Talk about twists and turns—The Writer is a wild ride from page one. It checked all my boxes: tense, gripping, fast-paced, and flat-out fun for anyone who loves thrillers. The plot is a maze. Just when you think you’ve cracked it—boom—another twist hits. Patterson’s name is everywhere, and let’s be honest—some are hits, some are misses. But teaming up with J.D. Barker? Total win. The story opens with a bloody crime scene, a true-crime author covered in blood, and one big question: did she do it? NYPD Detective Declan Shaw thinks it’s an open-and-shut case. The deeper he digs, the murkier it gets. The pacing is classic Patterson—short chapters, punchy […]
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Golden Age Crime Queens Unite to Solve a Murder Mystery
Marie Benedict’s The Queens of Crime brings together five legendary female mystery writers—Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and Baroness Emma Orczy—as they set out to solve a real-life murder. Set in 1930s London and France, the novel follows this fictionalized version of the Detection Club as they investigate the death of May Daniels, a young nurse whose body turns up months after she vanished. What begins as an effort to prove themselves equal to their male counterparts turns into a dangerous pursuit when Sayers herself becomes a target. The historical setting is richly drawn, and Benedict’s research shines through, especially in her portrayal of these literary […]
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A Twisty Literary Thriller with a Haunting Premise
In this gripping debut, a small town is rocked by the suspicious death of Dr. Erin Landry, with all clues pointing to reclusive failed writer Elijah Leith. As the town turns against him, Elijah must prove his innocence before it’s too late. Elijah returns to his childhood home in Point Orchards, Washington, after his writing career collapses, only to find himself at the center of a murder investigation. When Erin Landry is found hanging from a tree on his property, the police suspect suicide—until eerie similarities to Elijah’s own novel emerge. As the investigation deepens, secrets unravel, forcing Elijah to confront past betrayals and an unexpected enemy intent on framing […]
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Turow’s Latest Legal Thriller Delivers Tension and Insight
Scott Turow proves once again why he’s the king of the legal thriller with Presumed Guilty. This book pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. Rusty Sabich, now retired, finds himself back in the courtroom defending his fiancée’s son, Aaron, against a murder charge. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the tension is palpable as Turow expertly navigates themes of racial bias, small-town dynamics, and the complexities of the justice system. The courtroom drama is riveting—Turow obviously has courtroom experience, but he also has a delightful sense of humor. Rusty’s internal conflict adds emotional depth, and the layered characters make them authentic and relatable. Aaron’s struggles […]
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A Gripping Mystery in the Heart of the Northwoods
Figure Eight hooked me from the start with its vivid portrayal of small-town life and a haunting mystery set in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. John Cabrelli, a former cop grappling with the loss of his career, inherits his uncle’s cabin and stumbles into a tangled web of secrets. As he digs deeper into his uncle’s suspicious death, Cabrelli faces danger and uncovers truths that could change everything about the place he once called home. Jeff Nania’s background as a law enforcement officer and conservationist shines through. The details about the land and the characters’ interactions with their environment feel authentic. The town’s culture—the festivals, quirky personalities, and close-knit community—reminded me of my […]
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Miss Aldridge Regrets
In 1936 London, Lena Aldridge, a talented mixed-race singer and actress, dreams of performing on grand stages. Yet, her reality finds her stuck in the dimly lit confines of a shabby basement jazz club in Soho. Life takes a cruel turn as her beloved single father passes away, her married boyfriend walks out on her, and her best friend involves her in a murder. Just when it seems like all hope is lost, a mysterious stranger extends an irresistible offer: a starring role on Broadway and a luxurious voyage aboard the RMS Queen Mary. Lena jumps at the chance to skip town. So what if the offer is too good […]
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