Murder In The Family.

 

 

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SIX EPISODES. ONE KILLER. 

 
It was a case that gripped the nation. In December 2003, Luke Ryder, the stepfather of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Howard (then aged 10), was found dead in the garden of their suburban family home. br> Luke Ryder's murder has never been solved. Guy Howard's mother and two half-sisters were in the house at the time of the murder--but all swear they saw nothing. Despite a high-profile police investigation and endless media attention, no suspect was ever charged. 

But some murder cases are simply too big to forget... 

Now comes the sensational new Netflix series Infamous, dedicated to investigating--and perhaps cracking--this famous cold case. The production team will re-examine testimony, re-interview witnesses, and once again scour the evidence. The family will speak. The key players will be reunited--on camera. 

The truth will come out. 

Are you ready to see it? 

 

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A novel that will stay with you, long after you turn the last page. 

Title is what pulled me into this book. I love murder thrillers, especially the ones that keep you wondering what will happen next. Due to the different format from what I'm used to, I wasn't sure at first how I would feel about this book. In the end, though, it was among one the best books I've read so far this year. I read this book during naptime when I was filling in for a PreK teacher because I couldn't put it down. It's not a book that you can put down easy, and because of the style, it was occasionally difficult to know when to stop. As you were beginning to piece together what had happened, another, unexpected hint emerged. Several times when I read Murder In The Family, I was caught off guard. 

I was curious to see what would happen, just like everyone else. "Will Luke Ryder's murder finally be discovered?" was the one question that never left my mind, how could you not be interested in learning more? If this cold case could be solved via a television series, that would be interesting. I loved that there were different articles, and pictures and had information about everyone at beginning of the book. I do feel that this book is better read as physical book. I’m so glad that my best friend sent me a physical book as a present. Even after finishing the book last night, I still can't seem to get it out of my head. I found myself discussing parts of this book with my family, and some friends. 

That ending… That caught me off guard. I think that came as shock to everyone, including the director of the show. I still have hard time believing that he didn’t remember that. I’m still thinking about that ending. I adore murder mysteries of this kind, where something unexpected always happens. Fans of murder mysteries should definitely check this out as it's unlike any other murder mystery you've ever read.

The Lost Book Of Bonn.

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: William Morrow for providing me with an  ARC in exchange for an honest  review

 

 

RELEASE DATE: 03/19/2024.

 

 

 

Germany, 1946: Emmy Clarke is a librarian not a soldier. But that doesn’t stop the Library of Congress from sending her overseas to Germany to help the Monuments Men retrieve and catalog precious literature that was plundered by the Nazis. The Offenbach Archival Depot and its work may get less attention than returning art to its rightful owners, but for Emmy, who sees the personalized messages on the inside of the books and the notes in margins of pages, it feels just as important. On Emmy’s first day at work, she finds a poetry collection by Rainer Maria Rilke, and on the title page is a handwritten “To Annelise, my brave Edelweiss Pirate.” Emmy is instantly intrigued by the story behind the dedication and becomes determined to figure out what happened. The hunt for the rightful owner of the book leads Emmy to two sisters, a horrific betrayal, and an extraordinary protest against the Nazis that was held in Berlin at the height of the war. 

Nearly a decade earlier, hundreds of brave women gathered in the streets after their Jewish husbands were detained by the Gestapo. Through freezing rain and RAF bombings, the women faced down certain death and did what so few others dared to do under the Third Reich. They said no. Emmy grapples with her own ghosts as she begins to wonder if she’s just chasing two more. What she finds instead is a powerful story of love, forgiveness, and courage that brings light to even the darkest of postwar days. 

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Intriguing, Mysterious. 

My favorite historical fiction is set during World War II. I'm not sure what it is about that time period, but I've read several books set during World War II, and they've all captivated me. Of course, it's a plus if the story includes books; how can you not enjoy a story about books? The title and cover of The Lost Book Of Bonn piqued my interest when I discovered it on Netgalley. The cover is breathtaking, and I wonder what the woman in the picture is thinking about. After reading the book's summary, I was even more captivated by the story. I knew I'd fall in love with the story before I even began reading it. It didn't take long; I was engrossed in the story from the first page. There were a few slow parts in the story, mostly when the characters were introduced, but once it got going, I couldn't get enough, and every page left me wondering what would happen next. 

I like how the story was told in different timelines, from different points in the war. Annelise's story takes place at the beginning of the war, whereas Christina's takes place in the middle of it. Christina changed so much from the start of the war to the middle of the war that she appeared to be a completely different person. I wasn't sure about Christina when she was described through Annelise's eyes, but when I read it from Christina's perspective, it was a whole different story. I couldn't help but wonder if the two sisters would ever be reunited, and what would happen if they were. Emmy’s story on the other hand, it connects the other two stories and that’s one of my favorite’s parts in the book. I think if I was in her position, I would be curious too, and wonder what happened to them. 

The Lost Book Of Bonn is not always an easy book to read, but it's a book you'll never forget. There is more I could say about this book, but I don't want to give too much away before it comes out. This is an important book to read and a source of inspiration. I'm glad I got to read it before it was released. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what other adventures the author will take us on.

The Mystery Guest (Molly The Maid, #2)

 

 

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Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor. 

When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems? 

As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery post-haste. If there's one thing Molly knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don't stay buried forever...

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Delightful. 

After the release of the second book, I read The Maid again because I really enjoyed it. All the murder mysteries I have read over the years have not measured up to this one. I had no idea there would be a sequel to the first book, but I'm glad there was one. It makes me wonder if there might be a third book. I didn't know what to expect from The Mystery Guest , but I had a feeling that I was going to enjoy it, and I should've guessed that I would fall in love with it. It's not often that I enjoy the second book more than the first, but that's what happened with The Mystery Guests . Every page left me wanting more and wondering who killed J.D Grimethorpe and why. I, like everyone else, was curious about the big announcement. Throughout the book, I wondered if the murderer was the only one who understood the reason for the announcement. 

I loved the Before that was added to the story: when Molly first met J.D Grimthorpe. It also allowed us to get to know Molly as a child. I was curious if Molly always acted a certain way. I adored those two stories because it felt like I was reading two separate stories, and I couldn't get enough of either. I had an idea who the killer might be, but I was no closer this time. I disliked J.D Grimethorpe from the moment he met Molly; it was just the way he acted, and I was curious if he treated everyone the same way. I was curious if that was why someone decided to kill him; they'd had enough. I loved how Molly was able to piece together all of the clues, and I hope she will consider Detective Stark's offer. I couldn't get enough of this book; another one that I couldn't put down. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries.

Dreamland.

 

 

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Colby Mills once felt destined for a musical career, until tragedy grounded his aspirations. Now the head of a small family farm in North Carolina, he spontaneously takes a gig playing at a bar in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, seeking a rare break from his duties at home. 

But when he meets Morgan Lee, his world is turned upside-down, making him wonder if the responsibilities he has shouldered need dictate his life forever. The daughter of affluent Chicago doctors, Morgan has graduated from a prestigious college music program with the ambition to move to Nashville and become a star. Romantically and musically, she and Colby complete each other in a way that neither has ever known. 

While they are falling headlong in love, Beverly is on a heart-pounding journey of another kind. Fleeing an abusive husband with her six-year-old son, she is trying to piece together a life for them in a small town far off the beaten track. With money running out and danger seemingly around every corner, she makes a desperate decision that will rewrite everything she knows to be true. 

In the course of a single unforgettable week, two young people will navigate the exhilarating heights and heartbreak of first love. Hundreds of miles away, Beverly will put her love for her young son to the test. And fate will draw all three people together in a web of life-altering connections . . . forcing each to wonder whether the dream of a better life can ever survive the weight of the past. 

 

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Since I was 17 years old, I have been reading Nicholas Sparks' books, so I shouldn't be surprised by them anymore. But every time, he manages to catch me off guard. My list of books to read has included Dreamland ever since it was released. This month's book selection for my book club was Dreamland, and I'm so happy that I've finally had a chance to read it. I had to take my time reading because I didn't want to finish it too quickly. Because Dreamland was told from both Colby and Beverley's points of view, it seemed like I was reading two separate stories. I was curious to know if there was a connection between the two stories, as his books usually have one. I couldn't help but wonder if Beverley and Colby would cross paths. Or if he manages to save Beverley in some way? The questions we couldn't help but ask during our weekly book club discussions. I adore that there was a sense of mystery included in Dreamland. 

 
The book had great perspectives from both Colby and Beverley, but I thought Colby's was easier to read and more fascinating than Beverley's. The mystery surrounding Beverley's story developed throughout the narrative, becoming even more intriguing. I questioned whether Beverley and her son would be able to get away from her husband or if he would eventually track them down. If he did find them, I couldn't imagine the consequences. I was terrified for them both and realized that I was experiencing the same anxiety as Beverely. The plot of Colton's story was lighter and more romantic in nature. Its musical element was another thing I adored about it; I always find myself drawn to books with musical elements. I could not help but wonder how the two stories would be related. 

The connection between Morgan and Colby was obvious. There didn't seem to be much development between the two of them meeting and falling in love, in my opinion, even though I could tell they fell in love quickly. I firmly think that their shared passion for music is what first drew them together. Though I was cheering for the two of them, I couldn't help but wonder if their relationship would survive. I find myself thinking about that ending nonstop. I found myself going back to read it after the first time to make sure I understood it correctly. That, I believe, is the most surprising turn of events I have ever read in any of his books. My all-time favorite romance writer is Nicholas Sparks for a reason. I can't wait to see what journey he has in store for us.

The Maid (Molly The Maid, #1)

 

 

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 CONTAINS SPOILERS

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by. 

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection. 

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late? 

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Mysterious. Intriguing. 

I'd heard about The Maid for a while and wanted to read it immediately, but I was on a hold list for several months. Although this book received mixed reviews, I decided to read it anyway. I'm glad I finally got the chance to read the book. I loved this book and couldn't get enough of the story. Of course, I was curious about who killed Mr. Black, if it was someone from the hotel, and whether Molly was protecting them. I can't imagine finding someone dead in a hotel while cleaning and being accused of a crime. I knew Molly was innocent and was only trying to assist a friend in need when she was charged with murder. I was suspicious of how she was arrested; Rodney was the person she called after getting the gun, and she was arrested shortly after for drug possession and traces on her maid's cart. I had a strong suspicion Rodney was to blame for her arrest. I suspected Rodney was up to something when he asked for her assistance assisting his friend, but I was wary of how he asked. Something was wrong with Rodney. I was hoping Molly would see Rodney for who he really was. 

I couldn't help falling in love with Molly. She has difficulty communicating with others and does not always act like others, and as a result, others appear to treat her with disrespect. I don't think that is fair to her. I admire Molly's dedication to her job; she clearly enjoys cleaning. There aren't many maids who genuinely enjoy their jobs. She does an excellent job cleaning the room, ensuring that it is sparkling clean for the next guest who stays there. When I stay in hotels, I rarely see rooms like this. I'm glad she became friends with Giselle; she needed a friend who accepted her for who she was. The two of them looked out for each other, and I believe they will be friends for many years. 

The reveal near the end of the book caught me off guard. I can understand why she did it, though. I can't think of anything I didn't enjoy about this book. If I didn't have to study and work, I would have finished it sooner. It's difficult to believe that The Maid was the author's first novel. I am confident that this will be one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.