Debut Novel: "Remember Mia" by Alexander Burt is a Real Page Turner! (Updated)

Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt is about Estelle Paradise who wakes in a hospital with amnesia, but realizes her 7-month-old daughter, Mia, is missing. She cannot remember the events that led up to her being admitted to the hospital quite far from her home. Her husband has no idea where their daughter is either, and the mother is the primary suspect, who suffered with postpartum depression that had progressed into psychosis. Estelle insists that someone took her baby and at her husband’s suggestion, admits herself into a psych ward to work with a doctor who helps her get her memory back.  

I couldn't help but feel sympathy for Estelle and admire her courage as she pursued the truth.  I liked this book and thought the premise was quite interesting.  I didn't care for the husband because he didn't seem very supportive of his wife at all!  I liked the ending, although it was pretty far-fetched wrapped up so neat that it seemed unbelievable.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)   

Remember Mia by Alexandra Burt is a thriller about Estelle Paradise who wakes up in a hospital.  She was found just about dead inside of a car that was in a ravine and totally wrecked.  Her memory is pretty much gone but she does know one thing--her newborn baby girl, Mia, and anything connected to Mia is gone!  Someone took her and Estelle needs to find her, but who will help when everyone thinks she did it?

WOW!  This book poses lots of questions:  Does she ever remember?  Where is Mia now?  What has her husband done to help her?  Books do not get much better than this!  It is a real page turner.  This is a must read if you enjoy thrillers.  The tension in this book mounts so well that I read it in only two days!  It was hard to put down.
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars) 

We received an advanced copy of this debut novel and am so glad I did!  However, that did not influence our review.  It went on sale July 7, 2015.

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"Pretty Baby" by Mary Kubica--Different Opinions on this one! (UPDATED)

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica centers on a charitable woman named Heidi who helps stray cats.  One day she sees a teen girl holding a baby at a train station and decides to take her in for just one night, assuming she's homeless.  This novel is told by multiple points of view which I thought made the story that much better.  The real good thing is the multiple story lines.  You do not really know what to expect next!  This is a page turner that is well worth reading, enjoy!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Pretty Baby by Mary Kubica is a contemporary psychological thriller that is sad and heartbreaking. This novel combines the sad stories of Heidi Wood, a married woman with a 12-yr.-old daughter and Willow, a homeless teen girl with a baby. Their paths cross and Heidi opens her home to Willow and the baby in spite of objections from her husband and daughter.

The reader is gradually given bits and pieces of Heidi’s and Willow’s pasts as the current events unfold which culminate into a good ending. I liked Heidi at the beginning but as the book went along, I liked her less and less. I liked Willow though and felt sorry for her throughout the book. This book portrays the social worker as incompetent and totally repulsive behavior on the part of Willow’s foster dad. This book was very disturbing to me because of the content. I thought it was an interesting read and didn’t have any clue as to how it would end so wanted to keep reading. 
 (Karen's review, 3 stars)


See our review of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica which we both liked.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Bunker Diary" by Kevin Brooks

The Bunker Diary by Kevin Brooks is about six people who are taken and put in an underground bunker.  Why?  They do not know.  It is told by a young boy who was the first to be put in the bunker.  I found it interesting how they all got along and as time went by, their reactions to their circumstances.  This is a fast YA read that I enjoyed.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Hush" by Karen Robards has Action, Suspense and Romance--We Both Loved It!

Hush by Karen Robards is an exciting read that I didn't want to put down.  George, Riley's ex-father-in-law, scammed lots of people, including some very dangerous men, out of a lot of money.  George is arrested but the money is missing.  He says it's all gone but the FBI, CIA and the other people he scammed do not believe him.  Also, the guys who worked with George want to get it too.  Riley has four near-death experiences because she knows where the money is but Finn manages to protect her.

This is an excellent novel filled with suspense, action, lies and a developing hot romance.  I really enjoyed the cat and mouse game Riley and Finn played with each other throughout the book.  The author did a great job mixing suspense and romance for a great read!  I'll be looking up more of her books for sure.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review, 5++ stars):
This novel tells the story of Riley.  Her ex-husband is dead by what looks like a suicide, but Riley believes he was murdered.  His billionaire father concocted a financial fraud and is in jail, but the money he was able to get is out there somewhere and everyone wants it!  Riley is in great danger and the CIA has assigned agent Finn to recover the money.  Can Riley trust Finn and what secret is Riley keeping?  This is a really great book with good action which kept me turning pages.  I LOVED IT!

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We Both Liked "The Good Girl" by Mary Kubica and so did our Cats! (UPDATED)

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is about a young girl named Mia, who is kidnapped by Colin and is to be turned over to other people to be held for ransom.  That is the plan, but in life as in this book, things do not always go as planned.  What happened?  You have to read the book to find out.  You will read about Mia’s mom and dad and the detective who will stop at nothing to find her.  Mia and Colin have their own story to tell.  This is the author’s first novel and a fantastic read with a shocking ending you will not see coming at all!  Books do not get much better than this!
(Gerard's review, 8/8/14,  5++ stars)

Karen's review (4 stars):
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica is a book that moves along quickly because of the way it unfolds.  Each chapter is written from a different character's perspective and it jumps back and forth between the present and the past, not revealing the big surprise until the very end.  (No cheating and looking ahead now!)  It is about a wealthy Judge's daughter who is kidnapped and falls in love with her kidnapper!  This is a very good read with interesting characters--read it and see if you like the kidnapper.  My husband liked him but I didn't.  I thought giving the cat an important part in this novel was a nice touch.       

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The October List" by Jeffery Deaver

The October List by Jeffery Deaver, a crime thriller, is told in reverse order.  By that, I mean it goes back in time.  I usually do not like those kinds of books, but this one I did.  There is lots of action and I did not see the twist coming at all.  The writing is very good!  I really enjoyed the lead character.  (5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Edge of Normal" by Carla Norton

The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton is about a young girl named Reeve who was kidnapped and escaped.  She is trying to deal with that when her doctor tells her of another young girl who had the same ordeal she did and needs someone to talk to.  Soon trouble comes and Reeve finds herself in danger again.

This is a very good action book.  The suspense builds up throughout the book that made me love it!

(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Alex" by Pierre Lemaitre - Favorite Read For September (Updated)

In Alex by Pierre Lemaitre, a woman is kidnapped but that just touches the surface in this captivating novel.  It is filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming which caused me to really enjoy this book a lot!  I can certainly see why it won a CWA International Dagger Award for the Best Crime Novel of 2013!  I highly recommend this one if you want a good thriller.  It's my favorite read for September!  Read and enjoy!  
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)  

Alex by Pierre Lemaitre is a dark crime novel that is also a psychological thriller which takes place in Paris is all about revenge.  Although the serial killer is revealed early on, the police take a long time drawing a connection between the victims.  They appear to be random killings, but all gruesome in the same way.   Alex, the main character is a complicated person to say the least.  My favorite part was when the rats were crawling all over the crate Alex was trapped in!  The author did an excellent job in evoking a wide range of feelings toward Alex.  This novel is certainly a page turner and one that is so creepy that I couldn’t help thinking about even when I wasn’t reading it.   I highly recommend this to anyone who likes murder mysteries and police investigation novels. 
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill is Fantastic!

USA TODAY had NOS4A2 by Joe Hill at No. 2 to read for books coming out in May. I can see why; this book is really really good! In the book, Charles Manx kidnaps kids and takes them to a place he calls Christmasland. When one girl gets away, the only one to ever escape, he wants to get her back. When he gets her son, it's on!

This is a fantastic read full of twists and turns. Don't let the over 900 pages scare you off because it's large print and all good with an awesome ending. Joe Hill is Stephen King's son and has learned very well! I LOVED IT!
(Gerard's review 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Touch & Go" by Lisa Gardner

Touch And Go by Lisa Gardner is the best mystery/thriller that I've read in quite a while!  I really looked forward to reading it and had a hard time putting it down.  It's about a construction company run by Justin who is a hands-on, well-respected boss and quite wealthy who has a wife and 15-yr.-old daughter.  Three thugs bust into their home and abduct the whole family without any neighbors even noticing.

This book deals with family secrets, embezzling, betrayal, infidelity and the police/FBI investigation with interesting characters.  I recommend this one if you like suspense and a good mystery with a great ending!  
(Karen's review)

You can never go wrong with a Lisa Gardner book and Touch and Go has to be her best one yet!   A wealthy family is kidnapped,  husband, wife and a 15-yr. old daughter.  What is so good about this book is you get the two stories:  (1)  They are held by three guys in a prison that the husband built and (2) you get the three stories about the family members which is the best yet!  At over 600 large print pages, this is not a quick read, but don't let that scare you off.  It is worth it!  This is a must read!  The ending is not to be missed--it's a jaw dropper!
(Gerard's review, 5++ Stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Did You Miss Me? by Karen Rose (UPDATED)

A Real Page Turner For Sure!

Did You Miss Me by Karen Rose is a fast-paced, complex thriller about revenge, betrayal, dysfunctional families and a very brave prosecuting attorney, Daphne (a cancer survivor), who is a target and the romance that develops between her and the Federal agent (Joseph) who tries to find her kidnapped son.  This novel has a lot of things going on:  abduction, murder, manipulation, crime investigation, colorful characters and secrets. 

 

I loved the part Daphne’s dog played in this novel.  Divorces, remarriages and name changes really make it challenging for the reader to keep everyone straight and make all the connections.  Parts reminded me of the writing style of Brandilyn Collins where the author leaves you hanging and then jumps to another scene with other characters.  The author creates lots of suspense without a lot of gore.  I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers with some mystery.

(Karen's review added 3/22/13)

Did You Miss Me by Karen Rose is the story of a man who has a grudge against a woman prosecutor in Baltimore.  For me the best part of this book was following the man who had it all planned out how he was going to get his revenge against her--just excellent with a great ending and lots of suspense.  Put this one on your TBR list and when you read it, you will be happy you did. 
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"My Abandonment" by Peter Rock is Based on a True Story

My Abandonment by Peter Rock is based on a true story about a young girl and her father who live as homeless people. They could afford to live in a home but would rather not. I found it interesting how they had a plan so nobody would be following them. I enjoyed it!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"A Case For Solomon--Bobby Dunbar and The Kidnapping That Haunted a Nation"

A True Crime Book from 1912

A Case For Solomon--Bobby Dunbar and the Kidnapping That Haunted A Nation by Tal McThenia and Margaret Dunbar is a true story about a kidnapping that took place in 1912. Two boys are missing, one boy is found nine months later and two families claim him as their son. There is that trial and also the trial of the kidnapper which makes for a good read and at times, a page turner well worth your time! I enjoyed it!
(Gerard's review, rating 5 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Buried Secrets" by Joseph Finder

Buried Secrets by Joseph Finder is a good story about a young girl kidnapped and held for ransom from her rich father.  The story was told very well and the detective who is trying to find and save the girl is a really good character.  In my opinion, there is not much of a "wow" factor but it is well worth your time.
(Gerard's review, rating 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Whisperer" by Donato Carrisi is a Great Halloween Read

In The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi, girls are missing and then their arms show up except for one. Then one by one the bodies show up. What a fantastic read! You will not be able to figure out the killer at all! This book will stay with you. I can't wait for his next one! The Whisperer would make an awesome movie. Don't miss this one if you want a real page turner!
(Gerard's review, rating 5++ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"You Don't Want To Know" by Lisa Jackson (UPDAATED)

You Don't Want To Know by Lisa Jackson is about an unbelievable dysfunctional family who lives in a big house on an island that is a house of horrors!  These people are nuts!  Poor Ave is devastated when her little 2-yr.-old boy, Noah, turns up missing after a family Christmas party.  Her memory is foggy and she was in a mental institution for awhile.  She feels in her heart that Noah is still alive after being gone for two years, but her family is convinced wandered off and drowned and tries getting Ava to face facts.  Ava, however, is determined to find her boy no matter what since his body was never found.

There are a lot of people in this book and as Ava tells the story through her eyes, she feels she can't trust anyone and I didn't know who she could trust either until I was over halfway through the book.  It seemed like there definitely was a conspiracy against her even though her family and relatives thought she was being paranoid.  This is an amazing story about betrayal, revenge and hatred with an exciting surprise ending.  I would make for good discussion for a book club. 
(Karen's review, rating 5 stars)

You Don't Want To Know by Lisa Jackson tells the story of Ava, who in her dreams hears her son, Noah, crying out.  Her son has been missing for two years.  Ava believes her son is out there somewhere, but gets no support from her husband, relatives or the hired hands who help run her island home. 

This book got a lot of hype about this being the "can't miss book of the summer" and I'm here to tell you that it is all true!  I couldn't put this book down once I started it.  It moves along and I was shocked as the details came out little by little to make for a great ending too!  Don't miss this one--it is SO Good!
(Gerard's review, rating 5++ stars!)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"The Light Between Oceans" by M. L. Stedman

In The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Steadman, Isabel lives on a lonely lighthouse, miles away from everybody. She has tried three times to have a baby and it ended in tragedy all three times. Then one day a ship crashes and her husband finds a dead man and an unhurt girl baby. What comes next? Here are a few questions: (1) Does Isabel raise the baby as her own, after all, who will be the wiser? (2) Is the baby's real mother alive? (3) Will Isabel's husband report this and do the right thing?

This is a real page turner and enjoyed how Isabel and her husband handled this situation. You will want to keep reading this book--it's a good one!
(Gerard's review, rating 5+ stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"I'll Walk Alone" by Mary Higgins Clark

I’ll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark is contemporary fiction dealing with stolen identity, impersonation and the kidnapping of a 3-yr-old boy, Matthew. Zan, a young successful interior decorator is still holding out hope for her son’s return. Even though she is divorced, she agreed to have dinner with her ex-husband on what would be their son’s fifth birthday to reminisce. Things go from bad to worse for Zan when some pictures surface showing her actually kidnapping her own son!

I felt sorry for Zan throughout this story and even though it seems like all is revealed early on, there is still the mystery of who is really behind the kid’s kidnapping. This book held my interest right from the start. The police seemed to be in the dark throughout the book while Zan’s friends work to prove her innocence and find out what’s really going on with Matthew. What a nightmare this poor lady lived through! It’s definitely a book I’d recommend for anyone who likes contemporary fiction with some mystery in it.
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"What Comes Next" by John Katzenbach

What Comes Next by John Katzenbach is an outstanding and remarkable book!  Jennifer wants to escape her mom and her small town by running away, but her plan is foiled when a man and woman kidnap her off the street.  Jennifer is now number four and the kidnappers set up a website people can watch while they torture her!  There was one witness to the kidnapping, an old professor who is near death and speaks to his dead family members. 

I liked reading Jennifer's thoughts while going through this experience and the people watching it online.  This is an outstanding read that was very hard to put down!  I couldn't help but think to myself, "Would I be watching this if it were real?"  Would you?  What comes next is you reading this gripping novel--you will love the powerful ending!
(Gerard's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs during June and July to The Wounded Warrior Project which helps wounded warriors and their families returning from current conflicts.

"Boy 21" by Matthew Quick (Updated)

Boy 21 by Matthew Quick is a great fast teen read.  It's about a young boy and his girlfriend who are both very good at basketball.  It's their ticket out of their small town.  Another boy comes along and the two boys become unexpected friends.  When life throws these young people a curve ball, they have to come together or the dream dies.  I enjoyed this book a lot!  The writing is good and the ending is really, really good!  This is not just a basketball book and not just for teens.  Read and enjoy!
(Gerard's review)

Boy 21 by Matthew Quick is a teen romance involving friendship, basketball, poverty and the Irish mob.  It delves into deep issues like dealing with grief, love of family and love.  I was surprised at how good this story was, the ending brought tears to my eyes.  It’s a very moving story and shows how life can be so unpredictable.  It was heartbreaking when Finley turned his back on basketball to be with his girlfriend at the hospital who was in a hit-and–run accident only to be told she didn’t want to see him.  In an unexpected turn, the boy Finley was asked to help wound up being a good friend to Finley.  I enjoyed this quick, touching read about friendship and love. 
(Karen's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

We are donating 50 cents for each legitimate comment we receive on all our blogs during June and July to The Wounded Warrior Project which helps wounded warriors and their families returning from current conflicts.