#Kindle Murder Mystery

[trilogiesofterror]

The Ripper Lives: Jack the Ripper Series I - The Living and the Dead (2/10)

AN ESCAPED LUNATIC HOLDS A VITAL CLUE TO THE LATEST HOMICIDE “Something was different than before. The noise of condensed poverty persisted, at odds with the barren square, but there was something else about it, a peculiar silence that sounded even louder. A bated breath. A presence."

A potentially important clue, a reluctant witness, a terrifying encounter, and an unexpected twist. The horror and suspense surge as the task force inches closer to the Ripper.

"Tensing and untensing, the camouflage began to slip away, piece by slim-encrusted piece ..."

[miss-may-i]

WHAT'S YOUR NAME?

Blackridge, Oregon, claimed the title of The Nameless City in an attempt to attract tourists after the tragedy that shook the close-knit coastal town. Amongst the aftermath of Columbine, a disgruntled student arrived at Seal Coast Community High School with a list of names and a gun. The shooter and nine victims died in the shooting. Months later, the last survivor would die under mysterious circumstances, giving birth to the rumors in Blackridge that there’s a curse using names to kill. Twenty years later, the Clairwaters are moving back to their hometown of Blackridge to reunite with family in the midst of a divorce. Two siblings, Fiora and Atlus, are the newest students of Seal Coast Community High School, where students shield behind aliases, rules, and traditions relentlessly, almost to the point of life or death. The siblings’ roots to the alleged haunted city are as thick as blood, and the townsfolk are curious about the infamous rumor that uncovering a true name can kill, leaving them with one question for the newcomers: what’s your name?

Available in both e-book and paperback

Content Warnings

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 The Most Famous Girl in the World Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD Are you a true crime fan? OR What conspiracy interests you the most? ❓ 🦇 It's been two years since Rose—a first-generation Middle Eastern American, functional trainwreck, and reporter for online journal The Shred—wrote the investigative article that exposed Poppy as a socialite grifter. Normally, one of her articles going viral would be cause for celebration, but the highly publicized trial that followed turned Poppy into the internet's favorite celebrity. And Rose has been reeling from the aftermath ever since. Although Poppy served her time for defrauding some of the richest, most powerful men in the world, Rose knows this is only the tip of the iceberg for Poppy's crimes. She just can't prove it yet…At least not without the help of a devilishly handsome FBI agent gone rogue.

💜 The Most Famous Girl in the World is loudly and proudly satire. The novel is entirely self-aware, which is quite a feat to write while straddling the line where the fourth wall used to stand. There are so many interesting, complex themes explored in this book that it will no doubt become an interesting read for book club circles. For example, why does society hyper-fixate on certain people? Why do we practically worship actors and musicians? There's a moment during Poppy's confession that's quite interesting. Rose's article paints Poppy as callous, cruel, deceptive--a villain--and Poppy is glad for it. She says society puts too much emphasis on being perfect, that people prefer 'bad' people because she's a mirror, reflecting the worst versions of themselves. "If I can get away with murder and still be beloved, there's hope for them yet." Social media glamorizes people. We see a pocket of their world, perfectly cropped, and see roses instead of the thorns beyond the frame. The Most Famous Girl in the World is a fun, exhilarating ride, but its exploration of fame, mass hysteria, identity, and conspiracy can't be ignored.

💜 I love that Rose is a messy protagonist. As a Middle Eastern American, I've been shoved into boxes and plastered with labels. She recognizes she's hit rock bottom and relies on self-deprecating humor to survive it. Is she a little exhausting at times? Yes, absolutely. Does that make her all the more real as a protagonist? Definitely. However, I do wish we'd seen more depth to her character beyond the mess. No person is one thing. We focus on Rose's substance abuse and obsession with Poppy, her pessimism and disdain for the world around her, but none of the positives that make her equally human.

💙 I have a love-hate relationship with the story's satire, which leaves it riddled with purposeful cliches. The campy-ness ("I've always had villain monologues in fiction. They feel too convenient. Unrealistic.") feels like the fourth wall is constantly getting broken down and resurrected again. And Poppy's confession is exactly that: over the top and unrealistic. All of the pieces are so obvious (Rose getting tipped off twice would mean it was someone at the publication [ie, Cat] or someone close to her [ie, Antanova]). It's possible to write this as a satire without it being so predictable at every turn. The whole "pranks" thing (aka "lies") made the characters seem juvenile, rather than adding levity to their world.

💙 As a Middle Eastern American journalist, I wanted to connect to Rose so much more than I did. The self-reflection about being a child of immigrants could have built Rose's character, made her question her sense of belonging (reflecting the ease in which Poppy assimilates into the world of one-percenters). Instead, it's randomly inserted into the story, added in as an afterthought. There's a brief mention of Rose's articles about her upbringing--feeling like an outsider, an observer straddling the line between two words. Giving us snippets between chapters from those articles would have humanized Rose more. Instead, we dive RIGHT into the drunk, drugged-up, self-destructive version of Rose, which makes her unlikeable and unreliable as a narrator. Rose and Poppy share that mentality of nonbelonging--it should have been a focal theme for the story all along.

🦇 Recommended for fans of true crime and satire.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 💋 Satire/Witty 💋 Anna Delvey/Inventing Anna Vibes 💋 Journalist/FBI Agent 💋 Drug & Alcohol Use 💋 Child of Immigrants/Inherited Trauma 💋 Murder & Conspiracies 💋 Smut

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #TheMostFamousGirlintheWorld

💬 Quotes ❝ Reality really can write itself better than any great American novel. ❞ ❝ That article I’d written about Poppy set me on fire. I was forged but also burned in the process. ❞ ❝ It was strange and disorienting growing up with a foot in each world. My sourdough-skinned peers could tell I wasn’t actually a blue-blooded American. My skin was brown, and my arms were hairy, and my parents talked funny when they came to pick me up in their Kia Rio. The other Iranian kids didn’t quite recognize me as their own, either. I was too westernized to understand their jokes, to fully feel the weight of their dysphoria. Since I couldn’t be an active participant in either world, I grew into a silent observer. And I began to write everything down. ❞ ❝ I keep them at arm’s length, never letting them get to know the real me. And in turn, they embrace the fake me. ❞

[darcyfirth]

i made a promise with myself that i would be allowed to buy a new book once i finish reading 5 and so far i'm at 2.5/5 so i do need book recs y'all

[runilareads]

Currently Reading: Beef Brisket Murder - Patti Benning (Darling Deli, 11)

"Sometimes the answer to a mystery… Is way too close to home. Deli owner and amateur sleuth, Moira Darling, discovers something rather disturbing in her basement while she’s cleaning it out.

Intrigued, she begins an investigation and enlists the help of her hunky boyfriend, David, to find out what could possibly have happened in the house before she bought it.

When the strange trail of clues leads to the retirement home in Lake Marion, Moira realizes that it might not be too late for a decades-old crime to be solved.

Meanwhile, her daughter Candice hires her first employee at the candy shop, and Moira’s employees at the deli plan a surprise birthday party for her in this fast-paced Cozy Mystery!" - Goodreads

[bookishlyvintage]

The Daughters of Block Island, Christa Carmen [x]

[iancumminsauthor]

Even though you have to pay for them when you self-publish, it's still amazing to receive your author copies! The new murder-mystery crime thriller whodunnit is available now from amazon/kindle bookstore

[ajelementus]

✨GUYS, I'M PUBLISHED!!!✨

I am SOOOO excited to have this out!! 😁 As of yesterday, Violet Vanstorm's first ever interactive mystery: Knife's Edge, has been released on KindleVella!

The story will release in episodes and each one will be based on ✨YOUR✨ decisions, shared in comments and polls! Episode 1 is up NOW and is available for free at https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0C7P18NNB

I LOVE interacting with readers and so I have been especially excited about this project! If you're ready to solve a case, make sure to head on over, and to share with any of your mystery loving friends! Every read, share, like, and follow makes a HUGE difference!

Hope to see y'all there! Together... let's catch a killer 🔪😉💣 https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0C7P18NNB

[bargainsleuthbooks]

#ARCReview #MurderataCapeBookstore #MaddieDay #Cozycapersbookgroupmystery #BookReview #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #KindleDeals

I just love a good #cozymystery and the #cozycapersbookgroup #mysteryseries is a good one. The forthcoming book #Murderatacapebookstore, had me guessing. #Maddieday #netgalley #kensingtonbooks #arcreview #bookreview #arc #kindledeals #capecod #Doorcounty

Everyone loves a festival, though Mac has a few concerns about the Spring equinox event organized by the new Chamber of Commerce director, Wagner Lavoie. After all, March weather is unpredictable. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy, between flower-shaped candies at Salty Taffy’s, spring rolls at the Rusty Anchor, and a parade of decorated bicycles. But the festivities soon take a stormy turn . .…

[authorjulieseedorf]

Good Night Murder by Diane Weiner

Professor Jenna Blake is back. She survived a school shooting. She survived her husband’s suicide. With the help of supportive parents, a therapy dog, and Oreos, she’s regained her grip on life. Or has she? On her first day back from an extended sabbatical, she finds a cryptic note on her desk requesting a meeting.When the anonymous note writer is a no-show and later turns up dead, it ignites a…

[m4lb00]

My Reading in 2022

My Reading in 2022

I’m now well into the habit of updating my reading progress on Goodreads because as I read virtually everything on my Kindle, it does it automatically. In December 2022 Goodreads told me that I had read only 21 books which is quite a lot fewer than in 2021. I thought a couple of books took a long time to get through as they seemed much longer but on a Kindle you don’t get as much of a feel for…

[trilogiesofterror]

FANS OF CLIVE CUSSLER'S THE CUTTHROAT WILL LOVE THE RIPPER LIVES BY KEVIN MORRIS

ABOUT THE CUTTHROAT:

Isaac Bell may be on the hunt for the greatest monster of all time in this riveting action-adventure novel from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Clive Cussler.

The year is 1911. Chief Investigator Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Detective Agency has had many extraordinary cases before. But none quite like this.

Hired to find a young woman named Anna Pape who ran away from home to become an actress, Bell gets a shock when her murdered body turns up instead. Vowing to bring the killer to justice, he begins a manhunt, which leads him into increasingly more alarming territory. Anna Pape was not alone in her fate—petite young blond women like Anna are being murdered in cities across America.

And the pattern goes beyond the physical resemblance of the victims—there are disturbing familiarities about the killings themselves that send a chill through even a man as experienced with evil as Bell. If he is right about his fears, then he is on the trail of one of the greatest monsters of his time.

ABOUT THE RIPPER LIVES:

JACK THE RIPPER'S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES

The world’s most elusive and terrifying serial killer returns in the 10-part Victorian gothic murder mystery series, The Ripper Lives. Dripping with 19th-century atmosphere and intrigue, each thrilling, suspense-filled chapter ends with a shocking cliffhanger that compels the reader forward. The fear builds as the historical horror story unfolds, culminating in an explosive, mind-bending conclusion.

The Ripper Lives is a sequel to the true story that commences after the slayings of the Canonical Five. As a secretly appointed task force works to bring the butcher to justice under the radar of the newspapers, the unsuspecting public believes the threat has subsided. But while hiding in the shadows, the serial killer's compulsion to mutilate has grown exponentially stronger, and for Whitechapel, the harrowing nightmare of tension and terror has only just begun.

BOOK SERIES PAGE:

[mslevkindle]

The story began in an intriguing flashback on October 31, 1989 when a Danish police went to a secluded farm, a visit which resulted in his demise. Fast forward to the present, the story revolves around two detectives, Naia Thulin and Mark Hess unravelling the mystery behind the gruesome murders of 4 women in Copenhagen. Things got interesting when the fingerprint of Kristine Hartung, the missing daughter of Rosa Hartung was found in the crime scene.

Review (May contain spoilers)

I found this title while doing an in-depth research on books with mystery thriller crime genre and I'm so glad I stumbled on a post recommending The Chestnut Man.

STORY: 3.9/5

GOOD

I am a sucker for forensic, psychiatry, and police procedurals so this book hit the spot for me. The atmosphere felt so real, I felt like I was in the story as well, it's always cold and rainy, dark and gritty, definitely a nordic noir.

The story is very graphic and the details on how the serial killer slaughter its victims are absolutely gruesome. I also like the chase between the police and the killer, despite the plan of attack, the killer still manages to get away which makes it really exciting.

The story is a classic whodunit, I like to commend the writer because he didn't reveal much and there is no perspective from the killer either, although I had few characters in mind I was tricked and definitely astounded when the killer was revealed. I like how the killer lured the characters to his advantage.

BAD

Like other horror/thriller the snoopiness of the characters aggravates me, OKAY LET'S SPLIT UP AND I WILL CHECK IN THE DARK ALONE. Bruh, I understand they are police officers and it's part of the procedure, but Jesus, can you please not investigate alone especially at night?! It's quite dumb to go on a trip when the killer is at large, dude c'mon.

The confrontation between the killer and the MCs, was kind of disappointing, it could've done better I swear to god. I don't know if the writer got lazy at the point.

WRITING STYLE: 3.8/5

This book obviously introduced me to Søren Sveistrup, he is a screenwriter which clearly shows on his writing style. The pacing is great that you can read it in one sitting. The multiperspectivity didn't bothered me since I read novels with similar format, but of course the sudden change of perspective can be a bit infuriating, sub-plots were okay but some aren't really interesting and impactful that I only look forward to Thulin, Hess, Rosa and the killer.

CHARACTERS: 4.5/5

The story involved a lot of characters, hate to admit it but I don't have an excellent memory so I find it a bit of a challenge remembering the characters.

Nonetheless, the characters were written so well, Thulin for example, she is a very competent, smart and independent detective almost in par to her male colleagues. Hess on the other hand is very keen and smart I really like him, *cough* had a crush on him, lol.

The dynamic and chemistry between Thulin and Hess is remarkable, in comparison with other novels where the male lead often sexualizes the female lead, Hess did the opposite, he respect boundaries and respect Thulin both as a woman and a colleague.

OVERALL THOUGHTS (May include triggers, proceed with caution)

My overall rating for this book is 4/5.

The ending is sort of a cliffhanger to me, and I thought the writer could make a sequel on it, I'd like to see more of Hess and Thulin's adventure as detectives.

Is this book worth reading? Definitely a YES, if you love mystery thriller, police procedural books, I recommend you guys to read this.

Please note however that this book may contain triggers like s3xual/physical abus3, and p3d0philia. You might want to consider these before reading.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 A Most Agreeable Murder Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ "Let go of what everyone is supposed to be, and you shall see who they truly are. Let people be who they truly are, and they shall reach their greatest potential." ❞

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite murder mystery book, TV series, or movie? ❓ ❗ Shout out to all my fellow BBC Sherlock, Elementary, Sherlock Holmes (RDJ films), OG Sherlock Holmes (ACD books), Truly Devious books, or Jackaby books fans. OR

❓ What's your favorite period piece?

🦇 Beatrice Steele isn't like the other ladies of Swampshire (a small English township outside of London), but like much of the town, she harbors a secret: Beatrice is obsessed with murder. Not committing it, of course, but solving it to exact justice. Of course, it wouldn't be lady-like, especially in their etiquette-obsessed community, to act on her obsession. When an eligible bachelor is murdered at Swampshire's autumnal ball—a bachelor who was courting Beatrice's sister—she's partnered with a well-versed detective to unravel the thread. Is this her chance to put her sleuthing skills to the test?

💜 Though certain qualities of Beatrice's world—the decorum, the obsession with reputation and wealth, a marriage-scheming mother—all seem familiar, the prose is full of wit and charm unlike most period piece-inspired stories. Julia Seales brings a flare of comedy to her debut that allows it to stand on its own two feet, when many Austenian novels run the risk of dragging in pace or sounding dry. This cozy mystery is entertaining and action-packed, with a cast of characters that present as red herrings—each with their own means and motives. The little clippings (whether from letters or news stories) and asides slipped between chapters were a fun way to add layers to the story as well.

🦇 Maybe it's because I'm obsessed with mysteries in all forms, but I guessed the murderer the moment the character's name was mentioned, long before the murder was even committed. Though the large cast gives readers and Beatrice plenty of red herrings to chase, it's a little dizzying to remember so many names. It also takes a moment for the pacing to find its momentum; the start of the book drags to establish how strange Swamshire really is, and though the setting plays a part in the narrative, I would have preferred a "show, rather than tell" approach. Beatrice comes off as a little frustrating; more than once, she gets in her own way, which can make certain moments cringey more than funny. She's not the best judge of character, either; the truth about the investigator she swooned over and Drake, his disgraced partner, is right in front of her. If this series continues, I hope we get a glimpse into Mary's story within another mystery (which might be a great play on ACD's Hounds of Baskerville mystery).

🦇 Recommended to fans of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, any Sherlockian variation, or Bridgerton. If you want to add a little decorum and intrigue to your life, this is the book for it!

✨ Vibes 🗝️ Locked-Room Mystery 🗝️ Regency-Era Cozy Mystery 🗝️ Satire and Sass 🗝️ A Hint of Romance 🗝️ A Quirky Cast

🦇 Major thanks to the author Julia Seales and publisher Random House for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[hjfurlwritesdarksteamyromance]

‘Reading BEINGS was such an emotional ride. I felt I could see parts of myself in the characters. Their flaws, struggles, and victories hit close to home, and I couldn’t help but get wrapped up in their stories. It’s a book that lingers with you.’ Rosie Coleman, reader.

Drew:

Flyn:

Max:

Neve:

Simon:

Isabel:

Haimi:

Melissa:

‘HJ Furl has created something truly special with BEINGS. The characters, and their journeys, so profoundly moved me. Each one felt so real, and I reflected on my own life and the choices I’ve made long after I finished reading. This book struck a chord with me.’ Tom Michael, Director.

In a world where desire hides the deepest secrets and survival demands more than human will, where the truth is darker than you can imagine, they are drawn together by forces beyond their understanding, bound by the hunger that unites them, haunted by choices they cannot escape. And they're coming for you.

BEINGS by HJ Furl: out now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

[landandavis1266]

Check out my ebook on Amazon - A Light in the Shadows! If you're a fan of detectives and monsters, you just might like it!