Last year, while facing a reading slump, I stumbled upon this AMAZINGGG site called NetGalley. If you haven’t heard of this fabulous wonderland yet, it’s a site that helps promote publishers and authors (as well as readers looking to shake things up) by granting early access of unreleased books to unbiased readers, in exchange for their honest reviews. I’ve been able to read quite a few fantastic books from this site FOR FREE, including Mr. and Mrs. American Pie, The Night Diary, and Love & Luck. The only thing you’ll need is a Kindle! You can find yourself a inexpensive model here.
Honestly, my TBR pile is out of control and I probably should be trying to put a dent in the books I already have…buuut, the allure of these new books is strong and my weak, little bookworm heart just can’t deny the pull of them.
Anywho, here are a few books you should be on the lookout for…
A Testament to Murder reads like a classic Agatha Christie mystery. I pictured former Scotland Yard Investigator Jasper to be like the British version of Christie’s Hercule Poirot. This was a storyline that paralleled And Then There Were None very closely, so if you are entertained by a good mystery that leaves the reader guessing who the culprit is until the very end with shocking revelations about each character, you will thoroughly enjoy this. I read this in a day; definitely a hard one to walk away from!
A Testament to Murder is set in the French Riviera on the grounds of the Villa Calypso – a magnificent Mediterranean mansion over looking the spectacular view of the water. Malcolm, a cold-hearted and conniving billionaire invites all of his closest foes to partake in a twisted game of chance that will most certainly result in his (un)timely death. Malcolm shares with his numerous guests (including his wife, ex-wife. former business partner- turned wife stealer, their son, former secretary, detestable nephew, his uncouth American wife, and his nurse) that everyday until his dying day, he will be rewriting his will. Each rewrite will name a new member of their party as the sole heir to his riches. The problem? Who ever comes to find themselves as the recipient of his dynasty will be the main suspect in his death…and there’s nothing they can do about it.
The disturbing, embarrassing, and atrocious pasts of those in the house begin to come to light as the days pass by. Who will crack under the pressure? Who has the will…to kill…?
Here There Are Monsters is a very different kind of creepy fantasy YA book. At the beginning of the book, the reader meets Skye and Deirdre; two sisters starting over. Or at least that’s what Skye wants to do. Deidre, a whimsical 13 year old with a startling imagination who lives in a perpetual fantasy world, sees a different kind of opportunity. An opportunity to become one with the woods right outside her brand new home; to be the fairy queen of her own kingdom…
Then one night, she vanishes, leaving branches and leaves in her bed and no witnesses to her whereabouts.
Skye gets involved with the figurative (and literal) “Boy Next Door” William, and with his unsolicited help, they work together to bring Deidre back from the dark. Are the monsters real, or are they lurking in the depths of Skye’s own min? Regardless, they are out for blood and no matter what the duo do, it may cost someone their life…
I think for my students who are really into fantasy, they will enjoy this book. But for individuals looking for a predominately thriller-like read, they might want to steer clear. I was also kind of disappointed in the ending (Just my opinion. Lots of other reviewers LOVED it). However, as I said, I know I have quite a few readers who would really enjoy this book. I give it a 3.5 (2 for me personally, but probably a 4 for future student readers.)
In What Happens in France, Bryony Masters is a 30 year old woman dealing with her father’s health after he’s suffered from multiple strokes. All her father asks for in the wake of his illness is to see his daughter, Hannah. After a devastating accident injures Bryony in her youth and Hannah feels the brunt of the blame, she runs away from home and never looks back. No one in Bryony’s family has seen or heard from Hannah in years.
In a desperate attempt to make contact with her sister, Bryony decides to try out for a game show, What Happens In… and ask the world to be on the look out for Hannah and plead with her to come home to her family.
In the process, Bryony makes new friends, discovers that not everything is as it seems, and you can find happiness in the most unlikely of places.
This was a cute rom-com book. Nothing spectacular or groundbreaking about it, but definitely a comfy, fluffy filler book. If you need a break in your reading regiment and want something “feel good,” I’d recommend this.
So to wrap up the main message of this post – GO CHECK OUT NETGALLEY!
I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by all the fantastic books you’ll have at your fingertips. And if you have any other sites you would recommend, leave them in the comments! 🙂
Happy & healthy reading!
Alexis
