Scan barcode
joyceheinen's reviews
157 reviews
Dracula by Bram Stoker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.0
Malorie takes care of her two children. Unlike normal, they have to be dead quiet and are never allowed outside. The windows are covered and the curtains are always closed. It all started with vague news stories on television. People ignored reports of madness because it was happening far from their homes. But it comes closer. And all television went black, the radio went silent and the internet was down. And the outside was no longer safe. All Malorie knows is that, whatever it is outside, it must never be seen. Because opening your eyes will kill you.
I saw the film a few years ago. It was fine, enjoyed it, never thought it was very scary. At the time of viewing I didn’t know it was based on a book, let alone written by Josh Malerman. I had never read from Malerman before, I thought this would be the perfect book to start with. And I’m so glad I read it.
The book is so much scarier, it gets under your skin and keeps you on edge. The story captivated me. You know just as much as the characters, you have no clue what they are actually afraid of that is out there.
The story alternates between the beginning of this apocalypse and the present day where Malorie and her two children are fleeing their home for safety. I can understand why people define this as one of the scariest book they’ve read. I could feel the suspense constantly, because they don’t know what they fear. Like a classic horror rule is, that it’s the things you don’t see that scare you the most.
I was only a bit disappointed by the ending. I expected more from this. But overall, “Bird Box” is an amazingly suspenseful horror novel, that I could recommend to any horror fan.
I saw the film a few years ago. It was fine, enjoyed it, never thought it was very scary. At the time of viewing I didn’t know it was based on a book, let alone written by Josh Malerman. I had never read from Malerman before, I thought this would be the perfect book to start with. And I’m so glad I read it.
The book is so much scarier, it gets under your skin and keeps you on edge. The story captivated me. You know just as much as the characters, you have no clue what they are actually afraid of that is out there.
The story alternates between the beginning of this apocalypse and the present day where Malorie and her two children are fleeing their home for safety. I can understand why people define this as one of the scariest book they’ve read. I could feel the suspense constantly, because they don’t know what they fear. Like a classic horror rule is, that it’s the things you don’t see that scare you the most.
I was only a bit disappointed by the ending. I expected more from this. But overall, “Bird Box” is an amazingly suspenseful horror novel, that I could recommend to any horror fan.
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
dark
funny
mysterious
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
5.0
What a clever book! Ernest Cummingham tells us right from the start that, like the title, everyone in his family has killed someone. Including himself. Who they were and why they did it, remains unknown. The Cunningham family is coming together for a reunion in a ski resort, when one of the members of the family is being released from prison. And while they are there, a dead body turns up. And everyone is a suspect.
It's a whodunnit, but not the way you’re used to. Ernest talks to you, the reader, directly and sort of breaks the fourth wall, like they say in the movies. He involves you in his story, as if you’re there yourself. The book is very self-aware and does some real interesting things with the narrative. Often Ernest refers to an event that hasn’t happened yet, stating on what page you will be reading about it. Or he gives you a recap of the story so far or sums up his findings. The way the story is told is what will make or break this book for you. I loved it, but I can understand people who don’t enjoy this narrative.
The book keeps you on your toes constantly and the mystery is compelling. Because all the characters are a bit messed up, all in their own way, it’s really difficult to determine who can be trusted. Everyone is a suspect. Even Ernest.
I absolutely loved “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” and it is a new all-time favorite.
It's a whodunnit, but not the way you’re used to. Ernest talks to you, the reader, directly and sort of breaks the fourth wall, like they say in the movies. He involves you in his story, as if you’re there yourself. The book is very self-aware and does some real interesting things with the narrative. Often Ernest refers to an event that hasn’t happened yet, stating on what page you will be reading about it. Or he gives you a recap of the story so far or sums up his findings. The way the story is told is what will make or break this book for you. I loved it, but I can understand people who don’t enjoy this narrative.
The book keeps you on your toes constantly and the mystery is compelling. Because all the characters are a bit messed up, all in their own way, it’s really difficult to determine who can be trusted. Everyone is a suspect. Even Ernest.
I absolutely loved “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” and it is a new all-time favorite.
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
dark
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
4.5
The story takes place in 2017, but it could easily be 2024. Titus Crown has been elected the first black sheriff of Charon County. He has brough his experience as a former FBI agent to this depraved rural area where, besides notorious discrimination, little criminal activity occurs. One day he receives an alarming call from one of his deputies. There is a school shooting. When Titus arrives at school with his team, there is great panic. The black perpetrator comes running out of the school and is shot by two of Titus’s team members. Inside lies the body of a beloved teacher. It is the beginning of a nerve-wrecking investigation into the motive and cause.
Author S.A. Cosby has a masterful sense of timing. All the components are of high quality. The dialogue, the character development, the sequence of events, the plot twists and turns, and the uncertainty that stays upright until the last page.
The crimes in the book are gruesome and are described in detail and explicitly. There is a deeper reason for being explicit. The shock it brings to readers is meant to make us thing. About how condescendingly many people behave toward others and how narrow-mindedness can lead to a sense of superiority.
The books also deals with religion, which I’m not always comfortable reading about. But it’s viewed from various perspectives, one is not better than the other. It could be more confrontational though, if you are religious yourself. I found is an additional component that gave even more interpretation to the underlying themes.
“All the Sinners Bleed” has many layers, interesting characters, an intriguing small-town mystery, tension and strong plot twists.
Author S.A. Cosby has a masterful sense of timing. All the components are of high quality. The dialogue, the character development, the sequence of events, the plot twists and turns, and the uncertainty that stays upright until the last page.
The crimes in the book are gruesome and are described in detail and explicitly. There is a deeper reason for being explicit. The shock it brings to readers is meant to make us thing. About how condescendingly many people behave toward others and how narrow-mindedness can lead to a sense of superiority.
The books also deals with religion, which I’m not always comfortable reading about. But it’s viewed from various perspectives, one is not better than the other. It could be more confrontational though, if you are religious yourself. I found is an additional component that gave even more interpretation to the underlying themes.
“All the Sinners Bleed” has many layers, interesting characters, an intriguing small-town mystery, tension and strong plot twists.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
We meet three women, that grew up in a foster home together. Now all grown up, they learn of a body being found under the home they lived in for years, Wild Meadows.
Jessica went to Wild Meadows when she was only four years old. She became attached to Miss Fairchild and was disappointed when at thirteen, a new girl arrived. This was Norah. She came to miss Fairchild when she was eleven. Norah had been to many foster homes, being treated badly. The third girl, Alicia, only came to Wild Meadows temporarily. She was in the care of her grandmother, but she fell ill and Alicia needed a home. Twelve year old Alicia is clearly not Miss Fairchild’s favorite.
Now as adults, Jessica is married and runs a home organization business. Nora still struggles with her past, which made her very violent. Alicia is now a social worker, taking care of foster children herself.
Miss Fairchild is an awful person. She treats the girls poorly, has strange rules and suffers from severe mood swings. But because of their common enemy, the three girls became sisters, and still are in adulthood.
The story is being told through alternating timelines, twenty five years apart. And we follow the story from different perspectives as well. This really works for this story. We get to know the girls and meet them again as damaged, traumatized women. The story is compelling and so are the characters.
The book has some really strong reveals and twists, but just when you think the story is about to wrap up, Sally Hepworth gives us one final twist. And I loved it! I really can’t fault this book, it’s such a good story. I had read from Hepworth before, and I found that book to be just okay. But this book really blew my mind. It’s definitely a new favorite for me. And now I do want to read more of Hepworth’s books.
Jessica went to Wild Meadows when she was only four years old. She became attached to Miss Fairchild and was disappointed when at thirteen, a new girl arrived. This was Norah. She came to miss Fairchild when she was eleven. Norah had been to many foster homes, being treated badly. The third girl, Alicia, only came to Wild Meadows temporarily. She was in the care of her grandmother, but she fell ill and Alicia needed a home. Twelve year old Alicia is clearly not Miss Fairchild’s favorite.
Now as adults, Jessica is married and runs a home organization business. Nora still struggles with her past, which made her very violent. Alicia is now a social worker, taking care of foster children herself.
Miss Fairchild is an awful person. She treats the girls poorly, has strange rules and suffers from severe mood swings. But because of their common enemy, the three girls became sisters, and still are in adulthood.
The story is being told through alternating timelines, twenty five years apart. And we follow the story from different perspectives as well. This really works for this story. We get to know the girls and meet them again as damaged, traumatized women. The story is compelling and so are the characters.
The book has some really strong reveals and twists, but just when you think the story is about to wrap up, Sally Hepworth gives us one final twist. And I loved it! I really can’t fault this book, it’s such a good story. I had read from Hepworth before, and I found that book to be just okay. But this book really blew my mind. It’s definitely a new favorite for me. And now I do want to read more of Hepworth’s books.
How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In “How to Solve Your Own Murder” we follow Annie, who is on her way to her great-aunt Frances. When she arrives, Frances is found dead. We also follow the storyline of a young Frances, who visits a fortune teller, who tells her Frances will someday be murdered. This turns her life upside down and her whole life she is trying to find out who will murder her. But, it’s too late. Now it’s up to Annie to find out who had it in for her great-aunt.
I always enjoyed dual timelines. We follow the present, where Annie is trying to figure out what happened to Frances. And we go back in time, where Frances is young and finds out about her fate, which eventually controls her life. Because Frances documented everything in a diary, Annie does get some help, but she still has to try and solve the mystery herself. And she learns that the people in this town have many secrets.
“How to Solve Your Own Murder” has an interesting premise and it does start out great. The mystery is fun to dive into. I never really got invested into any of the characters and felt like most of them were very naïve people. And am I the only one that thinks that the request in Frances’s will was kind of ridiculous and it could potentially put the people involved in danger? Even though I like an amateur sleuth story, they mostly choose to do so themselves. Annie is somehow forced in that role, even though she would have probably gone in that direction herself. It still feels a bit weird. Because more people are put in this position in trying to solve the murder, the stakes are higher.
I’m okay with authors being detailed. Especially in describing surroundings or settings. But I really don’t care about what people are wearing. The characters in this story seem to be obsessed by other people’s appearances. I did not enjoy that.
I think “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is an okay mystery, nothing surprising or ground-breaking. Had a good time reading it, but will probably forget about it within a week.
I always enjoyed dual timelines. We follow the present, where Annie is trying to figure out what happened to Frances. And we go back in time, where Frances is young and finds out about her fate, which eventually controls her life. Because Frances documented everything in a diary, Annie does get some help, but she still has to try and solve the mystery herself. And she learns that the people in this town have many secrets.
“How to Solve Your Own Murder” has an interesting premise and it does start out great. The mystery is fun to dive into. I never really got invested into any of the characters and felt like most of them were very naïve people. And am I the only one that thinks that the request in Frances’s will was kind of ridiculous and it could potentially put the people involved in danger? Even though I like an amateur sleuth story, they mostly choose to do so themselves. Annie is somehow forced in that role, even though she would have probably gone in that direction herself. It still feels a bit weird. Because more people are put in this position in trying to solve the murder, the stakes are higher.
I’m okay with authors being detailed. Especially in describing surroundings or settings. But I really don’t care about what people are wearing. The characters in this story seem to be obsessed by other people’s appearances. I did not enjoy that.
I think “How to Solve Your Own Murder” is an okay mystery, nothing surprising or ground-breaking. Had a good time reading it, but will probably forget about it within a week.
Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun by Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.5
It does not happen often that I prefer the movie over the book, but in this case I did. But there is a reason for it. “Pan’s Labyrinth” was a movie before it became a novel. Director Guillermo del Toro asked author Cornelia Funke to translate his masterful film to a book. Not for all ages in my opinion, like the synopsis says, but middle-grade or young adult would be more appropriate.
We meet Ofelia, a young girl who loves fairytale stories. Together with her mother Carmen she moves into a house in the woods, with her mother’s new husband Vidal, who Ofelia calls “the Wolf”. Carmen is expecting a baby with Vidal, but Ofelia believes Vidal doesn’t really love her mother and only wants a son to carry on his bloodline. Because Ofelia never feels welcome in her new home, she starts exploring her new ‘neighborhood’. Where she meets Pan, a Faun and the keeper of a secret labyrinth. He believes Ofelia is the long-lost princes Moanna and he gives her task, so she can return to her family. And so a journey begins.
The story is beautifully written and it’s accompanied by amazing illustrations. Because I have already seen the movie, it was easy for me to imagine all the creatures, the surroundings and characters of the book. But I felt like the book was missing something that the movie did have and I cant quite put my finger on it. Even though I still believe this book is fantastic and a wonderfully written tale, I believe the film conveys the right atmosphere to the audience better than the book did.
I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers, this is the type of fantasy that even I love.
We meet Ofelia, a young girl who loves fairytale stories. Together with her mother Carmen she moves into a house in the woods, with her mother’s new husband Vidal, who Ofelia calls “the Wolf”. Carmen is expecting a baby with Vidal, but Ofelia believes Vidal doesn’t really love her mother and only wants a son to carry on his bloodline. Because Ofelia never feels welcome in her new home, she starts exploring her new ‘neighborhood’. Where she meets Pan, a Faun and the keeper of a secret labyrinth. He believes Ofelia is the long-lost princes Moanna and he gives her task, so she can return to her family. And so a journey begins.
The story is beautifully written and it’s accompanied by amazing illustrations. Because I have already seen the movie, it was easy for me to imagine all the creatures, the surroundings and characters of the book. But I felt like the book was missing something that the movie did have and I cant quite put my finger on it. Even though I still believe this book is fantastic and a wonderfully written tale, I believe the film conveys the right atmosphere to the audience better than the book did.
I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers, this is the type of fantasy that even I love.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In this gripping story by Cormac McCarthy, a father and sone are on their way to the cost. All they have in their possession is a shopping cart with a few belongings and a gun. Fortunately, they still have each other, because the road is long and life is hard.
In “The Road”, the world no longer looks as we know it. There is no more harvest, houses and stores have been looted, the only holdout is the road to the coast. Even though the father is almost certain there is nothing at the coast, there is still a glimmer of hope for his son.
Father and son continue to follow the road, but at the same time must be careful not to be seen by anyone else. Because it is every man for himself, you never know when someone has bad intentions. The father explained to his son that they carry the fire and therefore belong on the good side. On the bad side you have the people who steal or worse: kill other people.
In a world that has almost perished, everything is allowed. There a no more laws. The book is gripping, terrifying and emotional. As a reader, you get a certain picture of humanity as father and son try to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. Do you choose to survive for yourself or are there other options? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or is it hopeless?
The names of the father and son are never mentioned, yet the story feels personal and close. It is as if, as a reader, you are walking with them to the shore. You hope for the father and son that there is more than the road. The father has already seen a lot and his son, despite everything, is still innocent. The young boy knows nothing else, he was raised in this world.
It’s not a very spectacular book, it’s focused on the characters, not so much on the plot. It’s a slow book, which may scare you. There is some repetition here and there and there are some moments that drag a little bit. But for the rest, “The Road” is a fantastic book.
In “The Road”, the world no longer looks as we know it. There is no more harvest, houses and stores have been looted, the only holdout is the road to the coast. Even though the father is almost certain there is nothing at the coast, there is still a glimmer of hope for his son.
Father and son continue to follow the road, but at the same time must be careful not to be seen by anyone else. Because it is every man for himself, you never know when someone has bad intentions. The father explained to his son that they carry the fire and therefore belong on the good side. On the bad side you have the people who steal or worse: kill other people.
In a world that has almost perished, everything is allowed. There a no more laws. The book is gripping, terrifying and emotional. As a reader, you get a certain picture of humanity as father and son try to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. Do you choose to survive for yourself or are there other options? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or is it hopeless?
The names of the father and son are never mentioned, yet the story feels personal and close. It is as if, as a reader, you are walking with them to the shore. You hope for the father and son that there is more than the road. The father has already seen a lot and his son, despite everything, is still innocent. The young boy knows nothing else, he was raised in this world.
It’s not a very spectacular book, it’s focused on the characters, not so much on the plot. It’s a slow book, which may scare you. There is some repetition here and there and there are some moments that drag a little bit. But for the rest, “The Road” is a fantastic book.
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Before I started reading “She’s Not Sorry”, I had only read one other book by Mary Kubica: “Local Woman Missing”. I really liked that book, but I love her newest release!
Meghan Michaels is an ICU-nurse and a single mom, who’s recently divorced. One day, new patient Caitlin arrives at the hospital, who is in a coma and suffering from a severe brain injury. Where Meghan normally succeeds in staying emotionally detached from her patients, she is pulled into Caitlin’s and her family’s life. Questioning what really happened to her and maybe somebody did this to her.
The book is split up in two parts. When I was reading the first half of the book, I felt a lot was happening. It felt a bit all over the place and I had no clue why these random events were happening. With a mid-way twist, that totally caught me off-guard, the pieces of the puzzle starting falling into place. And that made the book so much better. The first half started making more sense.
“She’s Not Sorry” is an easy to read book, you can fly through it, as did I. The story has tension and raises so many questions, that you will get answers to eventually. There are many twists and turns and I was surprised. This book is impossible to put down.
Meghan is an interesting character to read from, we follow the story through her POV. You can relate to her at the start of the book, with her being a single mom, working hard to provide for her daughter. You do question some decisions she makes and because the characters still stays a bit on the surface, you never really understand why she becomes so fixated on Nat, an old school friend that she hasn’t seen for 20 years. And the fact that Meghan is constantly concerned about her daughter Sienna, when there is really no reason for it. Making you believe that something bad is going to happen to her.
I really loved reading “She’s Not Sorry”, the first chapter sucks you in. The first half of the book doesn’t make a lot of sense because so much is going on. But once you’ve reached the second half, you are in for a treat. So many surprises.
Meghan Michaels is an ICU-nurse and a single mom, who’s recently divorced. One day, new patient Caitlin arrives at the hospital, who is in a coma and suffering from a severe brain injury. Where Meghan normally succeeds in staying emotionally detached from her patients, she is pulled into Caitlin’s and her family’s life. Questioning what really happened to her and maybe somebody did this to her.
The book is split up in two parts. When I was reading the first half of the book, I felt a lot was happening. It felt a bit all over the place and I had no clue why these random events were happening. With a mid-way twist, that totally caught me off-guard, the pieces of the puzzle starting falling into place. And that made the book so much better. The first half started making more sense.
“She’s Not Sorry” is an easy to read book, you can fly through it, as did I. The story has tension and raises so many questions, that you will get answers to eventually. There are many twists and turns and I was surprised. This book is impossible to put down.
Meghan is an interesting character to read from, we follow the story through her POV. You can relate to her at the start of the book, with her being a single mom, working hard to provide for her daughter. You do question some decisions she makes and because the characters still stays a bit on the surface, you never really understand why she becomes so fixated on Nat, an old school friend that she hasn’t seen for 20 years. And the fact that Meghan is constantly concerned about her daughter Sienna, when there is really no reason for it. Making you believe that something bad is going to happen to her.
I really loved reading “She’s Not Sorry”, the first chapter sucks you in. The first half of the book doesn’t make a lot of sense because so much is going on. But once you’ve reached the second half, you are in for a treat. So many surprises.