The Binging Librarian: Recent Episodes
Christina Jo
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour - A crackling, satirical debut novel about a young black man who accidentally impresses a CEO while serving his Starbucks order, catapulting him into the opportunity of a lifetime-a shot at stardom as the lone black salesman at an eccentric, mysterious, and wildly successful startup where, he will soon learn, nothing is as it seems.
Take a listen, so that we can talk about it on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
The Therapist by B. A. Paris - When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they've dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive ... As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before. Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem.
This is a special episode with two special guests! Take a listen, so that we can talk about it on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy is about independent bookstore owner, Zora finding herself in a love triangle with her favorite author...and his best friend. If you're looking for something light and potentially fun this Valentine's Day, check out this book...but first check out the review. Let me know what you thought of the book by following me and leaving a comment on my Instagram @the_binging_librarian. Let's talk about it; let's chat; let's discuss.
A hair-raising locked-mall murder mystery, Four Found Dead is perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson. The last show has ended, but the nightmare is just beginning. First a stranger arrives with a chilling accusation. Then the power goes out and their manager disappears, along with the keys to the lobby doors and the theater safe, where the crew's phones are locked each shift. The crew's tension turns to terror when Jo discovers the dead body of one of her co-workers.
If you've also read this book, you should let me know and follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
I'm baaaack with a new episode and a special guest! This week is More Than You'll Ever Know, a debut novel by Katie Gutierrez. In the 80s, Lore Rivera marries Andres Russo in Mexico City, even though she is already married to Fabian Rivera in Laredo, Texas. Lore splits her time between both countries and both men...until one husband is arrested for murdering the other. What happened? How did this all play out? Take a listen to the episode and make sure to follow on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Lovett High, a school in Mississippi, crowns their first Black homecoming queen -Nova Albright...but now she's dead. Murdered on coronation night, her body found the next morning in the old slave cemetery she spent her weekends rehabilitating. An unlikely pair, Duchess (Nova's bff) and Tinsley (Nova's rival/enemy) link up to solve what happened to Nova and why. Fans of One of Us is Lying and The Weight of Blood should pick up a copy of Jumata Emill's debut novel.
Let's talk about it. Let's discuss. Leave a comment on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
I have another special episode this week with a special guest! We reviewed Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber - Evangeline Fox has always believed in true love and happily ever after. But when the love of her life, her soulmate, is engaged and promised to marry another, she finds herself striking deals with a Fate -the Prince of Hearts...and he wants more from her than she originally pledged. For fans of the Caraval series, you'll enjoy this spin-off.
Take a listen and don't forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian.
Imagine the person you've been married to for over a decade has been hiding a secret for years. This isn't just any secret! Your spouse is not only married to you but is also married to two other people. The Three Mrs. Greys by Shelly Ellis is exactly just that. When Cyrus Grey is shot, his three wives realize they've been played for years. For those looking for romance with a bit of thrill and angst, this one is for you. Make sure to follow me on IG @the_binging_librarian
This episode is a special episode for a couple of reasons. Reason 1. This is my first Colleen Hoover book. I got a taste of what all the hype is about. Reason 2. The special guest on this episode is my sister! What better way to return from a hiatus than with an hour-long episode! Take a listen to our very much spoiler filled episode of Confess by Colleen Hoover. We laughed; we joked; we threw shade...it was a great time!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
HAPPY NEW YEAR (yes I know we're in February). It's a new year, same me with the same old ish. This is a new episode, The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. Twenty-four years ago, Libby was just a baby when she was found in her crib by police. There were also three adults found dead with a suicide note on the scene. Now, at twenty-five years old, Libby has inherited this house, full of dark secrets and a dark past. But will Libby find out who she really is and what really happened to her family.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Y’all we finally did it! We finished the last book of the Winter series, Winter Solstice. In this five minute mini episode review, I have many thoughts on this final book. Take a listen and make sure to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
This is the third book of the Winter series by Elin Hilderbrand. I’m challenging myself to review each book in the series in five minutes or less. I have to be honest though, this third book didn’t slap like the previous two. The scandals weren’t giving; however I can say some of my predictions have come true. Take a listen, after all it’s only a five minute episode. =)
Don‘t forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
This is the second book of the Winter series by Elin Hilderbrand. I’m challenging myself to review each book in the series in five minutes or less. Let me say the drama is still there mixed in with a lot of craziness that has taken place a year after Winter Street. The topic of self-medication is heavy, along with cheating and scandals, and a serious health scare. Take a listen, after all it’s only a five minute episode. =)
Don‘t forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
This is the first book of the Winter series by Elin Hilderbrand. I’m challenging myself to review each book in the series in five minutes or less. I’ll say if you like family drama right before the holidays, this book is it. Take a listen, after all it’s only a five minute episode. =)
Don‘t forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Here's another Jasmine Guillory review- Drunk on Love.
Margo is stressed from running the family winery. What do you do when you're stressed? Have a one night stand of course! She meets Luke, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy and thinks nothing could possibly go wrong....until she realizes that her brother hired him as their new employee. Luke returning home from quitting his big tech job has a one night encounter with Margo. Imagine his surprise when he realizes he slept with his boss. What will these two characters do in this awkward yet steamy situation?
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian to let me know what you thought of Drunk on Love
Want to read a modern version of Stephen King's Carrie but with a racial twist? I highly recommend choosing The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson as the choice. Written in the form on a podcast recap, the residents of a small town are interviewed about what went down on prom night, in which they all have similar accounts but the same outcome -Maddy Washington did it. Listen to this episode to find out what happens, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
On one terrifying Halloween night, Alice witnesses her sister's, Claire, gruesome death. However, no one believes her testimony of the man she's trying to put behind bars for the murder. Given one, and only one shot, she is given an opportunity to go back in time to save her sister and find the true killer. How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine is a quick, suspenseful and thrilling whodunnit read right before the end of spooky season. Again, make sure to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
The challenge is to spend a week hiding in an abandoned amusement park and don't get caught for a grand prize of $50,000. With fourteen other competitors, Mack is sure that she can beat the competition as she is great at hiding insert traumatic past When people begin to disappear one by one, ack realizes the competition isn't what it seems and that maybe working together might be the only way to escape...there's everywhere to hide, but nowhere to run. Take a listen on my review of Hide by Kiersten White and follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
In this week’s episode, I have a special guest!! The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill consists of four strangers who become bonded after a murder takes place in the Boston Public Library. I thought it only made sense to discuss this book with someone else who also works in said library. Take a listen and make sure to follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
This is a SPOILER episode!
The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin is the first book in the Arrangement trilogy. There’s much deception, suspicion, and temptation, and unbelievable moments in this fast-paced read. If you’ve read this book, let me know your thoughts on Instagram @the_binging_librarian! Let’s talk about it.
I'm baaaack! We're back for season 4, opening with The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. Recently widowed and Broadway star, Casey Fletcher saves her neighbor from drowning and thus begins a new friendship with her. The more Casey gets to know her neighbor, the more she realizes that their "perfect marriage" isn't everything they make it seem. Take a listen or read the book, and let me know what you think by leaving a comment on my Instagram @the_binging_librarian. Let's talk about it
Joy and Malcolm have been best friends for over a decade, along with her being in love with him for just as long. So when he tells Joy he's been seeing someone for the past two months, Joy is taken aback and devastated. To make it worse, he asks her to join them on a trip over the weekend, not only to meet Summer but also to meet her friend, Fox -to keep him company. With meeting Fox, they decide to fake date in order to make Malcolm jealous; however, in doing so, will Joy fall for Fox instead? Check out The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann, and let me know what you thought of the book by following and leaving a comment on my Instagram @the_binging_librarian
When Andy Drake returns home t care for his ailing father, a love affair sparks between him and his childhood best friend, Rachel. But one day, he receives an anonymous letter warning him to stop the affair...or else! A few days later, Rachel's husband is murdered and Rachel and the kids disappeared. Andy takes it upon himself to solve the case and realizes that he and Rachel weren't the only ones hiding secrets in this quaint neighborhood.
Follow me and leave a comment on my Instagram @the_binging_librarian!
Ten years ago, Eva and her sorority sisters were celebrating the end of the school year. That celebration quickly turned in a violent and deadly nightmare as Eva was accused and convicted of murder. Today, after serving her time, Eva now lives a low-key life; however, people from her past are showing up branded and dead. Is Eva really a murderer or is she being set up? Check out Senseless by Mary Burton, and follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Fleeing from her recent past transgression, Jess imposes herself into her brother's (Ben) life in Paris. However, when she arrives, he's nowhere to be found, but for their relationship that's nothing new. Time keeps passing, and he's still nowhere to be found, and as she looks for him she crosses paths with some sketchy, unfriendly neighbors. What happened to Ben? Do the neighbors have anything to do with his absence? The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley is a quick chaptered, thriller/mystery read.
I'm baaaack! This episode is The Night Shift by Alex Finlay. Fifteen years ago (1999), there was a mass murder that took place in an old Blockbuster, which left one survivor. Today, the same thing happened to a group of high schoolers in an ice cream shop. Written in three different perspectives, these characters figure out if this is a copycat case or if the murderer has returned home for more.
In an effort to appease her new husband Loren invites her mother-in-law, Coralee, to stay with them, while she grieves. When strange things occur just after her arrival, Loren questions how much she knows about the woman she invited in her home...There's something strange about Loren's new mother-in-law (taken from Amazon). Kiersten Modglin's The Mother-in-Law is a suspenseful read of a crazy MIL. If you've read this story or any others by Kiersten Modglin, let me know what you thought on Instagram @the_binging_librarian!
Imagine if someone followed you -they knew your schedule better than you did. Imagine that they went as far as putting your picture in the local newspaper. How would you feel? What would you do? Take a listen as I review this suspenseful, thriller read by Clare Mackintosh. If you've read this book or any other works by this author, you should let me know by following or leaving a comment on my Instagram @the_binging_librarian
One Philadelphia day, Yoona and her friends are held hostage in a dorm room by her estranged friend, Lloyd. Yoona and Lloyd became friends through her boyfriend when they participated in a study abroad program in South Korea. Jaesung died tragically in a car accident; however, Lloyd believes that his best friend and Yoona's love is very much still alive and held captive by the North Korean government. Will Yoona make it out alive? Are Lloyd's declarations true?
A Small Revolution by Jimin Han
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What would you do if someone you loved was kidnapped, and the nappers threatened that the only way to see that person would be to pay a large ransom and to kidnap another child from someone else-thus repeating the Chain Game? If you go to the authorities, you'll die. If you call their bluff, chances are you'll die. What would you do?
This is a good thriller read by Adrian McKinty that you should read. Let me know what you think by following me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian. Let's talk about it!
Special Episode with my first guest!
We finally read Brit Bennett's The Vanishing Half. My special guest and I had many thoughts. So take a listen!
Follow me and leave a comment on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
The Sanatorium is the debut novel by Sarah Pearse. An old sanatorium, turned hotel, with a dark history is the backdrop for a string of murders happening on-site. Detective Elin Warner tries to save her relationship with her estranged brother as they celebrate his new engagement at the hotel. But when his new fiancé disappears, will Elin solve the case before she becomes the next victim?
Let me know what you thought of The Sanatorium by following me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
What was your favorite childhood game to play? Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon is a dark, yet great twist to one of my favorite games growing up. The whole ambiance of this book held my interest from beginning to end. So if you're looking for a good October read...I highly recommend this one! Follow me and comment your favorite game on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
It's the 70s, in Mexico, where communism and protests are heavy. When a young woman vanishes from the city with pictures and important information, the two protagonists making it their own separate missions to find her. Throw in a lot of violence, a sprinkle of romance, and a dope playlist and you have Velvet was the Night by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia!
Let me know what you think of this book or the author's other works on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Imagine intense moments with your mother-in-law. So that when she dies the police are asking you questions about her death...in other words, you're a suspect. Listen to this review of The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth and let me know what you thought of the book on instagram @the_binging_librarian! Let's talk about it.
It's the 90s, and you may or may not have witnessed your best friend get murdered. You decide to pack up and leave with a stranger. The more he tells his story, the more things are not adding up...How will you survive the night? Check out Survive the Night by Riley Sager! Let me know what you think on Instagram @the_binging_librarian
Also, mini spoiler alert at 6:22-7:00
While We Were Dating is the sixth book in Jasmine Guillory's Party series. Famous actress, Anna Gardiner and average guy, Ben become attracted to one another after a family emergency happens. With deep conversations, lots of sex, and feelings getting hurt, this is a great contemporary romance read. Follow me on Instagram @the_binging_librarian and let me know what you thought of the book!
Alex Michaelides' second book, The Maidens, is a thriller with twists and turns you may not expect. We follow Marianna, a recent widow, as she not only works through her personal issues, but also takes it upon herself to play detective and solve the mystery of who is the University Murderer. If you've read the book, head over to @the_binging_librarian on Instagram to discuss this story!
What happens when Nigerian culture meets Harry Potter influence? I introduce you to Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor! Young Sunny is an albino twelve year old living in Nigeria, after moving from America. She befriends a classmate and his neighbor, and discovers that she has strong magical abilities. It's up to her and her friends to defeat a man that kidnaps and murders children around the neighborhood. What's the challenge? He knows how to use juju and is a powerful man. Will Sunny and company succeed or be murdered?
Throw in dismembered bodies, several sprinkles of gore, and a pinch of PTSD...mix it all together and you get Nadine Matheson's The Jigsaw Man!
This is the way the world ends... for the last time. The Fifth Season by Hugo Award winner N. K. Jemisin is the first volume in the Broken Earth series. Following three different perspectives and experiences, Jemisin plops us into her created world full of seismic energy and other traumatic moments. If this sounds dark and a little eerie, that's because it is! Check it out and give it a chance!
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a story about Eddie who brutally and tragically died on his birthday. He's in Heaven and crosses paths with five people (surprise surprise). With a little dark humor and life lessons along the way, you should definitely check out this episode and read the book!
Some thoughts after reading His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie:
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Evelyn could be my new best friend!
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Afi has more patience than I could ever have.
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Everything Eli and his family said were lies.
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I just wanted Afi to live her best life!
Haunted House. Ghosts. Voices. Murder. These are just some of the ingredients that make up Silvia Moreno-Garcia's hit horror novel, Mexican Gothic. Check it out and give it a read!
Imagine going to your high school reunion minding your business, when all of a sudden someone anonymously sends you flowers and calls you a murderer... Check out The Class Reunion by N. L. Hinkens to see how Heather Nelson deals with this exact problem!
This week's episode is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. When the death of her cat becomes the last straw, Nora Seed decides to end it all. In doing so, she finds herself in the Midnight Library, where she can review and undo her life's regrets.
This episode review is American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Listen, I came for Pablo Schreiber (a.k.a the 7 ft tall leprechaun, Mad Sweeney), but I ended up staying for this epic, immersive story. Check it out!
How do you think you'd fare against zombies after the Civil War? Justina Ireland's Dread Nation explores what happens when slavery is abolished in a post-apocalyptic world.
This episode is The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle - Twin sisters, identical on the outside, dangerously different on the inside!
This very short episode is a review for the Greek mythology story of Circe by Madeline Miller. All I have to say is... it couldn't be me living on an island by myself in exile with lions and pigs for friends, with the occasional appearances from other gods and humans. Nope!
This episode is The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn. I don't know about you, but Dr. Anna Fox was the neighbor you avoided. The Fresh Prince voice Mind ya business, Anna. Just mind ya business.
This week's episode is How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams! What do you do when you're about to lose your job? Find and hookup with a one-night stand, of course!
Reviewing Jasmine Guillory's latest installment to the Wedding/Party series, Party of Two!
-"A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking"
Just a quick review of Talia Hibbert's Take a Hint, Dani Brown. Ya'll I don't think I've fallen for a fictional character from a story in a very long time. Check it out!
Just a review of the popular book, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - The story of two star-crossed magicians who engage in a deadly game... may the best man or woman win!
He'll slice your flesh. Your bones he'll keep. The Bone Keeper's coming... And he'll make you weep!
This episode is reviewing The Bone Keeper by Luca Veste!
This episode is reviewing Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff, which was developed and executively produced into a HBO series by Misha Green, J.J. Abrams, and Jordan Peele. Atticus Black joins his friend Letitia and his Uncle George to embark on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father.
This episode is a review of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. This thriller is of a woman who murders her husband -and the therapist who is obsessed with uncovering her motive.