Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen

 

Title: Blind Spots

Author: Thomas Mullen

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: April 4, 2023

A riveting crime novel with a speculative edge about the ways our perceptions of reality can be manipulated.

Seven years ago, everyone in the world went blind in a matter of months. Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating a device that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. But what happens when someone finds a way to hack it and change what people see?

Homicide detective Mark Owens has been on the force since before The Blinding. When a scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, Owens doesn’t believe her―until a similar murder happens in front of him. With suspects ranging from tech billionaires to anti-modernity cultists―and with the bodies piling up―Owens must conduct an investigation in which he can’t even trust his own eyes.

Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown and The Last Town on Earth , delivers an unputdownable crime novel about one man's search for truth in a world of surveillance and disinformation that’s all too recognizable.

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Interesting sci-fi!

In a dystopian world (which hopefully never happens), everyone is blind. Seven years ago, the world went from full vision to complete darkness.

Thankfully, technology stepped in to save the day. Scientists developed an implantable device called the vidder, which is placed in the right temple. This device provides the perception of sight by downloading images directly into the user’s brain. Most people who can afford it rely on it, but criminals are finding ways to exploit it, and some individuals refuse to have anything to do with it.

The story centers on Mark Owens, a detective still grappling with grief after losing his wife, an artist. He was part of the force both before and after The Blinding. He remembers the dark times (no pun intended) when maintaining order often had deadly consequences.

Now, Mark and his partner, Jimmy, are called to investigate a murder. The sole witness, a scientist, claims the killer somehow blacked himself out from her vidder completely. At first, Mark doesn’t believe her—but when he sees it happen for himself, he can no longer deny the terrifying truth.

Who is behind this—and why?

A great (and horrifying) premise for a novel. For someone who loves to read, this scenario is truly chilling. Blind Spots grabbed my attention from the very first page—I couldn’t wait for Mark to piece it all together and uncover who was corrupting the vidder.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLucaBoneyard Key #1

 

Title: Haunted Ever Afte

Series: Boneyard Key

Author: Jen DeLuca

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: August 13, 2024

It's love at first haunting in a seaside town that raises everyone’s spirits from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness. Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning.

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her. And she's catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don't get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing. But Cassie's worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing… and Nick's afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.

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A romance with a side of haunting!

Cassie Rutherford has left her home in Orlando and moved to Boneyard Key, a coastal town in Florida known for its ghost folklore. She scored a great deal on the historic Hawkins House—one thing the realtor conveniently forgot to mention? It’s haunted!

Cassie doesn’t believe in ghosts, but strange things keep happening—like her laptop refusing to stay charged. With no choice but to head to the nearest coffee shop, Hallowed Grounds, she finds herself frequenting the place. At first, she’s not too fond of the barista, Nick Royer, but the more they interact, the happier she is to see him. There’s just one little problem—Nick believes in ghosts… and he might be right after all!

Having enjoyed the Well Met series by Jen DeLuca, I couldn’t pass up Boneyard Key, and it didn’t disappoint. The town was picturesque, and both the main and secondary characters brought plenty of charm. A delightful romance with just the right touch of paranormal intrigue!

I can't wait to read the next one in this series!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Baby X by Kira Peikoff

   

Title: Baby X

Author: Kira Peikoff

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Release Date: March 5, 2024

When any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder—or the craziest stalker—in this propulsive thriller.

With a vivid imagining of the future, _Gattaca _meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s Baby X.

In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create eggs or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.

Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks—discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes—and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip—love or not, his DNA is safe. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.

Brilliantly plotted and terrifyingly prescient, Baby X is an unpredictable and relentless speculative thriller perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and John Marrs.

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A Great Sci-Fi Novel

This futuristic AI world with genetic selection had me hooked from the very beginning.

The story is told through the perspectives of three main women:

-Quinn is a young woman who has become a surrogate. She meets Bob, who recently became a widower after his husband passed away in an accident. When Bob proposes that she carry his baby using the embryos he created with his husband, she agrees.

-Ember has recently decided to open her own business. Her line of work involves protecting famous individuals from having their DNA stolen by "The Vault" and then sold on the black market to the highest bidder. Her first client is none other than the famous singer, Thorne.

-Lily was created the old-fashioned way; she wasn't "selected." She's starting a new internship and is determined to make an impression. She just needs to pitch the next big story to her new boss.

All these women's lives will collide masterfully.

Baby X was so engrossing that I never wanted to stop reading. The novel's futuristic aspects were well-executed, providing readers with intriguing possibilities, such as self-driving helicopters, AI doggies, or the unethical creation of lab babies using cells, hair, or saliva without consent.

I will definitely keep this author in mind for future reads.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

  

Title: Accidentally Amy 

Author: Lynn Painter

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: January 14, 2025

IT STARTED WITH A CUP…

Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person.

But when she’s running late for her first day at a dream job and the barista yells for “Amy” 3x with no answer, she does the unthinkable.

Izzy takes that PSL.

It’s the exact drink she ordered and paid for, only waaaay further ahead in the line, so she mutters “I’m Amy” and grabs the cup.

But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she’s ever seen, spilling the drink all over his GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. Sparks fly and things feel beyond promising until he says the words, “See you tomorrow, Amy.”

Uh, oh – she’ll definitely have to straighten him out the following day.

Only when she gets to her new office and meets the VP of her department, it is none other than Blake Phillips - the hottie from Starbucks. And the man might’ve been charming to “Amy,” but he is an arrogant grump to Izzy, an arrogant grump who does not find her explanation funny at all.

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Cute-meet for sure!

Isabella Shay is at Starbucks, waiting for her pumpkin spice latte, but no one is calling her name. The barista keeps calling for Amy, who just so happens to have ordered the exact same drink. In a split-second decision, Isabella decides to take Amy’s order.

As she turns to leave, she bumps into an attractive man, spilling her latte all over him. They start talking, and a connection develops. But then, Isabella realizes she’s way too late for her first day at work. She hurriedly says goodbye, and the stranger calls after her, “See you tomorrow, Amy.”  Oops.

At work, she’s taken to the VP’s office. Here, she’s introduced to Blake Phillips. He's none other than the guy from Starbucks. And he’s not too happy to find out her name isn’t actually Amy… or that she took someone else’s drink!

Accidentally Amy was such a fun read—exactly what I needed at the time. I ended up really liking both characters and rooting for them to make it work. Plus, the cover was absolutely beautiful!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.s

In the Blink of An Eye by Jo CallaghanKat and Lock #1

Title: In the Blink of An Eye 

Series: Kat and Lock #1

Author: Jo Callaghan

Publisher:  Random House

Release Date: August 6, 2024 

In the UK, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds. Just gone. Vanished. In the blink of an eye.

DCS Kat Frank knows all about loss. A widowed single mother, Kat is a cop who trusts her instincts. Picked to lead a pilot programme that has her paired with AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock, Kat's instincts come up against Lock's logic. But when the two missing person's cold cases they are reviewing suddenly become active, Lock is the only one who can help Kat when the case gets personal.

AI versus human experience.

Logic versus instinct.

With lives on the line can the pair work together before someone else becomes another statistic?

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A refreshing view of a police procedural novel.

DCS Kat Frank is ready to go back to work. She has been on leave after the passing of her husband. She has taken time off to be with her high school-aged son. She is grieving but knows she has to start work to keep her mind entertained, or she will go crazy.

Her boss assigns her to a pilot program. She is going to have the first AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) working with her. His name is Lock. After completing her team, they go to work on solving a couple of cold cases. Then, when they discover the two cases are connected and become a live case, Kat and Lock will have to work together against the clock to hopefully save a kidnapped victim.

I can't believe this was a debut novel by Jo Callaghan. 'In the Blink of An Eye' was engaging, entertaining, and unputdownable. The characters are all fleshed out, and I want to know more about all of them. I love Lock and Kat together. They make an amazing team. It's so interesting how Lock is learning and becoming more. Too bad he isn't human.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. KluneCerulean Chronicles #2

 

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Series: Cerulean Chronicles #2

Author: T.J. Klune

Publisher:  Tor Books

Release Date: September 10, 2024

A magical house. A secret past. A summons that could change everything.

Arthur Parnassus lives a good life built on the ashes of a bad one.

He’s the master of a strange orphanage on a distant and peculiar island, and he hopes to soon be the adoptive father to the six dangerous and magical children who live there.

Arthur works hard and loves with his whole heart so none of the children ever feel the neglect and pain that he once felt as an orphan on that very same island so long ago. He is not alone: joining him is the love of his life, Linus Baker, a former caseworker in the Department In Charge of Magical Youth. And there’s the island’s sprite, Zoe Chapelwhite, and her girlfriend, Mayor Helen Webb. Together, they will do anything to protect the children.

But when Arthur is summoned to make a public statement about his dark past, he finds himself at the helm of a fight for the future that his family, and all magical people, deserve.

And when a new magical child hopes to join them on their island home—one who finds power in calling himself monster, a name that Arthur worked so hard to protect his children from—Arthur knows they’re at a breaking point: their family will either grow stronger than ever or fall apart.

Welcome back to Marsyas Island. This is Arthur’s story.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it.

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"The House in the Cerulean Sea" is one of my favorite books. It was wonderful. Since I love the book so much, I was undecided about reading 'Somewhere Beyond the Sea'. What if it was a bad sequel? Well, thankfully it wasn't. However, it was not as amazing as its predecessor.

We have so many characters returning. Arthur Parnassus and Linus Baker are now an item and are in the process of adopting those amazing magical children. Also, a new child is coming to live with them. He is a Yeti who enjoys theater and who makes you want to protect him.

We also have the "Department In Charge of Magical Youth" sending a new investigator to Marsyas Island to evaluate if Arthur Parnassus can continue keeping the kids around. DICOMY believes Arthur wants to keep the kids and plans to use them to take over the world.

I listened to the audiobook, which I thought was narrated fabulously. I love all the children (especially Luci), and every time they were present, they just made me happy.

So why not a five? I thought the conflict's resolution was just too easy and too perfect.

Would I read another book with these characters? Absolutely!!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey

   

Title: We Three Kings

Author: Kristen Bailey

Publisher: Storm Publishing

Release Date: October 14, 2024

Maggie Field was looking forward to a solo Christmas in her cosy London flat – before her three workmates decided to liven things up for her.

Maggie loves her job as head of IT at a financial firm, and her three geeky but lovable work buddies. And when they invite her to stay with each of them for the holidays, she can’t resist the chance to get to know them better.

But then her boss tells her she has to make one of her beloved team redundant, and Maggie is distraught. Frank’s work is his world, Jasper’s sarcastic humour is everything, and Leo…well, he’s talented, professional, confusingly attractive, dependable, and funny… Maggie definitely doesn’t want to lose him.

With her career and her heart on the line, Maggie sets off on the Christmas adventure of a lifetime, from playing fake girlfriend at a lavish wedding, to rescuing baby foxes on a posh country estate, to chasing a very confused donkey on Christmas Day in the Lake District. She can’t ignore the sparks between her and Leo – but she also can’t avoid her dilemma.

Can she find a way to keep her work family together, and maybe even find true love under the mistletoe?

A hilarious and heartfelt celebration of friendship, workplace romance, and finding where you belong. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O’Leary, this festive rom-com will have you laughing, crying, and reaching for the mince pies.

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Quite is an endearing novel with an awesome narration by Harrie Dobby!

Maggie Field manages the IT team at work. She loves her team which includes Frank, Jasper, and Leo.

It's the end of December, and she has no plans since her parents are on a cruise. To her surprise, each guy invites her to stay with them during the holidays. She will go to a wedding with Frank and fake being his girlfriend. She will go with Jasper and stay at his posh family estate, and then she'll stay with Leo's family before returning home.

Maggie is super excited about joining the guys until she is called to the HR office, where she is told that she needs to fire one person from her team when she returns from the holidays. Maggie has no clue what to do. She loves her team, and lately, she has developed feelings for Leo.

What is she going to do?

Charming and sweet is the best way to describe We Three Kings. Their personalities, mixed with the moments that made me laugh and smile, made it easy to fall in love with Maggie and the three guys.

I will need to check out more of Kristen Bailey's books now that I know I like her style.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

  

Title: The Business Trip 

Author: Jessie Garcia

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Release Date: January 14, 2025

THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women— or what did they do to him?

Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, THE BUSINESS TRIP takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?

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A gripping debut!

Jasmine is a woman on the run. As a waitress without good family support and in an abusive relationship, her only way to gain freedom is to leave her boyfriend while he sleeps.

Stephanie is a news director. She is divorced and doesn't see her son as much as she would like. She is always working, and thankfully, her neighbor, Robert, can take care of her cat while she flies for work. Stephanie wishes for a change in her life. Yet, she is packing for another work trip. This time, it's a conference in San Diego.

Two things these women have in common: first, they both take a flight to Denver and sit in the same row; second, they both meet a man named Trent McCarthy and then disappear after a few days.

What happened to the women?

"The Business Trip" was full of suspense with an intricate plot. It was full of surprises that made the story shine. The only part I didn't like was the last scene. I think it was unnecessary. I also would have liked to see more of Robert. Nonetheless, this novel was a winner.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

 

Title: Is She Really Going Out with Him? 

Series:

Author: Sophie Cousens

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Release Date: November 19, 2024

A hilarious love story about a disillusioned divorcée who agrees to let her children play matchmaker.

Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating. But her office rival is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children.

From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna gamely begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love?

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A romance worth reading!

Anna Appleby is a writer for a news magazine. She has her own column. However, now that the magazine has a new owner, she might lose her job if she doesn't perform well with the readers. This is something she can't afford. Anna is divorced and has two kids, Jess and Ethan, who are counting on her.

Anna pitches a new series of articles. She will go on dates, and her children will be picking the men she goes out with. As a counterpart, her co-worker Will Havers will be writing a column about the women he goes on dates with using an online dating app.

Anna doesn't like Will. She assumes he is entitled and always gets away with everything. But what happens when what you thought you knew is wrong?

As a fan of Sophie Cousens and "This Time Next Year," it was with pleasure that I grabbed "Is She Really Going Out with Him?" This author knows how to write a fulfilling enemies-to-lovers trope. Her protagonists are always relatable. The situations they find themselves in can be embarrassing at times. The humor is always on par. This one had me smiling quite a bit.

Another winner in my book!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by G.P. Putnam's Sons via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Party by A.R. Torre

  

Title: The Last Party

Author: A.R. Torre

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Release Date: August 20, 2024

A loving mother. A notorious murderer. They both have reasons to hide their secrets in a novel of escalating shock and suspense by New York Times bestselling author A. R. Torre.

Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community. Affluent, sociable, and accomplished, Perla plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection. It seems an ideal life, if not for a decades-old crime that has become Perla’s dark and consuming secret obsession.

Twenty-three years ago, Leewood Folcrum confessed to murdering two young girls during a birthday party. Though he’s been condemned to a life sentence, his crime is not forgotten. Not by Perla, nor by an inquisitive doctoral student interviewing Folcrum for his dissertation. He’s getting the killer to open up—about his motives, his confession, and the truth of what really happened on that horrible night.

As the past and the present entwine, the deceptions behind the infamous murder begin to surface. But who’s deceiving who now? And why? And as an ingeniously twisted plan is set in motion, who will be the next to die?

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I'm a huge fan of Alessandra Torre. I love her thrillers and romances. She writes them, and I like them.

"The Last Party" is one of her darker reads.

The main character, Perla Wultz, is obsessed with murders that occurred twenty years ago. The murders were committed by Leewood Folcrum. His daughter, Jenny, who had just turned twelve, was found with her throat slit. Her two best friends were also found murdered next to her.

Perla fantasizes about a life with Leewood, and if getting rid of her daughter and her husband is the way to be free to join Leewood, she is ready to take the next steps.

In prison, Leewood has been silent about the murders for two decades. However, when he is visited by Dr. Timothy Valden, who is interested in knowing what truly happened that night, he keeps bringing him back to taunt him. Leewood is convinced he won't reveal his secrets to this man, although he is intrigued by his resilience.

Sophie is Perla's daughter. She is about to turn twelve. She is looking forward to her party but knows something is going on with her mother.

"The Last Party" begs to be read in one sitting. The chapters fly by. The plot is full of suspense and mystery, and I couldn't wait to finish it to see if I was right.

Cliffhanger: No

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.