The Minotaur Sampler, Vol 21 (NetGalley ARC, pub 2/3)

The Minotaur Sampler, Vol 21 (NetGalley ARC, pub 2/3) ⭐⭐⭐ Another collection of new mystery/thrillers. I sampled the following excerpts: The Break-Up Retreat by Camilla Sten - definitely spooky and suspenseful, but the main character felt unrelatable which was a turnoff. Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan - creepy vibes but also kind of sad. Possibly animal cruelty. Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox - this didn’t grab me much. But I liked how the end of the last chapter from the excerpt was a bit of a teaser that would have kept me reading if I had the full book. Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead - the writing style for this one didn’t work for me. Killer Vibes by Jack Friday - I already have the ARC for this from a word of mouth recommendation and so it was fun to read through the initial teaser, which went in some unexpected directions already. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman

Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman (NetGalley ARC, pub 5/5) ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫The story felt slow paced for me for about the first third, but it was intriguing enough with excellent writing to keep this impatient reader going. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the setting and the second half was fast-paced enough to keep me turning pages quickly to uncover the story's resolution. It looks like this may be the first in a new series which I would definitely read more of. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Double Shadow by Andrew Ludington (Splinter Effect #2)

Double Shadow by Andrew Ludington (Splinter Effect #2) (NetGalley ARC, pub 4/21) ⭐⭐⭐⭐This was a bit slow for the first 25% and then started to pick up and engaged me a lot more. A lot of the ancient history goes over my head but I like the descriptions and the character development, plus this book had some pretty exciting action in the final third. The two primary characters in the first book got a lot more development in this one and both become more likeable. I also enjoyed that some of the story included more modern times. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

My Dear You by Rachel Khong

My Dear You by Rachel Khong (NetGalley ARC, pub 4/7) Both of Khong's novels were 5 stars for me, but this short story collection veers off into speculative/dystopian fiction which is not my thing. The writing is great but the themes are strange and disturbing - not for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. 

A Far-Flung Life by M.L. Stedman

A Far-flung Life by M.L. Stedman (NetGalley ARC, pub 3/3) ⭐⭐⭐💫 Beautiful writing, interesting setting (Western Australia), and a good family drama, but just too dark for me and just too sweeping to hold my attention properly. It is definitely an uncomfortable read. Multiple content warnings. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 20: New Books to Make Your Heart Race

The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 20: New Books to Make Your Heart Race - I read this sampler on a dark and stormy night which was the perfect backdrop. This collection offers multiple subgenre flavors with touches of espionage, historical fiction, and romance. Despite telling myself "I'll just take a peek but I do not need more books right now" I did indeed end up grabbing full ARCs of I, Spy by L.M. Kemp and The Anniversary by Alex Finlay, two authors who are new to me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley

Beattie Cavendish and the Highland Hideaway by Mary-Jane Riley - 4.5 stars This second book in the series charmed me even more than the first and I think as it continues I will become even more attached to the characters. This book featured a terrific sense of place in the chilly Scottish Highlands while expanding the character development of Beattie and Patrick. It also provided more of Beattie's backstory and featured her mysterious uncle. Definitely recommended for fans of historical mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!