The Cabin at the end of the world by Paul Tremblay

This book won the Horror World Best Novel 2019 and it was adapted into a movie called, Knock at the Cabin by M. Night Shyamalan. The trailer looks good. I'll probably watch the movie. I had this book as an audiobook for a while now. Tremblay can write some amazing prose and follow that with questionable grammar that breaks the flow of the narrative. 

At its core, this is a deep novel about the worst monsters out there: humans. Delusional humans to be exact. But there is a scene where we wonder if they are delusional as Eric sees something he can't explain. 

I've never been as disappointed by a narrator as much as the one in the audiobook. The narrator's voice has an odd pitch and tempo, and it becomes really annoying as it pitches down at the end of each line. However, when they lower their voice so much, it just sounds weird and I lose interest in the narrative right away. The biggest issue I had was at times, the narrator used the same voice and pitch when another character spoke.   

This book had a lot of tense moments and it was exciting to listen to at times, once you adjust to the narrator. 

I understand what this book was about and after listening to the ending four times, I get it, I do, but I purchased this book to be entertained and I don't think I was fully. There were a lot of weird decisions all the characters made, that left me head-scratching. And the woman's long monologue that the characters listened to, when they could have got up and walked out the door. 

  

Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave

This is my first Paul Cleave book. He's a Kiwi writer, so I should have read his work earlier (I know--sorry) Whoops. Going through my list of audiobooks, I have experienced his novel Blood Men. 

This book kicks off a new series called "The Theodore Tate Series," which currently includes four books, and I have the first three. The story starts with a lot of excitement, and there's always something happening. It all unfolds pretty quickly, taking place over just about a month.

The story has a clever plot that leads you down the wrong paths before revealing the right one. The writing is straightforward and simple, just like my own style. Some might say it's almost too simple, but it keeps things clear and focused.

Tate, the main character, is quite different from your usual heroic cop. He has his own rules and sometimes does things that make you question the lines between right and wrong. But he manages to justify his actions in a way that makes you understand him. I found myself liking his character and can't wait to read more about him in the upcoming books. 

Neuromancer by Willian Gibson

I love Phillip K. Dick's work. It's easy to read and easy to follow, and somehow, it stays timeless. But in Gibson's Neuromancer, it felt really dated. People were smoking everywhere, AI was dull, and 32 GB of RAM was wow. Maybe, he should have added less detail.

Gibson had a talent for capturing the changing world. He showed how the middle class was vanishing, how people from diverse backgrounds were coming together, how the global economy was reshaping things, how environmental concerns like acid rain were looming, and how towering skyscrapers housed the wealthy while those on the streets struggled to get by. His work painted a vivid picture of a world in constant flux.

This is a timeless classic that serves as the standard against which critics measure more recent works, and the reasons are evident. It has all the ingredients of a compelling story: drama, tension, conflict, enigma, and a captivating character with a mysterious history. 

It's worth noting that Gibson introduced the terms "cyberspace" and "cyberpunk" within the pages of this book, a visionary feat that might have felt technically shaky at the time, considering that concepts like iPads and smartphones would have appeared astonishing in the 1980s.

One thing I'd like to mention is that sometimes, the mystery in the story can be really hard to understand. But maybe it's just me not fully getting it.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

"The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden is nothing short of a masterpiece in the realm of psychological thrillers. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

The novel is divided into two parts, with the true brilliance of the story coming to life in the second half. As you delve deeper into the narrative, you'll find yourself becoming increasingly engrossed in the intricate web of secrets and deceptions that McFadden has expertly woven. It's a quick read that beckons you to keep turning the pages, and for those who opt for the audiobook, your commute will become an enthralling journey into the unknown.

One of McFadden's most remarkable skills is her ability to pace the story flawlessly. The suspense builds steadily, keeping you hooked with every chapter. As you navigate the labyrinth of the plot, you might piece together some elements of the story, but McFadden has a knack for saving the most jaw-dropping revelations for the grand finale. The ending is a true showstopper, an unexpected twist that will leave you reeling and questioning everything you thought you knew about the characters and their motivations.

Speaking of characters, McFadden's cast of characters is a standout feature of the book.  Their flaws and hidden agendas make them all the more fascinating, and as you follow their journeys, you'll find yourself constantly second-guessing their intentions.

Beyond the spine-tingling suspense, "The Housemaid" also boasts a streak of dark humor that adds depth to the narrative. This blend of suspense and humor creates a unique reading experience, making it a standout in the psychological thriller genre.

In conclusion, "The Housemaid" is an absolute must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Even if you have moments of uncertainty in the early chapters, trust that the payoff at the end is more than worth it. Freida McFadden has crafted a gripping and unforgettable tale that will have you eagerly anticipating her next work. Her ability to keep readers guessing until the final page is a testament to her storytelling prowess, making "The Housemaid" a thrilling and unmissable literary experience. Brace yourself for a journey into a world of secrets and deception, where nothing is as it seems.