The Insomniac by Miranda Rijks Review

The Insomniac

Miranda Rijks

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Blurb

Daisy can’t sleep. But the cure is her worst nightmare.

Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic - this could be the answer to her prayers.

At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect – the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.

Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.

As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?

Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…

Review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was quite an entertaining read. While it wasn't hard to figure out the twists before they happened, the journey getting there was well written and interesting. It was fun to be a fly on the wall and watch everything play out.

I really enjoy a well done crazy character and I was not disappointed! The attention to detail in both the characters and the setting was great. Everything was so easy to imagine, it's like a movie in your head.

I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a low-impact but entertaining thriller. Especially those who are into reading about sleep and insomnia.

We Spread by Iain Reid REVIEW

 We Spread

by Iain Reid

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Blurb:

Penny, an artist, has lived in the same apartment for decades, surrounded by the artifacts and keepsakes of her long life. She is resigned to the mundane rituals of old age, until things start to slip. Before her longtime partner passed away years earlier, provisions were made, unbeknownst to her, for a room in a unique long-term care residence, where Penny finds herself after one too many “incidents.”

Initially, surrounded by peers, conversing, eating, sleeping, looking out at the beautiful woods that surround the house, all is well. She even begins to paint again. But as the days start to blur together, Penny—with a growing sense of unrest and distrust—starts to lose her grip on the passage of time and on her place in the world. Is she succumbing to the subtly destructive effects of aging, or is she an unknowing participant in something more unsettling?

Expected Publication Date: Sept. 9, 2022

Review:

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Iain Reid has been on my TBR for awhile, but this is my first time reading his work. Now that I have I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to experience such an amazing storyteller.

In 'We Spread' we follow Penny, an elderly woman whose long term partner passed away a few years ago. After a fall Penny moves into a long-term care residence where she doesn't remember agreeing to go but soon makes friends with other residents. When she starts to feel uneasy about the residence it's hard to tell if she is having difficulties due to aging or if the residence may not be the safe place she thought. Told from Penny's point of view We Spread will seep into your soul as it messes with your mind giving you a taste of fear you won't soon forget.

Wow...

To start the writing is so eerie and delicious! The story is incredibly written with tender moments swirled in with confusion and fear. When Penny was happy I was happy, when Penny was afraid I felt her fear. My emotions were bounced around as the chapters progressed and suddenly I was just as unsure as Penny about how I was supposed to feel. What an absolutely stunning portrayl of someone facing the end of their lives. I really can't say enough how incredible literally everything about this book is.

Reid did an amazing job with this one. If you want a story that messes with your emotions and scares you in a completely realistic way then give this one a shot.

Everything is OK by Debbie Tung REVIEW

 Everything is OK

by Debbie Tung

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Blurb

Everything Is OK is the story of Debbie Tung’s struggle with anxiety and her experience with depression. She shares what it’s like navigating life, overthinking every possible worst-case scenario, and constantly feeling like all hope is lost.

The book explores her journey to understanding the importance of mental health in her day-to-day life and how she learns to embrace the highs and lows when things feel out of control. Debbie opens up about deeply personal issues and the winding road to recovery, discovers the value of self-love, and rebuilds a more mindful relationship with her mental health.

In this graphic memoir, Debbie aims to provide positive and comforting messages to anyone who is facing similar difficulties or is just trying to get through a tough time in life. She hopes to encourage readers to be kinder to themselves, to know that they are not alone, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable because they are not defined by their mental health struggles. The dark clouds won’t be there forever. Everything will turn out all right.

Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Everything is OK is a story of depression in graphic novel format. Throughout Debbie's journey we watch as she begins her struggle with depression and anxiety, seeks help and ultimately learns how to cope with the difficulties associated with these mental health issues.

This is so beautifully written. I think the author does an amazing job at illustrating and communicating the difficulties those dealing with depression and anxiety face in their everyday lives. Keeping everything simple yet well explained 'Everything is OK' is a great book for someone who is trying to understand depression and anxiety.

My Little Brother by Diane Saxon REVIEW

My Little Brother

by Diane Saxon

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Blurb

Two siblings, both missing for 20 years turn up within one day of each other. One dead. One alive.

It was an ordinary school day, the day I lost my little brother.

One moment he was on the roundabout and then was gone. Gone. Missing.

They all blamed me. I was in charge. Even though I was only ten years old.

They sent me away. The hurt, the shame, the questions. The not knowing.

I tried to move on.

It’s been nineteen years in exile and now somebody wants me back.

Someone with a dark secret. They hold the keys, they know the truth.

So, I need to return to the Welsh village of my childhood to find out who, because I have a secret, too…

I did something bad.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3sdQ4qJ

Review

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Diane Saxon for having me on this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a pretty good book despite its slower start. It picked up at around 60% of the way through and the ending was totally worth it.

I did find a lot of things predictable but there were a couple of things I wasn't expecting. The biggest shocks in this book aren't necessarily the 'who' but more of the 'why'. The 'why' is where author twists things around to get those surprises in.

Let's talk characters. There are a few dislikeable characters in here that are so well written they just anger me. Which I'm guessing they are supposed to, so mission accomplished! My heart totally went out to the main character. I was angry and upset for her and the things she dealt with.

Overall, it's a pretty good mystery. Trigger warnings for child death and abuse, so if don't want to read about those things maybe don't pick this up. However, if you are fine reading about those topics and you're looking for a dark mystery give this one a shot.

Author Bio

Diane Saxon previously wrote romantic fiction for the US market but has now turned to writing psychological crime. Find Her Alive was her first novel in this genre and introduced series character DS Jenna Morgan. She is married to a retired policeman and lives in Shropshire.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordianesaxon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Diane_Saxon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianesaxonauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DianeSaxonNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diane-saxon

Pastel Pink by Nikki Minty REVIEW

 Pastel Pink

by Nikki Minty

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Blurb

From one ending comes a new beginning…

Ruby was murdered on Earth eighteen years ago and reincarnated on Zadok as a Pastel Zeek named Harlow. To be born at the bottom of her race’s caste colour system to a middle-class family of Magentas has made Harlow a source of conflict amongst the ruling Purples, and a source of derision from all three colours.

When Harlow is attacked by a fuegor on Zadok, the effects of its slow reacting venom triggers an unforeseen phenomenon, and due to the strong connection she had with her former twin sister Jade, her human spirit is unexpectedly drawn back to Earth.

Now living a double life, she has plunged into a world of intrigue on both planets.

On earth, she watches on in horror as Jade reconnects with Lucas, the man who murdered her and got away with it. And to complicate things further, she’s being pursued by Alex, the ghost of Lucas’ twin. On Zadok, she becomes embroiled with Jax, the son of the Commanding family. He’s determined to bring about change to the colony’s colour system, but it’ll come at a cost.

As Harlow mixes with the political intrigue of the Zeeks, will she become a victim of those trying to rigidly maintain the status quo or will she usher in a revolution?

And will ghost Ruby resist the temptation of the handsome Alex or pursue an impossible relationship that could have dire consequences on both planets?

Review

First of all, how is this book not more popular? With such an interesting and well executed concept I really don't think this book is getting anywhere near the attention it deserves.

In Pastel Pink we live on the planet Zadok, a place where people reincarnate to when they die on Earth. Ruby was murdered on Earth eighteen years ago and reincarnated as our main character Harlow. When Harlow's human spirit is suddenly able to visit her twin sister, Jade, while Harlow sleeps, she finds Jade unknowingly getting closer to her murderer. With Harlow being unable to communicate with Jade she must watch helplessly as this tainted friendship continues. Oh and if that isn't enough, there's also a color system on Zadok. Pastel being the lowest, Magenta in the middle and Purple at the top. With Harlow being a Pastel born into a family of Magenta's the last thing she needs is to get in trouble in both worlds, especially after she is befriended by an important purple.

I loved this, it had everything my little heart could have ever hoped for and more. The writing is enchanting, the characters are fleshed out into beings you actually care about, the world building is incredible, the book is an absolute masterpiece. There's Suspense, fear, action, drama and a cliffhanger that throws a gut punch before leaving you there to deal with the havoc it just created in your soul.

I couldn't adore this book more. If you're into Paranormal sci-fi with the tiniest touch of romance I'd highly recommend treating yourself with Pastel Pink.

Please Join Us by Catherine McKenzie REVIEW

 Please Join Us

by Catherine McKenzie

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Blurb

At thirty-nine, Nicole Mueller’s life is on the rocks. Her once brilliant law career is falling apart. She and her husband, Dan, are soon to be forced out of the apartment they love. After a warning from her firm’s senior partners, she receives an invitation from an exclusive women’s networking group, Panthera Leo. Membership is anonymous, but every member is a successful professional. It sounds like the perfect solution to help Nicole revive her career. So, despite Dan’s concerns that the group might be a cult, Nicole signs up for their retreat in Colorado.

Once there, she meets the other women who will make up her Pride. A CEO, an actress, a finance whiz, a congresswoman: Nicole can’t believe her luck. The founders of Panthera Leo are equally as impressive. They explain the group’s core philosophy: they’re a girl’s club in a boy’s club world.

Nicole is all in. And when she gets home, she soon sees dividends. Her new network quickly provides her with clients that help her relaunch her career, and a great new apartment too. The favors she has to provide in return seem benign. But then she’s called to the congresswoman’s apartment late at night where she’s pressed into helping her cover up a crime. And suddenly, Dan’s concerns that something more sinister is at play seem all too relevant. Can Nicole extricate herself from the group before it’s too late? Or will joining Panthera Leo be the biggest mistake of her life?

Expected Publication Day: August 23, 2022

Review

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy if this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I would describe this book as "Mean Girls cult edition." The characters are completely unlikeable, even the nice one who we're supposed to like is annoying. The side characters just fell flat for me. There was absolutely no one in this book I actually cared about.

I liked how relentless the women of the pride were. They always seemed to be two steps ahead with every problem anticipated. I feel like this is also why the ending wrapped up too quickly to be pleasing. Here we have these incredibly smart and hooked up women who created a plan that required so much careful planning and timing they were somehow outsmarted as soon as our main character realizes there's a problem. The entire solution happens in a very small portion of the book without the main character facing any issues that weren't solved immediately. I felt this book was missing the excitement. It was a fine read, just not one that put me on the edge of my seat.

With all that said, I have to admit I was genuinely entertained. The storyline was interesting enough where I wanted to watch things play out despite having a pretty clear idea of what was going to happen. This book is definitely worth the read, what it lacks in suspense it makes up for in entertainment.