Hey book lovers!
There’s something about the start of a new month that always gets me excited about sharing what I’ve been reading lately. If you’ve been following along on my journey, you know books are a major part of my life (I mean, this is recommendation video #13 – which means I’ve shared 65 book recommendations on my channel so far!)
For those who are new here, welcome! I’m Flor, and when I’m not talking about books, I’m sharing my experiences living in NYC, working as a content creator, and navigating the whole self-employment journey. But today, it’s all about the books.
Watch My Latest Book Recommendations
Before I dive into the written details, check out my latest video where I discuss these five recommendations in depth:
Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! I post new videos every week, including regular book recommendation roundups for my fellow bookworms.
Book #1: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
Let me start with a confession: I liked this book when I began reading it, but by the end? It wasn’t my favorite. But I think it’s still worth discussing!
This thriller revolves around decades-old unsolved murders from the 1970s in Oregon. Two men were killed in similar circumstances, and witnesses claimed to have seen a woman fleeing the scenes—earning the perpetrator the nickname «The Lady Killer.»
Fast forward to present day, where we meet our protagonist, Shea Collins. She works as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, but her real passion is her true crime blog. When Shea unexpectedly encounters Beth Greer—the woman who was the primary suspect in the Lady Killer case but was never convicted—at her workplace, she can’t believe her luck.
Determined to uncover the truth, Shea convinces Beth to meet with her weekly at Beth’s eerie mansion for interviews. As their strange relationship unfolds, Shea digs deeper into what really happened all those years ago.
While the premise had me hooked, the supernatural elements and resolution didn’t quite deliver for me personally. That said, this book has received excellent reviews from others who enjoy murder mysteries with paranormal touches, so you might love it even if it wasn’t my cup of tea!
Book #2: The Club by Ellery Lloyd
This one grabbed me from the start—from the intriguing premise to the eye-catching cover!
«The Club» introduces us to the Home Group, an ultra-exclusive private members club chain (think Soho House, but even more elusive and luxurious). The story kicks off with the grand opening weekend of their newest location, Island Home, situated on a remote island that becomes completely cut off from the mainland when the tide rises.
The guest list includes only the most influential and wealthy individuals in the world. It’s supposed to be the event of the year—until someone turns up dead.
What I love about this book is its layers. Lloyd masterfully peels back the façade of these seemingly perfect lives to reveal the secrets, lies, and hidden connections beneath. While I did predict some of the twists, the journey was thoroughly enjoyable, and the setting created the perfect pressure-cooker atmosphere for a classic whodunit with a modern twist.
If you enjoy stories about the ultra-wealthy mixed with mystery and intrigue, this should definitely be on your reading list!
Book #3: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
I’ve recommended Lucy Foley’s books before, and for good reason—she’s fantastic at crafting atmospheric mysteries. But what excited me about «The Paris Apartment» is that she’s evolved beyond her usual locked-room mystery formula into something more complex and mature.
The story follows Jess, who, after losing her job, decides to visit her brother Ben in Paris for a fresh start. But when she arrives at his apartment building, Ben is nowhere to be found. As Jess waits and worries, she begins to interact with the building’s other residents—each more eccentric and secretive than the last.
As Jess investigates her brother’s disappearance, she discovers that everyone in the building seems to be hiding something. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as she realizes that finding Ben may uncover secrets that were meant to stay buried.
What impressed me most about this book was how different it felt from Foley’s previous works while still maintaining her signature suspense. The ending was especially satisfying, wrapping up the mystery in a way that felt both surprising and inevitable.
High five to Lucy Foley for this one—it shows real growth as an author and delivers a truly captivating read!
Book #4: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
Full disclosure: This was an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) that was provided to me in exchange for my review, but as always, my opinions are completely honest and unfiltered.
«Portrait of a Thief» centers around five Chinese American college students who are recruited by a mysterious Chinese billionaire for an unusual heist: to steal back five zodiac bronze sculptures that were looted from China’s Old Summer Palace by British forces in the 1800s. These artifacts are now displayed in museums across Western countries—a contentious real-world issue that the book explores through fiction.
Each member of this makeshift heist team brings a unique talent to the table: one is a computer expert, another is a getaway driver, a third has extensive art knowledge, another has exceptional people skills, and so on. The premise immediately evokes vibes of «Ocean’s Eleven» but with museums as the target and cultural reclamation as the motive.
While I loved the concept and the way it brings attention to the real issue of looted artifacts, I found the execution somewhat uneven. The beginning moved slowly as the team assembled and planned, but then the conclusion felt rushed and somewhat anticlimactic given the build-up. I’d give it about 3.5 stars—it’s worth reading, especially for the cultural commentary, but the pacing issues held it back from being truly great.
That said, I think this would make an amazing film or limited series where the visual elements of the heist could really shine!
Book #5: The Couple at Number Nine by Claire Douglas
Saving the best for last! This was also an ARC, and it turned out to be my absolute favorite of these five recommendations.
The story follows a young pregnant woman who moves with her partner into a cottage left to her by her grandmother in a small UK town. Her mother never wanted the house, preferring city life, so our protagonist is excited to make it her family home.
While renovating the kitchen, construction workers make a grisly discovery: human remains buried in the backyard. As police investigate, they uncover not just one, but two bodies, throwing the family into turmoil.
The grandmother is still alive but suffering from Alzheimer’s, making it nearly impossible to get information from her about what might have happened. The narrative alternates between the present-day investigation and flashbacks to the grandmother’s past, slowly revealing the dark secrets behind the idyllic cottage.
What made this book stand out for me was the genuinely shocking twist. After reading so many thrillers, I can usually predict where a story is heading, which sometimes dampens the enjoyment. But Douglas managed to completely surprise me, crafting a reveal that I only saw coming a page before it happened. It’s refreshing to find an author who can still deliver that genuine «WHAT?!» moment, and it’s why I immediately requested another ARC of her newer book.
If you read only one book from this list, make it this one—I promise you won’t regret it!
What’s Next?
I’m also thinking about starting a new series comparing books to their screen adaptations. I love discussing how stories change when they move from page to screen—sometimes for better, sometimes for much, much worse! Let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in seeing.
Let’s Talk Books!
What are you currently reading? How many books are you planning to read this year? Have you picked up any of these recommendations, or do you have your own suggestions to share? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I love turning my comment section into a virtual book club!
Until next time, happy reading!
Flor.
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