Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Book Review - We Thought We Knew You by M. William Phelps

 


It was July 2015 and it was an ordinary day for Mary Yoder and her husband, Bill. Mary had returned home from their chiropractic center and was felling unwell. Mary was known for being very health-conscious but, today she was suddenly unwell with bouts of vomiting and sweating along with feeling very weak. 

Bill took Mary to the ER to help diagnose her illness. However, the doctors in the ER and ICU were baffled by the cause of her rapidly progressing illness. Bill and their children gathered around Mary in shock as they say goodbye to their beloved mother.

In the weeks after Mary's sudden death, the family received startling news from the medical examiner that Mary was deliberately poisoned. They found trace amounts of colchicine, which is a lethal substance that is very toxic if it isn't used as prescribed. The chemical is typically used to treat gout and Mary doesn't have gout.  The case takes a strange turn when the local police department receives an anonymous letter that claims Adam Yoder had poisoned his mother.

Kaitlyn Conley is Adam's ex-girlfriend and she works at the Yoders' clinic. Katie is pretty and popular but, some people speak of her ability to lie and manipulate people for her own benefit. She has been known to exhibit behaviors fueled by rage because someone had rejected her. Katie had spent time by Mary's bedside during the last few hours of Mary's life.

This was my second true crime novel and it was an interesting read. I liked that the author include the backstory and the trial proceedings. I wasn't fond of the layout of the book. I felt that some of the same information was being told multiple times and it felt like the author was jumping around a few times. However, the author  did a good job showing the compelling evidence of the murder of Mary along with showcasing Mary as beacon of the community.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Monday, February 15, 2021

Book Review - The Widow of Pale Harbor by Hester Fox

 

In 1846, Gabriel Stone is desperate for a fresh start. He decides to move to Maine to escape the ghost of his past that haunts him in Massachusetts. After the death of his wife, he decides to take the position of a minister in the remote town of Pale Harbor.

When Gabriel arrives,  the town isn't as quiet as he thought. There are strange and unsettling things that started happening when Gabriel arrives. The townspeople are certain that Sophronia Carver, a reclusive widow, is responsible for all the heinous acts. Sophronia lives with her spinster maid, Helen, at Castle Carver. The townspeople believe that she is a witch because she reportedly killed her husband.

The incidents start to escalate from benign creepy to dangerous acts of violence. It becomes clear to Sophronia and Gabriel that the person is copying the stories of  Edgar Allan Poe. The pair realize they must work quickly to find the culprit otherwise, there might be more bloodshed.

I thought the novel was an interesting read. I thought the main characters would be spending more time figuring out who the culprit was. Instead, they spent most of the time pining for each other. I thought the novel was going to be a murder mystery and not heavy on romance.  I found some of the characters and their actions questioning. For example, Gabriel coming to Pale Harbor to honor his wife. However, he makes such a lame attempt to be a proper minister. Or Sophronia claiming Helen is like a doting mother or sister figure but, barely knows the woman or her past. Then there are times that Helen is openly defiant to Sophronia and acts like she is the mistress of the house. The story moved a bit slower than I would have liked but, I found enjoyed the mystery portion of the book.

Saturday, February 13, 2021

Book Review - The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor

 

Joe thought once he left Arnhill, he would never have to return again. He left behind painful memories of bullying, the betrayal of friends, the suicide, and what happened after his sister went missing. However, Joe has no choice but to return home, when he receives an ominous email. The sender claims to know the truth behind his sister's disappearance and claims it is happening again.

Joe decides to lie and apply to a teaching job at his former high school. Joe has to deal with a few people who aren't happy with him coming back to town including, new ones he made over the years. Joe knows he will need to come to terms with his past if he wants to help prevent another tragedy.  However, he is having hard time returning to the abandoned mine where his entire life changed forever.

I have read "The Chalk Man" and have enjoyed it. This book was equal amount of creepy and suspenseful. The novel had a few unexpected twists but, I felt that the ending was a bit lacking. It felt like it was thrown together and I felt like some things were left unexplained. However, I still enjoyed the book and look forward to read more works by the author.


Thursday, February 11, 2021

February 2021 Empties!


Wow, its the middle of February already! I am not sad that this month is almost over because I am tired of the snow. It's been snowing at least every other day already.

 I am so proud of myself! I finished so many sheet masks and full size items. I think this is the most I ever finished in one month.  There were a few things that I liked this month. I liked the Pure Lotus Mask, the Minus Mask, the Beautiful Factr, and the Facetory Artemisia mask. I would repurchase these mask especially, if they were on sale. I found that they worked well and felt very soothing against my skin.

I liked the Too Cool for School moisturizer.  It was very thick and I feel like my skin hydrating. I wasn't crazy about the texture though. It felt a bit tacky and goop when applying to my skin. I got the Collagen socks and gloves set because my limbs always need extra hydration during the winter. I like that these had detachable sections so, you can apply nail polish with the mask on. The other stuff I finished and they were okay. I would be in no rush to re-purchase them again.

Here is a list of everything I finished - 

Lala Chuu Soothing Essential Mask White Truffle
Voesh Collagen Socks
Voesh Collagen Gloves
Facetory Artemisia Refreshing Relief
Lassie'EL Deeeep Forcus Petit Patch Mask Lifting Solution
The Pure Lotus Lotus Leaf Mask
Bling Pop Lemon Face Mask Vitamin + Brightening
The Beautiful Factr. Milk Spread Balancing Mask
Minus Soothing & Pore Care Facial Mask
Frecipe Rose Jelly Bomb Mask
Too Cool for School All-in-One Egg Mellow Cream
Skininc Supplement Bar My Daily Dose Hydration
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
LA Colors Diamond Top Coat
Thank You Farmer Miracle Age Repair Serum
Holika Holika Lazy & Easy All Kill Cleanser Oil to Foam
Dermelect Rapid Repair Facial Moisturizer
Sanitas Detoxifying Scrub Mask
Blaq Mask
GlamGlow PowerMud Dual Cleanse Treatment
Miracle Fruit Seed Oil Treatment
Freida and Joe Sweet Garden Shower Gel

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Book Review - Craigslist Confessional: A Collection of Secrets from Anonymous Strangers by

 


Helena Dea Bala was exhausted and found herself isolated even though she was surrounded by people. One day, she decides to escape outside to take a break and finds herself splitting her lunch with a man who panhandles near her office. The pair chatted like old friends while they were eating. They were honest and open with each other as they didn't fear judgment. After their conversation, Helena felt free and connected in a way she hasn't felt in years. 

Inspired to help others, she posts an ad on Craiglist promising to listen to anyone anonymously for free. The speaker was allowed to talk freely without having any fear. They told secrets that they weren't able to share with anyone including loved ones.  Helena wasn't expecting much responses to come in but, she was surprised when her inbox was flooded with requests from people who were desperate to connect. She decided to defer her student loans, quit her job, and spend her time listening.

The book is a collection of forty people telling a moment in their lives that defined them. Some stories were heart warming and inspiring while, some were sad. I did find a few stories boring or disgusting (one person confessed to drinking his own pee) and I had to skip their story. While reading the book, I felt like I was getting a glimpse into someone's life and sometimes, I wish I knew more. I felt though at times, that the author or person might have embellished their story because it felt "too perfect" or "out there" to be true. However, after reading the book I been trying to be more understanding, empathetic, and patient with people.


Sunday, February 7, 2021

Book Review - They Did Bad Things by Lauren A. Forry

 


In 1995, six students move into a house at Caldwell Street, while studying at the university. Several months later, one of the students was found dead at the end of the year party celebration. The student's death was ruled an accident by the police and his case was closed. The other five roommates knew it wasn't an accident but, they went on with their lives and kept the truth of what happened buried with them.

Twenty years later, the remaining five of them arrive at the Wolfheather House. They were lured there under false pretenses. They realize this after seeing each other there.The house is an old crumbling secluded mansion that has limited cell signal and has no way out when a storm hits. They realized that they were all trapped together unless they confess their crimes.
 
I thought the novel was an interesting read. However, there were a few times when I was questioning the motives and thoughts behind the character's reaction. For example, they were quick to blame someone who might have done something but, when they saw evidence of someone else committing a devious act, they quickly believed that they were innocent. I didn't really care for any of the characters and thought they all deserved what they got. Although, I am not even sure if the entire plot is quite believable. It was an okay read but, I won't go out of my way to read other books by the author.

Friday, February 5, 2021

Book Review - The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

  

 

Bri Duval loves baking and all things about romance. She created her own version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at her local bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expected that her pet project would become a viral hit. The Trek Magazine sends a travel writer, Gerard Fortier, to write a feature on the bakery. 

Gerard has been burned by love and has no interest in romance. However, when he meets Bri, maybe he will be able to change his mind about romance. Bri wants an epic love story like her parents had and doesn't want to get involved with Gerard, even if he is handsome. 

Just when everything seems to be going perfect, Bri is hit with a series of devastating events that threaten her livelihood and her parents' legacy. She begins to wonder if Gerard's idea of romance might be the right idea after all. Will Bri and Gerard be able to find their happy ending?

I thought the novel was an okay read. It was very slow during some parts of the book. I wasn't fond of the two main characters. I felt like they were both to self absorbed and caught up in their own wants. For example, Bri was so dead set on keeping the bakery she didn't even consider how her two elderly benefactors felt. She had the future of the bakery planned out like she owned it. I hated when Gerard called Bri, "Cupcake", it felt so indigenous and forced. The novel had one unexpected twist and that was its only redeeming quality of this novel. 

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

February 2021 Haul!

 

 


I can't believe that January is over! I feel like the year has been moving so quickly. Today, we had a big snowstorm and I thought it was the perfect time to go through some of my purchases. 

I bought a few more face masks from Facetory and Ulta. I got a few more When masks. I love their masks and when they are on sale, its a good deal. I got some Amazon and they were a $1 a packet. They are usually okay but, this was before I realized that I could just wait and get some masks on sale from more reputable brands. I got an avocado mask pack for my scalp because during the winter my scalp gets so dry and itchy. I am hoping with this mask pack that it will keep my scalp in good condition.

I been doing my nails at home more often. And I never really used a top or base coat and it really does make a difference. I bought a set of Seche Vite top and base coat because I heard so many good things about this brand. I bought quite a few new lip products because I have a mental problem. But I bought a few Colourpop lipsticks from their Villians line and I am in love. I can't wait to wear these out in public. I got Ursula, Cruella, and Evil Queen (and La Lady from their regular line). I love Urban Decay and I got Backtalk. This isn't usually a color I reach for but, I am trying to move out of my comfort zone. I also got some new lip products from Bite Beauty, Half Baked, Tarte, Smith and Cult, and Stila I love these brands and just got new colors for products I already own.

I got some makeup wipes for days I am just so lazy even though my skin always revolt the next day. I got one from Ricky's and the other by a brand called "Flaunt". I can't even where I bought this from but, I am thinking it was probably one of those discount makeup sites I visit and things are usually "cheap" that I just buy it because its a "good deal".

I bought the Factory Oats facial oil. I have used quite a few of their branded products and think that they do a good job at an affordable price. I bought the ElishaCoy hyalurone cream because I have used the essence and it always left my skin hydrated. I also finished a cream I use in the night so, I might rotate this one in.

Did you get anything new that you are excited to try?


Monday, February 1, 2021

Book Review - Death of an American Beauty by Mariah Fredericks

 

 

 



In 1913, Jane Prescott is a lady's maid but, she is taking a break to visit the opening of an art exhibition. The cubist exhibition is shocking and scandalous in New York City. This is also the fiftieth anniversary of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation speech. The wealthy society women are determined to celebrate the occasion in style. 

Dolly Rutherford, the heiress to the glamorous Rutherford's department store, has gathered her friends to put on a play. Louise Tyler, Jane's employer, is scheduled to play the role of Lincoln. Jane is torn between helping Louise and enjoying her vacation. However, the decision is made for her when a murdered outside Jane's childhood home. The house is used as a refuge for working women who want to leave the profession. 

Her uncle runs the shelter and he falls under suspicion. Jane fears for him because he is keeping his whereabouts a secret. Jane decides to enlist help from her friends to help solve the murder. Will Jane be able to solve the murder before she is next?

This was my first book by the author. It seems that each book could be read as a standalone.  I thought the book was an interesting read but, sparse with twists and turns. I was able to guess the murderer halfway into the book. I did like that the author including tidbits of history in the novel. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

  **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Book Review - Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia

 

In Minnesota, there are hundreds of miles of glacial lakes and forests that are known as the Boundary Waters. Ten years ago, a man and his son went into the wilderness to camp and was never heard from again. People and search teams searched desperately for the pair because their campsite looks like it was ravaged by a bear. 

Everyone assumed that they were dead until a decade later, the son, Lucas, returns. He was found ransacking an outfitter store during the middle of the night. When the police arrived, Lucas became violent and uncommunicative. He was sent to a psychiatric facility to help him. 

Maya Stark is an assistant language therapist that is assigned to help Lucas. Maya tries to help Lucas answer what happened to his father and the last ten years of his life. Maya was abandoned by her mother at a young age. As she tries to help Lucas, her own secrets start to bubble up to the surface. She finds herself drawn to Lucas and she is willing to risk everything to reunite him with his father.

I found the novel to be an interesting and entertaining read. I found some parts of the novel to be unbelievable and predictable. I thought that the novel progressed very slowly during some parts with Maya and Lucas. I liked the backstory of Sarah and Josiah and enjoyed reading his narration. Personally, I didn't understand his need to be outside all the time but, I felt his story was poignant. I am a bit torn over the ending. The ending wrapped everything up neatly but, I felt like I needed something more.


Friday, January 29, 2021

Book Spotlight - Ballet Orphans: A Prequel by Terez Mertes Rose + Giveaway

 


 

About The Book:

Title: BALLET ORPHANS : A Prequel (Ballet Theatre Chronicles Book 3)

Author: Terez Mertes Rose

Pub. Date: January 2, 2021

Publisher: Classical Girl Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 372

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, KindleB&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read For FREE With A Kindle Unlimited Membership!

It's 1990, and New York soloist April Manning is trying to rebalance her world in the aftermath of her parents’ deaths. An offer to join the struggling West Coast Ballet Theatre as a principal dancer seems like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start—a new life in San Francisco, an exciting step up in her career, and the hope of a redefined sense of family. But the other dancers are wary, clannish and tight-lipped, particularly about an incident that hastened the departure of their beloved artistic director, leading to the arrival of his replacement, the young, inexperienced Anders Gunst. And no one wants to talk about Jana, a former company member who defiantly walked out rather than work under Anders. It is Jana herself who offers April hints, and even friendship, where she reveals a loneliness and hunger to belong that newly orphaned April well understands. But there is something troubling about Jana, and what April doesn’t know could prove deadly.

A prequel to the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, BALLET ORPHANS explores the work and sacrifices required to arrive at the highest tiers of the professional ballet world, coupled with the primal, universal desire to belong, to love and be loved, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we call family.

“A stimulating and entertaining tale in which passion and art intermingle.” — Kirkus Reviews

 


About Terez: 

Terez Mertes Rose is a writer and former ballet dancer whose work has appeared in the Crab Orchard Review, Literary Mama, Women Who Eat (Seal Press), A Woman’s Europe (Travelers’ Tales), the Philadelphia Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News. She reviews dance performances for Bachtrack.com and blogs about ballet and classical music at The Classical Girl. The author of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles and A Dancer's Guide to Africa, she makes her home with family in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She loves good food, good wine, great books, and a good (but not too hard) adult ballet class. She's proud to announce that Outside the Limelight, Book 2 of the Ballet Theatre Chronicles, was named a Best Book of 2017 by Kirkus Reviews.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:


1 winner will win a tote bag of Ballet Theatre Chronicles, a finished copy of BALLET ORPHANS, a $25 gift card to Bookshop Santa Cruz, US Only.

1 winner will win a  tote bag of Ballet Theatre Chronicles, a finished copy of BALLET ORPHANS, US Only.

2 winners will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook of BALLET ORPHANS, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/4/2021

JaimeRockstarBookTours

Instagram Post

1/5/2021

BookHounds

Excerpt

1/6/2021

Jaime's World

Excerpt

1/7/2021

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

1/8/2021

I'm Shelf-ish

Excerpt

 

Week Two:

1/11/2021

She Just Loves Books

Review

1/12/2021

Pick a good book

Review

1/13/2021

Hurn Publications

Excerpt

1/14/2021

Fire and Ice

Review

1/15/2021

Lisa Loves Literature

Excerpt

 

Week Three:

1/18/2021

Books and Zebras @jypsylynn

Review

1/19/2021

The Obsessed Reader

Excerpt

1/20/2021

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

1/21/2021

Books A-Brewin'

Excerpt

1/22/2021

@more_books_yes_please_

Review

 

Week Four:

1/25/2021

Three gals and plenty of books

Excerpt

1/26/2021

@minnesota_mailer

Review

1/27/2021

Jotted by Jena

Excerpt

1/28/2021

Pine Enshrined Reviews

Review

1/29/2021

Two Points of Interest

Review

 


Thursday, January 28, 2021

January 2021 Empties Part 2!

 


 

I am really proud of myself for finishing so many things. I have consistently finished quite a few facial sheet masks and full sized products. I finished three nail polishes which is the most I ever finished in one season! Although, I buy at least 20.... I am little sad that some of these indie brands nail polishes tend to dry up when they are about half way finished.  I noticed a lot of times the brushes don't even met halfway to the bottle so there is a lot of product that can't be used which is very wasteful.

I used to love Black Dahlia Lacquers but, I found that their formulas are a bit chunky and they become dried up after a few uses. This was my first nail polish by LynB Designs and  I loved the cheery yellow color but, when the bottle was half way finished, the formula became unstable and chunky. It completely dried up and the brush that was provided didn't reach the bottom so I could try to use it up.

I been doing a lot of scrubs lately and I am not crazy over the dp Hue ACV salt scrub. It was kind of underwhelming and it didn't lather. Although, I like that I wasn't stuck with bits of salt in my hair after washing. I loved the Pistache body butter, it left my skin so soft and hydrated without the greasy feeling. It was such a treat to apply, I found myself applying it throughout the day and it left my skin feeling amazing and delicately scented.

Here is everything I finished -

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath
23 Years Old Seaweed Silky Mask
Huangjisoo Tea-Tree Soothing Mask
Dewytree Cica 100 Mask
Aroh This Mask Pack Brightens Your Skin in a Twinkle
Facetory Be Bright Be You
Pistache Skincare Pistachio Oil Pistacho Body Butter
Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches
Facetory Everday Olive Squalane
Facetory Sun Bae Soothing Mask
HaruHaru Maqui Berry AntiOxidant Wonder Mask
Feelxo Firming Camellia Mask Floral Skincare Recipe
Cosmetea Black Tea Nourishing Moisture Mask
Grace & Stella Anti-Wrinkle Face Mask
Black Dahlia Lacquer - Moonlight Daisy
Doctor Babor Derma Cellular Collagen Booster Cream
Golden Door Soothing Cleansing Foam
LYNB Designs Nail Polish - Trying Very Hard Not to Connect With People Right Now
Julep Nail Polish - Hana
Dove Dermacare Scalp Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
BBW Love Luxury Bath
Generation Clay Urban Defence Purifying Pink Clay Mask
Ode Orchard Alchemy Antioxidant Face Oil
Glamglow GravityMud Firming Treatment
OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub
Sunday Riley Luna Retional Oil
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Gel Cream Moisturizer
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm AGE Smart
dp Hue ACV Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Book Review - The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian


When Alexis met her boyfriend, Austin, it was on a Saturday night. They didn't meet at a bar but, in an emergency room where Alexis treated a bullet wound in Austin's arm. Six months later, the pair decided to travel to Vietnam on a bike tour. Alexis feels that Austin might be the one and decides to accompany Austin to Vietnam. Austin wanted to pay his respects to the place where his father and uncle fought in the war. 

Alexis is back at their hotel room waiting for him to return from his solo ride. She becomes worried as the night progresses and she hears nothing from Austin. The police arrive to the hotel and tells Alexis that Austin has disappeared. The only thing they have found is a yellow energy gel pack that he dropped on the side of the road. As Alexis tries to deal with her loss, she faces new uncertainties while dealing with the FBI, Austin's parents, and his colleagues at work. She uncovers a strange series of seemingly benign lies that forces her to wonder if she even knew Austin at all.

I usually read books during my lunch break and I found this book to be quite disgusting and off putting. One of the characters was obsessed with rats and went into too much detail than I felt was necessary. I found the plot to be boring, slow moving, and predictable while, the characters to be very dull. This was my first book by the author and probably the last.


Sunday, January 24, 2021

Book Review - A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

 

The Barrett family lives in suburban area of New England. They were like any other "normal" family until their fourteen-year-old daughter, Marjorie starts displaying signs of acute schizophrenia. Her parents try to help Marjorie as best as they can. They take her to a therapist but, it doesn't seem to be working. Instead, Marjorie progresses further into madness, and their entire household is turned into chaos. The desperate family turns to a local Catholic priest for help.

Father Wanderly suggests that the family perform an exorcism because Marjorie might be a victim of demonic possession. He also contacts a production company who will document the Barretts' plight. John, Marjorie's father, has been out of work for more than a year and Marjorie's doctor bills are rapidly growing. The family agrees to be filmed, and they find themselves to be stars of a hit reality show, "The Possession". However, as the show's popularity increases, a tragedy occurs and the show and the Barrett family become known as an urban legend.

Fifteen years later, Merry, Marjorie's younger sister, is being interviewed by a bestselling writer. Merry tries to recall the events that happened when she was just eight years old. Merry discloses secrets that were forgotten and painful memories that clash with what was filmed on television.

I am not sure I was a fan of this novel. I found parts of the novel interesting and entertaining. However, I hated the blog posts that began each section. I found then irritating and redundant to read. I actually ended up skipping them but, I feel like that causes me to miss part of the story. However, I didn't care enough to actually go back to read it to find the missing parts. I didn't care for any of the characters in the book and found some parts of the book to be boring filler. This book was a complete miss for me as I kept expecting more and it didn't deliver.

Friday, January 22, 2021

Book Review - The Lying Room by Nicci French

 

Neve Connolly is having an affair with her boss, Saul. She thought it was just a fling and something she could have just weathered. It was an escape from her marriage of twenty years. She is tired of the same married routine with her husband and her distant children. One morning, Neve receives a text and decides to visit Saul. When she enters the apartment, she sees Saul has been brutally murdered. She realizes that the apartment is filled of traces of their affair and all the lies she carefully constructed is about to come apart.

Neve decides to scrub every trace of her existence from the apartment. She feels everything can return to normal. However, she feels that she is missing something.

An investigation into Saul's death is opened. This brings Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Hitching to Neve's doorstep. Neve tries to stay on step ahead of the police but, she finds herself caught in her own web of deception and going down a darker path.  As Neve tries to stay ahead of Hitching, she realizes that he isn't the only one watching her.

I had really high hopes for this book but, it was dreadfully boring. It was so slow and didn't really care for any of the characters, especially, her annoying daughter. I didn't like they included so many mundane details that it just made the book boring. They included all these details but, important details appeared out of nowhere. It made me feel like I was missing something. I had hard time believing in the cops, it felt like they were always one step behind. The story didn't feel believable at all. I think I might skip their books the next time.