The Stranger You Know by Jane Casey

The Stranger You Know by Jane Casey

I'll start off by saying that this is probably one of the best books I have ever read, and I'm not just saying that. I really enjoy mystery books with cliff-hanging suspense, and this novel had it all. Jane Casey has written an amazing nail-biter that I am very glad I read. It kept me on the edge of my seat (or bed) and I just couldn't put it down. I finished it within two days which is quite the record for me. The characters are well-developed and most are quite likable. To be honest, I never expected this book to end as it did, but that's exactly what makes it a real thriller.

This novel follows Maeve Kerrigan, a police officer, on her quest along with her team to find the Gentlemen Killer accused of killing women in the most horrific way. This killer is known to not leave any evidence behind and is always one step ahead of officers and detectives. Kerrigan's dysfunctional team of officers makes the task of finding the killer all the more challenging. 

Suddenly, evidence starts to mount against Kerrigan's partner, DI Josh Derwent but Kerrigan is having a hard time believing that Derwent is the killer, even though he is very self-conceited and has issues.  Kerrigan finds herself trusting Derwent, despite the pleas from her boss and her instincts. As some troubling secrets come up from Derwent's past, Kerrigan is having a hard time figuring out who to believe. 

As the days go by, another women is found murdered but the team still hasn't solved the previous murders. More and more evidence piles up and it all points to Derwent, or so the team wants to believe. The description of the killer is an exact match to Derwent's personality, but Kerrigan still does not believe that Derwent is the murderer. 

With Kerrigan watching her back from previous uncomfortable encounters, and trying to find the killer, will she ever accomplish the task? Is the killer from Derwent's past or is he the killer? To what lengths does the team have to go in order to uncover the truth? The truth will trouble you and leave you wishing the book never ended! 

I don't think my review does the book justice because I have so much to say but I do not know how to put it into words. All I will say is that you have to read the book and comment below what you thought of it!

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

Another excellent book written by the talented, Michael Connelly! Connelly truly knows how to write a book with suspense as well as that moment at the end where everything comes together!

In The Fifth Witness, we follow Michael Haller as he takes on foreclosure cases and is suddenly contacted by a client, named Lisa Trammel, who has been accused of murdering a businessman. This book shows how defense lawyers are, on occasion, manipulated by their clients. 

In this novel, the case invites a lot of media attention, but Haller does not appreciate the media at all. He does find them to be a source of possible income since he can sell the case stories if the client does not have enough money to pay, but that does not overrule the fact that he is not a huge fan of journalists and news reporters since they twist stories and words to their desire. 

This story clearly shows how a web of lies ultimately leads to the demise of a character but it is so well written that you are not able to put the pieces together until the last few chapters. I find that this suspense is what makes a great page turner and captures your attention right from the start.

It delves into the lucrative, yet complicated, business of mortgages and foreclosures and how citizens do not always get what they bargained for in the end. Through the ups and downs of the case, Mickey Haller never ceases to amaze with his eloquence and expertise in the courtroom, as well as his street smarts and intelligent thinking.

I find that the element of involving his daughter as well as the family issues that goes along with it seems to connect the reader to Haller as well as help them understand what he is going though.

The surprising twist at the end was a fantastic way to end the book and leave the reader really questioning Haller's life choices. What does the title of the book, The Fifth Witness, really mean? The answer will surprise you and you'll find out only if you read the book! Please comment on this post what you thought of the book since I would love to hear you opinion! 

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

I've just recently started reading books by Connelly, the first one being The Lincoln Lawyer, and I must admit, I'm hooked! Personally, the field of law really does interest me and that little bit of crime added into story line gives the novel a great kick!

I feel honored to follow the intelligent criminal defense lawyer, Mickey Haller, as he lives his life immersed in his job. He endures many struggles, such as losing a close friend, however this loss winds up with him inheriting the biggest case of his life which will earn him enough money to live comfortably. However, Haller is constantly watching his back because the person who killed his friend may be after him. This novel is written so well that you really cannot put it down for a moment.

Along the way Mickey meets an investigator who is on the search for the killer. These two independent men suddenly find that their paths are crossing and they may need to start working together if they want to solve the murder as well as find out the truth behind the biggest case of Haller's life. 

This novel has tons of twists and turns and is very unpredictable which makes it so much better than the average crime novel. I highly recommend reading this book on a gloomy, rainy day to make the most out of it! Please comment what you thought of the book!

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

This novel was recommended by a friend and although I don't read books that are recommended to me, this one really stood out. I don't know if it was the cover or the blurb but I knew I had to read this book. When I heard this novel was turning into a movie, starring Chloe Moretz, I just had to read it before it became a mainstream novel so I could enjoy it to its full capacity and not get any spoilers. Also, to know that a second book is currently being written called 'The Infinite Sea' makes me so happy and anxious to read it as soon as it comes out!

The 5th Wave a complex story and one needs to make sure not to miss a single sentence. It's fast-paced and an intriguing page-turner.

Cassie is a very brave, interesting character who doesn't let anything or anyone stand in her way. She's persistent and and although she's quite closed off, you feel as though you can connect to what she believes in. If I say too much, I'll give the book and it's conflicts away but lets just say it's a very complicated alien apocalypse. The use of technology is very advanced and this novel is quite gory, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The descriptions are in quite a lot of detail and paint a clear picture of what is being described which I find to be very important in a good book.

I cannot get over how amazing this book is and highly recommend that you read it! Leave a comment here once you read it and let me know whether you liked it or not!