll say only that I was hooked from page one, I devoured this novel in three days, and this story carried me through a lot of emotions. It actually made me cry quite a bit. Read this. Read it now. Trust me.

**

I am currently reading Dracula (Bram Stoker) and The Witch of Halloween House (Jeff DeGordick).