Saturday Series: The Shadow by James Patterson

The Shadow synopsis:

The world’s #1 bestselling author reimagines one of America’s iconic thriller heroes.

Before Alex Cross, before Michael Bennett, before Jack Reacher, there was The Shadow!

Only two people know that 1930s society man Lamont Cranston has a secret identity as the Shadow, a crusader for justice. One is his greatest love, Margo Lane, and the other is fiercest enemy, Shiwan Khan. When Khan ambushes the couple, they must risk everything for the slimmest chance of survival … in the future.     

A century and a half later, Lamont awakens in a world both unknown and disturbingly familiar. The first person he meets is Maddy Gomes, a teenager with her own mysterious secrets, including a knowledge of the legend of the Shadow.Most disturbing, Khan’s power continues to be felt over the city and its people. 

No one in this new world understands the dangers of stopping him better than Lamont Cranston. And only the Shadow knows that he’s the one person who might succeed before more innocent lives are lost.

Circle of Death synopsis:

In this action-packed story from the world’s #1 bestselling author, a ruthless killer is seeking to overturn the world order—and our only hope is vigilante justice.

Since Lamont Cranston—known to a select few as the Shadow—defeated Shiwan Khan and ended his reign of terror over New York one year ago, the city has started to regenerate. But there is evil brewing elsewhere. And this time the entire world is under threat. Which is why Lamont has scoured the globe to assemble a team with unmatched talent. 

Only their combined powers can foil an enemy with ambitions and abilities beyond anyone’s deepest fears. As their mission takes them across the globe and into the highest corridors of power—pushing them beyond their limits—can justice prevail?

The President’s Shadow synopsis:

One of America’s most iconic heroes recruits his lasting love, Margo Lane, and his great-great-granddaughter, Maddy Gomes, to join an international investigation in this thriller from the world’s #1 bestselling author, James Patterson.

For over 150 years, Lamont Cranston and his alter ego, The Shadow, have possessed an array of mental and physical powers: scientific skills, shape-shifting abilities, and mind control. When a series of deadly natural disasters strike the planet, The Shadow immediately sets out to identify who’s responsible. Is it …

A disgruntled graduate student?

The power-hungry president of the Americas?

Or could it be Shiwan Khan, the Shadow’s fiercest enemy?

The Shadow’s latest adventure is also his, Maddy’s, and Margo’s most dangerous. Triumph or perish, they’ll rise or fall … together.


I haven’t read this series yet, but I think I will aim to read it next year. I like how the first two covers match and give the same vibe… book 3 looks out of place. Let’s hope that’s not the case for the series!

Friday Book Snippets

Friday Book Snippets is a weekly blogging event co-hosted by Anne@HeadFullofBooks and Olivia at Bemused and Bookish. Share two snippets (a sentence or short paragraph) from the book’s beginning, and page 56 (or another page) in the book you are currently reading. No spoilers, please.

“This is a story about something that happened long ago when your grandfather was a child. It is a very important story because it shows how all the comings and goings between our own world and the land of Narnia first began.”

And on page 56 of the hardcover copy I borrowed from the library it says, “”We’ve come from another world; by Magic,” says Polly, who thought it was high time the Queen took some notice of her as well as of Digory.”

Throwback Thursday: His & Hers by Alice Feeney

I listened to this audiobook back in 2020. This is the review I posted on NetGalley.

NetGalley introduced a new app and audio books on their website last week. I went to check it out and saw His & Hers by Alice Feeney was a ‘Listen Now’ book. I’ve been hearing great things about it on Instagram, so I downloaded it. This book did NOT disappoint! It’s told from the point of view of Jack Harper, a detective, and Anna Andrews, a reporter. There’s a murderer in town and the past keeps coming back up for Jack and Anna and it’s not pretty. What secrets are they hiding? The narrators Richard Armitage and Stephanie Racine are really good, too. I can listen to a British accent all day long, ha! There voices capture the character so perfectly and really get you hooked into the story. I totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspenseful detective stories. Thank you to NetGalley, Alice Feeney and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read and review this title.

WWW Wednesday – October 21, 2026

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

I am reading an ARC I accepted through Edelweiss, from debut author Laurie Blake. It’s titled This Jury Is Guilty. It’s gotten a lot of rave reviews already which is always promising.

I will be starting Alison Must Die by A.M. Strong and Sonya Sargent today after work. This is an audioARC I received through Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse.

I have been wanting to actually read The Chronicles of Narnia so when I was at the library I grabbed the hardcover copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I am only 30 pages in so far (as I’ve been prioritizing my other reads) but I am hoping to finish this one by the end of the month.

I DNFed two books this week…

These are in the running to be read next. Both of these publish in early November.

Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!

Review: William by Mason Coile


Title: William
Author: Mason Coile
Format: audiobook
Length: 5 hours 1 minute
Narrators: Honey St. Dennis
Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: September 10, 2024

William was a creepy and unique read with a really interesting premise. I really enjoyed the isolated setting, the unsettling atmosphere, and the combination of technology, psychological suspense, and horror made this a very different kind of thriller. There were several moments that kept me guessing as to what the heck was actually going on, and I liked the way the tension continued to build throughout the story. I thought the overall concept was incredibly creative and the story kept me interested. The twists and darker elements added to the suspense, and I was definitely curious to see how everything would unfold. Overall, William was a creepy, atmospheric, and entertaining read/listen.

I borrowed this book from Libby.

Mailbox Monday

I am apart of James Patterson’s Street Team and I was sent a hardcover copy of The Family Cross. Happy Publication Day to the 36th book in the Alex Cross series!

Alex Cross investigates a series of baffling murders while balancing a family crisis that threatens to upend his entire world in this thriller from the world’s #1 bestselling author, James Patterson.

Alex Cross is a brilliant psychologist—and a relentless hunter of killers for the FBI and DC Metro Police.

To his beloved Nana Mama, he’s still the boy she raised—and every morning, as he straps on his service weapon, she’s reminded just how dangerous his world has become.

But in Washington, DC, there are places even the police don’t go—an unseen underworld where violence thrives and rules don’t apply. And this time, Alex is stepping straight into it.

Each move pulls him deeper into the dark—and closer to a case that could shatter the promise he made to Nana … and cost him everything he holds most dear. 

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #64

What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.

What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.

It’s been NON-STOP around here, and I’m actually over it!

From October 9 to October 11, I was camping with my husband, son, niece and nephew. Two days of beautiful weather followed by crazy amounts of rain. What else is new!

My husband is a big fan of the Chucky franchise

On October 12 I took my daughter to an outdoor art museum. We had such a great time and even better weather!

From October 15 to tomorrow, my parents are visiting. They had a wedding to attend here in New Jersey and came up to “use my house as their hotel” haha. They will be leaving to go home Monday morning.

Then we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming lol.

Because of ALL the craziness that has been going on this month, my reading has been suffering so bad! Barely read anything, and DNFed two books.

*subject to change


#SpooktasticReads2026
Review: William by Mason Coile
WWW Wednesday – October 21, 2026
The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #65

Saturday Stack

I read books as a child, but stopped reading when I was a teenager. When I got back in to reading the first book I picked up was a James Patterson book my mom had sitting on a coffee table. I blew through that book! It made me WANT to read, and read more books by him. Little did I know that he publishes a bagillion books a year, haha!

Anyway, in 2023 I saw that his Street Team was looking for people and I applied, not really thinking I’d be chosen… but THEY DID CHOOSE ME!

These are most of the books I currently own that I have received through his Street Team over the years.

Next year I probably need to focus on reading a good amount of these, LOL!

Have you read any of these?

Review: Rogue Ghosts and Other Miscreants by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen

Title: Rogue Ghosts and Other Miscreants
Author: Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 48 minutes
Narrator: Iggy Toma
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 19, 2021

Another great installment in The Guild Codex: Warped series! I really enjoyed following Kit Morris and Lienna Shen as they investigate a series of kidnappings involving teenagers. What starts as a troubling case quickly becomes more complicated when their boss keeps the investigation off the books, the evidence doesn’t add up, and their prime suspect is Vancouver’s notorious rogue known as the Ghost. Kit and Lienna must figure out who is behind the disappearances while navigating conflicting orders, suspicious motives, and the possibility that someone within the department is hiding something.

With dangerous magical criminals, unexpected alliances, and plenty of twists, the investigation kept me engaged. I also enjoyed seeing familiar characters from the wider Guild Codex universe make appearances. The combination of humor, action, magic, and character development made this another entertaining read, and I’m looking forward to continuing Kit and Lienna’s adventures!

For the group read-along, this is the last book we’ll be reading for Kit’s series. I will probably end up finishing The Guild Codex: Warped series on my own next year.

Review: You’ve Killed Me First by John Marrs

Title: You’ve Killed Me First
Author: John Marrs
Format: paperback
Length: 381 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: March 11, 2025

You Killed Me First was such a wild and twisted thriller! The story centers around three very different women: Margot, a former pop star whose life revolves around appearances; Anna, the quiet and seemingly innocent neighbor with a much darker side; and Liv, the glamorous newcomer who seems to have the perfect life. When Liv moves into the neighborhood, the complicated relationship between these three women quickly turns into a tangled web of jealousy, secrets, revenge, infidelity, and murder.

I really enjoyed how John Marrs slowly revealed more about each character and their pasts. None of these women are exactly what they first appear to be, and I constantly found myself questioning who I could trust. The story jumps between their perspectives and gradually connects their lives to the mysterious events surrounding Bonfire Night. Just when I thought I had figured out where the story was going, another revelation completely changed things. The characters are messy, flawed, and often completely unlikable, but that made them even more interesting to read about. Another addictive and seriously twisted read from John Marrs!

WWW Wednesday – October 14, 2026

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

I am reading a random book I found on Prime Reading titled Reverence by Raena Rood. The cover drew me in so I figured I’d try it out. This is book 1 in the Reverence trilogy.

I am listening to In His Wake by Chad Zunker. Chad Zunker is an auto-read author for me, so I am not sure why this book kept getting put off this year.

I have been wanting to actually read The Chronicles of Narnia so when I was at the library last week I grabbed the hardcover copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I am only 30 pages in so far (as I’ve been prioritizing my other reads) but I am hoping to finish this one by the end of the month.

Reviews will be posted on the blog at a later date.

These are in the running to be read next. Both of these publish in early November.

Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!

Stacking The Shelves #15

Remember when I said I wasn’t going to accept a lot of ARC this year…

One weekend. Fifty singles. Endless secrets. From the beloved author of The Golden Spoon comes another seductive, high-stakes thriller, this one set at an exclusive matchmaking retreat at an historic Newport hotel.

When fifty influencers and celebrities gather at an historic Newport estate for an exclusive matchmaking retreat, the weekend is billed as a dreamy escape—sunlit yoga, champagne by the sea, and the legendary Magnus McBride, a matchmaker with a near-mystical reputation. But behind the marble halls and ocean views, something darker lurks.

Tegan Reyes, a once-famous artist, hopes the trip will revive her stalled career. Ruby Valenti, a disgraced socialite, longs for redemption. Omar Abebe, a trivia champion haunted by loss, wants a fresh start. And Lacy Bryant, a glamorous YouTuber, is chasing more than love—she’s hunting a secret treasure rumored to be hidden in the hotel’s depths.

Then the hotel’s owner is found dead at the base of a cliff.

As a storm closes in, alliances form and fracture, old scandals resurface, and the matchmaker’s final pairings may prove fatal. Because at Windmist, everyone has something to hide—and someone will do anything to keep the past buried.

Seductive, atmospheric, and laced with shocking twists, The Last Match is a gripping tale of desire, deception, and the dangerous games we play for love.

Stacking The Shelves #14

Remember when I said I wasn’t going to accept a lot of ARC this year…

Hollywood’s biggest movie star, Danny Scott, stands accused of trying to murder his wife, starlet Hope Harrison, in a case that has taken the world by storm. Everyone is asking: What led to the events of that night, and what darker truths simmer beneath the surface of Danny and Hope’s marriage? As the world watches, twelve sequestered jurors must decide Danny’s fate. But even a jury has its secrets…

Juror 6 is risking everything for this trial. Even her life.

Juror 2 is playing games. But can he keep one step ahead of his own lies?

Juror 13, the alternate, will do anything to be on that jury. Anything.

Juror 7 is hardly noticed by anyone. Just as she planned.

As each juror vies for the verdict they want, secrets, obsessions, and plots for revenge will come to light in the stands. Because everyone is lying. Everyone is guilty. And one of them might be planning a murder of their own.

With shocking twists and propulsive pacing, This Jury Is Guilty is a thought-provoking, locked-room thriller exploring our obsessions with true crime, the blurry lines between fact and fiction, and the lengths we’re willing to go to seek justice. For fans of Amy Tintera, Steve Cavanagh, and Ellery Lloyd.

The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #63

What is the Sunday Salon? The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week. It’s also a great opportunity to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. Hosted by Readerbuzz.

What is the Sunday Post? The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up.

*subject to change


Review: You’ve Killed Me First by John Marrs
Review: Rogue Ghosts and Other Miscreants by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen 
The Sunday Salon / The Sunday Post #64

Books From The Backlog

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks. Don’t forget to link up with Carole’s Random Life!

This week’s neglected book

Title: Mark The Fire
Series: The Endarian Prophecy (Book 1 of 6)
Author: Richard Phillips
Format: eBook
Length: 304 pages
Publication Info: 47North / November 1, 2017

  • Epic fantasy centered around magic, prophecy, and powerful enemies
  • Lorness Carol, a young woman born into a powerful family, discovers that she may possess extraordinary abilities
  • Blade, an assassin closely connected to Carol, becomes caught up in events surrounding her
  • An ancient prophecy predicts the rise of someone capable of challenging a tremendously powerful enemy
  • Kragan, an ancient wielder of magic, is determined to find the person described in the prophecy
  • The story involves warlords, kingdoms, political conflicts, and battles for power
  • Includes assassins, warriors, dangerous missions, and plenty of action
  • Overall, it’s a fantasy adventure about destiny, magic, friendship, and an ancient evil threatening the world

Review: The Woman Inside My Home by D.L. Fisher

Title: The Woman Inside My Home
Author: D.L. Fisher
Format: eBook
Length: pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 15, 2026

A MESSAGE POPS UP ON MY HUSBAND’S PHONE. I READ IT, OF COURSE — WHO WOULDN’T?

I’m thirty in two weeks. I can’t wait to find out what my husband has got me.

So when his phone lights up while he’s in the bathroom, I sneak a peek. What I read takes my breath away.

Congratulations on your new home! You’ll find the key under the welcome mat.

He’s bought us our dream home. A log cabin in the mountains, by a private lake.

I have to see it! So the moment Ethan leaves for his work trip, I get in the car and drive. He’s not back until tomorrow evening. He won’t suspect a thing.

But when I pull up on the gravel driveway deep in the Poconos, Ethan’s truck is there.

And so is another woman . . .

The Woman in My Home by D.L. Fisher was a fast-paced, twisty psychological thriller that had me questioning almost everyone. Elena thinks Ethan has secretly bought them a dream home for her upcoming 30th birthday, so she heads to the secluded cabin in the Poconos to get a sneak peek. Instead, she finds Ethan there with another woman, Summer, and what starts as a suspicious husband and possible affair quickly turns into something much more complicated.

I really enjoyed the way the story shifted between Elena and Summer’s perspectives. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, another piece of the puzzle would come along and make me question everything again. Elena’s growing paranoia and Summer’s own suspicions created a lot of tension, while Ethan was the kind of character who made me want to yell at the page. The gaslighting, manipulation, secrets, and constantly changing perspectives kept me invested, and I especially liked how the pieces eventually came together.

There were definitely moments where I had to suspend my disbelief, and some of the twists felt a little over-the-top, but this was still such an entertaining and bingeable thriller. The isolated cabin setting added an extra layer of uneasiness, and the ending had a few reveals I didn’t see coming. Overall, a solid four-star read!

I received a complimentary e-copy through Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse.

WWW Wednesday – October 7, 2026

Welcome to WWW Wednesday! This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are: What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next?

I am reading Creep by L. Taylor, a book I found through a random Stuff Your Kindle Day that popped up on my Facebook page. The story takes place on Halloween and isn’t a lot of pages, so I decided to read it this week.

I am listening to William by Mason Coile. I heard good things about this book and borrowed the audio through Libby. Seems like a creepy story right off the bat!

I have been wanting to actually read The Chronicles of Narnia so when I was at the library last week I grabbed the hardcover copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I need a palate cleanser from all the mystery/thrillers I’ve been reading lately.

Reviews will be posted on the blog at a later date.

All of these are in the running to be read/listened to next. But this month is looking like it’ll definitely be a mood reading month!

Don’t forget to link up with Taking On A World Of Words to share your WWW!

Review: Do You See What I See?: A Novella by Peter Swanson

Title: Do You See What I See?
Author: Peter Swanson
Format: eBook
Length: 128 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 6, 2026

From New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson comes a fantastically creepy holiday story of a writer tasked with helping a famous novelist finish his next book. But when two dead bodies turn up at the seaside manor, he must uncover the killer before the clock ticks down to Christmas Day.

Peter Swanson proves once again that he can pack an incredible amount of mystery into a short page count. Do You See What I See? is a clever, atmospheric novella that blends a classic locked-room style mystery with a festive holiday backdrop, making it the perfect quick read for thriller fans.

I loved the isolated Cape Cod mansion setting and the cast of suspicious characters, each with believable motives that kept me questioning everyone until the very end. Nicholas was an engaging narrator, and I especially enjoyed how the story unfolded through multiple retellings of the same events. With each version, new details came to light, making the mystery even more intriguing and rewarding to piece together.

Despite its novella length, the characters felt distinct, the pacing never dragged, and the twists kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a smart, fast-paced whodunit with a cozy Christmas atmosphere and Peter Swanson’s signature suspense, this is an easy recommendation.

Thank you to NetGalley for approving my request for this ARC.

Tour Spotlight: A Killer For Christmas by Kim Harrington

A Killer for Christmas: A Novel
Cozy Mystery
Stand-Alone Novel
Setting – Maine
Publisher: ‎ Crooked Lane Books
Publication date: ‎ September 22, 2026
Print length: ‎ 320 pages
Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425025
Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425032
Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8892425049

Wrapped in red has a bloody new meaning in this contemporary holiday romance with a murderous twist, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.

Christmasville, Maine, is the only place where Kelsey Hendricks has ever felt happy. When she loses both her job and her boyfriend, the move is a no-brainer, especially when she sees a listing for a position as Christmasville’s social media manager. Surrounded by twinkling lights and candy canes and with the perfect job, this tinsel town is working its magic on Kelsey. With two heartthrobs vying for her attention, her life is now just like a Christmas movie.

Except for the murders.

The first one is dismissed as an accident. But after the second, and definitely the third, it becomes abundantly clear that Santa is leaving coal in someone’s stocking this year.

Determined to bring back the holly jolly spirit to the town before tourists begin canceling their reservations, Kelsey must sleuth her way out of a chilling murder mystery and back to a holiday rom-com.

This charming and clever mystery-romance where a cozy winter wonderland warms the heart while suspense chills the bones is the perfect read for the holiday season.

About The Author, Kim Harrington

Kim Harrington is the author of A Killer for Christmas, her debut adult mystery, as well as Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, and Forget Me for teens and Revenge of the Red Club, the Sleuth or Dare series, and Gamer Squad series for younger readers. Her books have been sold to ten countries and optioned for television. She lives in Massachusetts with her family, where she’s hard at work on her next mystery novel.

Author Links
Website: https://kimharringtonbooks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimharringtonauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkimharrington
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kimharringtonbooks.bsky.social
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3111339.Kim_Harrington