Books from the Backlog - Ten Beach Road

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax

Blurb:  Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager- leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.

Throwing their lots in together, they take on the challenge of restoring the historic property. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, secrets threaten to tear down their trust-and destroy their lives a second time.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  Every summer I mean to read this and somehow never get around to it.  

Asylum Hotel - Mystery Review

Goodreads: Asylum Hotel by Juliet Blackwell

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Aubrey Spencer loves photographing classic old buildings and abandoned places that hold old secrets. The Hotel Seabrink, perched overlooking the sea, is one such place. Currently abandoned but scheduled for a major renovation, it has a torrid history. Back in the 1920s it hosted A-list celebrity clientele, and now the locals insist it is haunted by the ghosts of two young women who died there. When Aubrey goes to photograph the site before the renovation begins, she bumps into a man named Dimitri Petroff, a minor online celebrity who shares her fascination with old buildings, the Hotel Seabrink in particular.

When he is found dead the next day at the base of a cliff, the police are quick to close the investigation. But Aubrey feels unsettled by locals who claim he was murdered and that it’s not the first time someone interested in the hotel was killed. As she digs deeper into the property’s dark history (and its origins as an asylum) as well as Dimitri’s professional rivalries, she becomes mired in an unsolved murder case from several decades earlier, one with eerie parallels to the contemporary case. But someone is determined to keep her from discovering the truth—at any cost.

Genre: Mystery - Paranormal

Why I Picked This Book:  The cover and premise really grabbed my attention and I've enjoyed other books by this author in the past.

My Impression:  This was an interesting read.  I love an abandoned setting and especially one that used to be the go to spot for the rich, famous, and glamorous.  I really enjoyed that Aubrey is a photographer and it made sense that she and Dimitri bonded over their love of old architecture.  

To me, this didn't read like a thriller.  The pacing is a bit slower and while there is a death/possible murder that happens early on as well as an unsettling encounter nothing really started happening until a bit later.  

Blackwell does a fantastic job at setting the scene and at description.  I had a sense of the old hotel from the very beginning and while there is no way I would go exploring in there I would enjoy seeing Aubrey's pictures of Dimitri's videos.  The characters didn't quite shine as much as the setting and I never felt I had quite as much of a sense of who Aubrey was as I wanted.  

This was an entertaining read though not the creepy thriller I was expecting it to be.  I really enjoy this author's historical fiction and mysteries and this was a bit of both.  I'm looking forward to reading more from her.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely!  There are a number of books that I haven't read by this author and I'm really looking forward to catching up on them.  

Would I Recommend this Book? Yes, though be prepared for the slower pace.  

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books I'd Read at the Beach

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Beach Reads.  I'm not really a big reader at the beach because it's hot and I'd rather be in the water BUT if I was these are some of the books I'd read.  I'm looking for escapist fast paced reads and I think these will be good fits!

1.  It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan - This looks so fun and I've heard such great things about this author.

2.  She Didn't See It Coming by Shari Lapena - This looks like a creepy thriller that might give me a sunburn because I'd get so caught up in the story I'd forget to reapply the sunscreen!

3.  Swept Away by Beth O'Leary - I do love a good forced proximity trope.

4.  Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey - This book looks lovely and beachy and I've really loved what I've read by this author.

5.  Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman - I've really loved what I've read by this author and this looks quirky and fun.

6.  She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica - This is another sunburn thriller I think!

7.  One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware - There's a tropical setting and Ware is fantastic at complicated and claustrophobic plots.  

8.   Every Single Secret by Christina Dodd - This series has been completely bonkers and such fun.  It really just demands beach reading!

9.  What Happens in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - This takes place on a tropical island with lots of drama and secrets.

10. The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews - Most of her covers just seem to demand to be read at the beach and this one looks all kinds of dramatic with some serious secrets.

What kind of books seem like beach reads to you?  What would you take on a beach trip?

Something Whiskered - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Something Whiskered (Cat in the Stacks #17) by Miranda James

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Charlie Harris and his wife, Helen Louise Brady, have arrived in Ireland for their honeymoon. After a few days in Dublin, they head to County Clare, ancestral home to Helen Louise’s extended family, the O’Bradys. Her cousin Lorcan runs Castle O’Brady as a bed-and-breakfast with his wife Caoimhe and their daughter and son-in-law. But upon arrival at the castle, the newlyweds are shocked to see a body falling from the roof.

The dead man is centenarian Finn, Baron O'Brady, Lorcan’s grandfather, which means that Lorcan now becomes the new Baron O'Brady. Was someone in a hurry for Lorcan to assume the title and ownership of the estate? Or is there another reason for wanting Finn dead? And why is a ghostly cat making an appearance in their room-is he trying to warn them? Charlie and Helen Louise must answer these questions and more as they realize the local garda can't solve the crime alone. And along with Diesel they will have to investigate themselves or risk something wicked coming their way…

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  I really enjoy this series and have been reading it for a number of books.

My Impression: Charlie and Helen Louise are in Ireland for a combination family visit for Helen Louise's Irish side and their honeymoon.  But before they can relax and get settled in the family castle/bed and breakfast they are met with a horrific sight - Helen Louise's Uncle Finn taking a fatal fall from the roof.  They quickly learn that all is not sunshine and rainbows in the castle within the family or the staff.  

There's a lot of characters to meet and dynamics to figure out but the author weaves everything in without info dumps or without things getting to confusing.  I think it helped that Charlie is new to this situation so a lot has to be explained to him.  I enjoyed the setting and do wish I could explore the library and eat some of the yummy food mentioned.  

The ending wrapped things up well though was maybe a little anti-climatic.  I do hope that there are some mentions in future books of the characters because I'd really like to see how things progress for them.  This is a fun series with likable characters and this was an enjoyable new entry into it.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I have several earlier books in the series to read and I will definitely be picking up future books.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries this is a fun series - especially for the later books. You can jump in here without too much trouble as there aren't too many repeat characters in this particular book.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Week in Reading - July 27

 

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts - I'm so excited about this one!   I've loved the previous two books and can't wait to read this one. (Publisher)

Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connolly - I've enjoyed this mystery series that's somewhere between cozy and plain mystery and am looking forward to this one. (Publisher)

Ghost Business by Jenn DeLuca - Another one I'm super excited about!  I really enjoyed the first book and am so excited that there's another book in the series. (Publisher)

The Queen Who Came in From the Cold by SJ Bennett - I really liked the previous book in this series featuring Queen Elizabeth II and am looking forward to this one. (Publisher)

A Grave Deception by Connie Berry - This is a fun cozy mystery series involving antiques and an English setting.  (Publisher)

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols - This sounds quirky and interesting and I do love a good cozy mystery.  (Publisher)

At Death's Dough by Mindy Quigly - I've read the most recent book and the first book and enjoyed both though it does make me want pizza. (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  Asylum Hotel by Juliet Blackwell and Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Listening:  The Postcard by Anne Berest

It has been a busy couple of weekends all with dog stuff.  Last weekend was a obedience competition and we did pretty well.  We've still got a ways to go but we've come along way too.  This weekend it's been a training seminar which has been really interesting but very time consuming.  Between that and all the renovation stuff I'm exhausted!  

Have a great week and happy reading!

Summer Book Tag

 

I do love some summer reading and when I saw this Summer Book Tag on Bookable's YouTube Channel I just had to do it too!

1.  What book cover makes you think of summer?

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey - Pretty much all of her covers are gorgeously summery but this one came to mind first.

2.  What book has brightened your day? 

The Kamogawa Food Detective by Hisashi Kashiwai - This was a lovely read from start to finish.

3.  Find a book cover with yellow on it

It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle - There's probably more orange but I say this counts!

4.  What is your favorite summer beach read?

At the beach I like fast paced with suspense that doesn't require me to think much (the sun and all that time in the water are draining) and Heather Graham and Nora Roberts' books always do the trick!

5. What action book had you running for the ice cream man?

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon - This isn't really an action read but it is a murder mystery with 3 generations running around solving crime and it kept me hooked!

6.  Sunburn - what book has left you with a bad or painful ending?

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - I don't love cliffhanger endings AND the ending of this one just made me unhappy.

7.  Sunset - What book gave you the happiest feelings when it ended?

The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick  - I enjoyed the book but the ending did give me all the warm fuzzy feelings!

8.  What book cover reminds you of a sunset?

The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster - I'm more of a beach person than a lake person but I would love to sit and watch this sunset over the lake.

9. What is one book or series you hope to read this summer?

Ghost Business by Jen DeLuca - This technically comes out in September but September in Alabama is still very much summer so I say it still very much counts. I'm so looking forward to reading this one!

What are some of your summer reading picks?

Friday Fives - Five Quick Reviews for Books I've Read Recently

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing 5 quick reviews for books I've read recently.

1.  A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge - I think I'm going to have to face that this series is not for me.  I really want it to be because the main character is Phyllida Bright, Agatha Christie's housekeeper and Christie herself is a regular side character.  Unfortunately, I just don't like Phyllida and never really warmed up to her through the book.  As well, I found the mystery to be a bit slower paced and never really grabbed my interest. This isn't a bad mystery but it just isn't for me.  My Rating: Liked It (3 Stars)

2.  Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell - I love the concept of this one. The main character, Emma Cross, is cousin to the Vanderbilts but is on the side of the family without the money.  That means she knows them and all the people that make up their world and can easily move in that society but isn't really apart of that society.  Emma is a bit TSTL at times but she does has the excuse of being a reporter so it is kind of her job to get into crazy situations.  The mystery was a good one and Emma's involvement did make sense.  I'm curious to see how the series develops.  My Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)

3.  A Killer Collection by Ellery Adams - This was originally published under the name J.B. Stanley but Adams has republished them under the name she's better known by.  This is such a classic cozy mystery - a likable heroine, a bit of a love interest, a good community of friends and family, and a hobby (in this case an art - pottery) to focus on.  I found the mystery and all the pottery info really interesting.  The ending surprised me and I really liked the way it all played out.  I'd definitely pick up the second book in this series.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

4.  Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley - Deep dish pizza has never seemed all that appealing to me but I have changed my mind and there are several variations I'd love to try.  This is the first book in a cozy mystery series set in Wisconsin and focusing on the owner of a Deep Dish Pizza place - and her cat Butterball.  This was a fun read that touched on a lot of darker issues.  The mystery really kept me listening and guessing.  I've read a later book in the series and enjoyed it and now I'm looking forward to reading all the ones in the middle.  My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

5.  The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis - This is such a fun cozy series.  The main character, Florrie, works at a bookstore and has her own line of adult coloring books.  I really loved how she processes information with her drawing.  There's a whole cast of characters which all add a bit to the story and the mystery.  I love in a cozy mystery when characters brainstorm together and this happened frequently a book.  I did find the reveal a bit odd - what I thought was the A plot got solved a bit on the backburner while the B plot ended up wrapping up front and center.  By this time I was more interested in the B plot but it still felt a bit odd.  I'm really looking forward to reading the next book! My Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)

Books from the Backlog - The Good Sister

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Good Sister by Wendy Corsi Staub

Blurb:  Sacred Sisters Catholic girls' school has hardly changed since Jen Archer was a student. Jen hoped her older daughter would thrive here. Instead, shy, studious Carley becomes the target of vicious bullies. But the real danger at Sacred Sisters goes much deeper.
The only person Carley can talk to is "Angel," a kindred spirit she met online. Carley tells Angel everything—about her younger sister, about school, about the sudden death of her former best friend. Angel is her lifeline. And Angel is closer than she knows.

When another schoolgirl is found dead, Jen's unease grows. There are too many coincidences, too many links to her past. Every instinct tells her that Carley is the next target. For someone is intent on punishing the guilty, teaching the ultimate lesson in how to fear . . . and how to die.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf: I kind of went on a buying binge when it comes to this author and this looks like a good and seriously creepy one.  Plus, I read some more from this author to make sure I like her!

Favorite Books of the Second Quarter - 2025

 

We're halfway through 2025 (plus a little) and it has been a busy year.  My reading has definitely taken a hit this year and my numbers aren't quite as high as they usually are by this time of year.  I'll still make my goal I think but not with nearly as big of a margin as I normally do.  Here are my favorite books from April, May, and June.

1.  The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick - Patrick was on my authors to read this year and I picked this one at random.  I really enjoyed it and loved the found family elements.

2.  The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews - I haven't read much historical romance lately but really enjoyed it.  I liked the focus that there are other options than high society London that can still make for a happy life.

3.  Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley - I found this really interesting and loved the different elements of Christie that the author dove into.  It has really enhanced my appreciation of Christie's books - and her place in the world of authors.

4.  Someone to Wed by Mary Balogh - I've been slowly reading through this Balogh series and really enjoyed this one.  It's a lovely romance with nice characters.  

5.  Who Will Remember by C.S. Harris - I really love this historical mystery that's a bit on the grittier side.  This was an especially interesting mystery with some engaging side plots.

6.  The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli - I've read a lot of books set during World War II but this one was a little different as it was set in the Italian countryside and the narrator is a young girl.  I found it fascinating and heartbreaking.

7.  Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand - This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it.

8.  Crooked House by Agatha Christie - This is one of the most interesting and underrated of Christie's stand alones.

9.  Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi - I was surprised how much I enjoyed the audio version of this memoir.  The parts about her life in India as well as her battle with endometriosis were really interesting.  A lot of the reviews for this one were brutal but I found most of that unwarranted.

10. It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle - This was a fun candy bar of a book.  A bit bonkers and I think I've already forgotten most of the plot but I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience.  

What were some of your favorite reads for the second quarter of 2025?

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books Set in Places Other than the US and England

Today I'm linking up with Top Ten Tuesday hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl which is all about lists.  Since lists are one of my favorite things this is one of my favorite linkups!  Today's topic is Books Set in X Place.  Most of my reading this year has taken place in either the US or England so I'm trying to find 10 books that I'd like to read that take place in other locations.

1.  Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan- France

2.  Midnight Blue by Simone van der Vlugt - Netherlands

3. Mrs. Pollifax Unveiled by Dorothy Gilman - Syria

4.  No Strangers Here by Carlene O'Connor - Ireland

5.  Plaid and Plagiarism by Molly MacRae - Scotland

6.  Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon - Italy

7.  We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida - Japan

8.  The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams - Bahamas

9.  The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay - Germany (specifically West Germany)

10. Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander - Turkey

Do you have any books set in places other than the US or England to recommend?

It Was Her House First - Mystery Review

Goodreads: It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest

Rating: Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:   Ronnie doesn't know it yet, but her fate rests in the hands of the dead.
Silent film star Venita Rost's malevolent spirit lurks spider-like in her cliffside mansion, a once-beautiful home that's claimed countless unlucky souls. And she's not alone. Snared in her terrible web, Inspector Bartholomew Sloan—her eternal nemesis—watches her wreak havoc in helpless horror, shackled by his own guilt and Venita's unrelenting wrath.

Now the house has yet another new owner. This time it's Ronnie Mitchell, a grieving woman who buys the run-down place sight unseen. She arrives armed with an unexpected inheritance, a strong background in renovation, and a blissful ignorance regarding the house's blood-soaked history. But her arrival has stirred up more than just dust and decay. In the shadows, unseen eyes watch. Then, a man comes knocking. He brings wild stories and a thinly veiled jealousy, as well as a secret connection to the house that can only lead to violence.

Venita's fury awakens, and a deadly game unfolds.

Caught between a vengeful ghost and a ruthless living threat, Ronnie's skepticism crumbles. The line between living and dead isn't as sharp as it seems, and she realizes too late that in Venita's house, survival might be just an illusion.

Genre: Mystery - Horror

Why I Picked This Book:  The author is one I've been wanting to read for awhile and I do love a book involving an old house - especially a haunted old house.

My Impression:  This book was absolutely bananas!  Ronnie has gotten a small inheritance and decides to make a lifelong dream of her deceased brother's come true with the buying of an old house with the intention to restore it.  The house has a complicated and violent history which Ronnie is mostly unaware of and she's definitely unaware that the ghosts of several of these people are still inhabiting the house with various motives.  

There's a lot of build up as we get to know Ronnie and the state of the house.  I also liked hearing Bartholomew Sloan's take on all the events both in his lifetime and then as his role as ghost/guardian/watcher.  There's a lot about home renovation (and quite a lot that confirms that while I love old homes I do not have the guts to restore one fully) and the evolution of the house.  

The tones of the story are Gothic-y and forbidding but it never gets super scary or particularly intense.  While I did enjoy the feel of the story and most of the characters it's a fairly slow build.  The blurb kind of oversells the scariness of the story and it's definitely a bit slower than expected.  Overall, even though this wasn't quite what I expected I did enjoy the book and I will definitely read more from this author.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I really enjoyed the writing style and would definitely read something else by her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  I would but I would recommend not reading blurb!  If you're picking this up because you want a horror story than you'll be disappointed but if you want a mystery involving an old house and lots of old scandal than I think you'll enjoy this one.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

20000 Leagues Under the Sea - Classic Science Fiction Review

Goodreads:  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Rating:  Liked It! (3.5 Stars)
Source:   Library - Audio

Description:  When an unidentified “monster” threatens international shipping, French oceanographer Pierre Aronnax and his unflappable assistant Conseil join an expedition organized by the US Navy to hunt down and destroy the menace. After months of fruitless searching, they finally grapple with their quarry, but Aronnax, Conseil, and the brash Canadian harpooner Ned Land are thrown overboard in the attack, only to find that the “monster” is actually a futuristic submarine, the Nautilus, commanded by a shadowy, mystical, preternaturally imposing man who calls himself Captain Nemo. Thus begins a journey of 20,000 leagues—nearly 50,000 miles—that will take Captain Nemo, his crew, and these three adventurers on a journey of discovery through undersea forests, coral graveyards, miles-deep trenches, and even the sunken ruins of Atlantis. Jules Verne’s novel of undersea exploration has been captivating readers ever since its first publication in 1870, and Frederick Paul Walter’s reader-friendly, scientifically meticulous translation of this visionary science fiction classic is complete and unabridged down to the smallest substantive detail.

Genre: Fiction - Science Fiction 

Why I Picked This Book:   This has been on my Classics list for quite some time and then my Audio TBR jar picked this one.

My Impression:  I had read and enjoyed Around the World in 80 Days so I was very curious to read Verne's journey that takes place under the sea.  I ended up really enjoying this aquatic adventure story with an odd collection of characters and an even odder collection of creatures.  I listened to the audio version read by Sam Kusi who has a gorgeous voice that is both soothing and compelling and very much enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

This is clearly an adventure story published int he mid-19th century and the pacing and heavy descriptions clearly portray that as well as the fact that it was originally published in serialized format.  This isn't a fast read heavy in the hijinks but I wouldn't expect it to be.  The writing is lush and descriptive and the characters are well drawn if a bit stereotypical and stilted.  I really enjoyed this reading and highly recommend the audio version.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I've been surprised by just how much I enjoyed both the Verne books.

Would I Recommend this Book?   I would.  This is a great slow read - especially in the audio format.  

Friday Fives - Five Series I've Started and Would Like to Continue

I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much.   I'm a big series reader - sometimes a bit too much of a series reader because I start way more series than I can realistically hope to finish!  Here are 5 I've started and are top of my list to get back to - once I finish off the 10 that I'm currently working through of course.

1.  Dim Sum of All Fears by Vivien Chien - I read and loved the first book in this Noodle Shop cozy mystery series and every review I've read for the more recent books sounds fantastic. 

2.  The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters - I've read and adored pretty much everything Barbara Michaels has written but I've sadly neglected her books written under the Elizabeth Peters name - especially those in the Amelia Peabody series.  I read the first one several years ago and need to continue with the super long running series.

3.  The Masked City by Genevieve Cogman - I enjoyed the first book in this series even though it was very much a different genre for me.  I've read a bit more in the fantasy/urban fantasy genre in the last couple of years and I should pick this one up soon.  

4. All Dressed Up and No Place to Haunt by Rose Pressey - I read the first book in this cozy mystery series about a haunted vintage clothing shop and need to get back to it.  I love books involving ghosts and books involving vintage clothes so it seems like a series I should put a bit more effort into.

5.  This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong - I've read the first two books in the Rockton/Casey Daniels series and really enjoyed them but there are so many in the series AND she has a spinoff series.  I really need to focus and get these books read!  

There are so many more series I need to catch up on but this is a start.  What series do you need to focus on?

Books from the Backlog - Full Tilt

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  Full Tilt by Rick Mofina

Blurb:  Deep in the woods of upstate New York a woman flees a blazing barn. She is burned beyond recognition, and her dying words point police to a labyrinth of "confinement rooms"--rooms designed to hold human beings captive--where they make other chilling discoveries.
In Manhattan, Kate Page, a single mom and reporter with a newswire service, receives a heart-stopping call from a detective on the case. A guardian angel charm found at the scene fits the description of the one belonging to Kate's sister, Vanessa, who washed away after a car crash in a mountain river twenty years ago.

Kate has spent much of her life searching for the truth behind her little sister's disappearance. Now, a manhunt for a killer who's kept a collection of victims prisoner for years without detection becomes her final chance to either mourn Vanessa's death--or save her life.

SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT...

Deep in the woods of upstate New York a woman flees a blazing barn. She is burned beyond recognition, and her dying words point police to a labyrinth of "confinement rooms"--rooms designed to hold human beings captive--where they make other chilling discoveries.

A GUT-WRENCHING PHONE CALL...

In Manhattan, Kate Page, a single mom and reporter with a newswire service, receives a heart-stopping call from a detective on the case. A guardian angel charm found at the scene fits the description of the one belonging to Kate's sister, Vanessa, who washed away after a car crash in a mountain river twenty years ago.

A LIFE-AND-DEATH RACE AGAINST TIME

Kate has spent much of her life searching for the truth behind her little sister's disappearance. Now, a manhunt for a killer who's kept a collection of victims prisoner for years without detection becomes her final chance to either mourn Vanessa's death--or save her life.

Why It Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  This has been sitting on my review shelf for literally years and it sounds like a good thriller.

What I'm Reading - July 16

I always have a few books going.  Here is what I'm reading and what I'm thinking about them.

Print Book:

The Kamogawa Food Detective by Hisashi Kashiwai - I'm really enjoying this slower paced book of food and memory connected essays.  It's a quiet pocket of peace every time I pick it up.

After Dark by Jayne Castle - This is the first book in the series set on Harmony (I think?  There's so many different series and connections it's a little confusing) and I'm mixing this in for a bit of fun.

Ebook: 

It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest - I'm about 20% into this one and it is bonkers.  I'm really curious to see where it's going to go but so far pretty much every character I've met so far has some serious issues.

Audiobook: 

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne - This has been on my TBR since I first knew what a TBR was and my TBR jar decided now was the time to read it.  I'm really liking it which is significantly helped by the narrator, Sam Kusi.  This is the first time I've ever listened to anything read by him but I think I'd happily listen to him read a dictionary.

Slow Read:

I've been picking a book (lately it's been an overdue review book) to read a little bit at a time.  I just finished my most recent one and haven't picked a new one.  
I started using the app Bookly and they have a Readathon starting today that I'm going to focus on the prompts there for the next week or so.

What are you reading today?