Killer Art - Jon St. Denis

Killer Art

Author: Jon St. Denis
Genre: Cozy Mystery | Mystery
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)

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Synopsis

When art professor Vika Chen discovers the body of a fellow professor inside a campus art studio, she quickly becomes entangled in a murder investigation linked to an exhibition exploring AI-generated art.

With the local police making little progress, Vika and her partner, journalism professor and former crime reporter Sam Worthing, begin investigating on their own. As they dig deeper into the college community, they uncover hidden rivalries, long-buried secrets, and a growing list of suspects, while realizing someone is willing to kill to keep the truth hidden.

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My Thoughts

Killer Art combines a murder mystery with an academic setting and an intriguing discussion surrounding AI-generated art, creating a premise that immediately caught my attention.

I enjoyed following Vika and Sam as they settled into their new jobs at a small coastal California college before unexpectedly finding themselves at the center of a murder investigation. The university setting gave the novel a cozy atmosphere despite the growing body count, and I liked the way art, academia, and mystery blended together.

The mystery itself kept me interested, and I appreciated the unique angle involving AI-generated artwork. It added a contemporary element that helped distinguish the novel from more traditional cozy mysteries.

That said, I would have loved to learn more about the main characters. While I enjoyed spending time with Vika and Sam, I found myself wanting a little more background on both of them and their relationship, which would have helped me connect with them on a deeper level.

I also wasn't entirely convinced by the "reluctant sleuth" premise. Since Sam is a former crime reporter, his involvement in the investigation felt fairly natural, and Vika's curiosity meant she didn't need much encouragement either.

My biggest issue, however, was the way some of the deaths and suspicious incidents were handled by the police. There were moments where events were dismissed as accidents a little too quickly, even when it felt obvious that a larger pattern was emerging. That occasionally stretched my suspension of disbelief.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, Killer Art is an enjoyable cozy mystery with an original premise, an engaging academic setting, and an interesting exploration of AI within the art world.

Although I would have liked stronger character development and a slightly tighter investigation, I still had a good time with the mystery and would be interested in seeing where Vika and Sam's story goes next.

⭐ 3.5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Clean Slate - Brianna Labuskes

Clean Slate (Olive Hunt #1)

Author: Brianna Labuskes
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Crime | Mystery
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars, rounded up)

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Synopsis

Olive Hunt has spent nearly a decade cleaning up crime scenes.

After years of erasing the aftermath of tragedy, very little surprises her anymore.

But when she notices an unusual connection between two apparent suicides, Olive becomes convinced that someone is staging murders to look like self-inflicted deaths. As more bodies appear and mysterious roses begin arriving at her doorstep, it becomes clear that a serial killer is leaving clues meant specifically for her.

The deeper Olive digs, the more personal the investigation becomes.

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My Thoughts

I have to admit... there was something especially fun about reading a thriller featuring a crime scene cleaner while I was also playing Crime Scene Cleaner. The timing couldn't have been better!

The concept immediately stood out to me because it's not something you see very often in psychological thrillers. Watching Olive clean crime scenes added a fresh perspective to the investigation, and although those scenes were detailed, they never felt overly graphic. Instead, they gave the story its own unique identity.

The novel started off incredibly strong.

The mystery surrounding the staged suicides immediately hooked me, and I was eager to discover how everything connected. As the story progressed, however, I felt the pacing became a little uneven. Some chapters were impossible to put down, while others slowed the momentum enough that my attention occasionally drifted.

I also found parts of the mystery somewhat predictable. That didn't ruin my enjoyment, but it meant the story never completely surprised me in the way I'd hoped.

One aspect I would have loved to see explored even further was Olive herself. The psychological effects of her past added an interesting layer to her character, and I found those moments just as compelling as the investigation itself. I finished the book wanting to learn even more about her history.

The final chapters definitely reignited my interest. The ending leaves readers with plenty of questions, and I'm already curious to see where Olive's story goes in the next installment.

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Final Thoughts

Clean Slate offers a refreshing take on the serial killer thriller by placing a crime scene cleaner at the center of the investigation.

Although the pacing wasn't always consistent and some developments felt a little predictable, the unique premise, engaging mystery, and intriguing main character kept me invested throughout. I'm especially interested to see how Olive's story continues in future books.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unconventional protagonists and serial killer investigations, this is definitely worth checking out.

⭐ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

(Mostly) Human Resources - Grace Viall

 

(Mostly) Human Resources

Author: Grace Viall
Genre: Fantasy | Horror | Paranormal | Mystery
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis

After losing her father while he was working as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, Alexys joins Entity, the organization responsible for managing the world's monsters and cryptids.

Determined to continue her father's legacy, but without facing monsters head-on, she accepts a position in Human Resources, where she oversees the Wardens working in the field.

Everything changes when one of those Wardens disappears while investigating reports of an unknown cryptid.

Unwilling to risk another life, Alexys heads into the Appalachian Mountains herself, accompanied by Nic, Entity's ambitious Director of Research and Cataloging, who's equally determined to be the first to document the mysterious new creature.

Together, they must uncover what happened before they become the next victims.

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My Thoughts

The premise immediately hooked me.

A company dedicated to managing monsters and cryptids is already a fun idea, but making the main character work in Human Resources instead of out in the field was such an unexpected twist. Apparently, even supernatural organizations need someone to deal with paperwork and employee management!

I really enjoyed discovering how Entity operated. The different departments, the Wardens, and the research side of the organization all helped make the world feel unique and well thought out.

The Appalachian Mountains also provided an atmospheric backdrop for the investigation. The isolated setting worked perfectly for a story involving mysterious cryptids, adding just the right amount of tension as Alexys and Nic searched for both Elliot and the unknown creature.

I also enjoyed the dynamic between Alexys and Nic. Their shared mission naturally brought them together, and I liked seeing their relationship develop alongside the investigation.

While I had a great time with the overall story, I did occasionally struggle to fully connect with Alexys, and there were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven. Neither issue significantly affected my enjoyment, but they did prevent this from becoming a higher-rated read for me.

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Final Thoughts

(Mostly) Human Resources is a creative and entertaining blend of fantasy, mystery, and cryptid adventure.

With its original premise, engaging world-building, and intriguing supernatural mystery, it offers a refreshing take on monster fiction. Although I didn't completely connect with every character, I still had a lot of fun and I'm definitely curious to see where the series goes next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

One of the Family - Mark Edwards

One of the Family

Author: Mark Edwards
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Mystery | Suspense
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis

Patrick is looking forward to spending a relaxing holiday in the Scottish Highlands with his girlfriend Holly and her family.

Instead, he finds himself trapped in a house full of secrets.

Holly's father, Charles, is preparing to marry Jasmine, a woman almost the same age as his children and the spitting image of their late mother. Unsurprisingly, not everyone is thrilled about the engagement.

As old resentments resurface and tensions within the family continue to rise, Patrick soon realizes that everyone seems to be hiding something. But the secrets don't stop at the front door. The small Scottish village surrounding the estate appears just as suspicious, with its residents guarding truths of their own.

The longer Patrick stays, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

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My Thoughts

I absolutely devoured this book.

From the very first chapters, Mark Edwards creates an atmosphere filled with suspicion, tension, and unease. The isolated Scottish setting perfectly complements the story, making it feel as though there is no escape from the increasingly dysfunctional family Patrick has unknowingly walked into.

What begins as an awkward family holiday quickly evolves into something far darker.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the constant sense that everyone had something to hide. It wasn't just Holly's family keeping secrets, the villagers themselves seemed equally suspicious, creating an unsettling environment where I found myself questioning almost every character.

The mystery unfolds in layers, with each revelation raising even more questions than answers. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, another twist completely changed my perspective. The psychological tension never let up, and I genuinely couldn't wait to see how everything would fit together.

The premise surrounding Charles' much younger fiancée is already intriguing enough on its own, but trust me when I say the story becomes far stranger as it progresses. I certainly wasn't prepared for some of the revelations waiting near the end.

Although I wouldn't say I had a particular favourite character, that didn't matter in the slightest. The plot was so compelling that I happily followed every twist, betrayal, and shocking discovery without ever needing to truly "like" anyone.

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Final Thoughts

One of the Family is exactly the kind of psychological thriller I love.

It's packed with family secrets, simmering tension, clever twists, and an atmosphere that kept me constantly second-guessing everyone. Between the isolated Scottish setting, the dysfunctional family dynamics, and the increasingly bizarre revelations, I found it almost impossible to put down.

If you're looking for a thriller where nobody can be trusted and every answer only leads to more questions, I highly recommend adding this one to your reading list.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

She Never Came Back - Patricia Dixon

 

She Never Came Back

Author: Patricia Dixon
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Mystery
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 stars, rounded up)

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Synopsis

Seventeen years ago, Melanie Carter vanished without a trace while travelling through rural France. No body was ever found, no suspects were identified, and the case eventually went cold.

Unable to let go of the past, Melanie's sister, Sunny, returns to the same small French village in search of answers. When another young woman suddenly disappears, Sunny becomes convinced the two cases are connected.

As she begins asking questions and digging into long-buried secrets, it quickly becomes clear that not everyone wants the truth to come to light.

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My Thoughts

The premise immediately drew me in.

A decades-old disappearance, a determined sister searching for answers, and the possibility that history is repeating itself made for a compelling mystery from the very beginning.

I really enjoyed the way the investigation gradually unfolded. Rather than relying on constant action, the novel slowly pieces together what happened seventeen years earlier, revealing new clues and twists along the way. While some of the answers were hiding in plain sight, I still enjoyed discovering how everything fit together.

One aspect I particularly appreciated was the novel's exploration of the long-term impact of an unresolved disappearance.

Seventeen years may have passed, but Sunny is still deeply affected by losing her sister. Watching her continue to carry that grief and uncertainty made her journey feel authentic and added emotional weight to the investigation.

I also found it interesting how several of the villagers genuinely believed they were protecting the people they loved by keeping certain secrets. Unfortunately, their decisions only created more pain, showing how good intentions can sometimes have devastating consequences.

My only real issue was the pacing.

Although the mystery itself kept me interested, there were a few sections where the story lost some momentum, and I occasionally found my attention drifting. I never lost interest in discovering the truth, but I did wish the narrative had maintained its tension a little more consistently.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, She Never Came Back is an engaging psychological thriller with an intriguing mystery, emotional depth, and plenty of twists that gradually reveal the truth behind a seventeen-year-old disappearance.

While the pacing wasn't always as gripping as I would have liked, I still enjoyed following Sunny's investigation and uncovering the secrets hidden within this small French village.

If you enjoy slow-burning mysteries, family secrets, and thrillers that focus as much on emotional consequences as they do on solving the crime, this is one worth checking out.

⭐ 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Underwater - Vi Geary

Underwater

Author: Vi Geary
Genre: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars, rounded up)

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Synopsis

Los Angeles, July 2002.

When Detective Gale Blue arrives at what appears to be a suicide scene, it quickly becomes clear that the victim was actually murdered. Soon, another suspicious death with an eerily similar note points to something far more sinister, a serial killer who leaves no obvious pattern behind.

As the body count rises, Gale must race against time to uncover the truth before another life is lost. But while she's chasing a killer through the streets of Los Angeles, she's also battling the lingering effects of PTSD following the death of her former partner, forcing her to confront wounds that have never fully healed.

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My Thoughts

The premise of Underwater immediately caught my attention. A murder staged as a suicide, a serial killer with seemingly no pattern, and a detective haunted by her own past made for a very promising setup.

One of the novel's biggest strengths is Detective Gale Blue herself. Beyond the investigation, we get a glimpse into her personal life and the struggles she continues to face. I appreciated seeing how she navigates the lasting effects of PTSD, as well as the prejudice she experiences because of her sexual orientation. These aspects added emotional depth to her character and made her feel like more than just another detective solving a case.

While I thought these elements were important to Gale's story, I occasionally felt that some of her personal storylines covered similar ground, making parts of them feel a little repetitive and, at times, slowing the pace of the investigation. It also took me a little while to warm up to Gale, but by the end of the novel I found myself much more invested in both her and her journey.

I also appreciated the way the novel explored themes of grief, trauma, and mental health. These topics were handled thoughtfully and gave the story additional emotional weight alongside the central mystery.

That said, while I really liked the ideas behind the story, I found myself wishing the overall execution had been a little more polished. The investigation kept me interested throughout, but there were moments where the pacing felt uneven, and I think some additional refinement would have made an already intriguing story even stronger.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed Underwater. It offers an engaging mystery, a compelling protagonist, and thoughtfully explores difficult topics alongside its crime investigation.

Although I had a few reservations about the pacing and felt the novel could have benefited from a bit more polish, I remained invested in Gale's story from beginning to end. Since this is the first book in a series, I'm definitely interested in continuing to see where both Gale's character and the investigations take us next.

⭐ 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4)

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to Vi Geary for providing me with an advance review copy of Underwater. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

 

The Divorce Lawyer - McGarvey Black

 

The Divorce Lawyer

Author: McGarvey Black
Narrator: Sofia Willingham
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Format: Audiobook (ALC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

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Synopsis

Ollie Spalding was one of Connecticut's most successful divorce lawyers.

With a long list of wealthy clients and high-profile cases, he'd built an impressive career, but he'd also made more than his fair share of enemies.

When Ollie's car explodes in what initially appears to be a tragic accident, the truth quickly comes to light: someone wanted him dead.

Determined to uncover the truth before the case goes cold, his longtime assistant, Kim DeLuca, begins investigating the murder of the man she considered family. As she digs deeper into Ollie's past cases, she discovers that almost everyone had a reason to want him gone.

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My Thoughts

I had such a good time with this audiobook!

The premise immediately hooked me. Ollie Spalding is one of Connecticut's most successful divorce lawyers, and with success comes enemies... lots of them. Given the nature of his work, he'd spent years helping some people while making others incredibly unhappy, which meant the list of suspects was practically endless.

After his car explodes and what first appears to be an accident quickly becomes a murder investigation, his longtime assistant, Kim, refuses to believe his death should simply become another unsolved case.

Kim was a great character to follow. Having worked alongside Ollie for years, she knew both the man behind the successful career and the complicated world he navigated every day. Her determination to uncover the truth gave the investigation a personal stake that made it easy to become invested.

I also liked the way the story unfolded.

Alongside Kim's perspective, we get glimpses from other characters, flashbacks to events before Ollie's death, and parts of the official police investigation. Those shifting perspectives gradually reveal new information without making the mystery feel confusing, and every new suspect seemed just as plausible as the last.

The audiobook itself was another highlight.

Sofia Willingham did an excellent job bringing the story to life. Her narration was engaging, easy to follow and kept the investigation moving at a steady pace. I actually listened while working on a diamond painting and it ended up being the perfect combination; I found myself completely immersed in the mystery.

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Final Thoughts

The Divorce Lawyer is a well-paced mystery that combines an engaging investigation, a compelling cast of suspects, and enough twists to keep you guessing until the end.

I genuinely didn't see everything coming, and I thoroughly enjoyed following Kim as she pieced together the truth behind Ollie's murder.

If you're looking for a solid murder mystery with an excellent audiobook narration, this one is definitely worth checking out.

⭐️ 5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Hot Girl Murder Club - Ashley Winstead

 

Hot Girl Murder Club

Author: Ashley Winstead
Genre: Thriller | Mystery Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

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Synopsis

Ten years after her sister's mysterious death at a Hollywood party, Scout Sage has managed to build a successful career in the entertainment industry.

But when a string of high-profile murders rocks Los Angeles and all the evidence seems to point toward Scout, her life is turned upside down overnight.

Now branded as an alleged serial killer by the media, Scout must prove her innocence while uncovering the truth about what really happened to her sister all those years ago.

As the investigation digs deeper into Hollywood's darkest secrets, it becomes clear that some people will do anything to keep the past buried.

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My Thoughts

This was a really fun and engaging read.

The premise alone immediately caught my attention.

A celebrity potentially turning vigilante and targeting powerful men in Hollywood?

Yeah...

I needed to know where that story was going.

The novel follows Scout Sage, a rising singer whose sister died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When a series of murders begins making headlines and the evidence somehow points back to Scout, everything she's worked to build starts falling apart.

I will admit that the beginning took me a little while to settle into.

The story introduces multiple points of view fairly quickly, and during those first few chapters I occasionally found myself stopping to remember who was who. Once I became familiar with the different characters, though, everything flowed much more naturally.

And from that point on...

I was hooked.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was how the story balances several different threads without losing sight of the central mystery.

On one side, there's the possibility of vigilante justice.

On another, the official police investigation.

Then layered on top of that is Hollywood itself, a world that appears glamorous from the outside while hiding plenty of darkness beneath the surface.

That contrast worked really well for me.

I also appreciated that the main characters all had their own motivations.

Scout isn't simply trying to clear her name; she's also searching for answers about her sister's death. Meanwhile, the detective investigating the case has personal reasons for refusing to let the truth stay buried.

Those individual motivations helped keep the story engaging and gave the mystery more emotional weight.

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Final Thoughts

Hot Girl Murder Club is an entertaining thriller that combines Hollywood glamour, murder, revenge and long-buried secrets into a fast-paced mystery.

While the multiple POVs took me a little time to settle into, once everything clicked, I found myself fully invested in both the investigation and the characters.

If you enjoy thrillers that mix celebrity culture with dark secrets and plenty of twists, this one is definitely worth checking out.

⭐️ 4 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

The Cloak and Dagger Club - Jackie McMahon

 

The Cloak and Dagger Club (Cloak and Dagger Club Mystery #1)

Author: Jackie McMahon
Genre: Historical Mystery | Cozy Mystery
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)

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Synopsis

Lucy Hubbard's dream of becoming a successful mystery writer is finally coming true. Her debut novel has earned glowing reviews, and she's invited to join the prestigious Cloak and Dagger Club, an exclusive society of Britain's finest crime writers.

The club gathers at London's luxurious Ritz Hotel, where Lucy expects to celebrate her literary success.

Instead, she's reunited with the last person she ever expected to see: her former fiancé, Frank Murray.

Before either of them has time to deal with their complicated history, the club's founder, Horace Hazelmoor, is found murdered with a knife in his back. With Frank becoming the prime suspect, Lucy is convinced there's no way he could be the killer.

Together, they'll have to uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again.

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My Thoughts

I always say that historical fiction isn't usually my go-to genre, but give me a historical mystery with cozy vibes and I'm much more willing to jump in.

This one definitely had strong Agatha Christie-inspired energy.

Lucy has just been invited to join the prestigious Cloak and Dagger Club, an elite society of mystery writers that meets at London's glamorous Ritz Hotel. It's an incredible opportunity... until she discovers that one of the other members is none other than her former fiancé, Frank.

Their reunion is awkward enough, but things quickly take a turn when Horace, the club's founder, is discovered murdered with a knife in his back.

With Frank becoming the prime suspect, he and Lucy reluctantly join forces to uncover the real killer before it's too late.

I really enjoyed the mystery.

While I did find it a little predictable at times, it still kept me entertained, and I liked following Lucy and Frank as they pieced everything together. The historical setting was another highlight, and the Ritz Hotel made for such a fun backdrop. It added a touch of glamour that contrasted nicely with the murder investigation unfolding behind the scenes.

The romance was probably the weaker part for me.

I didn't dislike Lucy and Frank together, but I couldn't help feeling that Frank had a bit more work to do before fully winning me over. Maybe it's because this is only the first book in the series, but I definitely wanted a little more groveling after everything that happened between them.

I'm hoping that's something we'll see more of in future installments.

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Final Thoughts

The Cloak and Dagger Club is a charming historical mystery that blends a classic whodunit with cozy vibes and a touch of second-chance romance.

Even though I guessed a few things along the way and wasn't completely sold on the romance just yet, I genuinely enjoyed the investigation and the Golden Age mystery atmosphere.

I'll definitely be back for book two...

...and hopefully Frank will continue earning those second-chance points. 

⭐️ 3.5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

The Last to Drown - Noelle W Ihli

The Last to Drown

Author: Noelle W. Ihli
Genre: Thriller, Mystery Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)

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Synopsis

A five-day rafting retreat through one of the most remote stretches of wilderness should be an unforgettable adventure.

Instead, it becomes a nightmare.

Seven years earlier, a guide murdered an entire group of rafters along the same river before supposedly dying himself. Ever since, Camas Creek has become the subject of countless theories and true crime discussions.

Now, another group has arrived.

As accidents begin piling up, supplies disappear, and terrifying events echo the crimes of the past, it quickly becomes clear that history may be repeating itself.

With eighty-four miles of dangerous river separating them from the nearest help, escape isn't an option.

The only question is...

Who can still be trusted?

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My Thoughts

I genuinely did NOT expect this book to be this good.

The premise itself is actually quite straightforward.

A group of women heads into the wilderness for a multi-day rafting retreat, and from the very beginning it's obvious that something is going to go terribly wrong.

The novel doesn't try to hide that.

And honestly, it doesn't need to.

Because the execution is absolutely fantastic.

One thing I immediately appreciated was the group itself.

The retreat brings together women of different ages and backgrounds, which made the cast feel far more realistic than if everyone had been at the same stage of life. Those different personalities and experiences added another layer to the relationships, especially once fear and suspicion began creeping into the group.

What truly made this book stand out for me, though, was the tension.

Once the story finds its rhythm, it simply refuses to let go.

Every chapter ended in a way that convinced me to read just one more... until I suddenly realized I'd stayed up the entire night because I couldn't bring myself to stop.

That's always a good sign.

The wilderness setting only adds to the suspense.

With no easy way to leave, no reliable communication and miles of river separating the group from civilization, every dangerous situation feels amplified. The isolation creates a constant sense of vulnerability that lingers throughout the novel.

The suspense never lets up.

Between the mounting panic, the uncertainty about who can be trusted, and the increasingly violent events unfolding around the group, I found myself completely immersed in the story.

And yes...

There are a few moments that are surprisingly brutal.

The violence isn't excessive (or ...oh well...), but when it happens, it hits hard. A couple of scenes genuinely made me wince, reminding me that this book isn't afraid to go to some very dark places.

Without spoiling anything, I'll simply say this:

If you enjoy thrillers that keep your heart racing from beginning to end, The Last to Drown absolutely delivers.

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Final Thoughts

The Last to Drown is a tense, fast-paced survival thriller that combines an isolated wilderness setting, a compelling mystery, and relentless suspense into one incredibly addictive read.

Even though the overall premise seems straightforward at first, it's the execution that makes this book shine.

I flew through it because I simply couldn't put it down.

The very first thought I had after finishing?

"I need more books like this."

⭐️ 5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Night Watcher - Daphne Woolsoncroft

Night Watcher

Author: Daphne Woolsoncroft
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Suspense
Format: Audiobook & Hardcover
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)

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Synopsis

Late-night radio host Nola Strate spends her evenings listening to callers share stories of strange encounters, unexplained events, and things that go bump in the night.

But one call changes everything.

When a listener describes an intruder whose behavior mirrors that of the serial killer who nearly murdered Nola as a child, she realizes her past may not be as far behind her as she thought.

The infamous Hiding Man may have returned.

As unsettling incidents begin piling up, the police remain skeptical, her own father becomes entangled in the investigation, and even her mysterious next-door neighbor seems suspicious. With danger closing in, Nola decides she can no longer remain a passive observer.

If no one else is willing to uncover the truth...

She'll investigate it herself.

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My Thoughts

This was my book club pick, and I’m so glad I chose it.

Night Watcher hooked me from the very first chapter and never really let go.

One of the things that immediately stood out was Daphne Woolsoncroft's writing. The story carries a genuine true crime feel, which isn't surprising considering her background as a true crime podcaster. Knowing that her family has also experienced the real-life disappearance of a loved one adds an extra layer of authenticity to how the investigation and emotional weight are handled throughout the novel.

Rather than feeling sensationalized, the story feels grounded and respectful.

Nola was a fantastic protagonist.

She's intelligent, cautious, and refreshingly practical. Instead of making reckless decisions simply to move the plot forward, she reacts in ways that feel believable for someone carrying years of trauma.

That made every dangerous situation feel even more intense.

Several scenes genuinely gave me chills.

The stalking elements were particularly effective, especially the moments when it became clear that someone was always watching Nola from just beyond her reach.

One scene in particular...

The moment the killer simply stands in the distance and waves.

Sometimes the quiet moments are far more unsettling than the violent ones.

The pacing was another highlight.

The novel builds tension steadily, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally while still delivering several moments that made me stop and think,

"Oh no..."

The suspense never felt forced, and I always wanted to know what was waiting around the next corner.

If I had one small wish, it would have been a little more insight into the killer's psychology.

That said, I completely understand, and actually respect, the author's decision to keep the focus on the survivor rather than giving the killer too much attention. It's an approach that fits the novel's themes well and ultimately makes Nola's story the emotional center of the book.

I also listened to the audiobook, and the narration was excellent.

The performances captured the suspense and emotion beautifully, making it easy to become fully immersed in the story. While I'd happily recommend either format, the audiobook was a fantastic experience.

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Final Thoughts

Night Watcher is an atmospheric, suspenseful thriller that combines the tension of a serial killer investigation with the intimacy of a survivor confronting her past.

With a compelling protagonist, memorable suspense, and a mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end, it became one of my favorite thrillers of the year.

If you enjoy psychological suspense, true crime-inspired mysteries, and stories that prioritize survivors over sensationalizing the killer, this is one I highly recommend.

⭐️ 4.5 stars

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More from Daphne Woolsoncroft

If you enjoy Night Watcher, be sure to check out Daphne Woolsoncroft's second novel, The Season of Sinking. It delivers another atmospheric mystery, this time blending family secrets, a haunting lakeside setting, and psychological suspense into an equally compelling read.

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Final Note

While this review reflects my experience with the audiobook, I'd happily recommend both the audio and print editions.

 

The Season of Sinking - Daphne Woolsoncroft

The Season of Sinking

Author: Daphne Woolsoncroft
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)

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Synopsis

When Imogen Bly's mother unexpectedly drowns in Lake Blair, the official verdict is simple:

A tragic accident.

Returning to her hometown alongside her twin sister Amelia to settle their mother's estate, Imogen can't shake the feeling that something isn't right. Her mother knew the lake better than anyone, so why would she venture out alone during a storm, and in her pajamas?

As strange events begin unfolding around her childhood home, Imogen starts questioning everything she thought she knew. Old memories begin resurfacing, a local disappearance refuses to stay buried, and the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her search becomes.

Sometimes the past isn't as forgotten as we'd like to believe.

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My Thoughts

I was genuinely excited to see Daphne Woolsoncroft releasing another novel.

I really enjoyed her debut, so I went into The Season of Sinking with fairly high expectations—and thankfully, it completely delivered.

From the very beginning, the mystery pulled me in.

Imogen returns to her hometown after the sudden death of her mother, who supposedly drowned in Lake Blair during a violent storm.

The problem?

Nothing about the situation feels right.

Her mother loved the lake.

She knew it better than anyone.

And yet, according to the official explanation, she decided to head out in the middle of a storm... wearing her pajamas.

The more Imogen thinks about it, the less believable it becomes.

As soon as she arrives back home, strange things begin happening around her. At first, it's easy to dismiss them as coincidences or grief playing tricks on her mind.

But before long, those unsettling moments begin escalating into something much more difficult to ignore.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the uncertainty surrounding Imogen's memories.

Throughout the novel, I constantly found myself asking the same question she was:

Is she recovering memories she's buried since childhood?

Or is trauma making her question reality?

That psychological uncertainty added another layer to the mystery and kept me second-guessing what was actually happening.

The atmosphere also deserves a mention.

Lake Blair almost feels like a character in its own right. The quiet lakeside setting, combined with the lingering sense that something terrible happened there years ago, creates an underlying tension that never really disappears.

I also loved Rory.

Watching Imogen reconnect with her childhood crush while they slowly pieced together the mystery was such a nice counterbalance to the darker moments of the novel.

Their relationship never overshadowed the investigation, but instead complemented it naturally, and I genuinely enjoyed watching them work together.

As for the mystery itself...

It kept me invested from beginning to end.

Every new revelation made me question another character, another memory, or another version of the truth. I never felt entirely certain who could be trusted, and that's exactly what I want from a suspense novel.

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Final Thoughts

The Season of Sinking is an atmospheric mystery that blends family secrets, psychological suspense, and a compelling investigation into a story that kept me turning the pages until the very end.

Between the eerie lakeside setting, the uncertainty surrounding Imogen's memories, and an engaging mystery filled with long-buried secrets, this became another standout thriller from Daphne Woolsoncroft.

I'll definitely be reading whatever she writes next.

⭐️ 4.5 stars

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Also by Daphne Woolsoncroft

If you're new to Daphne Woolsoncroft's work, I also highly recommend checking out her debut novel, Night Watcher. It was one of my favorite thrillers from last year, and it's the book that made me eager to pick up anything she wrote next. (you can find the review here, on my blog)

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 

Pretty Dead Things - Kelsey Cox

Pretty Dead Things

Author: Kelsey Cox
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

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Synopsis

Twenty-five years ago, Isabelle Whitmore vanished without a trace after visiting Sherman Ranch in Anhalt, Texas.

No body.

No evidence.

No answers.

Now, in 2025, the annual Lone Star Princess Pageant is about to begin, bringing former contestants and long-buried rivalries back to the surface. At the same time, construction crews arrive at Sherman Ranch, threatening to uncover secrets that have remained hidden for decades.

As old wounds reopen and a devastating storm traps everyone together, another crime rocks the small town, proving that some secrets refuse to stay buried.

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My Thoughts

I swear, this book is exactly how I've always imagined beauty pageants behind the scenes.

I've never really followed pageants myself, but whenever they pop up in books or movies, I picture fierce rivalries, lingering grudges, jealousy, sabotage and enough drama to fuel an entire thriller.

Pretty Dead Things definitely delivered on that front.

The story revolves around two central mysteries.

The first is Isabelle Whitmore's disappearance twenty-five years earlier, a cold case that has haunted the town ever since.

The second unfolds in the present, as the return of the Lone Star Princess Pageant and the arrival of a construction crew at Sherman Ranch begin stirring up old memories, old resentments, and new dangers.

Needless to say...

Small towns have long memories.

One thing I found particularly entertaining was the contrast between the generations.

Many of the women who competed in the pageant decades earlier never really seemed to move past their "mean girl" phase. Twenty-five years may have passed, but the rivalries, grudges, and competitiveness are very much alive.

Thankfully, their daughters ,who are now competing in the pageant themselves, seem to have turned out a little better.

That contrast gave the story an interesting dynamic and prevented it from becoming just another pageant rivalry.

This is also one of those mysteries that demands your full attention.

With multiple points of view, shifting timelines, and plenty of interconnected secrets, it's not the kind of book you can casually breeze through. There were a couple of moments where I wondered if I'd missed an important detail, but thankfully everything eventually clicked into place.

The mystery itself kept me invested from beginning to end.

Between the decades-old disappearance and the new investigation unfolding alongside it, there was always another revelation waiting around the corner. The twists kept me guessing, and I genuinely wanted to know how everything connected.

My only real reservation came with the ending.

It wasn't bad by any means, but it didn't leave quite the impact I was hoping for after such a strong buildup. I found myself more invested in the journey than the final reveal.

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Final Thoughts

Pretty Dead Things is an engaging mystery that blends cold cases, family secrets, pageant politics, and small-town drama into an entertaining thriller filled with twists and long-buried resentments.

While the ending didn't quite deliver the same punch as the rest of the novel for me, the mystery, layered storytelling, and memorable cast kept me turning the pages.

If you enjoy thrillers with multiple timelines, complicated family dynamics, and plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered, this one is well worth adding to your TBR.

⭐️ 3.75 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.