Thursday, July 16, 2026

The Divorce by Freida McFadden

 A woman's husband asks for a divorce and the wife's paints herself as a total victim.  Second half of the book, from the mistress's perspective shows maybe the wife isn't as pure as she thinks she is.  Also, the husband is a jerk the whole time.

I didn't like any of the characters and the "twist" is now such a FMcF thing that I spend the whole first half wondering what's not true.  She really needs to write more novels where the twist is not the main plot point.  It was great in The Housemaid when nobody expected it, but it's getting pretty old now.

2.5 stars.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

The Girls Before by Kate Alice Marshall

 Audrey investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl student at the school where she's a guidance counselor.  Meanwhile, another woman is imprisoned underground and trying to escape.

And Barry the dog gets to save the day.

4.5 stars.

Friday, July 10, 2026

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy

 Teenage Waldo fall for her creative writing teacher, a married man in his forties.

Parts of this were gross and all of the internal dialog was unbelievable.  I don't remember being that self-aware in high school.  Oh, and the cover art was too suggestive.

Those things aside, it was a fast read and there were parts I enjoyed.

3 stars.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Served Him Right by Lisa Unger

 Ana Blackwell is accused of poisoning her ex-boyfriend.  She tries to uncover the truth as the police and The Cove pursue her.

4 stars.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg

 Ninety two year old Flo receives a terminal diagnosis.  Her life is revealed in a letter she writes to Ruthie, the woman she watched grow up and who has been like the daughter she never had.  

4.5 stars.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

26 Beauties by James Patterson

 Women's Murder Club members Lindsay Box and Cindy Thomas investigate a possible human trafficking ring.

4 stars.

Monday, June 22, 2026

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

 The life of Artie Dam, husband, father, high school teacher, is slowly revealed.  

Beautifully written.

5 stars.