Hello Friends, and welcome (or welcome back) to the blog.
Book Quote of the Day!
“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”
― Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Friends, I hope you’re enjoying some creature comforts, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, not constantly scrolling, and taking care of yourself in these extreme heat conditions.
It’s the end of June, and that means I’m bringing you all my bookish updates. June has been devilishly hot, I mean awful, so I’ve been spending my time in a book, and I’ve made some significant progress. I plan on doing some book thrifting soon, as I have a few titles I want to add to my collection. We’re also looking to update our “little” library here at home, and I can’t contain my excitement. Our bookcase is very sad …LOL (Well any-who) … and so it goes!
The Bookish* Newsletter!
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Issue No. 5 | June 2025 | Blog Version
Check out bookish updates on my good reads progress, upcoming titles, lists, and reviews!
NEW ARC BOOK REVIEW ✨ 4.95 ✨
Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy of this title.
How to Survive A Horror Story, Mallory Arnold [Fantasy, Thriller, Mystery]
I knew I would enjoy this title after the first ten pages because it reads like a locked-door Agatha Christie mystery or a good movie. Reminiscent of The Last of Sheila or Murder on the Orient Express.
Mortimer Queen, a renowned horror author, has passed away and invited several other well-known horror authors to his home for the reading of his will. The invited can’t think of why they are named, but all turn up eager to receive (what they believe)is a piece of Morimer’s massive wealth.
All the authors have had experiences with Mortimer (on some level), and all have something salacious to hide. What they don’t realize is that they would get more than what they bargained for.
They have all been named recipients, but what they get will surprise them all. Solve the riddle corresponding to everyone invited, survive Mortimer’s house of horrors, and get out alive.
This is such a great mystery, and learning about everyone’s backstory lends itself to the reason they were brought to the house. To think that their successes were built on the back of Mortimer Queen is despicable. What’s more interesting is that they thought they’d gotten away with it.
Sooner or later, everyone would get their comeuppance, as Mortimer has other plans to ensure debts are paid in full.
This title ended a little too perfectly for me, but I can’t be mad at whom that end was intended for. In conclusion, this is a title that keeps the pace, has a great story, and the characters have a great chemistry (good and bad). So, if you’re searching for a locked-door Summer mystery read, this is the one.
🍿 🎞️ 📽 MOVIE TITLES MENTIONED 🍿 🎞️ 📽
✨ The Last of Sheila ✨
✨ Murder on the Orient Express, 1974 ✨
Latest Approved ARC Titles!This list remains the same, with all items due in September. I haven’t received any new approvals yet. |
Great Book Sources++ BookTrib ++ |
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Upcoming Thriller TBR!
In seven days, Jet Mason will be dead. Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time. Until Halloween night, when an unseen intruder violently attacks Jet. |
CURRENTLY READING
Vermont, 1950. There’s a place for the girls who no one wants–the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It’s called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it’s located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming–until one of them mysteriously disappears. |
July Reading Challenge!🗝 ☕ 🕰 📜 🎞 “Read a spooky, atmospheric mystery.” |
Good Reads Challenge ProgressI’ve gotten through more titles than anticipated. I’ve shaken that Summer slump, and I can’t wait to finish more in my ARC queue. 💥
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What Books Did I Get in June?🎧 Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, Grady Hendrix |
New episodes are live on the ARC review podcast for your listening pleasure.📚🎧☕
I’m also including the link to the PDF version of the “June” newsletter, and don’t forget to check my “Book Tracker” page for more updates. Thank you so much for stopping by today. Please consider subscribing or following along. — Duces.✌🏽 —