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October Reads: 13 Spooky Books Ranked

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

October Reads 2020 Spooky

It’s hard to believe October is already over. It’s one of my favorite months, both for reading and otherwise. I have been planning my spooky month TBR since May, and while I didn’t get to everything on the list, it was a great reading month overall. October reads are the best.

I think I really read a diverse assortment of books here- everything from classics to thrillers to magical realism and even some sci-fi and horror. Some of these genres are definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I made the choices I did.

There are thirteen books here overall, so let’s jump in and look at the books I loved, the ones I liked, and the ones that ultimately were not for me.

October Reads I Loved 

Ring Shout 

This book was probably the furthest out of my comfort zone, yet offered the biggest reward. I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works.

You can read my full review of Ring Shout here. 

Don’t Look for Me

This one is up there as being one of my favorite reads in one of my favorite genres- thrillers- this year. Don’t Look For me is the story of a woman who disappears. The signs all point to her walking away from or life and family willingly- but did she?

You can read my full review of Don’t Look For Me here.

Rebecca

This was my first time reading this Gothic classic all the way through and I’m so glad I finally did. The book is atmospheric and chilling- the perfect classic read for October. I loved everything Du Maurier achieved in writing this. For those interested in the film adaptations of Rebecca, check out my guide to three different versions here.

Magic Lessons 

Pratical Magic is one of my favorite books, so this prequel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. It did not disappoint. Magic Lessons is a beautiful story that takes us back to the Salem Witch Trials and the beginning of the Owens line. It’s filled with the magical wisdom and ethereal prose readers have come to love from Hoffman’s books and it’s sure to be loved by old fans as well as those just discovering the series.

October Reads I Really Liked

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything 

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything is a great YA story that has a little something for everyone. It’s a coming of age story, there’s a mystery element, a love story, family drama, a bit of sci-fi and magical realism, and discussion of  important topics such as immigration, ICE, and sexual assault. 

It’s a great story and perfect to listen on audio.

You can read more of my thoughts on this own voice story here.

Safe

Safe is a wild ride. When a missing girl returns home after many years it should be a wonderful reunion. But it quickly becomes clear that everything is not as it seems- who is fooling whom in this wild, mysterious thriller?

My Sister the Serial Killer

I really enjoyed this short, smart novel about a young woman whose younger sister has a nasty habit of killing her boyfriends. I loved the story, characters, and satire- my only complaint here is that I would have liked more.

The Request

Another twisty, edge of your seat thriller, this one featuring old friends bound by a dark secret. I did guess a couple of the surprises, but there were so many and things were changing so fast it’s hard to guess how everything comes together.

Home Before Dark

I loved the latest from Riley Sager and the fun, creepy ghost story set in a haunted house in a small town that we get in Home Before Dark. It was a fast read- I loved the multiple timelines and the book within the book.

Coraline 

I’ve loved the story of Coraline since the movie was released, but this was my first time reading the Gaiman novel it was based on. I found them to be very close in plot and characters and enjoyed reading the book and the eerie world that the author creates.

Hallowe’en Party 

This Poirot novel takes place after a party on Halloween- where a little girl says she’s witnessed a murder and then ends up a murder victim that same night. Fans of Christie’s other works may recognize another character- Ariadne Oliver who also makes an appearance in other books like Elephants Can Remember.

October Reads That Weren’t For Me

Mexican Gothic

This book has been getting a lot of buzz, but I think ultimately it wasn’t a book for me. I really enjoyed Noemí’s character and the creepy atmosphere of the house. Ultimately, though, the pacing of the novel made it hard to get into and I would have liked the book to be a little more developed and for the focus to be more on the scary than the bizarre.

Nancy Drew The Secret of the Old Clock 

I really wanted to enjoy Nancy Drew for my first time reading as an adult, but ultimately found the writing stiff and the characters a little too idealistic for my taste. I was having a hard time getting into it, but eventually, it got interesting enough for me to finish. Of course, everything worked out perfectly for everyone. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not in any rush to read more of the series.

Alright, there’s a quick take on each of the books I read in October. Have you read any of these ones?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorite book of Spooky month.

Don’t Look For Me by Wendy Walker Review

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

This was the thriller I’ve been waiting for. I waited way too long to actually start it, but after seeing it all Bookstagram and reading @a_novel_idea11 ‘s review, I knew it had to be on the top of my October TBR. Once I started the book I could not put it down- and finished it 16 hours later. (I was sleeping for at least a few of them.)

Does this one have the makings for best thriller of the year, or is it another average release? Keep reading this review of Don’t Look For Me to find out!

Don’t Look For Me Synopsis:

(From the publisher to keep it spoiler-free.)

“They called it a “walk away.” The car abandoned miles from home. The note found at a nearby hotel. The shattered family. It happens all the time. Women disappear, desperate to start over. But what really happened to Molly Clarke?

The night Molly disappeared began with a storm, running out of gas, and a man offering her a ride to safety. But when the doors lock shut, Molly begins to suspect she has made a terrible mistake.

A new lead brings Molly’s daughter, Nicole, back to the small, desolate town where her mother was last seen to renew the desperate search. The locals are sympathetic and eager to help. The innkeeper. The bartender. Even the police. Until secrets begin to reveal themselves and Nicole comes closer to the truth about that night—and the danger surrounding her.”

Analysis:

Don’t Look For Me is a gripping story sure to be an absolute binge read for thriller lovers. My heart was racing the entire time I read the book- the tension in this one is high and constant, with one unexpected twist after another.  

There were so many times my jaw dropped, so many times I could see what was about to happen just before the events unfolded and yet was shocked by how they played out. Honestly, I don’t think there’s ever been a book where I’ve wanted to grab the characters and say “No, don’t do that, girl!” so many times. 

And it’s not because of any fault of the characters. It’s just that with alternating timelines sometimes the reader knows more than they do and the pressure is so high you know something bad is hiding at every turn if the page.
In a world of thrillers oversaturated with unreliable, unlikable, female narrators it’s great to have these believable and strong characters. 

Walker did an excellent job crafting this novel and I look forward to reading more from her. The story was told from two different timelines a few weeks apart -from the night of Molly’s perspective, starting the night of her disappearance, and then from the point of view of her daughter-Nicole a few weeks later as she looks for answers about what happened to her mother. 

Takeaway:

If you’re looking for an intense five-star thriller to read during spooky season, this is it, yall! Currently, Don’t Look for Me is neck and neck with The Night Swim for favorite thriller of the year.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Don’t Look For Me Content Warning:

death of child, trauma, kidnapping/abduction, child neglect, child abuse, murder, wrongful imprisonment

Review: Agatha Christie’s Elephants Can Remember

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Elephants Can Remember Review

Whether you’re new to the world of Agatha Christie or have been reading her books for years it’s hard to deny that her mystery novels make a perfect addition to any October TBR.

Known as the Queen of Mystery even 40 years after her death, Christie wrote 66 detective novels, plus a play and a number of other works. Not only is her opus prolific- the stories still stand today as outstanding works in the genre.

Most fans have read her more well-known titles such as And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express it’s hard to know what to read next.

Elephants Can Remember is a great choice. Keep reading for a fulll spoiler-free review of this fun and fresh title and see why it’s a great addition for those looking to add mysteries to their TBR.

Synopsis:


The story opens with mystery writer Ariadne Oliver, as she reluctantly attends an author’s event and a woman approaches her to ask a most shocking question:


Did your goddaughter’s mother kill her father and then herself, or did her father kill her mother and then himself?


It’s been a decade since that fateful night, but there is little explanation as to why a healthy and happy couple would go out for a walk one day and choose to end their lives.
Oliver enlists the help of her friend Hercule Poirot and together they track down ‘elephants‘ – those who knew the Ravencrofts and may have memories about them in the week leading up to their deaths.

Eventually, they are able to piece together what happened that fateful night and it’s definitely a departure from the story that has been told about the family over the years.

Analysis:

Although I put together what happened myself early in the book, I enjoyed seeing the interview process unfold and there were still a few surprises in store.

The character of Ariadne Oliver was a lot of fun. Seeing her work alongside Poirot to get answers is a fresh twist on the typical Poirot and serves as a great introduction to him and a nice change of pace for those familiar with the detective.


It was interesting to see the book rely on oral testimony from years past in the absence of any physical evidence. This certainly makes it hard to uncover the truth, but not impossible, as we see here.

Takeaway

First published in 1972, this is the first of Christie’s later works which I’ve read, and I enjoyed it even though the story wasn’t as strong as many of the other books of hers I’ve read. It was still an enjoyable four-star read perfect for anyone looking for a fun classic English mystery.

September Reading Wrap-Up

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September Reading Wrap Up

The month of September turned out to be a solid reading month for me.

I read 11 books. This is a solid number for me, especially considering I probably watched more TV this month than I did the entire first half of the year. Between hockey playoffs, football starting, and a Gilmore Girl rewatch I have zero regrets.

And, as always, it’s about quality over quantity here.

Thankfully, most of my reads were 4- and 5- stars for me, though there was one dud.

Alright, here are the books!

Books I Loved

1. Anxious People by Fredirk Backman

This was easily my favorite read of the month. I’ve been looking forward to it for ages and was so thriller to receive an ALC from Libro.fm so I could listen to the book.

Everything about this book was perfection. The audio was fantastic, the dark comedy masterfully executed, the characters deeply human and real.

Fredrick Backman again got right to the heart of human nature, at a time where we need to be kind and understanding of one another more than ever.

I went into this book not knowing much about the plot and I highly recommend that approach. Like the characters in the book, just buckle up for the ride. The magic is in the journey.

Go check out my full spoiler-free review here.

2. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi

If I were handing out Superlatives for the month, Transcendent Kingdom would win “Best Writing.” I hung on every word Gyasi wrote in this lyrical novel.

The story centers around Gifty, daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who grew up in Alabama before moving to continue her education, first at Harvard, then at Stanford where she studies neuroscience.

This is a great work of literary fiction that gives readers a lot to think about on a number of subjects.

Listening to my favorite narrator Bahni Turpin tell the story only made it that much more incredible. Thank you to Libro.fm for providing the ALC.

3. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

This is one of those books I avoided reading because it was so hyped I figured there was no way it could live up.

I’m so glad I finally gave this book a chance- it’s defintely deserving of all the praise and buzz you’ve no doubt heard.

This YA novel is about Starr, whose best friend Khalil is shot multiple times by a police officer at what should have been a routine traffic stop. She watches him die on the street.

He’s unarmed, compliant, and sober.

He’s also Black.

As if witnessing that trauma wasn’t enough, Starr also has to deal with the normal trials of being a teenager; relationship drama with her friends, family, and boyfriend, and how being ‘the witness’ puts her in a difficult position with each of them.

Although I think I preferred Thomas’ other novel On the Come Up. this is a must-read.

4. When No One Is Watching

 A couple things that immediately elevate a book in my eyes is the ablitity trancend genre and discussing important themes in a genre book.

When No One is Watching did this masterfully, though unfortunately for other readers this has been a reason to give a critical review.

This book is categorized as a thriller. It’s definitely got elements of a slow-burn thriller with lots of domestic suspense. There’s also some romance going on.

What really takes this a step above is the way Cole incorporated a number of timely social issues into the story, as she tells of the gentrification happening in Brooklyn and the negative effects this has on long-time black residents.

The “worst-case scenario” Cole imagines is a true horror of a different kind- the monsters that are 100% human rather than supernatural. The tension is high all the way through while I listened to the book, but it’s the ending really blew me away.

This is definitely worth the read, however, I do suggest going into it with the above in mind- not when you’re looking for your typical thriller.

Thank you to Libro.fm for providing the ALC.

5. The Nothing Man

If you are on the lookout for a through and through thriller, The Nothing Man should definitely be on your TBR.

This is a bit of a slow-burn too, as we learn of horrific crimes- serial murders and rape that happened years ago, with no trace of the perpetrator left at any of the scenes.

I loved the book within a book element. The survivor of one of the Nothing Man’s crime writes a true crime book about him, and the dormant killer comes out of the shadows,.

The ending of this book really blew my mind and it’s probably the most satisfying thriller resolution I’ve read this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ALC. 


















Books I Enjoyed:















6. The Death of Vivek Oji 













This book was close to being a “loved it” book, but the way the timeline and perspectives jumped around were a bit tough to follow at times. That ultimately detracted from my overall reading experience. 





Still, it was a gripping story, beautiful and heartbreaking and I am so glad I read it. 





While it’s obvious going into the book that Vivek dies- it’s not clear till the end how and why, and at whose hands. While some of my suspicions about the details were correct, it was a joy getting to know the person Vivek was through his eyes and the eyes of those who loved him. 










7. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory 













This was an example of the perfect book at the perfect time for me. 





Jasmine Guillory’s books are comfort reads for me and I had so much fun im her world wtih these characters and all the descriptions of clothes and food. 





This was the steamiest book of The Wedding Date series that I’ve read so far, but I was here for it- along with the fun enemies to lovers trope. 










8. Punching the Air by  Yusef Salaam and Ibi Zoboi













This is my first experience reading a novel in verse. Despite hearing so many of you rave about various books and enjoying modern poetry I was very hesitant about trying this format. 





Punching the Air is a YA novel in verse and it made me fall completely in love with the concept.





Hearing it is spoken word narrated by Ethan Herrise was a wonderful experience as he tells the story of Amal, a wrongfully convicted teenager.





There is so much emotion and movement within the story and the verse excels at everything modern poetry sets out to do.





The story is trying, heartbreaking, yet so beautiful as Amal tries to hold on to hope despite dire circumstances and use his art- his words to rise.





This book is a must-read … and it’s a quick one, so there’s no reason not to add it to your TBR.





Many thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for the advance copy.










9. One by One by Ruth Ware 













I’m a HUGE Ruth Ware fangirl, so despite hearing lukewarm feedback about One by One, which was one of my most-anticipated books of the year. 





And overall I enjoyed it. It has Ware’s trademark atmospheric vibe, as the characters find themselves snowed in at a luxury ski chalet. There are some decidedly unlikable- though interesting- characters here, which made it a fun read. 





My main issue with the book was the pacing. 





I don’t mind a slow-burn thriller at all– and this one certainly started out in that direction. 





The tension built well enough, but unfortunaltely for me the climax came way too soon, and then things fizzled out and dragged on for too long for there. 





If you’re frustrated with thrillers that end abruptly or with too many loose ends you may appreciate this aspect more. Personally, I’d have preferred less. 










10. Shut Up You’re Pretty by Téa Mutonji’ 


















This collection of stories is captivating, intimate, and beautiful- even as it deals with a number of difficult and unsavory subjects.  





It’s a collection of short stories about a girl who is trying to discover and understand herself as she grows up.





The writing was great and the narrator brought it to a new dimension withthe rhythm of her storytelling.





This is a great book for those looking for stories that deal with a broad range of themes that involve Intersectional Feminism.  





Many thanks to Bespeak Audio Editions and NetGalley for the ALC. 





Did Not Like:















11. The Less Dead by Denise Mina


















I went into The Less Dead with high hopes after enjoying a crime thriller from the same author last year. Mina’s Conviction was a Reese’s RBC pick and I thought I was in for another good read.





I was wrong.





Guys, I hate writing negative reviews, but there just isn’t a lot of good to say about this book.





An attempt was made to humanize sex workers and get readers to consider what may lead a person to that life. I appreciate that.





Unfortunately, it wasn’t entirely convincing and the book as a whole was a bit of a mess.





Also, the book has essentially EVERY trigger warning/ content warning imaginable.





Many of these difficult elements seem to be there for shock value and have no bearing on the plot.





You can check out my full review here. 










There you have it, friends!





Ten hits and one miss to close out the month. 





Now on to ALL THE SPOOKY READS for October! 





Have you read any of these books yet?





Which ones will you be adding to your own TBR?


Fast Five Friday- Lightning Round Reviews


       milelongtbr       11 Comments







Fast Five Friday





Five books with something in common with a quick blurb about each. 





This week the common thread is again, books I’ve read this year and have yet to review. 





Lightning Round Reviews. 





These are all 2020 reads I enjoyed and recommend adding to your own TBR. Read these five mini reviews to see if the book is a good fit for you!










ONE TO WATCH: This romance novel is perfect for fans of The Bachelor and reality TV. I enjoy neither, yet I LOVED this book. You’ll enjoy taking this journey with Bea and the commentary on inclusivity and being sex-positive and body-positive elevate the book above your average rom-com. The killer fashion & exotic destinations don’t hurt either.


















MIDNIGHT AT THE BRIGHT IDEAS BOOKSTORE: (CW: suicide, murder)  A mystery set around a bookstore? Count me in! This book is a touch darker than your cozy book for bibliophiles but lighter than your average thriller and with MANY more bookish references. This book takes on a lot, but it’s an enjoyable read as a suicide in the book store where Lydia works causes her to reexamine her past, present, & future.


















SORRY I MISSED YOU: Quirky, unique, and hopeful. Three strangers with nothing common move in as tenants in a rental home. When an illegible and cryptic note appears in the mailbox each thinks it’s for them – a ghost from their past coming back to make amends. Or possibly haunt them. Speaking of ghosts, is that what’s causing the strange things happening inside the house? Unlikely friendships form as characters try to unravel the mysteries. It’s funny, heartfelt, cozy, & mysterious; the perfect fall read. 


















THE OVERDUE LIFE OF AMY BYLER: Amy is a small-town librarian and supermom, but that doesn’t leave her time for much else. When her estranged husband reappears and takes the kids over the summer, she doesn’t know what to do with herself. A trip to NYC could be lifechanging, as she finally has an opportunity to put herself first. This women’s fiction is funny and charming, but it’s the relationships that really shine here.


















THE BRIGHT SIDE OF GOING DARK  (CW: suicide) Mia is a social media influencer with a perfect life- until it falls apart. Paige is a techie who prefers algorithms to emotions. As multiple storylines intersect 3 women all learn how going out of your comfort zone can change your life for the better. 










The Less Dead by Denise Mina Review


       milelongtbr       1 Comment












After enjoying Conviction last year I was eager to read more from Denise Mina. That was my first book from the author, which I selected because it was a Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Pick. 





 Unfortunately, The Less Dead did not deliver the exciting thriller I was expecting.  





Keep reading this review to see what specifically about  The Less Dead didn’t work for me and see if it’s one you want to read or consider skipping. 





Synopsis:





The following quote is the promotional blurb for The Less Dead. 





“She thought she was finding her birth mother.





Now she’s searching for a killer.





Dr. Margo Dunlop is at a crossroads. Her adoptive mom just passed away, and Margo misses her so much she can’t begin to empty the house—or, it seems, get her brother on the phone. Not to mention she’s newly single, secretly pregnant, and worried about her best friend’s dangerous relationship. In an effort to cheer herself up she goes in search of her birth mother. Instead she finds Nikki, her mother’s sister. Aunt Nikki isn’t what Margo expects, and she brings upsetting news: Margo’s mother is dead. Worse, she was murdered years ago, and her killer is still at large—and sending Nikki threatening letters.





Margo is torn. Should she stay out of this mess, or try to find justice? But then Margo receives a letter, too. Someone out there has been waiting and watching, and in Margo sees the spitting image of her mother…





Darkly funny and deeply affecting, The Less Dead is a sharply modern new thriller from the bestselling author of Conviction, and a surprisingly moving story of daughters and mothers, secrets and choices, and how the search for the truth—and a long-hidden killer—will lead one woman to find herself.“





Analysis:





What worked for me: 





  • Mina attempted to humanize sex workers and show what might lead a person to that kind of life and challenge people’s preconceptions of them.  





  • The final paragraph was strong.  





  •  Short chapters made for a quick read.  





  • There was tension in some of the scenes that reengaged my interest.  










What didn’t: 





  • The writing. The style was uncomfortably choppy, the transitions between points of view and dialogue were sloppy, the tense changed intermittently.  
  • The characters. They were unlikable, which isn’t necessarily something that makes me dislike a book, especially thrillers. In this case, however, there was too much backstory in some aspects, and yet none of it added up to giving me an understanding of the main character or what would lead her to make many of the choices she did.  
  • The Grit. It’s a thriller, I expected the book to have some dark and difficult elements. In the case of The Less Dead, I found it to be distasteful. Virtually every trigger warning imaginable applies to this book. (See list at end of post.) I feel that Mina took this too far and at points, it seemed that certain elements were added in for shock value rather than to contribute to the plot.  
  • Female friendships. Shockingly, the number one device I have a hard time getting past isn’t the rape, murder, or even the pedophilia. It’s the relationship Margo has with her “best friend” Lilah.In short, it’s a toxic, competitive, and “frenemy”-like dynamic that I simply can’t stand and also has no relevance to the plot.  
  • The Plot. Most of the time I simply wasn’t engaged and interested in what was going on. There was too much extraneous information and storylines which were never resolved. I didn’t like the way Mina chose to end the story. 










Takeaway:





Not sure what to say other than that, folks. The “What Didn’t Work” list should speak for itself. 





I hate to write negative reviews but have to be transparent about this book, especially if there are other readers out there who enjoyed Conviction and are expecting something similar.  





I struggled to finish this book and likely would have DNF’ed it if I were not reading a review copy. Ultimately, I gave the book two stars. 





Thank you to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for the advance copy.





Content Warning:





death of parent, abusive relationships, stalking, child abuse and neglect, prostitution, abortion, murder, violence, drug use, mention of suicide, pedophilia, rape, allusions to child pornography, defiling a corpse,