Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Because one more chapter is never enough

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  • Book Review: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

    👀 First impressions:
    The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore isn’t the kind of book I’d normally reach for, but my best friend has been singing its praises for months, so I finally gave in, and I’m glad I did. Set in the small, picturesque town of Dream Harbour, this story follows Jeanie, who unexpectedly inherits her aunt’s café, and Logan, the gruff local farmer with a secret soft spot. What unfolds is a warm, feel-good romance full of charm, comfort, and cinnamon-scented escapism.

    It’s pure cozy romance from start to finish: the kind of book you read with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and a smile you don’t even realise you’re wearing.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The atmosphere is lovely. Gilmore creates a world that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie in the best possible way. Dream Harbour is full of quirky locals, friendship, and small-town gossip that adds heart to the story.

    I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Jeanie and Logan. Their relationship unfolds slowly and tenderly, with just enough banter and emotional tension to keep things interesting. There’s a comforting predictability to it, but it works, and the story feels like it wants to make you happy.

    And though it’s lighthearted, Gilmore slips in just enough emotional depth to make the romance feel genuine rather than sugary.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    It did take me a few chapters to settle into the tone since I usually gravitate toward darker or twistier reads. Some scenes verge on overly sweet, and a few plot beats are easy to predict. But once I leaned into what it was meant to be, gentle, cozy, and comforting, I found myself really enjoying it.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’re looking for an uplifting, feel-good escape with autumnal vibes and heartwarming romance, The Pumpkin Spice Café is perfect. It’s especially great if you want something low-stress and atmospheric to unwind with after heavier reads.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Even as someone who doesn’t usually read cozy romances, I can see why my friend loves this book so much. Laurie Gilmore delivers a sweet, heartfelt story that’s as comforting as the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, a little warmth and kindness are exactly what you need.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A cozy, feel-good autumn romance that’s impossible not to smile at, even for non-romance readers.

  • Book Review: The Family at No. 1 by Caroline Mitchell

    👀 First impressions:
    The Family at Number 1 by Caroline Mitchell has all the ingredients of a solid domestic thriller: a new family moving into a quiet neighbourhood, neighbours who seem a little too curious, and secrets simmering just below the surface. From the very first chapter, it’s clear something isn’t right about Number 1, and Mitchell does a good job of setting up the intrigue and tension that carry the story forward.

    It’s fast-paced and readable, the kind of book you can tear through in a couple of sittings. But while it delivers plenty of drama, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or psychological depth that could have made it truly memorable.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The pacing is spot on. Mitchell knows how to end a chapter with just enough of a hook to make you turn the next page. The suburban setting works well, and she captures that unsettling “everyone’s watching everyone” energy that defines so many great domestic thrillers.

    The multiple perspectives also add a nice touch, giving the reader glimpses into the secrets and suspicions building behind each closed door. The tension is consistent, and the writing flows easily.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    While it’s entertaining, the plot feels predictable. Many of the twists are easy to spot coming, and a few character motivations don’t quite hold up under closer inspection. Some emotional beats feel rushed, and the ending, though dramatic, leans on a few familiar thriller tropes.

    I also found it hard to connect deeply with any of the characters. They’re interesting on the surface, but not quite distinct enough to leave a lasting impression once the story ends.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’re looking for a fast, easy read that offers tension and escapism without demanding too much emotional investment, The Family at Number 1 will hit the spot. It’s ideal for fans of Shari Lapena or Freida McFadden who enjoy twisty suburban thrillers filled with secrets and lies.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Caroline Mitchell knows how to keep readers turning pages, and The Family at Number 1 is proof of that. It’s a well-crafted, enjoyable read, even if it doesn’t quite break new ground. A good weekend thriller that delivers entertainment, if not surprises.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

    Final Rating ★★★ – An easy, suspenseful read that entertains but doesn’t quite stand out in a crowded genre.

  • Book Review: Scuttle by Barnaby Walter

    👀 First impressions:
    Scuttle by Barnaby Walter is one of those books that sinks its claws in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Blending psychological suspense with creeping horror, it follows the unsettling aftermath of a man’s death and the strange, almost supernatural presence that begins to invade the lives of those left behind.

    Walter’s writing is crisp and cinematic, drawing you into a story that feels both intimate and claustrophobic. From the start, you can sense that something is very wrong, but the novel never rushes to show its hand. Instead, it simmers, building dread through atmosphere and suggestion rather than cheap scares.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The tone is perfect. Walter captures that uncanny space between grief and madness, where reality begins to blur at the edges. The slow-burn pacing allows the unease to grow naturally, and by the time the horror truly takes shape, it feels both inevitable and shocking.

    The prose is beautifully controlled, precise, rhythmic, and packed with quiet menace. Every scene serves a purpose, every silence feels weighted. I loved how Walter manages to make the ordinary feel menacing: creaks in a hallway, a flicker of movement, an unshakable sense of being watched.

    Beneath the horror lies a surprisingly emotional story about loss, guilt, and the human need for connection. It’s this emotional depth that elevates Scuttle beyond standard genre fare.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    If you prefer fast-paced, action-heavy horror, Scuttle may feel slow at first. It’s more about psychological tension than jump scares, more about mood than gore. But for readers who enjoy deliberate, thoughtful storytelling, this restraint is exactly what makes it so effective.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    Because it’s a masterclass in quiet terror. Scuttle will appeal to fans of Shirley Jackson, Andrew Michael Hurley, and Catriona Ward, writers who understand that what’s not shown can be far more frightening than what is. It’s eerie, elegant, and unforgettable.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Barnaby Walter has crafted something truly special with Scuttle. It’s haunting in every sense of the word, emotionally, psychologically, and atmospherically. The writing lingers long after the story ends, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. This is intelligent, literary horror at its best.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A beautifully written and deeply unsettling tale that proves subtle horror can be the most terrifying of all.

  • Book Review: The Guest List by Lucy Foley

    👀 First impressions:
    The Guest List by Lucy Foley promises a stormy island, a glamorous wedding, and a body before the cake is even cut. On paper, it’s the perfect recipe for a modern murder mystery. The story unfolds across multiple perspectives including the bride, the groom, the best man, the bridesmaid, and the wedding planner, each with their own secrets simmering beneath the surface.

    It’s a setup that feels deliciously dramatic, and Foley’s writing instantly sets the scene. The wild Irish island is the perfect backdrop for paranoia and betrayal, and the tension builds steadily toward the inevitable tragedy.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The atmosphere is impeccable. The isolation, the unpredictable weather, and the increasingly uneasy wedding guests create a tangible sense of dread. Foley also does a great job exploring the dark undercurrents of ambition, jealousy, and resentment that swirl beneath picture-perfect occasions.

    Her short, snappy chapters keep the pace brisk, and the multi-perspective format means you’re constantly shifting sympathies and suspicions. It’s compulsively readable, the kind of book that’s easy to race through in one sitting.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    While the setup is strong, the payoff feels a little too neat. The twists are well planted but ultimately predictable, and many of the characters lean too heavily into stereotypes such as the icy bride, the arrogant groom, and the bitter outsider. The emotional depth that could have made the reveal truly shocking never quite lands.

    It also suffers a bit from the “multiple POV fatigue” that can make it hard to connect deeply with any one character. You’re kept at arm’s length, watching the drama unfold rather than feeling it.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, escapist thriller that feels like a modern Agatha Christie crossed with a Netflix drama, this will absolutely deliver. It’s atmospheric, cinematic, and full of page-turning tension, just don’t expect it to reinvent the genre.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    The Guest List is entertaining and stylish, with strong pacing and an irresistible premise. But for all its tension and polish, it never quite reaches the emotional or psychological depth it hints at. A solid, enjoyable read that’s fun in the moment but fades quickly once the mystery is solved.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

    Final Rating ★★★ – A slick, suspenseful page-turner that entertains but doesn’t surprise.

  • 📚 What to Read Wednesday: Black British Authors — In Honour of Black History Month (UK)

    Photo by Anthony McKissic on Unsplash

    October marks Black History Month in the UK, a time to celebrate the voices, stories, and artistry of Black Britons who have shaped, and continue to shape, our literary landscape. From bold debuts to modern classics, these books explore identity, belonging, joy, resistance, and everything in between. Here are some must-reads from Black British authors to add to your list this month:

    1. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

    A funny, raw, and emotionally honest story about a young Black woman navigating love, mental health, and self-worth in modern London. Often dubbed the “Black Bridget Jones,” Queenie is far more than a romantic comedy, it’s a sharp, heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience.

    2. Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

    Written in lyrical, almost poetic prose, this stunning debut follows two young Black British artists falling in love while confronting what it means to be seen, and unseen, in a world that often misjudges them. It’s tender, aching, and utterly beautiful.

    3. Ordinary People by Diana Evans

    Set in South London, Evans’ novel follows two couples at crossroads in their relationships and lives. It’s an intimate, elegant study of Black British middle-class life, love, and quiet discontent, written with incredible nuance and rhythm.

    4. The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph

    Actor and writer Paterson Joseph brings to life the remarkable true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, the first Black man to vote in Britain. It’s witty, vibrant, and historically rich, blending fiction with real letters and diaries for a voice that leaps off the page.

    5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

    Winner of the Booker Prize, this is a masterpiece of interconnected stories featuring twelve Black British women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. It’s joyful, complex, political, and a must-read for anyone interested in the depth and diversity of the Black British experience.

    6. Taking Up Space by Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi

    A vital non-fiction read exploring the realities of being Black and female in British universities. Insightful, empowering, and deeply necessary, it shines a light on institutional barriers while offering hope and solidarity.

    7. You People by Nikita Lalwani

    Set in a London pizzeria run by a Sri Lankan man who helps undocumented immigrants, this novel explores morality, immigration, and kindness. Lalwani’s writing delicately weaves together the complexities of community and belonging.

    8. Assembly by Natasha Brown

    A sharp, concise novella that packs an emotional punch. Following a Black British woman working in finance, Assemblydissects race, class, and capitalism with laser precision. It’s short but unforgettable, a modern classic in the making.

    9. Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola

    A gorgeous collection of love stories inspired by myths and folklore from around the world. Babalola reimagines traditional tales through a contemporary, feminist lens, each story is lush, romantic, and full of heart.

    10. The List by Yomi Adegoke

    A smart, timely exploration of cancel culture, social media, and the intersections of feminism and race. When a journalist’s fiancé appears on an online “list” of men accused of misogyny, everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Sharp, unsettling, and utterly relevant.

    ✨ Final Thoughts
    Black British literature is as varied and vibrant as the communities it reflects, from historical fiction to contemporary romance, from poetry to polemic. This month, and every month, it’s worth celebrating these voices that continue to enrich the literary world with their brilliance and truth.

  • Book Review: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

    👀 First impressions:
    Annie Bot by Sierra Greer is one of those novels that sneaks up on you, softly, almost gently, and then completely shatters you. It’s a story about Annie, a humanoid AI companion designed to serve her owner, Doug. On the surface, it’s a tale of technology and obedience, but beneath that, it’s a profound exploration of consent, control, and what it means to be human.

    From the opening pages, Greer’s prose is spare yet haunting, perfectly capturing Annie’s voice as she learns, adapts, and begins to want. The more she understands her world, the more unsettling it becomes. It’s Ex Machina meets Never Let Me Go, a quiet dystopia with an emotional punch.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Greer’s decision to tell the story entirely through Annie’s perspective is a masterstroke. It forces the reader into uncomfortable empathy, seeing the world through programmed servitude where desire and autonomy are manufactured but still deeply felt.

    The writing is exquisite: restrained, rhythmic, and deeply human. Every interaction between Annie and Doug crackles with tension, not because of action, but because of implication. It’s a book about silences, about what’s not said, and about the limits of freedom.

    I also loved how it resists the temptation to become a simple cautionary tale about AI. Instead, Annie Bot is about gender, power, and emotional labour, the ways women (and machines made in their image) are expected to care, comply, and forgive.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    If you’re looking for a fast-paced sci-fi story, this isn’t it. Annie Bot is slow, introspective, and often uncomfortable. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. The unease is the point.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    Because it will make you think and feel in ways you didn’t expect. Annie Bot is a deeply feminist, unsettling read that lingers long after the final page. It’s perfect for readers who love speculative fiction that cuts close to reality, and for fans of books like Klara and the Sun or The Handmaid’s Tale.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Sierra Greer’s debut is both tender and terrifying. It asks profound questions about love, ownership, and what it costs to be “perfect.” Beautifully written, emotionally intelligent, and unflinchingly honest, Annie Bot proves that the most human stories can come from the most artificial voices.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A haunting, beautifully written debut that explores power, empathy, and the painful edges of humanity.

  • Book Review: Watching You by Helen Fields

    👀 First impressions:
    Helen Fields is one of those crime authors who knows exactly how to get under your skin, and Watching You proves it. Set in Scotland, this psychological thriller wastes no time pulling you into a chilling game of obsession, control, and fear.

    The story centres on a woman who realises she’s being watched, every move tracked, every secret known. Fields expertly builds a sense of claustrophobia and unease as the lines between victim, stalker, and bystander begin to blur. As always, her storytelling is cinematic, visceral, and full of momentum.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Fields has a real gift for atmosphere. The Scottish setting, dark, moody, rain-soaked, adds to the creeping tension that runs through every chapter. Her pacing is tight, the dialogue sharp, and her character work complex enough that you’re constantly second-guessing who you can trust.

    I loved how she wove multiple perspectives together, giving the reader insight into both the hunted and the hunter. The result is unsettling and addictive, you’ll keep saying “just one more chapter” until you’ve turned the last page.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    While the tension is expertly sustained, some of the twists rely on convenience rather than true surprise. A few characters’ motivations feel slightly underdeveloped compared to her usual high standard in the Perfect series. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping story.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you enjoy thrillers that keep you guessing, Watching You is a must. It’s darker and more psychological than procedural, perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn or Lisa Jewell. Fields explores obsession and vulnerability with a deft hand, reminding us that the scariest monsters are often the ones hiding in plain sight.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Watching You delivers exactly what you want from a Helen Fields thriller, intensity, atmosphere, and an ending that leaves you thinking long after you’ve finished. It’s unsettling in all the right ways, a reminder of how easily safety can become illusion.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A tense, twisty psychological thriller that keeps you watching your own shadows.

  • Book Review: The Science of Racism by Keon West

    👀 First impressions:
    The Science of Racism by Dr. Keon West is one of those books that should be required reading for anyone interested in understanding how prejudice takes root. and how we can begin to dismantle it. As both a social psychologist and a clear, engaging writer, West bridges the gap between academic research and real-world experience.

    This isn’t a dry textbook or an emotional rant, it’s a carefully constructed exploration of the science behind racism: why it exists, how it persists, and what can be done to combat it. From evolutionary psychology and implicit bias to social conditioning and systemic inequality, West breaks down complex concepts in a way that’s accessible without ever dumbing them down.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    What makes this book stand out is its balance of evidence and empathy. West doesn’t just cite studies—he contextualises them, showing how racism is reinforced by culture, institutions, and even our unconscious minds. His writing is calm but firm, confident but compassionate.

    I especially appreciated the sections that challenge well-meaning assumptions, like the idea that “not seeing race” helps, or that racism is just about personal prejudice rather than structural power. These moments make you pause and reflect on how subtle bias can shape everyday interactions.

    There’s also hope threaded throughout. West emphasises that understanding racism through science isn’t about assigning blame, it’s about finding effective ways to create change.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There were moments when I wished the book had gone even deeper into the global or historical context of racism beyond the Western framework, though this doesn’t detract from its clarity or impact. It’s more of a wish for “more” rather than a criticism of what’s there.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    Because it arms you with knowledge. The Science of Racism is ideal for readers who want to move beyond slogans and social media discourse to truly understand the psychology of prejudice. It’s a guide for reflection, education, and action, grounded in data and humanity.

    Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply someone who wants to do better, this book gives you the tools to start meaningful conversations and challenge biases (including your own).

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Dr. Keon West has written one of the most important and accessible works on racism in recent years. It’s honest without being accusatory, scientific without being cold, and educational without ever losing heart. You’ll leave it change, more aware, more informed, and hopefully, more determined.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A powerful, research-driven look at racism that educates, challenges, and inspires in equal measure.

  • Book Review: Jaws by Peter Benchley

    👀 First impressions:
    Before Jaws was the blockbuster that made generations fear the sea, it was Peter Benchley’s chilling 1974 novel, a story that fused horror, suspense, and small-town politics in one unforgettable bite. Set in the fictional seaside town of Amity, Jaws begins with the discovery of a mutilated swimmer and spirals into a nightmare as a great white shark terrorises the community.

    Reading it now, decades after its release, I was surprised by how grounded it feels. This isn’t just a monster story, it’s a portrait of fear, greed, and human denial. Benchley’s writing captures the claustrophobic tension of a town whose livelihood depends on the ocean… even when that ocean turns deadly.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The pacing is brilliant. Benchley knows exactly how to build suspense, each shark attack feels like a drumbeat leading to inevitable chaos. His descriptions of the sea are vivid and atmospheric, blending beauty and menace in equal measure.

    I also loved how the novel explores human flaws as much as physical danger. Police Chief Brody, the desperate mayor, and shark hunter Quint are all complex characters shaped by fear, pride, and morality. The novel’s social commentary, on class, corruption, and media pressure, adds surprising depth.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    Some of the subplots (particularly the infidelity thread) feel dated and unnecessary, slowing the pace in the middle chapters. And while Benchley’s portrayal of the shark is iconic, it’s more of a symbol than a creature, readers hoping for a naturalistic animal story may find it overly anthropomorphic.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’ve only seen Spielberg’s film, Jaws is absolutely worth reading. It’s darker, more psychological, and rich with 1970s social realism. It’s a reminder of how a simple premise, a shark, a beach, and a town’s denial, can become a masterclass in tension and atmosphere.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Benchley’s Jaws is more than a horror novel; it’s a study of how fear infects communities. Even fifty years later, it remains gripping, unsettling, and oddly timeless. The movie may have made it a legend, but the book still holds its own teeth.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A tense, intelligent thriller that proves the scariest monsters are sometimes human.

  • Book Review: Pax by Tom Holland

    👀 First impressions:
    After Rubicon and Dynasty, I was eager to see how Tom Holland would complete his trilogy on the Roman Empire, and Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age does not disappoint. Holland’s signature blend of scholarship and storytelling shines through once again, painting the first and second centuries of the Roman Empire with colour, drama, and humanity.

    Pax explores the era often seen as Rome’s peak, the time of emperors like Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. But Holland refuses to present it as a simple “golden age.” Instead, he examines the contradictions of peace built on conquest, luxury fuelled by slavery, and order maintained through fear. From the glittering streets of Rome to the farthest provinces, this is history written as epic literature.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Tom Holland’s writing is cinematic. He turns what could be dry political accounts into vivid, immersive narratives that make you feel the tension, ambition, and arrogance of Rome’s rulers. His ability to humanise these larger-than-life figures, without excusing their cruelty, is masterful.

    I especially enjoyed how Pax re-examines “peace” itself. Holland shows that Rome’s peace was selective, bought at a high moral price, and sustained by constant pressure at the empire’s borders. It’s a subtle reminder that prosperity and oppression often coexist.

    The book also feels remarkably relevant to today, echoing themes of empire, propaganda, and the fragility of power. Holland never draws direct parallels, but the resonance is unmistakable.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    At times, the sheer scope of names, battles, and political shifts can feel overwhelming. Readers new to Roman history might find themselves flipping back to keep track. But Holland’s narrative flair makes even these dense passages engaging, and the effort pays off.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you love history that reads like a novel, or novels that feel grounded in history, Pax is essential. Holland bridges the gap between academic depth and storytelling brilliance. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient Rome or just love stories of power, politics, and human nature, this book will sweep you away.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Pax cements Tom Holland as one of the finest popular historians writing today. It’s intelligent without being inaccessible, grand yet intimate. A triumphant conclusion to a trilogy that redefines how history should be written: alive, passionate, and deeply human.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A sweeping, insightful, and thrilling portrait of Rome at its height, proof that peace can be as turbulent as war.