Mystery

Book Of The Week: A Lesson In Vengeance

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“Once upon a time I found it so easy to forget the stories about Godwin House and the five Dalloway witches who lived here three hundred years ago, their blood in our dirt, their bones banging from our trees.”

A year after the tragic death of her girlfriend, Felicity Morrow is back at Godwin House trying to make sense of everything that happened. She still resides in the room that is rumored to be haunted by the five Dalloway witches died under mysterious circumstances. Felicity isn’t going to let some ghost story bother her and throws herself into her school work and leaves her dark past behind her or so she thinks. When the charismatic and lively, Ellie Haley arrives on campus for her first year, Felicity finds herself dawn to the eccentric girl who has already amassed a following. Ellie is working on her second novel and wants Felicity’s help with uncovering what happened to the Dalloway sisters. Felicity knows what dangers lurk in the shadows but she can’t help herself feel drawn to Ellie in more ways than one. But, history will reveal itself not only with the Dalloway sisters but within herself.

This is dark academia done right. This is a haunting and dark mystery thriller that will keep you turning the page in anticipation. It will also fill you with doubts about what is really going on and have you second guessing until the end. If you like mystery and suspense thriller, then you should check this out. I was blown away by the writing as Lee was able to craft an haunting yet beautiful atmosphere that made you feel like you were a part of it. The writing along with the characters were the best parts of the book as I felt Felicity, Ellie, and the other girls were well written with unique and interesting personalities. There were a few times I was annoyed by Ellie but I did enjoy her for the most part and I think it was part of her character as a budding novelist who has hundreds of people following her. Plus, she was young so I feel that was very in character although annoying.

I don’t think this should be considered as fantasy but more supernatural thriller, there really isn’t a fantasy element to it. Overall, a very haunting mystery that will keep you guessing from page to page so I would definitely recommend this.

Book of The Week: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Series

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Book: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder series by Holly Jackson

Rating: 4/5

Before I get into talking about the series, I just wanted to preface this and say I finished these books quicker than I expected. This series is fantastic. From the plot, characters, writing, dynamics between the characters, pacing, and atmosphere, it was done really well. I had heard from a few people that the series was fun, easy to read, entertaining, and a true mystery but I didn’t expect it to be so good.

The series main protaganist, Pippa Fitz a high school student who isn’t so sure that Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Sighn even though everyone says he did it. Pippa is determined to solve the case herself and use it as a class project for her senior year but the more she tries to uncover, the more danger waits in the darkness. Pippa begins to find that there are more questions than answers and someone is desperate to keep those secrets kept hidden. The more Pippa digs, the more dangerous it becomes and those close to Pippa are worried that she could be next.

The first book did a great job at setting things up for the next two books but the way the pacing was done really helped. It was right in the middle, not too slow and not too fast. The second and third book were just as good as the first one and I’m sad that it’s over but I couldn’t put the books down. It was a such a nail biter to the end as I felt like the twists, jumps, and turns were done so well that you didn’t even seen them coming. I loved Pippa as I found her a very fleshed out well written character who had a good head on her shoulders and wanted to make those around feel safe. She can be a bit brash and acts before she thinks but throughout the series, there is growth to her character that I found believable. I found her interactions with other characters well done and the dynamics were great. The other characters were great, they were all unique and had their own struggles and conflicts especially with Pippa.

The second and third book were filled with just as much excitement, terror, suspense, action, heart-warming moments as the first book which made me happy. As sad as I am that the series is over, I wouldn’t want a fourth book as everything is tied up nicely in the third book and I feel doing a fourth book would slightly ruin the series. It’s good to know when to stop and not drag things out and annoying readers in the process as that can happen. A truly great mystery/thriller series that will keep you wanting more so check it out!!

Favorite Quotes:

“The people you love weren’t algebra: to be calculated, subtracted, or held at arm’s length across a decimal point.”

“But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile. Those lies were allowed.”

“I think we all get to decide what good and bad and right and wrong mean to us, not what we’re told to accept.”

“A quietness settled over the room, a quietness that wasn’t the absence of sound, it was its own living thing, stifling in the spaces between them.”

“But sometimes remembering isn’t for yourself, sometimes you do it just to make someone else smile. Those lies were allowed.” 

The Hand On The Wall by Maureen Johnson

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Rating: 4/5

“Anxiety does not ask your permission. Anxiety does not come when expected. It’s very rude. It barges in at the strangest moments, stopping all activity, focusing everything on itself It sucks the air our of your lungs and scrambles the world.” 

The Plot:

I feel like this book wasn’t very necessary as it couldn’t have been included in the 2nd book, it just felt dragged out and the more scenes that had David, the more I wanted to punch him. I disliked him in the previous books. Stevie Bell now believes Ellington Academy is cursed as three peple are now dead. All three happened at the wrong place at the wrong time. All which happened at the moment of Stevie’s greatest triumph as she has now solved who truly devious is. or that’s what she thought but now she’s not so sure as with the recent events have made it difficult for her to focus on anything. 

The Characters/Writing:

Compiling this is one because I had issues with the characters and the writing in this book. I didn’t like David before but he is utterly unlikeable in this book. There were so many times I wanted to smack him the back of the head especially with how he treated Stevie. With the writing, I felt like some of it was rushed and while the pacing was good, I felt like something was missing. I was a little bummed about not liking this as much.

We Regret to Inform You By Ariel Kaplan

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Rating: 2.5/5
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“Just your friend?”
“There’s no just about being friends.” 

The Plot:

When Mischa Abramavicius, an overachieving star student doesn’t get into any of the universities she applied for, she knows that something isn’t right because how could she not get accepted into these schools. While pondering her future, she decides to take matters into her own hands and find out what happened but the m0re she digs, the more questions she has. Mischa is determined to find out what happened even if it means her own safety.

This plot was interesting at first glance but throughout the book, it starts to become very silly and I for one don’t buy what actually happened. it just felt far fetched to me.

The characters & writing:

The characters needed better development because I couldn’t really connect with any of them. I didn’t see any growth with any of the characters. The writing was a bad in my opinion as there was way too much detail in some parts and not enough detail in other parts. It is fun and cute during some parts but I just couldn’t get into it which sucked but maybe other people will find this more enjoyable than I did.

It happens but onto the next book!

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

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Rating: 4/5

“All the money, all the power—none of it compares to a good book. A book gives you everything. It gives you a window into other souls, other worlds.” 

The Plot:

While Stevie Bell may have solved the murder of her classmate, she now finds herself into a new brew of trouble as strange things keep occurring and before she can investigate, her parents pull her out of the academy for her own safety. They want her to move on from this obsession and focus on other things but Stevie feels isolated, disconnected, and alone. To add insult to injury, she finds herself thinking of David, the boy she kissed but also the boy who lied to her. Stevie doesn’t want to ever seen him again but when David’s father, Edward King makes a visit and wants Stevie to come back to the school to make nice with David. He tells her that he’s in the middle of a campaign and can’t afford for David to cause any trouble. If Stevie is there, he will make nice.

The prospect of returning to Ellington Academy is to exciting to turn down as Stevie knows she’s close to solving the murder. But, the path to truth is much more dangerous than before and Stevie must be careful or she could be next.

This novel takes a very unexpected turn that I didn’t see coming, I nearly gasped and threw my book but I loved it at the same time. The plot is what I love the most as it’s unique, entertaining and keeps you guessing what will happen next.

The characters:

So much growth for Stevie, I really enjoy her as a protagonist. She’s very real and relatable and I loved seeing her grown as a character. I felt for her when she was back home and feeling disconnected from everything as that can be really difficult and in addition to that, she felt hurt by David. I can’t say that I blame her for being hurt that he lied to her as I would feel the same. I already had a feeling that she would seen David soon and while David does improve and grow, I still can’t like him as much I liked Stevie. I did enjoy their banter and the dynamics that they have in this telling but I don’t buy the romance, it’s awkward and feels forced.

The writing:

Johnson’s writing is what I love the most. She knows how to write unexpected twists and turns in a way that you don’t even seen coming until it happens. I really enjoy how she’s able to create an atmosphere that’s so real and she does a great job with the dynamics between the characters. Overall, a very entertaining, edge of your seat thriller that keeps you wanting more!

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing

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Rating: 4/5

“Being loved is one thing, being hated is another, but there is nothing worse than being ignored.” 

The Plot:

For Your Own Good is a wild, campy, vindictive, and murderous tale that follows the lives of students, teachers, and other professionals at the prestigious, famed, wealthiest Belmont Academy. Teddy Crutcher is a dedicated, hard working, by the books and willing to do anything to help out his students even if they don’t ask him to do it. Soon, the school is thrown into a tailspin when a parent is found murdered. While this would cause concern for any rational person, Teddy isn’t too bothered by nosy students. He’s more concerned with helping his students tap into their potential and wishing that his fellow staff, administrators, and other school personnel started treating him like the gift that he is and stayed out of his way.

The Characters:

Teddy is an unbelievably entertaining main character with flaws and all that make you love and hate him at the same time. His teaching methods are less than conventional but he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the best out of his students even if that means going a little too far. While Teddy is the main focus on the book, there are other characters who you hate and love at the same time. The way the characters are written adds to the devious and dark plot and also makes you question them but Teddy is the person you question the most. He’s so bad but you can’t help but love him.

The Writing:

This the first book by Downing that I’ve read so I didn’t know what to expect but she’s very good at describing the atmosphere and setting the tone. While I did like the different POV’s, I wanted to know more about Teddy and why he was the way that he was and also felt like there way too many chapters. Some of the chapters could be condensed because I felt like I was never going to finish it. So, it took away from my excitement by the end of the book and I didn’t feel as gratified as I wanted to feel. Downing also excels with keeping you on your toes with the twists and turns that you read throughout the book and that’s always a plus in particular for me. I get bored with predictable twists and turns and lose interest but the way they are written is very well done.

Final Thoughts:

Even with the unnecessary chapters, this is a fun, wild, and entertaining ride that will you leaving you wanting more. It’s dark, devious, hysterical, and will to make you second guess the twists and turns. It will also make you wonder who will win at the air as the way Downing writes it leaves it up in the air.

Book Of The Week: Truly Devious

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I have decided to do more than book reviews on this blog and I’m excited to start a book of the week meme. Every Sunday, I will pick a book that I’ve recently read and stood out to me and I will share what’s it’s about, what I liked and didn’t like, the characters, quotes, and who I think would enjoy it.

The Plot:

So I’m delighted to share the pick for this. Truly Devious is a young adult mystery series by Maureen Johnson. The series is made up of four books with the last book being released this year. It follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast starting her first year at famed and exclusive Ellington Academy where she is determined to solve the mysterious disappearances of the wife and child of founder, Albert Ellington. The only clue that was left was a dubious mocking riddle signed by Truly Devious, the case would go down as one of the greatest unsolved crime in history. But solving the case isn’t the only thing Stevie struggles with, she’s also dealing with the rigorous new school life and find common ground with her roommates.

As she gets adjusted to that new life, strange things begin happening and Truly Devious has made them their return as a classmate of Stevie is found murdered. Although cautioned to stay safe, Stevie throws herself into the investigation and must rely on her survival skills or she could be the next victim.

The characters:

One of the pros of the book are the characters as they were well written, unique, and the dynamics between them felt very real. Stevie is a fun and quirky protagonist and I found myself relating to her throughout the book especially with her true crime obsession. But, she was also self-aware, competent, and had a great attitude and head on her shoulders. Her best friends, Janelle and Nate were pretty great as well and I loved the dynamics between the three. I wasn’t too crazy about David, he was kinda annoying and while I guess you could call him the love interest, this isn’t a heavy romance story. I couldn’t really feel out his character and if he truly liked Stevie or he was using her.

The writing:

While I did enjoy the pace of the writing, there were parts where it was slow. But, for the most part I felt like the writing fit the scene. Sometimes I struggle with dual timeline books but the way the scenes from 1938 were written didn’t take away from the present day scenes and I think added depth to the story. What I truly loved about the writing is how Johnson cracks up the heat and you don’t notice it until it’s too late. I felt like the twists and turns were done really well and kept me on the edge of my seat. You also can’t tell if the the killer from the 1930’s has returned or if it’s someone else and that was also suspenseful and kept me wanting more.

Overall, Truly Devious is a fantastic murder mystery with well written and complex characters, an interesting plot that will keep you wanting more, and set you up to anticipate book two with delight. I’m glad that I finally got the chance to read this book and I have already finished book 2 so hopefully before the end of the month, I will have read them all. Check it out!

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

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Rating: 3/5

“After all, everyone’s entitled to be the hero of their own story. So I must be permitted to be the hero of mine. Even though I’m not. I’m the villain.”

Mariana Andros is a troubled but brilliant therapist trying to heal herself from the death of her husband while living living in London. She becomes fixated on The Maidens, an all female secret society and the man they adore Edward Fosca. The professor is adored by the students and staff alike but Mariana is convinced that he’s no good and her suspicions are heightened when a member of The Maidens, is murdered. Not only was she a member of the group but also a friend of her niece, Zoe. Mariana is determined to find out the truth but soon she finds herself in more trouble than she bargained for.

I will admit that I did not enjoy this book as much as I wanted to and it’s a shame. I was first introduced to Michaelides when a friend recommended The Silent Paitent and I loved it so I started following him. When I first heard about this book, I was excited and intrigued cause it sounded like it was right up my alley. First, the plot was super interesting and intriguing and I liked how it was setting up but then it took a dive that I didn’t see coming in later chapters that didn’t make a lot of sense. I lost interest but was able to finish the book but did enjoy the plot twist but wish the other stuff was executed better. But that’s sometimes how it goes!

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

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Rating: 4/5

Not only do I love a good mystery, I love the surprises that come along the way and this book was definitely packed with them. I didn’t intend to read this book until I heard others talking about how good it was so I decided to check it out. I couldn’t put it down once I started! I was totally spooked by the island and wouldn’t want to be on a island like this anytime soon.

At first, I didn’t know if I was gonna finish it because of how many different characters came into play and not many of them were like-able. But, once I got deeper into the book, the more invested I became more invested. I believe a lot of that has to do with Foley’s writing as I actually felt like I knew the people even if they weren’t very like-able. Hannah and Olivia were my favorites because they were the most like-able out of everyone.

By the end of the book, I was so invested that I didn’t want it to end. This was one of the most satisfying mystery books that I’ve read and I understand why the Goodreads Award as it deserved that. So if you’re looking for a good mystery then I would definitely check this book out.