The Ten Worst People in New York by Matt Plass

The Ten Worst People in New York is a list like no other. Calling out the ten “worst” people by vote is brutal without the impending doom facing those who were named. The first person to go from the list was a fluke, they obviously couldn’t take the pressure. But then more start to perish and it becomes clear that there is more to this list than your average 2025 trolling.

The Ten Worst People in New York is 305 pages long and took me two days to read.

I’m giving this book a 3.5 out of 5! I really enjoyed the premise and the enjoyed how the book wrapped up. I also really enjoyed how the book took place all over the city, it made it feel as face paced as the city itself!

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for sending me this copy!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

Fifty Fifty, The Devil’s Advocate and Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh

It’s not often that you read a book and think “wow, I have to read everything this person has written”… Well, that’s where I’ve found myself with Steve Cavanagh! After reading Witness 8 earlier this year, I realized how much I’ve been missing out. While reading each of these books I had to sit down with my husband and talk through them because each story was one wild ride after another.

Witness 8 is 403 pages long and took me four days to read. I’m giving Witness 8 a 4 out of 5 stars. This heart-pounding thriller about a maybe not-so-great babysitter framing her boss for murder is spectacular. I truly didn’t expect several of the twists and those I saw coming were delivered with such expertise that I felt giddy reading them.

The Devil’s Advocate is 422 pages long and took me three days to read. I’m giving The Devil’s Advocate a 5 out of 5. I cannot say enough about this book. A district attorney that is a serial killer by ensuring those he prosecutes gets the death penalty whether they are innocent or not? Say no more. It is heartbreaking, dark, timely and top notch writing. I read that it was compared to John Grisham which I don’t take lightly but, damn, it’s earned that comp. Please read this book!

Fifty Fifty is 373 pages long and took me three days to read. I’m giving Fifty Fifty 4.5 out of 5 stars. Two sisters pointing fingers at each other for the murder of their father wouldn’t seem like much if it weren’t for the point of view of the guilty sister who is a serial killer. Wow, this book had so much action considering it was primarily a court room thriller.

In summary, Steve Cavanagh is the man and his series with Eddie Flynn as the main character need to be read by all who love a legal thriller and don’t mind the tough stuff.

Thank you so much, Atria Books, you’ve given me a new favorite author!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus

First things first, I should explain this photo. I’ve loved blink-182 since I was 13 years old and haven’t stopped since. I wanted to do something special for Mark’s book because his words have meant so much to me. So, I thought, “What better way to show my love then by creating something with the people I have/am going to blink concerts with”. They were all very good sports about me weirdly asking them for a photo of their hand and forearm but I’m grateful because I think this turned out really well. Thank you, Angi, Luke, Beth, Cait, Lindsay, Luke, Kayla, Trey and John!

Ok, now the reason you’re here.. Fahrenheit-182 is one of the few memoirs I’ve read because I typically only enjoy fiction. Who wants to read about the real world when we live in it, am I right!?! No, I’m not right because this book is truly something special. Not only from a diehard fan but from a human experiencing real life, Mark has described his world so beautifully. Whether it is the landscape he describes or his own emotions, it feels like you are there with him. I shouldn’t be surprised that Mark Hoppus knows how to move you when he’s capable of writing something like “Adam’s Song”. I found myself laughing (duh), feeling melancholy, anxiety, heartbreak and love while reading his story. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself we haven’t yet seen, Mark.

Fahrenheit-182 is 379 pages long and took me two days to read.

This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read so far this year and is absolutely my favorite non-fiction I’ve ever read. I’m giving it a 5 out of 5. Even if you’re not a blink-182 fan, reading about the 90s, touring, music industry, friendship and love make this book worth the time.

Congratulations again, Mark and fuck you too (sorry, grandma)!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

Cold Storage, The Day After The Party, and The Last Bookstore On Earth

Cold Storage by Michael Grumley

The follow up to “Deep Freeze” did not disappoint! I really enjoy the characters Grumley has created in this future U.S. In its own way it feels like a modern day western of tricks, shoot outs and unwelcome guests. I will absolutely be reading the remainder of the series because this took a very unexpected turn!

I’m giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you, Forge, for sending me this copy!

The Day After The Party by Nicole Trope

You know how there are books where you don’t really like any of the characters? Well that is certainly true for Trope’s “The Day After The Party”. Each character’s point of view made them more untrustworthy and less likable than before (in the best possible way). I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns throughout this book and it is absolutely “read in one sitting” level juicy.

I’m rating it a 3 out 5 stars!

Thank you so much, Grand Central Publishing, for sending me this copy!

The Last Bookstore On Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold

I usually really enjoy an apocalypse storyline but add in being forced to live in (and operate) a bookstore?!? SOLD! This book has a great blend of danger, heartbreak and human nature wrapped up in its 320 pages. It did feel obviously heavy at times but the characters brought hope throughout and I really enjoyed my reading experience!

I’m giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars!

Thank you so much, Delacorte Press, for sending me this copy!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning

Ruby and Wren are just normal teenage sisters that are strapped for cash when an elderly woman approaches them with an interesting proposition to pose as her estranged granddaughters at an upcoming party. The party is being held at an infamous mansion that the girls have always been curious about and again, they could really use the money. Wren, being the younger and more reckless sister, immediately agrees to accompany this woman. Walking through the doors of this incredible but very creepy home, the girls find themselves in a life threatening position that they’ll have to fight their way out of if they hope to make it home.

The Lies We Conjure is 386 pages long and took me four days to read.

This is one of my favorite books of the year! I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 5! It took me so long to read because I truly didn’t want it to end. I will be visiting the authors backlist thanks to this read. Highly recommend for fans of magic!

Thank you, Tor Teen, for sending me this copy!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

Proof by Beverley McLachlin

Defense attorney Jilly Truit has been on maternity leave after her beautiful baby girl was born. She is reluctant to return to work but she receives a phone call regarding a famous missing child whose mother is under investigation by the police. She agrees to take the case because she truly believes her client is innocent. But her conscious won’t simply let her defend her client. She knows she needs to find the missing girl before she can sleep at night.

Proof is 458 pages long and took me five days to read.

I’m giving this book a 3.5 out of 5. I found Jilly really compelling and found myself needing to know the truth. Even though it is on the longer side, the payout at the end is worth the pages!

Thank you, Simon and Schuster, for sending me this copy!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey

Anniversary!

8 years ago I started LaceyDoesLit.com! 🎉 These past 8 years I’ve gone on so many adventures through reading, made so many new friends and have discovered so much about myself and what I enjoy reading. I’m thankful to my past self for making that leap because it’s truly changed my life! If you’re thinking about doing something that seems kind of silly or out of your comfort zone, just do it! You’ll thank yourself later! 🖤

Assassins Anonymous-Rob Hart

Mark is totally normal, absolutely nothing special, retiree. Or that’s at least what he would tell you. The truth is, Mark is a retiree of the lethal sort, formally known as the Pale Horse. As part of his retirement he has joined an unlikely group of former killers that have denounced their previous ways. When Mark’s identity appears to have become known by his former enemies, he vows to do things by his newfound ways which prevents him from doing what he does best.. killing his way out.

Assassins Anonymous is 320 pages long and took me three days to read.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s equally action packed, funny and strangely heartwarming. I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 5!

Thank you, Putnam, for sending me this copy!

Here’s to the adventure of finding a novel novel!

Lacey