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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*Not the tagged book* This is my first time reading the husband-and-wife writing team, Ellery Lloyd. I acquired the ebook of “Bad Date,” a short story, through the Amazon First Reads program. It‘s a fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. This short story is expertly crafted, with the suspense perfectly timed. I enjoyed the book and am eager to read more by these authors.

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I recently rediscovered this charming mystery series after stumbling upon it in a new local bookstore that specializes in Kentucky authors and books set in the state. I was pleasantly surprised by the first book in the series, which exceeded my expectations.

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I wanted to gain a comprehensive understanding of menopause. I found some helpful information and appreciated the resources she recommended for further reading. However, most of the book didn‘t apply to my current situation, and the technical language quickly lost my attention. I decided to read the chapters that piqued my interest and skipped the rest.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Bianca Marais, Chris Pavone, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Brendan Slocumb engaged in captivating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog, and it‘s loaded with book recommendations.

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I absolutely adore the cover of this book! With spooky reading season just around the corner, this book promised to be an intriguing read. It features anonymous, mysterious notes being left behind and a murderer lurking in the shadows. I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the narrative, as the suspense and mystery built at a satisfying speed. The narrators delivered an exceptional performance.

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I‘m a huge fan of historical fiction novels and the authors who craft such captivating stories. It‘s surprising how I overlooked reading any of Rhys Bowen‘s books, but I‘m delighted that I finally got around to reading one. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, was engrossed in its progression, and developed a fondness for the characters.

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It took me over nine months to complete the Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle. I thoroughly enjoyed each detective story and cherished my time spent with Holmes and Watson. The mysteries were captivating, and the characters were entertaining. Stephen Fry‘s narration was exceptional.

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I recently read Neil Peart‘s fourth book, Roadshow: Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle. It‘s an incredible memoir that recounts Neil‘s motorcycle journey from concert to concert during Rush‘s R30 tour in 2004. The book is meticulously written chronologically, following their tour schedule throughout North America and Europe.

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Based on a true crime set in 1800 New York City, this story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Elma Sands. Her body is discovered in the Manhattan Well, igniting the first murder trial. The accused attorneys are Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

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This is a unique story about marriage, or rather, it‘s about an effort to stay married. It‘s emotionally charged and tugged at my heartstrings throughout the entire narrative.

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I absolutely adore Lisa Scottoline and the stories she tells. The Unraveling of Julia is brimming with suspense and mysteries that demand to be solved. Fortunately, I had a lot of household chores to complete, so I was able to devour the audiobook in just two days!

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Atmosphere revolves around a captivating love story featuring female astronauts, set against the backdrop of NASA. If you‘ve ever meticulously planned your life and diligently worked to achieve your desired image, only to realize you yearn for something entirely different, then this novel will resonate with you.

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This book is quite intricate, blending elements of a memoir, an analysis of authors grappling with addiction, and an exploration of substance abuse treatment. Her memoir was particularly captivating and the most engaging aspect of the book for me. She also included stories of individuals she encountered during their recovery journey.

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Murder by Other Means is a short story where, in Scalzi‘s world, the concept of murder has undergone a significant transformation. In an astonishing 999 out of 1000 instances, when someone is murdered, they miraculously return to life. This is book 2/3 in The Dispatcher series.

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I‘m thrilled to have read the next installment in the Orphan X series. Hellbent was an excellent read! It begins with the anticipated assignment, followed by an intense action sequence and a pursuit of the antagonists. However, the story also incorporates an unexpected emotional element.

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This is a fascinating book that weaves together two intriguing topics for me: true crime and art. Finkel masterfully weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the art heists of Breitwieser, his relationship with his girlfriend, the enabling behavior of his mother, and the psychological underpinnings of his criminal mind.

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Original painting https://lostthepath.com/home-art

I can confidently say that I‘m a “McFan.” Currently, the Goodreads Community Challenges for this summer include several of her books as qualifying titles. This perfectly aligns with my goal of reading her backlist. This one has been on my radar for a while, so I decided to take advantage of this opportunity to read it. I enjoyed her making me repeatedly question the killer‘s identity.

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I enjoyed this novel set in Kentucky and written by a Kentucky author. It was refreshing to relate to the unique features of Kentucky, such as its flowers, limestone, hollars, and sinkholes. It‘s a tale that delves into the complexities of difficult emotions, particularly those stemming from loss. I had an unfortunate problem with my copy though - a major oversight by the publisher.

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Death Row was recently featured in the monthly Amazon First Reads program. While I often find myself feeling unsatisfied with extremely short stories, this 74-page masterpiece still managed to captivate me with its incredible suspenseful elements. This might be one of my favorite twisty endings from Freida.

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This is my first Margaret Atwood story. It‘s a story about the enduring loyalty of friends that has spanned decades. Atwood‘s tale of a group of women who devise a plan of revenge is humorous. It‘s a quick and entertaining read.

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I didn‘t really need to start another book series, especially one that‘s growing and already has numerous installments. Anyway, here I am starting the Cork O‘Connor series with Iron Lake. I was a bit worried for the first half of the book, thinking it was just okay. Disappointingly, I felt underwhelmed by the story. I genuinely enjoyed it by the time I finished reading it, though.

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I‘m delighted by how my Audible membership introduces me to great authors. I listened to my first book by this author and it was an excellent locked-room mystery! It exceeded my expectations as the story climaxed with several twists and turns. The surprising ending left me feeling sad yet appreciative of the deviation from a conventional conclusion.

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The book cover matches my love for this story, but it doesn‘t quite reflect the dark realities that unfold within its pages. A story about two elderly sisters living within a walled garden, oblivious to the outside world, took me on an unexpected journey. I became attached to the sisters and invested in their lives. Several unexpected surprises awaited me.

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This debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of psychology, suspense, and surrealism. At times, the line between reality and a dream blurs, leaving me questioning what was truly happening. The adventure this book took me on was truly unique. The book was a complete mind-bender for me. After reading it, my mind felt a bit twisted, like the intricate roots of a tree.

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I finally understand the Emily Henry hype. Book Lovers is the first book by her that I‘ve read, and it was an absolute delight! Reading a romance novel is definitely not my forte, but I found myself falling in love with the characters and the storyline. The story‘s quality, the characters‘ likability, and the personal growth they experienced all left a lasting impression.

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This is my second reading of Stephen King‘s Skeleton Crew, which serves as the June selection for our Constant Reader book club meetup. First published in 1985, this collection of short stories has stood the test of time. It boasts a diverse range of stories, varying in length, intensity, and horror gore. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection, just as much as I did during my first reading. 🐒

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The Shallows is comprised of short, suspenseful chapters that alternate between the past and present, keeping me engaged and eagerly turning the pages. characters were likable and easy to empathize with, although I kept a skeptical eye on some of the secondary characters. As the story drew to a close, so did its intensity. Loved it! 🌊

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Peter Heller captivated me with his beautiful and sophisticated writing style. Set in the breathtaking Yellowstone National Park, the story took various turns, but everything was purposeful and connected. The wild animals as central characters were amazing. The book‘s enchanting setting, coupled with its endearing characters, both human and animal, creates an unforgettable reading experience.

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Set in the Hamptons where three lifelong friends reunite for a long weekend. A random encounter with two strangers leads to a silly, drunken prank. Events quickly spiral out of control, resulting in a police investigation. Beyond the surface-level mystery, The Note delves into the profound impact of long-term friendships and the loyalty that binds them together. 👍 book 👎narration.

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I participated in an author event at The Back Room hosted by Hank Phillipi Ryan and Karen Dionne. Authors Liv Constantine, Tori Eldridge, Riley Sager, and Matthew Sullivan engaged in captivating conversations. I wrote about my experience on my blog.

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Falling is a gripping and suspenseful read, filled with unexpected twists and turns. I can‘t help but feel grateful that I wasn‘t reading this book while traveling by plane. The characters were well-developed, and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more books by T.J. Newman.

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An exceptional crime novel, and Horowitz‘s talent as a mystery writer is truly remarkable. A novel within a novel. I can only fathom the immense challenge of simultaneously crafting two novels and seamlessly weaving them together. Susan Ryeland‘s character is a strong, independent woman with realistic vulnerabilities, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist.

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The Chateau Marmont, a historic landmark nestled on Sunset Boulevard, a trendy area of Los Angeles that has been a haven for Hollywood‘s elite for almost a century, is the subject of this captivating book. I thoroughly enjoyed the chronological structure, which segments the narrative into different time periods to highlight prominent celebrities, owners, and significant societal changes.

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I‘m late to the party! I only recently discovered the connection between Deadmau5‘s “The Veldt” and Ray Bradbury‘s short story of the same name. My review of Bradbury‘s story provides further insight into Deadmau5‘s homage to Bradbury.

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*Not the tagged book* Jodi Picoult turns the tables in this Only From Audible short story, “Choice.” James, a man who had ended his relationship with his girlfriend due to his aversion to having children, found himself unexpectedly pregnant one morning. As he navigated his day, he faced the judgments and biases of his colleagues and strangers.

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A story of mystery, murder, and corruption on Martha‘s Vineyard. A young woman from London, arrives on the island to settle her father‘s estate. Tragically, her father, an investigative journalist, mysteriously met his end when he fell off a senator‘s yacht during a winter storm.

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A Walk in the Woods recounts Bill Bryson‘s courageous decision to embark on a hike along the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. At least that‘s how far the trail extends. Through his journey, Bill takes readers on a humorous adventure, sharing comedic anecdotes about life on the trail.

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Ferry Tails by Ted Mulcahey is a murder mystery set on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest. The story follows Deputy Sheriff Roger Wilkie as he investigates the murder of a woman that occurred on the island‘s ferry. The case becomes even more puzzling when it‘s revealed that the victim was carrying the name of a local resident who had never heard of her.

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