michelles_book_nook's reviews
257 reviews

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

⚠️ CW: murder ⚠️ Charity Curtis has the summer job of her dreams, playing the 'final girl' at Camp Mirror Lake. Guests pay to be scared in this full-contact terror game as Charity and her summer crew recreate scenes from a classic slasher film, Curse of Camp Mirror Lake. The more realistic the fear, the better for business. But the last weekend of the season, Charity's co-workers begin disappearing. And when one ends up dead, Charity's role as the final girl suddenly becomes all too real. If Charity and her girlfriend Bezi hope to survive the night they'll need to figure out what this killer is after. This book was such a great fast paced and thrilling slasher to help get me in the mood for Halloween! It was mysterious and darkly heart pounding in the best ways and the twists were perfect. However I would have loved for it to be a bit longer, but if you're looking for a quick read to get you in the spooky mood then this is definitely a great choice. Overall, I highly recommend this book and can't wait to hopefully read more of this genre by Kalynn Bayron in the future.
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Blood on the Shore by Simon McCleave

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

⚠️ CW: murder, child abuse, sexual assault, rape and stalking ⚠️ If you're looking for a dark and incredibly gripping, heart pounding read then this one is for you. The beautiful Isle of Anglesey has been rocked by the brutal murders of three female students from a local college and DI Laura Hart has been called in to track down the murderer, who the papers have dubbed the Anglesey Ripper, before he strikes again. She quickly identifies a suspect but just as she is about to pounce, he slips through her fingers. Laura and the Beaumaris CID must pursue the serial killer across the island in an increasingly dangerous game of cat and mouse, but he's always one step ahead of them. And soon, the hunters will become the hunted. Simon McCleave has once again written an edge of your seat read that had me absolutely hooked and I could not put down! This book is so fast paced and intricately detailed, and weaves such a thrillingly clever storyline that really makes you feel like the clock is ticking. Also it was so great to see the character progression in Laura, her family and the rest of the CID team and it makes me even more excited for the next book. Overall, I loved this one and highly recommend it!
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The Maid by Nita Prose

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

⚠️ CW: grief, murder, cancer, bullying, ableism and domestic abuse ⚠️ If you're looking for an intricately detailed murder mystery that is so much more than it seems then you need to read this book. It begins like any other day for Molly Gray as she silently dusts and cleans her way through the luxury rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel. But when she enters suite 401 and discovers an infamous guest dead in his bed, a very messy mystery begins to unfold. And Molly is at the heart of it all because if anyone can uncover the secrets beneath the surface and the fingerprints amongst the filth then it’s the maid. This book had me absolutely hooked from beginning to end and was filled with so many clever twists and turns. I loved Molly so much, especially her relationship with her Gran, but also I found it so infuriating how the majority of people treated her due to her being on the Autistic spectrum even though unfortunately this ignorance made it feel all the more realistic. And the ending was just so perfect! Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it.
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Black Lake Manor by Guy Morpuss

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

⚠️ CW: murder, cannibalism, gun violence and animal death ⚠️ If you're looking for a mind boggling murder mystery with a techy sci-fi twist then you need to read this book. Part time constable Ella Manning never thought she'd have to investigate her ex-fiance's murder, but that's exactly what happens when tech entrepreneur Lincoln Shan is found dead in his study the morning after a controversial product launch. Trapped inside Lincoln's mansion above the remote town of Black Lake, it's up to Ella to catch the killer. But Black Lake is no ordinary place and its strange history will make this the most baffling murder case of her career, because some of the town's inhabitants have the power to rewind time and someone is using it to protect a murderer. And just as Ella is sure she has identified the culprit, the last six hours are undone. With no memory of what she discovered before, her investigation begins again with very different results. But which conclusion was true? The race is on to find the killer before they strike again, and time is not on her side. This book had me absolutely baffled until the very end but I was so hooked that I would have happily read it in one sitting. Just when you think you know what is going on something else happens and makes you question everything you thought you knew about all of the characters. This story has a few different timelines ranging from 1804 to the books present day in 2045 that all have their own stories but they equally help feed you small breadcrumbs of information that help you piece together the puzzle of this murder mystery and it is done so well. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it.
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

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challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

⚠️ CW: parental death, medical trauma, racism, xenophobia, suicide, domestic abuse, sexual assault, drug use, homophobia, gun violence, mentions of sexism and abortion ⚠️ If you're looking for a story about the complex relationships we encounter throughout our lives then this one is for you. Sam and Sadie first meet in a hospital in 1987 where playing together brings them joy, escapism, fierce competition and a very special friendship. Then, all too soon, that time is over and they must return to their normal lives. But when the pair spot each other 8 years later in a crowded train station the spark is immediately reignited, and together they get to work on what they love - creating virtual game worlds. Their collaborations make them global superstars but along with success, money and fame comes betrayal and tragedy. This book was definitely a rollercoaster with a lot going on but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. It touched on a lot of really poignant topics throughout the lives of Sam and Sadie and while I think those topics were written about really well, for me everything was slightly overshadowed by the fact I just couldn't seem to get over not liking Sam or Sadie's characters very much. It's hard to explain why without giving spoilers so if you've read this one and want to know why then you'll have to dm me 🙈 Also, I found it quite slow and it took me a long time to get into the story. Despite everything though, it is a really good story about friendships, love and life in general. And if you're into gaming then it has some great references that only gamers will truly appreciate. Overall, I recommend this one for people that like these kinds of reads but personally I think it's definitely one of those books that you either love or hate.
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Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score

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emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

⚠️ CW: parental death, child abuse and domestic violence ⚠️ This book may just be my favourite read so far this year, and for someone who doesn't usually read romance that says a lot! Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean, vengeance-seeking mogul. Determined to erase his abusive father's mark on his family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building his empire. The more money and power he gains, the safer he feels. Except when it comes to one feisty small-town librarian. Although they are bonded by a dark secret from the past and their current mutual disdain, Sloane Walton only trusts Lucian as far as she can throw him. Until their bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, fanning flames of desire that can't be put out. But with Sloane eager to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea, these enemies to lovers are stuck at an impasse. And when Lucian learns the hard way that leaving Sloane is impossible, he vows to do everything he can to keep her safe at whatever the cost. Wow this book had me stuck on such an emotional rollercoaster but I loved every second. I can't even put into words what this story meant to me but it hit so many personal notes and gave me all the feels. As with the other books in this series I expected the super spicy scenes, and trust me I was absolutely loved them (and suit daddy 🥵), but I didn't expect the incredibly deep storyline and those that have read this will know what I mean when I say that. All I can say is that Lucy Score perfected this so well and rounded off the knockemout series in the most impeccable way in my opinion. Overall, if you haven't already guessed, I highly recommend this one!
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Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

⚠️ CW: murder and domestic abuse ⚠️ If you're looking for a funny, witty and cosy murder mystery then this one is for you! This book follows 60 year old self proclaimed tea expert Vera Wong who enjoys nothing more than sipping a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy 'dective' work on the Internet (AKA checking up on her son to see if he's dating anybody yet). But when Vera wakes up one morning to find a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, it's going to take more than a strong Longjing to fix things. Knowing she'll do a better job than the police possibly could, because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands, Vera decides it's down to her to catch the killer. This book was so, so good and had me hooked to the point where I stayed up all night just to finish reading it and it was so worth it with such great twist at the end. Vera is an absolute ICON! She is the cutest, funniest and wittiest mother and grandmother figure that you could possibly want in your life. And the story isn't just about a cosy murder mystery investigation, it also has some great messages behind the storyline too. Oh and just a warning, this book is filled with amazing descriptions of delicious food so probably not the best idea to read this on an empty stomach 😅 Overall, I highly recommend this read and cannot wait to read more by Jesse Sutanto in the future.
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Top Girl by Danielle Marin

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challenging emotional medium-paced

5.0

⚠️ CW: drug abuse, grooming, gang violence, assault, rape, sexual assault and addiction ⚠️ This book is a gripping and enlightening memoir about gang violence and county lines drug culture. Danielle had a safe and happy childhood growing up in West London and looked to have a bright future, but this soon faded as she turned her back on academics for a life of crime and gangs. After being betrayed by the police following a brutal gang rape, she finds protection under the wing of organised criminals and falls in love with the local 'top boy'. However, her allegiances bring terror to her doorstep when gun-toting rivals target her flat and the authorities answer by taking her baby into care. As a heartbroken young woman she then spirals deeper into gang life and becomes a key player in a sprawling county lines operation. The money and glamour of her hedonistic lifestyle are the envy of all of her friends, but the good times and the money only mask the grim realities of her life when she is arrested and her life hits a turning point where she starts to question everything that has ever happened in her life. This book left me feeling so many emotions but I just could not stop reading and it has taken me nearly a week to just process Danielle's story before I could even write my review. It is a truly shocking read but so powerful and I really think her story will stick with me for a long time. Overall, I highly recommend this book and even though it is a very difficult and intense read I think everyone should read it (CW's taken into consideration).
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Goldilocks by L.R. Lam

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adventurous challenging hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

⚠️ CW: miscarriage, misogyny, sexism, genocide, murder, parental death and brief mentions of infertility, racism and homophobia ⚠️ If you're looking for a dystopian read that will give you that eerily accurate feeling that makes you question if one day the plot could become a reality then you need to read this book! As restrictions on the freedoms of women on Earth begin to increase Valerie Black spearheads the first all-female mission to Cavendish, a planet in the Goldilocks Zone where the conditions are just right for human habitation, as it is humanity's last hope at a chance of survival. And with Naomi, Valerie's surrogate daughter and the ships botanist, having waited her whole life to step out of Valerie's shadow and really make a difference they are ready to make Cavendish humanity's new home. But when things start going wrong on the ship, Naomi starts to suspect that someone on board is concealing a terrible secret and realises time for life on Earth may be running out faster than they feared. This book was such a rollercoaster and gives off eerie mixed vibes of Interstellar and The Handmaid's Tale but in the most perfect balance. It's definitely one of those reads that is hard to review without giving spoilers but it is so good and I don't think I've read anything quite like it before. It equally had me wanting to speed through it at the same time as needing to put it down a few times just to process what I'd read. Overall, I highly recommend this book and truly wish I'd picked it from my tbr sooner.
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The Close by Jane Casey

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

⚠️ CW: murder, domestic violence, abuse of vulnerable people, trafficking, paedophilia and rape ⚠️ If you're looking for a read that is intensely gripping from start to finish then you need to read this book! This book follows DS Maeve Kerrigan as she goes undercover with DI Josh Derwent as a couple who are dog sitting for a friend in a seemingly picture perfect suburban street of well-kept houses with pristine lawns, chatty neighbours and playing children. But there are dark secrets behind the neat doors and hidden dangers that include a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing, and it is up to Maeve and Josh to uncover the truth. And as they try to gather the evidence they need while the lines between professional and personal continue to blur they have no idea of the danger they face because someone on Jellicoe Close has murder on their mind. This book had me absolutely hooked from the very first chapter and even when I wasn't reading it I couldn't stop thinking about it. It is a very dark and intense storyline that will leave you feeling so uneasy and like you're being watched but it's dangerously addictive and you won't be able to put it down. The only reason I dropped it down a star is because it is part of a crime fiction series and while you can read it as a standalone book I think I would have preferred to read it in series order so that I knew more about Maeve's back story. Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're a dark crime fiction fan! 
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