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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Title: The Kind Worth Killing Author: Peter Swanson Format: Paperback Length: 311 pages Rating: 5 stars Publication Date Of My Edition: 2015
The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson was an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story is packed with twists, deception, and morally complex characters who are impossible to look away from. The multiple perspectives added so much depth to the plot, allowing the tension to build steadily while revealing just enough information to keep me guessing. Swanson’s writing is sharp, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. Every chapter left me wanting to read just one more, and the ending was perfectly satisfying. If you enjoy clever psychological thrillers filled with manipulation, secrets, and unexpected twists, this is a must-read.
Title: The Alchemist and an Amaretto Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 6 hours 55 minutes Rating: 4.5 stars Publication Date: January 28, 2020
The Alchemist and an Amaretto was an absolutely great listen for me. Every time I return to this world I’m reminded why these books are so addictive. The blend of magic, action, humor, and character development was perfectly balanced, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
I am also completely invested in Cris Dukehart’s narration. She makes each character feel unique and it keeps me invested in the story.
Annette Marie also does an amazing job creating a world that feels immersive without becoming too complicated or overwhelming. Every new detail adds something meaningful to the plot. This book had everything I love in an urban fantasy and it left me excited to continue with the series immediately.
Title: It’s Not Her Author: Mary Kubica Format: audiobook Length: 11 hours 32 minutes Narrators: Jennifer Jill Araya, Brittany Pressley, Gary Tiedermann Rating: 4.5 stars Publication Date:February 3, 2026
It’s Not Her was such an addictive and suspenseful read. Mary Kubica does an amazing job creating tension from the very beginning, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist completely changed everything.
I especially loved the emotional depth of the story and how layered the characters felt. The pacing was fantastic, the atmosphere was unsettling in the best way, and the ending was absolutely everything. This was one of those thrillers that was impossible to put down!
I also enjoyed each narrator. They made the characters come to life in such a great way!
Title: The Anniversary Author: Alex Finlay Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 38 minutes Narrators: Ari Fliakos & Brittany Pressley Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed The Anniversary by Alex Finlay. The story pulled me in right away with its intriguing premise and didn’t let go. The pacing was steady, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me listening, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on.
The plot twist completely caught me off guard in the best way. It was the kind of reveal that makes you stop and rethink everything you’ve read up to that point, which I always appreciate in a thriller. It felt well-executed and satisfying rather than rushed or predictable.
I listened to the audiobook, and both narrators (Ari Fliakos and Brittany Pressley) did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. They really captured the tone and emotions of the characters, adding depth and tension in all the right moments. Their performances made it even easier to stay fully immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a gripping and entertaining read with strong storytelling and a memorable twist. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to listen.
Title: The Invitation Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas Format: eBook Length: 329 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: July 1, 2025
I stayed up all night reading this book, which is rare for me. Was it a masterpiece? Not really. But I was totally invested in Amelia and Jude’s relationship. I liked the witty banter the characters had with each other and did laugh out loud a few times. I wish Jude would of came clean instead of just yelling “wait, wait” at her while Amelia was running away. Anyway, I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I chose this book as a First Reads choice in June 2025.
Title: Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen Format: audiobook Length: 8 hours 12 minutes Rating: 3 stars Publication Date: September 14, 2021
I wanted to give Kit a chance, but I am just not feeling this series. I did like how the events that happened on Halloween with the demon are in all three series (Spellbound, Warped and Demonized) though. I will continue on with this series as it’s part of the read-along I am doing but it’s not my favorite.
