Book Review: Lesley Kara - The Dare (published in 2021)

 

The Dare by Lesley Kara is quite a ride. 

I would call this a quiet thriller, but it's one that kept me glued to the page nevertheless. Unfortunately, the ending fell a bit flat for me, but that doesn't take away from the joy of reading it in the first place. 

I like coming across books whose authors are new to me. I haven't seen my Bookstagram friends mention this book, so I feel like I uncovered a bit of a gem. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of Kara's books. 

The Dare is about Lizzie. Her friend died while they were out walking near the railroad. She remembers an argument but an epilepsy attack came on right before her friend's gruesome death. For years, people distrust her. 

When she's an adult she moves to London with her boyfriend Ross. She's happy she's able to leave her old life behind. That is... until someone from her previous life makes an appearance. 

Many thanks to the publisher Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

4 stars

Book Review: Jess Walter - The Cold Millions (published in 2020)

 

It's definitely me and not you, THE COLD MILLIONS. 

I didn't know what it was about this novel that didn't pull me in, until I read the acknowledgements in the back. Jess Walter thanks Anthony Doerr (author of ALL THE LIGHTS WHEN CANNOT SEE for his tips and feedback on the book. That's when it clicked, the issues I had with his book were the same I had with Walter's. 

Everything about the story is actually potentially really good. The characters, the political plot, the setting in 1900's USA, even the harsh story and no non-sense killings and deaths are all potentially fantastic. I keep saying potentially, because it just didn't work for me. 

I think this book will receive rave reviews. People will fall in love with the Dolan brothers, especially little Rye has a lot going for him. People will enjoy the political plot where a young woman is trying to rally the workers together to ask for better conditions on the work floor and more equality in life. People might actually read a bit of Tolstoy's WAR AND PEACE in the pages of this book. 

The baddies in the form of police and "nobility" have their own struggles. No one can be blamed for how things unfold or everyone can be blamed. It's up to you. 

I'm giving this book 2.5 stars, because I recognise good writing when I see it. I wish I had put the novel down halfway because it didn't work for me, but that's just me. 

My tip: if you enjoyed books like the aforementioned ALL THE LIGHTS WE CANNOT SEE and DAYS WITHOUT END (which I actually did enjoy) you might really enjoy this novel. 

Many thanks to the publisher Penguin General UK and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

2.5 stars

Book Review: Sarah Pearse - The Sanatorium (published in 2021)

 

If you're looking for a nice atmospheric thriller, you're looking at the right book. Spring is just around the corner, but many of us might still crave the desolateness of winter. I certainly do, when it comes to books (in terms of real life, I'm ready to welcome summer with open arms). 

The Sanatorium takes place in a hotel in Switzerland. Elin's brother Isaac is hosting his engagement party here. Even though they haven't spoken for a long time, she decides to attend because her and her brother have unfinished business. She's still struggling with the questions she had regarding their younger brother's death years ago. 

It all goes downhill from there. A big storm forces the funiculars to close, and the hotel is closed off from the outside. When people start disappearing, Elin can't ignore her duty as a former police officer in the UK and she decides to investigate. 

This novel is incredibly grim. It gave me real slasher vibes, rather than thriller vibes which I actually enjoyed. I really couldn't have guessed the conclusion, even though I tried (and failed) many times. The plot twists were rather good. Unfortunately, we follow the story through the eyes of Elin who isn't the most stable of narrators. 

It's actually the part I didn't really enjoy about the novel. Elin has a lot of demons to fight while also chasing the killer on the loose. The setting and main plot is suspenseful enough, I didn't really need Elin's interior doubts and insecurities. This is a personal preference though. 

I really enjoyed this read and I was completely enthralled by it. The ending left me with a few question marks though, I'm not sure I'm all to happy about that, but at least I'm still thinking about the book after putting it down. 

3.5 stars