The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

 

Sally Hepworth is a favorite of mine because I can always count on her books to be addicting. I couldn't put this one down and spent my whole weekend engrossed in it. It's one of those books that's hard to say much about without ruining it for others. That being said, I didn't love the ending, or rather the open-ended ending. Nevertheless, I loved the characters and the plot and I'm sure others will too. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for another fabulous read. Publication date: April 5, 2022.

The Perfect Father by Charlotte Duckworth

A little predictable, but overall a fun read that kept me interested. This was my first book by Charlotte Duckworth and I immediately checked out another of her books, Unfollow Me. Will be looking for more from her in the future.

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

Shut the front door! I had to wait at least 24 hours after finishing this before words would even come to me to describe this book. “Devilishly wild ride on a crazy train to hell” sums it up nicely. Trust me, you will not be prepared for how it ends. I have to go into a quiet room now and think about who seems crazy enough to play Nina in the movie version.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this fabulous read. 

Beating About the Bush by M.C. Beaton

Synopsis: When private detective Agatha Raisin comes across a severed leg in a roadside hedge, it looks like she is about to become involved in a particularly gruesome murder. Looks, however, can be deceiving, as Agatha discovers when she is employed to investigate a case of industrial espionage at a factory where nothing is quite what it seems.

Agatha is back! I've been a fan of this series since the beginning, but in recent years some of the books have been difficult to get through. The last one in particular was the first time I ever gave up and didn't finish an Agatha Raisin book. I'm happy to report that Beating About the Bush is quintessential Agatha and a joy for her fans. In this one she's working on a case about industrial espionage that becomes more complicated when a woman turns up dead and Wizz-Wass the donkey is blamed. Agatha's young employee Toni, Sir Charles, Mrs. Bloxby, and my favorite, Roy Silver, are all on the case too, with lots of laughs and G&Ts at the pub thrown in for good measure. If you are an Agatha fan, you will likely enjoy this 30th (!!!) installment of the beloved series. 

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Synopsis: When Korede's dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what's expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This'll be the third boyfriend Ayoola's dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede's long been in love with him, and isn't prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other.

Why in the name of god did I wait so long to read this??? Saying it's fantastic doesn't seem like enough. I was laughing out loud and yelling "No!" at other parts. If for any reason you have put it on your TBR pile and let it languish there like I did, go get it and read it now. You won't be sorry. All the stars! A+++

For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt

Synopsis: On their first date back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke bonded over drinks, dinner and whether they could get away with murder. Now married, they’ll put the latter to the test when an unchecked danger in their community places their son in jeopardy. Working as a criminal defense attorney, Nat refuses to rely on the broken legal system to keep her family safe. She knows that if you want justice…you have to get it yourself.

I had previously read Margot Hunt's Best Friends Forever and enjoyed it so I was eager to read this book. It tackles the difficult subject of child molestation without getting too graphic, all the while maintaining a fast pace as Nat and Will must deal with the fall out of what they have done to protect their son. I had to suspend my disbelief more than usual while reading this, although that isn't necessarily a bad thing. As a parent, surely many will relate to why they do what they do, but the aftermath and the ending were a little too perfectly wrapped up for me. Still, this is a fun, nail-biting thriller and I look forward to more of the same from Margot Hunt.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Synopsis: Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. 

Oh, I loved this one! Eleanor is rude and weird and probably someone I would cross the street to avoid, if I'm being honest. But holy moley she's hiding some big secrets and they all start surfacing when she meets Raymond, a guy from work, and together they help an old man who has collapsed in the street. Even though Eleanor is about as reluctant as one can be to help the old guy, he ultimately plays a big role in the story and in her life. There are so many enjoyable moments in this book along with some sad ones as well. Two big thumbs up for Eleanor Oliphant!