Review: Contagion by Erin Bowman

Posted on July 26, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Contagion by Erin BowmanContagion by Erin Bowman
Published by HarperCollins on July 24, 2018
Genres: Action & Adventure, General, Science Fiction, Survival Stories, Thrillers & Suspense, Young Adult Fiction
Pages: 432
Source: the publisher
A small team from a research facility is sent to answer a distress call on a small planet, thought unusable and inhabitable, named Achlys.  The call was sent by a drilling crew there to mine corrarium, a vastly important alternative energy source.  The journey is long, requiring them to be put on stasis for most of the trek.

When they arrive, they find the bodies of the drilling crew.  Their cause of death isn't readily apparent, but it isn't long before they, too, fall victim to the contagion that spreads so rampantly.  It spreads quickly through the bodies of its victims; turning them into zombie-like creatures desperate to spread their fatal virus.

Quickly, this changes from a mission of rescue and recovery to one of survival. The circumstances of this mission were guarded and vague, and unfortunately now the crew knows why.  One sole individual on the crew has visited this very planet before...and was the only one to have survived it.  It's time that the secrets of Achlys are brought to life, in many more ways than one.

I’m all about a sci-fi/horror mash up and boy, did this one exceed my expectations.   Reading the description, it instantly reminded me of Aliens, one of my very favorite space-based horror movies.  Though similar, this one truly rose above, standing on it’s own as a truly well-written novel.

Though there is one primary narrator, the reader does get the perspective of a multitude of other secondary characters.  I appreciated the strength (and weaknesses) of the female characters and the diverse cast. This is the first of at least a few books (I hope) and serves as a great jumping off point into what should be a truly outstanding series. I was intrigued by the interaction of the characters, and how their battle with human nature influenced their actions, leading them either toward survival or decimation.

The ending paves way for the next book with a cliff hanger that is just subtle enough to keep the interest going. I was pleased with how Bowman ended this one, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next! Highly recommended.

Posted in Dystopian fiction, Review, Thriller | 1 Comment

Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje StageBaby Teeth by Zoje Stage
Also by this author:
Published by St. Martin's Press on July 17, 2018
Genres: Family Life, Fiction, Horror, Psychological, Thrillers
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher
Suzette Jensen didn't have what one would call a happy childhood.  A debilitating ailment that should have evoked feelings of sympathy from her mother resulted in quite the opposite.  When she married, she knew that this ailment would cause her difficulties while pregnant, yet she was determined to give a child the love and attention she was never given.

Unfortunately, in the case of her daughter Hanna, the difficulties have lasted long past pregnancy.  At seven, she has yet to utter a word.  Suzette has taken her to countless doctors and specialists, but no physical cause can be found.  She can read and write, and at this point all medical professionals insist that Hanna can talk, just chooses not to.   Frustrated at her mother's rules and excessive attention, Hanna acts out, oftentimes aggressively.  Yet when she is with her father, she's an angelic, problem-free child. She's been expelled from countless schools, leaving Suzette with no choice but to home school her.

What is most terrifying is that Suzette can see the jealousy and hatred in Hanna's eyes. Hanna strives to be the sole source of attention for her father.  The constant stress wreaks havoc on her health condition, so it's imperative that she find some...relief from Hanna.  Whether it's her health or the hands of her daughter, either one will ultimately destroy her.

Raising a child is difficult enough, but can you imagine raising a child that is the embodiment of evil? I don’t know what was more terrifying, the feral-like barks Hanna uses to communicate with her mother or that when she finally speaks to her mother, it’s the voice of a long-dead suspected witch!?  Creepy kids scare me to no end (i.e. the twins from The Shining or the characters in Children of the Corn).

In this debut novel, Stage takes the stress and difficulty of raising a child to a completely different level.  At first, it was almost difficult to believe a child could be so evil, starting at such a young age. It as if Hanna was the embodiment of the very sickness (Crohn’s disease) that is attacking Suzette’s body.  Quickly, I became obsessed with trying to figure out the cause of Hanna’s hatred for her mother.  Was it purely a sense of jealousy for the attention of her father? Or was there some underlying issue that had yet risen to the surface.  While my questions were never really answered, I couldn’t tear myself away from this book. I read it in one sitting and it left me with such a haunting feeling!

This is certainly destined to be one of the  most talked about books of the summer.  Highly, highly recommended (with fair warning of an incredibly creepy child!)

Posted in Review, Thriller | 1 Comment

Review: Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Give Me Your Hand by Megan AbbottGive Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott
Published by Little, Brown on July 17, 2018
Genres: Contemporary Women, Crime, Fiction, Psychological, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher
In high school, Kit Owens' professional ambitions were minimal.  Then Diane Fleming walked into her high school chemistry class.  Diane was a brilliant student and it awakened a passion for science within Kit.  The two developed a close friendship that only waned when Diane revealed a shocking secret that immediately changed things between them.

Now an adult, Kit has her dream job, working for her idol as they undergo groundbreaking new research surrounding premenstrual dysphoric disorder.  Her past comes rushing back when she learns that Diane has obtained a position within the very lab in which she works. The two are forced to compete against one another for a position they both covet.Diane's secret comes rushing back from the past, proving that nothing can stop her from obtaining what she desires, no matter the consequences.

If you haven’t experienced the brilliant writings of Abbott, you are certainly missing out.  She excels at capturing the female psyche and the brilliant (and simultaneously horrifying) relationships between women. Just when you think she’s reached the pinnacle of psychological suspense, she pushes the barriers yet again and proves that there is no stopping her talent.

I was particularly pleased with the underlying message regarding the disorder in which they are researching; study into just how much one’s body (and mind and soul) can be influenced by hormones is much needed.  Women have long been victims of the monthly “curse” that causes havoc with their entire body.  The premenstrual dysphoric disorder Abbott references is a valid medical disorder that is debilitating to its victims.  The effects of such a disorder should not be ignored, but studied and understood.

That said, Abbott weaves this message in seamlessly, without making it a sermon or a pervasive aspect of the novel.  Rather, she continues on her passion and talent: the complexity of female relationships.  A paramount theme is the power of secrets, and whether or not the damage lies in telling them…or keeping them.

All in all, another outstandingly intense read!  A must for this summer.  Highly, highly recommended.

 

Posted in Mystery/Suspense, Review, Thriller | Leave a comment

Review: Caged by Ellison Cooper

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Caged by Ellison CooperCaged by Ellison Cooper
Published by St. Martin's Press on July 10, 2018
Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Women Sleuths
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher
Sayer Altair is an neuroscientist working for the FBI; her research has her studying the brains of serial killers. She's devoting nearly all of her time to this research, so when she's called away to a scene discovered by DC metro police, it must be important.

There, she discovers the body of a young woman kept in a cage, slowly starved to death. Details of the scene allude to a serial killer, and Sayer is quickly made lead on the case.  When the victim is identified as the daughter of a senator, everyone on the case is thrust into the spotlight.  A leak in the FBI means the press are often a step ahead of Sayer, putting even more pressure on this horrific case.

Another young girl is taken and Sayer and her team must rush to put the details together before yet another innocent girl loses her life.  Slowly, she begins to realize that the killer has a dangerous obsession, one that has appeared in cases before.  As she uncovers more details, she is horrified to learn that the killer has been right beside her this entire time....

I’m all about trying debut thrillers.  I was drawn to this one to due to the setting (Washington DC metro) and the science behind the main character’s research.  A student of psychology and criminal justice myself, I’ve always been drawn to the psychological and physiological “motives” of serial killers.

What kept me captivated was the truly unique motive of this killer; the killings were truly just a means to a truly bizarre end. Additionally, I appreciated that two of the lead characters were female, a trend in thrillers that I’m pleased to see increasing.  While there are aspects of this book that I wish were delved into a bit more, I do understand that this is a debut. I do hope Cooper plans to follow Sayer’s character in another book; her character is one I’m not quite ready to part ways with yet!

All in all, a truly captivating (though, I’ll give you a warning, a bit dark!) read! Highly recommended.

 

Posted in Mystery/Suspense, Review, Thriller | 1 Comment

Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Jenn
Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley SagerThe Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Also by this author: Final Girls, Lock Every Door, Home Before Dark, The House Across the Lake
Published by Diversified Publishing on July 3rd 2018
Genres: Fiction, Psychological, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 528
Fifteen years ago, Emma Davis witnessed a tragedy at Camp Nightingale, the first summer camp she attended.  The other three girls in her cabin went missing, never to return.  Now a painter, she revisits this incident through her artwork, painting and repainting each of the three girls.

When the camp opens for the first time in fifteen years, Emma is offered the position of art instructor.  Emma quickly agrees; She's ready to get some answers about the missing girls and put an end to the torment that has followed her into her adult years.   The question is, however, will she find the answers she seeks or will she, too, succumb to the curse of camp Nightingale?

Much like Sager’s previous title, Final Girls, Emma is the girl that remains after a pretty tragic experience at a summer school for wealthy children.  Following the incident, Emma was cast in a shadow of doubt by others involved and to be honest, herself as well. The setting of a summer camp is perfect; some of the very best horror movies revolve around such a setting.

Sager’s allusions to the various rumors regarding the camp’s past added another element of fear and terror.  The reader, much like Emma herself, found themselves question each and every thing that transpired 15 years ago, opening up the cast of suspects to nearly anyone who was present at the camp.  Sager takes the reader on numerous twists and turns, throwing in a few false leads as well.  Just when you think you have it figured out, something else is revealed, taking you on a completely different path.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the read (and the twisty twisty ending), there were aspects that did bother me.  Emma’s character, for one, seemed quiet naive.  There’s  scene in which she has her first period, and she’s left clueless as to how to deal with it.  Perhaps this was a nod to Carrie, but given the time in which this took place, Emma should have been a bit more informed as to what was taking place.  Another issue I had is the pacing.  It started off great, but dwindled down in the middle, just when it should be picking up.  My fear is that readers will abandon the book before they get to the best scenes, which really do happen near the end of the book.

Though I have my issues with this book, I’m still quite a fan of this author’s work (be it under this pen name or not).  The Last Time I Lied is still, without a doubt, a must read summer thriller!

Posted in Mystery/Suspense, Review, Thriller | Leave a comment

Review: Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Jenn
Review: Jar of Hearts by Jennifer HillierJar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
Also by this author: Little Secrets
Published by St. Martin's Press on June 12th 2018
Genres: Crime, Fiction, Psychological, Thrillers
Pages: 320
Angela Wong was sixteen years old when she disappeared without a trace.  Fourteen years later, her remains were found buried in the woods near her childhood best friend Geo's home.  Georgina (Geo) Shaw, Angela and Kaiser were an inseparable trio back then.  Now, one is dead, one is arrested for her murder, the other is the arresting officer.

Geo and Angela were close when they were young.  That all changed when Geo met Calvin.  Calvin was handsome and swept Geo off her feet.  Their relationship was great...until it wasn't.  Calvin was jealous and controlling, always wanting Geo to dress sexy, but not attract the attention of other men. This caustic relationship lead to Angela's death, and the fourteen years worth of lies and secrets that left her disappearance a mystery. Through those fourteen years, Geo was left to bear the weight of what transpired that horrific night that stole her best friend from her and ruined her life forever. She kept secret her involvement in Angela's death and the horrific hours that followed.

Nearly 20 years after Angela's disappearance, Geo is set to be released from prison. She testified against Calvin, eventually named as the Sweetbay Strangler. He, too, faced punishment for the crime but it is Geo who know faces the consequences.  For shortly after she is released, the body of a young woman and child are found in the same spot as Angela's remains.  The similarities to Angela's death are uncanny.  As the past comes rushing to the present,  Geo is forced to come to terms with the decisions she made in life,  eventually dealing with the horrific consequences.

I’ve been impatiently awaiting this book for what seems years! I devoured her previous titles (Creep, Freak, The Butcher, and Wonderland) and couldn’t wait for more!  The wait was well worth it for this was, without a doubt, my favorite of them all.

Hillier has crafted this dark and twisted thriller with expertise.  As the reader begins this dark journey through Geo’s life, both present and past, they are conflicted regarding their feelings about her character.  Should it be anger for the secrets she kept for fourteen years, or sympathy for what she has, and continues to, endure.

Geo has never gotten over her feelings of of guilt and grief not only for Angela’s death but decisions she’s made since then.  Therefore, each section header is one of the stages of grief.  Geo continues to go through the healing necessary following such an incident, and Hillier has invited the reader to join her in this journey. Don’t get too comfortable in your journey, however…

For what makes this read so phenomenal are the completely unexpected twists and turns, the way Hillier still manages to completely shock and astound me (in the best and creepiest ways, of course), all this time later.  While I picked up on some things, others came completely out of nowhere and made my head spin.

If I haven’t convinced you to read this yet…what’s wrong with you!?  All kidding aside, this will undoubtedly top my favorite titles of the year.  Pick it up and read it now…and then devour her backlist.  Highly, highly recommended.

Posted in Review, Thriller | Leave a comment

Review: Glimpse by Jonathan Maberry

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from personal copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Glimpse by Jonathan MaberryGlimpse by Jonathan Maberry
Also by this author: Lullaby
Published by St. Martin's Press on March 27, 2018
Genres: Fiction, Horror, Supernatural, Thrillers
Pages: 320
Format: Audiobook
Source: personal copy
Rain Thomas has been clean for the last three years. Seven years an addict, she still suffers the guilt of giving up her baby for adoption when she was a teen and the grief of her boyfriend's death in Iraq. She's struggling to gain control of her life, to ignore the pervasive voices in her head, aided by the friends she's gained in her narcotics anonymous meetings.

On her way to a job interview she reviews her resume, aided by a pair of reading glasses she borrows from a woman on the subway.  While wearing the glasses,  she sees a  young boy running down the aisle, screaming in laughter...or is it fear or pain.   Yet no one else sees the boy and Rain is left unable to explain what she's seen.

Then, she begins to lose track of time. Not just minutes or hours, but full days.  When she shares this with her closest friends, they too begin to suffer the same symptoms.  Certainly they aren't all succumbing to the drugs that once imprisoned them...or are they?

Rain must reach back into her past to the secrets she's buried for far to long in order to save herself, and the ones she loves the most.

I do love me some Jonathan Maberry. No mater the genre, I will pick up anything and everything this man writes.  I’m so thrilled to have listened to this most recent sampling of his fiction. It’s quite the captivating read, with a truly unique storyline and genuine characters with which readers will quickly connect and bond.  The protagonist he creates in Rain is determined, haunted, yet still completely flawed.  These characteristics add to the genuine feel of her character, for her story is one that demands sympathy and understanding.

Maberry excels at writing a full gamut of genres, ranging from zombie horror to this wonderful mash up of horror and crime fiction.  One of the very best things about his range of talent is that he writes the type of scary any reader can enjoy.  All in all, he’s one of my very favorite authors. If you haven’t sampled his writing and want a recommendation, I’m here for you!  Highly, highly recommended.

Posted in Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Review, Thriller | 2 Comments

Review: Tangerine by Christine Mangan

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Tangerine by Christine ManganTangerine by Christine Mangan
Published by HarperCollins on March 27, 2018
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Literary, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Source: the library
Alice Shipley is living in Tangier with her new husband.  She feels isolated; the heat and overwhelming crowds have prevented her from venturing out to explore.   When her former roommate, Lucy Mason, arrives out of the blue, Alice is taken aback.  The two haven't spoken since the event that shattered Alice's life.  Yet, she takes this opportunity as an excuse to start their friendship anew, and the two embark on outings that take Alice beyond the confinement of  her flat.

Yet, it isn't long before Lucy's behavior from the past returns, her strong hold on Alice leaves her feeling like she's lost all control of her life.  Lucy is determined to let know one stand between them, no matter the consequences.

I picked this up after hearing rave reviews from a bookseller at my favorite independent bookstore.  I have to say that before this, this title wasn’t even on my radar.  I curled up on a rainy Friday night and devoured this book.  I loved the alternating points of views, reading from first Alice’s standpoint and then Lucy’s, watching how they began to differ so vastly in what they believed to have transpired.  The pacing was on par, as was the build-up of the conflict…but it wasn’t until after I finished reading and had time to percolate on my thoughts that I realized my issue.

Here is the text of the tweet I posted immediately after finishing:  “Finished TANGERINE.  Quite good, reminded me a bit of THE OTHER TYPIST.”  So what’s the problem?  It wasn’t memorable.  Though quite a fun and engaging read, nothing will stand out as unique, something that will make me remember this book in a few months after I’ve read another dozen titles.

I then glanced at the cover and noticed the blurb from Joyce Carol Oates:  “As if Donna Tartt, Gillian Flynn, and Patricia Highsmith had collaborated on a screenplay to be filmed by Hitchcock.” I was struck by question for authors: Would you rather be compared to the great works of other authors or stand out with your own voice?

With all this said, I do recommend this title for it is a captivating and thrilling read.  While it didn’t stand out to me as memorable, perhaps it will provide you with a different reading experience?

 

Posted in Review | Leave a comment

Audio Book Review: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Jenn
Audio Book Review: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamaraI'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Published by HarperCollins on February 27, 2018
Genres: Biography & Autobiography, Law Enforcement, Murder, Personal Memoirs, Serial Killers, True Crime
Pages: 352
Format: Audiobook
For over a decade, a sadistic predator terrorized California, commititing 50 sexual assaults before moving on to murder. The territory of his crimes spanned the state, involving numerous police jurisdictions.  His crimes took place over thirty years ago, long before computer technology allowed police to track his crimes and evidence using a central source.

Michelle McNamara, a crime journalist and creator of the website TrueCrimeDiary.com, became obsessed with the case and the still unidentified perpetrator.  So invested in the case, McNamara was the one who dubbed the nickname "Golden State Killer." She thoroughly reviewed police reports and interviewed victims, investing all of her free time in studying this case.  Her sudden death put a halt on her investigation, but her perseverance catapulted this story back into the focus of the police, ultimately leading to the capture of the Golden State Killer.

I studied psychology and criminal justice in college.  My personal obsession was the mind of serial killer: the motives, the root cause, the rationale, behind our nation’s most terrifying killers.  I interviewed individuals who, if they hadn’t been caught, may have embarked on a serial killing rampage.

I don’t typically read true crime. After reading so much that was written by very very very amateur sleuths that took create liberties with the conclusions and evidence they presented, I permanently banned true crime from my reading.  So, when I first learned of the release of this title, I was not interested. At all.  Until the rush of new information in the news announced the apprehension of the Golden State Killer, and how McNamara’s passion may  have led authorities to his arrest.

This was, by far, one of the most well researched books I have ever read.  McNamara’s passion for this case, and her desire for the perpetrator to get the punishment he deserved, was very apparent.  What makes her writing different is that she shared her emotion, the emotion of the victims, the human aspect of the cases, that is often overlooked in true crime novels. The emotional journey she takes the reader on is quite painful and difficult to take at times, but completely necessary to understand the true grasp of this man’s evil.

This is certainly a classic of true crime, one that will be talked about for some time.  A must read for readers of all types! Highly, highly recommended.

Posted in Review, True Crime | 1 Comment

Review: Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Jenn
Review: Kill Creek by Scott ThomasKill Creek by Scott Thomas
Published by Inkshares on October 31, 2017
Genres: Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Supernatural, Thrillers
Pages: 432
Format: eBook
Source: personal copy
The Finch house sits abandoned in the middle of the Kansas countryside.  It hasn't been inhabited in years, for it doesn't have the best history.  The last owners, the Finch sisters, had strict guidelines for how it should be cared for following their deaths.  Now known as one of the most infamous haunted houses, it's about to have guests for the first time in decades.

Sam McGarver is a well-known horror writer. His publisher keeps pushing him to churn out books on an annual basis to keep up with his readers' demands.  He's struggling in his efforts to write his next novel, so when he receives an invitation for a unique interview opportunity, he is intrigued.

McGarver, along with three other masters of horror, have been invited to spend the night at the Finch House. Not just any night, either, but Halloween night.  When the arrive, however, they awaken something that will torment them long after they've left.

 

I don’t actually recall how I discovered this title, but it seems like it was fate that I read it.  The timing was perfect (I’d just finished reading a very…unfulfilling book and I needed something that would sweep me away.  This one certainly met my challenge.  I’m a huge fan of horror, specifically tales of haunted houses.  As I read the premise, I did have a concern that this title was too closely mimicking the work of the great Shirley Jackson.  That concern lay unfounded. Ultimately, Thomas created a story-line so unique and captivating that I read this in a matter of a few hours.

Thomas’ writing is outstanding; I was instantly drawn into the lives of the characters and the various challenges they faced. I had fun trying to figure out if they were modeled after actual horror greats.  But most importantly, Thomas’ respect and understanding of the horror genre is what really makes this novel stand out.  It was a testimony to truly excellent horror that chills you to the bone without unnecessary gore.  Horror authors, in their true and genuine format, have never really been respected, instead forced to fit a mold that popular media will understand. Thomas covers all of this through his characters, an aspect that perhaps not all readers will pick up on, yet I certainly did.

Thomas’ novel is everything I love about horror and then some.  It chilled me to the bone in the very best of ways, and that’s hard to do! This is a must-read for all fans of horror.  Now, I just have to sit back and (impatiently) wait for whatever Thomas writes next! That this is Thomas’ debut novel just floors me! Highly, highly recommended!

Posted in Horror, Review | Tagged , | Leave a comment