Novel but Nice

Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman My rating: 5 of 5 stars A slow build to a shocking discovery, this book will have you wondering what you would do!!! What an incredible debut novel this is for Catherine Steadman! While the book starts with a bang, the next 30% is a slow build as you get to know the characters. Then at about 35% the story takes a turn and readers will find themselves holding on for the ride, unsure of where they’ll end up!!! I was unsure about this book at first, but I have to say I ended up really enjoying it and found it to be a tantalizing premise for a story. I don’t even know what I’d compare this book to… Its really quite unique from other psychological thrillers, though I’m sure some comparisons (Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins) are bound to come up. I don’t want to make those though because I don’t think readers should go into this book expecting something similar to what they’ve already read. Enjoy this one on it’s own merit! Eri...

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet My rating: 3 of 5 stars A slow-burning story of domestic suspense that delves into the secrets of a marriage! The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet was my first Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, and Susanne, and I had a great time sharing my thoughts with these lovely women! This book is well-written, but very slow in its pace. It moves back and forth to past and present as we learn more about this couple, their marriage, where it went wrong, and how they have tried to put it back together. It’s a book that will make you think about how strong a marriage can be—how it’s possible for two people to withstand so much pain and hurt, and still find something worth fighting for after it all. 2013 Caroline and Francis once were so in love, they couldn’t imagine life without the other. But they are now going through the motions of a marriage—each struggling with their own demons that push them further apart. They are on par...

The Girl I Used to Be by Mary Torjussen My rating: 5 of 5 stars A wonderful, psychological thriller that will make you wonder what you would do if this happened to you!!! I am a big fan of Mary Torjussen’s last book Gone Without a Trace . As a psychologist, I always find books that deal with the character’s mindset effectively to be so compelling, and this is an area Mary really excels in as an author. This book was one I read in two days (which, for someone who works full-time and has a dissertation to write is quite an endorsement). The steady building of suspense in this book had the reader feeling slightly off-kilter along with the protagonist—and that is what made it so hard to put down! I found myself skipping my lunch break to read a bit more, and turning down plans for drinks after work because I just had to know what would happen next! Plot Gemma owns her own real estate business and loves her career. She has a wonderful husband and a beautiful son, but...

My Little Eye by Stephanie Marland My rating: 4 of 5 stars ***3.5 stars for a wonderful police procedural debut*** This book is a strong start to a new police procedural series with a twist by Stephanie Marland, who has also published as Stephanie Broadribb. I did a bit of research into this book and it appears to be the beginning of a new series about Stark and Bell, who are our two narrators and lead characters. When I found out that this may be the first in a series, I felt that it was much easier for me to place this book in context of what to expect, and where some stories were left with threads hanging (presumably to set those up for the next installment). This book had some outstanding twists and some polarizing characters—all of which made for an interesting read! I thought Stephanie did a particularly good job with keeping the reader guessing with the way the plot unfolded. It had many of the distractions that are some common in real police investigations...

The Sudden Departure of the Frasers by Louise Candlish My rating: 3 of 5 stars A long book with a fascinating premise. I'd give The Sudden Departure of the Frasers 3.5 solid stars. This was such a well-written novel. My biggest reason for not giving it more stars was that the length of it was honestly a bit too long. There was a long stretch in the middle that was good, but not a lot was happening or revealed and it could have been shorter. That said, I absolutely loved the book! Plot Teaser (Spoiler Free) Two women, one house, one year apart... The story centers around a house--or really, it centers around a suburban street. In the best house on the most quaint block, two sets of tenants living their one year apart are mysteriously unsettled... The story changes back and forth in narration between Christy Davenport (the current occupant of the house) and Amber Fraser (the former occupant of the house). Christy and her husband Joe get the deal of a lifeti...

When You Disappeared by John Marrs My rating: 4 of 5 stars A dark but lovely story that truly made me think. This is a really lovely book by John Marrs, and I have to admit, it was difficult to put down. I saw many reviews and it does seem this is a polarizing book. Some hated it, some loved it, and most hate-loved it. Having read it, I can understand these opinions. I will say that even those who seemed to dislike the book the most, admitted that it really made them feel something, and that is a marker of a great book in my opinion. This is a book I won't soon forget. I would not characterize this book as a psychological thriller, or even really a domestic thriller. Though there are secrets not unveiled until the end, you understand from early on much of what is going on. You know where Simon went the day he disappeared, and you know what Catherine went through as she struggled to find her footing. Plot Teaser   Catherine is a mother of three who wakes u...