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The Minotaur Sampler: Volume 12:
Looking for a new book that will make your heart race? The twelfth edition of The Minotaur Sampler compiles the beginnings of six can't-miss novels—either standalone or first in series—publishing Fall 2024 for free for easy sampling.
In acclaimed author Julia Dahl's I Dreamed of Falling , the death of a young mother triggers an avalanche of secrets in a small Hudson Valley town.
First in Series: In Michelle Chouinard’s clever mystery The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco , the granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city.
First in Olivia Blacke’s A New Lease on Death is a darkly funny supernatural mystery about an unlikely crime-solving duo that launches a commercial, unique, and genre-blending series, death is only the beginning.
First in In Deborah J. Benoit’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut, The Gardener’s Plot, a woman helps set up a community garden in the Berkshires, only to find a body in one of the plot's on opening day.
A gripping new novel inspired by a real place and events from the author’s family, Trouble Island is the standalone suspense debut from historical mystery writer Sharon Short.
First in P. J. Nelson’s Booked for Murder is an atmospheric southern cozy debut, where Madeline Brimley returns to the bookstore she inherited, discovering that small towns hold deadly secrets.
In acclaimed author Julia Dahl's I Dreamed of Falling , the death of a young mother triggers an avalanche of secrets in a small Hudson Valley town.
First in Series: In Michelle Chouinard’s clever mystery The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco , the granddaughter of a serial killer shows readers another side of the beloved city.
First in Olivia Blacke’s A New Lease on Death is a darkly funny supernatural mystery about an unlikely crime-solving duo that launches a commercial, unique, and genre-blending series, death is only the beginning.
First in In Deborah J. Benoit’s Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Award-winning debut, The Gardener’s Plot, a woman helps set up a community garden in the Berkshires, only to find a body in one of the plot's on opening day.
A gripping new novel inspired by a real place and events from the author’s family, Trouble Island is the standalone suspense debut from historical mystery writer Sharon Short.
First in P. J. Nelson’s Booked for Murder is an atmospheric southern cozy debut, where Madeline Brimley returns to the bookstore she inherited, discovering that small towns hold deadly secrets.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
13 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 31, 2024
I adore Minotaur samplers and this is the best one yet! A terrific way to get a "taste" of fab books to add to your TBR.
June 18, 2024
This is the first time that I’ve downloaded and read the Minotaur sampler. I guess I’m happy to say that I enjoyed most of these excerpts. Let me explain. I’m a terrible excerpt reader and I know it. If the story pulls me in, I just get frustrated that I can’t continue reading. It’s rather comical.
Luckily, I had widgets for several of these. I finished A New Lease on Death and was already halfway through Booked for Murder by the time I finished reading all six excerpts. LOL. Of course, I’m sitting on pins and needles waiting for approval for the Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco since I didn’t already have a widget for that one.
It really is a good way to decide if the writing styles are a good fit for you. As long as you have the patience to wait for the book publication if you don’t get an early copy of the book! Happy reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
Luckily, I had widgets for several of these. I finished A New Lease on Death and was already halfway through Booked for Murder by the time I finished reading all six excerpts. LOL. Of course, I’m sitting on pins and needles waiting for approval for the Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco since I didn’t already have a widget for that one.
It really is a good way to decide if the writing styles are a good fit for you. As long as you have the patience to wait for the book publication if you don’t get an early copy of the book! Happy reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for a copy provided for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 12 includes chapter excerpts from six new Minotaur books. Due out 25th June 2024 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 196 pages and will be available (possibly for a limited time) as a free download in ebook format.
These six books from Minotaur are all top shelf fiction. For anyone (and let's face it, that's almost all of us) who has ever wandered around and browsed in a book store or library to read a few pages of random books and see if we are drawn in, this sampler provides the same experience without leaving the comfort of your computer chair. The books all have upcoming release dates, and it's nice to get a sneak peek before release. The collection includes 2 standalones, and 4 series debuts.
All of the books are very well written - thriller, suspense, and mystery. It's an excellent way to plan / pad the upcoming summer reading list for mystery/thriller readers.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Minotaur Sampler, Volume 12 includes chapter excerpts from six new Minotaur books. Due out 25th June 2024 from Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 196 pages and will be available (possibly for a limited time) as a free download in ebook format.
These six books from Minotaur are all top shelf fiction. For anyone (and let's face it, that's almost all of us) who has ever wandered around and browsed in a book store or library to read a few pages of random books and see if we are drawn in, this sampler provides the same experience without leaving the comfort of your computer chair. The books all have upcoming release dates, and it's nice to get a sneak peek before release. The collection includes 2 standalones, and 4 series debuts.
All of the books are very well written - thriller, suspense, and mystery. It's an excellent way to plan / pad the upcoming summer reading list for mystery/thriller readers.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 25, 2024
As someone who's always juggling work, life, and trying to find that perfect book that doesn't feel like a chore, this collection is an absolute gem. I literally couldn't put it down.
Each story is like a little literary appetizer that leaves you craving the full meal. Julia Dahl's "I Dreamed of Falling" had me totally hooked from the first page - small town secrets? Yes, please! And Michelle Chouinard's "The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" is wickedly clever. I mean, a story about the granddaughter of a serial killer? Talk about a unique premise!
Olivia Blacke's "A New Lease on Death" is probably my favorite - it's got this dark humor that's totally my vibe. And Deborah J. Benoit's "The Gardener's Plot"? A body in a community garden? Sign me up!
Sharon Short's "Trouble Island" and P.J. Nelson's "Booked for Murder" round out the collection perfectly. It's like these authors knew exactly what mystery lovers like me want - smart, twisty stories that keep you guessing.
Definitely recommend grabbing this sampler if you love mysteries that are equal parts smart and thrilling!
★★★★★ Absolutely addictive!
Each story is like a little literary appetizer that leaves you craving the full meal. Julia Dahl's "I Dreamed of Falling" had me totally hooked from the first page - small town secrets? Yes, please! And Michelle Chouinard's "The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco" is wickedly clever. I mean, a story about the granddaughter of a serial killer? Talk about a unique premise!
Olivia Blacke's "A New Lease on Death" is probably my favorite - it's got this dark humor that's totally my vibe. And Deborah J. Benoit's "The Gardener's Plot"? A body in a community garden? Sign me up!
Sharon Short's "Trouble Island" and P.J. Nelson's "Booked for Murder" round out the collection perfectly. It's like these authors knew exactly what mystery lovers like me want - smart, twisty stories that keep you guessing.
Definitely recommend grabbing this sampler if you love mysteries that are equal parts smart and thrilling!
★★★★★ Absolutely addictive!
June 17, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Publishing for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I LOVE the Minotaur Samplers and ALWAYS request them! Its a great way to preview a few chapters of up and coming books from authors that may or may not be know to me.
I have to confess up front that I am a huge psychological thriller reader and have always found new reads from the sampler. This one seemed to focus more on the cozy/supernatural books which I, personally, don't tend to read. I did read through the 6 books and enjoyed the snapshots. However, knowing my taste going in, again its me not them, these are not exactly my jam. All are definitely well written and enjoyable!
I LOVE the Minotaur Samplers and ALWAYS request them! Its a great way to preview a few chapters of up and coming books from authors that may or may not be know to me.
I have to confess up front that I am a huge psychological thriller reader and have always found new reads from the sampler. This one seemed to focus more on the cozy/supernatural books which I, personally, don't tend to read. I did read through the 6 books and enjoyed the snapshots. However, knowing my taste going in, again its me not them, these are not exactly my jam. All are definitely well written and enjoyable!
June 23, 2024
I have been getting these samplers for a few years and have always enjoyed them. They are a quick and easy way to touch base with new authors and come back to old favorites.
In this sampler of six books I found at least a couple that peaked my interest: The Serial Killer’s Guide to SanFrancisco, Trouble Island and perhaps Booked for Murder.
The Guide seemed like a hokie title, but it kicked off a good plot with an older main character (nearly 50) in a self made profession.
Trouble Island seems a good 1930’s, dark film noir type of mystery.
Booked for Murder takes place in a small town bookshop filled with characters that seem to know each other, but do they really?
All potentially good reads.
In this sampler of six books I found at least a couple that peaked my interest: The Serial Killer’s Guide to SanFrancisco, Trouble Island and perhaps Booked for Murder.
The Guide seemed like a hokie title, but it kicked off a good plot with an older main character (nearly 50) in a self made profession.
Trouble Island seems a good 1930’s, dark film noir type of mystery.
Booked for Murder takes place in a small town bookshop filled with characters that seem to know each other, but do they really?
All potentially good reads.
July 2, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for this ARC.
I've seen these pop up before, but never downloaded any until now. I don't know why - it was a great idea to have the first few chapters of 6 different novels to read. This is a perfect way to get a taste for 6 different mysteries of different styles. I found I could tell by the time I hit the end of each excerpt if it was something that was drawing me in or not. Some I liked more than others, as to be expected, but it put 2 more books on my "to read" list (and I'd already read an ARC of A New Lease on Death). 3/6 isn't bad! I'll be checking out future installments.
I've seen these pop up before, but never downloaded any until now. I don't know why - it was a great idea to have the first few chapters of 6 different novels to read. This is a perfect way to get a taste for 6 different mysteries of different styles. I found I could tell by the time I hit the end of each excerpt if it was something that was drawing me in or not. Some I liked more than others, as to be expected, but it put 2 more books on my "to read" list (and I'd already read an ARC of A New Lease on Death). 3/6 isn't bad! I'll be checking out future installments.
July 13, 2024
Want to find something ne to read? I loved this sampler! I only have one problem with it. I always end up buying each title as I need to finish the books. The excerpts made me say to myself no, don’t stop now! There is only one title that is a standalone. All the other titles are the first of a series. I always find myself telling my friends and book clubs about this sampler besides about the individual titles. Don’t miss out!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a fav review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a fav review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
June 9, 2024
The Minotaur Sampler is a great way to get acquainted with upcoming titles. Samples of six books to read, thrillers or mysterys. I liked “The Serial Killer’s Guide to San Francisco” by Michelle Chouinard the best & look forward to reading it!
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for access to the sampler.
Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for access to the sampler.
August 3, 2025
This sampler contains previews of six mystery thrillers. I would only be interested in continuing I Dreamed of Falling by Julia Dahl and Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson. None of the other ones really seemed very interesting.
I received this book for free from Minotaur Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book for free from Minotaur Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2024
Another great edition of the Minotaur Sampler! I really love these samplers. It is so nice to read samples of upcoming novels that I could possible add to my TBR list, and this latest edition really hit the mark. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with this sampler.
June 17, 2024
A perfect way to sample some upcoming mystery/thriller books. I loved that there was just enough to grab interest. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for ARC!
July 6, 2024
These book samples are always a great way to find new books!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book.
August 24, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of diving into this sampler featuring chapter excerpts from six upcoming fiction releases in the thriller, suspense, and mystery genres. This sampler proved to be an excellent way to preview a diverse range of writing styles and intriguing plotlines before committing to full novels.
Each excerpt offered a glimpse into its respective story, showcasing compelling characters, gripping suspense, and atmospheric settings that drew me in from the first page. Whether it was the chilling allure of A Serial Killer's Guide to San Francisco, the mystery in Booked for Murder, or the dark noir vibes of Trouble Island, every excerpt left me eager for more.
What impressed me most about this sampler was its ability to capture the essence of each author's storytelling prowess. It allowed me to sample different narrative tones and genres within the broader categories of thriller and mystery, helping me discover new authors whose works I'm now eager to explore further.
For anyone who enjoys thrillers and mysteries, this sampler is a valuable tool. It provides a taste of what's to come, helping readers gauge their interest in upcoming releases and ensuring they find books that resonate with their reading preferences.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur for allowing me to receive a copy of this digital ARC.
Each excerpt offered a glimpse into its respective story, showcasing compelling characters, gripping suspense, and atmospheric settings that drew me in from the first page. Whether it was the chilling allure of A Serial Killer's Guide to San Francisco, the mystery in Booked for Murder, or the dark noir vibes of Trouble Island, every excerpt left me eager for more.
What impressed me most about this sampler was its ability to capture the essence of each author's storytelling prowess. It allowed me to sample different narrative tones and genres within the broader categories of thriller and mystery, helping me discover new authors whose works I'm now eager to explore further.
For anyone who enjoys thrillers and mysteries, this sampler is a valuable tool. It provides a taste of what's to come, helping readers gauge their interest in upcoming releases and ensuring they find books that resonate with their reading preferences.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur for allowing me to receive a copy of this digital ARC.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews