Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: It Came From the Floodwaters Author: Seann Barbour Genre: Horror Published: March 13, 2026 Thank you to the author for the copy for review.   Residents are trapped in an apartment building in Savannah during a hurricane that has knocked out the power and flooded the main floor. Unfortunately, the floodwaters have also swept in a coffin holding an ancient hungry horror. A group of survivors need to band together to survive the night. As if being trapped in a flooded apartment building wasn't scary enough this book adds a vampire into the mix. The isolated setting really adds to the tension. The characters are all very different and forced to work together in an attempt to survive. The clash of personalities under stress is very interesting to read. The most interesting character is Tam who is nonbinary and polyamorous. Their is a slight unique flair to the vampire lore in this book, but the main creature is very recognizably vampire. This quick novella is just over ...

  Title: A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage Author: M.K. Oliver Genre: Thriller Published: 2/17/26 by Atria Books I received a copy for review through NetGalley.    Lalla Rook has a plan to make her life better including getting her unambitious husband made partner, get her dream home in a rich neighborhood, and getting their daughter into the best school. None of this is made easier where she kills a home intruder on the same afternoon she is hosting her son's birthday party. Good thing she won't let things like moral norms or laws get in her way.  This debut thriller is a well-plotted addictive read that is funny in a dark twisted way. It is full of surprises with reveals involving Lalla's past and present. It is a roller-coaster ride that has readers desperate to see what wild thing will happen next. I was very impressed with this humorous debut. I highly recommend reading this if you are a fan of thrillers with unforgettable if not likable main charac...

  Title: One Grimm Night Author: Chad Nicholas Genre: Horror/Dark Fantasy Published: 10/21/25 by the author Thank you to the author for the copy for review.   Six strangers seek refuge in a cabin in the woods during a storm. All have their own stories and secrets to be revealed in this world of fairy tales.  This is a great fairy tale retelling that mashes up several Grimm fairy tales and makes them even darker and more sinister. It is very cleverly plotted to give the reader many thrilling twists and reveals. This is a real strength in all of Chad Nicholas' books. It is wickedly entertaining watching all these dark tales collide on one night. I recommend this book to fans of horror and dark fantasy. I also recommend Chad Nicholas' other books Nightmare, Shade, and The Animal. They are all must reads in my opinion. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

  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