Search
Vegas (725 KP) rated The Guest House in Books
Jan 24, 2020
Keeps you guessing (2 more)
Atmospheric
Great setting
Can picture this as a good film
7 people in a remote house in Ireland, booked as a B&B through an online app. A family of 3, A man and his father and 2 young ladies, both on their own.
The weather sets in and strange things start happening, from food and drink going missing to sounds of a child crying and power cuts, but when a body is found, things can only get worse...
You learn a lot obout the history of the house, the back ground of the guests, with some of the story told in flashback form, and it is difficult to try and second guess what is going to happen.
The author manages to make the setting very atmospheric and you can almost feel the tension and pressure they are suffering through the narrative...
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers either as a book or film you should enjoy this.
The weather sets in and strange things start happening, from food and drink going missing to sounds of a child crying and power cuts, but when a body is found, things can only get worse...
You learn a lot obout the history of the house, the back ground of the guests, with some of the story told in flashback form, and it is difficult to try and second guess what is going to happen.
The author manages to make the setting very atmospheric and you can almost feel the tension and pressure they are suffering through the narrative...
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers either as a book or film you should enjoy this.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Dec 15, 2020
An average thriller
I havent reviewed anything in a few weeks and this is the first book I've read in a while, and to be honest despite being a thriller, it didn't really thrill me.
The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.
Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!
The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.
Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Family on Smith Street in Books
Aug 20, 2023
I really quite enjoyed listening to this book which was enhanced by the excellent narration of Sarah Durham who really brought the story and the characters to life. I haven't read or listened to anything by Elisabeth Carpenter before but if this is an example of her work, I won't be making that mistake again!
The story definitely kept me guessing and it was difficult to know who to trust; it's told from multiple points of view and from different timelines but once I was into the story, I found it quite easy to keep up.
I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue running throughout the book and the unravelling of secrets and lies until the very satisfying ending.
Overall, a really enjoyable audiobook and one I would recommend to lovers of domestic and/or psychological thrillers and my thanks goes to the Author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Family on Smith Street.
The story definitely kept me guessing and it was difficult to know who to trust; it's told from multiple points of view and from different timelines but once I was into the story, I found it quite easy to keep up.
I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue running throughout the book and the unravelling of secrets and lies until the very satisfying ending.
Overall, a really enjoyable audiobook and one I would recommend to lovers of domestic and/or psychological thrillers and my thanks goes to the Author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Family on Smith Street.
Death is in the Details
7.5
Rate It
Book
A woman haunted by her past. A killer who won't let her forget. Faith Day's condition curses her...
thriller fiction adult crime mystery small town
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated And Then You Were Gone in Books
Feb 8, 2019 (Updated Mar 26, 2019)
Meh.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Meh.
I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers, which this is billed as, but I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't find any of the characters very likable, including Emily, and the story took FOREVER to develop - to the point of dragging. I really felt like I was slogging through mud trying to get through this book. The author practically beats us over the head with the fact that Emily is bipolar. WE GET IT. Also, for someone who was "under suspicion" for murder, she had an awful lot of freedom, no? Even Cal, who I wanted to like, was flat and one-dimensional. I found myself not caring whether Paolo was alive or not (though, from fairly early in the story, I was 100% sure he was indeed alive), because he hadn't been interesting enough to keep my attention.
The pace didn't pick up at all until the last third of the story, if that. Even the "big reveal" was like "well, yeah, ok that's what I thought." A disappointing read.
I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers, which this is billed as, but I just couldn't get into this one. I didn't find any of the characters very likable, including Emily, and the story took FOREVER to develop - to the point of dragging. I really felt like I was slogging through mud trying to get through this book. The author practically beats us over the head with the fact that Emily is bipolar. WE GET IT. Also, for someone who was "under suspicion" for murder, she had an awful lot of freedom, no? Even Cal, who I wanted to like, was flat and one-dimensional. I found myself not caring whether Paolo was alive or not (though, from fairly early in the story, I was 100% sure he was indeed alive), because he hadn't been interesting enough to keep my attention.
The pace didn't pick up at all until the last third of the story, if that. Even the "big reveal" was like "well, yeah, ok that's what I thought." A disappointing read.
Sam (228 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House- Season 1 in TV
Mar 2, 2019
Complete Plotline (2 more)
Surprising Twists throughout series
Captivating
Hauntingly Beautiful
This hauntingly captivating series has truly mastered the challenge of taking a horror plotline and making it into a TV series. Along with creating a gorgeous picture that keeps the audience focused on the screen they've taken what was originally a book, then adapted into multiple movies, and created something completely new off of it. My only complaint is that it ended too soon as it took me only two days to watch the whole series, unable to look away. The hauntingly beautiful scenes will stay in your mind while the twists throughout the story will leave you amazed. Although it is a little co fusing and hard to follow through the first episode the imagery alone will bring you through as this original plotline wraps around and ties everything together in the most shocking twist as you near the end. Highly reccomended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers, suspenseful horrors, and hauntingly twisted tales.
Death by Water (Oslo Crime Files 2)
Torkil Damhaug and Robert Ferguson
Book
The second novel in the Oslo Crime Files, a tense and dark quartet of thrillers for fans of Camilla...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Fear The Silence in Books
Jul 9, 2023
I absolutely love Mr Bryndza's Kate Marshall series but this is his first standalone crime thriller and what an absolute triumph it is.
From the very first lines, I was absolutely hooked right to the very end. The author certainly knows how to grab you by the short and curlies and not let go!
With excellent characters, a great setting which added to the atmosphere, a riveting plot that pulled me in and all written at a perfect pace, this book had me on the edge of my seat ... I loved it.
I have no hesitation recommending this to lovers of psychological thrillers. In fact, I have no hesitation in recommending Robert Bryndza's work as everything I have read by him has been to notch and he is one of my go-to author's where I don't even need to read the blurb to pick it up and know I will enjoy the ride.
Many thanks to the author, Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Fear The Silence.
From the very first lines, I was absolutely hooked right to the very end. The author certainly knows how to grab you by the short and curlies and not let go!
With excellent characters, a great setting which added to the atmosphere, a riveting plot that pulled me in and all written at a perfect pace, this book had me on the edge of my seat ... I loved it.
I have no hesitation recommending this to lovers of psychological thrillers. In fact, I have no hesitation in recommending Robert Bryndza's work as everything I have read by him has been to notch and he is one of my go-to author's where I don't even need to read the blurb to pick it up and know I will enjoy the ride.
Many thanks to the author, Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Fear The Silence.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated One Good Lie in Books
Oct 10, 2021
Full of tension and mystery, this is another great book from Jane Isaac.
Ruby and Sophie have had what can only be described as an horrific year but things are not about to get much better any time soon when on the evening of their mother's wake, a woman is murdered but not just any woman, one that is connected to the man convicted and imprisoned for their mother's murder.
Then we have creepy boyfriend, Ewan, who just happened to be out jogging on the night of the murder, isn't forthcoming about his past and appears to be alienating Sophie from her friends and family. The more Ruby discovers about him, the more she fears for her sister. Sophie, however, is not convinced and gradually, the sisters' relationship starts to deteriorate.
Are the two connected or is it just a coincidence?
Jane Isaac appears to be able to create tension with ease and this has it in abundance. She is also able to create interesting and believable characters with each one having a purpose and adding something to the story. The pacing of the book is good; a little slow in parts but the last third makes up for it with the ending being quite satisfying.
Overall, I think this is a great start to Jane Isaac's foray into psychological thrillers rather than her usual crime thrillers and I, for one, look forward to going on the journey with her as, I hope, she writes more in this genre.
Many thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Ruby and Sophie have had what can only be described as an horrific year but things are not about to get much better any time soon when on the evening of their mother's wake, a woman is murdered but not just any woman, one that is connected to the man convicted and imprisoned for their mother's murder.
Then we have creepy boyfriend, Ewan, who just happened to be out jogging on the night of the murder, isn't forthcoming about his past and appears to be alienating Sophie from her friends and family. The more Ruby discovers about him, the more she fears for her sister. Sophie, however, is not convinced and gradually, the sisters' relationship starts to deteriorate.
Are the two connected or is it just a coincidence?
Jane Isaac appears to be able to create tension with ease and this has it in abundance. She is also able to create interesting and believable characters with each one having a purpose and adding something to the story. The pacing of the book is good; a little slow in parts but the last third makes up for it with the ending being quite satisfying.
Overall, I think this is a great start to Jane Isaac's foray into psychological thrillers rather than her usual crime thrillers and I, for one, look forward to going on the journey with her as, I hope, she writes more in this genre.
Many thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Midge (525 KP) rated The Buried Girl in Books
Mar 5, 2019
A Chilling Psychological Thriller with Gothic Elements
This book caught my eye as I loved the synopsis and I read a lot of books from this genre, although I haven’t read any of the author, Richard Montanari’s books before. “The Buried Girl” is a chilling psychological thriller with some added Gothic elements.
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
When the wife of a New York psychologist, Will Hardy, is murdered he moves into Godwin Hall, a dusty, shut-up mansion in the small town of Abbeville, Ohio, with his teenage daughter, Bernadette.
At the same time, Abbeville Chief of Police Ivy Holgrave is investigating the death of a local girl. She is convinced this may only be the latest in a long line of murders dating back decades, including her own long-missing sister.
But what place does Will's new home have in the story of the missing girls and why does he have past memories of Godwin Hall? Is the diary of a young woman, written over a century earlier, linked to the killings?
Richard Montanari writes a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling novel. Tense and suspenseful, the many threads of the story slowly begin to link together, central to which is Godwin Hall. Both the characterisation and the plot are superb with the three main characters damaged, but starting the process of recovery. I am hoping that there will be a sequel to this novel as it was a fantastic read which I highly recommend to lovers of thrillers and crime fiction.
{Thank you to Edelweiss and HarperCollins UK/Witness Impulse for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}