calistaandrechek's reviews
1129 reviews

One By One by Freida McFadden

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Thank you to NetGalley, Freida McFadden and Poisoned Pen Press for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

Something about McFaddens writing is just so addicting and so so easy to read. I binge read this entire novel and I loved the concept. The ending was perfect!
Killer Story by Matt Witten

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Witten and Oceanview publishing for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

DNF. I really wanted to be interested in this one and I read over 65% but I was bored and the story just felt like it was having a lot of hate. So much round and round about how she feels. Not for me. 
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

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mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a binge read as it’s fairly short and the chapters are the perfect length to just cruise through when you have a minute. I have mixed feeling on the story but the writing was amazing. I was captured by the sisters story but wanted more from the ending. 
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Short, but definitely not sweet! This is so fast paced and murderey! I read it all in one sitting and honestly, now I want a sequel with how it ended!
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kubica and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

This was a read that seems like not much is happening at first, but I felt through it and I didn’t want to put it down. That first chapter had me hooked and I needed to know what was happening and which person was responsible. This was twisty and delightful. 
The Search Party by Hannah Richell

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I was concerned as soon as I saw the character list in the front of the book - I tend to steer clear if a book needs a list of characters, BUT this was so good. I loved the way the author used the multiple perspectives to tell the story without telling you who passed and who found phoebe. I definitely recommend. 
The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I saw this book on all my favourite accounts and I had to have it. I was so excited to get it for my birthday, and it totally lives up to all the hype. I loved how fast paced it was and how short the chapters were. Felt like I read this so fast and I definitely recommend. 
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

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tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

When I was about half way through and I’m interested but also a bit confused on what’s happening. I did enjoy the twist, but I also kind of picked up all the hints and saw it coming. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but it’s worth a read. I just don’t think her writing is for me. 
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

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dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephen Graham Jones and Simon & Schuster Canada for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I love this series - one of my favourites in this genre. But this novel starts off much slower and the writing is a bit confusing at times. I still enjoyed it and the slashing is still very gory and delightful. 
Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

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emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thank you to NetGalley, Carola Lovering and St Martin’s Press for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

This was more of a slow burn novel and I didn’t know how interested in it I would continue to be, but something about these characters just held me hostage. I needed to know what happened and I flew through the easy to read chapters filled with this  toxic friendship.