A book blog for readers who enjoy books with murder, mystery, and Moore.
I love crime fiction, true crime, suspense, and psychological thrillers. Please join me as I explore Murder and Moore.
Why is The Family Upstairs the first book I have read by Lisa Jewell? I have seen Jewell’s name on numerous occasions while shopping for books ( the beautiful covers always stood out) but for some reason I never gave Jewell a shot. But after reading The Family Upstairs, I will for sure be reading Jewell’s past releases. I am positive they will keep me captivated while I impatiently await her next release.
Read MoreHow much does your reputation mean to you? Would you lie to save your good name? Would you kill to maintain outward appearances? In Sara Shepard’s latest release Reputation, we meet a group of women forever linked by a man whose reputation did not coincide with his true self. A man who appeared to be the perfect husband and father but was actually rotten to the core.
Read MoreUntil last year, I had never heard the name Israel Keyes. I then began hearing the name frequently on podcasts and True Crime documentaries. Any time I learn of a serial killer, I am disturbed but I usually chalk it up to the serial killer being an anomaly, not the norm. However with Israel Keyes, his crimes were especially troubling and upsetting. His patience, attention to detail, the lack of a “ preferred “ victim makes Keyes the scariest and deadliest serial killer I have ever heard of.
Read MoreThis past July I had the opportunity to attend a panel on which Laura McHugh spoke about her latest novel, The Wolf Wants In. During the panel McHugh’s personal connection to her book and characters was palpable. McHugh spoke of how she dealt with the effects of sudden death. After McHugh’s panel, I immediately purchased The Wolf Wants In. The Wolf Wants In is the story of a sister’s love, loss, and guilt.
Read MoreEvery avid reader of crime fiction needs a book which serves as a pallet cleanser. A book which contains less gore and a more than average amount of heart. I have a few go to authors which serve this purpose but I am always on the look out for new pallet cleansers. In The Long Call I found an additional go to series for a lighter, less gory, feel good crime fiction story.
Read MoreBy page four of The Chestnut Man I was hooked. The Chestnut Man checks off each and every element of classic Nordic Noir that I love. It is dark, moody, gruesome (in the best way possible), immersive and unbelievably compelling. For readers who love Sara Blaedel and Lars Kepler-The Chestnut Man should be added to your TBR immediately.
Read MoreI am a sucker for any crime fiction story which takes place in a school. Some of my favorite books are set in schools. Whether it is the implied locked door mystery or the sometimes chaotic and volatile behavior of teenagers, a book which takes place in a school is an automatic read for me. The Swallows proves that this compulsion continues to serve me well.
Read MoreFor some citizens Jury Duty is seen as a hassle. For others Jury Duty is viewed as your civic duty as a citizen of the United States. We learn in Steve Cavanagh’s latest release some (a very small number, I hope) use the opportunity to manipulate the justice system. With a thrilling and original premise, Cavanagh delivers a twisty and tension filled read perfect for fans of legal thrillers.
Read MoreAfter reading The Murder List I realized I have never read a proper legal thriller. Sure I have read books which feature court room scenes, but I have never read a book in which lawyers and court procedures are the primary plot. I love court room drama; the lawyers obsessed with wining, the clients counting on the attorneys, surprise witnesses, unexpected evidence, I love it all. Ryan’s latest release The Murder List, contains all these things AND… a bit of psychological suspense ; creating a tense and anxiety filled read.
Read MoreAre you the same person you were twenty years ago? My answer to this question is “ good grief I hope not”. Amy Whey, the lead character of Joshilyn Jackson’s newest release Never Have I Ever, would answer “absolutely not”. Amy’s attempts to make up for her past have been noble but become fruitless when an extremely informed new neighbor shows up. Jackson tells the riveting story of a woman who’s past has finally caught up with her. Instead of running she faces down her past with her wits, refusing to be manipulated.
Read MoreThe incorporation of dramatics into crime fiction is one of the things I am very picky about when it comes to crime fiction. Too much drama makes the story cheesy and unrealistic. However all stories require some theatrics to keep the reader engaged. With both In The Vines and Gretchen, Kirk has successfully merged drama into crime fiction creating exciting and enthralling reads.
Read MoreThe thought of moving into a house where a mass murder took place is terrifying to me. Especially if the victims of the massacre were my family. However, this is the scenario Dixie Wheeler has willingly placed herself in.
There is an old saying “ If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” I have learned over the years that this expression holds true most of the time. In Lock Every Door Jules Larsen puts this expression to the test by accepting a job which requires much more than she is willing to give.
Read MoreThere is nothing better than finding a literary character you connect with; a sort of literary soulmate. A character who likes the same things you like, who’s reactions to situations mirror yours, who’s family circumstances are similar to yours. When you find this character you have experienced one of the many joys of reading. Lucky for me I have several literary soul mates. The lead character of Stone Cold Heart, Detective Constable Cat Kinsella is one of them.
Books which present the ideal family or the perfect couple, but hint at just beneath the surface drama - are awesome! I love trying to figure out who is having an affair with whom. Is the husband the biological father of the child? Is the husband or wife really who they say they are? Is someone being abused? I started A Nearly Normal Family assuming it would be the type story loaded with secrets, lies, and betrayals. Indeed it is, but it is also so much more…
Read MoreThis time last year, I was telling anyone who would listen about Splinter In The Blood; book one of the Lake and Carver series. What I praised most was Dyer’s ability to create an original serial killer thriller. Although The Cutting Room is a more traditional serial killer thriller, the endearing characters, a truly horrifying crime, and the forensic details makes The Cutting Room a stand out in the crowded serial killer thriller genre.
Read MoreEntertainment is just one of the reasons why I love reading. Reading also offers the opportunity to learn and explore. For me there is nothing better than a book which opens my eyes to the lives of others. In Her Daughter’s Mother we meet a couple struggling to have a child. I am aware some couples battle with infertility, however I did not know about the potential solutions. The key word being potential. What I found extremely heartbreaking is a couple could go through several fertility treatments and still not conceive. To deal with the cost, the painful procedures, injections without conceiving is unimaginable to me. Her Mother’s Daughter is not only a suspenseful and captivating read, it is also thought provoking and eye opening.
scared, creeped out, and disturbed while reading ; it was nice to just enjoy a book. To laugh out loud rather than shudder and wince. The Sentence Is Death is a delightful and compelling read set in modern times with all the staples of a classic crime fiction story.
Read MoreRagnar Jonasson never ceases to amaze me. I have read every book by Jonasson that have been translated into English. Each one is immersive, compelling and better than the last. Jonasson out does himself with each new English translation. The Island is no exception to this rule.
Read MoreI know this is very weird ( and a bit morbid ), but nothing grabs my attention faster than a 911 recording. Whether in a documentary, Podcast or book ; I am immediately hooked. The panic of the caller, the operator struggling to remain calm but urgently needing info from the caller in order to help; there are few better ways to start a story and capture the attention of an audience. For this reason I was enthralled with Beautiful Bad by page three. Intense and filled with anxiety, Beautiful Bad will stick with readers long after they have finished reading.
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