dallas_shattuck's reviews
879 reviews

The Sandman by Lars Kepler

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5.0

WHY DID NOBODY TELL ME TO READ THIS SOONER?!

This crime fiction read was so good! It was dark, gritty, suspenseful, and kept me guessing! I loved the multiple points-of-view and short chapters; I flew through the 500+ pages in like 1 day.

I loved how the story progressed and wrapped up at the end (while also leaving some unanswered questions for the next book in the series). Of note, this is the first book I’ve read in Joona Linna series, and I didn’t feel lost. So you can definitely read it as a stand-alone.

If you’re looking for a great Nordic noir, crime fiction book, then definitely check this one out!

Now, excuse me while I buy every other book in this series......

CW: graphic depictions of murder and sexual assault, kidnapping, physical abuse, graphic language, suicide and suicidal ideation, medical provider misconduct
Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering

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4.0

This is an intense story about love, greed, and revenge. I really liked the short chapters and reading the story through Skye, Burke, and Heather’s perspectives. I also thought the mental health representation in this book was well-done.

There were a few twists in this book, and while I figured out one early on, the other one caught me by surprise! Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and thought there should’ve been more consequences for one of the characters.

Overall, I liked this book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys thrillers!
Sin Child by Angela Howard

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5.0

Wow...this memoir is so powerful!

Angela graciously shares her story with readers. All of it—even the extremely bad and traumatic. I am in awe of her strength in overcoming adversity and severe trauma in her childhood and early adulthood. Angela’s story is heart-breaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.

If you enjoy memoirs, please consider reading this one!! While reading, this memoir reminded me a lot of If You Tell, Hillbilly Elegy, and The Glass Castle, all rolled into one.

I feel honored to have read this memoir.
Low Country: A Memoir by J. Nicole Jones

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4.0

Yesterday, I finished reading Low Country, a memoir about the author’s experiences growing up in South Carolina. As you all know, I love reading memoirs, and this one was no exception!

This memoir discusses Jones’ childhood—the good and the bad. She writes about her family’s financial troubles, her granddaddy’s physical/verbal/emotional abuse, her father’s journey to becoming a country singer, and growing up as one of the only women in a large, male-dominated, Southern family.

I loved the author’s writing stye and how the stories flowed together. I enjoyed how the author weaved Southern folklore, pirate tales, and ghost stories throughout the book. It made this memoir really unique!

The timeline is non-linear and there are a lot of family members discussed, so I was confused at some points during the first half of the book. But I eventually figured out who everyone was.

Also, there are several stories about snakes, which isn’t a big deal...except that I’m terrified of snakes and am now 100% certain I will never live in South Carolina
American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan

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4.0

I’m officially in love with non-fiction audiobooks! It’s like I’m listening to a podcast
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

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4.0

This book is outside of what I normally read, but I’ve seen so many people recommend it, so I wanted to try it. And I’m glad I did!

I loved the non-linear timeline and switch between past and present, multiple narrators, and short chapters. They kept me engaged and wanting to read more.

I loved the strong female relationships portrayed in this book, especially between Nella and Eliza. I found myself rooting for them, even though they poisoned people
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

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4.0

I hadn’t heard of this case prior to listening to the audiobook, and I’m glad I finally got a chance to read this one!

This book tells the story of the murders of several members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma and the FBI’s work to find the killers.

Overall, I think the case was told in a very understandable way, and it wasn’t too hard to keep up with the timeline and all the characters. I enjoyed all three narrators, but especially narrator #2
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson

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5.0

This novel was SO GOOD! I have so many thoughts on this one, and they are haphazardly scattered below