The Proving Ground

The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly
10/21/25; 400 pages
Little, Brown and Company
Lincoln Lawyer Series #8

The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly is an exceptional, very highly recommended legal thriller and the eighth installment of the Lincoln Lawyer series. The Proving Ground can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. This time Mickey Haller takes on artificial intelligence in a civil court case. This is one of the best books I've read this year.

Haller is representing Brenda Randolph, the mother of Rebecca, a teenager who was killed by Aaron Colton after his Clair chatbot, who he named Wren, told him it was okay to kill her for her disloyalty. They have a wrongful death lawsuit against Tidalwaiv, the AI company that created the AI chatbot program Clair, said to be for ages 13 and up. Brenda wants Tidalwaiv to admit their culpability, take accountability for wrongdoing and apologize rather than just a financial settlement. 

The case involves the mostly unregulated AI business and the lack of guardrails. Guardrails ensure AI systems behave responsibly and safely to detect and mitigate risks. Journalist Jack McEvoy joins the team in hopes of writing a book about it and his work going through discovery materials uncovers a key witness, a whistleblower who has been too afraid to speak up. Anyone involved with the case is also likely under some kind of surveillance, thus the team needs to work in a Faraday cage they made.

This exceptionally well-written, brilliant, gripping legal thriller is un-put-downable. I was completely engrossed in the story, especially as the plot felt like it was ripped straight from current headlines, and stayed up way-too-late reading. Following Haller's intelligent, strategic approach to expose the truth and obtain justice is engaging. The courtroom scenes are riveting and intriguing. Even the subplots are interesting. Readers following the series will know all the characters and their background, but those new to the series can easily follow who's who. Mickey Haller and those on his team are all great characters. 

The Proving Ground is an extraordinary legal thriller. Everyone, read this book. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Surgeon

The Surgeon by John Nicholl
10/19/25; 266 pages
Boldwood Books 

The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a highly recommended disturbing psychological thriller following a man out for revenge.

Professor Alexander Aitken was a consultant surgeon but he has been in jail for five years for killing Holly Larkin, a murder he didn't commit. He was never caught for the murders he did commit. Now he has had time to plan his revenge so when the real perpetrator comes forward, and he is released it is time to set his plans into motion. Detective Inspector Laura Kesey is high on his list of those who must pay.

This is a dark, disturbing thriller which moves at at an even pace and the tension increases incrementally. This is a really unsettling novel that is quite graphic at times. The suspense and the tension build throughout the novel to a satisfying conclusion. It is a short novel, which makes it a fast read. This was good for me because I felt it was too gruesome at times.

The narrative is told through multiple first person points-of-view through different characters in each short chapter. This writing choice allows you to understand what each character is thinking along the way and helps with character development, portraying each one as an unique individual with strengths and weaknesses. The multiple viewpoints wasn't entirely successful for me, I felt like there were too many viewpoints, but it did add depth to the characters and didn't detract from the story.

The Surgeon by John Nicholl is a good choice for those who enjoy a revenge based psychological thriller. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

It's Me or Her

It's Me or Her by Victoria Jenkins
10/1/25; 291 pages
Bookouture

It's Me or Her by Victoria Jenkins is a highly recommended popcorn thriller. 

Daisy was working at the department store when she first met Andrew and helped him pick out a gift for his mother. Later, she is mugged and her purse is stolen when leaving work. On the train ride home she meets Andrew again and the two eventually go out on a date. When she has dinner at Andrew's house one night she learns his mother, Rachel, lives with him. Their relationship gets more serious so when a problem occurs at Daisy's apartment, Andrew suggests she stay at his house. That's when things really begin to go wrong. 

Aisha, Daisy's best friend, is a sounding board for Daisy and the two share all their thoughts with each other. There are chapters with an alternate story line about an unnamed woman going to a care home to see Liam who has locked in syndrome and is unable to talk after an accident. He can communicate with eye movements and an alphabet board. He never seems happy to see his visitor. The two story lines eventually connect.

This is a fast paced thriller with short chapters. In some ways it's almost too fast-paced, losing some depth and credibility along the way, but certainly ramps up the tension quickly. There are plenty of twists and secrets being kept by everyone. It is entertaining and the pages will fly by quickly. You will have doubts about every character and their actions.

It's Me or Her is a good choice for those who like short, fast-paced popcorn thrillers. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome by Andrew Mayne
10/21/25; 288 pages
Thomas & Mercer
The Specialists #2

Impostor Syndrome by Andrew Mayne is a very highly recommended investigative thriller. I was totally engrossed from the start and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the second book in The Specialists series which teams up former FBI Agent Jessica Blackwood and police investigator Sloan McPherson who is with the Florida Underwater Investigation Unit.  Impostor Syndrome can easily be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

When a Nevada wildlife ranger discovers the body of a popular influencer encase in an obelisk made of salt in a remote part of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge the FBI is immediately contacted. The FBI calls on former agent Jessica Blackwood to assist local agents to look into the death. Then they learn through a picture about another death of another influencer, this time underwater. Jessica calls Sloan to assist her with the investigation and the two find the body chained to the bottom of Nevada’s Pyramid Lake. Then they learn about a third attack against a game live streamer who barely survived a pipe bomb attack. It is very clear to Jessica and Sloan that there is a connection between victims and something much bigger is being planned.

The pace is fast and the engaging plot is compelling and clever throughout this exceptionally well-written thriller. The twists occur naturally and the ending is not predictable, which I appreciated and this alone increased my enjoyment. Jessica and Sloan work well together and it is entertaining to see them piecing together clues, using their instincts, and following up on the information they uncover. They are both intelligent, fearless investigators and are portrayed as fully realized unique individuals with strengths and weaknesses.

As an aside, I also appreciated Mayne keeping details realistic. For example when Jessica and Sloan went out on Pyramid Lake and had tribal police officer/ranger approach them, I immediately appreciated the novel even more. The lake is part of the reservation and you have to go through the Paiute Tribe and get a permit or be a guest of a tribal member. Many authors use a place but don't know information and details about the area which can be annoying for this reader. I applaud any author who does their research or knows the details.

Impostor Syndrome is a perfect choice for those who enjoy well-written, engaging investigative thrillers. I'm looking forward to Mayne's next book. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Widow

The Widow by John Grisham
10/21/25; 416 pages
Doubleday 

The Widow by John Grisham is an excellent, very highly recommended legal drama and crime mystery. This is un-put-downable, held my complete attention, and kept me up reading late into the night. 

Simon Latch has been a small town lawyer in Braxton, Virginia for 18 years who manages to make a living by writing wills and handling bankruptcies. His marriage is in shambles and he has a gambling problem. When Eleanor (Netty) Barnett, an 85-year-old widow, walks into his office wanting him to write a new will for her, he's prepared to churn out another standard boiler plate will until she intimates that her needs are different. She claims her deceased husband left her something like $20 million though cash and stock in Coca-Cola and Walmart. 

Another Lawyer in town, Wally Thackerman, has previously written a will for her, but she wasn't happy with it. When Simon looked at the will previously written he saw that Thackerman had a clause rewarding himself a large payout from it. Netty also wants her stepsons, Clyde and Jerry Korsak, to get nothing and has no other relatives, so Simon writes her a will that will donate money to local causes but also allows him to charge double his normal rate managing the estate. 

Simon has never seen proof that Netty's wealth exists, but he still forges a congenial relationship with her, taking her out for lunches. She quickly becomes more trouble as Simon handles other issues that she has, while still not receiving any payment from her. When she is hospitalized after a car accident and later dies, Simon is charged with a murder he didn't commit and must try to exonerate himself while looking for the real killer.

This exceptionally well-written novel is presented in three distinct parts. The first third introduces readers to Simon, a very flawed character, who struggles with every aspect of his life but hopes he will end up making bank through Eleanor/Netty. He may be far from a saint, but he is not malevolent. He's just an average guy who is gambling too much, ending his marriage, and maybe cutting a few corners trying to get by. The next third is the legal courtroom drama, which is excellent. The final third is solving the whodunit mystery, which is also excellent and compelling.

I was engrossed in The Widow from start to finish and thought it was superbly plotted and structured. Simon's flaws are on full display at the beginning but his character does experience growth and redemption in the final third. This is a perfect choice for those who like courtroom dramas mixed with a mystery. Thanks to Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Long Way Down

Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel
10/21/25; 320 pages
Crooked Lane Books  

Long Way Down by Lisa Kusel is a highly recommended mystery/domestic drama and light procedural.

Deni Rydell is engaged to Cal Cooper Jr., who works for the family mining business. The family is having a dinner to welcome Cal's brother Grant back home after a stint in rehab and he has brought his girlfriend Erika with him. When their contentious, controlling parents pass away Cal and Grant will be heirs to a massive California mining fortune. In what was supposed to be a short trip, Cal and his parents perish in a small plane crash, leaving Deni devastated and Grant the only surviving heir, along with Erika who immediately takes advantage of his new found wealth.

Detective Robyn Torres is investigating a murder that appears to be drug related. What she initially thought would be a straight forward case soon becomes much more complicated. Torres uncovers clues, lies, and secrets that seem connected to the Cooper family. Deni is also uncovering some disturbing secrets Cal kept from her.

This is a well-written, even paced drama with short chapters that keep the new information and discoveries coming. There isn't a lot of tension or suspense in the first half of the novel but this does pick up toward the end with additional discoveries. The plot and subsequent twists are mostly rather predictable. Even so, it held my attention throughout, if only to see if I was correct in the direction things were going to take, and the short chapters helped by keeping things moving along.

The characters are a mixed bag of complex relationships. Deni's relationship with Cal never felt completely realistic and it unravels as she uncovers secrets he was keeping. Grant is a sympathetic character and Erika is clearly trouble right from the start. Parents, Calvin Sr. and Jeannette (Jean) are depicted as narcissistic, self-involved, and pretentious. They are immediately dislikable. Robyn Torres is an interesting character and the investigation clearly challenges her abilities to the max.

Long Way Down is a good choice for those who like mysteries/domestic dramas that involved complex relationships. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Two Truths One Lie

Two Truths One Lie by Alex Sinclair
10/9/25; 308 pages
Joffe Books  

Two Truths One Lie by Alex Sinclair is a recommended domestic psychological thriller. 

Brad and Maia decided to hold a dinner party for their anniversary. They have kept to themselves since the death of their older daughter five years earlier. Now they have a three year old daughter and it's time for Maia to start socializing again. The dinner is going well until they decide to play a game, two truths and a lie. Everyone is enjoying it until it's Brad's turn and he says, "I've never seen Harry Potter. I once stole a bike. I once killed a man." Everyone laughs it off but Maia, who is sure she sees something amiss in her husband's eyes, which sends her spiraling.  

This is a fast-paced novel that immediately grabs your attention in the opening chapter and then jumps back a few weeks earlier. In short chapters the narrative alternates between the point-of-view of Brad and Maia. Neither character is likable. They both seem untrustworthy and unreliable. It is clear that Maia is struggling with mental health issues, but Brad seems off too. 

Although it is entertaining and packed with tension, after a strong start the novel starts to feel repetitive. You will have to set a huge, massive amount of disbelief aside, which was a struggle for me. I predicted where the plot was heading early on, which kept me reading to see if I was correct. It is entertaining, with plenty of twists, and I'm sure many readers will enjoy it a bit more than I did.

Two Truths One Lie is a good choice for those who enjoy domestic psychological thrillers with untrustworthy narrators. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

What Have You Done?

What Have You Done? by Nicole Trope
10/17/25; 278 pages
Bookouture

What Have You Done? by Nicole Trope is a highly recommended psychological thriller. The prologue will immediately grab your attention and keep you reading to the twisty ending.

The Neighbors watch as two stretchers are wheeled out of a home followed by a handcuffed disheveled Juliet Cordell being led to the police car as she yells, "Are those my parents?" Jumping back several weeks, Juliet is released to her parents by the private psychiatric facility where she was sent for three months after a self destructive event. At the facility she suddenly recalls abusive actions from her parents when she was growing up. Her parents deny it ever happened, but Juliet resents them. She then meets Adam when getting coffee and they immediately connect as she shares her backstory with him.

Most readers will be able to tell in this fast-paced novel that something else is going on. There are clues and hints that there is much more to the story. Set any disbelief aside and keep reading for your reward. The narrative is presented in two parts and the second part, after Juliet's arrest, will flip the whole story and you will be richly rewarded with a crazy twist in the plot. While a few elements are predictable, the whole story is compelling and a wildly entertaining popcorn thriller.

As for the characters, none of them seem trustworthy. Not one. They are flawed, fragile, and feel a little off, but are also sometimes sympathetic. Trope uses her emotionally intricate characters to propel the plot forward, along with the questions and complications that will arise based on their actions. Their actions will keep you on edge and you will feel psychologically manipulated. The first part of the novel was okay, but the second part elevated it to something better.

What Have You Done? is a perfect choice for those who enjoy popcorn psychological thrillers. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Murder on the River

Murder on the River by Janice Frost
10/2/25; 268 pages
Joffe Books
Warwick & Bell #5

Murder on the River by Janice Frost is a highly recommended procedural and the fifth book in the DI Warwick and SPC Bell series.

Detective Inspector Steph Warwick is Christmas shopping when she gets the call from DS Elias Harper about the body of a young man pulled from the River Witham. He is identified as Max Barsby, a serious archaeology student and his death was caused by someone bashing in the back of his head and not drowning. With Christmas approaching many of the students are gone so finding information is a challenge but they do have a few leads.

At the same time Special Constable Jane Bell investigates a break-in and discovers an unexpected link to Max. Her son Patrick was also friends with Max's cousin so they have contacts with the family and the two begin to look more closely into who could have murdered Max. They come up with more information about the case, ruffling Warwick's feathers, but she also knows Bell has a nice way with people that Warwick is lacking.

The pace moves fast while the information and clues uncovered are logically followed up on.The narrative alternates between the official police investigation with Warwick and Harper and the unofficial investigation by Jane and Patrick Bell. (As a special constable Jane is a volunteer on the police force.)  The plot is actually interesting and held my complete attention. There is a nice balance between the two points-of-view and several surprising twists in the investigation occur along the way. The final denouement is satisfying.

This was my first introduction to the series so it did require a slower reading pace at the beginning to keep all the characters straight. Once They were sorted out, the novel moved very quickly. The characters do reference past events along the way. These would all be known characters for those who have been following the series, but they do show some growth and depth in this outing. I actually enjoyed Jane and Patrick working together and thought they'd be an interesting duo working as private investigators.

Murder on the River is an entertaining, fast-paced procedural. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Lines

The Lines by Matt Brolly
10/15/25; 347 pages
Thomas & Mercer
DS Liam Kilshaw #1

The Lines by Matt Brolly is a highly recommended procedural and is the exciting start of a new series set in Cornwall featuring DS Liam Kilshaw, a former marine.

Detective Sargent Liam Kilshaw also volunteers with the local lifeboat crew on the Cornish coast to help combat the PTSD he suffers after nearly drowning on a mission. When the lifeboat crew is called out for a body in the water it quickly becomes clear that the young man was murdered when Kilshaw notices the zip-tie marks on his wrists and ankles. Kilshaw recalls a previous young woman with connections to local drugs gang who was found dead under the same conditions months earlier. It quickly becomes clear that local drug gangs are involved and the danger is spreading.

This is a well-written, engaging procedural where the clues uncovered during the investigation are logically followed up on and the tension increases along the way. Expect several twists along the way and some surprising directions taken. The police rush to try to find the drug gangs and stop the flow of drugs and subsequent violence. Additionally the story explores themes of trust, danger, and the impact of past traumas. The pace starts and ends fast but the middle slows down during discovery of information.

Liam Kilshaw is an interesting character and he is portrayed as a realistic, complicated individual with strengths and weaknesses. He has a good working relationship with his colleague, Maya. This is a great time to start the series and meet the characters right from the beginning. I'll be looking forward to the next case Kilshaw takes on.

The Lines is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys multilayered procedurals. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Fallen Star

Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg
10/14/25; 301 pages 
Thomas & Mercer
Eve Ronin #6

Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg is a very highly recommended police procedural and investigative thriller. This is the sixth book in the series featuring Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) Deputy Eve Ronin but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

This open with Eve individually stopping a flash mob from robbing an Ulta on her day off. Then Eve Ronin and her partner Duncan Pavone are assigned the investigation of a body stuffed into a 55 gallon drum found washed up on the beach. The body is quickly identified as Gene Dent, the key player in a bribery scandal involving local politicians. The investigation quickly indicates several individuals that may be involved. Then Sheriff Richard Lansing publicly reveals evidence linking the crime to LA's mayor, Ward Keegan. This is followed by a helicopter crashing near Eve's home and the victims were all well known individuals. Complications arise when it becomes clear that it was more than an accident.

Fallen Star is a well-written, fast-paced, action-packed novel with a plot full of complications and twists as the investigations proceed. It held my complete attention throughout. Eve continues to be impulsive at times but she also a has good instincts and observational skills. The interactions between characters is quick, clever, and sometimes sarcastic. Arson investigators Sharpe and Walker from another Goldberg series make an appearance too.

For those who are following the series Eve and Duncan are well-known characters, but there is additional character development in this outing. Eve is struggling with her fame due to the TV series based on her exploits. The show portrays her as a super hero character and people conflate her with the character.

Fallen Star is a great choice for everyone who enjoys action-packed procedurals. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Stranger in Room Six

The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry
10/7/25; 448 pages
Doubleday 

The Stranger in Room Six by Jane Corry is a recommended historical fiction mixed with a suspense novel.

Belinda has been convicted of her husband's murder and sentenced to fifteen years. When she is released she has a contact forge paperwork so she can work as a carer at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart. At Sunnyside she meets  ninety-nine-year-old, Mabel Marchmont, resident and owner of the home. Mabel came to the home to live with her aunt after her mother and sister were killed by the bombing in London during WWII and has been there ever since. While caring for Mabel, Belinda and Mabel become friends and share their life stories with each other. Both women have secrets they are reluctant to share, but the resident in room six is determined to learn Mabel's secrets from her past.

This is an even, sometimes slow, paced and basically well-written novel. The narrative covers Belinda's past and struggles while in prison which alternates with the story of Mabel's past after she was evacuated and arrived at the big house on the coast. Belinda's husband Gerald was having an affair and when she confronted him she pushed him, casing him to fall, hit his head, and subsequently die. She is convicted for this and then must find a way to get by in prison before she is released and meets Mabel. 

Of the two, Mabel's story is much more interesting and a whole novel devoted to it would have perhaps worked better than this mash-up of two different novels. Or perhaps stick with the two sharing their stories with each other and come to some place of closure for both of them. As the two were sharing their stories adding the whole stranger in room six addition was annoying and became tiresome. 

The Stranger in Room Six would likely be enjoyed by fans of Corry's writing and those who enjoy historical fiction. Thanks to Penguin Random House/Doubleday for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Keep This for Me

Keep This for Me by Jennifer Fawcett
10/7/25; 352 pages
Atria Books

Keep This for Me by Jennifer Fawcett is a highly recommended character based mystery.

One night in a Lake Ontario beach town in 1993 a young couple, Ben and Ana, have their car break down on their way home. A truck driver picks them up, attacks Ben, leaving him in the ditch, and abducts Ana. She is never seen again. The truck driver, Eddie Ward, is caught and a mass grave of bodies is discovered in his backyard but Ana isn’t there. He denies killing her and her body was never found. 

Ana's Daughter, Fiona, was a toddler when her mother disappeared. Thirty years later Eddie Ward is on his death bed and Fiona wants to ask him where he put her mom's body before he dies. When Fiona arrives back in town, Ward dies before she can see him. At the same time another woman's car breaks down and she disappears. Eddie Ward's son, Jason, is the primary suspect. Fiona stays in the area hoping to find more clues about her mother's disappearance.

This is an atmospheric, even paced novel that explores how events from the past can affect a person for life along with exploring what traits or characteristics we inherit. It's the long running nature versus nurture discussion. In this case it involves one's ability to mother children, physical skills like swimming, and tendency for violence toward others. Alternately, do experiences of your forebearers turn you toward current actions or can you choose to escape the cycle. 

The setting was very well described and created a real sense of place. The structure of the narrative was a downfall for me. Frequently I like the now and then structure in novels, but it was overdone here with multiple now and then chapters from the points-of-view of multiple characters over several timelines. The structure made the story feel more convoluted than was necessary.

Fiona is a well-developed character presented with both strengths and weaknesses. It is clear that the trauma of her mother's disappearance carried over into her adult life. Wanting some answers to provide closure makes sense. As her mother's name is tied to a serial killer, the notoriety of the case and wide spread name recognition would occur, especially when returning to the area where it happened. 

Keep This for Me is a good choice for those who enjoy atmospheric character based mysteries. Thanks to Atria for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Killer Flock

Killer Flock by Shannon Baker
10/7/25; 283 pages
Severn River Publishing
Kate Fox #11

Killer Flock by Shannon Baker is a highly recommended locked-room mystery. This eleventh novel in the Kate Fox series pays homage to Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

A blizzard is moving in and a van full of eight bird watchers slides off the road. Sheriff Zoe is stuck an hour away so she calls Kate and asks if she can get them to a shelter. Kate has her sister Louise and Deenie, her father’s latest ex-girlfriend, at her house so the three work together and take the group to the only shelter available, the local public school. Louise gathers supplies for the group including enough food for days, cots, and sleeping bags. After they feed the group, Kate, Deenie, and Louisa realize that the blizzard has left them stuck at the school too.

Hearing all sorts of restlessness among the group overnight, the next day one of the tourists is found dead. Cell service is down and the electricity is off so they are dependent on the generators to stay warm in limited areas. Kate photographs the scene, documents what she observes, secures the crime scene, and takes statements from the group while they wait for a snow plow and the sheriff. What becomes clear is that every one of the group has secrets and information they aren't sharing.

This is an entertaining locked-room mystery that challenges Kate in new ways. With Louisa there, readers following the series know there will be clashes between her and anyone who doesn't follow her directions, which is mainly Deenie. She is a nice addition to the cast of characters here. The tourists are all very different but they do have one thing in common and Kate needs to figure out what binds the group together. It's clearly not bird watching. This might be a better choice for those who are acquainted with the characters, but I think enough backstory is included to allow it to be read as a standalone novel.

Killer Flock by Shannon Baker is a great choice for those who enjoy locked-room mysteries and will appreciate the nod to Murder on the Orient Express. Thanks to Severn River Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Last Night at the Disco

Last Night at the Disco by Lisa Borders
10/7/25; 256 pages
Regal House Publishing 

Last Night at the Disco by Lisa Borders is a recommended humorous drama mainly set in the 70s.

In 2019 after singer/songwriter Aura Lockhart's induction of Johnny Engel into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Lynda Boyle, 67, writes a long email attempting to set the record straight about her role in their fame. She's been in hiding for four decades but now she wants to secure what she sees as her rightful place in music history.

In 1977 failed East Village poet Lynda Boyle, 26, is teaching English at a junior high school when she has new student Aura, 14, in her class. When Aura is being bullied, Lynda takes on the role of a mentor and discovers that Aura has musical talent. She brings Aura to an open mic night in the city where she can perform and the two meet musician Johnny Engel. Lynda is sure Aura and Johnny can help her achieve the fame and accolades that she deserves.

This is a well-written novel that is successful in capturing the 70's and it's music, as well as the general mess that are junior high school students. The chapters open with what is going on in 2019 before jumping back in more detail to 1977. Lynda is an unlikable, unreliable narrator who is a completely vain, self-absorbed, delusional narcissist and this is clear right from the start. She is really very loathsome throughout the entire novel. While parts can be humorous, mostly with Lynda extolling her many self described assets, it also feels really repetitive through much of the narrative. 

Last Night at the Disco will appeal to those who enjoy novels about the 70s. Thanks to Regal House Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Mrs Pargeter's Past

Mrs Pargeter's Past by Simon Brett
10/7/25; 192 pages
Severn House
Mrs. Pargeter #10 

Mrs Pargeter's Past by Simon Brett is a highly recommended, entertaining, and very British cozy mystery. This is the tenth book in the Mrs Pargeter series but it can be read as a standalone novel.

Mrs Pargeter and her late husband were very happily married. Mr Pargeter, was not a man to bring his work home with him so she has no idea what he did for a living, but when he passed away he left her very, very wealthy. His associates are all respectable members of society now, and if they were ever criminals, they are now reformed. When Short Head Shimmings, her late husband’s former accountant, needs help, Mrs Pargeter naturally offers to do so, but his problems can't be solved with a check. He has angered the Batinga Brothers and they are out for blood. Mrs Pargeter turns to her husband's former associates for assistance to resolve the situation.

This is a well-written, clever, enjoyable caper where the seemingly clueless but secretly clever Mrs Pargeter plans to dismantle the Batinga Brother's criminal empire while also protecting Short Head Shimmings. She turns to her husbands black book of contacts and finds assistance from a group of people who all have nicknames, like Concrete Jacket for example. Hedgeclipper Clinton, Truffler Mason, and Jukebox Jarvis are there to help along with others and Gary is always available to chauffeur Mrs. Pargeter as she sets the plan into motion.

Mrs Pargeter's Past is a good choice for anyone who is interested in reading a lighthearted cozy mystery. Thanks to Severn House for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Sharp Force

Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell
10/7/25; 400 pages
Grand Central 
Kay Scarpetta #29

Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell is a very highly recommended investigative thriller. This is the 29th book featuring medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta but enough backstory is in the plot to allow readers to enjoy it as a standalone thriller. 

On Christmas Eve Virginia’s chief medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, is finishing up the autopsy on Rowdy O’Leary hoping to give the family closure. Then she learns that celebrity TV reporter Dana Diletti has had the red-eyed ghost hologram from the serial killer given the moniker of the Slasher float through her home. The Slasher sends the hologram through the homes of women he is targeting. There have been three murders, all women, all alone, and all occurring on holidays. Diletti has the hologram on video floating through her house and Pete Marino, head of investigations for the medical examiner’s office, accompanies the responding officers to check it out. 

Scarpetta and her husband, Benton Wesley, a Secret Service forensic psychologist, have planned a two week European vacation but are woken up early on Christmas with a call informing them that the Slasher has struck again.  The victim is psychiatrist Georgine Duvall, who is living on Mercy Island, the site of a notorious psychiatric hospital. This time there is also someone who survived. Graduate student Zain Willard, who was staying at the house, was stabbed, but survived. He is also a White House intern and nephew of presidential candidate Sen. Calvin Willard, making the investigation potentially contentious.

I am very pleased to say that this time it felt like Scarpetti is back. I closely followed the series for years until the novels took a turn for the worse and became very uneven, as far as how much I liked them. Sharp Force was exactly what I wanted, interesting cases and investigations and an unpredictable final denouement. There were a few moments where descriptions of Scarpetti's home, became a bit too much, but overall I was quite satisfied. 

The plot flowed smoothly, it was well-written, interesting, and all the recurring characters were around, for good or worse. There was real tension, suspense, and a threatening sense of danger. The hologram used was intriguing, and there is even a robot dog. Cons are Janet's AI avatar. My highest recommendation may involve some hope and nostalgia.

Sharp Forces is a great choice for those who enjoy medical investigative thrillers and those who know the series. Thanks to Grand Central for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Hitchhikers

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens
10/7/25; 384 pages
St. Martin's Press

The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens is a very highly recommended thriller set in 1976.  

It’s the summer of 1976 and Alice and Tom Bell have left Seattle to take a trip through Canada in their new Winnebago RV. The trip is meant to be an enjoyable get away that can provide time for them to heal after a devastating loss. They start in Golden, BC, and have all their stops and places they want to visit mapped out on their way to the Olympics in Montreal. At a campsite they meet two young campers who introduce themselves as Ocean and Blue. When they learn they were hitchhiking, Tom offers to take them to the next town. 

Along the way, Alice first hears a radio broadcast and later buys a newspaper that identify the young hitchhikers as Jenny Perron and Simon Gray. They are wanted by law enforcement for the murder of Jenny's parents in White Cliff, BC. When Simon quickly realizes that they have been identified, he violently attacks Tom, incapacitating him. The two force Alice to drive the RV because they can't and this begins a violent, deadly trip into Canada.

This is an exceptionally well-written, fast-paced thriller that brings the terror and the setting to life. The tension rises quickly and a sense of dread and fear is ever present. Alice and Tom have no way to escape their unstable and increasingly violent, unhinged captors. With Tom injured, their hope for survival is in Alice's hands. It is clear that Simon is very violent, but Alice wonder if Jenny could be trusted away from him. The twists and danger abound. 

As a teen at this time, I totally understand setting the narrative in 1976 makes the situation much more dire with the lack of cell phones and everything else we have available now. However, I also had to set some disbelief aside because there were warnings at that time to not pick up hitchhikers. Mentally I was yelling at Tom, "No! Bad decision!" before they discovered who the two really were and I was proven right.

The narrative is told through the points-of-view of Alice and Jenny. They both are fully realized characters with strengths and weaknesses who come to life. Their backstories are shared, although Jenny's full story isn't told until the end. This thriller was un-put-downable and held my complete attention. Be forewarned, though, that there are violent scenes.

The Hitchhikers is the perfect choice for those who enjoy thrillers. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Every Bend in the River

Every Bend in the River by Emerson Ford
9/23/25; 324 pages
Storm Publishing

Every Bend in the River by Emerson Ford is very highly recommended historical fiction which opens in Virginia, 1749. It follows a free spirited girl as she tamps down her nature and turns into a dutiful woman and a young man from Scotland.

Rosanna Waters loves following her twin brother Phil and their neighbor John around, fishing and shooting, rather than helping her mother do the many chores required around their farm. One day her actions results in her mother having a terrible accident, so Rosanna tries to set her rebellious nature aside and takes on caring for her brothers and sisters and the other responsibilities her mother can no longer do. 

Then one day she and Phil are allowed a day off and head into town. It is there she meets Callum Stewart, a Scottish indentured servant, who likes her for exactly who she is. Then in 1754 war sends Phil and later Callum to join Washington's army and circumstances change Rosanna's life. She marries, carves out a farm in the South Carolina backcountry and has eight children while tragedy comes and unrest in the country is all around.

The writing is excellent in this historical fiction novel which covers some of the struggles one may have experienced at the time through telling Rosanna's story. It is based on a true story and portrays the determination, spirit, strength, and grit it took to survive during that time. Included as part of the narrative are real historical events and people of the time. Beyond the tale of a life hard fought, there is an underlying love story, both of a mother, woman, and country. The chapters jump ahead by multiple years, with the chapter opening showing the date covered. 

All the characters are well-written and portrayed as realistic individuals with strengths and weaknesses as they face and persevere over hardship and unimaginable circumstances. It is inspiring to see how both Rosanna and Callum overcome their circumstances. They both have a streak of independence and determination which serve them well over the years through grief, trials, and sacrifice. 

I'm not normally a fan of historical fiction but I think those who are will truly love Every Bend in the River. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Killer Tracks

Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa 
9/30/25; 319 pages
Level Best Books
Misty Pines Mystery #3

Killer Tracks by Mary Keliikoa is a highly recommended mystery/thriller and the third book in the Misty Pines Series. 

Sheriff Jax Turner and Abby, his ex who is in the FBI, are going on a vacation to reconnect. Abby planned it and declares it must be a peaceful retreat, no phones, no guns. When he learns where they are going, a former forest service outlook, he insists on at least a shotgun.  Trudy, who runs the Sheriff's office, is keeping Jax's location a secret. Once they arrive it appears that someone was squatting in the lookout before they arrived. Then Hannah, a woman who says she is camping near by, shows up at the door and things start to appear increasingly threatening.

Jax leaves Rachel, his deputy, in charge and she is immediately faced with a big case. There is an apartment fire risk called in and a body is found by Koa, Rachel's K9, before the subsequent explosion. The man was  murdered and now Rachel is in charge of the case. Evidence found by the medical examiner points to a tie-in to some murders from ten years earlier, a case Jax and his partner, Rachel's father Jameson, handled.

This fast-paced thriller moves quickly and will hold your complete attention throughout. The tension starts right at the beginning scene and then keeps ramping up as more events happen or information is uncovered in both story lines. The two narrative threads begin to connect, resulting in a heart stopping final denouement. All the fully realized characters are portrayed as realistic, with all their flaws and strengths. 

Considering their jobs and history, I did have to set some disbelief aside that Jax and Abby would go anywhere without their personal service weapons and perhaps keep a method of communication close at hand. Part of this trepidation is set up at the opening of the novel when readers learn a killer is being released from prison and he is looking for revenge. 

Killer Tracks is a great choice for anyone who enjoys fast-paced mysteries, especially those who are following the series. Thanks to Level Best Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Girl from Devil's Lake

The Girl from Devil's Lake by J. A. Jance
9/30/25; 336 pages
William Morrow
Joanna Brady Series #21

The Girl from Devil's Lake by J. A. Jance is a very highly recommended thriller/procedural and the 21st book in the Joanna Brady series. There is enough background information provided within the story to allow readers to enjoyed it as a stand alone novel. The narrative alternates between the present day point-of-view of Sheriff Joanna Brady and Stephen Roper's point-of-view starting in 1956.

Arizona County Sheriff Joanna Brady is celebrating both Thanksgiving and her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy when she is called away to a crime scene. The body of a young boy is discovered in a bag beneath a flooded bridge. It is clear to Joanna that this case has all the marks of an experienced killer and it is highly likely this was not his first murder, which means he could kill again. The case quickly becomes much more complicated and far ranging. 

Stephen Roper has always heard voices in his head since he was a young child. When he was eleven he committed his first murder, that of his grandfather's second wife Lucille. Roper commits his next murder when he is sixteen. This marks the starts of a serial killer. He becomes a respected teacher who travels across the country in the summer to find his victims.

The alternating points-of-view work very well in this fast-paced procedural. Readers are going to already know who the killer is from the start. The tension is in following Joanna's investigation as she discovers information and follows clues to identify him and his many victims in order to provide closure for the family's of the victims. 

At the same time Joanna has to balance family life with the pressure the investigation places upon her. Complicating matters is reporter Marliss Shackleford who is assiduously looking into the investigation, eager to release information to the public and greatly annoying Joanna at every turn.

For those following the series this will be a welcome addition. You will already know the characters and the backstories. New readers can easily slip into the series with The Girl from Devil's Lake and enjoy it. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Killing Stones

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
9/30/25; 384 pages
St. Martin's Press

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves is a highly recommended procedural set in Orkney, a group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland. This one sees the return of Detective Jimmy Perez after he left Shetland. He and his partner and boss, Willow Reeves along with their four-year-old son have settled in Orkney.

On the island of Westray, Detective Jimmy Perez finds his friend Archie Stout murdered at an archeological dig site. He was beaten on the head by an ancient Westray story stone, one of the two from the local museum. As the investigation into Archie's death proceeds several lines of inquiry develop along with several suspects. Willow, who was on maternity leave, assists in the investigation as they need to uncover buried secrets before another murder takes place.

The setting plays a very important role in the plot and influences how the investigation takes place. The pace is rather slow and even until the very end of the well written narrative. The suspense is found in the investigation and the tension does gradually increase along the way. There are several different paths of inquiry that are logically and carefully followed up on. The ending was completely unpredictable. 

The characters are all portrayed as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Perez and Willow have appeared in past novels but this marks the start of a new series featuring them in Orkney. This can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

The Killing Stones is a great choice for those who enjoy detailed procedurals. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

In Her Shadow

In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter 
9/21/25; 289 pages
Inkubator Books

In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter is a highly recommended psychological thriller.

Rachel and Lucas Price marry and she moves into Crestwood, his sprawling seaside estate. Immediately strange and unsettling events begin to happen. Lucas seems to be keeping secrets from her, including the death of his first wife, Eliza. Then Rachel begins to hear strange noises and laughter at night, she sees ghostly apparitions, and messages from Eliza. Lucas seems to question Rachel's sanity but soon he can no longer ignore the strange events are happening. At the same time Rachel is working with her therapist and uncovers secrets from her own past.

The plot will require you to set an enormous dose of disbelief aside. Rachel seems to know so little about the man she married, like his first wife, and it is unbelievable that she never visited Crestwood until after they married. The beginning of the novel consisted of this reader wondering why Rachel didn't know the many things she should have known before marrying Lucas. Later there is a twist Lucas should have known

The opening is even paced, the strange atmosphere surrounding Crestwood evolves, and the suspense and tension begin to pick up as strange events begin to increase. The pace takes off toward the end and it is at this point In Her Shadow actually becomes the spine-tingling psychological thriller it purports to be. It's a short novel and the credibility of almost all the characters can be questioned at one time or another. 

The secondary story uncovering Rachel's repressed memories was a serious, heavy topic and felt a little out of place in the novel. This story line with her therapist does reach a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 rounded up.

In Her Shadow is a good choice for anyone who wants a quick, entertaining psychological thriller. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Black Notice

Black Notice by Joy Ellis
9/9/25; 467 pages
Joffe Books
DI Jackman & DS Evans #11 

Black Notice by Joy Ellis is a highly recommended complex and detailed procedural and crime thriller. This is the eleventh book in the DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans series.

On the Lincolnshire fens Detectives Rowan Jackman and Marie Evans have three cases that come to them. First a retired officer Bob Ruston has a terrified bloodstained man with a handcuff dangling from his wrist ring his doorbell and ask for help. The man leaves before police arrive. Second a wife walks into the Saltern-le-Fen police station and asks Marie to help her find her husband who was just released from prison. Third a homeowner discovers the decomposing remains of five bodies tangled together in an old WW2 pillbox. Woven between these cases is a planned art theft and a hacker called Chaos causing trouble for criminals. All these disparate threads eventually connect and reach a conclusion.

This is a well-written procedural which follows the investigation of several intricate, complicated cases. The clues are logically followed as more information is uncovered in the various investigations and includes several twists along the way. A Black Notice means unidentified human remains, so readers will know what is going to be happening, although the number is surprising. The various cases are interesting, but it did take me a while to actually get engaged with the novel. This was my first foray into the DI Jackman & DS Evans series and at times I did feel a little lost.

The characters are all portrayed as realistic, complicated individuals. Those who have been following the series will likely embrace all of them as known characters and be excited to follow their new investigation. They all certainly work well together as a team. As this was my first introduction to all of them I didn't quite have the background needed to fully appreciate them.

Black Notice will be best appreciated by those who enjoy procedurals and are following the series. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

 

The Secret at Number 7

The Secret at Number 7 by Becca Day
9/18/25; 304 pages
Bookouture

The Secret at Number 7 by Becca Day is a highly recommended domestic suspense novel that twists into a psychological thriller.

Miranda, Lee, and their young son live at the end of a cul-de-sac. Miranda watches the neighborhood action through their doorbell camera. After experiencing  trauma and the resulting anxiety from a break-in before they moved to the quiet neighborhood, Miranda may be a snoopy neighbor, but it is comforting for her to know what is going on outside their door. When she firsts sees Anna and her husband Fraser moving into number 7, Miranda is immediately drawn to Anna. She gets a gift basket together with some other neighbors and they deliver it.

Anna is very gracious and invites them over to dinner the next night, but Fraser looks angry and disgusted at her. Anna sees an altercation between the two through her doorbell camera and later sees bruises on Anna's arms. At the dinner Fraser and Lee get along very well, but Miranda is barely acknowledged. Then, the doorbell camera shows movement at 3 am and Miranda watches Fraser carrying a heavy bag into his car, drive off, and return 15 minutes later. After that Anna is gone and Miranda is sure Fraser murdered her.

At first it seems Miranda is a delusional prying neighbor and she appears to be an unreliable narrator, but there are little clues that she may be on the something. You won't know who to trust and will be surprised more than once by this fact. The characters are all well-developed and portrayed as realistic individuals with flaws.

The novel later switches to Anna's point-of-view and the whole novel flips into something completely different, darker, and even more dangerous. Now, you do have to set a major dose of disbelief aside, but the short chapters move quickly and the tension and suspense rise throughout the novel.  The major flip in the story was unsettling and off-putting, but it also increased the tension ten-fold. 

The Secret at Number 7 is a good choice for those who enjoy twisty, fast-paced thrillers. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Killer Question

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett
9/23/25; 448 pages
Atria Books 

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett is a highly recommended mystery that largely centers on a pub's weekly trivia night while the narrative is told in an epistolary style through a series of email, texts, recorded conversations, etc., and quiz night statistics.

Dominic Eastwood pitches a documentary idea through email for a Netflix documentary about his aunt and uncle Sue and Mal Eastwood. Sue and Mal ran a rural pub called The Case is Altered and had a weekly trivia game on Monday nights. Mal carefully writes the quiz questions and they have teams of regular customers who enjoy the weekly competition. The team called the Plucky Losers are always the expected winners, but everyone enjoys themselves.

 It is going swimmingly. Then the body of a known quiz cheater who has been thrown out or banned from several pubs, including The Case is Altered a few weeks earlier, is found in the nearby river. Soon a new team called the Shadow Knights shows up and begin to win with almost perfect scores, upsetting the regulars. It also comes out that Sue and Mal previously served in the police department. 

Readers will know that something big is going to happen because Dominic is pitching a documentary and the pub closed five years earlier. He is promising a story full of surprises and twists, which are delivered repeatedly. The well-planned plot delivers on the twists, surprises, and mysteries, especially later in the narrative. There are a large number of characters to sort out, which takes some time at first and slows down the pace. The last third of the novel really increased my rating.

The biggest drawback for me in this novel was the epistolary format with all the text messages, etc. I have enjoyed several novels with this format in the past, but for some reason it didn't work as well for me this time. Admittedly, it may be the presentation in my ARC and the final book may flow smoother. 

The Killer Question is a great choice for those who enjoy mysteries, the epistolary style, and pub quiz nights. Thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.