Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Incidents Around the House is the spookiest novel I have read this year. I don't spook easily but creepy kids freak me out. Bela is only 8 years old and their is a entity that asks her " Can I go inside your heart"? Bela calls her other mommy. 

Other mommy is getting restless and others are starting to see her. It's obvious other mommy wants Bela. Other mommy used to hide in the closet but now she's out and about and things are aren't look so great for Bela and her family.

Told via the point of view of Bela you get to experience all the things grownups think kids don't see or hear. Kids know more than we give them credit for and Bela shows us this. Malerman captures the fear that kids experience. 

This book is over 400 pages long but don't let that scare you because time flys when you read it. 

The Tryout (The Tryout #1) by Christina Soontornvat

The Tryout is a graphic novel for ages 9-11. It's short and sweet.  The illustrations are well done and fun.

It follows our main character Christina and her best friend Megan and their quest to join the cheerleading squad. They are in middle school and want to fit in. They think being part of the squad will result in them being accepted by their peers. It follows them as they learn routines and compete.

This book is also about friendship and acceptance. It's a fun read that is age appropriate and made me laugh. 

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart

 

Expected Publication Date: November 19, 2024

Jessa is know as the "perfect" girl but being perfect has its downfalls and Jessa is at her breaking point. Jessa's parents are going out of town and she begs to have a few friends over. She's anxious about being alone as a few girls have gone missing is nearby towns. Her parents break their own rules and allow her to invite her friends over.  Kellan, Alexis and Tiny join Jessa for a sleep over but things quickly get out of control. A few uninvited guests show up, the power goes out and a game of Truth and Dare turns into a game of life or death.

The story is told in alternating points of views and flashbacks. It's predictable in an an enjoyable way. Be prepared to be engaged and entertained.

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

 

Clementine had a close relationship with her Aunt. They traveled the world together and enjoyed one another's company. When her Aunt passed she left Clementine her apartment. The apartment is magical. It can move seven years into the past and future or so her Aunt said. Clementine has countless memories in the apartment and she's about to make a lot more.

Clementine returns to her aunts apartment and a handsome stranger is there. A stranger who lives 7 years in the past. Clementine and Iwan form a quick friendship and romance but soon his gone. Clementine must resume her life in present day and that includes finding current day Iwan and seeing if this timeline is their every after.

The Seven Year Slip is witty and full of beautiful relationships. The characters are well developed and Iwan is charming, passionate and the ideal man. This is a fast  paced read about self discovery and living in the moment.

The Boyfriend | by Freida McFadden

Sydney Shaw lives in New York and after years of unsuccessful dating she has finally found the "perfect man". He is handsome, charming and perfect or at least it seems that way until she discovers a few inconsistencies in what he has told her. 

Sydney is  being stalked by a bad date and there is a string of unsolved murders. One that happened in her building! 

When you put all of these together it makes for one excellent read. McFadden tells this story in dual point of views and the twist and turns keep you on edge.

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel

 

Expected Publication Date January 7,  2025

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts is a short and entertaining graphic novel.

It's about the relationships we have and our own internal thoughts and struggles.

I found that I was able to relate to it. This is a unique, fun and sometimes  crude (in a hilarious way!) read. I got quite a few real laugh out loud moments and helped turned my not so good day into a better one.

** I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.