book reviews

Watching You by Lisa Jewell August 16th, 2026

This book was my second of Lisa Jewell's and it was beyond anything I have ever read. This story follows many characters as the reader discovers who kills a prominent man's wife. In the most incredible way, the reader learns the history of each character, their motivations, desires, needs, etc. I finished this book in two sittings, which although common for me, shows how interesting the story is. I was rarely confused about the plot and the events and, to my surprise, enjoyed having so many characters. Even more difficult, Jewell balances telling the story and history of characters across gender, age, and economical differences. I throughly enjoyed most characters and was decently satisfied with the ending. This is a "whodunnit" book that reveals deep secrets involving what feels like the whole town. There are so many twists and surprises you will never guess the ending, says me, a true crime and mystery lover. Lisa Jewell has a way of drawing the reader in, connecting them to her characters, and then breaking their heart. The two novels of her's I have read are beautiful, mysterious, and heartbreaking all at once. Warning: this may be a spoiler, but if you are a big sister, do NOT read this book, it will crush you! 

Coram House by Bailey Seybolt August 8th, 2026 

Coram House is Bailey Seybolt's debut novel, following a young author as she takes on a new job, in a new house, in a new state. This suspense filled book will leave you wanting to start your own research into mysterious cold cases. At first, the novel can appear a little slow, but right when you think of putting it down, you're given a new piece of information that pulls you back in. I highly admire the mail character, Alex Kelley, who is stubborn, strong-willed, and curious. Unlike many other mystery books I have read, this book was easy to swallow. Ironically, Alex Kelley is writing a book about Coram House, just as the reader is reading a book about Coram House. It was an interesting parallel that I have yet to experience in another book, which is a large reason I enjoyed it so much. My only frustration was the connection of all of the characters in the book that Alex was writing became slightly muddled in my brain. There were many overlapping pieces that some readers may struggle to remember. Overall, it was a simple and fun read! 

Wicked is the Hollow & Hungry is the Hollow by K.E. Ganshert  July 28th, 2026

I discovered this series on the author's TikTok and I immediately began reading it. The third in the series is set to come out next year and I can't wait. These books are young adult which I tend to gravitate to after reading an especially difficult or sad book. The genre is supernatural mystery, which somehow I missed when looking into the book. The main character, Selah Whitlock, finds herself tangled up with the town's most important and influential family, bringing back mysteries from thirty years prior, and even seeing her mirror image in a painting belonging to the family. I loved this book because it felt like fall, had all of the aspects I enjoy in characters, and was fast-paced. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed in the end, only because I was unaware how supernatural it would be. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed both books and will be reading the third. I highly recommend it to those who love all things supernatural and small town!