Welcome to Litsy!

An entertaining thrill ride from the start, this was an enjoyable read. Sun Trap follows a Hollywood movie crew to the Abu Dhabi desert, where the filmmaking gets deadly. This is one of the books with constant action. I was invested in the story although I did not feel connected to the characters at all. Especially after the half way mark there was twist after twist after twist. Also, is this not one of the most gorgeous covers you've ever seen?

4.5/5

Melissa recounts her own experience with isolation as a mom and the strategies both she, and others she knows, to build more connection. She acknowledges both how hard it is for moms to do this work as well as how necessary it is. I thought there were a lot of good ideas for slowly beginning to reduce isolation and build connection, and she acknowledges that it is hard work.

#netgalley

My May #bookspin potentials list. (so far)
Most of these are #netgalley titles. I am WAYYYY behind on reviews for them so I really need to get to reading from my backlist.
@thearomaofbooks

TLDR: Not a bad book per se, but the MC spoiled it for me.

This could have been a really dark, almost gothic, mystery thriller - all the ingredients were there, but it was a bit of a miss for me. I think the issue is that the main character, Alex Kelly, is difficult to like. She does all the clichéd things: drinks too much making her unreliable, rushes into situations without thinking, thinks she's the only one who can solve a cold case, (cont)

I went into this one with such high expectations after loving the author‘s first novel. Unfortunately, I struggled with the story.

Too many POVs and backstories made it hard for me to keep everyone‘s story straight. It also made the book too long and all I kept wishing was for the story to end.

Will keep reading this author in the future, this one just didn‘t work for me.

2.5⭐️ #arc #NetGalley

A series of short stories examining loss, grief, & queer existence.

Such an interesting collection! A variety of genres, all ranging in tone from a slight edge of unease to outright horror. Olguín has a remarkable ability to make me feel on edge throughout each story. There were a couple that felt too unresolved. And a couple I didn‘t like. But the last two stories were remarkable. Would make a great audiobook.?????

4/5

Nic just moved back to Seattle in the hope she can begin a relationship with best friend Skylar, only to find out Skylar is moving to Fiji. She and Kira, the friend Skylar made while Nic was in grad school, decide to work together to show Skylar that moving to Fiji is a bad idea. But as they spend more time together, they become closer as they learn more about each other and Skylar's reason for moving.

#netgalley

#NetGalley #ARC #MountARC

I was lucky to get an #audiobook ARC for the 12th Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Pub Day 6th May.

Do I read the books for the cosy mystery? No. I'm here for all the characters and the banter, especially between Maid Florence Armstrong and Lady Hardcastle. I was absolutely not disappointed. Loved every minute of the story and the audiobook!

#SeriesLove2025 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
Late entry for #EasterCrime @Leniverse

I loved this one so much! Set in Georgia in the 1960‘s, Doris is a very religious teen who needs to have an abortion and turns to her favorite teacher for help. The duo embark on a weekend trip to Atlanta for the procedure, which gets delayed. While waiting, Doris meets a cast of characters who completely change her worldview and broaden her life choices.

Definitely a favorite read this year!

5⭐️ Pub Date: 6/17/25 #arc #NetGalley

This was such an interesting read. I liked how it led you down one path with what might be the reasons only to turn it near the end. I actually found that clever. I especially enjoyed how it was all explained. The plot jumps timelines a bit and follows Maisie and a detective throughout the story. It never gets confusing and it really allows the story to develop. The plot is fascinating and i was easily hooked. #Netgalley 4*