Eva Edge

Dirty Laundry by Cori Nevruz is an introspective debut that takes a deep, observational look at the complexities and quiet shadows of a toxic marriage. For me, this read felt more like a detailed domestic essay than a high-octane thriller, focusing heavily on the characters' internal emotional landscape. While the writing is steady, the pacing was a bit slow for my personal taste, and I found it difficult to stay fully engaged with the plot at times.

As a first-time author, Nevruz focuses heavily on the emotional toll of a toxic relationship, creating an atmosphere that feels personal and grounded in reality. However, while I appreciate the effort in tackling such a heavy, realistic subject, the final twist unfortunately made absolutely no sense to me. If you enjoy slow-burn stories that prioritise character study and the daily realities of a difficult relationship over fast-paced action, this might be for you. I’m giving this 3 stars out of respect for the debut effort and the important themes explored.

Locksmith by Danielle Fear is a dark, unsettling, and emotionally charged thriller that doesn't just crawl under your skin—it stays there. While I’ve enjoyed Danielle Fear’s work before, this is a complete departure from her usual humour. There are no giggles to be found here; instead, we are met with tragedy, a heavy emotional lift, and a level of heartbreak that feels deeply unfair. This story is a haunting reminder that no matter how much good you do in the world, everything can vanish in the blink of an eye.

The narrative is masterfully structured, told from multiple points of view that primarily alternate between the lead detective and the killer. This multidimensional approach, peppered with backstories that twist the "truth" you think you know, forces you to work for every answer. It refuses to hand you a neat resolution on a silver tray. Instead, it breaks your heart and leaves you gasping in complete disbelief at the sheer audacity of the plot.

The story ends with an open possibility for a sequel, but regardless of what comes next, the impact of this standalone experience is undeniable. It possesses that rare, "extra" something—an emotional depth and a special touch that sets it apart from even the best 5-star thrillers. Locksmith is a stunning, 6-star masterpiece that left me breathless and unable to walk away until the very last page was turned. It is, quite simply, in a league of its own.