Category Archives: Park Row Books

October 5, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger

Title: Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense,
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From master of suspense Lisa Unger comes a riveting thriller about a chance encounter that unravels a stunning web of lies and deceit.

Be careful to whom you tell your darkest secrets…

Selena Murphy is commuting home from her job in the city when the train stalls out on the tracks. She strikes up a conversation with a beautiful stranger in the next seat, and their connection is fast and easy. The woman introduces herself as Martha and confesses that she’s been stuck in an affair with her boss. Selena, in turn, confesses that she suspects her husband is sleeping with the nanny. When the train arrives at Selena’s station, the two women part ways, presumably never to meet again.

But days later, Selena’s nanny disappears.

Soon Selena finds her once-perfect life upended. As she is pulled into the mystery of the missing nanny, and as the fractures in her marriage grow deeper, Selena begins to wonder, who was Martha really? But she is hardly prepared for what she’ll discover.

Expertly plotted and reminiscent of the timeless classic Strangers on a Train, Confessions on the 7:45 is a gripping thriller about the delicate facades we create around our lives.

Review:

Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger is a perplexing domestic mystery.

Selena Murphy has been married to Graham for ten years and they have two young sons, Oliver and Stephen. She initially stays home with the boys but she returns to work after Graham is laid off from his job.  As luck would have it, the nanny she often chats with at the local playground is leaving her current position. Selena gratefully hires Geneva who is an absolutely perfect nanny. But Selena begins to suspect that Graham might be sleeping with the young woman.  When Geneva’s sister reports her missing, Selena holds her breath as she waits for her life to come tumbling down.

Selena works in the city and takes the train to and from work. After working late one evening, she catches a later train and when the train is delayed, she strikes up a conversation with her seatmate.  After the other woman confesses she’s having an affair, Selena confides her suspicions about her husband and the nanny at the same time.  Immediately regretting revealing such personal information to a stranger,  Selena tries to put the uncomfortable encounter behind. When the stranger from the train begins texting her, Selena’s uneasiness grows. But after the police begin asking questions about their missing nanny and Selena’s anger with Graham continues to grow, she makes a fateful decision that brings the woman deeper into their lives.

In the days after Geneva’s disappearance,  Selena is forced to confront the truth about some of her past choices. She is wrestling with a difficult decision as her life begins to bear eerie similarities to her childhood. Selena also comes to the realization that her husband is now a stranger to her and she does not know what he is capable of doing.

With chapters seamlessly alternating between different perspectives, Confessions on the 7:45 is a fast-paced and engrossing mystery. The characters are well-developed and quite intriguing. The storyline is engaging with plenty of tension. With shocking twists, Lisa Unger brings this riveting mystery to an unexpected conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this suspenseful mystery to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Confessions on the 7:45, Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Lisa Unger, Mystery, Park Row Books, Rated B+, Review, Suspense

July 15, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Kids Are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony

Title: The Kids Are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: C+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A whip-smart, entertaining novel about twin siblings who become a national phenomenon after launching a podcast to find the biological father they never knew.

The death of Thomas and Savannah McClair’s mother turns their world upside down. Raised to be fiercely curious by their grandmother Maggie, the twins become determined to learn the identity of their biological father. And when their mission goes viral, an eccentric producer offers them a dream platform: a fully sponsored podcast called The Kids Are Gonna Ask. To discover the truth, Thomas and Savannah begin interviewing people from their mother’s past and are shocked when the podcast ignites in popularity. As the attention mounts, they get caught in a national debate they never asked for—but nothing compares to the mayhem that ensues when they find him.

Cleverly constructed, emotionally perceptive and sharply funny, The Kids Are Gonna Ask is a rollicking coming-of-age story and a moving exploration of all the ways we can go from lost to found.

Review:

The Kids Are Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony is a quirky family-centric novel.

Maggie McClair is raising her grandchildren, seventeen year old twins Thomas and Savannah. Their twin’s mother, Bess, died four years ago without ever revealing the name of their father. Thomas and Savannah decide to use their podcast to try to locate their biodad. After their podcast goes viral (not because of their quest but due to an odd dinner guest), podcast producer Sam Tamblin offers them his  expertise to reach a wider audience. With Savannah writing their episodes, the teenagers reach out to their mom’s friends to help identify their dad.  However, Maggie, Thomas and Savannah are ill-prepared for some of the more negative publicity surrounding their quest. Will Thomas and Savannah continue with their search for their bio-dad? And if they do find him, will he be open to meeting them?

Thomas and Savannah are fairly normal teens but Maggie is a bit eccentric. She invites people she meets into their home for a weekly dinner that serves as the basis for the twin’s podcasts. She is supportive of her grandchildren’s search but none of them foresee the unexpected backlash and unfavorable opinions on social media platforms. And Maggie is surprised by some of the feelings she begins to experience as she and her grandkids delve deeper into her daughter’s past.

Thomas and Savannah squabble and disagree with some elements of their search.  As they face the adverse aspects of social media, their regular friendships falter but Savannah finds support from an unexpected person. The twins’ relationship is strained when one of the keeps a secret from the other. And the most likely candidate for their biodad is someone who is dealing with issues of his own. Will he agree to meet with the teenagers?

The Kids Are Gonna Ask features an unique storyline but the pacing is slow.  The characters are a bit off-beat but easy to like (with one exception). The twins quest raises some interesting moral and ethical questions as they utilize a public platform for their search for their biodad.  Gretchen Anthony brings the novel to a satisfying conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Fiction, Gretchen Anthony, Park Row Books, Rated C+, Review, The Kids Are Gonna Ask

June 7, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle

Title: Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Suspense
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Charlotte didn’t know her greatest risk was saying, “I do.”

When Charlotte married the wealthy widower Paul, it caused a ripple of gossip in their small lakeside town. They have a charmed life together, despite the cruel whispers about her humble past and his first marriage. But everything starts to unravel when she discovers a young woman’s body floating in the exact same spot where Paul’s first wife tragically drowned.

At first, it seems like a horrific coincidence, but the stranger in the lake is no stranger. Charlotte saw Paul talking to her the day before, even though Paul tells the police he’s never met the woman. His lie exposes cracks in their fragile new marriage, cracks Charlotte is determined to keep from breaking them in two.

As Charlotte uncovers dark mysteries about the man she married, she doesn’t know what to trust—her heart, which knows Paul to be a good man, or her growing suspicion that there’s something he’s hiding in the water.

Review:

Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle is a captivating domestic mystery.

Following a bit of a whirlwind romance, Charlotte and wealthy widower Paul Keller are now happily married.  Despite her domestic bliss, she can never quite escape the whispers that she married him for money. She and her brother Chet lived alone with their drug-addicted mother after their father went to prison. Charlotte is deeply in love with Paul and she puts no stock in the rumors that he had anything to do with the death of his first wife, Katherine, who drowned in the lake in front of their home four years earlier.

Although Charlotte is a little troubled when she sees Paul talking with a stranger, she believes him when he denies knowing her. But when Charlotte discovers the woman’s dead body floating in the river, she begins to entertain doubts about her husband. Especially since he lies to the police then quickly leaves to locate his friend Jax, the town “crazy” who lives in the nearby woods. With Chet temporarily staying with her, Charlotte tries to find out the truth about her husband. But what will do she do once she finds the answers?

Charlotte is a smart woman in her mid-twenties. After her tumultuous, unstable and poverty stricken childhood, she vows to be nothing like her addicted, irresponsible mother. Charlotte genuinely loves Paul and while they are quite happy, she is still a little uneasy with his wealth. She is no longer accepted by her former friends nor has she found friendship in her new life. Luckily, Paul’s best friend Micah Hunt welcomes her into the fold.

After Charlotte discovers the stranger’s body, Micah is the first person she calls for help since Paul is out for his daily jog. Micah is the police chief’s son and he is a trained diver.  Once the deceased has been brought to shore, life as Charlotte knows it soon ends. Despite desperately wanting to believe Paul has nothing to do with this latest death, his actions and evasions contribute to her growing suspicions. It soon becomes clear that something is going on, but Charlotte is having trouble determining exactly what that is.

Stranger in the Lake  is an extremely fast-paced and clever mystery. Charlotte is a gutsy and tenacious lead protagonist with a strong moral compass.  The storyline is compelling and weaves back and forth in time between present day and twenty years earlier.   With a stunning turn of events,  Kimberly Belle brings this riveting domestic thriller to a twist-filled conclusion.

I highly recommend this brilliant domestic mystery to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Kimberly Belle, Mystery, Park Row Books, Rated B+, Review, Stranger in the Lake, Suspense

May 6, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf

Title: This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Everyone has a secret they’ll do anything to hide…

Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.

For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.

Review:

This Is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf is a gripping, tension-filled mystery.

At nearly eight months pregnant, Detective Maggie Kennedy-O’Keefe thinks her boss, Chief Les Digby, wants to discuss putting her on light duty when he calls her to his office. Needless to say, she is shocked to learn that new evidence has been found in the still unsolved, twenty-five old murder of her best friend Eve Knox. Maggie jumps at the opportunity to investigate the cold case and submit both old and new evidence for testing. Will Maggie solve her best friend’s murder?

Eve’s murder was originally investigated in part by Maggie’s father Henry who was the police chief at the time. He is recently retired and suffering from dementia. Her brother, Colin, lives with their father who is occasionally prone to wandering off. Henry clearly remembers long ago events but his present day memories fade away within minutes. Although the case soon went cold, Maggie believes her father might have information that could help her with her investigation. But he becomes so upset when discussing the cold case, she is quick to change the subject. Does Henry know anything that is not in the official file?

Eve was more than just Maggie’s best friend; she was also their neighbor.  And Eve’s mother and sister, Nola, still live in the same house. Although she would rather avoid Nola, who has quite the reputation due to her very odd behavior, Maggie knows she has to inform the family the case is under new scrutiny. Just as Maggie feared, Nola is still rather creepy and she is relieved when their conversation is over. Shaken by her encounters with Nola, Maggie tries to stay clear of her, but Nola has every intention of bringing her sister’s killer to justice.

At home, Maggie’s husband Shaun is not at all happy about his wife’s involvement in the case. With the upcoming birth of their long-awaited baby, he wants her to do nothing to jeopardize her pregnancy. Maggie is shocked when she discovers unexpected information about him in Eve’s case file. But does this new-to-her detail have anything to do with Eve’s murder?

Shifting back in forth in time, This Is How I Lied is a fast-paced and atmospheric mystery. The characters are well-drawn with strange quirks, relatable flaws and appealing traits. The investigation uncovers interesting information but the real shocker occurs about at about the half-way mark.  With red herrings, clever misdirects and stunning plot twists, Heather Gudenkauf brings this engrossing mystery to an eye-popping, unanticipated denouement.  I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this outstanding mystery to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Heather Gudenkauf, Mystery, Park Row Books, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, This Is How I Lied

February 16, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

Title: The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Propulsive and addictive, and perfect for fans of “You,” The Other Mrs. is the twisty new psychological thriller from Mary Kubica, the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl

She tried to run, but she can’t escape the other Mrs.

Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from bustling Chicago to small-town Maine when their neighbor Morgan Baines is found dead in her home. The murder rocks their tiny coastal island, but no one is more shaken than Sadie.

But it’s not just Morgan’s death that has Sadie on edge. And as the eyes of suspicion turn toward the new family in town, Sadie is drawn deeper into the mystery of what really happened that dark and deadly night. But Sadie must be careful, for the more she discovers about Mrs. Baines, the more she begins to realize just how much she has to lose if the truth ever comes to light.

Review:

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica is a disquieting domestic mystery.

Dr. Sadie Foust and her family relocate to an island off the coast of Maine following her sister-in-law’s death.  The move comes at a fortuitous time since she recently discovered husband Will’s affair and their fourteen year old son Otto has been in trouble at school. Sadie’s unhappiness at their new home is exacerbated by her sixteen year old niece Imogen’s troubling behavior. When neighbor Morgan Baines is murdered, Sadie cannot shake the feeling the killer is close by. Determined to discover who murdered Morgan, is Sadie prepared for the information she might unearth?

Sadie feels like both the house and the island are closing in on her. She is also bored and unhappy with her new job. Sadie is also still wrestling with her feelings after learning about Will’s affair. No matter how hard she tries to put it behind her, she is not all receptive to his affectionate overtures.  She is also somewhat concerned about Otto and the distance between them. But her biggest worry is Imogen who is angry, undisciplined and foul-mouthed. Unable to break through her resentment, Sadie takes  steps to learn more about  her niece. What she discovers raises even more anxiety about the grieving teenager.

Following Morgan’s murder, Sadie’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. She makes eye-brow raising, reckless choices that may or may not provide answers she is seeking.  Unable to stop herself after making very shocking discoveries and amid fears for her family, Sadie makes impulsive decisions that could have life-altering repercussions.

In addition to Sadie’s perspective, the chapters alternate between two very different points of view. Camille is a brash, no holds barred woman who goes after she wants without worrying about the consequences.  Mouse is a child whose happy life with her father takes a drastic turn when he remarries.  Camille’s involvement in the Sadie’s life is obvious but who is Mouse? And how does she fit into the unfolding story?

The Other Mrs. is an atmospheric mystery that is quite engrossing. The characters are interesting but not always easy to like.  The three narratives are engaging and add another layer of tension to the suspenseful storyline. With a series of breathtaking twists and shocking turns, Mary Kubica brings this clever mystery to a dramatic, jaw-dropping conclusion. I very much enjoyed and highly recommend this diabolically twisted mystery to readers of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Mary Kubica, Mystery, Park Row Books, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Other Mrs.

September 22, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger

Title: The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger
Publisher: Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Even good people are drawn to do evil things…

Twelve-year-old Rain Winter narrowly escaped an abduction while walking to a friend’s house. Her two best friends, Tess and Hank, were not as lucky. Tess never came home, and Hank was held in captivity before managing to escape. Their abductor was sent to prison but years later was released. Then someone delivered real justice—and killed him in cold blood.

Now Rain is living the perfect suburban life, her dark childhood buried deep. She spends her days as a stay-at-home mom, having put aside her career as a hard-hitting journalist to care for her infant daughter. But when another brutal murderer who escaped justice is found dead, Rain is unexpectedly drawn into the case. Eerie similarities to the murder of her friends’ abductor force Rain to revisit memories she’s worked hard to leave behind. Is there a vigilante at work? Who is the next target? Why can’t Rain just let it go?

Introducing one of the most compelling and original killers in crime fiction today, Lisa Unger takes readers deep inside the minds of both perpetrator and victim, blurring the lines between right and wrong, crime and justice, and showing that sometimes people deserve what comes to them.

Review:

The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger is a mesmerizing, suspenseful mystery.

Rain Winter has seemingly moved on from the seminal event of her childhood: surviving a kidnapping attempt that left her best friend Tess dead. But an apparent vigilante murder brings her survivor’s guilt bubbling to the surface and Rain is compelled to revisit the traumatic event.  Although she is now a stay at home mom to baby Lily, Rain was at one time an extremely successful radio news producer.  Calling upon her former sources for insider information, she and her best friend and on air personality, Gillian Murray, begin tossing around an idea for a podcast in which they explore Rain’s past.  Rain’s husband, Greg, is worried about what how this investigation will affect his wife but he is soon on board with her decision.  What surprises await Rain as her quest for answers takes her back to the still unsolved murder of Eugene Kreskey, the man who tried to abduct her and murdered her best friend?

Rain is torn between staying home with Lily and her desire to return to work.  But she cannot resist the urge to dig into her own past and take a hard look at all of the memories she has forced herself to neatly box up and put to the side.  Despite therapy, Rain has still not come to terms with the events of that horrible day but she has learned to live with what happened to her, Tess and their friend, Hank.  She is unable to resist her compulsion to investigate what happened to Kreskey but is Rain prepared for the answers she will find?

Interspersed with Rain’s investigation are chapters narrated in first person from the murderer’s point of view. These passages offer a fascinating peek into the mind of a killer whose need for justice is nearly overwhelming. The chapters are insightful and provide intriguing information about the chilling effects that trauma can wreak on a person’s psyche.  The murderer is a surprisingly sympathetic character who survived a horrific ordeal only to be unalterably transformed by violence.

The Stranger Inside is a clever mystery with a unique premise and an engaging cast of characters. Rain is a likable but sometimes very frustrating protagonist. The mysterious narrator’s chapters are compelling and utterly absorbing.  The storyline is riveting with shocking twists and turns.  Lisa Unger  expertly ratchets the tension to a fever pitch as the novel hurtles a jaw-dropping, stunning conclusion. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this multi-layered mystery to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Contemporary, Lisa Unger, Mystery, Park Row Books, Rated B+, Review, Suspense, The Stranger Inside