Your Favorite Scary Movie

 “Your Favorite Scary Movie” by Ashley Cullins
Published by Plume / Penguin Random House
 
I may love reading a good murder mystery, but I am not a fan of thrasher/horror movies.  The exception being the movie “Scream” – I really enjoyed that one.  Part of the reason I enjoyed it so much was because it wasn’t like other movies in its genre.  This book gives you insights into how and why the Scream franchise is so different, a look behind the scenes of making the movies.  One of my favorite facts to learn - because of the ghostface costume and a separate voice actor used for the character; they were able to keep it a secret from the full cast as to who the murderer was in each movie.  Actors were hired and began filming not knowing if they were going to be a victim or the killer(s). 
 
Knowing that I’ve only seen the first movie and was able to enjoy learning about all the movies in the franchise, tells me that fans of these movies are going to love this book.  I do think you need to have at least watched one of the movies though.  Now, I need to go watch the rest.
 
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed in this honest review are completely my own.
 
Finished 10/27/25 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#yourfavoritescarymovie #ashleycullins #scream #plume #penguinrandomhouse 

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

The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre

 

“The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre” by Philip Fracassi
Published by Tor Nightfire
 
Who knew a thriller/mystery could be such a fun read.  I truly enjoyed every page of this book.  Not only is the mystery itself good, the characters are absolutely wonderful.  You just can’t get too attached because you never know who will be next, or how.  Each person is murdered in a different way and because all the victims are older, not all deaths appear suspicious, delaying the investigation.  But not all the residents are fooled.  Some of these senior citizens are ready to take charge and figure it out themselves, hoping to stay alive in the process.  I highly recommend this one even if thrillers aren’t your thing because this book is much more than a slasher book.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 9/23/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#theautumnspringsretirementhomemassacre #philipfracassi #tornightfire #netgalley #5starreads

The Vanishing Place

 
“The Vanishing Place” by Zoe Rankin
Published by Berkley
 
What a fantastic debut thriller!  This one is just being released and I’m already excited for whatever she writes next.  There is family drama, cultish behavior, mystery, suspense, and a little sprinkle of romance all in one page-turner.  You’ll fly through it simply because you’ll want to pick it up and read every spare minute you have.  At least I did.  I highly recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 9/12/25 – 5/5 stars
 
#thevanishingplace #zoerankin #berkley #netgalley #5starread #2025reads