The Couple Next Door

The Couple Next Door
by Shari Lapena

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is one of those gems you long for during a reading rut and then continue to ponder after turning the final page. Sadly I was in a reading rut this summer. I read some books, but they just didn't grab me and hold my attention like this debut suspense novel. I did not want to put this book down because of the intensity of the story line and the twists. Two BIG thumbs up to Lapena, and fingers crossed for more of her suspense in the future.

The book was released August 23, 2016.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Pamela Dorman Books, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of The Couple Next Door for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or the publisher.

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans
by Julia Heaberlin

I have been reading Julia Heaberlin's books since I was first introduced to her writing in 2013 during the Texas Library Association's annual conference when Playing Dead was the book for One Book, One Conference. I was thrilled when I saw Lie Still was available through NetGalley a few weeks later. I was equally excited when I discovered her latest book, Black-Eyed Susans on NetGalley as well.

The main character is Tessa. As a teenager she was found buried in an abandoned field with bones and the body of another young girl. The book is told in different voices - Tessa and Lydia (her best friend), and moves from 1995 to the present. The years are presented in flashbacks, therapy sessions, diary entries, and trial questioning.

The time is quickly approaching when the man charged with and convicted for the deaths of the Black-Eyed Susans (named because of the flowers spread over their bodies) will be executed. Because of a variety of events, Tessa no longer believes this man (Terrell) is guilty of the crimes for which he has been convicted, and has started working with an attorney and forensic scientist to overturn his conviction.

Ms. Heaberlin is from the Fort Worth area, so fans of the great city will enjoy reading about local attractions and facilities. Like all of her previous books, this psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a great suspenseful tale.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Random House Publishing has provided an electronic copy of Black-Eyed Susans for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.

Escaping with a Favorite Mystery Writer

I've Got You Under My Skin
Mary Higgins Clark

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, I decided to escape with a mystery by one of my favorite authors, Mary Higgins Clark. I have been reading MHC books for over twenty years. I always know I will be in for a great story, and she doesn't disappoint with I've Got You Under My Skin, her latest mystery.

The story actually involves two mysteries that come together in the end. The book begins with the murder of a young doctor while spending time with his young son on a playground in New York. The second murder is twenty year old unsolved case. The two come together when the widow of the young doctor, a television producer, sets in to motion the concept of a new television show centered around "cold cases". Laurie Moran contacts Robert Powell, the widower of Betsy Powell. Mrs. Powell was murdered twenty years ago following a lavish Graduation Gala for her daughter and three of her friends who had recently graduated from college.

I can't say the book was not somewhat predictable in certain places, but after reading MHC for so many years some of her writing tricks are recycled. Don't get me wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and don't regret picking it up at all. It served the purpose for which I chose to read it ~ complete and utter escape.

So, for those of you in need of a great start to your summer reading, I would highly suggest ANY book written by Mary Higgins Clark. The mystery is well worth the suspense and the hours of missed sleep.

Playing Dead

I just finished reading one of the best books! It is the debut novel by Texas writer Julia Heaberlin, Playing Dead. It was the 2013 conference book for the Texas Library Association's One Book, One Conference program which was held in Fort Worth on Wednesday, April 24th. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the session because I was presiding over another session at the same time. I guess the best part for me is the story was not ruined for me through the discussion since I had not finished the book!

I loved this book so much I want to share everything about Tommie, Sadie, Maddie, and Hudson, but I won't because I want others to enjoy the book too. All I can say is that I loved everything about it, especially the setting! The book is set in and around Fort Worth, Texas, for the most part. I was surprised with the twists and turns in the book. As we grow up we all believe we know who we are and all about our parents. It can be shocking to find out, after the death of a parent that you really know nothing about yourself.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of Texas, mystery, and suspense. I can't wait for Ms. Heaberlin's next book, Lie Still, which is expected out July 9th.

Happy Reading!