The Downstairs Neighbor by Helen Cooper

 

Synopsis: From her downstairs apartment in suburban London, Emma has often overheard the everyday life of the seemingly perfect family upstairs–Steph, Paul and teenage daughter Freya–but has never got to know them. Until one day, she hears something that seizes her attention: Freya has vanished and the police are questioning Steph and Paul about their life. Do either of you have any enemies? Anyone who might want to harm or threaten you?

Oh my lord! This was fabulous. Anyone who likes Lisa Jewell's style of British domestic slow-burn thriller will eat this one up. There are a slew of characters to keep track of, which can make it hard to put this down and pick right up again, but this twisty story is worth it. Just when you think you know what's going on, you don't! I loved it. For a debut novel, Helen Cooper knocked it out of the park. As soon as I finished it I found out that NetGalley had gifted me her new one, The Other Guest. I'll be reviewing that here closer to the pub date in July.

The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon

Jennifer McMahon has done it again. I've been a fan since Winter People and she hasn't let me down since. This is another twisty, dark drama reminiscent of last year's The Drowning Kind, with a hint of Stranger Things vibes. Troubled siblings, secret pasts, and perfectly creepy elements are McMahon's forte and I love it. I'll be over here not-so-patiently waiting for her next book. Much thanks to Gallery and to Netgalley for providing this ARC. Publication date: April 26, 2022.

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+++