Alex North is a must read author for me and I was excited to pick up his latest, The Man Made of Smoke. I listened to this novel on audio and it definAlex North is a must read author for me and I was excited to pick up his latest, The Man Made of Smoke. I listened to this novel on audio and it definitely provided a different experience than I feel physically reading it would have.
I enjoyed this novel but I didn't love it. There was quite a bit going on with various timelines and narrators, multiple mysteries, and layers to the (many) investigations. I think I would have been better able to keep track of everything had I been reading the novel rather than listening to it. The narrator was good but the accent was strong and there weren't multiple narrators to play each part (which is always a struggle for me).
I also slightly expected this novel to be horror-adjacent and it wasn't at all. The title was explicitly woven into the novel several times but I still don't get quite how it fit (probably a me a problem!).
North did a tremendous job keeping me guessing and ultimately tying his many storylines and mysteries all together. I appreciated that there wasn't one nice bow tied at the end, yet there were no loose strings or lingering questions.
All in all, I enjoyed this but it's not likely to stick with me. If you've enjoyed North in the past, definitely pick up but maybe grab an ebook or physical copy over the audio.
Thank you to Celadon and MacMillan Audio for the copy....more
This book was so well done. I couldn’t put it down and how it all played out totally knocked my socks off.
I loved the use of multiple narrators and muThis book was so well done. I couldn’t put it down and how it all played out totally knocked my socks off.
I loved the use of multiple narrators and multiple timelines. It kept it twisty and kept me guessing. Holly was a great protagonist and her backstory with the abusive cop fiancé and her murdered sister added so much to the overall depth of the story. Her tenacity was well written and I liked how Cole helped the reader work through Holly’s theories with her. So often in novels these major leaps happen that lose the reader but I didn’t feel that with The First Hunt.
The Green River Killer was another great storyline potentially tying everything together. John’s story was complex and it was powerful learning about his father’s sadistic habits alongside him.
Parts of the story were slightly predictable just with the basic knowledge that this is a prequel, but ultimately, there is a major part of the conclusion that totally surprised me.
I listened to this novel on audio and absolutely loved it. Holly and John were played by different narrators which I always prefer and they both did a good job. It added an element of theater without being overly done.
I haven’t read any of the other novels in this series (yet), but I totally want to now! Thank you to TLC Book Tours for including me in this great tour! ...more
This book lays on the scare factor and I wanted ALL OF IT! Eerie, creepy, haunting … yes, please! I could envision the Hiding Man and it was not a preThis book lays on the scare factor and I wanted ALL OF IT! Eerie, creepy, haunting … yes, please! I could envision the Hiding Man and it was not a pretty picture. I came up with all kinds of wild theories and my imagination took over. It was a lot of fun!
But don’t worry! The whole book isn’t like this! You get to the meat of the story pretty quickly and it’s well paced and mysterious more than scary. I had a theory and I loved that my specific inclination was thoroughly explored (and that I was wrong!). There were other moments that I suspected were foreshadowing and I appreciated those nuggets and how they played out.
This is a quick read and loved the alternating timelines, use of multiple narrators, and slow unraveling of the mystery. The radio show was also a great added element and added a lot to the story.
Definitely recommend! Thank you to the Book Club Cookbook and Grand Central Publishing for the copy....more
If you love a clean romance in a Hollywood-adjacent setting with actors and musicians, That Girl & That Guitar is a must read!
Despite Shay’s self-impIf you love a clean romance in a Hollywood-adjacent setting with actors and musicians, That Girl & That Guitar is a must read!
Despite Shay’s self-imposed rule of never dating a co-star, the instant attraction and chemistry between her and Dustin is undeniable, and as roommates and colleagues, inescapable. The relationship moves quickly, and I appreciated getting to know Shay and Dustin as individuals, and as a couple. Shay’s turmoil navigating a hostile director, finding her footing in a new city, and trying to stick up for herself in an industry where she’s a dime dozen was well-written and made her a relatable and likeable character. Dustin was more of an enigma. Still distraught over his band breakup of over five years ago, I expected more of a bad boy persona from him but actually got a reserved, sometimes possessive, lost soul.
I liked how Dustin and Shay’s core group of friends expanded and I think we get glimpses into where this series could go in future books. Dabbling in the modeling, music, and acting arenas, this one had something for everyone and I liked getting an inside scoop into those worlds. It’s a series I definitely recommend!
Thank you to Novel Tours for introducing me to The Lonely Melodies series and to @L.Kingston.Books!
I loved this book. Romance, friendship, fame, an exquisite Irish setting, and even a multiverse! This book had something for everyone and I couldn’t pI loved this book. Romance, friendship, fame, an exquisite Irish setting, and even a multiverse! This book had something for everyone and I couldn’t put it down. I was totally invested in the characters, relationships, and whether or not Meg was in some elaborate dream world.
Do you ever wonder about the road not taken? For so many, there’s a single moment or a single decision that is so utterly profound that it is literally life changing. For Meg, when she’s had enough of her fame-fueled life in LA and finally decides to check out the quaint town in Ireland where she thought she would go to college but ultimately passed up, exploring that road not taken is exactly what happens when she wakes up in Ireland. She’s suddenly transported into the life of the Meg who DID decide to go to Ireland all those years ago. And the Meg that lives in Ireland isn’t the same person who lives in LA. Which is the real one?
I loved that this book explores the “grass isn’t always greener” premise and also the butterfly effect. I also loved Meg’s character growth, her self reflection, and the emotion that poured out of every page. It’s so easy to take our blessings for granted and The Other Side of Now was a beautiful reminder of just how green our grass is.
This one cannot be missed. Thank you to St. Martins Press for the copy!...more
If you’re looking for a pulse pounding, adrenaline fueled, anxiety riddled read from start to finish I have it for you! Run is all this and more. I waIf you’re looking for a pulse pounding, adrenaline fueled, anxiety riddled read from start to finish I have it for you! Run is all this and more. I was so stressed out and hanging on every word! I couldn’t put this book down and the audio only added to the excitement and thrill.
I love Blake Crouch but this one read a lot differently than Recursion or Dark Matter. It’s action packed, gruesome, and the terror never lets up. Set in a slightly future state, we follow one family as they try to get to safety after the breakout of a mysterious violence where people are banding together and mass murdering in the name of God.
I appreciated that we got some back story and learned what triggered the event (sort of). I also liked that the characters had more depth to them than their current circumstances. The novel opens with a very interesting scene that I wanted more of but all made sense with the end.
Crouch really delivers on this one. He has quite the imagination and I loved that as wild as this book was, it felt somewhat plausible.
If you read The Violence and loved it, I definitely recommend Run as it has similar vibes. ...more
I was excited to pick up I Become Her as it felt more like my typical genre and not quite the horror I've come tIf Joe Hart writes it, I will read it.
I was excited to pick up I Become Her as it felt more like my typical genre and not quite the horror I've come to expect with Hart. I Become Her will hit the mark for suspense fans. It kept me guessing and about halfway through, I couldn't put it down.
Some of the storyline felt familiar - a bout of amnesia after an accident, a new spouse that may not be who you believed them to be, a hidden past, secrets, and a mystery narrator. But as with other Hart novels, the execution was flawless and he walked me into a twist I never thought to see coming.
I liked that this novel took a seemingly well used idea and flipped it on its head. The use of multiple narrators and mixed timelines kept me guessing and kept the story propelling forward.
You won't get the dose of horror we've come to love and expect from Hart with I Become Her, but if you're looking for a psychological suspense that will make you question everyone and everything, look no further.
The Pulse continues to buzz about Hart's latest so don't miss out!
I’m always down for a good parenting book and I’ll take all the advice I can get. Some situations call for it all and you just never know what might dI’m always down for a good parenting book and I’ll take all the advice I can get. Some situations call for it all and you just never know what might do the trick!
I was particularly excited for Mothering Boys as I’m a mother to a boy myself. Conner is nearly 4 and ALL boy. We play all the trains, have all the bruises, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mothering Boys has so many real world examples to keep things fun, stay present, and connect with our boys. I particularly loved the little things I can implement daily like making eye contact, talking about my own feelings, discussing his goals and how to accomplish them, and including him in chores. A lot of pieces were reassuring too—for example, not only is it okay to let your kid be bored sometimes but it’s actually a good thing!
There’s so much pressure out there on us moms so I always love hearing other perspectives and feelings reassurances that we’re all doing the best we can. And more importantly, that our best is enough. I once heard that if you’re worried about being a good mom and working everyday to be the best mom you can be, you’re already succeeding. So if you needed to hear it, know you are crushing it. Our kids are lucky to have us!
Mothering Boys does skew very religious which may or may not be for you. Even apart from the religion, this book has practical parenting advice and gave a lot of great insight.
Ghostwriter is getting rave reviews, and likely for good reason! However, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
There’s a lot going on with this book. Ghostwriter is getting rave reviews, and likely for good reason! However, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
There’s a lot going on with this book. Family drama, personal drama, work drama, historical drama. Lots and lots of drama. At times it was hard to follow and some of my investment in the story got lost in the drama.
I wanted more focus on the actual mystery at hand - who killed Vincent’s siblings 50 years ago? I didn’t love Vincent’s character - now or then - and the sibling and girlfriend drama felt overdone and at times unnecessary.
I also didn’t need all the present day drama. Olivia’s story was complex but her drama entirely of her own making and it got a little tiring. The issues between her and her partner added no value to the story. And while the conflict between Olivia and the other ghostwriter was interesting and added real value to the narrative, there was so much other junk going on that it was a little overshadowed.
Finally, the book starts out with a preface about how much research was done into the setting - Ojai. There were caveats that any mistakes were Clark’s alone and she tried to do the setting justice. That preface had me excited to learn about Ojai and get invested in the locale. That did not happen. This book literally could have taken place in any town in America and I had to read another review to even recall the name of the town.
Admittedly, this review is reading a little harsh. And I’m clearly the outlier. It’s not a bad book by any stretch. It just isn’t good enough for it to be memorable. Like what even happened to Poppy and Danny? Idk don’t ask me!
Just a few of the thoughts that come to mind as I try to process the amazing-ness that Joe HilAtmospheric, eerie, haunting, disturbing, transportive…
Just a few of the thoughts that come to mind as I try to process the amazing-ness that Joe Hill delivers with Wyndclyffe. I loved the character depth, particularly with Mira, and could see myself in her shoes trying to make the right choices in a hard situation. She was so supportive and loving of her brother Aaron and I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must have been to accept a position on a remote island and be away from him in order to provide the monetary support they so desperately needed.
Wyndclyffe itself felt like a character. I could feel the drafty corners, smell the scents of decay and wealth and age, and appreciate the sense of foreboding that lurked behind every door. I couldn’t decide if this was a thriller, a mystery, a horror, or a blend of all and I think it ultimately fell somewhere in the middle. Indeed, this is a great choice for those thriller lovers who aren’t sure if they’re ready to dip their toes in the horror genre.
Mostly, this book surprised me. I had some theories about what was happening and was pretty off the mark which was super fun and I always appreciate. There is definitely a suspension of belief but if you let yourself go along for the ride, I promise you’ll enjoy it!
The PULSE is always abuzz when it comes to Joe Hill and I have no doubt the hype will be at an all time high for Wyndclyffe! Wyndclyffe releases 9/2/2025. ...more
This novel GUTTED me. I’m talking ugly cries, sobbing, box of tissues, the whole works. I just could not imagine Tom’s situation and grief.
It’s diffiThis novel GUTTED me. I’m talking ugly cries, sobbing, box of tissues, the whole works. I just could not imagine Tom’s situation and grief.
It’s difficult to talk about this book without giving away spoilers. The description is purposely vague and I appreciated that when I jumped into the novel. I particularly loved the viewpoint used as it isn’t one I see often at all and it worked so perfectly for this story.
This book has a ton of trigger warnings - infertility, death, terrorism, loss of a child. Again, it is GUTTING. And there were many moments - particularly in the beginning - that I was an absolute mess and needed to take breaks. If you can get through that though, my gosh, this book is so worth it.
There were times I was super frustrated with Tom and some of the story arc was predictable in that regard but again, it didn’t detract from the overall story and this is one I highly recommend.
The audio was excellent (though potentially put me more in the feels) and if you’re an audio fan I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Libro for the copy. ...more
I always love an Alex Finlay mystery and Parents Weekend definitely kept me guessing. I had no idea how the missing kids were connected, if their pareI always love an Alex Finlay mystery and Parents Weekend definitely kept me guessing. I had no idea how the missing kids were connected, if their parents’ past misdeeds were related, or how anything fit together.
There were a lot of characters and families to keep track of but Finlay did a good job of giving reminders and setting the reader up with the right information. I also listened to the audio and full cast helped with keeping everyone straight.
The novel is fast paced with countless red herrings. Just when you think you’re on the right track, something else throws you off. It was definitely surprising and if there was a way to solve the mystery, I never got there on my own!
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and St Martins Press for the copy. ...more
I’m a sucker for a good social media influencer novel and so I was excited for Julie Chan is Dead. Influencer dies mysteriously and her twin sister taI’m a sucker for a good social media influencer novel and so I was excited for Julie Chan is Dead. Influencer dies mysteriously and her twin sister takes over her life?! Yes, please!
However, this one got a little weird. The mystery and influencer aspect were on point and I was totally invested. But suddenly I was getting cult vibes and I didn’t want or need the shift. It complicated a perfectly great storyline and took it from a little far fetched to straight up out there.
I also thought the change of direction took away from the strong cultural points the first part of the novel raised. The twins were separated at a very young age - one raised in a privileged white household and the other raised by a family member in a more impoverished and neglectful situation. I loved the racial and class inequities that were addressed and how that impacted the women and their futures.
Overall this was entertaining but fell a little more flat than I expected.
What a quirky little series this is going to be! Filled with snakes and far more menstrual blood than I ever needed, I was utterly gripped. I loved leWhat a quirky little series this is going to be! Filled with snakes and far more menstrual blood than I ever needed, I was utterly gripped. I loved learning about the new world, the insights into women claiming their power, and the rewriting of history. I liked that our present day was alluded to and that we learned in some ways how the novel world was developed into what it was.
There were so many thought provoking proclamations and aspects to this novel. I loved how Uthaug flipped so much of what we know and experience on its head and forced the reader to accept a different narrative.
I’m eager for the next book in this series and the ending left me wanting more. It felt slightly abrupt. So much of the novel is world building and then there is major character development. Almost to the detriment of the plot of the current story. This may have been better to read with the next novel already in hand.
This book also contains a ton of sex-adjacent material and discussion. However, it’s not at all sexy. Trust me, you’ll know what I mean when you get into it. I could’ve done with more actual sexiness to offset some of the period talk to be honest!
I listened to this novel on audio and it’s gripping. Occasionally gross and graphic though, so pick your listening opportunities wisely.
This is a weird one but I was here for it. If you like books that make you think and definitely off the norm, you’ll want to check out Eleven Percent.
Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)
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