Something to Look Forward To - Fannie Flagg

Something to Look Forward to - Fannie Flagg

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

she read

These thirty short stories, almost vignettes, offer insightful observations of American life as it unfolds. Many of the stories are interconnected, and all are written with Fannie Flagg’s signature blend of insight, pathos, and humor. I particularly enjoyed the clever twists in many of the stories and the colorful and endearing characters.

This book is a delightful read that serves as a refreshing palate cleanser. It evokes a sense of humanity that I believe we all desperately need right now. While it’s possible that you won’t love every story, I highly recommend this fast-paced read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

*****

 

Dark in Death - J.D. Robb

 Dark in Death - J.D. Robb

She read

This is #46 of 70+ in the Lieutenant Eve Dallas (AKA In Death) series. A woman is stabbed with an ice pick while watching Psycho in a theater. As Eve begins her investigation, a mystery writer comes forward and says the murder appears to be a recreation of one she wrote in one of her books. Eve delves into the mystery series and discovers an earlier homicide also seems to have been influenced by this author’s writing. Eve, her wealthy husband, and her colleagues race against time to decipher the clues and save the next victim based on the books. 

 I have wanted to try a book by prolific writer J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) for a while. My bad is that I didn’t realize this is set in the future in the 21st century. Despite not being a fan of futuristic themes, I enjoyed this book and coming to it in the middle of the series was not a problem. The clever plot held my attention and I liked the bits of humor throughout. While I could have done without the romantic scenes between Eve and her husband, overall this was an entertaining, suspenseful read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for a reader’s copy.

****

The Story That Wouldn't Die - Christina Estes

 The Story That Wouldn't Die - Christina Estes

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

She Read

Jolene Garcia, a TV reporter determined to make a name for herself in the Phoenix market, often finds herself one step behind JJ, the golden reporter from a rival station.  When a local business owner dies in an accident, she is convinced this was no accident. After all, he was contesting the legitimacy of the bid process used by the city. Even though her boss and the local police tell her to drop it, she doggedly pursues her intuition, hoping to expose corruption at City Hall and maybe even win a second Emmy along the way.

This is the second in a series, but it does work as a standalone. In this story, Jolene’s chaos and blind determination despite the possible consequences grated on me a bit. But she is kind-hearted, and I give her credit for having made something of herself despite her horrendous early history. 

There are colorful characters here, and the mystery will keep readers guessing. Author Estes is an award-winning reporter and demonstrates that she knows her way around this sometimes toxic field. It is interesting to learn the pressure that TV and other journalists are under in this social media-crazy world.

Those who enjoy a lighter mystery written with pathos and humor will enjoy this read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @minotaur_Books for the DRC.

****

One Dark Night - Hannah Richell

 One Dark Night - Hannah Richell

Pub. Date: Aug. 19, 2025

She read

In the small village of Thorncombe, a student at a prestigious local school is discovered dead after a teenage Halloween party in the woods. Local legend claims that the ghost of a young woman murdered on her wedding day haunts the area. Amidst this mystery, Rachel, the school counselor, grapples with her own personal struggles. Her daughter, Ellie, a student at the school, is harboring secrets, and her ex-husband, Ben, is the local detective investigating the case. There is no shortage of suspects. 

This five-star thriller is a compelling read. The masterful plot keeps readers guessing until the very end. It’s suspenseful and atmospheric, with elements of spookiness, dark academia, and Gothic flavor. The characters are believable and well-developed.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @Atriabooks for the DRC.

*****

The Couple Before Us - Daniel Hurst

 The Couple Before Us - Daniel Hurst

Pub.  Date: July 17, 2025

She read

Dionne and Christian, expecting their second child in a few months, need to move into a larger home. She acquiesces to her husband’s desire to move into a brand-new estate home, despite qualms about it. However, her life takes a terrifying turn when she finds a chilling note that says “something terrible happened to the couple who lived here before”. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes she can trust no one.

Hurst fans will welcome this new addition to his body of work. I have read some of his books, which I characterize as “popcorn thrillers”, enjoyed the Doctor’s Wife series, and chose this one because the premise intrigued me. 

At first, I wondered if this book was really for me. I initially found the main character quite annoying. However, I compulsively forged ahead and was glad I did.  At about the halfway point, the suspense and action accelerated, and I didn’t put the book down until all the twists, turns, and secrets were revealed. 

 If lighter, fast-paced, fun, escapist suspense reads are for you, check this one out. 

Thanks to @NetGalley and @BookOuture for the DRC.

****

We Are All Guilty Here - Karin Slaughter

 We Are All Guilty Here - Karin Slaughter

Pub. Date: Aug. 12, 2025

She read

This is the first installment of a new mystery/thriller series by popular author Karin Slaughter. In a small town in Georgia, Emmy Lou née Clinton has followed in her sheriff father’s footsteps and is a deputy under him. The Clintons are a large clan well known in the area.

During the Fourth of July fireworks, two teenage girls mysteriously disappear and are later found brutally murdered. A man is arrested, convicted, and imprisoned. Twelve years later, after an investigative podcast casts doubt on his guilt, he is released. However, when another teenager goes missing, the race is on to find her and uncover the true culprit. 

This book weaves together a captivating blend of mystery, thriller, family drama, police procedural, and a small-town saga. Although totally engrossing, it is not a fast read. The plot is well-crafted, featuring suspenseful twists, red herrings, and intriguing characters. Slaughter captures well the claustrophobic feel of a small community where everyone knows everyone else’s business. 

This is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a new, thrilling mystery series with relatable characters. 

Trigger warnings include topics of violence, child abuse, and pedophilia.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for the DRC.

*****

Gone in the Night - Joanna Schaffhausen

 Gone in the Night - Joanna Schaffhausen

Pub. Date: August 12, 2025

She read

Annalisa’s life is a bit complicated. Her persistence in an earlier case resulted in the arrest of her brother who is still incarcerated. She has left the police department where her ex and now current husband, Nick, was her partner to open her own PI business and she is pregnant with their first child.

Her brother reaches out to her to take the case of a fellow inmate, Joe,  convicted of a murder that he insists he didn’t commit and supports his assertion with a letter he received claiming the eyewitness to the killing lied. To further muddle the situation, her husband was the arresting officer.

As she unravels the tangled web of Joe’s history, similar murders are discovered and a missing person is somehow involved. Annalisa’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth puts her relationship with Nick at risk.

Joanna Schaffhausen has become one of my favorite writers. Well written, this was a great read. There is an intriguing plot and strong character development. The suspenseful and engrossing narrative keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Annalisa is a strong female protagonist, laser-focused on finding the truth, even if it strains her relationship with family members.

The fifth in this series, this would work well as a standalone. Schaffhausen provides valuable background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the story. If you enjoy this book, be sure to check out the first four installments, as well as the author’s Ellery Hathaway series. 

Trigger Warnings: Domestic and child abuse (non graphic). 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress for the DRC.

*****