Tag: Suspense

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

Review: A Most Clever Girl: A Novel of an American Spy by Stephanie Marie Thornton

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: A Most Clever Girl: A Novel of an American Spy by Stephanie Marie Thornton

I started reading Stephanie Marie Thornton’s books years ago and absolutely feel in love with her story telling style! One of the things I found the most compelling was she wrote stories about women in antiquity. Women that wouldn’t be likely to have a ‘story’ that was well known. For example the Empress Theodora and the women of Genghis Kahn. I loved that she took well known women in antiquity, but were unlikely to generate mainstream stories, and then created a story for them. I adored her early books and when I saw that she was making the shift into the more modern era, I was a little sad.

That said, I have read her more ‘modern’ books which, I am happy to report, were all wonderful too! Although I am still waiting for a story about Boudica, but I have loved her modern novels. But this book was one I was looking forward to above all others to date! I have been really enjoying books set in a post WWII world that include early espionage. This book is set a little later than I was hoping (set in 1963) but still compelling in content and espionage!

This is more of a ‘Cold War’ era spy type novel rather than immediate post WWII, but the content and suspense was on fire and I absolutely loved this one! I devoured it in like a day. It was so good and Thornton’s storytelling style just keeps getting better and better. I still have a special place in my heart for the ancient history novels but this more modern novel has a lot to recommend itself!

Continue reading “Review: A Most Clever Girl: A Novel of an American Spy by Stephanie Marie Thornton” →
Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Hank Phillippi Ryan has quickly become a favorite author of mine! I have adored all of her books that I have read and I was super excited to check out her latest novel, Her Perfect Life. One of the things that I have loved about Ryan’s novels is that she always writes compelling female characters that are flawed and complex and this book sounded like it would be right up my alley!

Her mysteries are always a fun read and since Ryan is a former investigative reporter each book has this great investigative quality that feels modern and relevant. Ryan has also won numerous awards and accolades for her mysteries which gives me confidence that her novels are solid and well worth the read.

Not only is Ryan a wonderful writer with great books, she is just a general great human being! She is one of my favorite Tall Poppy Writers that I have worked with in the last few years. She is always so great to work with and I simply just enjoy her as a person and I love how her personality translates into her books. If you are even a little on the fence about reading one of Ryan’s books—just do it already. You won’t be disappointed!

Continue reading “Review: Her Perfect Life by Hank Phillippi Ryan” →
Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Other Me by Sarah Zachrich Jeng

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Other Me by Sarah Zachrich Jeng

Typically I am not a huge sci fi fan. I have tried a few over the years and it’s just not my genre but I don’t mind thrillers that have some sci fi elements. The mashup typically works well for me and I don’t mind branching out and trying something a little on the new side. That was what drew me to this one—that unique mash up of mystery/thriller and sci fi elements.

I don’t know if I will move it to the top of my TBR list, but there is enough here in the description and in some of the early reviews to give me pause and consider a book that might be a little out of my comfort zone. Some early reviewers have called this one a little strange which would normally be off putting, however I think in this context and genre blending, I think it’s supposed to be strange.

If you are looking for a thriller with a different vibe this summer then I think this book could be just what you are looking for. I liked the concept of making a different choice with the life you have versus the one you might have had. I think this book will explore some interesting concepts and have a very unique feel right from the beginning. I am excited to see what people think of this one and of course it’s on my TBR to check out!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Other Me by Sarah Zachrich Jeng” →
Books, Reading

Special Feature: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

There is something about families and marriages that is a magnet for voyeurs. I know my husband and I are equally as guilty of wondering about our friends families and marriages. I think deep down people want to know how their relationships compare to others. It’s practically human nature. Whenever I see books about families and marriages I can barely pass them up!

This one was no different for me. Not only am I featuring this book this month but I also plan to read it this fall. There is something about fall and suspense/murder books that go together so I am saving it for the fall! I have really enjoyed Shari Lapena’s books and I am especially looking forward to this one. Her books are consistently well written and interesting and this one features the added drama of a wealthy family. I am fully anticipating an electrifying book that I will devour!

Today though, I have a short feature for you guys and a bit about the book below. If you are looking for a solid mystery going into the fall then this one should be high up on your list! Early reviewers are loving this one and I cannot wait to start it! Fans of Lapena will surely not be disappointed with this latest mystery novel!

Continue reading “Special Feature: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena” →
Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Re-Share Review: The End of Her by Shari Lapena

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Re-Share Review: The End of Her by Shari Lapena

If you love Shari Lapena, you will not doubt have seen this book and most likely read it already! But if you haven’t it is out now in paperback and I am so excited to re-share my review with all of you guys today! I read it when it first came out last year during all of my extensive COVID reading and found that his book was a wonderful mystery that kept my interest and while I have only read a few books by Lapena, I found that this one was one of my favorites so far!

Shari Lapena is such a talented writer and she consistently churns out well written thrillers/mysteries. And when I say consistently I mean like one a year which is incredibly impressive! I love her writing style and her books always keep my interest so if you are looking for a solid and consistent writer, you cannot do better than Lapena!

I am so excited to re-share my review with you guys for the paperback release and make sure to check out the links below to see where you can snag a copt of this great summer read today!

Continue reading “Re-Share Review: The End of Her by Shari Lapena” →