August brought a thrilling lineup of reads, from intricate detective mysteries to fascinating true crime dramas. Each book delivered its own blend of suspense, tension, and drama, keeping us eagerly turning pages until the very end. While many mysteries offer a satisfying sense of closure, others leave readers with lingering uncertainty. Which do you prefer: a firm resolution or a jaw-dropping cliffhanger?
All told, I read 11 books in July – 5 print copies and 6 audiobooks. Five of these were pre‑release previews, and I’ll link to our full reviews below, along with our Bookshop.org page if you’d like to preorder your own copies.
5 Stars
- The Chef, K.L. Slater
- The Last Murder, George R Dekle, Sr.
4 Stars
- The Blackbird Conspiracy, Tariq Ashkanani
- Eden Undone, Abbott Kahler
- Lincoln’s Autocrat, William Marvel
- Mother Daughter Sister Stranger, Hank Phillippi Ryan
- The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies, Kate Westbury
- Pressure Depth, Jack Stewart
- Seven-Year Witch, Angela M. Sanders
- The Trial of Patty Hearst, Celine Fitzmaurice
3 Stars
- A Study in Scarlet, Arthur Conan Doyle
Top Read of August
As much as I enjoyed this month’s reading, only two books earned 5-star reviews, and neither achieved a perfect 5.0 rating. Interestingly, these standout reads could not have been more different. One was an audiobook, the other a physical book. One explored the chilling realities of true crime, while the other delivered a suspenseful mystery thriller. One was a recent release; the other has been on shelves for years.
Our August Book of the Month, however, caught me completely by surprise with just how captivating it was. Chronicling the investigation, trial, and eventual punishment of a serial killer, The Last Murder offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective through the eyes of the prosecuting attorney. More than a true crime account, it serves as a fascinating study of the challenges that can derail a murder investigation and the legal strategies required to overcome them.
What made this book especially compelling was the author’s willingness to examine mistakes wherever they occurred. By candidly highlighting the missteps, assumptions, and missed opportunities on both sides of the case, Dekle transforms a complex legal proceeding into a gripping narrative that kept me deeply invested from beginning to end.
The Last Murder by George R. Dekle is an exceptional read for true crime enthusiasts, legal scholars, and anyone fascinated by the intricate process of bringing a killer to justice. If you enjoyed Ann Rule’s The Stranger Beside Me, this book deserves a place on your reading list.
Next Month
With September’s back-to-school season upon us, it feels like the perfect time to revisit the Classics. If you’re anything like me, many of these books were required reading during your high school years, but that may have been decades ago. Returning to them with fresh eyes often reveals new layers, themes, and insights that were easy to miss the first time around. I’m excited to share some of my personal favorites this month, but the world of classic literature is vast. For our monthly prompt, “The Classics,” which book would you choose?
This month, we’re also recognizing Grandparents Day with stories that feature memorable grandparent figures, as well as Patriots Day with books that explore the realities and consequences of war. Both themes are woven throughout many beloved classics, though they can be found just as powerfully in contemporary literature. Whether it’s a wise grandparent who shapes a young protagonist’s journey or a novel that captures the courage and cost of conflict, these stories continue to resonate across generations. Do you have a favorite book that fits either of these themes?
I invite you over to our StoryGraph reading challenges where you can follow along, check off the prompts, and see what the rest of our community is choosing for these challenges. Don’t forget you can also follow along on our social media pages like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest to continue the conversation!
A few sponsored books I’m reading this month:
- The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny), Tiffany Hunt
- The Christmas Guest, BP Walter
- Meet Me in the Afterglow, Elly McCausland
- Beignets and Big Feelings, Leslie Gray Streeter
- The Magic of Chamomile Cottage, Heather Webber
I can’t wait to read these great books with you – keep an eye out for the monthly newsletter next week with other great suggestions for our August prompts!
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