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readwithamey_'s reviews
111 reviews
The Mother by T.M. Logan
4.0
Not only was this my first TM Logan book but I also went into this read with high hopes as I had heard really good things… and I can definitely say that this did not disappoint! TM’s writing style coupled with the short chapters made it a gripping and fast paced read.
The whole way through I was convinced I knew what was going to happen but I was completely wrong! I was not expecting the ending at all! It completely blew my mind!
Overall, I definitely recommend everyone checks it out if they haven’t already! Definitely can’t wait to pick up more of TM Logan’s books!
The whole way through I was convinced I knew what was going to happen but I was completely wrong! I was not expecting the ending at all! It completely blew my mind!
Overall, I definitely recommend everyone checks it out if they haven’t already! Definitely can’t wait to pick up more of TM Logan’s books!
Life of Zanna by Emily Jane Hodgkin
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Emily Jane definitely did not disappoint with this book! I found it a gripping and interesting read, and it does great work highlighting the real side of social media, and that not everything is as perfect as it seems. I loved the interview transcript format that was used in some of the chapters, I enjoyed being able to read the other characters thoughts and viewpoints.
I felt that Paige and Zannas had great backstories and development which made it much easier to connect with them. However I didn’t care much for Shane to be honest haha. There were twists throughout the book that I was not expecting which is always a good sign with a thriller!
Overall, this was a great debut from Emily, I would recommend to those who enjoy the social media type thrillers, definitely a read for people to look out for when it’s been published. Can’t wait to see what future work EJH comes out with!
Thank you so much to @bwpublishing for providing me with a proof copy of EJH debut influencer thriller due for publication in May 2024! Opinions are all my own
Diva by Daisy Goodwin
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can’t believe I had never heard of Maria Callas before, I did however recognise some of the songs she sang so beautifully. I was absolutely fascinated by this book and her life. Her life story was so well written and the language throughout was beautiful, and the author took the time to write about each person so throughly, which really helped me to understand and connect with them throughout the book. I spent a lot of time googling different events throughout the book, although this is listed as a historical fiction, the majority of the book is parallel and accurate to her true life, which made it all the more interesting and enjoyable to read. The only criticism I have is that some of the chapters were quite long, and I’m a short chapter girly.. but this did not take away from my enjoyment.
Maria is such a strong, fierce woman and a force of nature, although there were a lot of times where she showed her vulnerable side. Tita and Ari (Onassis) were both equally disgusting people, Maria deserved so much better. Bruna was the only person with Maria’s best interests at heart really.
Overall, I think everyone needs to know who Maria Callas is, and I can’t think of a better book to tell her life’s story. Daisy Goodwin has done a phenomenal job with this book.
Keep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first Lucinda Berry book, and it was so messy in the best way! There was so much unexpected drama and twists.. it felt like watching the Real Housewives 🤣
The book is told from the perspectives of each of the 6 wives from the mother’s group. The alternating POVs made the book more fast paced and easy to read. I loved the development and backstory to each of the women, it helped me to get to know them (and made me realise I really didn’t like any of them.. haha). Every time I thought I knew who murdered Kiersten, there was another twist that changed my mind, but I was not expecting the end twist!
Overall, this was a pretty entertaining and twisted read, and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves drama and domestic thrillers. Can’t wait to give Lucinda Berry’s other books a read!
The book is told from the perspectives of each of the 6 wives from the mother’s group. The alternating POVs made the book more fast paced and easy to read. I loved the development and backstory to each of the women, it helped me to get to know them (and made me realise I really didn’t like any of them.. haha). Every time I thought I knew who murdered Kiersten, there was another twist that changed my mind, but I was not expecting the end twist!
Overall, this was a pretty entertaining and twisted read, and definitely recommend it to anyone who loves drama and domestic thrillers. Can’t wait to give Lucinda Berry’s other books a read!
The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.25
This was my second BA Paris book and unfortunately didn’t live up to my expectations. I think because I rated the first book I read five stars I went in with high expectations. I did find it fast paced and easy to read because of the relatively short chapters, but I don’t think this really had a lot of thrill to it. I also liked the alternating POVs of Finn and Layla.
I didn’t really like any of the characters, especially Finn and Ellen. I feel that the book kind of gave away a lot of the mystery too soon, but one thing that really annoyed me was the twist at the end. I won’t go into it too much as it will give it away.. but is Finn really that stupid? I also wasn’t a fan of how the book ended, it felt abit rushed and I don’t feel I really got any closure.
Overall, it was an okay read but lacked in the thrill element for me.
Don't Look Away by Rachel Abbott
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
Another read from a new author. And it definitely didn’t disappoint! I was abit worried as this was the third book in the series, but it could have been a standalone book. The book alternated between the present with POVs from Detective Stephanie king and Nancy, and then the past pov from Nancy, which helped link everything together. At first I didn’t understand the significance or reason behind the in-depth POVs from Detective King but then it all started to make sense.
This was a fast paced read that kept me engaged throughout, the plot was exciting and did get quite dark in some places. The chapters were also not too long which made it easier to read. There were so many twists throughout the book and I was not expecting the twists at the end, I was shocked! I thought the characters were pretty solid and interesting, and I loved the setting of the book being in Cornwall.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book more than I expected to, and I’ll be looking into Rachel Abbotts other books.
This was a fast paced read that kept me engaged throughout, the plot was exciting and did get quite dark in some places. The chapters were also not too long which made it easier to read. There were so many twists throughout the book and I was not expecting the twists at the end, I was shocked! I thought the characters were pretty solid and interesting, and I loved the setting of the book being in Cornwall.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book more than I expected to, and I’ll be looking into Rachel Abbotts other books.
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
This was my first Megan Miranda book and I enjoyed it so much more than I was expecting! I found this to be well written and fast paced. The plot was well thought through and kept me in suspense the entire time.
The chapters alternate between the present and articles and transcripts of Arden/Olivias accident in the past which really helped to piece everything together. I really liked Olivia/Ardens character, I was constantly second guessing her aswell wondering if she was an unreliable narrator.
I was not expecting the twist at the end, it completely blindsided me! I was so shocked! I highly recommended picking this book up if you haven’t already!
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow! What a wonderful book! I don’t have much to say other than I loved this book! It made me feel love and also made me laugh and cry! This was my first Fredrik Backman book and will not be my last! This book was really well written, all of the characters were well developed and brought something to the story!
Ove is a grumpy and cantankerous old man, I found him frustrating at points but also incredibly loveable at others. His love for his wife Sonja was the highlight for me and made me feel so happy.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough! It will take you on an emotional journey but it is so worth it!
Ove is a grumpy and cantankerous old man, I found him frustrating at points but also incredibly loveable at others. His love for his wife Sonja was the highlight for me and made me feel so happy.
Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough! It will take you on an emotional journey but it is so worth it!
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was my first ever audiobook. I chose this book specifically because it wasn’t too long. I went into this book with no expectations at all and I actually ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
I was hooked on the story from the start and found it quite easy to listen to because of the short and choppy chapters. I really enjoyed the writing style of the book, it was very straightforward and smooth which made it easier for me to listen too.
I did feel that there wasn’t a lot of character development with Korede and some of the other characters but as this was a relatively short book there wasn’t much room to go into too much detail.
I found myself getting frustrated while listening simply because I found Ayoola to be a spoilt brat 🤣 and was annoyed that Korede basically papered to her needs all the time! I was also rooting for Korede and Tade which also left me frustrated haha!
Overall, I thought it was a good book, I would have probably preferred reading the book rather than listening. I would recommend giving it a read ☺️
I was hooked on the story from the start and found it quite easy to listen to because of the short and choppy chapters. I really enjoyed the writing style of the book, it was very straightforward and smooth which made it easier for me to listen too.
I did feel that there wasn’t a lot of character development with Korede and some of the other characters but as this was a relatively short book there wasn’t much room to go into too much detail.
I found myself getting frustrated while listening simply because I found Ayoola to be a spoilt brat 🤣 and was annoyed that Korede basically papered to her needs all the time! I was also rooting for Korede and Tade which also left me frustrated haha!
Overall, I thought it was a good book, I would have probably preferred reading the book rather than listening. I would recommend giving it a read ☺️