Genre: Horror, Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.16

Hidden Pictures is a suspenseful supernatural thriller about Mallory Quinn, a young woman in recovery who becomes a live-in nanny for a wealthy family in suburban New Jersey. She bonds with five-year-old Teddy—until his innocent drawings shift into eerie, detailed depictions of a murder. Convinced his “imaginary friend” may be the ghost of a victim, Mallory races to uncover the truth before history repeats itself.

This was my first book by Jason Rekulak, and I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the story flowed, even during slower moments. I loved the bond between Mallory and Teddy, and the plot twist truly caught me off guard. I also appreciated the unique use of illustrations—they added a surprising and effective layer to the story. I’d definitely recommend this for fans of original, well-paced thrillers.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.20

Daisy Jones & The Six follows a fictional 1970s rock band as they rise to fame and unravel at the peak of their success. Told through a series of interviews with band members, friends, and family, the novel dives into the tangled relationships and hidden truths behind their meteoric rise—and sudden collapse.

I was drawn in by the book’s unique format, which reads so much like a real documentary that I had to remind myself it was fiction. That said, the pacing started to lag about halfway through. I did appreciate the honest portrayal of the pressure placed on women in the ’70s, even those in the spotlight. The narrator reveal was a thoughtful twist, still, I had a hard time staying engaged, and ultimately, I wouldn’t recommend this one. It took me far longer to finish than expected.

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.34

New child psychologist Mina is stuck in a sweltering heatwave, unsure of her path forward. When journalist Sam brings her the case of Alice—a girl who insists she’s haunted by a witch—Mina sees a chance to make a difference. But in the isolated village of Banathel, ancient superstitions still hold power. As Alice’s condition worsens, Mina must face both the village’s dark past and her own.

This book pulled me in from the start and was exactly what I needed to shake off a reading slump. Pearce’s writing is vivid and emotionally layered, with well-drawn characters and a haunting sense of place that made the story feel almost cinematic. My only critique is that the climax felt a bit rushed compared to the otherwise steady pacing. Still, the ending was satisfying and thoughtfully wrapped up Mina’s emotional journey, especially her connection with her brother, Eddie. A compelling and beautifully crafted read overall.

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.68

Gail Baines’s day is quickly unraveling—she’s quit her job, been sidelined from her daughter Debbie’s wedding plans, and now her ex-husband Max has appeared out of nowhere, cat in tow and nowhere to stay. But the real shock comes when Debbie reveals a secret about her fiancé that threatens to derail the wedding—and stir up unresolved tension between Gail and Max.

Overall, I found the book a bit underwhelming. The only part that truly held my attention was Gail’s gradual shift in perspective during her unexpected time with Max. There were some thoughtful reflections on how relationships and priorities change over time, which some readers might enjoy. But for me, it just didn’t click, and I wouldn’t personally recommend it.

Genre: Short Stories, Thriller, Mystery

Average Goodreads Rating: 3.53

Celebrity chef Ian Curley is found dead in the walk-in freezer of his restaurant, and the prime suspects are his three ex-wives—Anita, Mary-Jane, and Rosie—who gather there every Friday night. Each has a motive, shaky alibi, and a reason to want him gone. As the investigation unfolds, so do the secrets of that fateful night.

The Ex-Wives Club is packed with drama, twists, and secrets, but overall it felt like a mixed bag. The story was a bit chaotic and sometimes hard to follow, with characters and plotlines that leaned into soap-opera territory. While the exaggerated drama wasn’t quite my taste, the central mystery kept me intrigued, and the ending delivered. I’d only recommend it if you enjoy short, fast-paced stories full of bold characters and big reveals.