Heartwood is a creatively plotted novel that follows the search for a missing Appalachian Trail hiker. Told from the perspectives of the hiker, the woman in charge of the search, and an unlikely, elderly armchair detective, the story serves up a lot of depth that seems to be absent from so many other current mystery/suspense novels. Continue reading
Category Archives: Thriller
Audio Book Review: Absolute Power by David Baldacci, Narrated by Scott Brick
Absolute Power is a gripping political thriller that pits the powerful elite against everyday people. An interesting, suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and just the right amount of action make this novel an engaging and entertaining read/listen. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, Narrated by Richard Armitage, et al
In Rock Paper Scissors, a married couple travels to Scotland to attempt to salvage their relationship. Instead of being the free, cozy vacation they were hoping for, they find themselves stranded by a snowstorm in a creepy old church. Can their marriage survive? Can THEY survive? Continue reading
Audio Book Review: Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith, Narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris
In Stalin’s Russia, thoroughly investigating a murder could be considered its own subversive crime, especially if the outcome tarnishes the State’s narrative of being a communist Utopia where citizens are so content that they never turn to crime. Against this backdrop, Leo Demidov, a member of the much-feared State Security Force (MGB), risks everything to track down a serial killer who is viciously preying on children. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: Love, Mom by Iliana Xander, Narrated by Kira Fixx, et al
Love, Mom is an engaging novel of suspense about a daughter trying to unravel the truth about her dead mother, a successful author who died under mysterious circumstances. Plot twists and a quick pace make Love, Mom an enjoyable read/listen. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley, Narrated by Joe Eyre, et al
The Midnight Feast is another suspenseful winner from author Lucy Foley. The novel tells the story of a newly renovated posh hotel on the English coast that is plagued by locals and mysterious birds during their opening, with both disastrous and amusing results. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham, Narrated by Karissa Vacker
In All the Dangerous Things, the mother of a missing child relentlessly searches for answers while secretly fearing that she’s the one who hurt her own baby. Unexpected twists, a well-developed protagonist, and a suspenseful atmosphere make All the Dangerous Things a wholly satisfying novel. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, Narrated by Kristin Atherton
None of This is True is another terrific novel from the mistress of psychological suspense, Lisa Jewell. It’s kind of like watching a creepy train wreck that you can’t tear your eyes away from even though it’s giving you the willies. File None of This is True under “crazy lady thrillers.” Continue reading
Audiobook review: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
First Lie Wins is a twisty and satisfying suspense novel with elements of a spy thriller. It’s a fast-moving cat and mouse game with a cleverly surprising setup revealed at the end. Continue reading
Book Review: The Teacher by Freida McFadden
The Teacher by Freida McFadden is a layered psychological thriller set against the backdrop of a high school, complete with teen angst and torment. But who is misbehaving the most – the students or the teachers? (Hint: It’s kind of a tie.) Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 