A Good Thriller discussion

The Short Straw by Holly Seddon ⭐⭐⭐.5
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Return to Valetto by Aussie author (living in US) Dominic Smith felt like someone's real story to me. Old women in an ancient Italian village conduct Google searches from their crumbling villa. War crimes are not forgotten.
My review of Return to Valetto

Here's my 4 star review of Dead and Gone by Joanna Schaffhausen:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Police Procedural

Overall, this riveting story arc immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. What a disquieting and unsettling prologue!

Here is my 4 star review of Tall, Duke, and Scandalous by Amy Rose Bennett:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Historical Romance with some suspense

Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel that kept me engaged throughout the book. While the novel is somewhat predictable, I felt connected to the story and wanted Jane and Christopher to work through their issues.

Here is my 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review of Hard Country by Reavis Z. Wortham:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Crime Thriller

This one has plenty of action and suspense along with fantastic characters and a well-written plot.

Somebody's Fool by Richard Russo



4 stars - Having read a few of Richard Russo's novels and seen Paul Newman act in the movie made of 1 of his books, I thoroughly enjoyed re-visiting many of the characters again. However, nothing much happens in this novel, save for the discovery of a body in an abandoned hotel. The book was about 100 pages too long to keep my interest steady but the final chapters wrapped things up nicely. Thank you to NetGalley for sending me the galley proofs to read this book ahead of publication.

I seem to be late 'discovering' popular UK crime writer Mark Billingham. His new Detective Miller series, The Last Dance, has plenty of scope to move into the next book, which I look forward to. Declan Miller seems very human rather than hard-boiled. Funny. Sad.
My review of The Last Dance

Dugoni Robert has a new Tracy Crosswhite novel, #10, coming out Oct 3, One Last Kill .
If you love this series, you'll love this book!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 3.81 rounded to 4 stars review of What Still Burns by Elle Grawl:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Overall, this psychological thriller was engaging and atmospheric with action, suspense, and a bit of a romance. However, I wanted a little more character depth and a more detailed ending.

I read Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold It is a cozy mystery with flaws. My review, 2.5 stars rounded up https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

When I think of a good thriller, I think of those stories that have me so invested and pumped up, that I'm staying up wwwaaayyy past a sensible bedtime on a work night because I simply can not go to bed without knowing what happens. I've had a few of those lately.

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Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of The Bridge by Matt Brolly:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Police Procedural / British crime drama

Overall, this was a gripping, gritty, and chilling story with complex characters. It’s intense and dramatic and kept me turning the pages. It’s also my favorite of the series.

Here is my 4.52 rounded to 5 stars review of Wide Awake by Steven Konkoly:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Political / Military Thriller

Konkoly is an outstanding storyteller who kept me on the edge of my seat with gripping scenes, action, a superb plot, and fantastic writing. His military background brings an authenticity to his thrillers. He does a great job of balancing the shocking action scenes against the intrigue of the conspiracy plot and the planning of countermeasures.

Here is my 4.5 rounded to 5 stars review of Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Romantic Suspense
This is the second book in the New Orleans romantic suspense series that is also partly a police procedural and a private investigator crime novel.

The prologue immediately grabbed my attention and the story continues with action, investigation by both the police and the private investigation firm, and plenty of twists and turns. The novel builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. The plot is full of chasing down leads and interviewing people as well as plenty of danger for those involved.

Finished Judgment Prey
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Black Vault: A Short Story


⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars
Short Story
Releases 8th August 23
Great spy story with the human element.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review of Enola Holmes and the Mark of the Mongoose by Nancy Springer:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

YA Historical Mystery

Overall, this book was an engaging and atmospheric young adult historical mystery that moved at a quick pace. The author does a good job of world-building. While the mystery is not overly complicated, it is entertaining and thought-provoking.

The Detective Up Late by Adrian McKinty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 3.78 rounded to 4 stars review of Wedding Bells Brew Murder by Carolyn Arnold:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Overall, I enjoyed this novel, which was engaging, entertaining, and humorous. While it’s very different from the other series I have read by this author, I found the writing style relatable, vivid, and irresistible.

Here is my 4.26 rounded to 4 stars review of Cave 13 by Jonathan Maberry:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Action / Military Thriller

Overall, this novel is a shockingly dark, disturbing, and an emotional ride. Once again Maberry hooked me with the fascinating prologue than pulled me immediately into the story.

Here is my 3.16 rounded to 3 stars review of My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Overall, this was fun and charming, but the ending was too quick and easily resolved in this slow burn romance for me. While there wasn’t enough depth to the plot for my tastes, I still enjoyed it.

Robert Bryndza's latest novel, Fear the Silence, is a standalone thriller that takes place on a remote Croation island in wild, stormy weather. English doctor Maggie is alone and terrified!
My review of Fear the Silence

A Welcome Reunion by A Welcome Reunion ⭐⭐⭐⭐
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review of Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Romantic Suspense

Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and atmospheric with great characterization.

Here is my 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review of Wild As a Wolf by Paige Tyler:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Paranormal Romantic Suspense / Urban Fantasy

Overall, this book is emotionally-charged, full of danger, and intense; with a terrific romance and nonstop action. The plot is twisty and the first sentence had me rapidly turning the pages. The author introduces some new types of supernatural villains in this one.

Black Panther: A Cultural Exploration


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars
Non-Fiction
The cultural influences of Black Panther and trivia
Great exploration of the character

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

To Die For by Lisa Gray ⭐⭐⭐.6 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Don't Forget Me, a good thriller definitely recommend it.

Review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review of Shadow Dance by Christine Feehan:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Paranormal Romantic Suspense / Urban Fantasy

Overall, this briskly paced novel was engaging and had great characterization. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. It is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous.

Here is my 4.41 rounded to 4 stars review of Harm’s Way by John Gilstrap:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Political Thriller

Gilstrap has a way of writing thrillers that immediately grab your attention. He’s an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action and suspense. Overall, this briskly paced and explosive novel was tense, fast-paced, action-oriented, and scary to think about.

A Different Kind of Gone
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 3.77 rounded to 4 stars review of The Raging Storm by Ann Cleeves:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Police Procedural

This was an atmospheric book with great characterization and a complex plot filled with secrets and tangled relationships. It is very character-driven and has a few slow spots.

Here is my 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review of Long Past Midnight by Jonathan Maberry:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Horror short stories and a poem

Overall, this was a great collection of stories and one that kept me feeling the characters’ anxiety. While some are full of exciting scenes and plenty of action, others are more thought provoking. The world-building and characterization are terrific.

Here is my 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review of All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Alternate History / Fantasy / Western

Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and family drama made this an entertaining read. This well-crafted story hooked me in the beginning and kept me turning the pages as I went on a rollercoaster ride through twists, drama, grief, and intrigue.

I recently enjoyed the seventh adventure with Master Mercurius (now Doctor, thank you very much!) in the Netherlands, 17th century. This time, author Graham Brack has him investigating a 'locked-room' Murder In Maastricht where he is supposed to be engaged in a debate about witches. An impossible crime scene? Witches?
My review of Murder in Maastricht

I read [book:Touched|137123578 by [author:Walter Mosley|20850 It is a departure from his mystery books. It is paranormal. story of good vs. evil, and a little too weird for me. My 3-star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.15 rounded to 4 stars review of Her Wolf for the Holidays by Terry Spear:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Paranormal Romance

The characterization and world-building are well-done in this novel. It’s a light, easy read with a fast-paced romance. While there was some minor conflict, I wanted some additional intensity and suspense. Despite this, I enjoyed the book.

Zero Day Ghost: An Electrifying Near Future Techno-Thriller of Revenge and Redemption


Read as an advance review copy and views based on my reading of the novel.
⭐⭐⭐ .5 Stars
Release date 1st Sept 2023
Great debut novel.

Check out the review -
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

#technothriller #thriller #ai #netgalley #2023release #septemberrelease #ZeroDayGhost #NetGalley #debutauthor

Here is my 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review of Payback in Death by J.D. Robb:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I love this series. Robb is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with suspenseful scenes and some action and romance. Overall, this novel was a twisty tale with great characterization that kept me turning the pages. I loved spending time with some of my favorite characters and can't wait for the next book in the series.

Due out Oct 3, a memoir, Beautiful and Terrible Things: Faith, Doubt, and Discovering a Way Back to Each Other

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I read some really great NetGalley thrilliers in August. I highly recommend the Ann Cleeves, Two Rivers/Matthew Venn series as well as the Shannon Hollinger, Chief Maggie Riley series. Both a really great crime thriller series.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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Finished Nobility in Small Things: A Surgeon's Path

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 3.26 rounded to 3 stars review of Hanging by a Thread by Dorothy Howell:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Cozy Mystery

Overall, this novel is entertaining and was a pleasurable reading experience. It's a fun cozy featuring many unique and interesting characters. Humor is sprinkled throughout the novel. However, the start is somewhat slow and there is some repetition that was somewhat annoying.

Here is my 4.36 rounded to 4 stars review of The Buried by Lisa Childs:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Romantic Suspense

Overall, I enjoyed this novel which was suspenseful, atmospheric, full of action, and it had great characterization.

A Furry Little Christmas. consists of two mediocre stories. My three star review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Well of Saint Nobody by Neil Jordan ⭐⭐.5 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review of The Ghost Illusion by Kat Martin:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Romantic Suspense + Ghosts and more

Overall, this novel was entertaining and had great characterization. The plot is multi-layered and gets increasingly dangerous as the unsettling disturbances escalate and secrets are revealed. It’s twisty, thought-provoking, and tragic, as well as full of suspenseful moments. It's also very atmospheric.

The Caretaker, by Aussie author Gabriel Bergmoser, is a tense thriller about a woman who is hiding out alone on a snowy mountaintop.
My review of The Caretaker

Here is my 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review of The Last Guardian by Simon Gervais:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Political Thriller

A great start to the novel grabbed my attention. Action, suspense, intrigue, and danger keep this novel moving at fast pace. There is a strong sense of good versus evil throughout the novel. Geopolitical conflicts that help enable drug, human, and weapons trafficking are highlighted in this book.

Here is my 4.2 rounded to 4 stars review of Her Last Words by Carolyn Arnold:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Police Procedural

The author brings action and intense moments to the novel, but the story built a little less suspense into the story line than usual. Despite this, the plot is intriguing, full of chasing down leads and interviewing suspects and witnesses in anticipation of identifying the killer.