Did someone say roundup? I’ve got a few stellar reads of my own that made this holiday season a thrill a minute, despite my exhaustion.
The Silent Patient lives up to the hype.
I’ve seen this psychological thriller on multiple Best of 2019 lists—ignoring screenwriter Alex Michaelides’s debut novel was no longer an option. This one’s a head-turner. I couldn’t agree more with the blogger who observed, “Rather than investigating a crime, The Silent Patient investigates the mind of a criminal…[it’s] immersive and hypnotic—the kind of confidently drawn suspense story that doesn’t need big, flashy twists to keep you hooked…but delivers an exceptional twist or two anyway.” Honestly, I didn’t see the big twist coming. Looks like there’s a new crime writer in town!
If you loved Evvie Drake, you’ll love Things You Save in a Fire
If you have any time at all to curl up by the fire this Christmas season, consider jumping into Katherine Center’s latest. You’ll appreciate Cassie Hanwell. A natural-born female fire fighter, she has to prove herself in a man’s world. Cassie doesn’t need rescuing on the job; she does, however, need to reconcile her stunted emotions to save her own life. Nice work KC—you know you’ve arrived if Brene Brown is singing your praises!
How ‘bout a Domestic Noir for a change?
One of my favorite followers, Marilyn, recommended Lisa Jewell’s And Then She Was Gone. And I’m so glad she did. It’s true: “Jewell teases out her twisty plot at just the right pace, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. Even the most astute thriller reader won’t see where everything is going until the final threads are unknotted.” While Michaelides had a bigger, better twist, this was still well worth the listen.