en-US Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:27:59 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7058083974 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:27:59 -0700 /review/show/7058083974 Nilufer gave 4 stars to We All Live Here (Hardcover) by Jojo Moyes
I honestly loved this book—not just for its wildly dysfunctional family dynamics, but also for the humorously heartwarming, surprisingly tender moments that gently tugged at my heartstrings! 💛 Sure, there’s plenty of drama, resentment, grief, heartbreak, and sadness swirling through the story. But just like real life, there are also laugh-out-loud moments tucked inside the chaos—unexpected flashes of humor that make you savor the delicious complexity of great storytelling.

Every single character here is messy, flawed, and carrying their own burdens. Nobody wears the perfect hero’s cape—and that’s exactly what makes them so wonderfully real. (And let’s be honest, the most infuriating side character crown easily goes to Philippa Graham!) Yet, somehow, you find yourself empathizing even with the most imperfect ones—even the cheating husband and his new, much-younger partner.

For me, though, Gene absolutely stole the show. The so-called "bad dad" who ditched his family for a shot at acting glory somehow carries a rogue’s irresistible charm that makes it impossible to stay mad at him for long. I adored the way he clumsily—yet endearingly—tried to patch up the past, especially through his hilarious and unexpectedly touching interactions with his granddaughters. 🥹�

The heart of the story revolves around Lila Kennedy, who has far too much on her plate: her long-time husband leaves her for a woman half his age, fathering a baby with her, and then has the audacity to demand cutting her alimony—right when Lila is grieving the sudden loss of her mother, Francesca. And if that weren’t enough? Francesca’s posthumously published book—ironically about maintaining a good marriage—hits the bestseller lists, branding Lila’s family as the ultimate hypocrites.

Meanwhile, Lila’s teenage daughter Celie is battling her own high school nightmares, from being bullied by former friends to skipping classes for weed-smoking park sessions. Little Violet struggles quietly to adjust to the family's crumbling normal. And Lila’s stepfather, Bill, who was supposed to stay "temporarily," is slowly—but surely—moving himself (and every quirky possession, including a nude portrait of Francesca) into their home.

As if things weren’t chaotic enough, Bill hires a charming landscaper named Jensen, whose warm presence in their garden—and maybe in Lila’s heart—stirs up feelings she didn’t expect. 🌸 And just when she’s clinging to any shred of sanity, Lila’s estranged father Gene reappears out of nowhere, igniting a hilarious turf war between the two aging men. Caught between grief, deadlines (her agent is begging her to write a racy "widow's awakening" novel), and maybe—just maybe—the possibility of new romance with a handsome widowed architect at school, Lila faces the ultimate question: Can she rediscover joy when life feels like one endless pile of disasters?

Let me tell you: there is SO much drama packed in this book! I found myself yelling at Lila at times, frustrated by her choices—but somehow, my heart never stopped rooting for her. 💖 Among all the chaos, there’s so much beauty in the unexpected ways life brings happiness back to you, and those heart-melting moments truly made my heart sing. 🎶

This was hands-down one of the most enjoyable reading experiences I’ve had lately! As a longtime fan of the author, I can wholeheartedly recommend diving into this gem of a story—you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to hug these chaotic characters tight. Don’t miss it! ]]> Review7513665663 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:09:48 -0700 /review/show/7513665663 Nilufer gave 3 stars to Crazy Spooky Love: A Melody Bittersweet Novel (Paperback) by Josie Silver
I am a big fan of Josie Silver's emotional romance novels, and recently I had the chance to read her latest venture into a romcom with a paranormal twist. I truly admire that she’s willing to branch out and experiment with different genres, showing she’s not afraid to take risks with her storytelling. While I enjoyed parts of Crazy Spooky Love—especially the cleverly woven mystery—I have to admit that this one didn’t quite hit the same emotional marks for me as her previous works have.

The story follows Melody Bittersweet, a plucky medium setting up her own ghost-busting agency in her charming hometown, dealing with chaotic spirits, a fame-seeking ex-boyfriend, and a skeptical, frustratingly attractive local reporter. The setup is fun, creative, and the ghost mystery surrounding the Scarborough brothers was genuinely intriguing. I appreciated the playful, slightly spooky atmosphere—perfect for readers looking for a seasonal, cozy vibe without anything too dark or heavy.

However, characterization was where I found myself a little less connected. Melody, while spirited and quirky, often felt a bit exaggerated to me, and the humor occasionally leaned too much into zany territory, making it harder to stay immersed in her emotional journey. As someone who is a little older than the target reader for this book,

The love triangle element also wasn’t my favorite part. It felt fairly obvious who Melody should end up with from the start. Leo, the arrogant ex, was difficult to root for, while Fletcher, the charming and grounded reporter, brought a much-needed warmth to the narrative and was easily the most endearing character of the bunch. Since I’m personally not a huge fan of love triangles in general, this plotline didn't add much tension for me—though I know other readers who might enjoy that kind of drama will have a lot of fun with it.

Despite my mixed feelings, there’s no denying Josie Silver’s gift for writing engaging, heartfelt scenes. The pacing was lively, the mystery had enough twists to keep me entertained, and the overall feel of the book was light, whimsical, and enjoyable. Even though Crazy Spooky Love didn’t become a new favorite, I am still a loyal fan and am more than happy to follow wherever Josie Silver’s imagination leads next—even if that means ghost-hunting adventures!

This one earned a solid three stars from me: a fun, creative story that just didn’t completely click with my reading tastes. But I absolutely admire the fresh direction, and I will be eagerly awaiting her future works.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell for sharing this spooky and charming digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!

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]]> Review6811106046 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:09:27 -0700 /review/show/6811106046 Nilufer gave 5 stars to You Killed Me First (Paperback) by John Marrs
Well, well, well... what a wildly unhinged ride! This book had me shouting, “What the heck did I just read?!� Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another twist punches you in the face, and then another, and another! It's like your jaw hits the floor—only for a plot twist to slap it again while your hair stands on end like you’ve stuck your fingers in an electric socket.

You’ll constantly question who the worst character is—and let me tell you, it’s not an easy choice. But let’s be real. Margot takes the crown. She’s human garbage. I mean, slap-worthy, puke-worthy, and just plain despicable. You might think there’s a sliver of humanity buried in her somewhere—don’t be fooled. Every fiber of her reeks of venom.

The story kicks off on November 5th—Bonfire Night—when a woman wakes up bound and gagged at the center of a massive bonfire. As she screams for help, she hears the chilling words: “You killed me first.�

Flash back eleven months, and we meet three women living in a seemingly quiet cul-de-sac:

Margot: a former teen pop star turned stay-at-home stepmom from hell.

Anna: a shy, soft-spoken jewelry maker with a drunk for a husband and a heavy heart.

Liv: a confident newcomer, ex-banker, twin mom, planning to open a yoga studio.

What happens next? Oh, just your everyday suburban chaos: cheating, trolling, backstabbing, stalking, self-harm, murder� you name it. These women harbor some of the darkest, most twisted secrets you can imagine—and just when you think it can’t get worse� it does.

Overall? I’m obsessed.
John Marrs� mind is a marvel—NASA, forget Mars, let’s explore Marrs! I’ve always loved his sci-fi thrillers, and this domestic psychological rollercoaster was just as addictively brilliant. I devoured this book with a stack of Levain chocolate chip cookies and an endless stream of matcha lattes. I laughed, I gasped, I lived. What are you waiting for? Grab a copy. Buckle up. You’re in for a hell of a ride!

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]]> Review7249542359 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:09:10 -0700 /review/show/7249542359 Nilufer gave 5 stars to Black Woods Blue Sky (Hardcover) by Eowyn Ivey
Eowyn Ivey’s “Black Woods, Blue Sky� is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness, masterfully blending the enchantment of fairy tales with the stark realities of human nature. Ivey’s evocative prose paints the Alaskan landscape in vivid hues, capturing both its breathtaking beauty and unforgiving harshness.

At the story’s core is Birdie, a resilient single mother striving to provide a better life for her daughter, Emaleen. Their encounter with the enigmatic Arthur Neilsen sets off a chain of events that lead them deep into the secluded wilderness, where dreams of an idyllic existence soon confront unsettling truths.

Ivey delves deep into themes of love, transformation, and the intrinsic connection between humans and nature. The narrative explores the profound impact of those we allow into our lives, illustrating how relationships can alter our paths in unforeseen ways.

The portrayal of various forms of love—maternal, romantic, and a profound bond with the natural world—adds rich layers to the storytelling.

The character development is exceptional. Birdie’s journey from yearning for freedom to facing the complexities of her choices is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Emaleen’s innocence and wonder bring a refreshing perspective, while Arthur’s mysterious aura keeps readers engaged, questioning the fine line between reality and myth.

“Black Woods, Blue Sky� is more than a novel; it’s an immersive experience that challenges readers to reflect on the delicate balance between desire and reality, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. Ivey’s storytelling prowess ensures that this tale lingers long after the final page is turned.

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this brilliant book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.




]]> Review7510157355 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:09:02 -0700 /review/show/7510157355 Nilufer gave 5 stars to Play Nice (Hardcover) by Rachel Harrison
I think Playing Nice absolutely earns a place on the throne as my favorite Rachel Harrison book to date! Maybe it’s my lifelong obsession with haunted house stories, demons, and all things paranormal—an obsession probably sparked (or scarred) by The Exorcist ruining my childhood in the best possible way. Or maybe it’s my soft spot for dark, dysfunctional family dramas, where the real horrors lie in the emotional wounds, bottled resentments, and the silence that festers between relatives over time. Either way, this book checked every box for me.

At 25, Clio (Cici) Louise Barnes is living a carefree, self-indulgent life in New York as a fashion influencer, funded generously by her father's wealth. But her carefully curated world gets turned upside down when she learns that her estranged mother, Alex—a woman long believed to be mentally unstable—has died of a heart attack in their childhood home. This isn’t just any home, though. It’s the infamous “haunted house� their mother always insisted was possessed by a demon targeting her and her daughters.

Clio returns to her small hometown for the funeral, only to find herself pulled back into a past filled with unresolved trauma and painful family history. Her two older sisters, Leda and Dafty, still hold deep resentment toward their mother, recalling her alcoholism, erratic behavior, and one particularly terrifying incident where she chased a young Clio with a knife—an event eerily reminiscent of The Shining. After losing custody of her children, Alex spiraled further, aligning herself with a cultish demonologist named Roy and publishing a tell-all memoir about the haunted house that all three daughters swore they’d never read.

Despite the sisters� vow to stay far away from their mother’s delusions, Clio is intrigued when she learns the house has been left to them. Sensing an opportunity, she decides to renovate it and document the process for her social media followers—maybe even flip it for a profit. But as she settles into the house, strange things begin to happen. She discovers marked-up versions of her mother’s book with notes eerily specific to Clio’s past. Smiley faces begin appearing in unsettling places—on walls, in notes left behind—and a creeping suspicion takes root: what if her mother wasn’t delusional after all? What if the true story was buried beneath her father’s carefully curated version of events?

As Clio digs deeper into the mysteries of the house and her own past, she begins to question her sanity. The lines between reality and the supernatural blur, and she realizes that in order to confront whatever entity may be haunting the house, she must first face the demons she’s been avoiding all her life.

I was especially blown away by the final act—it’s packed with psychological tension and full-on horror that had me literally flinching from the page. The relationship dynamics between the sisters felt painfully real, layered with old wounds, jealousy, and unspoken loyalty. Clio is a complicated protagonist—often unlikable but completely compelling—and her emotional unraveling was written with such nuance. Dafty plays the diplomatic middle child, while Leda is the sharp-edged, brittle eldest who pulls no punches. And can we take a moment to appreciate Austin? The cinnamon-roll side character you just want to hug for putting up with this chaotic trio!

This book was a wild, twisty, emotionally gutting ride, and I devoured it in one sitting. It’s eerie, emotionally charged, and beautifully written—a perfect blend of paranormal suspense and psychological drama.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the digital reviewer copy of this brilliant thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts!

If you love haunted house mysteries, family trauma, and slow-burning dread that explodes into jaw-dropping horror, Playing Nice needs to be at the top of your TBR.




]]> Review6580068534 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:08:55 -0700 /review/show/6580068534 Nilufer gave 4 stars to The Ministry of Time (Hardcover) by Kaliane Bradley
This innovative novel blends spy romance with time travel, creating an extraordinary sci-fi fantasy adventure. At its core lies a secret British government program that opens portals to the past, rescuing historical figures from death and bringing them to the present. These "expats" are each assigned a "bridge" consultant who helps them adjust to modern life's political, socioeconomic, and technological changes.

Our protagonist, a biracial translator specializing in Southeast Asian affairs (of Cambodian descent but predominantly Caucasian in appearance), is recruited by the Vice Secretary of Expatriation for a special assignment. She becomes the bridge for "1847," Commander Graham Gore, a historical figure who originally perished during Sir John Franklin's 1845 Arctic expedition. After a period of adjustment in a secure facility, Gore becomes her roommate, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. He approaches the modern world with surprising adaptability—from figuring out modern plumbing to exploring Spotify playlists, though he finds certain contemporary customs (like sharing a house with an unmarried woman in modern dress) rather shocking.

As Gore acclimates to the 21st century more successfully than his fellow expats, the bridge finds herself developing romantic feelings for him. However, when she begins to uncover the ministry's true motives, she faces a critical decision: choose between her growing love, her own safety, and a perilous future filled with unforeseen dangers.

While the novel shares a superficial similarity with the Spanish TV series "El Ministerio del Tiempo" (2015), the resemblance ends at the basic premise of a time-travel ministry. This book delves deeper, exploring themes of colonialism, gender inequality, and racism, rather than focusing solely on historical preservation.

The narrative begins at a measured pace, using the intriguing concept and Gore's mysterious yet charming character to draw readers in. The final third of the book accelerates dramatically, delivering a satisfying and twist-filled conclusion that justifies the careful setup. It's no wonder this novel has garnered praise from notable figures, including Barack Obama.

Overall:

Despite its slow start, this stands as one of the year's most remarkable reads, showcasing the author's exceptional creativity and intelligence. Don't let mixed reviews deter you—approach this book with an open mind and prepare to be captivated by its unique vision.

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]]> Review6378013302 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:08:44 -0700 /review/show/6378013302 Nilufer gave 5 stars to The Housemaid Is Watching (The Housemaid, #3) by Freida McFadden
--Oh my goodness! Quick confession: I didn’t expect to love the third book so much, but it exceeded all my expectations! It's far better than the second book; I couldn’t put it down. I even canceled my appointment with my accountant, even though I have taxes to do. Who cares about taxes when there's such an amazing book to read? Okay, it's wrong to say something like that as a law-abiding, mature citizen, but come on, this book is incredibly good. I found myself wanting to stop time just to peacefully read my advance copy!

What can I say to rest my case! The adventures of Millie the maid are the definition of addiction! I know I can find hundreds of people like me (maybe thousands) who, once they start one of her books, they cannot stop! It’s more addictive than Pringles! It’s riveting page-turners! It’s my favorite guilty pleasure!

Her new adventure takes us 11 years later where we left things with Millie and Enzo. Now they’re older, married, having two kids; one A grader, sensitive, mature, smart daughter Ava, and a friendly, energetic, sporty 9-year-old Nico, named after Enzo’s family members. Their luck turned out, and their offer for the house has gotten approval which means they are about to be suburbanites, living in ( correction living "ON") Long Island.

Millie is jumping in excitement to build a new life in a big house she still has questions about how they bought under its value even though they have to work harder to pay the mortgage. She is also excited to make new friends with her neighbors but unfortunately one of her neighbors cannot keep her hands off her husband, shamelessly flirting with him as the other woman who is health-obsessed and also a noisy busybody who likes to watch each step she takes from her house and make her uncomfortable. In addition to that, Enzo makes a jest to hire their neighbor’s maid Martha: the same woman she keeps giving her scrutinizing looks as if she knows her criminal dark past.

Could Millie make the worst mistake by moving to this neighborhood where her neighbors act like she’s mud under their boot to scratch, her children keep acting like strangers and her husband might be too friendly with Suzette Lowell: their flirty neighbor next door? At the top of that somebody gets murdered as expected. Because where Millie goes, there should be murder, shouldn’t be? How will she save herself and her family without getting involved? What her family members keep hidden from her?

Well: didn’t I say how much I loved this book that I should scream at the rooftops kind of! I'm about to give this book ten stars which highly deserved! Don’t forget to add this book to your reading list. Who am I kidding? Just order your copy and dive in blindfolded! Satisfaction guaranteed!

Oh boy, I hope Freida McFadden keeps writing more Millie the Maid sequels to feed my cravings! I never get enough of this series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sharing the digital reviewer copy of the most anticipated thriller of the year in exchange for my honest opinions which I truly appreciate!




]]> Review7386657102 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:08:35 -0700 /review/show/7386657102 Nilufer gave 4 stars to The Expat Affair: A Murder Mystery with a Strong Female Protagonist in Amsterdam's Diamond Industry (Kindle Edition) by Kimberly Belle
Dear Kimberly Belle, you truly know how to keep readers on their toes with action-packed, gripping thrillers that leave them breathless—and thankfully, Expat Affair is yet another brilliant, unputdownable masterpiece that delivers a full adrenaline rush from start to finish.

The story follows two expat women whose lives become entangled after the shocking death of Xander—a highly influential businessman with deep knowledge of lab-created diamonds and the secrets of their trade.

Rayna, seeking a fresh start in the U.S. after catching her husband in bed with her best friend, scrapes by with low-paying travel writing gigs while sharing an apartment with her Dutch roommate, Ingrid—her only real friend. Determined to reinvent herself as the bold and adventurous "Rayna 2.0," she takes a chance on a date with the ultra-rich, charismatic Xander. But after a wild night of drinking, she wakes up in his hotel suite to find him dead—zipped up and choked in the bathtub. The worst part? She was passed out in the next room while the killer did their work. Now, not only is she the prime suspect, but she's also accused of stealing Xander’s priceless diamonds—especially since she drunkenly posted a photo of herself wearing one of his diamond necklaces� a necklace that has since vanished.

Willow, married into the powerful and pretentious Prins family after an unexpected pregnancy, is struggling through a strained marriage with Thomas—Xander’s former boss and the workaholic heir of a diamond empire. Meanwhile, Thomas’s ambitious sister, Fleur, is vying for her own place as CEO. After Xander’s murder, Willow starts receiving anonymous threats demanding the missing diamonds—or else her deepest secrets will be exposed, secrets that could destroy her marriage and everything she’s built. When she realizes Rayna is just an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, she knows she has to find her before it’s too late. But as the two women get tangled in a deadly web of deceit, they are pulled deeper into the dangerous underworld of the illicit diamond trade—where every move could be their last.

Who killed Xander? Maybe it’s someone closer than they ever imagined—someone watching their every move.

Overall: A stunning, fast-paced, and electrifying thriller that you can easily devour in one sitting—I highly recommend it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a digital review copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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]]> Review6872515551 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:08:27 -0700 /review/show/6872515551 Nilufer gave 5 stars to The Strange Case of Jane O. (Hardcover) by Karen Thompson Walker
I think this book is already one of my favorite psychological thriller/sci-fi reads of 2025! If you left me alone in front of a whiteboard with a marker to write my feelings about it, I would keep filling the board with "I freaking love it!" over and over again!

I love challenging my brain cells with extra smart, twisty books that push me to form theories and make far-fetched guesses, ultimately disturbing my mind until my grey cells burn. I also enjoy a great adrenaline rush and surprises that pull the rug out from under me. I love to pick my fallen jaw off the floor and reposition my popped-out eyes after reading a remarkable thriller. Thankfully, this book gave me all those feelings, and I'm still holding my head with a bag of ice to cool down my burning grey cells.

This story revolves around Jane O., told through the journals of her psychiatrist Dr. Henry Byrd and her own letters written to her son Caleb. The two different POVs drag you into very different perceptions and make you question everything when you have two not-so-reliable narrators: one who might be suffering from dissociative disorders and delusions, and the other a disgraced doctor for mixing his feelings with his profession. Which one tells the truth?

Their connection starts when Jane appears at Dr. Byrd's office, at first leaving without saying a word, and next, the doctor is summoned to a hospital to find out Jane went missing for one day, leaving her child behind, lying in the park without remembering anything about her missing day. Her short-term amnesia pushes her to see her doctor again, and as they start their sessions, Henry realizes there are many things about Jane, like her gift of hyperthymesia: highly superior autobiographical memory.

She insists they met twenty years ago. She even describes everything about his office, including every knick-knack, the books shelved in his library and study. She can tell the weather, events, and her full schedule of a random day in detail. But that also raises the big question: Why can't she remember what happened during her blackout? And why is she hiding the truth about the tragic incident she faced twenty years ago: her friend Nico's death?
She insists she talked with his future self as a middle-aged doctor in the park, which might be an illusion because ghosts can't talk. After this episode, she has a one-day blackout. What are the connections between these incidents?

Before digging deeper, Jane disappears again, this time with her child. As the investigation turns into a sensational news story, bringing about the doctor's suspension, a detective's suspicions about Jane's motives after seeing her on CCTV walking in her apartment corridor, and inconsistencies in her statements about Nico's death make him wonder if Jane is just a regular mother suffering from postpartum depression who put her child's life at risk. What if she never had episodes and is playing a very dangerous game? Is she a liar or a very troubled woman who deserves to be locked up for her own good?

Well, I have to say the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly in the end. I loved the conclusion of this story. I couldn't put this book down, kept theorizing about what was happening to Jane. How can she have a deteriorated perception of things when she has a perfect memory? How can a woman who remembers everything lose days of her life without acknowledging it?

I'm still putting ice on my burning head! But it's truly worth it! This book is such an amazing masterpiece! I wholeheartedly loved it! Don't miss it, my bookish friends! It's FANTASTIC!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for sharing this fantastic book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.




]]> Review6899330620 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:08:05 -0700 /review/show/6899330620 Nilufer gave 5 stars to The Staircase in the Woods (Hardcover) by Chuck Wendig
Each story where a group of young adults faces a tragedy and reunites years later to confront a monster reminds me of Stephen King’s It—one of my favorite plotlines. Chuck Wendig's unique twist, blending this concept with a mysterious staircase in the woods, immediately drew me in!

The story transported me back to my teenage years, recalling the excitement of locking myself away with a gripping book, eyes burning from exhaustion but too captivated to stop reading. Now, as an adult, I found myself sneaking in pages whenever I could—whether I was cooking, working, or even watching TV, the story kept pulling me back.

Wendig’s novel delves into broken friendships, guilt, abandonment, and deeply-rooted fears. It follows five friends who, as teenagers, made a pact to always protect each other. But one fateful night in the woods, their bond shatters when they discover a staircase leading to a terrifying unknown. When one of them, Matty, vanishes after jumping in, their lives are forever changed. Questions about Matty’s disappearance haunt them for twenty years, until Nick, the friend who never gave up the search, calls them back for a reunion.

As adults, they’re scarred and broken in different ways. Owen, trapped by trauma and OCD, works in a bookstore. Lor, the successful but lonely game designer, still carries guilt for betraying Owen years ago. Hamish, who has drastically transformed, now lives a polished, suburban life. Meanwhile, Nick is unchanged—still obsessed with finding Matty and the answers they never got. Now, he’s found the staircases again.

The reunion isn’t what it seems. When the group follows Nick into the eerie woods, they face not only the staircase but their own worst nightmares. The house they enter feeds on their deepest fears, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets.

At first, I struggled with some characters—Nick's bluntness and Lor’s narcissism irritated me—but their growth throughout the story shifted my perspective. The suspense, twists, and pacing kept me hooked, and the mystery was brilliantly executed.

Overall, this is a gripping, dark fantasy thriller with well-developed characters and a chilling atmosphere. I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to 5, and I can’t wait for Wendig’s next book!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Del Rey for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.





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