Eva Edge

The Monster She Married by Bekka Scott is a refreshingly twisted and unique take on the serial kiIIer thriller that swaps domestic gaslighting for a high-tension, body-piling frenzy. There is something so darkly hilarious and unsettling about characters who treat a body count like a mundane "to-do" list. Bekka Scott skipped the usual "clueless wife" tropes and went straight for the juggernaut of crazy.

The story flows incredibly well, peppered with insightful quotes and a plot that makes "calculated grooming" and sociopathic manipulation feel disturbingly smooth. It is a total wild ride where the characters discuss murder as casually as hanging out the laundry, yet it still finds room for a surprisingly sweet, unexpected romance. It’s creepy, it’s fast-paced, and it delivers a fair, satisfying ending that ties all the madness together perfectly.
Four bloody stars sounds exactly right for a ride that wild.

Bloodlines by Carly Black is a dark, gritty thriller that successfully captures a "Dexter" vibe, plunging readers into a world of obsession and uncomfortable truths. While the story starts off a bit wobbly, it eventually finds its stride, evolving into a tense exploration of how one tiny decision can ripple out and change a life forever. It’s the kind of book that pushes your boundaries and presents moral dilemmas that make you question exactly how far you would go to uncover your own history.

The mystery is engaging, and though I managed to guess the main twist, it felt earned and logically sound—a satisfying "I knew it!" moment. However, the book isn't without its frustrations. The protagonist, Alyssa, often feels like she isn't the "brightest bulb in the room," making several questionable choices that lead to some far-fetched scenarios, particularly regarding the strange lack of FBI involvement. I found myself wishing her friend Karen had a larger role, as she was a standout character. Despite some conflicting feelings about the lead, it is a compelling, boundary-pushing read. It earns 4 bloody stars.

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.