Posts Tagged 'Mystery'

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Published September 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Jet is a 27 year old woman who is still trying to find her path in life. In the meantime, she is living with her parents and trying not to fight with her brother too much on how he is running the family business. Jet does suffer from a kidney condition that she inherited from her father and lately, she has noticed that his symptoms seem to be getting worse. On the night of the Halloween carnival, Jet returns home early to an empty house and is attacked from behind by someone who had been waiting for her. She is struck three times in the head with a hammer and left for dead. She does not die, but after waking up many hours later she learns that the hammer damaged her skull in a way that an aneurysm will kill her in less than a week. She realizes she has the rare opportunity to solve her own murder and sets out to do so with her good friend and longtime neighbor. As her symptoms start to worsen, she becomes more frantic to find out why someone would want her dead. Can she solve her murder before it is too late? Are there other shady things going on with her family that will also come to light? Can she ever find peace with the fact that her life was cut so short?

This mystery story is every bit as exciting as Holly Jackson’s other titles. As Jet investigates she finds out so many secrets that those around her never wanted to come to light. She also slowly starts to realize that she could not trust many of the people she has known for years, which is very disheartening to learn. The ending is fresh and exciting and will leave readers surprised (and that is saying something considering some of Jackson’s other titles). There are a few people introduced quickly at the beginning that can get confusing to keep straight, but ultimately each character has a purpose. Highly recommended for fans of mystery authors such as April Henry and Harlan Coben.

The Meadowbrook Murders by Jessica Goodman

Published July 1, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Amy and her best friend, Sarah, have been looking forward to senior year (and more specifically) the week prior to the rest of the students coming where they get to set up their room, go to parties, etc. Things don’t go as planned, however, when Amy wakes up to find Sarah and her boyfriend stabbed to death in Sarah’s room. Quickly, things spiral out of control as Amy must account for how she could have slept through such terrible murders while she was in the same suite. Meanwhile, Liz, the outcast newspaper editor wants to be the first to break the story, but finds herself blocked everywhere she turns. She has never felt more like the scholarship kid/outsider than she does as she watches everyone close ranks around these terrible events. Eventually, Amy and Liz decide to try to work together in order to find out what truly happened that fateful night. Can they find out the truth? Will they ever find anyone who can truly be trusted? How well did Amy really know her best friend?

This mystery story is fast paced and exciting all the way through. The setup is described well so it is believable how this could have happened while Amy was so close by. The motivations of all the characters are also understandable and it is easy to see why it takes so long for all of the pertinent facts to come out. Senior year carries a lot of the stresses, insecurities, and questions about the future no matter if you go to a local public school or a fancy boarding school and this book does a nice job of showcasing that. The final reveal is very satisfying and exciting which will leave mystery lovers wanting to see more from this author. Recommended for those who enjoy April Henry or liked The Counselors by the same author.

When Mimi Went Missing by Suja Sukumar

Published February 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Tanvi went to live with her aunt and cousin, Mimi, when her parents died in a horrific car accident. Tanvi suffered from anxiety and nightmares as a result, but Mimi and her mom were always there for her. That’s why it was so hard for her when Mimi all of a sudden dropped Mimi for the most popular girl in school, Beth. Together, they were ruthless to Tanvi and made her life a living hell. She never told her aunt, however, because she was always hoping that eventually Mimi would want to rekindle their relationship and be like sisters again. Then, one day, Mimi disappears and Tanvi feels like she should know more than she does. She woke up with a huge bump on her head and bruises on her arms and legs, but no memory or anything after she went to sleep the night before. Meanwhile, Beth is telling everyone that Tanvi must have done something because there is “something wrong with her.” As Tanvi begins to spiral with worry she starts to wonder if it’s possible she could have done something to Mimi without remembering? If not her, then who would want to hurt Mimi?

This mystery moves along quickly and delves into the topic of mental health, bullying, and ptsd. There are many possible suspects for who might be responsible for Mimi’s disappearance and it isn’t until the very end that it all becomes clear. The ending is very dramatic and exciting, if maybe a bit too tidy. Fans of April Henry will enjoy the fast paced story and the satisfying ending.

The UnWedding by Allyson Condie

Published November 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Ellery was supposed to go on a romantic remote getaway to a beautiful resort with her husband for their anniversary, but when he suddenly announced that he wanted a divorce she ends up going all on her own. At first, Ellery feels out of place and lonely, especially when she sees there is going to be a wedding there, but she meets some new friends and begins to enjoy herself. Then, after waking up early to go for a swim, she makes a terrible discovery of the groom floating face down in the resort pool. She tries to get him out, but it was too late. Everyone knew he had not shown up for the wedding, but now everyone is wondering if he was dead before or after he failed to show up. It’s especially confusing since he was clearly dressed for the wedding. To make matters worse, there was a terrible storm that washed out the bridge and took out most communication so she cannot reach out to her kids and they cannot reach the police. They are stuck there with no knowledge of when they might be able to get out and hoping there isn’t a killer on the loose. Ellery and her new friends decide they might as well do a little investigating while they are there, but it quickly becomes apparent that someone does not want them looking into this suspicious death. Can Ellery figure out who would want to hurt a groom on his wedding day? Will anyone else get hurt while they are isolated at this resort? Will she ever start to feel ready to move on from her marriage?

Fans of mysteries such as The Couple Next Door, The Perfect Couple, and the Woman in Cabin 10 will enjoy this title. The main character is sympathetic and feels like anyone would feel if they stumbled into this situation. The people at the resort are colorful and easy to distinguish from each other. The mystery itself has several twists and turns, but the resolution is satisfying and realistic. Recommended for readers who love a good mystery, but aren’t looking for anything too dark or heavy.

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Barnes

Published October 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

The Grandest Game is an elite competition created by Avery Grambs and the four Hawthorne brothers where one lucky winner wins multi millions. It’s not easy to join or win the competition, however. A few contestants are chosen by Avery and the rest must follow clues in order to earn a ticket to play. Once the 7 contestants are chosen and make their way to the competition, on an island, it becomes clear that the clues will be challenging and they will be forced to work in groups for the first round. Anyone not completed by sunrise will be eliminated from the competition. Each player has their own motivations for wanting to win, and of course they all have secrets they would prefer everyone didn’t know. How can they trust anyone, even people they are assigned to work with? In a group of highly motivated people, how can anyone find a way to get ahead?

Fans of the Inheritance Games series will enjoy this title because it is all riddles, games, and clues in an exciting format. As the game progresses, the reader learns more about each character, why they are here, and what their motivations are. The clues and puzzles are especially interesting in the Grandest Game and would be amazing to see visually in a movie. The ending is satisfying, but many readers will be disappointed that this is only the first challenge of this game. Highly recommended for fans of the series.

Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall

Published October 1, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Linden and her sisters all have the ability to taste the feelings of those around them. Over the years, people in their small town have started to get spooked by the James women because of their supernatural abilities. They run a popular cafe in town, however, and many can’t resist their fried green tomatoes. Linden went missing in the woods one night and does not remember what happened to her or how she found her way home, but when another girl goes missing shortly after and is not so lucky as to return home safely, many start to wonder if there is a creature in the woods preying on young women. Meanwhile, it feels like someone is specifically targeting the James women and Linden is not sure how to stop it before they lose everything. Can Linden and her sisters get to the bottom of who is behind these attacks? Can Linden find a way to use her ability to her advantage with those around her? Will she ever be able to find a way back to her beloved boyfriend, Cole, who fled when he learned of her abillity?

Fans of fantasy books will enjoy this title because it has a unique premise, interesting characters, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The mystery itself has more twists in it than it originally appears and the ending is very exciting and dramatic. There are also many secrets amongst the characters that all prove to be very important to the story once they are revealed. The James women are the real star of this novel and readers will want to know more about this charismatic family.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Published May 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Bel is an eighteen year old girl who was raised by her father when her mother disappeared suddenly sixteen years ago. Rachel Price’s disappearance captured local news for years because she was last seen with Bel, who was found in a running car alone in her car seat on the side of the road. Bel’s father was tried for the crime, but found not guilty and Bel was hoping to put all of the pain behind her. However, when they are approached about a documentary on her mother’s disappearance she only agrees because her father seems to think it’s a good idea. As they start shooting the documentary, though, she starts to have misgivings. Before she can decide if she wants to continue, Rachel shows up still wearing the clothes she disappeared in 16 years ago. Bel isn’t sure exactly why but something about her mother’s story about getting kidnapped and held against her will only to escape now after all this time seems farfetched and the facts don’t always line up. Her father’s reaction to her mother’s reappearance seems odd as well. Her mother moves back in with them and attempts to form a relationship with her and her cousin, Carter. Bel finds it difficult to connect with her mother after all these years, but Carter thinks Rachel is amazing and doesn’t understand why Bel isn’t overjoyed to have her back. Can Bel find out the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance? Will she be able to handle the truth?

This mystery story is engaging right from the beginning, but the ending will really thrill mystery lovers. Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance leave so many questions that it takes awhile to unravel it all, but the journey is totally worth it when it all comes spilling out. The backdrop of the documentary is also a great way to show how the outside world is viewing this incredible story. The characters are also really well depicted to help shape the actions in the story and why each character had certain motivations. The premise is very interesting, but the ending is what readers will be talking about. Highly recommended for mystery readers.

Have You Seen My Sister? by Kirsty McKay

Published April 25, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Esme is visiting her older sister, along with her parents, all the way from England. Her sister is taking a gap year and is currently working at a ski resort. On the night before Esme is supposed to leave, her sister, Gaia, disappears and no one has any idea where she might have gone. Obviously, Esme’s family stays to look for her and it quickly becomes quite a group effort as searches are organized all over the snowy mountains. Esme has a condition called dyspraxia, which means she has trouble keeping track of details such as how much time has passed and when she last saw her sister. As Esme and another resort worker, Bode, try to retrace her sister’s footsteps, she quickly realizes that her sister was not telling her family everything about her life in the U.S. The other resort workers all seem to be hiding something as well. Is it possible they know where Gaia is? Could Gaia have run away? Esme and her parents are determined not to leave until they know what happened to Gaia.

This mystery is engaging from the beginning, but does set itself apart due to the fact that the main character has dyspraxia which does hinder her ability to help in the investigation. Slowly, information comes out about Gaia’s relationship with the family and how her being in another country all of this time has greatly challenged those relationships. The way all of her friends handle the disappearance really shows how much technology has changed reality in both how they try to find clues for finding Gaia to actually trying to use her disappearance to bring more attention to themselves and possibly elevate their online presence personally. It is unclear exactly why no one really thinks Esme could be helpful in locating her sister, but in many ways it works in her favor as she is able to do her own thing and investigate in ways that the adults around her might not approve of. Recommended for mystery lovers.

The Night in Question: An Agathas Mystery by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Larson

Published March 22, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Iris and Alice are back in this new Agathas mystery and their friendship seems stronger than ever despite their very different backgrounds. While attending a school dance at the infamous local Levy Castle they can’t help but feel a little haunted by the fact that a famous actress, Mona Moody, died mysteriously at this very place in the 1940s. When a bizarre attack happens to a girl in their class, they find themselves in the center of another mystery and despite their success in helping to solve their friend Brooke’s murder (in the previous book), no one wants or seems to appreciate their help. The police seem to be focused on the friend who was found at the scene holding the murder weapon, but Alice does not think she is capable of something so heinous. Plus, Alice finds it curious that all of the Mona Moody archives that had been on loan from the historical society appear to have been rifled through at the attack scene. Is it possible the two cases are connected? Can they find a way to help find the right person who committed this attack? What surprises might they find inside this castle?

Fans of traditional mysteries will enjoy this title because there are a lot of references to old mystery tropes such as hidden staircases, old diaries, etc. The characters have developed a bit more in this novel too and it’s understandable why Iris’s mom might be hesitate about her new friendship with Alice as well as why Alice’s relationship with her own parents is so complicated. The resolution is interesting and holds up with the facts presented and there’s still room for more sequels as it is obvious there is more to learn about the main characters. Fun for mystery fans, especially those who like Agatha Christie.

The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

Published November 8, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Alice went missing for several days over the summer and it became a big scandal until it was revealed that she had just ran away. Now, as Alice tries to reenter her high school life as the new social outcast, her ex-boyfriend is suddenly accused of having something to do with his new girlfriend Brooke’s disappearance. Brooke is also Alice’s ex-best friend and as much as she is angry at her for taking her boyfriend she can’t help but notice how unfazed everyone (the police, her stepdad, the boyfriend) seems to feel about the fact that she’s missing. So, she calls Brooke’s grandmother who immediately enlists help and establishes a reward for any information that leads to Brooke’s whereabouts. Iris, who has been assigned as Alice’s tutor, could really use that reward money, so her and Alice decide to start investigating in order to find out where Brooke is. Will anyone take two teenage girl detectives seriously? Can they find out the truth about what happened to Brook before it’s too late? Will anyone ever take Alice seriously again after her disappearing act the summer before?

This fun story follows two teenage girls trying to solve a murder for a variety of reasons and will definitely remind readers of famous teenage girl detectives Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars. Alice is a complex character with many things those around her do not know and therefore even though it appears she has everything she actually feels quite alone and abandoned. Meanwhile, Iris feels completely invisible in this school and just wants to earn a little extra money to help her mom make ends meet, even if it means tutoring someone who claims to not know her despite the fact they have gone to school together since kindergarten. As the two begin to really work together and get to know each other they learn quickly that high school perceptions are not always accurate and can lead to snap judgments. Recommended for readers looking for a fun mystery.

The Locker Exchange by Ann Rae

Published February 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Romance

Brynn was leaving school late one night when she heard a cry for help and even though it was dark and eerie, she went to see what was going on. She was stunned to find a classmate’s body on the football field and in the distance she could see a hooded figure running away. Despite her witnessing someone fleeing the scene, police are convinced it was a tragic accident. She knows she must uncover the truth about what happened to this innocent girl. Meanwhile, her assigned p.e. locker opens directly into a boy’s locker named Kyler. Kyler is a popular jock on campus, but the two quickly become friends and decide to try and put together what really happened that day. Kyler is often privy to extra details because of his social status and is eager to share his findings with Brynn. However, there’s someone out there who does not want this incident investigated further and they realize they are putting themselves and their friends in danger. They also start to suspect that this terrible murder is actually a part of something much bigger and more sinister going on in their town. Will they get to the bottom of what is going on before it’s too late?

Brynn and Kyler are both very invested in solving this crime and do find themselves in some dangerous situations because of that. The ending has a few dramatic moments, but wraps up quickly. There are some interesting side characters that readers will want to know more about, but overall the story moves at a very brisk pace and some details come a little too easy for the characters. Recommended for fans looking for a quick mystery.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Published November 7, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Mystery

In this fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Lizzie is desperate to work for her father’s law firm, but he has kept her to the side working small office jobs because he doesn’t think it’s proper for a young lady to aspire to become a lawyer. Meanwhile, the heir to his estate, a dour Mr. Collins, is working at the firm and frequently takes credit for Lizzie’s work as he seems to have very little work ethic himself. Lizzie’s mom would love to see one of their five daughters marry Mr. Collins so that they will not be turned out of their house when Lizzie’s dad eventually dies. Lizzie has made it clear she has no interest in Mr. Collins and finds him rather repulsive. When Lizzie learns that there has been a murder and a Mr. Bingley has been accused of the crime, she immediately feels this is her shot to prove to her father that she can be a valuable asset to the firm. She goes to the jail to meet Mr. Bingley, but is not there very long before a Mr. Darcy arrives to post bail for his client and good friend. Mr. Darcy is not amused that Lizzie is inserting herself into this case, but Mr. Bingley is desperate for anyone to help him out of this predicament. The man who was murdered was Mr. Bingley’s brother-in-law and it was well known that the two were not getting on very well at the moment and that Mr. Bingley’s sister was planning to leave him. Lizzie decides she needs to prove her ability to solve a case by continuing to investigate and comes across a young man working as a runner named Mr. Wickham who seems very eager to help her. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy has made it very clear that he doesn’t want her meddling in his case. Who can Lizzie trust to help her get to the truth? What secrets are the Bingley’s hiding? Can Lizzie every prove to her father that she is more valuable than Mr. Collins?

This fun retelling will interest anyone who enjoys historical mysteries. Fans of the original will have fun seeing how each character fits into this version. The mystery itself is very engaging and has some serious twists and turns leading up to its big finale. Mystery fans will not be disappointed by the resolution of the mystery. Lizzie’s character is true to her original nature, but pushes her to be even more forceful in her wish to find the truth for Mr. Bingley. There are several characters who do not play as big of a part as they did in the original, but that doesn’t detract from the interesting plot of the mystery. It was thoroughly entertaining throughout and it will be fun to see more in this series in the future.

Sense and Second Degree Murder by Tirzah Price

Published October 18, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery

Elinor Dashwood is greatly saddened when her father suddenly dies working at his desk one night. She has to break the news to her younger sisters, Marianne and Margaret, and their mother. To make matters worse, everything their father owned legally now belongs to his son from his first marriage, and his wife makes it very clear that they want them out of the house. With very little to their names, they must rely on the kindness of a distant relative who offers to rent them a tiny apartment in a bustling part of the city. Marianne, the middle sister, had previously worked with their father in his detective business and very much wants to keep it going, but is denied by her brother and his wife who now legally own the business and have chosen to close it. Before they move out of their home, Marianne notices that the teacup their father was drinking from the night he died contains an unusual substance. Elinor likes studying chemistry and immediately tries to find out what the substance is, but it does not appear to be a commonly known one. As they settle into their new life, they find that many of their old friends have forsaken them now that they are no longer a part of high society and they quickly learn who they can really rely on. Can they trust Edward Farrell, their brother’s brother-in-law, who seems to be eager to help the Dashwoods? Who is this mysterious man Mr. Willoughby who has begun to show a romantic interest in Marianne? Is it possible someone intentionally hurt their father and if so, why?

Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy this fun updated mystery version. All of the main elements are there from the original story, but the sisters seem more modern and savvy in their quest for truth and wisdom. The mystery itself holds up very well considering the characters are already set from the original version. Somehow the personalities of the characters remained in tact even as their role in the story changed to fit the mystery of how Mr. Dashwood died. There are many satisfying twists to the mystery and the resolution seemed fitting for the time period the story is set in. Highly recommended for Jane Austen fans and those looking for a fun historical fiction mystery.

Nothing More To Tell by Karen M. McManus

Published September 27, 2022 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Brynn Gallagher vividly remembers when her favorite teacher was murdered on school grounds four years ago. The three students, one of whom was her good friend at the time, who found the body all had the same story and none were ever suspected of having anything to do with the murder. Brynn moved away shortly after, but has returned to the school for her senior year and, as an aspiring reporter, managed to get an internship with a true crime podcast and she’s hoping they’ll cover the mysterious death of Mr. Larkin. As she begins to look into the crime with fresh eyes, it’s apparent that many people, including the three students who found the body, all appear to be hiding something and she knows there is more to it than anyone knows. Can she get to the bottom of who killed Mr. Larkin? Can she ever find a way to fit into a school that prides itself on its social hierarchy?

Fans of McManus’s other titles will not be disappointed. The story twists and turns, but ultimately has a satisfying and surprising ending that explains all the questionable choices made surrounding this case. There are so many revealing facts that readers will be left guessing all the way until the end. The character development was pretty good, so it’s easy to see why everyone reacted as they did to this tragedy. Fans would welcome another novel set in this same illustrious school. Recommended for mystery readers.

Come Find Me by Megan Miranda

Published December 10, 2020 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Suspense

Number of Pages: 326

Kennedy Jones survived a horrible family tragedy, but desperately wants to keep her brother’s science equipment functioning now that he’s gone since it was so important to him. Then, one day his radio telescope starts recording some unusual activity. Meanwhile, in a neighboring county Nolan is struggling to find out what really happened when his older brother and family dog went on a dog and never returned. After an eerie dream, he picks up some ghost tracking equipment to see if his brother is trying to contact him in any way and he ends up picking up some odd signals coming from his brother’s room. Kennedy and Nolan eventually meet up to compare notes on these crazy signals they are finding, but the more they dig the more it feels like the two tragedies are somehow connected. Can they find out what really happened to both of their families that has left them both feeling utterly helpless and alone?

This mystery has a bit of a science fiction feel to it since they are following radio signals, but the heart of what really happened lies with the people who were there when both tragedies occurred. Both Kennedy and Nolan have struggled to deal with their lives in the last few months and haven’t always been the easiest to get along with, even to those people trying to help them. Nolan must even face the hardship that the police think he may have been involved in his brother’s disappearance. It really does show just how complicated family tragedy can be, unlike many procedural mystery shows. Mystery fans will enjoy this title, but the setup takes a little longer than some.

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