Book Review | The Truth You Told by Brianna Labuskes

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the review copy of this book! When I read the synopsis, it sounded like my cup of tea and I was not wrong. I quickly learned that this was the second book in a series but funny enough, I had already downloaded the first book to listen to as an audiobook, so it worked out really well 😂😁

Publishing: September 2024
Pages: Not yet confirmed
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Suspense

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Gosh, I am such a sucker for a crime investigation involving the FBI and special forces and clever people. So this book was so right for me. I loved every minute of it. I just need to say that upfront. Generally, I enjoy listening to crime investigation stories, but with this one, I read it and absolutely loved every minute.

I enjoyed all the characters, good and bad, and as the investigation unfolded, I found myself so engrossed. I couldn’t wait to read further and see what happens next. I particularly enjoyed Kilkenny’s journey with finding out what happened to Shay and getting his answers after so many years. It was sad but it was great that he was finally getting answers.

The focus on serial killers was also very interesting and the psychologist who focused on children who were prone to become serial killers through various combinations of nature and nurture.

The linguistic element was my absolute favourite part! Deciphering codes and figuring out puzzles through written letters was such fun!

All in all, this was an incredible read for me. I would highly recommend reading book 1, called The Lies You Told and to then follow that up with this book. Especially if you enjoy crime and investigation.

To add this book to your Goodreads TBR, click here and for StoryGraph, click here.

Until next time 😊
Chevonn

Book Review | Then There Was One by Wendy Cross

Thank you so much to Penguin YA and Netgalley for a copy of “Then There Was One”. The moment I saw the cover, it appealed to me, and then when I read the synopsis, I was sold.

Publishing: February 2024
Pages: 293
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

From the start, this book had me intrigued. As we meet the characters, we are also introduced to the world they are living in. The characters all come from different planets and one of our characters, Raya, even comes from “The Moons”, which is where the miners live in poverty. They are the poor in society. We also meet Bex, who cannot live up to her dad’s impossible standards for her and Zane, who is hoping to win the prize money to help support his mom.

The thing is, 10 people are chosen to enter The Pinnacle, where they could win a grand prize pot of money. They are dropped off on this island where they need to fend for themselves and the person who outlasts all the others wins the prize.

That all sounds awesome until one of the characters dies, and then another and then another. This is when they realise that this is no game and someone is killing off the contestants individually. What they can’t seem to figure out, though, is who? Who is killing them?!

The story takes a turn from here on and it becomes really suspenseful. It kept me on the edge of my seat. As we journey with the remaining characters to try and figure out what is going on, a lot of suspicious stuff takes place. Until we finally learn what’s really going on and who is behind The Pinnacle and what their true motives are.

I was so shocked by the ending. I did not expect that. It made the story that much more interesting. Also, the last line of the book made me gasp and literally say “WHAT?!” out loud. There is a huge cliffhanger, so I assume we can expect another book after this one?

What an amazing read! I loved every minute of it!

If you would like to add this to your Goodreads TBR, click here. For StoryGraph, click here.

Until next time 😊
Chevonn