Sadie by Courtney Summers, 378 Pages

This is a newer Young Adult thriller that I really enjoyed! It had just enough suspense to keep me interested, but I wasn't thrilled with the ending. I really wish the author would have given me more!

Sadie Hunter is not your average girl. She grew up with a drug-addicted mother, a seemingly non-existent father, and Sadie herself having to raise her younger sister, Mattie. Things take a turn for the worse when Mattie is found murdered and there are no leads as to who did it, or what happened. Sadie decides to take matters into her own hands, and leaves town to seek justice for Mattie. West McCray, a radio personality, decides to start a podcast dedicated to following Sadie and finding out what happened and also where she's at, after overhearing her story.

When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica, 384 Pages

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I will say that the main character was starting to get on my nerves, and seemed unrealistic, but the ending definitely made up for that!

Jessie Sloane is starting over. Her mother just passed away, and Jessie is now forced into the real world, all alone. One of her mother's last wishes was for her to "find herself", so Jessie starts with a new apartment and attempting to enroll at a local college. Her enrollment is halted when she is notified that her social security number belongs to someone who is classified as deceased. Secrets begin to unravel, and Jessie finds herself having an extremely difficult time distinguishing what is real, and what is fake. (The fact that she hasn't slept in days definitely doesn't help.)

Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen M. McManus, 336 Pages

I've been a huge fan of McManus ever since I read her first book, One of Us is Lying, earlier this year. I was really anxious to read her newest, Two Can Keep a Secret, so I was elated when I received an advanced copy. I was nervous that this one wouldn't live up to One of Us is Lying, but I honestly think I liked this book even better. It was suspenseful, and kept me guessing until the very end. This book is scheduled to be released in January 2019!

Ellery and her twin brother, Ezra,have to move in with their grandmother after their mother is forced into a rehabilitation program. The twins have never been to Echo Ridge but have heard a lot about it through the years. Upon arrival, they realize that the horrible things that happened in the past, including their aunt going missing, and another female being murdered years later, are still haunting the small town. When threats begin accumulating, Ellery realizes that no one is safe in Echo Ridge.

Watching You by Lisa Jewell, 323 pages

I'm a huge fan of Lisa Jewell, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. This was another one that I got as an advanced copy via Netgalley. It was extremely well written, and probably my favorite written by her that I've read so far. I'm anxious for it to come out in December so everyone else can get a chance to read it!!

Joey Mullen returns home from a trip abroad with way more than she left with- the way more being a new husband. The pair decide to move in with Joey's brother and his wife, as they figure out what to do next with their lives. Joey quickly develops a crush on her new neighbor, Tom. Tom is the headmaster at a local school, and known for getting things done and turning schools around. He is also known for his good looks and charming attitude, which even works on some of his female students, including student Jenna Tripp's best friend. Jenna becomes increasingly worried about her best friend, and thinks there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Tom. 

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult, 352 Pages

I received an advanced e-copy of A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult via Netgalley. I was very hesitant to read it at first, because I've been told that I wouldn't like Picoult's writing. The plot of this book drew me in, and I decided to give it a try. I was very surprised for two reasons- 1. That I actually enjoyed this book. Was it the best book I've ever read? No. But, I was hooked from the beginning and able to finish it with ease. 2. The plot of this book was an extremely difficult topic, and I was nervous that Picoult would shove whatever belief she has down my throat, via her writing. I was extremely surprised at how well both sides of the argument were written and represented.

Hugh McElroy, a hostage negotiator, gets called to the scene of an active shooting. The shooting is taking place at the Center, a local women's health clinic that specializes in reproductive services. Everyone is aware that the Center comes with tons of controversy, which is represented by the protesters lining the sidewalk daily. McElroy realizes there's much more at stake than he originally thought, when he finds out his daughter Wren, and sister Bex are inside the clinic. Putting aside the questions burning in his mind, (Why is Wren in there? And why didn't he know about it?) he focuses on the important part- getting everyone out safely. The story goes back in time to explain how everyone got there, and how this horrific incident got started.

The Boy at the Keyhole by Stephen Giles, 272 Pages

The Boy at the Keyhole was something I was really looking forward to reading, but was ultimately letdown once I finished it. I felt it was very slow, and then once I got to the ending, I had to re-read it a couple times and still don't think I know what the author was trying to get at with it.

Samuel is 9 years old and lives with his family's housekeeper, Ruth, due to his father's passing and his mother going on a supposed work trip. The only problem is- Samuel doesn't believe his mom is actually overseas working, due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding her departure. Rumors begin to circulate around town, and Samuel lets them get the best of him, growing more and more suspicious of the one person he should be able to rely on- Ruth.

Matilda by Roald Dahl, 240 Pages

After finishing Helter Skelter and not sleeping for the week that it took me to finish the book, I decided I needed a light, "feel-good" read to get my mind off of it. Matilda was always one of my favorite movies growing up, but I can't ever remember reading the book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I won't bother summarizing the book, as I'm sure most people know of the story, but I can't recommend it enough for readers both young and old! And as usual, the book was better. :)

Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry, 689 Pages

I've always loved true crime, but never really got into it in book form. I decided to start reading Helter Skelter because I've always wanted to, and October seemed like a good time to finally do it. Bugliosi's telling of the Manson crimes was horrific. I found myself triple-checking locks and windows before I went to bed each night. The horror genre is one of my favorite's to read, and a book like Helter Skelter takes horror to a new level due to the fact that it is unfortunately real. In my opinion, Charles Manson is the ultimate boogeyman.

Whiskey In A Teacup by Reese Witherspoon, 304 pages

I was really excited for this book to come out, and chose to listen to the audio version because it's read by Witherspoon and she is one of my favorite actors. I unfortunately was a little let down by this book! I still enjoyed it, but I wanted more. I would have preferred to hear Reese speak about the roles she's played and stuff like that, instead of mostly recipes. But, I still would recommend this book to others. It was a refreshing change from my usual read!