Tag: Murder

Book Review

Hazelthorn

TheShelfLife

Hazelthorn by CG Drews

Publication Date: October 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Not a book for everyone, but those tolerating botanical body horror will love the imagery as well as the characters.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Billionaire Byron Lennox-Hall took in Evander as a child, and in order to keep him safe has kept him relatively secluded in the estate of Hazelthorn. Evander must avoid going into the gardens and has been told to avoid Byron’s grandson Laurie, as he tried to kill Evander years ago. For some reason though, Evander is obsessed with Laurie. When Byron dies suddenly, Evander takes advantage of a new found freedom and his inheritance of Hazelthorn. As the secrets of the Lennox-Hall family come to light, Evander finds himself drawn closer to the growing garden. He quickly realizes that the garden is out of control, and has a taste for blood.

My Analysis: There is something about CG Drew’s writing that sticks with me. Even having read Don’t Let the Forest In quite awhile ago, I still find myself thinking of it from time to time. I have a feeling it will be the same with this one. Not everyone will enjoy this book. You have to like or tolerate botanical body horror as it is the main feature of this story. It is excellently done however, and the writing is simply beautiful. In addition to the plant horror, trigger warning for child abuse. The characters are interesting and all of them have their own individual flaws, which I appreciated. The story itself mostly revolves around the characters and their growth and relationships. It was very intriguing to see Evander’s character change from beginning to end. I did think that the ending was a little abrupt, but things are were wrapped up enough to satisfy readers. I’m curious to read more reviews on this one and see others thoughts. Overall, if you’re looking for horror and can take the botanical descriptions, this is a solid novel.

Book Review

How Bad Things Can Get

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How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates

Publication Date: August 2025 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Extremely descriptive and gory but underwhelming and forced in terms of plot and character development.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Online influencer Eton creates a lavish atmosphere on his own island and invites hundreds of his fans and fellow influencers to take part in a 5-day series of games.  Wanting to actually have some fun and put away the memories of her past life in a notorious cult, Ruth joins her friends on the island.  As she holds on to her secret of being the sole survivor of the cult, she begins to question the motivations and actions of those around her.  As people start to go missing or are found dead, Ruth must face the truth that she has not completely escaped her past.

My Analysis:  I have to start this off by saying I really adore Darcy Coates’s works, and this is the first of hers that I have read that I did not enjoy.  I found the pacing to be incredibly slow and drawn-out way too much, so much so that I almost chose to DNF.  There was one thing that kept me going and piqued my curiosity, but ultimately, I don’t feel it was worth it.  I get where Coates was trying to come from with how her story unfolded, but to me it seemed like she was unnecessarily trying to put two completely separate stories together in a way that seemed to be way too much of a stretch.  I will give a warning that this novel is filled with very descriptive gore scenes and murder, and if you are into that, those were very well written.  They definitely aren’t for everyone though.  I read this to see if it could be an adult title that could crossover to YA readers, and aside from the fact I didn’t care for the story, I would probably avoid putting it in the hands of general YA readers with how intense some of the descriptions were.  Ruth’s character was interesting some of the time and it was compelling to hear of her past experiences in the cult she grew up in.  But again, everything about this story felt very forced to me.  I gave it as high of a rating as I did simply because the writing itself was good, even though the plot was severely lacking and characters other than Ruth were under-developed.  If you really want to read some gore, give this one a try, but otherwise I’d recommend reading any of the other titles by this author instead.

Book Review

Not Quite Dead Yet

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Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Publication Date: July 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An adult novel that still reads like YA.  There is some potential and suspense, but between an awkward writing style and a lack of a genuine main character, this falls flat.

2/5 Stars

Book Summary: 27-year-old Jet has returned home after attempting college, deciding that she would figure out how else to make her mark on the world.  On Halloween night however, she is attacked and sustains a severe head injury.  Doctors inform Jet that she has only seven days left to live, before succumbing to an aneurysm.  Determined to piece together who attempted to murder her and why, she teams up with a childhood friend to track down evidence and suspects.  As her condition deteriorates with each passing day, Jet realizes her family and friends have more secrets than she could have imagined.

My Analysis:  Jackson is attempting to break into adult novels with Not Quite Dead Yet, but this still reads very much like her YA works.  Other than it being a character in her twenties and the fact that there is a bit more profanity scattered throughout, there really isn’t much that would make it stand out as an adult title.  Which may work for some crossover YA readers who could be interested.  Overall, I was disappointed with her writing.  The sentence structure was very abrupt and disjointed and it took away from the narrative.  There is potential with this title and the idea of a woman solving her attempted murder under a time crunch.  I think the best part of the entire novel was Jet’s relationship and reconnection with her childhood friend.  I did find Jet’s character to be very unlikeable.  Which may have partly been intentional, but it made it challenging for me to even be on her side to want to know what happened to her.  I do also think that she was far too glib about the concept of her dying.  She would continually make unnecessary jokes or put off people who wanted to see her when she knew she had a limited window left.  I found that to be a bit disingenuous and it actually bothered me on a personal level.  There were some moments of suspense throughout which were mildly intriguing, but I will admit I did see the “big twists” coming.  If you are a YA reader and a fan of her other novels, you may also enjoy this one.  If you are an adult mystery thriller reader, I’d skip this one.

Book Review

Murder Between Friends

TheShelfLife

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

Publication Date: April 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A classic teens try to solve the crime story, but full of suspense that will make you read through this one quickly!

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Ally, Henry and Grace used to be best friends, until Grace told the police she saw Henry’s brother at the scene of a murder. Their beloved teacher was found murdered, and it’s been two years since Henry’s brother Jake has been in prison for the crime. When Jake ends up being released on a technicality, Grace begins to question what she saw that night. Believing the police are hyper focused on Jake and not looking at anyone else as suspect, the trio band together once again to try and figure out exactly what happened and why.

My Analysis: If you’re accepting of reading the classic mystery trope of a group of teenagers work together to solve a crime, this one is worth the read. I found it to be very suspenseful and the author did a nice job making you question all the characters and their motives. There was also a nice layer of subplot throughout which not only added to the mystery but really helped with character development. The book is divided up into the three friends perspectives, which I wasn’t sure of at first but I warmed to quickly. It did help to be able to see into the brain of each of the three of the friends and get to know them a little better. The one thing that bothered me a little was I was correct with my “whodunnit” guess, which I figured out early on. However, that may not be the case for a YA audience, who I feel would definitely enjoy this one. There was one twist at the very end though that I did NOT see coming, which I appreciated. A solid choice if you want a quick read mystery.

Book Review

This Book Kills

TheShelfLife

This Book Kills by Ravena Guron

Publication Date: September 2024 | Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: If you can get passed some too convenient coincidences, this is an entertaining boarding school murder mystery.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: As one of the few scholarship students at an elite boarding school, Jess has tried to keep her head down and work hard. When one of her fellow classmates is murdered, it comes to light that it occurred exactly as one of Jess’s short stories she wrote for class. With her future on the line, Jess teams up with other students to figure out what happened all while receiving death threats from the murderer. As their investigation continues, secrets are revealed and everyone has the possibility of becoming a suspect…or the next in line to be murdered.

My Analysis: This one turned out much better than I anticipated after reading the synopsis and the first 20% of the book. It actually had me stumped on who was behind the murders, which is saying something. My biggest hang up with this one was how juvenile some of the writing was geared. It seemed unnecessary to me to have silly character names and to keep over using the same phrases (Er…) to the point it detracts from the story. I did appreciate that there were layers of complexity when it came to characters secrets and wasn’t quite as straight forward of a murder mystery as I had thought. There were of course some events that seemed like a little too much of a coincidence than it would be in reality, but if you can look beyond that it was entertaining. The characters were mostly interesting and the author did do a nice job of making everyone seem like a suspect. I was invested in wanting to know what happened next. If you like murder mysteries and/or boarding school stories, give this one a read.

Book Review

The Bitter End

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The Bitter End by Alexa Donne

Publication Date: October 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A closed circle mystery that is not at all plausible or strongly written, but provides an entertaining series of events that make you question each character.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Eight teens get stuck with a last minute change to their Senior trip, and find themselves in a remote ski cabin for a long weekend. With the intend of being a ‘digital detox’ retreat, they are cut-off from the outside world, and when a blizzard strikes they become even more isolated. Survival becomes paramount when not only are they trapped, but people start dying. With secrets revealed and constant betrayals, everyone becomes suspect.

My Analysis: I enjoy a closed circle mystery, and wanted to give this one a try. The premise of teens trapped in a snow storm always has merit. This book is based on Agatha Christies And Then There Were None, which was interesting and overall it does keep you guessing on who is responsible. It is told in dual time lines and multiple POV’s which can get a bit tricky to understand but still works. And ultimately is very necessary to the plot. You can definitely tell though that this is an adult writing what they think teens talk and act like. I didn’t find it to be very realistic, based on my experiences. I do think Donne is getting stronger with her writing, but to me she’s just not quite there yet. If you can look past that though it is a decent thriller. There is casual alcohol and drug use throughout, in case you need to be aware of that. Ultimately it’s a quick thriller that I can see some YA readers get into if they enjoy a murder/survival story.

Book Review

Better Left Buried

TheShelfLife

Better Left Buried by Mary E. Roach

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A cool premise that falls short. The secrets long buried don’t make up for the journey to discover them.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Lucy’s spring break takes a drastic detour when her private investigator mother brings her along to one of her cases. When they come across a body at the abandoned amusement park, she knows they’re going to be staying awhile. What Lucy doesn’t expect however is the connection her mother has to this town and just how many secrets are buried. Swept up in the investigation herself, Lucy partners with Audrey, a local with a personal vendetta, to figure out what exactly is going on in this creepy small town.

My Analysis: I feel like I have been hit with letdowns lately when it comes to ARC’s. I wanted to like this one based on the premise, but it fell woefully short. I thought this was going to be more about the mom/daughter relationship, but the mom barely confides anything in her daughter and they’re at odds for the most part. The whole novel is this huge build up to a secret that her mother can’t bring herself to talk about, while also investigating a murder that you’re trying to unfold the details of. The ENTIRE thing is build up. And the conclusion was a let down. Honestly the only thing that kept me going was thinking I was going to find out something crazy, but I personally didn’t think it made up for powering through the book. The relationship between Lucy and Audrey is cute, almost a little too cute, but they offer each other a nice balance. That being said, this book is dual POV of the two of them, and for characters that are supposed to be so different, I sometimes forgot whose perspective I was in the middle of reading. I think it would have been better served all from Lucy’s perspective or even having a dual POV with Lucy and her mother. I unfortunately don’t have much positive to say about this one other than the cover is awesome.

Book Review

A Family of Killers

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A Family of Killers by Bryce Moore

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks Edelweiss for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Sometimes tedious, this is an interesting take on a combination of historical fiction and horror. May be better suited for older YA audiences.

2/5 Stars

Book Summary: Warren has been growing increasingly concerned about the voice in his head that is urging him to be violent. At the same time, a number of people have gone missing in Kansas. When Warren’s father goes to investigate but doesn’t return, Warren sets out to prove to himself and his family that he is stronger than his impulses. As he makes his way through Kansas, he stumbles upon the Bender family. Warren becomes suspicious of them and believes they may be responsible for the missing people. Torn between becoming the person he wants to be and avenging those he holds dear, Warren must choose whether or not to give into the voice in his head.

My Analysis: This book was…odd. I’m honestly not even quite sure how to describe it. It was nothing like I was anticipating, but after finishing it and going back to the summary, it all matches up. I liked that this is based on the true story of the Bender family. Included at the start of each chapter is a real quote. It is important to note that this all takes place within the 1800s, which I had not realized going in. It does make for a very intriguing setting however. It took me a lot to get through the first half, the super slow build up took far too long. Halfway through though things pick up and I was interested in Warrens interactions with the Benders and others he encountered on his journey. I wish that there had been a focus on another character in addition to Warren. Although it was interesting to get his perspective, it got tedious after awhile. Also, I feel like the whole violent voices in his head thing was totally contradictory to his actions. He has a voice telling him to commit these heinous acts, yet when faced with even the smallest incidents of violence he gets nauseous at the thought. That didn’t really make sense to me. It’s one thing to want to fight the urges, but to have such opposing thoughts and actions was weird. In the beginning it also seemed like Warren may have OCD, but that was never really touched on again. I think I would have appreciated seeing more of the Benders perspective to break up Warren’s story. This may be better suited for older YA audiences, and not just because of the inter dispersed gore. I’m not sure some YA readers would be pulled in enough to make it through. Overall it was an interesting combination of historical fiction and horror. Readers just need to be aware that it may be a little harder to get through at some points.

Book Review

Dead Girls Talking

TheShelfLife

Dead Girls Talking by Megan Cooley Peterson

Publication Date: June 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A fast-paced thriller with an interesting crime solving duo, but that may not leave readers fully satisfied.

3/5

Book Summary: Bettina has grown up in the spotlight, since her father was convicted of murdering her mother. The town of Wolf Ridge gets turned upside down however, when years later more murders that match too many similarities to her mothers case begin happening. Bett is forced to question her fathers innocence with these additional murders. Teaming up with an unlikely ally, the morticians daughter Eugenia, they work towards discovering the truth and questioning the motives of people that live in their small town.

My Analysis: This novel definitely moves quickly, with a fast-paced narrative. A little mystery and a little thriller with some (perhaps unsurprising to some) twists I can see YA readers going for this one. I did NOT care for Bert’s attitude a majority of the time- like, I get it she’s a teenager with past issues- but come on. It was a little annoying to read sometimes. I liked the relationship that was built between Bett and Eugenia, however. The unlikely friendship angle worked for this novel and I appreciated their banter. Suspending disbelief that these two are working on solving a crime outside the police, I still found it a little too convenient sometimes what they were able to uncover. That aspect aside, it was interesting enough to keep me wondering what the truth was going to be. I did find the overall wrap up a little unsatisfying, but that could be me just being a little overly critical and wanting more out of the story. If you’re looking for a quick YA thriller, check this one out.

Book Review

Girls Like Her

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Girls Like Her by Melanie Sumrow

Publication Date: June 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Heart wrenching story of a young girl on trial for murder, and the trauma she has faced from childhood. Excellent representation of this topic.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Fifteen year old Ruby Monroe is on trial for murder. She has no one who she can count on her entire life, until she meets her court appointed social worker Cadence. With her trial drawing nearer and life in prison on the line, Cadence must work with Ruby to determine exactly what happened the day a rich philanthropist died. Ruby’s past has been one challenge after another, and she must work to convince a jury that this trauma has impacted her and make them hear her truth.

My Analysis: I started reading this one expecting a mystery/thriller but what I got was more realistic fiction. Not to say that is a bad thing, it just wasn’t what I anticipated based on the synopsis. I also actually thought this was the authors debut book based on her writing, but it is not. Not to say the writing was bad! But I would have expected a little more from a seasoned author. I really liked the fact that the author was a lawyer in the Texas court however and drew this character together based on her experiences. She has a nice authors note in the beginning which explains this, as well as the fact that this book does contain mention of trauma and some trigger warnings for readers. This novel was a combination of court transcripts, letters and narrative, which I thought was a great way to present Ruby’s story. I did find the narrative a little repetitive though, until things really picked up toward the end. This was a heart wrenching story and I think it is a needed representation of the girls like Ruby who find themselves in a cycle of trauma and can’t navigate their way out alone.