susan_king's reviews
197 reviews

The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe

Go to review page

dark medium-paced

3.25

When She Was Me: A Novel by Marlee Bush

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

4.25

What an amazing debut novel for Marlee Bush! The story flowed and was written so well • it was hard to believe this is a first time author! The dynamic between Lenora and Cassie is so fascinating.  Their undying devotion to each other was pivotal in laying the groundwork for the rest of the story. Bush executed this task beautifully! There were so many intense scenes that I'd have to take a short break to slow my heart rate. The twists kept my head spinning, and the ending left me feeling so satisfied. Well rounded, well written, and well worth the read!
My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen

Go to review page

dark emotional tense medium-paced

4.5

Roos Beckmann has been performing seances with her "mother" for as long as she can remember. She was forced to hide under floorboards in order to fool her "mother's" patrons. One night she was especially frightened while hiding and Ruth came to her. Ruth is Roos’ spirit companion. In one of the seances, a widow was very impressed and offered to buy Roos from her mother. 
 
She went to live with this woman, Agnes and Ruth was by her side.  Roos became very close with Agnes. With time, the two women and Ruth grew their relationship deeper and deeper. Agnes missed her husband so much. Roos decides she will try to reunite the husband and wife. When Agnes is found dead, Roos has to explain what happened, but no one believes her story. 
 
This was a dark and beautifully written novel! Van Veen is a master of words. There was so much emotion in her writing.  I loved the development of Roos and Ruth's relationship. And then the relationship between Roos and Agnes blossomed. I was enthralled by this novel. The genre says this is a horror novel, but I really felt as though it was a dark, paranormal romance. I really, really recommend this one for those that like creepy, dark stories!
The Hollow by Kiersten Modglin

Go to review page

dark tense slow-paced

4.0

Carmen grew up in Hunter's Hollow as a kid. She spent a lot of time with two brothers. They were her friends and eventually each became her love interest. Then everything changed when her best friend Shelby, disappeared. Later, she was found dead changing Carmen's life forever.  Carmen moved away and went to college. She lived on her own for a while and then returned to Hunter's Hollow. The Hunter brothers both still live there and flames are rekindled. Then, another girl goes missing. Carmen is determined to find out what's been happening at Hunter's Hollow.

Unfortunately, this was not one of my favorite KMod novels. I usually like the bit of romance added to her novels, but there was so much back and forth between the two brothers. Just make a decision already, Carmen!

The mystery of the story was laid out pretty well. Towards the end it became obvious which direction the story was going.  It was nice to have a story wrap up so nicely in the end.

Take a read and let me know if you felt the same or figured out what happens before the end! 

She Left by Stacie Grey

Go to review page

3.0

This story reminded me so much of Christie's And Then There Were None and Clue/Knives Out.   It's a whodunnit story where characters are picked off one-by-one until ultimately we learn who murderer is. While I liked the story, I found it extremely predictable.  I was sure I knew the culprit after the first few chapters and turned out being correct.  I didn't really care much for the voice acting. The actor's voice was monotone and hard to focus on. I didn't feel engaged and often had to re-listen because I stopped paying attention.
Black Crow Cabin by Peggy Webb

Go to review page

dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This was a cozy thriller.  There weren't any scenes that were overly mature or gorey except for a few short paragraphs related to animal violence (trigger warning). The story was well written and exciting. Rachel is a strong female character whose only goal is to protect her family. I loved the addition of the "6th sense" the sisters have from their mother. Jen is another Logan sister, but she have much presence in this story besides boss people around, which is a known fault of hers, after Rachel’s home was targeted. I anticipate seeing more of her in future books. I, personally, didn't like the inner dialogue of The Collector.  It was a bit silly at times but easy to overlook. This has been the start of a good series, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Go to review page

dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia are three foster children who are forced to relive their traumatic childhood in their foster mother's home when the bones of a child were found buried under their old house. All three of them are not looking forward to returning to that small town, and none of them were prepared to see Miss Fairchild ever again. 1 enjoyed reading this novel from multiple viewpoints. The women all had different fears and memories, and it was nice to have a glimpse inside each of their heads. I liked Hepworth's writing style and found the characters relatable. I was not expecting now the book ended at all but enjoyed it!
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips

Go to review page

emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Louise Manson is a teenage girl being abused by the beloved nigh school coach.  She decides she's not going to take it anymore after realizing that he was going after other girls too. She works to catch him in the act and finds herself in more trouble than she ever could have imagined. I'll admit this audio was a little bit triggering for me. So, check your triggers before reading or listening. Other than that, 1 did like the story. Louise is amazingly resilient as the FMC, and her strength and character continues to grow through the whole story. Mcphillips uncovers the sad and often buried reality of high school athletic abuse with truth and dignity her characters deserve. 
 
India Mullen was a joy to listen to for this audio reading. Her voice was pleasant and made listening to the challenging scenes a bit easier. She speaks at a good speed for 1x listeners or those that prefer to increase listening speeds. 
 
I liked this novel and recommend you give it a read/listen.
The Gathering by C.J. Tudor

Go to review page

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This book moved a little slow for me.  I wish I could've gotten into it more.  I generally love vampire/fantasy novels, but I struggled to connect with any of the characters. I was really frustrated by the frequent comments about the MFC's weight. Given the bigotry and discrimination against the vampyrs, it's hard to believe that a black man was ever sheriff of the town.  I also felt that the twists and surprises were predictable. The writing style was good, but I just don't think this was the story for me.
Verity by Colleen Hoover

Go to review page

dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A lot of people hate on this novel, but I loved it! I've read other Colleen Hoover books and like her writing style. This one is from a whole other world. Lowen was a great main character. I found myself easily relating to her and her situation. Verity is a very complex character. 1 understand how some of her story can be triggering to some readers.   Hoover explored the dark parts of a woman’s mind.  It was disturbing but was effective for the story.  I couldn't put it down! It was suspenseful and tense. I needed to know what happened next. I really liked the ending. I really hope CoHo writes more thrillers!