I used to be one of those annoying people who thought that being interested in something popular was lame. While my scope of view has broadened greatly, I will admit there are exceptions to this statement. I do try now to judge a book (or a show, or a movie, or a food) by how much I genuinely enjoy it instead of worrying about how "mainstream" it is. This narrow, reluctant view has unfortunately kept me from so many great authors over the years. Had I not altered this bad habit, I would have forever missed out on Stephen King, John Grisham, James Patterson, and more. Some of these names are seen on a multitude of bookshelves and bestseller lists for a very valid reason - they're genuinely skilled at their craft. They are able to transport you to another world, whether it be one of fear or suspense or disbelief. I am simultaneously proud and ashamed to admit that I have a new entry to add to this list - Mary Higgins Clark. As a murder mystery enthusiast, it is simply unthinkable that I have never read any of her books. She just seemed like the kind of author who reigned supreme on Grandmothers dusty bookshelves everywhere. Well that may be true, but clearly Granny had kickass taste in reading.
Besides, I don't know what I am complaining about. I may be 35, but I love a good cardigan, shush people for talking too loudly, and adore curling up with a good book and a cup of tea. So that really tracks with this weeks reading material.
I've Got My Eyes on You - Mary Higgins Clark
After seeing a lot of buzz about this online, I decided to finally break my lifelong resistance to Mary Higgins Clark books and dove right in. I was instantly entranced, not only by the intriguing writing style, but by the storyline. Told in alternating viewpoints throughout the book, the story opens on a party thrown by a popular high schooler, Kerry. She didn't invite her next-door neighbor, Jamie, who is special needs and is a bit upset that he wasn't invited, since Kerry always invites him over to swim with her and treats him with kindness. As he watches her clean up the yard from his bedroom window, he sees someone hit her over the head and her lifeless body falling into the pool. Not understanding the situation, he comes over to see if he can swim with her. The next day, his mom finds his soaking wet pants and shoes in his closet and is paralyzed with fear that he was somehow involved in Kerry's murder. Her older sister Aline was already planning to return home and accept a job as a guidance counselor at the local high school, but her mission is even more important now as it puts her in proximity of the very people who are the most likely suspects in Kerry's murder - her boyfriend, her visibly agitated best friend, her lacrosse teammates, and her best friends. As Aline tries to find out the truth about her sisters killer, she uncovers secrets that build to a surprising and satisfying ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and plowed through it in 2 days.
The Girls in the Garden - Lisa Jewell
I read Jewell's "Then She Was Gone: A Novel
" and found it to be a really fun, twisty read. This one was very similar in that way. There were, admittedly, a lot of characters to keep track of. The story revolves around the residents of apartments that surround a private park, therefore creating a sequestered area for relationships to go sour and dark events to occur. Since the characters tend to be lifelong residents of the apartments, some with multiple generations, there are many ghosts within the confines of the hedges. A young girl was murdered some 20 years ago, and the case was closed as suicide. However, not everyone believes that to be the whole story. When Clare moves into the neighborhood with her precocious young girls, Grace and Pip, they each find themselves being drawn into the dark webs of secrets and lies amongst different residents within the park. When Grace is found attacked in the garden, the mysteries go even deeper. A super fast-paced story, this one will keep you up late turning pages.
" and found it to be a really fun, twisty read. This one was very similar in that way. There were, admittedly, a lot of characters to keep track of. The story revolves around the residents of apartments that surround a private park, therefore creating a sequestered area for relationships to go sour and dark events to occur. Since the characters tend to be lifelong residents of the apartments, some with multiple generations, there are many ghosts within the confines of the hedges. A young girl was murdered some 20 years ago, and the case was closed as suicide. However, not everyone believes that to be the whole story. When Clare moves into the neighborhood with her precocious young girls, Grace and Pip, they each find themselves being drawn into the dark webs of secrets and lies amongst different residents within the park. When Grace is found attacked in the garden, the mysteries go even deeper. A super fast-paced story, this one will keep you up late turning pages.
One Sentence Reviews
The Last to See Me by M Dressler - Spooky and atmospheric, it was everything I wanted We Have Always Lived in The Castle by Shirley Jackson to be.
Last Woman Standing by Amy Gentry (ARC) - Suspenseful and intriguing, you will be on the edge of your seat!Currently Reading
Little Honour by Penny Freedman - A woman helps investigate the death of a young Indian woman that may be an honour killing.
Snap by Belinda Bauer - A gripping novel about a teenage boy’s hunt for his mother’s killer.
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