5-Star Archives - Page 2 of 14

Book Review:: Listen for the Lie | Amy Tintera

Wow – I was blown away by this book. From the title, which has to be one of my favorites of all time, to the intricate and relentless mystery, I was inexorably hooked from the get.

Ben Owens investigative crime podcast, Listen for the Lie, has a new season and a new case to unravel – the brutal murder of a woman named Savannah, colloquially called Savvy, in the small Texas town of Plumpton. The prime suspect, Lucy Chase, has a new life in LA, but the popularity of the up-and-coming podcast has her new life crumbling around her. Who wants to hire a murder suspect of an unsolved crime? Who wants to live with one? The answer, clearly, is no one.

Returning to Plumpton for the first time for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, Lucy is confronted with the dark past and the community that was all too ready to shun her. She genuinely has no memories of that night, and with everyone so certain she was the killer, she’s not completely convinced of her own innocence. She loved Savannah, and she sustained serious injuries of her own that night. Isn’t it finally time to find out the truth, if it’s even possible?

The web of suspects is small at first, until lies about alibis come to the surface, and suddenly there is real doubt about whodunnit. It seems there isn’t much to do in Plumpton than drink and knock boots, two things sure to muddle the facts and motives. Thrown in the unreliability of Lucy’s memories and this mystery will keep you up way past your bedtime.

What a treat of a thriller. Absolutely recommend!

Details

Title:: Listen for the Lie
Author:: Amy Tintera
Genre:: Mystery Thriller
Publisher:: Celadon Books
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 18m
Audiobook Narrator:: January LaVoy & Will Damron
Published:: March 5th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Book Review:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To | Kristin Bair

Menopause mamas, unite! This new tragi-comedy novel from Kristin Bair is a feminist anthem for women who have sacrificed and organized and put up with TOO MUCH in their lives, only to be saddled at a certain age with the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause.

Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair Book Cover

When library media director Clementine Crane starts having hot flashes, she is mortified, outraged, flabbergasted that no one told her she had those to look forward to one day. She makes sure her co-workers, friends, family, and doctor knows it too. It should be talked about more! There should be research! Something should be done!

She has a little bit of a breakdown/awakening, and starts a social media outlet to share the steam literally rising from her head, and the sweat dripping from uncomfortable places when they hit. And when her child has a homework assignment for a story that includes the words I prefer not to, she finds her new anthem. Suddenly Clementine prefers not to several times a day. She stops women in the grocery store, in the clinic, in the library, and tells them they can prefer not to too. It’s that easy. Women are asked far too much sometimes, and it never occurs to any of us to just…pass. No thanks, I PREFER NOT TO.

Honestly, this novel is a riot. It’s wonderful. Quirky, heartfelt, sympathetic, and hilarious. I think many people will relate to and love Clementine, who prefers her job title to read Connector of People to Magical Things instead of Director of Media at the library. She’s smart, funky, and maybe a little too daring.

Grab your copy today and get it girl!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To
Author:: Kristin Bair
Genre:: Contemporary | Women’s Fiction | Humor
Publisher:: Alcove Press
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: #h #m
Audiobook Narrator:: Name(s)
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Amazing Grace Adams | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: All That We See or Seem | Ken Liu

Fan of tech thrillers? Ken Liu’s newest novel, All That We See or Seem is a must read! In the world of developing AI and the surveillance we already have, this break-neck paced ultra-tech world really isn’t that far out of reach.

All That We See or Seem by Ken Liu Book Cover

Julia knows things because she knows how to find them, but she doesn’t do that anymore. Hacking was a way of life once, and the skills (and her personal AI) are incredibly useful in her day job, but she’s reformed. Her past comes back to bite her when a lawyer in trouble comes to visit her, drawing unwanted attention to her door. When it becomes clear she’ll have to bug out, she decides instead of leaving him high and dry, she’ll help him figure out what it is these thugs want to get them both out of this mess.

This book was a wild ride, and I loved it! Ken Liu’s Dandelion Dynasty series has been on my TBR forever, so when I saw an opportunity to read his new work, I jumped on it. It’s suddenly quite clear why he’s an award-winning writer. He’s got incredibly skill at weaving this kind of horrific world where you can tell how many people are in a room by the thermostat and where you are in the world without tracking a call, but by triangulating the background noise using data from tons of other sources. This is the world on AI, and it’s a cautionary tale.

If you enjoy something fast paced and twisty with interesting sci-fi worldbuilding and a mystery at its core, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: All That We See or Seem (Julia Z #1)
Author:: Ken Liu
Genre:: Sci-fi Thriller
Publisher:: S&S/Saga Press
Length:: 416 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 58m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kat Cleave
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

I Think I Was Murdered | Coleen Coble & Rick Acker
All the Water in the World | Eiren Caffall
The Vanishing Year | Kate Moretti

Book Review:: And Then There Was The One | Martha Waters

W.O.W. I was not expecting this book. I really enjoyed Martha Waters Christmas book last year, so I was excited to find this book in my inbox, but was I expecting it to bowl me over the way this one did? Absolutely not.

And Then There Was The One by Martha Waters Book Cover

This was supposed to be a murder mystery. Maybe a cozy mystery with some romantic subplot. Instead, this was the story of an epic romance with a side of some casual community murder.

Loved. It.

In fact, this is a masterclass in the slow burn romance. Our leading man is strong, confident, and entirely smitten. Our heroine is focused, guarded, and not-to-be-trifled-with. Their banter is top tier. The swoon worthy moments had me actually swooning.

10/10, no notes.

And yeah, they solve a murder too, but that’s just background noise 🙂

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: And Then There Was The One
Author:: Martha Waters
Genre:: Cozy Mystery Romance
Publisher:: Atria
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 20m
Audiobook Narrator:: Billie Fulford-Brown
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year | Ally Carter (Review Coming Soon)
The Blonde Identity | Ally Carter (Review Coming Soon)
Once Upon A Crime | Brynn Kelly
Love at First Sighting | Mallory Marlowe

Book Review:: Where the Library Hides | Isabel Ibanez

Where the Library Hides is the second book in the Secrets of the Nile Duology by Isabel Ibanez. If you have not started this wonderful historical fantasy series yet, please start with What the River Knows. If you’ve not read it, the review below may include spoilers.

Where The Library Hides by Isabel Ibanez Book Cover

Inez is in deep with the forgery circuit mystery in Egypt, too deep to ignore – too deep to turn back. The only way she can get out from beneath her uncle’s thumb of control is to marry Mr. Whitford Hays, a cunning man of mystery & deception she’s convinced herself she can trust. But when he betrays her within days of their secret wedding, Inez accepts that only she is in control of her destiny – there is no one left she can trust. If she doesn’t work to preserve the legacy of Cleopatra and other Egyptian relics, no one will. Her fiery a relentless personality is back in full force for this conclusion to the series. But what I love about Inez is that she’s not all fire. She also has so much compassion. She has an open heart for forgiveness and wants to give others the benefit of the doubt, even when they may not deserve it.

In this novel she is put through many trials, and jumps head first into dicey situations many would run away from. She’s brave. She’s strong. She’s noble. And she won’t stop until she succeeds.

Whitford Hays…oh Whit, Whit, Whit…what a rascal you are. Where he is a swashbuckling enigma in the first book, we get to see some deeper layers to the secretive genteel in this second book, and ladies, he’s far from perfect. He makes some big boo boos along the way, but in the end, the romance is as bombastic as we (and they) deserve.

I cannot recommend this series highly enough. The intrigue, the adventure, the tension…all of it is handled masterfully, and I’m not sure how I feel about it ending after only two books. Did it need more? No. But selfishly I want to linger far longer in this world. Luckily I own both books in multiple formats so I can revisit them literally whenever and whereever I want. #readergoals

Read it. Love it. Thank me later.

Details

Title:: Where the Library Hides (Secrets of the Nile #2)
Author:: Isabel Ibanez
Genre:: Historical Fantasy
Publisher:: Wednesday Books
Length:: 400 pages
Audio Length:: 14h 29m
Audiobook Narrator:: Ahmed Hamad and Ana Osorio
Published:: November 5th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

What the River Knows | Isabel Ibanez
Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross
The Ministry of Time | Kaliane Bradley

Book Review:: Thief of Night | Holly Black

I just learned that this is the second book in a duology, and suddenly that makes a lot of sense. I saw Holly Black’s name on netgalley and clicked so fast. I haven’t read everything she’s written (obviously) but I know she’s a talented writer and couldn’t wait to get started.

Thief of Night by Holly Black Book Cover

This novel is so unique. I loved the politics of it, the built in mystery, the fascinating magic structure. It’s an intense urban fantasy setting. The characters are interesting and complex and this story was compelling all the way through.

I am so intrigued now to go back and read book one!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Thief of Night (The Charlatan Duology #2)
Author:: Holly Black
Genre:: Urban Fantasy
Publisher:: Penguin
Length:: 288 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 4m
Audiobook Narrator:: Jonathan Davis, Sara Amini, Vikas Adam
Published:: September 23rd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Burn for Me | Ilona Andrews
Our Infinite Fates | Laura Steven
The Summer War | Naomi Novik

Book Review:: The Irish Goodbye | Heather Aimee O’Neill

I love me a good family drama, and The Irish Goodbye by debut author Heather Aimee O’Neill was no exception.

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill Book Cover

When families come together for holidays, it can be…uncomfortable. Awkward. Complicated. The Ryan’s Thanksgiving exemplifies this phenomenon.

Everyone is at a bit of a crux in their own lives, at decision points, or the point of having to face the music. One by one we learn about these rich and complex characters, without ever losing the drive to read forward. Sometimes getting lost in backstories can bog down a narrative, but I was locked in the whole time.

This is the kind of novel that kind of encapsulates the whole of humanity. This is just one family, but it could be anyone’s family. We all have complex webs of relationships and curveball occurrences that throw us completely for a loop. We all have to make difficult decisions and deal with grief and love and longing and hurt.

The writing is excellent. The characters are excellent. Their stories are excellent. I listened to the audio and the narrator is excellent. Five very hearty stars.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Irish Goodbye
Author:: Heather Aimee O’Neill
Genre:: Fiction / Family Drama
Publisher:: Henry Holt and Co.
Length:: 288 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 35m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kristen Sieh
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The Homemade God | Rachel Joyce
These Summer Storms | Sarah MacLean
The Greatest Possible Good | Ben Brooks
The Accidental Favorite | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: Say it Out Loud | Ashley Schumacher

If you’re looking for a true-blue fun and meaningful romance novel to snuggle up with this fall, Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher is honestly a great choice.

Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher Book Cover

Starting at the beginning, we live through Juniper Green’s big acting break. Or…what should have been, if Romeo hadn’t completely dismissed her performance as his own support helping her shine. She wasn’t supposed to even be on stage. She was doing him a favor. And that’s how he treats her?

Years later, after building up and selling a successful podcast, Juniper’s next opportunity is to narrate one her mother’s favorite book series. Except it’s a dual narration. And the other narrator is…James.

She’s unsure at first if he even remembers her. For her, their chance meeting that night back stage was a formative experience – the night she always wondered about. If it had gone differently, it might have changed her entire life.

James, of course, went on to become a famous actor, and is the real draw for listeners to tune into the audiobook they’re recording. Juniper has to work through a lot of imposter syndrome, and get over her baggage to make this work.

It’s been a minute since I’ve gotten to enjoy a romance novel like this. It’s clear, it’s structured well, both characters have a lot of heart and heartache they’re contending with. It was just a really good time. I really enjoyed it!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Say It Out Loud
Author:: Ashley Schumacher
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Del Rey
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 19m
Audiobook Narrator:: Lauren Ezzo
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

We Met Like This | Ka s ie West
People Watching | Hannah Bonam-Young
Love Walked In | Sarah Chamberlian

Book Review:: Firelight Days | Savannah Pryce

If you are a fan of small-town vibes and yearning romances, you’re going to love Savannah Pryce’s new release, Firelight Days.

Firelight Days by Savannah Pryce Book Cover

Penny is a baker in town who works herself to the bone for a boss who takes her for granted. When a dangerous fire starts ripping through the forest nearby, one of her regular customers and friends, Jack, offers to put her up at his family’s property to wait out the evacuation orders. Things have been changing between them lately, but Penny isn’t sure she wants to cross any lines with him and ruin the good thing they have going.

Firelight Days is well written and captures that small-town vibe so well. It’s cute and full of tension and the characters have to reckon with themselves before they can open themselves up to another. I was very impressed with this one! It’s got everything you want when picking up a new romance novel – this one isn’t risky…you’ll love it!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Firelight Days
Author:: Savannah Pryce
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Rosmarin Books
Length:: 327 pages
Published:: August 3rd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Where You’re Planted | Melanie Sweeney
He Falls First | Jill Shalvis
Left of Forever | Tarah Dewitt

Book Review:: The Heartbreak Hotel | Ellen O’Clover

Sometimes you’ve got to roll with the punches. Like when your long-term famous boyfriend breaks up with you in an unbecoming manor, or you fail the test that was supposed to be the start of your dream career…or, both.

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O'Clover Book Cover

Louisa refuses to leave the home she’s kept and cherished for years in Estes Park, Colorado. It’s everything she ever wanted. Except now, without her boyfriend’s income, she can’t afford the rent. With some fancy financial footwork, and pleading with the home-owner slash small town veterinarian and handyman, she arranges to turn it into a bed and breakfast of the most interesting variety: a haven for the broken-hearted to come and heal. She is almost a psychologist, after all.

This is such a layered and charming and lovely story about grief, and gumption, and getting back up again after you’ve been down-on-your-luck. The home-owner, Henry, is a stoic, guarded, handsome hunk of a hero, and Louisa has her heart in the right place, always. There are plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and humor, and a big serving of heart. These characters are not bubbly and naive – they’ve had big hurts and are working hard to heal and repair and perhaps even find their happy endings.

I enjoyed not only the romance, which I thought was done very well, but also the storyline about Louisa’s family. Their dynamic is very specific, but also relatable. We tend to fall into certain roles in our families, and it’s hard to break free from them.

I absolutely recommend this novel. I think it’s a great choice for a long weekend!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author:: Ellen O’Clover
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Berkley
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 16m
Audiobook Narrator:: Brittany Pressley
Published:: September 23, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars