Book Review: Filaments by KZK

18/12/202517/12/2025Dark Fiction, Horror, noir, psychological thriller, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: KZK
Release Date: 23 September 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Horror, Body Horror, Psychological Thriller, Eco-Horror
Format: E-book
Pages: 215 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
When Thea returns to her quiet Minnesota hometown, she expects to confront her mother’s erratic behavior. Instead, she finds herself tangled in a chilling mystery: two men have vanished without a trace, and whispers of prejudice and paranoia ripple through the community.
As Thea digs deeper, secrets buried in the bog begin to surface. Family lies, hidden forces, and small-town grudges collide in a suspenseful story where survival means uncovering the truth before it consumes her.
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and dark rural thrillers will be gripped by Filaments — a haunting tale of disappearances, betrayal, and the dangerous threads that bind us together.

Review

Filaments by KZK is the kind of uneasy read that creeps into your bloodstream and refuses to leave. It is a richly atmospheric eco-horror story that blends fungal body horror, grief, myth, and psychological tension into a narrative that feels intimate as well as deeply unsettling. From the very first chapter, author KZK establishes a voice that is confident, immersive, and unafraid to linger in discomfort, and that is precisely what makes this book so compelling.

At the heart of the story is Thea, a protagonist shaped by loss, guilt, and unanswered questions surrounding her mother’s death. As she searches for the truth, the natural world around her begins to feel increasingly hostile and alive. The forests, bogs, and soil are not just backdrops but active participants in the story. KZK’s treatment of mycelium and fungal networks is particularly striking, as they are used not merely as a horror device, but as a metaphor for inheritance, interconnectedness, and the way trauma spreads invisibly, and relentlessly.

One of the strongest aspects of Filaments is its atmosphere. The writing is lush and tactile; you can feel the damp earth, the creeping tendrils, the oppressive stillness of the bog. The horror here is not loud or gratuitous; it is slow, biological, and psychological. When the body horror does appear, it feels earned and meaningful rather than sensational. This restraint gives the novel its power.

The emotional core of the story is equally strong. Themes of female rage, autonomy, grief, and control are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The relationships, particularly between women, are complex and fraught, adding layers of moral ambiguity that take the book beyond a straightforward horror novel. By the time the story reaches its climax, the tension feels both terrifying and inevitable.

The ending is haunting, resonant, and perfectly suited to the tone of the novel. It does not rush to comfort the reader, nor does it over-explain. Instead, it lingers, much like the filaments themselves.

Overall, Filaments is a standout eco-horror novel that is original, disturbing, and beautifully written. If you enjoy atmospheric horror, fungal or biological themes, and stories that balance emotional depth with genuine unease, this is a book you should not miss.

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Book Review: Catalyst by Sloane Mercer

23/10/202527/10/2025Espionage, noir, Political, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Sloane Mercer
Release Date: 2 October 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Terrorism/Espionage Thriller, Literary Suspense, International Intrigue
Format: E-book
Pages: 193 pages
Publisher: AMEE Publishing
Blurb:
Everyone’s the hero in their story. Even the monsters.
Jake Rossi, a Capitol crewman trying to rebuild his life, isn’t looking for meaning — just a paycheck, a place to belong, maybe someone to talk to. Then he meets Emily, a reserved Belgian chocolatier with a scar on her collarbone and eyes that never blink. Her silence is magnetic. Her past, untouchable.

But the closer Jake gets, the more off-kilter things begin to feel. Curiosity twists into obsession. Obsession curdles into fear. Is Emily a survivor haunted by shadows, or the shadow itself? Every answer Jake uncovers only deepens the riddle, and every step closer drags him toward a truth too dangerous to name.
By the time the city gathers under banners and floodlights, it may already be too late.
For readers of dark, atmospheric, slow-burning psychological thrillers with flawed heroes and razor-wire tension, Catalyst will keep you turning pages deep into the night.

Review

Catalyst by Sloane Mercer is the kind of slow-burning psychological thriller that creeps under your skin rather than rushing to shock you. Sloane Mercer’s writing carries that rare balance of elegance and unease, drawing you in with the intimacy of character before you even realize you’re standing at the edge of something dark.

The brilliance of this story lies in its tension, not the loud, cinematic kind, but the quiet, suffocating kind that makes you second-guess what’s real. As Jake’s fascination with Emily deepens, the novel turns into an exploration of obsession, perception, and the fragility of sanity. Mercer’s prose is clean and deliberate, every sentence calibrated to tighten the thread of unease. You start to feel as though you’re peering through a fog, seeing outlines of truth but never the whole picture. And that’s precisely what makes Catalyst addictive; it’s less about solving a mystery and more about descending into it.

Jake is written with a refreshing honesty. He is flawed, lonely, and relatable. He’s not a classic hero; he’s someone doing his best to survive the static of his own mind. Emily, on the other hand, is mesmerizing; part riddle, part mirror , and Mercer wisely resists defining her too soon. Through their fractured connection, the book asks a chilling question: what happens when our need to understand someone else exposes the darkness in ourselves? By the time the truth begins to surface, you realize Catalyst isn’t just about the main character, but about the stories we tell to justify the monsters we become.

Catalyst is atmospheric, introspective, and razor-sharp. It’s a dark psychological thriller that trades jump scares for slow, emotional corrosion. It is perfect for readers who loved Gone Girl or You, and crave stories that linger long after the last page.

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Book Review: The Supreme Pastor by Thomas C. Hosey DPM

19/10/202519/10/2025noir, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Thomas C. Hosey DPM
Release Date: 31 July 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense
Format: E-book
Pages: 260 pages
Publisher: Pegasus Publishers
Blurb:
Ian thought his quiet life was safe-until the night his uncle was brutally murdered. Narrowly escaping the same fate, Ian finds himself relentlessly pursued by a shadowy organization determined to silence him. Desperate and alone, he reconnects with Nicki, his former college love, a brilliant hacker, and someone with a knack for uncovering secrets.

Together, they dive into the dark web, unearthing a horrifying secret: a human trafficking cult known as the Church of Redemption, led by the ruthless Supreme Pastor Rick-the man responsible for Ian’s uncle’s death. As Ian and Nicki work to expose the cult, they uncover a web of corruption and terror that runs deeper than they imagined.
Packed with suspense, danger, and moral dilemmas, “The Supreme Pastor” is a high-stakes thriller that will keep you on the edge until the final explosive twist.

Review

The Supreme Pastor by Thomas C. Hosey DPM is an intense, unsettling thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Thomas Hosey builds his story around a terrifying cult hidden deep in rural America, a community ruled by manipulation, fear, and blind devotion. What begins as a quiet introduction to a mysterious world quickly spirals into a gripping tale of control, violence, and survival. Author Hosey’s pacing is taut, his atmosphere charged with paranoia, and his storytelling filled with moments that make your pulse quicken.

What impressed me most was how emotional the story feels, even in its darkest moments. The novel explores the kind of psychological and emotional control that allows people to surrender their will, not just out of fear, but sometimes out of desperate faith. The titular Supreme Pastor is a chilling antagonist, both charismatic and monstrous, and the world he commands feels disturbingly real.

Yet, beneath all the tension and violence, there’s a thread of emotionality that grounds the book. The characters, those trapped inside the cult and those trying to save them, are not just pawns in a thriller plot; they’re flawed, hopeful, and painfully realistic. Their choices carry emotional weight, and the moments of courage, even the smallest ones, shine all the brighter against the darkness surrounding them.

The Supreme Pastor is not an easy read as it’s raw, sometimes brutal, and emotionally charged, but it’s also powerful and deeply thought-provoking. It exposes the danger of blind faith, the seduction of power, and the resilience of those who dare to resist. Author Hosey has written a thriller that’s not just about escaping a cult; it’s about reclaiming one’s will and voice. It is perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with high-stakes action and thrills.

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Book Review: The Quiet Ones (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER #1) by Adam Fike

22/09/2025crime, Horror, Literary Fiction, noir, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Adam Fike
Release Date: 19 March, 2021
Series: PEOPLE MAKING DANGER
Genre: Literary Horror, Psychological Horror, Crime-Thriller, Noir, Horror
Format: E-book
Pages: 66 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
SUBURBAN THRILLER. When a young girl goes missing, families fall apart and neighbors grow together with the help of their friendly local serial killer.
PEOPLE MAKING DANGER is a collection of quick, fun, three-act, feature-length stories, full of suspense, surprises and dark humor. All told in the present tense. Like reading a movie.

Review

Adam Fike’s The Quiet Ones is a sinister slice of small-town noir with a macabre twist: neighbors who “grow together” under the shadow of a serial killer. Set in the sleepy but unsettling town of Clearfield Falls, the story layers the ordinary things like funerals, lawn services, and office gossip with the grotesque, where bodies double as fertilizer and everyday people reveal darker impulses. The writing blends dark humor with chilling violence, making the mundane (like mowing lawns or family dinners) feel like it’s always one step away from horror.

What stands out most is the interplay between banality and menace. Characters like Ruth, who hides behind oversized glasses, and Junior, the deceptively gentle gardener, embody the theme that danger doesn’t always roar, sometimes it whispers. Fike’s pacing is cinematic, cutting between suburban kitchens, cemetery burials, and sinister sheds with a rhythm that keeps readers uneasy yet hooked. While the sheer length of descriptive passages and overlapping storylines could overwhelm some readers, the atmosphere is thick, immersive, and undeniably memorable.

Overall, The Quiet Ones succeeds as a dark, satirical portrait of community and complicity. It’s a story that asks unsettling questions about what people are willing to ignore to maintain comfort, and whether monsters are truly outsiders or simply the neighbors we never look at too closely.

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Book Review: We Can’t Tell You: Part III (B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You Book 3) by Josh Martin

15/09/202515/09/2025Horror, psychological thriller, SupernaturalLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Josh Martin
Release Date: 13 April, 2025
Series: B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You (Book #3)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological Thriller
Format: E-book
Pages: 119 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
The terrifying mystery has taken yet another turn. The stakes are higher than ever. Grayson’s running out of time…
It’s a frenetic race to an ending you won’t see coming! The exciting conclusion is finally here.
Buckle up!

Review

With Part III, B&G Mystery pushes the series into even darker, more labyrinthine territory, tying together threads of family trauma, supernatural manipulation, and the relentless questioning of what is real. Grayson remains at the center, but the narrative expands to test his endurance (emotionally, physically, and spiritually) as he faces deeper betrayals and revelations.

The atmosphere continues to be the series’ greatest strength. The imagery is often chillingly cinematic: houses that appear and vanish, the eerie pendants that tie characters to forces beyond comprehension, and the grotesque presence of Replicas, which hint at an apocalyptic design far larger than Grayson’s personal struggles. The recurring motifs of rain, sigils, masks, and mirrors take on even heavier symbolic weight, layering the story with mythic resonance.

As with the previous installments, the book does occasionally stumble under its own weight. The dialogue can still feel circular, with characters volleying cryptic half-truths that slow pacing rather than sharpen tension. Some middle chapters linger too long on Grayson’s inner turmoil, repeating questions the reader has already internalized. That said, Part III raises the stakes in ways that make the payoff worthwhile. The climactic confrontations are both grotesque and heartbreaking, a reminder of how personal loss lies at the center of this sprawling supernatural puzzle.

We Can’t Tell You, Part III by Josh Martin delivers a darker, more ambitious continuation of the saga. While it inherits some of the repetition issues from earlier volumes, its atmosphere, symbolism, and devastating emotional core make it a gripping addition. For readers who have followed from Parts I and II, this installment deepens the nightmare in ways that will both unsettle and haunt.

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Book Review: Dreamland: Selim’s Echo by Robb Watson

09/09/202507/09/2025Fantasy, Middle-Grade, psychological thriller, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Robb Watson
Release Date: August 8, 2025
~~Series~~:
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy, Psychological Fantasy, Surreal Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: 77 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Ever had the exact same nightmare every night. Miles was beginning junior high and trying out for the basketball team. While trying to fit in and excel on the court, he started to have nightmares he couldn’t get rid of. In Dreamland, the court he once loved twists into a living nightmare. Monsters whisper his name. Shadows chase his every move. And at the center of it all stands Selim—a sinister, red-eyed creature that seems to know Miles’s deepest regrets. Miles must navigate a haunting dream world that mirrors his own mistakes. With the help of friends—both real and imagined—he sets out to uncover the truth behind the dreams. A fantasy about the monsters we create when we forget who we are.

Review

Robb Watson’s Dreamland: Selim’s Echo is a darkly imaginative middle-grade/YA crossover that blends the pulse of sports fiction with the shadows of psychological horror and the tenderness of coming-of-age. Author Watson excels at crafting horror imagery that is both surreal and psychologically resonant. Selim, as the literal embodiment of Miles’s self-doubt and fear, is a masterstroke of symbolism. The dream sequences are cinematic, often evoking Neil Gaiman’s Coraline or the darker tones of Stranger Things.

At its core, this isn’t just a story about nightmares, but about guilt, regret, and ultimately redemption. Miles’s arc feels emotionally honest and hopeful. The second half of the book, where Miles becomes a guide within Dreamland to help Mia confront her own anxieties, expands the novel’s scope beautifully. It reframes Dreamland as not just a personal battleground but a shared space for healing.

Over all, Dreamland: Selim’s Echo is a vivid, unsettling, and heartfelt novel that balances horror with hope. Though it occasionally lingers too long in its dream cycles and could sharpen its supporting cast, it stands out for its inventive symbolism, strong emotional core, and its message: that the scariest monsters are often the ones we carry inside ourselves, and the only way to defeat them is to face them.

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Book Review: We Can’t Tell You: Part II (B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You Book 2) by Josh Martin

04/09/202504/09/2025Horror, psychological thriller, SupernaturalLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Josh Martin
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Series: B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You (Book #2)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological Thriller
Format: E-book
Pages: 115 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Grayson’s night isn’t over! Can he finally unravel the terrifying mystery that’s taken hold of his small town?

…or will he be another victim?

Review

The second installment of We Can’t Tell You wastes no time plunging us back into the eerie, shifting landscape where Grayson, Jane, Michael, Sophia, and Brooks remain entangled in a web of rules, betrayals, and realities that seem to fold in on themselves. The narrative opens with disorientation, Michael collapsing, Jane half-explaining, half-withholding, and Grayson struggling against the endless cycle of questions with no answers. From the very first pages, the book continues the claustrophobic dread established in Part I, and amplifies it with a sense of inevitability: the sense that Grayson is not just walking into danger but being deliberately shepherded towards it.

The author excels at atmosphere. The scenes are written with a cinematic eye for horror. The recurring symbols create a thread of mythology that grows darker and more complex as the story unfolds. The introduction of the Superior Entity and the horrifying suggestion of Replicas expands the scope, moving the tale from small-town occult mystery into apocalyptic cosmic horror.

Though I must point out the book’s two persistent weaknesses. First, the dialogue. While the constant volley of questions and evasive non-answers fits the theme of rules and manipulation, the repetition sometimes dulls its impact. Second, the pacing suffers in the middle stretch. While the buildup of symbols, diary clues, and shifting allegiances is fascinating, the narrative occasionally lingers too long on Grayson’s inner monologues, replaying realizations multiple times.

That said, the final act more than redeems the slower middle and, on the whole, We Can’t Tell You, Part II is unsettling, ambitious, and at times overwhelming, but it delivers a rare kind of dread that lingers. It is a compelling, nightmarish descent that fans of psychological and cosmic horror will find both rewarding and unforgettable.

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Book Review: B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You by Josh Martin

27/08/2025Horror, Mystery, noir, psychological thriller, Supernatural, Surreal Fiction, Thriller1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Josh Martin
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Series: B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You (Book 1 of 3)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological Thriller
Format: E-book
Pages: 107 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Have you ever awoken from a deep sleep and still feel like you’re dreaming? A few minutes of confusion is certainly common…..
But what about several months?
Not so common, unfortunately.
One day, not quite a year ago, it happened to me. I couldn’t shake the feeling. I could remember, and not remember, all at the same time.

Confused? Yeah, I was too….
Still am, as a matter of fact.
That one morning changed everything. I mean everything. Nothing could have prepared me for the events that followed.
Prepare yourself….
You’re about to see why.

Review

B&G Mystery: We Can’t Tell You by Josh Martin is an ambitious and unsettling thriller that begins in the quiet of a Wisconsin morning but quickly spirals into a labyrinth of déjà vu, cryptic notes, phantom figures, and rules that seem to govern fate itself. Told through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old whose memory and reality keep splintering, the novel places readers in the same disoriented state as its protagonist, never sure whether he is awake, dreaming, or being manipulated by forces beyond comprehension.

The book’s strength lies in its atmosphere. From the very first pages, the story is drenched in dread. The text messages, the mysterious trio in the woods, the near-death experiences at intersections, and the omnipresent feeling of being watched create a constant sense of unease. Symbolism is cleverly threaded throughout, providing narrative cohesion even when the plot itself veers into deliberate chaos.

I must point out that the narrative often undermines itself with repetition. Tension that should build steadily sometimes loops back on itself, making the pacing sag in the middle chapters. Yet when the book works, it works brilliantly. The closing chapters bring together many of the scattered clues and escalate the narrative into cosmic horror, suggesting that the story is not merely about one boy’s fractured reality but about humanity itself being manipulated, collected, and used.

We Can’t Tell You Part 1 is a bold, eerie, and at times brilliant psychological thriller that thrives on atmosphere and symbolism. It is a gripping, confusing, and unforgettable experience that lingers long after the last page, even if the reader is left with more questions than answers.

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Book Review: The Cul-de-sac by Christopher Null

16/02/2025Dark Fiction, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Christopher Null
Release Date: February 10, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Dark Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 392 pages
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Blurb:
How well do you really know your neighbors?
Veteran serial killer Klaus Fischer is determined that his most recent murder will be his last, but like many retirements, this one isn’t sticking. No one has come close to suspecting he’s buried the victims on his quiet suburban California cul-de-sac property—but he’s feeling the urge to kill again, and this time he’s set his sights on a target dangerously close to home.
Widowed Peg Jurgensen has lived on the cul-de-sac for the past fifteen years, and she’s ready to shed her doldrums and re-enter the world around her. And where better to start than with mothering the curious young teen Eliza van Damal, whose family just moved to the cul-de-sac in order to expose their daughter to a better life.

Eliza, however, prefers to coerce the enigmatic hermit next door, Alex, into helping her pass math. Alex wishes the lot of them would disappear. The closer these misfits become, the more danger even the most ordinary conversations invite. As the body count rises, can these residents trust anyone hiding behind their doors on this street?

Review

The Cul-de-sac by Christopher Null is an unsettling, slow-burning thriller that takes the classic suburban neighbourhood setting and transforms it into a web of secrets, paranoia, and, yes, murder. With its sharp prose and eerie atmosphere, this book takes readers on a psychological roller coaster through the lives of neighbours who may not be as harmless as they seem.

At the heart of the novel is Klaus Fischer, a veteran serial killer who has successfully hidden his crimes for years, until the itch to kill again proves too strong to resist. But his little cul-de-sac in suburban California is not as quiet as he once thought. Enter Peg Jurgensen, a lonely widow yearning for connection, and Eliza van Damal, a bright but rebellious teen who gets caught in the middle of secrets surrounding her new neighbourhood. These characters, along with a cast of seemingly ordinary residents, create a complex narrative that slowly tightens around the reader like a noose.

The book does a great job of building suspense. The multiple perspectives allow for a deeper understanding of each character’s motivations and fears, adding layers of tension as the story unfolds. The writing is crisp, the dialogue feels natural, and the pacing is deliberate, slow enough to build dread, yet quick enough to keep you flipping pages.

That said, The Cul-de-sac does have a few elements that may not work for everyone. The narrative takes its time, which means the first half is more about setting up characters and atmosphere rather than immediate action. Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers may find this a bit of a slow burn. Additionally, while the book’s multiple perspectives add depth, they can sometimes slow the momentum, making it feel like some reveals take longer than necessary to unfold.

However, once the pieces start falling into place, the payoff is absolutely worth it. Author Null beautifully builds suspense, and the final act delivers a chilling conclusion that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that dig deep into the dark corners of suburbia and human nature, The Cul-de-sac is definitely worth reading.

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Book Review: Killer Dreams by Vincent Donovan

15/03/202414/03/2024Family Saga, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Vincent Donovan
Release Date: August 17, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Family Drama
Format: E-book
Pages: 314 pages
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Blurb:
Are the voices in Cassie’s head real or just added mayhem?
Cassie MacLean has been under siege since that cold January night when her mother, Rose Owens plowed into a group of pedestrians killing five and critically-injuring many others. The town’s pent-up fury explodes when Rose begins to emerge from a coma ten years later.
Cassie feels conflicted about the awakening-as well as her father, who is enjoying a successful second act with another woman.
But after a brush with cutting-edge technology, Cassie believes her mother is innocent and embarks on a quest to prove it. While she risks alienating many and having her sanity questioned in the process, what’s not in doubt is a vengeful world where the truth depends on who you ask.

Review

Killer Dreams by Vincent Donovan is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, blending elements of psychological suspense with an exploration of family dynamics and the search for truth.

In addition to its rich character-driven narrative, Killer Dreams offers a thought-provoking exploration of justice and perception. As Cassie embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mother’s accident, she is forced to confront the biases and prejudices that shape her community’s perception of events. Donovan masterfully exposes the inherent flaws in the pursuit of truth, challenging readers to question their assumptions and preconceptions.

Overall, Killer Dreams is an engaging and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned. I would strongly recommend it not only to fans of the thriller and suspense genre but also to readers who enjoy a well-crafted story with depth and complexity.

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Book Review: Only Dead Leaves Fall by Vincent Donovan

03/08/202303/08/2023psychological thriller, Thriller, Vincent DonovanLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Vincent Donovan
Release Date: 27th January 2022
Series:
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Suspense | Thriller
Format: E-book
Pages: 270
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Blurb:
Darlene Connolly is living on the edge four years after a massive solar storm nicknamed Sun-Kissed, causes worldwide havoc.
Desperate to support her ailing mother and also exact a long-planned retribution, she sets out to swindle Todd Dolan who abandoned her in high school after she became pregnant. Todd falls for the ruse out of greed and curiosity about the baby.
Meanwhile, their son Cotton works on a dude ranch and “fishes” for redeemable bottles and cans to bankroll his own penance. On a trip home, he becomes entangled in his mother’s murderous fury and uncovers a shocking revelation.
Pick up a copy of Donovan’s latest literary adventure and buckle yourself in for a twisted psychological tale that proves, even on a scorched planet, revenge remains a dish best served cold.

Review

Only Dead Leaves Fall by Vincent Donovan is a revenge psychological thriller that will not let you rest until you’ve finished reading the entire book. This book legit kept me up all night and had me finish reading it in one go. It was un-put-down-able!

With brilliant characterisation, an amazing plot and a great concept that is peppered with excellent twists and turns and an unpredictable ending, this book has everything that a thriller fan can ask for (and a lot more!) I loved it and would absolutely recommend it to all psychological thriller readers as well as readers of fans of revenge dramas (fast-paced ones though) and suspense fiction readers who love mystery and intrigue laced throughout the entire story.

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Book Review: Contrarian (Lars The Hitman #2) by Lucas Sterling

11/12/202211/12/2022Lucas Sterling, Mystery, psychological thriller, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Lucas Sterling
Release Date: 25th October 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Format: E-book
Pages:
Publisher: Nurrebbul Productions
Blurb:
Everyone has a secret. But some are deadlier than others…
Former Homeland Security Agent Lars Christopherson is not what he seems. Despite his impressive skills and impeccable record, Lars has a dark side few are aware of. And those who discover his secret rarely live to tell the tale…
Frederic Ulrich is a man with a mission… A skilled agent of Germany’s BND intelligence service, he is determined to right a wrong from his past, and shut down a deadly Hungarian crime ring once and for all.

When these two unlikely allies are forced to work together, they quickly uncover a sinister threat – a vast criminal conspiracy, poised to unleash environmental chaos on the United States. To stop this monstrous terror plot, they’ll have to put their differences aside and work together.
But trust is hard to come by in the shadowy world of espionage and crime. And sometimes, the only way to stop a monster is to become one…

Review

Contrarian by Lucas Sterling is a fast-paced ride on an action-packed thrilling adventure undertaken by the two protagonists of the story. This book has so many things happening (in a good way) that it kept me engaged and at the edge of my seat with each and every page I turned.

I loved the characterisation in this book, the concept was amazing, and the writing completely complimented the story flow and made it a really quick read. Over all, I enjoyed this book a lot, especially the mind-bending twists and turns and the ending.

I’d recommend this book to all mystery, thriller and espionage readers, especially those who like elaborate conspiratorial mysteries set in diverse locations.

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Book Review: The Study of Sentient Things by Trevor McCall

19/07/202219/07/2022Horror, psychological thriller, Short-Stories, Surreal Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Trevor McCallLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Trevor McCall
Release Date: 30th May 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Horror, Short Stories
Format: E-book
Pages: 367 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
The first four stories in this collection are adapted straight from works by EDGAR ALLAN POE. You will read updated and expanded versions of The Tell-Tale Heart, Poe’s poem The Raven, The Fall of the House of Usher, and The Black Cat. They’ve each been given new twists that will intrigue your imagination while maintaining the spirit of the originals. The final story in this collection, Broken Vessels, when reviewed as a standalone novel by Kirkus, received a STARRED review:

“Powered by razor-focused writing, relentless pacing, and a masterfully intricate storyline that includes references to Freud, Descartes, and Edvard Munch, this tightly woven novel reads like a Ray Bradbury short story—especially the brass knuckle thematic impact of the conclusion.
While somewhat uncategorizable, this dark gem of a novel is supremely gratifying.”
– Kirkus Starred Review
All five stories are connected by their dark and powerful imagery, and each features an immurement motif. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of Poe’s stories, you will love these five tales.

Review

The Study Of Sentient Things And Other Stories by Trevor McCall is a collection of short stories that will definitely keep you up at night. I loved reading this book because, a) I am a Poe fan and, b) these stories were indeed very well written! I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every story and was impressed by the author’s take on some of Poe’s legendary tales. Although I love the original, these adapted stories were great too.

The writing of the author is quite impressive and I did feel like I was reading Edgar Allen Poe’s work itself. It wasn’t an imitation of writing style though, the originality of the author’s style did not fail to shine through, especially in gritty scenes. The flow of the stories was really lucid and smooth and I was able to read this book in just one sitting – I simply could not put it down!

I’d highly recommend this book to all horror readers and fans of surreal fiction. I strongly believe this book has a lot to offer to readers of dark fiction in general.

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Book Review: Whispers Of Innocence by Natasha Simmons

21/06/202220/06/2022Natasha Simmons, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Natasha Simmons
Release Date: 7th June 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Thriller, Suspense
Format: E-book
Pages: 272 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
The baby is quiet. Too quiet.
When Madeline checks on her seven-month-old daughter, she discovers the reason for the baby’s silence. Abigail is dead. Madeline is soon living every mother’s worst nightmare among a cacophony of sirens and police interrogations.
Accusations and old resentments can’t stay contained under the pressure of guilt, tears, and the horror of picking out a baby-sized coffin. A line is drawn through Madeline and Brian’s marriage, and a battle begins.
But defining heroes and villains is as difficult as untangling the truth from the impossible web Madeline and Brian have created to protect themselves. Abigail’s killer isn’t the only monster hiding in the shadows. And among the dark secrets, everyone will crumble under the consequences.

Review

Whispers Of Innocence by Natasha Simmons is a very well-written psychological thriller that will make it impossible for you to put down the book for even a second.

As much as this book was emotionally taxing, I loved reading it. The tension throughout the book, right from the first chapter, was wound so tight, that it was impossible to put it aside and do anything else. And that is the best way any author can write a psychological thriller novel, so I am really glad that I read this book. The writing was good, the concept was brilliant, the characterisation was very well developed and the tension and pacing were completely on point.

The story did have its dark moments, but it was to be expected given that the author had been honest about a child’s death in the blurb itself. So be prepared for some reader’s emotional damage (as I like to call it) but unless it is a trigger for you, you shouldn’t worry about it because the book after all is a dark psychological thriller.

I would strongly recommend this book to all thriller readers, especially all dark psychological thriller readers and fans of the genre.

You can also read this review on:

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Book Review: Wrecked by by Nick Stephens

24/05/202224/05/2022psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Nick Stephens
Release Date: 30th April 2022
~~Series~~:
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
Format: E-book
Pages: 141 pages
Publisher: Reading Between the Lines pub.
Blurb:
Sam has been stuck on this deserted island for some time. How long? He has no idea. He was just about to give up on trying to survive when Desmond crashd ashore. Unfortunately, not only does Desmond not offer any hopes of rescue, he appears to be insane. Sam must survive the island and Desmond while he attempts to remember who he is and how he got there.

Desmond found himself stranded after his plan for murder goes awry. Perhaps Sam will learn more about himself as he uncovers the truth about Desmond. Perhaps he will find himself descending into madness. Wrecked is a thrilling novel full of suspense, twisting and churning like the rough tides of the open ocean.
Will Sam survive long enough to piece together his past, or will the island, and Desmond, destroy any shred of hope he has left?

Review

Wrecked by Nick Stephens is a brilliantly written psychological thriller novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading right from the very beginning until the last page!

This book had a really good concept and the execution was spot on. The characterisation was great and I was able to feel a connection with Sam, the main character, and wanted to see how things would turn out for him. And boy, I was not expecting the end to be the way it turned out to be! Absolutely loved the way the book ended. The tension and suspense ran tight and high throughout the book and I really appreciated it as it made the book an un-put-down-able read!

I would strongly recommend this book to all psychological thriller readers. This book has a great premise and an amazingly written plot that’ll blow your mind!

You can also read this review on:

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Audiobook Review: The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks And Sarah Pekkanen

29/09/202128/09/2021Greer Henricks, Mystery, psychological thriller, Sarah Pekkanen, Suspense, Thriller1 Comment

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Release Date: 9th January 2018
Genre: Dark Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Series:
Format: Audiobook
Length: 12 hours
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Blurb:
When you listen to this audiobook, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are listening to a story about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.
Twisted and deliciously chilling, The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
Listen for the truth between the lies.

Book Review

Woah! You will not know what hit you in the face when the big reveal is unravelled!

The book begins with a run-of-the-mill plot where you assume that a good chunk of the book is going to be about stalking in a revenge drama, but then the author leaves and omits certain details that make you question whether that is the case or not because you cannot be certain!

And then, after many twists and turns you realise that you have been wrong, or more likely mislead, but who cares! Because by then you are so taken aback that the entire plot was a set-up – for the readers! I know I shouldn’t be liking it as much because it is borderline wrong to mislead readers to this extent, but what the hell, Riley Sager and Alex Michaelidis use it all the time – and not quite this effectively I must add. I applaud Hendricks for plotting such a clever book because this kind of thriller cannot be written, it can only be plotted and I respect the author for it!

I’d recommend this book to all thriller buffs!

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Book Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

17/06/202016/06/2020Dark Fiction, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Riley Sager
Release Date: 3rd July 2018
Genre: Dark Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 384
Publisher: Dutton Books
Blurb:
Two Truths and a Lie. The girls played it all the time in their tiny cabin at Camp Nightingale. Vivian, Natalie, Allison, and first-time camper Emma Davis, the youngest of the group. The games ended when Emma sleepily watched the others sneak out of the cabin in the dead of night. The last she—or anyone—saw of them was Vivian closing the cabin door behind her, hushing Emma with a finger pressed to her lips.

Now a rising star in the New York art scene, Emma turns her past into paintings—massive canvases filled with dark leaves and gnarled branches that cover ghostly shapes in white dresses. The paintings catch the attention of Francesca Harris-White, the socialite and wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. When Francesca implores her to return to the newly reopened camp as a painting instructor, Emma sees an opportunity to try to find out what really happened to her friends.

Yet it’s immediately clear that all is not right at Camp Nightingale. Already haunted by memories from fifteen years ago, Emma discovers a security camera pointed directly at her cabin, mounting mistrust from Francesca and, most disturbing of all, cryptic clues Vivian left behind about the camp’s twisted origins. As she digs deeper, Emma finds herself sorting through lies from the past while facing threats from both man and nature in the present.

And the closer she gets to the truth about Camp Nightingale, the more she realizes it may come at a deadly price.

Book Review

This is my 2nd book by Riley Sager. I can imagine why my big expectations weren’t met by this book – because I read the 3rd book by him before this one and now reading a previous work feels like reading a weaker book so I only ended up liking this book. It was a great read though, entertaining for sure and fast-paced. I enjoyed the entire bit about camping as I’ve never been to a camp so it was a welcome side-plot.

I think I am only disappointed with the ending – I was hoping for a scandalous reveal or bomb-shell climax (which I was blind-sided by in Lock Every Door.) That was what was missing in this book. The entire thing about the asylum was really, really good and by that point, I was sure that the author is going to pull out something big in the end, but sadly it was an okay-ish ending. I’m sure a lot of people will love the ending as it was good from a thriller book’s perspective, but I guess in my case the author penned the 3rd book so well the 2nd one seems a bit bland in front of it. So I am not sure now if I should read Final Girls, their first book. Though I am sure as hell going to be reading the next one by Sager as I’m sure it is going to be good!

If you haven’t read anything by Riley Sager yet, then follow the chronological order of the books. That way you can enjoy the building momentum in each book and will be blown away by their awesomeness individually rather than comparing their best work to the previous ones.

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Book Review: Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry

16/09/201907/09/2019adult, Dark Fiction, Lucinda Berry, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Lucinda Berry
Release Date: 1st March 2019
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Dark Fiction
Series:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 364
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Blurb:
A page-turning debut of suspense about a young couple desperate to have a child of their own—and the unsettling consequences of getting what they always wanted.

Christopher and Hannah are a happily married surgeon and nurse with picture-perfect lives. All that’s missing is a child. When Janie, an abandoned six-year-old, turns up at their hospital, Christopher forms an instant connection with her, and he convinces Hannah they should take her home as their own.

But Janie is no ordinary child, and her damaged psyche proves to be more than her new parents were expecting. Janie is fiercely devoted to Christopher, but she acts out in increasingly disturbing ways, directing all her rage at Hannah. Unable to bond with Janie, Hannah is drowning under the pressure, and Christopher refuses to see Janie’s true nature.

Hannah knows that Janie is manipulating Christopher and isolating him from her, despite Hannah’s attempts to bring them all together. But as Janie’s behavior threatens to tear Christopher and Hannah apart, the truth behind Janie’s past may be enough to push them all over the edge.

REVIEW

★★★★★

HOLY–F**k!!! THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE

When I started reading this book it gave me an intense “Orphan” (movie) vibe, but then the plot started to change its track and I was like, “Okay… well, this is different, but nothing new.” But then somewhere around the last third of the book, I was completely and irrevocably mind-blown!

This book is AMAZING!!!

And the reality of how the author played with the reader’s mind using seemingly-normal characters and a seemingly-normal plot still continues to mesmerize me…

And I did NOT see that coming!!!

And that one line in the last pages of the book (where a man’s voice is mentioned) is still driving me insane! Was there really someone? Was it a supernatural presence? Was it just the broken psyche of the child? Or was it something else entirely?

OMG, I guess I have fallen in love with Dr Lucinda Berry’s intelligence and cannot stop thinking about how brilliant she is! For once, someone has dared to write about how complicated human psyche is and that some people are damaged forever and that there is absolutely nothing that can be done.

This book is full of triggers and can be dangerous if you are sensitive towards more than half of the things that is wrong with this world. But if you want to read a truly chilling work, then go for it.

Prose-wise, the author had completely re-defined the meaning of unreliable narrator for me. And it has completely changed my perspective on the subject.

This book is a gem for anyone who loves reading about sociopaths, people with psychosis and other troubled souls. This book is intense, dark and unforgivingly chilling. I loved every bit of it!

You can also read my review on Goodreads

Book Review: Why She Lied by Julie Coons

14/07/2019adult, crime, Dark Fiction, Julie Coons, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, Thriller2 Comments

Author: Julie Coons
Release Date: 3rd March 2019
Genre: Psychological thriller, Dark Fiction, Crime, Adult, Suspense, Mystery
~~Series~~:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 183
Publisher: Self-Published
Blurb:
Will she have to lose her child to save her child?
The day she tells her boyfriend she’s pregnant, is the same day he tells her he’s been accused of molestation. His trial is set to begin the following day.
She needs answers…
To get them, she tricks her boyfriend into signing a release form, giving her full access to all of his legal documents. She uncovers the truth, he’s guilty.
To save her unborn child from this monster, she gets an abortion.
FIVE YEARS LATER and still rebuilding her life, Julie finds out her ex-boyfriend has just become the most wanted man in America, involved in human trafficking. When detectives ask for her help locating him, she gets drawn into a baffling mystery. What began as a seemingly simple search soon turns into a much darker reality.
Someone from her past is watching…
Bit by bit, the tapestry of her own secret childhood begins to unravel. What she learns about her past will haunt her forever: family isn’t always what it seems.
Can she help bring this predator to justice, or will she die trying?

WHY SHE LIED is a gripping psychological thriller full of mystery, intrigue, and buried secrets.

REVIEW

★★★★

Why She Lied by Julie Coons is a refreshing new dark psychological thriller with a great concept, a nicely executed plot and decent characterization. This book had just the right amount of complexity to make it an engaging read without being too overly complex.

Overall, this book was a gripping thriller. The characterization wasn’t exactly spot on, but I cared for the main character, Julie, enough to read through the entire book with interest. The layers of background made her a likeable lead and, although the flashbacks and some character traits felt redundant, I felt she was a decent protagonist. Though, again, I wasn’t able to connect or relate to her entirely for some reason.

The writing was good for most parts, though at times the narration felt redundant and there was more of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing.’ As it was on the simpler side, the reading was easy and the book, because of the tight pacing, turned out to be a surprisingly quick read even for a less-than-200-pages-book.

I liked this book and would recommend to all thriller lovers, especially the ones who love reading dark thrillers with layered and complex characters.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Watch Me by Jody Gehrman

10/08/2018Jody Gehrman, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Jody Gehrman
Release Date: 23rd January 2018
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense
~~Series:~~
Edition: Physical
Pages: 308
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Blurb:
Kate Youngblood is disappearing. Muddling through her late 30s as a creative writing professor at Blackwood college, she’s dangerously close to never being noticed again. The follow-up novel to her successful debut tanked. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger. She’s always been bright, beautiful, independent and a little wild, but now her glow is starting to vanish. She’s heading into an age where her eyes are less blue, her charm worn out, and soon no one will ever truly look at her, want to know her, again.
Except one.
Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.
As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?
A gripping novel exploring intense obsession and illicit attraction, Jody Gehrman introduces a world where what you desire most may be the most dangerous thing of all.

Review

★★★★

Watch Me by Jody Gehrman is a very enjoyable fast-paced psychological thriller with good characterization and a very intelligent story-line. This book reminded me a lot of a book I read a couple of years ago (I have totally forgotten what was the name of the book and the bestselling author duo, though I do remember it was a British book), this one was very similar to that. And most of the plot was kind of the same, but the ending was totally different and the creep in this book came across as a kind of well-meaning psycho (I’m sure it doesn’t make any sense, but you’ll get it once you’ve read the book.)

The story progression is what I really loved about this book along with the detailed exposition. The characters were good and believable enough and the pacing excellent. Though, in spite of all this, I feel that the ending was a bit abrupt and unclimatic. I mean, here I’m reading the book enjoying where the plot is going with high-intensity drama and the high stakes and as I turn the page the book ends with an anti-climactic turn of a page. Now that was a big turn off.

Still, I’d rate the book high as I loved every bit of it except for the last 2-3 pages. If you love thrillers and fast-paced stories about psychopaths and sociopaths then you must read this one!

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Layers Of Deceit by Robert Stephen

26/06/2018psychological thriller, Robert Stephen, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Robert Stephen
Release Date: –
Genre: Psychological Thriller
~~Series:~~
Edition: E-book
Pages: 240
Publisher: Self-published
Blurb:
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO GET BACK SOMEONE YOU LOVEFive years have passed since Jonathan Dunsmore’s last and only best seller. Forgotten, he’s lost everything including beautiful Nisha, the only woman he loved. Dangling on the brink of insanity a stranger appears in the author’s life. A person who knows Jonathan will do anything to get Nisha back.”Do you want to write another best seller,” says Beckett Reed. “To write about a killer you must become a killer.”

Torn between his fear of Beckett Reed and his desire to hold Nisha again in his arms Jonathan must become a character in his next book. Jonathan randomly stalks and kills a man. He makes it look like a robbery-homicide. However, hidden in the dead man’s wallet is a piece of paper, which his brother, the leader of a Russian gang, will do anything and kill anyone to get it back.

Jonathan’s old college roommate and friend, Glen Barton, is a homicide detective. He discovers Jonathan is a murderer, but it’s too late. Glen must choose between upholding the law or breaking it.

Review

★★★★

Layers Of Deceit by Robert Stephen is a very interesting and engaging new psychological thriller.

Being a writer, it always fascinates me to read about writers as characters in books, and this one was no different. I enjoyed the book, and without a doubt was able to connect to the main characters, so I was happy with the characterization as well (not overly impressed, but it were good enough.)

The story was good, writing decent and overall an enjoyable thriller full of some good, some okay twists and turns. The theme was different and good and the plot-progression was nicely done.

I’d recommend this book to the readers of psychological thriller and to anyone who’s looking for a book by a new author (and won’t mind the dark theme.)

this review is also posted on goodreads and amazon

Book Review: The Prom Dress Killer by George A. Bernstein

06/04/2018crime, Detective Fiction, George A. Bernstein, Mystery, psychological thriller, SuspenseLeave a Comment

Author: George A. Bernstein
Release Date: 18th July 2017
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction
Series: Detective Al Warner Suspense – #3
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 336
Publisher: GnD Publishing LLC
Blurb:
A psychopathic killer lurks in Miami’s shadows, snatching and murdering young auburn-haired women. Strangely, they are killed without trauma and left clad in frilly prom-style dresses.
Miami’s crack homicide detective, Al Warner, is on the case, but the killer has left few clues. Why were these girls taken and then executed? Was he intent on killing redheads, or was there some other connection? And why were their bodies so carefully arranged in peaceful repose, wearing prom dresses?
Warner’s hunt for this clever psycho is stymied by a lack of clues as he desperately searches for the latest victim. The suspense ramps up when the murderer finally makes one tiny error.
As Warner and the FBI doggedly zero in on their fleeing prey and his newest captive, the action escalates. Unlikely players are drawn into a tense, deadly game. As the stunning climax plays out, Warner is trapped in a classic Catch-22. In order to snare this lethal psycho, he must make a decision that may haunt him forever.

Review

★★★+1/2

The Prom Dress Killer by George A. Bernstein is a psychological thriller-suspense, full of engaging twists and turns and a strong storyline.

This book had an engaging storyline, a good enough psychopath and a neat flow to it overall. I liked the writing of the author as it was simple and straightforward, just the way I like while reading thrillers. Overall it was a good book, though I felt distant towards the characters, so characterization is the only downside for me in this book. If the characters would have been relatable and the victims a bit more real, then I would have, straight away, given this book a full extra star, but sadly that was not the case.

Still, it is a decent read if you don’t have a strong character-over-plot liking. If you’re okay with a strong plot, then go ahead and check this one out.

this review is also posted on goodreads and amazon

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Book Review: Hiding by Jenny Morton Potts

30/03/2018Jenny Morton Potts, Mystery, psychological thriller, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Author: Jenny Morton Potts
Release Date: 1st February 2017
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
~~Series:~~
Edition: ebook (MOBI)
Pages: 258
Publisher: Cahoots Publishing
Blurb:
A gripping psychological thriller with chilling twists, from a unique new voice.
Keller Baye and Rebecca Brown live on different sides of the Atlantic. Until she falls in love with him, Rebecca knows nothing of Keller. But he’s known about her for a very long time, and now he wants to destroy her.
This is the story of two families. One living under the threat of execution in North Carolina. The other caught up in a dark mystery in the Scottish Highlands. The families’ paths are destined to cross. But why? And can anything save them when that happens?

Review

★★★★+1/2

Hiding by Jenny Morton Potts is a fast-paced new psychological thriller that will keep you hooked right until the very end.

I enjoyed every bit of reading this book! The writing was one of the best parts of this book; it was very fluid, smooth and engaging. The next best thing for me was the mind-blowing plot; it was so interesting that it was hard for me to stop myself from reading the next chapter every time I finished one. The plot unravels beautifully and the reveals were rewarding. Once I started the book, it was literally unputdownable! The chapters are paced brilliantly and the changing timelines of the two different POV characters made this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

The characters were so good and full of life – I loved Rebecca, and though I wasn’t able to overly connect to Keller, I did get the motivation behind his actions. The secondary characters were also well constructed and very relatable.

This is my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more by her in the near future. I’d recommend this book to thriller/psychological thriller lovers.

Bookstagram

Hiding by Jenny Morten Potts. Reading this one for RMFAO’s Women’s fiction month. This book is not a women’s fiction per say, but does seem to have a strong female lead, so it counts ☺ I’m done with 20 books out of the 120 I’d planned for this year and I have another 5 that I’ll be reading by this month-end, so I should be back on track before long. #QOTD – What all are you reading this month? ~~~~ #psychologicalthriller #suspense #amreading #amreviewing #thereadingbud #goodreads #instareads #books #bookiopath #bookworm #bookoholic #reader #reviewer #bookblog #bookreview #reviewing #readingforfun #bookgasm #bookswag #readingislife #readingcorner #bookoholic #read

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Book Review: Sister Sister by Sue Fortin

09/01/2017Uncategorized4 Comments

Author: Sue Fortin
Release Date: 6th January 2017
Series: –
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Edition: Ebook
Pages: 364
Publisher: Harper Impulse

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

From the bestselling author of The Girl Who Lied

Alice: Beautiful, kind, manipulative, liar.

Clare: Intelligent, loyal, paranoid, jealous.

Clare thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life.
Alice thinks Clare is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family.

One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac.
Two sisters. One truth

Review

Sister Sister by Sue Fortin is a gripping page-turner of a novel that’ll leave you craving for more.

I picked up this book impulsively and having nothing better to read in the first week of the year, I decided to go for it. I was hoping to fill up my entire lazy week with this book as I was on a vacation on a beautiful hill-station, but when I started reading this book, all hell broke lose and I was up in the night at 4 o clock trying to read the book and finish it as soon as I could.

The best part about this book is the pacing. The book was proceeding with a blinding speed and I started to feel really anxious whenever the lead character was faced with a dicey situation.

The characterization is beautifully real. I could totally relate to the main character, though at some places she behaved rash considering that she was a lawyer by profession, but I still understood as behaving with a calm mind in every situation is almost always next to impossible for impatient people. I loved how beautifully the relationship between the lead couple was shown and how over the period of time it was shown getting weak by the chapter due to the situations and “incidents.”

The beginning was good and I was pulled into the story from the starting page itself. The ending was perfect and even though it was predictable, the pacing and the tension buildup totally made up for it.

The writing style of the author is brilliant and it made this fun a really memorable experience. I still can’t get the story out of my mind. This was my first book by author Sue Fortin, but I’m sure I’ll be buying her other books soon as I absolutely loved her writing style.

I’d recommend this book not only to all the mystery and thriller lovers but also to anyone who wants to read a nice book with strong characters and a powerful story.

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Finished reading Sister Sister by Sue Fortin. My rating – ★★★★ #netgalleyreads #NetGalley #reading #readinglist #readingisfun #readingforlife #booksforlife #instareads #instabooks #goodreads #instagood #bookblogger #blogger #thereadingbud #RMFAO #books #booklovers #nerds #bookworm #bookiopath #bookoholic #reader #reviewer #bookblog #bookreview #january #2017 #thriller #mystery

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Cover Reveal: Deceived by Heena Rathore P.

11/11/2016Cover Reveals, My Novels12 Comments

Presenting to you all the Cover of my debut novel, Deceived –

PUBLISHING: FEBRUARY 2017

BLURB:

How well do you know your loved ones?

A girl who’s trying to cope with the murders of her mother and five-year-old brother.

A journalist who is chasing the ghost of a potential serial killer.

A thirteen-year-old girl who slaughters her parents.

And a revenge-driven psychopath who is about to destroy everyone’s life.

A psychological thriller that weaves its way through the sadistic past of a traumatized child to the snare of dark mysteries of a beloved father.

Add Deceived your Goodreads to-read shelf

ABOUT HEENA RATHORE P.:

Heena Rathore P. is a 25-year-old full-time novelist, part-time Social Media Strategist, Novel Critique, Book Reviewer and a YouTube Podcaster.

She draws her inspiration from the works of legendary Stephen King and Sidney Sheldon.

She is an introvert, a thinker, a neat freak, a voracious reader and a GSD-lover. In her free time, she loves watching apocalyptic, thriller and slasher movies and series.

She lives in Pune with her beloved husband in a house full of books, music, and love.

She loves creating fictional worlds, but more than that she loves living in them.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Book Review: Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin

04/07/201612/08/2016Book Reviews (by Genre), Books Reviews (by Author), Contemporary Fiction, Julia Heaberlin2 Comments

24688274-2

Author: Julia Heaberlin
Release Date: 11th August, 2015
Series: None
Genre: Mystery | Psychological-Thriller | Suspense | Crime | Contemporary | Adult
Edition: Kindle (.mobi)
Pages: 369
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Source: NetGalley
Buy it here: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

A girl’s memory lost in a field of wildflowers.
A killer still spreading seeds.
At seventeen, Tessa became famous for being the only surviving victim of a vicious serial killer. Her testimony put him on death row. Decades later, a mother herself, she receives a message from a monster who should be in prison. Now, as the execution date rapidly approaches, Tessa is forced to confront a chilling possibility: Did she help convict the wrong man?

Review

Black Eyed Susans has a really unique plotline which is brilliant, to say the least. The pacing was great and the twists and turns, along with the suspense build-up was amazing. I enjoyed this book a lot and I’m eagerly waiting to read more books by the author.

The alternating POVs of the lead at 2 different ages provided an ingenious angle to the story and makes it all the more interesting. I enjoyed the young POV of the lead character (Tessie) because it was the read deal, but the older one (Tessa) wasn’t disappointing either.

The characterization was great and I was able to feel a strong connection with the main character – Tess (both the selves of her – Tessa and Tessie), which added a new flair to the book. The secondary characters were also well-developed and I was able to connect to almost all of them.

The book started with a great beginning and I couldn’t resist myself from getting lost in this book right from the beginning. And throughout the book, the story had an air of gloominess to it which makes this book a perfect suspense read.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending. The ending felt a little rushed and it came off as if not a lot of thought was put into it. After reading such a great story I was expecting a little more creativity (and also sinistral thinking) towards the end. It wasn’t well executed and it really made me sad because I had to cut back on a star from its rating.

Still, I’d say this book is worth reading. I’d recommend this book to everyone who enjoys multiple POVs and mystery, thriller and suspense novels.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: Thirty-two hours of my life are missing.

Highlights: Storyline

Lowlights: Ending

Memorable Quote:

People appreciate pretty fantasies like this, where there is a feisty hero, even when there is no factual basis for it.

Final Thoughts: A brilliant psychological thriller.

You can also read this review at Goodreads, Amazon, and NetGalley.

Book Review: Journey To Death

06/04/201605/04/2016Leigh Russell1 Comment

Author: Leigh Russell
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Series: Lucy Hall Mystery
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Edition: E-Book (mobi)
Pages: 324
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon

Rating: ★ – DNF

Blurb:

Lucy Hall arrives in the Seychelles determined to leave her worries behind. The tropical paradise looks sun-soaked and picture-perfect—but as Lucy soon discovers, appearances can be very deceptive. A deadly secret lurks in the island’s history, buried deep but not forgotten. And it is about to come to light.

As black clouds begin to gather over what promised to be a relaxing family break, Lucy realises that her father stands in the eye of the coming storm. A shadow from his past is threatening to destroy all that he holds dear—including the lives of his loved ones.

A dark truth is about to explode into their lives, and that truth is going to hit them right between the eyes.

Review

DNF’ed at 28%

The initial plot build up of this book felt promising but after 15% of the story, it started to feel a little scattered. I enjoyed the part of the vacation and the descriptions of the island, but I felt that after a few pages, the author went a bit onboard with the descriptions. I mean considering the book is a thriller and not a travel guide, the descriptions were too much for my taste. It was distracting me from the basic storyline and kept me thinking, “when the hell will the story start.” – Which is, of course, not a good thing.

Secondly, I thought that the concept of the “angel of death” was quite a bit exaggerated, considering she abducted a female at the 25% mark. I really lost the patience after slogging through the 28% of the book and hence, gave up.

The female lead, Lucy, failed to impress me in any way and the book fell short of characterization in a really bad way.

If you’re a patient reader and don’t mind tons of descriptions, then maybe you’ll like this book. Or maybe if you like light mysteries then this book will be an ideal match for you. But not for psychological thriller fans.

You can also read this review at Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley.

Book Review: Baggage by S.G. Redling

24/03/201624/03/2016S.G. Redling2 Comments

Author: S.G. Redling
Release Date: February 9, 2016
Series: –
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Edition: E-Book (mobi)
Pages: 229
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source:
Buy it here: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

Over the years, terrible things keep happening to Anna Ray on February 17. First, there was the childhood trauma she’s never been able to speak about. Then, to her horror, her husband killed himself on that date.
A year later and a thousand miles away, Anna tries to find solace in the fresh start of a new job in a new place. She takes comfort in her outspoken cousin Jeannie, the confidant and best friend who’s there whenever she needs help. On the day of the dreaded anniversary, Anna and Jeannie hit the town, planning to ease the pain with an alcohol-induced stupor and then sleep.…
When Anna awakes the next morning, she thinks she can put one more February 17 behind her, but fate is about to intervene in the form of two gruesome murders with eerie similarities to her violent past. This time, however, she won’t be an abandoned daughter or a grieving widow. This time, she’ll be a suspect.

Review

The book started off really great. The dysfunctional life of Anna is portrayed beautifully and her willingness to drown out her sorrows in wine makes her come across as a completely vulnerable lead, which serves just right for the foundation of the story. The initial plot built-up sets a really interesting premise for the mystery that lingers over the alternate chapters like a heavy cloud. These chapters are often mixed with Jeannie’s 17-year-old self and Anna’s 12-year-old self. The author keeps the book really interesting with these mixed POV chapters and lays a brilliant foundation for a great psychological thriller.

The story build-up was great, and the alternating POVs and the time frames really kept it interesting. I loved reading this book and really enjoyed reading it. The pace of the book was good and I found some or the other interesting bits happening in every chapter which kept me glued to the book.

Like a good suspense novel, there were a lot of suspects that the reader could zero in on, but the ending was truly surprising. I only wish that the author would have made the motive of the murderer a little more solid as it felt a little week and it really didn’t add up with the blurb’s mysterious tone. And the fact that the date mentioned so clearly in the blurb really had no significance was a little disappointing. Nonetheless, I was totally baffled when the killer was revealed as I really liked that character. a lot!

The characterisation is excellent and all the characters have really good depth and layers and layers of traits which make them come across as real people. They are extremely relatable and likable.

The writing is also really good. The easy flow made the book a quick as well as an enjoyable read. The pace of the story was great and made it difficult for me to put down the book after every chapter. The author did a fantastic job in keeping the reader busy in the possible-suspect-guessing-game and, at the end, she really nailed it with a surprising ending.

This book is a quick read and the blood and gore were minimal, so it was a good change to read a relatively clean psychological thriller.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: “I would already be home if I would stop turning around to stare.”

Highlights: Plot build-up.

Lowlights: None

Memorable Quotes:

“Sometimes all it takes for us to see things the proper way is for someone else to see them wrong.”

Nothing takes the glory out of a victory like passive surrender.

“Welcome to the Fucked Up World of Anna Shuler Ray. There’s a small, pissed-off, hand hacking butcher running around the edges of my world, and it’s the cop I’m afraid of.”

Final Thoughts: A really good and relatively clean psychological thriller.

You can also read this review at Goodreads, NetGalley and Amazon.

Book Review: Dead Eyed (DCI Michael Lambert #1)

29/02/201618/03/2016adult, Book Reviews (by Genre), Books Reviews (by Author), Detective Fiction, Matt Brolly1 Comment

Author: Matt Brolly
Release Date: September 3, 2015
Series: DCI Lambert
Genre: Crime | Detective Fiction | Mystery | Suspense | Psychological Thriller | Adult
Edition: E-Book (mobi)
Pages: 315
Publisher: Carina UK
Source: Publishing Push
Buy it here: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★☆

Blurb:

DCI Michael Lambert thought he’d closed his last case…
Yet when he’s passed a file detailing a particularly gruesome murder, Michael knows that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victim’s eyes and the Latin inscription carved into the chest is the chilling calling-card of the ‘soul jacker’: a cold-blooded murderer who struck close to Michael once before, twenty-five years ago.
Now the long-buried case is being re-opened, and Michael is determined to use his inside knowledge to finally bring the killer to justice. But as the body count rises, Michael realises that his own links to the victims could mean that he is next on the killer’s list…
The gripping first novel in a thrilling new crime series by Matt Brolly. Perfect for fans of Tony Parsons, Lee Child and Angela Marsons.

Review

This book started out slow and took its sweet time to pick up the pace. Initially, I had to struggle a bit to get into the book, but once I was 15% through, I was in for good. The pace picked up and the book went from slightly interesting to quite interesting and then I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails.

The story felt a little too long but considering that it is the first book in a detective series, I’m okay with it because I know that establishing the basics and the background is really important.

I like Lambert… a lot. He’s one hell of a stud detective. One that I would love to read about. He’s all broken and stuff but, again, he is a real stud! He is everything a detective should be like- smart, intelligent, sharp and daring. And this is all to say that the author truly nailed the characterization. Even the other characters, esp. Sarah May, were quite good and totally relatable.

The writing is great and the shifting POVs keep the book interesting and intriguing. The descriptions were so good that I squirmed every time another victim turned up with either their eyes cut out or stitched shut with black thread… And, trust me, it is one of the best things about this book.

The only thing that I find a little off is that the motive of the killer wasn’t made clear. I mean after reading a seemingly lengthy book, there’s nothing that I wanted more than to know the gory and dirty details of the killer’s motives or, at least, the driving force behind them.

Still, I enjoyed the book. And for a debut novel, this book is really amazing. Unfortunately, I’ve stopped rating books with 1/2 stars, otherwise, this book would have been 4+1/2 instead of just 4.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: “The man hovered on the edge of the dance floor.”

Highlights: Characterization.

Lowlights: Ending.

Memorable Quotes:

In oculis animus habitat. The soul dwells in the eyes.

She viewed her past like a voyeur, her memories akin to a reader imagining a character from a book.

Final Thoughts: A fantastic start to a new Detective/Crime series.

You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: The Perfect View

19/09/201523/09/2015Reviews By Contributors1 Comment

Author: Carolyn Young 
Release Date: August 23rd 2014
Series: None
Genre: Psychological Thriller | Adult
Edition: Kindle (mobi)
Pages: 554
Publisher: Lulu Publishing
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Blurb

Mara is unaware that she is not the only one with the perfect view of her own life. Someone who has known her since the very beginning is watching her from across the lake and has been hiding in the shadows around and behind her for years, even long before she moved into her beautiful house with her husband and his daughter. The watcher has witnessed all that she has suffered and every horrible mistake that she has made in each turbulent phase of her life, but he also knows why she made them, just as he knows with certainty that she needs him to watch over her so that he can rescue her when the time comes.

Rating

Review

Note: In most reviews when I give above 3.5 stars it’s so easy to write a review for that book, but here… Here writing the review was extremely hard. Every other word I wrote just reviled a lot of details that I didn’t wanted to share (keeping this spoiler free, lol). So it took me a while to write the review where I share what I love but without any revealing details.
Before I will start with the review, I have to say that this book is more suitable for adults due to its harsh content.

Plot/Story:

Okay, this book was a great read. I enjoyed it so much and it was a fast pace read. You get immersed in the story fast (I loved that) and your connection with the character is from the start.
This is a story that makes you want to read more with page turn. The plot here is Mara’s (the main characters fights her demons and trying hard to heal the past.
I will say that the book is mostly one flashback after another and sometimes this can be a bit overwhelming, but here the author did a great job of making it feel smooth and not overbearing as most books with a lot of flashbacks.
I normally don’t read Psychological Thriller, but I am happy that I’ve read this book. It was an awesome read.

Characters:

Mara (the main character) is struggling a lot to find her right place in the world while she battles against her own demons.
I loved how Carolyn (the author) made Mara so strong, even if she drinks a lot and self medicate to forget, but she is so strong and slowly she knows that the only thing that will help her is to remember.
You go from frowning at Mara and get upset by all the wrong choices she make and then you sympathy towards her. The author made this character so well, that Mara will not be forgotten.
Jack is another strange, dysfunctional character and when the author showed his point of view it was really scary and chilling. Trust me when I say, that these two characters will hunt you in your thoughts.

Romance/Kills:

Wow, this story is full of emotions; more like an emotional roller-coaster (I will end this here before I will start telling too much, again, lol).

Writing:

I loved Carolyn’s writing style. She writes so beautifully, it was so smooth, clean and she was able to grip my attention from start to finish. She made all the flashbacks easier to handle and they were not overbearing. Even though this story talks about abuse, affairs and addictions, the author wrote so well that your heart is immediately go out for the Mara and her story.
The author puts a lot of details on the flashbacks, but here it made the story to take shape into a wonderful book to read.

Beginning:

It’s was a harsh start as you are thrown from the beginning to the inside of Mara’s mind and emotions, but it was still a very fast pace read and from the start I enjoyed the dysfunctional Mara and was able to connect with her immediately.

Ending:

I loved the ending so much. It has a nice twist to it (it did surprise me), but in a very satisfying way.

Cover Art:

I love the cover of this book a lot. It’s so beautiful and dark just like the story.

Blurb:

The blurb sounds really nice and it does set the tone for the entire plot of Jack and Mara.

You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: “Mara was dimly awake and sitting on the edge of the bed with her feet on the floor, but she could not quite force her weighted eyes to open completely.”

Highlights: I love Carolyn’s writing style a lot and how she shows us the inner turmoil of a person so beautifully. It’s such a sad but wonderful book.

Lowlights: None!

Final Thoughts: If you like to dive into the mind and soul of a person, you will love this book. This book has it all, hard life, harsh experiences, addictions, love and so much more. The Perfect View is wonderful read, it may not be an easy read, but it is a great one!

Review contributor:

Galit Balli

I am an avid reader, coffee addict, a writer and a blogger. I am a bit of agoraphobic (people scare me, lol). Me and my hubby love to spend every moment together, we even game together.

I live mostly in my own imaginary world full of dragons, magic and vampires and from time to time I pull myself away to deal with the real world.

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