A Cold Day in Hell by Lissa Marie Redmond

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It gets better toward the end.

Expertly written, I kept thinking whether I should give this four or five stars. I went with four stars because I liked it, but I didn’t think it was amazing. However, this is a strong police procedural, and the writing is good. I thought the trial was long, but this novel is realistic. I wonder who would portray the main character, Lauren, if this were adapted as a movie or TV series.

I liked how this story took place in Buffalo because that’s where I’m from. Although some of it was fictional, it was entertaining. I will read the next book in the series, and there is a cliffhanger at the end of A Cold Day in Hell.

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With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic.

The book cover is great, the title is fitting, and the story is well written. While I prefer clean reads, there was minimal foul language. While this book isn’t perfect, the story picks up around page 75. Before that, Riley Sager takes the time to world-build and provide backstories for the characters. There is horror, but the mystery and thrills are more prevalent in this story. I hope Riley Sager considers focusing more on mystery and thrills in the future.

This novel reminded me of Murder on the Orient Express, Clue, and movies featuring famous actors in train sequences, like Tom Cruise and Liam Neeson. I would consider re-reading this at around page 75 and on because so many things happened. There were a few surprises that kept me engaged while reading.

This is the second book I’ve read from Riley Sager, and I’ll continue to read more. I want to note I enjoyed this novel much more than Survive the Night. I can see this book being adapted into a movie.

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The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Solid.

The Sun Down Motel has plenty of twists and a solid mystery at its core. The book cover is excellent, and it features a few catchy mentions in this book, such as Psycho. The alternating POVs helped increase my reading engagement, and this story flowed nicely. I didn’t enjoy the blaspheming and profanity, but Simone St. James wasn’t overbearing with it.

Overall, it’s a great ghost story that is worth your time for at least one read-through. I will not reread this novel, but you might.

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The Crescent Scar: A Dark Tale of Detectives and Deadly Games by J.T. Ravenwood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A mystery thriller.

The writing is solid, and the story is edited. I enjoyed it and would label this short story as a thriller. The chapter names add another allure to this novella, but it would benefit from giving the characters backstories. For example, more character development would have helped me connect better with the Lieutenant and Carver’s sister, Mia.

The action scenes were crafted well and weren’t rushed. I prefer reading stories without cursing and blaspheming, and while it wasn’t overdone, I saw enough of it where I noticed it bothered me. My reading engagement was high throughout the story. I recommend it and would re-read this story. Hopefully, this will turn out to be a series, chiefly with the conclusion of this story.

The book cover caught my eye; it’s excellent.

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To Build a Fire by Jack London

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Frightening.

You wouldn’t expect a short story thriller about man versus nature to be scary, yet Jack London implemented the fear factor perfectly. I’m impressed with the vivid descriptions and imagery that Jack London could show in this tale. It felt like I was in the Yukon with the man and wolf-dog. Expertly written and memorable. I feel inspired!

I highly recommend To Build a Fire and would re-read it. My reading engagement was high throughout the story, and I’m shocked I didn’t read this sooner. The foreshadowing is superb. I am interested in reading more novels by Jack London.

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A Colossal Injustice

by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.

Giveaway ends January 31, 2025.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

It is perfect for James Patterson and Robert Galbraith fans, as it features alternating POVs and a blend of genres.

The Secret Gift by Daniel Hurst

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Exciting.

Pros:

1. It’s short.
2. The book cover is fantastic.
3. Perfect for the holidays if you’re into thrillers.
4. It’s well-written.
5. It’s edited.
6. It’s realistic.

Cons:

1. I won’t re-read this.
2. The police might be smarter in real life than what Daniel Hurst portrays in this book.

I won’t re-read this short story, but I would be open to reading more books from this author.

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Xmas Break: A Christmas Thriller by J.E. Rowney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It’s better than you think.

Pros:

1. It’s a good read.
2. Several genres are blended into this story, such as romance, thriller, mystery, and horror.
3. The title is fitting, mainly after reading the story.
4. It’s an atmospheric thriller, which I enjoyed.

Cons:

1. I didn’t like the main character, Isla.
2. I don’t like Isla’s name, chiefly when compared to Greg, James, and Clara.
3. I didn’t like some one-liners.
4. Some of the romantic stuff made me cringe.
5. I won’t re-read this.

I’d be open to reading more from this author, but the romantic aspect of this story makes me cringe.

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Carnival of the Dead: Two Paths, One Nightmare: Dual Ending Horror Short Story by Dita Dow

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Excellent.

Pros:

1. Unexpected ending and twists.
2. Dita Dow is a fabulous writer.
3. It’s a short story.
4. Dita Dow edited this book.
5. Despite being a short story, I was content with it.

Cons:

1. None that I can think of.

Dita Dow did a fantastic job with this book. I highly recommend it if you’re into short stories and twists.

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Blonde Rage: A Psychological Thriller Novelette by Brenna Devland

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s OK.

Someone has been murdering blondes in the neighborhood. Will this ever end? Read this book to find out.

Pros:
1. The ending suspense and thrill is huge. I felt my reading engagement increase.
2. It’s a novelette.
3. The book cover is noticeable.
4. There is no profanity.

Cons:
1. The ending left me confused.
2. There is a loose end.
3. The psychological aspect of this novelette is unclear.
4. I do not desire to re-read this book.
5. There were minor formatting errors.
6. Maggie.

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“…a page-turner that will keep you up at night…”
—Reader Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD14P5CH

Read the editorial review here: https://readerviewsarchives.wordpress.com/2023/08/18/the-nocturnal-devil-hernandez-jr/