Monday, April 26, 2021

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

A special thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mariana is a brilliant but troubled group therapist. Recently widowed, she is struggling with her own grief as well as an obsessive patient. When she gets a frantic call from her niece Zoe that one of her friends has been murdered, she rushes to Cambridge to be with her.

Edward Fosca is a murderer—of this Mariana is certain—but he is untouchable. The handsome and charismatic professor of Greek Tragedy is adored by his students and fellow staff at Cambridge—particularly by the The Maidens, a secret society of female students. Mariana becomes fixated with the remaining members. 

When another body is found, Mariana's obsession with the group spirals out of control. As a former student, she suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld? Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life.

Lacklustre, underwhelming, and a forced twist that completely missed the mark, The Maidens is a disappointment. Michaelides' writing is basic at best, and his cast forgettable. The protagonist is a therapist who consistently acts out of character and does a disservice to her profession under the guise of grief. And almost every male in this book is a stalker. 

With an interesting premise that could've celebrated female power, sexuality, and mythology, The Maidens falls flat on its face. The only connection that this was by the same author as the outstanding psychological thriller, The Silent Patient, is the mention of Alicia Berenson, her therapist, Theo Faber, and the Grove (a secure forensic unit in North London).  

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ALEX MICHAELIDES was born and raised in Cyprus. He has an M.A. in English Literature from Trinity College, Cambridge University, and an M.A. in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. The Silent Patient was his first novel and it spent more than a year on the New York Times bestseller list and sold in a record-breaking fifty countries. 

Michaelides lives in London.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain

A special thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A missing girl. A broken woman. A truth about to come to light.

Anna Hart is a seasoned missing persons detective in San Francisco with far too much knowledge of the darkest side of human nature. When overwhelming tragedy strikes her personal life, Anna, desperate and numb, flees to the Northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. This is where she lived as a child with her beloved foster parents, and now she believes it might be the only place left for her. On the day she arrives, Anna learns that a local teenage girl has gone missing. The crime feels frighteningly reminiscent of the most crucial time in her childhood, when the unsolved murder of a young girl touched Mendocino and changed the community forever. 

When past and present collide, Anna realizes that she has been led to this moment and that the most difficult lessons of her life have given her insight into how victims come into contact with violent predators. As Anna becomes obsessed with the missing girl, she must accept that true courage means getting out of her own way and learning to let others in.

When the Stars Go Dark is a departure for McLain, but also is more personal—she has imbued Anna with her own experiences as a foster child and a survivor of sexual abuse. Weaving together actual cases of missing persons, this is a story of when fate meets opportunity for our complex heroine. There is a large cast, but it works for this atmospheric slow burn. The main characters are all well-developed, convincing, and fully fleshed out.   

This book has McLain's signature beautiful and sweeping dialogue, but it is juxtaposed against the rugged wilderness and the shattered lives of the victims' families. She evokes both emotion and mystery in this near-flawless thriller. It is the perfect union of true crime and suspense. And although it can be slow at times, readers will be rewarded with this riveting and atmospheric tale about one woman's resilience, healing, and redemption.   

Brilliant, bold, and brave!

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PAULA McLAIN is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels, The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun, and Love and Ruin.

McLain lives with her family in Cleveland.

Saturday, April 17, 2021

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don't exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can't imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there's certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.

But then, there's this gorgeous girl on the train.

Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August's day when she needed it most. August's subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there's one big problem: Jane doesn't just look like an old school punk rocker. She's literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it's time to start believing in some things, after all. 

McQuiston said this is the "weird, fun, horny project of [their] heart" and it definitely was. There is so much to enjoy and celebrate about this book—I love to read about characters that need more representation and think it is so important for everyone to be seen and validated. 

But One Last Stop didn't totally work for me and I can't exactly pinpoint why... I found that the quirky character traits were overdone and it detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story (I'm a less is more person and McQuiston had a lot going on). The bit of sci-fi did nothing for me either. There were lots of truly beautiful parts—and also important historical moments—but again, overshadowed by the weird. I almost gave up but pushed through and ultimately, I'm glad I did. 

Although One Last Stop was just okay/good for me, it will certainly resonate with a lot of readers and have its audience. That being said I love love loved Red, White & Royal Blue and will definitely pick up their next book.


CASEY McQUISTON is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies and a pie enthusiast. They write stories about smart people with bad manners falling in love. 

McQuiston was born and raised in southern Louisiana, they now live in New York City with their poodle mix/personal assistant, Pepper.

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

A special thank you to HarperCollins Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eve, Justin, Susie, and Ed have been friends since they were teenagers. Now in their thirties, the four are as close as ever, Thursday night bar trivia is sacred, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed. Maybe she should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed still thinks about it, too.

But then, in an instant, their lives are changed forever.

In the aftermath, Eve’s world is upended. As stunning secrets are revealed, she begins to wonder if she really knew her friends as well as she thought. And when someone from the past comes back into her life, Eve’s future veers in a surprising new direction...

They say every love story starts with a single moment. What if it was just last night? 

Oh. My. Gawd! Mhairi McFarlane you broke my heart and put it back together again. I loved this book so much!⁣

What I adore most about McFarlane's books is that you feel like you are actually there and that the characters are your best mates. Her writing is effortless and her ear for dialogue is impeccable—she's also the right amount of cheeky and has a great sense of humour. ⁣

As an "aging goth" who is trying to hold on to her youth and the way things were, Eve is relatable on so many levels (and has fab taste in music). She is compelling with the perfect balance of being loyal and kind, yet clever and witty. But instead of playing to these strengths, Eve uses these traits as a means of deflection while nursing a broken heart and processing a huge secret that has left her feeling betrayed by those closest to her. 

There are many beautiful moments in this layered story. The narrative is funny, endearing, and even heavy at times. McFarlane deftly explores the dynamics of friendship, grief, betrayal, and how unexpected life is. Just Last Night is so much more than a spirited rom-com. The romance is actually secondary to Eve's growth; she's grappling with grief and managing her feelings. 

Just Last Night was bloody fantastic and I have a massive book hangover.

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MHAIRI MCFARLANE is a Sunday Times bestselling author from Scotland. McFarlane has written six novels and a book series.

Her name is actually pronounced Vah-Ree and she lives in Nottingham.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Just My Luck by Adele Parks

A special thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin MIRA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you also to Harlequin for the opportunity to be a part of the Blog Tour.

Winning the lottery sounds like a dream come true, but what if it changes everything?

For the past fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, Carla and Patrick Pearson, and Jennifer and Fred Heathcote. Over drinks, dinner parties and summer barbecues, the three couples have discussed the important stuff—kids, marriages, careers—and they’ve laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything.

But then the unthinkable happens. There’s a rift in the group. Someone is caught in a lie. And soon after, six numbers come up that change everything forever.

Just My Luck is a slow-burn domestic drama that gives new meaning to "be careful what you wish for." It is a cautionary tale about greed and the perception of how money can buy happiness when in fact, there is no amount of money that can replace losing a loved one. 

Through the lens of morality, this is a union of a psychological drama and a thriller. Told from multiple points of view and shifting time frames, this book has a bit of everything: lawsuits, secret rendezvous, kidnapping, and double-crossing. There's a lot going on and at times the novel is disjointed, but Parks' writing is captivating and in the end, well-crafted. 

Just My Luck takes a long hard look at the darkness of greed in this compelling book about morality, friendship, money, and how good luck can actually be the opposite. Although slow to start, readers will be rewarded with the solid writing and surprise ending.   

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ADELE PARKS' first novel, Playing Away, was published in 2000. Since then, she's published another nineteen novels. Her books have been translated into twenty-six languages.

Parks lives in Guildford, Surrey, with her husband, son, and cat.


Q & A with Adele Parks

How much research do you do before beginning to write a book? Do you go to locations, ride with police, go to see an autopsy, etc.

For me, one of the best things about being a writer is that I get to poke around in so many different worlds. I am not limited to my own career or viewpoint. I can - and do - research so many other professions, lifestyles, businesses or scenarios. Over the years, I have shadowed people who worked in the TV industry, teachers, police, florists, charity workers, bankers, photographers, prison wardens, librarians…I pride myself on being as thorough as possible in my research, especially if someone else’s profession is involved. For example, with my novels that have any crime procedure included, I interview police people, I visit their places of work and I also ask them to read over the parts of the novel that relate to their world. It’s critical to me that I not only get the facts spot on, but also nail the tone of voice and language that might be used. For Just My Luck I worked closely with some people who work at the British lottery company, I also interviewed lottery winners.

I often join forums and support groups that relate to my plotlines, it’s a great way to research. I have joined forums for people who have won the lottery, others where the objective is to support alcoholics, forums for Alzheimer’s sufferers and those who care for them, and for people with rare specific genetic diseases. I always declare that I am an author doing research, because I think it’s only fair that people know who they are sharing with. I find people who have been through these challenging life situations are often looking to tell their stories.

I always visit the locations where I set my novels and become familiar with them. I research in galleries, museums and libraries too. I’m certain I’ll never attend an autopsy though; I’m fairly squeamish! 

What hobbies do you enjoy?

First and foremost, I am a reader. I always have a book with me and most of my down time you will find me with my nose buried. I am also a big fan of upscaling furniture. I enjoy mooching around junk shops, vintage fairs and eBay. I am always buying bits of old furniture, which I then, strip, paint, stain, or have re-upholstered etc. I love finding something that is past it’s best and no longer loved, then breathing new life into it. I really value having unique one-off pieces, that have a story behind them, in my home. I also enjoy walking and practicing yoga.

Do you write under one name for all books across genres or do you have other AKA's?

I write under my name all the time, no matter what genre. Looking back, I’m not sure this was my smartest marketing move. Maybe I should have written my historical novels (If You Go Away and Spare Brides) under a pseudonym as they are set during WW1 and the 1920s and quite a different feel from all my other novels which are contemporary. However, even within my contemporary novels I’ve written in different genres - from romantic comedy to dark psychological thrillers and domestic noir. If I’d had a different name for each genre that might have got confusing too! I can see an advantage of writing under a different name. It might have saved my blushes; some of my novels are quite steamy in places and when my son was younger, the school gate was sometimes a little awkward if the other mums were reading my novels!

Do you have pets? 

I have a moggy cat; her name is Lilac. She’s 10 years old and much adored! Sadly, she’s not really keen on giving or receiving affection; her area of expertise is looking incredible and treating the humans in her family with disdain. She’s quite a loud cat and ‘chats’ to me a lot which is fun! 

What’s your favourite part of writing suspense?

I’m a great fan of the plot! I do pride myself on rather unexpected but utterly believable reveals and twists. The intellectual challenge of constructing plots is unquestionably my favorite part of writing. The best suspense novels continually astonish and defy the reader until the final page. How great is it when we think we’re heading in one direction, but the author spins us around and takes us somewhere else? That’s what I like to achieve, action that appeals to sharp, inquisitive minds.

I also love taking my readers on an emotional ride. It’s undoubtedly compelling for readers to track a seemingly ordinary family and then watch as something exceptional happens when they’re placed under extraordinary stress. I believe we’re all capable of horrendous actions under the right – maybe that should be wrong—circumstances. A fascination with darkness is part of being human. We all have light and dark in us but we’re not heartless, books provide a safe environment to explore these different lives without ruining our own or anyone else’s.

Do you prefer reading and/or writing suspense with elements of romance? Why or why not?

I don’t think I mind whether there is romance in a book or not, but I do need relationships of some kind. Without a doubt, the most important thing in life is my relationships with people, yes my romantic relationship—now limited as I’m married —but also my relationship with my son, my parents, sister, friends. For me, in real life, stakes are always highest when my relationships are threatened in some way, or when the people I love are in turmoil or jeopardy. I do not think I’m alone in this. Ultimately, the vast majority of us prioritize relationships over fame, money or career. I believe we are defined by who we love and who we are loved by. Therefore, in the suspense novels I write, I use relationships as a device that heightens the drama and the potential threat. Suspense novels do not have to be full of blood and dead bodies (although they can be!). I think the most successful ones are those where the reader feels a sense of familiarity and connection with the characters or environment. We believe the story really could happen, and most awfully, it could happen to us. For me, the best suspense looks at the horror that goes on in seemingly normal everyday families. 

From the books you’ve written or read, who has been your favorite villain and why?

What a great question, I’ve never been asked it before. Thinking about it now though, I realize I’m not a fan of the villain. I’m always rooting for the goodie, I guess I’m secretly very square. I do like writing villains though, possibly because they get to say all the harsh one-liners that I only ever think up way after the efficacy has passed! Villains are dangerous, extreme and usually selfish or cruel. They are also quite often glamourous and charismatic, so definitely fun to write. 

What was your inspiration behind the book?

A friend of mine works for the lottery company in the UK. He was telling me fun stories about what winners spend on, what their reactions were to hearing the news they’ve won, how the lottery company has a duty of care towards the winners etc. It was all fascinating. Then he just casually commented, ‘We always offer to arrange security for their children if the win is seriously big’. I found that so interesting. Imagine, the best moment of your life, being handed a check for millions and then suddenly realizing your family were now at risk in a way they never had been before. That was the moment I thought, I really need to write about this!

Monday, April 5, 2021

Six Weeks to Live by Catherine McKenzie

A special thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Jennifer Barnes received the shocking news that she has a terminal brain tumour at her routine doctor's appointment. She has only six weeks to live. Stunned by the diagnosis, the forty-eight-year-old mother decides to spend what little time she has left with her family—her adult triplets and twin grandsons. But when she realizes that she was possibly poisoned, Jennifer is determined to discover who is responsible. So far, Jake, her soon-to-be ex husband, is at the top of her list. 

Meanwhile, her daughters are each processing the news differently. Calm medical student Emily is there for whatever Jennifer needs. Moody scientist Aline, who keeps her mother at arm’s length, agrees to help with the investigation. Even imprudent Miranda, who has recently had to move back home, is being unusually attentive.

But with her daughters doubting her campaign against their father, Jennifer can’t help but wonder if the poisoning is all in her head—or is there someone else that wants her dead?

Catherine McKenzie's Six Weeks to Live is an explosive family drama that explores the relationships between triplets—twins, plus one—and the dynamics they each have with their dying mother. 

With short, punchy chapters, McKenzie's latest is a gripping psychological novel. Opening with a gut-wrenching diagnosis, her heroine has a mere six weeks to live and to find her killer. In the time that she has left, Jennifer naturally wants her daughters close and her husband's support. Interestingly as time goes on, the girls become unfazed and oddly unsympathetic—they think that their mother is up to her usual theatrics. 

Told from multiple points of view, McKenzie deftly weaves them together with skill and suspense. Jennifer's quest to prove she was poisoned is the perfect vehicle to unearth the old wounds, grudges, and memories. 

Six Weeks to Live has guilt, secrets, blame, and revenge blemishing every page. 

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CATHERINE McKENZIE is the bestselling author of numerous bestsellers including You Can't Catch MeHidden, Fractured, The Good Liar, and I'll Never Tell. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and I'll Never Tell, The Good Liar, and You Can't Catch Me have all been optioned for development into television series.

McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practiced law for twenty years before leaving the practice to write full time. 

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny

A special thank you to Edelweiss, Knopf Random House, and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Duncan is charming, good-natured, and handsome. Jane falls easily in love with him. But he's also slept with nearly every woman in Boyne City, Michigan and because of this, Jane sees Duncan's old girlfriends everywhere—at restaurants, at the grocery store, even in neighbouring towns. 

Coming to terms with him being such a successful seducer is one thing, but having to share him is pushing it. He still mows his ex-wife's lawn and his coworker Jimmy comes and goes from Duncan's apartment at the most inopportune times. How is this relationship supposed to work with all these people in it? Not to mention most of the other residents of Boyne City, who freely share with Jane their opinions of her choices. 

Any notion Jane has of love and marriage changes with one terrible car crash. Now her life is permanently intertwined with Duncan's, Aggie's, and Jimmy's, and she knows she will never have Duncan to herself. But is it possible that a deeper kind of happiness is right in front of her eyes? 

This is my first Katherine Heiny book and I was utterly enchanted. It's easy to fall in love with her quirky cast—although she is only 26, Jane is a bit of an old soul so it's no wonder she has an affinity towards thrifting, Duncan oozed charm and I was smitten, but was Jimmy who won my heart. He was the perfect vehicle for the other characters' growth.  

Early Morning Riser covers a span of 17 years in episodical chapters titled by year and I found that this was an overly ambitious timeframe to work with. But all-in-all, it was a lighthearted and fun read about love, loss, family, friendship, and community. I look forward to my next Heiny novel.

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KATHERINE HEINY is the author of Standard Deviation and Single, Carefree, Mellow, and her short fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and many other magazines. 

Heiny lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with her husband and children, and is a former resident of London, The Hague, and Boyne City, Michigan.