Time for an update on my 2025 Crochet Book Blanket project. The summer holidays bought me some lovely time away with my family, and longer times to read! Anyone else love reading on the beach or lazy holiday mornings reading in bed?
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That said I’ve had to hustle a little to catch up with my squares for last month as it’s been a busy time of year.
The Vision for the Book Afghan
To maintain cohesion, I’ve used the same block pattern for the entire afghan (grab the free pattern here), working with yarn from my stash and selecting colours that reflect the book’s cover design. The ultimate goal? A warm, meaningful blanket that doubles as a literary keepsake.
Here’s what I accomplished in August:
- Total Books Read: and Squares Completed: 9 / 18
August Reads and Squares
Book 51: The Mystery Guest (Molly the Maid #2) by Nina Prose
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I enjoyed catching up with Molly in The Mystery Guest; in this cosy mystery, Molly is now Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, living with her boyfriend Juan Manuel in her grandmother’s apartment. When famed mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe dies unexpectedly during a press event at the hotel, Molly finds herself once again entangled in a murder investigation. As she delves into the mystery, Molly uncovers secrets from her own past, including her childhood connection to Grimthorpe. Although I enjoyed the book I felt like it was a bit more formulaic and predictable than the first book.
Book 52: Eeny Meeny (DI Helen Grace #1) by M. J. Arlidge
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: I’ve had some of the Helen Grace books on my shelf for ages, and I’m glad I finally delved in with Eeny Meeny by M.J. Arlidge. The story kicks off with a chilling premise: two people are abducted, locked in a room with a gun and a phone, and forced to choose who will survive. As more victims are found, Detective Helen Grace races against time to uncover the twisted mind behind these crimes. The novel is fast-paced and gripping, with a dark, psychological edge that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Book 53: Dark Pines (Tuva Moodyson Mystery #1) by Will Dean
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Dark Pines by Will Dean is an atmospheric thriller that immerses readers in the eerie Swedish forest. Journalist Tuva Moodyson, a deaf woman new to the small town of Gavrik, investigates a series of murders that echo a decades-old case. As she delves deeper, Tuva navigates a web of secrets within the tight-knit community, all while confronting her own fears of the forest. The novel’s strength lies in its richly detailed setting and Tuva’s compelling character, offering a chilling and immersive reading experience. It was definitely more of a slow-burn novel, but it was enjoyable, I feel I’ll read more featuring Tuva Moodyson.
Book 54: Want to Know a Secret by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Want to Know a Secret? by Freida McFadden was one of the more fun books I’ve read by her. The story follows April Masterson, a YouTube baking sensation who appears to have the perfect life. However, when she starts receiving threatening messages, her seemingly flawless world begins to unravel. The novel delves into themes of deception, secrets, and the complexities of suburban life. It’s a fast-paced read and McFadden’s storytelling and unexpected twists kept me engaged throughout.
Book 55: The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3.5 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Wrong Sister was a fun holiday read with fast pacing. Tasha and her sister Alice, though alike in appearance, lead vastly different lives. When Tasha and her husband Aaron swap homes with Alice and her husband Kyle for a week, tragedy strikes: Alice is critically injured, Kyle is dead, and a chilling note arrives for Tasha: “It was supposed to be you.” As the investigation unfolds, secrets surface, and Tasha must confront the hidden truths of her family. This was a fun holiday read, with good pacing and some nice twists and turns (thought I guessed some of them).
Book 56: Pop Goes the Weasel (DI Helen Grace #2) by M. J. Arlidge
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Trigger warning: abuse and sexual assault. Pop Goes the Weasel is a grisly, gripping thriller that picks up where Eeny Meeny left off. Detective Inspector Helen Grace is once again thrust into a chilling case when a man is found murdered in Southampton’s red-light district, his heart removed and sent to his family. Dubbed a “reverse Jack the Ripper,” the killer targets married men seeking prostitutes, leaving a trail of brutality and fear. As the body count rises, Grace must confront not only a relentless serial killer but also personal demons and professional challenges. With its fast pacing and suspense I enjoyed this sequel as much as the first.
Book 57: The Doll’s House (DI Helen Grace #3) by M. J. Artlidge
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Trigger warning: abuse and sexual assault. The Doll’s House is another fast-paced thriller in the series, though it leans more into psychological suspense than overt violence. When a young woman is found buried on a remote beach, Detective Helen Grace uncovers a chilling pattern: the victim had been sending texts to her family years after her death. As she investigates, Grace discovers a twisted serial killer who has been operating under the radar for years. The novel delves into the complexities of the killer’s mind and the emotional toll on the victims’ families. While the pacing remains tight, I found the narrative occasionally heavy on hyperbole. Nevertheless, it’s a compelling addition to the series, offering a deep dive into the darkness of the human psyche.
Book 58: The Perfect Son by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐3.75 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden was one of the better novels I’ve read by her. The story follows Erika Cass, whose seemingly perfect life unravels when her son, Liam, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a teenage girl. As Erika delves deeper, she uncovers chilling truths about her family and her son’s past. The novel is a fast-paced, easy read that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Book 59: Ward D by Frieda McFadden
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐3 stars (out of 5)
Synopsis: Ward D by Freida McFadden wasn’t my favourite of hers, and I found the plot a bit convoluted. The story follows medical student Amy Brenner, who is assigned an overnight shift in the hospital’s psychiatric unit, Ward D. As the night unfolds, Amy encounters unsettling events that blur the line between reality and delusion, leading her to confront her own past and the patients she encounters. The novel delves into themes of mental health, trauma, and the complexities of perception.
All the books so far
Don’t want to scroll and look for all the books that I’ve read so far? Well I’ve put together a list in my Amazon storefront so you can see all the books in one place: Go to the book list
Looking Ahead to September’s books
For my next roundup I’m looking forward to sharing more great reads and seeing how they’ll inspire the next squares in my Crochet Book Blanket. Each book brings its own mood and colour palette, and it’s been such fun watching the blanket evolve. If you’re joining in, don’t forget to share your updates with the #KCACOUKBookCAL2025 hashtag.
What’s the best book you’ve read this summer? I’m always looking for new recommendations – drop yours in the comments 👇.
Stay tuned for next month’s updates. Until then, happy hooking and happy reading!
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