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Not That I Could Tell
Not That I Could Tell
Jessica Strawser | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
8
6.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Where the $#%#% is Kristen!?!?!

This book will take you up and down, and back around again just trying to answer that question. I really enjoyed the suspense that builds up throughout this - and it's a fun, easy read as well. A bit "Big Little Lies" -esque, this story follows a group of neighbors (mostly moms), who let their hair down one night with some wine, and stories, and some neighborly bonding while their children and families sleep unaware of the mystery they will wake up to Monday morning - Kristen, has disappeared.

You wonder throughout the WHOLE BOOK where she went. You think it's one thing, then you think it's another (I wish there was more of this though - I didn't question many characters, and wished there were more angles to point fingers) but ultimately the end is satisfying, yet a little predictable, and then WHAM! Total surprise! I loooooved the end of this book!

I have read a few books in the past that each chapter is dedicated to a character. I find this a bit hard to keep track when its three or more characters. This book primarily follows two, Clara and Izzy, who are very likeable although troubled. I loved this technique of just following two people and watching all the drama in this entire neighborhood unfold.

The writing is smart, and clever and progresses very smoothly. This story of how well you really know the people around you, flows really well, and is definitley a page-turner, and I'm glad I read this.
  
40x40

Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Three Hours in Books

Jan 1, 2020  
Three Hours
Three Hours
6
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was an intense book dealing with some deep issues.

Covering a three-hour time span where a siege of a school in England occurs I fell short of getting as emotionally invested as I think I should have been.

The book jumps between multiple POVs with students, staff, police, and parents all focused on the unimaginably terrifying scenario of a school on lockdown and under attack. For a book that jumps straight into the action and only covers a short time period I really struggled to get into this one, it’s never good when I keep finding myself updating the shopping list mid-chapter…... Although the jumps in POVs were clear and well written I just failed to become invested (or particularly interested in the characters.) I liked the mother of one of the students and her internal dialogue with her teenage son, it felt very genuine; but most others fell flat for me.

I’m glad I persevered though as the second half picked up for me with more on the police and their investigation. The set up of such an attack in England that just happens to be when a snowstorm hits never quite jelled as a setting for me despite attempts to explain it all.

I feel this book tried to deal with too many hard-hitting topics, without managing to pull me in with the story leaving a feeling of having a slightly preachy tone.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGallry for the ARC.
  
Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
Accidentally Employed an Incubus (Briar Coven #3)
Belle Blakley | 2026 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ACCIDENTALLY EMPLOYED AN INCUBUS is the third and final book in the Briar Coven trilogy. While officially "reading prior books is recommended, but not required," I would recommend that you do read the others. The timelines overlap, and all the characters are mentioned in each other's books.

It takes a while to lay the groundwork for this story, leaving the reader with two or three separate storylines to follow (depending on which chapter they're on). Blaise and Ambrose are roommates first, then more, then not. Blaise and Caitlyn find each other, followed by Ambrose finding them both. Then, we also have an old nemesis, plus her daughter, causing trouble.

There is a lot that goes on, but it's completely worth it. Creep isn't as cute as BooDini or House (hence the name), but it all becomes clear in the end. I love her attitude, too!

I would love an extra book to be added to this, showing Jen, Lex, and Caitlyn with their mates. Actually, I want more than that. I want Jake and Billy to have their story, and now I really, REALLY, need Priscilla's. She has a great story arc!!!

A fantastic addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 13, 2026