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The Drift (2023) by C.J. Tudor is an engaging multiple perspectives thriller, following 3 different groups of survivors in a compelling apocalyptic race to save their own lives in 3 deadly situations that may have something in common. The Drift is fast-paced, plot-driven and may be of interest to readers okay with violence, plague, and apocalyptic themes. 

Clue meets The Great British Baking Show: when I read that description, I knew I had to read The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (2023). It is the tenth season of Bake Week, a reality competition filmed at the home of “America’s Grandmother,” longtime host Betsy Martin. Six contestants arrive at the secluded Vermont estate, along with a new cohost and crew.

Last summer Alice disappeared. After her ex-boyfriend started dating her (now also ex) best-friend, Brooke, Alice took everything she had learned about Agatha Christie and staged her own disappearance. Now she's back at school facing rumors and ridicule and stuck with a tutor to catch up on her school work. Iris, desperate for extra cash to escape to a new life, gets the tutoring gig. When Brooke disappears though and Alice's ex-boyfriend ends up the prime suspect for alleged murder none of the puzzle pieces seem to fit together quite the way the police say.

In 1880s London, Charlotte Holmes is an outlier. With no desire to follow the traditional path for society women, she sets a plan in motion that leads to unexpected consequences. Charlotte is an absolute delight, as is the cast of characters aiding in her quest to uncover the truth. This series launch by Sherry Thomas puts a fresh spin on Sherlock Holmes.

Final Girls (2017) by Riley Sager is an intense, fast-paced psychological suspense. Quincy is a "final girl," the only survivor of a college camping trip gone wrong. 10 years later, when another "final girl" who survived her own horror story, Lisa, is found dead, Quincy reconnects with Samantha, a third "final girl" who is just as interested/horrified to learn of Lisa's fate.

I’m kind of obsessed with the author Tana French. She writes dark murder mysteries set in Ireland. The most interesting thing I find is how she introduces her main characters in stages that lead you to see them in one way, and then another. Oftentimes the ending is a twist. The latest book of hers that I’ve I read was Broken Harbor (2012).

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman (author of Something in the Water) is a fun and fast-paced psychological suspense novel.

I started reading the novel Anywhere You Run (2022) because I was soon to interview the author, Wanda Morris, for WPL’s Thriller Author Panel. I wanted to be prepared, of course, but by the end of the book I was far more than that.

Gone Girl (2012) by Gillian Flynn had been on my radar for a few years but once I finally paid it the attention it deserves I was glad I did! I liked it so much that when I finished, I immediately checked out the audiobook on Libby so I could listen to it with my spouse.

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

When the creator of a high school gossip app mysteriously dies in front of four high-profile students, all four become suspects. It's up to them to solve the case.

Molly Gray is an excellent hotel maid, completing her daily tasks by returning rooms to a “state of perfection.” She is less successful at connecting with people, struggling with social awkwardness and unkind coworkers. Her life changes dramatically when she discovers Mr. Black dead in his bed.

Solo Leveling I by Chugong

Known as the the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung's contribution to raids amounts to trying not to get killed.