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.
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."
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.
Two Dead Wives by Adele Parks, 4 Stars
It's a case that has gripped a nation: A woman with a shocking secret is missing, presumed dead. And her two husbands are suspects in her murder. DCI Clements knows the dark side of human nature and that love can make people do treacherous things. You can’t presume anything when it comes to crimes of... Continue Reading →
The Guest by B.A. Paris, 5 Stars
It seems like a lot is going on, and it is! But, Paris keeps each storyline in it's own lane until it's time for them all to converge in a twisty, surprising way.