Tag Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

23/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

When author Finlay Donovan is discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet… but, Finlay soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult that it’s fictional counterpart, as she becomes entangled in a real-life murder investigation.

First things first, I absolutely adored the plot of this novel! It was a genius piece of writing in terms of how Finlay ends up in her less-than-ideal situation. It really is a prime example of how context in a conversation is everything, and how easy it is to misconstrue one thing for something else.

Don’t get me wrong… this book is in no way realistic. It’s over-the-top, and the things that Finlay and Vero get away with would never happen. But then, we’re here for the entertainment, not for the realism, and the absurd dramatics that are incorporated within this book are really what makes it fun to read!

I’m really not going to dive into any plot details because this is a book where you need to discover all of the twists and turns for yourself, but this book is super twisty and I never saw half of them coming! I haven’t gasped so much in a long time; and just when you think you know what’s coming, more information is thrown into the mix which entirely changed your perspective and theories!

The relationship between Finlay and her nanny, Vero, is one we all need. They make a wonderful pair, and are the perfect partners-in-crime… literally. I could feel their bond through the pages, and I just liked them both as characters (which is another one of the reasons why I think this book works so well.)

However, two not so likeable characters were Stephen and Teresa… but especially Stephen. I was so hoping that the two of them would get their comeuppance (do they – well, read and find out!). Stephen is literally the most toxic man in existence (and he’s not even real!), and I haven’t found myself so infuriated with a character in a long time. He had no respect or faith in Finlay and every time he made an appearance I wanted to punch his lights out (or at least hoped Finlay would!)

But, one of my favourite moments has to be towards the end of the book when Finlay and Vero go back for ***. This whole scene was such a page turner and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. In fact, night turned into early morning because I was up until 2am reading as I had to know what happened.

And as for the ending… WHAT? This book ends on an epic cliffhanger, and I made me eager to read the next in the series!

I really think this book would make the most perfect TV adaptation, eand I really hope it happens because I can’t even tell you how excited I would be to see this series on screen. It gives both Pretty Little Liars mixed with Criminal Minds vibes and you know what… I’m totally here for it.

If you’re looking for a light mystery with comedic thrill, then add this one to your list friends, because I can guarantee that it won’t disappoint!

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘It’s a widely known fact that most moms are ready to kill someone by eight thirty A.M. on any given morning. On the particular morning of Tuesday, October eighth, I was ready by seven forty-five. If you’ve never had to wrestle a two-year-old slathered in maple syrup into a diaper while your four-year-old decides to give herself a haircut in time for preschool, all while trying to track down the whereabouts of your missing nanny as you sop up coffee grounds from an overflowing pot because in your sleep-deprived fog you forgot to put in the filter, let me spell it out for you.’

✨ ‘My Google search history alone was probably enough to put me on a government watch list. I wrote suspense novels about murders like this. I’d searched every possible way to kill someone. With every conceivable kind of weapon.’

✨ ‘Iris Smiled, endorphins loosening the stern lines of her face. She actually looked like she was enjoying this. The woman was a masochist.’

✨ ‘Easy for her to say. She was twenty-two and had never had children. She could probably hold it until menopause.’

✨ ‘Let us not attribute to malice and cruelty what may be referred to less criminal motives.’ I make it a point never to assume the worst about people.’

✨ ‘Unfortunately, the man’s made of Teflon. Nothing sticks. He should’ve been locked up a dozen times, but there isn’t a judge in the state with the balls to convict him. Even if we could, he has friends that can make almost anyone disappear . . . new name, new passport, and wipe them off the map as if they’d never existed.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen

21/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

Saffy has a secret: A secret she is deeply ashamed of. It’s not the fact that she’s a serial killer in her free time. In fact, she’s quite proud of that. After all, she’s only killing bad men. She’s making the world a better place.

No, her secret is far worse than that. She has a messy, inexplicable, uncontrollable crush. So, while she’s busy plotting her next murder, she also has the much harder task of figuring out how to get a boyfriend.

but, if there’s one thing Safft knows, it’s how to get her man…

—

So, I was kindly sent a proof copy by Zaffre Books before it’s release, and I kid you not when I say that it ruined all other books in 2023 for me. I completely binged it in a day or two because it has all the makings of an exceptional thriller and I could not put it down. Literally. I would try and focus at work, but honestly all I could think about was reading this book until I finished it.

I’m not usually one for annotating my books as I’m too much of a perfectionist and they would have to be annotated exactly right, but I found that I couldn’t help it with this one. There were so many great lines, so many thoughts bumbling around in my head as I was reading, and so many shocking twists, that I felt it only appropriate to note down my reactions as they happened – and that happened to be in the margins of the book, because where else could I put them?

This book is an utter rollercoaster. One second I am laughing from the sickeningly dark humour, and the next I am on the edge of my seat because it’s suspenseful and tense! I have never read a book that is able to execute this so exquisitely. I often find that most thrillers tend to focus on the thrill aspect of the book and forget about the subtle tension that you’re able to create – something which this novel does so well through Saffy’s character. It is rare that I have such visceral reactions to a book, but my heart was pounding, my stomach was twisting, and I audibly gasped more than once!

As for Saffy, I sit on the edge of loving her and also being utterly disturbed – something which I still have yet to make up my mind about months later. The line between vigilante and psychopath is so blurred that the two become almost indistinguishable, and I feel it’s almost inappropriate to say that you like or love her as a character because of her actions. , I would situate Saffy in the circle of morally grey characters like Dexter Morgan from Dexter… I mean, she’s practically his female counterpart so I guess that would make sense. Does the fact that she’s doing the wrong thing for the right reasons make it wrong?

But her (very) dark humour – to the point where it’s impossible to tell whether she’s joking or not – is so endearing that a part of you can’t help but feel some twisted connection or kinship to her while reading. You don’t want to like her… but you just do. Perhaps it’s because you’re constantly questioning things and wondering whether her actions are in fact justified – is it okay that she’s a serial killer, simply because she’s killing only the bad men who deserve it? Do they deserve it? What does it say about me as a reader if I’m on her side? Does that make me as sick and deranged as her? Is she deranged, or is she a vigilante on a warpath for justice? Do I sympathise and empathise with her on some level?

I’m always in awe of anybody who can write from the perspective of a serial killer. It’s such an intricate mindset to get into that I feel its hard to make it feel real… but somehow Julie managed this perfectly. As I reader, I firmly believe that Saffy is out there right now, just living it and killing it…

In between the edge of my seat action, the thrill of will Saffy/won’t Saffy get caught, the dark humour that had me both unnerved and amused, and the little trail of the Agatha Christie-like breadcrumbs that Julie leaves scattered throughout for us to collect up like the end, I became utterly invested in this book.

It is not surprising that this book had made it to the #1 spot of my 2023 reads because I have recommended it to every single person I know. The book is is currently making its rounds through my family and friends, and so far (from those who have read it), they have all said the same thing: it’s thrilling, sickly humourous, and they absolutely loved every moment of it… so if that’s not motivation for you to pick this up, then I don’t know what is!

Usually this is the space where I would include favourite quotes, but with this book I feel like it would give away too much of the story and the spark that makes this book special… so I’ll simply include a list of some of my other favourite thrillers/crime novels/murder mysteries!

Sadie by Courteney Summers

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan #1)

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James

Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler (Bryant & May #1)

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers

20/01/2024 Becks 1 Comment

Sadie hasn’t had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she has been raising her sister Mattie in a small, isolated own, and trying her best to provide them both with a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie’s entire world comes crumbling down. Sadie is determined to bring her sister’s killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find them.

When West McCray – a radio personality working a segment about small, forgotten towns in America, overhearts Sadie’s story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie’s journey, trying to figure out what happened, and hoping to find her before it’s too late.

—

My oh my. It’s hard to know where to begin with this book but I guess I should start by saying that this is unlike any young adult mystery/drama/thriller I have ever read before. The premise of this books was so intriguing, and I absolutely loved the way it was executed. This is a raw, emotional, incredibly dark book, but brilliantly written. The opening line of this book is exquisite, and nothing had never captured my attention and drew me in quite like it. In fact, I think it is one of the best opening lines I have ever read.

I have to admit that I partially listened to to the audiobook version while reading this, mostly for the podcast sections, and I have to say: woah. I didn’t expect it to change the atmosphere so much, but the audiobook is so well done that it’s like it tricked my brain into thinking that I was listening to a real true crime podcast, instead of simply listening to a work of fiction. It completely elevates the experience and I struggled to remember that these characters whose stories were being told weren’t actually real people.

This book presents itself like a puzzle, with Sadie leaving clues as to her whereabouts and what really happened to Mattie, and it is down to the audience, and the podcast presenters, to try and piece it all together to uncover the answers. If you’re a reader who likes a lot of twists and turns, and are a fan of the whodunits, then this might be a good book for you as it will certainly keep you guessing throughout.

As for the ending – I both loved it and I hated it. It’s very ambiguous depending on how you read it, but I can say with certainty that it left me wanting more. I would love for there to be a sequel to this book, bu then again, the ending also left me really satisfied that I feel prolonging or extending the story with another would ruin the suspense, thrill, and mystery of this one.

However, I must say that as much as I rave about this novel, it is not to be taken lightly. In fact, if you are thinking of reading this I would suggest using something like Storygraph or google to research all of the possible trigger and content warnings beforehand, because there are a lot of deep and sensitive things that are explored within this book. It covers themes such as pedophilia, sexual abuse, drug abuse, and murder, not to mention depression, possible suicide, and other mental health conditions. It is a heavy book and not for the feint-hearted. I urge you to open it with caution, in the right headspace, and be prepared that what you’ll read may be difficult at times. But, for those worried – they are not sensationalised. They are real, and brutal, and dark.

I think it would be crass and insensitive of me to say that this was a book that I enjoyed reading because of the content matter inside it. As I have said, a lot of the content inside is not pleasurable or comfortable to read at times, but they are all wrapped up within the mystery – which is written so well.

Ultimately this is a raw, dark, emotional, and brilliant book with a gripping story, and if you think you can read it and have the opportunity to do so, then I would highly recommend (with the audiobook for extra atmosphere!).

Usually this section would be reserved for my favourite quotes, but that too feels inappropriate, so I shall simply leave a few links to some of my favourite true crime podcasts on Spotify which I find utterly interesting.

Crime Junkie by Audiochuck

Conspiracy Theories by Spotify Studios

The Trial of Lucy Letby by Daily Mail

Serial Killers by Spotify Studios

I Could Murder a Podcast by I Could Murder a Podcast

Small Town Murder by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman.

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

19/01/2024 Becks Leave a comment

Enemies to lovers novels are like marmite – either you love them or you hate them. A lot of people find them super cheesy and unrealistic, but for me, I am an absolute sucker for them. And this, my friends, is perhaps my favourite enemies to lovers story that I have ever read. A bold statement, but true.

I posted about this book on my Instagram back in 2021 as it was my number one book that I read in 2020, and four years later it still sits firmly in my top 10 books of all time. There are very few books which I devour so quickly, or capture my attention so much that I can’t put them down, but this folks and friends, was one of them. I loved everything about it. It was beautifully witty, hilarious, and I found myself physically laughing from cover to cover.

One of the things that I liked most about this book is that it’s written in the first person, from the point of view of the main protagonist, Lucy, which really connects the reader with the character. The way she describes her love/hate relationship with Joshua is so real and expertly crafted that you become so immersed in their love story that it becomes entirely possible to forget that these two human beings only exist on paper. From the very minute you begin reading you are begging, pleading, and yearning for these two characters to realise their love for one another.

Though, I will admit that this novel is a slow burn. Like… a really slow burn to the point where you’re physically itching with anticipation. But the payoff is so good and makes it all worth it. The love/hate relationship/game between Lucy and Josh is one of those romantic archetypes which we love to see but don’t dare admit, and something which can be incredibly difficult for writers to achieve successfully – but Sally Thorne executes it perfectly.

But, perhaps my favourite thing about this book is that it never actually states where the story is taking place. When I started reading I assumed that it was New York City because it had that particular feel, but in actual fact the location is never stated. I think that is what makes this story so wonderful because ultimately it could be set in any city, in any corner of the world; and it is down to the reader to use their imagination about where that might be – perhaps someone near them!

I think it is very rare to have nothing bad to say about a book – not even a small criticism – but personally, with my preferences, I am struggling to find things that I didn’t like. I don’t think I will ever be able to find the right amount of words to be able to describe how much I loved this book, but I think about it often.

Note: Yes, I have also seen the movie; yes, I loved it; but no, I have yet to write a post about it. I’m thinking about writing a book vs film comparison when I get the time, but I think I need to rewatch the film again before I do so!

Favourite Quotes:

✨ ‘Books were, and always would be, something a little magic, and something to respect.’

✨ ‘Watching you pretend to hate the nickname is the best part of my day.’

✨ ‘I have a theory. Hating someone feels disturbingly similar to being in love with them. I’ve had a lot of time to compare love and hate, and these are my observations. Love and hate are visceral. Your stomach twists at the thought of that person. The heart in your chest beats heavy and bright, nearly visible through your flesh and clothes. Your appetite and sleep are shredded. Every interaction spikes your blood with adrenaline and you’re in the brink of fight or flight. Your body is barely under your control. You’re consumed and it scares you. Both love and hate are mirror versions of the same game – and you have to win. Why? Your heart and your ego. Trust me, I should know.’

✨ ‘I want to know what’s going on in your brain. I want to juice your head like a lemon.’

✨ ‘All I want to do is kiss you until I fall asleep. I want to slide in between your sheets, and find out what goes on inside your head and underneath your clothes. I want to make a fool of myself over you.’

✨ ‘I love strawberries. I’m so lovesick, I eat them constantly. Can I nickname you Shortcake? It’ll be a dead giveaway that I love you’

✨ ‘Maybe the only way to truly unite people is through battle and pain. Confrontation and competition. Maybe surviving something is the point.’

✨ ‘Brute, raw masculinity contrasted with gentleness is the most attractive thing on earth.’

✨ ‘You look like a hot virginal dork who’s been defiled in the backseat of my car.’

✨ ‘You love him. You love him. You always have. More than you’ve ever hated him. Every day, staring at this man, knowing every color and expression and nuance. Every game you’ve ever played has been to engage with him. Talk to him. Feel his eyes on you. To try to make him notice you.’

✨ ‘I always thought you’d live underground somewhere, near the earth’s core.’ / ‘Uncle Satan didn’t have any apartments available in my price range.’

Book Review, Books and Literature

Book Review: This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

16/11/2023 Becks Leave a comment

This book… this book… I could rave about this book until the cows come home! I absolutely adored it.

I’ll admit that it took me a good few pages to get into, but once I completed the first chapter I was absolutely hooked – so much so that I read it in two days

I think there are some books that are just pure enjoyment, and if I could, I would bottle up the joy this book gave me and I would keep it forever. It had be laughing from start to finish and contains some of the best banter between two people that I have ever read – it was absolutely perfect and hilarious.

Minnie was such a well-rounded character. I definitely saw a lot of myself in her as she was constantly finding herself in awkward and uncomfortable situations, and I know exactly how that feels, as sometimes I am a walking, talking embarrassing moment waiting to happen! But, I thought that this just added to her quirkiness and loveability, and I only with that Minnie was a real person because I think I want to be her best friend.

When it comes to romance books I can be quite picky with the writing, as it’s very easy to over-explain, under-explain or simply make things ridiculously cheesy… but I needn’t have worried with this as the writing was so well done. The small details and breadcrumbs that Sophie Cousens leaves throughout are impeccable and I audibly gasped when the lightbulb moment happened in my brain regarding the brandy creme patisserie scenario! I did not see that coming whatsoever, and it was such an excellent twist! The romance was excellent, well thought out, and not cliche in the slightest.

I also love the fact that this story takes place in 2020, though an entirely different 2020 than the one all of us experienced. Somewhere in a parallel universe, where Covid never existed, Minnie and Quinn’s romance exists.

This was such a feed-good story from start to finish, and if you’re going to read anything over the festive season, then make it this.

—

Note: there is also apparently a film adaptation in the works for this book, so I am very excited to see what it’s like! I feel like the problem with adaptations is that what they bring to life on screen rarely looks like what I envisioned in my head, so I often find myself disappointed… but, I’m holding out hope that this film will be a good one – especially if it retains all of the wonderful humour and banter that makes this book so perfect!

Favourite lines:

✨ ‘If you lived in a city for long enough, Minnie thought, the streets and places where life happens fold inwards like paper, making space for new memories. Yet visiting old haunts and a long forgotten road was like stretching the concertina out again – the memories leap out, fresh as the day you folded them away.’

✨ ‘All you can hope for is to do more good than harm in this life.’

✨ Minnie let out an involuntary high-pitched noise. She clutched a hand over her mouth, turning the sound into a strangled sort of sneeze.’

✨ ‘No one’s too small to make a difference; just ask Greta Thunberg.’

✨ ‘Better to be hated for what you are, than loved for what you’re not.’
‘Profound,’ said Minnie. ‘Where did you read that – the back of a cereal packet?’

✨ ‘Life can’t just be about coupling up like yoghurts in a multi-pack.’

✨ ‘Don’t cry about something you wouldn’t cry about in five years time.’

✨ ‘Ah, Coco Nuts, we meet again. I see you have foiled my cunning plan to steal all the fruit in Fruitopolis.’

✨ ‘Be a good companion to yourself and you will never be lonely.’

✨ ‘She picked up a perfect red leaf from the ground, examining the intricate pattern of vessels mapping its thin surface. So beautiful, yet only created to last such a short time before its role on this planet was over, and it would decay into mulch. An unremarkable existence, and yet to look at it – how remarkable.’

✨ ‘Life is change – if nothing’s changing, you aren’t living.’