doyenne's reviews
13 reviews

 Book review: Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows by Daniel Stefanov Georgiev ✨

Magic and mathematics collide in this intricate fantasy where equations shape reality! Twins Sova and Nilah Ren navigate the halls of Mathsmagica Academy, caught between the Luminari Faith and the Shadow Covenants. When forbidden magic surfaces, Sova becomes a target in a battle of intellect, prophecy, and power.

📖 What I Loved:
🔢 A unique magic system where math fuels sorcery
⚔️ Political intrigue & high-stakes conflicts
💡 Thought-provoking themes of knowledge vs. control
🖤 Strong sibling dynamic

📌 A dense, immersive read with deep worldbuilding—perfect for those who love intellectual fantasy!
⭐4.5/5—A Cerebral, Spellbinding Triumph
Full review on my substack: https://doyennereviews.substack.com/p/book-review-mathsmagica-tapestry

Book Review: His Heart of Darkness by Melinda Woodhall – A Tense, Gritty Noir Thriller That Pulls You In
His Heart of Darkness is a dark and gripping noir thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish. PI Frankie Dawson takes on a new case, but what seems like a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into something more dangerous. Woodhall masterfully builds tension, crafting a story filled with deception, buried secrets, and uneasy alliances.

Frankie remains a compelling protagonist—sharp, determined, and always a step away from trouble. The pacing is tight, balancing character-driven moments with high-stakes tension. While some twists follow familiar noir beats, the execution keeps the mystery fresh and engaging.

With strong atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and a case that refuses to stay in the past, His Heart of Darkness is a solid addition to the series.
Full review on my substack: https://doyennereviews.substack.com/

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
*Note:I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

 His Soul to Keep is an excellent noir mystery with solid hook—murder, mystery, and ex-con-turned-PI. Frankie Dawson gets drawn into a friend's murder, which takes him to corruption in a small town and a stubbornly endured case. Pacing is excellent, and atmosphere is thick with tension, propelling the story along nicely without unnecessary wordage. Frankie's not the usual broken-up detective, a welcome relief, and his dog Sherlock is a plus.

Where the book stumbles is originality—if you’ve read enough noir, you’ll recognize the beats. The dialogue can be a bit heavy-handed, especially with Detective Ranger, but the mystery itself is engaging. It may not reinvent the genre, but it’s an entertaining, fast-paced read for crime fiction fans. 

(Full review on my substack Doyenne's Reviews)

 Review:

Thrall is a dark, gripping, and beautifully haunting gothic horror novel that lingers long after the final page. Beauchamp masterfully crafts an eerie atmosphere, immersing the reader in a world filled with dread, isolation, and psychological unease. The novel delves into themes of power, survival, and the horrors lurking in both the supernatural and human realms.

The protagonist is deeply complex, navigating a morally ambiguous world where danger exists at every turn. Their internal struggles, resilience, and chilling encounters create an emotionally charged journey. The supporting cast further enhances the novel’s psychological depth, each character adding to the sense of unease and unpredictability.

Beauchamp’s writing style is both lyrical and razor-sharp, drawing readers into a hypnotic narrative that blends slow-burning tension with moments of shocking intensity. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story’s horrors to unravel methodically while maintaining a strong undercurrent of suspense.

Thrall is an immersive and harrowing gothic horror experience, challenging readers with unsettling themes while delivering a deeply compelling story. With its intense atmosphere, rich character dynamics, and haunting narrative, this novel stands out as a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and psychological horror.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

note I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

Belabour is a gripping and unflinching psychological thriller that delves into the brutal realities of control, survival, and the unseen battles behind closed doors. From the first page, the novel pulls the reader into a world of tension and psychological warfare, blending raw storytelling with an immersive, oppressive atmosphere. The story unravels with a haunting authenticity, shining a light on the complexities of power, manipulation, and endurance.

The protagonist is a deeply compelling figure, navigating a life fraught with emotional and psychological obstacles. Her resilience, quiet acts of defiance, and internal conflicts add rich layers to her character, making her both sympathetic and unforgettable. The supporting cast, from those who enable cycles of control to those trapped within them, elevates the novel’s psychological depth, creating a tense and engrossing web of interactions.

Veck’s ability to craft a setting that feels stifling yet realistic is one of the novel’s strongest aspects. The sense of isolation, the weight of unspoken fears, and the quiet moments of desperation are captured with striking detail. The writing is sharp and visceral, making every scene feel lived-in and emotionally charged. The narrative unfolds with precision, maintaining suspense while allowing space for introspection and emotional depth.

The pacing builds gradually, layering tension with each chapter. While the novel maintains a firm grip on its readers, certain stretches could have been more tightly woven to enhance momentum. However, the compelling characters and the ever-present undercurrent of danger ensure that the story remains engaging. The ending delivers a powerful impact, leaving readers with much to contemplate.

Belabour is a dark, thought-provoking thriller that refuses to shy away from difficult themes. With its intense character dynamics, richly atmospheric setting, and gripping narrative, it is a standout entry in modern psychological crime fiction. While its heavy subject matter may not be for everyone, those who appreciate raw, unfiltered storytelling will find it a powerful and unforgettable read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

 

 From the Deep by Kateri Stanley is a thrillingly atmospheric novel, incorporating mystery, environmental conflict, and personal struggle so perfectly. The story is situated in Drake Cove, a small seaside town where the tension between long-standing fishing traditions and growing activism is being unwound while a chilling mystery unfolds throughout the read.

Stanley's strength lies in her ability to create complex, relatable characters, especially Julian, about whom a whole personal world of challenges adds to the emotional depth in the story. The interplay between the town's closely knit community and external pressures from environmental activists feels both authentic and compelling, bringing forward nuanced realities in the livelihoods pitted against evolving ethical concerns.

The pacing of the novel remains tight, its narrative unreeling at an uninterrupted pace, minus irrelevant digressions. It is Stanley's descriptive writing in Drake Cove itself that places this ruggedly beautiful and tightly stretched place in mind. Character description and the unravelling plot are nicely weighted to strike home on both these levels.

All in all, From the Deep is an intellectual and engrossing read for any person who loves atmospheric mystery, strong character-driven narratives, and contemporary themes.

*Note* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

 

A dark and twisting psychological thriller, Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder throws readers deep into a world where beauty, privilege, and perception can alter the course of justice. From the first chapter, the novel grips you with its eerie sense of foreboding. Set in a small town where secrets run deep, the story follows an intense investigation that forces its characters to confront uncomfortable truths. With a slow-burning mystery, shifting dynamics, and sharp social commentary, this is a thriller that lingers long after the final page.

The novel’s cast is complex and deeply engaging. The protagonist is sharp and observant, yet her perspective is clouded by personal struggles that add layers to the unfolding mystery. Another key figure presents a polished, carefully curated image to the world, making it difficult to determine what’s real and what’s performance. Meanwhile, the lead investigator brings a grounded, methodical approach that contrasts with the high emotions surrounding the case. Their interactions create a tense and compelling dynamic that keeps the reader questioning motives and intentions throughout.

Bradley crafts a setting that feels both suffocating and eerily realistic. The mix of social pressures, small-town gossip, and hidden histories creates an unsettling backdrop where perception is just as important as reality. Every scene is thick with tension, and the deeper the investigation goes, the more unsettling the atmosphere becomes.

The novel’s pacing builds deliberately, layering suspense and intrigue with each chapter. While some introspective moments slow the momentum, the sharp writing and well-timed revelations keep the story gripping. The conclusion is satisfying yet leaves plenty to think about, making it a thought-provoking read beyond its final pages.

Pretty Girls Get Away With Murder is an intelligent, unsettling thriller that explores the power of perception and the dangerous games people play. With razor-sharp character work, a deeply atmospheric setting, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, it’s a strong entry in modern crime fiction. Some sections could have been tighter, but overall, it’s an addictive, thought-provoking read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) 

 A dark and suspenseful Nordic noir, The Clues in the Fjord whisks readers away into the holocausts of ice in Iceland. Since page one, I'd been swallowed into this eerie setting where every corner of the isolated village seemed to hold a secret of its own. It's the story of Hildur Rúnarsdottir, a zealous but solitary police detective investigating a series of mysterious deaths that could be linked to something even more sinister. This is a true blend of high-octane investigation and slow-burning tension that kept me on edge. 
 All in all, The Clues in the Fjord serves as an exceptionally great start for the Hildur series and is a true must-read in the genre for all Nordic noir lovers. Definitely looking forward to seeing where the series goes next from Rämö. 

Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF11ou2P9Vr/

Overall, The Bucket List is a brilliant debut and a fantastic start to the Agent John Adderley series. With its masterful storytelling, well-rounded characters, and engaging plot, it’s a must-read for crime fiction enthusiasts. I’m excited to see what the authors have in store for the next installment.

Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF0VhsyNOP0/

 Review of Lethal Dissection by Dobi Cross – A Fast-Paced Medical Thriller with Some Rough Edges

Being a medical student, the first book of the Dr. Zora Smyth Medical Thriller series, Lethal Dissection, drew my attention. Dobi Cross doesn't waste time getting the reader into this high-voltage murder mystery with a finding of a fresh corpse during a routine dissection-the nightmare of any medical student.
  Overall, Lethal Dissection is a gripping read, especially for fans of medical thrillers. If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries with high stakes and don't mind a few bumps in the narrative, this one is worth picking up. I'd rate it a solid 3.75/5 —engaging, but with room for stronger character development and clarity. 

Full review : https://www.instagram.com/p/DFxNAWGtNyL/