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Loretta
A stranger, a murder, and a town on the brink
In the tranquil town of Athol, Loretta's mundane life takes an unexpected twist when a mysterious stranger, stranded by car trouble, knocks on her door one night. Overcoming her initial hesitations, Loretta extends hospitality and allows the enigmatic visitor to stay overnight.
But the following day, Athol is shaken by the shocking news of a young woman found brutally murdered on the outskirts of town. No one seems to be looking at the stranger, while the tight-knit community points fingers at Loretta, citing her eccentricities as reason enough to label her the prime suspect.
While Loretta finds herself thrust into a nightmarish reality, at the epicenter of a storm of suspicion, the true perpetrator of the heinous crime remains at large. But the truth is more terrifying than anyone could have guessed.
Read this gripping psychological thriller now and uncover the chilling truth in Athol's heart-pounding tale of murder, deception, and an unexpected twist that will leave you breathless!
Perfect for fans of Noelle Ihli and Jennifer Hillier
In the tranquil town of Athol, Loretta's mundane life takes an unexpected twist when a mysterious stranger, stranded by car trouble, knocks on her door one night. Overcoming her initial hesitations, Loretta extends hospitality and allows the enigmatic visitor to stay overnight.
But the following day, Athol is shaken by the shocking news of a young woman found brutally murdered on the outskirts of town. No one seems to be looking at the stranger, while the tight-knit community points fingers at Loretta, citing her eccentricities as reason enough to label her the prime suspect.
While Loretta finds herself thrust into a nightmarish reality, at the epicenter of a storm of suspicion, the true perpetrator of the heinous crime remains at large. But the truth is more terrifying than anyone could have guessed.
Read this gripping psychological thriller now and uncover the chilling truth in Athol's heart-pounding tale of murder, deception, and an unexpected twist that will leave you breathless!
Perfect for fans of Noelle Ihli and Jennifer Hillier
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2024
48 people are currently reading
2715 people want to read
About the author
Nadija Mujagic
31 books192 followersNadija has written several psychological thrillers and a memoir series. In her spare time, she enjoys playing sports and electric bass guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 9, 2024
Let me give a brief background first. Loretta is a country girl who resides in Athol enjoys her life until one day a stranger with a car breaks down in front of her house in the middle of the night. At first she hesitates and allows him to remain. The following morning, there was a gruesome murder that made round the town which they arrest Loretta because she is out of her mind and easily gets irritated. But believe me they know there are murderers out there, and the reality is far worse than people can comprehend.
Certainly, the character development in this book is one of its strongest aspects; most of the characters are very believable. Loretta’s Peculiar behavior and short temper are very interesting and suspicious that made her the center of attention as a main character. It is even more interesting since her character struggles with the bipolar personality disorder, which makes her stand out.
The strongest point of LORETTA is how author sets the story in Athol and grounds it in the environment of a small town, the feeling of people knowing each other combined with suspense. The story is unpredictable; the events that occur, and the motives of the characters are never clear until the last moment.
Why 5 stars? The plotting is simply wonderful, the characters are multi-dimensional and there is no let-up in the tension. Subsequently, one is able to follow Mujagic’s prose up to the last line. This book is for every mystery-crime-psychological-thrillers lover.
So, if you’re looking for a crime thriller with psychological suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make sure to check out LORETTA when it’s published on August 5th. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Certainly, the character development in this book is one of its strongest aspects; most of the characters are very believable. Loretta’s Peculiar behavior and short temper are very interesting and suspicious that made her the center of attention as a main character. It is even more interesting since her character struggles with the bipolar personality disorder, which makes her stand out.
The strongest point of LORETTA is how author sets the story in Athol and grounds it in the environment of a small town, the feeling of people knowing each other combined with suspense. The story is unpredictable; the events that occur, and the motives of the characters are never clear until the last moment.
Why 5 stars? The plotting is simply wonderful, the characters are multi-dimensional and there is no let-up in the tension. Subsequently, one is able to follow Mujagic’s prose up to the last line. This book is for every mystery-crime-psychological-thrillers lover.
So, if you’re looking for a crime thriller with psychological suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make sure to check out LORETTA when it’s published on August 5th. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
July 25, 2024
This story kept my attention, but I think more editing is needed. There was a lot of repetition (captivity, "the officer", "prime suspect"). There were also typos and inconsistencies within the story (I don't want to give any spoilers). There were a few storylines that could have been omitted completely because they didn't add anything to the story, and they seemed very random.
The story itself is interesting but lacked consistency and imagery. It was more of telling versus showing. I didn't feel any of the anxiety Loretta was feeling. Her thoughts seemed random and erratic but not in a way that made any sense with the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself is interesting but lacked consistency and imagery. It was more of telling versus showing. I didn't feel any of the anxiety Loretta was feeling. Her thoughts seemed random and erratic but not in a way that made any sense with the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2024
I liked the aspects of this book that took me by surprise, and without giving too much away: the identity of a man who has car trouble and knocks on Loretta's door, the killer, and the kidnapper.
This was truly a different kind of book, where the story was strange and I didn't know where the plot was going. It kept me engaged, because I wanted to find out what was happening. But the last third of the book read like it was written by someone else, or someone for whom English was a second language.
I am grateful to BookSirens for providing this advance reader's copy and introducing me to a new-to-me author.
This was truly a different kind of book, where the story was strange and I didn't know where the plot was going. It kept me engaged, because I wanted to find out what was happening. But the last third of the book read like it was written by someone else, or someone for whom English was a second language.
I am grateful to BookSirens for providing this advance reader's copy and introducing me to a new-to-me author.
March 28, 2025
A Must-Read That Deserves More Hype!
Seriously, I can’t believe I haven’t heard more people talking about ‘Loretta’ by Nadija Mujagic! This book has easily climbed up in my top reads of the year, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.
From the very beginning, I was hooked, but Chapter 14? OMG! I literally had to reread it, thinking, ‘WTF did I just witness?!’ Nadija Mujagic has created a truly brilliant story with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
What makes this book so special is the character of Loretta. She’s…complicated. I know it sounds contradictory, but she’s both crazy and incredibly sweet, and somehow, it totally works. I felt so connected to her, even when I was questioning her decisions.
The plot is full of surprising twists and turns! Just when you think you have things figured out, Mujagic throws another curveball. The ending? I never saw it coming! It completely blew me away.
This is my second book by Nadija Mujagic, and she’s quickly becoming a must-buy author for me. Her writing is captivating, unpredictable, and deeply moving.
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable read, do yourself a favor and pick up ‘Loretta’! You won’t be disappointed. Highly, highly recommended!
Seriously, I can’t believe I haven’t heard more people talking about ‘Loretta’ by Nadija Mujagic! This book has easily climbed up in my top reads of the year, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride.
From the very beginning, I was hooked, but Chapter 14? OMG! I literally had to reread it, thinking, ‘WTF did I just witness?!’ Nadija Mujagic has created a truly brilliant story with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
What makes this book so special is the character of Loretta. She’s…complicated. I know it sounds contradictory, but she’s both crazy and incredibly sweet, and somehow, it totally works. I felt so connected to her, even when I was questioning her decisions.
The plot is full of surprising twists and turns! Just when you think you have things figured out, Mujagic throws another curveball. The ending? I never saw it coming! It completely blew me away.
This is my second book by Nadija Mujagic, and she’s quickly becoming a must-buy author for me. Her writing is captivating, unpredictable, and deeply moving.
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable read, do yourself a favor and pick up ‘Loretta’! You won’t be disappointed. Highly, highly recommended!
August 5, 2024
A great thriller, with lots of twists and turns that kept me wanting to read more and find out what would happen. The author has a lovely way of describing people so that you feel like you are there with them. Loretta, the main character seems very strange; but this only adds to the story! She is angered easily and exhibits some odd, frightening behaviours. Some of the men in the story are not very nice and don’t speak about women very kindly. Without giving anything away, all is not what it initially seems and it was different from other thrillers I have read.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This psychological thriller full of unexpected twists and turns is sure to have you shocked and grasping at the seams for more. Without giving away too many details, the story is based around Loretta, a young woman struggling with mental illness, who finds herself becoming the prime suspect of a gruesome murder. The story is told in multiple point of views which adds to the suspense. This novel caught my attention from the first page and kept it until the last. Whenever I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was proven entirely wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to fellow thriller/suspense lovers.
This psychological thriller full of unexpected twists and turns is sure to have you shocked and grasping at the seams for more. Without giving away too many details, the story is based around Loretta, a young woman struggling with mental illness, who finds herself becoming the prime suspect of a gruesome murder. The story is told in multiple point of views which adds to the suspense. This novel caught my attention from the first page and kept it until the last. Whenever I thought I knew what was going to happen, I was proven entirely wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to fellow thriller/suspense lovers.
June 30, 2024
This is an awesome thrilling and suspenseful book! It truly had me hooked from the beginning all the way through until the end. There’s mystery, crime and secrets throughout the story! There are a lot of twists that I didn’t see coming and it is such an entertaining read. The author does an amazing job with the exciting storyline and the writing is great.
That you to Nadija Mujagic & Booksirens for an arc of this fantastic book. I highly recommend checking it out. The book comes out on Aug 5th!
That you to Nadija Mujagic & Booksirens for an arc of this fantastic book. I highly recommend checking it out. The book comes out on Aug 5th!
August 1, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the first page I was hooked. I found myself staying up later just so I could get through another chapter to find out what would happen to Loretta. There were so many characters throughout this book and the author did a great job keeping my brain continually guessing on who was good and who was bad. Definitely worth a read for sure!
From the first page I was hooked. I found myself staying up later just so I could get through another chapter to find out what would happen to Loretta. There were so many characters throughout this book and the author did a great job keeping my brain continually guessing on who was good and who was bad. Definitely worth a read for sure!
June 30, 2024
Fast-paced , captivating psychological mystery! This cliff-hanger had me on the edge of my seat. Loretta, living in a quaint little town, was accused of ruthlessly murdering a woman. In the meantime, the real killer was roaming around town in plain sight. The chilling truth will surely shock you! 5 star read!
April 4, 2025
“Loretta” by Nadija Mujagic is a gripping psychological thriller! Loretta kept me hooked from the very first page. The suspense is perfectly paced, and the twists had me constantly second-guessing everything. I had to know who did it—was it really Loretta, or someone else? I couldn't put it down until I got the answer. If you love dark, mind-bending thrillers, this one’s a must-read.
July 23, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I quite enjoyed this book, though it was a slow burn. I liked Loretta’s character and felt sorry for her that no one really gave her a chance. I didn’t guess the baddie and was surprised to see who it was. The twist at the end was a lovely surprise and made sense, though I wonder if I missed that clue earlier on. All in all a good read and would be happy to read her other material.
I quite enjoyed this book, though it was a slow burn. I liked Loretta’s character and felt sorry for her that no one really gave her a chance. I didn’t guess the baddie and was surprised to see who it was. The twist at the end was a lovely surprise and made sense, though I wonder if I missed that clue earlier on. All in all a good read and would be happy to read her other material.
August 5, 2024
This is a weird one,in a good way! It went in completely different directions than I thought it would and the plot twist I was not expecting.
Loretta and her journey with mental health had me turning pages late into the night.
So many great characters and the people you thought were good weren’t and those who seemed quiet turned out to be heroes in disguise.
Definitely give this one a go if you love your psychological thrillers.
Loretta and her journey with mental health had me turning pages late into the night.
So many great characters and the people you thought were good weren’t and those who seemed quiet turned out to be heroes in disguise.
Definitely give this one a go if you love your psychological thrillers.
July 5, 2024
Very suspenseful. Engaging. And Loretta was an intriguing character whose story kept me turning the pages over. It was nice to learn more about bipolar personality disorder. The twist at the end, didn't see it coming at all.
July 16, 2024
It's good but was gripping and was a bit predictable. Unfortunately not one I will read again.
Thank you Nadija Mujagic, Pioneer and Netgalley for letting me read the ARC.
Thank you Nadija Mujagic, Pioneer and Netgalley for letting me read the ARC.
September 18, 2024
I loved this book! It was definitely a page turner. All the twists and turns kept me guessing all the way to the end. Highly recommend if you like psychological thrillers.
July 8, 2024
I really loved the premise of this book but I think that the writing was just not my cup of tea. I didn't find any of the characters to be that likeable and the story was confusing at times. There were definitely some good twists and parts where you really didn't know who was going to end up being the killer or who was up to what. This is worth a read but not at the top of my list.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2024
Loretta had an amazing plot. I loved the twists and turns! But I felt like this book was written by a teenager using correct grammar for a school project! If it would have had some more emotion it would’ve gotten more stars from me!
I did enjoy the book overall though! And I would reccomend it!
I received this book from Booksirens but am leaving this review voluntarily!
I did enjoy the book overall though! And I would reccomend it!
I received this book from Booksirens but am leaving this review voluntarily!
August 6, 2024
A compelling crime thriller with dark secrets, betrayal, murder and lost love.
Loretta lives in the small town of Athol where a woman was brutally murdered. Because she is eccentric, Loretta is blamed for the murder while the true offender goes free. The truth is more frightening than you can imagine!
Loretta lives in the small town of Athol where a woman was brutally murdered. Because she is eccentric, Loretta is blamed for the murder while the true offender goes free. The truth is more frightening than you can imagine!
August 19, 2025
Many twists and turns with engaging, fast pacing to make this a real page turner!
Loretta Davis is a well-known eccentric in her small town. Struggling with bi-polar has made Loretta's life more difficult as she deals with the manic and depressive episodes. When local woman Amy White is found murdered between Loretta's home and the bakery that she works at, Loretta becomes a prime suspect. But when Loretta goes missing shortly after being released from police custody, is this is a sign of her guilt, or could she be another victim?
None of the characters here are quite as they seem at first which only adds to the mystery. Loretta is by far the most complex, and while I can't comment on whether the author's depiction of bipolar disorder is accurate, I think it added an interesting layer to Loretta's character and definitely made things more complicated. There are a lot of characters here for a shorter book, so many of them aren't properly fleshed out. Every character plays their part well regardless of their significance and any burning question or plot hole that existed along the way eventually gets resolved.
A very enjoyable dark read with some unique premises for those who are fans of thrillers. Trigger warnings include abduction, captivity, sexual assault, stalking, mental health struggles (and the stigma that comes with it). I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
Loretta Davis is a well-known eccentric in her small town. Struggling with bi-polar has made Loretta's life more difficult as she deals with the manic and depressive episodes. When local woman Amy White is found murdered between Loretta's home and the bakery that she works at, Loretta becomes a prime suspect. But when Loretta goes missing shortly after being released from police custody, is this is a sign of her guilt, or could she be another victim?
None of the characters here are quite as they seem at first which only adds to the mystery. Loretta is by far the most complex, and while I can't comment on whether the author's depiction of bipolar disorder is accurate, I think it added an interesting layer to Loretta's character and definitely made things more complicated. There are a lot of characters here for a shorter book, so many of them aren't properly fleshed out. Every character plays their part well regardless of their significance and any burning question or plot hole that existed along the way eventually gets resolved.
A very enjoyable dark read with some unique premises for those who are fans of thrillers. Trigger warnings include abduction, captivity, sexual assault, stalking, mental health struggles (and the stigma that comes with it). I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this review is my honest opinion.
August 8, 2024
A brilliant premise and a great start that sadly didn’t follow through.
Loretta is clearly mentally unwell, but I just didn’t connect with her as she seemed to be very one dimensional. There needed to be a lot more character development and world building for the book to really hit hard, which it definitely has the potential for.
There were some side plots that didn’t make sense in the overall scope of the storyline and just added confusion, where relevant events weren’t explained/concluded.
The writing doesn’t flow well and I really struggled to get through it after the initial excitement.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Loretta is clearly mentally unwell, but I just didn’t connect with her as she seemed to be very one dimensional. There needed to be a lot more character development and world building for the book to really hit hard, which it definitely has the potential for.
There were some side plots that didn’t make sense in the overall scope of the storyline and just added confusion, where relevant events weren’t explained/concluded.
The writing doesn’t flow well and I really struggled to get through it after the initial excitement.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 7, 2024
Holy smokes, this book was good!
Loretta is the main character of the book, where she is a single woman who lives alone on her farm with her animals. She lives a quiet life as she works in the town bakery. In her living a quiet and routine life, she deals with being bi-polar and the effects of it as she wasn't taking her medication.
This book sheds light on how life could be in living with a mental disorder while also dealing with being physically and domestically abused in her past.
The book as a whole was amazing to me! It displayed perseverance, courage, and determination throughout the story in spite of what obstacles came her way. Bravo Nadija, Bravo ❤️
Loretta is the main character of the book, where she is a single woman who lives alone on her farm with her animals. She lives a quiet life as she works in the town bakery. In her living a quiet and routine life, she deals with being bi-polar and the effects of it as she wasn't taking her medication.
This book sheds light on how life could be in living with a mental disorder while also dealing with being physically and domestically abused in her past.
The book as a whole was amazing to me! It displayed perseverance, courage, and determination throughout the story in spite of what obstacles came her way. Bravo Nadija, Bravo ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
Very intriguing and suspenseful read! Couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next! I have loved all her books I have read so far! Great author!
August 17, 2024
Life had ups and downs. It had promises we could never think of during desperate times. Humans were not meant to dispose of their own lives, but to run their natural course
Loretta is the first book of Nadija's that I came across, and to say I loved this psychological thriller would be an understatement. The book was fast-paced, enticing, keeping me on my toes, messing my head, breaking my heart, and admiring and hating the characters all in a line.
Through the book, Nadija takes you through a murder in the small town of Athol where news spreads faster than fire, introducing you to Loretta, and a stranger. How you navigate through finding the murderer, figuring the identities and natures of the people you meet as you jump through creeps, disgusting characters, niceties, and pulsating senses forms the rest of the story.
The town's charming, hasn't known much of murders except for harmless break-ins, and a body found is a piece of meat for the local police. Chief Blake, however disagrees, for he had been hoping to turn his retirement in, with peace. However, Officer Russell, rubs on you as this enthusiastic police officer, and at glance, you admire him, wondering if some of his vigor could rub on your country police, and you could get cases done faster.
Then there's Liz and Bob, owners of the bakery Loretta works in, and as the story progresses, you understand why Loretta is the way she turned out to be, afraid of giving her love to anyone, afraid of trusting the wrong ones. Then there's Ethan, charming, handsome, but definitely not understanding, with a ego bigger than his brain. You have the father who hopes to give everything to protect his girl, and a friend who, despite not being there for Loretta always, understands why she's the way she is. The end to the murder was something I saw coming, but the responsible figure for the opening lines was something I hadn't anticipated.
You'll love this book not just if you love psychological thrillers, but also because every single one in this story is relatable. You have people who don't seem the way they look, you have ones with skeletons in their closet, a set that had always lived in someone else's shadow, and you have another who's common in our circles, the eager scape goat finder. The progression of character sketches is believable, flipping through their backstories and their secrets, and the writing is awesome.
Overall, shout out to Nadija for giving us all this awesome psychological thriller with creepy stalker vibes and shadows, keeping my heart pulsating and my brain engaged in excitedness over how the words were gonna turn out. Also, I'm a big no-goer for cliff hangers, but the one in this made sense, so yeah!
A special thanks to BookSirens for this ARC and I hope I'm not too late to the party celebrating this wonderful book!!!
Loretta is the first book of Nadija's that I came across, and to say I loved this psychological thriller would be an understatement. The book was fast-paced, enticing, keeping me on my toes, messing my head, breaking my heart, and admiring and hating the characters all in a line.
Through the book, Nadija takes you through a murder in the small town of Athol where news spreads faster than fire, introducing you to Loretta, and a stranger. How you navigate through finding the murderer, figuring the identities and natures of the people you meet as you jump through creeps, disgusting characters, niceties, and pulsating senses forms the rest of the story.
The town's charming, hasn't known much of murders except for harmless break-ins, and a body found is a piece of meat for the local police. Chief Blake, however disagrees, for he had been hoping to turn his retirement in, with peace. However, Officer Russell, rubs on you as this enthusiastic police officer, and at glance, you admire him, wondering if some of his vigor could rub on your country police, and you could get cases done faster.
Then there's Liz and Bob, owners of the bakery Loretta works in, and as the story progresses, you understand why Loretta is the way she turned out to be, afraid of giving her love to anyone, afraid of trusting the wrong ones. Then there's Ethan, charming, handsome, but definitely not understanding, with a ego bigger than his brain. You have the father who hopes to give everything to protect his girl, and a friend who, despite not being there for Loretta always, understands why she's the way she is. The end to the murder was something I saw coming, but the responsible figure for the opening lines was something I hadn't anticipated.
You'll love this book not just if you love psychological thrillers, but also because every single one in this story is relatable. You have people who don't seem the way they look, you have ones with skeletons in their closet, a set that had always lived in someone else's shadow, and you have another who's common in our circles, the eager scape goat finder. The progression of character sketches is believable, flipping through their backstories and their secrets, and the writing is awesome.
Overall, shout out to Nadija for giving us all this awesome psychological thriller with creepy stalker vibes and shadows, keeping my heart pulsating and my brain engaged in excitedness over how the words were gonna turn out. Also, I'm a big no-goer for cliff hangers, but the one in this made sense, so yeah!
A special thanks to BookSirens for this ARC and I hope I'm not too late to the party celebrating this wonderful book!!!
September 3, 2024
Book Review: "Loretta" by Nadija Mujagic
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
In "Loretta," Nadija Mujagic crafts a suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. Set in the quaint, seemingly idyllic town of Athol, the story begins with an innocent gesture of kindness that quickly spirals into a gripping narrative of suspicion and intrigue.
The novel centers around Loretta, an eccentric woman whose mundane life is upended when a mysterious stranger appears at her doorstep, seeking refuge from car trouble. Despite her initial reservations, Loretta's decision to help the stranger sets off a chain of events that catapults her into a whirlwind of chaos. The next morning, Athol is rocked by the brutal murder of a young woman, and Loretta finds herself at the center of a storm of accusations.
Mujagic excels in building a tense, atmospheric setting that perfectly complements the story's dark twists. Athol, with its tight-knit community and seemingly serene façade, becomes a character in its own right—one that harbors secrets and hidden resentments. The portrayal of Loretta is particularly noteworthy; she is a compelling protagonist whose vulnerability and resilience are depicted with nuance. Her struggle to clear her name while grappling with the town's judgment adds a layer of emotional depth to the thriller.
The pacing of "Loretta" is masterful, with Mujagic carefully weaving in red herrings and clues that keep readers guessing. The psychological tension ramps up as Loretta's situation becomes increasingly dire, and the suspense builds to a crescendo with a revelation that is both unexpected and chilling. The climax is as satisfying as it is surprising, leaving readers both relieved and contemplative.
While the book's ending ties up the central mystery effectively, some readers might find the resolution slightly abrupt. Nevertheless, the journey to that conclusion is so gripping that it overshadows any minor reservations about the finale.
Overall, "Loretta" is a captivating thriller that stands out for its well-crafted suspense, intricate plot, and strong character development. Fans of Noelle Ihli and Jennifer Hillier will find much to appreciate in Mujagic's latest work. If you're in the mood for a story that combines psychological depth with heart-pounding tension, "Loretta" is definitely worth a read.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
In "Loretta," Nadija Mujagic crafts a suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. Set in the quaint, seemingly idyllic town of Athol, the story begins with an innocent gesture of kindness that quickly spirals into a gripping narrative of suspicion and intrigue.
The novel centers around Loretta, an eccentric woman whose mundane life is upended when a mysterious stranger appears at her doorstep, seeking refuge from car trouble. Despite her initial reservations, Loretta's decision to help the stranger sets off a chain of events that catapults her into a whirlwind of chaos. The next morning, Athol is rocked by the brutal murder of a young woman, and Loretta finds herself at the center of a storm of accusations.
Mujagic excels in building a tense, atmospheric setting that perfectly complements the story's dark twists. Athol, with its tight-knit community and seemingly serene façade, becomes a character in its own right—one that harbors secrets and hidden resentments. The portrayal of Loretta is particularly noteworthy; she is a compelling protagonist whose vulnerability and resilience are depicted with nuance. Her struggle to clear her name while grappling with the town's judgment adds a layer of emotional depth to the thriller.
The pacing of "Loretta" is masterful, with Mujagic carefully weaving in red herrings and clues that keep readers guessing. The psychological tension ramps up as Loretta's situation becomes increasingly dire, and the suspense builds to a crescendo with a revelation that is both unexpected and chilling. The climax is as satisfying as it is surprising, leaving readers both relieved and contemplative.
While the book's ending ties up the central mystery effectively, some readers might find the resolution slightly abrupt. Nevertheless, the journey to that conclusion is so gripping that it overshadows any minor reservations about the finale.
Overall, "Loretta" is a captivating thriller that stands out for its well-crafted suspense, intricate plot, and strong character development. Fans of Noelle Ihli and Jennifer Hillier will find much to appreciate in Mujagic's latest work. If you're in the mood for a story that combines psychological depth with heart-pounding tension, "Loretta" is definitely worth a read.
September 4, 2024
A psycho thriller book that keeps you in constant suspense and is engaging. Nothing is as it seems so pay attention. It’s set in a quaint town of Athol where everybody knows everybody. Secrets are known, but also hidden.
Loretta is the main character throughout the book. She lives alone in a cabin and works at a bakery in town. One night she allows a stranger into her home, the next day the town is in an upheaval over a murdered young lady right outside of town. Fingers are pointed and secrets learned or buried. Lorettas quiet life was turned upside down the moment she let that stranger into her home and there was a murder near the town. Did the town find the true killer or are they still out there? Follow along each twist and turn that has you on the edge of your seat the entire read until the finish line.
I truly enjoyed this thriller and each character was carefully crafted into relatability and sheer perfection. The town was written so vividly and so were the people. Throughout the book it’s a guessing game and I absolutely love the suspense and the fact that you just don’t know what is coming next. That alone makes you want to continue reading until you get to that ending! Mujagic did a fantastic job at creating such an immersible suspenseful book!! I recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller that’s just mind blowing!
Loretta is the main character throughout the book. She lives alone in a cabin and works at a bakery in town. One night she allows a stranger into her home, the next day the town is in an upheaval over a murdered young lady right outside of town. Fingers are pointed and secrets learned or buried. Lorettas quiet life was turned upside down the moment she let that stranger into her home and there was a murder near the town. Did the town find the true killer or are they still out there? Follow along each twist and turn that has you on the edge of your seat the entire read until the finish line.
I truly enjoyed this thriller and each character was carefully crafted into relatability and sheer perfection. The town was written so vividly and so were the people. Throughout the book it’s a guessing game and I absolutely love the suspense and the fact that you just don’t know what is coming next. That alone makes you want to continue reading until you get to that ending! Mujagic did a fantastic job at creating such an immersible suspenseful book!! I recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller that’s just mind blowing!
July 25, 2024
Opinião: Não se consegue parar de ler. Quando se começa é para acabar no mesmo dia. Mas que Thriller incrível. Este é daqueles livros que quando achamos que sabemos tudo, não sabemos rigorosamente nada, com personagens muito bem construidas e pensadas, com a narrativa sempre encadeada de forma a prender a atenção do leitor, e acima de tudo com uma estória tão surreal… Loretta não é uma mulher normal, mas por não o ser, está viva. Há quem não esteja. Há muito tempo que não lia um livro tão diferente e com tanta coisa a acontecer ao mesmo tempo mas que no final tudo faz sentido. Atenção que existem cenas de violência, abuso, rapto, morte, mas nada que quem já esteja habituado a este tipo de livros não saiba lidar. Eu adorei e mais uma vez a autora não desiludiu!
ENG Review: You just can't stop reading. When you start, iyou must end on the same day. What an incredible thriller. This is one of those books that when we think we know everything, we know absolutely nothing, with very well constructed and thought out characters, with the narrative always linked in a way that holds the reader's attention, and above all with a story so surreal... Loretta is not a normal woman, but because she is not, she is alive. But not everybody is alive. It's been a long time since I read a book so different and with so much happening at the same time but in the end it all makes sense. Be aware that there are scenes of violence, abuse, kidnapping, death, but nothing that anyone who is used to this type of book wouldn't know how to deal with. I loved it and once again the author did not disappoint!
@bibliotecamil_insta
ENG Review: You just can't stop reading. When you start, iyou must end on the same day. What an incredible thriller. This is one of those books that when we think we know everything, we know absolutely nothing, with very well constructed and thought out characters, with the narrative always linked in a way that holds the reader's attention, and above all with a story so surreal... Loretta is not a normal woman, but because she is not, she is alive. But not everybody is alive. It's been a long time since I read a book so different and with so much happening at the same time but in the end it all makes sense. Be aware that there are scenes of violence, abuse, kidnapping, death, but nothing that anyone who is used to this type of book wouldn't know how to deal with. I loved it and once again the author did not disappoint!
@bibliotecamil_insta
August 11, 2024
This was truly a different kind of book! To say the story was strange in an understatement, I had absolutely NO idea where the plot was going until we were there. I wanted to find out what was happening, and this had me reading every chance I got. The character development in this book is on point, making most of the characters believable. Loretta’s behavior makes her super suspicious, and her short temper makes you wonder what’s really going on in her mind. These actions make her the main subject in the murder of Amy.
The setting of a small town, where everyone seems to know everyone (and their business) makes the story that much more eerie and adds an element of tension and suspense I could feel. The story is quite unpredictable; the events that occur, and the motives of the characters are never clear until the last moment.
The part I didn’t like, the last third of the book read like it was written by someone else, it was rushed, and didn’t seem as though it flowed as well. It left me with questions unanswered, and it wrapped up too quickly for all we (and Loretta) were put through.
AND who was Loretta setting the 3rd dining plate for?!?
The setting of a small town, where everyone seems to know everyone (and their business) makes the story that much more eerie and adds an element of tension and suspense I could feel. The story is quite unpredictable; the events that occur, and the motives of the characters are never clear until the last moment.
The part I didn’t like, the last third of the book read like it was written by someone else, it was rushed, and didn’t seem as though it flowed as well. It left me with questions unanswered, and it wrapped up too quickly for all we (and Loretta) were put through.
AND who was Loretta setting the 3rd dining plate for?!?
September 26, 2025
5 🌟 Review. Loretta.
In the quiet town of Athol, Loretta's unexciting life becomes embroiled in mystery when a stranger appears at her door, citing car trouble. Loretta kindly allows him to stay the night.
The next day, a woman is found murdered and suddenly, all fingers point to Loretta as the culprit - she is known to be eccentric, weird, and kinda crazy, so it must be so, right?
She finds herself in deep trouble while the actual murderer roams free in the community - full of their own importance.
Who murdered this woman? Why?
This psychological thriller is full of mystery, lies, accusations, and some jaw-dropping revelations (Chapter 14....😱).
I loved this story and felt many emotions as I read it. This is my tenth book of Nadija's and she continually shows up with her excellent, descriptive writing and fast-paced twists! The story is unpredictable and covers abuse and mental disorders - from more that one character.....
Thanks Nadija Mujagic, you've once again fully immersed me in another captivating and riveting story 🥰
In the quiet town of Athol, Loretta's unexciting life becomes embroiled in mystery when a stranger appears at her door, citing car trouble. Loretta kindly allows him to stay the night.
The next day, a woman is found murdered and suddenly, all fingers point to Loretta as the culprit - she is known to be eccentric, weird, and kinda crazy, so it must be so, right?
She finds herself in deep trouble while the actual murderer roams free in the community - full of their own importance.
Who murdered this woman? Why?
This psychological thriller is full of mystery, lies, accusations, and some jaw-dropping revelations (Chapter 14....😱).
I loved this story and felt many emotions as I read it. This is my tenth book of Nadija's and she continually shows up with her excellent, descriptive writing and fast-paced twists! The story is unpredictable and covers abuse and mental disorders - from more that one character.....
Thanks Nadija Mujagic, you've once again fully immersed me in another captivating and riveting story 🥰
August 2, 2024
A unique story line. The opening chapters of the book are written to be confusing; the reader has no footing to understand what reality is. So the reader immediately realizes that they need to pay close attention.
We do know that a woman is brutally murdered in the woods. The next thing we know is that Loretta is in her cabin and it's late. There is a knock at the door and she's alarmed because she lives in an isolated cabin. But for some reason she lets the strange man in and feeds him dinner. There are a number of other unusual events before the reader begins to grasp what is happening in the story.
I thought the author was clever to use this technique to grab and keep the reader's interest. The book is a rather quick read, but it's memorable. There is violence and mental illness so reader beware.
We do know that a woman is brutally murdered in the woods. The next thing we know is that Loretta is in her cabin and it's late. There is a knock at the door and she's alarmed because she lives in an isolated cabin. But for some reason she lets the strange man in and feeds him dinner. There are a number of other unusual events before the reader begins to grasp what is happening in the story.
I thought the author was clever to use this technique to grab and keep the reader's interest. The book is a rather quick read, but it's memorable. There is violence and mental illness so reader beware.
July 31, 2024
"A stranger, a murder, and a town on the brink. Love gone astray."
Loretta takes place in a peaceful town called Athol where Loretta lives but the town isn't peaceful anymore when a murder occurs there. Sadly since Loretta is strange the town suspects her for the murder but who really did commit the crime? This was a slow burn page turning book from beginning to end. The author wrote this really well and I love how the author brought attention to people with mental health disorders. In this book you will also find some twist in the book as well. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this one to any reader who loves a good crime thriller. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of Loretta.
Loretta takes place in a peaceful town called Athol where Loretta lives but the town isn't peaceful anymore when a murder occurs there. Sadly since Loretta is strange the town suspects her for the murder but who really did commit the crime? This was a slow burn page turning book from beginning to end. The author wrote this really well and I love how the author brought attention to people with mental health disorders. In this book you will also find some twist in the book as well. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend this one to any reader who loves a good crime thriller. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of Loretta.
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