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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook] in Books
Dec 19, 2021
![The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/761/ce80efbf-8c94-4858-87df-e1d1c7d65761.jpg?m=1639925089)
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and whilst I personally wouldn't call it a psychological thriller, it's more of a mystery, it kept my attention and wanting to go back to listen to just one more chapter.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Remind Me (Mystic Beach Fantasy Rockstar Romances, #4) in Books
Feb 6, 2023
Totally invested with every word!
REMIND ME is the fifth book in the Mystic Beach series and it's time for Dicklan's story! And, oh boy, it's a good 'un. Remember that egotistical jerk, who loved all the groupies, and didn't ever think of anyone but himself? Remember him? Well, he's about to disappear for good as Declan reappears.
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a long book, which I love. Aislinn Archer's stories always take me to places unknown, with a group of people who are their own found family. I love being the fly on the wall and seeing what happens behind the scenes with them. And Declan and Callie's story was no different. Both of them hurting for the same-but different-reasons.
There are mysteries in here. There are stories not yet told hinted at. There is literally something to keep you turning over every page and totally invested in the story. And one thing I need to add is the amount of research that has been put into all the different dishes. Either that or Ms Archer is a world-renowned chef in her own right!
I loved every word of this story. I love how the other stories intermingle and yet never take the spotlight off our leading couple. And I love the hints of what is to come. Absolutely brilliant, once again, and 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Murder in an English Glade
8.0
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Set in a charming English village just after WWI, Jessica Ellicott’s winning series returns to the...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Last Girl To Die in Books
Aug 29, 2022
I have read one of Helen Field's books from the DI Callanach series (One For Sorrow) and it was absolutely brilliant so I thought I'd be on to a winner with The Last Girl to Die and whilst it's not as good as One For Sorrow, it's still a great read. This is a standalone so no worries about missing out on anything.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
Sadie is a private investigator from Canada hired by Adriana's family to find her and it doesn't take her long to locate her body. She is a bit of a maverick and makes some questionable decisions which only serves to stir up the local constabulary and community in her quest to find out who the killer is. All is definitely not what it seems and soon Sadie has a list of suspects as long as her arm and at risk of becoming a target herself.
Helen Fields uses all manner of skills to immerse you into this story from myths, legends and folklore to her vivid descriptions of the Island of Mull, well fleshed our characters and a pace that moves along well and whilst I felt some of the situations Sadie put herself into as being a tad dubious, it did work with her character.
The Last Girl to Die is full of tension and unease which ramps up towards an ending I wasn't expecting at all ... I love it when that happens ... and I would recommend to others who enjoy dark mysteries that keep you guessing.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Last Girl to Die and share my thoughts.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Nine Lives and Alibis in Books
Oct 4, 2023
Murder Old and New Haunts This Halloween
This October, Daybreak Island is trying to put on a Halloween festival to extend tourist season, and Maddie James has been roped into helping with it. The main draw is going to be celebrity psychic Balfour, who was raised on the island but hasn't been back since he made it big. Some are hoping he can solve a pair of forty year old cases, but Maddie doesn't put much stock into psychics. Then a murder happens. Are there modern motives for the murder? Or do the past crimes have to do with the modern killing?
Those looking for a quick murder will be disappointed here. Yes, I did feel there were some pacing issues, but for the most part, I found the book did a good job of introducing suspects and motives before the murder happened. I did figure one thing out early, but the rest was still a surprise. I didn't appreciate the emphasis on psychics in the book, but the rest of the Halloween events in the book were fun, making it perfect for this time of year. (And yes, I do realize that issue is all mine.) Fans of the author's Full Moon Mysteries will enjoy seeing a couple of those characters show up here. As a series fan, I definitely enjoyed seeing the characters again, and want to see how some new beginnings impact the next book in the series. There's still time to add this book to your October reading list, and if you enjoy Halloween set cozies, you'll be glad you did.
Those looking for a quick murder will be disappointed here. Yes, I did feel there were some pacing issues, but for the most part, I found the book did a good job of introducing suspects and motives before the murder happened. I did figure one thing out early, but the rest was still a surprise. I didn't appreciate the emphasis on psychics in the book, but the rest of the Halloween events in the book were fun, making it perfect for this time of year. (And yes, I do realize that issue is all mine.) Fans of the author's Full Moon Mysteries will enjoy seeing a couple of those characters show up here. As a series fan, I definitely enjoyed seeing the characters again, and want to see how some new beginnings impact the next book in the series. There's still time to add this book to your October reading list, and if you enjoy Halloween set cozies, you'll be glad you did.
Halloween Cupcake Murder
Carlene O'Connor, Liz Ireland and Carol J. Perry
8.0
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From Galway, Ireland to Salem, Massachusetts, all the way up to the North Pole, a trio of Halloween...
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Threats of Sky and Sea (Threats of Sky and Sea #1) in Books
Jun 2, 2023 (Updated Jun 2, 2023)
I love Young Adult/Coming of Age Fantasy and this one ticked all my boxes. It tells the story of Bree, a young girl, daughter to the local innkeeper. It starts off in her home of Abeline but moves to the capital city, indeed to the royal 'palace' itself.
With secrets, mysteries and double-crossing every step of the way, Bree finds herself adrift in a new world; unable to trust anyone, even her own father. She still loves him and will defend him to anyone, but Bree now admits that he hasn't been honest with her and that shakes her to her very foundations.
It is excellent when the mere mention of a character makes you shudder, and that is exactly what happened to me every time the King makes an appearance. He is thoroughly loathsome and yet I can't wait to read more about him.
There is a hint of romance in this book, between the four main (young) characters. It is enough to keep the tension going, without overshadowing the main story.
Exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found (although I will admit to being swept away with the story so I wasn't really on the lookout for them either!). This is an excellent start to a Fantasy series that I will definitely be continuing. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2016
With secrets, mysteries and double-crossing every step of the way, Bree finds herself adrift in a new world; unable to trust anyone, even her own father. She still loves him and will defend him to anyone, but Bree now admits that he hasn't been honest with her and that shakes her to her very foundations.
It is excellent when the mere mention of a character makes you shudder, and that is exactly what happened to me every time the King makes an appearance. He is thoroughly loathsome and yet I can't wait to read more about him.
There is a hint of romance in this book, between the four main (young) characters. It is enough to keep the tension going, without overshadowing the main story.
Exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found (although I will admit to being swept away with the story so I wasn't really on the lookout for them either!). This is an excellent start to a Fantasy series that I will definitely be continuing. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2016
Merissa (12066 KP) rated His Lordship's Blood (His Lordship’s Mysteries #4) in Books
Jun 14, 2023
HIS LORDSHIP'S BLOOD is the fourth book in His Lordship's Mysteries and, for me, has been the best of the bunch so far. Why? I'm not entirely sure as I've thoroughly enjoyed all of them. This one, though? A certain je ne sais quoi that pushed this one to 5-stars.
Alfie and Nick head to Bath rather than to Balcarres to see if they can find out more about Nick's parentage. What they find is rather more than expected, plus a whole host of characters to entertain. Some of them are already known to us but most are not.
The private times between Alfie and Nick are few and far between in this one but, when they do get the chance, it confirms again just how strong to each other their bond is.
I can't say I was surprised by 'whodunnit' being how the weapon has been categorised throughout history but, I was kept on tenterhooks with Nick's choice. And the ending? That "Well..." from Nick was absolutely perfect and I completely relate with Alfie.
I would absolutely recommend this book to be read as part of a series, just so you know how hard Alfie and Nick have fought for each other. I can't wait to continue their story but I certainly hope they have time Balcarres before their next adventure. I think these two need some alone time after everything they've been through!
** 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!
Jun 9, 2023
Alfie and Nick head to Bath rather than to Balcarres to see if they can find out more about Nick's parentage. What they find is rather more than expected, plus a whole host of characters to entertain. Some of them are already known to us but most are not.
The private times between Alfie and Nick are few and far between in this one but, when they do get the chance, it confirms again just how strong to each other their bond is.
I can't say I was surprised by 'whodunnit' being how the weapon has been categorised throughout history but, I was kept on tenterhooks with Nick's choice. And the ending? That "Well..." from Nick was absolutely perfect and I completely relate with Alfie.
I would absolutely recommend this book to be read as part of a series, just so you know how hard Alfie and Nick have fought for each other. I can't wait to continue their story but I certainly hope they have time Balcarres before their next adventure. I think these two need some alone time after everything they've been through!
** 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!
Jun 9, 2023
Merissa (12066 KP) rated His Lordship's Master (His Lordship’s Mysteries #2) in Books
Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
HIS LORDSHIP'S MASTER is the second book in the His Lordship's Mysteries series, and we continue on our merry way with Alfie and Nick. Now, you 'could' read this as a standalone but, honestly? To get the most out of it, I would absolutely recommend you read it in order.
We leave the grime and corruption of London behind us as we travel to Scotland with Alfie and Nick. However, what we find there is cold, wet, and mysterious! A big old house, an urban legend of the 'Wicked Master', plus a murder or two, and you've got plenty to keep you occupied.
I loved how the relationship between Alfie and Nick just went so much deeper. Their love is true, even if they're not at it like rabbits all the time! (Understandable considering the time period).
There are so many layers woven into this story and I love it all. I won't go into detail as I don't want to ruin it for anyone else but nothing is as it seems. The closest I got was with a couple of the female characters. I was sure something was going on with them, but I did not imagine it would be what it was!
For a great historical mystery with some MM tenderness as an added bonus, I can absolutely recommend this.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022
We leave the grime and corruption of London behind us as we travel to Scotland with Alfie and Nick. However, what we find there is cold, wet, and mysterious! A big old house, an urban legend of the 'Wicked Master', plus a murder or two, and you've got plenty to keep you occupied.
I loved how the relationship between Alfie and Nick just went so much deeper. Their love is true, even if they're not at it like rabbits all the time! (Understandable considering the time period).
There are so many layers woven into this story and I love it all. I won't go into detail as I don't want to ruin it for anyone else but nothing is as it seems. The closest I got was with a couple of the female characters. I was sure something was going on with them, but I did not imagine it would be what it was!
For a great historical mystery with some MM tenderness as an added bonus, I can absolutely recommend this.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 22, 2022
In the Event of Murder
5.0
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It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might...