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1109 reviews
Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tell Me What You Did is the second book I have read by Carter Wilson. I enjoyed settling back into his writing style which is tense and hard to put down, and keeps the pages turning. This is the story of Poe Webb, a 30 year old podcaster whose show has recently become very successful. Named "Tell Me What You Did," on her show Poe invites criminals to call in and confess their crimes.
She doesn't guarantee them anything but time to talk, and often her guests are later found because of listener tips to law enforcement. But Poe has a big secret and someone knows. When they turn the tables on Poe, she has to start confessing before it is too late.
I'm so glad I went into this one without reading much of the synopsis or any reviews. I had a blast and read this so quickly. If you're in the mood for a quick thriller that is full of tension and plays with the podcast, unlikeable MC tropes- this one does all of that and manages to keep it fresh.
She doesn't guarantee them anything but time to talk, and often her guests are later found because of listener tips to law enforcement. But Poe has a big secret and someone knows. When they turn the tables on Poe, she has to start confessing before it is too late.
I'm so glad I went into this one without reading much of the synopsis or any reviews. I had a blast and read this so quickly. If you're in the mood for a quick thriller that is full of tension and plays with the podcast, unlikeable MC tropes- this one does all of that and manages to keep it fresh.
The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Moonflowers is a sweeping and emotional historical fiction with elements of the mystery and thriller genres. In the small town of Darren, Kentucky there is a statue of Benjamin Costello. A few generations later, Tig Costello comes to Darren to paint a portrait of her grandfather, the famous Benjamin Costello. But she decides she wants to learn more about him from someone who might know best, a woman named Eloise Price who murdered him fifty years ago.
Told through stories from Eloise, we learn of all the challenges women faced in small town Kentucky fifty years ago and how many of them were impacted by Benjamin Costello. Slowly Tig starts to piece together a puzzle that tells a different story about her grandfather and a different story than many believe about Eloise Price.
I think this will appeal to those who loved Take My Hand and The Last Carolina Girl, although it is about a very different aspect of history. The tension and spirit of the women in this story will resonate in related way.
Told through stories from Eloise, we learn of all the challenges women faced in small town Kentucky fifty years ago and how many of them were impacted by Benjamin Costello. Slowly Tig starts to piece together a puzzle that tells a different story about her grandfather and a different story than many believe about Eloise Price.
I think this will appeal to those who loved Take My Hand and The Last Carolina Girl, although it is about a very different aspect of history. The tension and spirit of the women in this story will resonate in related way.
All They Ask Is Everything by Hadley Leggett
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for this ALC. Hadley Leggett’s debut novel is a deeply moving story of motherhood that centers 3 very different women. Hannah has lost her husband and made some questionable choices. Julie has gone through a recent break up and longs to be a mother, so she pursues foster parenting. And Elaine is Hannah’s not so emotionally healthy mother and a powerhouse, work focused lawyer.
When events and circumstances drive these women together and apart, almost simultaneously, Leggett creates a deeply relatable story of what motherhood demands from us and what it really takes to be a “good mom.” Love, love, love. This is perfect for fans of Laurie Frankel.
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
It’s already repetitive and it’s not even half over.
Blue Graffiti by Calahan Skogman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 13%.
I just can’t settle into this writing style and I’ve only felt really engaged with one scene so far.
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend is a riotously funny debut from MJ Wassmer. In short it's the story of a couple that goes on a resort vacation and then on the first page of the book, the sun explodes. And we all know humankind and the earth cannot go on like that!
So with a literal bang, the surprises and problems start. The couple has a lot to sort out, and wouldn't you know it the world ending pushes those issues to the forefront. There are also lots of (hilarious) characters at the resort that create a Lord of the Flies type situation, and I couldn't look away from the Bible thumping MLM lady who tries to run the show.
If you need a palate cleanser and a laugh, this is such a fun book. The voice acting on the audiobook was incredible, truly top notch; I was laughing out loud. So if you've got a little bit of summer left in you, forget the usual vacation read and give this a go!
So with a literal bang, the surprises and problems start. The couple has a lot to sort out, and wouldn't you know it the world ending pushes those issues to the forefront. There are also lots of (hilarious) characters at the resort that create a Lord of the Flies type situation, and I couldn't look away from the Bible thumping MLM lady who tries to run the show.
If you need a palate cleanser and a laugh, this is such a fun book. The voice acting on the audiobook was incredible, truly top notch; I was laughing out loud. So if you've got a little bit of summer left in you, forget the usual vacation read and give this a go!
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Damnation Spring is the story of a few families that depend on the logging industry in California in the 1970s. Colleen is the area midwife, if unofficially, but she has had countless miscarriages. Her husband Rich Gunderson is a logger who wants better for their only child, Chub. The Gundersons have relied on logging California Redwoods for as long as anyone can remember, and it is a rugged, dangerous life.
When others in the community start to reveal their own problems, Colleen starts to wonder if her losses have a reason outside of herself. This novel blends excellent character work with a rich, vibrant setting and environmental themes. I do think it ran a bit too long and I hoped for more from the ending, but I'm recommending this to anyone who enjoyed Greenwood by Michael Christie or Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. It struck me as a blend of the two in how it revered nature and trees (Greenwood), while developing characters with messy lives in need of help (Shelterwood). If you read this one, I hope you'll find it worthwhile.
When others in the community start to reveal their own problems, Colleen starts to wonder if her losses have a reason outside of herself. This novel blends excellent character work with a rich, vibrant setting and environmental themes. I do think it ran a bit too long and I hoped for more from the ending, but I'm recommending this to anyone who enjoyed Greenwood by Michael Christie or Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. It struck me as a blend of the two in how it revered nature and trees (Greenwood), while developing characters with messy lives in need of help (Shelterwood). If you read this one, I hope you'll find it worthwhile.