Review: In the Blood

 

Tessa was abandoned at the fire station when she was a baby. She's never known anything about her birth parents and always wondered. Not that her adoptive parents aren't great, but it just feels like a part of her is missing. 

When she turns 18, her best friend gives her an ancestry kit, hoping that Tessa will find some answers. She never imagines what she'll uncover and how that will change everything.

My Thoughts: I really love April Henry and was thrilled to have an ARC of her latest book. I love how Tessa's school work in science class mirrored her testing. I loved Tessa's friendship with El and her growing relationship with Victor. I loved the alternative perspectives. On the mystery side, I loved learning details about the Portland Phantom - from the documentary excerpts and the police officers working the case. I liked the perspective of the killer and learning details from him.  This one was a creepy addictive read that I didn't want to put down (classic April Henry) 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy -but good!

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

* Book comes out May 12 (Tuesday)

Review: When We Go Missing

 

What if you found evidence of a crime, but no one believed you?

Seventeen-year-old Willow always has a camera around her neck. She volunteers as a photographer at Finding Home animal shelter. When Willow stumbles upon a lost camera memory card, it’s filled with hundreds of photos of teenage girls. Some are smiling, others unaware, and a few seem terrified.

The police tell her taking photos in public isn’t a crime. But Willow can’t seem to let it go, especially after she finds her own photo on the card. Willow teams up with new volunteer Dare to figure out what happened to the girls. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It's creepy and had me turning the pages. Although I did have to stop when it got too close to bedtime, so I wouldn't have nightmares. I loved the time at the shelter with the animals and watching the behind-the-scenes moments. I felt bad for Dare for what he went through (and I'm still coming to terms with it.) I feel for Willow with her home life situation. This book was so fantastic.

Cover Thoughts: Eye-catching

Source: My Library

Why I read this book: The author

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library

Hand this book to: thriller readers and animal lovers

* There is an animal death, which happens before the story takes place.

Mini Review: If You Can Hear This

1. A girl moves to town

2. She struggles to fit in

3. A Teacher who helped her goes missing

4. She pushes the AV Club (who doesn't do much) to investigate

5. They become friends

6. They dig up a lot of dirt

7. They make the authorities investigate

I did really enjoy this book - but I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I loved the moments with Posey and the AV Club - she had a lot of ideas! There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages quickly. I read this on an airplane, and it was the perfect book to keep my mind engaged.

Review: Dead Below Deck

 

Maggie feels lucky to be part of the friend group. She has been invited to spend spring break with her new friends, sailing on a yacht to Grand Cayman. But something happens on that trip. Maggie wakes up hung over and unable to recall the night before.

Then they discover that Giselle, the daughter of the man who owns the boat, is missing. And there's blood on the railing. Could she have been pushed overboard?

Now the police are questioning all the girls - but Maggie is their primary suspect. She has the most secrets and the most to lose...

My Thoughts: I loved this book - I didn't want to stop reading it. I was almost late going back to work because I was 10 pages away from the end and my lunch break was over. It was so hard to go back to work!

I really loved the set-up of this book. It starts with the friends missing Giselle. Then it goes backwards in time until the girls get on the yacht. Then it moves forward. Interspersed between the chapters are police interviews and letters that Giselle wrote to her dead month about the events leading up to Spring Break. 

All the drama in this book kept me turning the pages as secrets were spilled. I devoured this fantastic thriller. If you like twisty books, this one is for you!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation:  A must have book for public libraries 

Review: Stay Dead

 

Milan's father died in a car accident. Milan believes that it's her fault. Her mother took over her father's Senate seat. Milan was shipped off to boarding school. She was kicked out of that boarding school and currently she's being kicked out of yet another boarding school.  

Her mother's jet is stopping to pick her up on the way to an event near their hometown. But a bomb causes the jet's wing to break away from the plane. The pilot attempts to land the plane, but it crashes on the side of a mountain. Fire ripped through the plane. But just before, Milan escapes with her mother.

Her mother has internal injuries. She uses all her energy to tell Milan the truth about the past. Her father didn't die in an accident. The plane crash wasn't an accident. Her mom gives Milan instructions on what to do next. 

For Milan, it means getting off the mountain in the middle of winter and making the trek home. But she can't trust anyone. 

My Thoughts: Ever since learning about this book, I've wanted to read it. And it did not disappoint. Someone said you needed to clear your afternoon to read this because you were not going to put it down. They were right. I didn't want this book to end. Lots of action and danger here. It's one-half mystery and one-half survival story. If this isn't in your TBR pile, add it immediately.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have thriller for your YA section in school and public libraries. 

Creepy Read: Death at Morning House

 

From the bestselling author of the Truly Devious books, Maureen Johnson, comes a new stand-alone YA about a teen who uncovers a mystery while working as a tour guide on an island and must solve it before history repeats itself.

The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.

With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.

Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?

Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.

All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - it's a stand-alone thriller. I like how it alternated timelines - from the 1930s to present day. I loved learning about the mansion. The house sounds amazing - the family sounds difficult. I felt for Marlowe; she had a hard summer. There were a lot of twists and turns in this one, which kept me reading because I had to know what happened! 

Cover Thoughts: Amazing! There are so many details. I actually did a quick TikTok video of it. 

Source: Book sent to review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your library's collection. 

Review: It's Only a Game

 

Marina's meets her online best friends for the first time. They's been playing video games together for a while, but they're happy to finally meet. 

They're getting an exclusive tour of a video gaming company. Marina doesn't take many chances. She's worried that someone might discover her true identity and her past. But this is too good of an opportunity to miss.

But it might have been better if she did. The tour sets up a horrific "game" for Marina and her three friends. When the owner of the video game company is murdered in front of them, they're given an option. Play the game or terrible consequences will happen to someone they care about. The person in charge has uncovered all their secrets. 

Now the four friends scramble to beat the game and try to uncover who is setting them up. Marina knows more than she's sharing. She's never been good at trusting people. This game could ruin everything.

My Thoughts: This debut novel knocks it out of the park. There's so much in this book - action, danger, secrets, and betrayals. There's an adorable dog. The timeline jumps between present day and Marina's childhood. I felt badly for Marina and all that she went through - I just wanted to give her a hug. The villain in this story is impressively evil. I enjoyed the moments of research and the moments of playing video games. I devoured this book - I couldn't wait to see how it all played out. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. Hand this out to fans of video games and thrillers

On Your Radar (56): If Anything Happens to Me

Title: If Anything Happens to Me

Author: Luanne Rice

Publisher: Scholastic

Date Published: September 17

Why It Should be On Your Radar:

Creepy!

Sisters

Bird Watching

Friendship

Grief

Quick Timeline: most of the book takes place within 48 hours

Takes place in Connecticut

Greek Mythology

Thriller

Verdict: This book is really creepy! But I didn't want to put it down.

** ARC sent for review

BookTok: How to Find a Missing Girl

 

This one had me guessing all the way through the book.

@yabooknerdlibrarian Great YA thriller about missing girls, a podcast, amateur detectives, and friendships! #yabooks #yabooktok #podcast #booktok #thriller ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

P.S. If you like books about podcasting, try these too!  

BookTok: People to Follow

First Read of 2024:

 

@yabooknerdlibrarian My first read of 2024 - a page turner, a thriller about influencers, and lots of twists. #booktok #thrillers #yabooks #influencer ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: Liar's Beach

 

Linden's the scholarship kid at school, but he tries to hide his lack of wealth. His roommate's family owns a house on the vineyard. He's invited for a week during the summer.

First, it's not a house, it's mansion. Second, everyone is wealthy. Third, there's LOTS of drama. Friendship drama, family drama, and romantic drama spill out all over the place. 

But it all blows up when the morning after the teens throw a house party, someone's found in the pool. He's unconscious.  Linden's not sure who to trust. Everyone seems to have a motive. Secrets start coming out and Linden wonders if he should even be there...

My Thoughts: This was a good thriller. From the cover and the title, I was excepting something different. Also, I'm not an Agatha Christie fan, so I didn't realize this was a modern retelling. It's hard to like any of the characters and I didn't empathize with any of them, but I had to keep turning the page to uncover the truth about that night.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but doesn't match the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fun summer thriller - hand this to folks who love Cruel Summer. 

Review: Girl Forgotten

 

Piper is new to town when she stumbles across a gravestone. Layla died twenty years ago, when she was Piper's age. A quick internet search reveals that she was murdered and that the case is unsolved. When Piper learns that her school requires a senior project, she decides to create a podcast based on the murder.

She learns the ins and outs of podcasting from a new friend. But not everyone is happy as she digs up old information and new rumors. She opens up new wounds and someone wants her to stop. Piper receives threatening letters, but she's too curious to stop digging. 

My Thoughts: A great thriller. I did not want to put this book down. I did figure out the murdered, but it took me a while. I really enjoyed the podcasting pieces - from learning about podcasting to reading the transcripts. I loved the friendship develop between Piper and Jonas. I've read several of April Henry books and I've loved them all. 

Cover Thoughts: I like it

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your library

If you're a podcast fan, check out this list of podcasting books 

Review: The Lake House

 

Claire is afraid of everything, but nothing horrific has ever happened to her until this summer. Her parents sent to her to The Lake House, where they had their own summer experience. They are hoping a summer away will break Claire out of her disaster pessimistic style thinking.

But when Claire arrives with two other girls, they find the house burned to the ground. And then they discover the dead body in the woods. Something is happening - something bad. 

It's Claire's time to shine. All her worst fears are coming true. But the best part is that Claire, Reyva, and Mariana stick together. Could their friendship keep them safe together?

My Thoughts: I was a little skeptical at first - because I'm not a horror fan. The cover is a little creepy for me, but Sarah Beth Durst swore it wasn't too scary. And she was right. First, I love her novels. Second, I couldn't stop turning the pages on this book. I needed to know what happens next! I loved the friendship between the three girls - their banter and how they opened up to each other. I loved how they struggled to survive. The action, danger, tension and the suspense kept me turning the pages quickly. And that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy!
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A Must Have thriller for your library's collection 

Book Tok: A Night to Die For

 

See my latest booktok - which involves a fun thriller on Prom night!

@yabooknerdlibrarian Prom! Did you go to your prom? I did not. I’m chatting about a fun prom thriller today! #prom #thriller #yabooks #booktok @Lisa Schroeder @Get Underlined ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review: One of Us is Lying

 

Five high school students arrive in detention. One of them never leaves the room alive. He's also responsible for the school's gossip site - a site that's showcased a lot of student secrets. The other four have secrets that they didn't wanted posted. Could one of them have killed them to keep their secret safe?

My Thoughts: This is one of those books you read in one sitting because you HAVE to know what happened. It was really good. However, I wasn't a huge fan of the twist. I did enjoy getting to know the characters and their secrets. I'm curious about the next book. The tagline Breakfast Club meets Gossip Girl is spot on. And this would make a great Netflix movie.

Cover Thoughts: Good

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your YA collection.

Review: Inheritance Games

Avery Crumbs has a normal average life - she just wants to leave town and never look back. But in the blink of an eye, everything changes. She's requested to travel to Texas with her guardian and witness a will reading. For a billionaire. Tobias Hawthorne.

Instead of leaving everything to his family, he leaves the bulk of his fortune to Avery. Avery's stunned. His family can't believe it.

In order to inherit the fortune, Avery must stay in the mansion for a year. It's enough to make anyone want to kill her. And someone does.

Three out of his four grandsons think there's more to the story - that there's a hidden puzzle with more details. So they start searching. Because what doesn't kill you will make you stronger...

My Thoughts: I loved this book (just like I knew I would). If you're a long time reader of this blog, than you know I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I loved the plot twists, the banter, the amazing house with all those secret passageways and libraries, the action, the danger, and of course not knowing who to trust. And the book ended on a very interesting note making me need the next book ASAP.

If you liked the movie Knives Out - this book is for you!

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended thriller for your school and public libraries. 

Review: Phantom Wheel

Six of the top teen hackers can't believe they're being recruited for the CIA - and an all expenses paid college tuition. All they have to do is compete for the prize. It sounds too good to be true - and that's because it is. Only one of them figures it out and walks away from the test.

The others take the test and wait patiently for weeks hoping they made the cut.

They don't see that they've been used.

When Owen figures it out - he reaches out to the others. Because they need to make the wrong they did right. Even it means losing everything. Together, they come up with a plan that might just save the world.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, it was hard to put down. I loved the action and the danger; it kept me quickly turning the pages. I had to see what happened next. I loved that the six of them worked together and became fast friends. I loved the nicknames, the romances, and how they all made each other better. I really liked learning more about hacking too - I wish I had that skill set. 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great thriller with diverse characters and lots of twists and turns.

Blog Tour: You Don't Know My Name

About the Book:

Title: YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME (The Black Angel Chronicles #1)

Author: Kristen Orlando

Pub. Date: January 10, 2017

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Pages: 320

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Fighter, Faker, Student, Spy.

Seventeen-year-old Reagan Elizabeth Hillis is used to changing identities overnight, lying to every friend she’s ever had, and pushing away anyone who gets too close. Trained in mortal combat and weaponry her entire life, Reagan is expected to follow in her parents’ footsteps and join the ranks of the most powerful top-secret agency in the world, the Black Angels. Falling in love with the boy next door was never part of the plan.

Now Reagan has to decide: Will she use her incredible talents and lead the dangerous life she was born into, or throw it all away to follow her heart and embrace the normal life she's always wanted? And does she even have a choice at all?

Find out if you are ready to join the Black Angels in the captivating and emotional page-turner, You Don't Know My Name, from debut novelist Kristen Orlando!

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book, but then it hooked me. I devoured it and didn't want this book to end. I loved the romance between Reagan and Luke. I felt bad for Reagan for not being able to have a normal life, for not being able to choose, and for fitting in so effortlessly in the many versions of her life. Once the action started, it didn't stop, leaving me on the edge of my seat. The book took a turn I wasn't expecting. I loved it when Reagan took matters into her own hands. I didn't see the end coming - at all. I need the next book in the series ASAP! 

Cover Thoughts: Interesting
Source: ARC sent for review

Final Thoughts: Highly recommended for school and public libraries. Hand this one to fans of Ally Carter and Jennifer Lynn Barnes. A twisty action packed romance.

About Kristen:

Writing is one of the great loves of my life (with bacon mac and cheese, Netflix binges and PJs also in the mix). My childhood in Columbus, Ohio was spent reading every single Baby-Sitter’s Club book ever written and acting out imaginary tragedies in my room (complete with costumes and props) until a really embarrassing age. I started writing plays for my younger cousins as soon as they were all old enough to act (The Spoiled Princess may be a personal favorite) and haven’t stopped writing since. After graduating from Kenyon College with a B.A. in English Literature, I’ve been lucky enough to make writing my career; first as a television producer, then as a marketer and now as a novelist.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Check out the rest of the tour

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/2/2017- BookHounds YA- Interview

1/3/2017- A Gingerly Review- Review

1/4/2017- Novel Novice- Guest Post

1/5/2017- YA Book Nerd- Review

1/6/2017- Brittany's Book Rambles- Interview

Week Two:

1/9/2017- Ohana Reads- Review

1/10/2017- Curling Up With A Good Book- Excerpt

1/11/2017- Bookwyrming Thoughts- Review

1/12/2017- The Cover Contessa- Interview

1/13/2017- I Heart Romance & YA- Review

Giveaway Details:

Sounds great right? Luckily you have a chance to win a copy. 3 winners will receive a signed finished copy of YOU DON’T KNOW MY NAME, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Long Game

* Book 2 in The Fixer novels *

Tess is still reeling from her previous adventure. When Emilia calls in her favor, Tess believes it's going to be an easy road making sure Emilia becomes the next president of the student council. But Tess couldn't be more wrong.

When Emilia's competition strikes out against her, the school wants her to back down. Tess isn't about to let that happen. She launches an attack, getting most of the female student body on her side.

But Tess finds herself in the middle of a power grab and she doesn't realize it until it's too late. She's not about to give up, even when she's realizes she's been beat.

My Thoughts: I Love this series! And by series, I really hope there are more Fixer novels coming. I love the twists and turns. I love the moments I never saw coming. I love Tess and her relationship with people. I love her determination and her loyalty. I liked the moments between Tess and her family - and how she's coming to understand them more. I devoured this book and still wanted more!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all YA collections

Apparently I didn't review The Fixer on this blog (I Loved it!) but I did just mention these books on our library blog.

Review: Zero Day

Eight years ago in the Governor's mansion, a girl disappeared. Now, she reappears with a story. Her father's currently the President.

Once they've determined it's Addie and after several hours of questions, she's allowed to return to her family and return home.

Of course, Addie seems different than the girl she was before, but everything will get back to normal once things settle down. At least that's what everyone's hoping will happen.

Her father's term as President has been tainted with would be terrorist attacks that seem incredibly violent, but then appear to cause panic, but not damage.

Could the first daughter's return have anything to do with these attacks?

My Thoughts:  It reminded me a book as I read and loved as a middle school student about the President's daughter being kidnapped. So I was nostalgic for that book, but of course this novel was VERY different.

I loved this book - and couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened. I loved the multiple perspectives.I loved the flashbacks from eight years ago to more present times.

As the book continues, there seems to be two sides to Addie - one is the quiet girl from before and the other is the strong girl who survived during. Now, she starts to come into her own during the aftermath. But she's not sure who to trust when everyone around seems to be lying to her. 

I would have like a little more at the end and a little more details on the hacking, but other than that, an amazing debut.

While this is written for a stand - alone, there is room for a sequel. Or dare I say a companion novel from Ellie's perspective?

Cover Thoughts: I like out it ties in the with story
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Pick this one up when you have an afternoon free because you're not going to want to stop until you finish reading it.