This was my first Stephen King (novel??) (shock I know) and The Mist was a quick easy read. Although I enjoyed the story, I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as I thought I would and felt like I wanted more. I have seen the re-make in movie form and I wonder if this tainted my reading experience? Regardless, I’m glad I read it. I really did not like the ending though 🙄🙄 if you’re looking for a quick story with creepy creatures then pick this up.

Mother Knows Best by Boris Bačić

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Mr Bacic strikes again with another nail-biting thriller!

Boris Bacic is one of my favourite authors for a reason- his books consistently hook me in and I can say the same for ‘Mother Knows Best’. I read this in ONE SITTING!!

I love a ‘monster-in-law’ story, but this had twists that I could never have even imagined!

If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller filled with deception, gaslighting and some pain in the a$$ family- this is for you!!

Remember, Remember by Elle Machray

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

"Her very skin is a rebellion; her breaths evidence of resistance; her thoughts a living reminder of ancestral hope"

A truly heartbreaking story of a black woman living in a world that refuses to accept her, to listen to her. But what they don't know about Delphine is that she demands to be heard. No matter the risks, no matter the cost. She will make them burn.

My GOD Elle Machray you have turned me into a blubbering mess. I have never been so touched by a character as I have by Delphine and her fight to end transatlantic slavery. There were moments I laughed, cried, felt hopeful and had my soul crushed. Delphine and her plight will stay with me for a long time!

If you are looking for a beautifully written, gut-wrenching reimagining of the gunpowder plot with characters you will love and hate, and a story that will play in your mind for years to come, then pick up Remember, Remember. You will not regret it!

Thank you to Elle Machray, Netgalley and HarperNorth for my Arc copy! Although I was lucky enough to be sent my copy, all reviews and opinions are my own! <3

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Historical fiction isn’t usually my kind of genre (I am normally a horror/thriller girl!). But when I saw this beautiful cover I couldn’t resist and I’m SOOOO glad I picked this up because it was a 5 star read for me! 🥹 I genuinely can’t believe this is a debut novel because it was incredible. I was captivated the entire time and felt so many emotions during. There were moments I laughed, cried, and felt extreme RAGE for Clytemnestra. Hell truly hath no fury like a mother’s wrath. I loved getting to know Clytemnestra through her various stages of life as well as the changes to her very soul whilst experiences the loss and misfortune that she has.

A huge thank you to the author for enabling more people (including myself) to read Clytemnestras story in her words. Absolutely incredible! 🫶🏼😭

The Intruders by Louise Jensen

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

WOW WOW WOW! This was my first Louise Jensen book and it certainly won't be my last!
The Intruders is a nail-biting psychological thriller with INSANE twists that I never saw coming! The atmosphere that Jensen creates throughout the book is amazing. I thought part one was great, but I was not expecting the absolute whirlwind that arrived with part 2. I thought the plot was incredibly unique and I enjoyed reading the author's inspiration for the book at the end! The character POVs really added to the suspense and intrigue and I thought it was done spectacularly.

I loved the ending but it left me wanting MOREEEE (in a good way!) and I'm praying we get a sequel to this.

This book makes it evident that Louise Jensen is a master of creating red herrings and curveballs!

Thank you to Netgalley, HQ Stories and Louise Jensen for providing me with an Arc copy. You have gifted me one of my favourite books of 2024 so far!

Murder Road by Simone St. James

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mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

First of all I would like to say congratulations to Simone on her new book! Regardless of my opinions or views on a book, I am always amazed at authors creativity and ability to write- it is something that I could never do!

I really hate to say this but I just did not enjoy this book unfortunately 😔 I loved the premise and was super excited during the first 20%, but after that it fell quite flat for me personally! This definitely felt more like a slow burn book which wouldn’t have been an issue at all had there been a bit more atmosphere and a bit more of a creepy build up. I did unfortunately struggle to get through this and, by the end, I just didn’t care. I also did not feel any sort of connection to the characters, although I did enjoy the small part of learning about their backgrounds.

Although a strong premise, this book just isn’t for me! However, I will be certainly be reading more books by Simone St James and I have already purchased The Sun Down Motel which I am very excited for!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the Arc, it is very much appreciated 🫶🏼

N0S4A2 by Joe Hill

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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elsshelves's reviews 121 reviews

elsshelves's reviews
121 reviews