Tag: Book Reccomendations

Good Game, No Rematch by Mike Drucker

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, I vividly remember receiving my first Nintendo NES system. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my parents were secretly taking the console—and Super Mario Bros.—out every night to play, then hiding it back in the closet until Christmas morning.

My mother jokingly calls herself an vid-diot and loves games of all kinds. Card games, board games, video games, she’s down to play. She was the kind of mom who, if you said, “Hey Mom, I’m on level eight. I’m almost at Bowser’s castle. I have 99 lives and a full inventory—can you please leave the TV on for me?”—there was a 50/50 chance that you’d either wake up to find she’d beaten the game, or that the TV was still on, patiently waiting for you to finish.
If you asked my dad the same thing, he’d likely get confused and accidentally turn the TV off. It was never malicious—he just never really got video games the way my mom did.

Good Game, No Rematch is both a history of video games and a subtle, hilarious biography of every awkward millennial adult trying to navigate modern life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “Try being a people-pleaser who doesn’t understand how to people”—a line that perfectly encapsulates my life.
The book traces the evolution of video games from the perspective of the millennial generation, for whom the NES was a defining piece of childhood. Many books on video game history attempt to cram too much into one volume. While that can be ambitious, it often makes the narrative overwhelming or dry. This book smartly narrows its focus, making the material engaging and accessible throughout.

Before reading this, I didn’t know much about Mike Drucker. I’m not a huge TV person, so I hadn’t connected his name to the well-known shows he’s written for. But now, I’m off to explore his body of work. His writing is sharp, witty, and genuinely funny—it makes you feel like you want to hang out with him. (Well, sort of—I’m kind of agoraphobic and not particularly fond of leaving the house.)

In any case, if you grew up playing video games, love reading, and find comfort in shared nostalgia—or you’re just trying to survive adulthood as an elder millennial—this book is absolutely for you.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Thank you to the author Mike Drucker, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

P.S.- if you’re an audiobook girlie like me, this one is author narrated and excellent!!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritsen

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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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.

Murder in The Dressing Room by Holly Stars

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Murder in the Dressing Room is the first novel in the Misty Devine Mystery series, and I absolutely loved it. From start to finish, I literally couldn’t put this book down. I even bought the audiobook (narrated by the author!) so I could keep listening at work because it was such a phenomenal read. We all know how much I love an author narrated book. Almost as much as I love a cozy mystery. And here my friends is a cozy mystery that centers around an amazing group of Drag Queens and Kings.  Our main character is Joe (a clever pun on ‘average Joe?!), who spends their day toiling away at a job they know isn’t their calling. But by night on the stage at Lady’s Bar, Average Joe is transformed into Misty Devine, a force to be reckoned with. 



When her best friend, mentor, boss, and Drag Mother, Lady Lady is found murdered, Misty finds herself one of the prime suspects. With her parter Miles at her side and input from her hunky Solicitor Colin, Misty sets out to clear her name once and for all.

The red herrings are expertly crafted, and almost every character seems like a viable suspect at some point. It’s got the bones classic whodunit a la Agatha Christie’s mysteries, but with a fabulous drag twist. The book is packed with witty one-liners that will make you laugh and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page.

Since I both read and listened to the audiobook, I’d also call this an audio review. I was thrilled to discover that the author, Holly Stars, narrated the book. The narration is fantastic, with subtle yet distinct adjustments when switching between Joe and Misty. It added so much personality to the story

Considering this is listed as the first book in the Misty Devine Mystery series and ends with a semi cliffhanger (a dire warning from a twice mentioned character) I think it’s safe to expect more adventures from Misty/Joe, Miles, and the rest of the crew. Personally, I’m hoping that hunky Colin gets more page time in the next book! I think he could be a great side kick for Misty. 

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

A huge thank you to the author, Holly Stars, the publisher, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I’m already looking forward to what’s next in the series!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Book Review: See How They Hide By Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️/5

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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: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable women—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied the oppressive forces of Nazi Germany to leave a lasting impact on the world of science. Olivia Campbell offers a deeply researched and compelling account of their experiences, blending historical detail with a keen sense of storytelling.

This book takes readers into the tumultuous period of World War II, a time when the Nazi regime systematically persecuted individuals based on their religion, ethnicity, and political ideologies. For these four women—brilliant physicists and chemists—the stakes were particularly high. They faced not only the danger of persecution but also the erasure of their scientific contributions in a field dominated by men.

• Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.

• Lise Meitner, co-discoverer of nuclear fission, fled to Sweden and then to the United States, where her groundbreaking research would lay the foundation for future discoveries in atomic science.

• Hertha Sponer made her way to the United States and became one of the first female professors at Duke University, where her contributions to molecular physics broke barriers for women in academia.

• Hildegard Stücklen, though less known, played a vital role in advancing the fields of physical chemistry and spectroscopy during her exile.

What makes Sisters in Science truly stand out is its balance between detailed historical context and personal stories. Campbell doesn’t just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasn’t just a flight for survival—it was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.

The book’s pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbell’s meticulous research is evident in every chapter, but she manages to avoid making the narrative feel heavy or overly academic. Instead, readers are invited to feel the urgency, despair, hope, and triumph these women experienced as they rebuilt their lives and careers in foreign lands.

What resonates most is the sheer humanity of their stories. These women were not just scientists; they were pioneers who refused to let an oppressive regime dictate their destinies. Their determination to pursue truth and knowledge, even in the face of unimaginable odds, is deeply inspiring.

Campbell also brings attention to an important issue: the lack of recognition for women’s contributions in science. While these four women achieved remarkable feats, their names are often overshadowed by their male contemporaries. This book is a much-needed acknowledgment of their place in history and a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in achieving gender equality in STEM fields.

The writing is accessible yet rich in detail, making Sisters in Science an ideal read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in history, science, or women’s studies. The inclusion of photographs, letters, and archival material adds another layer of authenticity and depth, helping readers connect with the women on a more personal level.

I cannot recommend Sisters in Science highly enough. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of women in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking for an inspiring read, this book will leave you enriched and in awe of the incredible resilience and brilliance of these women.

A special thank you to Olivia Campbell, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s a work that will stay with me for a long time.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Book Review: The Verifiers by Jane Pek

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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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.

Every Time I Go On Vacation Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Picture this: you’re on a book tour through Italy, soaking in the charm of six picturesque cities, indulging in gelato and Aperol spritz, and relishing the company of fellow authors and die-hard fans. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for author Eleanor Wilde, it’s more of a high-stakes nightmare with literary rivals, a con man ex, and, oh yes, death. 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack takes readers on a wildly fun ride, and it’s anything but your typical cozy mystery. With its snarky, witty protagonist, inside jokes about the publishing world, and the thrill of a whodunit, this novel makes for a laugh-out-loud read that fans of twisty mysteries and meta-humor will absolutely devour.

The story kicks off with Eleanor Wilde’s ambitious agenda: complete her latest novel (the tenth in her Vacation Mysteries series), embark on a whirlwind book tour across Italy, and kill off her main character, Connor Smith. Not much to ask, right? Except that Eleanor’s inspiration for Connor, suspects someone is genuinely out to kill him. And if that wasn’t enough, a body soon turns up in their traveling literary group, setting off a domino effect of secrets, suspicions, and betrayals. 

Eleanor must balance her book deadlines with real-life detective work, sorting through a colorful cast of authors, agents, and obsessive fans. With each Italian city comes a new twist, and Eleanor’s to-do list grows longer: solve the murder, dodge her ex Oliver (who shows up at the worst possible moments), keep her literary rivals at bay, and figure out who’s really behind the mayhem. 

This novel brilliantly breaks the fourth wall, letting Eleanor not only narrate her story but also chat directly with readers (footnotes and all)! It’s like having a lively conversation with a friend who isn’t afraid to let you in on the messy, hilarious parts of her job as a writer.  Her cheeky self-awareness, paired with razor-sharp wit, makes for a refreshingly original tone. 

If you’re a fan of snappy dialogue and unconventional characters, Eleanor’s one to remember. She’s a little chaotic, brutally honest, and endlessly opinionated, which adds a fun edge to the story. Her dynamic with her ex Oliver adds extra spice, and her deep reliance on her younger sister Harper (who, though a little overshadowed, plays the grounded assistant to Eleanor’s whirlwind) rounds out the cast in a quirky way.

While the book’s ensemble of suspects can get a bit overwhelming, each one brings something fresh to the story, and even the more aggravating personalities contribute to the chaotic fun. Though it’s hard to get attached to any of them (perhaps intentionally), this motley crew of characters, annoying quirks and all—adds to the atmosphere. 

The audiobook narration by Elizabeth Evans deserves special praise. Evans captures Eleanor’s voice to perfection, bringing out her snark, frustration, and subtle vulnerability in a way that enhances the reading experience. If you’re an audiobook fan, this is one to add to your list.

So grab a gelato, settle in, and prepare to laugh, gasp, and cheer as Eleanor brings the mystery to life—one Italian city at a time. On sale now, you can grab your copy here. 

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. 

This Girl’s A Killer by Emma C. Wells

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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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.

Book Review: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you’re ready for some great Christmas vibes and family drama, look no further than One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery. Normally, this time of year, I’m all about cozy mysteries, witchy romances, and everything fall-themed. However, I love Susan Mallery’s books, and I needed a break from my usual reads, so I figured it was the perfect time to get into the Christmas spirit🎄plus I’m all about the family drama.  

Julie is a badass mom and business owner who’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas at her family’s cabin—aka mansion in the woods—with her younger boyfriend, Heath. Her kids all have their own plans, and his ex-wife has the kids for the holiday. But as we know, life doesn’t always go as planned. The cabin ends up packed with more people, secrets, and drama than anyone could’ve imagined.

I saw so much of myself in Julie that it was hard not to root for her. She cares deeply about everyone else and making them happy. It’s so evident in her detailed plans to ensure everyone has the most amazing Christmas ever. And while Julie might seem like the perfect mom and girlfriend, we also get to see her unravel and expose all her flaws as the story unfolds.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here!

Thank you to the author Susan Mallery, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

Book Review: The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy is a must-read for all true crime junkies out there. Law and forensic investigation have always fascinated me, and Murphy’s extensive experience with high-profile cases makes this book an absolute page-turner. You might recognize his name—Murphy was the prosecutor who put Dirty John behind bars, as well as Skylar Deleon and Rodney Alcala. Others may know him as a frequent guest on 20/20 or Good Morning America. 

This book is part autobiography, part dos and don’ts of being a prosecutor, and part history of the horrific cases Murphy has worked on. He’s brutally honest about the toll his work took on his mental health, personal life, and relationships. His vulnerability and the regrets that came with throwing his entire life into his career add a raw and personal element to the story. Murphy gives readers an inside look at the emotional and mental strain of relentlessly fighting for justice.

I hesitate to call this an “enjoyable” read because the nature of the crimes Murphy prosecuted is so horrific but once I started reading, I was hooked—totally invested and unable to stop. His ability to bring criminals to justice is riveting, and his strong, clear voice makes him a master storyteller. If you’re a diehard true crime fan, you do not want to pass this one up. Even if true crime isn’t your usual go-to, this book is still worth diving into.

Murphy also shows a great deal of respect for his colleagues, even those on the other side of the courtroom. Often, you hear about bad blood between prosecutors and defense attorneys, but he seems to have genuine admiration for everyone involved in the process—from judges to fellow prosecutors and even defense attorneys.

I found myself constantly Googling the names, trying to put faces to the victims, heroes, and perpetrators alike. It felt like being in a twilight zone—totally invested and impossible to deter. This book offers an intense, all-consuming read, providing a gripping and insightful view into the life of a prosecutor who dedicated himself to seeking justice. Highly recommend!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion. Thank you to the author Matt Murphy, the publisher Hyperion Ave and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

On sale now, you can click here for the book, or HERE for the author narrated audio book (highly recommend!)