"Confessions on the 7:45"

"Confessions on the 7:45" by Lisa Unger

Two strangers sit idly on a stalled train, sneaking 

forbidden alcohol, and passing time by sharing

intimate details about their lives. 

Selena is catching the late train home, after watching

a tell-all video in her office that stings, but fails to 

surprise. When she approaches the stunning beauty

who identifies herself as Martha, the two have an instant

connection. It's not long before Selena confides her suspicions

that unfaithful husband, Graham, is in an illicit relationship

with the efficient nanny. And Martha confesses she's

having a clandestine affair with the husband of her

cool, collected boss. At the end of another grueling

day, filled with disappointment, stress, and harsh reality,

two ladies find solace in one another. Daring, but 

certainly not dangerous. Or is it? 

"Don't you ever wish problems would just take care

of themselves?" asks the mysterious Martha. 

Days later , the loyal nanny disappears, and Selena's 

nagging uneasiness intensifies, as she recalls the subject

of conversation on that lonely 7:45 train. Coincidence,

or is there something far more sinister to their encounter?

This is the beginning of a twisted drama filled with

revenge, lies, and deception, proving that baring one's soul

sometimes has dire consequences A sizzling. steamy

psychological thriller that shrewd readers will relish as

they travel through a maze of characters with ulterior motives. 

 

The End of Her

The End of Her by Shari Lapena

Stephanie Kilgour's life is close to perfection, even with the
sleepless nights, and stressful days of caring for colicky twin
girls with her devoted husband, Patrick. She wouldn't have it
any other way.

But her idyllic existence shatters into a million pieces, when
Erica Voss, an unwelcome relic from Patrick's past, arrives in town
with an outrageous claim that Patrick's first wife did not die in a
tragic accident; rather she was murdered by a man with a gift for
covering up the truth, a man they both know so well.

Patrick insists it's all about blackmail from a disturbed woman, but
Stephanie has doubts when Erica reveals intimate details about her
husband that a mere acquaintance couldn't possibly know. Hoping
she'll simply fade from their lives, proves to be wishful thinking, when
Erica makes unannounced appearances everywhere, including Patrick's
workplace, and casual outings at the park with the babies. Strange
occurrences at the house, and the feeling of intrusive eyes always
watching, are driving Stephanie and Patrick to the point of no return.
Their lack of trust in one another is threatening a once solid marriage.

So who's the liar? The steadfast love of Stephanie's life, father of her
precious children, or the master manipulator, a cunning woman with a cruel
vendetta?

Whenever a reader feels compelled to finish a psychological thriller in one
sitting, you know it has to be good. This is one of those books. Suspense
enthusiasts will devour the cleverly written plot, deliciously devious
characters, and an unsettling conclusion.

His & Hers

His & Hers by Alice Feeney

As an aspiring BBC anchorwoman, Anna Andrews knows how much
luck plays a part in landing a plum role in front of an adoring television
audience. And her luck has just run out.

Anna has been the replacement anchor for the dynamic and beautiful Cat Jones.
Unfortunately, Cat's back unexpectedly, and Anna is relegated to
being a run-of-the-mill investigative reporter once again. That means
heading to Blackdown, the sleepy, little English village where she grew up,
to cover a brutal murder which has the town in turmoil.

Jack Harper is the Chief  Detective of the Crime Unit in Blackdown, his
hometown, too. When his marriage and life literally fell apart, he left London
for a simpler life. Being back where he spent his youth has been uneventful,
and dull, so perhaps a killer on the loose will resurrect his dying career.

Imagine their surprise, when both Anna and Jack recognize the victim
as someone they know so well, a fact they'd like to keep hidden for as
long as possible, because they just might be suspects in their own investigations.

There's a third narrator in this tale, most likely the killer's. It's difficult to give
away any more of the plot without giving away the ending. Suffice it to say, this
is a psychological thriller so full of lies, secrets, painful memories (some sordid
and dark), twists and turns, and a multitude of incriminating details, you'll find
it helpful to reread some passages. Sweetly addictive, and hard to put down.

Alice Feeney is a master at creating suspense, and figuring out who committed
murder (maybe more than one?) is simply fun.

The Last Flight

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

Claire Cook and Eva James are virtual strangers,
but they have one thing in common. Both women are
tormented souls, desperate to escape their lives that
are spiraling out of control.

When they randomly meet in a crowded airport, bound for
different destinations, a casual conversation turns into talk
of a wild and dangerous scheme to swap identities. They
have only one goal in mind, and that is to vanish into
thin air without a trace.

Claire is the polished and competent wife of charming
Rory Cook, heir to a political dynasty, who's preparing to
announce his candidacy for Senator. The lovely couple graces
magazine covers, but the ugly truth about the sordid
side of their relationship, remains hidden behind closed doors.

What the public doesn't see are the bruises and scars Claire
meticulously hides, a result of her husband's volatile temper
that erupts with the slightest provocation. She suspects confidants
in Rory's inner circle conveniently look away. Her intricate
plan to disappear is finally ready, and with luck on her side,
the agony of the last few years will be a distant memory.

Eva's once bright future disintegrated when her poor judgement
and misguided faith in another, robbed her of a promising future.
She longs to create a life so different from her dismal upbringing,
and when an opportunity presents itself to change her destiny,
Eva grabs onto it, without thinking of the dire consequences
of her actions. There's only one way out, and Claire Cook
is the answer to her prayers. But even the best-laid plans can
go terribly wrong when fate intervenes.

This psychological thriller is one of those savvy reads that's
almost impossible to put down. The author navigates
the past and present with ease, yet the reader must pay
close attention to details from the very beginning. Do that,
and you'll be rewarded with an intensely, satisfying story.

The novel speaks of the power of women, and their innate ability to
listen to one another, empathize, and savor true and lasting friendships.

Current and relevant in today's world, the message comes across loud and clear.

The Other Mrs.

The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

The old house Will and Sadie Foust inherited on
a tiny island off the rocky coast of Maine, is cold,
drafty, and dated. So different from the one
they once occupied in vibrant, bustling Chicago.

The dramatic move is probably for the best, considering
Sadie's shaky, controversial exit as an ER doctor from
the hospital where she once saved lives, and 14-year-old
Otto's violent past with school bullies who terrorized
him until the breaking point.

Along with the unexpected gift of a home desperately
in need of repair, comes guardianship of niece, Imogen,
a dark, brooding teenager who witnessed the unthinkable
tragedy of her mother's apparent suicide in the dusty attic
of a home now occupied by relatives she barely knows.
Imogen's mission is to make Sadie's life miserable, and she
seems to be succeeding in every way.

It's going to take a while to acclimate to their new
surroundings, but Will handles it all with ease and
finesse, working part-time as a human ecology professor,
cooking, cleaning, and entertaining rambunctious
7-year-old, Tate.

Life takes a dramatic turn for the Foust family when
neighbor, Morgan Baines, is brutally murdered. Sadie
hears the whispers and innuendos about Will's friendly,
flirtatious sightings with Morgan, and can't help but feel
the pain of his past affair. The police don't take kindly to
the new doctor in town, and when they question Sadie's
alibi at the time of the murder, panic sets in, with the
realization she's a prime suspect.

Suddenly, everything becomes murky and convoluted,
secrets and little white lies surface, and fear that a
killer is loose, permeates this otherwise quiet neighborhood.

Author Mary Kubica, a Miami University, Oxford, Ohio grad,
weaves an eerie web of mystery and deceit in her latest psychological
thriller. Alternating chapters introduce the reader to an array of
questionable characters in a complicated plot. Think you have the
puzzle solved? Don't be fooled....think again.

In these troubling, unprecedented times, reading an enticing book
can fill endless hours in a day. The libraries may be closed, but
ebooks, and audio books are still a resource. Better yet, splurge on
a purchase at a struggling bookstore. Since face-to-face gatherings
are not on the horizon, be creative in sharing with friends, family,
and book clubs.

This tantalizing gem is a good way to start.

The Last Affair

The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

Infatuation turns deadly when an unhappy,
restless woman starts an illicit affair with
a married man.

Nora Holliday never expects to run into a
familiar face at her out-of-town food blog
conference. So when Dr. Josh Landon walks
into the bar where she's relaxing and enjoying
time away from her husband and family obligations,
she welcomes the friendly conversation and free drinks.

Soon, innocent flirtation turns into fervent passion.
Nora and Josh return home with a dangerous secret,
one they know will ruin reputations and destroy the
lives of so many, if ever exposed.

What they don't count on is Josh's bitter daughter,
Abby, catching them in one of their clandestine moments.
Abby vows to learn the identity of her father's lover,
which sets in motion a series of events resulting in a
brutal murder.

But she's not the only one bent on retaliation in this
peaceful, seaside suburb. The list of scorned suspects
continues to grow, like an abusive, alcoholic husband,
and anyone on the wrong side of vindictive, intimidating rumors.

A riveting thriller about how out-of-control obsession,
revenge, and toxic gossip, can turn into unhinged insanity.

Fans of Margot Hunt will love it.

My Lovely Wife

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

Millicent and her just-shy-of-forty
husband are typical Florida suburbanites,
living in a home with an extravagant mortgage
while juggling the everyday activities of two
children who are growing up way too fast.

She's a successful realtor, and her
husband, who remains unnamed, works
as a country-club tennis pro. After fifteen
years of marriage, boredom sets in.
They long to feel the undeniable
attraction and excitement that once defined them.

Committing murder and getting away with
it proves to be the solution. They find it's
amazingly easy to eliminate someone
without the police suspecting a thing. The
sizzle is back in their marriage, and after
burying the first body, the thrill of the kill begins.

They follow a simple plan. The narrator husband reels
in potential, vulnerable victims with a clever pick-up line,
certain to appeal to any woman with a heart, while
his wife carries out the evil deeds. Meanwhile, even
with her extracurricular activities, cool and collected
Millicent manages to find the time to serve nutritious
meals and diligently check homework. They appear to be
the perfect family.

The devious couple comes up with the ideal
scenario to divert attention from themselves,
but fool-proof plans often go awry, especially
when blackmail, meaningless one-night stands,
and salacious secrets are involved. Murder has
suddenly become very, very complicated.

Don't let the title of this dark, brooding, debut
novel fool you. There is nothing "lovely" about it.
If you are looking for a thriller with a wickedly
disturbing ending, by all means, read this one.

Simply sublime.

An Anonymous Girl

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Make-up artist, Jessica Farris, carries
her cumbersome bag of beauty supplies
to the home of yet another client looking
for the perfect transformation.

With her palette of vivid colors, Jessica
can turn a plain face into an exotic one with
the stroke of a brush. It's a tedious job
that pays the bills and satisfies her
artistic flair.

But Jessica's financial woes are mounting.
When she overhears a client's conversation
promising easy money, she takes a quick
peek at the girl's personal phone message,
and decides to impersonate her at a
psychological study that guarantees
anonymity and fast cash for her dwindling
bank account.

What harm can possibly come from a
few hours on a laptop, answering probing
questions designed to better understand the
human psyche?

Little does naive Jessica know, that renowned
psychiatrist, Dr. Lydia Shields, has finally found
the ideal participant to take part in her devious,
dangerous scheme of revenge.

As Jessica falls deeper and deeper
under the good doctor's trance, she finds
her ordinary life exploding all around her.
Fear engulfs every move she makes, and
when her unknowing family becomes an
integral part of the plot, she realizes there's
nowhere to turn, there's no one she can
trust.

Fans of Hendrick's and Pekkanen's
"The Wife Between Us," will relish this
fast-paced, addictive suspense novel
about a cunning professional who uses the
power of persuasion and deceit to destroy those
who have wronged her.

With enough twists and turns to boggle
the mind, this thriller should remain on
The New York Times Best Sellers for
weeks to come.

The Lies We Told

The Lies We Told by Camilla Way

Chilling and sinister, just in time
for HALLOWEEN......

Beth and Doug desperately long for a
child, so when they are blessed with
Hannah, it's a dream come true.

By the mid-1980s, they can't ignore the
fact that their beautiful daughter is far
from normal. Her dark, brooding, alarming
behavior makes them anxious in their own home.
The repeated calls from school detailing Hannah's
cruelty towards other students, and flippant,
blatant disrespect for authority, has both of them
constantly on edge as they struggle to maintain
any sense of normalcy. No one can know what
happens behind closed doors. No one can
learn the truth.

When Hannah purposefully hurts the person
most dear to Beth and Doug's heart, they realize
what they've known all along...they are deathly
afraid of their own daughter, and what she is
capable of doing.

Thirty years later, a young woman by the name of
Clara, is frantic when her boyfriend, Luke, vanishes
without a trace, just like his sister, Emily, did years ago.
When she and Luke's best friend begin an investigation
into his disappearance, it opens Clara's eyes to the
lies and deceit she never knew about the man she loves.
Tension mounts as she feels the presence of eyes always
watching her, and a narrow escape from a burning
building intensifies the sense of danger surrounding her.

Two different scenarios, decades apart, yet these two
stories are intricately intertwined with one another
in this scary, psychological thriller that will keep you
guessing.

Expect a sleepless night after reading the eerie
conclusion.

Something in the Water

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

A couple makes an astonishing discovery beneath the
calm, undisturbed waters of the South Pacific Ocean......

Breathtaking coral gardens, sandy white beaches
glistening in the sun, a velvety, emerald green sea, and lush,
fragrant hibiscus surrounding a peaceful lagoon. This is the
Polynesian island of Bora Bora, said to be the most magical
place in the world. The perfect spot for newlyweds Erin Locke
and Mark Roberts to relax and unwind.

As a filmmaker of documentaries, Erin is on the verge of making a
name for herself. She's all set to interview three individuals about
their recent release from prison, one of whom is a notorious kingpin
of  British crime. A real coup for Erin to land personal time with a known
murderer and money launderer. This could send her career soaring.

Mark is reeling from his recent job loss as an investment banker and
struggling to pay the bills. Jetting to Bora Bora may be impractical, but it's
something he and his new wife deserve. And there's no better place on Earth
for scuba diving than this island paradise to bask in the incredible beauty
of the ocean's treasures. Erin's hesitancy and fear of diving quickly fades.
After all, she'll do anything to make Mark happy.

But it's what they come across while diving in the gloriously quiet
solitude, that turns this trip into a dangerous nightmare of terror. Can
a secret remain between just the two of them, or is someone watching
as they carefully retrieve their find from the depths of darkness?

This fabulous debut novel opens with Erin digging the grave for her
beloved Mark, which will undoubtedly hook readers from the start.
All the dirty details leading up to the grizzly scene are unveiled from
that point on, and it's an action-packed adventure to the end.

Domestic bliss is in jeopardy in this cloak-and-dagger thriller
that Reese Witherspoon's production company has already
acquired for film adaptation.

A must-read for those who love tantalizing suspense.

Then She Was Gone

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Everyone loved fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack. Vibrant and beautiful, with a promising future ahead of
her, she couldn't wait to begin a stress-free summer with her handsome boyfriend. But then
Ellie vanished after a routine visit to the library, and all those hopes and dreams slipped away. Life for the Mack family ended that fateful day.

Ten years after Ellie's mysterious disappearance, police find her discarded remains, along with a faded rucksack and various personal items scattered carelessly near the bones. Somehow, the sad news doesn't surprise Ellie's mother, Laurel. She's been waiting for this day to arrive after her
marriage disintegrated and her two remaining children drifted away, unable to bear seeing the grief in their mother's eyes after losing her favorite child. The dull ache in Laurel's heart will never go away until she knows what happened to her darling Ellie.

Just when she needs to lift her spirits, Laurel meets Floyd, a charming, intriguing stranger in a local cafe. Suddenly, her life takes on new meaning as their relationship grows to the next level. Amazing
how much Floyd reminds Laurel of ex-husband, Paul, in his mannerisms and the way he dresses.
And even more unsettling is how much his precocious daughter, Poppy, looks like her deceased daughter. When Laurel learns of a strange connection between Poppy's mother and Ellie, there's a feeling of dread which incessantly preys on her mind. Coincidence or something far more ominous?

This wickedly good, psychological thriller has all the elements for an addictive, tantalizing
read. A missing teenager, her traumatized, heartbroken mother, the suave gentleman who charms his way into her pathetic life, and the creepy innuendos that something dark and evil is about to be unveiled.

Just wait until you find out what that something is.

Sometimes I Lie

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

Amber Reynolds hears the voices of the never-ending parade of doctors and nurses who enter her hospital room, but she doesn't see them. Pungent, antiseptic smells surround her. A coma has paralyzed her body, but her mind is wildly racing.

She remembers the rage she felt every day working for her demeaning boss at a radio station. She recalls her husband's suspicious nights spent away from home, fueling the nagging realization he might not love her anymore. She remembers feeling apprehensive and uneasy after meeting an old flame for an innocent drink. Her memory begins to piece together the circumstances that happened before her accident, and who might have been behind the wheel of a car, out of control.

Now she hears her husband's cozy conversations with her manipulative sister at her bedside. Are they whispering secrets, assuming she can't hear? And who is the mysterious stranger that sneaks into her hospital room late at night, that makes her heart race with panic and fear?

Disturbing, childhood reflections continue to haunt her; memories of a fire's fury, hidden diaries, violent arguments, and the friend who was always by her side. Separating the lies from the truth is sometimes impossible, even for a child.

This psychological thriller takes the reader on a long walk through a complicated maze before  reaching the stunning ending. Take the time to reread passages to mentally sort out the dizzying
array of events and people who play a role in the life of Amber Reynolds.

Then breathe, and do it again.

Then breathe, and do it again.

Grist Mill Road

Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates

Matthew and Patrick were inseparable in 1982, spending endless days exploring the wilderness surrounding the Swangum Mountains. Just a bike ride away from their hometown of Roseborn, ninety miles outside of New York City, they created their own adventures under crystal blue skies, with the scent of pitch pines, and the taste of succulent blueberries, until one act of gruesome violence changed their lives in countless ways. Two boys, one girl, taunting words, and a Red Ryder BB gun, defined who they are forever.

There are three narrators in this story. Patrick, Matthew, and Hannah, the young girl and victim of the heinous crime. It's 2008. Patrick and Hannah are married, she's a crime reporter, he's struggling to find a job in the collapsing economy. Hannah knows that Patrick was there on that fateful day, but does not know the extent of his involvement. Matthew resurfaces, nudging his way into the lives of those he once called friends. But forgiveness never comes easy. 

Far beyond the grizzly account of the crime itself, this story is about
perception versus reality, truth versus fiction. The character development
is superb. Some readers will embrace this novel, finding it impossible to put down.
Others will find it abhorrently difficult to fathom. Expect to experience raw emotions
of anger and compassion. Peel away the layers and  prepare for the shocking conclusion.

The Woman in the Window

The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Dr. Anna Fox lives in isolation, spying on neighbors, popping pills, and drinking bottle after bottle of merlot while watching vintage, black-and-white movies to pass the time. As a child psychologist, suffering from agoraphobia herself, she dabbles in online counseling for others afflicted with the anxiety disorder. And each and every day, she thinks about her estranged husband and eight-year-old daughter that no longer live in the rambling Harlem brownstone they once called home.

Her latest obsession is with the Russell family who recently moved in across the street. Father Alistair, Mother Jane, and Son Ethan, a lanky, nervous teenager who stops in for an occasional visit. It's hard living with a controlling father and his volatile temper.

It's after one of these visits, that Anna witnesses the unthinkable  through the zoom lens on her Nikon camera while peering into the window of the Russell home. Frantic, she stumbles to her phone in a drunken stupor to call for help. But when the police arrive, her highly questionable story is dissected piece by piece. No one heard the piercing screams, no one can corroborate her terrifying ordeal, no one believes her,

So many questions, so few answers. Poor, paranoid Dr. Anna Fox, fabricating a grand tale because she's a lonely, delusional lady.

This deliciously sinister, psychological thriller will delight Hitchcock fans. Short, tantalizing, chapters make it an easy read. The premise may sound familiar, but don't be mistaken; there's an abundance of unexpected twists and complex characters that should play out well when this debut novel is released on film.

Think you have this one all figured out? Close your shades and think again........

Emma in the Night

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

Teenage sisters, Emma and Cass Tanner, disappear from home in the middle of the night. Authorities find their abandoned car on the beach, keys in a purse, shoes aimlessly rolling in the surf.

Three years later, only Cass returns, with a harrowing story of isolation and mental abuse at the hands of a controlling man and woman on a remote island off the coast of Maine. She gives investigators a detailed description of their captors, the surroundings, and the circumstance that led her and Emma to find themselves at the mercy of strangers. Her pleas are deafening; find the island, and you'll find Emma.

To understand this story, one has to examine the dynamics of a dysfunctional family living on the threshold of catastrophe. Emma and Cass are the children of Owen and Judy Tanner. He's a wounded, pot-smoking, sad man whose vain, narcissistic wife left him for a more powerful, wealthy man by the name of Jonathan Martin. Owen  has a caring son, Witt, by his first marriage before he was seduced by the cunning, insecure Judy. And Jonathan has a son, Hunter, a calculating loser who secretly enjoys defying his father every opportunity he gets.

If you are dizzy already with this complicated entourage, then prepare to meet even more characters in a plot designed to make the reader question each and every one of them, which is part of the appeal.  Forensic psychologist, Dr. Abby Winter, is called in with her partner to asses the mystery, and finds herself ensconced once again in the case she couldn't solve years ago. Not to mention, the unsettling memories of growing up in a similar scenario hits way too close to home.

You may need to read a few pages again and again for clarification, but anyone with an interest in the study of classic narcissism will devour this one.

He Said/She Said

He Said/She Said by Erin Kelly

Kit and Laura are eclipse chasers; that rare breed of people who travel to the far ends of the Earth to witness the magic of astronomy.

Their love is still new when they travel to a festival in Cornwall to see a total eclipse of the sun. It's here that Laura stumbles across what appears to be a brutal assault on a young woman. Horrified, she describes the scene to Kit who arrives moments later. He unsuccessfully pursues the assailant, who eventually turns himself into the police, fervently professing his innocence. But Laura knows what she saw and is determined to vindicate the girl who was violated, even if it means telling a little white lie at the trial.

What Kit and Laura don't expect, is to find the victim at their doorstep, months later. Her neediness becomes obsessive until one dangerous night that makes Laura question if she's trusted the wrong person all along.

Fifteen years later, Laura and Kit have changed their identities, making sure they leave no digital footprints behind. Kit leaves to view another eclipse, while Laura remains at home, awaiting the birth of twins. It's become a way of life to always look over their shoulders for the appearance of a familiar face from the past. And when that face finally surfaces, truth and fiction collide, revealing a long trail of calculated deception.

Tormented characters, intent on survival, do whatever it takes to win. Author Erin Kelly takes the reader on a wild ride of emotions in this one, and the result is thoroughly intoxicating.

Behind Her Eyes

Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

Fair warning, readers....please, please don't reveal the ending of this book!

His kiss still lingers on her lips. David. She can't forget the charming, attractive stranger she met last night while out-on-the-town, alone. Being a divorced, single mom gives Louise little opportunity to socialize, let alone make a sizzling connection with a mysterious man.

Next day, as Louise heads into her part-time job with a prestigious psychiatric practice, she can't stop smiling. Maybe her dull, boring life is about to take a turn. When she sees her new boss from across the room, she instantly recognizes him as the man she met the night before; Dr. David Martin, married, and even more handsome in daylight. Before he spots her, a panicky Louise runs. She can't look into those piercing, brilliant blue eyes of his, without remembering one smoldering kiss.

Distracted and reeling from this revelation, Louise literally bumps into Adele, who looks oh, so familiar. The unsuspecting wife. Her lovely photo graces a frame on David's desk. The chance encounter is the beginning of a deep friendship between two needy ladies. But it isn't long before Louise witnesses the signs of a troubled marriage between her new friend and her new secret lover. Caught in the middle, she's unable to escape the lair of duplicity that surrounds them all. If only she had walked away from the good doctor and his wife when she had the chance.

Some readers will love this novel. Some readers will hate it. But whatever you decide, you'll be talking about the ending, and I think author Sarah Pinborough had exactly that in mind.

Happy April Fool's Day.