A Good Thriller discussion

I was late getting this one, but here it is: The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 13: New Books to Make Your Heart Race


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







3 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 for this lovely romance, Take Me Home by Beth Moran https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished The Ghostwriter

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

I read Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten It covers an overlooked aspect of Sherman's March to the sea in the US Civil war. This march broke the back of the Confederate war effort. But enslaved people fleeing plantations and attaching themselves to Sherman's army played a vital role in the success of the march. My 5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3 stars for Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano
My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Wow! VERY intense at times! May invoke strong feelings. Non-fiction Hold Strong

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

I read Head Cases John McMahon It is the start of a new series. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 3.44 rounded to 3 stars review of The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder: A totally gripping cozy murder mystery by Clare Chase:

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

2nd book in the Bella Winter Cozy Mystery series

Finished This Book Will Bury Me

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

The Black Loch was an excellent surprise addition to the original three books of Peter May's Lewis Trilogy. Rugged Isle of Lewis setting, dark mysteries, more secrets revealed from the past - love it!
My review of The Black Loch

My review of this book mysteriously disappeared, so I’m reposting this! Home and Away
Historical fiction, 4 stars

Here is my 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review of The Big Empty by Robert Crais:

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

Private detective Elvis Cole with help from silent partner Joe Pike
Elvis Cole Series Bk 20; Joe Pike Series Bk 9
Death, danger, and suspense take center stage. This twisty thriller is a full of gripping scenes embedded in a well-crafted and riveting plot that hooked me from the very beginning.

Irish author Kevin Barry has sent some wild Irish characters to snowy Montana in the early, untamed American west. The Heart in Winter is funny, tragic, lawless, and full of heart, not only in winter. It is quite a ride!
My review of The Heart in Winter

I read There's No Turning Back by Alba de Céspedes My 3 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Also Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine I recommend it. My 4.5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory

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

Here is my 4.84 rounded to 5 stars review of Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb:

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

Futuristic Police Procedural
60th book in the Eve Dallas In Death series
Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Summerset's background in this novel. As always, strong characters, excellent pacing, and delightful relationships are a constant in this series.

Here is my 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review of Dark Hope by Christine Feehan:

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

Paranormal Romantic Suspense / Supernature Suspense
Latest book in the Dark series
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was satisfactory, but also set up possibilities for future books. The author does a great job of characterization, world-building and building atmosphere.

Here is my 4.7 rounded to 5 stars review of A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado:
Read in Dec. but needed to wait until 2025 to post.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

FBI Thriller
Book 3 in the Daniela Vega series
Featuring an FBI codebreaker following a killer's cryptic clues across the country.
Twists, tension, suspense & violence.
Solid plot. Good characterization. Excellent world-building.

Here is my 4.63 rounded to 5 stars review of Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh:
Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.

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

Police Procedural
The next book in the Bree Taggert series
Deception, exotic animals, police investigation, and a little romance
The plot has twists and turns. The world-building is well-done and the characterization is excellent.

Here is my 3.8 rounded to 4 stars review of The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha:
Read in Dec., but needed to wait until 2025 to post.

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

"Locked Room" (Private Island off the coast of Scotland)
Mysteries, and Family Drama
Significant Inheritance at stake
It was a fascinating and twisty look at family dynamics and secrets between members of a wealthy but dysfunctional family.

I read Shipwrecked Souls: An Inspector Green Mystery by Barbara Fradkin
It is set in Ottawa, Canada, and the 12th book in the series.
My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.18 rounded to 4 stars review of Chain Reaction by James Byrne:

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

Thriller / Terrorist Attack
Book 3 in the Dez Limerick series
Twisty, fast-paced, and engrossing
Interesting concept of a "gatekeeper"
Protagonist that tends to avoid guns

Here is my 4.23 rounded to 4 stars review of Shattering Dawn by Jayne Ann Krentz:

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

Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romantic Suspense,
Private Investigation with a paranormal twist and romance
This story captivated me in the first chapter and gained momentum as the twists and turns unfolded. It’s also well-plotted with characters that had flaws, but who worked to overcome them. There are some surprising moments in the plot that added to enjoyment and the world-building is well-done. Full of action, investigation, paranormal experiences, and more, this book was hard to put down.

Here is my 2.88 rounded to 3 stars review of A Rage to Conquer: Twelve Battles That Changed the Course of Western History

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

History
12 Battles that changed the course of Western history
Well-researched, Verbose, History didn't come to life, A lot of the author's views

Here is my 3.38 rounded to 3 stars review of Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars:

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

Debut Novel
Cozy Mystery
Well-plotted, Suspenseful, Heart-wrenching at times
The pacing was off at times and there was some repetition.
The author managed to give great insight into Misty’s and Joe’s thoughts, behaviors, and actions towards others as well as the challenges and difficulties they faced from others.

Finished my first NetGalley book of the year! Loved this!

Good Dirt

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

I read Paris Undercover: A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal by Matthew Goodman It is a biography of two women who did extraordinary things in WWII. I recommend it. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.06 rounded to 4 star review of Dead Money by Jakob Kerr:

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

Twisty and twisted crime thriller
Technology start-up world and a look at venture capitalists
Fascinating and engrossing
Murder mystery and investigation
Full of secrets
The ending was a wake-up call that makes you wonder what’s next. Will this become a series? It has the potential.

If they've found The Wrong Hands, then whose are they? This is Mark Billingham's Detective Miller #2, but it could easily be a standalone. He is an experienced author who leads us gently through back stories without making me feel guilty for not remembering who's who. 😊)
My review of The Wrong Hands

I read An Island of Suspects by Jean-Luc Bannalec It is book 10 in the Brittany series and I have been reading them in order. It is set in Brittany, France. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review of Head Cases by John McMahon:

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

FBI investigation
Serial Killer
Compelling plot, excellent characterization, unique characters
Good pacing, solid procedural details with some twists

Finished All the Water in the World

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

This is hardly a thriller, but the Super Bowl might be!

For any fans of American professional football, especially those with young kids they hope will become fans, I'm happy to recommend the brand new Patrick Mahomes children's biography by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. His Kansas City Chiefs are headed to the Super Bowl again in a few weeks!
My review of Patrick Mahomes with several illustrations
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I read The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall It is a very good historical fiction book based upon an actual person. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished Cross My Heart

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

Here is my 3.93 rounded to 4 stars review of The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey:

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

Mystery, Police Procedural
Isolated Setting
Great World-building
Plenty of Atmosphere
Several surprises along the way

Here is my 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review of Cold as Hell by Kelley Armstrong:

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

Mystery, Suspense, and Atmosphere
Great, complex characterization
Multiple mysteries
Excellent world-building
Entertaining
Off-the-grid sanctuary town

Here is my 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review of Robert B. Parker's Buried Secrets by Christopher Farnsworth:

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

Crime Thriller / Police Procedural
22nd book in the Jess Stone series
First book in the series written by this author
Riveting mystery
Strong, flawed, and capable protagonist,
Good pacing
Solid plot

Here is my 4.38 rounded to 4 stars review of The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates:

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

Horror/Supernatural Suspense
5th and final book in the Gravekeeper series
Tense, Dark, Fast-paced, Full of Danger, Solid Plot
Strong, Flawed, Capable Female Protagonist

I read The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig It is historical fiction based on an actual murder trial in 1800 NYC. My 3.5 star rounded up review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review of A Tiny Piece of Blue: A Novel by Charlotte Whitney:

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

Historical Fiction with a mystery as a sub-plot
Heart-wrenching and heartwarming
Hope, Redemption, Struggle for survival, much more
Great characterization and world-building
1934 - Calhoun County, MI

Finished A Killing Cold

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

Really enjoyed The Daughter by T.M. LoganTM Logan
Here's my 5* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

You will not want to send your daughters to Uni after reading this!!

Really enjoyed The Daughter by T.M. LoganTM Logan
Here's my 5* review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

You will not want to send your daughters to Uni after reading this!!

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister is true to form - a compelling mystery of a man disappearing after a hostage situation fails, with great characters and plenty of surprises along the way.

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

I read Galway's Edge: A Jack Taylor Novel by Ken Bruen It is book 19 in the Jack Taylor series. It is set in present day Ireland. My 4 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Here is my 4.14 rounded to 4 stars review of A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough:

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

Historical Mystery
2nd book in the Dr. Julia Lewis series
Victorian London, 1867
Dark and gritty
Great characterization and atmosphere
I learned about the Victorian art world.

The mystery in Clare Leslie Hall's Broken Country is the result of a tangled love triangle over many years. I did not guess the ending, which is always a good thing.
My review of Broken Country

Here is my 4.56 rounded to 5 stars review of Hidden Angels by Carolyn Arnold:

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

Police procedural / crime novel
13th book in the Detective Amanda Steele Series
Fast-paced, dark, and gripping

Here is my 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review of Midnight Black by Mark Greaney:

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

Action thriller, Espionage
14th book in the Gray Man series
Fast-paced, exhilarating action, gripping prologue, suspenseful Strong, flawed, and capable protagonist