I’m at 39 books out of 50 for my Goodreads goal with three full months ahead of me, can I meet my reading goal? The easiest way to reach this goal is to read graphic novels and psychological thrillers. When I think about the types of books I gravitate towards, psychological thrillers & mysteries are high on the list. I can read a 400-page mystery book in two days if the mystery is enticing. I finished reading three mystery books in a short time, so I’m combining them all into one post.

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Ten years ago, Quincy Carpenter was the only survivor of a brutal massacre in an isolated cabin. Quincy remembers nothing of the experience as her brain protects her from the trauma. In the media, she has been labeled a “Final Girl” and grouped into a victim category with two other girls who survived their violent events. When one of the “Final Girls” is found dead by apparent suicide, Quincy is forced to dive into her memories to remember the massacre and how this relates to the death of the “Final Girl”

Reading Final Girls is similar to watching a slasher movie. In the final climax of the book, Quincy confronts her horrors and recognizes what truly happened during her time at the cabin. Final Girls had unexpected plot twists that I wasn’t fully comprehending what was happening in the story.

Final Girls was a fabulous read and my head is still spinning from what I read. I plan on re-reading this book sometime next year to see if I pick up on any foreshadowing I missed. I rated Final Girls 5 stars on Goodreads and added this book to my favorites shelf.

The Ex by Alafair Burke

Olivia Randall is a sophisticated defense attorney in NYC. She is called to represent Jack Harris who happens to be her ex-fiance. Olivia feels she owes it to Jack to represent him because of how she treated him in their past relationship. As she represents him, she recognizes Jack isn’t what he seems.

The Ex is more of a legal thriller with court scenes and legal jargon sprinkled throughout the book. I found Olivia Randall to be an unlikable character. She seems cold and ruthless, but as the book develops, Olivia gets better. The mystery itself was predictable, however, there were mini reveals I hadn’t anticipated.

The Ex wasn’t my favorite mystery book I have ever read, but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. I rated The Ex 4 stars on Goodreads (I would probably rate this 3.5 stars).

The Echo Killing by Christi Daugherty

Harper McClain is a skilled crime reporter. She works the late shift with her partner, Miles. Harper has a unique relationship with the police allowing her to succeed at her job. Fifteen years ago, Harper’s mother, Alicia, is murdered in her childhood home. The murder has since been unsolved. Harper is sent to investigate another murder strangely resembling her mother’s case. The real question is whether these murders are connected?

Harper serves as a great main character. She’s fiercely independent and passionate about her job. She keeps investigating even though she’s told not to by several cops. Towards the end of the novel, she does what she needs to do even though it’s dangerous. She doesn’t rely on anyone to help her. As a leading protagonist, Harper is well written.

This book surprised me as I expected everything to be uncovered, but there are still so many unanswered questions. I can’t reveal any of this information without spoiling the book, but immediately after I finished The Echo Killing, I looked into ordering the second book in the series. I held off for now because I need to read more of the books in my pile, but in my next book order, I will for sure purchase the sequel.

The Echo Killing is a well thought out mystery series. I like the scenery of Savannah and how the reader gets to know Harper’s friends and where she hangs out. I’m curious to see if book #2 will answer these questions. I rated The Echo Killing 4 stars on Goodreads.

I’m always open to book recommendations, so if you have any mystery or psychological thriller recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.