What Lies in the Woods-Full Review

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall is hands down one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. Seriously, this book had so many twists that I couldn’t even keep track of all the jaw-dropping moments. I’m talking audible gasps, straight-up shock, and moments where I just had to stop and take a breath. There were times I literally shot straight up out of my sleeping bag (I was camping when I finished the second half!) because the twists were so mind-blowing. 😮

From the very beginning, I had a few suspicions about where the story might go, but Marshall did such a great job of keeping me on my toes. It felt like there were hints sprinkled throughout, but nothing felt predictable. And when the twists came, they weren’t just surprising, they were shocking. Some of them hit me like a punch in the gut, leaving me reeling for a while. I couldn’t put it down; I just had to know what was coming next.

What I really loved, though, was the characters. The way they were written made me care about them more than I usually expect from a thriller. The main character, in particular, had so much depth. I found myself rooting for her, even when I wasn’t sure who to trust. The way her past and present collide kept me hooked, and the relationships between the characters added another layer of complexity to the story. There was a real emotional depth to it that I wasn’t expecting, and I loved that about this book.

Without giving away spoilers (because this is one you need to experience for yourself), I’ll just say the twists are wild. I thought I had it all figured out, but Marshall kept me guessing until the very end. The ending itself? Absolutely perfect—tight, satisfying, and yet still leaving me thinking about the book long after I finished it.

If you’re a thriller fan, What Lies in the Woods is a must-read. I don’t think you’ll see half of these twists coming, and I loved the way the characters were developed alongside the suspense. It’s a ride from start to finish, and if you’ve been on the fence, go ahead and dive in. You won’t regret it!

Happy Almost-Spooky-Season!
-The Scribbler

The Berry Pickers-Full Review

This review is so delayed...but we went camping again (yay!) and I feel like I am going to be spending this next week catching up on laundry, housework, my day job, reading, and reviews.

But we had the BEST time and the lake we went to was absolutely gorgeous! Here are just a few pics of it, and they do not do it justice! We caught a few fish, sat around the fire playing Mad Libs, and picked a ton of huckleberries 💖

Alien Romance That Didn’t Land

I so, so wanted to love I Think I’m In Love With An Alien by Ann Aguirre. The premise had me hooked from the start. I was excited about the idea of a quirky, fun romance with a dash of sci-fi and, of course, a found family dynamic. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love an alien romance? There were definitely aspects I enjoyed—especially the fantastic cast of characters and the plot itself—but, unfortunately, it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

First off, I have to mention the characters because they were really what kept me going through the story. The found family element was by far my favorite part of the book. The camaraderie between the characters felt genuine, and their quirks made them so lovable. I especially enjoyed how Jen and her friends supported each other after their return from Space Con. It felt like a community of misfits, each with their own strengths and vulnerabilities.

However, the relationship dynamics felt a little off for me. Here’s where things get tricky. I wasn’t aware going into the book that the female main character, Jen, is gray asexual. I completely support and appreciate the representation of asexuality in fiction, but I think it would have been helpful if this had been made clearer in the blurb. Had I known, I probably wouldn’t have picked this one up, as I tend to gravitate toward romance books with, well, romance scenes. The single mildly spicy moment in the book just wasn’t enough to satisfy my expectations. After reading so much Ruby Dixon (the absolute queen of alien smut), I was craving more than what was offered here. But that’s on me for not researching the book more thoroughly.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a critique of the book’s treatment of asexuality. I think the representation was done well, and if you’re asexual, this could be a great read. Though Jen is gray asexual, Tam (Seeker), the male lead, isn’t, but he’s only interested sexually in someone with whom he has an emotional bond. This dynamic is intriguing, but it still felt like a different kind of romance than I was expecting. For me, buying a romance book and not getting the romance in the way I was anticipating felt like a bit of a letdown.

Another aspect of the book that didn’t sit right with me was the portrayal of Jen’s family. After returning from Space Con, her family was so horrendously hateful that I had trouble buying it. I get that family dynamics can be complicated, but the level of animosity from her family felt over the top. There’s a small glimpse of her relationship with her mom before going to Space Con, and while it was tense, it didn’t seem like the kind of relationship that would lead to the level of disdain her family had for her. It was just hard to believe given what little we saw of their interactions before.

And, spoiler alert, I absolutely ship Poppy and Ravik. I know that things don’t quite play out the way I was hoping, but I really felt that Poppy should have gone with them. It would’ve been a better ending for me personally, and I think it would have made me feel a lot more satisfied with the book as a whole.

Overall, I Think I’m In Love With An Alien wasn’t my cup of tea. While I loved the found family aspect and the unique characters, the lack of romance (in the way I was expecting) and some of the character dynamics just didn’t work for me. But I can see how this could be a great read for those looking for more representation of asexuality in romance or for readers who prefer a slower burn when it comes to relationships. If you’re into that, this book may be just what you’re looking for.

Any other alien romance books you'd suggest? I have binge-read ALL of Ruby Dixon's books and haven't found another one that is comparable but am desperate for my alien smut fix!

-The Scribbler 

Spinning Silver-Not My Favorite, But Worth the Read

 

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik was definitely a struggle for me, and there were moments, about 150 pages in, when I seriously considered not finishing it. I’ve loved everything else I’ve read by Novik, so I pushed through, hoping it would eventually click. While it did take me a while to get there, I’m glad I stuck with it. The book ended up being profound in ways I can appreciate, even though it wasn’t quite for me.

One of my biggest challenges with Spinning Silver was the constant shifting of perspectives. Novik doesn’t always give you much warning when jumping between characters, and sometimes it felt jarring. It wasn’t just that the points of view changed, but that they often did so unexpectedly, without much forethought or transition. I get why it’s necessary for a multi-layered story, but it was hard to stay connected to the characters when the narrative kept flipping so frequently.

That said, I did enjoy the core plot and the different perspectives once I adjusted to the pacing and structure. The world of Spinning Silver is steeped in folklore, particularly Jewish folklore, and Novik does a wonderful job creating a complex, magical world. If you love fantasy rooted in mythology with intricate world-building, this book definitely delivers in that regard.

But I’ll be honest: did I laugh and cry in the final pages? Yes, I did. And I’ll admit, despite my earlier frustrations with the book, it made me want to give it five stars, even though I don’t think it quite earned it. The emotional payoff at the end was powerful, but the journey there was more challenging than enjoyable for me.

Ultimately, Spinning Silver wasn’t one of my favorite books, but I don’t regret reading it. Naomi Novik is still a brilliant writer, and her ability to weave complex narratives is impressive. If you’re into folklore-based fantasy with rich, layered characters and a deep cultural backdrop, I think you’ll find a lot to love here. Just be prepared for a more difficult reading experience than you might expect.

Have you read any of Naomi Novik's books? What did you think of them? Let me know in the comments!

-The Scribbler

Book Review: The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

 Starting out my review with a quote from the book:
“Then again, why not here? Why did France and Germany and all those places get to have fairytales but not West Virginia? Wild, West Virginia. Wonderful, West Virginia. Beautiful and dangerous and dark and strange West Virginia. Why didn’t they get to have magic here, where the hills rolled like ocean waves and the morning mist was as thick as the silence of a family keeping secrets.”

August Amazon First Reads Pick: Please Don’t Lie by Christina Baker Kline and Anne Burt

 

My Amazon First Reads pick this month was Please Don’t Lie by Christina Baker
Kline and Anne Burt, and oh my gosh, did this book deliver! I flew through it. It was packed with tension, twists, and eerie suspense that had me up reading way past my bedtime. I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” and the next thing I knew, it was 2 a.m.

From the start, I was hooked. The main character, Hayley, is complex and compelling, with a dark, twisted backstory that refuses to stay buried. She and her husband, Brandon, relocate to a remote house (which is gorgeous and massive) in the Adirondack Mountains, meant to be a fresh start, but the sense of isolation is palpable. Brandon seems too good to be true at first, and let’s just say, that’s never a good sign.

As winter sets in and the cold weather begins to trap them in place, Brandon’s behavior shifts in unsettling ways. At first it’s subtle, then it becomes increasingly alarming. I could feel Hayley’s growing terror and her sense of being completely alone. When she meets Megan and Tyler at the local hardware store, it feels like a lifeline, especially when she and Megan instantly bond over their shared love of self-help books. But something about that instant connection raises a red flag, and it turns out to be more than just a quirky coincidence.

The novel is layered with secrets, deception, and psychological tension. Hayley is not the only one with a past. Brandon is hiding something too, and that hidden history begins to unravel in deeply disturbing ways. His decision to move Hayley off the grid, away from friends and family, becomes more and more suspicious, and the isolation starts to feel like a trap instead of a retreat.

The suspense is incredibly well done. I felt genuine fear and dread for Hayley. There were moments that gave me actual chills. I kept wanting to shout at her, “Get out now!” But of course, things are never that simple.

And then, the twist. Without giving too much away, I did not see it coming. The book kept surprising me all the way to the final page. The themes of trust, trauma, and survival are raw and intense. 

Slight spoiler alert: Hayley doesn’t make it through unscathed. In fact, she loses almost everything. That devastation added such emotional weight to the story and made it linger with me long after I finished it.

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that’s atmospheric, character-driven, and emotionally intense, Please Don’t Lie needs to be on your list. It’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

What did you think of it? Did you pick another one for your Amazon First Reads? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Reading-

The Scribbler

Book Review: A Mother Always Knows by Sarah Strohmeyer – Cult Vibes Gone Mild

I picked up by A Mother Always Knows Sarah Strohmeyer because it gave off all the culty-creepy vibes I crave, especially as we head into a chillier-than-usual, rainy August. The cover alone? Super eerie. Add in whispers of a cult, a mother’s mysterious murder, an old rich woman with secrets, and her bitter, angry son. I was sold.

This book had so much promise, but sadly, it didn’t deliver.

The author's voice is surprisingly light-hearted, even comical at times, which completely undercut the suspense and horror I was hoping for. It made it hard to take the story seriously, especially when we’re talking about stalkers, death threats, and, you know, actual murder.

The main character, Stella (or Astraea), narrates with this blasé, almost flippant tone that made it tough to connect with her. Her reactions to some genuinely terrifying situations felt way too casual. I kept waiting for the tension to build, but it never really did.

Around the 100-page mark, I seriously debated not finishing. The writing itself is solid, and the characters are quirky and fun in their own way, but that worked against the atmosphere I was hoping for. Instead of eerie and immersive, it felt light and a bit scattered.

Let’s talk about those side characters. There were a lot of them, and honestly, most didn’t add much. Bogey (the angry son’s ex-wife’s new husband), Charlotte (his ex-wife), and Priti (his current wife) felt thrown in without real purpose or payoff. Their presence didn’t move the plot forward or deepen the story in any meaningful way. I felt the same way about Fig and felt the story would have worked better if it didn't include so many other people. 

I will say I didn’t see the twist at the end coming, but even that reveal felt unsatisfying. It didn’t have the impact it could have, and by that point, I was already too detached from the story to care much.

If this book had leaned harder into the suspense, dialed up the creepiness, and focused more on the cult storyline, it could’ve been a chilling, standout read. Unfortunately, it ended up feeling like a missed opportunity. I gave it one star because, in the end, it just felt like a lot of time spent on a story that didn’t deliver what it promised.

Redhead By The Side Of The Road-Full Review

I had to take some time to stop and really think about this book before writing a review. And before jumping into my next read, A Mother Always Knows by Sarah Strohmeyer. Honestly, I didn’t quite know what to make of it after I finished.

It’s a pretty short book, only 192 pages in paperback. But in those few pages, Anne Tyler managed to capture something so deeply human that it was almost unsettling. The story follows the life of Micah Mortimer, a man living in a very scheduled, very predictable little world. His life feels almost like a box. Structured, confined, and entirely controlled. But in his box, he’s comfortable. Things are safe, simple, and there are no surprises.

That all changes, though, when a college kid shows up at his door claiming Micah might be his father. Even though Micah and the boy’s mother, Lorna, never actually “did the deed,” the arrival still shakes things up in a big way. That knock on the door slowly begins to unravel the world Micah has so carefully constructed.

What follows is subtle, quiet change. Micah begins to open himself up, little by little. To change. To chance. And maybe to the idea that unpredictability isn’t always such a bad thing, especially when it comes to family, connection, and love.

This was a cute yet surprisingly deep read. But I have to be honest, it left me feeling just a little bit empty. Maybe because it was too human. The writing was so real and so quietly reflective that it almost felt uncomfortable at times. Like holding up a mirror and seeing more than you expected to. 

Find a copy of the book here: Redhead by the Side of the Road

Have you read this, or any of Anne Tyler's books? If so, let me know which one was your favorite in the comments!

Happy Reading-

The Scribbler

August BOTM-You Belong Here by Megan Miranda Full Review!

Full Review of Megan Miranda's Newest Thriller, You Belong Here (Published July 29th, 2025)

After really enjoying Megan Miranda’s book Daughter of Mine, which I read back in July, I was super excited for her newest release. Naturally, I chose You Belong Here as my Book of the Month (BOTM) pick with no hesitation. I was in the mood for another gripping thriller, and Megan Miranda usually delivers.

While the writing itself was solid, which was very well done in terms of structure and style, I have to say, the suspense in this one just wasn’t suspensing for me. You know what I mean?

The book starts off strong, no doubt. Beckett, the main character, is forced to return to the small town she once fled after a horrific tragedy involving her college roommate. She’s back now with her college-bound daughter, who just so happens to be attending the same school. Beckett is clearly haunted by her past and mentally kicking herself for never telling her daughter the full truth about what happened and why she left in the first place. There’s this undercurrent of guilt and dread that really pulled me in at first. I honestly thought, Okay, here we go… this is going to be GOOD.

There are definitely some shady characters that had me questioning everyone’s motives, and early on, I found myself trying to piece things together. That part was fun! But then... the pacing just kind of dragged. The story started to lose momentum for me. I kept waiting for that big twist or heart-pounding moment to shake things up, but it never really came. The tension didn’t build in the way I hoped, and the suspense didn’t quite land.

By the time the big reveal happened at the end, I had already figured it out. That “aha” moment just wasn’t there, and it felt a little flat. Maybe part of the problem is that I just came off reading something super intense and fast-paced (seriously, if you haven’t read the Edge of Collapse series I mentioned earlier, go do that ASAP!). Compared to that, You Belong Here felt a little too tame.

That said, I didn’t hate it. I still think Megan Miranda is a great writer, and I’ll definitely be diving into more of her backlist titles. One slower-paced book isn’t going to turn me off from an author I enjoy. But this one, for me, just didn’t hit the mark. It was missing that gripping, can't-stop-reading energy I look for in a thriller.

If you like a slow-burn mystery with a moody, atmospheric vibe, you might enjoy this one more than I did. It had potential, I just wanted more twists, more buildup, more payoff.

Final thoughts: You Belong Here had a strong start and a compelling setup, but ultimately, it lacked the suspense and urgency I crave in a thriller. I’m still rooting for Megan Miranda, though—and I’m already eyeing a few of her older books for my fall TBR.

What did you think of it? Any favorite books by this author that I need to pick up in time for spooky season? Let me know in the comments!

-The Scribbler