corinne82's reviews
397 reviews

The Astrology House by Carinn Jade

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

🎧 It’s described as a thriller but for me it was more a domestic drama. I found it an extreme slow burn and it took to about 80% of the listen for anything interesting to happen. It took so long to get going and lost me a bit a long the way. I didn’t find any of the characters particularly likeable. The big reveal felt a bit disjointed and a little too late. It was only ok. 

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

🎧 This was an interesting listen that is engaging from the off. It’s told from the point of view of Rowen in a unique way that for me definitely added to the experience. I did have some aspects worked out early on but that didn’t take from the twists along the way and the many red herrings ☺️. It unfolds at a steady pace. There are likeable and unlikeable characters. I did find the last 1/4 an the ending of the listen a little rushed and left me with some unanswered questions. I felt I was left hanging somewhat so I’m hoping there’ll be further explanation in the future but I did enjoy this authors style of writing and look forward to reading more or her work. 

Everyone Has Secrets by A.J. McDine

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

🎧 This audiobook gripped me from the beginning. It throws you right into the story and continues the steady pace throughout although at times I did wish it would up the pace somewhat but maybe that was the point to build the suspense. There are many characters to get to grips with and many the revelation. The narration was engaging and added to the story. It all came together well. Enjoyed this one. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen and review #EveryoneHasSecrets 

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver, Isabella Maldonado

slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

0.0

🎧 DNF - I gave this to 45% and just couldn't continue. I found the plot and the characters to be all over the place. It didn't hold my attention at all and half the time I didn't know what was going on as the storyline was disjointed. Can't say I really liked the characters either and just didn't find there was any reason to continue. Just wasn't for me.

The Perfect Baby by Sam Vickery

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

🎧 This was soooooo good. It got me through the Christmas deep clean and I was hooked from the first chapter. A psychological thriller told from the point of view of the 2 main characters Maya & Elise. It is a really well developed and cleverly written storyline with some great twists, red herrings and drip fed clues along the way. The story unfolded just as was needed and really built the suspense. The characters are unique that’s for sure. It’s one of those listens that you just can’t predict which I really loved and just had to keep listening. I’m hoping there is going to be a sequel as I feel there is more to come in those storyline. Definitely interested to read more by this author. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen and review #ThePerfectBaby

Taken In The Cold by Roger Stelljes

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

🎧 This is book 7 in the Tori Hunter series but it’s my first. I didn’t feel I missed out on the backstory from not reading the others but it has definitely intrigued me. I found it to be extremely long and dragged out for the first half of the listen to the point I found my mind wandering and constantly had to drag myself back. It’s a great storyline once it gets going but it was just too slow paced for this kind of storyline. I really liked the characters and found them an endearing bunch. The narration was engaging for the most part but found the gunfire scenes annoying. The second half of the listen really ramped up and I really enjoyed how it unfolded. I would be interested to read others in the series. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen and review #TakenInTheCold

The Married Man by K.L Slater

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

K.L. Slater is a favourite author of mine and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It needs to go on your TBR list. It’s a banger of a read with so many twists and turns within a really well developed storyline. The story is told from several characters points of view which gives you a real insight into each of the characters. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. It’s a fast paced read that doesn’t let up and just keeps throwing the surprises at you. It did feel a little like the ending was somewhat flat compared to the rest of the read but maybe that was the intention. Really enjoyed this one and would highly recommend. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #TheMarriedMan

Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

🎧 This is book 2 in the Sharpe and Walker book series and my first in the series. On starting I wasn’t sure if it was meant for me but I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the listen. It’s an interesting well developed storyline and seemed like the author really did his homework when it comes to the world of arson. I really liked the characters and there are some quirky ones thrown in. The narrators did a great job at holding my attention and especially when it came to male and female characters. Enjoyed this one and will keep an eye out for others in the series. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the opportunity to listen and review #AshesNeverLie

We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

🎧/📖 I adore Kristen Baileys books and this one was no exception. I Absolutely LOVED THIS ONE! If you’re looking for a festive, feel good read with such adorable characters then you need to put this one on your TBR list. Kristen Bailey has such a knack for writing quirky but lovable storylines and even more adorable characters that will have you laughing out loud. There was many the time I laughed out loud while listening to this one. I listened more than read and loved it in the audio format. It really brought it to life and the narrator did such an incredible job and really added to the listening experience.i hope to meet Maggie, Jasper, Frank and Leo again in the future. I’m firmly in the Christmas spirit after this one. Another great read Kristen Bailey 🥰. 

Thanks to Netgalley, Kristen Bailey and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to listen/read and review #WeThreeKings

Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I had high hopes for this one but in my opinion it’s not a thriller/mystery read as it’s described. It’s a slow burn that’s predictable in terms of the main premise of the storyline. It moves from past to present and builds the backstory of Robyn and Willa’s relationship which I really liked. Its told from different characters points of view which worked well to make you feel like your getting to know the characters. It has both likeable and unlikeable characters. It did feel like it was missing something in terms of big reveals and twists. It was an interesting story but it just lacked something and for me there was no real mystery but an interesting storyline but just needed a little oomph. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Viking for the opportunity to read and review #ThingsDontBreakOnTheirOwn