X is for Eight

I’m doing folklore and book review posts to reach and please a larger audience. Previous years have shown select interest in both and to minimise blogging throughout the year, I’m focusing my efforts on April.

Focusing on an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list, each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book.

If you’d rather check out my folklore post for today, go here.

I had to be creative with this one…

My TBR

Books that start with numbers.

About the Book I’ve Read

There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh

In this chilling thriller from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh, a remote estate in the New Zealand Alps hosts a reunion no one will ever forget.

Seven friends.
One last weekend.
A mansion half in ruins.
No room for lies.
Someone is going to confess.
Because there should have been eight…

They met when they were teenagers. Now they’re adults, and time has been kind to some and unkind to others. None more so than Bea-the one they lost nine long years ago.

They’ve gathered to reminisce at Bea’s family’s estate, a once glorious mansion straight out of a gothic novel. Best friends, old flames, secret enemies, and new lovers are all under one roof. But when the weather turns and they’re snowed in at the edge of eternity, there’s nowhere left to hide from their shared history.

As the walls close in, the pretense of normality gives way to long-buried grief, bitterness, and rage. Underneath it all, there’s the nagging feeling that Bea’s shocking death wasn’t what it was claimed to be. And before the weekend is through, the truth will be unleashed. No matter the cost….

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

An atmospheric read about secrets, deception and what one would do for love.

I liked the gothic old mansion – turrets, burned ruined wing and all. The setting played a big part in the story, a character in itself.

The various characters were all interesting in their own way, with strengths and talents that complemented each other well.

Luna made for an interesting main character. As a photographer, she had a unique view of everyone and everything around her. She’s not very emotive, but there’s this deep well of strength and emotion within her. Not only did she have to deal with friends she hadn’t seen since Bea died, she was losing her most priced sense: sight. I liked that she was calm and level-headed amidst the drama unfolding around her – the mysterious accidents, illness and death. Not to mention the weather trying to kill them.

A thrilling locked-room story with several crimes and suspects that will keep you reading well past bedtime. The satisfying end, all threads wrapped up, makes the lack of sleep worth it.

Trigger warnings: blasphemy, mental illness, genetic illness, loads of odd font and italics making it difficult to read at times.

My Book

Malignant Moon (Faery Tales #12)

I hope you enjoyed this. For more books I’ve read and reviewed, check out either my Pinterest board about reviews or my Goodreads profile. Alternatively, you can check out my reviews on BookBub. Have you read any of the books? Loved or hated any of them?

You can now support my time in producing book review posts (buying books, reading, writing reviews and everything else involved) by buying me a coffee. This can be a once-off thing, or you can buy me coffee again in the future at your discretion.

*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*