Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Riding the Nightmare Author: Lisa Tuttle Genre: Horror Short Story Collection Published: 8/22/23 by Valancourt Books I received a copy for review through NetGalley.  This new collection from a Lisa Tuttle collects stories previously published between 1986 and 2017 with a new expanded version of 'The Dragon's Bride'. The stories seem to fit together in that they all explore unconventional types of relationships from the female prospective. The plots themselves are varied. Some worked better for me than others. This is a great release from Valancourt Books from this great author of Nest of Nightmares and Familiar Spirit. Ride the Nightmare:   Being second to a man in an open marriage isn't easy. For Tess it brings on a prophetic nightmare.The nightmare imagery is great. 4 stars Bits and Pieces: A woman realizes the men that leave her life leave parts of themselves behind. In the pursuit of creating a perfect man she goes to great lengths to get what she wants. 

  Title: Blade of Dream Series: The Kithamar Trilogy Book 2 Author: Daniel Abraham Genre: Fantasy  Published: July 18, 2023 by Orbit Books I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   The Kithamar Trilogy continues it's exploration of the workings of the city of Kithamar through the story of Garreth. Garreth is the heir in a merchant family. He has a set path to an arranged marriage to help his family business. His life is changed forever when he meets a mysterious woman who he can't stop thinking about. This chance meeting will change everything. The Kithamar Trilogy manages to tell a complex story through the very intimate character study of one person. Age of Ash focused on Alys in the slums of Longhill. This installment focuses on the family demands of more wealthy areas of Kithamar through the story of Garreth. Most of the story is based on a forbidden romance with plenty of intrigue. Then the character's role in a very large scale story is revealed in the la

  Title: Dark Corners Author: Megan Goldin Series: Rachel Krall (Book 2) Genre: Thriller Published: August 8, 2023 by St. Martin's Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   Podcaster, Rachel Krall, is contacted by the FBI to help with a case after a top social media influencer disappears in Datona Beach, Florida. This area has been plagued with quite a few murders and disappearances over the years, but they thought the murderer was in prison. Was there an accomplice? Rachel is sucked into a race against time undercover at an influencer convention. Dark Corners picks up right after the events of The Night Swim. So no rest for Rachel. She is immediately consumed by another case. There is a romantic side plot, but it is not a large part of the story. This fast paced thriller is perfect for summer with many beach scenes and vacation vibes.  Plus, it has great tension throughout including really creepy scenes from the murderer's perspective. I highly recommend the