{I've Been Reading}

 Apple Pies and Poisoned Lies at the Cider Festival by Traci Hall

As soon as I finished the last page, I dashed off to the author's web page to sign up for her mailing list. I cannot WAIT for the second book in this series to come out so that I can spend more time with Macki and her family. This book had me completely, very happily, immersed in the orchards and pie filled kitchen and waiting impatiently for answers. There's a complex mystery with long simmering rivalries and an intense conclusion. The atmosphere will appeal to readers who are ready to finish with Summer and get into the Fall fun. There's a lot of vivid and detailed description, so if that isn't your thing this might not be the best choice for you. I read cozies for the chance to vicariously experience different places and hobbies, so I loved it.  

Assisted Living by Gianaclis Caldwell 

This eco horror novel has such a vivid, creepy setting that I'm looking at the big fir trees next to my house a little differently and hoping I've never done anything to offend them. (It was the previous owner who cut down their former companions, not me!) The author does a great job of creating suspenseful scenes early on, but when the big scary stuff started to unfold, it left me a bit underwhelmed.  It went from being a great, character driven book to a mediocre disaster movie. Then that final chapter got me caught up again and left me curious to see where this trilogy is going. So I'm not sure how I feel about it. 

The Secret Attic by Chelsea Conradt

From the first few pages, I felt like a new aquaintance was sharing her story. Addison never got along with her mother-in-law and, after the older woman's death, she finds herself sorting through Barb's belongings, trying to make sense of it all and help her husband deal with his grief even though she'd rather be absolutely anywhere else. This feels like a real person's experience and Addision struggles without jumping to the usual "she was awful and I'm not" that you encounter so often in fiction and in real life. Barb was an awful woman, but throughout the book Addison feels like a genuinely nice person struggling with an impossible situation. The first time she realizes that something is really wrong in the huge old house is chilling. Halfway through the book I felt like the plot slowed to a crawl but it picks up again before the satisfying ending. 

 Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller

An isolated island with an abandoned amusement park and a heroine who has been hired as a nanny even though she has no experience with young children...this book has the elements of a traditional gothic with some modern twists. It's a wild, dramatic ride and I'm blown away by author's ability to create suspense within a scene. The ending wasn't a total shock, but I'm not unhappy with it.  (I'm not going to give spoilers, but if you're a reader who prefers trigger warnings, you should probably check for them berfore reading.) 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} Miss Morton Takes the Waters

 Miss Morton Takes the Waters by Catherine Lloyd

I picked this book for the setting. Back when I was reading a ton of historical romances, Bath was mentioned frequently, without any details. Now my curiosity has been satisfied and I've enjoyed an intriguing mystery along the way. And, since I jumped in with the fifth book (there's just enough backstory included  that I didn't feel lost) I've got the opportunity to immediately go back and spend more time with the characters. I definitely want to find out more about Mrs. Frogerton. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading}

Probable Caws by Donna Andrews 

I jumped into the Meg Langslow mystery series with the 34th book (Let it Crow, Let it Crow!)  Despite the fact that I was missing years and years of backstory, I immediately fell in love with Meg and her wonderful extended family. I was excited to see that the newest book takes us back to Ragnar's castle and Meg's blacksmithing -- and the crows! Fifty rescue horses have been displaced from the farmland where they were being cared for and everyone is on hand to get them safely situated in Ragnar's barns and pastures. The horses are settling in well, but there's plenty of conflict between their caregivers and (of course) a body discovered in a barn in the middle of the night... All of the best elements of this series come together in a fast paced read with a satifying mystery at its center. 

The Women in White by Sarah Pekkenen

I absolutely loved this book! It has so many elements that appealed to me, especially the 1960s setting and parapsychology experiments. Dual timelines alternate between four young college students being tested for psychic abilities and Riley, a young woman who has accepted as job as caretaker for Betty, an elderly woman who really doesn't seem to need her services. Betty's house is a time capsule that she hasn't left in years. When she asks Riley to help her contact her old friends, it quickly becomes obvious to the reader that something happened back in 1964 and the tension gradually builds until you start to fear just how bad it's going to be. By the end, I was gripping the edges of my phone. Quotes at the beginnings of the chapters remind us that this kind of research was a real thing.

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} The House on Blood Street

The House on Blood Street by Josh Hanson 

You know those over the top horror movies that leave you lying awake at night trying to forget (or at least figure out) what it was you just saw? This book is like that, but with absolutely none of the regret. Jack and Avery know there's something off about the fixer-upper they're buying. For them, that creepy collage in the basement is one of the selling points. When they find weird symbols under the dining room carpet, they're even more entertained. It's no secret their new house has a disturbing history. If you've ever asked yourself why the characters in a haunted house don't just walk out the front door, this gives a different perspective. I -loved- this one. (If, like me, you're not a huge fan of classic Italian horror movies, don't let the comparisons put you off. It's a definite fever dream, but it's never boring.)  

 If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle 

After wishing she could live in one of her favorite author's romance novels, Roxie Mitchell gets almost exactly what she wanted, complete with an adorable meet-cute moment. Then she finds out that her favorite author is branching out and the plot she's trying to survive is a thriller. This book is all kinds of fun. Midway through, I felt like the plot was dragging but by the last few chapters I was completely invested in the fates of the characters. I'd say more, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers here. 

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron

Within the first few pages, I was reminded of why I've read every book in this series as it came out. The characters and setting are absolutely amazing and this is my favorite of the bunch so far. I love the way cozy mysteries give their readers a chance to vicariously experience so many parts of the world and in this one, I got to peek behind the scenes of Mardi Gras parades.  There's an intriguing mystery and lots going on between the characters. I can't recommend it enough, but you might want to start this series at the beginning. 

Plant Lady by Minyoung Kang

I'm not entirely sure how to describe this Korean novel. The publisher has it tagged as horror, but I'd disagree. It's more like a cozy thriller with a few well placed splashes of gore and reminded me of An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good, with a much more likeable protagonist who has a deep respect for houseplants and a strong sense of justice. 

Murder in Season by Rosie Sandler 

Steph and Mouse are at it again, this time planning a community garden for a charming historic village. The residents all have strong opinions and she's not allowed in the locked site without a chaperone, but her temporary roommate is a great cook and she's got big plans for the garden. One section of land has been specifically excluded from the plans and of course that's where they unearth a pair of long buried skeletons (not a spoiler, it's there on the back of the book!) I always enjoy reading about Steph and Mouse. The evolving plans for the garden play a large role in the plot and the parcticipation of various community members means we get more insight into their relationships and who might or might not have motive for murder. 

 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} Whistle

 

Whistle by Linwood Barclay 

This horror novel is fairly new, but feels like one of those 80s paperbacks with a skeleton on the cover that you used to be able to pick up along with your weekly groceries. If you're nostalgic for those, you'll probably enjoy this one as much as I did. Annie's son finds an old train set in the shed behind the house they're renting and odd things begin to happen. I got easily caught up in the difficulties of Annie's life before the author moved on to other characters who happened to purchase trains. Eventually, we do get back to Annie and her son. It's entertaining and has some creepy moments, even if some of the horror was just plain silly. (Or maybe I'm a bit desensitized after reading so many of these books over the past forty or so years?) 

A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments by Ann Claire

I can safely say that I'll never be taking a real life bicycle tour, much less a bicycle tour of France. Instead, I'll happily enjoy things like that in travel-themed cozy mysteries, especially this series. Sadie Greene, owner of Oui Cycle, is hoping for a murder free tour with a bridal party. She can deal with an overbearing bride, lots of party games, and even her boyfriend's mother. It's the discovery of a body that has her scrambling. I jumped into this series with the third book and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  I had to guess at some of the back story, but that wasn't a problem. The murder mystery and amazing setting made up for any little details I might've missed by not starting at the very beginning. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.  

 No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle 

I jumped into Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mysteries with the twenty-first book, which actually worked out just fine. Obviously there's a whole lot of backstory between the characters that I've missed out on, but there was just enough explanation to catch me up so I could understand what was going on. In an effort to boost foot traffic at the formerly bustling coffehouse, Clare and her staff decide to offer services that will appeal to writers and other creative types. An old sign up in the attic reveals that, decades earlier, the coffeehouse was home to the Writer's Block Lounge. It's all going great until the tragedy that ended the original writer's lounge rears its ugly head again. Years may have passed, but not everyone has forgotten. Towards the middle of the book, I felt like the plot was dragging a bit, but overall I enjoyed the read. 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with an advance review copy. 

{I've Been Reading} Scary Movie Night

The Last to Drown by Noelle W. Ihli

This thriller broke my heart before sucking me in and absoulutely refusing to let me catch my breath. Instead of a rafting trip down the River at the End of the World with her husband, Kaia has switched her non-refundable ticket to a trip for women. They'll be sleeping on the same beach where a rafting group was savagely butchered seven years earlier and some of her travel companions are more excited about the true crime experience than the white water rapids. The killer is dead and buried. That's been confirmed after a made for TV movie stirred up a bunch of rumors. The only danger should be from the river itself....but it's not. I've read a few of this author's other books and liked them well enough, but this one absolutely blew me away. I'm off to download her backlist.   

 Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith

Tippi is celebrating her birthday at her grandmother's estate, along with her best friends, who have gone all out to make it a night to remember. Everyone is in costume. There's a spread of great food. Classic horror movies are set up in the cinema upstairs. And, along with the gifts she was expecting, there are handwritten birthday cards from someone who wasn't invited. This is a fun locked room mystery (you'll just have to accept that no one drove to the party and there's no phone at the house so they can't leave or call for help.) Excerpts from Tippi's book, What Hitch Taught Me About Life help, keep the movie references going after the first murder stops the festivities and there are lots more movie references if you're paying attention. 

Trad Wife by Carrie Hughes

This is my favorite of the many "trad wife" thrillers I've read so far. Faith, with her five children and daily sourdough bakes, is exactly what you'd expect a succesful influencer to be. Melissa, a social media manager with a podcast, want to get access to the perfect family so that she can expose their secrets. Which is pretty much the formula I've seen in these books so far -- except this time it works extremely well. There are layers of twists and revelations I didn't see coming. It doesn't start with the usual immediate premise that tradwives are to be despised (or at least disapproved of.) Instead, after a prologue that provides just a glimpse of how bad things are going to get,  it gives us a look at Faith and her life and some chances to see her facade slip just a bit. And it builds from there. 

{I've Been Reading} All Shell Breaks Loose

 All Shell Breaks Loose by Molly MacRae

The Haunted Shell Shop books are some of my favorite new cozy mystery titles. Maureen Nash inherited a shell shop on Okrakoke island that came with a resident pirate ghost and a lot of questions. This time they're about a haunted sword that appeared on the beach after one of her least favorite islanders claimed he was about to buy it. I've been reading this series since the first book and enjoyed them all, although this one didn't feel like it included as many details of the island setting that kept me coming back. I wouldn't recommend jumping in mid-series -- definitely start with the first book so you won't miss any of the fun! 

Murder in Miniature by Katie Tietjen

Inspired by Frances Glessner Lee and her miniature crime scenes, this book was right up my alley. I do wish I'd read the first one in the series first, because I was missing some important bits of backstory, but it works well enough as a stand alone. I loved the 1940s setting and the dollhouses and the fact that this one is a little darker than most of the cozies I read. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

en Reading} The Video Store Massacre

The Video Store Massacre by Michael Grimala

A group of middle school students secretly meets in the projection booth of an abandoned drive in theater to watch tapes from the local video store. Their imaginations fueled by gory movies and back issues of Fangoria, the four kids hope to film nightmares of their own and once they find an old film camera buried in the woods, there's nothing to stop them. This is a fast paced, nostalgic read that feels almost straight out of the 1980s (except it's actually set in 1994, which explains a few of what I thought were anachronisms.) It captures the era without overdoing it and there are some genuinely creepy scenes throughout the book. It's fun horror that never gets actually scary. 

Essense of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber 

The grand opening of Emma Brennan's new spa, cafe, and gift shop is only days away and she's busy making sure that every last detail is perfect. Another local spa owner has expressed her unhapiness with the new competition, but that doesn't faze Emma at all -- until the woman turns up dead. Conflicts between local business owners mean that there's no shortage of suspects or motives. The first in a new series, this mystery is set in Carmel, California, the same community as the author's Fairy Garden series of mysteries and features some of the same characters. If you want an extremely detailed setting and lots of information about sound baths and meditation, along with an occasional fairy flittering past, this is the series for you. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} The View from Here

The View From Here by Rachel Howzell Hall 

Nicole and Truman's marriage was struggling before the diving accident and, unlike the relationships in so many of the domestic thrillers I read, the two of them feel like really people with real conflict simmering between them. After Truman's body isn't discovered from the dive site after an extensive search, Nicole clings to the hope that he somehow might still be alive...and to the fear that he may be haunting her. Suspenseful and filled with increasingly unsettling apparitions, this book is an entertaining read that I tore straight through. A lot of the author's titles, including this one, are available on Kindle Unlimited so I'm adding them all to my TBR! 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with adance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} Purple Blame Game

 Joanna Campbell Slan (who, full disclosure, is a friend of mine) has a new book out in the Kiki Lowenstein series! I stumbled across her books when I found the third one available for Kindle Unlimited, immediately headed to the library to catch up on the first two, and have read every single one that came out soon. And absolutely oodles of the short stories because I love spending time in the world of characters she's created. 

Purple Blame Game, the latest, has Kiki and her friends at Time in a Bottle scramblikng to crochet a hundred bunnies for hospitalized children. The book opens with the discovery of a murder victim in the alley behind the store, then the plot doubles back to the conflict filled days before the event, a tactic I think works really well in cozy mysteries. We're not spending the whole book waiting for the shoe to drop, and we still get all of the important information when we need to get it. There's a lot more I'd like to praise, but I'm avoiding spoilers here. There's lots of crafting, a situation that gets misinterpreted and causes problems, friction between the charcters. And Myrt is back -- which I love because I missed her when the was gone from the series!  

And then there at the books by people I don't know that publishers sent me to review....

A Cultivated Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

I've manged to miss one or two of the Food Blogger mystery series over the years, but I've enjoyed every one that I've read. This time around, members of the local garderning club are clashing over how to restore the grounds of a historic house. The conflict quickly escalates to murder and Hope and her friends are drawn into the investigation. The mystery is compled and satisfying. I enjoyed this one, but it felt like a couple of characters were absent. One of the biggest draws for me has always been Hope's bustling day to day life. 

{I've Been Reading} It Came From Neverland

 Dungeons and Danger by Elizabeth Penney 

The second book in the Ravensea Castle series of cozy mysteries gives readers a more detailed look at the dungeons and sacred spring. Ghost hunters and treasure hunters have both descended on the castle, just as the family is preparing for Viking Fest, an event which will bring even more strangers to the property. I'm absolutely loving this series. Ghosts wander the dark old halls, the characters feel like people you'd actually want to visit, and the setting fascinates me. I look forward to the next book. 

It Came from Neverland by Cynthia Pelayo

Wendy Darling teaches at a home for orphaned children and volunteers in a hospital, telling stories to terribly injured soldiers. For twelve years, she's tried to forget what happened to her and her brothers when they disappeared and were later found in Kensington Garden. Now the children at the home are behaving oddly. Shadows stretch and loom and there's something wrong with the birds. One of the soliders whispers the last name she wants to hear and, even before a child goes missing, she can no longer ignore the signs that he's back. This book is wonderfully dark and creepy. The backdrop of the great war and the glimpses of Wendy's time with Peter and the Lost Boys paint a haunting picture of stolen youth. I got caught up in the story and couldn't put it down until I was done. 

Marion by Leah Rowan 

The cover copy had me expecting a 1960s setting with Marion Crane and Norman Bates -- and that's exactly why I picked it out to read. As soon as I realized that it's set in the present day, I was disappointed. But I got over that quickly. Some of the plot follows the basic structure of the movie and, now and then, there's a screaming moment that could've been lifted straight from the original Psycho. This author really knows how to create suspense on the printed page. If you're not dead set on something that includes the original setting and characters, I think you'll enjoy this one. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} The Clock House Murders

The Clock House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

After reading a ton of cozy mysteries over the past few years, I've stumbled across honkatu fiction, Japanese mystery novels that stick to the traditional rules of "fair play" from the Golden Age of detective fiction. Every clue that the reader would need to solve the mystery is included. I lack the patience or attention to detail that would let me figure out the solutions, but I enjoy the journey, especially when I'm on the right track and come close to the answers. 

In this traditional locked room mystery, a magazine writer, a popular spirit medium, and a group of university students travel to the Kamakura Clock Mansion to hold a seance and investigate the reported hauntings. The odd layout of the structure means that they'll be locked in for several days, surrounded by a hundred and eight ticking clocks. When the killing starts, there's no escape.  

It took me a few chapters to adapt to the author's writing style and the slow pace as the story unfolds, but once I got caught up in the unfamiliar rhythm of it all, I couldn't put it down. In addition to the murder mystery, there's a supernatural mystery element with the seance and fascinating information about the history of timekeeping. The author includes multiple diagrams of the house's odd layout (something I definitely needed to make sense of things) and of the timelines that the characters develop as they're trying to identify the killer. As soon as I get my TBR list under control, I want to find the author's other books. 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with an advance review copy. 

{I've Been Reading} Hot Wings and Homicide

 Hot Wings and Homicide by Carmela Dutra 

This book plunges the reader straight into the chaos and fun of a food festival -- then quickly puts a damper on things with Beth's discovery of her ex's body behind an out of the way building. I missed out on the first book in this series, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. Beth is up to her ears in a murder investigation while also manning her own food truck (I'm still not entirely sure how she juggled the whole thing) and her twin and her best friend are wandering the festival grounds dressed as a cow and a chicken. Oh, and there's also a real chicken that's absolutely ADORABLE. 

Masher of Ceremonies by Victoria Hamilton

I started the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries when the first book came out, then missed a few titles somewhere in the middle. Now the series is up to book thirteen and I've probably read half of them. Jaymie is one of those characters who is active in her community and always surrounded by friends, which occasionally means being dragged into situations she'd rather avoid -- like confronting a blackmailer while she's already overwhelmed by preparations for the annual Tea With the Queen. The dead body doesn't turn up until well into the plot, but by that point tensions are already simmering. I particularly like that this one gave such a detailed look at the tea, whcih has featured in earlier titles. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} The Caretaker

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

I absolutely loved We Used to Live Here and as soon as I saw that the author had written another book, I grabbed it. This one is even better, possibly the first horror novel that has given me actual physical chills. For three days of housesitting, Macy will receive an obscene amount of money, money that she desperately needs. There are specific instructions that must be followed and they seem almost ridiculously simple and probably unnecessary. We read the prologue and know that there's something out there on the property, but Macy is blissfully ignorant. She follows the rites that first night. After that, there's no turning back. This book gets really dark and, although I'm not usually a fan of trigger warnings, the ones in the author's note are worth reading so it doesn't blindside you. By the time I turned the last page, I was completely unsettled and now I'm anxiously waiting to see waht Marcus Kliewer comes up with next. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.  

{I've Been Reading} Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place

 Between a Roquefort and a Hard Place by Linda Reilly

The latest entry in the Grilled Cheese mystery series is absolutely fantastic. While Carly is visiting a historic mansion to make the owner one of her grilled cheese concoctions, the contractor falls from the roof. It clearly wasn't an accident and the number one suspect is Carly's husband, Ari, who was there to work on the house's electrical system. As Carly scrambles to clear Ari's name, all of the other clients he had lined up for future jobs begin to cancel. The mystery element is complex and entertaining and there's plenty of extra cheesy goodness since Carly and her staff are testing out entries in a grilled cheese contest the restaurant is sponsoring. I always want to head for the kitchen after reading these books! 

Disclosure -- The publisher provided me with an advance review copy. 

{I've Been Reading} Some Like it Fudgy

 Some Like it Fudgy by Nancy CoCo

What's drawn me back to this series over and over has been the setting. I love all of the little details about life on Mackinac Island. There was noticably less of that this time around, maybe because the plot left little room for it. (The yummy sounding recipes are still there between the chapters, though!)  As soon as Allie discovers this book's murder victim, her new husband's ex-wife, the plot gets moving and doesn't slow down.  I didn't care for the dynamic between Allie and Rex in this one. Even after she's cleared as a suspect, a new member of the police department is actively keeping her from investigating. It's interesting to see how she maneuvers around his efforts, but she spends most of the book angry. 

In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan

This is the most exhausting domestic thriller I've ever read. The events of the book span a year, starting with the birth of Marlowe's second daughter. She struggles with post partum depression, and with breastfeeding, and with balancing the needs of her two children. What makes this one stand out is that she has a supportive husband and network of friends and no one is belittling her or dismissing her concerns. A young woman went missing without her landlords or family noticing that anything was wrong until Marlowe and her friends, who all enjoy true crime podcasts, decide to look into it, but that part of the plot is completely overshadowed by Marlowe's struggles. The author went out on a limb and did something really different, but it didn't work for me. There's just so much time spent on Marlowe's emotions and her three-year-old's emotions and breastfeeding and as a reader I didn't have the patience for this fictional character's struggles. I can see where it could provide great discussion for a book club. 

The Personal Trainer by Rebecca Collomosse

Juliet wants to look great on her wedding day, so she hires a personal trainer. At first, she's thrilled with the results. Claudia is exactly what she needed...until she starts overstepping boundaries and becoming more and more pushy. What sets this one apart and makes the book work so well is how much control Juliet's personal trainer has over her life. Far more than a new friend, or housekeeper, or any of the other new "friends" I've encountered in similar thrillers. 

The Barn Identity by Diane Kelly

In the eighth House-Flipper mystery, Whitney and her cousin are doing things differently. The historic barn they're converting into apartments isn't for sale. The property has been in the same family since the stone foundation was laid. It might have been part of the Underground Railroad. The two are enthusiastic enough about the place's history to break their rule of only working on their own properties and take on a client, but before they can even get started, a local reporter is murdered and Whitney is investigating. The pace of this one felt different from the previous books in the series, with the job making up less of the plot. There was also a lot of lecturing in the pages. One character keeps an actual soap box on hand to climb up onto when she has an opportunity to educate potential customers. 

In and Dark and Lovely Wood by NC James 

I'm not sure if there's a term for these thrillers that feel like old fashioned slasher movies, but I'm loving them! A group of friends have gathered to celebrate before a summer camp themed wedding. The whole setup is glamping at it's finest, but there's no phone reception this deep in the woods and they were all dropped off by a party bus. There's no way to leave or call for help. And did I mention that there's an escaped serial killer in the area? This one is fun and fast paced, with a great setting. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} Morsel

Morsel by Carter Keane 

This is a wild ride of a horror novel.  Along with her dog, Lou sets off to do an appraisal on a remote property. Take some pictures, write a report, and get a desperately needed paycheck. It should be straightforward, but there's something in the woods and her truck won't start. Fast paced and brutal, this book really pulls you into Lou's head and lets you know what she's feeling. You'll definitely worry about the dog. 

You Did Nothing Wrong by CG Drews

It opens with a mother and child playing together in a quiet nursery filled with vintage toys, but that perfect bit of domestic tranquility is brief. Elodie has carved out little bubbles of peace in the house her new husband is rennovating. The rest of the old mansion is filled with dangers -- open holes in the walls, mold, lead, splintered wood, power tools... Bren would never hurt her son, she knows that, but the house is still unsafe. She's watchful and cautious, but her careful facade is slipping bit by bit even before she starts hearing things in the house. This book is dark and heart wrenching and a brutal ride. If you're a reader who relies on trigger warnings, I strongly suggest you look them up before getting yourself into this one.  

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} What We Did to Survive

 What We Did to Survive by Megan Lally 

The title and cover art of this one grabbed me and the plot delivered everything that the exterior of the book promised. On the last day of their vacation in Mexico, best friends Hannah and Emma join Emma's new fling on a chartered sailboat with Emma's older brother along to keep an eye on them. They're looking forward to a few last hours in the sun and will be back at the resort packing their bags long beforfe the predicted storms hit the area. The first few chapters effectively set the scene and, once things start to go wrong, the plot moves quickly. One plot element jumped out to me as glaringly predictable...or maybe there was supposed to be a sense of dread knowing what was coming. I can't quite decide. 

The Agony of Her by Cassandra L. Thompson

Haunted houses and folk horror are a great combination. This one has parallel plots set in 1910 and 1981. It's not the nostalgic, neon soaked 80s that so many books are exploring lately, it's the isolated from your neighbors by lack of a cell phone version. Lori Greene has inherited Haite Hill, a dilapidated gothic mansion that sits above a former mill town. Having her two stepdaughters with her while she plans the renovations is less than ideal, but her ex-husband dropped them off with no notice and she's making the best of things. In the earlier timeline, Ada Haite is banished to the house with her own stepdaughters. The book is creepy and atmospheric and held my interest as both women dealt with the same evil in different timelines. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies. 

{I've Been Reading} A Place to Die For

 A Place to Die For by A. M. Strong and Sonya Sargent

Jordan and Sam had the rug pulled out from under them just as they expected to sign the papers and buy their own home. Then, seemily out of nowhere, they're invited to buy a condo at an exclusive luxury building. The other residents are welcoming and their unit comes already filled with luxurious furniture that they'd never have the budget for. Never mind that dark stain under the carpet in the foyer, which must be paint. Those distressing sounds she hears echo through the hallways must be Jordan's imagination. As readers, we all know it's too good to be true, but Jordan and Sam are oblivious. I was fine with the slow burn, but problems keep repeating themselves a few too many times without the characters starting to question whether something else is really going on.  I loved the setup, but quickly lost patience with the characters and found the eventual reveal to be disappointing. 

Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.