Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Multi-POV books have become a favorite of mine. That being said, they need to be done very well in order for everything to come together. Boy on Hold goes above and beyond. It’s uncomplicated but elegant writing style and fascinating plot made it a very quick read. I always ended up staying up later than I intended when I picked up this book. I’m going straight on to the second one!
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Drugs, murder, mental illness…In the Adirondacks, Hen witnesses the assault of his neighbor Miss Sally. The problem is that he recognizes the voice of one of the attackers and a homemade bracelet left at the scene…Tyler, his 17 yr old brother. This starts the drama that will leave you on the the edge of your seat. It’s that exciting and thrilling that you have to know what’s going on and what’s happening. Every character plays an important part in the story. There are twists and surprising turns. Loved every minute of it. Highly recommend this book.
Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It really amazes me about genetic killers. I enjoyed this book because you never know who you’re chatting with and it was a good reminder. This book also proves just because you have witnessed something horrific does not mean you have to do it. It was a different book with a twist. Looking forward to reading more of this author.
Mann in the Crossfire: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel by R. Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mann in the Crossfire (Jarvis Mann Detective Series Book 8) by R W Weir. I love this series and I couldn’t wait for this installment. It did not disappoint. Its the continuing story of the Jarvis Mann Detective Series. These are best read in order but can be read as a standalone. Jarvis Mann is a Private Detective and when he discovers a former co worker is murdered he of course has to investigate. Traveling from San Diego to Colorado to search for clues as to why Rocky died. While investigating this murder he realizes that Rocky was into some very dangerous investigations of his own. A particular gang is involved and they are not nice. This case leaves Jarvis literally beaten and hospitalized. Will Jarvis be able to find out what happened to his friend before Jarvis ends up dead as well. Hang on to your seat when you read this fast paced read full of mystery, murder and mayhem. I loved this book!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surprising until the very end! I adore books that keep you guessing, and Michele PW kept me guessing. The Third Nanny was so thrilling to read. I quickly fell in love with Janey and wanted nothing more than to see her reunited with her sister. Every character in the book is cleverly written. Twists and turns played with my emotions like not many books can do. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proved wrong and surprised again. The biggest shock of all was the ending! I’m so glad I found this book!
Review by @nrl0522
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele Pariza Wacek was an intense psychological thriller that made you not want to put the book down. The book follows Janey who is on the hunt for her missing sister, Kelly, in the hopes of saving her. Each new detail brought new questions and made you wonder, who done it? I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with Janey but started to question everything at the end. The Third Nanny will keep you at the edge of your seat with a shocking end that you’ll never see coming. I highly recommend that you have an afternoon to read this as you will not want to put it down.
This book wasn’t a typical book I thought I would find myself reading, but when I picked it up off my e-shelf and started reading, I was immediately enthralled. The details are immaculate, the plot is fantastic, it’s truly a wonderful book. The story of Little Hen, his family, and other members in their community is wonderfully written. While it wasn’t a debut novel, it was the first in a series, and I intend to finish this series as we’re pulled along the story of the Trout family and the community surrounding it.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny was a great read! While I wouldn’t necessarily call it a thriller, it definitely had some shock value especially at the end. I was completely enthralled while reading this novel and could hardly put it down. There is just something about it that makes it really hard to stop reading. I haven’t read any of the rest of the books in Secrets of Redeption series but I feel like they could be read alone novels since this one is. This book definitely made me want to go back and read them though. If you’re looking for a mystery type crime book with shock value this is the one for you!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek introduces us to Janey, college student, future psychologist with no family left. Her parents are gone, and her only sibling, Kelly, disappeared 8 years ago. But one day, Janey receives a cryptic letter from Kelly-claiming she is in danger…and then, Kelly disappears again. Determined to not lose her again, Janey tracks down her previous employer and takes her job–as a nanny for Max and Julia. But things aren’t always what the seem. The family has secrets–ones that might just make Janey disappear too!
Oh my gosh! This novel is a 5/5 stars. I wish I could rate it higher. The character building is great, Janey is a likeable protagonist, and the story flows really well. The ending was mind blowing–completely unexpected twists and turns! Just when you think everything has been revealed, there’s more! A+ writing. I am so excited to read the other books in the Secrets of Redemption series! This book is a must read for any psychological thriller fans!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the small town of Redemption Wisconsin, there is something afoot. Like other small towns, there are secrets. Janey’s sister lives in Redemption Wisconsin as a nanny. When Janey finds her sister, she just loses her again. Will Janey’s sister find out what happens to her sister? This story has all the making of a good psychological thriller. It is a face-pace, twists, and turns, edge of the seat of my pants story. The characters are fully developed and complex-complicated. There are secrets in this small town that the town folk knows how to keep secrets of the town. Will the secrets be the downfall of Redemption? I highly recommend this book. Make sure when you settle down with this book make sure you have enough time to finish it.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my lanta this book! When I started reading this book, I felt for Janey. As the story really got going, I wanted her to find answers as much as she did and had so many questions for what was happening. I was a little leery of some of the actions she was taking and some of them just made me question her character. I just needed to know everything that was going on and couldn’t stop reading. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. The ending blew my mind and I very much was not expecting it! Definitely an excellent read and would absolutely recommend it!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek)
5 of 5 Stars
I was gripped from page one by this suspenseful psychological thriller. This is a real page turner of a novel with a fast paced and intriguing storyline and great characters that I felt engaged with. Janey’s sister Kelly ran away from home eight years ago and has not been heard from since, until Janey receives a disturbing letter from her missing sister. Then Kelly disappears again but this time Janey decides to look for her sister herself starting with the only clue she has which is an address in Redemption, Wisconsin. Kelly had been working as a nanny and Janey decides to take the job. She soon discovers that the family have secrets and that the whole town of Redemption has a troubling past. Janey realises that she may have put herself in danger and that she might be the next to disappear. Nothing is as it seems in the town of Redemption and the same is true of this book, as the plot twists kept me guessing until the last page. The author managed to bring both the setting and the characters to life with her descriptive narrative and I felt immersed in the story. A chilling and creepy read and one which I definitely recommend.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) is the third installment in the series set in Redemption, Wisconsin, but it can completely be read as a stand-alone. It is the first book by this author I have read, and it did not take any enjoyment away from the experience. First of all, when the story is set in place called Redemption, you know the twists and turns are going to be epic. The town is described as someplace where “nothing is as it seems”, and that is not an understatement. This book kept me on my toes, and I never knew exactly where it was going. Janey takes you on a journey to find out what happened to her sister, Kelly, who had worked as a nanny in Redemption. She becomes a nanny to the same family to figure out as much of this story as she can. You will not want to stop reading until you reach the end. Read this book.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a gripping psychological Thriller. I was hooked from beginning to end. The author does an amazing job at building the story in a way that when you think you have a handle on what’s happening it twists again and keeps you guessing.
We start off meeting Janey. Janey has plenty of secrets in her family but the main one being the disappearance of her sister. No one knows what happened to Kelly, she just disappeared. That is until 8 years later when she writes to Janey.
What is happening to her sister? Why did she disappear?
Now Janey is on a mission to find her sister and the truth of what made her leave. Was it a stalker like she claimed or was it part of a breakdown?
Janey follows her sisters last known footsteps even taking her job as nanny to the Johnsons. However, things aren’t what they seem and the Johnsons have secrets as well. Secrets which may explain her sisters desperate letter and which may also put Janey in danger.
If you like a book that is suspenseful and gripping this is definately a book to read. I can’t recommend it enough
Azrael by Matthew Huntley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Levi Andrews is a private investigator in Buffalo, NY. While he does an okay job, he is mainly doing this job just for the money. Money will help him buy the huge amounts of alcohol that he consumes on a nightly basis. After waking up one morning, Levi is visited by a young detective, Parker Williams, who is working on a serial killer case in Oswego, NY. Levi is startled by this information. As a former detective in Osewago, Levi had put a serial killer, Azrael, in prison ten years ago. Ten years ago is when he lost his wife and his partner to the same serial killer. Now it seems the killer is back. Was the original killer not the one in prison? Or has a copycat taken over?
Levi and Parker must work against the clock to piece together the information. Can they discover the truth before it’s too late?
Azrael is a fantastic thriller filled with secrets and clues. Can you piece together the information to solve the serial killer case? Or will you be just as surprised by the ending as I was?
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman is not for the faint heart and has potential trigger warnings within. It’s well written and it definitely has lots of intrigue.
The main character Shane reminds me a lot of Holden from Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger. He’s stubborn and he’s all about Shane! He’s someone who doesn’t take other’s feelings into account and uses sarcasm as a defense mechanism. This is his journey of his experiences of that great love as well as a past, present, and future of trauma and sadness in his life.
When Shane first meets Callen, he knows that’s it for him. Callen and Shane share a chemistry that exceeds all obstacles in their way, or does it?
He’s extremely secretive and the trauma’s in Shane’s life not only impact his relationship with Callen, but also family and the few friends he has. Unfortunately he has one secret he feels could destroy everyone he loves that he uses to push everyone in his life away.
Does Shane end up with his happily ever after? Do his secrets destroy everything he holds dear? I encourage you to dig in and find out. If you love a good romance with some suspense and mystery thrown in, this book is for YOU!
Reviewed by @placexba
Remember His Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A murder mystery with a very different back story. So interesting and intriguing. The main character has so much depth you can’t help but be empathetic towards him. He is living but not thriving and you’ll become his biggest cheerleader. Along the way, you may even reflect on your own life and the difference you make.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek)
4 Stars
I have so many mixed feelings about this book. There were many times I could not put it down, then there were as many times I sat totally confused. I read it in 3 sittings and did think about it whenever I wasn’t reading it and couldn’t wait to get back to it. I did have a problem with the main character, I never connected to her and she had me all kinds of messed up with her change in personality, her change in her moods, and the thoughts she had throughout. I guess that’s what makes this a twisted psychological thriller. It definitely met that mark for me. I never really formed any opinion about the ending and how it would all play out so it not being really jaw dropping for me at the end wasn’t very surprising.
I did enjoy reading this story, the writing was awesome and did flow smoothly, I just felt at times like I was reading things that really didn’t matter, but then at the end realized it all did.
I do highly recommend reading this story especially if you like this genre. Just know, it will all make sense at the end.
Looking forward to more from this author.
Azrael by Matthew Huntley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
“He’s back and eager to get started again.”
Azrael is the intriguing debut novel by Matthew Huntley. I have read this story twice now and both times have left me a bit conflicted as to how I should rate and review this book. So let me just start by saying that the storyline is very compelling, with all the ingredients that I look for in a great crime thriller. With a crazed serial killer, an intriguing investigation, complex characters, dramatic developments, some danger, and a whole lot of mystery… it definitely made for an interesting and very gripping read. But there were a few issues that detracted from what would have otherwise been a stellar read- and this is where I am a bit conflicted.
While I really did enjoy the story, I felt that the story (and author) were let down by grammatical and editing issues- as well as a few contradictions in the storyline. As this is Mr. Huntley’s debut novel, I really do applaud him for delivering such a gripping story and look forward to following him on his writing journey, as I imagine that with experience, Mr. Huntley’s work will become even more polished, and the issues I had with this book won’t be of concern in his future work.
Well worth the read! I really am looking forward to seeing what Mr. Huntley has in store for us next!
Thank you, Matthew Huntley!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the very first chapter, J.D. Spero’s Boy on Hold pulls you in! A fantastically written mystery written from several characters point of view, the author does a fantastic job at completely painting the picture. Spero dives deep into the brutal realities of mental illness, addiction and murder, showing how much each character is affected by it. I really enjoyed how well she was able to show how complex mental health can be. Boy on Hold was my first book by J.D. Spero, but it won’t be my last!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author. Janey has suffered a lot of loss in her life. Her parents were killed in a car accident and her sister disappeared. Or did she? Janey receives a letter in the mail from her sister that sets off a series of events. Her sister is alive and believes she has a stalker. But the letter showed up in terrible condition….when was it sent? Janey takes finding her sister seriously, she takes a leave from school and travels to Redemption, Wisconsin, the last place her sister had been. I cried for Janey and her sister.
I had to read the ending twice, to really let the twist sink in. Michele PW is a great story teller and I recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Boy on Hold by JD Spero
4 out of 5 Stars
Henry “Hen” Trout has a good life for a seven year old. Hen has an awesome big brother, Tyler, a best friend, Murphy, and is studying how to set a hedgehog trap. When Hen sees a horrifying attack on his neighbor and babysitter, Ms. Sally, his world gets turned upside down. Hen doesn’t want to believe what his memory and the evidence is telling him, that Tyler was involved, but there are just somethings that can’t be wrong.
Tyler Trout has a great mom and a fantastic little brother that he adores. Tyler also has dark feelings that he hasn’t been able to fight lately. Tyler has found two things that help with the feelings, his mom and something he shouldn’t want. Tyler’s mom isn’t an option these days as she works too many hours.
This is a slow burn. I wasn’t getting it at first. Finally, when it clicked, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the relationship between Hen and Tyler. Tyler is as protective of Hen as Hen is of Tyler. There are so many scenes throughout the book that made me glad I was alone when reading. I yelled at characters not to do what they were about to do, like when Marcella broke Derek’s heart unknowingly. I needed her to take that back so badly. Be prepared to be hooked. JD Spero creates full characters to be loved and hated in this small town. I have to know if Louis finally came home!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This book will have you trying to sort through all the pieces up until the very end, with a major surprise ending. Janey enlists the help of her friend and roommate, Bryn, in trying to solve the mystery of her missing sister who disappeared years ago without a trace after receiving a letter two month’s delayed by a postal service mishap that indicates Kelly is still alive and going by the name Ashley. Because the letter is ripped to pieces, the pair piece together enough information to determine where the letter originated. Janey’s pursuit for the truth leads to her taking the job as a nanny to three children, where Ashley last worked, and uncovering even more mysteries as she tries to uncover the truth about her sister’s original disappearance and what led to her most recent disappearing act. This kept me on the edge of my seat and puzzled through various twists and turns along the way; a real page-turner with a truly original storyline.
Azrael by Matthew Huntley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Azrael by Matthew Huntley is a debut thriller novel that was a great read. I really enjoyed the character building in this book and the twists and turns that came along with it.
The book is set in New York state mostly taking place between Oswego and Buffalo. Levi Andrews is a retired lead officer who locked away serial killer Azrael a decade ago. Parker Williams is a young detective who has contacted Levi, now a drunk after losing so much after solving the original case, when new murders similar to the originals a decade ago have occurred and they are now wondering, have they locked away the wrong person? Or is this a copycat? Pick up a copy and find out for yourself!
If you love crime and thriller books, this book is for you. It has the twist and turns of a thriller with a police crime storyline that keeps your attention and wants you to keep reading right until the end to find out what happened! I really enjoyed this book and I hope that Matthew writes a second in the future!
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Third Nanny: A twisted psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping ending (Secrets of Redemption) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) is a fantastic book that really keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was pulled into this book immediately with the way the author sets the scene and and creates an absolutely gripping tale. The whole way through this book it kept me guessing as to what might happen in the end. I read this whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
I would love to say so much more about this book and what happens but I really won’t because I wouldn’t want to give anything away, not even the smallest of details. This is one book that is a must read for everyone.
Mann in the Crossfire: A Jarvis Mann Hardboiled Detective Mystery Novel by R. Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a thought provoking thrill ride that will keep you guessing, immediately add this book to your summer reading list. Weir is proving to be a one-click author for me, masterfully crafting stories of intrigue that brilliantly unfold and engage the reader. This book was fantastic and I am scrambling now to get caught up on the rest of the series. What an amazing find!
Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
View all my reviews
Boy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow to start, Boy on Hold by JD Spero, has twist & turns that made it impossible to put down. I am amazing how JD put into prospective mental illness and how it affects not only the person suffering, but everyone that knows that person.
Boy on Hold, starts off as more JV, and then turns into a complex novel of forgiveness & how hard it is.
Hen’s thoughts of how love could be like Play Dough, as described in this passage, blew my mind: “Hen imagined love was like Play Dough. He could keep it warm in his hand and mush it around, change its shape. It would get under his fingernails and into the grooves of his thumbprint. Once, Hen ate some. It tasted okay. Sometimes, tiny specs fell onto the kitchen floor and dried into hard pebbles. Mom would sweep them up and throw them away. Was love like that? Could it change like that?” ***Page 3189 of 4103 78% finished.
The one passage that broke me down and made me connect with Marcella in a way no author has ever done; is this: “He knew who she really was—a broken woman who lived in denial. She loved the wrong people, suffering valiantly, hurting those who loved her most.” *** Page 3359 of 4103 82% finished.
This is a five star book, showing a mother’s love, a brothers ultimate passion of belief in his older brother and how mental illness is passed from family member to family member with no one ever noticing.
Remember My Name by Laurencia Hoffman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Childhood trauma can manifest in an adult in many ways. Shane has suffered and survived, but has yet figured out how to thrive. Coming to terms with long kept secrets may be the key to his healing. This book is full of compassion, intrigue, mystery and heartbreak. You’ll be rooting for Shane & Teddy as they both deserve a happy ending.
The Third Nanny by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, this review might be a hard one to write because I don’t want to give anything away! This was a psychological, twisted story about a toxic sister relationship. Secretive details about a sister’s life start to unfold, while the other sister follows, literally, in her footsteps. I enjoyed the fact that the story kept me bouncing ideas back and forth about what could be going on. I did start to get an idea half-way through the book about this surprising ending. However, as a psychological professional, my mind tends to wander in ways that many people don’t – it’s dark and a little pathological. I would say if you want to be surprised, try to enjoy the book and not over analyze it like I tend to do. Worth the read!
Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Glenn Maynard is a new author to me that I am going to look forward to reading more. Chatroom With a View is a frightful good story. It is scary, psychological, thriller, and suspenseful. The characters are fully developed and complex-complicated. It is about a serial killer’s family and a “killer” gene passed down through the generations. Troy comes from a family that has members that have been serial killers. Veronica is Troy’s ex-girlfriend who is now pregnant. She is worried that her baby may have the “killer” gene. Troy has his own agenda. What happens next you will have to read. I highly recommend this book. It is a page-turner so I recommend leaving enough time to finish it in one seating.
