Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon

   It was difficult to decide what book I would read after All the Light We Cannot See.   I decided that I would go with a thriller because, since it isn't my favorite genre, my expectations are not exaggerated as when I am reading a much anticipated novel of another type.  

At any rate, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  My usual problem with thrillers is that I sometimes see the twists and turns coming or determine right away who the "bad guy" is ( aka The Good Girl).   Definitely not the case here.

This is the story of Kate, a 40 year old woman who goes home to deal with her mother's physical and mental decline. When she does return, she has to face events from her past - the murder of her best friend.

This book also has an element of the paranormal, which is just enough to add to the intensity and suspense but is not overdone.   It was quick and enjoyable.  

I give it 3/ 5 stars and would recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers.  It would make a great beach read because it is quick and engaging.

The Truth Teller's Lie by Sophie Hannah

Just finished my first book of the new year.  It wasn't the book I was intending to read first, but as my Nook was acting up, it just happened that way.  This one has been on my tbr pile for a while now, ever since I read the first in the Waterhouse & Zailer series - Little Face.  I read Little Face about a year ago now, and it was just amazing.  If you love mysteries/ thrillers - don't miss Little Face.

I started this book with high expectations and it did not disappoint.  I love that each of the Waterhouse & Zailer books seem to stand alone.  Although a character from Little Face was briefly mentioned, it was in passing and I didn't feel like I had to have read that story first to follow along with this one.

Sophie Hannah tells amazing thrillers.  The stories twist and turn in ways that can't be predicted, almost right up to the very end.  I would say that I did find the Big Baddie to be a bit predictable, but the way that you get there is a wild ride.  

My one complaint about these books is the heroine, Charlie Zailer.  Although she is very smart and has a lot going for her, she seems to have a low self esteem is appears to be constantly looking for love in all the wrong places.  I believe that she could be a stronger character with all this left out of the story completely and nothing would be missing.

Still if you enjoy a good mystery, I give this one four out of five stars - for reasons stated above.