Mid-Year Reading Highlights ❁

June has been an incredible month of reading for me. I had the pleasure of devouring eight books, with four of them earning a solid four-star rating, and one capturing a perfect five stars. This month, I felt a renewed sense of motivation to immerse myself in both physical and audio books, realizing that we're already halfway through the year and eager to make progress on my reading goals. I'm particularly thrilled with my book choices, as I intentionally sought out mysteries infused with paranormal elements like The House Across the Lake, The Vanishing and A House with Good Bones. Additionally, I indulged in the immensely popular novel of the moment, Wrong Place Wrong Time, which captivated me with its unique plot and intriguing timeline.

If your curiosity is piqued check out below for all the books I've read this June. Happy reading 😊.

❁ The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
✰✰✰✰
Casey Fletcher seeks solace in her family's lakeside retreat while dealing with her own troubles. Obsessed with the glamorous couple living in the house across the lake, Casey's life takes an unexpected turn when she saves Katherine from drowning and they form a friendship. But as Casey delves deeper into their seemingly perfect marriage, she uncovers disturbing secrets and a disappearance that pushes her to uncover the truth. The masterful storytelling and shocking revelations make this tale of voyeurism, obsession, and deception a captivating read until the final, jaw-dropping twist.

In this thrilling book, you'll find a perfect blend of my favorite elements: ordinary domestic life, family secrets, nosey neighbors, an overactive imagination, and ghostly possessions. What makes it even better is that the story doesn't take itself too seriously, embracing its delightful absurdity and offering endless fun. If you enjoy thriller books with paranormal elements then you should also try A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher and The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

❁ Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
✰✰✰✰
In the idyllic town of Salcombe, Fire Island, secrets and manipulation reign among friends and spouses. Jen Weinstein, Lauren Parker, Sam, and Jason have long-standing connections and hidden grudges. Rachel Woolf, their lone single friend, seeks her own desires, even if they involve someone else's husband. However, the peaceful summer takes a chilling turn when a body is discovered. With dark humor and a subversive edge, this stylish and suspenseful tale delves into the hidden depths of seemingly perfect lives, posing the question: Who among them is capable of murder?

Indulging in the captivating world of domestic thrillers akin to Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, Someone We Know by Shari Lapena, and Watching You by Lisa Jewell is a guilty pleasure I must confess. Exploring the scandalous realm of dysfunctional family dynamics within the safety of fiction allows for an exhilarating experience without causing any real harm.

❁ The Vanishing by Wendy Webb
✰✰✰✰
After the devastating loss of her husband and her financial stability, Julia Bishop seizes an opportunity for a fresh start when a stranger offers her a unique job as caretaker to his supposedly deceased mother, Amaris Sinclair, a renowned horror novelist. Arriving at the Sinclair estate on Lake Superior, Julia senses something unsettling lurking beneath the surface. As she unravels the enigma surrounding Amaris' retreat from the public eye, Julia discovers unsettling ties to her own family history, raising doubts about the true intentions behind her invitation to Havenwood. With each revelation, Julia realizes that Havenwood holds dark secrets that refuse to stay hidden.

I'm thrilled that I've finally decided to give Wendy Webb's books a chance. Despite previously passing them up, I'm now drawn to her gothic writing style and the intriguing paranormal elements that permeate her stories. I've decided to begin with her earlier works like The Tale of Halcyon Crane and The Fate of Mercy Alban.

❁ The Dagger in the Desk by Jonathan Stroud
✰✰✰
In the haunting corridors of St Simeon's Academy for Talented Youngsters in London, a malevolent ghost prowls, instilling fear and freezing terror in its wake. Armed with a lethal dagger, it emerges from the shadows, threatening the safety of all who reside within. The headmaster urgently seeks the aid of skilled ghost-hunters Anthony, Lucy and George. Together, they embark on a treacherous quest to unravel the secrets of the ghost's origin and put an end to its deadly reign.

This novella serves as a companion to the beloved Lockwood & Co. series, which happens to be one of my favorites. However, I found it to be disappointingly short, making it less enjoyable. If you're a fan of the series, you might want to skip this one, as it doesn't quite live up to the usual excitement and depth of the main books.

❁ Buried Secrets by Morgan Baden
✰✰✰
In the thrilling conclusion of this YA trilogy featuring the iconic girl detectives from Mystery, Inc., the town of Crystal Cove is abuzz with the arrival of a TV show based on its mysterious history. As Daphne takes on a role as a writer's assistant and Velma grapples with the intrusion of Hollywood, sinister events unfold. Threatening letters, sabotage, and a shocking secret from the town's past unravel, leading Daphne and Velma on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the murder and mayhem, unmask the culprits, and expose the dark secrets that some have long sought to protect.

I found this adaptation of the popular cartoon enjoyable, even though the dynamics of the four main characters differed from the original show. However, this change worked well, as it added more dimensions to the characters and enhanced the storyline. If you have a liking for low stakes middle-grade mysteries similar to Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow, then this book will surely appeal to you.

❁ A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
✰✰✰✰
A haunting Southern Gothic tale that delves into the hidden darkness beneath the façade of a seemingly perfect home and family. When Sam Montgomery visits her mother's house in North Carolina, she senses something unsettling. The once cozy and cluttered home has transformed into an eerie and sterile place. Her mother's paranoia and strange behavior raise concerns, and Sam discovers unsettling clues, including a jar of teeth and circling vultures in the garden. Determined to uncover the truth, Sam embarks on a journey that unearths long-buried secrets, but she soon realizes that some secrets should remain buried. With atmospheric prose and a chilling atmosphere, this suspenseful novel will keep readers captivated until the final, spine-tingling revelation.

This marks my introduction to T. Kingfsiher's work, and I'm absolutely loving it. The book's length is just perfect, ensuring there's no chance of getting bored. The world-building and the family's "magic" abilities are not explicitly explained, but this enhances the natural flow of the story as Sam and her mom go about their day, gradually building up the creepiness factor until reaching a gripping climax. I am looking forward to reading more from her starting with The Twisted Ones and The Hollow Places

❁ Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
✰✰✰✰✰
Late one night in October, Jen anxiously waits for her son to return home. When he finally appears, she witnesses a shocking scene—her own son, armed and approaching a stranger. In disbelief, she watches as he commits a murder right outside their house. Her world shatters as her son is taken into custody, his future destroyed. Overwhelmed by despair, she falls asleep, only to wake up and find herself in the past, reliving the days leading up to the tragedy. With each new day, she is given another chance to prevent the crime and unravel the mystery behind it. Determined to find answers, Jen is trapped in a relentless cycle, desperate to uncover the truth and save her son.

The engrossing and original aspect of the story lies in its unique time travel concept of going backward. Unlike books with a 'groundhog day' storyline, which can become repetitive and tiresome, this one keeps you hooked with its unpredictability. It's difficult to put down because you have no idea where the narrative will lead, and the inclusion of red herrings adds to the intrigue. The writing is skillful and reminds me of Clare Mackintosh's style, making it a captivating read throughout.

❁ The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
✰✰✰
On a fateful Thursday, Elizabeth, a member of The Thursday Murder Club, receives a letter from an old colleague seeking her help in a dangerous situation involving stolen diamonds and a menacing mobster. As the body count rises, Elizabeth teams up with her fellow club members—Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—to track down the ruthless killer. With their lives at stake, they embark on a thrilling hunt, determined to outwit their adversary and recover the precious diamonds.

This is perfect for fans of cozy English mysteries like The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, A Line To Kill by Anthony Horowitz and The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths.