For several reasons, I’ve chosen this beauty to talk about on today’s Judge a Book by its Cover. I visited London recently where I devoured the magnificence of Big Ben, so its image never fails to charm me. But of course, there’s much more to this book cover.
It’s been a few weeks since I did a book cover judging post. I have gathered up lots of interesting and beautiful books since then — thanks to authors of Threads!
Today I’m talking about Bad Water by TJ Buck. This one slipped through the net in the last round of submissions. I had it saved in the wrong folder. (So many folders. I’m due a clean up.)
This book cover instantly reminded me of westerns my uncle used to read many years ago. My first impression was cowboys. That branch sticking up behind the tree trunk looks like a rifle at first glance. The darkness, and the title, Bad Water, tells me that bad things have happened or are about to happen.
I looked this book up on Amazon and Goodreads to find out more and I was disappointed that there is no blurb for the book, which is unusual. It simply tells me that this a cold case murder investigation from multiple perspectives.
Is this enough for me to delve deeper? Actually, yes, because I’m a sucker for murder investigations. However, it’s the positive reviews that would sell this book to me.
Ellie Midwood on Goodreads⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Bad Water” is a gripping crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The novel is uniquely told from the perspectives of three women from the same family, offering a rich, multigenerational insight into the crime that has haunted them for decades.
The story begins with Gina, whose mother Tina was tragically killed when Gina was only three years old. Now an adult, Gina returns to her hometown, driven by a relentless desire to uncover the truth and seek justice for her mother. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Gina, her grandmother, and her boss—an ex-boxer who becomes an unexpected ally in their quest for justice.
The author masterfully weaves together the voices of these three women, each bringing their own experiences, emotions, and determination to the forefront. Gina’s grandmother, a resilient and strong-willed woman, has long yearned for the perpetrator to face justice. Her perspective adds depth to the story, highlighting the enduring impact of the crime on the family.
Gina’s boss, with his own troubled past, proves to be a surprising yet invaluable ally. His unique skills and connections bring a fresh dynamic to the investigation, adding layers of complexity and suspense.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The obstacles the characters face are formidable, from uncovering long-buried secrets to dealing with the looming threat of an unknown serial killer. The tension builds as the story progresses, leading to a thrilling and satisfying climax.
“Bad Water” is not just a tale of crime and justice; it’s a profound exploration of family, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of truth. The multigenerational perspective enriches the narrative, making it a standout in the crime thriller genre. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the characters’ journey and eager to discover whether they will succeed or if the killer will remain at large.
Overall, “Bad Water” is a must-read for fans of crime thrillers, offering a compelling and heartfelt story that lingers long after the final page.Progress Wings on Goodreads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Riveting Journey Through Mystery and Morality
It’s a great choice for anyone who likes mysteries that not only have puzzles to solve but also dig deep into what people feel and the tough decisions they face.The story is told through different characters, including a hardworking detective named Hendrix, a woman named Gina who lost her mother to murder, and Chester Charlton, a man with secrets.
The story builds tension slowly, leading to big surprises that make you want to keep reading.
All the characters like Detective Hendri, Gina, and Chester Charlton are well developed. Bruce Charlton, which add interesting twists to the story.
Theme is also very clearly explained, It makes you think about how far someone might go to protect their family and what is morally right or wrong.
The conversations between characters are realistic and show a lot about their personalities without needing too much explanation.
Final Thoughts: It’s a deep look at how people handle difficult situations and the painful journey toward finding the truth. If you enjoy mysteries that make you think deeply, this book is worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it utterly unputdownable.
My first impression of this book cover wasn’t 100% accurate but I was very close — bad things happened! Sounds like a great little read, judging by these excellent reviews. Available on Amazon. Bad Water by TJ Buck.
Thank you for reading!
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How often do you judge a book by its cover? Is it the first thing you’re drawn to, or is the title?
My first post of ‘Judge a Book by its Cover’.
Today I’ve chosen The Edge of Summer by Bobbi Maclaren
I really love the colours on this book cover, especially the way they bleed into each other. It has a soft look giving me the impression that this is an easy read, romantic, and perfect for a holiday. Even without the word ‘summer’ in the title, this cover still gives summer vibes. I see flowers, a camera, and a postcard of the sea and a lighthouse. And even with all that, it’s not too much on the eye. Very nicely designed!
The Blurb
Delilah Delacroix is doing the best she can. Eight months after losing her parents and taking guardianship of her younger siblings, moving halfway across the country to a small island town is just what they need. Too bad this only seems to make her brother hate her more.
Fire Chief Luke Bowman can count on one hand the number of people he trusts. After what happened with his ex, he certainly isn’t going to let another woman get inside his head. But when Delilah comes to town, this proves to be difficult.
As summer burns and things between Delilah and Luke start to heat up, trouble lingers. Delilah’s brother seems to be drifting further away and she doesn’t know how to get him back. Meanwhile, Luke is trying desperately to keep history from repeating itself.
When a casual arrangement starts feeling like a whole lot more, Delilah knows she needs to walk away, but it’s easier said than done when Luke has seen all her jagged edges. Luke knows that he can’t give Delilah what she needs and letting her go is the right thing to do. So why does it feel so wrong?
Judging by the reviews, this is a big soppy love story. Dreamy fireman and hot single dad alerts!
Apoorva Sharma 5.0 out of 5 stars
What a debut!!
Read this book if you like:
🌼Small Town
🌼Fresh Start
🌼Guardian
🌼casual? is it
🌼he is a firefighter
🌼follow your dreams
Okay what a debut it is. I have been waiting for this book for so long and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The feels, the vibe, the aesthetic everything was set to perfection. What’s more important? The struggle of being a guardian, the constant feeling of failing and finally having someone who helps you. The whole small town drama was also perfect and I devoured the chemistry between the two of them.Shannai 5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal debut novel!
I had the best time in Kip Island with Delilah Delacroix and the Bowman family! There’s something dreamy about the Bowden brothers *𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴* 𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘸𝘮𝘢𝘯 *𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘴* 𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘵! 🥵🤭
Bringing it back to the man of the hour, Chief Luke Bowman is one seriously hot fireman, who Delilah accidentally runs into the back of, when moving to the small town she saw on the back of a postcard.
Heartbroken by the tragic loss of her parents, eight months ago, and now the sole guardian for her younger siblings, Delilah is in need of a fresh start.
The best way I could describe Delilah and Luke is that they’re so soft for each other. They’re both at very different points in their lives and the last thing that either of them needs is a relationship. I loved how they brought the best out of each other.
Sounds like a charming little read, and 10 out of 10 from me for the cover. It gives the readers a good idea of what to expect from the book. Have a look on Goodreads for more amazing reviews for The Edge of Summer.
What do you think of the cover?
Thanks for reading.
If you’d prefer something a bit more riveting, less romantic with darker themes like tragedy and revenge, fear and regret, you might like to take a peek inside the first few pages of Secrets in the Babby House. It may just be your cup of tea!
Set in a gossipy small town in Ireland at a time when marriage is for keeps and sexuality is repressed, Secrets in the Babby House is a family saga over three decades that starts in 1956. It is a story of love, deception, and stolen diaries filled with sins and secrets.
Also available on Rakuten Kobo book.
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I constantly beat myself up about not writing book reviews for every book I read. So much to do with so little time! However, I only leave reviews when I’m giving at least 3 stars.
I made time to write a review for this little beauty, Beatrice’s Fate by Camilla Galbiati.
“How rapidly everything can change. Happiness is like a house of cards, easily destroyed even by the faintest of breezes or the lightest of touches.”
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Gloria McBreen 