In Search of a Killer (Good Audiobook)

 It's a struggle that every audiobook fan knows all too well: staring at the Libby app, a list of mystery and thriller titles in front of you, but with no idea where to start. There are so many choices, and it's so hard to commit to a book without knowing if the narration is going to be a perfect match for the story.

I've been in this exact predicament for the last week. I've finished my last audiobook and I'm itching for a new dose of suspense. I'm looking for a story that will grab me from the very first minute, with a narrator who can make me forget I'm even listening to an audiobook. A voice that can bring characters to life, build tension with every syllable, and deliver a plot twist that makes me gasp out loud while I'm doing the dishes.

My Libby holds list is getting a little out of control, and it's time to make a decision. I've been eyeing a few popular titles that keep popping up in my searches:

• Freida McFadden's books seem to be everywhere, with titles like The Housemaid and Never Lie getting a lot of buzz. I'm intrigued by the fast-paced, twisty plots people talk about. (Have read these two books already).

• The ever-popular The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is another one that keeps appearing. It's a psychological thriller classic for a reason, and I've heard great things about its narration. (Have read this book).

• I've also seen a lot of recommendations for Lucy Foley's books, like The Guest List and The Midnight Feast, which are praised for their full-cast narrations that add a whole new layer to the whodunnit experience. (Read The Midnight Feast)

But the sheer number of options is still overwhelming. Do I go for a a recent hit, a classic, or a book by a new-to-me author? I'm torn between wanting something I know is going to be good and wanting to discover a new favorite.

So I'm turning to all of you, my fellow book lovers and audiobook connoisseurs. What mystery or thriller audiobook have you listened to recently that you couldn't stop thinking about? What book on Libby is a can't-miss listen, and who is the narrator who truly made the story unforgettable? I need your help to narrow down the choices and find my next great listen. Drop your recommendations in the comments below!

Vacation Recap: More Family Time, Less Reading Time

I just got back from a fantastic 10-day vacation, and while I’m always sad when a trip ends, I'm feeling refreshed and recharged. I'm usually the person who packs a stack of books for a trip, fully expecting to power through them all. This time, however, things were a little different.

My reading time was practically non-existent.

And honestly? I'm not even mad about it.

This vacation was all about quality time with family. My family and I spent our days exploring new places, laughing over shared meals, and just enjoying each other's company. These uninterrupted moments are becoming more and more precious, and I chose to be fully present, to soak up every conversation and memory we were making together.

Instead of turning pages, I was listening to stories, playing endless card games, and having conversations that weren’t rushed or interrupted by daily life. My carefully curated stack of books remained mostly untouched, a testament to how fully I embraced the break from my usual routine.

While I didn't get to escape into a fictional world, I did get to live fully in my own. The book blog will be back to its regularly scheduled programming soon, but for now, I'm just happy to be home with a heart full of memories and a bookshelf full of future adventures.

What’s a vacation memory you cherish more than any book you've ever read? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

My Happy Place: The Simple Joy of Iced Coffee and a Great Book Indoors

Okay, let's talk about the simple pleasures in life. While I'm still ready for those poolside reading sessions (especially with this enduring Texas heat!), there's a particular kind of cozy contentment I've been absolutely reveling in lately: staying in, with an iced coffee in hand, completely absorbed in a great book.

After a busy stretch and the delightful chaos of summer gatherings, there's a unique comfort in intentionally choosing to stay home. My perfectly organized bookshelves are practically beaming, inviting me to pluck off a story that matches my current mood. And with my rediscovered love for romance novels alongside my trusty thrillers, the options are plentiful and tempting.

The star of this indoor reading ritual, however, is undoubtedly the iced coffee. There's just something about that cool, refreshing sip that perfectly complements the immersion of a good book. It's the ideal companion, providing a gentle buzz without the intense heat of a hot drink, allowing me to lose myself in pages for hours. It’s like the universe is conspiring to keep me perfectly hydrated and stimulated for my literary adventures.

This isn't about being unproductive; it's about being mindfully unproductive. It's about creating a personal sanctuary where the outside world fades, and the only demands are those of the narrative in my hands. The quiet hum of the AC, the clink of ice in my glass, and the rustle of turning pages create a perfect symphony of relaxation.

I've been choosing books that I can truly sink into, letting the stories unfold at their own pace. Whether it's a gripping mystery keeping me guessing or a heartwarming romance making me smile, the experience is elevated by the calm of my own space and the steady refreshment of my drink. It's my personal form of self-care, a way to recharge and reconnect with the simple joys of reading without any external distractions.

So, if you're looking for a perfect way to unwind, I highly recommend this simple ritual. Brew up your favorite iced coffee, find that comfy spot (maybe even in your newly organized reading nook!), and let a great book transport you.

What's your ultimate "staying in" reading setup? Do you have a go-to drink that makes your reading sessions extra special?

A Perfect Pairing: Starbucks and a Book (or Two!) at Barnes & Noble

There's something about a Friday, isn't there? The week winds down, the weekend stretches ahead, and the possibilities for relaxation open up. And today, I have a particularly delightful plan brewing: a trip to Barnes & Noble for a Starbucks fix, with the very real possibility of a book (or two!) coming home with me.

Given my recent reflections on missing the serendipity of physical Browse and my ongoing search for a local independent bookstore that doesn't break the bank, a Barnes & Noble visit feels like the perfect compromise today. It offers that wonderful blend of convenience and the joy of being surrounded by books.

My primary mission is a Starbucks run. A perfectly crafted iced coffee sounds like just the thing to kick off the afternoon. But let's be honest, walking past those towering bookshelves, smelling that intoxicating blend of coffee and paper, it's impossible not to be drawn in.

Even though I've just meticulously organized my home shelves and am actively loving my Libby app for free reads, there's a unique pull to a new, crisp physical book. The promise of a fresh story, the weight of it in your hands, the uncreased spine – it's a special kind of allure.

And that's where the "or two!" comes in. My mood-reading tendencies mean I never quite know what will call to me. Will it be that gripping mystery I've been eyeing, or a delightful romance to continue my newfound appreciation for the genre? Perhaps a completely unexpected title will jump out at me from the new releases table.

This isn't about needing books; it's about the pure joy of the hunt, the discovery, and the simple pleasure of adding a tangible piece of potential adventure to my collection. It's about indulging in a moment of quiet Browse, fueled by caffeine, in a place designed entirely around the love of stories.

Wish me luck on my mission! I'm off to enjoy a perfect blend of my favorite beverage and the sweet anticipation of new literary treasures.

What's your favorite combination for a bookstore visit? Coffee, tea, or just the quiet hum of happy readers?

August in Texas: My Poolside Reading Season is FAR From Over!

Well, here we are, August 3rd. My last blog post definitely reflected that "where did summer go?!" shock. But then, the Texas heat quickly reminded me: summer is still very much here. And that, my friends, means my glorious poolside reading season is far from over!

While some parts of the country might be starting to dream of crisp autumn air and pumpkin spice lattes, here in Texas, August usually brings some of our most intense heat. We're talking triple-digit temperatures, sunshine that bakes the pavement, and a very strong incentive to stay as close to a body of water as humanly possible.

And honestly? I'm not mad about it.

This extended heat means my prime outdoor reading spot – that comfy lounge chair by the pool, strategically placed for maximum shade and quick dips – will be getting plenty more use. My initial worry about summer slipping away before I could truly indulge in those perfect, uninterrupted physical book sessions has eased considerably.

In fact, it's pretty much guaranteed now. As long as the Texas sun is blazing, you'll find me there, probably with a glass of iced tea, a good book, and the soothing sound of water. It's less about the calendar month and more about the climate. August in Texas isn't the end of summer; it's often the peak of "stay-by-the-pool-at-all-costs" season.

So, while others might be packing away their swimsuits, I'm just getting started. My refreshed bookshelves are ready, my "one book at a time" focus is locked in, and my appreciation for Libby's free audiobooks for chore-time is stronger than ever. But when it comes to pure, unadulterated relaxation with a physical book, the poolside calls.

Are you in a region where summer lingers far into August, or even September? What's your strategy for enjoying those extended warm days with a book?

August Already?! Where Did Summer Go?

Can you believe it? I blinked, and suddenly it's August 1st! It feels like just yesterday I was basking in the post-July 4th glow, admiring my newly organized bookshelves, and anticipating endless days of poolside reading. Now, here we are, already a full month into summer's final stretch.

Where did July go? It zoomed by in a delightful blur of family time, the satisfying thrum of audiobooks accompanying my chores, and the ongoing, delicious dilemma of choosing between a mystery and a romance. I finally settled into a reading rhythm, enjoying the freedom of being a mood reader and making the most of my beloved Libby app.

I was just starting to perfect my poolside reading setup, finding that ideal balance of sun and shade for my book, and now I feel like I'm already looking towards fall. It’s that familiar bittersweet feeling every year: the joy of summer's long days mixed with the melancholic realization that they're slipping away far too quickly.

This sudden arrival of August has me thinking about all the books I still want to read before the leaves start to turn. My TBR pile, which felt so manageable after my great cleanse, seems to be silently growing again, beckoning me with new stories. I still haven't fully indulged in that perfect, uninterrupted physical book session I promised myself for the summer, preferring to just be during my last break.

So, as we officially step into August, my renewed focus is on savoring every last bit of this season. That means more poolside pages, more audiobooks while I enjoy the warm evenings, and definitely more deliberate time spent with the books I'm most excited about. Because if July taught me anything, it's that time truly does fly when you're enjoying yourself.

Are you also feeling the "August already?!" shock? What's on your must-read list to squeeze in before summer says goodbye?