Posts Tagged 'thriller'

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

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.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Genre: Suspenseful Mystery

This story alternates between Drew who is desperately trying to find his missing girlfriend, Lola, and “Mary” who was found on the side of the road and doesn’t remember who she is. Drew has become the police’s number one suspect, which has turned the whole town against him. Obviously, he doesn’t want to go to jail, but even more so he can’t understand why everyone has stopped looking for Lola. Meanwhile, “Mary” was found on the side of the road and taken to the local police office, but shortly after arriving there a frantic man arrived claiming to be her father. He had photos and documentation to prove who he is, but she can’t help feel like something isn’t right. Plus, he keeps trying to tell her what kind of person she is and what she likes to do and none of it seems right to her either. After Drew convinces Lola’s best friend that he did not hurt Lola and does in fact want to find her she agrees to help along with Drew’s cousin. It isn’t too long before they find out that a tip was called into the tip line with a possible Lola sighting five weeks after her disappearance that the police did not follow up on. How many other tips did they ignore because they were so sure Drew killed her? What lengths will Drew go to in order to find Lola? Who is the man who claimed to be “Mary’s” dad?

This thriller tale will keep readers riveted until the exciting end. It is very well written and the clues are all there, but many readers will not put them together until the end. The character development really helps the reader care about these characters and what they are going through, including the aftermath. Recommended for those who like fast paced thriller mysteries, like April Henry’s titles.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

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.


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