A Chilling Summer Read — My Thoughts on Things We Do in the Dark

Ok guys Happy Monday!

My weekend may have been filled with miles and margaritas, but I made lots of space for page turning in a few books I mentioned last week. I need to talk about some things here lol

I promise this is still a running page.....but right now, let's pretend I'm doing a book review!

If you’re in the mood for a dark, twisty psychological thriller with a side of trauma, secrets, and the kind of storytelling that makes you lose track of time — Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier delivers. And wow, did it......

This was one of those books that pulled me in immediately. Hillier masterfully weaves two timelines and two seemingly separate storylines — and I found myself equally invested in both. I love when an author makes me care about what’s happening now and then, and the way she ties them together? Brilliant. I absolutely devoured the plot.

That said, I do have one tiny gripe: the reveal of the killer’s identity felt a little too quick for my taste. After all that tension, all those clues, all that psychological build-up — I wanted a bit more of a slow burn before it all unraveled. I think the story had room to draw that moment out just a little longer and make it hit even harder.

And Jimmy Peralta… his death was unexpectedly tragic. I wasn’t ready for it, and it left a heavier emotional note than I anticipated. I just wish his ending had been given more space — more weight — especially considering how deeply tied he was to the heart of the story. There was so much complexity in his background, and I think readers deserved a slightly slower descent into that final reveal.

Overall? I loved this book. Even with the ending feeling a tad rushed, it’s easily one of my favorite thrillers this year. Hillier has a way of writing that makes the pages fly by, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her work. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts haunting and human — give this one a go. Just… maybe don’t read it alone at night.

And now, I'm 256 pages deep into Hunting Adeline and it's equal parts hard to read as it is difficult to put down. I'll give more space to that manuscript later this week as I digest more of it.

As I'm sitting here working, my minds distracted and wondering when Zade will rescue Adeline. My morning coffee prior to my workouts has been hijacked in the best way from these great reads that I've placed in front of me.

I have a Barnes and Noble package heading my way and I might do an unboxing! Will be very excited to read what my SIL picked out for me and hoping I can finish HA before the weekend so I can dive right back into more good reads.

Oh and speaking of my SIL, I'm not talking about Ashley :) My brother's wifey is a much bigger bookworm than me and has a great Instagram for all things book related. You need to check her out if you're looking for your next summer read :)

Come back later for my weekend and Monday recaps!

Life is good~