‘Christine‘ is the November selection for my in-person Constant Reader book club. I‘ve seen the movie countless times and first read the book in 2018. While I enjoy watching the movie, I find that the book offers a more profound exploration of Christine‘s former owner, Roland D. LeBay‘s, life and family. The horror scenes in the book are far more intense, and the ending is much more suspenseful.

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*Not the tagged book* ‘Dietrich,‘ a short story, by Don Winslow is set during the summer of 1977 in New York City. Homicide detective Richard Dietrich, weary and on the brink of burnout, is assigned to investigate a brutal mob hit that his superiors are desperate to bury. I love how Winslow surprises me with his unexpected conclusions, and this one was particularly captivating!

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A historical novel that intertwines World War II intrigue with a modern quest for justice. Set in 1940s Paris, it follows young Colette Marceau, inheriting her family‘s centuries-old tradition of jewel theft from a lineage of outlaws. The story transitions between her wartime upbringing and her present day as an octogenarian, creatively blurring the moral lines of theft.

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A chilling psychological thriller that delves into the events that unfolded when three 12-year-old girls ventured out to an abandoned rail yard in the dead of night. Tragically, one was found alone and severely injured, while her friends were nowhere to be found. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, including diary entries and police reports.

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*Not the tagged book* Master storyteller Don Winslow‘s short story, ‘The Heron,‘ masterfully blends crime, dark humor, and revenge in his signature gritty style. The story follows a big-city accountant, nicknamed “The Heron,” who seemingly leads a quiet life near San Diego. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he suspects a hitman may be after him due to his boss‘s suspicion of him stealing.

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I don‘t think there‘s a book title that better describes my life preferences. ‘I‘d Rather Be Reading‘ has been on my radar for a while now. It‘s a charming collection of essays that celebrates the joys and quirks of being a book lover. Ann explores the magic of getting lost in a great story, the chaos of overflowing bookshelves, and the personal connections forged through reading.

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*Not the tagged book* Set in the sun-bleached world of San Diego‘s surfing community, ‘Downward Facing Doug‘ by Don Winslow follows Doug, an accountant trapped in a soul-crushing job at a payday loan office. Married to his belittling wife, Carli, Doug finds solace in catching waves at dawn. However, a minor wipeout collision with another surfer ignites a brawl that Doug never anticipated.

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This book was recommended to me while visiting a bookstore in a nearby small Kentucky town. It piqued my interest in the history of the town and the accompanying photographs. It wasn‘t a book I chose for its writing, but rather for the stories. It recounts its origins, rise to prominence in the bourbon industry, notable downtown businesses and mansions, and some wild stories.

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*Not the tagged book* ‘Free Billy,‘ a short story by Don Winslow, follows Billy, an eccentric character who has discovered a way to live life without spending money. He indulges in hotel buffets, takes advantage of self-serve fast food drink stations, uses beachside showers, and sleeps in his van. Billy‘s desire to change his life leads him to seek a sugar mama.

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‘Tell Me Lies‘ by J.P. Pomare is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the intricate complexities of family dynamics and deception. Margot Scott, a Melbourne psychologist, believes she‘s constructed an ideal life until a troubled client‘s session takes a sinister turn, leading to a chilling accusation that threatens to shatter everything she holds dear.

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*Not the tagged book* The book cover of ‘The Chateau‘ by Avery Bishop piqued my interest, and I read the description before immediately adding it to my Audible library. I thoroughly enjoyed the elegant setting of the chateau, the serene lake, and the surrounding hiking trails created a captivating atmosphere. The murder mystery was intriguing and had an unexpected conclusion.

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The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! Joe Hill, one of my favorite authors, has released his fifth novel, titled ‘King Sorrow.‘ I eagerly preordered a signed first edition copy through Joe‘s home-based independent bookstore, Water Street Books, located in Exeter, New Hampshire. I‘ve shared some details, photos, and his interview on CBS Saturday Morning on my blog.

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It‘s always a delight to receive signed copies of John Grisham‘s new books from Square Books. Grisham recently released his first whodunit thriller, titled ‘The Widow.‘ I eagerly preordered my signed, first edition copy from Square Books, an independent bookstore located in Oxford, Mississippi. I can‘t wait to immerse myself in this novel!

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*Not the tagged book* This was another fantastic short story by Don Winslow! Set in Rhode Island in 1970, the story of ‘Oregon‘ revolves around five close best friends. These high school friends share a common goal: to escape the Vietnam draft by going off the grid before turning 18. To achieve this, they raise money by selling marijuana and plan to move to Oregon to open a commune.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Lou Berney, Kristen L. Berry, Kelly Mustian, and Chevy Stevens engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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C.J. Tudor‘s writing prowess shines through in her ability to craft a dark and suspenseful horror story. This was a slow-burn experience that demanded patience as the puzzle pieces gradually came together. The wait was absolutely worth it, as the story delivered a series of chilling twists and turns at the end. The conclusion was perfectly suited for such a dark and eerie horror tale.

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Carley Fortune‘s storytelling talent shines through in this book. I genuinely adored the characters and the nostalgic lakeside setting. The emotional, character-driven narrative captivated me, leaving me with a heartfelt story that delves into themes of love, regret, and second chances. Narrator A.J. Bridel did an excellent job bringing the characters and their story to life.

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Since Freida McFadden is a busy person, juggling her roles as a doctor, writer, and mom, she doesn‘t often host author events. As a result, purchasing a signed copy of one of her books has been a challenge for me. I subscribe to The Poisoned Pen newsletter, and I was thrilled to learn that they had a few signed copies of Freida‘s new book, The Intruder. I couldn‘t resist!

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T.J. Newman‘s storytelling prowess is truly remarkable. From the very first moments, Drowning gripped me, leaving me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to blend raw human emotion with thrilling suspense is nothing short of magical. She not only crafts heart-pounding scenes but also develops human characters with such depth and emotion that I can‘t help but empathize with them.

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This chilling supernatural thriller unfolds on a stormy night at a seemingly ordinary roadside motel. The narrative follows a struggling author who finds himself stranded there after his car runs out of gas. Initially, the story captivated me with its intriguing premise and thrilling plot. However, the ending left me feeling cheated, as it left unresolved plotlines and ambiguity.

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I absolutely loved this masterpiece from the very beginning. The haunting Cornish moors, the menacing atmosphere of the inn, and Mary Yellan‘s fierce determination drew me into a vivid world of smuggling, secrets, and suspense. Du Maurier‘s lush prose and masterful ability to build dread made every twist and turn thrilling, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

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Peter Swanson‘s Kill Your Darlings is a masterful reverse-chronology thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic marriage. The domestic suspense explores buried secrets, corrosive guilt, and twisted vengeance in his signature style of psychological tension and ingenious twists. Steven Weber‘s narration was fantastic, and he has become a favorite narrator for me.

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Halloween season is the best time of year to find Edgar Allan Poe books and novelty items. The latest addition to our Poe book collection is a charming book titled, ‘Poe Knows: A Miscellany of Macabre Musings.‘ It‘s an illustrated compilation of 200 quotes that showcases his wit and wisdom in bite-sized pieces. I also found a beautiful book-shaped ceramic planter. My blog has all the details.

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For me, the novella, The Housemaid‘s Wedding, was an essential addition to the Housemaid series. I became deeply invested in the characters, and it was important for me to know how Millie and Enzo‘s wedding would unfold. As expected of McFadden, the novella seamlessly blends her signature suspense with heartwarming romance.

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“No Exit” by Taylor Adams was excellent—tense, twisty, and impossible to stop listening. The unique aspect of listening to audiobooks is that I don‘t always know how much time I have left in the book. Many times, I thought the story was nearing its end based on the unfolding events, but I was always pleasantly surprised by the unexpected twists and turns.

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I‘ve been seeing a lot of praise for the Dream Harbor series over the past year, and I decided to finally dive in and see what all the fuss was about. I enjoy cozy mysteries, but I‘ve never read a cozy romance mystery. I found this one to be okay, but not exceptional. I enjoyed the setting of the small town, the autumnal atmosphere, and the characters.

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*Not the tagged book* “How to Survive Menopause” is a hilarious and candid Audible Original production, meticulously adapted from Samantha Bee‘s renowned one-woman off-Broadway show. She delves into the often-taboo realm of menopause, sharing her raw and emotional journey through hot flashes, night sweats, rage, and beyond.

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This is my second time reading “The Long Walk” because it‘s the October selection for the in-person Constant Reader book club I belong to. Sadly, my opinion of this book has diminished compared to my initial reading. The plot and ending are excessively ambiguous to my liking. I enjoyed the contestants and appreciated the significant toll the walk took on the characters, both physically and mentally.

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Set in Melbourne during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Home Before Night” is a psychological thriller. Residents are ordered into an 8 p.m. curfew and lockdown. When single mother Lou‘s teenage son fails to return home, her anxiety escalates as his phone goes silent and his social media remains dormant. While this may not be my favorite Pomare novella, it‘s still a compelling story.

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*Not the tagged book* I‘m a big fan of Don Winslow‘s books, and I find him exceptionally talented at writing short stories. I acquired the novella, Deep Hole, through my Audible membership. Ed Harris provides an excellent narration.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Lyn Liao Butler, Lisa Gardner, Eliza Reid, and Francesca Serritella engaged in fascinating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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The Perfect Marriage delves into the intricacies of a seemingly perfect relationship that‘s tested by secrets and suspicion. The thrill and suspense in this book were exceptional. I was quickly captivated by the story and couldn‘t put it down. The ending was unexpected and cleverly crafted.

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While I was aware of the basic premise—a woman may have killed her best friend, but she has no memory of that night—I was completely unprepared for the unexpected twists and turns that awaited me. To my surprise, I found this book incredibly hilarious! Despite my appreciation for dark humor, the story also features a genuinely captivating murder mystery at its core.

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I thoroughly enjoyed ‘The Story She Left Behind,‘ particularly the well-developed characters and the picturesque settings. From the very first few minutes of listening to this audiobook, I was certain that I would fall in love with it. Henry is an exceptionally gifted storyteller, and I eagerly anticipate reading her backlist titles.

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Years ago, I added The Fact of a Body to my Kindle after reading about its acclaim. My fascination with true crime drew me to this story, but I had no idea what else to expect. While some may find it difficult to “enjoy” a story about a sex offender, the trauma of a mother losing her child, and a young woman working hard to reconcile with her past, I genuinely did.

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During a recent trip to Sedona, Az, we visited historic downtown Flagstaff. My favorite place to shop is the Bright Side bookshop. They boast an excellent selection of genres and local interests. Although I rarely purchase books when traveling by air, I couldn‘t resist a signed copy of Elizabeth Gilbert‘s latest memoir, ‘All the Way to the River.‘ I wrote about my visit on my blog.

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My husband and I recently embarked on a vacation to Sedona, Arizona. As we flew in and out of Phoenix, I seized the opportunity to visit my favorite independent bookstore, The Poisoned Pen. We spent a delightful afternoon browsing through their extensive collection of signed books and getting book recommendations from a bookseller. I wrote about my book haul on my blog.

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Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce is an intriguing and satisfying choice for spooky reading season. The story revolves around 13-year-old Alice, who is suspected of being possessed by a witch or is it a hoax? Newly qualified child psychologist Mina and skeptical journalist Sam are determined to investigate the matter. The plot is quite reminiscent of the movie The Conjuring 2.

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I usually thoroughly enjoy Lisa Unger‘s books and most often read her backlist titles. Therefore, I was thrilled to place a hold on Libby when her latest thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10, became available. However, this time, I was underwhelmed. The story heavily focuses on the unhealthy aspects of social media, influencers, and the pursuit of followers.

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The Deluge is a climate fiction novel that spans from 2013 to the 2040s. It weaves together the lives of several interconnected individuals, each grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change. Markley presents a hyper-realistic portrait of a world ravaged by superstorms, wildfires, and social upheaval through a diverse cast, including scientists, activists, terrorists, and ordinary people.

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Stephen King‘s “You Like It Darker” is my favorite short story collection of his so far. This collection of stories is a perfect blend of entertainment, shock, and horror. It‘s the ideal book to spend time with during the upcoming spooky reading season.

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I was delighted to finally have my turn at reading Robin Wall Kimmerer‘s book, “The Serviceberry.” She argues that we have been taught to accumulate possessions and take more than we truly need. In contrast, she explores the indigenous culture‘s practice of sharing with its community, which she refers to as a gift economy. Her stories and wisdom left me with a warm and comforting feeling.

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Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi is the third installment in The Dispatcher series, and it‘s just as engrossing and thrilling as the others. Scalzi crafted an entertaining plot and a satisfying ending. Zachary Quinto narrated the series, delivering a phenomenal performance.

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I reread 50 Ways to Rewire Your Anxious Brain by Catherine M. Pittman and Maha Zayed Hoffman and updated my initial blog post. My amygdala began behaving in an unruly manner when a couple of stressful events occurred. I realized I wasn‘t using any of the tools in this book, so I decided to reread my physical copy.

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This summer, the in-person Constant Reader book club I attend read “It,” by Stephen King. It was an excellent choice for a summer read! Since the book is quite lengthy, our facilitator divided it into three parts to cover our meetings in July, August, and September. This was a reread for me, as I had first read it in 2017. I was delighted to reread “It” as I remembered loving it the first time.

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I wrote a blog post where I shared my thoughts on rating books I‘ve read. I also included a list of some of my all-time favorite books that I give a top rating and hope to reread someday.

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I received a free audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The collection of 25 short stories delivers extraordinary horror, paranormal, and macabre elements. However, I must admit that I didn‘t connect with the stories as much as I would have liked. I‘m certain that it‘s the perfect read for many others who can connect with the characters and plots.

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I quickly perked up with enthusiasm when my husband informed me that the book I had ordered arrived at our mailbox. I preordered a signed copy of Scott Carson‘s latest horror novel, “Departure 37,” from the magnificent independent bookstore, The Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, Arizona. I can‘t wait to read this beautiful book and add it to my collection.

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This book surprised me. Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed the story far more than I anticipated. Once I became immersed in the characters‘ secrets and understood the potential consequences of those secrets, I couldn‘t stop listening. Secondly, I initially believed I had solved the crime early on, but I was mistaken. The narrative unfolded in a way that kept me guessing until the very end.

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I‘m still a newcomer to William Kent Krueger‘s works, and I hope I never become accustomed to the emotional depth of his novels. “Ordinary Grace” is a beautifully heart-wrenching standalone story. His skillful character development allows the reader to become fully invested in each character‘s role in the narrative. He enables readers to empathize with the pain experienced by his characters.

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