Recent Reads Part 6 | 2022

Unmasked My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases by Paul Holes with Robin Gaby Fisher

☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ 

My first (and will probably be the last. Ha) nonfiction of the year. I don't read much nonfiction but I really enjoyed this book. I consume a lot of true crime for my podcast, Caffeine & Crime (shameless plug) so I knew this was something I would be intrigued to read. This focuses on Paul's life before, during, and after his career. The sacrifices that he made to do the best he could at his job. "From the detective who found The Golden State Killer, a memoir of investigating America’s toughest cold cases and the rewards--and toll--of a life solving crime."  It was so interesting learning about all the details that went on behind the scenes in many cases including the golden state killer case. From the forensics to the key details that actually solved cold cases. But a life dedicated to solving crime isn't an easy one and that is highlighted a lot throughout this book. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ 

I gave Gillian another chance with a full novel after not caring much for Sharp Objects. This one is longer so more of an investment in time but a page turner so I actually got through this one quicker than the last which was much shorter. She has a way of creating terrible characters but it really does work with this book. I was so invested in their lives while really not liking any of them. It makes for a story to be as twisted as it wants without caring much about what happens to said characters, in a way. While I felt the storyline of a "missing wife" has potential, it still has a chance of being pretty predictable. Gillian gave it the perfect balance of predictable while throwing curve balls that you don't expect. The twists and turns are just added bonuses because I felt the plot itself was entertaining enough. Though the writing style still isn't my absolute favorite, this was a nice return to her work. 

The Searcher by Tana French

☠ ☠

I don't know what exactly I was expecting with this read but this wasn't it. While I did enjoy the slow burn style and how beautifully detailed Tana's writing is, the story plot and progression were just not it for me. It could have been the fact I was reading a lot of suspense books with twists at the time but I was really hoping for something to jump out at the end. When in reality it was what it was and not more. It was such a boring plot for a read without giving more, in my opinion. I say that because if it was more of an enjoyable (or even more interesting than it was) plot I probably wouldn't be so bummed that I didn't DNF this read. I hung on for the writing and could feel the anticipation building in me expecting something big in the end that never came. 

Darkside by Belinda Bauer

☠ ☠ ☠ ☠

This was a thrifted book that I soon realized was a sequel after getting about halfway through it. It doesn't really affect reading this one as it focuses on new people but it does briefly mention the story of the first book so that kind of ruined reading the first for me. I went in with high hopes of a new-to-me author and a true crime-based plot at that.   While I rated this higher, don't let that fool you, the first half of this book is rather slow to read and not really in a slow-burn way to me. I felt there were unnecessary parts, that definitely come into play later, but I wished it was done in a more exciting way because I almost DNF'd this book twice. The rating of this book comes in the last half. While there is still a good portion that is still slow it builds more into the story that is to follow. By the last quarter of the book, I couldn't put it down. It was a complete flip-flop in style and absolutely a page-turner. It was the ending I needed from this and really shocked me. While you do have to get through the first half of this book - the ending is worth it! Plus, it's not a long book in general. What a surprise this was!

The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda

☠ ☠ ☠

My first book by Megan Miranda - I was in the mood for a cozy mystery and she delivered. It was slightly predictable but enjoyable with the writing style and length of the book. I did question the main character's choices throughout because I'm not sure anyone could be so trusting of others - I know I'm not. I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that this was a journalist that knew nothing about her roommate and was okay with that for years. Yeah, some holes in the story with that but she still added in some suspense that helped shape it a bit more. I wished for more or maybe an alternate ending but it still was a cozy mystery. 

The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James 

☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ ☠ 

This was such a gripping read! From the writing to the characters, to the overall plot I was invested throughout. I was on the edge of my seat for most of it as I tried to wrap my head around what was happening. The point of views (flashbacks included) and twists kept me guessing which way it could go. While I did find myself confused a lot with so many elements to the story going on - I liked the balance of a criminal case in the past and a true crime blogger getting all the details in the present.  It had all the thriller, suspense, and horror elements I wanted with even more twists. The character development was another bonus. It's the spooky ghost story I didn't expect! 

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