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Review: Schroeder

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Schroeder by Neal Cassidy My rating: 4 of 5 stars I read this book as a free review copy and this review is based on my completing the story and is my honest feedback on the story. I wavered between 3 and 4 for the last couple of days before settling for a 4 star rating for this book. Not many books have made me this indecisive. For a prospective reader I would say this is a solid 3.5 star. My first book from the author and hopefully the start of several more because the writing style of Neal has enamored me. Writing from the POV of the titular character as the protagonist and the antagonist being the killer that he has become Neal provides a poignant exploration of what it means to seek connection and understanding, reminding us of the delicate balance between inspiration and obsession as well as how the lives of artists can resonate deeply within us. The novel deftly blends elements of literary fiction with psychological depth, offering a rich exp
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Review: Commander Annie and Other Adventures

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Commander Annie and Other Adventures by Mary E. Lowd My rating: 4 of 5 stars 3.5 stars I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is delightful collection of stories that blend whimsy, adventure, and heart. Our title character, Commander Annie, embarks on various journeys that highlight themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. I love Mary's style of storytelling and found this book also engaging and imaginative, appealing to readers of all ages. Her ability to create rich, vivid worlds and memorable characters makes each adventure feel fresh and exciting. The writing is accessible, making it perfect for younger audiences while still offering depth for older readers. For me this was a charming experience that encourages exploration and imagination. It’s a great pick for anyone looking for a fun, uplifting escape into a world of adventure! Recomended. View all my reviews
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Review: My Sister's Downfall

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My Sister's Downfall by S.M. Thomas My rating: 3 of 5 stars My thanks to the team for this ARC. This is a story of sisters and their relationship with an exploration of the familial bonds, secrets, and the dark paths we sometimes tread. Sisters whose relationship is tested by jealousy, betrayal, and the weight of their past. The tension builds steadily, pulling readers into the sisters' world as they navigate love, loss, and the consequences of their choices. The themes of redemption and the search for identity resonates while prompting the reader to reflect on their own relationships. My first book from the author, SM Thomas, provided me with an interesting story that she skillfully weaves with a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of sisterhood, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate emotional depth and psychological nuance. It was the thriller portion which for me was a letdown with uneven pacing and a predictab
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Review: The Whisper

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The Whisper by Warren Greer My rating: 3 of 5 stars 3.5 stars I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This review based on my reading is a phased review with points written as I progressed with the story. An appreciation for the author's gripping psychological thriller that immersed me in a world of suspense and intrigue that unfolds through the eyes of its characters, each of whom seem to harboring layers of secrets that propel the plot forward. The writing is sharp and succeeds in creating an atmosphere filled with tension and uncertainty with the dark and dangerous world of the illegal drug trade as its backdrop. The story follows Jasper, a youngster who is taken under the wing by a hardboiled drug dealer Glen after he lost his parents in an accident. His obligations to Glen and his attraction to Jane the wife of a drug overlord, form conflicted emotions as the story pan out. The narrative delves i
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Review: Keep The Doctor Away

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Keep The Doctor Away by James Caine My rating: 4 of 5 stars My thanks to the BookSirens team, the publishers and the author for this review copy. This is my first book from the author. I like thrillers so this book was right in that alley. This is a well paced story, a psychological thriller with a disturbing topic. It has its share of shocks and twists with a good bouquet of character both primary and secondary. The island with the clinic is a creepy location and creates paranoia with its pre-determination for security and secrecy. It is understandable when its caters for the uber rich but still leaves a metallic taste in the mouth especially after the enticing book blurb. Lily as the primary protagonist comes across as a vulnerable but likable character with David an exact opposite. Although you can feel for the guy as he gets what is possibly a big break for his career. The way things spiral out of control with haunting vies and psycholigal tale i
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Review: Rebecca

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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier My rating: 5 of 5 stars What more can I add in a review of this book, arguably one of the most famous novels of the previous century, immortalized on celluloid by another legend, Alfred Hitchcock, although the latter features some sharp prudish changes to the original story. The story is a rich exploration of complexities of identity, the sheer weight of a memory, the haunting reminders and intricacies and complications of human interactions and relationships. The story contains masterful prose and the novel has an omniscient foreboding and haunting atmosphere which served to chill me despite reading a condensed version while in school, which invites readers to reflect on the ways in which the past shapes and influences the present. As a pre-eminent and seminal work of Gothic fiction, it explores themes of identity, memory, and the haunting power of the past. This is a quintessential Gothic novel and continues to resonate
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Review: The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden

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The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden My rating: 4 of 5 stars 3.5 stars rather than 4. My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this review copy. This review is based on my reading this book and is my honest feedback on the story. I have identified Steve as an author whose books I will look forward to. This is my first Steve Hadden book as I sift through new books and new authors to uncover new ones. I have a tremendous love for thrillers and this book is right up there with the best. The story ticks off many key elements from Nazis, Hitler, American Presidents, the Oval office, conspiracy theories and a protagonist who delivers alongside a true American patriot. The story starts off innocuously with a discovery of a sunken strongbox by Amelia whose company or family's company is in the business of oil exploration and deep sea drilling. Amelia a former Air force veteran has a strong affinity with historical artefacts and keep
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