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Liberty Street by Heather Marshall – Book Review

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If you have ever sat in a middle school classroom, you know that eye-rolling, slammed doors, and general defiance are an everyday occurrence. After reading Liberty Street by Heather Marshall, I learned that “incorrigible behavior” could get a teenage girl or an adult woman thrown in Toronto’s notorious women’s prison until the 1960’s for a minimum of six months and up to two years. Can you imagine? If I taught high school, a large part of my classroom roster would have been missing by the end of the year. Ha. This is why I was so intrigued to read this book.

Front cover of the novel Liberty Street by Heather Marshall, bestselling author of Looking for Jane. The design is moody and atmospheric, blending historical and thriller elements. It shows the silhouette of a woman standing near a vintage brick building or street corner under a dim sky, evoking a mid-20th-century urban setting. The text is crisp and clear, with the title 'Liberty Street' spanning the center in clean, white typography.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

The Vibe Scorecard:

  • ☕ “I love them but they are exhausting” Teacher Energy: 10/10
  • 🕵️‍♀️ Cold Case Obsession: 9/10
  • 💀 Dark Humor as a Coping Mechanism: 9.5/10

To read the summary of the book

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction

From the publisher: From the #1 internationally bestselling author of Looking for Jane comes a riveting novel about one journalist’s harrowing journey into an infamous real-life 1960s women’s prison—and the detective who uncovers her story decades later.

Published on: June 16, 2026

Pages: 480

My Thoughts on Liberty Street:

If you offer me a book to read about a prison, I’m going to read it. Liberty Street by Heather Marshall didn’t disappoint.

The Research:

It is obvious after reading the book that Marshall did her research. Have you ever heard of Canada’s “Female Refuges Act“? I hadn’t either. The fact that a woman could be locked up for up to two years for being “incorrigible,” having a child out of wedlock, dating a man of a different race, or dealing with mental health and postpartum struggles is insane to me. A woman could be committed just because her father or husband told a judge she needed to be “reformed.” Look up the Andrew Mercer Reformatory and Prison for Women. I’m pretty sure my husband would have tried to lock me up a long time ago for my attitude. 🙂

It is definitely worth reading Marshall’s “Author’s Note” at the end of the book to understand all of the research that she completed. I’m always fascinated to learn how authors come up with their ideas. If you are listening to the audiobook, I’m not sure if that is included, so try to find a copy of the book in a bookstore. It’s worth it!

The Dual Timeline:

I love a dual timeline, but I’m not sure I loved this one. One part of the story takes place in 1961 with Emily and the prison, while the second part takes place during the 1990s and is set up like a true-crime cold case with Rachel as a detective. As a reader, you know both characters will be tied together somehow, but you aren’t sure how. While I liked both parts, I found myself completely impatient to get back to Emily’s undercover journalism plot of the prison every single time. I’m not entirely convinced Rachel’s timeline was totally needed, but the payoff at the end was still greatly enjoyed.

Warning:

There are definitely some “heavy-hitter” topics in this book. It digs deep into institutional abuse, non-consensual medical testing, psychiatric trauma, and postpartum psychosis. Some parts were incredibly difficult to read, so definitely look up the content warnings if you need to, and prepare to take a few breaks!

My Rating:

I gave this book four out of five stars. I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it as a great read! I only took off a star because the dual timeline felt a little uneven to me, and I left the book wanting more of Emily’s life at the end. Otherwise, go get yourself a copy!

Where to Buy Liberty Street and More:

Purchase Liberty Street by Heather Marshall here

What to Read Next!

If you enjoyed Liberty Street, and you like books about prison life and/or cold cases, I would add these three incredible books to your TBR list next:

  1. The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Both books dive deeply into the heavy, institutionalized realities of prison systems. While Liberty Street focuses on a historical reformatory for women, The River is Waiting similarly balances complex characters to portray the grueling emotional atmosphere of locked-up life.
  2.  The Waiting by Michael Connelly| Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: If you enjoyed the 1990s timeline of Liberty Street, which follows Detective Rachel Mackenzie’s true-crime style investigation into an unidentified skeleton, then you will love the procedural focus of The Waiting. It provides a full, satisfying dive into the precise detective work and cold-case puzzle-solving that Liberty Street briefly highlights in its dual timeline.
  3. Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: If you appreciated the slower, detailed pacing of Emily’s immersive and eye-opening time inside the Mercer Reformatory, you will appreciate the realistic, steady build of Joe’s daily life behind bars.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Heather Marshall for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Heather Marshall, visit her website.

 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever read a book where you loved one timeline vastly more than the other? Or better yet, fellow educators, how many of your students would be in a 1960s reformatory by lunchtime? Let me know in the comments below.


Beach Thriller by Jamie Day Review: A Story of Sisterhood, Sadness, and Suspense

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When it comes to thrillers, I love a good plot twist. What really gets me interested and hooked, though, is the emotional impact of a character’s story. In Beach Thriller by Jamie Day, Holly Sinclair walks back into her beach house where her sister was murdered twenty years ago. This broke my heart and made me pull for her from the very start. I thought this was going to be a beachy mystery, which it was, but it was also a story about sisterhood, families, and grief.

Book cover of Beach Thriller by Jamie Day. An atmospheric, overcast beach scene at dusk with a solitary, weathered wooden beach house sitting on a grassy dune overlooking a darkened ocean. Bold text reads 'Beach Thriller' in a modern font.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

🌊 The Beach Thriller Vibe Scorecard:

  • Coastal New England Atmosphere: 🌲🏡🌊 5/5
  • Heartstrings & Grief: 💔🩹🩹 4/5
  • Creepy “Watcher” Tension: 👁️📜📮 4/5
  • Old-Money Town Gossip: 🤫🍷💵 3/5
  • Pacing & “One More Chapter” Energy: ⏳🌙📖 4/5

Read the summary of the book here

Genre: Suspense Thriller, Fiction

From the publisher: The ultimate summer suspense novel is perfect for beach read lovers everywhere!
Some people lose themselves in a novel. Others lose everything.

Published on: June 9th, 2026

Pages: 368

My Thoughts on Beach Thriller:

No book is entirely perfect, and while I absolutely flew through this one, there are a few things you should know before you pack it in your beach bag. I read half of the book and listened to half of it on audio.

The Characters:

The main characters, Holly and Jade, are well-written. Neither character is perfect and both come with a lot of baggage. They are both the underdogs and, yet, strong women in their own rights. This is the reason I was cheering for both of them. I enjoyed the internal dialogue of both people, and it is what moved the story along for me.

There are many sub-characters in the story, and it was like peeking around the corner to see who I was going to suspect next. I pictured the people like characters straight out of Gilmore Girls. If you have read this book, here is how I pictured the characters:

  • Holly = definitely Lorelai who flees from her family at a young age.
  • Ethan = Luke, the hunky handyman
  • The Carmichaels = Can you say Richard and Emily Gilmore to a tee?
  • Serena – the eccentric Miss Patty
  • The Town Busker – there is one in Gilmore Girls that Lorelai and Rory pass often
  • The Watcher – I pictured Kirk. Sorry, Kirk.

The Plot:

There are dual point of views throughout the story, and I always enjoy this in a book. My favorite chapters were those from “The Watcher.“ I like short chapters, for one thing, but it definitely added suspense to the story. I also enjoyed that this seemed like two genres in one. There is the suspense and mystery part of the story where you are trying to guess what really happened the night of Anna’s murder. You also have the women’s fiction side where the story of sisterhood, tragic families, and grief plays a big part of the story as well.

The Ending:

Now, I always want to be completely transparent with you guys, and this is where the book lost a star for me, landing it at a solid four out of five stars. The build-up in this story is great, and I was intrigued the whole way through. But when it came to the finish line? Whammo. The ending wrapped up with a massive rush of details all at once. It was like listening to Lorelai Gilmore when she is talking. I’m happy to report that the conclusion makes total sense and doesn’t leave you hanging (which I always appreciate!), but it just felt a bit rushed with too much information packed into the final pages after such a beautifully paced journey.

The Audible Verdict of Beach Thriller:

I loved listening to the audible version of the book. I’m new to reviewing audiobooks, so this was my first time while listening to multiple narrators. Macmillan Audio did a wonderful job with this production. With the dual points of view throughout the book, it was nice to have different narrators.

The voice of Holly sounded just like it did in my head while reading. I might have chosen a different voice for Jade because I thought it was little low for someone her age, but she did a great job with the sarcasm. The Watcher sounded perfectly creepy.

Since this was essentially a “book within a book,” the change of characters and voices made it easier to follow along. The pacing was great, and I listened to it at normal speed.

The only drawback to the audio version might be that finish line. Because there was such a massive rush of information packed into the final chapters, I actually had to open up the kindle version to re-read what I had just heard, just to make sure I digested every clue!

So which version did I like more? I vote for both. You can’t go wrong with reading the book or listening to it.

Where to Buy Beach Thriller and More:

Purchase Beach Thriller Here!

More Book Ideas:

What to Read Next!

If you enjoyed Beach Thriller, I would add these three incredible books to your TBR list next:

  1. Ours is a Tale of Murder by Nora Murphy | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Remember those spine-chilling chapters in Beach Thriller written from the perspective of “The Watcher”? Nora Murphy takes that specific, skin-crawling energy and turns it up to eleven. It seems like everyone has a secret to hide.
  2. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: This is the ultimate thematic sibling to Beach Thriller. In Day’s book, Holly is a broke writer who returns home to write about her sister’s unsolved murder. In The Ghostwriter, Olivia is a broke writer on the brink of financial ruin who agrees to ghostwrite a book for her estranged father—a famous horror novelist who survived the brutal, unsolved murder of his teenage siblings decades ago.
  3. The Anniversary by Alex Finlay | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: The heart of The Anniversary is how characters cope with a horrific event decades later. The narrative structure keeps checking in on the survivors on the exact same date every year, showing the lingering aftermath of violence. Both books prove that the most compelling part of a thriller isn’t just the crime itself, but how the survivors carry that grief forward.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Jamie Day for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Jamie Day, or is it really “Jamie Day”?

 Let’s Chat!

I always find myself completely sucked into thrillers that center on sisterly bonds and family secrets. There is just something so emotional about picking up the pieces of a cold case! What is your absolute favorite ‘family secrets’ thriller that I need to add to my TBR pile next? Drop your recommendations below!

The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer: White Lotus Meets Below Deck

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A luxury yacht. Elite influencers. Endless parties. Big money. Doesn’t sound all bad, right? As soon as I saw the main character was a ‘Bookstagrammer,’ I knew I had to dive into The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer.

It begs the question: If you were invited to join this elite inner circle and make a life-changing amount of money, would you step on board? Even if you knew everyone on that guest list was hiding a life-changing secret?

Cover of 'The Last Time We Drowned' by Saratoga Schaefer, featuring a vibrant purple and pink ocean landscape with stylized text of the book title and author's name.

3/5 stars ★★★☆☆

My Vibe Scorecard:

  • Atmosphere: 🌊🌊🌊🌊 (High)
  • Gore Level: 🔪🔪 (Moderate)
  • Pacing: 🏃‍♀️ (Good start, slow middle, sprint finish)

To read the summary

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

From the publisher: “From Cosmopolitan’s Cosmo Reads imprint comes The Last Time We Drowned, a razor-sharp, atmospheric, and impossible to put down locked-room psychological thriller where luxury curdles into terror and survival comes at the highest price.

Six influencers. One luxury yacht. Nowhere to hide.

Published on: June 2nd, 2026

Pages: 384

My Thoughts on The Last Time We Drowned:

In our world where influencers, well, influence our every day lives, I was intrigued to read what life might look like if there were six of them on a yacht living together. I pictured the yacht like the one on the television show Below Deck – luxurious, well-equipped, and living the life of millionaires. What I didn’t picture was the toxicity that existed between the characters. Schaefer did a great job of creating characters that all had secrets to share.

The tension among the characters is what kept me reading. We see influencers and think they are living perfect lives. On this yacht, that is the opposite. With an Agatha Christie vibe, mixed with the feeling of drowning in grief and sorrow, I needed to find out what really happened at the end.

Schaefer highlights the stark contrast between being a ‘book lover’ and a ‘content creator.’ Seeing Charlie, the bookstagrammer, struggle to keep her love for reading alive while being forced into the high-glamour, high-toxicity world of lifestyle influencers was one of the most interesting parts of her character arc for me.

I enjoyed the first part of the book and the last part of the book. The middle, however, is when things started to get weird. Some parts felt forced to keep the story alive, and the ending was summed up a little too quickly for my taste. I kept waiting for that “gotcha” moment that I love in thriller books. It reminded me a lot of the show The White Lotus. Intriguing and strange at the same time.

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars because I didn’t love it nor did I dislike it. It was a fun read.

Where to Buy The Last Time We Drowned and More:

Purchase The Last Time We Drowned

Looking for more book recommendations?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other thriller books:

  1. Ours Is a Tale of Murder by Nora Murphy | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: If you loved trying to figure out what the characters in Saratoga Schaefer’s book were hiding, this suburban thriller similarly strips away ‘perfect’ facades to expose dark, dangerous secrets.
  2. One Little Mistake by Miranda Rijks | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: This is a fast-paced thriller about a private ranking-spreadsheet of best friends that leaks online and destroys a woman’s perfect life.
  3. The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: A must-read if you loved the “high luxury turned to absolute terror” locked-room vibe of the yacht.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Cosmo Reads, and Saratoga Schaefer for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Saratoga Schaefer

Leave a Comment:

Do you think social media has made thrillers more interesting, or are you tired of the ‘Influencer’ trope in books?

Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer | Book Review

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Rule #1 of senior citizen rebellion: No one ever suspects the sweet little old lady. In Mikki Brammer’s brilliant new novel, Good Joy, Bad Joy, you are taken on the coming-of-age voyage full of beautiful life lessons. The funniest, however, is that it’s never too late to break a few rules (and maybe a few laws) to find out who you really are.

Book cover of Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the summary of the book

📍 The Setting

  • 🏡 Small-Town Hudson Valley, NY

📚 Book Tropes to Expect

  • 👵🏼 Senior Coming-of-Age (Late-in-Life Bloom):
  • 👯‍♀️ Soulmates in Friendship
  • ⏳ Carpe Diem (Bucket List With a Twist)
  • 🎭 Dual Timelines: A beautiful blend of present-day reality mixed with vibrant 1940s schoolgirl flashbacks.

Genre: Women’s Fiction

From the publisher: From the bestselling author of The Collected Regrets of Clover comes a vibrant, heartfelt novel about friendship over the decades, self-discovery, and what it means to have a life well-lived.

Break the rules. Find your joy.

Published on: May 5, 2026

Pages: 304

My Thoughts on Good Joy, Bad Joy:

Characterization:

Mikki Brammer’s characterization is spot on once again (Have you read The Collected Regrets of Clover?). Joy might be 89 years old, but her struggle to figure herself out is universally relatable. If you’ve ever played the “good girl,” followed every rule, and secretly wondered what it would feel like to completely shatter society’s expectations for a change, then you are going to fall in love with Joy.

My favorite character, though, is Hazel, Joy’s best friend since they were in second grade. In the dual timelines, going back to the 1940s, we get to experience Hazel’s wit, vibrant personality, and her carefree way of living. Joy and Hazel are opposites who have stayed best friends almost all of their lives. She is also the reason Joy had a change of heart of how she wanted to live out the rest of her life.

It is their friendship that drives this story. I, too, have a best friend who has been a major driving force in my life since kindergarten. A deep bond like that is hard to find. I think it’s why I loved this story so much. Brammer does a wonderful job of celebrating female friendship without going overboard.

Pacing:

At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to love this book. But once I settled in and embraced the humor and antics, I didn’t want it to end. Joy, Hazel, and Joy’s grandson, Finn, deserve the time it took to really flesh out their characters and witness their growth. It wasn’t slow, I’d say it was cozy.

The Controversy:

After looking at some reviews, I was surprised to see how they took this book apart because of some of the crimes committed by Joy. Personally, they made me laugh. In my opinion, this author is not perpetuating crime. She seemed to be making the point of how senior women tend to become “invisible” in their old age. No one notices them anymore. I kept picturing my little, old grandmother reading this story, and we would have had a great time discussing it.

Book Club?

I believe this would make a great read for your book club, especially if you are an “older crowd.” As a I said earlier, this book is full of life lessons. They would make great discussion points for a group of women.

Where to Buy Good Joy, Bad Joy and More:

Purchase Good Joy, Bad Joy here

What to Read Next!

If you enjoyed Good Joy, Bad Joy, I would add these three incredible books to your TBR list next:

  1. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: It centers on 81-year-old Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick who is a fiercely independent, hilariously blunt elder woman who refuses to act the way society expects her to. Like Joy Bridport, Mabel utilizes the “no one suspects the sweet old lady” card to her extreme advantage, frequently pretending to be “confused” or “hard of hearing” when it suits her. It balances the exact same mix of a touching dual-timeline history with laugh-out-loud senior citizens breaking the rules.
  2. The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: It follows an elderly man who stumbles into an accidental identity mix-up, allowing him to taste a completely different kind of life. If the part of Good Joy, Bad Joy you love most is an aging protagonist realizing it is never too late to reinvent yourself and find joy, my recommendation of Frederick Fife fits the bill.
  3. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: While Good Joy, Bad Joy plays out its rebellion through real-world petty crime, both books share a common theme: a character reckoning with a lifetime of playing it too safe and realizing they desperately want to change the narrative before their time runs out.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Mikki Brammer for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Mikki Brammer, visit her website.

 Let’s Chat!

Have you ever read a book where an older protagonist completely stole your heart? Or even better – what’s the wildest “rule” you’ve ever broken? Let me know in the comments below!

Does Katherine Center’s The Shippers Sink or Swim?

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The banter? Incredible. The hero? I would totally hang out with him. The main character’s decision-making? Yikes. Today I’m reviewing The Shippers by Katherine Center. I am a fan of Katherine Center, but this high-seas rom-com proved to be a bit of a bumpy ride for me. Here’s why it didn’t quite live up to her previous books that I loved, and why I’m still going to buy her next book anyway.

Book cover of The Shippers by Katherine Center. The design features a sun-soaked, cruise ship-themed illustration with a bright sky-blue background, bold typography, and a modern romantic comedy aesthetic.

3/5 stars ★★★☆☆

To read the summary of details of the book

🌊 The Setting

  • 🛳️ A Destination Wedding Cruise (An 8-day luxury cruise ship voyage out at sea)

🗺️ The Tropes

  • 👫 Childhood Friends-to-Lovers
  • 💁‍♂️ The “Wingman”

Genre: Romance / Women’s Fiction

From the publisher: NO ONE DOES SUMMER ROMANCE LIKE KATHERINE CENTER.

She wants him to help her woo someone else.
Genius. Foolproof. Can’t go wrong.

Published on: May 19, 2026

Pages: 336

Audio Time: 11 hours, 8 minutes

My Thoughts on The Shippers:

I tried something a little different this time. I read half of the book and listened to half of the book. I kept switching back and forth, depending on what I was doing. This review will be about both.

The Author’s Note:

I enjoyed the “Author’s Note” in the beginning. It lets us see a part of Center that isn’t always shared. She let us know that the couple will definitely get together in the end. Now, as someone who doesn’t even read the back covers of books to avoid spoilers, I was at first alarmed by her bluntness. Then I remembered that happily-ever-afters are the golden rule of the genre. It’s the comfort of a guaranteed happy ending, and I ultimately really appreciated her honesty about it.

The Setting:

I have only been on one cruise ship before, but it was a fun setting for this book. The characters couldn’t run away, and close proximity is a main player in the story. This added to the humor of the story.

The Characters:

This is where the book sort of lost me. I like that the main character was highly intelligent. JoJo, the main character, is a math genius. She was also entirely irritating to me. I love when authors makes female characters strong, independent women. JoJo, however, seemed way too dependent and made one wrong decision after another. It’s hard for me to like a rom-com when I don’t like the main character. I just wanted to keep shaking some sense into her.

Cooper, on the other hand, was adorable. There is nothing like having a best friend that will be there for you at all costs. I almost wished that he was the main character, instead of the other way around.

The Tropes:

This is just a “me thing,” but I am getting tired of the friends-to-lovers trope. It just seems overdone lately. I enjoy it more when it comes with more substance to the back story. I wish this had been built up a little more. I like rom-coms that aren’t entirely predictable from the very beginning. Yes, as Center herself reminds us in the intro, we always know how these books will end. But I just wanted a bit more dramatic substance while building up to that inevitable conclusion.

The Audio Performance:

The narrator, Patti Murin, is animated throughout the story. In my head, JoJo’s voice was a little softer, but that’s where audio can make things interesting. She does a superb job of making JoJo sound so frantic at times that it makes you laugh. She does a nice job of switching to the male voice, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if there were two people doing the audio. I tried speeding up the audio while reading along, but it made JoJo sound uncharacteristically angry. I would recommend listening to it at normal speed. The audio is produced well, and I think I enjoyed listening to it more than just reading at times.

My Rating of The Shippers:

I gave this three stars because I didn’t love or dislike the book. It was enjoyable, but not one of my favorite books by Center. It is a cozy read, and I was fine when it ended. There are some books where I’m incredibly sad to say goodbye to the characters, but this was not one of them. I will continue reading all of Katherine Center’s new releases, and I hope you will as well.

Where to Buy and Read More:

Purchase The Shippers here:

Hardcover

Kindle

Looking for more rom-com recommendations based on The Shippers?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other books:

  1. An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister | Buy on Amazon
    • Ready my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: I loved that the witty banter is backed up by a strong, realistic storyline showing just how cutthroat the academic world can be. Plus, Jonah has secretly loved Sadie from the very beginning, making for a beautifully satisfying, slow-burn romance.
  2. The Love Haters by Katherine Center | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: The Love Haters completely delivered. It is incredibly heartwarming and true to Center’s signature style, the characters are deeply relatable and you can’t help but cheer them on.
  3. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why I recommend it: I loved the laugh-out-loud humor and the back-and-forth banter between Naomi and the small-town characters. It’s the absolute perfect vacation/beach read and comparable to the fun vibe of books like The Rom-Commers (another favorite by Katherine Center)

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Katherine Center for my free copy and audio of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Katherine Center

Leave a Comment:

Have you read The Shippers yet? Do you also struggle with books when you don’t love the main character, or can a dreamy hero like Cooper save the story for you? Let’s chat in the comments!

Why The Anniversary by Alex Finlay Captivates Readers

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For most of us, an anniversary is something to celebrate. A special moment in time each year. But for Jules and Quinn in The Anniversary by Alex Finlay, May 1st is an anniversary date that is stamped in trauma. By having the reader check in on them every May 1st for ten years, Finlay turns the concept of “anniversary” into a haunting, psychological thriller.

The book cover of 'The Anniversary' by Alex Finlay. The design features a moody, shadowed background hinting at a small-town Midwestern setting at dusk. The title 'The Anniversary' is displayed in stark, prominent lettering, conveying a tense and mysterious psychological thriller vibe.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

To read the summary and details of the book

📍 The Setting

  • Small-Town Nebraska 🌽🏘️ (A fictional, isolated rural community)
  • The 1990s to Early 2000s 📼☎️ (A nostalgic, pre-smartphone era spanning from 1992 to 2002)

🕵️‍♂️ The Tropes

  • “One Day a Year” Timeline 🗓️⏱️ (The story uniquely checks in on the characters only on May 1st across ten years)
  • Cold Case Reopened 📂❄️ (A decade-long hunt to unmask a killer who strikes in plain sight but disappears completely)
  • Interconnected Fates / Shared Trauma 🤝💔 (Two different tragedies on the same night bind the main characters together for life)
  • Ticking Clock Dread ⏰😱 (The literal calendar date approaching creates a countdown of terror for the characters)

Genre: Psychological Thriller

From the publisher: From the national bestselling author of Parents Weekend, comes one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year.

“Everything I want in a thriller!”―Ashley Elston
“I could not put it down!”―Angie Kim
“Nonstop twists!”—Jason Rekulak
“A master of his craft.”―Jeneva Rose

Every May 1st, a serial killer stalks a small town. Every year he comes for them . . .

Published on: May 12, 2026 (I wonder if the author was hoping for a May 1st publication date?)

Pages: 317

My Thoughts on The Anniversary:

Flashback in Time:

If you grew up in the 1990’s, this will be a fun flashback in time. There are some parts that I wonder if readers in their 20s and 30s will understand, but it made me love this book even more. Think pre-smartphones, collect calls, pre-DNA forensics, paper maps and MapQuest, siblings listening in on the other “line,” and answering machines.

The Characters and Pacing:

I read through this book quickly because I loved the story and the characters so much. I cheered on Quinn and Jules throughout the whole story. I like how Finlay switched back and forth throughout their lives. The chapters were short for each character, and this made the pacing more enjoyable.

Since we check in with the two main characters once a year for ten years, there isn’t a lot of unneeded information. I appreciate this in a book. That being said, Finlay does a wonderful job of character development. You feel like you really know these two people by the end of the book. In many thrillers, you don’t get to know the characters well, but in The Anniversary, you get to watch them grow from teenagers into young adults while each dealing with their own tragedy. This was my favorite part of the book. It felt like a coming-of-age story mixed with a thriller.

My Rating:

I gave this 5 stars because of the storyline. It had its twists and turns, great character development, and fun nostalgic moments along the way.

Where to Buy The Anniversary and More:

Purchase The Anniversary by Alex Finlay here!

📚 What to Read Next!

If The Anniversary left you craving another puzzle, add these three incredible thrillers to your TBR list next:

  1. The Fall of Iris Henley by Jennifer Graham | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: This thriller hits on several identical tropes and narrative structures. It features “small-town secrets” and “hazy/unreliable memories,” just like how Jules and Quinn have to slowly piece together the truths of what happened in their small Midwestern town on May 1, 1992.
  2. The Profiler by Helen Fields | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: If the aspect of The Anniversary that grabbed you most was the terrifying, calculating nature of the “May Day Killer,” The Profiler is a highly recommended match. It combines a dark serial killer storyline with intense profiling technology. The book doesn’t hold back on the chilling details of the crimes, keeping you completely on the edge of your seat, much like Alex Finlay’s predator.
  3. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: If you loved the aspect of ordinary, everyday people forced into chaotic, dangerous survival scenarios, I recommend this psychological thriller. It shares that gritty, unsettling reality of a monster hiding in plain sight in a seemingly normal community.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Alex Finlay for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Alex Finlay. visit his official website.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have you read anything by Alex Finlay before (like Parents Weekend)? Or do you have a favorite thriller that uses a unique timeline structure? Let me know in the comments below!

This is my 300th review! Time to celebrate!

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth: An Unforgettable Grumpy-Granny Mystery

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It seems like every neighborhood has that one person whom everyone has determined is crazy. (In my neighborhood, it was the old woman who turned her sprinkles on us every time we had to retrieve a ball from her yard.) But was she really crazy? In Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth, Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old woman who is fiercely independent, hilariously blunt, and also the youngest convicted murderer in all of Australia. But is she crazy, or is she just the only one on Kenny Lane who knows where the bodies are buried? Read the book to find out!

The cover features a striking, high-contrast design that balances Sally Hepworth’s signature domestic noir style with a touch of "grumpy" personality. Central Image: The focal point is a pair of vibrant, red-framed cat-eye glasses (representing Elsie's sharp and nosy personality) resting on a surface. The Reflection: In one of the lenses of the glasses, you can see a tiny, distorted reflection of a mid-century suburban house—a nod to the 1954 timeline and the secrets buried in Mabel's past. Typography: The title MAD MABEL is written in large, bold, slightly "shattered" or distressed white lettering across the center. Sally Hepworth’s name appears prominently at the top. Color Palette: The background is typically a deep navy or charcoal grey, making the bright red of the glasses and the white of the text pop. The Tagline: Often featured near the bottom is the hook: "They called it murder. She called it justice."

5/5 stars ★★★★★

To read the summary of the book

  • Setting: 🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia (Dual Timelines: Present-day suburban Kenny Lane & 1950s)
  • Tropes: 👵🏻 Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️ (The unlikely duo of 81-year-old Elsie and 7-year-old Persephone), Cold case reopened 📂, and the “Not-So-Sweet” Granny 🔪.
  • Themes: 🏷️ The weight of a reputation, ⚖️ Flaws in the justice system, 🧒🏼 Childhood trauma, and 🏠 Finding “home” in people, not places.

Genre: Crime Mystery / Domestic Suspense

From the publisher:
From New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth comes a twisty tale of justice, redemption, and one irrepressible woman who’s not done breaking the rules just yet.

Published on: April 21, 2026

Pages: 352

My Thoughts on Mad Mabel:

This book is definitely going on my “Top Books of 2026” list. (If you’re interested, here is my Top Books of 2025.) Sally Hepworth is one of my favorite authors for psychological thriller books, but she went out of her typical zone for this book, and it may be my favorite Hepworth book so far.

Characters:

I absolutely loved the character of Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, aka “Mad Mabel.” Even though she tried to portray herself as “unlovable,” you can’t help but to love her. She is a grumpy, old woman who really just wants to be loved and noticed in this busy world. In a dual timeline, you learn about Mabel and why she is the way she is as an older woman.

I also adored the character of Persephone. If you have ever taught elementary school or have been around young children, including your own, you know how precocious they can be. They want to be in everyone’s business and the center of attention. They are also extremely innocent and don’t judge people right off. The relationship between Persephone and Mabel truly made the book great. I’m a sucker for any relationship between an elder and a child in a book.

Humor:

There are very few books that make me laugh out loud, but this one is an exception. Mabel’s blunt humor is what I am going to remember most about this book. As a teacher, I have come across many, many students who use humor as a shield. Mabel pretends to be “hard of hearing” or “confused” when she is around people she doesn’t like. This cracked me up!

“I’ve reached the age where I use my confusion as a weapon. If I don’t want to answer a question, I simply stare blankly until the other person feels guilty for existing.”

The banter in the story between Mabel and Persephone reminded me of my grandmother and myself. My grandma came across as a prudish woman at times, but she was hilarious. We could banter for hours. Mabel had this inner dialogue that was incredibly funny. It’s worth reading the book just for the humor.

My Favorite Quotes from Mad Mabel That Made Me Laugh:

“The child can call me Horace as long as she goes the f to sleep.”

“There are two kinds of people no one ever suspects to be murderers: little girls and old ladies. I like to think I’m special because I’ve been both.”

“My neighbor, Joan, treats me like a ticking time bomb. She brings over lemon drizzle cake as if citrus might neutralize the ‘murderer’ in me. It’s a very dry cake; if anything, it makes me want to kill again.”

“Persephone told me I needed to ‘curate my aesthetic.’ I told her my aesthetic was ‘waiting for the sweet release of death,’ and she asked if that came in a pastel color.”

Where to Buy Mad Mabel and More:

Purchase Mad Mabel here

Looking for more book recommendations based on Mad Mabel?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other books:

  1. Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth| Buy on Amazon
      • Why it’s similar: Like Mad Mabel, this book focuses on childhood trauma and the long-lasting effects of a “broken” upbringing. It features three foster sisters who are forced to confront a dark secret from their past when a body is found at their childhood home.
      • The Vibe: 👯‍♀️ Hidden pasts, sisterhood, and a “did they do it?” mystery.
  2. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark | Buy on Amazon
      • Read my full review here
      • Why it’s similar: This book leans heavily into the “Unreliable Narrator” and “Setting the Record Straight” tropes found in Mad Mabel. It follows a famous author who is dying and decides to tell her final, most dangerous story to a ghostwriter who has her own hidden agenda.
      • The Vibe: 📖⏳ A race against time to reveal the truth before it’s too late.
  3. The House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen | Buy on Amazon
      • Read my full review here
      • Why it’s similar: This book features a young, “silent” child at the center of a murder investigation, similar to how Persephone is the catalyst for Mabel’s story. It deals with the question of what children see and what they are capable of.
      • The Vibe: 👧🏻🏠 Eerie atmosphere and a “child in jeopardy” hook.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Sally Hepworth for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Sally Hepworth

Leave a Comment:

I’m a sucker for an ‘unlikely duo’ like Elsie and Persephone. Who is your favorite grumpy-meets-sunshine pairing from a book or movie?

Let me know in the comments!

Leave Your Mess at Home by Tolani Akinola: Exploring Family Dynamics

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Every family is a mess. But when you’re the child of immigrants, that mess is often pressurized by the weight of a thousand expectations. Tolani Akinola’s Leave Your Mess at Home takes four siblings, one Thanksgiving table, and decades of ‘don’t tell our secrets’ to show what happens when the pressure cooker finally explodes.

Book cover with title Leave Your Mess at Home by Tolani Akinola featuring a person in an orange top and blue background

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the summary of the book

📍 Setting: Chicago (Thanksgiving Weekend)

🎭 Tropes: Sibling rivalry, disgraced influencer, secret return home

💡 Themes: Identity, cultural pressure, and unconditional love

Genre: Fiction

From the publisher: “Tolani Akinola is a gifted, powerful new voice in American fiction.”—Rachel Khong, New York Times bestselling author of Real Americans

“A warm, smart, hilarious, delicious, riveting” (Curtis Sittenfeld) debut about the uncomfortable, unbreakable ties of family as four adult siblings come home to confront the state of their own lives and each other

The Longe siblings are really botching their parents’ American Dream.

Published on: April 14, 2026

Pages: 480

My Thoughts on Leave Your Mess at Home:

Dialogue:

Akinola does a wonderful job of creating dialogue. I felt like I was sitting in their house eavesdropping on the banter of the siblings, the loving or harsh comments from the parents, and even the internal dialogue was spot-on. Sometimes, the dialogue was uncomfortable among the characters, but that only added to its reality.

Cultural Insight:

The four siblings come from Nigerian immigrant parents. I never thought about the pressure that is sometimes placed on their children to succeed because of the sacrifices that were made to come to the United States. As the oldest son and the oldest daughter, the pressure was even greater. This was eye-opening for me, and I’m glad it was a major theme in the book.

Sibling Relationships:

I always enjoy books that highlight sibling relationships. A sibling never experiences family the same way as another sibling. Akinola truly demonstrates this throughout the story. It doesn’t matter where you fall within the sibling line-up, there are always pros and cons, and this story delves deeply into each one.

The Pacing:

This is a very long book to take place over such a short amount of time. I always wanted to keep reading, but the pace is slow and steady. It is like watching your favorite family drama over the length of a weekend. The story is told in third-person, and since we see the point of view from each of the four siblings (and some from the mother), it is like an unhurried stroll through the park.

My Rating:

If you like reading about complex family relationships, an insider’s view of living the American dream, a wide emotional range, you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a fast-paced story with all likable characters, then this book may not be for you. I definitely enjoyed the story. I’m just not sure it will stick as something I will always remember.

My Favorite Quote:

“And then his father fixes a look on his mother worse than betrayal. The look of love inverted, of sweetness turned rancid, of rotting fruit.”

I could feel the feels in this quote. I thought it was written perfectly because it created a tension that felt almost suffocating.

Where to Buy Leave Your Mess at Home and More:

Purchase Leave Your Mess at Home

Looking for more book recommendations based on Leave Your Mess at Home?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other books:

  1. Influenced by Sara Darer Littman & Cindy L. Otis | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Since Sola Longe is a “disgraced influencer,” readers interested in the tension between a curated online life and a messy real life will appreciate this.
  2. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Leave Your Mess at Home relies heavily on the differing perspectives of the four Longe siblings and their parents. This recommendation fits the reader who enjoys seeing how different generations within the same “system” (whether a school or a family) interpret the same tragedy.
  3. Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Like the Longe siblings, the characters here struggle with how their parents’ decisions and “public faces” ruin the family’s private stability. It tackles the “person that no one believes” trope, much like the gaslighting theme found in Akinola’s novel.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Viking Penguin, and Tolani Akinola for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

To learn more about Tolani Akinola

Leave a Comment:

Where do you fall in your sibling lineup, and do you feel it shaped how you viewed your parents’ expectations?

Let me know in the comments!

Upward Bound by Woody Brown: A Searing Masterclass in Neurodiversity and the Power of the Unspoken Voice

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In a world that often mistakes silence for a lack of intelligence, Upward Bound by Woody Brown is a masterclass in proving the skeptics wrong. Walter, the novel’s witty and sarcastic protagonist, is desperate to be heard—and though he cannot speak a single word, his voice is the sharpest one in the room. This is a “must read” in the “Read With Jenna” category.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the summary of the book

Genre: General fiction

From the publisher: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A READ WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY • A wondrous, deeply affecting portrait of the interlocking lives at an adult day care center in Southern California, depicting an often overlooked community with extraordinary wit and grace—a “triumphant”* novel by a major new literary voice hailed as a “groundbreaking debut novelist”**

“[A] revelation that forces you to ask: How much do we overlook in people—how many gifts do we fail to nurture—by making overly hasty judgments?”—Frank Bruni, The New York Times
“Funny and moving and ringing with life.”—The Guardian*
“This captivating work illuminates a world too often ignored.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)**

Published on: March 31, 2026

Pages: 208

My Thoughts About Upward Bound:

The Author:

Woody Brown, the author, is a non-speaking adult who has severe autism. He challenges the system of adult day care centers through his fictional story in Upward Bound. Or as he puts it, it’s a place for the “inmates.” He was the first non-speaking autistic student to graduate from UCLA and go on to earn his MFA from Columbia University. You couldn’t ask for someone with more knowledge about a specific topic than someone who has first-hand experience with a rare perspective.

Different Perspectives:

Through Brown’s humor and personal perspective, I was enthralled to spend time with the different characters in this book. Not only did he share some points of view from people attending the center, he also had some chapters from the staff’s point of view. I enjoyed this different take because it wasn’t one sided. Through most of my teaching career, I worked with teenagers who were also neurodivergent. Brown masterfully captures the neurodivergent experience: the sensory overload, the non-linear thoughts, and the frustration of a brain that moves faster than the body can keep up. At times, I could relate to the feelings of the staff, and at times, I was annoyed with the staff. Because of this, though, you have a well-rounded view of what a day care center might be like.

For example, Jorge, one of the characters, liked to run away. He was referred to as an “eloper.” Jorge saw this as a path to freedom, while the staff saw it as a behavior problem. This is one of the reasons I liked the different points of view.

The Day Care Center:

I was most annoyed with the day care center part of the story. If you have ever worked with neurodivergent individuals, you know that brilliance often hides behind unconventional communication. Yet, at this center, the staff creates arts and crafts activities for little kids, takes them to the park and Target to use up time, and basically, treats them like children. There were times I had to put the book down because I was fuming. You know a book is well-written when it creates these type of feelings just from reading it.

My One “Con” of Upward Bound:

After watching a video of the author, I started to do my own research. There is a lot of controversy over whether one can say that Woody Brown actually wrote the book since he uses Facilitated Communication to communicate with his mother. By pointing to an alphabet board to “speak” his thoughts, some wonder whether it’s truly Woody’s voice or his mother’s that wrote this book.

That being said, the book is worth reading. In fact, I think most people should read this book to gain a new perspective on neurodiversity. No matter the controversy, Brown’s novel shows a rare and vital look at an important group of people in our society. Regardless of the debate over the method, the literary quality of the text stands on its own.

Where to Buy Upward Bound and More:

Purchase Upward Bound here.

Looking for more book recommendations?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other books:

  1. What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: It explores the tension between a character’s internal hopes and their external medical reality. It’s “eye-opening” and focuses on family dynamics under pressure.
  2. As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: Much like the adult daycare in Upward Bound being a place of “last resort,” this book deals with characters facing unexpected life shifts and finding dignity in places they didn’t choose to be.
  3. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham | Buy on Amazon
    • Read my full review here
    • Why it’s similar: If the parts of Upward Bound you liked best were the “misfit” community and the way different characters (like the “eloper” Jorge) rebel against the rules, The Academy offers a similar study of people trying to find their place within a rigid institution.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Woody Brown for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion. If I misused any terms, I apologize now. I tried to stay as correct as possible, but terms change constantly of how to address people. Terminology in the disability and neurodiversity community is constantly evolving. I have made every effort to use person-first and identity-first language that respects the dignity of the individuals described in this book.

To learn more about Woody Brown

Leave a Comment:

I spent half this book fuming and the other half in awe. Have you ever read a book that made you want to jump into the pages and change things for the characters? Tell me which one!

Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson: My Verdict

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I’ve reached a verdict. Judge Stone by Viola Davis and James Patterson is a quality courtroom drama that deals with a timely topic. It’s evident that people will talk about this book for a while.

Cover of 'Judge Stone', a novel by Viola Davis and James Patterson, featuring a burning house with a windmill in the background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the summary of the book

Genre: Courtroom drama, Fiction

From the publisher: #1 New York Times Bestseller!

Academy Award winning actress Viola Davis and the world’s #1 bestselling author James Patterson’s Judge Stone “delivers first-class courtroom drama, small-town excitement, and strong characters all wrapped in a moral dilemma. Tense, readable, and relevant.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Talk about a power combo! … With Davis’s razor-sharp emotional insight and Patterson’s mastery of rocket-fuel pacing, this is the dream team to deliver an up-all-night read that will keep the group chat buzzing.” —Oprah Daily

“Wonderfully satisfying … This legal thriller from [a] superstar duo … demands attention from its opening pages and never lets go.” —Booklist, starred review

All rise… for Judge Stone.

Published on: March 9, 2026

Pages: 432

My Thoughts on Judge Stone:

Courtroom drama:

I’m a sucker for a high-stakes courtroom drama, and when James Patterson’s name is on the cover, you know the book is going to be fast-paced. In Judge Stone, we meet a protagonist who is as formidable behind the bench as she is at home. However, Mary Stone’s toughest challenge arrives when her quiet Alabama hometown becomes the epicenter of a controversial case. Presiding over an abortion trial, she quickly learns that when the country puts your courtroom under a microscope, the verdict can be a matter of life or death.

Although some stunts that Mary Stone pulled as judge seemed a little over-the-top, they made me laugh, and I liked her even more. I mean, who wouldn’t love a judge who hands out candy to the jurors? Would some of them actually happen in a small town? Maybe? I’m glad they were added, though.

Book Club Choice?

Viola Davis and James Patterson’s book is very timely. It doesn’t matter how you feel about abortion, the authors created characters that touch your hearts. To be honest, I’m not sure if I would use this as a book club choice, unless everyone in your group is open-minded to controversial discussions. This will touch on people’s morals, religious beliefs, and political views, so the discussions could be overly heated, even with a glass (or two) of wine.

Details:

One of the strengths of this book is the details. I felt like I was living on Mary’s farm with her. I could feel the southern heat of her courtroom. I could hear the protestors along the streets. The tension was palpable throughout the story. I felt like like was living in a small Alabama town right along with the characters.

My Favorite Quote:

“When you think you’re going to a place that you’ll be leaving soon, it feels really special to be there again. It’s kind of like you’re seeing it with fresh eyes.”

This spoke to me because it is how you feel when you are about to leave a job or your home for the last time. You start to notice the little things and appreciate them even more. It’s surreal to think that the job site that you considered as your second home will go on without you and others will live in your space. You try to lock the details in your mind in order to remember them for the rest of your life.

My Rating of Judge Stone:

I enjoyed this story mainly because of the courtroom drama and the characterization. Is it a story I would recommend? Sure. Is it one I will remember for the rest of my life? Probably not, but it is definitely worth reading.

Where to Buy Judge Stone and More:

Purchase Judge Stone Here

Looking for more book recommendations?

If you enjoyed this book, I highly recommend these other courtroom drama books:

  1. Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanaugh | Buy on Amazon
  2. The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly | Buy on Amazon
  3. Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni | Buy on Amazon

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, Viola Davis and James Patterson for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

For Viola Davis’ Instagram

To learn more about James Patterson

Leave a Comment:

What is your favorite book for a great courtroom drama? Let me know!

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