Who says the past stays buried? In these mystery and thriller novels in this month’s mini book reviews, the past and present are intertwined with secrets, complicated relationships, and admirable female characters who seek answers to years’ old mysteries.
Book Reviews Of 3 Adult Thrillers
These past few months, thrillers have been my source of reading material. All I’ve wanted to read about are mysteries, characters with secrets, and plots with suspense and danger. The three books below are a mix of old and new releases. Thank you to Pan Macmillan SA for the copies!
1. Big Lies In A Small Town By Diane Chamberlain
In 2018 North Carolina, a young woman (Morgan) is released from prison to restore an old post office mural. What she discovers is a southern town crawling with secrets and hiding a story of murder, revenge, and prejudice. And a woman, Anna Dale, who is the centre of that story.
I loved the setting and Chamberlain’s dialogue. Anna and Morgan are both three-dimensional heroines, too, and the plot is strong and compelling. The only disappointment was the melodramatic ending of the book.
Buy a copy of this book here
Read the book’s synopsis here
Read my full review here (I rated this novel 3.5 stars out of 5).
2. Plus One By Vanessa Raphaely
The story follows Lisa, the editor of a London magazine, whose weekend with her best friend Claudia on a glamorous yacht takes a dangerous turn. For years, Lisa lives the secrets and trauma of that weekend. Until finally she can’t ignore it any longer.
Raphaely is a South African author whose astute, mesmerizing writing takes the reader on a scandalous, yet heartbreaking journey. The book’s themes are relevant (think #MeToo) and the characters are compelling. It’s an important book, although I think the thriller aspect isn’t as riveting as it could’ve been.
Buy a copy of this book here
Read the book’s synopsis here
Read my full review here (I rated this novel 3.5 stars out of 5)
3. Last Time I Lied By Riley Sager
Riley Sager’s books never disappoint. His writing is excellent, and his stories always end with shocking twists that knock the breath out of you. This book was no exception.
This novel follows Emma, whose childhood experience at Camp Nightingale ended with a girl’s disappearance and a game of Two Truths And A Lie that went horribly wrong. Now in the present day, Emma returns to the camp and follows cryptic clues to uncover the truth about that fateful night.
Sager gives us secrets. Twists. Interesting characters. An original mystery. Suspense and an explosive ending. Last Time I Lied is a thriller worth reading.
Buy a copy of this book here
Read the book’s synopsis here
Highly Anticipated Book Releases Coming This October
I have my eyes on these three books coming out in October. What are you looking forward to?
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
The Cold Millions by Jess Walters
The Searcher by Tanya French
Read this Barnes and Noble article to learn more about books releasing this month.
