That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
When a graduating grad student wants to perform ancient Greek ritual the night before graduation, he selects the library basement, filled with rare, valuable books is the perfect place. Carefully selecting the guest list, the students gather after hours, locked in, and ready to get high and perform the secret ceremony when things start to go wrong…and soon someone ends up dead. With the murderer obviously locked in the basement among them, the students begin to panic, and not knowing who to trust, secrets begin revealing themselves and tensions rise. Can the students survive the night? Or will the ancient spirits guide them to murder and mayhem?
The story is told from the multiple POVs of the students in the basement during the night.
I feel like this book had so much potential from its premise, and it started out really well. But soon, things, like the situation in the basement itself, the book goes a little off the rails. I mean, as I said it’s quite a good set up, with the ritual and the locked-room mystery, but soon I started getting annoyed that these supposedly smart people were making such stupid decisions. (Though it could have been the drugs, tbf). It’s just as well, because none of the characters are really worth rooting for.
minor, minor spoiler Also, we never quite get a handle on what the ritual is or what it’s supposed to do or mean. That was a huge part of the draw and it was a big let-down.
But I give the book props for the ending. I did not see that coming. It was really a nice twist and one I liked a great deal, so it ended the book on a high note for me.
So, the book was so/so for me. Read with caution on this one, though I would definitely give this author another try.
But I give the
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Author Q&A: Sam Lockwood, “The Hidden Heir”
Yesterday, I reviewed “The Hidden Heir” by Sam Lockwood. Today, I’m here to share some thoughts from Sam on the book, writing, and what’s next for him!
- What made you want to write an alternative history book? Why this particular story?
- I originally thought of this idea over seven years ago in a creative writing class in high school. I would say my biggest inspiration for creating this was reading “The Da Vinci Code.” While I wouldn’t necessarily consider it an alternative history novel, when I read about Jesus having a relationship with Mary Magdalene, a lightbulb went off in my head. I just immediately thought about this story since I had heard rumors of Marilyn Monroe and JFK’s relationship.
- What research did you have to do for this topic?
- There was a lot of research that went into creating this to make it as accurate as possible for the time period. I had to look up the different technologies that were available at the time, learn about the old-school printing process, etc. In addition to research related to the time period, I researched Marilyn Monroe’s childhood, John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and a lot of other details to make sure it was as accurate as possible. The research was definitely an important part of the novel that I hadn’t considered when I started drafting it originally, but I credit my dad for reminding me to make it accurate to the time period early on in the writing process.
- What was the most fun about writing this book?
- The transformation of the novel from its first form to the final copy was the most exciting part for me. Originally, I had written this as a screenplay and thought that it would work better as a novel, so I transformed it. Writing it as a novel really allowed me to dive into the characters more than the screenplay did. Even the difference between the first draft of the novel and where it is now is astounding. Going through the editing process and seeing your work gradually get better is amazing.
- What are you working on next?
- I have a few different ideas for what I’m going to work on next. I’m still very focused on “The Hidden Heir” and its promotion, so I can’t commit to what my next project will be, but I have a few different ideas. I know I’m going to shift away from the alternative history genre. I want to try to explore writing as many genres as I possibly can, and I’m leaning towards writing a psychological thriller next.
- Your Goodreads biography says you work in financial services, what got you interested in writing? Do you see yourself writing another book?
- Writing has been a passion of mine for a long time. I’ve loved reading stories and watching movies since I was a little kid. When I found out I could write stories of my own, I was immediately hooked. I wrote my first “book” when I was in second grade (it was probably around six pages long), and I haven’t stopped writing stories since, whether it be short stories, novels, or screenplays. Whether it’s through reading books in a book club or watching movies with friends, I think an intriguing story is an excellent way to form bonds with other people.
- What’s your advice to people who want to try writing a book or short story?
- In my opinion, the hardest part about writing a story is getting started. My advice is to start writing and see what comes out of it, even if you don’t have a concrete story idea. Once you start writing, I think it’s actually hard to stop, so just go for it! I know it can be difficult to find time to write if you have a full-time job, but even setting aside a few hours each day before/after work can take you a long way. Ultimately, you can write at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. Writing a novel takes a lot of hard work, but if you really enjoy it, it won’t feel like work.
Review: The Hidden Heir by Samuel Lockwood
Come back tomorrow for an Author Q&A with Author Sam Lockwood!
The Hidden Heir by Samuel Lockwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Clyde always knew his upbringing was a little different, but he had no idea how much until his mother died. It turns out that he didn’t just happen to grow up on an isolated ranch in Montana – him and his mother had been “sentenced” there. His mother was none other than Marilyn Monroe, and his father was JFK – he was conceived during their infamous affair and Marilyn chose to disappear from the public eye rather than have an abortion. Now, Clyde wants to be free and tell his story, but there are people who will still do just about anything to keep him quiet.
I love alternative histories. They are like the butterfly effect coming to life: what if one little thing went differently, what would’ve happened? In this case: what if there was, um, physical proof of JFK and Marilyn Monroe’s physical indiscretions? What would’ve happened? Well, this book provides an extremely interesting and compelling story to answer that question. And it’s a really quick and fun read!
It’s really quite a trip seeing historical figures in a different light (I won’t give away too much here but….yeah, there’s a much different side of some of history’s beloved people, and it’s a fascinating take!). And there are obviously plenty of new people to get to know. Author Sam Lockwood really fleshes out the characters really well, giving them backstories and genuine emotional moments throughout the story. You feel like you get to know them by the end of the novel.
Overall, this is a fun, delightful read from a first-time author, and it’s going to be great to see where Lockwood goes next.
If you’re a fan of alternative historical fiction or political thrillers, pick this book up! It’s a great read from a promising new author.
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Review: If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Ali Lane disappeared five years ago, it was like she vanished off the face of the Earth. However, when her car is discovered submerged in a lake on the first day of deputy Poppy McGee’s new job with the sheriff’s department, it sets off a chain of events that stretch from Ali’s sleepy hometown in Kansas, to Italy, to England, and Philadelphia. Along the way the mystery of what happened to Ali that fateful day becomes clear – and the answers hit closer to home than anyone was ever expecting.
The book is told from multiple POVs, all in the present timeline.
This book was really interesting and had a super fascinating mystery at its core. I was drawn in right away. These kinds of missing persons mysteries have a way of just getting under my skin and making me need to know what happened -and this one was no exception. With absolutely no leads and plenty of conjecture and gossip, the atmosphere was ripe for a good twist to pop up out of nowhere and turn this thing on its head.
And boy did it ever. There were some good ones that kept me gasping throughout. And as everything tied together, I was really blown away by the nice storytelling the author was able to accomplish. It was really clean and smooth, though possibly a little unbelievable, but hey, it needed to be done for the story to work out, I suppose.
So if you’re looking for a good thriller with a kicking mystery, this is your book, hands down. It has a little bit of everything: international travel, a thrilling mystery, internal conflict….and I could go on.
Pick this one up, and I’m going to check out more of Alex Finlay’s work!
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#BlogTour: Sun, Sea, & Murder by J.S. Savage
About the Book
Two baffling murders. A hotel full of suspects. One secretive sleuth.
The guests at The Orange Tree Hotel arrive looking forward to a holiday filled with sun, fun, and sangria. But when Russell Aspell, the hotel’s owner, is found dead inside a locked room, any hopes of a relaxing break under the Spanish sun are ruined. Soon, each of the guests will become suspects as their lies and secrets are uncovered.
Then, when a guest is murdered in plain view of everyone else, it’s clear the murderer is not only ingenious but utterly ruthless too.
In order to catch a killer, some perplexing questions will first need to be answered… How did the killer get in and out of a locked room? What is the significance of the mysterious notes found in Russell’s office? What happened to the money in the hotel safe? And why is someone stealing guests’ mobile phones?
Only a special type of investigator with a unique skillset will be able to piece together the clues to stop the killer before they strike again…
Enter Penny Haylestone.
My Review:
Sun, Sea, & Murder by J.S. Savage
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is told from multiple POVs: from each of the guests staying at the hotel.
I love a good locked room mystery, and this one really delivers. It’s like a classic Agatha Christie, full of secrets and clues that help put together the full picture of the murders. Then comes the big reveal, and POW, you’re hit with the solution, in a Poirot-like fashion, full of twists and turns, all leading to the satisfying conclusion. I absolutely loved it!
The mystery itself really is quite the read, and I greatly enjoyed digging in and trying to figure out what was going on. (Spoiler alert: I did not.) There were many red herrings, plenty of interesting details and lots of secrets that the guests were hiding from each other. It was very interesting.
I’ve read J.S. Savage before, so I knew this book would be good, but this book exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it, along with the rest of Savage’s work!
About the Author
J.S. Savage is a London based writer who hails from Northern Ireland. His love of detective fiction originated one hot, dusty day in Kandahar when he was serving with the R.A.F. From a bookcase, he picked up Agatha Christie’s The Mystery of the Blue Train, and though she cited it as her worst work, J.S. Savage became enthralled by the deceptions, red herrings, and mastery at work. This fascination with the genre eventually led him to try his hand at his own novel, and so, The Mystery of Treefall Manor was published in September 2023. His latest novel Sun, Sea, and Murder was published in April 2024. Both of these novels were chosen as Book of the Month by the Crime blog In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel.
J.S. Savage has been shortlisted in several short story competitions and is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association.
Review: The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a ride!
Bel Price was just 2 years old when she was left in her mother, Rachel’s, car alongside the side of the road and her mother seemingly disappeared into thin air. Now, 16 years later, the family has agreed to speak publicly about the case for the first time, for a documentary, in order to pay for her grandfather’s in-home dementia care. But halfway through filming, Rachel suddenly walks through the door, saying she’s been held captive by an unknown man. But Bel begins finding holes in her story. So what really happened to Rachel? And why would she lie about it?
This book is just the amazingly twisting and turning read I needed right now. It was so good, I just had no idea what was coming next, not because it was nonsensical or anything, but because there were clues that pointed to different scenarios at any given time. Therefore, there were enough suspects, leads, and motives to support any number of guesses at any given time.
And when the truth is revealed whoooooo boy. It’s a doozy. The clues are there, but it’s about whether you picked them up or not, like a modern-day Agatha Christie thriller. I was so stoked reading this ending as it unraveled, I couldn’t put it down once I reached a certain point. And the author leaves a certain leaves a little bit of open threads – just enough to make you think. It’s awesome.
I’m beginning to gush a little bit, but that’s because I really did enjoy this book that much. It was a great mystery, with a some thrills and chills really mixed in nicely. I can’t recommend it enough. It may be marketed as a YA book, but it read fine to me as an “adult” book. No worries there.
If you’re looking for a great read in this genre, pick this up, no question!
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Review: Safe and Sound by Laura McHugh
Safe and Sound by Laura McHugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cousins Amelia and Kylee were just little kids six years ago when their older cousin Grace disappeared while babysitting them. She was never found. But her legacy lives on through Amelia and Kylee, who aim to follow her last wish and get out of Beaumont, the dead-end small town they live in where nothing is ever expected of anyone. When a young woman’s body is found, the girls vow to find out once and for all what happened to Grace before they graduate high school and leave Beaumont behind. But the person responsible for her abduction is most likely closer to home than they ever imagined.
The story is told from two POVs: Amelia and Kylees in the present; and Graces in the past telling her life story and leading up to her disappearance.
Laura McHugh is a genius at telling a haunting, engrossing story that just pulls you in and keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s so engrossing and realistic I almost hesitate to recommend it to people who grew up in a one-industry rural town, like I did, and like the one depicted in the story, because MAN did she nail it. It was eerie.
The central mystery was amazing and multifaceted. There’s a lot of moving parts, so there’s plenty of twists, turns, and suspects that keep you guessing. I know some other reviews didn’t like the semi-ambiguous ending, but I felt was complete enough that we understood what would happen next. Of course I can’t tell you any of that, but the author lays out the terms fairly clearly, and we can extrapolate from there. That’s not always my choice for an ending either, but it is what it is in this case.
This was such a great book and brilliant addition to McHugh’s already excellent literary canon of work. I highly recommend it, and then suggest checking out her other work.
You won’t be disappointed!
Other works from Laura McHugh:
Review: One by One by Freida McFadden
One by One by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the publisher:
“A night spent sleeping on dirt and leaves is not how Claire Matchett expected to spend her vacation. She thought this would be a break from the stresses of work and raising her young children. A chance to repair her damaged marriage. A week of hiking and hot tubs with two other couple friends. It sounded like heaven. Then Claire’s minivan breaks down on a lonely dirt road. With no cell reception, the group has no choice but to hike the rest of the way to their hotel. But it turns out the woods aren’t as easy to navigate as they thought. Hours later, they are lost. Hopelessly lost. And as they navigate deeper into the woods, the members of their party are struck down mysteriously one by one. Has a wild animal been hunting them? Or is the hunter one of them? But as more time passes, one thing becomes clear: Only one of them will return home alive.”
I DEVOURED this book in one day. It was an easy read with a great storyline and I just found myself coming back for more and more. The atmosphere was amazing and there were so many red herrings and twists and turns along the way that kept me guessing throughout the book. Even though there were really only six characters in the book, through the story, there were points when any of them could have been the villain. It was exciting!
Each of the characters is flawed in some major way, which leads to some very complicated feelings about their situation. I don’t want to reveal too much, but they’re not exactly great people; the kind you want to root for. And all their secrets are heavily intertwined, adding to the drama.
The ending was pretty intense. I really enjoyed the reveal; it was over-the-top in all the right ways. And, once again, make sure you read to the very end on this one. It’s got some surprises right up to the last page! And some good ones too!
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
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Review: The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy
The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Lauren moves across the country to get away from a terrible tragedy and start over before her senior year, she never suspects that her casual summer hook-up would turn out to be the town pariah. Robbie and Trevor Crestmont are not only rich brothers, but they each have a dead girlfriend in their pasts, and both are suspected of their murders. Lauren, trying to fit in with the soccer team, needs to ditch the suspected murderer, but she can’t seem to let him, or the mystery of what happened to Victoria and Jess, go. But things get dangerous, fast. Soon, Robbie may have more than one dead girlfriend in his past.
This book was so good. Not only was I pulled into the really incredible mystery at the book’s center, but the romance was really good. I’m not usually a huge fan of YA romances, as they tend to be too unrealistic and over-the-top, but I liked this one. It was well-balanced with the mystery/thriller and I just wanted to know what was going to happen in both storylines!
And boy did the mystery have some twists and turns! This one was really good and like most teenagers, the characters would have one theory, then jump to another when they struck out and a curveball was thrown their way. Then the reveal just knocked me in the face! I didn’t see it coming.
The supporting cast was also great. Everyone just worked in this story. It was overall a great read with everything blending really well. I sailed through it.
I would highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author!
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Review: Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jessica, Norah, and Alicia survived hell growing up at Wild Meadows, where their stepmother made lives a nightmare day in and day out. Now, as adults, they’ve tried to distance themselves from the world of their childhood. That is until a body is found underneath the home during its demolition and the girls are requested to come back to the town they fled 25 years before. Confronting their past may break them, but it may be time to finally open the door the shut so long ago and get rid of all the secrets they’ve been holding onto all these years.
This book is told from three POVs along two timelines: each of the three girls, in the present day and back when they were foster children at Wild Meadows.
I really flew through this book. It was a complete page turner that just kept throwing twist and turn at you everywhere you looked. It was like every time you thought you got a handle on things, BAM!, something came in and upended your theory. The author, as in other books of hers I’ve read, just knows how to keep you on your toes.
The characters are also so well done. I was rooting for each of the three women, even with all of their flaws….and trust me, they are all very flawed. I mean, once you see what they’ve been through it makes sense. But they were so well drawn out and layered, and you felt like you really got to know them.
The central mystery was really amazing and I was really impressed with how it turned out. That’s all I’ll say.
And I’ll just say pick this one up. Then read more of Sally Hepworth’s work. It’s worth it.
More by Sally Hepworth:
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