Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: The Graceview Patient Author: Caitlin Starling Genre: Gothic Horror Published: 10/14/25 by St. Martin's Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   Margaret has a rare autoimmune disease and is signed up for an experimental medical trial. This trial requires her to live at the hospital as they completely break down her immune system then rebuild it from the bottom. When strange things start to happen she isn't sure if they are real or the medicine messing with her mind.  A mix of gothic, medical, and psychological horror full of atmosphere.  Most of the tension comes from the medical process of destroying the immune system. It is a brutal process that wreaks havoc on Margaret's body and mind. If you find medical horror scary than this may be the book for you. There is horror in this book, but it does not come into play until after half way through the book. If you like creeping gothic atmosphere then I do recommend this book. My Rating: 4 out ...

  Title: An Unbreakable World      Author: Ren Hutchings Genre: Science Fiction Published: 09/09/25 by Solaris I received a copy for review through Netgalley.    Page Found is a petty thief who has lost her memory who is kidnapped to take part in a heist with Maelle. Dalya is being trained to be her uncle's successor in his government leadership role on Teyr. This space opera is told from multiple perspectives. It is full of political intrigue, unlikely friendships, and revenge. There is also a alien threat to the human race and an epic heist. There is a lot going on in this book, and it is all a lot of fun to read about. I wish there was more of distinctive connection between Page Found's story and Dalya's, but I also like being able to make my own conclusions. I would recommend this book to fans of space operas who think they would enjoy the elements I mentioned above.  My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

  Title: The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre Author: Philip Fracassi Genre: Horror Published: 9/30/25 by Macmillan Audio I received a copy of the audiobook through Netgalley for review.    Rose is in her late 70s and living in Autumn Springs Retirement Home. When a string of strange accidents and deaths start to happen she must uncover a killer with the help of her friends. This is a unique slasher book because it involves all older adults. All the characters are very well written and likeable. You start to care for what happens to all these people trying to enjoy their golden years making the deaths very effective. It is a very fun slasher with creative kills, but also sad when the characters you love time has come. I would recommend this book for fans of slashers. Check this one out this fall. My Rating:  5 out of 5 stars

  Title: Spread Me Author: Sarah Gailey Narrator: Xe Sands  Genre: Horror Published: September 23, 2025 by Macmillan Audio I received a copy of the audiobook for review through Netgalley.    Kinsey is lead of a small team at a remote desert research outpost. Things turn for the strange when a mysterious specimen is brought into the lab.  This story mixes science fiction, survival horror, body horror, and erotica in a really interesting way that borders on the weird. It touches on topics such as gender and sexuality with a great story. The isolated desert setting makes for an eerie backdrop for some great horror. I would recommend Spread Me to those that don't mind body horror and sexual content in their books. It is a great one. My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

  Title: One Dark Night Author: Hannah Richell Genre: Mystery/Thriller Published: 08/19/25 by Atria Books Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy for review.     Tragedy strikes at a Halloween party in the woods, steeped in local lore, by a small English town when a teenage girl dies. Rachel, a local school guidance counselor, deals with the fallout of the tragedy.  Meanwhile her ex-husband, a local police officer, works to find a murderer in this small community before anyone else gets hurt.  This is a great book for thriller fans that want the perfect read for spooky season. It is a well crafted twisty murder mystery with wonderful atmosphere. A thriller with a Halloween party gone wrong, spooky woods, a local legend, and very strange happenings. I highly recommend this read for fall for thriller fans that don't want to read horror for Halloween. My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars 

  Title: It Was Her House First  Author: Cherie Priest Genre: Horror Published: 07/22/25 by Poisoned Pen Press Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy for review.   When Ronnie buys a huge dilapidated mansion to renovate with the inheritance from her brother she doesn't realize the blood soaked history of the house. The vengeful spirit of the former owner, Venita Rost a silent film star, is waking with the new activity in the house. This is a fun haunted house novel with duel timelines, and multiple points of view. As Ronnie discovers the history of her new project house the story also introduces the POV of multiple ghosts. The ghosts become really well fleshed out characters, and the story feels rich without taking itself too seriously. This is not what I would call a scary story. The tragic uncovering of the mystery, super strong female main characters, and a unnerving depiction of grief are all highlights from the story that had me hooked. If you like...