The Outsider by Stephen King

 

An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively readable stories.

An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad.

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King’s propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face?

Pages: 561

The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor

Welcome to Chapel Croft. Five hundred years ago, eight protestant martyrs were burned at the stake here. Thirty years ago, two teenage girls disappeared without a trace. And two months ago, the vicar of the local parish killed himself.

Reverend Jack Brooks, a single parent with a fourteen-year-old daughter and a heavy conscience, arrives in the village hoping to make a fresh start and find some peace. Instead, Jack finds a town mired in secrecy and a strange welcome package: an old exorcism kit and a note quoting scripture. "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known."

The more Jack and her daughter Flo get acquainted with the town and its strange denizens, the deeper they are drawn into their rifts, mysteries, and suspicions. And when Flo is troubled by strange sightings in the old chapel, it becomes apparent that there are ghosts here that refuse to be laid to rest.

But uncovering the truth can be deadly in a village where everyone has something to protect, everyone has links with the village's bloody past, and no one trusts an outsider.
 

Pages: 333

Finley Donovan by Elle Cosimano

 

Pages: 1,020

"Finlay Donovan is killing it . . . except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay’s life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors. When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation. Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity, and heartfelt moments."

Best beach read I could have taken on vacation. I could not stop reading these and was laughing the whole time. The hilarity with which Finlay gets herself tied up in different crimes, without committing a single one, is amazing. Another author-ception with Finley basing her new block-buster books after her adventures with her nanny (accountant/accomplice) and juggling a single-mother life with pseudo-contract killer reputation. I cannot wait for the next installment after the cliff-hanger at the end.

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

Pages: 288

"The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman's terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who'd happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning-it just happens that one is a murderer."

Author-ception is how I would initially describe this book. It starts out with a letter written to a fictional author by a fan who is writing a mystery novel about an author writing a mystery novel. That layering alone intrigued me but I stayed for the multiple mysteries the different authors were experiencing. It was also interesting to see how authors write things they see in everyday life as inspiration for their books seen both by the author writing back and forth with a fan at the end of each chapter and the characters of the mystery novel themselves competing for who gets to write the quirky neighbor into their novel. I really enjoyed the story overall though the characters read a little flat, the parallel story lines and the mysterious fan correspondence kept me interested.

Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson

Istg if my ship doesn't make it.

JACK THE RIPPER TOUR JACK THE RIPPER TOUR.
Ok so I figured out who did it pretty easily....but I'm also essentially a genius, not to brag.
I love Nate. Like... Precious little writer boi.
I will protect David with my life. I will not be taking criticism. 
I really wanted to throw my phone at the last chapter....There better be another book....
464 Pages

TS Songs: a little bit of The Great War, this is me trying.

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

Do you ever just...meet a character and hate them automatically....because like...Classic narcissist and emotionally abusive. I'd vote him off the island. no questions asked.
I love Arthur and no one can convince me otherwise. He's a cinnamon roll.
I will protect Red with literally everything I have in me. I've already started knitting her a comfort blanket because reasons.
*Red: experiences something traumatic
People around her: shocked that she's have PTSD.
Hey Holly. I need a bonus chapter.
400 Pages

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

 Pages: 325

"Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.... "

My taste usually runs in the sci-fi/high fantasy vein so picking up this mystery thriller is a new experience for me and I have wanted to try a new genre for a while. This definitely kept me reading as bits and pieces of the story were given but did not fit together until the shocking reveal near the end. I did not in any way see what was coming and I read the last bit with my mouth open. I had to stop and think back over the story to see if I could find any hints. The completion of the mystery definitely makes this worth the read.

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

 

The dead don't talk. I don't know why. But they do try to communicate, with a short-order cook in a small desert town serving as their reluctant confidant. Sometimes the silent souls who seek out Odd want justice. Occasionally their otherworldly tips help him prevent a crime. But this time it’s different.

A stranger comes to Pico Mundo, accompanied by a horde of hyena-like shades who herald an imminent catastrophe. Aided by his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, and an unlikely community of allies that includes the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Odd will race against time to thwart the gathering evil.

Pages: 446 

You'll Be the Death of Me by Karen M McManus

 
I'm just...like...concerned
Me: 

I have theories and then those theories have more theories.
fjkldsafjaksl the characters. the growth. the trying to be better people. Like. Just. Gah. 
336 Pages

As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

Alexa play Dead Girl Walking
Me and my love of Criminal Minds making me feel real smart rn. 

Alexa play "No Body, No Crime"

I love Robbie. I know we know this. But still
Friendship is magic.
I'm just gonna go cry...because the ending. I'm screeching.
464 Pages

The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

Hey look, the title.....also I'm worried for the safety of children
If Stevie and David don't end up together because of the camp guy (because I am always suspicious and afraid of love triangles happening because time has not been kind to me) I will riot. [I have no evidence that Stevie and camp guy will even be a thing. I have one text message]
Oh sweet baby yoda.
she effind dead
she ran into my knife
I love Nate. I love him so much. He is me.
fdksalfjlkasjfdklasjfdklsjadflsjal
I was expecting it to be darker, but you know. I'm cool with it. 
400 Pages

A Giant List

 I've finally gotten back into the swing of things reading-wise, so here's a giant list of my reads!

I was kind of disappointed in this one. It was advertised to me as a spooky haunting book, but ended up being more of a murder mystery. Definitely threw in some twists and turns I didn't expect though! 

Pages: 384

Love the series so I had to delve into the books! And...it's super slow. Granted this is the first in the series so it has to set up quite a lot, but considering the pace of the show, I expected more monster fighting. I'll continue the series for sure. 

Pages: 420

Another book I started to read because of the show. Was not disappointed in this one; had everything I wanted: humor, romance, and an adorable family. 

Pages: 384

I love the Bridgerton family, every scene with all of them together is hilarious and endearing. Add in Kate and her family, perfection. 

Pages: 354

I have read many an Alison Weir nonfiction book on British royalty, so I was really happy to see her get into the historical fiction game. This first one tells the story of Henry VIII's first queen (and most awesome in my opinion). Her story ends sadly, but can't deny that she was a strong woman. 

Pages: 602

Ah, the much debated Anne Boleyn. She is so interesting and gets a bad rap. She definitely didn't deserve the end she got, but when you play the game of thrones, you win or you die I guess. 

Pages: 544

This was a fun summer read and I really liked the characters! I did get taken out of the story quite a bit by the writing (holy similes Batman!) but I believe it was a first book, so I'll give the author a break for that one. 

Pages: 336

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson

So Pip deserves the world and she deserves a nap.
And I love Ravi. He's a cinnamon roll.
Ok but Pip's development and how that is going to play out in the next book....
416 Pages

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman

I am so stressed out and worried for the children.
Like this whole situation is giving me a panic attack...All of the tension.
Ok but all of the Mean Girls vibes. With some Heathers and Pretty Little Liars thrown in. 
All of this hazing is giving me anxiety...
Not saying I called it, but I called it.
Hey look. There's the title.
336 Pages

December Hodge Podge

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

This book was SO. AMAZINGLY. AWESOME. I could not put it down! Feminist dystopia, a suffocating religion, vengeful witches in the wood, curses and escapes and dungeons-- Okay, I have to stop. Just go read it, especially if you like the Handmaid's Tale or fantasy horror. 

368 pages

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix

Dude. The writing. I could feel myself being crushed by the walls of a cave. And such creative settings! Heavy metal bands fit so well into horror, but Hendrix also highlights the horror of materialism and the distractions of the modern world. I need to read more of his books!

336 pages

Read Harder Challenge #22

Chapel of Ease by Alex Bledsoe

The fourth Tufa novel, and still going strong. It's nice that for once we get a non-straight Tufa-human couple. I want to watch a hillbilly fairy musical. They never tell us what's in the box! Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

320 pages

The Dollhouse Family by M.R. Carey, Peter Gross

Creepy dolls are one of my favorite horror tropes because I find them genuinely scary. But the dolls here aren't the really creepy part. A demonic dollhouse is overly possessive of its family, chasing them across generations. A fun read, good for a rainy afternoon.

160 pages

Daphne Byrne by Laura Marks, Kelley Jones

The Spiritualist movement of the 19th century has long interested me. Yes, lets manipulate people's grief so we can be parasites on society. This story just throws some actual demons in.

160 pages

The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

It's long, but the payoff was worth it! I really didn't know much about turn of the century labor movements, and this got me interested in looking up and reading more. Elizabeth Gurley Flynn deserves more recognition, and I'm tempted to track down some of her writings. The parallels in this novel to inequalities to today make the setting feel even more real. Very well written historical fiction!

352 pages

Come Back to Me by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti

Not the best Wonder Woman comic, but enjoyable. Starts off as standard Wonder Woman fun, ends up in some weird dinosaur time travel space stadium mess. Definitely better WW comics out there. 

160 pages

Educated by Tara Westover

This one stuck with me. I still think about it, and I read it weeks ago. An amazing memoir about a girl who never went to school, then entered college and went on to get her PhD. Her childhood memories are disturbing and tragic. The conflicts with her family in the fallout are relateable.  Reminded me of a lot of my dreams, and it has definitely got me thinking. 

352 pages    

Read Harder Challenge #12

Attack on Titan Volumes 4/5 by Hajime Isayama

 

This series. So good. More Titan lore, More epic 3D battles, more chaotic fights. The story is too good, a blend of mystery, thriller, fantasy, and of course, horror. 

388 pages (194+194)

In Mad Love and War by Joy Harjo

This is one of her earlier collections, and I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Certainly quality, it makes you slow down and savor each line. Sometimes you have to reread the stanzas again and again for them to sink in.

79 pages

No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

A collection of her speeches, so definitely a bit repetitive. The message is clear though, and I hope we are not too late to act. We only have a few years left, but we seem to be making the problem worse, not better. Tragedy of the Commons combined with Toxic Individualism just leads to ecological destruction. And really, it's not a money problem. It's an accountability problem.

80 pages

Read Harder Challenge #15

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

I love how Brosh is so funny even when talking about horrible things. I was getting weird looks from Matt because I was just sitting on the couch laughing my head off. That poor grocery clerk. That creepy neighbor kid needs some friends. I too identify with the balloon. Definitely check out her comics if you haven't. They will brighten your day!

528 pages

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I have heard so much hype around this book, and I finally got around to it. Very much a thriller where you have to slowly piece the puzzle together. Still didn't expect that ending, love the added psychological dimensions. I was racing through this one.

336 pages

The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe

Little tidbits of wisdom, tied into the different characters of the Star Wars universe. The illustrations are just too cute!

80 pages

Steve Trevor DC Comics

This was a really cool collection of Wonder Woman comics featuring Steve Trevor. It includes the very first issues, the strange "New" look where she loses her powers from the 60's, and the great Perez issues from the 90's, as well as a handful of recent ones. Fun to see how her character has evolved over the years.

232 pages

The Factory Witches of Lowell by C.S. Malerich

This was a very fun historical fantasy novella, wherein a mill girl strike is aided by just a bit of magic. I thought it was an amazing setting, and I loved the sapphic side-romance. I was so enthralled I read this in one sitting. I never knew about brown lung and the stuffy fibrous airways which lead to untimely death for many women. Using the breath and blood you've poured into your looms to stop all work? Talk about seizing the means of production! I only wish this book was a bit longer to flesh out all the characters. 

128 pages

The Cowboy Meets His Match by Jessica Clare

I have never read a cowboy romance. I don't feel like I was missing much. I know a lot of readers love them, but they are just not for me.

301 pages

Read Harder Challenge #14

Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill, Leomacs

This comic is so good. Norse mythology, zombie heads, corrupt small town government, and a brave female protagonist totally dominating. The drawings are emotive, the colors dark yet colorful. A must read horror comic! 

184 pages

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider

I'm a librarian. I can't resist book humor! Snider's comics are always clever.

128 pages

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

.....These idiots.... How can they be so stupid....Define the relationship, y'all. This would save so much angst.
I'm just gonna be a blushing mess over here. I'm fine.
Y'all..... The classic fanfic trope that kills me every time it happens... It happened...
These dodos caring more about the well-being of the other.... Don't mind me; I'm just crying about sacrificial love...
The horse is the third wheel... or is Britta the thrid wheel? The world may never know.
Ok but the line where Britta thought about how she actually wanted people to like her, and that she was kind of lying to herself when she pretended that what people said about her didn't hurt....That hurt. I did not sign up to be attacked like this.
416 Pages

The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson

I still love Nate and his sense of humor..
David is such a little ish...somehow his dad is super relevant...for no reason whatsoever....
...I just realized that the name Alice is a combination of Albert and Iris..... Al(bert)(Ir)is.... Way more classy than Stephanie Meyer's Rennesme.

Stevie:

I'm crying. I have feelings.
"Are you trying to make me emotion" Same.
Moose.
400 Pages