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The Recordings
“With The Recordings, Kyle Zona proves to be a refreshing and needed voice at the forefront of a new era of thrillers. The book will keep your mind and heart racing until the very last page.” - Patrick Gomez, Entertainment Weekly
"In this thriller debut, Zona conjures a twisting-and twisted-tale... The character work and prose are both strong, and Zona is committed to capturing not just suspense but a rich sense of this cast's lives without slowing down the narrative momentum. Zona brings welcome authenticity and forward-thinking view to his largely LGBTQ+ cast that refreshes, though a few stereotypes-played-as-jokes may divide some readers. A passionate heart drives The Recordings, and readers of thriller fiction powered by convincing, complicated people will find Zona an author to watch." - BookLife Review
THE RECORDINGS is a queer thrilling cat-and-mouse novel blending mystery and revenge while embracing technology. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy novels such as Finder's Keepers (King) and Dark Places (Flynn).
Joseph Bailey—recently fired after a student-scandal—moves to Baxtor Springs, hoping to publish a novel unlike his previous textbooks. After a massive explosion claimed hundreds of lives in Baxtor Springs, Joseph feels inspired to use the tragedy in his writing. But would it be malicious to write about the victims as an outsider?
Alone in his smart home, Joseph asks his Home Device to play a record—but his words are misinterpreted. Instead, the Home Device plays the recording of a murder, a recording unfamiliar to Joseph, who is struck with inspiration for the novel. He furiously writes, giving the crime a second life, fueled by his desire to be no longer labeled by his past.
Desperate to get his new novel on the stands, Joseph befriends a local bookstore owner showcasing new authors at an event to support the victims of the massacre. As Joseph reads his book aloud to the eager audience, he notices someone watching him, and for the first time, he feels anxious that the killer has come to collect his due. These fears are pushed aside when Joseph meets Arturo de Leon, a local bar owner who invites Joseph for a drink.
As Joseph pursues Arturo, the murderer is determined to uncover how Joseph put details of his dark past into words for the world to read.
"In this thriller debut, Zona conjures a twisting-and twisted-tale... The character work and prose are both strong, and Zona is committed to capturing not just suspense but a rich sense of this cast's lives without slowing down the narrative momentum. Zona brings welcome authenticity and forward-thinking view to his largely LGBTQ+ cast that refreshes, though a few stereotypes-played-as-jokes may divide some readers. A passionate heart drives The Recordings, and readers of thriller fiction powered by convincing, complicated people will find Zona an author to watch." - BookLife Review
THE RECORDINGS is a queer thrilling cat-and-mouse novel blending mystery and revenge while embracing technology. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy novels such as Finder's Keepers (King) and Dark Places (Flynn).
Joseph Bailey—recently fired after a student-scandal—moves to Baxtor Springs, hoping to publish a novel unlike his previous textbooks. After a massive explosion claimed hundreds of lives in Baxtor Springs, Joseph feels inspired to use the tragedy in his writing. But would it be malicious to write about the victims as an outsider?
Alone in his smart home, Joseph asks his Home Device to play a record—but his words are misinterpreted. Instead, the Home Device plays the recording of a murder, a recording unfamiliar to Joseph, who is struck with inspiration for the novel. He furiously writes, giving the crime a second life, fueled by his desire to be no longer labeled by his past.
Desperate to get his new novel on the stands, Joseph befriends a local bookstore owner showcasing new authors at an event to support the victims of the massacre. As Joseph reads his book aloud to the eager audience, he notices someone watching him, and for the first time, he feels anxious that the killer has come to collect his due. These fears are pushed aside when Joseph meets Arturo de Leon, a local bar owner who invites Joseph for a drink.
As Joseph pursues Arturo, the murderer is determined to uncover how Joseph put details of his dark past into words for the world to read.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2023
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Kyle Zona
1 book7 followersKyle Zona is a novelist from Los Angeles. He has always been passionate about writing and telling stories, which led him to self-publish his debut novel. Growing up, Kyle was a voracious reader and loved the freedom that the written word could bring. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he believes representation is essential.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 3, 2023
I was hooked from the moment I read the synopsis. My love for this book escalated with the introduction of 3 intertwining stories between 3 queer men (not certain if they are all labeled with their sexualities, all followed a gay forward story line.) The ideas that Kyle Zona brought to this mystery/thriller truly had me on the edge of my seat. The scenes (although graphic) are all very well written and truly give the reader a clear idea of just the emotion that fueled the events. This book is quite HEAVY on some highly sensitive topics, please check the trigger warnings before reading (the author does not hold back.) I would say all in all, the twists and turns that I felt with this book were simply what I look for in a thriller. I did give this a 4 due to the fact that with the "home device" playing a BIG role in the synopsis, i felt the use of this plot was not as well used as it could have been. The idea behind this was truly amazing to me and I was wanting that story line to go further. Without giving anything away, I felt the author could have pushed more of this story line and laid off some smaller insignificant story lines. I have already recommended this to at least one friend as soon as i finished. I would like to thank Kyle Zona for providing me with an ARC on Netgalley for my review.
September 22, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up for being a debut. I'm the outlier though since everyone else seemed to have really liked this one.
The premise seemed so intriguing to me, but the actual story seemed to have happened after the synopsis, so it didn't really line up with my expectations. I don't know if I just missed something, but the plot and timing of everything didn't really make sense to me for most of the book.
I also wasn't a huge fan of any of the characters. I did come around to Arturo by the end, but it was hard to connect to any of them, which left me not caring that much. I also felt like Arturo and Joseph's relationship was a bit weird with how quickly it moved and how familiar they seemed with each other after like one day.
I will say that I enjoyed how much representation was in this book and how natural it all came across. It didn't feel forced at all.
I can see the appeal for people and how unexpected the plot became halfway through. I think the writing style just wasn't for me personally.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kyle Zona for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The premise seemed so intriguing to me, but the actual story seemed to have happened after the synopsis, so it didn't really line up with my expectations. I don't know if I just missed something, but the plot and timing of everything didn't really make sense to me for most of the book.
I also wasn't a huge fan of any of the characters. I did come around to Arturo by the end, but it was hard to connect to any of them, which left me not caring that much. I also felt like Arturo and Joseph's relationship was a bit weird with how quickly it moved and how familiar they seemed with each other after like one day.
I will say that I enjoyed how much representation was in this book and how natural it all came across. It didn't feel forced at all.
I can see the appeal for people and how unexpected the plot became halfway through. I think the writing style just wasn't for me personally.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kyle Zona for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 13, 2023
This gets pretty dark and touches on some really disturbing topics but wow! I absolutely did nit see those twists coming and it made me reevaluate absolutely everything. Its a really original storyline and it keeps up a good pace and builds the tension throughout. I absolutely loved the concept and how well it was written, it all came together perfectly and didn't leave any plot holes and had even the most irrelevant things still tying in nicely. Highly recommend
October 26, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down and read it in a day. Interesting characters, queer representation, and thrilling twists. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2023
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley.
I'm generally not a fan of the genre but I decided to read this book because the description intrigued me. As well as the fact that the main cast is queer.
We're following 3 men: a writer who just published a new thriller based on some recordings of a murder he has no idea was real or not (obviously, he's not telling anybody what inspired the book or how he came across the recordings), a bar owner who happens to be at a book event of the author (they start going out right after), and a guy just released from prison who might be the killer from the recordings. The action takes place in a small town not long after a massacre in which a lot of people died, and I still have no idea why this setting was necessary and what was the thought process behind choosing it. What adds to the intrigue (not really but it was supposed to) is that technology plays a huge role throughout the book (however, only when the plot needs it).
The writing style was straightforward, but not outstanding in any way. In my opinion, we didn't need all 3 perspectives. I didn't particularly care for any of them, and switching back and forth didn't help. While each character had a background we got to uncover as the book progressed, none of them had enough dimension and I would struggle to name 3 traits for each. Despite being a thriller, this book is not action-packed, and after a specific event that happens halfway through the book, it just gets very predictable and even slower.
Without getting into spoilers, I want to mention that I hate when the big reveal at the end revolves around someone's trauma and its consequences (especially in horror/mystery/thriller), as it's in reality something very complex, and very tricky to handle in fiction (so it tends to be problematic most of the times). And it was the case for 2 of the 3 main characters.
I guess the only good thing I have to say is that the LGBTQ+ representation was well done and felt very natural.
A lot of what I mentioned above is related to personal preferences, but still, I'm struggling to think of anyone to recommend this to.
I'm generally not a fan of the genre but I decided to read this book because the description intrigued me. As well as the fact that the main cast is queer.
We're following 3 men: a writer who just published a new thriller based on some recordings of a murder he has no idea was real or not (obviously, he's not telling anybody what inspired the book or how he came across the recordings), a bar owner who happens to be at a book event of the author (they start going out right after), and a guy just released from prison who might be the killer from the recordings. The action takes place in a small town not long after a massacre in which a lot of people died, and I still have no idea why this setting was necessary and what was the thought process behind choosing it. What adds to the intrigue (not really but it was supposed to) is that technology plays a huge role throughout the book (however, only when the plot needs it).
The writing style was straightforward, but not outstanding in any way. In my opinion, we didn't need all 3 perspectives. I didn't particularly care for any of them, and switching back and forth didn't help. While each character had a background we got to uncover as the book progressed, none of them had enough dimension and I would struggle to name 3 traits for each. Despite being a thriller, this book is not action-packed, and after a specific event that happens halfway through the book, it just gets very predictable and even slower.
Without getting into spoilers, I want to mention that I hate when the big reveal at the end revolves around someone's trauma and its consequences (especially in horror/mystery/thriller), as it's in reality something very complex, and very tricky to handle in fiction (so it tends to be problematic most of the times). And it was the case for 2 of the 3 main characters.
I guess the only good thing I have to say is that the LGBTQ+ representation was well done and felt very natural.
A lot of what I mentioned above is related to personal preferences, but still, I'm struggling to think of anyone to recommend this to.
September 28, 2024
Could use another round of proofreading, but it was a solid story.
January 13, 2024
A huge tragedy in the town of Baxter Springs has left the entire town reeling and trying to come to terms with loss and grieving. Joseph Bailey, the writer of a new bestseller, is donating signed books to help town families pay for funeral costs for their loved ones. But all is not as it seems in Baxter Springs. And soon another buried tragedy will come to light.
This is a medium paced thriller with very sympathetic characters. It speaks of how injurious secrets from the past affects the present.
My only issue was that I found certain parts of the story decelerated the pace by being unnecessarily detailed (eg. A very detailed description of making a cocktail).
Also has great LGBTQ+ representation.
I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a medium paced thriller with very sympathetic characters. It speaks of how injurious secrets from the past affects the present.
My only issue was that I found certain parts of the story decelerated the pace by being unnecessarily detailed (eg. A very detailed description of making a cocktail).
Also has great LGBTQ+ representation.
I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.
January 15, 2024
I loved this twisty mystery with gay characters. The themes are shocking at times, and the way Kyle writes is vivid and thought provoking. I did not see some of the plot twists coming. What I loved was that it felt like three stories in one, he doesn’t hold back in graphic and harrowing themes and I was hooked from the start.
I look forward to more from the author to come
I look forward to more from the author to come
September 17, 2023
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I'd like to echo other reviewers before me and say that this book deals with heavy subject matters, so heed the content warnings (listed below the review) if you read it.
This novel's plot was different from what I'd expected when I first read the description, but I really enjoyed it! The first half was a little bit slow as it was a lot of setting & character-building while delivering the main elements of the mystery, but when the halfway point hit, I felt like I'd gotten metaphorically slapped on the face and the stakes got really high. The pace also picked up quite a lot by then, which made for an engaging read because I was dying to know the truth behind everything. In the end, I feel like everything was nicely tied together and I was satisfied by the outcome of the book.
I also enjoyed the rotating POVs between the characters as it helped deliver more information to the reader without feeling too jarring.
The characters themselves were interesting, though I was a little frustrated by Joseph and his decisions at times. I also enjoyed the gay representation in this quite a lot, it's refreshing to read about gay characters in a thriller for once over what I'm usually reading.
The violence in this book was pretty brutal, and I'm personally saying this in a positive way as someone who enjoys a good dose of horror in his diet. This book would be up the alley of anyone else who likes their thriller kills to be on the bloodier and messier side.
I do have some nitpicks, however: the timeline of events prior to the novel's main story was a bit too confusing to me at times, and the build-up in Joseph and Arturo's relationship felt a bit too fast and could have perhaps benefited from the main story taking place over a longer span of time.
I also wished the home tech element was a bit more prominent since that's what I'd expected from reading the book's description, but that is more of a personal feeling than something that took me out of the story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book with an intriguing plot and interesting cast of characters, and some pretty gnarly scenes of violence too!
--
Content warnings: Graphic violence, gore, suicide, pedophilia, grooming, alcohol & drug use/abuse, vomit
First of all, I'd like to echo other reviewers before me and say that this book deals with heavy subject matters, so heed the content warnings (listed below the review) if you read it.
This novel's plot was different from what I'd expected when I first read the description, but I really enjoyed it! The first half was a little bit slow as it was a lot of setting & character-building while delivering the main elements of the mystery, but when the halfway point hit, I felt like I'd gotten metaphorically slapped on the face and the stakes got really high. The pace also picked up quite a lot by then, which made for an engaging read because I was dying to know the truth behind everything. In the end, I feel like everything was nicely tied together and I was satisfied by the outcome of the book.
I also enjoyed the rotating POVs between the characters as it helped deliver more information to the reader without feeling too jarring.
The characters themselves were interesting, though I was a little frustrated by Joseph and his decisions at times. I also enjoyed the gay representation in this quite a lot, it's refreshing to read about gay characters in a thriller for once over what I'm usually reading.
The violence in this book was pretty brutal, and I'm personally saying this in a positive way as someone who enjoys a good dose of horror in his diet. This book would be up the alley of anyone else who likes their thriller kills to be on the bloodier and messier side.
I do have some nitpicks, however: the timeline of events prior to the novel's main story was a bit too confusing to me at times, and the build-up in Joseph and Arturo's relationship felt a bit too fast and could have perhaps benefited from the main story taking place over a longer span of time.
I also wished the home tech element was a bit more prominent since that's what I'd expected from reading the book's description, but that is more of a personal feeling than something that took me out of the story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book with an intriguing plot and interesting cast of characters, and some pretty gnarly scenes of violence too!
--
Content warnings: Graphic violence, gore, suicide, pedophilia, grooming, alcohol & drug use/abuse, vomit
September 22, 2023
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kyle Zona definitely delivered a fast-paced thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat this pumpkin spice season. Thrillers are not my usual cup of tea but I found myself intrigued by the lives of these characters and the sinister mystery surrounding them. The novel is told through three different perspectives after a mass explosion brings a sleepy small town to a jolt and a killer is set loose, intent on hiding his murder in the aftermath. The killer's POV included in the narrative was chilling since Zona doesn't hold back on gory details. The novel also deals heavily with subjects of grief and anxiety so be advised to check the trigger warnings before reading! I liked the cozy small-town depictions of Baxtor Springs amidst the tragedies that continually befall the town. I also liked that almost all the characters were gay, including the three main perspectives, which is a refreshing representation. I loved that surprising twist!!! I didn't expect anything more than a few scare jumps and some mystery, but the twist around the middle of the book left me confounded and prompted me to devour the rest in one sitting. It's really a solid dark and gritty thriller about guilt and trauma that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced, adult queer mystery read.
TW: Pedophilia, Unaliving, Massacres, Gore, Physical violence
Kyle Zona definitely delivered a fast-paced thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat this pumpkin spice season. Thrillers are not my usual cup of tea but I found myself intrigued by the lives of these characters and the sinister mystery surrounding them. The novel is told through three different perspectives after a mass explosion brings a sleepy small town to a jolt and a killer is set loose, intent on hiding his murder in the aftermath. The killer's POV included in the narrative was chilling since Zona doesn't hold back on gory details. The novel also deals heavily with subjects of grief and anxiety so be advised to check the trigger warnings before reading! I liked the cozy small-town depictions of Baxtor Springs amidst the tragedies that continually befall the town. I also liked that almost all the characters were gay, including the three main perspectives, which is a refreshing representation. I loved that surprising twist!!! I didn't expect anything more than a few scare jumps and some mystery, but the twist around the middle of the book left me confounded and prompted me to devour the rest in one sitting. It's really a solid dark and gritty thriller about guilt and trauma that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced, adult queer mystery read.
TW: Pedophilia, Unaliving, Massacres, Gore, Physical violence
October 24, 2023
It can sometimes feel nearly impossible to find a thriller that is not completely predictable and *actually* thrilling. Fortunately, the entire genre may be saved with the arrival of Kyle Zona’s debut novel. The Recordings is an action-packed story full of complex characters that is truly unputdownable. Among the many things I loved about this book:
-Queer representation that does not consist of one generic, gay character who dies on page 5 (as is so often the case). There is visibility across the spectrum for the LGBT community.
-Every scene is described with so much care and vivid detail, the reader can’t help but feel like they are watching the story unfold right in front of them (yes, I am eagerly anticipating the film/tv adaptation).
-Modern technology is a main character in the story just as much as Joseph or Arturo. You can tell the author actually GETS how technology works (for better or for worse), and uses it to fully drive his story forward in completely original and unexpected ways.
It’s always nice to support a new author and their debut novel, but it’s ESPECIALLY nice and SO easy to do when the author is as talented as Kyle Zona and the story is as good as The Recordings. If you like Stephen King, if you like True Detective, if you like stories with twists I absolutely guarantee you won’t be able to predict, then The Recordings should be next on your reading list.
-Queer representation that does not consist of one generic, gay character who dies on page 5 (as is so often the case). There is visibility across the spectrum for the LGBT community.
-Every scene is described with so much care and vivid detail, the reader can’t help but feel like they are watching the story unfold right in front of them (yes, I am eagerly anticipating the film/tv adaptation).
-Modern technology is a main character in the story just as much as Joseph or Arturo. You can tell the author actually GETS how technology works (for better or for worse), and uses it to fully drive his story forward in completely original and unexpected ways.
It’s always nice to support a new author and their debut novel, but it’s ESPECIALLY nice and SO easy to do when the author is as talented as Kyle Zona and the story is as good as The Recordings. If you like Stephen King, if you like True Detective, if you like stories with twists I absolutely guarantee you won’t be able to predict, then The Recordings should be next on your reading list.
October 20, 2023
Joseph is a former teacher who moves to Baxtor Springs when he inherits a property. He's a failed professor who shouldn't have even had the job in the first place. His only source of income is money from textbooks. He's just released what looks to be a bestseller though and things are looking up for him. His book is called Rabbit's Revenge.
The main character is Rabbit and we first encounter him while he's getting revenge on an old man. It's a brutal and bloody revenge. The dialogue is casual yet primed, it clearly shows two people who have known each other for a long time. Their reunion went great for Rabbit, and horribly for the old man.
The popular scene that everyone wants Joseph to read at events could have been ripped from a real crime scene with real people and a real story behind them.
Joseph meets Arturo after his reading and they are drawn to each other right away. Their dialogue is charged with curious flirtations and sexual energy, we want them together.
Things are looking up for Joseph until a stranger with a rabbit tattoo on his arm starts hanging around. Someone knows the stranger's secret and he's going to get to the bottom of how, no matter the cost.
The Recordings is Kyle Zona’s debut novel. It’s intriguing, thrilling, sexy and queer. When I was done reading it, I wanted more.
The main character is Rabbit and we first encounter him while he's getting revenge on an old man. It's a brutal and bloody revenge. The dialogue is casual yet primed, it clearly shows two people who have known each other for a long time. Their reunion went great for Rabbit, and horribly for the old man.
The popular scene that everyone wants Joseph to read at events could have been ripped from a real crime scene with real people and a real story behind them.
Joseph meets Arturo after his reading and they are drawn to each other right away. Their dialogue is charged with curious flirtations and sexual energy, we want them together.
Things are looking up for Joseph until a stranger with a rabbit tattoo on his arm starts hanging around. Someone knows the stranger's secret and he's going to get to the bottom of how, no matter the cost.
The Recordings is Kyle Zona’s debut novel. It’s intriguing, thrilling, sexy and queer. When I was done reading it, I wanted more.
September 12, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I admit, I didn't expect where this mystery was going. The plot and the characters subverted my expectations, and plotlines that I thought were irrelevant ended up tying together. I was expecting it to be faster paced.
Joseph is kind of an idiot, though.
CW: pedophilia, murder, suicide, violence, blood, vomit
I admit, I didn't expect where this mystery was going. The plot and the characters subverted my expectations, and plotlines that I thought were irrelevant ended up tying together. I was expecting it to be faster paced.
Joseph is kind of an idiot, though.
CW: pedophilia, murder, suicide, violence, blood, vomit
October 13, 2023
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC #TheRecordings by #KyleZona. This book is packed with action, drama and murder. There is some abuse but that all ties in with the story.
May 2, 2024
The description of this book really intrigued me, so imagine how disappointed I was when the events in the book had barely anything to do with the synopsis provided. Is there a home device-related error that provides him with recordings of a previous crime? Apparently, because that never happens on the page. That entire plot point is woefully underutilized. There's so much lost potential here, and honestly, I think exploring that would have been a very different story. Probably a better one.
By the time we meet Joseph, his mediocre book has been published and he's already giving a reading for it. I wasn't a fan of the excerpt of the fake novel, or the real one. I feel bad saying this about a debut, but the writing itself was not good. The plot felt like such a hole-ridden stretch, the motivations felt so unhinged, and the characters didn't really bring anything to the table. Joseph's is an outline of a person. Arturo is Bambi-esque, a child forever searching for the love of a parent. Noah is a perpetuation of a violent cycle in ways that are neither new or interesting. Bad people die. Good people die. Neutral people die. At one point, a character asks something along the lines of "how much will be enough?" I found myself asking the same of this book with every turn of the page.
I would have happily DNF'd if this weren't an ARC I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It took me so long to finish it that the book has already been published for months now. I'm glad that there seem to be people on Goodreads who enjoy it. I wish I were one of them. If you're into violent revenge stories that don't mind skipping over all the other stuff, then maybe this one is for you. It certainly wasn't for me.
By the time we meet Joseph, his mediocre book has been published and he's already giving a reading for it. I wasn't a fan of the excerpt of the fake novel, or the real one. I feel bad saying this about a debut, but the writing itself was not good. The plot felt like such a hole-ridden stretch, the motivations felt so unhinged, and the characters didn't really bring anything to the table. Joseph's is an outline of a person. Arturo is Bambi-esque, a child forever searching for the love of a parent. Noah is a perpetuation of a violent cycle in ways that are neither new or interesting. Bad people die. Good people die. Neutral people die. At one point, a character asks something along the lines of "how much will be enough?" I found myself asking the same of this book with every turn of the page.
I would have happily DNF'd if this weren't an ARC I received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It took me so long to finish it that the book has already been published for months now. I'm glad that there seem to be people on Goodreads who enjoy it. I wish I were one of them. If you're into violent revenge stories that don't mind skipping over all the other stuff, then maybe this one is for you. It certainly wasn't for me.
September 16, 2023
Received digital ARC for honest review
The Recordings is thrilling and heavy mystery centered around a small town tragedy and three men that get connected through it.
I'll second what other reviews have say and heed you to check the trigger warnings (I'll put mine at the bottom of this review).
This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat. From the first page, the reader is hit with horror and mystery and then you're dropped into an normal event, albeit, one put on by tragedy. You are surrounded by all the emotions of this small town and then one incident really ramps up the action. I'll tell you, my second hand anxiety for the characters really skyrocketed from that point on.
I feel like the main characters are well developed. The chapters switch between their points of view so you get a good 360° of the events. There was in instance where one of the character's motivation seemed thin but as you get more information about him, you realize it wasn't as out of the blue as you initially thought.
This book is full of puzzle pieces and it was amazing how they all came together. A lot of back story about the characters is needed but the way it was presented flowed well with the plot so the reader isn't trudging through endless exposition.
This book was a thrilling read and I'm tempted to read it again to see if I missed where small pieces of the puzzle fit!
TW: murder, suicide, SA of children, body horror, alcohol and drug use/abuse. Characters also deal with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and flashbacks.
The Recordings is thrilling and heavy mystery centered around a small town tragedy and three men that get connected through it.
I'll second what other reviews have say and heed you to check the trigger warnings (I'll put mine at the bottom of this review).
This book definitely had me on the edge of my seat. From the first page, the reader is hit with horror and mystery and then you're dropped into an normal event, albeit, one put on by tragedy. You are surrounded by all the emotions of this small town and then one incident really ramps up the action. I'll tell you, my second hand anxiety for the characters really skyrocketed from that point on.
I feel like the main characters are well developed. The chapters switch between their points of view so you get a good 360° of the events. There was in instance where one of the character's motivation seemed thin but as you get more information about him, you realize it wasn't as out of the blue as you initially thought.
This book is full of puzzle pieces and it was amazing how they all came together. A lot of back story about the characters is needed but the way it was presented flowed well with the plot so the reader isn't trudging through endless exposition.
This book was a thrilling read and I'm tempted to read it again to see if I missed where small pieces of the puzzle fit!
TW: murder, suicide, SA of children, body horror, alcohol and drug use/abuse. Characters also deal with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and flashbacks.
February 25, 2024
Rating: 2.96 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 3/5
-Cover: 5/5
-Story: 2.75/5
-Writing: 3/5
Genre: LGBT, Mystery, Thriller
-LGBT: 5/5
-Mystery: 1/5
-Thriller: 1/5
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Eh
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
The story wasn't bad, per say. I like the concept of it all but the writing could be worked on a bit more. It is easy for people to use filler words when writing, a habit we formed thanks to being forced to write essays in school, and what this does to the story can make the whole thing feel stop-n-go. That is how I felt when reading. Another concept of the book that could use some focusing on is building characters and that thrill. Fleshing them out before writing, I have found, helps reads connect and care about who you are writing about. It takes time but in the end gives better results. I know this is Kyle's first book and that in itself is a scary accomplishments but hopefully he will see this and take it as helpful criticism.
-Characters: 3/5
-Cover: 5/5
-Story: 2.75/5
-Writing: 3/5
Genre: LGBT, Mystery, Thriller
-LGBT: 5/5
-Mystery: 1/5
-Thriller: 1/5
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Eh
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
The story wasn't bad, per say. I like the concept of it all but the writing could be worked on a bit more. It is easy for people to use filler words when writing, a habit we formed thanks to being forced to write essays in school, and what this does to the story can make the whole thing feel stop-n-go. That is how I felt when reading. Another concept of the book that could use some focusing on is building characters and that thrill. Fleshing them out before writing, I have found, helps reads connect and care about who you are writing about. It takes time but in the end gives better results. I know this is Kyle's first book and that in itself is a scary accomplishments but hopefully he will see this and take it as helpful criticism.
September 7, 2023
First things first : Check the trigger warnings before jumping into this one, it gets pretty heavy. Protect your mental health 😌❤️
Okay, now that this is out of the way, lets talk about this book : i really enjoyed it! It got me hooked right away. Intriguing characters, including a killer’s POV, which is always a plus in my opinion 👌🏻 It was actually really interesting for me to have all those puzzle pieces during that first half then having everything shift by that TURNED OF EVENT I DIDN’T SEE COMING. 😳 (maybe i’m too trusting, need to self reflect here). It switched everything for me and after that, it just felt like the tension was higher and i really appreciate this shift.
The atmosphere in this story was really heavy, each page felt painted by grief, hurt and guilt, and having this much pain plaguing a small town really made those emotions more vivid.
Kill scenes were fantastic 👌🏻
Also, every one is queer. So, you know i’m into it. 🤷🏻♀️
and can somebody PLEASE give Arturo the biggest hug of all time? Please and thank you.
Okay, now that this is out of the way, lets talk about this book : i really enjoyed it! It got me hooked right away. Intriguing characters, including a killer’s POV, which is always a plus in my opinion 👌🏻 It was actually really interesting for me to have all those puzzle pieces during that first half then having everything shift by that TURNED OF EVENT I DIDN’T SEE COMING. 😳 (maybe i’m too trusting, need to self reflect here). It switched everything for me and after that, it just felt like the tension was higher and i really appreciate this shift.
The atmosphere in this story was really heavy, each page felt painted by grief, hurt and guilt, and having this much pain plaguing a small town really made those emotions more vivid.
Kill scenes were fantastic 👌🏻
Also, every one is queer. So, you know i’m into it. 🤷🏻♀️
and can somebody PLEASE give Arturo the biggest hug of all time? Please and thank you.
May 23, 2024
I wish I could remember how I found this book because I really enjoyed it and I didn't know that it was self-published. I think maybe it was a post on Instagram. ANYWAY! Oh this book hooked me from the beginning. I really enjoyed the concept. I mean, come on, we all wonder if AI is listening to us all the time, don't we? And what if it was listening to you when you did something really heinous? Then ... what if another AI offered up the recordings!
I enjoyed the premise. There were a few technical things that were a little too easily accomplished... ie. someone cloning a phone. But, I'm wiling to forgive those, because by the time I got to the end of this book I was flying through the pages because I was so caught up in the action.
The author definitely writes action well. I would say this is a great book and not just "for a debut" novel :) Definitely looking forward to anything this author writes.
I enjoyed the premise. There were a few technical things that were a little too easily accomplished... ie. someone cloning a phone. But, I'm wiling to forgive those, because by the time I got to the end of this book I was flying through the pages because I was so caught up in the action.
The author definitely writes action well. I would say this is a great book and not just "for a debut" novel :) Definitely looking forward to anything this author writes.
May 12, 2024
The description of the book had me really interested, but unfortunately I was kind of disappointed. I didn't really like or connect with any of the characters, I feel like there could have been more character building to help you connect with the characters and really care about them and their story. I did enjoy the gay representation but the relationship between the two main characters really got on my nerves, it just felt so rushed and I did not feel the chemistry.
I know this is the authors first book and I hate to leave a bad review on a debut novel but I just didn't enjoy it. There is a trigger warning at the beginning, and it did get a little dark at times, so be warned if you are sensitive to stuff like that. Maybe the subject issue was just too much and too graphic for me. It left me with a heavy feeling and not much to take away from.
I know this is the authors first book and I hate to leave a bad review on a debut novel but I just didn't enjoy it. There is a trigger warning at the beginning, and it did get a little dark at times, so be warned if you are sensitive to stuff like that. Maybe the subject issue was just too much and too graphic for me. It left me with a heavy feeling and not much to take away from.
October 6, 2023
I initially chose this book for the cover - it looked like a creepy pyramid and I thought it might be some sort of paranormal horror. It’s actually more of a murder mystery, fairly fast paced with a handful of twists and turns told from multiple POVs. It had enough intrigue to keep me reading but I must admit I was scratching my head on a couple of major plot points that I couldn’t reconcile to the behavior of the characters previously. I really enjoyed the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ characters and the violent scenes were well written (and pretty graphic), so if not for these inconsistencies this would be a solid 4 star. I look forward to seeing more from KZ.
Thanks to Kyle Zona and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to Kyle Zona and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 6, 2023
I initially chose this book for the cover - it looked like a creepy pyramid and I thought it might be some sort of paranormal horror. It’s actually more of a murder mystery, fairly fast paced with a handful of twists and turns told from multiple POVs. It had enough intrigue to keep me reading but I must admit I was scratching my head on a couple of major plot points that I couldn’t reconcile to the behavior of the characters previously. I really enjoyed the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ characters and the violent scenes were well written (and pretty graphic), so if not for these inconsistencies this would be a solid 4 star. I look forward to seeing more from KZ.
Thanks to KZ and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Thanks to KZ and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
March 10, 2024
𝟯.𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Starts off with a hell of an opening chapter, so that had me pulled in right from the beginning. I really enjoyed being strung along for the ride, because I'd say it is pretty unique. If you enjoyed 'This Thing Between Us' by Gus Moreno I think you would also enjoy this one.
Additionally, the multiple perspectives really worked in favor of the book, and the fact that we got some gay characters! Rarely seems to happen in the thriller genre as a whole, so it was definitely appreciated.
As I said before, I found this plot and storyline very unique, however I was a tad disappointed that it didn't stick the landing. All in all, great debut and I can't wait to see what Kyle Zona comes out with next!
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Starts off with a hell of an opening chapter, so that had me pulled in right from the beginning. I really enjoyed being strung along for the ride, because I'd say it is pretty unique. If you enjoyed 'This Thing Between Us' by Gus Moreno I think you would also enjoy this one.
Additionally, the multiple perspectives really worked in favor of the book, and the fact that we got some gay characters! Rarely seems to happen in the thriller genre as a whole, so it was definitely appreciated.
As I said before, I found this plot and storyline very unique, however I was a tad disappointed that it didn't stick the landing. All in all, great debut and I can't wait to see what Kyle Zona comes out with next!
Read
November 30, 2023Kyle Zona’s The Recordings is a mystery-thriller that unfolds across several provocative modern situations. A small town broken by grief from the mass loss of life in a gas explosion set off by a troubled young man. The specter of sexual abuse within a treasured boy scout troop. The possibility of AI home assistant technology being used for evil purposes. Woven together artfully by the author, these themes make for an excellent backdrop to a suspenseful (and twisted) murder drama.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
Read the rest of my review at Out in Print.
November 17, 2024
I very much enjoyed this psychological thriller! I intentionally went in without researching too much first and it had everything I enjoy in a novel. Twists, turns, multiple perspectives, lgbt plots that feel close to reality. I’ve recommended this book a lot while I’ve read and now I’m wondering if I should take it back because it definitely got more graphic as it went on.
January 3, 2025
Great premise for a plot, but I didn't care for the writing style and pacing.
Not bad for a debut novel
Not bad for a debut novel
March 10, 2025
Just not my cuppa.
February 19, 2024
Though I did like the book overall, I didn’t realize who dark it was going to be so at the time I read it, it didn’t work from me. So, to be fair to the book, I reread it coming in with a different mindset and it worked so much better for me. A tragedy happened in Baxter Springs and has devastated the town and they are trying to wrap their heads around it and grieve. Joseph Bailey, who I loved from jump, is a writer and just written a new bestseller. He is donating signed books to help the families pay for funeral costs of their loved ones. But things do not stop there. We get dragged into this pretty quick paced thriller with very likable characters. And it just goes to show you how the past affects the present. I also loved that we got multiple POVs so we could get into everyone’s minds and we could see what they were thinking/felt. I cannot believe that this is the authors debut novel, it was very well written. I hope they have more books coming very soon.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.
August 15, 2024
I really hate giving negative book reviews, especially when it’s a debut in the genre and I was allowed to read it early AND it was self published. But alas, I did not enjoy this book at all, and I feel I need to tell you why.
The writing was very poor. Many times I found that the timelines were off (ie the characters going for brunch and a page or so later they talk about the sunset), or reactions were unrealistic, or it was just plain poor writing.
What really bugged me (this is a teeny tiny itty bitty spoiler so warning) is that the “villain” so conveniently made it into the MC’s house undetected and made a CLONE of his phone so the villains phone got every notification the MC’s did. This all felt so convenient, and this is by far not the only convenient happening in the book. I don’t claim to be the best writer/editor in the world, or even a good one for that matter, but I feel there are things that stand out so much I’m not sure how they could have gotten through edits.
I also don’t understand why there was romance and sex in a thriller book? One minute you’re talking about a (way too) graphic murder and the next it’s a heart-to-heart between two lovers? Talk about it whiplash.
I was so excited about this book and really wanted to love it. I was so disappointed that I didn’t love it, but alas you can’t love “em all. I love that authors are self publishing books, but sometimes it’s not the bestseller you hoped for.
I do love the representation though, and I think more non-romance books should have many queer characters!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kyle Zona for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
The writing was very poor. Many times I found that the timelines were off (ie the characters going for brunch and a page or so later they talk about the sunset), or reactions were unrealistic, or it was just plain poor writing.
What really bugged me (this is a teeny tiny itty bitty spoiler so warning) is that the “villain” so conveniently made it into the MC’s house undetected and made a CLONE of his phone so the villains phone got every notification the MC’s did. This all felt so convenient, and this is by far not the only convenient happening in the book. I don’t claim to be the best writer/editor in the world, or even a good one for that matter, but I feel there are things that stand out so much I’m not sure how they could have gotten through edits.
I also don’t understand why there was romance and sex in a thriller book? One minute you’re talking about a (way too) graphic murder and the next it’s a heart-to-heart between two lovers? Talk about it whiplash.
I was so excited about this book and really wanted to love it. I was so disappointed that I didn’t love it, but alas you can’t love “em all. I love that authors are self publishing books, but sometimes it’s not the bestseller you hoped for.
I do love the representation though, and I think more non-romance books should have many queer characters!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kyle Zona for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
Joseph Bailey just wanted a quiet life after a career crash—but when his smart home starts playing what looks like real murder recordings, “quiet” goes out the window. Kyle Zona spins a tense, darkly funny thriller with tech gone wrong, shady secrets, and a cast of characters who keep you guessing. Some twists feel a little telegraphed, but the suspense and emotional pull are strong enough to keep you glued. Equal parts creepy, clever, and unpredictable, it’s a story that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy to review honestly.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy to review honestly.
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