"Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear" by Seanan McGuire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the series and was excited to read the new addition. "Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear" by Seanan McGuire is the 10th book in the 'Wayward Children' series and a worthy addition.

This is the story of Nadya, a drowned girl who finds a new home in Belyyreka, a water world. She is a Russian orphan born with half of her right arm but doesn't see it as a handicap. She is adopted by an American couple when she is nine years old and whisked off to America. The couple doesn't see her as complete due to her missing limb and gets her a prosthetic arm without asking her or giving her a choice in the matter.

Nadya loves tortoises and spends most of her time at the tortoise pond until one day she drowns in the lake and passes through a door into Belyyreka, Land Beneath the Lake, a land filled with child-eating amphibians, talking foxes, and giant turtles. She is accepted by the River and its people, but the land isn't without dangers to the unwary. Just when she thinks she is safe, danger looms.

I loved the book and enjoyed reading Nadya's backstory. There isn't a lot of action, but the world was interesting to explore. The ending was a bit abrupt, and I hope there are more books in the series to come. I loved that Nadya never considered herself less than whole despite her disability and was at peace with herself, unlike the society that sees her as flawed. This underscores a powerful message: appearances don't determine us; our inner strength and self-acceptance define who we truly are.

This is a book about friendship, trust, family, acceptance, choices, and their consequences. The book can be read on its own, but I still recommend reading the other books in the series to get the spirit of it. Also, this is a great series! I can't wait to read the next book! Highly recommended, of course!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear" by Seanan McGuire

"Run" by Blake Crouch

 

An exhilarating ride filled with action! I love apocalyptic thrillers, so I was thrilled to read this book. "Run" by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced, dark Doomsday novel and a republication of an earlier work from 2011.

The book follows a family on the run after an epidemic of rage turns the affected people into vicious murderers who kill all those who weren't affected. Jack Colclough, a professor of philosophy, his estranged wife Dee, and their two children have to run for their lives after hearing on the radio that people are coming to kill them for some reason or another.

The epidemic has affected a large portion of the US and Mexico, leaving nowhere safe. Additionally, the power has gone out, so there is no electricity, no internet, and no cell phones. Combined with the killing rampage, the picture is dark indeed. Their harrowing journey leads them through burned cities, mass murders, and other horrific acts of violence as they search for a safe place to take shelter. What follows is one hell of a ride.

The story is told from the third-person points of view of Jack and Dee, and it plays out against a vast, unforgiving landscape. I love a good survival story, and this book certainly met my expectations. I loved the concept, even though it is not entirely original, and enjoyed the book very much. I have to say that I found the wife a bit irritating at first with her complaints every time Jack wanted to refuel the car. There were some repetitious sequences (running, fighting, finding bodies), but there was enough tension to keep the story going. There are some graphic scenes that some may find disturbing. The reality can be even more stark, though.

This is an action-packed tale that kept me turning the pages as I sat on the edge of my seat. It would make a great movie. It may be a "popcorn" read, but sometimes popcorn is just what the doctor ordered. The pace of the book is intense and pulls you from one action-packed event to the next without letting up. This keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what could happen next to our main characters.

Overall, "Run" by Blake Crouch is an intense and thrilling apocalyptic ride that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Despite some repetitive elements and graphic scenes, it’s a gripping survival story that fans of action-packed, suspenseful thrillers will enjoy. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is a great choice. I highly recommend "Run" to fans of apocalyptic thrillers, fast-paced narratives, and survival stories. If you don't mind a bit of violent action, then this is totally for you.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Run" by Blake Crouch

"The Swimmer" by Loreth Anne White

 

"The Swimmer" by Loreth Anne White is an intense psychological suspense novel following Chloe Cooper, a socially awkward forty-year-old outsider who desperately wants to fit in and belong.

To put it plainly, Chloe Cooper is voyeuristic and a stalker. She likes to watch people, especially her neighbors, and is intrigued by them. Between walking her mom's dog, caring for her ailing mother, painting pictures of touching loneliness, and bartending, she watches the world from the sidelines, never participating, never getting involved. That is until a new couple arrives in the neighborhood - glamorous influencer Jemma Spengler and her surgeon husband, Adam - and Chloe becomes entangled in their lives. Soon, it becomes clear that the surface of their marriage may glitter, but there are cracks beneath it. The plot thickens when Chloe witnesses the murder of a swimmer, and this is just the beginning of this twisted tale.

The story alternates between the characters in the third-person POV, offering an intriguing dynamic between them. While most of the characters weren't relatable or likable, I didn't care for Jemma and Adam, I felt for Chloe and her struggles. Her care for her mother and the dog especially captured my heart.

In the words of the book, this is a story of 'trauma, loneliness, longing, and the desperate need to fit in and be loved.' Chloe is an autodidact, awkward outside of work, unable to read social cues, and very naive (some would say too naive). The author attributes this to her past, but it could just be the way she is."

I liked the inclusion of the podcast narrating the events, which served to muddy the waters. Things aren’t always what they seem. The layers of the story gradually unravel and collapse, leading to the final revelation. While I liked the book, some parts made me uneasy, so I had to take a break from reading at times.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it engaging. It has surprising developments and twists, unexpected revelations, and deceptive characters, which makes it an easy read. The saying "Enough is as Good as a Feast" came to mind while reading the book. Everyone had secrets, some more terrible than others.

With themes of friendship, toxic relationships, trust, fallible human nature, loss, and moral conflicts, the author has woven a tale that I enjoyed reading. I decided to rate it 4 out of 5 stars because some choices were unbelievable and didn't make sense. Also, I'm tired of people getting away with things they did. I recommend the book to readers who enjoy psychological suspense, complex character studies, and narratives with unexpected twists and turns.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Swimmer" by Loreth Anne White

"The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank

 

"The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank is a horror tale following three couples on a weekend getaway at a secluded lake house. I love the vacation-gone-wrong trope, so the blurb caught my eye.

Six friends go on vacation after not seeing each other for months due to COVID. Each deals with their own issues. The marriage of Ben and Kelsey is on the rocks; Teddy and Denna are childless and fighting over job prospects and having kids; Pete and Carrie need a break from daily life. Arriving at the lake, they find troubles have followed them. Something odd is going on at Echo Lake, and their weekend getaway takes a dark turn.

I liked the premise of the book and the setting. It was a quick read with an interesting premise. Unfortunately, its execution fell short. The book is written from a third-person point of view, and the focus shifts from one character to another. The characters are mostly likable, and I enjoyed the dynamics between them. I also appreciated the insertion of real-world issues such as COVID, livelihood problems, and vaccination in the tale.

The book has potential but needs some serious editing. The “bones” of the story are good; however, the execution needs improvement. The pacing is uneven, with moments of high tension followed by slower, less engaging passages. The suspense occasionally fizzles due to overwritten internal monologues and repetitive descriptions, such as the rehashing of marriage problems or the toppings on pizza in dialogues. It could have been scaled down and tightened up a bit.

In addition, I found the writing style a bit clunky and repetitive. There were some run-on sentences, repetitive thoughts, and redundant descriptions. It felt repetitive to be told about the couples' issues multiple times or to read similar descriptions of situations from different perspectives.

While there are some horror vibes, it never actually feels tense enough to be scary. Also, some questions remain open, and the explanations given were not sufficient. While I liked the exploration of the characters' emotions, I think the story would benefit from culling the repetitive descriptions and inner reflections.

Overall, it’s a decent read with plenty of potential. It definitely had moments that kept me engaged, and I appreciated the real-world issues interwoven into the narrative. With some more refinement, it could really shine. I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to fans of light horror.


* Thank you Edelweiss and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank

"The Stepdaughter's Lie" by Teri Terry

 

I said it before and I'll say it again, Teri Terry is one of my all-time favorite authors. I have read and reviewed her other psychological thriller, which I loved. This is her second psychological thriller, and it is even better than the first.

"The Stepdaughter's Lie" by Teri Terry is a gripping psychological thriller following Rowan, a woman with a troubled past and present. She is married to Theo and lives with him and his 17-year-old daughter Ellie in a smart house. Unfortunately, her stepdaughter hates her and makes her life miserable. The plot thickens when Rowan finds out she is pregnant, and she is plunged into a whirlpool of confusing emotions. She starts to suffer from fainting spells, insomnia, and nightmares, and something seems off with her husband. When her past catches up with her, things start to go south.

I loved the book! The story is told from the first-person points of view of Rowan and Ellie, alternating between the two. I liked Rowan and rooted for her. Her character is easily the most interesting in the book—her dilemmas, her nightmares, and her mindset are all dealt with superbly by the author. I didn't like that she let herself be convinced to quit her job and didn't stand up for herself more. I loved that Rowan volunteered at a dog rescue center and the connection she had with one of the dogs there.

Ellie, I didn't like at first—she was childish and blamed Rowan for all her troubles—but over time, she grew on me. I loved the role reversal (wicked stepdaughter instead of wicked stepmother) and the build-up of suspense. I connected with Rowan and found myself tensing up when things seemed to take an ominous turn. Theo was a different kettle of fish altogether and not very likable either (like father, like daughter?). The lack of open communication between him and Rowan worked against them.

The tale is intricately plotted and there is more to it than my summary. The book explores issues of grief, abuse, religious fanaticism, abandonment issues, lies, manipulation, and gaslighting. It also details problems that can arise from smart home systems. I said it before and I'll say it again: I don't have a smart home and certainly won't get such a system. Too many loopholes for my peace of mind.

This is a gripping psychological read with characters that reach out and grab you. With a seamless blend of suspense, intrigue, and family drama, Teri Terry spins an absorbing tale I couldn't stop reading. I recommend the book to anyone looking for a surprisingly refreshing thriller. If you are into psychological thrillers that make you think and feature a masterful buildup of suspense, this is definitely a book for you!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Stepdaughter's Lie" by Teri Terry

"What the Wife Knew" by Darby Kane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read another book by this author, so I knew I was in for a good ride. And boy, was I right! "What the Wife Knew" by Darby Kan is a twisty family drama that won't let you even consider putting the book down.

The book follows Addison, who married Dr. Richmond Dougherty, a renowned pediatric surgeon, for her own agenda. The story takes place in Rye, New York. Pretty soon, the reader becomes aware that their marriage is a sham, and the reasons appear as the story unfolds. Dr. Richmond Dougherty is considered a hero due to an infamous childhood tragedy. When he is found suddenly dead, the town suspects Addison is the one who killed him, and she becomes the town pariah.

The first wife does her best to encourage the rumors about Addison and to kick her out of town. The irony is Addison did intend to kill Dr. Dougherty, but someone beat her to the punch. Or so she claims... The plot thickens as Richmond’s legacy starts to unravel, causing upheaval in the lives of the people around him. Dr. Richmond Dougherty was a narcissistic, deceitful, infidel, controlling man with many skeletons in his closet, and someone will go to any lengths to conceal it, even murder.

The story is told in the first person and alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, Addison and Richmond, with flashbacks to the past. The more we learn about Addison's history and her toxic relationship with her mother, the more I felt for her and liked her, though she was irritating at times. I am not convinced she couldn't have made other choices, contrary to what she claims, but that is neither here nor there.

The author managed to explore the reach and power of dysfunctional family and mother-daughter relationships without losing the edge of the thriller. It is a revenge story unlike any you've seen, and one you must read to find out more about. I liked the dynamics between the characters and the cynical retorts of the heroine. The tension was palpable from the first page until the conclusion of the book.

The story is captivating, thrilling, and totally engrossing. It could have been tightened up a bit, especially the chapters from Richmond's perspective, but it didn't hurt my enjoyment of the book. The combination of unexpected plot twists, colorful characters, and a twisty ending has made this book a really enjoyable read for me. I loved the book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys revenge tales with a bite.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "What the Wife Knew" by Darby Kane

"Last Night at Villa Lucia" by Simon McCleave

 

"Last Night at Villa Lucia" by Simon McCleave is a compelling thriller set in Tuscany. The beautiful cover and intriguing blurb grabbed my attention, and the story pulled me in further. It was well-written and flowed at a fast pace.

The story revolves around Cerys, the alcoholic owner of Villa Lucia, a vacation getaway in Tuscany. She is trying to escape her past and forget her abusive ex-husband. Her daughter Lowri, an aspiring musician, is staying with her while deciding on her next move. The villa's caretakers, Lucia and her ex-Mafioso husband Lorenzo, add to the complexity of the setting. Guests at the villa include Zoe, Harry, and their son Charlie. When a body is found floating in the pool, the police suspect foul play. The victim was disliked by many, making everyone at the villa a suspect.

I enjoyed the story very much. The narrative alternates between Cerys' first-person perspective and the third-person perspectives of the other characters, incorporating flashbacks that illuminate the present. It deals with themes of alcoholism, toxic and abusive relationships, and controlling men. The characters were well-rounded and fleshed out. I liked some of them and disliked others. I didn't guess the identity of the culprit, so the reveal caught me by surprise.

I was sold on this one from the very first line. Good plotting, judiciously dropped clues, and twists make this a good read. The only thing I didn't like was the use of drugs by the young characters. Other than that, the storyline is easy to follow, and the author provides an excellent sense of setting. This was my first book by the author, but it will not be my last. I recommend it to those who enjoy thriller novels and reading about characters overcoming life struggles. It is the perfect summer read!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Last Night at Villa Lucia" by Simon McCleave