thoughts on books

Category: Psychological thriller

  • see how they fall by rachel paris

    An Australian who-dunit locked room mystery. A billionaire empire family meets for a vacation. Nina dies of arsenic poisoning and Skye’s daughter, Tilly, fights for her life being poisoned as well. Nina’s husband Jamie runs the company, his brothers Hugo and Skye’s husband Duncan have leadership positions as well. Skye has become a partner husband’s blue blood wealthy elite although she comes from humble beginnings.

    This is multi POV and happens over just a week or so. The chapters are between Skye- mother of the poisoned victim and detective Mei. Mei knows that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Skye is trying to determine the cause, pray for her daughter’s recovery, and not become a suspect. Everyone- including Skye- has secrets that will be uncovered over the course of the narrative.

    This thriller is fast moving; many reveals and red herrings- this is a new to me publisher and debut author. Mei was a flat character without a lot of background; Skye had a history. It was easy to keep the characters apart despite a large family, many suspects and different directions. Great for fans of Jason Rekulak, Jeneva Rose, and Riley Sager.

    Thanks to NetGalley and Scarlet publishing for the ARC. Book to be published March 26, 2025.

  • havoc by christopher pollen

    This book is a dark psychological thriller about an 81 year old wealthy American woman living out the pandemic days in an Egyptian resort. Maggie just can’t stop interfering in the lives of the other guests and employees at the hotel. She finds herself surrounded by dear friends and connecting with the front desk manager and a gay couple. However, then a mother and a 10 year old son come to stay, and Otto becomes her bitter enemy. He creates havoc for her, and vice versa.

    This was a much darker read than I typically go for, with an unreliable but likable narrator. At times cringeworthy, the character inner dialogue gets crazier and crazier at the story unfolds. The last 3 pages are a jaw dropper, what a wild ride.

    Although I am more of a happy ending type person, this book was still really well paced and well written. For fans of Steven King.