Mid-year Book Roundup
As I jumped back into the literary world last year, I set a modest goal: read one book a month. Fast forward to December, and there I was, sitting by the fire, tearing up over “Manacled”, having devoured 24 books! Yep, I rediscovered my love for reading, and I'm super excited to share some of my favorites with you!
I've been diving into thrillers this year, and oh boy, do I have some goodies and not-so-goodies to chat about. Let's kick things off with my favorites!
When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
I started my year with a bang with *When the Stars Go Dark*. I gave this one a solid 5 stars! Paula McLain masterfully weaves real-life missing persons cases into a gripping narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The protagonist, Anna Hart, is a seasoned missing persons detective who, after a personal tragedy, retreats to the quiet town of Mendocino. But instead of finding peace, she becomes embroiled in the disappearance of a local girl, which echoes an unsolved case from her past. McLain's deep character development and hauntingly beautiful prose made this book an unforgettable read.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Oh boy, *The Silent Patient* by Alex Michaelides is hands down one of my top three reads this year. Imagine this: Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, shoots her husband five times and then stops speaking entirely. Intrigued? I was too. Enter Theo Faber, a forensic psychologist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia's silence. This psychological thriller had me hooked from the first page, and I devoured it in less than 24 hours. The plot twists and turns kept me guessing, and the ending left me absolutely stunned. Michaelides’ storytelling is nothing short of genius.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Following *The Silent Patient*, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Alex Michaelides' second novel, *The Maidens*. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This time, we're taken to the hallowed halls of Cambridge University, where a group of secretive students known as The Maidens becomes the focus of a murder investigation. Mariana Andros, a brilliant but troubled group therapist, is convinced that the charismatic Greek tragedy professor, Edward Fosca, is the murderer. The dark academic setting, rich with mythological references, combined with an even bigger twist at the end, makes this book a thrilling page-turner.
The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke
The Lighthouse Witches* by C.J. Cooke was a delightful blend of suspense and magic. The story follows Liv Stay, who, along with her three daughters, moves to a remote Scottish island to paint a mural inside a centuries-old lighthouse. The island's dark history of witch trials and supernatural events begins to unravel, leading to the mysterious disappearance of Liv and two of her daughters. Years later, the surviving daughter, Luna, returns to the island to uncover the truth. Cooke masterfully combines folklore and suspense, creating an eerie atmosphere that kept me enthralled from start to finish.
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter’s *The Good Daughter* was a rollercoaster of emotions from the very beginning. The story revolves around two sisters, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn, whose lives are forever changed by a violent attack on their family. Fast forward 28 years, and Charlotte, now a lawyer, finds herself entangled in a case that echoes the trauma of her past. Slaughter doesn’t shy away from tough topics, so be prepared for some intense moments. However, once you get past the initial shock, the intricate plot and deep character exploration make this book incredibly captivating. It’s no wonder this one made it into my top three.
Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose is an absolute gem I listened to and thoroughly enjoyed. The story centers around a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood hiding dark secrets. As the protagonist, Emily, navigates her way through her new life, she discovers that her neighbors are not what they seem. The audiobook's narration brought the characters to life, making the suspense and twists even more engaging. Rose’s ability to blend humor with a dark storyline kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect mix of mystery, suspense, and a touch of comedy.
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone is another gripping read that I devoured. The novel follows Laurel Mack, whose daughter Ellie disappeared a decade ago. As Laurel tries to rebuild her life, she meets a charming man whose daughter bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie. Jewell masterfully unravels the mystery through alternating perspectives, keeping the suspense high and the emotional depth profound. The intricate plot and well-developed characters made this book impossible to put down. Having read one of Jewell's books last year and loved it, this one exceeded my expectations and solidified her as a favorite author.
Okay, those have been my favorites so far. Now let’s get to my not-so-favorites.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross had a lot of hype and was even compared to The Fourth Wing (which was one of my favorites last year). Naturally, my expectations were high, but I ended up pretty disappointed. The story development felt a bit lazy, and I couldn’t find myself invested in the characters. The plot had potential, but it just didn’t deliver the depth and engagement I was hoping for.
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
I picked up Starling House by Alix E. Harrow on a whim and found it really hard to get through. The storyline was intriguing—a house with a mind of its own and a protagonist who gets drawn into its mysteries. However, it felt like the book could have been much shorter. The pacing dragged, and it lost my interest halfway through. It had the bones of a great story but just didn’t quite hit the mark.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Alright, so I loved McLain’s When the Stars Go Dark, but The Paris Wife was a totally different vibe. This one’s a historical fiction, which might not be my favorite genre, but it was a slow burn for me. It tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, and their life in 1920s Paris. If you’re into historical fiction, you might enjoy it, but I found it pretty slow and couldn’t connect with the characters as much as I’d hoped.
Honestly, Trust No One by Keri Beevis just wasn’t very memorable. The plot revolves around a woman who wakes up with amnesia after a car crash, only to discover that her life before the accident was filled with secrets and lies. It sounded promising, but the execution fell flat. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the twists weren’t as surprising as they were meant to be. It’s not a terrible read, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
There you have it, folks! These thrillers kept me up late into the night, turning pages and savoring every twist and turn. From the haunting mysteries of When the Stars Go Dark to the chilling silence of The Silent Patient, and the academic intrigue of The Maidens, these books are sure to captivate any thriller enthusiast. Sprinkle in some magical suspense with The Lighthouse Witches and the emotional intensity of The Good Daughter, and you've got yourself a reading list that promises not to disappoint. Add in the suburban secrets of Home is Where the Bodies Are and the haunting disappearance in Then She Was Gone, and your thriller cravings are well covered.
As for the not-so-favorites, sometimes the hype just doesn't match the reality. Divine Rivals, Starling House, The Paris Wife, and Trust No One didn't quite hit the mark for me, but hey, everyone's taste is different! Stay tuned as I dive into more books and share the hits and misses. Happy reading!
