First Sign of Danger (Haven’s Rock #4) by Kelley Armstrong #mystery #thriller

On January 29, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews18 Comments

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong continues the atmospheric Haven’s Rock series as Casey Duncan investigates a threat to their off-the-grid Yukon town.

Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are entering a new chapter of life as parents to their six-month-old baby. Their family is hidden away in the sanctuary town of Haven’s Rock where they can live safe and private lives. But when they encounter hikers too close to the borders of Haven’s Rock, they realize they’re in danger of being exposed.

When they find one of the hikers dead the next day, they realize that their paranoia was justified, but they’re no closer to finding out who these people were and what they were doing in the vicinity of Haven’s Rock. Only by tracing the hikers’ movements, as well as examining the recent behavior of their closest neighbors, the workers of a secretive mining camp, will they be able to figure out where the threat is coming from and shut it down. Otherwise, the lives of everyone in Haven’s Rock–and their safe, secure new existence–are at risk.

If you’re looking for an addictive series that keeps you on the edge of your seat, I highly recommend this one.

When you reside in a sanctuary town in the Yukon, secrecy and privacy are at the top of the priority list. That’s why Casey and Eric’s warning bells go off when they come across two hikers, one injured, in close proximity to Haven’s Rock who claim to be lost. Their story doesn’t add up. By the next day one of the hikers is dead and the other is nowhere to be found and suspected of murder, but that’s not the only mystery the couple is faced with solving.

I enjoyed seeing Casey and Eric as new parents to six-month-old Rory and how they’ve adapted to the changes in their lives. Storm is a ferocious protector and watchdog, and I’d have expected nothing less from her. The Haven’s Rock community supports them, with some residents nearly arguing over whose turn it is to babysit, and they’ve become more like found family.

Casey and Eric have little downtime with everything happening, and Haven’s Rock has never been closer to exposure. Besides the hiker’s murder, one of the town’s residents may not be who they claimed. And then there’s the mining camp a few miles away that’s been problematic from the first novel. More secrets some to light about the camp, and I’m interested to see how it affects the next book, which the author states will be the end of the series. I’m disappointed it will be the last, but I can see how it’s shaping up to be a natural ending.

I haven’t read the Rockton series (which I plan to start soon), the prequel to Haven’s Rock, and enough backstory is woven in so that it’s not required, but I’d suggest reading Haven’s Rock in order. Recommended for readers who enjoy secluded, atmospheric settings, top notch character development, and a suspenseful series that leaves you clamoring for more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Rebel and the Rose (The City of Fantome #2) by Catherine Doyle #fantasy #magic #TuesdayBookBlog

On January 27, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews16 Comments

The path of destiny burns with love, magic, and betrayal in this second book in the City of Fantome enemies-to-lovers romantasy series perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Caraval.

From a remote hilltop haven, far from the city of Fantome, Seraphine Marchant and her Order of Flames plot to eradicate shade magic with lightfire. But as Sera struggles to control her blooming powers, destiny calls her back to Fantome—and to the assassin who haunts her dreams.

Ransom Hale can’t get Sera out of his head. As their rivalry grows and he grapples with the responsibility of leading the Order of Daggers, he feels himself slipping further from who he wants to be. Is he doomed to a life in the shadows? Or can he forge another path?

Meanwhile, rebellion is stirring in the kingdom, and a dangerous prince grows in power. Forced to work together by order of the king, Sera and Ransom’s conflicted hearts are tested to their limits. And all the while, an ancient prophecy is unfolding that will change the fate of Valterre forever…

I went into this sequel thinking it was a duology, but then learned it’s book two of a trilogy. I admit to being somewhat leery, but make no mistake – it never ventures into the waters of middle book syndrome. Doesn’t even come close.

I missed these characters. Although their lives are threatened on nearly every page, and they’re (supposedly) enemies in the first several chapters, the witty/snarky dialogue (sooo many quotable lines) between not only Sera and Ransom but also the supporting characters had me laughing out loud numerous times. When the king commands them to track down and kill The People’s Saint, Sera and Ransom find themselves teammates/bane-of-each-other’s-existence once again. Their mission may be the same, but their motivations differ. As with the first in the series, the level of conflict is a chef’s kiss.

More about the city of Fantome and the lands beyond is revealed, while the ancient prophecy predicting the rise of new saints proves to be true. Maybe that’s not such a good thing. Sera continues to struggle with control of her magic but learns an earth shattering truth about herself. Seriously, it’s a game changer that can shift the tide of the battle to come. Sera’s naivete over something that seemed pretty obvious frustrated Ransom – and me. His instincts are correct, but she’s a stubborn girl and learns quickly how wrong she is.

Pacing is a little slow the first few chapters, but take a deep breath while you can – the rest of the story moves at a breakneck pace for the most part. I couldn’t put it down, and the next book can’t get here soon enough. Recommended for readers who enjoy enemies to lovers trope done to perfection, morally gray characters, and magnificent world-building.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

How Girls Are Made by Mindy McGinnis #thriller #mystery #mentalhealth

On January 22, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews7 Comments

Sex Education meets Euphoria in this dark contemporary novel that tackles perfectionism, emotional abuse, and the dark side of social media.

Fallon is a fixer. From planning prom to organizing her college applications, she’s got it all figured out… except for when her younger sister comes to her with very basic questions about sex. Shocked that she knows so little—and her fellow classmates even less—Fallon decides some practical education is in order. And Fallon isn’t above practicing a little civil disobedience by creating a secret, underground, off-campus group.

Shelby is a fighter. Having her nose broken is nothing new in her semi professional career… but this time it’s her boyfriend that threw the punch. Now her phone is blowing up with texts from a new guy, who tells her she’s perfect, she’s special, she’s everything he’s ever wanted… except for a few small details. Shelby’s happy to adjust for him, because isn’t that what a healthy relationship is about?

Jobie is a failure. She doesn’t have enough followers and her posts never go viral, no matter how hard she crushes challenges and applies exactly the right filter. But a friendly DM from a good girl just like her points her in the direction of a whole new audience of admirers. Guys who just want to talk. Guys who give her the attention she’s always wanted.

The lives of all three girls intersect in Fallon’s secret class, rumors of which have parents up in arms. Fallon needs to keep herself anonymous, Shelby needs to keep her new boyfriend happy, and Jobie needs to keep her followers… who keep asking for more. Each girl finds herself trapped in an inescapable situation—that will leave one of them dead.

I’m convinced McGinnis could write a tech manual on fly swatters and manage to make it unputdownable.

This novel is so important and timely, but be forewarned – it will shred your heart twenty different ways before you read the last word. Fallon is a model student who has a concise plan for her future. Shelby is a professional fighter who’s physically abused by someone she loves and trusts. Shelby’s self-worth depends on her number of social media followers and post likes. When the three girls come together to provide practical sex education to fellow students (both female and male) and to dispel comical misconceptions, they could never predict the repercussions of their actions. You’ll cheer, laugh, and cry with them in their struggles.

McGinnis tackles heavy topics in this novel and doesn’t sugarcoat anything. Teens deal with disturbing issues these days and need support. I’m not sure what sex education is like in school now (or if it’s even offered), but it was a joke when my sons were that age. They wanted facts and honesty, something all teens deserve. How Girls Are Made is a dark and intense read, but it’s incredibly important that teens receive accurate information, not only about sex but also domestic and emotional abuse, self-worth, and consent. This is an easy five stars for me and a novel I’d recommend to both teens and adults. It would be an incredible book club selection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#WWWWednesday: What Am I Reading? #AmReading

On January 21, 2026 By Teri PolenIn WWW Wednesdays23 Comments

WWW Wednesday is a meme from Sam at Taking On A World Of Words

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

This week I’ve got a mystery in 1891 London featuring someone named Holmes, the sequel to one of the best revenge novels I’ve read, and a mysterious town where children go missing.

Over the weekend while building Legos, I listened to the latest Enola Holmes audiobook scheduled to release next month. The Clanging Coffin is another delightful addition to the series. Along with a dog who seems to hate Enola and some adorable cats, Sherlock and Mycroft also make appearances.

In February 1891, London, Enola Holmes—the much younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes—is attending the burial of her former landlady when she hears the faint sound of a handbell in the graveyard. Investigating further, as is the Holmes’ family instinct, she discovers that the bell is attached to the temporary tombstone at a recent gravesite and someone, buried within, is pulling the string to ring the alarm.

Galvanized into action, Enola and her companions successfully unearth the coffin within, freeing a still-living young woman, Trevonia Trairom. Enola, by predilection and by trade a Scientific Perditorian, a finder of lost things, finds herself comforting and protecting this young girl, who remembers very little, including her own identity. While protecting this mysterious girl from an enigmatic enemy, she finds Sherlock engaged in a related mystery and joins him in his battle against the Napoleon of Crime, Professor Moriaty. As that epic conflict rushes towards it’s inevitable conclusion, Enola takes her place more fully than ever before as a proud member of the Holmes family.

Hope Rises was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and it didn’t disappoint. Lots of action, twists that left me gaping, and a bittersweet ending to an outstanding duology.

Walter Nash began a journey down a dark path of seemingly no return, and now he finds himself questioning everything that got him there in this thrilling sequel to Nash Falls from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Walter Nash, working under the alias of Dillon Hope, is on the road to revenge after becoming an informant for the FBI against a global criminal operation headed up by Victoria Steers. Steers has ripped everything Nash held dear away from him. He has nothing left to lose and with long, rigorous training under his belt the gentle and sensitive Nash has transformed into something he never thought he’d be: a physically imposing man with lethal skills. And now he has only goal left in life: taking down Victoria Steers.

In order to succeed, he’s going to need to cross enemy lines and work the job from the inside. But Steers is shrewd and only brings those with her complete trust into her inner circle. Nash must rely on every ounce of his hard-earned skills in order to prove himself an ally to Steers if he’s ever going to get close enough to decimate her criminal empire.

Yet, despite hating the woman for destroying his life, Nash finds himself oddly drawn to Steers in ways that he never could’ve imagined. And what he ultimately discovers will turn all he believed upside down, forcing Nash to do something truly unfathomable.

So, will the truth set Nash free?

I was on the fence about requesting this from NetGalley last fall (yes, I’m still behind on my shelf), but I’m a fan of the author, and I like the media format with transcripts, message boards, and radio shows. Reviews are mixed, so my expectations aren’t that high.

Wispy Falls’ town motto “You’ll be safe here!” but that doesn’t seem to be true. Because in Wispy Falls, monsters live in the woods, and children go missing, and the bodies are beginning to stack up.

A seventeen year-old vlogger known as Storymancer is determined to get to the bottom of what’s wrong in Wispy Falls. A few years ago his six-year-old brother went missing in the woods and no one in town seemed to care enough to find him.

So now he’s investigating why every household participates in something called the Bloodmoon Ritual, Why crpytid sightings are so common. And why everyone who goes into the woods, goes missing. If he can’t fix what’s wrong with the town, he just might be the next body in the woods.

Told primarily through video transcripts, message boards, and radio shows, this Welcome to Nightvale inspired horror will chill you to your core.

The Library of Lost Girls by Kristen Pipps #darkacademia #horror #LGBTQ #TuesdayBookBlog

On January 20, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews13 Comments

Gwen Donovan adores her beautiful and rebellious older sister, Izzy. But the Izzy who returns from the Delphi School for Girls is not the sister who left for the finishing school. Now she is Isolde: dull and complacent and—most shocking—eager to marry.

Gwen is determined to discover what happened to Izzy at Delphi, and the only solution she can conceive of is to cheat her way into the mysterious school. If she can see for herself what they did, maybe she can get her Izzy back.

But Delphi is far from the finishing school Gwen expects. Several days’ travel away, the estate is the only building on an icy, remote island. Sinister shadows lurk in the hallways, her classmates are strange and secretive, and she is told to never leave her room after dark. More curious, though are the thousands of books, each with the name of a girl on its spine. They line the walls from floor to ceiling, and the students at Delphi are prohibited to read them.

Delphi says they’re reforming the students, but when Gwen discovers a note left for her by her sister, she realizes that what is happening at the school is much more terrifying than she could have ever imagined. There’s something dark at the center of Delphi, and somehow it’s tied to those books—and to the girls who are sent there. And if Gwen doesn’t confront what hides in the shadows, it won’t be just Izzy who’s lost forever.

I’m nearing burnout on dark academia novels, but I liked the 1893 setting of this book and the mysterious transformation of Gwen’s sister.

If Gothic atmosphere is your thing, this novel provides it is spades. Mysterious locked rooms, shadows cloaking something sinister, shelves full of books the students are prohited from reading – my curiosity was piqued the second Gwen stepped foot in the school. Don’t expect an action packed, fast paced novel. The story moves at a more leisurely pace as Gwen stealthily explores the school at night, makes friends/allies with others who knew her sister, and learns horrifying secrets.

Although the story is set in 1893, the dialogue is more modern compared to others novels I’ve read in the same time period. That was easier to overlook as my anger grew the more Gwen learned about what was happening to these young women. Delphi may be a finishing school where girls are prepared to enter society, but it’s also a place where their identities are stripped away as they’re forced into the same mold – one designed by men. I cheered for Gwen and her friends as they fought, and the epilogue at the end is a nice wrap-up to the story.

This is a quick read I’d recommend to fans of feminist themes, strong friendships, and mysteries with supernatural elements.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Art of Legend (War Arts #3) by Wesley Chu #fantasy #highfantasy

On January 15, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Uncategorized15 Comments

Once in a faraway kingdom there was a man prophesied to be the chosen one, who would defeat a great villain, the Eternal Khan, and save the kingdom.

But then the Eternal Khan died . . . and the prophecy was broken.

For Jian, the fated hero, this could have been a moment to succumb to despair. But instead, he chose to create his own destiny. He studied under Taishi, his curmudgeonly but beloved mentor, to become a great warrior.

With war on the horizon—and rumors of the Khan’s return brewing—a band of unlikely allies are also on their own missions. There’s Sali, a gruff warrior who is also forging a path different from the one her culture created for her, and Qisami, an assassin whose cold heart might actually be made of gold. And Taishi has gathered a band of other elderly grandmasters to help Jian live up to his destiny.

Because some heroes aren’t simply born legends—they choose to become legendary. And great heroes do not stand alone but are stronger together.

With this being the third and final book in the series, this review will be brief and spoiler-free. It’s been a while since I read book 2, so the amusing recap helped jog my memory and was much appreciated.

The mentor-student/parent-child relationship between Jian and Taishi is one of my favorite things about this series, and I was anxious to see where their paths led. Surprisingly, but like many other reviewers, Quisami’s story resonated with me more than expected, and she shines in this wrap-up.

After the buildup of a final battle over three novels, the ending was a bit anti-climactic for me; however, I feel that one character’s story comes to a satisfying and fitting end.

At nearly 2,000 pages spanning three books, the length of the War Arts Saga is intimidating, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Sharp, witty dialogue, strong found family vibes, outstanding character arcs, immersive world-building, and exciting action scenes provide a compelling read, and I was happy to see this story through to the end with these captivating characters. A big shoutout to the designer for these stunning covers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiend by Alma Katsu #horror #thriller

On January 13, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Book Reviews10 Comments

Imagine if the Sackler family had a demon at their beck and call.

The Berisha family runs one of the largest import-export companies in the world, and they’ve always been lucky. Their rivals suffer strokes. Inconvenient buildings catch on fire. Earthquakes swallow up manufacturing plants, destroying harmful evidence. Things always seem to work outfor the Berishas. They’re blessed.

At least that is what Zef, the patriarch, has always told his three children. And each of them knows their place in the family—Dardan, as the only male heir, must prepare to take over as keeper of the Berisha secrets, Maris’s most powerful contribution, much to her dismay, will be to marry strategically, and Nora’s job, as the youngest, is to just stay out of the way. But when things stop going as planned, and the family blessing starts looking more like a curse, the Berishas begin to splinter, each hatching their own secret scheme. They didn’t get to be one of the richest families in the world without spilling a little blood, but this time, it might be their own.

Somewhere I saw comp titles of Succession and the Netflix version of The Fall of the House of Usher for this novel, and I can see why. The Berishas are a very wealthy, powerful family, and their rivals have a long history of being the victims of unfortunate events. Dardan, the oldest Berisha and only male, is the heir, but Maris, the second born and a woman, feels she’s the best choice to take over the family business. Youngest sibling Nora is more of a free spirit and content to watch the two of them compete while she enjoys the benefits of money and power.

For me, Dardan is the only likeable character in a wildly dysfunctional family. He longs to break free of his obligations and take control his life, but father Zef rules with an iron fist. Maris continually tries to prove herself to Zef, but he’s more interested in finding her a suitable husband. Taking over as head of the family and company may be her goal, but she’s unaware of everything that includes. Be careful what you wish for strongly applies in this case.

At under 300 pages, this is a quick read. While the first part of the story moves a little slowly, the last quarter picks up the pace as the unsettling feeling of dread increases. The ending comes with a twist I should have seen coming. The hints were there, but I didn’t piece them together.

This isn’t my favorite Katsu novel, but it’s one I’d recommend to readers who enjoy slow burn horror, tales of ancient evil, and dysfunctional family dynamics.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Year in Books, WIP, and #AmWatching

On January 12, 2026 By Teri PolenIn Monday Share34 Comments

Do you participate in the Goodreads Challenge? I have for the past several years. It helps me keep up with reviews and my seemingly infinite pile of books waiting to be read. I surpassed my goal in 2025, and below is my breakdown. According to Goodreads I read over 32K pages, which is more than enough to reach the Mariana Trench – the ocean’s deepest point. Being claustrophobic, just thinking about being that far under water steals my breath. My top genres were fantasy, horror, and mystery/thrillers – which can’t surprise those of you who hang out here on a regular basis. The December count is inaccurate. I finished 5-6 other books, I was just behind on reviews. Apparently I did nothing but read last January, but I’m not complaining. Wish all my months were like that, but I’d never get anything else done.

I’m slowly but surely making progress on my WIP. I’ve never had a set process for writing, and all of my books have been written differently – not by choice, that’s just the way they come together in my head. #6 is no different. Usually I’m just trying to get the words out of my brain on the first draft, and I worry about editing on the many drafts that come after. For some reason I’ve been editing more as I go on this one, and it’s mostly because the characters keep wanting to add something. I’m just happy they’re speaking to me since they’ve been waiting (not so patiently) for their turn.

The Pitt is back! It was my favorite new show last year, and the first episode of season two is off to an exciting start. The show and several of the cast have been nominated for awards, and they’re well-deserved. Mike isn’t a fan of medical shows because of detached body parts, blood, open wounds, etc., but he gave this one a try because he’d heard so many good things about it. When a severed foot was shown in the first seven minutes, he was done. At least he gave it a shot.

Have a great week!