What I’m Reading

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What I’m Reading: Local Woman Missing — Mary Kubica

Mary Kubica is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of many suspense novels, including THE GOOD GIRL, PRETTY BABY, DON’T YOU CRY, EVERY LAST LIE, WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT, THE OTHER MRS., LOCAL WOMAN MISSING and JUST THE NICEST COUPLE.

A former high school history teacher, Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in History and American Literature. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and two children.

Her first novel THE GOOD GIRL was an Indie Next pick in August of 2014, received a Strand Critics Nomination for Best First Novel and was a nominee in the Goodreads Choice Awards in Debut Goodreads Author and in Mystery & Thriller for 2014.

LOCAL WOMAN MISSING was an Indie Next pick in May of 2021, a nominee in the Goodreads Choice Awards in Mystery & Thriller for 2021, and a finalist for an Audie Award.

Mary’s novels have been selected as Amazon Best Books of the Month and have been LibraryReads selections. They’ve been translated into over thirty languages and have sold over five million copies worldwide. She’s been described as “a helluva storyteller,” (Kirkus Reviews) and “a writer of vice-like control,” (Chicago Tribune), and her novels have been praised as “hypnotic” (People) and “thrilling and illuminating” (Los Angeles Times). She is currently working on her next novel.

Official summary from Mary Kubica’s website…

People Don’t Just Disappear Without a Trace…

Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find…

In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

PRAISE

“[A] daringly plotted, emotionally eviscerating psychological thriller.”
~ Publishers Weekly

“Complex, richly atmospheric and thoroughly riveting, LOCAL WOMAN MISSING is a thoughtful look at how even the most innocuous secrets between happy couples and beloved friends in tightly knit neighborhoods can sometimes turn so unexpectedly and terrifyingly deadly.”
~ Kimberly McCreight / New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia and A Good Marriage

“Dark and twisty, with all the white-knuckle tension and jaw-dropping surprises readers have come to expect from Mary Kubica.”
~ Riley Sager / New York Times bestselling author of Home Before Dark

“I’m shamelessly addicted to Mary Kubica’s juicy, unpredictable reads, as much for her well-rounded, fully human, flawed characters as her sizzling plots—and she just keeps getting better. LOCAL WOMAN MISSING is a propulsive journey through a winding maze of secrets, leading to a jaw-dropping twist that I never saw coming. Loved every minute.”
~ Joshilyn Jackson / New York Times bestselling author of Never Have I Ever

“Impossible-to-see-it-coming…. [Kubica] takes readers to a whole new level of deceit and irony.”
~ Booklist

“The twists, turns, and an unpredictable ending make it irresistible.”
~ Library Journal

“A pitch-perfect domestic thriller from the always-reliable Mary Kubica… Don’t miss this unforgettable story about what strong women have to do in desperate circumstances.”
~ Apple Books

I heard mixed reviews on this one, so I decided to find out for myself. I had to make a list of characters, because the time hops, different voices, and perspectives were a little challenging for me to process. This story is based in an upper middle class suburb outside of Chicago. There is a lot going on and a lot of different players. To bring some order to the plot, I also made a list of questions regarding the plot I wanted to answer by the end of the book. I got most of them answered, and some weren’t really important to answer by the end.

I was okay with the ending. I would have given the book 3.5 stars, if possible. It absolutely kept my attention, but the very unrealistic nature of a lot of the circumstances in the story made it lose some appeal for me. It does serve its purpose as a thriller, and I will read additional books by this author. I liked the fact that I didn’t even almost guess the ending.

  • Josh Dickey – Married to Meredith, father to Delilah and Leo
  • Meredith Dickey – second to go missing with Delilah, Married to Josh, Delilah and Leo’s mother, doula, didn’t show up to work unbeknownst to Josh for a few weeks, planned to testify in court against Dr. Feingold for malpractice when delivering Shelby and Josh’s baby, Grace
  • Delilah Dickey – second to go missing with Meredith, kidnapped and lived in a dark basement for 11 years
  • Leo Dickey – Delilah’s younger brother, one of the first person voices in the book, angry and resentful when Delilah comes home, 4 years old when Meredith and Delilah go missing
  • Gus – trapped in the basement with Delilah
  • Kate – Bea’s partner, Josh and Meredith’s neighbor, vet
  • Bea – Kate’s partner, Josh and Meredith’s neighbor, musician, has recording studio in the garage, born leader
  • Shelby Tebow – first to go missing, cheating on her husband with Sam, Meredith was Shelby’s doula
  • Jason Tebow – Shelby’s husband, cheating on his wife, insurance agent, wanted to play NFL football but didn’t due to knee injury, seems like a huge jerk all-round
  • Grace Tebow – Shelby and Jason’s baby girl, an infant when Shelby disappears, sustains brain trauma due to Dr. Feingold using forceps during birth
  • Dr. Feingold – Jason tells Kate and Bea that this was Shelby’s only enemy, doesn’t have good bedside manner, Meredith planned to testify against him in Tebows’ malpractice suit
  • Charlotte – neighbor in late 50s who lives alone with her husband and watched kids in the neighborhood, keeps Delilah and Leo when they are young
  • Janette – midwife that Meredith works with
  • Cassandra and Marty – neighbors, Marty and Meredith dated in college and she lost her virginity to him

Buy Local Woman Missing HERE

Follow Mary Kubica on Instagram

Check out Mary Kubica’s interview regarding Local Woman Missing

Mary Kubica’s Website

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We didn’t send out Christmas cards this year, so instead, we present the 2023 Thiele Family Newsletter!

Flag football was a little wild this year, and I think it will be our last year, but I’m glad Kannon got the experience of two years. He played because he wanted to carry the ball, which he can’t do in tackle, and no one ever passed to him either year he played. We will concentrate on tackle.

My amazing friend, Karie, invited me on a Royal Caribbean cruise in January. Thanks to my mom for keeping the kids! Karie and I had a great time and can’t wait to do it again! We went with her brother, Robert, his partner, Austin, and many other amazing friends. It was an absolute blast.

I turned 42 on February 6th. Dad was here and took us to dinner. I got to spend it with some of my favorites.
Papa Sam came to our last game of the season which happened to be on my birthday.
Valentine’s flowers from my sweet kids (and Daddy)!
Basketball is the name of the game in January and February. This is Anaiah’s favorite season and she improved so much from the beginning to the end this year.
February began and ended with rabbits. We have showed for two years and are taking a break this year. The kids are so busy with sports and other activities that we decided not to show anything this year, but have our sights set on a lamb for Anaiah next year.

Track season is OUR season! Anaiah KILLED it this year. The girl can run… and she is extremely competitive.March and April is the heat of track season. Our girl is a natural runner… but doesn’t actually like running. She does it anyway, though, because winning makes most things fun even if you don’t necessarily like it.

We drove to Missouri to visit our cousins, Hannah, Tyler, and Jensen, for Spring Break 2023. We had a smooth trip and loved our time with family. We have been traveling long distances since the kids were tiny so they are great travelers and don’t get on each other’s nerves as long as our earbuds are charged.

The spring is just as busy as the fall with track and baseball going on at the same time. Kannon’s baseball season is from February to May and Anaiah’s track season is from February to April so we are MOVING during these months.

Photo credit to Tommy Linn of TeePee Photography
If you’ve been around for any time at all, you know Kannon’s dance moves are just as much a part of any sporting event as the actual game…
We made the trip to China Spring for Easter. The kids had a great time with cousins at Papaw and Dooda’s after hunting eggs at Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Blake’s house.

We wrapped up baseball and tennis in May. It was filled with finishing out the school year and both kids getting numerous awards for their athletic and academic efforts.

In May, Kannon decided to be a band kid! The band director told him he had perfect tuba lips, and we know flattery gets us everywhere with him… so tuba it is!
Another Cousin Camp, this time in Marble Falls, for the kiddos! This may be our last one, as the kids are getting older and have busy schedules, even in the summers these days.
We spent most Sundays at Splashway during summer months with some of our favorites.
We had a scare and spent the better part of a Sunday evening in the ER in late June. Thankfully, nothing was broken and we left with just some ice and a sling.
We took Anaiah’s pictures right before her 13th birthday. Much love and thanks to Leann G Photography and Destiny Saenz (Insta @_beautybydes_) for an amazing session! This dynamic duo cannot be outdone!

After pics, we were off to Rosemary Beach for Anaiah’s birthday week. We stopped for the night in New Orleans to explore the WWII Museum and partake in some amazing food. The video below accurately depicts each child’s enthusiasm level while touring the museum. Kannon was so excited when we walked through the doors that he literally cried, which made me cry. It was the sweetest. Anaiah only survived because the white sands and Rosemary Beach shopping were less than two days away…

We ordered Anaiah’s custom cactus cake from Cava and Cakes 30A. We HIGHLY recommend them if you are ever in the 30A area and need a bakery. It was amazing!       

Our GG’s 50th birthday surprise party was in Big Spring a few days after our Florida trip. We were able to make it and wouldn’t trade the time we spent there for the world… It was much needed and we will see Charlie and Gina more in the New Year.

August

Kannon started his band career at the beginning of 6th grade. We have an amazing band program here in Yoakum and are very excited to watch him and his tuba become best friends!

Volleyball is underway for Anaiah. This is her second year and these ladies are in it to win it.

Anaiah and Rebecka after their tournament ^

Football season officially starts, and that’s where we spend all of our time.

Thankful for amazing educators that put up with my son’s charisma… I received this video from one of our favorites… She is a true saint!! Please keep all his teachers – past, present, and future – in your prayers!!

Kannon turned 12!! I can’t believe this kid is almost a teenager.

Cross country and football take over our fall. We had a wonderful cheering squad at the district meet including Dooda, Aunt Lucea’n, and Kannon.

We enjoyed the eclipse in our backyard with the help of a welding helmet.
I went to Georgetown for my dear friend’s divorce party, and we were all more than ready to celebrate! Whiskey Cakes was the perfect location for the festivities, and Kristin couldn’t have done a better job planning the party.

Rae Rae rescued me on Halloween by taking Kannon trick-or-treating and Anaiah and I attended our church’s Trunk-or-Treat event. Check out the gorgeous poster Anaiah created.

Papa Sam was able to come to a game, and we always love when he’s here. Kannon gets bored of just having Anaiah and I in the stands cheering for him.

Brian, Kannon, Johnny, and Anaiah on their way to tennis camp the day after Thanksgiving

Our first hot pot experience! It was delicious and we all had a great time trying all of the new foods and sauces.

Kannon’s annual Thanksgiving weekend swim overlooking Lake Madeline

Mom came to Yoakum to attend Anaiah’s basketball game and our town’s annual Christmas on Grand.

A week later, Dooda, Papaw, and Bailey came for Kannon’s first band concert. The kids all did an amazing job!

Kannon is in the back, but check out his tuba pump at the end. He wanted to make sure I knew where he was. I love this kid!

Overstreet Restaurant in Cuero, TX. We highly recommend!
We spent Christmas Day at home with Dad. Santa definitely spoiled the kids and they had a wonderful day!
We took a New Year’s trip to Fredericksburg and Kerrville to visit Dad. We saw amazing fireworks and got some exploring and shopping in.
Papa Sam and Kannon at the National Museum of the Pacific War
Luckenbach, TX with Waylon, Wille and the boys…

The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden

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What I’m Reading: American Girl — by Wendy Walker

Wendy Walker is the author of the psychological suspense novels All Is Not Forgotten, Emma In the Night, The Night Before, Don’t Look For Me, What Remains, American Girl and Mad Love. Her novels have been translated into 23 foreign languages, topped bestseller lists both nationally and abroad, and have been optioned for both television and film.

Wendy holds degrees from Brown University and Georgetown Law School. Prior to her writing career, Wendy trained for competitive figure skating, worked as a financial analyst at Goldman, Sachs, and practiced both corporate and family law. She resides in Connecticut.

Amazon’s review…

“Wendy Walker’s unforgettable thriller will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.” –Greer Hendricks, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Wife between Us

A pulse-pounding novel about a small-town business owner found dead and the teenage girl caught in the crosshairs, American Girl is the latest thriller from internationally bestselling author Wendy Walker.

Charlie Hudson, an autistic seventeen-year-old, is determined to leave Sawyer, PA, as soon as she graduates high school. In the meantime, she works as many hours as she can at a sandwich shop called The Triple S to save money for college. But when shop owner, Clay Cooper — a man both respected and feared in their small economically depressed town — is found dead, each member of his staff becomes a suspect in the perplexing case. Before she can go anywhere, Charlie must protect herself and her friends by uncovering the danger that is still lurking in their tightknit community.

Based on the #1 bestselling audio, American Girl is a riveting thriller told through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.

This is actually why I bought this book…

There’s a really awesome feature with Amazon Prime that offers members a free title per genre at the beginning of each month, and this is what I chose for either October or November. There are really some great books available some months, and I wasn’t aware this was a thing until a friend told me last summer.

Firstly, I love the name Charlie for a girl, so we were off on a good foot from the very beginning.

I loved that autism was at the forefront of this book and subtly sprinkled through the narrative. The positive character traits are brought to light and woven through the book and characterization. I can absolutely get behind that. I didn’t love the ending, but it grew on me after some thought and checking my feelings.

It isn’t free anymore, but I would recommend purchasing it. I’d never heard of the author previously, but will be reading more of her works.

Buy American Girl book here…

Wendy Walker’s Website

Wendy Walker on Instagram

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What I’m Reading: The Housemaid — by Sarah A. Denzil

Sarah A. Denzil is a million copy bestselling author of psychological suspense novels. Her books include number one bestseller Silent Child, which was a Goodreads Choice semi-finalist in 2017. Her books have been published in several different languages and have appeared on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list.

Sarah lives in Yorkshire with her husband and cats, enjoying the scenic countryside and rather unpredictable weather. She loves to write moody, psychological fiction with plenty of twists and turns.

Amazon’s review…

The latest dark and twisty thriller by the million-copy best-selling author of Silent Child.

Housemaid wanted.

Skills required: discretion, and the willingness to go the extra mile.

It seems like the perfect job. Great wages, accommodation provided and all located within the walls of Highwood Hall, a stunning stately home owned by the Howard family. Not many little girls dream of becoming a maid, but this is an opportunity for me to get back on my feet. And for me to revisit my past….

But I soon realise I’ve made a mistake. The strict housekeeper, Mrs Huxley, watches my every move, emerging from the shadows when least expected. Lord Howard’s son, Alex, takes an interest in me, and as a former addict, I find myself drawn to him because I know he’s bad for me. There’s a general atmosphere of unease at Highwood Hall, from the narrow tunnels laced throughout the sprawling house, to the abandoned north wing, rumoured to be haunted. It’s easy to imagine the secrets hidden within these walls, like the secrets I hold close.

On my first day, I receive a mysterious package. I open up the pretty gift box to find a miniature doll version of me trapped inside a dollhouse. In this scene I’m dead, lying in a pool of red paint at the bottom of the perfectly recreated staircase. Someone sent this threatening diorama to me, but who even knows I work at the hall? And what do they want?

I know only one truth: my perfect job is turning into my perfect nightmare.

©2021 Sarah Denzil (P)2021 Audible, Ltd

This is the novel by Sarah A. Denzil. There is another by the same name that is also on my list, but I got this audiobook free, so decided to give it a shot. It is also around eight hours long, which is fairly doable in a day of work, so I didn’t have much to lose.

This is one of the only books I haven’t read a review for before starting, and I have to say I’m glad. Emily’s mom worked at the same house before she “abandoned” her as an infant. Emily, an ex-addict, needed a job after being incarcerated for a year prior to residing at the estate and the house likes to employ girls who have been troubled and need a second chance. Translation: The house likes to employ girls who have no loved ones and will not be missed by anyone outside of the house’s control.

The book starts off with Emily, who I find sad and a little desperate from the beginning. She ends up being attracted to the heir of the estate, Alex, and inevitably leaps off into a weird affair with him, that seems more like a power play by Alex than anything else. This is like Fifty Shades of Gray without the sex. She seems like a masochist to just go along with whatever he says or does, but she is desperate for work and, as he often points out, he is ultimately her boss.

I got very confused in several parts of the book. I couldn’t tell if it was Emily or her mother’s voice telling the story, or which story they were telling, several times throughout. Overall, it had some very unexpected twists and turns and ended well in my perspective, so I do recommend it.

Emily – narrator. Dark hair. Olive skin. protagonist. the maid and ex-jailbird. In a weird, very unhealthy relationship with Alex. Co-dependent. Needs external validation. Needs A LOT of very quality counseling and somewhere to go for holidays. Self-proclaimed slow learner. Only met her dad once. No family.

Aunt Josephine- Emily aunt

David – Emily’s father

Mrs. Huxley – head housekeeper and Emily’s supervisor. Not nice. Judgy.

Lord Bertie Howard- the estate king. Alex’s dad. Seems like a jerk. Questionable business man.

Lady Laura Howard – dead at the time of the story, Lord Bertie’s late wife and Lottie and Alex’s mother, married to Lord Bertie in the early 1990s. Only daughter of Margot and Robert.

Chloe – Emily’s predecessor, the maid that came before her and whose position she fills at the estate

Margot (husband, Robert) – Lord Bertie’s mother-in-law. Her daughter (Alex and Lottie’s mom) tried to hang herself, then ultimately met her death by falling down the stairs. Former actress. Blames Bertie for Laura’s death

Ade – gardner. Plant lover. Lives in a cottage in the village. There’s an attraction between him and Emily. Dark brown eyes.

Pavoll – cook

Rosheen – more seasoned housekeeper. Emily’s roommate and work mentor. Red, copperish hair. Delightful. Beautiful. Light. Having an affair with Lord Bertie.

Lottie – heir to the estate. Condescending, spoiled,but unaware of both and fairly pleasant otherwise.

Alex Howard- heir to the estate. 100% douchebag. Control freak. Probably handsome but also completely psychotic. Aren’t they all… needs A LOT of anti-psychotic meds after inpatient care. Nothing behind the eyes, as Ade says. Entitled and arrogant.

Buy The Housemaid here…

Sarah Denzil’s website

Sarah Denzil’s Instagram

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What I’m Reading: The Outsider

“A person did what a person could, whether it was setting up gravestones or trying to convince twenty-first-century men and women that there were monsters in the world, and their greatest advantage was the unwillingness of rational people to believe.”

BOOM, folks. That’s a good one…

Of course this one was next, because I just finished End of Watch, and while I *thought* I wanted a Stephen King break, I was wrong. I love Holly too much and am in the process of unsuccessfully manifesting her as my next door neighbor. Y’all pray for me…

This one is read by Will Patton, as well, and he is THE BEST King storyteller. *Shoutout to Frances Sternhagen, who was inarguably THE BEST for Dolores Claiborne*. Here is a list of characters I stole from Book Analysis because I’m elderly and I cant get my crap together. I took out any spoilers, because I’m not about that life.

Terry Maitland

Terry is the main character on which the story of ‘The Outsider’ begins. Being the father to two girls, Sarah and grace, the coach of the boys’ little league, an English teacher, and a well-respected person in Flint City, Terry is arrested for the murder of Frankie Peterson, an 11-year-old redhead boy. Though he tried to maintain his innocence throughout his predicament, Terry struggles to clear his name due to eyewitnesses and overwhelming DNA evidence against him.

Marcy Maitland

Being the wife to Terry Maitland, the man accused of brutally murdering an 11-year-old boy, Marcy sticks beside Terry as she fights for him to get free. Though Marcy’s efforts go down the drain as Terry dies, Marcy still works with Ralph, Howie, and the rest of the group to ensure that Terry is exonerated.

Ralph Anderson

Ralph Anderson is a detective of the Flint City police department and is a fat and tall man in his early 50s. Being the lead detective on the murder case of Frankie Peterson, Ralph believes that Frankie’s killer was none other than Terry Maitland due to the overwhelming evidence and the witnesses against Terry.

However, after leading a public arrest on Terry, Ralph doubts Terry’s guilt as footage of Terry being in Cap City emerges defending the little league coach.

Holly Gibney

Holly is a middle-aged woman with grey hair and pale skin, who gets hired as a private investigator by Alec Pelley, a retired police officer working for Howie Gold, Terry’s lawyer. Holly gets hired to investigate Dayton. Soon, Holly discovers that Terry’s case was similar to that of a man named Heath Holmes.

Frankie Peterson

Though having a minute appearance in the story, Frankie is also the main character in ‘The Outsider.’ Frankie is an 11-year-old red-haired boy, raped and brutally killed with a tree branch.

Ollie Peterson

Ollie is Frankie’s older brother (17 years old), and after Frankie’s death, everything goes sour for his entire family as his mother, Arlene, dies of a heart attack leaving only him and his father, Fred. Ollie is unable to process the dire changes to his family, which proves detrimental.

Howie Gold

Howie is Terry’s lawyer, and he believes that Terry is innocent of the allegations against him. Howie helps Terry and his wife Marcy navigate the legal ground of trying to acquit Terry of the crimes labeled against him and is happy when video evidence of Terry being in Cap City emerges. Hiring Alec Pelley to help out, Howie tries his best to see that Terry is released from police custody.

Alec Pelley

Alec Pelley is a retired police officer who works as a private investigator due to the guilt of putting innocent men behind bars. Alec works as a freelance private investigator for Howie, Terry’s lawyer, and after hiring Holly Gibney to help out, works with the rest of the group to uncover more about The Outsider.

Jack Hoskins

Jack is lazy and corrupt police, who is the antagonist in ‘The Outsider.’ Being Ralph’s colleague and a fellow detective, Jack’s vacation ends when he reaches a site of interest in Terry’s case. Jack is a bad guy throughout. He and Ralph have bad blood between them from the beginning because Ralph failed to give Jack a positive review the year prior to our story.

Claude Bolton

Claude is a man with a criminal history and a dodgy reputation. Everything else about this guy would be a spoiler… besides the fact that he’s a sweetheart and takes care of his mama, Lovey. She was a small character but one of my favorites. I hope this mother/son duo shows up in future King works.

The Outsider – PERHAPS A SPOILER, but if you know King, you saw this coming when you read the title…

The Outsider is the main antagonist of ‘The Outsider’ story. Being an entity who takes the form of whoever he injures, The Outsider kills his victims, mainly children, in a horrible way and spreads their fat over his body. Also referred to as El Cuco, an ancient Mexican entity, The Outsider gets away with his murders by utilizing the law which does not acknowledge the supernatural. The Outsider kills his victims in the appearance of a well-known person and uses this as a way to get away with killing, making the innocent victim pay for a crime they never committed.

Other characters from the book include Terry’s daughters, Grace and Sarah Maitland. These little ladies are troopers. Jeanie Anderson, (Ralph’s wife) plays a small roll as Ralph’s confidant. She’s a sweetheart and we all want a wife like her. She’s the first that brings up the possibility of a supernatural explanation, in a roundabout way. Fred Peterson (Frankie and Ollie’s father), Arlene Peterson (Frankie and Ollie’s mother), and Yune Sablo (a detective who assists Ralph, Howie, Alec, and Holly in their investigation) both have small roles in the story. Merle Cassidy is a 12 year old young boy who was sleeping in a stolen car in a Walmart parking lot while on the run from his mean stepfather. He is a car thief who stole to eat while on the run. Bill Samuels is the DA attempting to prosecute Terry.

Again, I took the character summaries from the Book Analysis website, which I highly recommend, and altered to mostly to simplify and prevent spoilers. Don’t come for me. I literally scroll up and down through these as I read. It helps me organize the story in my overly crowded brain.

While the supernatural is ever present in this novel, it all applies to the here and now. King is great at pointing the finger back at human nature through what some would consider absurdities. When Marcy goes to visit Terry, she describes one of the prisoners with a purple birthmark running down his face playing joyfully with his kids at visitation. My kids’ dad has the same kind of birthmark running down his neck and covering part of his chest, and he’s been incarcerated since 2013. These little details make me pay a little extra attention to King’s underlying communication (which is ALWAYS present in his works) and inevitably sees to it that I enjoy the story more than I otherwise would. While the kids’ dad and his self-inflicted situation no longer pulls on my heartstrings, I still am able to understand and feel the weight of the legal and judicial system as it consistently continues to fail each and every one of us wrapped up in it, regardless of the hows or whys. It is truly a nightmare. I feel for Marcy, I feel for her girls, and I just know they sought some quality counseling after all was said and done.

Holly makes the point to Ralph toward the end of the book that we no better understand the Ted Bundys or the John Wayne Gacys of humanity than we do supernatural beings such as The Outsider. This is an amazing point, and food for thought, or should be, for all of us. It has tentacles that can reach out and touch a plethora of issues we are currently dealing with in our crazy world.

I gave this a higher rating than some of my fellow readers, because I really feel like the ending was well done, and I just LOVE Holly. That being said… on to If It Bleeds…

Buy The Outsider here…

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What I’m Reading: The Girl on the Train

I think I put off reading this one because of the hype that surrounded it when it first came out in 2015. Then there was the first movie adaptation in 2016, followed by a 2021 Indian Hindi-language version directed by Ribhu Dasgupta and produced by Reliance Entertainment. I don’t generally like or watch movie adaptations of the books I read because I am more creative and accurate with my imaginative perspectives of the settings and characters than Hollywood (also, Bollywood, in this case, I guess). I am going to watch both versions for this one after I finish reading, though. It was a really great psychological page-turner, if not a little confusing at times, due mostly to Megan and Rachel’s hazy mental states. Paula Hawkins may have done it on purpose.

Full disclosure: This book opened some doors and shut some doors for me personally. Alcoholism and addiction are things that have brushed my life very closely and have changed the absolute course of my life in some respects. I have never read a first-person view that so accurately depicts the aftermath of an addictive episode; the guilt, the desperate attempts to remember, the embarrassment that comes in waves, the depression that goes hand in hand with addiction and binging. Rachel is the catalyst that makes me begin to examine some of my own drinking habits and reevaluate whether or not alcohol is even something I want in my life at all. It also helps me understand some of those who have experienced similar circumstances and humanizes them for me better than I can on my own.

Buy The Girl on the Train Here

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What I’m Reading: Holly

This book was released September 5th, 2023, which is exactly the day I received it via Audible. I will ALWAYS pre-order King’s work. Life has been steadily throwing me curve balls for awhile now, and I have to admit the unwavering quality and familiarity of all things Stephen King strangely gives me warm and fuzzies when little else will. I know him. I know what to expect, which is absolutely anything and everything. I apparently don’t know what to expect from real life yet. I know that he will do absurd and do it incredibly well. Real life really sucks at absurd, so I always prefer King’s versions, even when they require a steel stomach and sound mind, as this one does.

Emily and Rodney may be two of King’s most psychotic characters to date… SO insane, in fact, that it is impossible to get a thumb on them for the entirety of the novel. The narrator, Justine Lupe, intensifies the solid characterizations impeccably and couldn’t have nailed them any more perfectly. Holly is the opposing stable, dependable force and serves as an amazing protagonist. I especially adore how the art and whimsy of writing is threaded through this work as something that affects all parts of life and people of all walks. This novel seems like a last hurrah for King, especially since Holly’s character returns as a very capable and matured protagonist, almost like she’s all grown up and successful, so his work here is done… I hope not, but that is kind of the air I get. Maybe this is the final starring role for Holly before she rides off into the sunset to enjoy her newfound fortune. I hope so, simply because the girl has been busy and deserves a permanent vacation.

There’s an unabashed Carrie reference in the first few chapters. I love that King is aware that he is a household name and plays with it a little here and there. He can be as cocky and arrogant as he wants, in my opinion. He’s earned it. He’s not just amazing at horror… he’s amazing at all things writing. Read anything he’s written and you are bound to be fascinated and enthralled, even if you are genuinely disgusted by his all-too-effective imagery now and then.

King openly touts his anti-Trump political views in this one, which I am not especially offended by but deserves a mention. Set in the midst of Covid and the peak of the BLM movement, King’s personal politics scream through the pages of this novel. Storming the capitol is mentioned a few times. Our personal politics run fairly parallel, so I’m not bothered by him using the novel as a forum. I am fascinated by him as a person and already knew his stance on such things. He isn’t shy, and I like that he uses his art as a platform for those issues for which he feels passionate. King appears to be having jovial fun with an old friend while writing this one, and I love hearing that tone weaved through his art.

As the novel says, “Perfect is the enemy of good,” and this novel was oh so good.

Amazon’s review:

Holly Gibney, one of Stephen King’s most compelling and ingenuously resourceful characters, returns in this thrilling novel to solve the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town.

“Sometimes the universe throws you a rope.” —BILL HODGES

Stephen King’s Holly marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Audiences have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in Finders Keepers to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in The Outsider. In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.

When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her (very complicated) mother has just died. And Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.

Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless.

Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.

“I could never let Holly Gibney go. She was supposed to be a walk-on character in Mr. Mercedes and she just kind of stole the book and stole my heart. Holly is all her.” —STEPHEN KING

©2023 Stephen King (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Click below to purchase the title or for additional info.

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2022 Thiele Family Newsletter

I got tired of myself when trying to complete this post, so I’m giving up and just publishing it. Next year’s will be complete! (Maybe… no promises…) – Chass

January

We began 2022 with Covid. Anaiah and I were down for a week, and somehow Kannon skipped it. Both of them got excused absences for the week, so both of them kinda loved Covid by the end of it all. We basically had cold symptoms, and that’s about it.

February

I turned 41! I’ve earned all of those years so I don’t mind getting older.

We celebrated with going to my favorite store, Junk Gypsy, in Round Top and eating at Royer’s. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

A few weeks later, we were able to celebrate in Gruene with my girls.

March

The kids stayed active in 4-H with rabbit projects. Anaiah and Kannon showed at the Cuero Livestock Show on March 1st and didn’t place. Anaiah is showing again this year and we are hoping for a better outcome. She is also making a quilt and pajamas for Project/Homemaking Show. 

April

Kannon played baseball again last spring with  Yoakum Little League. He enjoyed entertaining the crowd and eating an average of 3 pickles per game, as well as the actual baseball part of baseball season. We all lived at the fields for most of the spring and are grateful to have amazing friends who help get us through the every sports season. 

May

Kannon played flag football for the first time last May. It was a lot different than tackle football, but he got to work on his speed and coordination more.

June

I overloaded Kannon with summer camps to keep him busy, and Anaiah and I followed him around Texas while exploring new places and working remotely. He attended Mo Ranch in Hunt, Texas from June 12 through 18.

The following week we attended our annual cousin camp in Granbury with the Munkebys, Staubers, and Dooda.

We highly recommend the Air BnB.

July

June 26 through July 2, Kannon enjoyed Pine Cove Christian Camp in Columbus, followed by 4-H Prime Time Youth Camp in Brownwood July 10 to 13. A weekend trip to Port Aransas was next. We spent some much needed beach time with Kristin, Ava, and Cash in the pool and at the beach. Kristin and I agreed that beach trips look a lot different than they did 20ish years ago…

July 17 we began a week-long stay with Kristin and Ava while Kannon attended Camp Half-Blood at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin. During our week with the Thompson girls, Anaiah turned 12!

We rounded out July with a quick trip to Lakeway with Karie, Brayden, and Averly.

August

Kristin turned 40 and Gina got married in the same weekend. I know a guy who knows a guy with a plane, so we pulled it off. Kristin’s birthday weekend was in Fredericksburg, and Gina and Charlie’s wedding was in Big Spring. Dad picked me up at the Fredericksburg airport at 2 pm on August 13th, and I was in Big Spring as a bridesmaid in the wedding by 4 pm. I was back in Fredericksburg by 8 pm to continue celebrating with Kristin and the ladies. I was so grateful to be able to make both events.

The kids started the 5th and 7th grade August 17th. This was the first year we didn’t get a “First Day of School” picture with both kids because Anaiah had to be early for athletics.

Anaiah started volleyball and found her place as a setter. Her team did great for their first time playing and I definitely look forward to seeing them grow in the coming years.

Anaiah was nominated vice president of our 4-H chapter in August. She will be showing rabbits, making a set of pajamas, and participating in the Cuero Homemaking show, along with Kannon, next February.

September

Kannon turned 11 on September 12th. He had football practice on his actual birthday, so we celebrated the weekend before with Papa Sam and friends at Yamato.

Anaiah started cross country and found her niche. She loves to run and is extremely good at it. She tied for 4th in district this year, with only 8th graders ahead of her in placement. She is starting the season next year as the front runner in our area for junior high. Anaiah was on the bus by 6:00 am many Saturdays while her friends were sleeping in. I am so proud of her dedication!

October

Kannon began his tackle football season in August and finished at the championship game in October. It was a hard loss. After some tears and hugs, Mexican food, once again, came in clutch and cured all. His best friend, Kase, joined the team this year. We were overjoyed to do the football life with one of our favorite families. The coaches give so much of themselves to these kids and it definitely shows on and off the field.

We had a great time hanging out with friends and trick-or-treating with friends who are family. We are blessed to live in a small town where kids and parents can still walk down the streets and collect lots of warm greetings and candy.

Anaiah and Kannon helped at the annual

November

We spent Thanksgiving in Galveston with our Zeidan family. Fouad graciously took Kannon, Johnny, and Brian to Moody Gardens so Dad, Anaiah, and I could go hit up the Black Friday Hobby Lobby sales.

December

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home in Yoakum. Papa Sam came to visit us and the kids got pretty much everything on their lists.

We also got family pictures taken by the amazing LeAnn Green. She was amazing with our crazy and we highly recommend her for any and all occasions.

We finished out 2022 at Dooda and Papaw’s in Chima Spring celebrating our Stauber Christmas.

We wish you all a wonderful and prosperous 2023! Below are some miscellaneous pictures that make us smile from the previous year. Thank you for coming along with us on this crazy ride called life!

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What I’m Reading: The Wife Between Us

Nellie – bride-to-be, former college sorority girl, blonde, preschool teacher

Samantha – Nellie’s roommate, fellow preschool teacher

Richard – Nellie’s fiancee, strong, security, allows Nellie to sleep, overcome insomnia, blue eyes, built like a wiry runner, professionally accomplished

Vanessa – Richard’s ex-wife – sales associate at Sak’s on third floor designer floor, 5’6″, smaller than size 4, living with Aunt Charlotte, Lives in NYC

Aunt Charlotte – Vanessa’s mother’s older sister, artist, no children,

Do not skip the epilogue. It is super important, and an absolutely intriguing twist that I would never see coming. I may need to read this one a second time through after all discoveries are made.

This book confirms my belief that I’m better off single. I’m kidding, kind of… The characters and plot highlight the disgusting underbelly of what humans are capable of doing to other humans. I honestly think every love struck teen and twenty-something needs to read this to kind of bring them back to ground level and show them that maybe they should spend ten years traveling and getting to know themselves before settling down… Also, money is a lot but it isn’t everything. I do recommend. If you are cynical, it will make you more so, and I am totally okay with being more cynical.

Buy the book here…

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What I’m Reading: The It Girl

Maybe the most versatile narrator I’ve ever experienced from Audible. Five stars to the narrator. Hannah’s internal dialogue was long and tedious at times, and I got frustrated with it some. I feel like the book could have picked up speed at several different points and some of the details were superfluous, but I’m not a published writer, so I’m going to leave it to the professionals. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the most avid reader in the game until the end. I approved of the ending, so all in all, I highly recommend, as I do all Ruth Ware’s novels. The Audible version definitely adds to the experience.

From Amazon:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the “claustrophobic spine-tingler” (People) One by One returns with an unputdownable mystery following a woman on the search for answers a decade after her friend’s murder.

April Clarke-Cliveden was the first person Hannah Jones met at Oxford.

Vivacious, bright, occasionally vicious, and the ultimate It girl, she quickly pulled Hannah into her dazzling orbit. Together, they developed a group of devoted and inseparable friends—Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily—during their first term. By the end of the year, April was dead.

Now, a decade later, Hannah and Will are expecting their first child, and the man convicted of killing April, former Oxford porter John Neville, has died in prison. Relieved to have finally put the past behind her, Hannah’s world is rocked when a young journalist comes knocking and presents new evidence that Neville may have been innocent. As Hannah reconnects with old friends and delves deeper into the mystery of April’s death, she realizes that the friends she thought she knew all have something to hide…including a murder.

“The Agatha Christie of our generation” (David Baldacci, #1 New York Times bestselling author) proves once again that she is “as ingenious and indefatigable as the Queen of Crime” (The Washington Post) with this propulsive murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.