Scan barcode
micasreads's reviews
988 reviews
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
4.0
Author: Marie Benedict
Started: December 11, 2024
Finished: December 13, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Dorothy Sayer, along with other female writers of the time, including Agatha Christie, set out to solve a murder to prove themselves to the men of their detective club but the case of May Daniels soon becomes personal. As the women walk in May's steps, they realize that someone went out of their way to ensure that her death looked like an overdose. When the women uncover the secret behind May's death, they must do all they can to give her justice.
It was good to delve back into a Marie Benedict book with a group of fantastic female authors at its core. This is a story about the power of women and the strength of female friendship and the way it can help build self-confidence and awareness of self. A core concept of this book is the way women are viewed and put aside by society and how quickly they are willing to put us aside. I was aware of Dorothy Sayer and Agatha Christie but I was not aware of Ngario Marsh, Margery Allingham, or Baroness Emma Orczy but now was to read their novels. Marie Benedict writes novels that always have me researching the characters so I can imagine them as I read.
The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia
4.0
Author:Jessie Garcia
Started: December 5, 2024
Finished: December 6, 2024
Format: Digitial
Genre: Thriller
Stephanue is a news producter going on a business trip, and Jasmine is a woman escaping a relationship rife with domestic violence whose fates are sealed when they sit together on a plane. Soon after, both women are identified as having been murdered by the same man, although he swears he is innocent. What happened to the women, and where are their bodies?
What I thought was going to be a DNF ended up being a decent read with an unexpected twist at the end. The first half of the books sets a lot of background and other people's perspectives on what is happening, but stick with it - the last half makes it worth it. The book is divided into parts, which makes the storytelling easier to digest. This is going to be a hit with the thriller lovers, and I can see this being offered by the Book of the Month Club.
Started: December 5, 2024
Finished: December 6, 2024
Format: Digitial
Genre: Thriller
Stephanue is a news producter going on a business trip, and Jasmine is a woman escaping a relationship rife with domestic violence whose fates are sealed when they sit together on a plane. Soon after, both women are identified as having been murdered by the same man, although he swears he is innocent. What happened to the women, and where are their bodies?
What I thought was going to be a DNF ended up being a decent read with an unexpected twist at the end. The first half of the books sets a lot of background and other people's perspectives on what is happening, but stick with it - the last half makes it worth it. The book is divided into parts, which makes the storytelling easier to digest. This is going to be a hit with the thriller lovers, and I can see this being offered by the Book of the Month Club.
Cover Story by Rachel Lacey
4.0
Author: Rachel Lacey
Narrator: Quinn Riley
Started: December 3, 2024
Finished: December 4, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Natalie Keane, a top leading lady, has had to hire extra security due to her stalker being released from jail. In order to not make the fact that she has a bodyguard known, they decide that they will say that she and Taylor, the bodyguard, are dating. As the women spend time together, they begin to have real feelings for each other. As Taylor's contract is sent to end; the women must decide if they have a future.
This was such a sweet story. Both lead characters had interesting back stories, and it was obvious that they had been through a lot in their past relationships. The way they began to slowly fall for each other was sweet and the slow way that they got closer and got to know each other was lovely to re. There was nothing I disliked or would change about the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Narrator: Quinn Riley
Started: December 3, 2024
Finished: December 4, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Natalie Keane, a top leading lady, has had to hire extra security due to her stalker being released from jail. In order to not make the fact that she has a bodyguard known, they decide that they will say that she and Taylor, the bodyguard, are dating. As the women spend time together, they begin to have real feelings for each other. As Taylor's contract is sent to end; the women must decide if they have a future.
This was such a sweet story. Both lead characters had interesting back stories, and it was obvious that they had been through a lot in their past relationships. The way they began to slowly fall for each other was sweet and the slow way that they got closer and got to know each other was lovely to re. There was nothing I disliked or would change about the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book.
The Passengers by John Marrs
5.0
Author: John Marrs
Narrator: Clare Corbett et al
Started: December 2, 2024
Finished: December 3, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Eight self-driving cars have been hacked and the passengers are told that they are going to die. At the same time, an inquest into a car accident has started. Through the use of hidden cameras in the cars, the passengers and their fates are broadcast all over the world. The hacker is going to make those at the inquest choose who lives while the others dies. As the fateful moment occurs, all eyes are on the vehicles to see their final demise.
This was a fantastic book! The premise of AI controlling the vehicles with no way of the driver taking control if something went wrong. Add onto that the possibility that someone could hack into the car's computer and cause the vehicle to crash. The story was well-told and propulsive. I kept wanting to know more about the passengers and what secrets they each hold. As each secret was revealed, you could see as public opinion turned against them. I can't wait to read more by Marrs as he is quickly becoming an auto-read author.
Narrator: Clare Corbett et al
Started: December 2, 2024
Finished: December 3, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Eight self-driving cars have been hacked and the passengers are told that they are going to die. At the same time, an inquest into a car accident has started. Through the use of hidden cameras in the cars, the passengers and their fates are broadcast all over the world. The hacker is going to make those at the inquest choose who lives while the others dies. As the fateful moment occurs, all eyes are on the vehicles to see their final demise.
This was a fantastic book! The premise of AI controlling the vehicles with no way of the driver taking control if something went wrong. Add onto that the possibility that someone could hack into the car's computer and cause the vehicle to crash. The story was well-told and propulsive. I kept wanting to know more about the passengers and what secrets they each hold. As each secret was revealed, you could see as public opinion turned against them. I can't wait to read more by Marrs as he is quickly becoming an auto-read author.
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
4.0
Author: Ashley Herring Blake
Started: November 28, 2024
Finished: November 29, 2024
Format: Print
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Charlotte Donovan was left at the altar by Brighton Fairbrook five years ago and they hadn't seen or spoken to each other since. When they coincidentally see each other again as guest of friends for Christmas, things do not get off to a good start. Eventually the couple have to accept their past and forgive each other - but can they move on?
Thanksgiving dinner was over and this book was in my hands. I knew this had to be my first Christmas romance of the season. I loved the elements of refound lone and forgiveness. Charlotte and Bright are wonderful characters nad I loved reading their stories. This was so much fun to read from start to finish.
Started: November 28, 2024
Finished: November 29, 2024
Format: Print
Genre: Sapphic Romance
Charlotte Donovan was left at the altar by Brighton Fairbrook five years ago and they hadn't seen or spoken to each other since. When they coincidentally see each other again as guest of friends for Christmas, things do not get off to a good start. Eventually the couple have to accept their past and forgive each other - but can they move on?
Thanksgiving dinner was over and this book was in my hands. I knew this had to be my first Christmas romance of the season. I loved the elements of refound lone and forgiveness. Charlotte and Bright are wonderful characters nad I loved reading their stories. This was so much fun to read from start to finish.
The Good Lie by A.R. Torre
5.0
Author: A.R. Torre
Narrator: Susan Dalian
Started: November 26, 2024
Finished: November 27, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Dr. Gwen Moore is a psychiatrist who sees violent patients. In her community, there is a madman with the moniker The Bloody Heart killer abducting and murdering teenage boys. When his latest victim escapes and identifies the killer, Gwen's life becomes overwhelmed with the killer when she is hired to put together a psychological profile of him. When the truth comes out... it's not what anyone expects.
This was another great book by A.R. Torre. What could be better than a serial killer novel with so many twists and turns. This story had my attention from start to finish. I consider a thriller worth reading when all the clues lead you one way and the the twist shows it was a red herring all along. I can't wait to read more of Torre's novels in the new year.
Narrator: Susan Dalian
Started: November 26, 2024
Finished: November 27, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Dr. Gwen Moore is a psychiatrist who sees violent patients. In her community, there is a madman with the moniker The Bloody Heart killer abducting and murdering teenage boys. When his latest victim escapes and identifies the killer, Gwen's life becomes overwhelmed with the killer when she is hired to put together a psychological profile of him. When the truth comes out... it's not what anyone expects.
This was another great book by A.R. Torre. What could be better than a serial killer novel with so many twists and turns. This story had my attention from start to finish. I consider a thriller worth reading when all the clues lead you one way and the the twist shows it was a red herring all along. I can't wait to read more of Torre's novels in the new year.
Dear Hanna by Zoje Stage
2.0
Author: Zoje Stage
Narrator: Helen Laser
Started: November 29, 2024
Finished: November 29, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Hanna has had dark thoughts all her life, but now she is ready for a normal life. She marries a man twice her age and has a teenage daughter, Joelle. They all appear happy, but when her stepdaughter begins to change, Hanna's life begins to unravel. She reverts to her dark thoughts and tries to get her life under control. The problem is that once things start to unravel, they can't always be fixed.
This was a cluster of a book. First, I didn't realize this was the continuation of Baby Teeth, as I've never read it. Second, Hanna is definitely a sociopath. That all being said, this was a terrible story. It seemed to jump all over the place, and I was constantly having to go back into the audio because it felt like I missed something. This was not an enjoyable read for me.
Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica
4.0
Author: Mary Kubica
Narrator: Brittany Pressley, et al
Started: November 24, 2024
Finished: November 25, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Nina Hayes' husband, Jake, is missing and Nina's friend, Lily, may have been the last one to see him alive. Lily tells her husband that Jake attacked her in the woods and she hit in the head with a rock and is unsure if she killed him. Together, they do all they can to ensure that Lily is never a suspect. When Jake's body is found, questions are asked and no one is ready for the answers.
Mary Kubica can make the most basic trope worth reading. The story was well-written and the twist was fantastic. I was interested in the story from the start and it stayed throughout the story. Jake was a vile character that was easily hated. Lily had my sympathy until she didn't. The narrators did a great job bringing all of the characters and their issue to life. This is my second Kubica novel and I can't wait to read more.
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene
4.0
Author: Katherine Greene
Narrator: Helen Laser, et al
Started: November 20, 2024
Finished: November 21, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Female students at Southern State University in North Carolina have gone missing. Jessica Fadley was the last one to disappear. Twenty-four years later, a true crime podcast explores the case, and new clues and leads bring the truth to the surface.
This was a great multimedia-style book that brought the story to life. The twists and turns of the story kept me interested. There were many likable and unlikeable characters in the story that made you want to find out what happened to them and what part they played in the story and the crime itself. This is a book any reader who enjoys thrillers would love.
Narrator: Helen Laser, et al
Started: November 20, 2024
Finished: November 21, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Female students at Southern State University in North Carolina have gone missing. Jessica Fadley was the last one to disappear. Twenty-four years later, a true crime podcast explores the case, and new clues and leads bring the truth to the surface.
This was a great multimedia-style book that brought the story to life. The twists and turns of the story kept me interested. There were many likable and unlikeable characters in the story that made you want to find out what happened to them and what part they played in the story and the crime itself. This is a book any reader who enjoys thrillers would love.
Head Cases by John McMahon
3.0
Author: John McMahon
Started: November 20, 2024
Finished: November 21, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Thriller
FBI Agent Camden is part of a unit that helps solve problems others cannot handle. When he is placed as the head of a team covering the murder of a serial killer who he thought died seven years prior. This leads to other vigilante killings and taunting by the murderer. Camden and his team must stop the killer before he strikes again.
This was a well-told thriller of a vigilante who hunts serial killers. The main character, and his eccentricities, remind me of Spencer from Criminal Minds. He was able to see patterns in the crimes and remember things as they actually occurred. The story kept me interested. The ending was well done and did not end as I thought it would.
Started: November 20, 2024
Finished: November 21, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Thriller
FBI Agent Camden is part of a unit that helps solve problems others cannot handle. When he is placed as the head of a team covering the murder of a serial killer who he thought died seven years prior. This leads to other vigilante killings and taunting by the murderer. Camden and his team must stop the killer before he strikes again.
This was a well-told thriller of a vigilante who hunts serial killers. The main character, and his eccentricities, remind me of Spencer from Criminal Minds. He was able to see patterns in the crimes and remember things as they actually occurred. The story kept me interested. The ending was well done and did not end as I thought it would.