Nine Lives by Peter Swanson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Nine Lives in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nine Lives by Peter Swanson is a mystery thriller that follows nine strangers who each receive a cryptic list with their names on it. As the people on the list start dying one by one under suspicious circumstances, the survivors must uncover the connection between them and the sinister plot that threatens their lives. The story weaves through multiple perspectives, each adding a piece to the puzzle as the characters…

Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Her Darkest Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch is a riveting and emotionally charged suspense novel that delves into the complexities of trauma, memory, and the quest for justice. Patch, known for her gripping storytelling and nuanced character development, delivers a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Details The novel follows the story of FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly,…

Number One Fane by Meg Elison My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Number One Fan in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Number One Fan by Meg Elison, while ambitious in its themes and intent, ultimately falls short in execution, leaving readers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The novel’s premise—a successful author kidnapped by an obsessed fan—promises a thrilling exploration of the dark side of fandom, but the delivery is marred by several critical flaws. The Details Firstly, the characters lack depth and nuance. Eli Grey, the protagonist, is…

The Opportunist by Elyse Friedman My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Opportunist in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Elyse Friedman’s The Opportunist is a darkly comedic and sharply observant novel that dives into the complexities of family dynamics, deceit, and ambition. Set against the backdrop of contemporary life, this novel explores how far people will go to secure their fortunes and the hidden costs of opportunism. The Details The story centers on Alana Shropshire, a struggling artist who becomes embroiled in a morally dubious scheme involving her wealthy…

Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Sometimes People Die in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Simon Stephenson’s Sometimes People Die is a thought-provoking and haunting novel that masterfully blends elements of mystery, medical drama, and philosophical reflection. Set in a beleaguered hospital in London, the book provides a gripping and unsettling look at life and death through the eyes of a young doctor navigating a series of unexpected and suspicious patient deaths. The Details Stephenson provides a critical look at the systemic issues…

Someone Had to Do It by Amber Brown and Danielle Brown My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Someone Had to Do It in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Someone Had to Do It a debut novel by Amber and Danielle Brown, is a compelling blend of thriller and social commentary. This gripping story delves into themes of power, privilege, and justice, set against the backdrop of the cutthroat world of high fashion in New York City. The Details The protagonist is a well-crafted protagonist whose complexities and vulnerabilities are…

A Small Affair by Flora Collins My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Small Affair in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Flora Collins’ novel A Small Affair” aims to be a psychological thriller, but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and engaging narrative. Despite its promising premise, the book is plagued by several issues that detract from its potential impact. The Details While the premise holds promise, the execution is disappointing. The pacing is uneven. The story drags in many parts, making it difficult to stay engaged. Key…