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Thursday, March 10, 2022
Newest St. James Supernatural Thriller An Engrossing Read
8:24 AM
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Forty years ago, two murders rocked the small town of Claire Lake, Oregon. Similarities between the double killings proved the same person was responsibile for both. Although she was later acquitted, 23-year-old Beth Greer was accused of the crimes. Wealthy and eccentric, she was convicted in the court of public opinion, prompting her to retreat from society. Still haunted by the whole experience, Beth is finally ready to talk about the murders, which have never been solved.
Shea Collins is shocked when the infamous Beth Greer, who has stayed out of the spotlight for four decades, agrees to be interviewed for her true crime podcast. As she makes regular visits to the elderly woman in her home, Shea becomes mesmerized by Beth and freaked out by the strange things that happen in her house. Suspecting the place is just as haunted as its owner, she finds that—despite her reservations—she can't stay away. The more she learns, however, the more unsettled Shea becomes. Is she being lured in by a clever, manipulative murderer? Or is something even more sinister going on here?
I can always count on Simone St. James to spin me a shivery, suspenseful yarn. Her newest, The Book of Cold Cases (available March 15) is certainly that. It's atmsopheric, it's creepy, and it's engrossing. The characters are likable; I definitely cared about what was going to happen to them. Although this novel kept me turning pages, it's true I was a tad underwhelmed by it. I kept waiting for a big twist or at least some wild plot turns to shock and surprise me and that didn't really ever happen. In spite of this, I still enjoyed The Book of Cold Cases. I just wanted more from it.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other Gothic/supernatural thrillers by Simone St. James as well as those by Carol Goodman, Riley Sager, and Emily Carpenter)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, and blood/gore
13 comments:
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This sounds really creepy and intriguing and fun. I'm going to put this on my TBR. Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteI do really like St. James's novels. I'm looking forward to reading this one. :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific review, Susan. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThis does sounds good and this is an author I've been wanting to read. Thanks for the heads up! I will keep my expectations a bit lowered.
ReplyDeleteExpectations really can affect my impression of a book.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by Simone St. James, but this sounds thrilling. Nice review!
ReplyDeleteI'm 1st on the list for this one at my library. Next week, right? So looking forward to it. I've enjoyed several of this author's books. Thanks for the review!!
ReplyDeleteI almost thought it was out already, I like Simone St. James's work and I'm looking forward to this one. Your review is promising!
ReplyDelete~Lex (lexlingua.co)
I haven't ever read a book by this author, but this one sounds good. I am all about true crime podcasts
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author but I've had it on my "wish to read list" for a while now. I do enjoy true crime cold cases discussed on podcasts once in a blue moon. I'm drawn by the puzzle the detectives have to solve, not any description of a crime. Glad you liked this one!
ReplyDeleteThis definitely sounds like something I'd enjoy! I had not hears of this author but I'm adding this book to my TBR :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen so many people talking about this book! I'm glad you enjoyed it even if you were a bit underwhelmed. Great review.
ReplyDeleteThat is disappointing! Thanks for the excellent review, i love that you give ratings (like "r") as well!
ReplyDelete