The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 299 pages
Published: May 2024

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean had been sitting on my physical TBR (to be read) pile for several months, and for no other pressing reason than I needed a new book to read, I decided to crack open one of my last purchased books from Book of the Month in late January. 

This suspense-filled novel is about a young teenaged girl - the titular character - who disappeared from a party, and she mysteriously returns, seemingly from the dead, two years later throwing everyone in her community into a tailspin. Detective Chelsey Calhoun was the lead detective when Ellie Black first went missing, and, naturally, she is put back on the case upon her return. Not only has this unsolved case haunted her but also the unsolved case of Calhoun's adoptive sister more than 20 years ago. Upon the return of the victim in the latter case, Chelsey is thrown right back into the midst of the Black family and trying to glean information from them to resolve the case. Like a dog with a bone, the detective is tenacious in trying to figure out where Ellie has been, what happened to her during those two years, and why she has shown up after such a long time. 

I enjoyed this debut thriller novel that was relatively short and moved quickly. The mysterious nature of the plot propels the reader to continue turning pages until a resolution is presented. Like most of the books I've read so far in 2025, this one featured strong female characters at the forefront and provided entertaining value. 

Recommendation: A dark and twisty thriller, fans of TV shows like Law & Order: SVU and Found are sure to enjoy this page-turner! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 352 pages
Published: March 2022

The Sun Down Motel was my first book from Book of the Month and the first book I read authored by Simone St. James. So, I was a little more than excited to hear about her new book, The Book of Cold Cases. Because I am a fan of true crime and enjoy a good mystery, I felt like this book was the perfect recipe for my reading pleasure. 

Beth Greer, an older and troubled woman was tried and acquitted of two murders in the 1970s. In present day, 2017, a young Shea Collins who is a true crime junkie, like myself, meets Beth by chance and asks to interview her for her true crime website blog. Beth agrees, and Shea finds herself in the middle of a renewed look at the case all the while strange things occurring each time she meets with Beth. Shea finds herself searching for the truth and wonder if Beth got off scot-free decades ago. 

The pace of the book is good. Neither main character is truly likable but intriguing enough to keep the reader interested and reading forward. St. James definitely has a gift for creating paranormal suspense that is just real enough to have you questioning if there’s such a thing as ghosts among us. 

Recommendation: This book is creepy good and would be really fun to spook out to during the fall Halloween season. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More