middleagedbookworm's reviews
132 reviews

The Only One Left: A Novel by Riley Sager

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

One of Our Own by Lucinda Berry

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.75

This was my first Lucinda Berry. I knew nothing going into this audiobook, other than one of my fave YouTubers highly recommended it. I was expecting more of a thriller, but I would categorize this as a psychological drama with a thriller undertone? It was a story with actual psychological principles and insights. I loved that aspect of it because the author is a psychologist and she knows what she’s talking about. The thoughts and reflections that the mother in the story has are extremely relatable. Overall, a chilling and emotional story. 

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

dark emotional sad tense fast-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

4.0

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.0

I feel like the story was a little too drawn out. It could have been shorter, in my opinion. Catriona’s writing is beautiful. Be prepared for some very disturbing content, especially in regards to child abuse.  

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.

Lost interest. Not sure why. Enjoyed the book so far, but shifted to more Fall appropriate books. Will return to this title when my mood swings again. 

Down the Drain by Julia Fox
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.

Just too much. Made me feel nauseous more than a few times, and I knew there was even more to come and I just couldn’t force myself through it. 

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

The PERFECT haunted house scary story!! Absolute perfection. Loved every moment. Don’t see it ever being topped in my opinion. Cannot wait to see what Mr. Kliewer comes out with next! 

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

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

4.5

Funny Story by Emily Henry

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Best Emily Henry yet. If you are an introverted Enneagram 6, you will identify with the main character, Daphne. The banter between characters is great too… and the found family trope… and there are no annoying characters (like the sister in Book Lovers, omg could not stand her!). Anyways, if you have never read EH, this is a great starting book, and if you have read EH, and have mixed feelings about her… this one will renew your interest. 

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This was a fun read, and my second Elin Hilderbrand. I appreciate her style, but I just don’t think she is a favorite for me, like she is to so many. I did like this one better than Hotel Nantucket.