I’m sharing another instalment of my Mini Review Mondays, the most recent of which was last week. In case you haven’t seen any of my previous posts, I do ‘mini’ reviews of books that I’ve previously read and am now ready to share my full thoughts about.
First up, I’d like to talk about How The Other Half Die by P. C. Roscoe. Thank you to Team BKMRK for sending me a proof in exchange for an honest review.
Summer on ultra-exclusive Mokani Island has always been the highlight of Avery Finch’s year. It’s a chance to hang out in paradise with other super rich families. But this summer, Avery brings along her college roommate, Nora, and the vibe feels off from the start.
Avery’s parents are desperately trying to cover up scandalous secrets. Her ex, Hugo, can’t get over their split. Her best friend, Sydney, is acting weird. Leo, who looks hot in his staff uniform, can’t keep his eyes off her. And nobody likes Nora, who keeps sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Everyone on the island is hiding something – and some secrets are worth killing for.
A tropical storm is brewing, and before long someone is going to end up dead …
Publication Date: 3rd July
CW: murder, death, violence, sexual assault, harassment, abuse, classism
My Thoughts:
How the Other Half Die was a pulse-pounding YA thriller with plenty of excellent twists and turns.
I love a book that is basically rich people behaving badly but facing the consequences. Also, I absolutely love the specific subgenre of destination thrillers that take paradise and turn it into a nightmare. This delivers an intriguing tale within both of these spaces with a great romantic thread as well. It is pacy and captivating, keeping the pages flowing nicely. The tension is built wonderfully with the sense of the oncoming storm about to hit these characters.
Roscoe’s characterisation is stellar – in just a few pages, you have the exact sense of this group of spoilt rich teenagers and the way their group formed, but may now be splintering. What the rest of the book delves into is just what else is going on, adding layers to these initial sketches and allowing you to connect more as a reader. Because you move between perspectives, you can connect different pieces of the puzzle and gain new insights into previous actions. It is a tragic tale here but one that seems all too familiar. These relationships are fracturing under the weight of the secrets and scandal they each hold and for their wider families. Nothing is as simple as it may first seem. Contrasting this is Leo, who has had access to the island because of his father working there. He’s an outsider that has previously felt like an insider with the friendship group but everything is going to shift this year.
Everything culminates in an explosive showdown and a very satisfying ending, even though Roscoe may have a final surprise in store.
How the Other Half Die is a great YA thriller to binge-read this summer and would pair well with watching the new adaptation of We Were Liars.
Next up, I’d like to talk about How to Make a Killing by Kate Weston. Thank you to Headline Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Meet the women of Harrington Estates. They’re one big happy family. At least, that’s what they all say…
New arrival Bella is determined to get to the top, and she doesn’t mind stepping on some Louboutin-clad toes to get there. No-nonsense Hannah was the rising star, but now Bella’s stealing her thunder – and her agent of the year award. Olivia wants it all – the glittering career, the picture-perfect family. But lately it feels like something – or someone – is trying to snatch it away. Then there’s poor Claire, who has lost more keys than sold properties – and Bella makes sure the whole office knows it.
When Bella is found dead at the open house for a £10-million mansion, everyone’s a suspect. They’d all die for that listing, after all. But did one of them kill for it?
Publication Date: 3rd July
CW: death, obsession, violence, stalking, blood, gore, murder
My Thoughts:
How To Make a Killing is a must-read murder mystery – Weston rules the roost in this darkly comic gem.
Every character here is deeply unlikeable and out for themselves, putting a new spin on the world of estate agents. Aspects of it seem glamorous but the truth is a constant dogfight of office politics where everyone pretends to love one another. Parts of this are recognisable in most office culture, but Weston dials it up to eleven here. The snippy, cutting tone of most narration sits under your skin perfectly. You get drawn into these people’s lives, their secrets and starting to unpick exactly what makes them tick. It is so juicy and scandalous, especially as the chapters keep flowing and more truths are revealed. There is such skill in making you root for these pretty unpleasant people but Weston pulls it off by showing their messiness and their humanity that shines through at times.
Comedy is so hard to get right – particularly in writing. So much of live comedy can riff on physicality, visual cues, atmosphere and audience reaction. When it’s distilled down to the page, it’s just the words and the reader and somehow the author coaxes a laugh. Weston absolutely nails it here with this naughty, knowing murder mystery like no other. It takes this competitive industry, hiding knives behind fake smiles and adding in a deadly twist. It is incredibly engaging and the humour elevates it. You can recognise these types of people and see their behaviour get more and more outlandish. It is just brilliant. Weston’s writing is slick and stylish, never missing the opportunity to make you smirk or shiver in equal measure. It is a wicked tale with plenty of fiendish twists and turns. All in all, I was astounded with the balance of humour and mystery.
How To Make A Killing highlights Weston’s incredible strengths in comedy, characterisation and compelling plots. Do not miss it.
Finally, I’d like to delve into Real When I’m With You by Lucy Powrie. Thank you to Scholastic for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Seventeen-year-old Effie is fed up of playing third-wheel. She can often be found hanging out at the local coffee shop “Love You a Latte” while her so-called friend Chelsea and her boyfriend kiss in front of her.
One day, following a snide remark from Chelsea about never having a boyfriend, she declares she can absolutely get a date if she just asks for one, so she strides over to the counter and asks the irresistibly cute barista Aiden to pretend to put his number in her phone. Of course, he obliges with a grin – what ensues is a whirlwind of fake dates. But when their fake dates are exposed, Effie and Aiden decide to carry on dating for good, but then, spoiler, nobody believes they really are in a relationship.
But who cares what anyone else thinks? This is Effie and Aiden’s story.
Publication Date: 3rd July
CW: ableism, misogyny
My Thoughts:
Real When I’m With You was such a heartfelt and tender book with a strong message of learning to love yourself.
Reading this was such a comfort, like snuggling up with a hot beverage and escaping from the world for a little while. It was cosy and adorable with such a gorgeous romance. Powrie has fantastic skills in characterisation and drawing you into the bubble of the world she’s created. I instantly connected with Effie and rooted for her throughout. Aiden has such strong Golden Retriever energy and is incredibly lovable from the start too. The fake dating trope works very well for their relationship and the way it evolves and changes. It is very much in conversation with stereotypes around neurodiverse people and the way they may interact with the world, but also within romantic settings.
I also loved how Powrie explored the representation within this book. There was such neurodivergent joy and that sense of community fostered by being around people that truly understand you and want to support you. It is a love letter to genuine friendship that uplifts you and is by your side when you need it most, which is so joyous to see. I am a sucker for found family and tightknit friendship groups and this has such a beautiful example of this.
On the flipside, it is so important that Effie’s storyline is about learning to take up space and advocate for herself, particularly with toxic friendships that have been slowly wearing her down for years. There is an exploration of casual ableism and how those who want to be allies need to educate themselves in order to support those they love, rather than just dismissing concerns.
Real When I’m With You was a brilliant YA contemporary romance, achingly sweet and full of wonderful characterisation.
A Short Book Lover 
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