We are halfway there! Taking the fifth spot on our countdown is the dark academia mystery thriller The Maidens by Alex Michaelides.
What is it about? Therapist Mariana Andros is struggling. After losing her husband while on vacation in Greece, Mariana has attempted to bury her grief in her job. Surrounding herself with those struggling through life, Mariana consumes herself with work, believing it gives her a reason to get up everyday. Still, it can’t erase the hole in her heart. But Mariana’s grief is interrupted when she gets a frantic call from her niece, Zoe, at Oxford. Zoe’s closest friend has been murdered. With no other family near Zoe, Mariana rushes to her niece’s side and discovers that the murder victim was a member of a mysterious group of students called the Maidens, who study Greek under Edward Fosca. Though loved and adored by most, Mariana suspects Fosca is not as perfect as he is portrayed to be. Ignoring the advice of friends and fellow work professionals, Mariana decides to investigate Fosca and his Maidens in hopes of discovering the truth. But the truth is more of a Greek tragedy than a satisfying conclusion.
Why did I love it? Last year it was firmly established I am a dark academia girlie. A group of friends, studying the liberal arts, at an elite school or university and some sort of crime is committed? Sign me up. The Maidens continues the love for my genre while providing a twist by telling the story from the perspective of an adult not attending the university. This allows an extra layer of complexity to the story as the reader, along with Mariana, desperately tries to piece together the events that lead up to the murder of her niece’s best friend. But, since this is an Alex Michaelides book, that means we have an unreliable narrator. Can we believe everything she is saying, or is something more sinister afoot? If you are looking to continue your own journey with the dark academia genre and you haven’t had a chance to pick up The Maidens, don’t hesitate in the near year to pick this one up.
For my full review of The Maidens head over to https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/03/the-maidens-by-alex-michaelides/.
Coming in at #6 is a novella that hooks you from the start and doesn’t let you go until the very last word. It is Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio.
What is it about? At a small university, a group of insomniac adults meet in the graveyard of an abandoned church to smoke, talk, and pass away the evening hours. They hardly know each other, and yet share a bond that no one else can explain. They are haunted by their inability to sleep and find some solace in each other, even if they barely know anything deep about the person standing next to them. They work the graveyard shift, and that shift is about to become horrifying. When they come across a freshly dug grave, the group finds themselves in the middle of a terrifying experiment that they work to prove to the world before the night is over.
Why did I love it? It can be argued that novellas are harder to write than full length novels. Yes, one does not have to write as much but the writer must be able to create a compelling story at the right pace, create realistic characters, and wrap up the entire story in a neat little bow in under 200 pages (give or take). It can be a daunting task but one that Ms. Rio was able to pull off with expertise. While I did admit in my review of this thriller (see link: https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/11/graveyard-shift-by-m-l-rio-review/) that I wish the story had been longer, there can be no denying that Ms. Rio took the task of writing a novella and greatly excelled at it. The story takes off right away, yet somehow doesn’t feel rushed, and created numerous characters that felt real and authentic, even if each one of them is only given one or two chapters to focus on them and their motivations. It was an impossible story to put down and very worthy to be on anyone’s TBR list.
Spot #7 goes the newest release of one of my favorite authors, the lovely Lucy Foley’s The Midnight Feast.
What is it about? It is the opening weekend at The Manor, an exclusive resort that anyone who is anyone wants to stay at during it’s inaugural weekend. Every detail has been studied, planned, and executed. The Manor is poised for greatness, for prestige, and for success. People are excited, hastily booking their reservations, and packing their bags for a fun weekend. But not everyone is so happy about The Manor’s opening. The local townspeople resent it, believing it is intruding on their community. But while most are satisfied to grumble, others are taking decisive action. As the key players take their spots – the owner Francesca, her architect husband Owen, the mystery guest Bella, and the dish washer Eddie – dark secrets from the past force themselves to the surface and the forest The Manor is neighbored too is about to release one or two secrets of its own.
Why did I love it? It is no secret here that I’ve become a huge Lucy Foley fan. Her previous novels, The Paris Apartment and The Guest List, have appeared on my Best Books lists and it probably comes as no surprise that her newest release ended up here as well. The Midnight Feast continues Ms. Foley’s domination of the mystery genre, creating a complex story with multiple characters that is still easy to read and keeps you at the edge of your seat. While the ending does not shock as much as her two previous works, it does provide a good punch and satisfying end to a weekend that goes horribly wrong.
For all my thoughts about Ms. Foley’s newest release please head over to https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/08/the-midnight-feast-by-lucy-foley-review/.
The eighth spot is taken by a literary/mystery work that focuses on a current epidemic sweeping the United States of America. It is Long Bright River by Liz Moore.
What is it about? Mickey is quiet, shy, a single mother, and a police officer. Her sister, Kacey, is bold, outspoken, living on the streets, and addicted to opioids. In Philadelphia, rocked by the opioid crisis, this is not uncommon and Mickey is forced to watch her sister’s struggles from a distance, helpless in Kacey’s struggle. That is until Kacey goes missing at the same time as a string of murders begin to occur, targeting addicted women living on the streets. Despite orders from her superiors and those who love her to not investigate further, Mickey can’t stop herself from getting involved because she too has an addiction and that is Kacey.
Why did I love it? Despite being a chunky book, Long Bright River was one of the fastest reads I experienced this year. The subject matter is timely and many will undoubtedly be triggered or moved by the content. Ms. Moore manages to craft a story that gets at the heart of this tragedy. The story felt authentic and the bond between Mickey and Kacey was expertly crafted. While there is a murder mystery aspect to the story, this is also very much a character study and a fascinating one at that. Unflinching in it’s depiction of addiction, both of drugs and other relationships/beliefs/issues, Long Bright River is an unmissable novel from an author who I will be reading more from in 2025.
My full review of Long Bright River can be found at https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/01/long-bright-river-by-liz-moore-review/.
Now we move to our #9 best book of 2024. It goes to our first and only sequel to make the list, the second book in the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano, Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead.
What is it about? Taking up immediately after the events of the first book, this second installment follows the adventures of Finlay Donovan, her loyal sidekick Vero, and the hot detective, Nick. I won’t say much about the plot in case you haven’t yet picked up the first story, but this next one in the series maintains the spirit and fun of that first.
Why did I love it? Whenever I enter a second installment of any series, I always make sure to temper my expectations. After all, falling in love a second time can often feel like lightening striking twice. Thankfully, it certainly did with Knocks ‘Em Dead. Ms. Cosimano continues this fun franchise with a fresh story while artfully balancing humor and drama in this book that reinforces my idea that the Finlay Donovan series is an excellent getaway from reality. Book number three is on my TBR list for 2025. Here’s hoping the memento keeps on going!
Read my full review at https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/05/finlay-donovan-knocks-em-dead-by-elle-cosimano-review/.
Let the countdown begin! Yesterday I listed my honorable mentions for best books of 2024 and now we move to spot #10. Kicking off this list is Ruth Ware’s snowy thriller, One By One.
What is it about? The music app, Snoop, has taken over the music industry, allowing users to “snoop” on other listeners and their music preferences. With the company expected to continue to grow, the employees of Snoop head to a remote ski resort in the French Alps to discuss strategy and next steps. Everyone is excited by the app’s success and the little getaway trip. Except for former employee Liz, who knows her former colleagues all too well. Things are only made worse when the group becomes stranded in their chalet, leading to an unraveling of sanity that leads to the occupants disappearing, one by one.
Why did I love it? There is something about a snowy thriller that excites me. Perhaps it is the seemingly cozy and innocent atmosphere, or that these types of incidents (being stranded without power) can happen anywhere, leading you to wonder what you would do in that situation. Whatever the case by, One By One is an exciting thriller that expertly builds tension. The mystery itself is also compelling and the ending caps off this horrifying tale in a masterful way.
Head over to https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/01/one-by-one-by-ruth-ware-review/ for my full review.
Hello fellow readers and welcome to the first day in my countdown to the best books of 2024. Kicking off our list are three honorable mentions that didn’t quite meet the cut but are still worth the read nonetheless. They are The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, 102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn, and I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys.
What are they about? Starting off light, The Paradise Problem follows Anna Green and Liam “West” Weston, who entered into a marriage of convenience while in college to gain access to cheap housing. But once they graduated, they divorced and went their own ways. Or so Anna thought. She is more than a little surprised when West suddenly appears at her apartment, asking her to accompany him to his sister’s lavish and expensive wedding. Oh, and did I forget to mention they never legally divorced? The nonfiction 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn is fairly self explanatory, but takes the reader minute by minute of the 9/11 terror attacks, following first responders, victims’ families, survivors, and those who watched it all unfold. Finally, I Must Betray You takes the reader to 1989 Communist Romania and follows teenager Cristian, who decides to take the ultimate step of rebellion, by revealing the horrors of the government’s tyrannical regime to the outside world. But he is willing to risk everything?
Why did I love them? These three books could not be more different; a romance, a nonfiction, and a historical thriller. Yet, these uniquely different works all excel at what they are trying to accomplish. For The Paradise Problem that is romance and situational humor, 102 Minutes‘ meticulous research does justice to both the victims and survivors of that tragic day, and I Must Betray You takes a dark page of history and shows that, even in times of great challenge and fear, one can always find the light. If you are looking to dip your toes into different genres, anyone of these are a fabulous place to start.
If you are interested in reading more about my thoughts, head to https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/07/the-paradise-problem-by-christina-lauren-review/ for my review of The Paradise Problem and https://rachelrheil.com/blog/2024/02/i-must-betray-you-by-ruta-sepetys-review/ for my review of I Must Betray You.
Hello fellow readers! We have reached the end of 2024 and what a year it has been. Speaking from a personal level, 2024 was quite the year. In addition to some changes in my personal life, which included a mother-daughter trip to Paris and serving as maid of honor at my sister’s wedding, it was also the year I published Love and Betrayal in the City of Lights and continued to grow this blog. And while I’ll admit I haven’t gotten it down pat, I think I am on the right path.
In addition to using the end of the year as a time to reflect and set goals for the new year, it is also the time when I do my annual Best Books of the year. I’ve been doing this since 2022 and it is honestly something I look forward to every year! If you are new here or don’t recall this tradition, it is when I select my favorite books that I read in 2024 and rank them, providing you with new book recommendations and for me to take inventory on what I want to keep reading and what I can skip on in 2025. As a little refresher, below are my guidelines and rules.
- I have to have read the book between December 15, 2023 and December 15, 2024. Since I have to plan these lists a bit in advance, my book year run a little different than the calendar year.
- Has to be a book I read for the first time in 2024. Any re-reads are not included.
- Book does not have to be published in 2024, just have to be read this year.
I have also selected three honorable mentions, which will kickoff the countdown tomorrow. Any guesses on what made the cut? Check in everyday leading up New Year’s Eve to see what my favorites of the year were.
Happy holidays!
Hello fellow readers and happy Black Friday, one of the most (in my humble opinion) wonderful days of the year. It’s a day where you can shop amazing deals, make a dent in your Christmas shopping, and pick up one (or more) presents for yourself.
And I have the perfect gift.
Today, four of my books are available for $0.99 on Amazon. So if you aren’t sure what to get someone for Christmas this year, give them the gift of historical fiction. Below are the four books you can pickup on Kindle for either that special someone or for yourself.
Behind the Darkened Glass
Summary: Germany, 1933. As Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party take control of the country, a young German woman returns to the country of her birth. Fleeing into the arms of her aunt, Charlotte Brookfield pays no attention to the events surrounding her as she tries to recover from a devastating discovery.
Hans von Peterson is an officer in the country’s brutal SS. While courting the admiration of his superior and fighting off rivalries, Hans is sent to Berlin to accomplish a seemingly impossible task. That task has Hans crossing paths with Charlotte.
Despite the odds, the two begin a love affair just as the Nazis begin to tighten their grip on the country leading to a bloody climax that will change everything.
https://mybook.to/BehindtheDarkenedGlass
Leningrad: The People’s War
Summary: Leningrad, 1941. As Europe crumbles under the German war machine, the people of the Soviet Union watch. There are whispers of war but not loud enough for the civilians of Leningrad to notice. Instead, they keep their heads down and try to avoid the ever-watching eyes of their own oppressive government.
University student Tatiana Ivankova tries to look ahead to the future after a family tragedy that characterizes life under the brutal regime. But, when the rumors that have been circulating the country become a terrifying reality, Tatiana realizes that the greatest fear may not be the enemy but what her fellow citizens are prepared to do to each other to survive.
As his men plow through the Russian countryside, Heinrich Nottebohm is told to follow orders and ask no questions, even if such commands go against his own principles. His superiors hold over him a past event that continues to destroy him with every day that passes. But, when given the opportunity to take an act of defiance, Heinrich will jump at the chance, ignoring what the end results could be. Leningrad: The People’s War tells the harrowing beginning of a war that forever changed the landscape of a city, told through the eyes of both sides in a tale of courage, love, and sacrifice.
Winner of Book of the Year 2021 for Historical Fiction Modern by The Coffee Pot Book Club.
https://mybook.to/LeningradWar
The Midnight Call
Summary: April 1912.
Helen Harrington has aspirations of being a schoolteacher, a dream shattered by the untimely death of her mother, an event that she blames herself for. To support her younger siblings, Helen abandons her fantasy and appeals to her mother’s former employer, White Star Line, for their help in securing work. Begrudgingly, White Star appoints her to a new stewardess position on the line’s newest ship, the RMS Titanic. Filled with insecurities and regret, Helen does not look forward to the voyage and the responsibilities that come with it until she crosses paths with a fellow crew member.
Having risen steadily up the company ladder, John Phillips is pleased to find himself appointed as the Titanic’s senior wireless operator. Phillips expects an uneventful voyage, but when he meets a young stewardess, he begins to question everything he had thought was right. As Titanic steams towards disaster, Phillips finds himself in an impossible situation. But when given a chance to escape it, will he take it or give his life for others?
Blending fiction and historical fact, The Midnight Call tells the story of one of the Titanic’s most critical tales of bravery, courage, and sacrifice.
https://mybook.to/MidnightCall
Infiltration
Summary: East Berlin, 1986.
Lina Prochnow has dreams. To be the best ice skater she can be. To qualify for the Olympics. To win the Gold Medal and escape the Soviet occupied zone of the German Democratic Republic.
Ernst Jung has no such fantasies. A career Stasi officer for fifteen years, every arrest and interrogation is just another tick on a list of responsibilities he has been forced to memorize. His role is simple; to root out every opposition and keep citizens of the GDR safe, whether they want it or not.
Lina’s dreams and Ernst’s responsibilities collide when they are brought together by the actions of a group called the Brotherhood. To Lina, the organization members are liberators she desperately wants to join. For Ernst, they are a terrorist organization threatening the very foundation of the GDR and need to be routed out.
When Georg Bauer, Lina’s boyfriend, is discovered as the ringleader and executed on Ernst’s orders, Lina vows to avenge his death, even if it means risking her own. Her plan is a risky one, to infiltrate the Stasi by becoming the secretary to the man who ordered his death. Lina believes she has the upper hand, but that would be foolish. Ernst is known for getting his way, and he views Lina’s appointment as his opportunity to infiltrate the Brotherhood, which he believes Lina is part of.
Despite their polarizing ideas, Lina and Ernst have the same goals; to infiltrate the others’ group and come out on top. Told against the backdrop of the crumbling Iron Curtain, Infiltration blends historical fact and fiction in this dangerous game of cat and mouse between a GDR citizen desperate to survive and the Stasi officer who represents one of the most terrifying police organizations.
https://mybook.to/InfiltrationHeil
Every night, a group of insomniac adults meet in the graveyard of an abandoned church to smoke, talk, and pass away the evening hours. They come from all walks of life but each is haunted by their inability to sleep and find some solace in each other. They work the graveyard shift, and that shift is about to get interesting. When a freshly dug grave is discovered, the group finds themselves in the middle of a terrifying experiment that they must solve before the night is over.
M. L. Rio has written one other book, If We Were Villains, and that was one of my favorite books I read in 2023. As a result, when it was announced she had written a haunting novella, released just before Halloween, I knew I had to pick it up. Standing at just a little over one hundred pages, this story moves quickly and the mystery is off and running right away. Perhaps because it is a novella, Graveyard Shift is rarely slow or lagging.
Yet despite it’s quick pace, I felt the story was not complete by the end came. A few questions still remained and I believe this tale would have done much better as a full blown novel. The underlying issues that Ms. Rio addresses are extremely interesting and I found the characters to be intriguing. I would have loved to seen more exploration of these characters and themes. That is not to say this story should have been 400 pages, but another one hundred or so pages would have made the story all the more better in my opinion.
To summarize, Graveyard Shift is a thrilling late night mystery that is perfect for a dark and rainy weekend. The reader will never find themselves bored, but they may be left wanting more by the end and wishing the mystery took just a bit longer to solve.
4 out of 5 stars
