Atomic Family by Ciera Horton McElroy

 

One of the disadvantages of reading as much as I do is that many books feel formulaic. Well, not this one. It's a fascinating reflection on life in the nuclear age and life in nuclear families. It would provide excellent discussion material for book groups, and the ending was amazing.

Review copy provided by publisher.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

 

meh

I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai

 

I read a lot of books, but this one really stood out. I was just completely gobsmacked by it.

The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer

 

Decent, but way too much repetition from the first book.

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

 

Fun in the way sweeping epics are fun and problematic the way 80s authors are problematic.

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

 

I can't decide if I liked this. It was right on that edge between horror and comedy, and I don't do horror.

Takes One to Know One by Susan Isaacs

 

This was super-fun.

Last Port of Call by Jean Grainger

 

This was just . . . very sweet and earnest, if a bit too inflected with modern sensibilities.

Augusta Hawke by G. M. Malliet

 

A solid mystery. 

Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

 

meh

The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix

 

I don't normally do kids' books for myself, but this was quite fun.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

 

I think the Finlay Donovan books are one of my very favorite series -- they are so ridiculous and ridiculously funny.

Review copy provided by publisher.

All Is Not Forgotten by Wendy Walker

 

I can't decide if I liked this.

Guilty Minds by Joseph Finder

 

First half was great; second half was meh.

The Change by Kirsten Miller

 

An over-the-top feminist revenge fantasy. I loved it.

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

 

Long and weird.

Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline

 

I can't decide if I liked this or if it was silly.

Girl in Ice by Erica Ferencik

 

Very unusual -- I think I liked this?

Locust Lane by Stephen Amidon

 

I really liked this. It reminded me of Little Fires Everywhere, but without being derivative. I think it would be a great choice for book groups.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Invitation to a Killer by G. M. Malliet

 

Despite one excessive plot twist, this was quite fun.

Review copy provided by publisher.