River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of River of Ashes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **Trigger Warning: contains rape, violence, and psychopath POV** The Gist River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a dark and gripping thriller that delves into the sinister undercurrents of a small Louisiana town. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and chilling narrative, this novel offers a haunting exploration of evil and obsession. The Details River of Ashes centers on the mysterious and macabre happenings…
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Little Eve
Little Eve by Catriona Ward My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Little Eve in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Little Eve by Catriona Ward is a novel that promises much but ultimately falls short in its execution. While the premise of the story is intriguing – a gothic horror set in a remote Scottish village – the novel struggles to deliver on its potential, leaving readers feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. The Details One of the main issues with Little Eve is its pacing. The narrative unfolds at a glacial…
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Bone Weaver
Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Bone Weaver in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros is a gripping and atmospheric dark fantasy that transports readers to a world of magic, danger, and secrets. The Details One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its richly imagined world-building. Polydoros has crafted a vivid and immersive setting, teeming with atmosphere and detail. Readers will find themselves completely engrossed in its dark and dangerous allure. The main character is equally compelling. She is a…
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That Night in the Woods
That Night in the Woods by Kristofer Triana My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of That Night in the Woods in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist That Night in the Woods by Kristopher Triana is a gripping and atmospheric horror novel that delivers thrills and chills in equal measure. Set against the backdrop of a remote forest, Triana weaves a tale of terror that will leave readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Details One of the strengths of the novel is its rich and…
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No Shadow Without Light
No Shadow Without Light by Luke Gracias My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of No Shadow Without Light in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist No Shadow Without Light explores the delicate dance between darkness and illumination, delving into the complexities of the human experience. In this evocative novel by Luke Gracias, readers are taken on a journey that transcends the ordinary and invites contemplation. The Details The narrative revolves around a character who is grappling with personal struggles that mirror the universal themes of resilience, hope, and the eternal quest…
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Jinxed
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Jinxed in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Jinxed by Thommy Hutson is a spine-chilling thriller that expertly weaves together elements of suspense, supernatural horror, and psychological tension. Hutson masterfully crafts a narrative that is engaging, with each chapter unveiling new layers of mystery and dread. The Details The strength of the novel lies in Hutson’s ability to create a palpable atmosphere of unease. The town becomes a character in itself, its secrets and malevolent history casting a pervasive sense of foreboding. The author skillfully explores the psychological toll on…
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The Dark Beneath the Ice
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Dark Beneath the Ice in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Dark Beneath the Ice is a gripping and atmospheric journey into the unknown, skillfully blending elements of the supernatural with the challenges of adolescence. Amelinda Bérubé weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing the eerie with the emotional intricacies of the protagonist’s journey. The Details Bérubé’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, immersing readers in the chilling world that the protagonist inhabits. The exploration of mental health themes is woven seamlessly into…
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Anno Dracula
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman My rating: 2 of 5 stars The Gist A dear friend of mine sent me Anno Dracula as a birthday present. He hasn’t read it himself, but said that a story about vampires and murder, set in Victorian London would be totally up my alley. And he wasn’t wrong, which makes this review a little difficult to write. It is true. I’m a sucker for murder mystery, Victorian London stories and throw in some Gothic elements (i.e. a vampire or two) and I’m all yours. So, why did this story fall short? I shall explain below. The Details I was so excited to start this…
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The Raven’s Tale
The Raven’s Tale by Cat Winters My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Gist I absolutely love Winters’ works. I have read all of her novels without fail. Heck, I even went out in a snowstorm while on a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend retreat to Montreal so that I could purchase one of her books for the train ride home. It’s rare for me to read, or even want to read a book twice, because I can remember most stories quite well, generally speaking. Something strange happened with The Raven’s Tale. Starting in August of this year I kept thinking about it. It was haunting. I had the indescribable urge…
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Last Case at a Baggage Auction
Last Case at a Baggage Auction by Eric J. Guignard My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you NetGalley and Harper Day Books for providing me with an ARC of Last Case at a Baggage Auction in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist I have been on a quest throughout the month of October to find good Halloween books and movies. On the movie end I had some great help from friends giving me their suggestions and recommendations. So, my evenings are spent watching spooky movies to my heart’s content. But what about the rest of my day? I can only train Muay Thai…
