Category: Thriller

Book Review: Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

If you love morally complex characters, smart heist plots, and high-stakes action, Malibu Burning is your next must-read. The first installment in Lee Goldberg’s new Sharpe & Walker series blends crime fiction, firefighting drama, and an undercurrent of redemption into a tightly woven, page-turning thriller.

Told through dual timelines and perspectives, Malibu Burning introduces two compelling leads: Danny Cole, a former convict and skilled con artist with a surprising moral code, and Andrew Walker, a former U.S. Marshal turned arson investigator. At first, their stories seem disconnected — one plotting a heist in the chaos of a wildfire, the other chasing suspicious fires across California. But as the flames spread, their paths collide in a way that’s both explosive and unexpectedly emotional.

This was my first solo Lee Goldberg novel (though I’ve read and enjoyed his collaborations with Janet Evanovich), and fans of the Fox and O’Hare series will definitely feel at home here. There’s the same slick pacing, clever plotting, and banter-driven dialogue, but Malibu Burning adds a darker, more grounded edge that really works in its favor.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is its focus on California’s inmate firefighter program — a system that feels ripe for both praise and critique, and Goldberg handles it with a mix of realism and empathy. It gives the story an extra layer of tension and makes Danny’s motivations feel all the more believable. He’s a morally gray antihero you can’t help but root for, especially as his plans veer from revenge into something far more complicated.

The stakes are high — wildfires rage, a cartel closes in, and the line between right and wrong blurs as the story builds to a cinematic climax. But what elevates this book beyond a typical thriller is its heart. Amid the crime and chaos, there are genuine moments of sacrifice, redemption, and even a spark of hope.

Whether you’re here for the action, the character dynamics, or the Robin Hood-style justice, Malibu Burning delivers. It’s smart, fast, and fiery in all the best ways — and it sets up the Sharpe & Walker series with serious momentum.

The Malibu Burning is out now! You can grab your copy here. The whole series is available on KU for both ebook AND audio!

Click the links below for the rest of the Sharpe & Walker Series

Ashes Never Lie

Hidden in Smoke

Book Review: The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare by John Lisle

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

If you’ve ever wondered how the CIA came to be, John Lisle’s The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is a must-read. Lisle takes readers deep into the world of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the wartime precursor to the CIA, and introduces us to Stanley Lovell — a brilliant scientist turned unlikely spymaster.

What makes this book so compelling is how it balances solid historical research with a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Lisle doesn’t just recount events; he pulls us right into the secret labs and field missions where some of the wildest ideas in warfare were dreamed up. From the infamous “bat bomb” project to experiments with glowing foxes designed to spook enemy soldiers, the inventions Lovell’s team produced range from ingenious to downright bizarre. And yet, Lisle weaves these stories so smoothly into the larger history of WWII intelligence that the book never feels like it’s bogging down in trivia — instead, it stays sharp, entertaining, and even a little shocking at times.

What stood out most to me was how the book traces the OSS’s influence on the birth of the CIA. By spotlighting Lovell’s work, Lisle shows not only the creativity behind these “dirty tricks,” but also the ethical questions that haunted those who created them. It’s a reminder that intelligence work has always existed in a gray zone between necessity and morality.

In short, The Dirty Tricks Department is both informative and wildly entertaining. It’s history written with the pace of a spy thriller — the kind of book that makes you keep turning pages (or in my case, keep listening) long past when you meant to stop. If you’re fascinated by espionage, World War II history, or the origins of modern intelligence, this is a five-star read that belongs on your list.

Thank you so much to the author, John Lisle, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy of this book. 

The The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: Head Cases by John McMahon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Head Cases took me completely by surprise—and I loved every page of it.

This is an intelligent, character-driven police procedural that stands out in the crowded world of FBI thrillers. At its core is Agent Gardner Camden, a brilliant puzzle-solver with sharp instincts, emotional blind spots, and a quietly devastating personal history. He’s not your typical G-Man—and that’s exactly what makes him such a compelling lead.

Gardner heads up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit, a fringe FBI task force in Jacksonville made up of brilliant misfits who were all sent there for making mistakes or stepping out of line. The team is unconventional, awkward, and endlessly compelling. They don’t play by Bureau rules, but they solve the cases no one else can.

When DNA from a new murder victim links back to a long-dead serial killer, the team is thrust into an active case—rare for them. As more bodies drop, it becomes clear that the killer is leaving behind riddles specifically designed for Gardner. And this time, the case isn’t just professional—it’s personal. The killer knows things they shouldn’t, and the PAR team must stay one step ahead before the trail turns toward them and their families.

What sets Head Cases apart is its deeply flawed, emotionally rich cast. Each member of the PAR Unit is working through some form of damage—professional, personal, or both—and yet their quirks and failings are also what make them exceptional at their jobs.

Gardner is socially awkward, possibly neurodivergent, and entirely devoted to solving puzzles and doing what’s right—even when it’s cost him everything: his marriage, custody of his daughter Camila, and his career trajectory. Still, he wouldn’t change a thing. Cassie, his new partner, transferred to Jacksonville under murky circumstances and shares Gardner’s analytical mind and eye for detail. Their dynamic is layered and full of potential. And hopefully some smoochin’ in the later books. Shooter (yes, that’s what they call her) is the wildcard—an eccentric, badass weapons expert who might just steal the show. Frank, the team’s leader, brings quiet authority and calm—but he also seems to be keeping secrets. Richie, the new recruit, is sharp and capable… but the fact that his personnel file is sealed adds an intriguing mystery to the mix.

The plot moves at a gripping pace, with just enough twists to keep you guessing. The riddles and killer’s pattern are cleverly constructed without feeling gimmicky, and the final reveal genuinely surprised me. It’s amazing to be able to watch Gardner’s brain unravel the clues.

But what I loved most was how authentically human this story feels. Gardner’s neurodivergence isn’t romanticized or exaggerated, it’s simply part of him, and it shapes the way he processes the world, leads the team, and tries (imperfectly) to connect with his daughter. The emotional undercurrent between him and Camila is quiet, but it’s the heart of the book.

This is the kind of series opener that makes you want to binge-read sequels that haven’t even been written yet. If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, Profiler, or simply love watching a team of outsiders crack impossible cases, this book is for you.

Sign me up for every future PAR Unit release. I’m hooked.

Thank you so much to the author, John McMahon, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC copy of this book. 

The Head Cases is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: By Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

I usually try to keep my book reviews spoiler-free, but that’s going to be difficult with this one—especially if you haven’t read the first two books in the Raisa Susanto series. So if you’re new to the series, pause here, go read The Lies You Wrote and The Truth You Told, and then come back. I’ll wait.

You’ve been warned: this review contains info from earlier books, and this is not a series where each book stands alone.

This is book three in the series, which follows Raisa Susanto, an FBI forensic linguist who also happens to be the sister of one of the most infamous serial killers. FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her psychopathic serial killer sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It isn’t much, but it pushes Raisa back into what she thought she had already finished. Now, Isabel is dead, and their other sister, Delaney, is has vanished. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes disturbingly clear that Isabel had a protégé, even while behind bars.

Raisa is manipulated into solving Isabel’s murder, and the deeper she digs, the more evident it becomes that Isabel’s influence hasn’t died with her. She also worries that Delaney is somehow involved. From beyond the grave, Isabel still manages to pull strings—controlling and warping the lives of both of her sisters.

Told through multiple points of view—including Raisa and Delaney’s perspectives, as well as blog transcripts and diary entries—this book is packed with twists and tension that absolutely deliver, just like the previous two installments.

By the end, it feels like Raisa has completed a compelling character arc: she’s come to terms with who she is, who Delaney has become, and who Isabel truly was. Still, I really hope the series continues. The unique blend of police procedural and thriller, told through the lens of forensic linguistics, keeps the narrative fresh, intellectually engaging, and emotionally layered.

📌 Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex sibling dynamics, forensic detail, and emotional depth, this series is a must-read. Just be sure to start at the beginning to truly appreciate the journey. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here! Bonus, the whole series in available in KU for both ebook AND audio!

Many thanks to Brianna Labuskes, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Book Review: Don’t Say a Word by Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Margo and the rest of the Angelhart family return in the second installment of what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release ever since finishing You’ll Never Find Me, the first book in the series.

Now working full-time with the family’s private investigation business, Margo—alongside Jack and Tess—takes on the suspicious case of Elijah Martinez, a promising young man found dead from an apparent drug overdose. But no one who knew Elijah believes he ever used drugs. The deeper Margo digs, the more dangerous the case becomes. As key people she speaks with begin turning up dead, the stakes escalate rapidly.

Long-buried secrets resurface, and someone is clearly determined to keep them hidden. But Margo, relentless and sharp, refuses to let go. Like a dog with a bone, she keeps pulling at threads until the truth starts to unravel.

This novel is a solid police procedural and thriller, delivering all the trademark suspense and intricacy we’ve come to expect from Allison Brennan. The added family tension and emotional depth elevate the story even further. We also get more insight into Margo’s father—currently in prison for a murder no one believes he committed, yet he remains tight-lipped about the case. This overarching mystery seems poised to thread through the entire series.

On top of that, federal agents from various government agencies make appearances, adding layers of complexity to the plot. I truly hope this series continues for many more books. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing feels natural and unhurried. I’m fully invested and already looking forward to what’s next.

I also just discovered there are two novellas—Into the Fire and Out of the Shadows—so those are now at the top of my TBR list.

This book comes out on 09/16/2025, but you can preorder your copy here.

Many thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Our favorite chicken farmer, Maggie, is back with her gang in the second book of Tess Gerritsen’s Martini Club series. Make sure to read The Spy Coast before diving into The Summer Guests. Both books are available on Kindle Unlimited!

Maggie and the Martini Club may have their own reasons for moving to the remote town of Purity, Maine, but their motivations seem to mirror those of many others. In fact, Purity harbors just as many secrets as it does people. Here, we have the classic tension between the locals and the summer residents.

As someone who grew up in a tourist town, I completely relate to this dynamic. We had the “city-its” who arrived with their SUVs and designer parkas as soon as the snow fell—so I get it.

At the heart of the story is a long-standing feud—one as legendary as the Hatfields and McCoys—between the Tarkin and Conover families. The Tarkin siblings live in a dilapidated house on Maiden Pond, directly across from the Conovers’ summer estate, Moonview—a massive lakefront home. They also live under the shadow of their father, Sam Tarkin, who murdered four people years ago with no apparent motive.

Susan and Ethan Conover are on their way to visit his family with Susan’s daughter, Zoe, in tow. The purpose of their trip is to reunite with Ethan’s family—his mother, Elizabeth; his brother, Colin; and Colin’s wife and child, Brooke and Kit—to spread George Conover’s ashes in his favorite summer spot.

Zoe, an expert swimmer and diver, is thrilled to be staying on the water for a week. After meeting a local girl named Callie, however, she suddenly goes missing. While the rest of the Conover family doesn’t seem too concerned, Susan—newly married to Ethan—is convinced that something is terribly wrong. She’s determined to find her daughter while everyone else seems to carry on as normal.

Enter badass acting police chief Jo Thibodeau. The Martini Club immediately inserts itself into the investigation when Maggie’s neighbor, Luther, is accused of the crime—much to Jo’s dismay. However, recognizing their skills, she reluctantly allows them to assist in the search for Zoe.

When a different body turns up in the pond—and it’s not Zoe—all hell breaks loose.

As always, I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free because I firmly believe thrillers are best enjoyed without prior hints. That said, I can promise you that this book is packed with red herrings, twists, and surprises—you won’t see the ending coming. If you’ve been a longtime reader of Feed the Book, you know that I’m usually pretty good at spotting the killer by the halfway mark. But this time? I was completely wrong. Some sharper readers might figure it out early, but for me, the ending was a total shock.

If you’re looking for a twisty, suspenseful thriller filled with family drama, buried secrets, and former CIA operatives who just can’t settle into a quiet retirement, then you’re going to love this book. It’s a great police procedural type book and while you’re anxious and worried for Zoe, it’s also laugh inducing, with great one liners.

On sale now—grab your copy here! Huge bonus for me- both the book & audio are available on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you so much to the Tess Gerritsen, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC copy of this book. As a longtime fan of Tess Gerritsen, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read it. I’m excited to see that there’s a third book in the works, because this reader is in love with the series.

Book Review: See How They Hide By Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

While I do my best to make sure my reviews are spoiler-free, I may inadvertently reveal information that can help you connect plot points. So, here’s my TL;DR spoiler-free review: the newest book in Allison Brennan’s Quinn and Costa series delivers another thrilling police procedural as Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the MRT investigate a series of connected murders tied to a secretive cult called Havenwood. The book features Brennan’s signature twists, compelling characters, a chilling villain and a story you can get lost in. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed. But do yourself a huge favor and go read the first 5 books before you read this one. You don’t have to but it will make everything better, I promise. There’s a list at the bottom of the post. Of your can check out my review of book 5, The Missing Witness.

See How They Hide is the sixth book in the Quinn and Costa series, focusing on Kara Quinn, Matt Costa, and the Mobile Response Team (MRT).
OMG OMG I’ve been waiting for this book! My girl Kara Quinn is back! I fell in love with this series, mainly because of the incredible characters Allison has once again brought to life and I’ve been anxiously awaiting this book!.

The story begins with two murders occurring at opposite ends of the country. As bodies start piling up, there seems to be nothing connecting the victims—except that they were all killed in the same manner and found with red poppies. Before long, the team is fully immersed in investigating a previously unknown cult called Havenwood. At the heart of the mystery is Riley, a former cult member who escaped after being an unwilling participant in its inner circle.

Kara is in Oregon while Matt investigates in Virginia, meaning they don’t spend as much time together as I’d like. That said, there’s plenty of Ryder and Dean in this book, which more than compensates. AND Catherine finally stops being an insufferable PITA—but only by the end, after annoying Kara at least twice. Despite her attitude, Catherine proves useful in the investigation, though I still despise how she speaks to Kara.

Kara and Matt’s growth throughout this book was so satisfying, and Riley plays a huge role in that. The picture she draws of them makes Kara realize that people see her in ways she never expected. Riley was also an exceptional secondary character, and I absolutely loved her conclusion in the story.

As always, I’d read anything Allison Brennan writes—even her grocery list—but See How They Hide delivers all the hallmarks of a classic AB novel: a tight, twist-filled police procedural, deeply compelling characters, and a villain who is as cruel as they come.

Thank you so much to the author, Allison Brennan, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. The Missing Witness is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Other title in the Quinn & Costa Series:

Book Review: The Verifiers by Jane Pek

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

I just finished The Verifiers by Jan Pek and thoroughly enjoyed it. The book has a quirky charm, which fits perfectly with its equally quirky main character, Claudia, set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. Claudia has recently left a proofreading job (courtesy of her successful brother) to work at a company that verifies the authenticity of online dating profiles.

Claudia’s very first client sets the stage for a mystery that unravels with unexpected twists and turns. Not everything is as it seems. I particularly enjoyed the clever puns Pek uses for naming the dating sites and the way the story feels modern and relevant, diving into the ongoing societal debates about technology and its moral implications.

One of my favorite aspects of Claudia’s character is that she’s a bona fide bookworm and mystery enthusiast. The book is peppered with delightful references to Jane Austen and Inspector Yuan (who might be a real figure from Chinese television or culture—or simply a figment of the author’s imagination I’m unsure and this will require more research on my part). Either way, he feels like the Chinese version of Sherlock Holmes, and I’d love to read some of his stories!

Beyond the mystery, the book also explores complex family dynamics, adding another layer of depth. Claudia is caught between two uber-successful siblings, and while she appears to be her mother’s favorite, their mother is relentlessly critical of all of them. This dynamic doesn’t just illuminate Claudia’s internal struggles but resonates with the universal complexities found in all families. Pek’s portrayal of these relationships is thoughtful and relatable, enriching the story as much as the central mystery itself.

Overall, I loved this book, especially the ending, which teases the possibility of Claudia not only finding a love interest but also carving her own unique role within the Verifiers. Highly recommended!

The Verifiers is out now and you can grab your copy here.

This Girl’s A Killer by Emma C. Wells

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

I’ve had the pleasure of reading a lot of good books this year. So far, I’ve been surprised and impressed more often than not, and this last read was no exception.

When I received an invitation from Poisoned Pen Press to read This Girl’s a Killer, I was a little apprehensive, as I don’t usually read horror or “scary” books. But I loved Finlay Donovan, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did because I was absolutely blown away. This is why I love new authors; you never know what you’re going to find.

Cordelia Black isn’t crazy. She’s organized. She’s punctual. She has a killer wardrobe. She loves her best friend and goddaughter. She isn’t crazy. She’s just… Karma.

Everything is going just fine until it isn’t. Watching Cordelia’s perfect world fall apart actually gave me anxiety while making me laugh. It was an interesting paradox. This book is dark, twisty, and funny.

I cannot wait to see what Emma Wells comes up with next.

Thank you so much to the author, Netgalley and the publisher Poisoned Pen Press for giving me this opportunity to read an ARC copy.

This Girl’s a Killer is out now and you can grab your copy here.

Darling Girls By Sally Hepworth

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Ready for a wild ride? Because Sally Hepworth is about to take you on one with Darling Girls. This is one twisty thriller, my bookworm friends. Jessica, Norah, and Alicia were all told how lucky they were to end up at Wild Meadows with the lovely Miss Fairchild. Turns out that lady was bananas with a capital B. At first, it’s just Jessica, but she’s joined shortly after by Norah and Alicia, and the three form an unbreakable bond. It grows stronger when Amy arrives, as does Miss Fairchild’s crazy factor. The girls manage to engineer a breakout, but there are consequences to crossing a crazy lady. Like suddenly, poof, no Amy.

Years later, Jessica owns her own house-cleaning business where she steals pills from her clients, Alicia is a social worker trying to help foster kids like herself, and Norah is still always in trouble. The girls are called when a body is discovered buried in the basement of Wild Meadows, forcing them to rehash memories they thought were long buried.

The book is told from multiple POVs, from Jessica, Norah, Alicia, and an unnamed narrator, and bounces between the past and the present.

It’s really hard to write spoiler-free reviews of thrillers because I don’t want to inadvertently give anything away. But I’ll say this: that last chapter came out of LEFT FIELD for me. Not because I didn’t suspect who the unnamed narrator was (I did), but because I totally bought the original story. Not that it made me feel any better about it, but holy cow, Miss Fairchild is a psycho.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here. It’s available in KU and also as BOTM.

As always, I encourage you to read this book and form your own opinions, just as I have. Thank you to the author Sally Hepworth, the publisher St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book.