Book Review: The Last Death of the Year (New Hercule Poirot Mysteries, #6) by Sophie Hannah

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The Last Death of the Year (New Hercule Poirot Mysteries, #6)  by Sophie Hannah and Agatha Christie  opens with Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool arriving on the island of Lamperos in Greece on New Year's Eve in 1932. Poirot has been requested by the leader of a religious community to investigate the threat against one of its members, but just a short while later, another resident is found dead after a New Year's game threatened this member's life. I'd like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for approving my request for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this mystery. I've been a long time fan of Agatha Christie and her Hercule Poirot series, so learning I'd receive a copy of Sophie Hannah's new book based on this series made me absolutely giddy. A digital copy was provided to me in exchange for my honest review. Sophie Hannah has done a fabulous job of recreating Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series and keeping a similar style of writin...
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Book Review: The Photographer II, The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner

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Young Adult Horror Book Series Barbara Steiner
The Photographer II: The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner is a gripping sequel that picks up right where the first book leaves off. Derrick is now living in a new town under an assumed name, attempting to blend in while hiding his dark past. He’s opened a photography studio, presenting himself as a harmless professional, but readers quickly learn that he has developed some disturbing new tricks along the way. As his story unfolds, the tension builds around one central question: will Derrick finally get away with murder, or will his carefully constructed life begin to unravel?

I typically find myself disappointed by sequels, as they often fail to capture the intensity or originality of the first installment. That was not the case here. Barbara Steiner truly outdid herself with this follow-up, and I ended up enjoying it even more than the original book. There are strong V.C. Andrews style vibes throughout the story, which add a dark, unsettling edge and give the plot an extra layer of intrigue. Those gothic undertones pair well with the sci-fi elements carried over from the first book, creating a unique blend of psychological suspense and speculative twists.

Horror Book Series for Tweens and Teens Barbara Steiner
The character development felt stronger this time around, making it easier to connect with the story while simultaneously feeling repelled by Derrick’s actions. In fact, I somehow managed to dislike Derrick even more than before, which speaks to how effectively he’s written as a deeply disturbing protagonist. The plot also felt more believable overall, aside from the obvious sci-fi aspects. Though if you’ve read the first book, you’ll know exactly what to expect on that front.

The Photographer II:  The Dark Room by Barbara Steiner delivers a darker, more engaging continuation of the story, with heightened tension, stronger characters, and an atmosphere that keeps you turning pages. I ultimately gave this book five out of five stars and would recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of sci-fi and a villain you love to hate.

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