Genre:
Mystery is a plot structure as well as a genre; it means that a crime is committed at the very beginning—normally a murder or a theft. Then, the remainder of the novel is spent trying to figure out who done it.
The cover of Strange Houses immediately caught my attention. Floor plans, a strange mystery, visual puzzles? Sign me up. Unfortunately, the book inside didn’t quite live up to the intriguing package. Here’s why this short Japanese mystery left me disappointed.
A mystery that knows it’s a mystery
There are few things more fun than a mystery that knows exactly what kind of mystery it is.
How to Write a Murder puts a group of mystery writers in an isolated monastery, gives everyone secrets and motives, and then starts killing people.
Naturally, I had a great time.
But what really made this one work for me was how Jessica Brody plays with the conventions of the genre. The characters know they’re behaving like characters in a murder mystery. The book itself keeps winking at the reader. And somehow, beneath all that cleverness, there is a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of how the roles we believe we’re playing can shape who we become.
I had a blast with this one. And yes, I have thoughts about that cover, too.
Read my full review of How to Write a Murder.
Despite being nearly 500 pages, *Bodies of Magic* became the book I reached for every chance I got.
If dark academia, magical medicine, layered mysteries, and unlikely friendships sound like your kind of story, this review might help you decide whether Freya Marske’s newest fantasy deserves a place on your TBR.
Read the full review →
I picked up The Last Murder at the End of the World because the cover caught my eye, the premise intrigued me, and I already knew I liked Stuart Turton’s strange, twisty storytelling. What I didn’t expect was a layered science fiction mystery that would leave me thinking about humanity, purpose, community, and the value of every life.
And honestly? I think this book is way underhyped.
I’ve shared my full review, including why I think you should read it, who might want to skip it, the cover details that convinced me to buy it, and the very specific reading challenge that sent me in the wrong direction.
Pines by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced sci-fi horror thriller packed with paranoia, mystery, survival themes, and eerie small-town tension.
A thoughtful review of The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark—exploring its design, slow-burn suspense, and why it’s slightly overhyped but still worth reading.
A thoughtful review of The Long Con by Jenna Voris, exploring its heist premise, queer representation, character development, and why the stakes didn’t quite land despite a compelling setup.
Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel blends humor, heart, and mystery in a dual-timeline story about a woman with a dark past and a neighborhood full of secrets. Read my full review for insights into its characters, themes, and unforgettable charm.
A detailed review of Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, exploring its striking cover design, emotional thriller plot, character depth, and whether the story lives up to the hype.
A thoughtful review of The Portrait, a Victorian historical mystery exploring art, love, and secrets. Includes cover analysis and design critique.
