Tag: Suspense

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Lat week I shared a special feature for Samantha Downing’s latest suspense novel, Twisted Love Story. So far I have loved Downing’s books and I had no reason to think that Twisted Love Story would be any different. Downing writes such great suspense novels that I couldn’t wait to check this one out and even though my summer reading schedule was really full, I knew I couldn’t pass on this one!

One of the things that appealed to me about this book (besides the fact that Downing was the author) is that the story sounded a little more modern and different. In My Lovely Wife, it was an interesting study in marriage and housewives but this book sounded like it would focus more on the early relationship parts of romance in a way that her other stories might differ. I think this would appeal to a different demographic of reader to some degree and might make it feel a little more ‘modern’ in the process.

I know for me, I am married and the way that I relate to marriages in books (even if they are twisted and insane) is different than someone who is not married so I think this book has the potential to appeal to readers of a different demographic. However, I think the huddled masses of readers will find al to to enjoy in this one—regardless of their season of life!

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

When Samantha Downing made her debut, I knew then that she was going to be an outstanding thriller writer! I loved the book, My Lovely Wife! It was such a psychological read that I read it once when it came out and another time for my book club! I sometimes like re-reading books when they are especially good or when it’s part of a series that has a new book coming out and it’s been a while in between books—–so obviously I don’t do that often so that should be a testament to how much I enjoyed her debut novel!

Then I read her second release—I wasn’t sure if I was going to love it or not. Sometimes the second book can be a little wanting especially if the first debut novel shines bright. I was so thankful that Downing delivered on another well written mystery with her second book—which ended up being another five star review for me! Now this book is coming out and my review calendar if FULL for the month! I choose to do a feature for this one but if it’s anything like Downing’s other books—-I will be staying up late reading it in a matter of weeks once my calendar slows a bit!

If you love a solid thriller, no doubt you have heard of Downing, but if you haven’t read her books yet you absolutely need to! This latest novel promises (as the title implies!) a ‘twisted love story’! Downing DOES twisted love stories so well! I am super excited to share a bit about this book with you all today and make sure to stay tuned for a review in the next few weeks!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Who Cries for the Lost (Sebastian St Cyr #18) by C.S. Harris

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Who Cries for the Lost (Sebastian St Cyr #18) by C.S. Harris

Over the years I have jumped around in the Sebastian St Cyr series, until I finally decided about a year ago to go back and read all the books in order. Some of the books can be read out of order, others not. This book has some carry over from the last book so I would say this is probably not the one to start with if you are new to the series. I have loved this series and I am so glad to see that it’s going strong. If you love historical mysteries but want something with a bit more grit, this is an excellent option.

Every spring I look forward to a new Sebastian St Cyr book. The mysteries are smart, fast paced and enjoyable. I rarely find myself bored with the characters or plot, though some books I like more than others, overall the series is solid. I really like how not fluffy this series is too. The author doesn’t back down from discussing the conditions of the poor in London during this historical time and she also isn’t afraid of discussing some of the more grizzly murders.

If you haven’t yet discovered this series, it’s an absolute must. I have recommended it to many of my friends and family over the last few months. I read all of the books in the series in a matter of a few weeks. They are quick reads that will leave you feeling satisfied and like you just read something intelligent and well researched. Now that I am done with this book, it has a Napoleonic Wars flair and I felt compelled to read more books about France and the Revolution. I love that this book managed to grab my interest in other areas of history too!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Deep Tide (The Texas Murder Files #4) by Laura Griffin

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Deep Tide (The Texas Murder Files #4) by Laura Griffin

I completely binge read all of Laura Griffin’s books late last year into 2023. I fell in love with her fast paced thrillers that also contained some romance to keep things interesting. Needless to say I had this one on my radar for months before it came out. I loved the other books in the series and was excited to see which characters from previous books would get their own story in this one. These books do not need to be read in order but you will see a few familiar characters making appearances thought out the series.

For example, this book features Layla Breda who owns a coffee shop in town and has two brothers who are also cops. The bothers have had their own stories in the series and we have met Layla in passing in other books, but there is nothing from the other books that would impact a new readers experience if they are new to this series. Griffin does an amazing job introducing new stories and bringing in new and old characters without spoiling any parts of other books. If you are a new reader and are worried about grabbing this book and being lost—have no fear you will be perfectly fine jumping around.

One of the things I love most about Griffin’s books is that you never know what you are going to get. Sometimes you might get a serial killer mystery, other times it might be organized crime, while others might include a military coverup. I always feel like I am getting something new and refreshing. I love the excitement that a new Griffin book brings and this one was no different!

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Special Feature: The Seaside Library by Brenda Novak

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There are a few ‘beach read’ authors that I love featuring and reading as the sunshine starts peaking out in the spring and one of them is Brenda Novak! I have enjoyed her books and while she also write holiday themed books, I have a special place in my heart for her summer beach reads. Novak is a prolific writer and has many many many novels under her belt most of which are women’s fiction/romance but some have elements of mystery as well. I am super excited to share this one with you guys today, as it sounds like it’s going to have her trademark women’s fiction/romance blend but also a mystery element.

Plus doesn’t the title, The Seaside Library, sound so fun?! I would read the book just based on the title. Even though the title suggests something light and maybe a bit fluffy, it sounds like this book has a bit more substance than the title suggests. This book also features an old murder so I think there are going to be things that appeal to lots of readers not just fans women’s fiction or beach read fans. There is going to be all that but also romance and a murder mystery angle.

If you are looking for a tried and true author then Brenda Novak is it. She has written so many novels and has a huge fan base, including myself. Whenever I read one of her books, I always find that the books are well written, interesting and page turners. While some I have liked more than others (as have had some of her fans noted) overall I find that her books are always diverting and enjoyable even if I like some more than others. If you are looking for a book for your breach bag this summer, then this book and author might be it! Take a look at this upcoming new release and see what you think!

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