The Paris Spy's Girl.

 

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Bookoture for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Paris, 1943. I stare at Charlie across the crowded room. Working deep undercover, we’re surrounded by Nazi high command. Slowly, he smiles at me and my breath catches. I have to trust him, or we’re both dead… As war rages across France, English exile Christine has become the most deadly asset the British Secret Service has in occupied Paris. But when Suzanne, her best friend and the sole agent who knows the details of the top-secret D-Day landings, is betrayed to the Nazis by someone at the heart of their spy network, she is devastated. 

Going undercover with Charlie – a handsome but elusive American spy with an agenda of his own – is her only chance to catch the traitor in their midst.Pretending to be not only Nazi collaborators but lovers too, they must save Suzanne from almost certain death and prevent the D-Day landing plans from ending up in the wrong hands. But as Christine and Charlie’s pretend desire turns to true love, her past – and the real reason she had to leave England forever – puts their whole mission in terrible danger. 

With the Nazis closing in and Suzanne’s life on the line, Christine is forced into one last, desperate heading back into deepest, darkest enemy territory, knowing her disguise could have been exposed.
With even her trust in Charlie shaken, will Christine have to choose between her love for him, her best friend’s life, and freedom for France? And who will pay the ultimate sacrifice…? 

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I enjoy historical fiction set during World War I/II. When it comes to new authors, I never know what to expect. The Paris Spy's Girl was one of the most compelling historical fiction I've ever read. Once again, I couldn't get enough of the plot and the characters. Every page leaves you wondering what will happen to Christine, Charlie, and everyone else connected next. I did feel that the book began slowly and needed a few pages to get into the story. I had to push myself to put the book down when the story picked up because I was so captivated. Almost every page left me wondering what Christine and Charlie would have to face next. A part of me was frightened of what might happen to them next. 

I've read a few books throughout the years about resistance, which is one of my favorite topics to read about. I also enjoy reading stories about strong women. Christine was not just strong but also brave. I cannot imagine going through everything she faced, but she kept going, I was rooting for Christine from the beginning. I was intrigued by the interaction between Charlie and Christine, expecting a romantic spark between them. The Paris Spy’s Girl always had me on the edge of my seat. My heart pounded whenever they went on a mission, fearing they'd be discovered. I cannot imagine not always being alert for potential danger in jobs like theirs. 

As the book progressed, the suspense grew, compelling the reader to continue turning pages. I felt that the ending of The Paris Spy's Girl was rushed. However, I loved the story and found myself falling in love with most of the characters. This story will stick with you and not easily be forgotten.

The Fury.

 

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This is a tale of murder. 

Or maybe that’s not quite true. At its heart, it’s a love story, isn’t it? 

Lana Farrar is a reclusive ex–movie star and one of the most famous women in the world. Every year, she invites her closest friends to escape the English weather and spend Easter on her idyllic private Greek island. 

I tell you this because you may think you know this story. You probably read about it at the time ― it caused a real stir in the tabloids, if you remember. It had all the necessary ingredients for a press a celebrity; a private island cut off by the wind…and a murder.
We found ourselves trapped there overnight. Our old friendships concealed hatred and a desire for revenge. What followed was a game of cat and mouse ― a battle of wits, full of twists and turns, building to an unforgettable climax. The night ended in violence and death, as one of us was found murdered. 

But who am I? 

My name is Elliot Chase, and I’m going to tell you a story unlike any you’ve ever heard. 

 

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 Haunting. 

The Fury is Alex Michaelides' third book I've read. He's the author to follow. Every book in his collection is unique, making it one of my favorite things about his works. I put The Fury on hold at the library and finally got a chance to read it. Now, I don't even know where to start. Although I found his other two books different, this one was unlike any book I had read before. I felt mixed reviews surrounded the book The Fury due to its writing style; however, that didn't prevent me from checking it out. I enjoyed the writing style, especially the conversational tone used by the character, which made the character feel more relatable and realistic. Every page of the book left me craving and wondering about the killer's identity. 

As the story expanded, I made several guesses about the killer's identity. When I thought I had figured out the identity, another twist in the story had me on the edge of my seat. which will have you guessing almost until the end. Elliott Chase is a character with whom readers will have a complex relationship. Although there were things about him that I liked, I also had a sense that he was involved in something suspicious. There were a few slow parts in the book, where I felt there was too much description. However, it picked up within a few pages. 

The book The Fury is so gripping that even days after finishing it, I can't stop thinking about it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading thrillers and mysteries.

The Vacancy In Room 10.

 

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Graydon House for providing me with an  ARC in exchange for an honest  review

 

 RELEASE DATE: 04/09/2024.

 

When Anna Hartley’s husband, Henry, calls her with a terrible, guilty confession, she can’t believe what she hears. It has to be a bad joke—the mild, predictable artist she married would never hurt a fly, let alone commit murder. But her confusion turns to horror when police find his body washed up on the banks of the Rio Grande. 

Desperate for answers to the millions of questions his untimely death has raised, Anna checks in to The Sycamores, the run-down motel turned apartment Henry rented as an art studio. As she absorbs every bit of gossip the eclectic mix of residents are willing to share about her husband and each other, she begins to piece together a picture of a very different man than the one she married, and the life he led behind her back. The more she learns, and the less sense things seem to make, she finds herself wondering: Did she ever really know Henry at all? 

But Henry’s secrets aren’t the only ones; as Anna’s search for clues expands, Cass, the mysterious, jaded motel manager, seems more and more determined to keep Anna in the dark. And when threatening letters start appearing at her door, Anna has to decide what’s more important—the truth, or her own safety. 

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As you know by now, I love mystery and thriller books, especially the ones that keep you on the edge of your seat. This time, as I was browsing Netgalley, the title caught my eye—and how could it not? You’ll be gripped from the start by The Vacancy in Room 10 . I ended up reading for a couple of hours last night so that I could finish it. I was curious about what would happen if Henry's death had been caused by something other than suicide. I knew that Henry was hiding something from Anna on the night of his death, and I, like Anna wanted to know the truth. On the other hand, I was afraid of the truth. The Vacancy In Room 10 is a difficult story to put down once you start reading it. When I started reading it, I had no idea what to expect, and it surprised me in so many ways. 

The book captivated you from the first page, and it was that page that intrigued my curiosity and kept me turning pages. I kept wondering how Henry got to that point. I thought the book was slow when the characters were first introduced. I liked Anna and Cass. However, I preferred Anna to Cass because of her actions. I understood Cass's need for the money, but what she was doing to get it had me worried that one of these days, she'd get into trouble. I felt she'd come across someone who wasn't as forgiving. Cass's story, like Anna's, kept me on the edge of my seat, which was one of the reasons I struggled to put the book down. 

When I wasn't reading the book, I thought about reading it. I saw them all in the story's descriptions and found myself transforming alongside Anna and Cass. There was so much suspense and unexpected turns that I didn't see coming. I couldn't stop reading this book, and a part of me wished it would never end. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read this book. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries and thrillers.

One True Loves.

 

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In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.
On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever. 

Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness. 

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves. 

Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly? 

Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying. 

 

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 There are so many emotions running through me now. This is not the first book I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I'm still surprised. There were a few instances where I wished I didn't have to work to continue reading. I stayed up later than I should have to finish the book on a couple of nights. I am delighted that One True Loves was chosen as our book club's monthly read. Every page of the book was so captivating that it kept me engrossed in the story even more, and of course, I couldn't help but wonder who Emma would ultimately choose. It was difficult for me to imagine being in her shoes and having to make such a decision. How could one possibly make such a choice without causing pain to someone. I don't know how I would handle her situation. The book was impossible to put down because I needed to know what happened next. 

Jesse and Sam were both unique in their own way; it was impossible to choose a favorite between them. I knew she loved both, and I realized it wouldn't be an easy decision for her. I was shocked when I found out that Jesse was alive, and I couldn’t imagine how Emma felt. However, I felt worse for Sam. How do you deal with your fiancée's husband coming back. I could only imagine what was going through his mind when he learned about Jesse. I couldn’t help but wonder if the relationship between Sam and Emma Jesse was over once returned. Sam's actions showed his immense love for Emma. I knew that Jesse wouldn’t be the same person as he was before he vanished, and I wondered if that would impact Emma’s decision. I was conflicted about who I wanted Emma to end up with. One True Loves is a book that will have you wondering until the end. 

Most of the books I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid have been historical fiction. One True Loves was different from her other books that I have read but in a good way. As with her previous works, I grew attached to both the characters and the story almost immediately. After only a couple of chapters, it felt like I had made new friends. This is the book that I wish I had read earlier, and I have a feeling that I will come back and re-read this story in the future. I highly recommend it to romance fans.

The Phoenix Crown.

 

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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: 02/13/2024.

 

 

San Francisco, 1906. In a city bustling with newly minted millionaires and scheming upstarts, two very different women hope to change their fortunes: Gemma, a golden-haired, silver-voiced soprano whose career desperately needs rekindling, and Suling, a petite and resolute Chinatown embroideress who is determined to escape an arranged marriage. Their paths cross when they are drawn into the orbit of Henry Thornton, a charming railroad magnate whose extraordinary collection of Chinese antiques includes the fabled Phoenix Crown, a legendary relic of Beijing’s fallen Summer Palace. 

His patronage offers Gemma and Suling the chance of a lifetime, but their lives are thrown into turmoil when a devastating earthquake rips San Francisco apart and Thornton disappears, leaving behind a mystery reaching further than anyone could have imagined . . . until the Phoenix Crown reappears five years later at a sumptuous Paris costume ball, drawing Gemma and Suling together in one last desperate quest for justice. 

 

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I am a devoted Kate Quinn fan and have read nearly all her books. I was thrilled to hear that she was releasing a new book. I couldn’t what adventure she would take us on. Since she was co-authoring the book, I was interested in how it would turn out. I was delighted when I got approved to read an early copy of the book. I was hooked from the beginning to the end; every page left me wondering what would happen next. I am very familiar with Kate Quinn's work. She draws you in and makes you love the story and the characters. I had never read any books by Janie Chang before, but now I can't wait to read more of her work. I enjoyed reading their narratives, and their collaboration was evident. I hope they get to work together again in the future. 

Reading narratives can sometimes be challenging, but Kate Quinn and Janie Chang have made the women's narratives compelling and engaging. I found it difficult to put the book down, as every time I thought of stopping, the stories kept me hooked for hours. My favorite books are the ones that keep me engaged and wondering what's next for the characters. I loved how the narratives were given from different points of view, and I enjoyed reading each of the women’s separate stories, but I was also wondering how their stories would connect. If I had to choose a favorite character, it would be difficult because each one is unique and has an interesting story. I experienced a range of emotions while reading The Phoenix Crown . 

I thought the first half of the book was more action-packed and mysterious than the final few pages. I felt as if I had learned far more about the historical period than I had previously known. I believe that each of the characters evolved during the book, but Gemma changed the most. After finishing the book, I found myself contemplating the story. I would recommend it to any fans of historical fiction.

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.