March Reads

13.  Speak (Anderson & Carroll) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book, YA graphic novel

I think I liked this graphic novel better than the book that I read years ago.  3-2-23

14.  The Madness of Crowds (Penny) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, mystery

I loved being back in Three Pines, as usual, but I was a little bored.  The mystery felt drawn out -- a little slow going.  However, I loved the nuggets of wisdom and the setting.  3-4-23

15.  The Writing Retreat (Bartz) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, NetGalley, Thriller

Loved the idea of this book and was enjoying the beginning, but it didn't deliver.  Sadly, I didn't care for quite a bit:  subplots, characters, book in a book, etc.  3-10-23

16.  Amari and the Night Brothers (Alston) ~ 2.25/5 (not enjoyable +), audiobook/book, bookclub, middle grade fantasy

I found that on occasion I enjoy a YA book and even a bit of fantasy, but this didn't work for me.  It's clever for the right audience.  3-11-23

17.  Long Way Down (Reynolds) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book, YA graphic novel

As poignant as this book was, I still didn't like it.  The message was obvious, but was it really?  Nothing was fully clear and the ending certainly didn't help.  If it had even more decisive, I would have appreciated it more.  Maybe it was a bit too artsy for such a serious topic.  ???  3-17-23 

18.  I Found You (Jewell) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, mystery

I liked the writing, but the story definitely required suspending my disbelief.  My first Jewell turned out to not be a stellar read for me, but I will pick up another -- have plenty on my shelves!  I do hope for a better outcome.  3-17-23

DNF - The Neighbor's Secret (Heller), book/audiobook, fiction

19.  Foster (Keegan) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook, fiction

The writing was good, but I didn't appreciate the ending.  3-24-23

20.  Small Things Like These (Keegan) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, fiction

Once again, liked the writing, but this one had a better ending than the previous book.  3-27-23

21.  Cici's Journal (Chamberlain) ~ (3.5/5) good, book, middle grade graphic novel

This book is perfect for middle graders.  It may even encourage some writing!  3-28-23

22.  The Risk (Abby) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book, #1 of the Minds*ck Series, Thriller

I'm definitely interested to see what happens!  3-30-23

  

February Reads

5.  The Night Before (Walker) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, NetGalley, psychological thriller

This was intriguing at first, but became mundane.  I was waiting for something, hoping to be surprised, but it never happened.  It was nothing special, just okay.  2-3-23

6.  The Flatshare (O'Leary) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book, chick-lit

I enjoyed the dual POV and communication between the main characters.  I'm not so sure the plan would work in real life, but it was a cute idea for a book.  2-10-23

7.  Ballad for Sophie (Melo & Cavia) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book, graphic novel

This was a very cohesive, full story that captured my attention.  It reminded me of an old movie.  2-11-23

8.  Oona Out of Order (Montimore) ~ 2.25/5 (not enjoyable +), audiobook, bookclub, magical realism

The concept could have been done so much better.  The entire book had a negative overtone and some stuff didn't make sense.  I wasn't drawn to any of the characters, especially Oona.  2-16-23

9.  A Quiet Retreat (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook, thriller

This book had more to it than I expected for a short thriller.  It was an enjoyable, quick listen.  2-18-23

DNF  Sloppy Firsts (McCafferty), audiobook, YA

10.  Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Riggs & Jean) ~ 1/5 (don't bother), book, graphic novel

Ugh.  Not for me.  2-20-23

11.  Saving Noah (Berry) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book, domestic thriller

I'm not sure how I feel about this book.  So many emotions and thoughts that I can't quite sort through to end up with a rating.  There were several errors in the book - annoying.  Wasn't expecting this type of read ... at all!  The writing was simplistic, as well as, very sad and depressing.  I think I had a sour look on my face during the major it.  I'm going middle of the road, because I was interested in reading it, but I really don't think I would recommend it to anyone.  I like thrillers that shock or surprise me, even with unpleasant plots - not make me feel sad and icky.  2-24-23

12.  Hello, Transcriber (Morrissey) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), audiobook, NetGalley, romantic suspense 

While the title held a lot of promise, it did not deliver.  I was mostly bored and didn't care about any of the characters.  It was definitely heavier on the romance than a police investigation.  2-24-23

January Reads

 

1.  The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (Schwab) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book/audiobook, bookclub, fantasy

I probably would have really like this had it been a short story or novella.  It was WAY too long.  The writing itself was a bit wordy, and it took forever for the story to pick up.  It never really delivered, because I predicted the main plot line, so nothing was surprising.  Everything else was just okay.  1-4-23

2.  Never Fall Down (McCormick) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, YA realistic fiction

This heart-wrenching story was told by a young boy who survives the torment of the Cambodian genocide.  It definitely gave a very clear picture of his horrific experience.  This was based on a true story.  1-8-23

3.  The Last Mrs. Parrish (Constantine) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook, domestic thriller

This was very similar to The Housemaid (McFadden), but didn't keep me as engaged.  1-22-23

4.  The Drift (Tudor) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), ebook, NetGalley, horror

I was incredibly excited to get to this arc.  Unfortunately, my first Tudor book was not a success.  I thought the writing was perfectly fine, but the whole plot was very bleak, and I simply didn't enjoy it.  It just wasn't for me.  Also, I never cared for the characters.  1-22-23

Best Reads of 2022

This was a very good reading year for me.  There were, also, some positive changes within my Book World.  I started a Book Club, which will continue in 2023.  I finally purchased a BOTM subscription, and I'm loving that.  And, I've been selling books on PangoBooks, as well as, donating to my local library and Little Free Libraries.  While it has been a little difficult to actually say goodbye to some books, it has been necessary to house the new ones coming in.  More purging to come.

I had a whopping 20 books that I rated 4 (very good) or higher!  That definitely is a very good reading year for me!  I didn't give any 5s, but I think anything that rates a 4.5 and up is probably a 5.  Those real 5s are hard to come by.  So without further ado, in order of how I read them . . .

Here are my 2022 Best Reads:  

*memories of the book are .25 higher

 1.  No Exit (Adams) ~ Thriller

4.5/5 (excellent)

2.  Salt to the Sea (Sepetys) ~ YA Historical Fiction

4/5 (very good)

3.  Verity (Hoover) ~ Romantic Thriller

4/5 (very good)

4.  The Shadows We Hide (Eskens) ~ Mystery

4/5 (very good)

5.  The Midnight Library (Haig) ~ Science Fiction

4.25/5 (very good +)

6.  Playing Nice (Delaney) ~ Fiction

4/5 (very good)

*4.25 (very good +)

7.  Project Hail Mary (Weir) ~ Science Fiction

4.75/5 (excellent +)

8.  For Your Own Good (Downing) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

9.  An Anonymous Girl (Hendricks & Pekkanen) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

10.  Know My Name (Miller) ~ Memoir

4.75/5 (excellent +)

11. The House in the Cerulean Sea (Klune) ~ YA Fantasy

4.75/5 (excellent +)

12.  To Kill a Mockingbird (Fordham/Lee) ~ YA Graphic Classic Novel

4/5 (very good)

13.  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Reid) ~ Fiction

4.75/5 (excellent +)

14.  The Collective (Gaylin) ~ Thriller

4.25/5 (very good +)

15.  The Arrangement (Modglin) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

16.  The Swimmers (Otsuka) ~ Fiction

4/5 (very good)

17.  When Stars are Scattered (Mohamed & Jamieson) ~ Children's Graphic Memoir

4.5/5 (excellent)

18.  The Housemaid (McFadden) ~ Thriller

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

19.  It Ends With Us (Hoover) ~ Romance

4/5 (very good)

20.  The Measure (Erlick) ~ Science Fiction

4/5 (very good)

*4.25/5 (very good +)

December Reads

68.  The Soulmate (Hepworth) ~ 3/5 (just okay), ebook, NetGalley

This was told by 2 characters in the past and present.  That worked for me (usually doesn't), and I liked the setting.  However, it was a little lack luster and a little slow (or it was slow, because of it lacking some oomph).  Ultimately, just an okay read.  12-3-22

69.  The Amendment (Modglin) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

The first was much better than this one, but I was still interested.  Super fast listen.  12-5-22

70.  The Atonement (Modglin) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook

I wanted to know how the couple ended up, so I continued with this trio.  It was enjoyable for a short and simple little series.  12-9-22

71.  The Woman in the Library (Gentill) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), audiobook, NetGalley

The title was definitely the draw for me.  Once I began, I was a little confused, then caught on to the book within a book trope.  I didn't necessarily dislike anything.  The plot wasn't what I had hoped for, and the characters were a bit dull, but I did keep listening to find out the killer - there's that.  12-18-22

72.  Never Lie (McFadden) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), audiobook

I like McFadden's writing style.  She keeps me engaged the whole way though her books.  This one was no different.  The storyline was good, but nothing special.  12-23-22

73.  They Never Learn (Fargo) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book

I'm not sure what I was expecting (hype got me on this one), but I was hoping for something more.  It was a revenge story, which I enjoyed, but knew the twist.  It was still a good read.  12-26-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  4 - 27

Books:  1 - 39

eBooks:  1 - 7

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 39

DNF:  0 - 4

November Reads

64.  November 9 (Hoover) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), book

I was rolling my eyes at the unrealistic nature of this book.  However, I did want to know what happened in the subsequent November 9ths.  11-5-22

65.  Don't Look For Me (Walker) ~ 2.5/5 (eh), audiobook, NetGalley

I don't remember much of this story.  It never really grabbed me, but I kept listening as I was in the car.  11-17-22

66.  The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (Mandanna) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book

This was very similar to The House on the Cerulean Sea, but without the spunk.  Surprisingly, I liked the "witchy" parts and the gentle twists.  The "witchy" parts were new and fun for me.  I won't be seeking that out, though.  11-18-22

67.  Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six (Unger) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook, NetGalley

Sad to say, I didn't care for much in the book.  The worst part was the lack of flow.  Switching between backstory and present was jarring.  The story itself touched on a lot of issues, but ultimately it was boring. 11-30-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 23

Books:  2 - 38

eBooks:  0 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 37

DNF:  0 - 4

October Reads

57.  Confessions on the 7:45 (Unger) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook

This was an enjoyable read.  It kept my interest, and I liked the twists.  10-5-22

58.  Reckless Girls (Hawkins) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), audiobook, NetGalley

This felt like a common "thriller".  It was a quick read and the pace was good, but it definitely did not thrill me.  There was nothing memorable about it and the ending was predictable.  I didn't care for any of the surface characters either.  10-14-22

59.  The Last Housewife (Winstead) ~ 2/5 (eh), book

WTH!  This was a very disturbing book.  Definitely not my idea of a fun, thrilling read.  I didn't enjoy the topic, and the beginning was interesting.  There were a few good twists, too, but it just got too weird for me.  10-14-22

60.  The Measure (Erlick) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

I read this very quickly due to its intriguing storyline.  I was invested in all the character's lives.  It really gives you something to think about.  10-22-22

61.  It Starts With Us (Hoover) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book

I zipped through the the first half of this book.  I simply enjoyed being back in the presence of the characters to see what was happening.  Other than that, I thought it was okay.  A bit repetitive and the storyline added another character that was whatever.  Another easy reading experience.  10-26-22

62.  Too Good To Be True (Lovering) ~ 3.5/5 (good), NetGalley, audiobook

Most of this was enjoyable.  However, the last 1/4 went in a direction that I wasn't expecting, and that was disappointing.  Still good, though.  10-28-22

63.  Wrong Place Wrong Time (McAllister) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book

My expectations were a bit too high for this one, I'm afraid.  There were some good twists, but in general, I didn't care for the writing style.  I didn't know much about this book and was surprised to find time travel.  That turned out okay, except for the repetition.  10-31-22

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  3 - 21

Books:  4 - 36

eBooks:  1 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  4 - 35

DNF:  1 - 4

September Reads

52.  Daisy Darker (Feeney) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), book

During the first half I wanted to keep reading, but then the storyline started to be repetitive.  I did guess one of the twists and some various tidbits, but that wasn't neither good or bad.  Definitely didn't care for the ending and thought it was highly unbelievable.  In general, disappointed.  9-3-22

53.  The Housemaid (McFadden) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

The first 2/3 was good, but the last 1/3 was very good.  First time reading this author.  I want to seek out more.  I discovered I like revenge stories.  9-10-22

Pieces of Her (Slaughter) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

54.  It Ends With Us (Hoover) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

Hoover handles the sensitive topic with grace.  For the most part, the characters/dialog seems realistic.  I enjoyed the writing.  9-18-22

55.  The Prisoner (Paris) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), ebook, NetGalley

I was very intrigued in the beginning, then I wasn't.  Nothing was gripping, even the parts that should have been (or intended to be).  Then the ending ... just a dump of explanations.  9-26-22

56.  Under the Whispering Door (Klune) ~ 2.75/5 (eh +), book

Loved the writing style and made me feel very present in the story.  However, I didn't care for all the magical stuff.  9-28-22

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  0 - 18

Books:  4 - 32

eBooks:  1 - 6

New-to-Me Authors:  1 - 31

DNF:  1 - 4

August Reads

47.  The Swimmers (Otsuka) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

The first half of this book was excellent.  I loved the writing style and was curious as to where it was leading.  However, maybe, just maybe, I should have read the front flap, so I would have been prepared for the second half.  It was a close-to-home topic, and I ended the book is a sad mood.  8-3-22

48.  Notes on an Execution (Kukafka) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook

Interesting at the beginning, but ultimately, slow and boring.  8-7-22

49.  When Stars are Scattered (Mohamed & Jamieson), 4.5/5 (excellent), book

This was an excellent graphic memoir of two young boys from Somalia growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya.  I learned a thing or two from this children's book.  8-9-22

50.  Part of Your World (Jimenez), 3.75/5 (good +), book

I don't read a lot of books within this genre, but it was good.  I wanted to know the outcome, so I kept reading.  It was definitely good, but nothing spectacular.  8-12-22

American Dirt (Cummins) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

51.  The Island (McKinty) ~ 2/5 (not enjoyable), audiobook, NetGalley

This cat and mouse story crossed the line into ridiculousness.  I didn't like much about it, but enough to see it through to the end.  I definitely liked The Chain more.  8-21-22

Beartown (Backman) ~ DNF (did not finish), book/audiobook

       

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 18

Books:  3 - 28

eBooks:  0 - 5

New-to-Me Authors:  3 - 30

DNF:  2 - 3

July Reads

41.  Malibu Rising (Reid) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

Here's a book that I don't understand the hype.  I enjoyed the writing style and really got to know the main characters, but overall, it was just okay.  The additional characters towards the end muddled it up for me.  7-1-22

42.  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Reid) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), book

Another book by Reid, but this one ... WOW!  Almost a 5/5 for me.  From the first page to the last, I was wrapped up in Evelyn's drama.  There wasn't only drama, though.  It was packed with issues of today.  I didn't want the story to end.

7-6-22 

43.  Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Kawaguchi) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

I thought this had a great concept, but hoped for a little more oomph in its execution.  I think the translation felt a little stilted, and some of the storyline was repetitive, which affected my enjoyment.  7-15-22

44.  The Collective (Gaylin) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book

I didn't want to put this book down.  I was so curious as to how it was going to end.  This was a new-to-me author that I'm definitely going to look up again.  7-15-22

Stay Awake (Goldin) ~ DNF (did not finish), ebook, NetGalley

Seriously - don't know what happened here.  I was sure this was going to be a winner for me and the opposite happened.  First (hopefully last) DNF of the year.  I never wanted to pick it up, so it was deterring me from reading.  Not good.  Finally decided after 56% to just put it to rest.  7-15-22

45.  The Arrangment (Modglin) ~ 4/5 (very good), ebook

I was on the fence with rating this book, until I was typing this.  A pro and con was the very simplistic/basic writing style.  I didn't care for it, yet loved it because I could pick it up and zip through it WHILE enjoying the storyline.  It didn't hold much depth, but it had some good twists.  It was a fun read, and I will be picking up the next in this trilogy.  All of that warrants a 4/5.  7-30-22

46.  The Push (Audrain) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book

Another difficult book to rate.  The writing was good, but it made me feel all the main character's feelings, which affected me in a negative way.  It incorporated a LOT of frustration, confusion and sadness.  That cloud made me feel blah.  Not a great way to close the cover of a book.  7-31-22         

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 16

Books:  3 - 25

eBooks:  1 - 5

New-to-Me Authors:  4 - 27

DNF:  1 - 1

SWEET 16!

Well, I didn't realize that I totally missed my 15th year Blogiversary until a few days ago.  Oops!  No matter, I'm 16 now and feeling happy.  (Surprised that it actually has been 16 years, though!!!)

What to say ... 

I've continued to read, as always, but this year my preference has gone back to reading more physical books.  I'm still reading via an iPad (ebooks) and iPod/iPhone (audiobooks), but have thoroughly enjoyed the simple, handheld version the best.

Over the last few months, I have culled my bookshelves to make room for so many new books.  It has been so much fun - out with the old, in with the new!  My taste in genres hasn't changed too much (still a mystery/thriller reader), but I have now included a very little sci-fi/fantasy.  Both of those have to be rooted in modern times or grounded in something close to reality.  Reading sci-fi or fantasy that have new world systems is still not for me.  I don't rule it out, but for now, I'm good without it.  :)  My shelves are overflowing again, which is delightful to peruse.  My TBR shelves are very enticing and my Favorites shelves hold wonderful memories. 

I started this current calendar year out strong and hope to keep it up.  I had to change my Goodreads goal, already, due to surpassing the previous one I set for myself.  :)

May your reading bring you much enjoyment, as it has me.  

Thoughts of Joy

June Reads

28.  Book Lovers (Henry) ~ 3.5/5 (good), book/bookclub

I don't have much to say about this, other than it was good.  It was easy to read, but I wasn't drawn to pick it up.  The romance portion wasn't overly cheesy or spicy, and it wasn't the sole focus of the book, which I liked.  They both had extremely quick wit, which I enjoyed, but it didn't feel real.  6-3-22

29.  Fence Vol. 1 (Pacat) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

I learned some things about fencing, which was good.  6-3-22    

30.  Heartstopper Vol. 1 (Oseman) ~ 3.5/5 (good), YA graphic novel, book

I couldn't resist all the hype - had to try it.  It was a cute teen, gay romance.

 

31.  Fence Vol. 2 (Pacat) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

Nothing to say.  6-5-22

32.  Fence Vol. 3 (Pacat) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

Finding out who was going to make the school team was a bit more exciting than the other two volumes.  6-12-22

33.  The House in the Cerulean Sea (Klune) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), YA book

This book was so delightful!  It gave me all the warm fuzzies.  It was filled with wicked humor, serious topics, joyous adventures and felt like a home away from home.  All the friends were so much fun.  I loved Klune's writing style.  6-17-22

34.  To Kill a Mockingbird (Fordham/Lee) ~ 4/5 (very good), YA graphic novel, book

I read this book many, many years ago, but ran across the graphic novel and thought I give it a re-read in another format.  It was done very well.  The graphics and flow of the story were very easy to follow.  6-19-22

35.  Fence Vol. 4 (Pacat) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

The team played against their rival.  6-20-22

36.  The Good Lie (Torre) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook

I was very invested in this one until a few things started to not make sense and those things remained even through to the end.  It was still a good read, but the storyline needed to be tightened up a bit.  6-20-22

37.  Heartstopper Vol. 2 (Oseman) ~ 3/5 (just okay), YA graphic novel, book

It was okay.  6-21-22

38.  Heartstopper Vol. 3 (Oseman) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), YA graphic novel, book

Deeper topics were brought to the surface.  6-22-22

39.  Heartstopper Vol. 4 (Oseman) ~ 3.5/5 (good), YA graphic novel, book 

Mental illness was explored.  6-22-22

40.  Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead (Cosimano) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book/bookclub

I wasn't in the mood for this, but read it for Bookclub.  It felt like a re-read of the first in this series.  I'm not interested in reading any more.  They are not bad, they just don't interest me at the moment - one was enough.  6-26-22 

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  1 - 14

Books:  12 - 22

eBooks:  0 - 4

New-to-Me Authors:  6 - 23

DNF:  0 - 0

May Reads

23.  Project Hail Mary (Weir) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), book/audiobook*

What an amazing, fun, delightful read!  The ending was fantastic, and I will miss the characters.  The only reason I didn't rate it a 5/5 was because of the science emphasis.  It was all explained very well and I understood it, but still ... too much for it to be perfect.  Excellent book.  5-7-22

24.  For Your Own Good (Downing) ~ 4/5 (very good), ebook, NetGalley

I really enjoyed the academic setting.  Being in everybody's head was fun and made for a fast read.  It kept my interest, and I wanted to continuing reading.  Definitely want to pick up more books by this author.  5-22-22

25.  An Anonymous Girl (Hendricks & Pekkanen) ~ 4/5 (very good), audiobook

The psychological aspect of the plot intrigued me.  Once again, I liked knowing everybody's plan of manipulation.  The outcome was satisfying.  5-25-22

26.  Know My Name (Miller) ~ 4.75/5 (excellent +), book

Wow.  I felt every emotion she expressed.  She took me along every step of the way.  This was very power and heartfelt.  The questions that she asked herself and others were so spot on - so very touching.  Writing was excellent.  5-26-22

27.  The Death of Mrs. Westaway (Ware) ~ 2/5 (ugh), audiobook

I listened to this on a road trip.  I was completely bored.  I waited and waited and waited for something to happen.  The twist finally happened . . . and it was good, but unfortunately it was too late for me.  It was a tedious listen.  Maybe the physical book would have been better.  5-30-22

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  3 - 13

Books:  1 - 10

eBooks:  1 - 4

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 17

DNF:  0 - 0

April Reads

20.  The Plot (Korelitz) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook, NetGalley

I predicted most of this book and that ended up not being a positive thing for me.  I felt disappointed that I wasn't tricked.  I did think it was a very interesting topic and made me think about plagiarism a lot.  The subject has even come up since finishing it.  4-7-22

21.  The Paris Apartment (Foley) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book

My excitement for this book began to wane mid-way though.  Nothing was really happening.  However, it did turn around, thankfully.  I enjoyed the twists and felt content with the ending.  It was definitely more mystery than thriller, though.  I enjoyed The Guest List more.  4-7-22

22.  Turn of the Key (Ware) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook, NetGalley

I was excited to get to this one.  Once the plot got going, I found it to be little slow.  The "smart house" aspect was fun, and I enjoyed the nanny trope.  However, I didn't care for the ending.  4-21-22

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  2 - 10

Books:  1 - 9

eBooks:  0 - 3

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 15

DNF:  0 - 0

March Reads

13.  Every Heart a Doorway (McGuire) ~ 1.5/5 (ugh), audiobook/book club

Thankfully I listened to this while doing other tasks, so I didn't spend the time reading it.  I didn't care for it at all.  3-3-22 

14.  The Shadows We Hide (Eskens) ~ 4/5 (very good), book

I enjoy Esken's writing style.  This storyline was good and at times I was very engrossed.  I always wanted to pick it up and have already pre-ordered his next book.  3-13-22

15.  Goodnight Beautiful (Molloy) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook  

I'm not sure about a particular ending point, but it was good.  There wasn't anything that was spectacular or good enough for me to remember for very long, but a decent read.  3-14-22

16.  The Midnight Library (Haig) ~ 4.25/5 (very good +), book/book club 

This one is going to be a memorable read.  I wanted to read it in one sitting, but time didn't allow.  I picked it up whenever I could.  It wasn't a genre I normally would read, so I was pleasantly surprised.  It really makes you think about your own life choices.  3-21-22

    17.  Playing Nice (Delaney) ~ 4/5 (very good), audiobook

This was a very unique story.  Delaney is a new-to-me author, and I had no idea what to expect.  It was unpredictable, which I really enjoyed.  My only complaint was that a 2.5 year old doesn't talk as depicted.  Needless to say, I have already added more to my TBR shelves by this author.  So excited to read more.  3-23-22

18.  Bone Deep (Bosworth) ~ 3.5/5 (good), ebook, NetGalley

This was a true case that was beyond frustrating and drastically bumbled for Russ.  I absolutely sympathized and my heart went out to him.  However, the telling of his real-life, devastating experience left me a little bored and annoyed - mainly for its repetitious writing style.  I appreciate getting the full story, but it could have been tweaked a little bit.  3-29-22

19.  Rosemary's Baby (Levin) ~ 1/5 (don't bother), audiobook

Seriously?!?  I don't get it.  Why was/is this so popular?  The only reason I'm giving it a 1 is because it's not a DNF.  I listened to it because it's a classic - one that I never read or watched.  Now I have and don't feel any better for it.  Sadness.  I didn't like anything about it.  3-30-22

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  4 - 8

Books:  2 - 8

eBooks:  1 - 3

New-to-Me Authors:  6 - 13

DNF:  0 - 0

February Reads

5.  Rock Paper Scissors (Feeney) ~ 3/5 (just okay), audiobook

This was not an exciting book.  I kept waiting for the big event or something to happen.  When it did, I thought I heard it wrong and was confused.  There were a couple twists that I appreciated, but overall, it seemed a bit boring.  2-4-22

6.  An Unwanted Guest (Lapena) ~ 3.25/5 (just okay +), audiobook

I guessed part of this locked room mystery.  It had a full cast of characters that were suspects in a murder.  I didn't feel like it was suspenseful, like I thought it was intended.  It had a satisfying ending, though.  2-15-22

7.  Salt to the Sea (Sepetys) ~ 4/5 (very good), YA book

Another piece of WWII history that I was unaware of or don't remember.  Sepetys makes history come alive in her fictional depictions.  I felt the struggles, the pain and the love.  2-15-22

8.  The Younger Wife (Hepworth) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), ebook, NetGalley

There was definitely more to think about after reading this than during the process.  It took me a second to come to my conclusion as the book ended, and I'm not so sure I like it.  I did enjoy the variety of personalities and that it made me think.  2-18-22

9.  Finlay Donovan is Killing It (Cosimano) ~ 3.75/5 (good +), book/book club

Not my favorite genre, mainly because I think they can get too silly.  This one had a better balance than others I have read.  I did get sucked into Finlay's world and actually laughed out loud.  It was a clever book, and I loved the ending -- great setup for the next book.  2-22-22

10.  Verity (Hoover) ~ 4/5 (very good), book/book club

Oh My Goodness!!  I thought this was a romance/thriller book when it was chosen for book club.  It was more like a p*rn/horror book.  YIKES!  I don't choose to read either of those genres.  It was my first Hoover book and apparently hers in this genre, as well.  Ultimately, I thought it was very good, but I had a VERY difficult time reading some scenes.  Did NOT like that at all.  The storyline itself was intriguing, and I was invested.  I figured out bits, but not exacts.  Team Manuscript or Team Letter?!  2-25-22

11.  Eight Perfect Murders (Swanson) ~ 3.5/5 (good), audiobook

I wanted to love this one, but that didn't happen.  I really enjoyed the premise, but unfortunately, I didn't get to benefit from all the book references.  I have not read them all, so that went over my head.  However, what I did love was the last line.  2-26-22

12.  Sea Prayer (Hosseini) ~ 3/5 (just okay), book

Don't know what I expected, but this wasn't it.  It was a short, okay read with a melancholy message.  2-27-22 

Monthly - Yearly

Audiobooks:  3 - 4

Books:  4 - 6

eBooks: 1 - 2

New-to-Me Authors:  4 - 7

DNF:  0 - 0