Mind Trap is the second installment in veteran author Matt Cost’s ClayWolfe/Port Essex Mystery series (though each can be read as a standalone). You might also know Cost’s other works, the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series. The author clearly has found a niche in the light mystery/thriller genre, and after reading two of his books I can say the writing reflects that fact. (I reviewed the first book in the series, Wolfe Trap, earlier this year).
Thriller
Review: Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
A gloriously weird little novella!
Review: The Last House on The Needless Street by Catriona Ward
I’ll conclude by saying that I really relished this book for what it was, and if you’re seeking a thriller wrapped in a mystery with a slight dash of supernatural, you’ll find a home in The Last House on Needless Street.
Book Tour: Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi
Shadow Shinjuku is a Japanese crime thriller and Ryu Takeshi’s first published novel. It is so interesting that the synopsis mentions noir, as well, because that was the vibe I got while reading it. I found the combination of urban fantasy, crime noir, and thriller to be fascinating. The book also has some supernatural elements, too, so it is hard to nail this book down to one genre.
Book Tour: Blackcoat by Steve McHugh
Hello and welcome to FanFiAddict’s stop on the book tour for Steve McHugh’s Blackcoat. We want to thank Justine & Timy @ Storytellers on Tour for letting us be involved, and a big shoutout to Steve on his newest release! Below, you will find information on the book and author, David W’s chat with Steve, links so you […]
Review (Physical and Audio): The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess by Andy Marino
Wow. What a novel. The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess is quite unlike anything I’ve ever read.This isn’t a neat little book that will fit itself into your brain with ease; this is a story that will make you uncomfortable, disgusted, sympathetic, and horrified. The pieces of The Seven Visitations of Sydney Burgess come together with jagged edges that are sharp enough to cut.
Blog Blitz Review: My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa
Thank you to Berkley for having me along for their Blog Blitz for My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa! This atmospheric thriller is a slow-build but it had my hair standing on edge for the first half of the novel.
Review: The Body Scout by Lincoln Michel
The Body Scout is my first Lincoln Michel book, and I have to say I was impressed with the writing, for the most part. Lots of intrigue and mystery, and characters with interesting storylines. The author did a great job of catching – and keeping – my interest.
Review: The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
I am so happy to review my second book of spooky season! I want to read more horror/thriller this year, and The Last House on Needless Street is a super creepy book that really hits those Fall vibes right on the head.
I think this book is more thriller than horror, maybe a combination of both (thorror?), though it is more eerie than violent. Which, in my opinion, is much harder to do. Do not get me wrong, I am 100% down with a good slasher (and writing in that styles comes with its own set of difficulties), but making the hairs stand up on someone’s arm with just a description of a scene or person is much more challenging, I think. Catriona Ward does an amazing job of bringing those feels to this book, and that is not surprising. While this is my first of the author’s books, Ward is an award-winning horror author who has several published novels already out in the world.
I am actually not going to talk too much about the book, because I am in super non-spoiler mode on this one. It is such a trip that you really have to experience it yourself, but know this: I heard the hype pretty loudly before reading, and I am always skeptical; but, guess what? It definitely lives up to fanfare. It is just as chillin and thrilling as is its billing. The plot, the characters, the setting… it all comes together in a near-perfect combination that had me on edge until the last word.
I mean that literally, because one of the aspects of this book I was really impressed with was the fact that it felt like it just kept on going. I often watch shows or movies, or, more often, read books that I just do not want to end. This book, while not long by any stretch, left me completely fulfilled, and I think that is due to the way the author unravels everything at the end. The reveals felt very systematic, which I really enjoyed. Not everything was resolved at once; it came a piece at a time. Completing the story in this way allowed me to ruminate on each fragment and chew it 28 times before taking the next bite. This method also gives the reader a cascade of information, one after the other, at the end versus what could have been more of a data dump.
By the way, not to sound like a cliche, but, yeah, Olivia is my favorite character. I know, everyone loves the cat. Olivia is sassy and smart and weird, and really levels up the story with her spunky attitude. You could read this book for Olivia alone and not be disappointed.
The only reason I am not giving the book a perfect rating is that there was one character whose story I would have liked to see go a little differently at the end. But, you are going to have to read it to find out.
It’s spooky season, y’all! Set it off! If you are looking for a great thorror (I have said it twice now, so that officially makes it a thing, right?) to get you in the mood, read The Last House on Needless Street. It has definitely set the tone for me.
Review: The Hollows by Mark Edwards
The Hollows is dark and intricately twisted…so hard to put down that I’m sure it almost needed prising out of my hands. If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise…
Review: Road Out of Winter by Alison Stine
Alison Stine’s Road Out of Winter is one of those rare books that hits the serendipitous sweet spot of right time, right place, right mood—right everything. Almost. It’s a fairly short read, so I fired up my Kindle and went for it, pulled the trigger, ‘cause why not? A couple of days blurred past, and Stine pulled me through a story of rural landscapes full of climate-wrought confusion and dread, human nature’s ugliest sides, heartfelt friendships, physical and mental adversity, and, to my pleasant surprise, genuine hope.
Book Tour: Wolfe Trap (Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Series #1) by Matthew Langdon Cost
WolfeTrap is the first installment in Cost’s Clay Wolfe/Port Essex series. I have to say, I am always down for books like this. It is set in a sleepy, tourist town in the Northeast, which is not only creates a picturesque setting but also always factors into the plot in a really interesting way. I also like the fact that there are a few different plot lines playing out simultaneously, but in a small town like this everything is connected. The mystery is intriguing, and the pieces slowly unfurl to reveal a full picture that details the situation in its entirety.