A Book A Week

Christmas is a time for giving, togetherness, and sharing the season's joy. While I’m a sucker for the heartwarming holiday stories that flood the season, I’ve found them becoming a bit predictable. Recently, I’ve been searching for something different. This year, I was thrilled to come across You Better Watch Out, a thriller set during the holidays by James S. Murray (of Impractical Jokers fame) and Darren Wearmouth. With its eerie twist, it’s a fresh, unexpected Christmas novel that blends holiday cheer with a dash of horror—just what I was looking for.

Just days before Christmas, Eddie Parker is making the long drive home when he pulls into Old Forge for a quick stop. It’s a classic small town, the kind that time—and everyone else—seems to have forgotten. As he browses the dusty shelves of the general store, his eyes are drawn to an elderly couple shuffling through the aisles. A glimpse of crisp bills in the woman’s purse catches his attention, and despite knowing better, temptation gets the best of him. Old habits die hard, and Eddie could use the extra cash. He follows them out, ready to make his move. But just as he’s about to strike, he realizes he may have underestimated his targets. A sharp sting on his neck is the last thing he feels before the world darkens.

Jessica Kane wakes with blurred vision and a splitting headache. Her fingers brush her forehead, coming back slick with blood. Panic sets in. Where is she? How did she get here? As her vision clears, she recognizes the town of Old Forge, but something is wrong. The once-familiar place is completely abandoned, draped in eerie, vintage Christmas decorations as if frozen in time. But it’s not the past she’s traveled to. Soon, Jessica discovers five other strangers, including Eddie, each with no memory of how they arrived in this strange place. They share the same confusion and dread, but one thing is clear: they must find a way out. Escape, however, won't be easy. Someone is hunting them, methodically orchestrating their deaths, one by one. Each time, they watch helplessly as another life fades before their eyes. They must find a way out of this nightmare before they become the next victim. 

You Better Watch Out isn’t your typical holiday read. It unfolds more like a horror thriller than anything else, making for a refreshing take on the genre. Authors Murray and Wearmouth fully embrace the fun of this unique narrative, crafting a gory and thrilling holiday tale that feels like a blend of A Christmas Carol and the Saw movies. The characters aren’t exactly good people. They find themselves in a scenario that forces them to confront their past while seeking redemption for their futures. But first, they’ll have to survive.

I went into the novel blind and was blown away by the adrenaline rush it delivered. There’s a central mystery surrounding the mastermind behind this holiday horror, and the twist caught me completely off guard. While you might need to suspend some logic to fully enjoy the ride, don’t let that deter you. You Better Watch Out is a thrilling, clever novel that is a unique addition to the holiday reading season.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 77)

Curdle Creek has long been a sanctuary for its residents, an all-Black community seemingly frozen in time since the late 1800s. This quiet, isolated world offers safety and stability, especially when compared to the volatile, racially charged 1960s that rage beyond its borders. Yet, this peace comes at a cost. Osira, a 45-year-old widow, has lived her entire life in Curdle Creek, a town bound by tradition where adherence to strict rituals is the price of survival. One such ritual, the annual "Moving On," demands that the community votes for one resident to sacrifice each year in exchange for collective well-being. It's a harsh and unquestioned reality, especially for Osira, whose mother is one of the town’s ruling matriarchs.

Despite spending her life within these rigid confines, Osira begins to see cracks in the veneer of this supposed utopia. Her own husband was "moved on" years ago, and her children have mysteriously vanished. With her world slowly unraveling, Osira begins questioning the traditions she’s lived by and whether life in Curdle Creek is worth the price. As doubt stirs within her, Osira embarks on a journey into the past, seeking the truth about her community and the rules that have governed it for so long.

I’ll admit, the striking cover first drew me to Yvonne Battle-Felton’s Curdle Creek. Its gothic mystery vibe was impossible to resist, and when the publisher offered me the audiobook, it felt like the ideal pick for spooky season. But this isn’t horror in the conventional sense—the cover only hints at the deeper, more intricate narrative inside. Battle-Felton has created a fever dream of a novel, delving into themes of race, motherhood, and tradition. The questions the story raises aren’t easily answered, which may shape your overall impression of it.

Osira, the protagonist, is trapped in a dilemma, torn between the life she’s always known and the possibility of something different. The first three-quarters of the novel delves into this internal conflict, delivering thought-provoking drama. However, in the final act, Osira embarks on a time-travel journey that pushes the narrative in a direction that left me more confused than intrigued. Complex themes like those in Curdle Creek are often best conveyed through straightforward storytelling, which the book largely does well. Despite an overwrought ending, it remains a compelling exploration of the allure of utopia and the harsh costs often hidden beneath its surface.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 76)

When I read Hidden Pictures around this time last year, Jason Rekulak's fresh spin on classic horror tropes had me hooked. That page-turner left me eager for more of his thrilling stories, and his latest, The Last One at the Wedding, just arrived this week. I was lucky enough to get an audiobook copy from the publisher and dove right in. While this story is quite different from his previous novel, I quickly became just as captivated by it.

Frank and his daughter Maggie hadn’t spoken much since their bitter falling out three years ago. In fact, Frank had resigned himself to the idea that he might never hear from her again, especially considering the circumstances that led to their estrangement. So, when his phone rang unexpectedly one day, and Maggie was on the other end with news of her engagement, Frank was floored. Even more surprising than the call was the invitation that followed—Maggie wanted him to attend her wedding in New Hampshire. Though flooded with questions and emotions, Frank kept his cool, careful not to jeopardize their fragile connection. Could this be the chance to mend their broken relationship?

The surprises don’t stop with Maggie’s phone call. Frank soon discovers that her fiancé is none other than Aiden Gardiner, the son of a tech billionaire. Arriving at the remote, lavish estate where the wedding festivities will unfold, Frank immediately feels out of place. He’s determined to reconnect with his daughter and get to know the family she’s marrying into, but things quickly take a strange turn. Aiden is distant and evasive, Maggie seems too busy to spend time with him, and the locals are unusually hostile toward the Gardiners. Something feels off, and Frank is desperate to figure out what’s really going on. But if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie all over again. 

In The Last One at the Wedding, Jason Rekulak shifts gears from supernatural horror to a family drama that brings its own kind of fear. Right from the start, it’s clear that no one is what they seem, and trust is in short supply. What remains hidden, though, is just how deep those secrets go. The suspense and momentum of the novel come from gradually uncovering these hidden truths. John Pirhalla’s narration gently guides the listener through that discovery. 

While I was drawn in by the eerie atmosphere and mysterious circumstances, I found myself conjuring up more intense and thrilling possibilities than what the novel ultimately delivered. It reminded me of watching Jaws. The tension of not seeing the shark was far scarier than when we actually saw it and realized, "Oh, that's just a fake shark!" Similarly, with this novel, the build-up and sense of "what could be" had me on edge, but the final reveal left me feeling like the real threat wasn’t as thrilling as I’d hoped. The suspense kept me going, but in the end, the reality didn’t match the height of my expectations.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 75)

Patricia Cornwell has captivated readers for decades with her Kay Scarpetta series. The books follow the medical examiner as she investigates murder cases and unexplained deaths. I first discovered the series in high school when I picked up a paperback copy of Post Mortem, and I was immediately hooked. Those thrilling mysteries were far more enticing than the books on my required reading list! Over the years, Cornwell has kept the series fresh, navigating cultural and technological changes while allowing Kay Scarpetta and her world to evolve, solidifying her place as one of the most iconic characters in modern crime fiction. Cornwell returns with Identity Unknown, the latest installment, offering a fast-paced whodunit filled with cutting-edge tech, fascinating characters, and a seemingly unsolvable case.

Dr. Kay Scarpetta is under intense pressure as she autopsies the body of a young girl, the daughter of ultra-wealthy parents who claim she accidentally shot herself. The parents are eager to retrieve their daughter's remains, but the more Kay examines the evidence, the shakier their story becomes. She refuses to release the body until she uncovers the truth.

Her investigation is interrupted when her Secret Service niece, Lucy, calls her to a far more unsettling scene. Lucy arrives by helicopter at the medical examiner’s office and whisks Kay away to a creepy, abandoned Wizard of Oz-themed amusement park. The eerie setting is nothing compared to the grisly discovery awaiting them. A body appears to have fallen from a great height, possibly ejected from an unidentified flying object, leaving even expert pilot Lucy puzzled. 

As Kay approaches the body, she's shocked to realize the victim is Sal Giordano, known as the "E.T. Whisperer"—a longtime friend and former lover. His crumpled remains lie on the dilapidated yellow brick road, surrounded by a strange crop circle of petals. As investigators grapple with theories of extraterrestrial involvement and Giordano's eccentric life, Scarpetta uncovers a more sinister, earthbound explanation that hits disturbingly close to home.

No author unsettles me quite like Patricia Cornwell, and Identity Unknown is no exception. An undercurrent of paranoia runs through every moment of the story, forcing readers to confront horrors they’d rather not imagine. Cornwell weaves this tension throughout her intricate mystery as Kay Scarpetta faces interference from her former boss, a disgruntled ex-employee, and the influential parents of a victim whose death appears far more sinister than anyone wants to admit. And that’s just the beginning.

The novel takes readers to one of the creepiest murder scenes I’ve ever encountered, plunging them into a bizarre investigation that even flirts with the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. Cornwell’s meticulous research grounds the narrative in reality, making the story's chilling elements feel all the more plausible.

Twenty-eight books into the series, Identity Unknown might just be the best one yet. I devoured it in a single sitting, unable to tear myself away until I’d reached the final page. With Amazon recently announcing a two-season pickup for a TV series based on the character, it seems Kay Scarpetta’s journey is far from over. If the books remain as gripping as this one, I can’t wait to see where she goes next.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 74)

October usually signals the beginning of the spooky season for me, but I've been momentarily sidetracked by thoughts of future holidays. After reading her first two mysteries, I’ve become quite taken with Nita Prose’s quirky, neurodivergent character, Molly the Maid. So, when I discovered that Prose would be releasing a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly, it immediately landed on my TBR list. Even better, I was fortunate to receive a copy from her publisher. And so, despite this being a month typically dedicated to horror reads—and with South Texas still experiencing scorching summer-like temperatures—I find myself enjoying The Mistletoe Mystery. This cozy Yuletide novella serves as the perfect prelude to the holiday season.

The opulent Regency Grand Hotel is decked out in holiday splendor, warmly welcoming guests into the festive season. For Molly, the hotel's head maid, the holidays have always been about upholding cherished traditions. Ever since her Gran passed away, Christmas hasn’t quite been the same. Gran always ensured Molly's holiday was filled with joy and warmth, and adjusting to life without her has been difficult. But Molly has her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, by her side this year. He’s helping her honor those old traditions and introducing new ones, making this Christmas a special blend of the familiar and the new for them both.

Juan Manuel certainly seems like Molly’s prince charming, but she can't shake her nagging doubts. Is this relationship truly as perfect as it seems? He’s always attentive, going out of his way to make her life easier—cooking meals, walking her to work, and even gifting her an Advent calendar filled with thoughtful surprises. Yet, there are little things that don’t quite add up. Lately, Juan Manuel appears more drained than ever, with dark circles under his eyes and an unusual tendency to sleep in. Then there's the matter of his lengthy trips to do laundry, even though the dirty clothes remain untouched in the hamper. Something feels off, but surely there must be a reasonable explanation. Without her Gran’s wisdom to lean on, Molly must face her most personal and consequential mystery yet.

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Nita Prose blends cozy mystery elements with festive holiday charm. Molly remains as endearing as ever, with her quirks leading her into a situation that's a joy to watch her unravel. While the plot's direction was evident early on, that's never been the core appeal of this series. The true delight is in observing Molly puzzle through things, even when they seem glaringly obvious to others. The novella beautifully captures the spirit of the season, emphasizing the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Molly may not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's created a found family that loves and cherishes her just as she is. Although occasionally sentimental, it’s a fitting touch for a holiday story as heartwarming as this one. With themes of community, kindness, and the traditions that bring us together, The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful read that should keep fans content until Molly’s next adventure releases in the spring.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 73)

How does an author follow up a breakout hit? The answer is quite simple: they write a sequel. It’s no surprise that Jean Hanff Korelitz has released a follow-up to her 2021 thriller The Plot, aptly titled The Sequel. I was utterly captivated by the original story of a struggling author who lifted a novel idea from a deceased former student, catapulting him to an enviable fame that most writers can only dream of. However, I must admit I was initially hesitant about The Sequel, especially considering how conclusive the first book's ending felt. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy from the publisher and eager to discover whether The Sequel could stand up to the brilliance of The Plot.

Anna Williams-Bonner’s life has taken a tumultuous turn in recent years. Her husband, Jacob Finch Bonner, enjoyed remarkable success with his novel, but that triumph was overshadowed by his personal struggles, particularly the plagiarism accusations that plagued him. Their marriage was brief, as Jacob succumbed to his demons and took his own life, leaving Anna to manage the aftermath. Now, she lives a comfortable life as a literary widow, benefiting from her husband’s royalty checks, with the plagiarism controversies finally fading away with his passing.

As Anna travels the country to keep her husband's memory and bestselling work alive, an innocent question from the audience sends her life spiraling back into familiar territory. When asked about her future plans, Anna panics and impulsively states that she wants to write a novel of her own. What begins as a spontaneous response quickly turns into an obsession for her. Surely, writing a bestseller can't be that difficult. Before long, Anna is immersed in crafting her own book, and The Afterword lands with her husband's agency, becoming yet another breakout success.

Just as Anna revels in her newfound fame, she receives a package containing excerpts from a book she believed she would never see again. Secrets from her husband’s past have resurfaced, threatening her life just as they once threatened his. With these revelations comes the risk of everything Anna has built crumbling around her. Who is behind this unsettling revival of the past? What do they want from her? She has no choice but to follow a trail of clues back into her past to safeguard her future.

I should never have doubted Jean Hanff Korelitz. She takes the themes introduced in The Plot and expands them in thrilling new directions. While The Sequel is indeed a follow-up, and readers will benefit most from reading the first book, even those who dive straight into this one will find plenty to appreciate. The novel operates on two levels. At first glance, it's a gripping thriller with moral ambiguity and a compelling mystery that drives the narrative. On a deeper level, The Sequel delves into themes of celebrity, creativity, and our insatiable desire for more.

The Sequel is remarkably self-aware. The author candidly acknowledges the literary hypocrisy of crafting a sequel to a bestselling novel while using that premise to critique the very nature of such efforts. This self-awareness makes the book feel genuine rather than preachy. While I don’t think The Sequel possesses the same irresistible hook that made The Plot so addictive, Korelitz doesn’t seem to be attempting to recreate that magic. Instead, she confidently delivers another clever page-turner that more than justifies its own existence. While sequels rarely match the original, I had no complaints about this one.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 72)