1 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

The Inmate

New nurse practitioner Brooke Sullivan breaks all the rules at a maximum-security prison, hiding her past with the dangerous inmate Shane Nelson. As tension escalates, secrets unravel in this gripping thriller. Can Brooke navigate her forbidden connection without putting herself in mortal danger? The stakes are high in this explosive prison drama.

3 Star Reads · Romance

While We Were Dating

Jasmine Guillory's "While We Were Dating" follows the unexpected romance between Ben and Hollywood star Anna Gardiner. Their flirtation during an impromptu road trip blossoms into a steamy affair, challenging Ben's aversion to the limelight. With familiar characters and Guillory's passionate storytelling, this novel offers a refreshing take on love without "struggle love" tropes, perfect for black women readers.

2 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

The IT Girl

A decade after a friend's mysterious death, Hannah’s world is upended when fresh evidence suggests the wrong man was convicted. As she grapples with impending motherhood and old secrets, the narrative unfolds between past and present, revealing a lack of compelling characters and excessive descriptive prose. "In a plot rife with internal conflict, the truth remains elusive."

2 Star Reads · Mystery

As the Wicked Watch

Crime reporter Jordan Manning takes on the daunting task of unraveling the mystery surrounding the murder of a 15-year-old girl, leading her into a dangerous game of uncovering a dark underworld. However, her reckless and unrealistic investigative approach, and the parade of dysfunctional characters, make for a frustrating and unbelievable narrative. Despite the wordy descriptions and lackluster dialogue, the book's underlying message on racial injustice is unmistakable.

3 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

All the Sinners Bleed

A historic first, Sheriff Titus Crown grapples with a haunting past while confronting a ruthless serial killer in the close-knit town of Charon. As the web of suspects unravels, the town's dark underbelly is exposed, pitting Crown in a harrowing battle of good versus evil. S.A. Cosby's detailed storytelling immerses readers in a gripping, albeit heavy, narrative. Unravel the layers of mystery and delve into the weighty themes that paint this evocative thriller.

3 Star Reads · Thriller

Watch It Burn

In the small Texas town of Edenberg, the drowning of Beverly Hoffman unveils a sinister underbelly tied to the popular personal development company Genetive, Inc. As the story unfolds through the eyes of Nichole, Jenny, and the late Beverly, suspicions and revelations drive the narrative. With a predictable ending, distracting subplots, and a cult-like company, Kristen Bird's "Genetive" is a mixed bag, best suited for newcomers to the thriller genre.

2 Star Reads · Mystery · Thriller

She’s Not Sorry

Mary Kubica's "She's Not Sorry" offers a tangled web of characters and a plot full of twists and turns. While the protagonist, Meghan Michaels, struggles to balance her roles as a single mother and nurse, her questionable decisions and complex relationships may leave readers feeling disconnected. The story, though initially promising, becomes convoluted and ultimately falls flat, making it a frustrating read for those seeking a gripping thriller."