Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Book 1) by Dana Mentink

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Book 1) by Dana Mentink. I loved it! It such a high stakes adventure! This book releases Tuesday, July 1, and I should have my review up then. 

About the Book

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Cold and ice-pick pain bored into Kit Garrido's temples. Her limbs were leaden, her body a deadweight in the driver's seat of her big rig. Grit coated her tongue and teeth. She tasted blood. Try as she might, she couldn't reach out to unbuckle her seatbelt. Panic bubbled up inside her.

Friday 56

All around them rocks and branches thumped against the vehicle. She didn't know how Cullen was keeping them upright. She thanked God she'd fastened her seatbelt. 

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

About the Book

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

Y'all! I absolutely loved this fast-paced, dark, and twisty romantic thriller. I was immediately pulled in and glued to the pages, reading as fast as I could. I was hooked from the first sentence to the last. It’s a definite contender for book of the year.

I really liked Oaklynn. She's the daughter of the infamous Suicide Slayer, and with a copycat making their presence known, her unique insights into a serial killer's mind could be a huge advantage in finding and stopping this dangerous imitator. I was cheering her on in her high-stakes quest!

I also really liked Caleb. He had some secrets and a dark past of his own, but I loved seeing how he'd overcome it. He and Oaklynn made a great team.

The mystery of who the copycat was had me stumped! I thought I had it figured out several times, but nope! I was completely shocked by the reveal!

While this book tackles some dark subjects, I really appreciated that there was light and hope amidst it all. I loved the strong message of faith and how you could see God's goodness shining despite it all.

This book would make a great TV show! I loved it and highly, highly recommend it! If you’re a fan of Jessica Patch’s twisty thrillers, you’ll love this book!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner. This is one of the best thrillers that I've read! I loved it! Release day is June 24. I should have my review up then.

About the Book

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Suicide Slayer Dead. Constable Oaklynn Brock's coffee mug slipped from her fingers and smashed to the floor as she read the newspaper article on her cell phone.

Friday 56

Oaklynn's temples throbbed as she entered Faith Chapel and approached the body with Caleb at her heels. He arrived moments after her. Anxiety tightened her muscles at who they'd find.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

About the Book
She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

“Truth hidden in darkness always comes to light, and secrets with it. Sins always find you out.”

Y’all! This book was so good! Full of secrets, lies, danger, and duplicity, this dark and twisty thriller was completely engrossing. I was hooked from the first sentence until the final word. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. It’s a definite contender for best book of the year.

I had a lot of theories, but they were constantly changing. I never knew who or what to trust. And while I figured out a couple of things, there were plenty of surprises that left me completely shocked.

I appreciated the fact that the author tackled serious topics such as addiction and mental illness. I also appreciated that even though this was a dark and, at times, disturbing book, there was a ray of hope in the end.

This is the best psychological thriller that I’ve read! If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s a must read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Tour: The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch

Anybody in the mood for a dark and twisty psychological thriller? The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch releases on April 22, and, oh my, what a thrill ride! 

About the Book

She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.

Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…

No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Genre: Thriller, Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller

Preorder Details:

If you preorder The Other Sister in any format (including using an Audible credit) you’re automatically IN for Jessica’s VIP Party held on Zoom. You have the chance to discuss the book with other readers and Jessica, surprise visits from her author friends who are giving books away, more fun things, and a grand prize which includes $100 Amazon card! Upload your preorder proof of purchase and fill out the form. See you there.

Join the VIP Party: https://forms.gle/oRh48rg85Qsh17Vc6

Can't Wait Wednesday: Shattered Sanctuary (The Erin Delaney Mysteries Book #1) by Nancy Mehl

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Shattered Sanctuary (The Erin Delaney Mysteries Book #1) by Nancy Mehl releasing March 18.

About the Book

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her newfound peace is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a haunting presence lurking in the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a baffling murder case, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin's intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer's motives and methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop a merciless serial killer but also confronts the ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

In this propulsive series starter, bestselling author Nancy Mehl steals readers away to the perilous Tennessee town of Sanctuary, setting the stage for an action-packed mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Jack (The Minnesota Kingstons #1) by Susan May Warren

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Jack (The Minnesota Kingstons #1) by Susan May Warren releasing January 10. 

About the Book

There's Trouble in the North...

Meet Jack, a tracker with a past he’s trying to escape the first epic book of the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.

Her secret blew apart his life—and now she needs his help? If only he could say no…

Ten years should be long enough for Jack to forget the girl-next-door, his kid sister’s bestie and the woman—no, girl—who derailed his life. Now, he sort of likes his loner world as a missing person’s tracker. Well, mostly. But of course, when he returns home for his sister’s wedding, there she is…
Nope, not forgotten at all.

Of course Jack the Grump has shown up for his sister’s wedding, and by the way he looks at Harper, um, clearly her sins aren’t forgiven. So what—she’s sooo over her best-friend’s brooding, dark oldest brother. Really.

Then a bridesmaid goes missing.

And sure, Harper is a journalist who knows how to sniff out truth, but the clock is ticking and there’s only one person who can help…Perfect. No problem. She’s not going to fall for her childhood crush again. Promise.

Yes, Jack can admit that Harper’s not the girl he used to call Pigtails anymore. She’s all grown up…but he’s not going to get burned again. Still, what’s a guy going to do?

So, find her missing friend, get the bride down the aisle and ditch town before they find themselves in over their heads…or worse.

Dead.

Jack is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, grumpy-to sunshine, sweet but sizzly romantic suspense about second chances and finding the family you always wanted…

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticiapating?

Review: Most Likely to Die (True Crime Junkies #8) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

When a plane goes down in the Alaskan wilderness, so does the senator onboard . . .

With voting for the proposed oil drilling project only days away, former defense attorney Andi Slade knows what happened to the senator was no accident. It was a calculated and ruthless attack by Victor Goodman, the man who ruined Andi’s reputation and career.

As Andi and her friends, members of The Round Table podcast, join forces to put an end to Victor’s destruction once and for all, the stakes rise to a new level.

The team has had their share of differences in the past, but they can all agree on one thing: justice comes with a price. As they fight for their lives in a killer’s twisted game, one question remains . . . who will be the most likely to die?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Full of intrigue and gripping suspenseful moments, this book was impossible to put down. The danger was high, and so was my anxiety. Just when I’d think things couldn’t get worse, they did. I couldn’t read fast enough.

I’ve loved getting to know these characters throughout the series, and I’ve enjoyed seeing them overcome some seriously daunting (and dangerous) obstacles. I’ve been eager for the villain to get his comeuppance, and things come to a head quite spectacularly here.

While this book wraps up the longstanding mysteries of the series, I’m so glad this isn’t the end! I’m excited for this group of podcasting friends to solve more mysteries! I can’t wait for the next one!

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Most Likely to Die (True Crime Junkies #8) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Most Likely to Die (True Crime Junkies #8) by Christy Barritt.

About the Book

When a plane goes down in the Alaskan wilderness, so does the senator onboard . . .

With voting for the proposed oil drilling project only days away, former defense attorney Andi Slade knows what happened to the senator was no accident. It was a calculated and ruthless attack by Victor Goodman, the man who ruined Andi’s reputation and career.

As Andi and her friends, members of The Round Table podcast, join forces to put an end to Victor’s destruction once and for all, the stakes rise to a new level.

The team has had their share of differences in the past, but they can all agree on one thing: justice comes with a price. As they fight for their lives in a killer’s twisted game, one question remains . . . who will be the most likely to die?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Diane Glassine leaned back in her seat and gripped the armrest on either side of her.

Friday 56

What Andi had said was correct. No one should know they were here. They'd covered all their tracks. Their cellphones were untraceable. They weren't in their normal vehicles.

So how would someone know they were in Anchorage?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Choice by D.L. Wood

About the Book
What if a single letter could change everything you thought you knew about yourself?

Sadie Miles has built a life she can be proud of in Nashville, raising her best friend’s young son and pushing through every struggle that comes her way. But when an unsigned letter arrives at her door, she’s faced with a decision: ignore the letter and continue as is or take a risk to uncover the truth about her past—a truth she’s been chasing her entire life.

Following the letter’s cryptic instructions, Sadie finds herself aboard a luxury yacht, sailing down the eastern seaboard with strangers who share only one common goal: claim the fortune that awaits at the journey’s end. As the waves churn, so does the tension and when tragedy strikes, it becomes clear that someone will do anything to ensure they’re the last one standing.

Amidst the growing threat, Sadie’s only possible ally is the enigmatic lawyer, Liam Forrester—a man whose loyalties are as uncertain as the stormy seas around them, and who is as much of an unknown as the rest.

With Sadie on course to be the next victim, she must navigate treacherous waters both literally and figuratively. Can she survive until the end of the journey, or will she become another casualty of the deadly undertow of deceit and danger?

Buckle up for a suspenseful, slow-burn thriller that escalates to a heart-pounding conclusion—where every choice could be your last.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was another fantastic suspense from author D.L. Wood. She never fails to surprise me. Several twists completely shocked me. I can always count on her to keep me guessing!

I really liked Sadie. I'm not sure if I would have been as brave as her in that situation, but I truly admired her determination to seek answers. I worried about her, though—a lot.

The suspense and danger kept ramping up the further into the book I got, and so did my anxiety. I didn’t know who to trust. I didn’t even know if there was anyone I could trust. I think I suspected almost everyone at one point or another. I was completely shocked by the reveal.

If you’re looking for a high-stakes, fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing, I highly, highly recommend The Choice. I loved it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Rift (Rift Trilogy #1) by Steven James

About the Book

Bestselling author Steven James unveils a gripping tale of loss, longing, and courage in his latest young adult horror trilogy, Rift.

Seventeen-year-old Sahara is sent to live in the Appalachian Mountains while wrestling with the tragic loss of her father in an accident she believes she caused. As Sahara battles her inner demons, a mystical rift between the spiritual and physical worlds triggers a chilling string of paranormal events. Nightmares bleed into the waking world, and Sahara must unravel the mysteries hidden within the fabric of her own mind to save those she loves.

Her quest leads to a turbulent exploration of self-forgiveness and resilience amidst unimaginable loss. Author Steven James says, "Sahara's grief becomes a potent catalyst as she confronts supernatural forces threatening her town, delving into the intricate connections between personal anguish and unearthly mysteries."

Rift weaves together ancient mountain folklore with universal themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, resulting in a compelling young adult horror novel. Heart-wrenching vulnerability intersects with spine-chilling suspense, carrying readers on an emotional odyssey that grapples with the power of shame, the fragility of certainty, and the courage required to confront the mistakes of the past.

Brace yourself for a roller coaster of suspense as Steven James invites readers on a dark and thrilling ride through the mysterious corridors between worlds.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author's Website / Sky Turtle Press

MY THOUGHTS

Haunting and atmospheric, this chilling tale gripped me and still hasn’t let go. I was completely captivated and flew through the pages as fast as I could.

I liked Sahara and really felt for her. She had a lot of regrets and blamed herself for her father’s death. But I thought she had a good heart and acted like a typical teenager. I loved her creativity and the way she told her stories. I liked seeing the genuine friendship between her and Cadence, and I loved the relationship she had with her Grams.

I really enjoyed the writing style. There was something so authentic about it. And I loved the almost eerie quality to it. The story really came to life.

I enjoyed the folktales and ghost stories. I was familiar with a couple of them, but they took some surprising turns. They were chilling! I got goosebumps on numerous occasions.

There was a brilliant twist that I didn’t see coming, even though I probably should have. It ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger, which has me so anxious for the next book. It can’t come out soon enough! I absolutely loved this spooky tale and would give it more than five stars if I could. I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Rift (Rift Trilogy #1) by Steven James

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Rift by Steven James. I loved this spooky YA thriller! 

About the Book

Bestselling author Steven James unveils a gripping tale of loss, longing, and courage in his latest young adult horror trilogy, Rift.

Seventeen-year-old Sahara is sent to live in the Appalachian Mountains while wrestling with the tragic loss of her father in an accident she believes she caused. As Sahara battles her inner demons, a mystical rift between the spiritual and physical worlds triggers a chilling string of paranormal events. Nightmares bleed into the waking world, and Sahara must unravel the mysteries hidden within the fabric of her own mind to save those she loves.

Her quest leads to a turbulent exploration of self-forgiveness and resilience amidst unimaginable loss. Author Steven James says, "Sahara's grief becomes a potent catalyst as she confronts supernatural forces threatening her town, delving into the intricate connections between personal anguish and unearthly mysteries."

Rift weaves together ancient mountain folklore with universal themes of loss, guilt, and redemption, resulting in a compelling young adult horror novel. Heart-wrenching vulnerability intersects with spine-chilling suspense, carrying readers on an emotional odyssey that grapples with the power of shame, the fragility of certainty, and the courage required to confront the mistakes of the past.

Brace yourself for a roller coaster of suspense as Steven James invites readers on a dark and thrilling ride through the mysterious corridors between worlds.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Some words have the power to impale your heart.

And sometimes that's quick and merciful.

But sometimes it's terrible and long and torturous and seems like it will never end.

And I've been on both sides of the impaling.

Friday 56

When I'm slow in responding, Grams says, "Sahara, don't you be lettin' pain become your home. The deeper anger grows roots in your heart, the harder it is to weed it out when the time comes. And that time better come."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Boy in the Iron Box series by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan

About the Book
Dawn breaks, but the nightmare only intensifies in the shocking finale of The Boy in the Iron Box. In a final confrontation, the true nature of the Boy is coming to light.

In a stone chamber, the familiar young figure lingers with an unsettling calm. He has a question for Liev: Do you want to stop me? Now, for two merchants of death, each with his own purpose, one last contest lies ahead.

From Academy Award–winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes Encounter, chapter six of The Boy in the Iron Box, a blood-chilling serialized novel about an ancient secret that was never meant to be unleashed, featuring exclusive interior artwork. Each chapter can be read or listened to in one breathless sitting.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Note: This is a review for the whole series. You can find my thoughts on the first episode here.

This was an exciting series jam-packed with fast-paced action and high stakes. The sense of impending danger was palpable. This is labeled "horror,” and while there were plenty of tense, suspenseful, and even gruesome moments that had me on the edge of my seat, I was never scared. That might just be me, though. 

I will say that I had a hard time keeping the characters straight. They weren’t distinct enough for me to easily tell them apart.

I'm a little conflicted about the ending. It wasn't bad, and I really don't know any other way it could've ended, but it left me feeling slightly unsatisfied. That’s not to say that I didn’t like this series. I did. It held my attention and was an entertaining way to spend the afternoon. I think it would make a great TV series. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more from these authors.

Just a warning: this was a bit gory, so if you’re sensitive to that, keep that in mind.

FOUR STARS

Review: Vacation Friends by Christy Barritt

About the Book

Explore the dark side of paradise, where sun-soaked beaches hide deadly secrets . . .

When Maddie Waters joins her fiancé, Josh Harding, in Hawaii for his company’s luxurious weeklong corporate retreat, Josh wants her to help him secure the prestigious role of CEO for the high-tech firm. However, someone with a dark secret has other plans, and everything changes when a series of deaths and near-fatal “accidents” plague the event.

With a determined detective circling and her relationship with Josh unraveling, Maddie finds refuge in a new group of friends. She soon forms an uneasy alliance with the handsome and mysterious Brody, hoping he can help her uncover the truth.

As secrets are exposed, tension mounts and relationships crumble. Maddie finds herself nearly drowning in a riptide of lies and deception. She must unravel a complex conspiracy and confront her own past—or risk becoming the next victim.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“She’d felt lately as if death was stalking her.”

This was another fantastic thriller from Christy Barritt. I was completely hooked from the ominous beginning until the thrilling conclusion.

I was incredibly worried for main character Maddie as she faced danger after danger and incident after incident. Disaster seemed to follow her wherever she went. Was it all a coincidence, or was somebody out to get her?

There was a big cast of characters, but they were all distinct, and I had no trouble keeping them straight. I immediately liked Maddie’s new vacation friends, but a big part of me wondered if I should be suspicious of any, or all, of them considering everything that was going wrong. It was hard to trust anyone, as it seemed like everyone had a secret.

The mystery was really good. I had my suspicions, but wasn't 100 percent sure until right before the reveal. There was also a secondary story that had me intrigued yet wondering how it connected to everything. When I figured it out, my mind was blown! What a masterful twist!

This is one of Barritt’s best books to date. If you’re a fan of twisty thrillers, you’re sure to love it.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Vacation Friends by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over.

This week I'm featuring Vacation Friends by Christy Barritt. This is Christy Barritt at her finest. I'm loving this standalone thriller! 

About the Book

Explore the dark side of paradise, where sun-soaked beaches hide deadly secrets . . .

When Maddie Waters joins her fiancé, Josh Harding, in Hawaii for his company’s luxurious weeklong corporate retreat, Josh wants her to help him secure the prestigious role of CEO for the high-tech firm. However, someone with a dark secret has other plans, and everything changes when a series of deaths and near-fatal “accidents” plague the event.

With a determined detective circling and her relationship with Josh unraveling, Maddie finds refuge in a new group of friends. She soon forms an uneasy alliance with the handsome and mysterious Brody, hoping he can help her uncover the truth.

As secrets are exposed, tension mounts and relationships crumble. Maddie finds herself nearly drowning in a riptide of lies and deception. She must unravel a complex conspiracy and confront her own past—or risk becoming the next victim.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

You shouldn't have walked into a place you weren't supposed to be.

Friday 56

Today's excursion was a kayaking trip down the river, followed by a hike through the jungle, ending at a waterfall with a swimming holed beneath it.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Secrets She Kept (True Crime Junkies #7) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

In the Land of the Midnight Sun, secrets cast long shadows.

Former Army investigator Duke McAllister remains determined to uncover the truth behind his fiancée’s mysterious disappearance two years ago. Joined by his friend and podcast teammate, Andi Slade, Duke delves into Celeste Dawson’s past and soon uncovers a mind-bending conspiracy.

When a shocking news report names Celeste as a suspect in a series of murders, Duke must grapple with the mounting evidence that his fiancée may not be the person he thought she was. The stakes rise to terrifying new heights when bodies start piling up and the podcast team becomes a target.

Duke and Andi must navigate a labyrinth of secrets, betrayal, and murder to unravel the web of deceit that reaches far beyond anything they ever imagined. Will they find the answers before it’s too late? Or will the secrets Celeste kept destroy them all?

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited

MY THOUGHTS

This was another fast-paced and exciting addition to the series. In my opinion, it’s the best one yet. I know I sound like a broken record, but this series is Christy Barritt at her finest.

The opening chapter was tense and full of urgency. I was instantly invested and reading as fast as possible.

The mystery surrounding Duke’s missing fiancée comes to a head, and we finally get some answers. And, wow, it was not what I expected! I was shocked by the turn of events.

There’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t want to spoil anything. Just be prepared for a wild and surprising thrill ride! I can’t wait to dive into the next book, the conclusion to this thrilling series.

This is not a standalone, so I recommend starting with book one. If you’re a fan of riveting mysteries and thrillers, you won’t be disappointed.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Secrets She Kept (True Crime Junkies #7) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring The Secrets She Kept (True Crime Junkies #7) by Christy Barritt. This series just keeps getting better! 

About the Book

In the Land of the Midnight Sun, secrets cast long shadows.

Former Army investigator Duke McAllister remains determined to uncover the truth behind his fiancée’s mysterious disappearance two years ago. Joined by his friend and podcast teammate, Andi Slade, Duke delves into Celeste Dawson’s past and soon uncovers a mind-bending conspiracy.

When a shocking news report names Celeste as a suspect in a series of murders, Duke must grapple with the mounting evidence that his fiancée may not be the person he thought she was. The stakes rise to terrifying new heights when bodies start piling up and the podcast team becomes a target.

Duke and Andi must navigate a labyrinth of secrets, betrayal, and murder to unravel the web of deceit that reaches far beyond anything they ever imagined. Will they find the answers before it’s too late? Or will the secrets Celeste kept destroy them all?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

She ran as fast as she could down the dim corridor.

Friday 56

The team was clearly starting to make someone nervous.

Nervous criminals did stupid things.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Queen of Hearts by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Her readers love her...
but one has gotten a little too attached.

Alexandra Dubois, a NYT bestselling author, has made a name for herself by crafting twisted serial killers in her romantic suspense series. When threatening notes from an "invested reader" escalate into violence, Alex has to admit she's not safe in her own home. Although her autism makes any changes to her routine difficult, she reluctantly accepts her editor's advice to fly to his sprawling vacation home in West Virginia so she can focus on her looming deadline.

Fighting paranoia that the stalker has discovered her mountain hideaway, Alex still forces herself to write several chapters in her novel. But when a thunderstorm leaves her stranded and she hears a knock at her door, she's about to discover that life truly is stranger than fiction.

Fans of Alfred Hitchcock, Mary Higgins Clark, and Misery are sure to be hooked by this clean, fast-paced domestic thriller by RWA Daphne Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness, this is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the story. I got goosebumps several times and was holding my breath through many intense scenes. I was so anxious to find out what happened next. There were many twists and turns, most of which I never saw coming. I was constantly surprised by the turn of events.

Alex is autistic, and I thought the author did a wonderful job of realistically portraying her. She was relatable and easy to like. She faced some seriously daunting and dangerous things with bravery and tenacity.

This was a mind-bending thrill ride. I suspected everybody at one point or another. I didn’t know who to trust. When the reveal came, I was shocked. If you’re a fan of this genre, don’t miss this book. It's a must read. I’m looking forward to more psychological thrillers from this author.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Fury (A Breed Apart: Legacy Book 4) by Ronie Kendig & Steffani Webb

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Fury (A Breed Apart: Legacy Book 4) by Ronie Kendig & Steffani Webb releasing July 16.

About the Book

Amidst the glittering heat of Abu Dhabi, Hollyn Reinhardt’s world shatters in one tragic night. Once a child prodigy, now a leading AI scientist, she’s left reeling from her parents’ sudden death—and the haunting suspicion that it was no accident. Vulnerable yet defiant, Hollyn must protect her life’s work from unseen enemies.

Enter Davis Ledger: former Green Beret, owner of a keen-nosed military working dog named Fury, and the slightly older man whose rugged charm once captured Hollyn’s young heart. Medically discharged and disillusioned, he’s ready for peace in the US, but walks back into the line of fire when he discovers his friends have been murdered and that their daughter Hollyn—now all grown up—needs his help.

Following an attempt on her life, Hollyn realizes the USB containing her code has been stolen. Code that, in the wrong hands, could kill thousands. But Davis’s sable German shepherd, who has been specially trained to sniff out electronics, is the perfect dog to ensure this doesn’t end in disaster. They have no choice but to join up with a black ops group to protect Hollyn and hunt down the tech.

As they’re pursued by killers, Hollyn struggles to douse her reigniting crush, while Davis finds it harder and harder to deny his feelings and stay mission-focused. With the clock ticking down to an unthinkable catastrophe, Hollyn and Davis face the ultimate test. Can they thwart the threat and reclaim the code, or will their second chance at love end in heartbreak—or worse…disaster?

A masterful blend of breathless suspense and heart-stopping romance, this tale of danger, devotion, and rekindled love will have you at the edge of your seat.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann

About the Book

She’s a master at spotting a forgery . . . and knowing how to create one. But can she solve a decades-old mystery?

The media spotlight is the last thing art thief and forger Sophie Williams needs. But when one of three long-missing royal portraits turns up in Germany at her best friend’s art gallery, the spotlight is exactly what she gets. Since the tragic deaths of Princess Johanna of Neuhansberg and her two children forty years ago, the whereabouts of these portraits have been unknown . . . and the timing of their reappearance—just days before a new prince’s coronation—reignites questions surrounding the infamous accident.

Then Sophie’s best friend vanishes, and a rumor about hidden treasure connected to the paintings surfaces, seemingly confirmed by a cryptic message on the back of the first canvas. Convinced that finding the other two portraits will lead to her friend, Sophie begins a twisty investigation that pits her against other ruthless treasure hunters, a handsome investigator who seems to dog her trail at every turn, and a mysterious group that offers help, wearing an emblem identical to one on the painting.

From Germany’s grand castles and soaring cathedrals through the Alps to the canals of Venice, Sophie must choose her allies carefully if she hopes to find the portraits, rescue her best friend—and perhaps save a throne—before time runs out.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

“I believe in God even when He is silent.”

Oh my goodness! This book was a thrill ride from start to finish! It’s the very definition of unputdownable. I couldn’t read it fast enough. It has everything I love in a good thriller: intriguing mysteries, nonstop action, great characters, gorgeous settings, a powerful message of faith, and so much more!

I loved the friendship between Sophie and Lise. They were so supportive of each other. I liked how they were both trying to help people and right wrongs. It was so great to read about women supporting other women.

There was a lot going on in this book, but it never felt like too much. I loved all the twists and turns.

I’ve read a lot of great books this year, but this one tops the list so far. I’m so glad it’s the start of a new series. I’m very eager for more adventures with the Speranza team. I’ll be thinking about this story for a while! Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS