Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman

I went into Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman expecting a clever thriller—but wow, this one seriously toyed with my nerves in the best way. From the moment the characters receive that eerie list of nine names (including their own), I was hooked. It felt like a modern, darker twist on a classic locked-room mystery, except no one is actually locked in… which somehow makes it even creepier. I kept thinking, okay, I’ve figured it out, and then—nope—another twist would hit and I’d be back to square one. What I loved most was how tense everything felt. Even the quieter moments had this underlying sense of dread, like something was always about to go wrong. I flew through the pages because stopping just wasn’t an option—I needed to know who was behind it all. Also, the characters? Messy, suspicious, and impossible to fully trust—which made it even more fun. Overall, this was a fast, addictive read that kept me guessing until the end. If you love twisty, slightly unsettling thrillers, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Who To Believe by Edwin Hill

Who to Beleive by Edwin Hill is a sharp, fast-moving thriller that hooked me with its constant sense of uncertainty. From the very beginning, it feels like a literary game of “Who’s lying?”—and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story twisted again and pulled the rug out from under me. The novel weaves together multiple perspectives, each one adding another layer to an already tangled web of family secrets, betrayal, and murder. What I found especially compelling is how every character feels both suspicious and sympathetic at the same time. No one is entirely innocent, but no one is entirely beyond understanding either, which kept me questioning everything. Hill’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a pace that makes it easy to keep turning pages. There are a few moments that linger a bit longer than necessary, but they also add to the psychological depth of the story. The dialogue is sharp, with just the right mix of tension and realism. In the end, this is a cleverly constructed, emotionally layered thriller that leaves you second-guessing every detail. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries full of twists, this one is absolutely worth the ride.

https://bookshop.org/a/117514/9781496742414

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

It Could Have Been Her

by Lisa Jewell is a deliciously tangled web of suspense that completely pulled me in. This is the kind of book I’d recommend reading in long, uninterrupted stretches—it’s too immersive to dip in and out of. That said, it comes with some heavy themes, including clowns, sexual assault, and physical abuse, so it’s worth going in prepared. The story follows Jane, a middle-aged divorcée stuck in her decaying family estate in the English countryside, quietly longing for change but unsure how to grasp it. Everything shifts when she discovers a stray dog, setting off a chain of events that leads her to a missing girl, a chilling house near Hampstead Heath, and a deeply unsettling family tied to her past. What I loved most was Jane’s evolution. As she digs deeper, she finds unexpected purpose—almost like amateur detective work gives her life new meaning—and begins reconnecting with people she’d drifted away from. That growth is beautifully contrasted with other characters spiraling in the opposite direction. It’s dark, unsettling, and at times heartbreaking—but that tension is exactly what makes it so compelling.

I went into Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel expecting a cozy mystery vibe, and it absolutely delivered—with a sharp, modern edge. Lucy Foley creates an atmosphere that feels both elegant and unsettling, using the snowy, isolated hotel setting to build tension from the very first chapter. I loved how the story slowly unraveled, revealing secrets layer by layer without ever feeling rushed. The “Miss Marple” influence is clear, but it never feels like copied; it’s more of a respectful evolution. The protagonist is observant, clever, and quietly compelling, so it's fun to follow along and try to piece together the mystery myself. What stood out most to me was the cast of characters—everyone seems like they’re hiding something, which kept me guessing until the end. Some twists I saw coming, but a few genuinely surprised me.

Overall, I found this to be an engaging, well-paced mystery with a cozy yet suspenseful feel. Perfect for fans of classic whodunits with a fresh, contemporary style.

Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson

Benjamin Stevenson does it again with Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief, a clever, twisty ride that’s as fun as it is unpredictable. From the first page, you’re pulled into a world where no one can be trusted—and that’s half the thrill. The humor is sharp, the pacing is brisk, and the plot keeps you guessing at every turn. What really shines is Stevenson’s ability to balance mystery with wit. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another surprise pops up and flips everything on its head. The characters are quirky, suspicious, and endlessly entertaining, each with secrets that add to the chaos. It’s the kind of book you race through but wish you could read again for the first time. Perfect for fans of lighthearted crime stories with a playful edge, this novel proves that sometimes the most fun mysteries are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.

Black Bag by Luke Kennard

Black Bag by Luke Kennard is one of those delightfully offbeat reads that sneaks up on you. At first, it feels playful and slightly absurd, but as the story unfolds, there’s a sharp, clever edge underneath the humor. Kennard has a knack for blending the surreal with the deeply human, creating characters who feel both exaggerated and strangely relatable. The writing is crisp and witty, often laugh-out-loud funny in a dry, understated way. But what really stands out is how the novel balances its quirky premise with moments of genuine insight. There’s an undercurrent of unease running through it all, giving the story more depth than you might expect. It’s the kind of book that keeps you slightly off balance—in a good way. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it shifts, revealing something a little darker or more thoughtful beneath the surface. If you enjoy literary fiction with a twist of the bizarre and a strong voice, Black Bag is definitely worth the ride. It’s smart, strange, and surprisingly affecting long after you’ve turned the final page.

Whidbey by T. Kira Madden

I found Whidbey by T Kira Madden to be a thoughtful and emotionally layered novel that stayed with me after I finished it. The story follows three women whose lives are connected by a man who shaped their past in troubling, even disturbing ways. When his death brings everything back into focus, each of them is forced to confront memory, grief, and the complicated truth of what happened. There are many layers to this book, each one pulling you in. It is not a fast paced read, but deserves a measured, introspective read. I really appreciated the shifting perspectives, which made the characters feel real and distinct. The pacing is more reflective than fast-moving, but the emotional depth kept me engaged. Overall, it’s a powerful, character-driven story that thoughtfully explores trauma, resilience, and memory. Definitely a compelling and intriguing book. Recommend.

Will This Make You Happy: Stories & Recipes from a Year of Baking by Tanya Bush

I picked up Will This Make You Happy: Stories &

Recipes from a Year of Baking by Tanya Bush expecting a simple cookbook, but it turned out to be a really warm and personal read. It’s part memoir and part recipe collection, and it feels a bit like sitting in someone’s kitchen while they share stories from their life. What I liked most was how naturally the recipes are woven into Bush’s reflections from a year of baking. The stories are honest, sometimes funny, and often thoughtful, which gives the whole book a cozy, comforting feel. Even when I wasn’t planning to bake anything, I still enjoyed reading about the moments and memories tied to the recipes. The recipes themselves feel approachable and homey—the kind of things you’d want to make on a relaxed weekend afternoon. Overall, I found this book charming and easy to enjoy. If you like food memoirs that mix personal storytelling with comforting recipes, this one is definitely worth a look. 🍞📚

A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan

I really enjoyed reading A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness by Michael Pollan. It’s a thoughtful and engaging look at the nature of consciousness and how we experience the world around us. Pollan has a talent for explaining complex ideas in a way that feels clear and approachable. As I read, I appreciated how he blended science, philosophy, and reflection without making the book feel overly technical. Instead, it felt like being guided through some big questions about the mind and awareness. What stood out to me most was the sense of curiosity throughout the book. It made me pause and think about something we usually take for granted—our own consciousness and how we perceive reality. Overall, I found this to be an interesting and reflective read. If you enjoy books that explore the mysteries of the mind in an accessible way, this one is definitely worth a look.