In a Dark, Dark Wood

 
“In a Dark, Dark Wood” by Ruth Ware
Published by Scout Press
 
This one started off strong, got a little slow in the middle, and then became very unrealistic towards the end.  Actually, throughout the book I kept finding myself thinking “this would never happen” or “who would do that?”.  But yet, I kept reading it because I enjoyed it and wanted to know how it ended.  I think I’ve simply come to the conclusion that although I thought “The Woman in Cabin 10” was a 5-star read, all her other books I’ve read so far have just been OK.  I still have a couple more of her books to read – maybe I’ll find another 5-star read in one of those.
 
Finished 10/20/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#inadarkdarkwood #ruthware #scoutpress #2025reads

The Perfect One

 
“The Perfect One” by Shelly M Patel
Independent Author
 
I thought this was a great story and an enjoyable read.  It’s a page turner with multiple points of view, allowing you to see different sides of what is happening along the way, adding to the suspicion of different characters.  You will change your mind multiple times as to who the guilty party is.  Unfortunately, there were a couple plot holes and points that went unanswered, so the ending was a little dissatisfying, causing my rating to be a little lower.  Even with that said, I do recommend it because I did enjoy it and think others will as well.  However, please read my addition note below because this book might not be for everyone.
 
Side note – I’m used to reading ARCs so errors don’t normally bother me, however, knowing this is the final, published version I must give a heads up that if you are one of those people in which errors bother you, you will probably not enjoy this book as much.  There are missing words, misspelled words, a character misnamed, and a subway/metro in VA Beach where one has never existed (I assume initially the book was to take place elsewhere).  The writing itself was fine, and I think this author has potential, but she needs a new editor.
 
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/11/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#theperfectone #shellympatel #indyauthor #2025reads

The Hitchhikers

 
“The Hitchhikers” by Chevy Stevens
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
What a ride!  This is my 4^th book by Chevy Stevens and all of them have been 4 or 5 stars.  She definitely knows how to write a page turner that will keep you picking up the book to read anytime you have more than 5 minutes free and then keep you up later than planned to read “just one chapter” over and over.  Did I guess the ending?  Yes.  Did that make a difference in my enjoyment of the story?  Absolutely not.  I loved every page of it.  I definitely recommend this one – you’ll fly through it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/7/25 – 4.5/5 stars
 
#thehitchhikers #chevystevens #stmartinspress #netgalley

The Fountains of Silence

 
“The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys
Published by Philomel Books
 
In a nutshell, I liked it, but it dragged in the middle.  There are various points of view with many intertwined storylines.  I think the one regarding bull fighting could have been removed, keeping it more focused on the main stories that all come together in the end.  It’s historical fiction, which is my favorite genre, and I learned quite a bit about Spain’s past.  I just think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a little shorter and didn’t drag.  For me it was an average read but I’m glad I did, and I do recommend it.
 
Finished 10/3/25 – 3/5 stars
 
#thefountainsofsilence #rutasepetys #philomelbooks #botm #2025reads