Tag: Thriller

Book Review

Heiress Takes All

TheShelfLife

Heiress Takes All by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

Overall Verdict: An over the top and unbelievable story, but one that has some entertaining characters.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Olivia Owens is not thrilled about very wealthy father getting re-married, yet again. Especially when he had cheated on her mom, kicked them out of the house and took away her inheritance. Now all she wants is revenge, and plans to take advantage of a busy wedding to make it happen. Putting together a detailed plan for a heist and recruiting those who can aid in her purpose, Olivia seeks to break into her fathers safe to steal the codes necessary to transfer funds to her and her crew.

My Analysis: If you know going in that this one is going to be way over the top and have events that are way too unbelievable or convenient to be realistic, then you can get some enjoyment out of this book. The best part about it is the characters. I really liked her mis-matched crew and the relationships they develop throughout. It is a quick and easy thriller and the author does put in a lot of road blocks to the heist that make you curious to see how things will come together in the end. Ultimately though there were just too many questions I had about the plot that made it hard to buy into. If you like heist stories this one is worth checking out, but beyond that you can probably skip it.

Book Review

A Family of Killers

TheShelfLife

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

Stay Dead

TheShelfLife

Stay Dead by April Henry

Publication Date: April 2024 |Thanks Edelweiss for an ARC

Overall Verdict: More survival suspense than a traditional murder mystery, but will keep you on the edge of your seat nonetheless.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: After her Senator fathers car accident six months ago, Milan is still trying to find her place in the world, while also getting expelled from yet another boarding school. Her mother, who has taken over as Senator, picks her up in her private plane. While flying over remote mountains, a bomb goes off and their plane crashes. In her final moments, Milan’s mother tells her that she had uncovered a secret and that people have died for, and gives her her fathers keys that hold answers. Milan must survive the wilderness and get back to civilization, all while on the run from those who want to silence her to keep this information secret.

My Analysis: This was a super quick read, as most of Henry’s works are. It is definitely heavy on survival suspense even though it was marketed as a murder mystery. It was still very thrilling however, through the plane crash, Milan’s survival, and those who are chasing her down. If anyone has any aversion to plane crashes, they may want to steer clear of this one. The writing of the crash and its aftermath was very well done and extremely tense. I honestly think that was the most well written part of this novel. I also appreciated the different POVs that were presented. I hadn’t expected that, but getting some background into the characters and the story through this way really added to the plot overall. I don’t want to spoil any other aspects of the secrets, but I thought it was a pretty original topic. The one thing that was a little less appealing was the fact that everything worked out perfectly and all the loose ends were tied up. This again is typical of Henry’s style, but everything was just a little too convenient. Overall though it did not take away from the entertainment in reading it. If you like survival stories, I recommend this one!

Book Review

Kill Call

TheShelfLife

Kill Call by Jeff Wooten

Publication Date: February 2024 |Thanks Edelweiss for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A unique premise with promise, but that doesn’t deliver. Any suspense is off-set with plot points that don’t make sense.

1.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Jude was born with the ability to see murders before they happen, just like his father before him. Seeing murders happen through the eyes of the killer, Jude has trained to do as those with the Dream must do- kill the killer. When Hanna rescues herself instead of letting Jude take care of her murderer, everything begins to go wrong. Together Hanna and Jude begin to unravel the mystery of the killers motivations.

My Analysis: I was really excited about the premise of this book, and for the first 25% of it I was really into it. Around that point in the novel though, the story began to fall apart. There are too many plot points that didn’t make sense or seemed very forced. Had the author kept this a father and son duo and even included the idea of a mystery to find the killer I think it would have worked, but unfortunately he didn’t. Adding in an overarching entity was way too over the top. I think overextending the story was to its detriment. There were a couple things that I did like about this book. I really enjoyed the character Coop. I thought he was witty, likable and a good addition to the cast of characters as he is introduced. I also liked that this novel included the element of football. This is something that is very important to Jude, and I thought it was weaves into the plot nicely. I think those readers who also play football would find themselves drawn to those moments. So in conclusion, really cool and unique concept but poorly executed.

Book Review

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

TheShelfLife

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Publication Date: April 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Even though some plot points are bit far-fetched, this fast-paced story shares a unique perspective on a mystery/thriller. This one will keep you guessing every step of the way – recommended!

5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sixteen years ago, Bel’s mom Rachel Price disappeared. She has been presumed dead since, and Bel just wants to try and move beyond living in the shadow of this case. When her dad agrees to film a true-crime documentary about Rachel’s disappearance, emotions run high and the past is dredged up. In the middle of filming, something miraculous happens- Rachel reappears. She comes back with an unbelievable story and Bel is determined to track down the truth.

My Analysis: I don’t give out 5 stars lightly, but this one got me. I found it to be an incredibly entertaining mystery/thriller. The pacing of this book was its biggest asset. There were a lot of twisty plot points that keeps the reader guessing. I also appreciated that the idea was pretty original, there aren’t a ton of YA titles out there that have shared this perspective. Were there moments where things got so far-fetched that it seemed implausible? Absolutely. However, to me it did not diminish how highly entertaining this book was. I was a little reluctant as I was not a huge fan of A Good Girls Guide to Murder (even though it got so much hype) and I did not care for Five Survive, but Jackson redeemed herself in this one for me. I also really enjoyed the documentary aspect of this story. I thought it was a unique and interesting way to dive into the characters further. The one thing that did bother me was the amount of swearing throughout. I definitely don’t mind whatever language if it adds to the story or character development, but this felt forced and unnecessary. Overall though I definitely recommend this one! If you are a fan of mystery/thrillers, you have to read this.

Book Review

Tender Beasts

TheShelfLife

Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Publication Date: February 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Intense psychological thriller that shows the intricacies of family and how far they will go to support one another.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sunny has 4 siblings, one of whom is being charged with murder. Her mothers dying wish was for her to be the leader of the family, but her older sister takes on the role before she could even start. When an increasing number of murders rock the private school that her family owns and attends, Sunny dives deeper into uncovering the killer. Working with her accused brother who she barely knows, they look to discover family secrets that have long been buried.

My Analysis: This is a solid psychological thriller/horror book. The focus is definitely on the Behre family, their secrets, and how far they will go to better themselves and protect one another. Even though this book is filled with murder, not a ton really happens throughout, but at the same time it still works well in keeping you guessing and interested. There is an entity that is worshiped, and the author does a nice job of making the reader question reality vs supernatural elements. On that note, the author does provide a list of triggers at the beginning of the book that people may find helpful. My favorite part of the novel was the deceased mothers journal entries from when she was a teen that are dispersed throughout. It was a nice way to give some necessary background information and helped to keep any reveals well-timed. If you liked Delicious Monsters, you’ll definitely like this one as well. It has a very similar vibe, although a very different story. If you’re into psychological thrillers and family drama, this one is for you.

Book Review

Medici Heist

TheShelfLife

Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: Historical (heavy on the fiction) story set in Florence. Multiple POV’s share their expertise in attempting to rob the Medici Family.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: Set in 1517 in Florence, when the Medici Family reins supreme, people recall the freedoms of being a Republic. Rosa Cellini has her own plans for the Medici’s and The Pope. Recruiting a team of the best, they plan a heist like no one has ever seen. Working through all of the pieces of their robbery, each character grapples with their motivations in going against the Medici Family.

My Analysis: I have mixed feelings about this book. I LOVE that is was set during this time period, there needs to be more historical YA that share Renaissance stories. It was definitely more heavy on the fiction than the historical, but that didn’t really detract from the overall plot. In terms of the heist part of the novel, I think it was very well thought out by the author. There were a lot of moments of “how are they going to pull this off?” I did however feel that it was WAY too reminiscent of Oceans Eleven. Like, there were too many plot points that matched up that it actually annoyed me a little bit that it was not more original in that sense. The characters were interesting, even if all of their stories dragged a bit in the middle. I particularly appreciated the relationships among the characters that were involved in the heist. Overall, if you like historical fiction and don’t mind it taking some liberties while also sharing a bit of a thriller plot, give this one a go.

Book Review

Silent Sister

TheShelfLife

Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks NetGalleyfor an ARC

Overall Verdict: An immersive thriller that dives into sisterhood and self-worth

4/5

Book Summary: Sisters Grace and Maddy go on their traditional Senior Sabbatical Trip. Both sisters are balancing their feelings about their upcoming futures and the trauma of their past. Learning “life lessons” on their trip will either help their relationship or drive them farther apart. When Grace is found bloody and with no memory of the recent trip, she battles more questions as she tries to find answers. With her sister Maddy still missing, Grace races to regain her memories and determine what she is blocking out.

My Analysis: This was a solid read that will keep you invested throughout. Wanting to uncover what happened to these characters definitely drives the plot. It is told in alternating past and present perspectives, which was nicely done and helps share character growth. I also liked the addition of Maddy’s poems that were inter dispersed. The author does well sharing the characters inner feelings and how it impacts their lives and the relationships with those around them. She doesn’t shy away from the hard realities either, which I appreciated. Although there is a missing person and there is mystery involved, this is really more of a story of sisterhood and taking a look at one’s self-worth.

Book Review

That’s Not My Name

TheShelfLife

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Publication Date: January 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An engaging thriller with well-developed characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended!

5/5 Stars

Book Summary: A teen wakes up injured on the side of the road with no memory of who she is or how she got there. A police officer finds her and connects her to a man who has been searching for her for hours- a man who says he is her father. Meanwhile, Drew’s girlfriend has disappeared after a heated argument. She’s been missing for weeks now, and he is determined to do whatever it takes to find her.

My Analysis: This. Was. Fantastic. Like, I usually read pretty quickly but I went through this book so fast. It was gripping right from the start and has suspense all throughout that keeps you guessing. I am surprised that this was a debut author, and I can’t wait to see what else she writes next. Although a lot The of the plot is day to day events, the characters are well-developed and you really get to see their inner workings and turmoil. I was apprehensive about how this one would end and felt that could make or break the whole story, but I was very content with how everything came together. I don’t want to say much more to spoil anything, but really, you need to read this one!