Three foster sisters, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, escape their oppressive upbringing with their foster mother, Miss Fairchild, only to be pulled back into their dark past when a body is discovered under their former home. As they become key witnesses, they must confront their relationships and the disturbing truth of their upbringing.
A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian, 4 Stars
Vera Kurian did a superb job really painting a picture of the setting and developing the suspense in the story. It kept my attention all the way to page 448.
Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard, 4 Stars
Lenna is intrigued when her long-lost friend invites her to a remote community, but as she settles in, she realizes something is amiss. Her initial sense of relief turns to dread as she uncovers the community's dark secrets. Nowhere Like Home masterfully explores complex friendships and trauma, with surprising twists at every turn.
Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander, 3.5 Stars
Nine years after fleeing the traumatic "Scarlet Christmas," Charlie Colbert has rebuilt her life as a successful magazine editor engaged to an elite bachelor. However, her past resurfaces when a film threatens her carefully crafted world, forcing her to confront her changed self.
After Annie by Anna Quindlen, 4 Stars
Quindlen artfully spins a realistic tale and character study into the stages of grief. Annie's husband, her four children and her best friend go through it all without the one person they would depend on to get through challenging times.
She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica, 5 Stars
She's Not Sorry is a fantastic and memorable read, just like all of Kubica's books. The narrative jumps around a bit in time, but the literary device definitely adds depth and intrigue to the story.
One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall, 3 Stars
Cole, newly separated, finds solace in the countryside, until two activists disappear. As he bonds with reclusive artist Leonora, they face a police investigation. "One of the Good Guys" scrutinizes societal expectations, questioning what truly defines a "good guy."
Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate, 3.5 Stars
There's a ton of small-town dysfunction and tragedy wound up in the pages of Twenty-Seven Minutes. I really wanted to know what had happened that night and I couldn't put the book down.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham, 4 Stars
Only if You're Lucky is a MUST READ for 2024. There's so much suspense, and mystery and the pace of the book is spot on.
The Weekend Retreat by Tara Laskowski, 4 Stars
In The Weekend Retreat, Lawskowski perfectly imagines the power players in this very wealthy family. There are notes of Succession with many dark twists.