Sequel's Book Nook

  Jonathan Kellerman’s Open Season is a gripping psychological thriller that delivers everything fans have come to expect from the New York Times bestselling author—sharp prose, intricate plotting, and the unshakable detective duo of Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis. The novel opens with the discovery of an aspiring actress’s body, brutally murdered and dumped near a hospital. As Delaware and Sturgis investigate, they uncover a disturbing pattern—seemingly unconnected victims tied together by a complex killer with a hidden agenda. Each turn in the case raises new questions, with shocking twists that propel the story forward at a breakneck pace. Kellerman’s strength lies in his ability to craft psychologically rich characters, making both the investigators and the villains feel eerily real. His portrayal of Los Angeles as a city of dreams and nightmares adds an atmospheric layer to the mystery, enhancing the tension and suspense. For readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with...

  Virginia Feito’s Victorian Psycho delivers a unique blend of gothic horror and dark comedy, centering on Winifred Notty, a governess with a macabre imagination and a penchant for mischief. From the moment she steps into Ensor House, Winifred’s presence disrupts the dreary monotony of the Pounds family, and her sardonic wit quickly becomes the novel’s greatest strength. Winifred is undeniably engaging—her sharp humor and twisted sense of amusement breathe life into the bleak, claustrophobic setting. However, while her antics keep the pages turning, the overall story doesn’t quite match her energy. The plot unfolds in a slow, measured way, building toward an unsettling climax that, while effective, may not fully satisfy readers looking for deeper psychological complexity or stronger narrative momentum. Feito’s writing is stylish and clever, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Ensor House with a modern edge. Victorian Psycho doesn’t reinvent the gothic governess trope, but it do...

 Camilla Bruce’s At the Bottom of the Garden is a gothic thriller laced with eerie supernatural elements, centering on Clara Woods—a remorseless murderess who unexpectedly becomes the reluctant guardian of two orphaned girls. The novel weaves a compelling tale of greed, ghosts, and survival as Clara’s dark past collides with the uncanny abilities of her nieces, Lily and Violet. The novel’s greatest strength is its protagonist. Clara is unapologetically ruthless, making for a refreshingly amoral character whose motivations, while self-serving, are intriguing to follow. Her pragmatic acceptance of murder is both chilling and, at times, darkly amusing. The arrival of the orphaned sisters complicates her life, particularly when Violet’s ability to see and interact with the dead threatens to unravel Clara’s carefully concealed secrets. While the premise is gripping, the novel has its shortcomings. The choice of a first-person narrative works well for Clara’s voice but may not appeal to...