booktrishandmagic's reviews
401 reviews

This book was such a fun, engaging read with major Clue and Agatha Christie vibes—think And Then There Were None but with a modern twist. The Clue-style map at the front? Absolutely loved it (we love a good map!). And that ending? Chef’s kiss! 👏  

 

While the story was quick and entertaining, I did find it a little confusing at times, especially when keeping track of all the characters. Some parts dragged a wee bit, but nothing too major. For a debut novel, this was phenomenal, and I’m definitely excited to see what Ande Pliego writes next.  

 

If you love classic whodunits, isolated murder mysteries, and a good dose of suspense, this one’s for you!  

White Line Fever had an intriguing premise with its eerie, ominous road, but it took me a bit to get into. There were too many characters, making it a little confusing at first, and I struggled to connect with them and their personal struggles. That said, the paranormal horror aspect was enjoyable, and despite my mixed feelings, I ended up reading it in one sitting—I was too curious and anxious to see how it would all unfold. Overall, it was an okay read for me!

I’m not usually a fan of fantasy horror, but I gave The Dead Take the A Train a shot—and while the writing was undeniably strong, the story itself didn’t fully work for me. The graphic gore and intense violence were entertaining, but I didn’t connect with the plot or the characters. That said, fans of monster horror will likely have a great time with this one. If you enjoy dark, bloody mayhem with a well-crafted style, this might be up your alley!

Incredibly boring. 

Perfection. I could not put this book down. Jennifer Hillier delivers twist after twist, each more shocking than the last. My mind was blown. This is an absolutely wild, jaw-dropping thriller—dark, disturbing, and deeply unnerving. Hillier’s writing grips you from the start, pulling you into a graphic and chilling story that is not for the faint of heart. I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner! If you love thrillers that keep you on edge, this one is a must-read. Phenomenal. No notes. 

 

I’m so glad I forced @anita_thrill to read it with me when I got about 67 pages in and started freaking out. My eyeballs were popping out of my head. I needed someone to experience it with me. 🤭

The Last Room on the Left was a solid, gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The multiple POVs added an interesting dynamic, and I was genuinely invested in discovering what would happen next. The isolated, wintery motel setting was perfect for a chilling atmosphere, and I loved the suspense it created. 

 

However, the ending left me a bit disappointed. After all the build-up and tension, it felt a bit flat, especially with so many twists throughout the story. I also found myself tiring of the "drunk, crazy female" trope, which is becoming a bit overdone for me. 

 

That being said, it’s a great choice if you’re after a popcorn thriller with a locked-room mystery vibe. The cover is striking and definitely catches the eye. I wouldn’t compare it to *The Shining* though—that’s a bit of a stretch. Still, if you’re into atmospheric thrillers with plenty of suspense, this one’s worth the read.

A Girl Like Us was an engaging and thrilling read that I found hard to put down—so much so that I ended up finishing it in one sitting! The story was definitely a locked-room style popcorn thriller, full of suspense. While the pacing was a bit slow at times, and the book felt a little longer than necessary, it kept me hooked throughout. I did struggle to keep track of the numerous characters, and there was a bit too much drama for my taste. However, if you're a fan of domestic thrillers and enjoy a bit of rich people drama, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Midwinter Murder is a delightful collection of winter-themed short stories that showcase the wit and charm Christie is known for. With a wonderful blend of suspense, intrigue, and humor, this collection features some of my favorite characters—Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Tommy and Tuppence. Each story is masterfully crafted, with the trademark sass and sharp dialogue that Christie often weaves into her characters. While all the stories are thoroughly enjoyable, Three Blind Mice and The Christmas Adventure stood out as personal favorites. Whether you're a longtime fan of Christie or new to her work, this collection is a cozy and gripping way to dive into her world of mystery and murder.

I didn’t fully connect with this story—probably because I don’t like children and have never been pregnant—but Grady’s writing is extraordinary. I devoured this book in one sitting while sick, which says a lot for me. It’s a haunting and beautifully written novel, though I was hoping for more… monsters. The intro note in my edition was stunning and even made me cry. While it wasn’t my favorite, I’ll read anything Grady writes. Fans of witchcraft and sticking it to the patriarchy will love this. A bit slow at times, but still an empowering and worthwhile read. Highly recommended! 

 

And a huge thank you to Grady Hendrix for speaking up for those that had been silenced. 🫶🏻

I absolutely loved The Couples Trip! I devoured it from start to finish, unable to put it down. It consumed my thoughts all day, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it after work. @crimebythebook recommendation was spot on—I love a good isolated winter thriller, and this book delivered in every way.  The chilling, atmospheric setting in the snowy mountains was completely immersive. It’s the perfect backdrop for a story filled with untrustworthy characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The use of multiple timelines added depth, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the twist ending threw me completely off balance. What a wild ride! The characters were so compelling, and I loved discovering their secrets as the story progressed. The book’s foreign setting made it even more exciting; I don’t travel much, so reading about other countries is always a thrilling escape for me. If you’re a fan of gripping plots, jaw-dropping twists, and a vividly atmospheric setting, The Couples Trip is an absolute must-read. Grab a warm blanket, because you’ll be flipping pages as fast as you can, and won’t want to put it down.