*Not the tagged book* Embracing the Unknown, a short audiobook featuring Pema Chödrön, explores how awareness of death can help people live more fully and courageously in the present. She delves into topics like the bardo (transitional states), rebirth as a moment-to-moment process, and practical ways to manage fear, grief, and uncertainty in everyday life.

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Indie publisher Bad Hand Books and author Benjamin Percy are collaborating with Stephen King to publish a monthly newspaper called The End Times. A post-apocalyptic newspaper set during the time of The Stand. I love it! The layout was well-designed, just like a traditional newspaper, and the content was captivating. I‘m thrilled that I signed up for this unique reading experience. Details on my blog.

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I suppose because it‘s a novella, the story seemed to take off quickly, and I struggled to focus on the two main characters. It felt rushed. I love stories that immerse me in nature, gradually explore the development of relationships, and leave me feeling warm and fulfilled. This story had those elements, but the hurried pace left me with little emotional impact by the end.

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I enjoyed reading this one. It shares similarities with the first book, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, as it focuses on a specific couple and their dating journey. The narrative revolves around the “will they or won‘t they” theme, but it also stands out for its heavier emphasis on romance and milder mystery compared to the first book.

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While visiting The Poisoned Pen bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona, I stumbled upon a copy of It‘s the End of the World as We Know It signed by Meg Gardiner. Thanks to the incredible booksellers, I was also able to get signatures from Richard Chizmar and Joe R. Lansdale. I wrote about this experience on my blog, which is linked below.

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A delightful novel that focuses on the complexities of family life. I was pleasantly surprised by the humor in the story. Humor is a valuable tool when exploring the intricacies of middle age and family dynamics. I particularly enjoyed the perspective of a newly menopausal mother, which added depth to the narrative. The story beautifully captures the sense of family and the joy of three generations.

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I‘m a huge fan of Fiona Davis and have read all her books. I genuinely wanted to enjoy this novella, but it just didn‘t quite capture my attention. I can‘t pinpoint a specific reason; I just didn‘t feel fully immersed in the story from the start. The narration for Jo‘s character didn‘t resonate with me, which may have contributed to my difficulty in feeling connected to the narrative.

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This is an incredibly beautiful and profoundly moving novel. The sole inhabitants of Shearwater Island faced increasing challenges due to the relentless effects of climate change. It‘s an excellent read for nature enthusiasts, offering beautiful prose and a gripping narrative. It‘s a book that has the power to tear your heart out, but I couldn‘t help but love it nonetheless.

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St. James skillfully weaves together an eerie ghost-story atmosphere with suspense, crafting a haunting narrative that delves into secrets, vengeance, and the women who refuse to remain silent. The motel itself becomes a character in its own right, its eerie ambiance immersing me in the story. The combination of ghostly chills and gripping mystery kept me on the edge of my seat.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it incredibly helpful. It‘s a pleasure to learn about menopause from someone who has personally experienced it. Naomi covers the most common aspects of menopause, and I particularly appreciate her discussion of clothing, makeup, diet, exercise, skincare, and brain health. It was surprising to learn that menopause impacts every aspect of a woman‘s life.

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This spontaneous read, caught my attention amidst a flood of bookish emails. Initially, I was captivated by the story and the journey of Eilis from her home in Ireland to the land of opportunities in America. I became disappointed and frustrated by Eilis‘ passivity, which led her to make decisions I don‘t believe she genuinely wanted. It seemed she was easily influenced and succumbed to pressures.

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Marybeth Mayhew Whalen is a new author to me, and this book stole my heart. Despite the challenging subject matter of a child missing for 21 years, I found myself engrossed in the story. The book is narrated from the perspectives of four people close to the child at the time of his disappearance. The portrayal of the grief, regrets, and secrets of each character was impeccable.

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This was just okay for me. I struggled to connect with the story and found the writing unimpressive. It‘s not uncommon for short stories to fall flat for me, but this one nearly caused me to give up. I only finished it because it was so brief. I‘ve learned that Allende‘s writing simply isn‘t for me.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors James Dodson, Heather Gudenkauf, Vanessa Lillie, and Danielle Valentine engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this well-crafted crime thriller. Sydney Livingstone, a former professional tennis star, trades the spotlight of the court for the shadows of a quiet Northeast Ohio town as a detective. Her hopes for a peaceful life with her tennis boyfriend are shattered when a vigilante takes justice into his own hands by killing former defendants acquitted of murdering their spouses.

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I was completely unprepared for the level of creepiness that this story unleashed upon me. A family of strangers is merely the initial layer of this unsettling narrative. It delves deeper into psychological delusions, the supernatural, and the classic setting of a haunted Victorian house. It was an excellent book.

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‘Christine‘ is the November selection for my in-person Constant Reader book club. I‘ve seen the movie countless times and first read the book in 2018. While I enjoy watching the movie, I find that the book offers a more profound exploration of Christine‘s former owner, Roland D. LeBay‘s, life and family. The horror scenes in the book are far more intense, and the ending is much more suspenseful.

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*Not the tagged book* ‘Dietrich,‘ a short story, by Don Winslow is set during the summer of 1977 in New York City. Homicide detective Richard Dietrich, weary and on the brink of burnout, is assigned to investigate a brutal mob hit that his superiors are desperate to bury. I love how Winslow surprises me with his unexpected conclusions, and this one was particularly captivating!

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A historical novel that intertwines World War II intrigue with a modern quest for justice. Set in 1940s Paris, it follows young Colette Marceau, inheriting her family‘s centuries-old tradition of jewel theft from a lineage of outlaws. The story transitions between her wartime upbringing and her present day as an octogenarian, creatively blurring the moral lines of theft.

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A chilling psychological thriller that delves into the events that unfolded when three 12-year-old girls ventured out to an abandoned rail yard in the dead of night. Tragically, one was found alone and severely injured, while her friends were nowhere to be found. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, including diary entries and police reports.

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*Not the tagged book* Master storyteller Don Winslow‘s short story, ‘The Heron,‘ masterfully blends crime, dark humor, and revenge in his signature gritty style. The story follows a big-city accountant, nicknamed “The Heron,” who seemingly leads a quiet life near San Diego. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he suspects a hitman may be after him due to his boss‘s suspicion of him stealing.

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I don‘t think there‘s a book title that better describes my life preferences. ‘I‘d Rather Be Reading‘ has been on my radar for a while now. It‘s a charming collection of essays that celebrates the joys and quirks of being a book lover. Ann explores the magic of getting lost in a great story, the chaos of overflowing bookshelves, and the personal connections forged through reading.

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*Not the tagged book* Set in the sun-bleached world of San Diego‘s surfing community, ‘Downward Facing Doug‘ by Don Winslow follows Doug, an accountant trapped in a soul-crushing job at a payday loan office. Married to his belittling wife, Carli, Doug finds solace in catching waves at dawn. However, a minor wipeout collision with another surfer ignites a brawl that Doug never anticipated.

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This book was recommended to me while visiting a bookstore in a nearby small Kentucky town. It piqued my interest in the history of the town and the accompanying photographs. It wasn‘t a book I chose for its writing, but rather for the stories. It recounts its origins, rise to prominence in the bourbon industry, notable downtown businesses and mansions, and some wild stories.

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*Not the tagged book* ‘Free Billy,‘ a short story by Don Winslow, follows Billy, an eccentric character who has discovered a way to live life without spending money. He indulges in hotel buffets, takes advantage of self-serve fast food drink stations, uses beachside showers, and sleeps in his van. Billy‘s desire to change his life leads him to seek a sugar mama.

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‘Tell Me Lies‘ by J.P. Pomare is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the intricate complexities of family dynamics and deception. Margot Scott, a Melbourne psychologist, believes she‘s constructed an ideal life until a troubled client‘s session takes a sinister turn, leading to a chilling accusation that threatens to shatter everything she holds dear.

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*Not the tagged book* The book cover of ‘The Chateau‘ by Avery Bishop piqued my interest, and I read the description before immediately adding it to my Audible library. I thoroughly enjoyed the elegant setting of the chateau, the serene lake, and the surrounding hiking trails created a captivating atmosphere. The murder mystery was intriguing and had an unexpected conclusion.

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The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, has released his fifth novel, titled ‘King Sorrow.‘ I eagerly preordered a signed first edition copy through Joe‘s home-based independent bookstore, Water Street Books, located in Exeter, New Hampshire. I‘ve shared some details, photos, and his interview on CBS Saturday Morning on my blog.

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It‘s always a delight to receive signed copies of John Grisham‘s new books from Square Books. Grisham recently released his first whodunit thriller, titled ‘The Widow.‘ I eagerly preordered my signed, first edition copy from Square Books, an independent bookstore located in Oxford, Mississippi. I can‘t wait to immerse myself in this novel!

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*Not the tagged book* This was another fantastic short story by Don Winslow! Set in Rhode Island in 1970, the story of ‘Oregon‘ revolves around five close best friends. These high school friends share a common goal: to escape the Vietnam draft by going off the grid before turning 18. To achieve this, they raise money by selling marijuana and plan to move to Oregon to open a commune.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Lou Berney, Kristen L. Berry, Kelly Mustian, and Chevy Stevens engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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C.J. Tudor‘s writing prowess shines through in her ability to craft a dark and suspenseful horror story. This was a slow-burn experience that demanded patience as the puzzle pieces gradually came together. The wait was absolutely worth it, as the story delivered a series of chilling twists and turns at the end. The conclusion was perfectly suited for such a dark and eerie horror tale.

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Carley Fortune‘s storytelling talent shines through in this book. I genuinely adored the characters and the nostalgic lakeside setting. The emotional, character-driven narrative captivated me, leaving me with a heartfelt story that delves into themes of love, regret, and second chances. Narrator A.J. Bridel did an excellent job bringing the characters and their story to life.

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Since Freida McFadden is a busy person, juggling her roles as a doctor, writer, and mom, she doesn‘t often host author events. As a result, purchasing a signed copy of one of her books has been a challenge for me. I subscribe to The Poisoned Pen newsletter, and I was thrilled to learn that they had a few signed copies of Freida‘s new book, The Intruder. I couldn‘t resist!

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T.J. Newman‘s storytelling prowess is truly remarkable. From the very first moments, Drowning gripped me, leaving me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to blend raw human emotion with thrilling suspense is nothing short of magical. She not only crafts heart-pounding scenes but also develops human characters with such depth and emotion that I can‘t help but empathize with them.

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This chilling supernatural thriller unfolds on a stormy night at a seemingly ordinary roadside motel. The narrative follows a struggling author who finds himself stranded there after his car runs out of gas. Initially, the story captivated me with its intriguing premise and thrilling plot. However, the ending left me feeling cheated, as it left unresolved plotlines and ambiguity.

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I absolutely loved this masterpiece from the very beginning. The haunting Cornish moors, the menacing atmosphere of the inn, and Mary Yellan‘s fierce determination drew me into a vivid world of smuggling, secrets, and suspense. Du Maurier‘s lush prose and masterful ability to build dread made every twist and turn thrilling, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

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Peter Swanson‘s Kill Your Darlings is a masterful reverse-chronology thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic marriage. The domestic suspense explores buried secrets, corrosive guilt, and twisted vengeance in his signature style of psychological tension and ingenious twists. Steven Weber‘s narration was fantastic, and he has become a favorite narrator for me.

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Halloween season is the best time of year to find Edgar Allan Poe books and novelty items. The latest addition to our Poe book collection is a charming book titled, ‘Poe Knows: A Miscellany of Macabre Musings.‘ It‘s an illustrated compilation of 200 quotes that showcases his wit and wisdom in bite-sized pieces. I also found a beautiful book-shaped ceramic planter. My blog has all the details.

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For me, the novella, The Housemaid‘s Wedding, was an essential addition to the Housemaid series. I became deeply invested in the characters, and it was important for me to know how Millie and Enzo‘s wedding would unfold. As expected of McFadden, the novella seamlessly blends her signature suspense with heartwarming romance.

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“No Exit” by Taylor Adams was excellent—tense, twisty, and impossible to stop listening. The unique aspect of listening to audiobooks is that I don‘t always know how much time I have left in the book. Many times, I thought the story was nearing its end based on the unfolding events, but I was always pleasantly surprised by the unexpected twists and turns.

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I‘ve been seeing a lot of praise for the Dream Harbor series over the past year, and I decided to finally dive in and see what all the fuss was about. I enjoy cozy mysteries, but I‘ve never read a cozy romance mystery. I found this one to be okay, but not exceptional. I enjoyed the setting of the small town, the autumnal atmosphere, and the characters.

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*Not the tagged book* “How to Survive Menopause” is a hilarious and candid Audible Original production, meticulously adapted from Samantha Bee‘s renowned one-woman off-Broadway show. She delves into the often-taboo realm of menopause, sharing her raw and emotional journey through hot flashes, night sweats, rage, and beyond.

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This is my second time reading “The Long Walk” because it‘s the October selection for the in-person Constant Reader book club I belong to. Sadly, my opinion of this book has diminished compared to my initial reading. The plot and ending are excessively ambiguous to my liking. I enjoyed the contestants and appreciated the significant toll the walk took on the characters, both physically and mentally.

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Set in Melbourne during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Home Before Night” is a psychological thriller. Residents are ordered into an 8 p.m. curfew and lockdown. When single mother Lou‘s teenage son fails to return home, her anxiety escalates as his phone goes silent and his social media remains dormant. While this may not be my favorite Pomare novella, it‘s still a compelling story.

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*Not the tagged book* I‘m a big fan of Don Winslow‘s books, and I find him exceptionally talented at writing short stories. I acquired the novella, Deep Hole, through my Audible membership. Ed Harris provides an excellent narration.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Lyn Liao Butler, Lisa Gardner, Eliza Reid, and Francesca Serritella engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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The Perfect Marriage delves into the intricacies of a seemingly perfect relationship that‘s tested by secrets and suspicion. The thrill and suspense in this book were exceptional. I was quickly captivated by the story and couldn‘t put it down. The ending was unexpected and cleverly crafted.

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While I was aware of the basic premise—a woman may have killed her best friend, but she has no memory of that night—I was completely unprepared for the unexpected twists and turns that awaited me. To my surprise, I found this book incredibly hilarious! Despite my appreciation for dark humor, the story also features a genuinely captivating murder mystery at its core.

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I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Story She Left Behind,‘ particularly the well-developed characters and the picturesque settings. From the very first few minutes of listening to this audiobook, I was certain that I would fall in love with it. Henry is an exceptionally gifted storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate reading her backlist titles.

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