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Our Little Lies
Our Little Lies
Sue Watson | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. First, let me say, ÒOur Little LiesÓ was very well written. That being said, it took me forever to read it. I had to read more than half of the book because I realized why. Susan Watson was able to capture how it feels to be Marianne, the wife of a completely controlling man, who slowly, methodically, makes her doubt herself and wears her down without her realizing it. This story hit so close to home and was the first book I read that was able to show how a seemingly confident, capable woman could become completely dependent on her husband.
The story was well written and moved quickly. The characters were real and made you want to help everyone in the family. The book also questions how far would you go to protect your family? What would you be willing to do? It is a psychological thriller is an honest roller coaster of lies and questions which shows even the Òperfect familyÓ has something to hide.
I am glad I found Susan Watson and, even though she does not usually write thrillers, I look forward to reading another of her books. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.
  
TG
The Goddess's Curse (Heartmates, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from Reading Alley in return for a fair and honest review.

The basic crux of this story is a battle between men and women living apart and only coming together when pheromones and nature mix together.

The Sharona (women) live in luxury and don't have any fears about anything. Anything, that is, apart from when the heat comes on them and their crystal changes colour, which lets them know that they will soon be in the mating season. This isn't a mate at first sight season, it's more like a rutting season with the Sharona mating with various men until the urge leaves her.

The Lahon (men) live in more 'rustic' accommodations and yet seem to be the happier of the two. Or at least they would be if they weren't worried about the lack of water.

The plot line of this story is fairly simple and it is obvious from the start just who the 'bad guy' is. The story lies in the detail of the hows and whys and, of course, getting the innocent party to believe ill of someone else.

Although this story does have a sort of happy ending, it is also left wide open for further stories which I will be happy to read when they come out.
  
BIO HAZARD: The True Story Behind BIO HAZARD
BIO HAZARD: The True Story Behind BIO HAZARD
Hiroyuki Ariga | 1997 | Horror
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Story (2 more)
Background Information
Interview with Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil Designer)
Hard to find (0 more)
A fascinating book from a horror and gaming perspective.
A fun, fascinating book that gives a great deal of information regarding what happened in the Resident Evil/Biohazard series before the first game.

The "Trevor's Letters" section of the book provides a haunting, yet not overly revealing backstory about the notorious mansion's design, but it succeeds in preserving the mystery of what lies ahead, while providing gamers with some subtle game hints.

The main section of the book, "Resident Evil: The Beginning", is a light novel by Hiroyuki Ariga, providing a brief prequel to the game that leads straight into the game itself. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable!

The final section is an interview with Shinji Mikami, the designer of the game, where he talks about his inspirations and previous games. A superb insight into how the game was made, mainly providing details on game design and the games soundtrack (or lack thereof). A smart and funny interview with a man that gamers have a lot to thank for!

The main problem with the book is that it was only released to the Japanese market, but thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a translation available so we can all enjoy it!
  
Big Lies in a Small Town
Big Lies in a Small Town
Diane Chamberlain | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Diane Chamberlain is a prolific writer who has been on my "want to read" list for years. When given the opportunity to review her latest book, Big Lies in a Small Town, I jumped at the chance. Having finished it, I am glad I did.

Morgan Christopher and Anna Dale are both strong, artistic women whose stories are told in alternating chapters. In 2018, Morgan is hired to restore a mural Anna painted in 1940. Beyond the mural, they both must deal with issues that are daunting and will test their character and resolve.

The story flowed well and the writing style made it hard to put it down. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings. There is one "surprise" that seems extremely obvious but the story is definitely worth reading.

It is marketed as women's fiction. To me, it seems to be a mystery too. Morgan makes it her mission to figure out secrets hidden in the mural. I do not want to say more than that and give anything away.

Many of her books are labeled as women's fiction. Some as mystery. I frequently skip books labeled women's fiction. After reading this, I probably will read more.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/15/20.
  
Good Girls Lie
Good Girls Lie
J.T. Ellison | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
7
7.4 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

J.T. Ellison's latest work, Good Girls Lie, is set in an elite boarding school which is set atop a hill in the small town of Marchburg, Virginia. The students are only the best girls who are hand-picked each year by the dean. However, it is not a young adult book. It is a thriller full of secrets, secret societies, lies, and a strict honor code that is not always followed.

In the beginning, I found it difficult to get into the book but I am glad I kept reading. Several reviewers described it as fast-paced but I disagree. It is a slow burn but it does definitely burn. The twists were both expected and unexpected but worked well.

It opens with a body being found then flashes back to learn the events that lead up to the death. It is not a new tactic but, with the story, it works well.

J.T. Ellison is best known for her Lt. Taylor Jackson series. The 8th book, "Field of Graves" was published in 2015. She has teamed up with Catherine Coulter to write "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 6th book in the series, The Last Second, was published in 2019.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/10/2020.