Yes, yes, yes, I'm writing my October book review at the end of November! If that doesn't tell you what my life's been like this month, then I don't know what will. Life's certainly been going 100mph this month. I've secured some brilliant collaborations, which have been keeping me busy. And don't even get me started on our current renovation project. If I'm not mumming or working, I'm painting. Something I've realised isn't really my forte, and something I don't really enjoy at all. Something I do enjoy however is reading! My love for reading is growing bigger and bigger month by month. So without further ado let's get into the books I've read in October.
Books I've Read in October
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Synopsis
It's been ten years since her fifteen year-old daughter Ellie vanished without a trace, but Laurel has never stopped searching for answers. By chance, she meets Floyd, a charming stranger who reignites a spark of hope and happiness she thought she’d lost forever. But when Laurel meets Floyd’s nine year-old daughter, Poppy, she’s stunned... The little girl is the mirror image of Ellie at that age. As Laurel grows closer to Floyd and Poppy, the past begins to resurface in chilling ways. Old questions demand answers: What really happened to Ellie? Where did she go? And who has been keeping the truth hidden all these years?
Review
Then She Was Gone is the third book I've read from Lisa Jewell, and I have to say, I'm sure it won't be the last! Because this is another corker for me.
The book is not only told from three different perspectives, but it's also split across different timelines and divided into five parts. It sounds complicated, but for me this was a really easy read. There's something about Jewells writing style and tone that I feel is so easy to eat up. I managed to get through this book within a few days. Which in itself, is a glowing review.
Even though the situation is far from anything I've experienced (thankfully) I found all of the characters and their emotions really relatable. Everything felt so real, and I was sucked into their individual stories. Something I love about Jewell's books is how she develops and refines her characters. She does such a great job at making you feel their feelings. Just sublime!
I loved how the story plays out. It doesn't feel like the usual one big twist at the end thriller, it's more drip fed throughout the story. More of a drama vibe, than a thriller. But I'm totally okay with that! I think this style of writing keeps me more engaged and turning the pages.
This was a brilliant read for me. If you've not read any Lisa Jewell books you need to get on them. And fast!
Rating - 4 Stars
The Risk (Mindf*ck series No.1) by S.T. Abby
Synopsis
Lana has spent the last ten years plotting revenge on the people who destroyed her life, methodically tracking down each target with lethal precision. Nothing will stop her! Not guilt, not fear, not the trail of bodies she leaves behind. But when she meets Logan, a sharp, dedicated FBI agent, everything becomes far more complicated. Their connection is immediate and intense, and Lana finds herself falling for the one man determined to catch the killer she truly is. As Logan draws closer to uncovering the truth, Lana must walk a razor-thin line between love and vengeance. Because revealing her identity could cost her everything. Yet keeping it hidden may cost even more.
Review
So, I was a little unsure about how to review this book at first. It's one physical book, but is a series made up of five mini books (approx 175 pages each). I've judged each book as a stand alone book, however once I've read them all I think I'll give another rating of all 5 books together. If you've read this series, I hope you'll understand why.
Firstly let me begin by saying I absolutely love the cat and mouse story behind this. The cop falls in love with the serial killer! If you've watched the series Power, it feels similar to those vibes, only this is way more gory and graphic. Trigger warning! If you've got a sensetive stomach, this one my bot be for you. Thankfully (or weirdly) I absolutely lapped it up!
I love Lana as the main female protagonist. Even though she's a serial killer, and takes great pleasure from commuting the murders, her reasoning behind the killings really makes you get behind her. I don't think I've ever rooted for a female character as much as I have Lana! Logan is brilliant too! From the get go you're wanting the two of them to have their happy ever after.
There's a lot of really interesting, and differing characters in this book. Hadley, being one of them! She works with Logan, has a very close business relationship with him, and is an expert hacker! Something, I'm sure you can agree doesn't work well with Lana's game plan. Hadleys' curious nature has her looking into Lana, (call it being protective over Logan) which only leaves more unanswered questions.
The Risk is an intense read from beginning to end. And I mean to the very end! It's short, snappy chapters from both Lana and Logan's perspectives kept me turning pages quicker than I don't know what!
The book finishes on a cliffhanger, which in ways feels quite frustrating (I don't think I've ever read a book that finishes this way) but because it's part of a series, wrapped up in one phycial book, you can get straight on with book 2. Which, spoiler alert, is exactly what I did!
rating - 3 stars
I feel I need to preface this by saying, while I rated it 3 stars, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that when I've finished the full series, I'll be rating the Mindf*ck series a good 4.5, maybe even 5 star read.
To Conclude
October has been a brilliant reading month for me. Whilst I only read two books, I feel like I've really cemented myself with two utterly brilliant authors. I'm a little late to writing my October review, given that we're nearly at the end of November, but what I will say, is that I'm absolutely flying my way through the rest of The Mindf*ck series!
Have you read any of these books I've read in October?
Oh wow, it's great you've read a few books this month. It's been far too long since I last read a good book.
I am intrigued by Then She Was Gone, you immediately got my attention with her meeting Floyds daughter who was a spitting image of her daughter
I definitely need to read a lot more; I used to but life got a lot busier. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell seems very promising. I love the story and it got a good 4-star rating. I will look for it.
Oh, wow. The Mindf*ck series sounds right up my alley! I love weird stuff like that. They all sound good, though.
I absolutely blitzed through the rest of the Mindf*ck series. It was brillant!
I have to get my hands on Then She Was Gone. This is exactly the kind of tense mystery I love.
It's such a fab book - You'll love it! I really enjoyed reading it.
Love this roundup. You make both books sound so gripping. I'm adding Then She Was Gone to my reading list.
Oh it's a brilliant book. I really enjoy Lisa Jewell as an author. So good!
You've done well to get through those books when life often feels so busy and hectic. I also love to read, both sound like books I would enjoy a lot.
Thank you! I've definitely slowed down with my reading this month. Eeek! But I'm glad I've managed to get so much in this year.
I just bought a copy of Then She Was Gone and I am excited to read it. Happy know that you found it brilliant. Can't wait to get started. It is also going to be my first Lisa Jewell read.
Oh brill! You'll have to let me know what you think. Lisa Jewell is great! I really enjoyed Then She Was Gone.