One Last Step by Sarah Sutton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the type of genre I enjoy and this book, overall, was good. It wasn't knock my socks off fantastic, but it was a quick and easy read. The plot wasn't exactly innovative, it could have easily been an episode of Criminal Minds. However, the characters were fleshed out well and enjoyable.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Serial Killers: The World's Most Evil by Nigel Blundell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Growing up, the Green River Killer was our bogeyman, he wasn't caught until I was in high school, by a man I knew as Officer Reichert, who would come to my elementary school and talk to us about stranger danger. In my adult years I would watch a movie about this man and the strides he took to capture one of the most evil men in the world. My stepbrother remembers seeing Ridgeway at lunch when he worked Boeing. As a pastor, my father once counseled a family of one of Rideway's victims. It's a game of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, Serial Killer edition.

Maybe it's because I was born, raised, and continue to live in the murderous epicenter of the Pacific Northwest, but since I was old enough to Google, I guess, since the invention of Google, I've been fascinated with serial killers. So it was only natural that when I saw that this book was available to wish for, I was definitely interested, and it did not disappoint.

A very thorough and comprehensive rundown of some truly evil and horrific people, this book gives just enough detail to sate the curious mind, but not too much so as it's difficult to read. Some may still find it a bit graphic, as I've become mildly desensitized due to my own research, but I would warn off those that are more sensitive.

Even as familiar as I am with my state's sordid past, I was shocked to learn of yet another case that hit very close to home, specifically, the town most of my family lives, and where my husband graduated from high school. This isn't some sprawling city, either, this is a small, farming town at the base of Mt. Rainier. While this book is nonfiction, it is neither dry nor clinical. It was engaging and readable, and I would recommend it to anyone that is at all interested in a complete, yet compact, history of some of the most deplorable humans to grace mankind.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Sister Dear by Hannah Mary McKinnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

WOW! That was a crazy ride, from beginning to end!

Initially, I was a tad bit annoyed. I've read a string of books lately with insecure main characters, and this was looking like more of the same. Additionally, there was a bit more romance than I prefer, but the resulting story more than makes up for these minor transgressions.

It took me less than 24 hours, from start to finish, to devour this book, and I have FIVE KIDS. Five very neglected children. Just kidding, they're all fed and fine, let me just do a quick head count... Yup, all present and accounted for, and the food the baby's eating off the floor looks like its from today.

Anyway, at the start you're plunged into a family full of strife, instant drama, crazy scandal, horrific events, and terrible tragedies. Literally, within the first 20 pages. It slows down, a little, only to thrust you head first into a never ending tornado of calamity and catastrophes until the end when it comes to a screeching halt and leaves you wondering what the hell happened. I couldn't believe the end, I still can't wrap my head around what happened.

Clear your schedule before you pick up this book because you will refuse to put it down until you're finished.

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The Apartment by K.L. Slater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Starting out, I was unsure about this book. The main character annoyed me with her constant self-doubt and insecurities, i.e. unnecessary justification for why she would allow her daughter screen time to give herself a break. Alas, this was a minor irritation and I just chalked it off to the specific character, not anything to do with the quality of the book, only my enjoyment.

Then there was some confusion on the part of the way my book was reading, and I believe it had to do with being a galley copy, not the story itself.

Once that was all sorted, the story successfully sucked me in and didn't let go until I "turned" the last page. It was an enjoyable read, albeit quick, and predictable. The parallel story that was being told made it easy to figure out what was happening in the meat of the story, however, that it doesn't mean there aren't unexpected twists.

I would classify this as an indulgent, weekend read, what I call my "comfort food" when it comes to books. The customary foundation, build, and inevitable climax are like a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese. Nothing mind shattering or complex, but absolutely delicious in its simplicity and familiarity.

Thanks to NetGalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

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