TESSA TALKS BOOKS

It’s been a whirlwind of reading lately—full of high-stakes mysteries, atmospheric settings, complex characters, and even a few haunting chills. Here’s what I’ve been diving into over the past week.

The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner ★★★★☆

Smart, twisty, and tense, The Break-In kept me turning pages late into the night. Set in London, it follows Alice, a mother who kills an intruder in self-defense—only to realize not everything about that night adds up. Told through multiple POVs, each unique and compelling, the story masterfully builds suspense while exploring guilt, paranoia, and motherhood. At times a little wild, but I was happy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.

What I especially loved was how Katherine Faulkner captured the relentless churn of Alice’s thoughts after the break-in. The moral grayness of her choices, the prickling unease, and the way suspicion slowly infects her relationships made for a compelling psychological layer. Even when I thought I had the answers, the book found ways to make me question everything again.

The Art of Legend by Wesley Chu ★★★★★

This is world-building at its finest—rich, detailed, and completely immersive. The characters are wonderfully morally gray, which made me love them even more (Taishi, especially, stole my heart). There’s humor, surprising moments, and a setting that reminded me of Rivendell in Lord of the Rings. The ending shocked me but left me satisfied. A standout fantasy read.

Wesley Chu also has a knack for weaving humor into intense moments without breaking the tension. The banter between characters made them feel like real people, flaws and all, and the cultural depth of the world felt authentic rather than just “fantasy dressing.” Even when certain characters frustrated me (looking at you, Jian), I still wanted to follow their journeys and see what they’d do next.

The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan ★★★★¼

Atmospheric and steeped in Appalachian lore, this mystery follows PI Annie Gore as she investigates a cold case involving missing girls. The setting is vivid, the writing evocative, and Annie’s backstory adds an emotional punch. It’s a haunting, slow-burn mystery that lingers long after the last page.

What made this one stand out is how deeply rooted it is in place. The holler feels like a living, breathing character—complete with whispers of superstition, family secrets, and an unspoken code outsiders will never quite crack. Annie’s personal connection to the mountains brings an authenticity to her investigation, making it as much about confronting her past as solving the case.

High Season by Katie Bishop ★★★★☆

This dual-timeline suspense novel transports you to the glamorous (and shadowy) Côte d’Azur. When a murder conviction from 20 years ago resurfaces, secrets and lies come bubbling to the surface. Immersive writing, strong character development, and a slow-burn pace made this one worth savoring, though at times there were perhaps too many characters to juggle.

I especially appreciated how Bishop captured the contrast between the glittering surface of the Riviera and the murky truths lurking beneath. The shifting timelines added layers to the mystery, forcing me to piece together the past and present like a jigsaw puzzle. Even when the pace slowed, the atmosphere kept me hooked, and the payoff was worth the wait.

The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy ★★★☆☆

A summertime thriller with a chilling edge, The Creeping mixes friendship, romance, and small-town secrets. Stella survived a childhood disappearance, but her friend Jeanie didn’t—and when another redheaded girl is found dead, old memories resurface. The eerie tone kept me hooked, though I found parts predictable. Still, it delivers a spooky, atmospheric vibe perfect for late-summer reading.

What worked best for me was the slow build of dread as Stella’s memories began to return. The blend of teenage drama with an unsettling mystery gave it a nostalgic Fear Street feel. While I wish the final reveal had packed more punch, the creepy small-town setting and sinister undercurrent made this a solid pick if you’re in the mood for chills without full-on horror.

QOTD:

Which of these would you read first—tense domestic thriller, epic fantasy, haunting mystery, sun-soaked suspense, or eerie small-town chills?