Tag: mystery

Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz #bookreview #YA #historicalfantasy and Ending Eleven (Eleven Trilogy #3) by Jerri Chisholm #dystopian #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews23 Comments

Hazel Sinnett is alone and half-convinced the events of the year before—the immortality, Beecham’s vial—were a figment of her imagination. She doesn’t even know whether Jack is alive or dead. All she can really do now is treat patients and maintain Hawthornden Castle as it starts to decay around her.

When saving a life leads to her arrest, Hazel seems doomed to rot in prison until a message intervenes: She has been specifically requested to be the personal physician of Princess Charlotte, the sickly daughter of King George IV. Soon Hazel is dragged into the glamor and romance of a court where everyone has something to hide, especially the enigmatic, brilliant members of a social club known as the Companions to the Death.

As Hazel’s work entangles her more and more with the British court, she realizes that her own future as a surgeon isn’t the only thing at stake. Malicious forces are at work in the monarchy, and Hazel may be the only one capable of setting things right.

The first book in this duology held me spellbound, and I finished it in one sitting. When I learned another book was coming, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

I missed Hazel. Highly intelligent, determined, ambitious, independent – she’s on my list of favorite female protagonists. In 1817 Edinburgh, Hazel is a surgeon, something unheard of for women in that time period. But she’s never been one to bow to society’s expectations of her. This story begins immediately after the events of Anatomy, and she’s unsure of what happened to Jack and doesn’t even know if he’s alive or dead. Being practical and focused on her work, Hazel continues to treat her patients and write her book. And treating one of her patients gets her thrown into jail. Luckily for her, she’s soon summoned to treat the granddaughter of King George IV of England and is released from prison.

No spoilers here, so I’ll say this novel is just as compelling as the first. A lot is going on at court, not all of it good, and members of a social club Hazel is invited to join may not be what they seem. She also meets Dr. Simon Ferris, who’s treating the king for a mysterious illness. I liked Simon and the way he interacts with Hazel – he respects her as a colleague and her abilities as a surgeon. Her patients come first, and she goes to extreme lengths in this story to prove it.

I can’t go without mentioning both covers in this duology – they’re truly works of art. If you enjoy strong, intelligent female protagonists, historical fantasy, and mysteries, I can’t recommend this series enough.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My name is Eve Hamilton.
Everyone in Compound Eleven thinks I was killed. But they’re dead wrong…

I spent my entire life in Compound Eleven as a fighter. Surviving in an underground city filled with violence, oppression, and tyranny. We were told the world above was scorched, an immediate death sentence. I should have died never knowing the truth. Instead, when I fought Wren—a boy from the top floor, a Preme—I fell for him. And eventually learned that my reality was an insidious lie.

Escaping Compound Eleven nearly killed me and Wren. Now we’re aboveground, where the world is anything but a toxic, burning wasteland. It’s green and lush, filled with sunshine, fresh water… and hope. All of which tastes bitter when I see what it’s cost me. Because something in Wren has changed. He’s broken—along with whatever it was between us.

Now the tides of violence in Compound Eleven are rising, threatening to spill out and shatter this peaceful place with brutality, corruption, and death.

But do I stop them… or join them?

I’ve been captivated by this series from the first book, and I’m sorry to see it end. I have to give a shoutout to the cover designer – all three covers are so vibrant and well done.

This book begins where the other left off. Eve and Wren are critically injured, but make it back to Michael’s camp. Wren’s injuries are worse, and he’s unconscious for a few days while Eve settles into healing, camp life, and chores. When Wren wakes, he’s not quite the same. Blank spots riddle his memory, and he’s withdrawn for the most part. I was frustrated with Eve for not being there for him, but also annoyed with Wren’s actions/inactions even after he improves. Other than camp life, miscommunications, and incorrect assumptions, not much happens in the first several chapters. I started to worry about pacing.

And then everything takes off at warp speed. So much happens – strategic planning, rebellions, betrayals, revelations, reunions. Some characters get what’s coming to them, other deaths are mourned. Plenty of action, violence, blood – everything that tends to go hand in hand with rebellions.

I also enjoyed meeting new characters at the camp and admired how they were slowly rebuilding society. It wasn’t perfect, but no society is. And what a satisfying ending to this exciting trilogy. It was promising, hopeful, and gave a glimpse into the future of these characters. If you’re a dystopian fan, this is a series to add to your list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Voice in the Silence by D.L. Finn #bookreview #scifi #thriller #paranormal

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews49 Comments

Drea Burr has experienced more than her share of loss when a stray dog, cat, and rat enter her life. Although the animals start to mend her broken heart, there is something very unusual about them. During a snowstorm, Drea discovers a chilling set of footprints leading to her front window. Both the police and a ghostly messenger warn her about a killer stalking widows. Help comes from her late husband’s best friend, Adam Hale. As the two try to discover answers, more questions arise— about a killer, ghosts, and animals experimented on in a lab.

Can Drea and Adam survive the threats coming from so many directions and save themselves and the animals they’ve grown to love? Or will more tragedy destroy her second chance at happiness? Find out in this thrilling, cozy paranormal adventure. 

As an animal lover, any book that includes pets just makes the story better in my opinion – and this one gets serious bonus points. The skillful blend of genres – mystery, paranormal, thriller, sci-fi – also thrilled me. So many of my favorites!

Drea is going through a rough time in her life after the loss of her husband and beloved pets. Her relationship with her son has also been distant and strained lately, and she misses him. She’s alone, grieving, and considering taking drastic measures. Until a stray dog, cat, and rat show up and change her life forever. They aren’t your normal pets – they talk (something I’ve always wished my pets could do!). Even better – they can communicate with spirits.

Besides adjusting to this shocking turn of events, Drea finds herself a target of a killer stalking widows. Footsteps leading to her front window are far too close for comfort. Her newfound family of pets are escapees of a lab where they were subjects of experiments – and someone is still looking for them. Saying Drea has a lot on her plate is an understatement. I loved how strong she is and how she refuses to let herself be a victim.

Just when I thought she and the pets were safe and I could breathe again, the story took another path. Unpredictable storylines make me a happy reader. There’s also a sweet romance brewing between Drea and her late husband’s best friend, Adam, that may be her second chance at love.

There are plenty of tense moments to keep you on the edge of your seat, but at its heart this story is primarily about family. One of my favorite themes is found family, and that’s certainly prevalent in this novel. I also appreciated the glimpse into the future of these characters at the end. It left me smiling.

The Twisted Dead (Gravekeeper #3) by Darcy Coates #paranormal #bookreview #suspense

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews29 Comments

Keira is ready for her life to return to normal. Though, to be fair, normal is a tall ask when your ability to see ghosts has landed you the job of groundskeeper in a small town’s cemetery.

When Keira receives an invitation to dinner at Dane Crispin’s crumbling ancestral estate, she knows she can’t refuse. The last living descendant of the Crispin family is reclusive. Keira only met him once…on the night he tried to kill her.

The mansion is steeped in history that is equal parts complicated and bloody. Keira senses the presence of restless spirits the moment she steps through its door. And Dane, waiting for her inside, wants to ask for her help. 

Although I missed the first book (I read book two and this is the third) in this series, that hasn’t prevented me from keeping up with what went on. The author does a good job of including details that bring the reader up to speed.

I recently read that Coates’s books can be categorized as cozy horror/paranormal. To me, cozies are those mysteries with adorable covers (especially when cats are included) and clever titles. When I read the reasoning behind it being classified that way, it made sense. There’s a mystery, a paranormal element, humor (seriously, Zoe should moonlight as a comedian), and no gore. I think even non-horror fans could appreciate this series.

A lot of things are happening in this novel. There’s progress in the ongoing story arc of who Keira actually is. She learns more about Artec and why she’s on the run from them. Mason’s reason for leaving medical school in his last year is revealed. And Dane Crispin may not be the baddie he seems – he may just be misunderstood. Considering he tried to kill Keira the last time they met, she takes a leap of faith in accepting his dinner invitation and helping him.

The slow burn romance, I’m talking glacier pace here, between Mason and Keira continues. Apparently they need to be hit over the head (maybe by Zoe, who has no filter) to realize how the other feels, because it seems obvious to everyone else. Harry, a very…eccentric character, also gets more page time, and I adore his dry humor.

This isn’t the last book, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one. If you’re a fan of eerie, atmospheric books with a mystery, you can’t go wrong with this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Guest Post: Menagerie by Joan Hall #bookreview #shortstories #newrelease #TuesdayBookBlog

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews, Promotions45 Comments

I’m thrilled to be batting cleanup on Joan Hall’s blog tour for her new release, Menagerie. I can’t tell how much I enjoyed this collection of stories – but you can read all about it in my review below. Give a big welcome to Joan!

Mystery Woman

Hi, Teri. Thanks so much for hosting me today on this last stop of my book tour. It’s a pleasure to be here to talk about my latest release, Menagerie, a mixed-genre compilation of thirteen short stories. Each stop features a different title and I tell how the story came about. Today, I’ll tell the story behind Mystery Woman. With a title like that, I don’t need to tell the genre.

Stories of the unexplained intrigue me. A favorite TV show from back in the 1980s was Unsolved Mysteries. One of the first episodes told the story of Glen and Bessie Hyde, a newlywed couple who disappeared in 1928 while rafting through Grand Canyon on the Colorado River.

Despite being warned not to continue their trip by noted Grand Canyon photographer Emery Kolb, the couple continued the journey. When they didn’t arrive at their destination, a search party found their abandoned raft, which was actually a wooden scow, along the shores of the river. The raft was intact, and their gear still inside. There was no sign of the couple, and their bodies were never found.

In the early 1970s, a group rafting the river stopped for the night at the location where Glen and Bessie disappeared. An older woman on the trip claimed to be Bessie and stated she killed her husband. The woman later recanted the story.

In Mystery Woman, Nicole Aldridge takes a rafting trip down a fictional river. Among the people in her raft is an older woman named Anna Holloway. Anna is a strange one who tells Nicole conflicting stories. First, she said she’d been on a rafting trip many years earlier. Later, she denied it. She talked about her husband, but Nicole later learns Anna never married. Anna is also obsessed with the story of a couple who drowned while rafting the river in the early 1950s.

A year later, Nicole and Tim Ross, who she also met on the trip, learn some startling information about Anna.

Below is an excerpt.

Excerpt:

“Anna, you haven’t told us what you do,” Tim said.

The older woman’s expression softened. “I’m a retired schoolteacher. I turn seventy in a few days.”

A course of birthday wishes followed.

“I’ve never been on a rafting trip, so this is a gift to myself.”

Nicole furrowed her brow. “I thought you told me at lunch you had rafted before.”

“You’re mistaken, dear. I don’t know why you would think that.”

She opened her mouth to reply but let it go. Maybe the woman was forgetful. Might even have early-onset dementia.

After dinner, everyone gathered with the larger group to sit around the campfire. The rhythmic chirr of cicadas, crickets, and other night insects signaled nightfall. A smattering of stars appeared, and a half moon was almost directly overhead. The faint smell of sagebrush, along with smoke from the fire drifted in the breeze as coyotes howled in the distance.

Tim opened a can of beer as he took the seat next to Nicole. “Care for one?”

“No, thanks. I had a couple of glasses of wine at dinner. Any more alcohol and I’ll be down for the count.”

“Never thought I’d have such amenities on a camping trip. Rib eyes. Grilled vegetables.”

“Don’t forget that Dutch oven cake. You were right. This is almost like a luxury cruise.”

Mark Mills rubbed his hands together. “Who’s ready for a ghost story?”

Nicole listened absently as he told of a mysterious light that often appeared on the rim of the canyon. When others chimed in about similar sightings in other parts of the country, she studied those around her, especially Anna Holloway. She couldn’t shake the feeling the older woman was hiding a secret.

Blurb:

King’s. The Tower of London. Glass. What do these have in common?

Each is a famous menagerie.

While this Menagerie doesn’t focus on exotic animals, it does contain a collection of stories that explore various trials people face and how their reactions shape their worlds.

Survivors of a haunted bridge. Women who wait while their husbands fight a war. Former partners reuniting to solve a cold-case murder.

These are just three of the thirteen stories in this compendium, encompassing past and present, natural and supernatural, legend and reality. The genres and timelines are varied, but there’s a little something for everyone who enjoys reading about simpler times and small-town life.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/jh-menagerie

About the Author

Social Media Links

Website   |   Blog   |   BookBub   |   Goodreads

My Review

I absolutely adored this collection – every single story. Usually with short story collections there are at least a few that aren’t as interesting or don’t work for me. But that’s not the case here. Maybe it’s because there are thirteen stories and it was released on a Friday 13th – which has always been lucky for me because my son was born on a Friday 13th. Who knows? I’ll try to choose a few that stuck with me longer.

Ghost Bridge – The small town of Clarkston and its citizens completely charmed me. I wanted to join Kate and her dog Dakota on her porch and have a glass of wine. I wanted to sit with them and listen to the clip clop and creaking wooden wheels of the horse and buggy carrying the ghost of Dr. Noah Stoddard across the bridge by her house. The ending was perfection.

Seven Days – Stressed out author Mindy Jarvis spends a week at a friend’s cabin – where there’s no wifi or cell reception. I initially balked at that, thinking there’s no way I could do it. By the end of the story, I was envious of Mindy and wanted to trade places with her for a week. It had me reminiscing simpler times.

Summerwood – Lead guitarist in a popular band, Dylan Grant collapses on stage due to exhaustion. He travels back to his hometown to recover and make some life-changing decisions.

Lone Wolf – Cowboy Jake McLaughlin saves a wolf whose leg is caught in a trap. He has no idea the wolf will repay that kindness. I nearly cried at the end of this heartwarming tale.

This is a fabulous collection of suspense, mystery, and contemporary stories that will appeal to a variety of readers. There’s something for everyone, and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

The Drift by C.J. Tudor #bookreview #thriller #apocalyptic

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews24 Comments

Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man

Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. During a hasty escape from a secluded boarding school, her coach careened over a hillside road during one of the year’s heaviest snowstorms, trapping her inside with a handful of survivors, a brewing virus, and no way to call for help. If she and the remaining few want to make it out alive, with their sanity–and secrets–intact, they’ll need to work together or they’ll be buried alive with the rest of the dead.

A former detective, Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She is in a cable car suspended far above a snowstorm and surrounded by strangers in the same uniform as her, with no memory of how they got there. They are heading to a mysterious place known to them only as “The Retreat,” but when they discover a dead man among their ranks and Meg spies a familiar face, she realizes that there is something far more insidious going on.

Carter is gazing out the window of the abandoned ski chalet that he and his ragtag compatriots call home. Together, they manage a precarious survival, manufacturing vaccines against a deadly virus in exchange for life’s essentials. But as their generator begins to waver, the threat of something lurking in the chalet’s depths looms larger, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails–for good.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater threat–one that threatens to consume all of humanity.

I became acquainted with this author last year after reading her collection of short stories. When I was offered the NetGalley widget for her newest release, I snatched it up immediately.

This is a blend of so many of my favorite genres – psychological thriller, horror, dystopian, apocalyptic, and mystery. What makes it even better is that it’s set during winter storms, and the three stories playing out are all locked room scenarios. Woohoo! The story immediately drew me in, and I wanted to read it in one sitting. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Each of the three main characters are in dangerous situations (especially Meg in a stranded cable car suspended hundreds of feet above the ground – it took my breath away), and their futures look bleak. With so many characters surrounding Hannah, Meg, and Carter, I didn’t know who to trust and constantly looked for clues. To say the cast of characters is whittled down over the course of the story isn’t giving anything away. Before long, I didn’t need to remember some of their names.

Gradual reveals let the reader know these characters are connected in some way, and I guessed how several pages before the explanation. But what a clever twist it is. Brilliant. Jaws will drop, trust me. Other reviewers mentioned this novel contains more blood and violence than they’d expected, so be prepared if that’s something you’d prefer to steer clear of.

Make sure to set aside some uninterrupted reading time if possible for this novel. You won’t want to put it down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Good Liniment (The Hat #5) by C.S. Boyack #supernatural #paranormal #mystery #bookreview

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews62 Comments

Someone is murdering members of the local witches coven. They turn to Lizzie and the hat for their unique skills that might help eliminate the killers.

A religious zealot might be a monster, but is still a human being. This task isn’t the same as staking vampires or shooting zombies. It isn’t the usual project Lizzie takes on for her night work.

This all takes place during a recovery period for Lizzie. She needs to keep her cover band together and find a new way of getting them gigs. More bands and less venues are making finances tight. The hat didn’t make things easier during her absence, by spreading rumors about why she took her sabbatical.

Someone killing others over a point of view insults Lizzie’s sensibilities. She has secrets to keep. Her employers have secrets, too. It doesn’t make for a comfortable working environment, but she agrees to do what she can.

Convincing her strong willed employers to stay indoors during all this poses another problem. Can she keep them alive long enough to finish her task?

Good Liniment is full of magic, magical creatures, and an entire underground community living amongst us.

Lizzie and the hat – they’re among my favorite characters this author has created, so I always look forward to accompanying them on their supernatural adventures. This time someone is murdering witches.

The end of the last book saw Lizzie needing to get away for a while, and she’s now staying with her parents. But the hat isn’t with her. How he makes his way to her is both amusing and creative. It also gives Kevin the vampire an opportunity to make an appearance, and any time he shows up chuckles are guaranteed. Officer Joe Yoder also makes a welcome appearance. A new character, Noodles, easily made my list of favorites. He’s not exactly your typical pet, and it’s hard to describe exactly what he is – you’ll just have to read the book and discover for yourself.

During Lizzie’s absence the band had to take on other jobs to pay the bills. The hat had to come up with a reason for her time away – which isn’t true, but to her credit she goes with the flow. During the course of their investigation, Lizzie experiences something that had me on edge for several pages – I was worried, folks. But no spoilers here. They’ve hunted all sorts of supernatural creatures in the past, but this time is different – their target is human.

As with all the books in this series, the banter between Lizzie and the hat is amusing and snarky. Sometimes they’re like an old married couple. If you’re looking for an entertaining, quick read, paranormal mysteries, and quirky characters (human and supernatural alike) that stick with you long after reading, add this series to your list. The books work fine as standalones, but starting from the beginning allows a broader understanding of this world and its characters.

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes #bookreview #psychologicalthriller #suspense

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews26 Comments

Armed with only hazy memories, a woman who long ago witnessed her friend’s sudden, mysterious death, and has since spent her life trying to forget, sets out to track down answers. What she uncovers, deep in the woods, is hardly to be believed….

Maya was a high school senior when her best friend, Aubrey, mysteriously dropped dead in front of the enigmatic man named Frank whom they’d been spending time with all summer.

Seven years later, Maya lives in Boston with a loving boyfriend and is kicking the secret addiction that has allowed her to cope with what happened years ago, the gaps in her memories, and the lost time that she can’t account for. But her past comes rushing back when she comes across a recent YouTube video in which a young woman suddenly keels over and dies in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank. Plunged into the trauma that has defined her life, Maya heads to her Berkshires hometown to relive that fateful summer–the influence Frank once had on her and the obsessive jealousy that nearly destroyed her friendship with Aubrey.

At her mother’s house, she excavates fragments of her past and notices hidden messages in her deceased Guatemalan father’s book that didn’t stand out to her earlier. To save herself, she must understand a story written before she was born, but time keeps running out, and soon, all roads are leading back to Frank’s cabin….

The mysterious key on the cover, something deep in the woods, hazy memories, and a sudden death. If books had tentacles, these reached out and drew me in.

It’s been seven years since Maya’s best friend dropped dead, and Maya’s still struggling. No longer able to get the sleeping medication her doctor prescribed several years ago, she’s also suffering from withdrawal and hiding it from her boyfriend. With a history of mental illness in her family, everything she’s dealing with, and the occasional tone of the story, I even questioned if Maya is an unreliable narrator. Are her memories real?

The chapters rotate seamlessly between the summer Maya meets Frank and the present when she’s determined to discover what really happened. Although she’s not always likeable, I understood her burning need to learn the truth. It’s just the way she goes about it is pretty selfish sometimes. Her memories feel off kilter from that summer, and it’s a slow burn until the final reveal. My suspicions were partly correct and while fascinating, they’re pretty chilling.

Pacing is a little uneven, but fans of psychological thrillers and unreliable narrators will spend an enjoyable few hours with this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.



The Haunting of Chatham Hollow by Mae Clair and Staci Troilo #bookreview #supernatural #mystery

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews50 Comments

One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.

Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two things—hidden treasure and a curse upon anyone bold enough to seek it. Since his passing in 1793, no one has discovered his riches, though his legend has only grown stronger.

In 1888, charlatan Benedict Fletcher holds a séance to determine the location of Chatham’s fortune. It’s all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesn’t count on two things—Victor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chatham’s ghost wreaking havoc on the town.

More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original séance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he can’t deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollow—supernatural or not— his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.

This time, solving the mystery isn’t about meeting his deadline. It’s about not ending up dead.

Hauntings, mediums, ghosts, séances – it’s like the authors wrote this book just for me. And that cover is everything.

Having read several of Claire’s and Troilo’s books, I’m a big fan of both authors. When I learned they’d co-written a book together, there was no doubt I’d jump at the chance to read it. I didn’t even need to know what it was about.

This story is told in a dual timeline that flows seamlessly. Alexa read this book to me, and I was never confused about which time period I was in. Money is a powerful motivator, and Ward Chatham’s fortune has been a source of greed for over a century. In 1888, Benedict Fletcher is certain he’ll be able to locate the gold after holding a fake séance. What he doesn’t count on is true medium Victor Rowe in attendance and Chatham’s ghost actually making an appearance. And he’s not a spirit you want to mess with. Cue the chaos.

In 2022, the gold still hasn’t been found after a little over a century. With a Founder’s Day celebration on the calendar, a paranormal research team wants to reenact the séance that raised Chatham’s spirit and resulted in several deaths that may or may not have been coincidental.

Both authors have a gift for creating loveable characters, and this novel is no different. With his feelings on spiritualism, ability to sniff out charlatans, and calm demeanor, Victor is my favorite character. I was delighted with the way his story plays out. Aiden is also a favorite, but it’s his grandmother Julia who always has the last word and his dog Levi who steals his scenes.

I generally listen to books while doing chores around the house, but when it came time for the final séance I had to sit down and give it my full attention. I couldn’t wait to see what happened and even caught myself holding my breath at times. And what a scene! Atmospheric, exciting, unexpected – and that’s all I’ll say about that. No spoilers here.

Fans of both authors and readers of supernatural mysteries alike will enjoy this novel. Now I want to know when the next co-authored book is releasing.

They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso #bookreview #YA #suspense

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews18 Comments

When a secret society has you in their sights, it can lead to power, privilege… or death.

It’s been two weeks since Polly St. James went missing. The police, the headmistress of Torrey-Wells Academy, and even her parents have ruled her a runaway. But not Maren, her best friend and roommate. She knows Polly had a secret that she was about to share with Maren before she disappeared― something to do with the elite, ultra-rich crowd at Torrey-Wells.

Then Maren finds an envelope hidden among Polly’s things: an invitation to the Gamemaster’s Society. Do not tell anyone, it says. Maren is certain her classmates in the Society know the truth about what happened to Polly, though it’s no easy feat to join. Once Maren’s made it through the treacherous initiation, she discovers a world she never knew existed within her school, where Society members compete in high-stakes games for unheard-of rewards―Ivy League connections, privileges, favors.

But Maren’s been drawn into a different game: for every win, she’ll receive a clue about Polly. And as Maren keeps winning, she begins to see just how powerful the Society’s game is―bigger and deadlier than she ever imagined. They see, they know, they control. And they kill.

Maren’s roommate went missing two weeks ago and has been declared a runaway by the powers that be. But Maren doesn’t believe it. Sure Polly had been acting a little strangely, but Maren believes there’s more to her disappearance. After she finds an invitation to the Gamemaster’s Society among Polly’s things, Maren forms a plan to infiltrate the group and discover the truth about what happened to her friend.

The missing person angle and high-stakes games grabbed my attention, and I’ve enjoyed several other dark academia novels. It didn’t take long for the story to take off, and I liked that. It’s a pretty quick read that moves along briskly for the most part. To uncover the fate of her friend and play the games, Maren has to become a person she doesn’t like, but she has no other choice if she wants to receive clues about Polly. Her friendships with two other society members, Remington and Gavin, quickly turn into a weird kind of love triangle. Neither characters seem trustworthy, and she flip flops several times on who she can turn to. The identity of the Gamemaster also kept me guessing. It’s one of the people I suspected, but the author does a pretty good job of keeping it hidden.

The games, their consequences, and some of the acts these students perform are extreme at times, especially for high school students. Suspension of disbelief is a requirement for much of the story. If you can set that aside, it’s a twisty, enjoyable thriller I finished in a couple of sittings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

She’s Gone by David Bell #bookreview #YA #thriller

On By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews24 Comments

When a girl disappears, who do you suspect?

When 17-year-old Hunter Gifford wakes in the hospital on the night of homecoming, he’s shocked to learn he and his girlfriend, Chloe Summers, have been in a terrible car accident. Hunter has no memory of the crash, and his shock turns to horror when he is told Chloe’s blood has been found in the car―but she has disappeared.

Back at school, his fellow students taunt him, and his former best friend starts making a true-crime documentary about the case―one that points the finger directly at Hunter. And just when things can’t get any worse, Chloe’s mother stands in front of the entire town at a candlelight vigil and accuses Hunter of murder.

Under mounting pressure from the police, Hunter takes matters into his own hands by questioning anyone who might know the truth and posting videos to prove his innocence. When Hunter learns he and Chloe were seen arguing loudly outside the dance, he faces a sickening possibility. Was he angry enough to kill the person he loved?

I’ve read several of Bell’s adult novels and was anxious to read his young adult debut. I’m hoping this won’t be his last novel in this genre.

My heart immediately went out to Hunter. After learning he and his girlfriend were in a horrible car accident, she’s now missing, most of the night is a blank, and there’s no shortage of people who blame him for her disappearance. I was so frustrated when the detective repeatedly told him to confess, tell the truth, and they’d go easier on him. Besides handling the grief and devastation over Chloe’s disappearance, he’s taunted at school by fellow students, and then called out by Chloe’s mother at a candlelight vigil. Fortunately, he has the support of a few friends, his father, and his powerhouse of a sister, Livvy. She’s willing to take on anyone who says a negative word about her brother – and even punches a lacrosse player in the face in defense of Hunter. Hunter makes some questionable decisions during the story, but rational thought goes out the window in his desperation to find his girlfriend.

I felt pretty confident I knew who was behind Chloe’s disappearance, and I was partly correct. But then there’s an added twist that caught me by surprise. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, and the short chapters made it easy for me to say “just one more” – and then a couple hours had passed.

If you’re a fan of thrillers, mystery, suspense, or true crime, She’s Gone will keep you turning the pages long after you should have been sleeping.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.