About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Ainslie Hogarth
Positive Booklist Dani can be unlikeable—wishy-washy, judgmental, and paranoid—but there are some positive nuggets too, such as the importance of self-care and much-needed support for mothers.
Heather Chavez
Rave Booklist The changes in points of view allow for backstory to be revealed while still moving the pace along. Recommended for readers of the gritty, complex thrillers by Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Gillian Flynn.
Ava Barry
Positive Booklist The plot of this exhilarating and intricate novel ebbs and flows between fast-paced action and relaxed moments of narrative exposition. Rainey is a formidable protagonist, and her steadfast and honest relationships with her two female partners are well developed and refreshing to read. Recommend this one to fans of Robert Galbraith and Jennifer Wolfe.
Joy Fielding
Positive Library Journal ... an exciting roller-coaster ride of family dysfunction, marital dynamics, and gaslighting ... Fielding’s novel is gripping from the beginning, and Jodi is a fleshed-out, relatable protagonist. The plot builds to a nail-biting climax, but readers might feel let down by the quick, albeit satisfying, conclusion.
Chris Pavone
Mixed Library Journal Despite the quick back-and-forth between past and present, and the deluge of characters, the story turns out to have an interesting and unexpected conclusion ... Fans of Chris Bohjalian’s Cassie Bowden and Camilla Läckberg’s Faye Adelheim may be sympathetic to Ariel’s plight and able to overlook the high page count.
Julia Dahl
Positive Library Journal Dahl\'s...thriller is a fast-paced, multiple-perspective story of sexual abuse being dismissed, or even weaponized against its victim ... The plot is intriguing but doesn\'t quite hit the gritty climax readers might expect. Still, Dahl provides a timely story about an always relevant topic.
Rachel Hawkins
Positive Library Journal With an even darker twist, this novel delivers a one-of-a-kind take on a well-known gothic tale. In addition to the suspenseful story line, the distorted love triangle and the impassivity of the Thornfield residents will have readers feeling simultaneously discombobulated and fulfilled. Recommended for all library mystery collections.
Bryan Reardon
Positive Booklist Reardon’s mastery at weaving together the strands of a complex psychological thriller is palpable on every page. Theo’s manic foray into Jasper’s life and mind is described in disturbing detail, but this is not the typical murder mystery. Instead of focusing on the gruesome outcomes, Reardon brings forth Jasper’s methods and mind-set, answering the question of why someone would commit such heinous acts. Fans of Gillian Flynn will jump at this one.
C. J. Tudor
Rave Booklist Fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, and Jess Lourey will leap at the chance to read Tudor’s new psychological thriller ... Tudor is undeniably talented at producing a slow burn, weaving each piece of the story together to form a creepy yet satisfying conclusion. Jack is a relatable protagonist, stepping away from the stereotypical personality of a vicar by projecting a raw, yet still empathetic, exterior. Gruesome and haunting, The Burning Girls is worth every page turn. Readers will surely be eager for more.
Brian Selfon
Positive Library Journal The shifting perspectives...provide the desired emotional depth but may leave readers a bit disoriented. Fans of gritty, dark, mysteries with dysfunctional characters will appreciate this one.
Perry O'Brien
Positive Library Journal O’Brien’s ability to express the human experience of inner turmoil and atonement, revenge and justice, displays his powerful and engaging talent as a writer ... Fans of Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series will appreciate Coop’s brusque, principled personality.
Hank Green
Rave Library Journal Throughout this adventurous, witty, and compelling novel, Green delivers sharp social commentary on the power of social media and both the benefits and horrendous consequences that follow when we give too much of ourselves to technology. An essential choice for all sf collections.
Susan Allott
Mixed Library Journal Newcomer Allott does a solid job of establishing a vivid sense of place. The mystery behind Mandy’s disappearance is appealing at first, but the unveiling of the puzzle doesn’t allow the plot to quite reach its potential. A supplemental book for mystery collections.