march roundup: part two
People should not discount Young Adult (YA) novels - these authors are writing for a discerning audience and there are some truly fantastic books out there. One series I really enjoyed was A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and so I was thrilled to read The Reappearance of Rachel Price. It did not disappoint.
I was also super excited about Lucy Foley’s latest (I’m a fan of her books), and I enjoyed how she stayed true to her style while still delivering an original story.
Lastly, I got to read books from two authors I hadn’t read before and they were both intriguing. Read below for my thoughts on all four.
As always, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with these ARCs.
March Roundup: Part Two
A Very Bad Thing
Author: JT Ellison
Publication Date: 9/3/2024
Columbia Jones is everyone’s favorite writer. Talented, charming, and warm, it is no wonder her book tour sells out. It is also no wonder how shocked everyone is when Riley, the writer covering the tour, discovers Columbia, murdered in her hotel room. Who could have wanted her dead?
As Riley and Columbia’s daughter (and publicist) Darian reel from her untimely demise, they start to uncover the many secrets she was harboring before her death. The mysterious life of the writer was far more complicated than anything they could have imagined.
The story is told from different perspectives, mainly focusing on Riley and Darian, and each chapter helps to unravel the many secrets Columbia was concealing. It is a shame Columbia is murdered so early on in the book, as it would have been interesting if the author had chosen to explore the dynamic between Columbia and Darian more. The reader is given a glimpse into a tumultuous relationship, but it is not explored as fully as it could have been. Columbia’s past is what drives the plot, but it would have been interesting to have more of her leading up to the murder.
This is a fun read overall, with plenty of drama and several twists, though some are a little convoluted and Columbia’s connection to Riley is a bit predictable. This would be a solid choice for a beach read.
Return to Midnight
Author: Emma Dues
Publication Date: 8/27/2024
It has been almost ten years since five students were brutally murdered at a small college campus in Ohio. The murders took place in what the media ended up calling the Midnight Murder House, and survivor Margot Davis has been avoiding it ever since that horrible night.
As the anniversary nears, Margot finds herself compelled to write about what took place in the Midnight Murder House, even if it is just to confirm they caught the correct man. To do it justice, she knows she will have to return to the house and look for the answers herself. Of course, soon after her return, she begins receiving threatening notes. Someone does not want her searching for more answers, but how far are they willing to go to stop her?
Overall, this is an entertaining read. Margot is a frustrating character who falls victim to many genre tropes (why is she running down to the basement instead of outside to safety?), but the flashbacks help to build suspense. Additionally, some elements of the book, particularly relating to the surviving roommates, feel a little ripped from the headlines. This could be off-putting for some readers.
This is a fast read and a decent thriller, making it a solid choice for a vacation read.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price
Author: Holly Jackson
Publication Date: 4/2/2024
Bel can’t remember anything about the day her mom Rachel disappeared. After all, she was just a baby left behind in her mom’s car. Bel would like to move on with her life, but when her father agrees to film a documentary about Rachel’s disappearance, Bel again finds herself being asked questions she simply cannot answer. Things get even more complicated when Rachel suddenly and inexplicably reappears.
With her mother back in her life, Bel finds herself overwhelmed by all the unanswered questions. Who took Rachel and where were they keeping her all these years? Can Rachel herself be trusted? It will be up to Bel to run an investigation of her own to unravel the mystery.
Fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will be happy with Holly Jackson’s latest. It is an intriguing mystery where the reader, like Bel, is not sure who can be trusted. Bel isn’t always the most likable, but she has witty moments where she endears herself to the audience, and her extreme distrust of others is fair.
There are some aspects of the book that call for a suspension of disbelief (especially when it comes to the ending), but it is a highly enjoyable need addition from Jackson. It will be interesting to see if Jackson opts for a sequel, as Bel’s story could be further explored.
The Midnight Feast
Author: Lucy Foley
Publication Date: 6/18/2024
Health guru Francesca Woodland has returned to the small town of Tome with plans to turn her father’s estate into a luxury resort. The Manor, as she is calling it, will be what puts her on the map in the world of the elite. The fact no one in town is happy with this turn of events does not faze Francesca, but several people would love nothing more than to see her venture fail.
Told from several different points of view and during different timelines, the reader is given insight into how each character is connected – and how badly most of them are seeking revenge for sins long ago committed. Whatever happens, it is sure not to end well.
Lucy Foley does a great job building suspense with this tale about long-burning resentments and the desire for revenge. While none of the characters are entirely innocent in their actions, there are several who are nonetheless easy to root for while others are easy to hate. Some of the plot points are predictable, but it is a mostly clever mystery, and it would make a solid choice for a book club pick.
Fans of Foley will be satisfied with this book, as it is reminiscent of both The Guest List and The Hunting Party while still feeling fresh and original. As for those yet to discover Foley, there are some similarities to Ellory Lloyd’s The Club, so fans of that book would enjoy this one.
Until next time - cheers and happy reading! Follow me on Instagram for more updates!
