Category: Review

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.

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!

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.

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.

Review: Lost Talismans and A Tequila by Annette Marie

Title: Lost Talisman and A Tequila
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 55 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart and Teddy Hamiliton
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: August 25, 2020

Another fantastic addition to the Guild Codex: Spellbound series! I loved seeing Tori and the rest of the gang get pulled into another chaotic adventure involving magical artifacts, dangerous enemies, and plenty of trouble. The characters continue to be the best part of this series, and I especially love how their friendships and relationships keep developing with each book. There’s a great mix of humor, action, magic, and suspense, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end. Annette Marie continues to make this world so much fun to read, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Review: Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass

Title: Old Ham
Author: Seraphina Nova Glass
Format: eBook
Length: 195 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 13, 2026

Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass was a quick-paced, darkly entertaining read. From the very beginning I couldn’t look away from the main character. Junie is completely unhinged and watching her justify every increasingly outrageous decision made this book impossible to put down. Her unpredictable behavior kept me constantly wondering what she would do next but also cringe at the same time. The cast of supporting characters added even more chaos to an already wild ride. You honestly didn’t know what was going to happen next throughout the entire story. 

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, Podium Entertainment, and Seraphina Nova Glass for allowing me to read this ARC.

Review: Hunting Fiends For The Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie

Title: Hunting Fiends For The Ill-Equipped
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 28 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: June 23, 2020

I really enjoyed Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped! The action and suspense kept the story moving, while Robin and Zylas’s relationship continued to develop in such a fun and entertaining way. I especially loved their banter, growing trust, and all the tension between them. Robin may have finally grown on me at this point, lol. Another great addition to the Guild Codex series!

Spotlight: Delusional by James Patterson and James O. Born

Title: Delusional
Author: James Patterson and James O. Born
Series: Michael Bennett #18
Format: hardcover/ eARC
Length: 366 pages
Publication Date: August 17, 2026

Detective Michael Bennett and army-sniper-turned-NYPD-officer Rob Trilling travel to Montana to investigate a case that crosses state borders and family lines in this thriller from the world’s bestselling author.

In New York City, a series of deadly bombs explodes. Across the river, a military base is burglarized for munitions. In Montana, violence and arson rock a small town outside of Bozeman. Are the incidents related?

Bennett, Trilling, and the ATF investigate. A single-minded group angry with the government keep turning up in unexpected places, insisting that they’re only trying to make the world a better place. To law enforcement, their claims seem delusional.

Will words or gunpowder light the next fuse?

Thank you to James Patterson Street Team for sending me a hardcover copy.

Review: He Had It Coming by Darby Kane

Title: He Had It Coming
Author: Darby Kane
Format: eBook
Length: 132 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: October 6, 2026

Synopsis: It’s been eight years since “the incident” that stole the future Jerek Hayes had planned. Accusations. Negative press attention. Rabid anger from people he’s never met.

Some say he avoided responsibility for his crime. That his family’s money saved him. But he’s ready to put those years behind him. He’s moved across the country. Established a new life.

He acts like he’s gotten away with it.

But revenge requires perfect timing and Sabrina’s been waiting for this moment. Waiting for him to start over…so she can take it all away.

He Had It Coming by Darby Kane was a fast-paced and entertaining thriller that kept me turning the pages. I especially enjoyed how unlikable and morally questionable so many of the characters were, which made it impossible to know who to trust. The secrets, betrayals, and twists kept the story moving, and I loved watching everything unravel as more was revealed. Overall, this was a messy-in-a-good-way read with plenty of characters to love to hate!

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

Spotlight: One Of The Family by Mark Edwards

Title: One Of The Family
Author: Mark Edwards
Format: eBook
Length: 336 pages
Publication Date: August 4, 2026

Patrick couldn’t believe his luck when Holly fell for him. She’s wickedly funny, beautiful, and with an intimidatingly successful father, Charles.

So when she invites him to Charles’ mansion for a New Year’s break in Scotland, all he’s hoping is that they’ll accept him as one of the family.

But everything feels a little off. Whispers in hallways. Rumours of a body that got found nearby the previous year. And something very strange about Charles’ new girlfriend.

Every family has secrets, and Patrick tells himself all he needs to do is survive the next few days.

But then the first body is found, and Patrick realises that all he needs to do is survive the next few days…

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

Review: Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

Title: Dear Debbie
Author: Freida McFadden
Format: eBook
Length: 340 pages
Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: January 27, 2026

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden is a quick psychological thriller with a straightforward writing style typical of the author. The story moves at a steady pace and kept my interest. The characters are not especially deep. It’s an easy read that may appeal to readers looking for a light, uncomplicated suspense novel.

I received a complimentary e-copy. Thank you to Edelweiss.

Review: Druid Vices and a Vodka by Annette Marie

Title: Druid Vices and a Vodka
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 9 hours 15 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: March 17, 2020

Druid Vices and a Vodka was another fun, entertaining installment in the The Guild Codex: Spellbound series. The investigation pulled me in right away, blending supernatural intrigue with plenty of humor, danger, and unexpected twists. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, with enough surprises to keep me guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated.

What I continue to love most about this series is the cast of characters. Every one of them feels fully developed, and I really enjoyed seeing how each character’s arc continued to evolve. Whether they were facing personal challenges, strengthening long-standing friendships, or discovering new sides of themselves, their growth felt genuine and rewarding. The relationships between the characters remain one of the biggest strengths of the series, adding heart to the fast-paced magical mystery.

The world-building continues to expand naturally, introducing new magical elements while keeping the familiar charm that makes this series so enjoyable. The mix of witty dialogue, paranormal action, and emotional moments creates a story that’s just as much about the characters as it is about solving the case.

While this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it was still a very satisfying read with a strong conclusion. If you’ve been following these characters from the beginning, this installment delivers another engaging mystery, plenty of laughs, and meaningful character development. I’m already looking forward to seeing where their journeys take them next.

Review: Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn #9) by Steve Cavanagh

Title: Two Kinds of Strangers
Author: Steve Cavanaugh
Format: eBook
Length: 400 pages
Rating: 5 stars
Publication Date: March 24, 2026

Steve Cavanagh has done it again!! Two Kinds of Stranger grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and never let me go. The story is packed with tension, twists you don’t see coming, and the kind of suspense that keeps you saying, “Just one more chapter” long into the night. 

I loved how every character seemed to be hiding something, making it impossible to know who could be trusted. The pacing was relentless, with shocking reveals that continually changed my assumptions. Cavanagh’s ability to build suspense while delivering believable, complex characters is what sets his thrillers apart.  

This was a fast-paced, addictive read that kept me guessing until the very end. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with clever plotting, unforgettable characters, and jaw-dropping twists, this book is an absolute must-read!

Thank you to Edelweiss for my e-copy of this book. I listened to this one thanks to my library.

Review: Three Reasons For Revenge by Dervla McTiernan

Title: Three Reasons For Revenge
Author: Dervla McTiernan
Format: audiobook
Length: 10 hours 28 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: July 21, 2026

Dervla McTiernan has delivered a brilliantly layered thriller with Three Reasons for Revenge. What begins with Alexis Turner reporting an assault to Detective Sergeant Judith Lee quickly spirals into a much larger mystery, when Alexis vanishes and three seemingly unrelated people receive mysterious packages designed to destroy their lives. I loved how every new revelation only raised more questions, and the connections between the characters unfolded so naturally that I was constantly rethinking my theories.

I also appreciated how each of the package recipients had their own compelling storyline, making it impossible to know who could be trusted or what role they ultimately played in the larger puzzle.

This is a smart, fast-paced thriller that rewards readers who love piecing together complex mysteries alongside memorable, well-developed characters. I plan to read more books by this author!

Thank you to William Morrow’s Scene Of The Crime Program, which sent me a complimentary audiobook.

Review: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble by Annette Marie

Title: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 27 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: February 4, 2019

I powered myself through this one, relying on my love of the narrator, Cris Dukehart, to get me through it. The main character Robin straight up annoys me at every turn, and especially when she treated Zylas crappy for no reason. This one also lost me once the vampires showed up in the story. The story fits in to the read along just fine, this one was just not my cup of tea.

Review: The Safe Room: A Short Story by Lisa Unger

Title: The Safe Room: A Short Story
Author: Lisa Unger
Format: eBook
Length: 63 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2026

Private investigator Rae Donovan’s relationship with her father is distant to the point of estrangement. But when she learns he’s dying in hospice, she drops everything to be at his side. By the time she arrives, he’s already too far gone to speak, and a doctor says his death is consistent with poisoning.

As she scours his isolated Adirondack home for clues, she discovers a hidden room filled with surveillance equipment, weapons, and a safe full of cash—maybe her father wasn’t the unassuming retiree she’d imagined. Rae must decide whether knowing the full truth about her family is worth the danger of tracking it down.

Lisa Unger knows how to pull you into a story, and The Safe House was no exception. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the mystery of who killed Rae’s father, and wanted to know how everything was connected. I wish this story could of been a little bit longer so the ending could of been more flushed out, but overall I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quick paced thrillers.

I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2026.

Review: The Delivery: A Novella by Gregg Hurwitz

Title: The Delivery: A Novella
Author: Gregg Hurwitz
Format: eBook
Length: 225 pages
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2026

Rebecca and Mark Higgins are doing their best to hold their family together. She’s healing from the pain of a miscarriage, he’s drowning in pressure at work, and their neurodivergent daughter, Maddy, needs all the care she can get. So when a cutting-edge tech company offers the perfect solution, they jump at the chance. And they welcome “Mr. Man”―a humanoid AI companion―into their home.

Designed to anticipate their needs, he’s like a miracle at first. The house runs like clockwork. Meals appear on the table. And Maddy thrives under his patient attention. But when inexplicable tragedies start to strike the neighborhood, Rebecca glimpses a darker pattern at play.

Each incident is an answer to an unspoken fear, each kindness shadowed by violence. Mr. Man isn’t just following instructions―he’s anticipating what they want. Even the things they never dared to say. And if he’s executing their darkest desires, it’s their responsibility to stop him…at any cost.

Gregg Hurwitz knows how to write suspense, and The Delivery was an entertaining read. The story grabbed my attention immediately with what seemed like a routine delivery that quickly spiraled into a dangerous, high-stakes fight for survival. The tension never let up, and I found myself constantly wondering how the family was going to escape each new obstacle. I especially enjoyed the fast pacing and the way Hurwitz kept raising the stakes without slowing the story down. There were several tense confrontations that had me turning the pages as quickly as possible. This was a fun, adrenaline-fueled thriller that delivered exactly what I was expecting from the synopsis. If you enjoy nonstop action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this one is well worth reading. 

This is a new author to me and I would definitely read more of his work.

I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2026.

Review: Keep Them Close by David Ellis

Title: Keep Them Close
Author: David Ellis
Format: eBook
Length: 348 pages
Publication Date: June 30, 2026

From the bestselling author of Look Closer comes a new domestic thriller about betrayal and murder inside one twisted family

Two siblings. One murder. So many lies.

Siblings Allison and Luke have been through a lot together. They’ve always stood by each other. They’d do anything for each other.

Or so it seems.

When Allison’s husband, Finley, is murdered, the investigation threatens to expose the siblings’ darkest secrets. An illicit affair. A decades-old accident. A stunning deception. How do these events explain Finley’s death? How far will Allison and Luke go to keep their secrets buried? And can the siblings even trust one another anymore?

As the investigation winds tighter and past and present collide, the most shocking betrayal might lie a little too close to home…

Keep Them Close by David Ellis was a twisty, fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing from start to finish. The story is packed with family secrets, betrayals, and unexpected revelations, and I never felt completely sure who I could trust. The alternating perspectives and timelines added to the suspense and made it hard to put down. Ellis does a great job weaving together multiple storylines and delivering surprises at just the right moments. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with deception, family drama, and plenty of twists, this one is definitely worth picking up!

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