Top 5 Tuesday: Books With Keys


Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

It’s pretty late on a Tuesday and I’ve had quite the day 😅 Still, before we roll into the middle of the week, it’s time for another Top 5 Tuesday post! The themes during August are all scavenger hunts and, I have to admit, this one threw me for a loop. I, apparently, have not read a ton of books with keys on the cover. That being said, I’ve cobbled together a list that only stretches the theme a teensy bit, haha.

Let’s jump into the post, shall we?


#1. Duma Key by Stephen King

So there’s definitely not a key in this beachy cover, but there is one in the title! This also happens to be one of my favorite Stephen King novels, if not my favorite. I feel like this is one that people don’t talk about often or really know about, but it’s absolutely incredible! It follows a man named Edgar Freemantle who moves to the beaches of Florida after a construction site accident leaves him without an arm. He gets back into art, something that used to bring him joy… and things get weird from there. This is well worth the read!


#2. Nightbooks by J.A. White

We’re playing a little bit more loose with this scavenger hunt with this one 😂 There’s no key in the cover image or in the title… but there is a keyhole! Shape! The suggestion of a keyhole at the very least! Look, I told you I had a rough time with this one, haha. All that aside, I loved this middle grade horror. It was spooky yet endearing and left me wanting more from this author. My favorite bits were the scare stories sprinkled throughout the already scary story, curtesy of our MC, Alex. I could read a whole book just filled with those!

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WWW Wednesday: Jul 6, 2022


It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

  1. What are you currently reading?
  2. What did you recently finish reading?
  3. What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.


Current Reads

  • The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: I’m gonna be honest and say that I had only the vaguest sense of what this classic was about before I started reading it. I knew that there is a painting that takes on the sins of it’s subject, Dorian Gray. I wasn’t prepared for how terrible Dorian actually is throughout the story! Like… why is anyone friends with this man?! Well, I know why… because he’s rich and handsome. But dear lord, he sucks! Suffice it to say, I’m having a great time reading about this terrible person 😂
  • Ariadne by Jennifer Saint: Dipping back into Greek mythology retellings with this one and, so far, I’m really enjoying it! I want to fight some people (LOOKING AT YOU, THESEUS) and loads of poor decisions have been made, but I’m liking how we get to see more of who Ariadne is beyond her part in Theseus’ tale. I’m already wishing that this book was a little longer because I would have loved to spend more time with Ariadne when Asterion was a baby. I’m intrigued by their relationship, but it’s a blip in this story. Still, this book is scratching that mythology retelling itch and I’m enjoying it!
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WWW Wednesday: Jun 15, 2022

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

  1. What are you currently reading?
  2. What did you recently finish reading?
  3. What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.


Current Reads

  • Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse: I’ve finally started my most anticipated read of the year and, so far, I’m loving it! It’s just as gripping as the first installment, though I do find myself rolling my eyes already when I come to certain POVs. I gotta give them a chance! I’m hoping to love this one as much as I loved Black Sun. It seems promising so far!
  • The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec: I’ve only read the first chapter or so of this fantasy, but I’m already enjoying the Norse vibes. I can’t say much else about this yet as I haven’t gotten a real feel for it. So far, it’s caught my interest and makes me want to read more, so that’s good! Here’s hoping it continues to be as interesting as it is right now.
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WWW Wednesday: Jun 1, 2022

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

  1. What are you currently reading?
  2. What did you recently finish reading?
  3. What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.


Current Reads

  • Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan: I had checked this book out from the library but never got around to picking it up. So, when I was looking for a new audiobook to read and this one popped up on Scribd, I instantly downloaded it! So far, I’m really loving the tone of this story. It is beautifully written and evocative, making me feel like I’m in the book alongside the characters. Our main character, Xingyin, is fascinating and I can’t wait to continue her story.
  • The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James: I’m finally reading a Simone St. James book! I’ve been wanting to try a thriller by her for awhile now. I have quite literally just started this one (I’m on, like… page 5) so I have no opinions about the book either way. I’m not actively hating it, so… so far, so good!
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WWW Wednesday: May 25, 2022

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

  1. What are you currently reading?
  2. What did you recently finish reading?
  3. What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.


Current Reads

  • The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie: I’m continuing on my Poirot reading and, so far, this has been one of the more interesting ones. I’ve only just begun, but I’m loving the mystery in this! I’m also loving that Hastings is back. He may be completely obtuse, but he’s my favorite, haha. The friendship between Poirot and Hastings is one of my favorite things in these books, so I always miss Hastings when he’s not around. Anyways, I’m really enjoying this one so far.
  • The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna: I’ve started in on one of my most anticipated reads of the year and, so far, it’s living up to expectations. Of course, I’m only a few chapters in, but this is just as cinematic and vivid as the first one! I feel like this book is going to contain a bit more action than the first since, ya know, there’s a war going on and I am ready for it. I’m excited to see how this one turns out.
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Top 5 Tuesday: Books About Death

Top 5 Tuesday is a fun, weekly meme that asks you to pick 5 books that fit that week’s theme. It was created by Bionic Bookworm and is currently being hosted by Meeghan Reads. You should check out their wonderful blog for more details and the list of prompts!


Hello, reader!

I spent most of this day thinking it was Monday, so imagine how happy I am that I’m doing a Top 5 Tuesday post! The topic this week is can be a bit of a mood killer, though. That’s because I’ll be picking five books that deal with death. Now, the books I’ve pulled from some of my favorites don’t necessary completely revolve around death, but a death is usually the catalyst of the story. I think that works for today’s prompt!

With that being said, let’s get to the post and my choices 💀


#1. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Of course, when the topic of death was mentioned, this book immediately came to mind. It is, after all, centered around a young brujo who accidentally summons the ghost of one of his recently departed classmates. This was such a great read, with touching moments and the sweetest romance between Yadriel and Julian (the ghost boy). It was also scary as hell in some parts, but that’s why I loved it!

#2. Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski

I’m picking the first book in this iconic series that blends horror and thriller into one tantalizing read. However, a number of the books in this series would fit the theme! I’m so glad I joined in on with a book club for this because I had honestly not heard of it before it was picked as our next series to read. I love that it’s all based around a true crime podcast and I love that there is always some kind of scary story lurking in the periphery.

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First Lines Friday #35

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?  If you want to make your own post, feel free to use or edit the banner above, and follow the rules below:

  • Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
  • Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first (I cheat a little bit here *cough*)
  • Finally… reveal the book!

If you’re using Twitter, don’t forget to use #FirstLinesFridays!


Hello, reader!

It’s time for another First Lines Friday! This week, I’ve picked a classic that I’ve just started reading as part of a buddy read. So far, I’m quite enjoying it, which is unsurprising as it’s part of a series of novels featuring one of my favorite characters. I went into this expecting to enjoy it at least a little bit.

But let’s see if the first few lines can pull you in and make you want to read it, as well!


The Line(s):

“Linnet Ridgeway!”

“That’s her!” said Mr. Burnaby, the landlord of the Three Crowns.

He nudged his companion.

The two men stared with round bucolic eyes and slightly open mouths.

A big scarlet Rolls-Royce had just stopped in front of the local post office.

A girl jumped out, a girl without a hat and wearing a frock that looked (but only looked) simple. A girl with golden hair and straight autocratic features – a girl with a lovely shape – a girl such as was seldom seen in Malton-under-Wode.


The Hints:

This is a classic mystery novel that is part of a series.

There is a new movie based on this book that just came out.

It features one of my favorite fictional detectives.


The Reveal:

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WWW Wednesday: Feb 16, 2022

It’s time for another WWW Wednesday! This is a bookish meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words where bloggers answer the 3 Ws:

  1. What are you currently reading?
  2. What did you recently finish reading?
  3. What do you think you’ll read next?

If you’d like to learn more about any of these books, click on the cover to be taken to the Goodreads page.


Current Reads

  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Yes, I’m finally reading one of the darlings of the bookish community. So far, I have to say I’m glad I jumped on the hype train! This is such an incredible read, with complex characters and a peek into the glamour and awfulness of Old Hollywood. I’m swiftly learning that I really enjoy Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing because this book has absolutely captivated me.
  • The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri: Speaking of captivating, this book is just phenomenal! The setting is so vivid and lush, the characters are nuanced and intriguing, and the politics are capturing my interest. I’m loving everything about this story, so far, and have been thoroughly pulled into the tale. It’s a real struggle when I sit down to read on which book I want to pick up more!
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