Category: Murder Mystery (Page 1 of 8)

STICKS AND STONES by John Toolan

November 19, 2024 / aylah234@hotmail.com / 0 Comments

Sticks and Stones is a dark fictional satire about school bullying and gun violence in America.

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for this review copy!

Sticks and Stones is a dark, incisive, and biting satirical novel that delves into the harrowing realities of school bullying and gun violence in America. Through its often uncomfortable narrative, the book paints a vivid picture of the toxic environments that can emerge in schools and the devastating consequences that follow when these issues are left unchecked. It also describes a chilling portrayal of the lengths to which individuals can be pushed.

Set against the backdrop of a fictional American high school, the story follows a group of students and faculty as they navigate a toxic environment rife with intimidation, cruelty, and a pervasive sense of danger. Through a blend of sharp wit and grim realism, the author exposes the systemic issues that allow such behaviors to fester, making a powerful commentary on the societal and institutional failures that contribute to these problems.

The characters are exaggerated, vividly drawn, and easily recognizable. each embodying different facets of the issue. From the bullies who thrive on fear to the victims struggling to be heard, as well as the ineffectual adults who fail to protect them, a complex array of perspectives challenges readers to confront their views on these pressing issues. The satire is both scathing and reflective, offering moments of dark humor while never losing sight of the gravity of the subject matter. Regardless of their satirical makeup, the characters are deeply relatable, representing various archetypes found in American schools.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to provoke thought and discussion. It invites readers to consider the broader implications of the problems depicted. The pacing of the novel is relentless, with tension building as the narrative unfolds. The author’s ability to tell the story from various perspectives creates a multi-faceted portrayal of the issues at hand. The narrative style balances bleakness with moments of sharp, dark humor.

The story does not shy away from the harsh realities of modern-day school environments. The vicious cycle of bullying is both raw and unflinchingly honest, capturing the emotional and psychological torment that victims endure. The destructive potential of social media is placed front and center, illustrating the havoc that can be wreaked by a simple photo or thoughtfully crafted sentence.

However, the book’s sharp satire might not be for everyone. The thinly disguised caricatures (arrogant Republicans, left-leaning Democrats, bullied high school senior with access to guns) create an in-your-face attitude. (This distracted me from the plot at times, as I mulled over the thoughts and actions of the President, his toadies, the fresh-faced teacher, etc.)

Sticks and Stones is a powerful exploration of America’s darker aspects of school life. This dark satire is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to confront its harsh truths, it is a profoundly necessary work. Its unflinching portrayal of violence and the psychological toll of bullying can be difficult to digest. Yet, it is precisely this raw honesty that makes it such a compelling read. It is a novel that stays with you long after the final page, provoking thought and discussion. The author’s goal is to illuminate the urgent need for change in how we address bullying and gun violence in society.

Caveat: triggers include violent thoughts and actions, bullying, ethnic slurs, and mild sexuality.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

HOUSE OF GLASS by Sarah Pekkanen

August 6, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

The next thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen, House of Glass.

On the outside they were the golden family with the perfect life. On the inside they built the perfect lie.
A young nanny who plunged to her death, or was she pushed? A nine-year-old girl who collects sharp objects and refuses to speak. A lawyer whose job it is to uncover who in the family is a victim and who is a murderer. But how can you find out the truth when everyone here is lying?

Rose Barclay is a nine-year-old girl who witnessed the possible murder of her nanny – in the midst of her parent’s bitter divorce – and immediately stopped speaking. Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney, appointed to serve as counsel for children in custody cases. She never accepts clients under thirteen due to her own traumatic childhood, but Stella’s mentor, a revered judge, believes Stella is the only one who can help. From the moment Stella passes through the iron security gate and steps into the gilded, historic DC home of the Barclays, she realizes the case is even more twisted, and the Barclay family far more troubled, than she feared. And there’s something eerie about the house itself: It’s a plastic house, with not a single bit of glass to be found.

As Stella comes closer to uncovering the secrets the Barclays are desperate to hide, danger wraps around her like a shroud, and her past and present are set on a collision course in ways she never expected. Everyone is a suspect in the nanny’s murder. The mother, the father, the grandmother, the nanny’s boyfriend. Even Rose. Is the person Stella’s supposed to protect the one she may need protection from?

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

Sarah Pekkanen’s HOUSE OF GLASS is a captivating psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story centers around Stella Hudson, a lawyer appointed to represent a young girl caught in a bitter custody battle. The situation takes a dark turn when it is revealed the girl’s nanny recently fell from a window to her death, leaving a cloud of suspicion hanging over the entire household. The author skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and psychological drama. The reader is constantly questioning who to trust and what truly happened the night the nanny fell.

Pekkanen excels at building suspense. The story unfolds at a steady pace, slowly revealing cracks in the seemingly perfect facade of the Barclay family. Each character harbors secrets, and the lack of windows in their house adds a constant sense of unease. The narrative cleverly shifts between Stella’s investigation and the perspective of young Rose, the traumatized girl at the center of the case. This dual perspective allows the reader to delve deeper into the emotional toll of the situation and the complexities of Rose’s trauma. It also adds intrigue, as the reader is not sure who might be an unreliable narrator.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters. Each member of the Barclay family is flawed and complex, grappling with their own demons and motivations. Pekkanen expertly explores the dynamics of family relationships. The atmosphere of the house itself is also a character in its own right. Pekkanen creates a sense of unease and foreboding that permeates every page, making the mansion feel like a living, breathing entity with its own dark secrets waiting to be uncovered. The setting is vividly described, evoking a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that adds to the novel’s tension.

Summary:

Intriguing Premise: The combination of a child custody case and a suspicious death creates a layered mystery with high stakes. The lack of windows in the Barclay household adds a creepy atmosphere, making the reader wonder what the family is trying to hide.
Compelling Characters: Stella is a well-developed protagonist. She’s empathetic yet determined, making her a character you root for as she navigates the complexities of the case. The other characters, including the Barclay family members, are shrouded in secrecy, keeping the reader guessing about their true motives.

Suspenseful Plot: Pekkanen masterfully builds tension throughout the novel. The story unfolds with a slow burn, dropping subtle clues that leave you piecing together the puzzle. However,some readers might find the initial chapters a bit slow.
Focus on Trauma: The book deals with themes of child trauma and loss, which can be emotionally heavy for some readers.

HOUSE OF GLASS is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. Pekkanen’s sharp writing and exploration of family dynamics make this a page-turner. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a touch of psychological suspense, then this book is definitely worth checking out. The exploration of family secrets and the unreliable nature of memory make for an entertaining story. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tana French and Gillian Flynn, or for anyone who enjoys a good domestic mystery with a twist. Readers who enjoy piecing together clues and analyzing characters will find themselves engrossed in the story. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the satisfying – and perhaps surprising – conclusion.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

TO CURE OR KILL by Michael Young

December 19, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

This is a frightening story describing the scientific discovery of a new cancer medication, and the greed and quest for wealth within the pharmaceutical industry. The book delves into the world of scientific development, executive entitlement, and the ruthless efforts to obtain a needed molecular synthesis protocol to advance a new drug. At the end of the novel, the reader will need to ask themselves the underlying question: Is this story really fiction?

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for this review copy!

In this frightening novel, author Michael Young delves into the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, where greed and ambition clash with the pursuit of life-saving cures. The story revolves around a groundbreaking discovery of a new cancer-preventing drug and the ruthless individuals who will stop at nothing to exploit it for their own gain. The captivating narrative weaves together scientific intrigue, corporate espionage, and moral quandaries, keeping the reader interested until the very end. The novel’s exploration of the ethical boundaries of scientific research is particularly thought-provoking, raising questions about the balance between profit and human health.

The characters are complex and believable, making you care about their fate. Most of the scientists in this book are created as sympathetic characters (rather than science nerds), and the bad guys are so easy to hate! The author has done a thorough job of creating arrogant, narcissistic criminals, and I was impressed at how he was able to create a plausible story line that delved into the mind of the villains as they planned their heinous actions.

The novel is suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also appreciated the accurate medical details: as a physician, Young clearly has a deep understanding of the medical field, which adds to the realism of the story. It is detailed yet easy for the layman to understand. These details may also serve to educate the reader about DNA, , mRNA, how new drugs are created, and medical ethics. There are also extensive descriptions of various poisons and how to use them for nefarious purposes.

One of the author’s strengths is the way he uses adjectives to create a picture. I particularly liked the description of the inside of a character’s home: “Burksdale made a final look around the rather boring, sullen, apartment…”. Another few sentences of note: “With his good looks, self-confidence, and obvious intelligence, Bob could walk into any room and light it up. The women adored him, and the men wanted to be him.”

I also learned some more about company security. We are all subject to phishing and identity theft, and I liked how the tone of chapter 9 was set by chapter 8’s discussing the internet of things and how hackers operate.

This book made me think about medical ethics and corporate greed. The drug companies in the United States are at times both helpful and a hindrance. Lifesaving drugs are created, yet they are ridiculously overpriced, and people may have to choose between food on the table or the medication that makes their quality of life better. It is also very frightening to consider that corporate espionage goes on every day, and we may never find out about it.

Some things I disliked about the book were: simple editing errors regarding spelling (pored over, NOT poured over!) and the author’s excessive use of italics. He used them in many instances where they were not needed. For example: italics are used for all company names (Harris Therapeutics) and websites (Google, Facebook). This became jarring to me, as I normally associate italics being used for emphasis, not to discern a company name or website, etc. Eventually I got italics fatigue and viewed it all like the boy crying wolf.

Another unpleasant idiosyncrasy I noted: the verb tenses were often not compatible with each other within the same sentence. For example, on page 69 the sentence moves from past tense to present: “…Burksdale WAS able to assemble a list….it IS frightening how much personal information IS available online…” And again, from page 73: “Traffic on the expressway CAN BE brutal during rush hour, and getting off late WOULD BE a miserable waste of time”. It was as if the author was writing an aside to the reader to make a point of explaining something. This too, became grating to me, as the English major in me cringed every time I came upon it. It took me away from being absorbed in the story to shuddering and replacing the verb tense in my mind. I have not read any other of Young’s books, so I have no way of knowing if this is a one-off in this particular book, or if that is his true writing style.

One final note: I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked to see a little more detail about some of the characters and how their lives were affected.

In Summary: TO CURE OR KILL is a thrilling tale of greed, ambition, and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, with a cautionary message about the potential dangers of unchecked ambition. It is also a timely and relevant novel that sheds light on the often-hidden world of pharmaceutical research. The novel explores important themes such as the ethics of scientific research, the greed of corporations, and the power of hope. The plot is a blend of fiction and reality, and the author challenges the reader to question whether such a story could happen.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, business, and ethics. Fans of medical thrillers and suspenseful fiction will also enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading the works of Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Sandeep Jauhar.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW by Melissa Adelman

June 20, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Desperate Housewives meets The Couple Next Door in a chilling story of murder and intrigue set in a well-to-do DC suburb.

Sometimes the darkest acts occur in the most beautiful houses… When Alexis and her husband Sam buy a neglected Cape Cod house in an exclusive DC suburb, they are ecstatic. Sam is on the cusp of making partner at his law firm, Alexis is pregnant with their second child, and their glamorous neighbors welcome the couple with open arms. Things are looking up, and Alexis believes she can finally leave her troubled past behind. But the neighborhood’s picture-perfect image is shattered when their neighbor Teddy – a handsome, successful father of three – is found dead on the steep banks of the Potomac River. The community is shaken, and as the police struggle to identify and apprehend the killer, tension in the neighborhood mounts and long-buried secrets start to emerge. In the midst of the turmoil, Alexis takes comfort in her budding friendship with Teddy’s beautiful and charismatic widow, Blair. But as the women grow closer, the neighborhood only becomes more divided. And when the unthinkable truth behind Teddy’s murder is finally uncovered, both Blair and Alexis must reexamine their friendship and decide how far they are willing to go to preserve the lives they have so carefully constructed.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW is a domestic suspense novel that explores the complex relationships and secrets that exist within a seemingly idyllic suburban community. The book is set in a well-to-do DC suburb and tells the story of Alexis Crawford, a young woman who moves into the neighborhood with her husband Sam and their young son. Alexis is immediately drawn to her glamorous neighbor Blair, who seems to have it all. But when Teddy, Blair’s husband, is found dead, Alexis begins to suspect that there is more to Blair than meets the eye.

The novel is told from the alternating points of view of two women: Alexis, the new neighbor, and Blair, the widow of the victim. The other residents of the neighborhood are also interesting characters. There is the nosy neighbor who always seems to know everyone’s business, the couple who is always fighting, and the young family who is trying to make it in the suburbs.

The author does a decent job of creating a sense of unease and suspicion in the reader. The characters are complex and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns.

One of the things I enjoyed most about WHAT THE NEIGHBORS SAW was the way Adelman explored the theme of secrets. Everyone in the neighborhood seems to be hiding something, and as the novel progresses, the secrets start to come out. This creates a sense of tension and suspense that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. Unfortunately, I felt the ending was a bit too predictable.

I also appreciated the way Adelman developed the characters, albeit in a stereotypical manner. Alexis is a sympathetic character, and I found myself rooting for her even when she made mistakes. Blair is a more enigmatic character, but Adelman does a good job of slowly peeling back the layers and revealing her true nature.

Overall, I thought this book was a fairly good read.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

HIDDEN BODIES by Caroline Kepnes

May 16, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

In the compulsively readable sequel to her widely acclaimed debut novel, YOU, Caroline Kepnes weaves a tale that Booklist calls “the love child of Holden Caulfield and Patrick Bateman.” Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him. In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

HIDDEN BODIES is the sequel to the best-selling thriller novel YOU. It continues the story of Joe Goldberg, a charming and obsessive stalker who becomes increasingly dangerous as his obsession with the object of his affection, Love Quinn, grows.

The novel is narrated in the first person by Joe himself, which gives readers a unique perspective into the mind of a stalker and sociopath. Kepnes does an excellent job of making Joe a sympathetic character, despite his disturbing actions, by delving into his past and showing the traumatic experiences that have shaped him.

The plot takes Joe on a wild and twisted journey from New York to Los Angeles as he tries to escape his past and start a new life with Love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, from Hollywood elites to struggling writers, all of whom become tangled up in his web of lies and manipulation.

These characters are also well-developed and complex. Joe’s love interest, Love Quinn, is a particularly interesting character who is much more than she appears to be at first. The interactions between the various characters are realistic and believable, adding to the sense of realism in the story.

Kepnes’ writing style is fast-paced and addictive, with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Her descriptions of Los Angeles are particularly vivid, bringing the city to life as a character in its own right.

While HIDDEN BODIES is a dark and unsettling read, it’s also a captivating exploration of obsession and the human psyche. Kepnes is a skilled storyteller who has a talent for creating deeply flawed characters who are still able to evoke empathy from the reader. This novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed, and those new to the series will quickly find themselves hooked.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes

April 18, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

When a beautiful aspiring writer strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe Goldberg works, he does what anyone would do: he Googles the name on her credit card. There is only one Guinevere Beck in New York City. She has a public Facebook account and Tweets incessantly, telling Joe everything he needs to know: she is simply Beck to her friends, she went to Brown University, she lives on Bank Street, and she’ll be at a bar in Brooklyn tonight—the perfect place for a “chance” meeting. As Joe invisibly and obsessively takes control of Beck’s life, he orchestrates a series of events to ensure Beck finds herself in his waiting arms. Moving from stalker to boyfriend, Joe transforms himself into Beck’s perfect man, all while quietly removing the obstacles that stand in their way—even if it means murder. A terrifying exploration of how vulnerable we all are to stalking and manipulation, debut author Caroline Kepnes delivers a razor-sharp novel for our hyper-connected digital age.

YOU by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature. The book tells the story of Joe Goldberg, a seemingly ordinary bookstore manager in New York City, who becomes obsessed with a customer named Guinevere Beck.

At first, Joe appears to be charming and intelligent, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed individual. He starts to stalk Beck, using social media to gather information about her and manipulating her friends and acquaintances to get closer to her. As his obsession with Beck grows, Joe becomes increasingly violent and manipulative, ultimately leading to a shocking and disturbing conclusion.

What sets this book apart from other thrillers is its unique narrative style. The story is told from Joe’s perspective, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a sociopath. Kepnes’s writing is masterful in this regard, as she captures Joe’s voice and inner monologue in a way that is both unsettling and compelling.

Despite his disturbing behavior, there are moments where Joe’s humanity shines through, causing the reader to feel conflicted about their feelings towards him.

The novel also explores themes of social media and how it can be used to manipulate and control others. Beck’s online presence is a key part of Joe’s obsession, and Kepnes does an excellent job of showing how the curated image people present on social media can be far from the truth.

Even thought the book is full of disturbing subject matter, YOU is a difficult book to put down. Kepnes keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and turns, and the tension builds to a fever pitch as Joe’s obsession with Beck spirals out of control. The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is sharp and realistic, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

Overall, YOU is a dark and thought-provoking thriller that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality and the people around them. It’s a disturbing yet fascinating look at the mind of a sociopath, and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE CABINET OF DR LENG by Preston and Child

February 14, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

Preston & Child continue their #1 bestselling series featuring FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene, as they cross paths with New York’s deadliest serial killer: Pendergast’s own ancestor…and now his greatest foe. AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY: Astoundingly, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever. A DESPERATE OPPORTUNITY: Constance sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother. But along the road to redemption, Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, lies in wait, ready to strike at the slightest provocation. UNIMAGINABLE ODDS: Meanwhile, in contemporary New York, Pendergast feverishly searches for a way to reunite with Constance—but will he discover a way back to her before it’s too late?

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this review copy!

DR LENG is number 21 in the Aloysius Pendergast series and one of the best ones, in my opinion. Constance has managed to get herself back to New York City in the 1800’s so she can change history. Pendergast is distraught and seems to be giving up on his life. Agent Coldmoon is away from Pendergast (to his relief) and is investigating a murder on the Rez in South Dakota. Commander D’agosta is looking into a mysterious death at the Museum of Natural History. Are all these murders connected? As the characters cross paths, the suspense ratchets up and the book is truly unputdownable.

The biggest source of enjoyment for me was the description of 1800’s NYC. Every sight, smell, and sound were described in such a way that I felt as if I were there alongside Constance. Along with the gruesome Dr Leng, there are other baddies that grab your attention and encourage you to “love to hate” them.

Constance is a divisive character in the Pendergast series; either you love her or find her terribly annoying. She is the main character in DR LENG, so if you are not a fan, you may want to pass this by. However, I will say that the other characters are involved enough to ensure that Constance’s presence isn’t too annoying. That being said, I feel that Constance elevated herself to a new level as an intelligent, driven, strong female character.

I’m a fan of all the characters and I was very happy to see everyone involved in this story. Pendergast seems a lot more human as he struggles his way through each day without his beloved ward. It seemed to me that everyone was quite emotional (except for Proctor, of course!) and it endeared them to me even more.

DR LENG flows smoothly, seamlessly moving from one character/plotline to another. Classic Preston & Child. However: the ending. No spoilers here, only that I did not see it coming. Other reviews are mixed; either the ending is genius or total bull****. My reaction was “WHAT?!? Seriously?!. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thoughts? Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE LINDBERGH NANNY by Mariah Fredericks

November 15, 2022 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

When the most famous toddler in America, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., is kidnapped from his family home in New Jersey in 1932, the case makes international headlines. Already celebrated for his flight across the Atlantic, his father, Charles, Sr., is the country’s golden boy, with his wealthy, lovely wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, by his side. But there’s someone else in their household—Betty Gow, a formerly obscure young woman, now known around the world by another name: the Lindbergh Nanny. A Scottish immigrant deciphering the rules of her new homeland and its East Coast elite, Betty finds Colonel Lindbergh eccentric and often odd, Mrs. Lindbergh kind yet nervous, and Charlie simply a darling. Far from home and bruised from a love affair gone horribly wrong, Betty finds comfort in caring for the child, and warms to the attentions of handsome sailor Henrik, sometimes known as Red. Then, Charlie disappears. Suddenly a suspect in the eyes of both the media and the public, Betty must find the truth about what really happened that night, in order to clear her own name—and to find justice for the child she loves.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

It’s always satisfying to read a well-written historical fiction book, especially when it’s about an event that is integral to American history (the Federal Kidnapping Act was created as a result of this heinous crime). I didn’t know that much about the Lindbergh kidnapping, only that the famous aviator lost his 1-year-old child Charlie, and the baby was never seen alive again. I also was reminded that this took place in central NJ, close to where I live. Learning as I read makes a book more appealing, and this novel did not disappoint.

This story is told in the first person of the nanny herself, Betty Gow. Her love for Lindbergh Jr. is greatly professed and makes the story all the more poignant. Lindbergh Sr. is described as a gruff, sometimes joyless man while his wife seems content to live in his shadow. Gow feels guilty because she thinks Charlie is bonded with her, stronger than with either of his parents. She takes her job seriously and blames herself for not being there for Charlie, preventing the kidnapping.

Gow is written as a sympathetic character, while the others in the Lindbergh’s circle of servants are all potentially unreliable narrators. Gow does her best to try to find the guilty party while being questioned by the police multiple times. She never gives up hope until she finally identifies his body at the morgue. Her emotions are what makes her character stand out; ironically enough, Lindbergh Sr. is written as a man who despises emotions. Gow sees him as somewhat of an automaton, more interested in engines and science rather than his human wife and child. Despite her misgivings, she tries to win his favor, both before and after Charlie is kidnapped.

All the Lindbergh servants start turning on each other, laying blame back and forth until I wasn’t sure who was telling the truth or not. I definitely think I enjoyed the book more by not knowing who, if any, of the servants were to blame. Each character is described well and their motivations for orchestrating the kidnapping seem accurate. The author creates suspense as she advances the plot and I was completely enthralled with how I developed emotions towards the characters, especially Violet. I thoroughly disliked her and was frustrated when Gow tried to sympathize with her. I believe she must have been suffering with depression or some other affliction, considering her actions towards the end of the book.

The author also did an excellent job of describing the inside of the houses as well as the surrounding landscape. I found it interesting that Hopewell NJ was noted as being far away from the beaten path, while now it’s quite populated.

As the story came to an end, I found chapter 31 to be one of my favorites. As Gow takes a final visit to the house in Hopewell, the desolation is apparent:

She uses her old keys to unlock the door. Inside the air is stale with dust and emptiness. Much of the furniture has been left behind. It’s been covered in cloth. The sofa, the coffee table, the grandfather clock – all bodies dressed for burial and eternal silence. Elsie and I part to explore the rooms we can bear. I step into the kitchen, which is empty, the cabinet doors all open for some reason. Peek into the servants’ sitting room, where there is only a chair and the card table. One lamp with its plug pulled out. There are memories to be conjured if I want to. I find I don’t want to. Better to leave these as blank, meaningless spaces. Like the sofa and the clock, cover the feelings in anesthetizing white cloth. And leave them behind.

This paragraph sums up Gow’s emptiness, a hole that cannot ever be filled, a chapter in her life best left alone lest the utter insanity of it take her over.

THE LINDBERGH NANNY examines this tragedy from another point of view, and Fredericks does an excellent job. Even if you are familiar with aspects of this story, you will enjoy this book.

Want to read it? You can pick up your copy here:

RIGHTEOUS PREY by John Sandford

October 4, 2022 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Beloved heroes Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers are up against a powerful vigilante group with an eye on vengeance in a stunning new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author John Sandford. “We’re going to murder people who need to be murdered.” So begins a press release from a mysterious group known only as “The Five,” shortly after a vicious predator is murdered in San Francisco. The Five is believed to be made up of vigilante killers who are very bored…and very rich. They target the worst of society—rapists, murderers, and thieves—and then use their unlimited resources to offset the damage done by those who they’ve killed, donating untraceable Bitcoin to charities and victims via the dark net. The Five soon become the most popular figures on social media, a modern-day Batman…though their motives may not be entirely pure.

After a woman is murdered in the Twin Cities, Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are sent in to investigate. And they soon have their hands full–the killings are smart and carefully choreographed, and with no apparent direct connection to the victims, The Five are virtually untraceable. But if anyone can destroy this group, it will be the dynamic team of Davenport and Flowers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this review copy!

RIGHTEOUS PREY is the 32^nd Prey book by John Sandford, and this is one of the better ones. Both Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers are in this, working together to solve a murder spree. A group calling themselves “The Five” are slaughtering people that they (and many others) consider detrimental to society. The victims are considered to be a**holes and consist of rapists, thugs, etc. This twist makes The Five sympathetic characters, despite their murderous impulses.

It seemed there was slightly more Virgil content than Lucas. The banter between the two is as good as it ever was, with lots of ribbing about Lucas’ clothes and Virgil’s burgeoning career as an author. The characters are aging, yes, but also growing, and adding layers to both of their career paths. I hope they continue in law enforcement, because I feel that a lot of their appeal would be lost if Virgil were a full-time author and Lucas decided to retire (the horror!).

There is a new character introduced in the novel; her name is Jasmine Green and she is a cop assigned to help the duo out once they reach a certain point in the investigation. She starts out as a character that I wasn’t sure I was going to like, but as the plot progressed, I was happy she was added to the novel. Sandford does tend to drop new characters in here and there, and I hope we see Green again in the future.

Sandford’s ability to create a gripping plot is legendary. He never runs out of new ideas, and he puts his own special twist out there so you never know how things are going to end. I read through this book quickly and slowly at the same time (is this even possible?) because I wanted to find out what was going to happen to The Five, yet I didn’t want the book to end. Sandford takes too much time between books, if you ask me. This sentiment among his immense following proves what a fantastic writer he is.

I felt that there were no slow portions of the book. As each member of The Five is introduced to the reader, they emerge as intelligent, sardonic, and Type-A people. We get a brief background on them and learn their motivation, which turns out to be a good reason for the murder spree. The reader is invited to think about whether this murky “reasoning” is a good or a bad thing. Not that murder should be condoned – but we have all pictured someone famous and thought Gee, the world would be much better off without him”. This unique spin is another detail that made RIGHTEOUS PREY a bonafide thriller.

Sandford fans should be raving about this book! Lucas and Virgil are beloved characters, and this latest installation is a sure winner. I cannot choose what I liked best about this book – the always funny conversation between the two, or the fast-paced plot that gripped my interest from the first page. Which did you like best?

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE SWELL by Allie Reynolds

July 19, 2022 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

Point Break meets And Then There Were None in a pulse-pounding beach read that explores the dangerous ties between a group of elite surfers who are determined to find the perfect waves at any cost…even murder.

The waves are to die for.
Three years ago, passionate surfer Kenna Ward lost her two great loves—after her boyfriend drowned, she hung up her surfboard and swore off the water for good. But she is drawn back to the beach when her best friend, Mikki, announces her sudden engagement to a man Kenna has never met—a member of a tight-knit group of surfers. Kenna travels to a remote Australian beach, entering a dangerous world far from civilization where the waves, weather, and tides are all that matter. Kenna is tempted back into the surf and drawn into the dazzling group and the beach they call their own.

But this coastal paradise has a dark side, and members of the group begin to go missing. Kenna realizes that in order to protect Mikki and learn more about the surfers, she must become one of them…without becoming one of their victims. What follows is an adrenaline-fueled thriller packed with twists and turns, exploring the dangerous edge between passion and obsession.

THE SWELL was a story that grabbed you right away and sucked you into all the characters’ drama. And there is A LOT of drama! The isolated beach setting was perfect, quite different from many of the thrillers I’ve read. One of the good parts about the setting is that it loomed large in the plot – the waves, the weather, and the confinement of it all just hovered above the characters and slowly began to smother them like a wet blanket.

Everyone seems to be an unreliable narrator and as I read, I didn’t know who to believe. This book is so filled with twists and suspense that I’m having a hard time writing this, since I don’t want to spoil the story for you.

Each chapter is written from the point of view of each character, some more than others. My first thought would be to have less of the POV of Kenna (the one that joins the surfers and is considered a newbie) and more of the others. I got frustrated more and more each time Kenna asked a question; maybe some of her queries could have been answered by having a chapter in the POV of the others. Belatedly I understood that my personal reaction to all those questions was to mirror how the others felt about her never ending stream of “Why is this…?” and “Who said that…?” among other, more pointed questions. Yes, the answers to all her questions furthered the plot along and doled out information slowly, to keep us guessing about what would happen next. As I continued reading, however, there were times that I wanted to shake Kenna and tell her to have a simple conversation without nosing into everyone’s business.

I really enjoyed all the surfing lingo and descriptions of the ocean waves, as well as the danger of it all. The setting is wild and unforgiving, with treachery everywhere. Kenna’s interactions with the others are treacherous as well, as she is unable to tell who is being truthful.

Each character’s backstory is explained along the way, and the tension builds and builds since the author gives the reader just enough information to make them rethink everything they’ve learned so far. Their personalities mesh, then break apart, just like an episode of “Survivor”.

This was a get-under-your-skin read, and I didn’t want to put it down! The author’s style is a good combination of dialogue and description, and the ending is something you will totally never see coming. I’m planning to read Reynold’s debut novel, SHIVER, and I hope it’s as good as this one.

Love twisty psychological stories? You can pick up your copy here.