Review: Who Killed Ruby? - Camilla Way

Title: Who Killed Ruby?
Author: Camilla Way
Published: June 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

You never know what’s going on behind closed doors… 

If you passed it on the street, you’d see an ordinary London townhouse. You might wonder about the people who live there, assume they’re just like you. 

But inside a family is trapped in a nightmare. In the kitchen, a man lies dead on the blood-soaked floor. Soon the police will come, and they’ll want answers. 

Perhaps they'll believe the family’s version of events – that this man is a murderer who deserved to die. 

But would that be the truth? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was my first book by Camilla Way, and I really enjoyed this story of a family and their secrets. This was such a fast-paced thriller! You’re immediately thrown into the scene described in the blurb and then taken back in time to see the events that unfold up to that moment, and what led the characters there.

It was a very addictive read, full of suspense with a good mystery at the centre of it. The writing and pace kept me wanting to know what happened, although I did find myself thinking some of the twists were a bit much at times. Sometimes it got a bit too far-fetched for my liking, but equally I didn’t guess what was going to happen. It wrapped up well, and I was hooked on the rest of the story so that made up for it.

I definitely want to try Way’s other books which I’ve heard fantastic things about. I think this would really suit you if you’re looking for a tense, entertaining page-turner. 

Review: Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

Title: Lock Every Door
Author: Riley Sager
Published: July 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

You've been offered a luxury apartment, rent free. The catch: you may not live long enough to enjoy it… 

No visitors. No nights spent away from the apartment. No disturbing the other residents. These are the only rules for Jules Larson's new job as apartment sitter for an elusive resident of the Bartholomew, one of Manhattan's most high-profile private buildings and home to the super rich and famous. 

Recently heartbroken and practically homeless, Jules accepts the terms, ready to leave her past life behind. 

Out of place among the extremely wealthy, Jules finds herself pulled toward other apartment sitter Ingrid. But Ingrid confides that the Bartholomew is not what it seems and the dark history hidden beneath its gleaming facade is starting to frighten her. Jules brushes it off as a harmless ghost story - but the next day, her new friend has vanished. And then Jules discovers that Ingrid is not the first temporary resident to go missing… 

Welcome to the Bartholomew…You may never leave.
[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was my first Riley Sager, and I definitely had high expectations for this one. I know he’s a very well-loved author and this one was obviously getting a lot of buzz, so I was very eager to check it out for myself.

I really enjoyed the feeling and tone of this novel. It was disturbing and claustrophobic with an ever-growing feeling of suspense pushing it along. It quickly had me hooked and I was desperate to know what was happening. 

This was an entertaining thriller and I didn’t guess any of the twists which is always a win with me. I was expecting it to be creepier than it was after some of the reviews I’d read, but it was well-written and the pacing was done really well. The ending was definitely shocking, but it didn’t necessarily work for me. I can see why it is so well-loved, but it didn’t fully satisfy me especially after really enjoying the rest of the book so much. But I know that I’m definitely in the minority with that opinion!

Overall I would definitely like to read his other books – I really liked the writing style, the mystery kept me guessing and it was a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: I Looked Away - Jane Corry

Title: I Looked Away
Author: Jane Corry
Published: June 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 5

Every Monday, 49-year-old Ellie looks after her grandson Josh. She loves him more than anyone else in the world. The only thing that can mar her happiness is her husband's affair. But he swears it's over now, and Ellie has decided to be thankful for what she's got. 

Then one day, while she's looking after Josh, her husband gets a call from that woman. And just for a moment, Ellie takes her eyes off her grandson. What happens next will change her life forever. 

Because Ellie is hiding something in her past. 

And what looks like an accident could start to look like murder...[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I've seen this book featuring more and more online in the last few weeks, and I knew there was a lot of people loving it. Normally, book hype worries me and often leaves me disappointed. It always makes me want to read a book, but my expectations are often set too high, so I was very intrigued to see what I thought of this one. I was expecting a typical domestic thriller, but this was so much more.

It truly blew me away, everything about it - the writing, the topics covered, the twists, the characters – everything was so well executed. It felt like I was walking alongside the characters, living each moment with them, worrying with them and very eager to learn more. I don’t want to give anything away by delving into the topics this book covers, but everything was so well researched and sensitively written. I think this book is best experienced when you know as little about it as possible – it's such a fantastic read when you get to watch everything unfold, and have little parts of the story reveal themselves as you go along. At one point, I was reading on my lunchbreak at work and literally gasped out loud (I never do this!) and had to sit for a few moments whilst I took everything in.

It's had such an impact on me since finishing, I can't stop thinking about it! I want to keep talking about it to people who've read it and encouraging everyone else to pick it up as well. I honestly think so many people would enjoy this book, even if thrillers aren't your preferred genre. This has a lot more going on beneath the surface and does a fantastic job at tackling current issues in the UK.

5 solid stars from me, and a big shout for you all to go and read it! 

Review: Someone We Know - Shari Lapena

Title: Someone We Know
Author: Shari Lapena
Published: July 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 4

Maybe you don't know your neighbors as well as you thought you did . . .

"This is a very difficult letter to write. I hope you will not hate us too much. . . My son broke into your home recently while you were out."

Someone is lying. 

In a quiet, leafy suburb in upstate New York, a teenager has been sneaking into houses--and into the owners' computers as well--learning their secrets, and maybe sharing some of them, too. 

Who is he, and what might he have uncovered? After two anonymous letters are received, whispers start to circulate, and suspicion mounts. And when a woman down the street is found murdered, the tension reaches the breaking point. Who killed her? Who knows more than they're telling? And how far will all these very nice people go to protect their own secrets? 

In this neighborhood, it's not just the husbands and wives who play games. Here, everyone in the family has something to hide . . .

You never really know what people are capable of.[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I've previously read The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena, and loved it, so I had high expectations for this one. The story follows the investigation behind the murder of a local woman and a neighbourhood full of secrets – a perfect set-up for a domestic thriller. I loved the tension running through this book, and the underlying theme that you really don't know what is going on behind closed doors in this seemingly ordinary neighbourhood. The premise was executed really well and the suspense built up perfectly.

It's a very fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing right up until the last minute. I thought I had it figured out, but I was definitely thrown in the last few chapters! I will say that it didn't leave me completely shocked, but thought it was still very well done. I was definitely tearing through the pages to find out how it all ended, and I appreciated the last paragraph and how it came to a close.

It was so entertaining to watch all the secrets and lies unfold and what drastic effect they could have on everyone, something I think this author does really well. If you're looking for a solid, well-written domestic thriller then I definitely recommend this one.

Review: Take It Back - Kia Abdullah

Title: Take It Back
Author: Kia Abdullah
Published: 8th August 2019
Source: Pigeonhole
Star Rating: 5

The Victim: A sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities, neglected by an alcoholic mother. Who accuses four boys of something unthinkable. 

The Defendants: Four handsome teenage boys from hardworking immigrant families. All with corroborating stories. 

Someone is lying. 

Former barrister Zara Kaleel, one of London's brightest young legal minds, takes up Jodie Wolfe's case; she believes her, even if those closest to Jodie do not. 

Jodie and Zara become the centre of the most explosive criminal trial of the year, in which ugly divisions within British society are exposed. As everything around Zara begins to unravel she becomes even more determined to get Jodie the justice she's looking for. But at what price? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This completely captivated me and drew me in right from page one. I think one of the best ways to experience this book is not knowing too much - you need to navigate your own way through this story and see how you naturally react as each chapter unfolds. 

It's so cleverly written because even though you're given a heart-breaking, harrowing account of rape right at the beginning, the story isn't that simple. As I got to know Jodie and Zara, as well as the four accused boys my mind was changed over and over again as to whose story to believe. Then as the novel moved to the courtroom and the media attention erupted, it was both fascinating and scary to see how splintered society became, and how Zara became swept up in this divide. 

This was far more than your typical courtroom drama. It was such an emotional and uncomfortable read, and so powerfully relevant. I feel like I need everyone around me to read this so we can discuss it! It's definitely one of my top books for the whole year, an outstanding 5 stars. 

Review: No Further Questions - Gillian McAllister

Title: No Further Questions
Author: Gillian McAllister
Published: October 2018
Source: Library Checkout
Star Rating: 5

The police say she's guilty. She insists she's innocent.

She's your sister. You loved her. You trusted her. But they say she killed your child.

Who do you believe?[Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I do love a courtroom drama - when done well they truly captivate me. I'm so fascinated by how everything can hang in the balance, one piece of evidence can be twisted and perceived so many different ways and seemingly solid witness statements can be torn to shreds.

One of the big reasons why I loved this one so much was due to Gillian McAllister's brilliant writing. No Further Questions was so cleverly done and was such a fresh take on this kind of thriller. We get to see each witness in turn, going through their perception of events and then their time in the courtroom. I kept thinking I had it all figured out, yet I'd then be shown things in a different light and all my theories would be thrown out the window. 

I also truly felt for all the characters - they were so complex and full of flaws, but I feel like I really understood them all at some point. I felt like I was sitting in the courtroom with them all, needing to know what happened to baby Layla, yet hoping things weren't as they seemed. This novel broke my heart in so many different ways.

I highly, highly recommend this one - in fact, I think it's my favourite Gillian McAllister book overall! 

Thrillerathon Summer 2019

Thrillerathon is a biannual readathon hosted by Harriet Rosie where we read thrillers for an entire week! For this round, the dates are 19th August - 26th August (so if you're in the UK this includes the August Bank Holiday)

Harriet has always provided challenges you can choose your TBR around, although there is no pressure to do so. This year is a bit different as there will be a bingo card instead! I'm so excited for this, it looks fantastic! Please see Harriet's announcement video here for all the information.

So you can be super ambitious and choose 9 different books, or meet several challenges with the same book. This is definitely the approach I'm taking! I'm also having mainly my current library checkouts as my TBR to help me get through those reservations! 

My TBR is as follows: 

1. I Looked Away - Jane Corry

• Thriller with a trope you love
• A new to you author

2. Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

• Your most anticipated thriller 
• Newest thriller on your TBR

3. Who Killed Ruby? - Camilla Way

• Shortest thriller on your TBR

4. Platform Seven - Louise Doughty

• An author you've read before 
• The thriller with the creepiest cover

At the moment I haven't officially picked anything for the oldest thriller on my TBR. It's technically The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, so we'll see if I end up getting to that (spoiler alert - I won't have time!) 

And for a host's favourite thriller (see the video for more information) I would go with Sleep by C.L Taylor, but again, I doubt I'll have time to get to that. But you never know...! 

Are you participating in Thrillerathon? Let me know! Find me on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with my progress.

Stacking the Shelves 10th Aug 2019

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It lets bloggers show their latest book hauls!

Library Checkouts

1. The Holiday - T.M. Logan
2. The Doctor - Lisa Stone
3. Someone We Know - Shari Lapena
4. Lock Every Door - Riley Sager

Short and sweet this week - I feel like things have got a bit crazy these last few weeks with all my library checkouts and NetGalley copies! It feels like everything has come in at once, do you guys ever feel like that?!

Please link your posts down below! I love seeing what everyone is adding to their TBR piles! 

Review: Never Have I Ever - Joshilyn Jackson

Title: Never Have I Ever
Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Published: 8th August 2019
Source: Netgalley
Star Rating: 5

It starts as a game at a book group one night. Never Have I Ever...done something I shouldn't.

But Amy Whey has done something she shouldn't. And Roux, the glamorous newcomer to Amy's suburban neighbourhood, knows exactly what that is. Roux promises she will go away. She will take herself and her son, who is already growing dangerously close to Amy's teenage stepdaughter, and she will go. If Amy plays by her rules.

But Amy isn't prepared to lose everything she's built. She's going to fight back, and in this escalating game of cat and mouse, there can be only one winner. [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

This was one of those books that just kept surprising me, again and again. I couldn't guess anything that was happening, I felt physically nervous through most scenes and I feel like I've been on one hell of an entertaining ride the whole way through. This was SO GOOD. 

Joshilyn's writing is so clever and witty and her characters are so well-rounded. They truly do make this story. They're flawed and complicated and completely keep you on your toes. It was one of those books that I really didn't want to end, but couldn't read fast enough to see how it all wrapped up. 

This is Joshilyn's first thriller, but she has many other books under her belt. I cannot wait to see what else she comes out with next. Truly, this author has got me hooked! And even though thrillers are normally my favourite, I think I need to know what else this author has in store for me - I feel like I will truly miss her writing now that I've finished. 

A solid 5 stars from me! 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this copy in exchange for my honest review. 

WWW Wednesday 7th Aug 2019

WWW Wednesday is hosted by Taking on a World of Words where you answer three questions about your reading.

We've had the dreaded sick bug in our house this week - so far it seems to have escaped me and my youngest daughter (fingers crossed) although she's teething so that's a joy all of its own! It's horrible watching your child being ill though, so it's been an emotional and exhausting week so far.

What are you currently reading? 

I've jumped into No Further Questions by Gillian McAllister this week. It's the last one of her currently published books I have left to read and I'm so excited. I've absolutely loved her other three, and I'm already sucked into this courtroom drama. 

I've very nearly finished Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson on Pigeonhole - it's so good! Can't wait to see how it all wraps up. I really can't guess how it's all going to end, so a perfect thriller! 

I've also just started Take It Back by Kia Abdullah over on Pigeonhole. So far, the start of it has completely gripped me. It's such an intense read and I'm very intrigued to see where this one will go.

What did you recently finish reading? 

A Version of the Truth by B.P. Walter - this was absolutely fantastic. A 5 star read for me! You can see my full review here.

What do you think you'll read next? 

I've got two books in mind that I want to pick up next.

First is The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths. I've heard amazing things about this book. I've read one of her Ruth Galloway books before and enjoyed it, but I think this one sounds quite different from that series. I've got this one currently checked out from my library so need to get to it soon anyway.

Second is The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney. I'm ashamed to say I've not read his previous two books under this name, despite owning both of them! But I do have an ARC of this book so will be getting to it very soon.

Please let me know your answers below, or share your blog post, I'd love to see what you've all picked! 

Reivew: A Version of the Truth - B.P. Walter

Title: A Version of the Truth
Author: B.P. Walter
Published: Feb 2019
Source: Library checkout
Star Rating: 5

We all see what we want to see… 

2019: Julianne is preparing a family dinner when her son comes to her and says he’s found something on his iPad. Something so terrible, it will turn Julianne’s world into a nightmare and make her question everything about her marriage and what type of man her husband is or is pretending to be. 

1990: Holly is a fresher student at Oxford University. Out of her depth and nervous about her surroundings, she falls into an uneasy friendship with a group of older students from the upper echelons of society and begins to develop feelings for one in particular. He’s confident, quiet, attractive and seems to like her too. But as the year progresses, her friends’ behaviour grows steadily more disconcerting and Holly begins to realise she might just be a disposable pawn in a very sinister game. 

A devastating secret has simmered beneath the surface for over twenty-five years. Now it’s time to discover the truth. But what if you’re afraid of what you might find? [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

Fair warning - this is a dark book! Much darker than I was anticipating, but this is always a good thing for me. I feel like this not only pushed a lot of boundaries, but also acted as a modern social commentary that I just was not expecting. 

The book is told in two timelines, through the two different characters Julianne and Holly. Their voices were so distinctive, it was fascinating to have access to their innermost thoughts and worries, and to see the harrowing story unfold through their perspectives. The secret that is hinted at in the blurb is then unfolded so well by setting up the background preceding its reveal, and the devastation it causes in present day. I thought it was so well written, every little twist and turn to the story was executed perfectly, I just had to keep reading. I finished this in under 24 hours, which with two young children speaks volumes as to how addictive it was! 

This is the author's debut novel, which amazes me. I cannot wait to see what else he will come out with in the future! If you like disturbing and uncomfortable thrillers then I would highly recommend this one. 

Stacking the Shelves 3rd Aug 19

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality. It lets bloggers show their latest book hauls!

Bought Ebooks

1. The Escape Room by Megan Goldin 

2. The Secretary by Zoe Lea

Library Checkouts

1. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

2. I Looked Away by Jane Corry

3. Skint Estate by Cash Carraway

4. Keep You Close by Karen Cleveland

5. Who Killed Ruby? by Camilla Way

For Review
1. Gone - Leona Deakin
2. The Family - Louise Jensen

Review: The Marriage Pact - Michelle Richmond

Title: The Marriage Pact
Author: Michelle Richmond
Published: July 2017
Source: Library hardback
Star Rating: 4

Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact. 

The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact, and most of its rules make sense: Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . .  

Never mention The Pact to anyone. 

Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples--and then one of them breaks the rules. The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life, and The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule. For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare. [Goodreads]

My Thoughts: 

I was hooked for the majority of this book - the pacing, the writing, and twisty plot all kept me quickly turning the pages to see what was going to happen to Jake and Alice. The more the story progressed and the more sinister everything got I was reading every moment I could steal. 

I thought the author did a fantastic job of balancing plot reveals, the snippets of the characters past and the little insights into just how crazy The Pact was. I love how, as the book progressed, everything just got so much more creepier, to the point where if it was a film I would have been covering my eyes. It completely gave me the chills, which is exactly what I want from this kind of book. 

I've not given it the full 5 stars because for me the ending didn't give me exactly what I was hoping for. Without spoiling anything, I wanted more from it, but that's just my personal taste! 

But, overall I thought it was an excellent thriller - I found it to be addictive and terrifying. The fact you could imagine something like The Pact happening in real life made it even more scary. I will definitely look for other books by this author - her writing was fantastic, and I'd definitely recommend this one.