Thriller

Nancy Savage | Author Interview

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About The Author
Nancy Savage is lives with her partner of twenty years and is the mother to six children and two cats. Her debut novel, ‘The Couple in Cabin 14‘, was published by Bloodhound Books. The story follows a couple whose romantic getaway turns dark when the wife begins to suspect that the couple in the cabin next door is hiding something.
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What was the initial spark or idea that led you to create the plot for The Couple in Cabin 14? Did it start with the characters, the setting, or a specific scene?

Honestly, it was a combination! It started from this idea I had of a couple meeting their neighbors on vacation and there just being something really, really off about them that only the wife could see. I also wanted there to be a real sense of isolation, but in a beautiful setting! So I kind of started with those elements and then built characters that felt genuine and flawed, which helped me push the story further.

The setting of a secluded lakeside resort adds a layer of isolation and suspense to the story. How did you decide on this particular setting, and how do you think it influences the mood of the novel?

Spring River is kind of an amalgamation of quite a few places, both that I’ve been to and of ones I could only ever dream of visiting! It felt like the perfect backdrop for secrets and tension—it’s beautiful but can feel eerie when you’re alone. Who doesn’t love a good nature getaway… until it turns creepy!

As a debut author, what was the most challenging aspect of writing The Couple in Cabin 14? How did you overcome it?

Honestly, with six kids running around, it was definitely trying to find the time to actually sit down and get the words from my head and onto paper. I quickly learned that I wasn’t going to be able to have any long and focused writing sessions, so I figured out how to adapt to writing in chunks of time here and there when I could.

Without giving too much away, were there any particular scenes or twists in The Couple in Cabin 14 that you found especially challenging or rewarding to write?

Oh, definitely! There’s a twist near the climax that took me a very long time to nail down. There is a section of dialogue that, at a guess, I’d say I reworked about a hundred times before it finally clicked. No exaggeration.

Do you have any writing rituals or habits that help you get into the creative zone, especially when crafting suspenseful scenes?

A good cup of tea and a comfortable seat is about all I need. There is no such thing as quiet time in our house, and sometimes I kind of feel like a bit of chaos in the background as I write adds a little something!

What drew you to the thriller genre specifically? Was there a particular book or author that inspired you to write suspenseful stories?

I’ve been a thriller lover for life. I blame R. L. Stine, creator of Goosebumps, for starting my addiction. But generally I just love to spend a whole novel going “what the heck is going on?” and to get that big pay off when you hit a great twist.

Did writing The Couple in Cabin 14 teach you anything about yourself or your writing style that you didn’t know before?

I definitely learned that as much as you can pre-determine how your story will go, you can’t anticipate how your characters will react in a situation until you reach it. They kind of begin to take on a life of their own! But that’s fun, because it takes you on twists and turns that you didn’t expect.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors who are working on their own debut novels?

Embrace the messy process! It’s okay if your first draft is just a wild jumble of thoughts. Just get the words down – you can fix it up later.

Do you have any other books or projects in the works? Can you give us a hint about what we might expect next from you?

Right now I’m working on my next thriller set in a small town. Think secrets, lies, and hidden pasts!

Finally, what do you hope readers take away from The Couple in Cabin 14? Are there any particular emotions or thoughts you want to linger with them after they finish the last page?

I hope they get a good thrill from seeing the story play out through Amber’s eyes, and to take it as little reminder to always question what is presented online as real – because the truth is usually lurking just below the surface.

I am very grateful to Nancy for giving me the opportunity to interview her and read her debut thriller. In the comments, let me know if you’ve read or plan to read Nancy’s debut thriller, The Couple in Cabin 14. The book is available in paperback, audiobook, and on Kindle Unlimited. If you’re curious about my thoughts on the book, you can check out my review [here]. Also, if you’re an author interested in being interviewed for the blog, don’t hesitate to reach out! For more information, visit my contact page. Before you go, don’t forget to hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girl Readathon | To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my Gilmore Girls Readathon TBR. If you haven’t already seen my announcement post for the readathon, I definitely recommend checking it out (read here). To give you a brief rundown, the readathon will take place from October 7 to October 21. There’s a bingo board with 12 bookish prompts and four non-bookish prompts. I’m going to try and clear the board, and to make it even more challenging, I’ll be reading a different book for each prompt. Let’s jump right into the books I’ll be reading.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Not only does the synopsis say this book is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, but it’s also set in a charming village in New England. I’m interpreting “village” as a small town. Plus, the title Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is so fall-coded. I can’t wait to read this story. I’m a little hesitant because it’s a YA novel, which isn’t a genre I’ve been gravitating toward lately, but it does involve coffee and I’m a coffee addict.

Maybe Meant To Be by K.L. Walters
This book takes place at Bexley School and follows best friends Sage and Charlie, who everyone assumes are destined to be together. The cover gives me fall vibes, and I’ve loved pretty much every book I’ve read by this author. I’m anticipating this will be a four or five star read.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
This was a harder prompt for me, but I decided to go with Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney. It’s an adult mystery thriller inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The story revolves around a complicated family who are isolated together, with a killer among them. I don’t think there’s another book on my shelves that fits this prompt as perfectly as this one.

Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
I had quite a few options for this prompt, but I’m trying to stick with cozy fall vibes since that’s what Gilmore Girls embodies for me. This is a single dad romance where he’s her manager and she’s a stand-up comedian. I’ve never read anything by this author, but I’ve been loving single parent romances lately.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
For this prompt, I picked a book that I’m really excited to read. Not only does it work for the readathon, but it also matches the witchy vibes of October. I don’t know much about it except that it’s a cozy fantasy fake-dating romance.

Business Casual by BK Borison
This is the last book in the Lovelight Farms small-town romance series. Each book in the series is set during a specific season, and this one takes place in the autumn. So, of course, October is the perfect time to read it! The last two books I read from this series had dual perspectives, so I’m assuming this one will as well. If not, I’ll switch it out with another book.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
This is another book I cannot wait to dive into! Even though the hardback version doesn’t have leaves on the cover, my copy—the Barnes and Noble exclusive paperback edition—certainly does. I read the first book in this series earlier this year, so I’m happy to be making progress on a series I’ve already started. This is a cozy fantasy series, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to finish the book fairly quickly.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Honestly, everyone is talking about how good this book is and how it’s very Gilmore Girls-inspired. I don’t know much about the plot except that it’s a small-town spicy romance, but I’m excited to read it for the readathon.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Winter is my favorite season, so I had to pick a book that screamed wintertime to me. That’s why I chose a book with “winter” literally in the title. I’m hoping to love this book! All I know is that there’s a secret family recipe and a romance, but I think it’ll be a really cute read with some depth to the plot and characters.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Of course, I have to include a thriller on my TBR. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is being adapted into a movie. I believe Netflix is behind it, but I’m not entirely sure which streaming platform will be making the film. Still, this is a book I’ve wanted to read for a while, and I’m glad I will finally, hopefully, be getting to it.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
I had a few books that fit this prompt, but this one seemed like it was made for a Gilmore Girls readathon since the main character’s name is Lorelei. This is a dark academia novel involving murder and an expedition. It seems like it will fit well with the spooky season, so I’m looking forward to it.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Lastly, I have to finish a series I’m in the middle of, and what better time than spooky season to complete the Twilight saga? The final book was released in 2008, so it fits the prompt perfectly. I’ll definitely be rewatching the movies this month, making it an easy choice.

There you have it, all the books I’ll be reading for the Gilmore Girls Readathon. I really hope you all participate because this readathon is very near and dear to my heart. You can join the Discord to let me know what you’re reading and discuss the group book. Please leave a comment letting me know what you’re reading in October, and hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Currently Reading | Update & Thoughts (September 9, 2024)

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Hi Friends,
Today, I thought I’d give a quick reading update and chat about the books I’m currently diving into. I used to be so good at sticking to just one book at a time, but now I can’t help but read multiple books at once. I think it’s because I’m such a mood reader—I always need a book from a different genre on hand so I can pick up whatever fits my mood in the moment.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
I’m about 50% into this one, and I’m absolutely loving it. It took me a bit to get into, but once it hooked me, I couldn’t put it down! Honestly, right now it’s giving me 5-star feels, and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I’m also 50% into this one, but I’ve got mixed feelings. I know this is a super popular thriller that a lot of people are raving about—it’s fast-paced with an interesting premise—but I’m just not that invested in the plot. The writing style isn’t my favorite, and it hasn’t captivated me yet. I’m hoping by the end I’ll understand all the hype!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I’m slowly making my way through this book and I’m only 35% in, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I can definitely see why it’s gotten so much attention. It’s giving me ‘Divergent’ and old-school YA fantasy vibes, and I’m living for the enemies-to-lovers romance. I can’t wait for the plot to pick up even more!
Related Post: Divergent｜Book Review

Let me know in the comments what you’re reading, or if you’ve read any of these books—feel free to share your spoiler-free thoughts! And don’t forget to follow the blog for more updates!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

September 2024 | To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my September TBR! Throughout the year, I’ve been changing up how I choose my monthly TBR, but for September, I decided to let some of my favorite book content creators pick my books. I’m nervous about some of their choices, but I hope I enjoy them all.

Witch Of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

From bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair comes a dark and enthralling reimagining of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth.

“Let me worship you,” he said.

She remembered the words she had whispered to him in the back of the limo after La Rose. “You will worship me, and I won’t even have to order you.” His request felt sinful and devious, and she reveled in it.

She answered, “Yes.”

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Icebreaker is a swoonworthy college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink.

A Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

You should never talk to strangers. With his flight delayed, Ted Severson meets Lily Kintner, a magnetic stranger, in an airport bar. In the netherworld of international travel and too many martinis, he confesses his darkest secrets, about his wife’s infidelity and how he wishes her dead. Without missing a beat Lily offers to help him carry out the task.

So, that’s my September TBR, but of course, I’ll try to read more books throughout the month. Also, feel free to follow me on Bookstagram (@Books.With.Bunny) and BookTok (@BooksWithBunny) for more content. If you enjoy TBR posts and bookish content, follow the blog to get updates whenever a new post goes up.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Couple In Cabin 14 | Book Review

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About The Book
Dean and Amber’s vacation at a secluded lakeside resort turns tense when Amber grows suspicious of their mysterious neighbors, Sophie and Marc. Obsessed with uncovering the couple’s secrets, Amber digs into their past, threatening to unravel her already fragile marriage. As the lines between truth and deception blur, Amber realizes she can’t trust anyone. Who really are the enigmatic couple next door?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4cHH1mb

My Rating

First off, I want to thank the author and publisher for the ARC of this book. When I heard it was a debut psychological thriller, I was immediately interested. The plot—about a couple going to a secluded cabin for a week to reconnect, only to discover the couple next door might be hiding something—seemed like something I’d enjoy. I love psychological thrillers, although I haven’t come across many set in isolated locations that I’ve really liked.

The story starts off strong, and I liked the pacing. I couldn’t wait to see where it was going. It’s one of those books that grabs you from the first page, and I ended up finishing it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down. The short chapters and overall length also made it a quick read.

That said, I did have a few issues. The plot was interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the main character, Amber, especially her thoughts about other people’s appearances. While it’s realistic for people to have these kinds of thoughts, some of her comments were off-putting. I’m not into reading about women putting each other down because of insecurities.

“Social media is a disease to society. There’s
nothing real there. The entire thing is contrived and curated to mislead
people.”

Another thing was Amber’s relationship with her husband, Dean. I didn’t like how she treated him for most of the book, and I didn’t really feel a strong connection between them. But I guess that made sense for the story since they were supposed to be having relationship issues, which is probably why Amber was so focused on the couple next door.

The writing was solid, and the author kept me interested the whole time. The last few chapters had me hooked, and there was a twist I didn’t see coming. I love when a thriller surprises me, but I can see how some people might figure out the twist. It didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat, but I enjoyed every second of it, and that’s what counts.

Overall, I’d say this is more of a mystery suspense than a psychological thriller. If you’re into Alice Feeney’s books, especially ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, I think you’ll really like this one. I’m curious to see what the author writes next. Thanks again to the author and publisher for the chance to read this book early.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR. And don’t forget to follow the blog if you like book reviews and other bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Sabrina Carpenter | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing a book post for all the Sabrina Carpenter fans out there. In case you didn’t know, Sabrina released a new album on August 23rd called Short n’ Sweet. I originally planned to match some of her songs with books, but instead, I thought I’d recommend a few books that I think any fan of Sabrina’s music would enjoy.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
If you know anything about Sabrina’s music, you know she’s not shy about adding some innuendos to her lyrics. A book that looks sweet on the outside but has some surprisingly spicy and explicit content fits her vibe perfectly. This one’s a college frenemies-to-lovers romance, and I’ve heard the steamy scenes are on fire, just like Sabrina’s songs.

Rouge by Mona Awad
This gothic horror story is all about youth and beauty. One thing I’ve noticed about Sabrina is that her skin and makeup are always on point. A horror book that delves into the darker, more sinister aspects of the beauty industry seems like an ideal choice for her fans who appreciate both her music and style and enjoy a bit of suspense.

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
If you’re looking for something that’s like The Barbie Movie mixed with Sabrina Carpenter’s Feather, this book might be for you. It’s about a robot woman who rebels against the man who controls her. I bet Annie Bot will “feel so much lighter like a feather” once she’s free. Okay, that might have been a bit cheesy, but the lyrics just match the book for me.

Bunny by Mona Awad
I know I’ve already included one Mona Awad book, but I couldn’t resist adding another. This book is supposed to be really weird—you either love it or hate it, kind of like how people feel about Sabrina’s music. It’s a dark academia story about a group of rich girls who call themselves Bunny, and I think Sabrina would totally be into it.

Let me know in the comments if you’re a Sabrina Carpenter fan! Are any of these books on your TBR? Unfortunately, only one of these is available in Everand, but if you want to try the ebook and audiobook service, you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial. And before you go, I’d love it if you could support my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Last Time I Lied | Book Review

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About The Book
Fifteen years after her friends vanished at Camp Nightingale, Emma, now an artist still haunted by their disappearance, is invited back to the camp as an instructor. Despite her fears, she returns to the camp, finding it eerily unchanged except for a new security camera outside her former cabin. As she uncovers clues about her friends’ disappearance, Emma risks everything for the truth, facing potentially deadly consequences.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SgRAVR

My Rating

‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager is a book that had me hooked right from the start. The plot instantly kicks off and grabs your attention. We follow our main character, Emma, who is haunted by an event that took place fifteen years ago at Camp Nightingale. Her three older cabin mates went missing, but Emma has some secrets of her own—things she still feels guilty about today.

The plot revolves not only around the mystery of what happened to Emma’s three cabin mates but also Emma’s mission to gain answers and closure when the owner of the camp invites her back to be the art teacher for the camp’s reopening. I wouldn’t say that Emma is an unreliable narrator, but she was a teenager when all of this took place, so her memory isn’t the best.

One of my biggest problems with the book—and probably the only issue I had with it—was Emma’s character. I felt as if she still acted like she was 13. She wasn’t a very savvy protagonist. Also, the fact that she still had somewhat of a crush on Theo, the camp owner’s son, years later was a little weird. But nothing like your first crush who you accused of murder, right?

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it’s the only way to win.”

The summertime vibes were definitely on point in this book, and it really gave me that chilling summer mystery feel. For me, it was more of a mystery than a thriller. It definitely isn’t a book that’s going to keep you up at night, but I did enjoy the dual timeline where we get chapters of the past, seeing Emma’s relationships with her cabin mates, especially Vivian, who is the alpha female of the group.

The thing that I think Riley Sager does best is shocking twists. Most of the time, I feel like their books are going to be four stars, but by the end chapter, I am left completely shocked and have to add an extra half star. They write these mysteries where I have no clue where the story is going, and I don’t even try to guess.

Overall, this was such a fun summer mystery thriller that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I can safely say that Riley Sager has not only become one of my favorite authors, but they are now an auto-buy author for me. I will absolutely read any book they release.

In the comments, let me know if you have read any books by Riley Sager. If you are a fan of mystery, thriller, or horror books, hit the follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Six

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Hi Friends,
We are on day six of Summerween! I wasn’t able to get as much reading done as I wanted to today. I believe I only got to 15% of ‘How To Sell A Haunted House‘ by Grady Hendrix. However, I am still very intrigued by the plot.

I spent some of the day out and about. I had a lovely dinner at Panera. When I go there, which isn’t actually all that often, I usually get the Pick 2 deal. I had a yummy half salad and sandwich. It was really tasty, and I forgot how good the food is there.

Also, I had to stop by Barnes & Noble and Target. I didn’t get any books at Barnes & Noble—I know, shocker!—but I did get six books at Target since they were having a buy 2, get 1 free sale. I’m really excited to read all the books I picked up.

Let me know if you’ve bought any books lately. Please like and share this post with other book lovers. Before you leave, show my blog some love by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

 

Summerween 2024 | Day Five

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Hi Friends,
Happy Summerween day five! I can’t believe the readathon is almost over. I’ve actually completed all the prompts today, so any more books I read are just extra and don’t have to fit the prompts. I finished ‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager, and it was amazing. It counted for a book that takes place during the summer and also worked for the five-word title prompt. I have a lot to say about this book, but you’ll have to wait for my review.

I also completed the graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children’. It was another great read, and I’m definitely going to continue with this graphic novel series. I read the e-book via Everand, and you can get a free trial using my link (click here).

Even though I’ve finished all the prompts, I decided to try and read one more book before the readathon ends. So, I ended day five by starting ‘How To Sell A Haunted House’ by Grady Hendrix. I got about five chapters in, and I’m actually enjoying the story, which is interesting since this author isn’t a favorite of mine.

In the comments, let me know how you’re doing on your Summerween TBR or your reading goals in general. Please like and share this post with other readers and follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Summerween 2024 | Day Four

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Hi Friends,
Today is Summerween Day Four! Unfortunately, I wasn’t feeling too well, so I didn’t get much reading done. However, I did manage to reach the 70% mark of Riley Sager’s ‘The Last Time I Lied‘. This book is getting so good that I can’t seem to put it down. I need to know how the story ends!

I also did a quick workout and took a nap, hoping it would make me feel better. Additionally, I uploaded a TikTok video! If you want to see my BookTok content, you can visit my page @BooksWithBunny. I post a lot of fun bookish content and book aesthetic videos, so if you’re looking for more book content from me, that’s another place to find it.

I finished the night with a donut for dessert and read some of my graphic novel ‘Something Is Killing The Children‘. I reached the 70% point in that book as well. While I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t finish any books, I know some days are like that. Still, I’m very happy with the amount of reading I did get done.

In the comments, let me know how many books you have read so far this month. If you are participating in Summerween, how is it going for you? Before you leave, show my blog some support by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny