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Cruel & Bitter Things
When Gwynn Denning sees Sam Townsend at an event in town, she knows she will kill him. Townsend date-raped her friend, Tift Ainsley, back in college. Or at least that’s what Tift told her after she came back to her dorm that night.
Gwynn swears that this will be the last time she kills. She’s a mother to an adorable little boy and the director of a home for neglected and abused children. Although her marriage is unraveling, her life is otherwise good, thanks to Dr. Kaufman, her therapist. Ever since she was a young girl, she’s wanted to eradicate the murderous thoughts that occasionally plagued her.
When she learns that someone saw her leaving the event with Townsend, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that requires Gwynn to stay one step ahead of the law. Making matters worse, she’s fallen for the detective in charge of investigating the murders she’s committed. The consequences of Gwynn’s actions forces her to confront the painful truth about her past and the dark secrets kept hidden by her family.
Gwynn wants to be normal like everyone else. But how far will she go to stay out of prison?
Gwynn swears that this will be the last time she kills. She’s a mother to an adorable little boy and the director of a home for neglected and abused children. Although her marriage is unraveling, her life is otherwise good, thanks to Dr. Kaufman, her therapist. Ever since she was a young girl, she’s wanted to eradicate the murderous thoughts that occasionally plagued her.
When she learns that someone saw her leaving the event with Townsend, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that requires Gwynn to stay one step ahead of the law. Making matters worse, she’s fallen for the detective in charge of investigating the murders she’s committed. The consequences of Gwynn’s actions forces her to confront the painful truth about her past and the dark secrets kept hidden by her family.
Gwynn wants to be normal like everyone else. But how far will she go to stay out of prison?
- GenresThriller
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2024
13 people are currently reading
2728 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Souza
16 books88 followersJoseph Souza's award-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals throughout the country. Winner of the Andre Dubus Award for short fiction, he also won Honorable Mention for the Al Blanchard Award and the 2013 Maine Literary Award. His mystery, UNPAVED SURFACES, was published by Kindle Press in 2015 and was an Amazon bestseller. NEED TO FIND YOU, his crime thriller set in Portland, was the first novel to go direct-to-publish by Kindle Press. His new domestic thriller, THE NEIGHBOR (Kensington) will be published April 24, 2018. Visit josephsouza.net for more information about his work.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
Joseph can be contacted at souzajf@hotmail.com and on Twitter @josephsouza3. You can also visit his website to read more about Joseph. www.josephsouza.net.
He lives near Portland, Maine with his wife and two children and enjoys running, cooking and playing golf when not writing.
Joseph can be contacted at souzajf@hotmail.com and on Twitter @josephsouza3. You can also visit his website to read more about Joseph. www.josephsouza.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 5, 2025
TITLE: Cruel & Bitter Things
AUTHOR:Joseph Souza
PUB DATE: 12.17.2024
When Gwynn Denning sees Sam Townsend at an event in town, she knows she will kill him.
Townsend date-raped her friend, Tift Ainsley, back in college. Or at least that's what Tift told her after she came back to her dorm that night.
Gwynn swears that this will be the last time she kills. She's a mother to an adorable little boy and the director of a home for neglected and abused children.
When she learns that someone saw her leaving the event with Townsend, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that requires Gwynn to stay one step ahead of the law. Making matters worse, she's fallen for the detective in charge of investigating the murders she's committed. The consequences of Gwynn's actions forces her to confront the painful truth about her past and the dark secrets kept hidden by her family.
Gwynn wants to be normal like everyone else. But how far will she go to stay out of prison?
THOUGHTS:
Ooh the unexpected twists on this book made it so fun to read that kept my fingers feverishly turning those pages til way past my bedtime. I love Gwynn's character - an anti-hero, and one that will stay with me for a while. She is so complex and made this an intriguing, addictive, and entertaining read.
Read this!
AUTHOR:Joseph Souza
PUB DATE: 12.17.2024
When Gwynn Denning sees Sam Townsend at an event in town, she knows she will kill him.
Townsend date-raped her friend, Tift Ainsley, back in college. Or at least that's what Tift told her after she came back to her dorm that night.
Gwynn swears that this will be the last time she kills. She's a mother to an adorable little boy and the director of a home for neglected and abused children.
When she learns that someone saw her leaving the event with Townsend, it sets off a series of catastrophic events that requires Gwynn to stay one step ahead of the law. Making matters worse, she's fallen for the detective in charge of investigating the murders she's committed. The consequences of Gwynn's actions forces her to confront the painful truth about her past and the dark secrets kept hidden by her family.
Gwynn wants to be normal like everyone else. But how far will she go to stay out of prison?
THOUGHTS:
Ooh the unexpected twists on this book made it so fun to read that kept my fingers feverishly turning those pages til way past my bedtime. I love Gwynn's character - an anti-hero, and one that will stay with me for a while. She is so complex and made this an intriguing, addictive, and entertaining read.
Read this!
March 31, 2025
Move over Dexter because you now have competition in Gwynn!
Cruel & Bitter Things starts off with a bang as Gwynn discovers a date-rapist she knew from her college days is also at an event she’s attending. She gets him off by himself, drugs him, and kills him.
As you get further into this twisty thriller, we discover it’s not the first time Gwynn has ended lives. Sweet, kind Gwynn. Mother to a precious 5 year old. Director of a home for neglected and abused children.
Enter the Police Detective Peters investigating the disappearance of the date-rapist. Gwynn has to get very creative trying to throw Peters off her scent.
I actually enjoyed anti-hero Gwynn and look forward to the sequel which I believe is going to be released this coming fall 2025.
This is my second book from this author and I look forward to reading the sequel of this one!
*Thanks to the author and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the book tour!*
Cruel & Bitter Things starts off with a bang as Gwynn discovers a date-rapist she knew from her college days is also at an event she’s attending. She gets him off by himself, drugs him, and kills him.
As you get further into this twisty thriller, we discover it’s not the first time Gwynn has ended lives. Sweet, kind Gwynn. Mother to a precious 5 year old. Director of a home for neglected and abused children.
Enter the Police Detective Peters investigating the disappearance of the date-rapist. Gwynn has to get very creative trying to throw Peters off her scent.
I actually enjoyed anti-hero Gwynn and look forward to the sequel which I believe is going to be released this coming fall 2025.
This is my second book from this author and I look forward to reading the sequel of this one!
*Thanks to the author and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the book tour!*
July 25, 2025
This new one from Joseph Souza is fast-paced and will grab you from the start. Filled with twists, dark secrets and good old fashioned revenge.
That being said, the ending left much to be desired compared to the rest of the book. I guess I was expecting a little more of a punch. Not sure if this is a start to a new series and if it will follow the same characters but I’ll be keeping my eye out just in case.
Many thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and Level Best Books for the gifted copy.
January 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and it was fantastic!! I did not want this story to end!! I was addicted from the very first page! If you’re wanting a thriller with an interesting & twisted FMC who offs bad people then this is the story for you. Gwynn gets invited to an event, where a man from her college days, will be in attendance. This man assaulted her best friend and she told her friend if she had the chance she would kill him. Except that’s where the story takes an interesting twist and she starts to realize her perfect plan, wasn’t so perfect after all!
This was a super addicting story and I will recommend this to everyone now!! This is my first book I’ve ever read by this author, but it will not be the last!! I wish I could give this more stars because that’s how much I loved this story! Was it perfectly written or the best thing I’ve ever read? No…but that doesn’t even matter because I was so entertained, on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen next and honestly felt like I was in a trance because I was just so focused on the story! I will say the ending did feel a tad bit rushed. I would have liked it to be a little bit longer and to answer some of my questions and also wish what was going on at the end would have been wrapped up with a bit of a better resolution. But other than the rushed ending this was a fantastic thriller & an addicting story!
This was a super addicting story and I will recommend this to everyone now!! This is my first book I’ve ever read by this author, but it will not be the last!! I wish I could give this more stars because that’s how much I loved this story! Was it perfectly written or the best thing I’ve ever read? No…but that doesn’t even matter because I was so entertained, on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen next and honestly felt like I was in a trance because I was just so focused on the story! I will say the ending did feel a tad bit rushed. I would have liked it to be a little bit longer and to answer some of my questions and also wish what was going on at the end would have been wrapped up with a bit of a better resolution. But other than the rushed ending this was a fantastic thriller & an addicting story!
October 17, 2025
I didn’t know what exactly to expect from this book but once I started it I absolutely could not put it down! Gwynn is a killer but she justifies it because they are bad people who deserve it! The amount of shenanigans that she gets herself into covering up her crimes had me so engaged until the very last page!
March 15, 2025
Strap in, because this book moves.
From the very first two sentences—Gwynn knew as soon as she saw Sam that she would kill him. It pained her, because she swore she’d never kill again—to the twist-filled ending, this story is a wild ride.
I enjoyed the tangled side plots, the strong yet flawed FMC, and the way she bends the world to her own version of justice. Some parts were a bit over the top, and the ending definitely caught me off guard—but in a way that kept me thinking about it long after I turned the last page.
It looks like this is the start of a series, and I’m curious to see where it goes next.
From the very first two sentences—Gwynn knew as soon as she saw Sam that she would kill him. It pained her, because she swore she’d never kill again—to the twist-filled ending, this story is a wild ride.
I enjoyed the tangled side plots, the strong yet flawed FMC, and the way she bends the world to her own version of justice. Some parts were a bit over the top, and the ending definitely caught me off guard—but in a way that kept me thinking about it long after I turned the last page.
It looks like this is the start of a series, and I’m curious to see where it goes next.
January 2, 2025
I read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an okay read but not quite a page-turner. Gwynn is separated from her husband Tom. They have a young son. He wants them to reconcile as a couple. She is bored in the marriage, but her extracurricular activities more than alleviate the boredom. That's because she has the compulsion to kill and thereby right the wrongs of society as an avenger-type vigilante.
The story kicks off when she sees the man, Townsend, at a function, responsible for a devastating occurence years earlier. The victim was her close friend. She thinks she has covered her tracks when she " takes care of him " but is horrified to learn that she was seen leaving the function with him. To complicate matters she fancies the detective investigating Townsend's disappearance.
A bit of an odd ending. 4 stars
This was an okay read but not quite a page-turner. Gwynn is separated from her husband Tom. They have a young son. He wants them to reconcile as a couple. She is bored in the marriage, but her extracurricular activities more than alleviate the boredom. That's because she has the compulsion to kill and thereby right the wrongs of society as an avenger-type vigilante.
The story kicks off when she sees the man, Townsend, at a function, responsible for a devastating occurence years earlier. The victim was her close friend. She thinks she has covered her tracks when she " takes care of him " but is horrified to learn that she was seen leaving the function with him. To complicate matters she fancies the detective investigating Townsend's disappearance.
A bit of an odd ending. 4 stars
January 24, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning. I could not decide if I wanted Gwynn to get away with it or get caught. She had the type of personality that was easy to root for but also had some unhinged moments. I loved getting her internal monologue and how she reacted to certain situations firsthand. With the different people involved I never knew where it was going to go. While I liked the ending there are a couple things I would like to see play out even more so
Thank you @josephsouza2060 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @josephsouza2060 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
February 21, 2025
This ABSORBED me. What a great book this was!!! I see this will be the start to a series and I can hardly wait. My first read of this author, and I’m going back for more immediately.
I love the way the author writes, having a general audience, not quite speaking from a characters point of view, except for one, and not a main character at that. It was an interesting perspective that I don’t often see in psych thrillers and I feel as though it made for a more captivating read for a story like this. Less reflection, more story—and boy is there a story.
We still find many background issues/plots going on amidst the main plot. One match igniting a series of flames that causes quite a conundrum for our main character. Trapped within the flaws of herself, she is determined and tormented in finding everything she can about her past, especially her parents—and she’s not the only one. What could have made her this way? Was she doomed from the start?
With a twisted love and an even more twisted sense of explanation, Gwynn finds herself in an ever changing story, with one hope of a happy ending, to never lose sight of being able to raise her son. In the end, nothing else really matters.
Highly recommend this one!
Thank you to book sirens and the author/publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review!
I love the way the author writes, having a general audience, not quite speaking from a characters point of view, except for one, and not a main character at that. It was an interesting perspective that I don’t often see in psych thrillers and I feel as though it made for a more captivating read for a story like this. Less reflection, more story—and boy is there a story.
We still find many background issues/plots going on amidst the main plot. One match igniting a series of flames that causes quite a conundrum for our main character. Trapped within the flaws of herself, she is determined and tormented in finding everything she can about her past, especially her parents—and she’s not the only one. What could have made her this way? Was she doomed from the start?
With a twisted love and an even more twisted sense of explanation, Gwynn finds herself in an ever changing story, with one hope of a happy ending, to never lose sight of being able to raise her son. In the end, nothing else really matters.
Highly recommend this one!
Thank you to book sirens and the author/publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review!
March 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! It had me hooked from the first chapter! I wish this story would’ve never ended because it was so good! I always love a “good guy” falls for “bad guy” storyline and this one did that and then some! First story I’ve read from this author but definitely won’t be the last! I really hope he writes another story to pick up where this one left off because I have so many questions and theories and I need answers!
August 17, 2025
It was a very interesting book with all the twists and turns. It kept you reading until the end
February 11, 2025
Cruel & Bitter Things by Joseph Souza is a complex and thought-provoking novel that left a lasting impression on me. One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is how it made me feel genuine sympathy toward a serial killer—an ability that speaks volumes about Souza’s talent as a writer.
His writing style reminded me of A. R. Torre, an author I also admire. Both authors have a way of pulling readers into dark, psychological narratives while keeping the characters deeply human and compelling, making you feel like you can relate to a literal murderer. It is a mind-bending experience to silently root for the “bad guy” and want them to get a happy ending!
The book’s major twists took me completely by surprise. At times, I thought I had figured out where the story was headed, only to be proven wrong in the most unexpected ways. The unpredictability added to the suspense and made the reading experience even more gripping. I devoured this book in under two days, the flow of reading was easy and the chapters didn’t last a light year.
The ending, however, was the biggest surprise. I didn’t expect it to feel somewhat unresolved, but it worked—not in a frustrating way, but in a way that left the door open for a possible sequel. If there were to be another book, I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed.
Overall, I rated Cruel & Bitter Things five stars and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected character depth and twists.
* I am an ARC reader who was given a copy of this book pre-release for my honest and free review. This is my true opinion that I am posting voluntarily.*
His writing style reminded me of A. R. Torre, an author I also admire. Both authors have a way of pulling readers into dark, psychological narratives while keeping the characters deeply human and compelling, making you feel like you can relate to a literal murderer. It is a mind-bending experience to silently root for the “bad guy” and want them to get a happy ending!
The book’s major twists took me completely by surprise. At times, I thought I had figured out where the story was headed, only to be proven wrong in the most unexpected ways. The unpredictability added to the suspense and made the reading experience even more gripping. I devoured this book in under two days, the flow of reading was easy and the chapters didn’t last a light year.
The ending, however, was the biggest surprise. I didn’t expect it to feel somewhat unresolved, but it worked—not in a frustrating way, but in a way that left the door open for a possible sequel. If there were to be another book, I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed.
Overall, I rated Cruel & Bitter Things five stars and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected character depth and twists.
* I am an ARC reader who was given a copy of this book pre-release for my honest and free review. This is my true opinion that I am posting voluntarily.*
February 8, 2025
*This book was provided by NetGalley via Level Best Book*
Cruel & Bitter Things by Joseph Souza was a action packed ride that kept me interested the entire book. Overall, I loved how Joseph was able to create such a deep story that flowed and did not have any plot holes. This was an easy read that had great pacing and intrigue which led me to give it a solid 4/5 rating. I will definitely look into other books by Joseph.
Cruel & Bitter Things by Joseph Souza was a action packed ride that kept me interested the entire book. Overall, I loved how Joseph was able to create such a deep story that flowed and did not have any plot holes. This was an easy read that had great pacing and intrigue which led me to give it a solid 4/5 rating. I will definitely look into other books by Joseph.
March 19, 2025
Cruel & Bitter Things
By: Joseph Souza
Pub date: Dec 26, 2024
Publisher: Level Best Books
Tour: Suzy Approved Book Tours
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know by the synopsis this novel will take the reader ON ONE HECK of A RIDE.
Gwynn Denning is a killer, but she is set to kill someone who committed a heinous crime. She wants revenge.
Gwynn is a mother of a young son and a Director of a home for
neglected and abused children, so she is very aware of the kinds of things that happen to people.
Can her conscience stop at one MURDER? She is seeing a counselor who is aware of her background and knows what Gwynn is capable of.
This novel was a page tuner and I was invested in her story. The cast of characters including a police officer made this tricky. Gwynn and his relationship could be a match made in heaven.
Thank you Suzy Approved book tours and author Souza for this book. I can’t wait to read your next book and will look into your earlier work.
By: Joseph Souza
Pub date: Dec 26, 2024
Publisher: Level Best Books
Tour: Suzy Approved Book Tours
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know by the synopsis this novel will take the reader ON ONE HECK of A RIDE.
Gwynn Denning is a killer, but she is set to kill someone who committed a heinous crime. She wants revenge.
Gwynn is a mother of a young son and a Director of a home for
neglected and abused children, so she is very aware of the kinds of things that happen to people.
Can her conscience stop at one MURDER? She is seeing a counselor who is aware of her background and knows what Gwynn is capable of.
This novel was a page tuner and I was invested in her story. The cast of characters including a police officer made this tricky. Gwynn and his relationship could be a match made in heaven.
Thank you Suzy Approved book tours and author Souza for this book. I can’t wait to read your next book and will look into your earlier work.
December 31, 2024
Gwynn, the director of The Loft, a home for abused children in the town of Portland, Maine, has a secret. Her secret is that she is determined to make people who really abuse others to pay for their “crime”. As the book opens Gwynn is surprised to see Sam Townsend at a event an old college friend was holding. The last she saw Sam was fourteen years earlier while she attended Brooks College. While attending Brooks College Gwynn's room mate, Tift, came back from a date with Sam, in tears. It took over an hour for Gwynn to get Tift to tell her why she was in tears. Tift stated that Sam had sexually abused her. Gwynn vowed that if she ever got the chance to make Sam pay for his actions against Tift, she would do just that. After seeing Sam at the event she knew that now was the time to make him pay. No one saw Sam Townsend again after that night.
This was not the first time that Gwynn was was going to make good on her desire to make certain people pay for the wrong that they had done. The first time Gwynn made someone pay was while she was a freshman in high school. Two of Gwynn's school mates had told her of some vile that their gym teacher had done to them in the locker room after all of the other students had left. While on a school hiking trip Gwynn was able to make the gym teacher pay.
Detective Peters was assigned to the disappearance of Sam Townsend. As part of his investigation he needs to interview everyone who had attended the event that Sam was last seen at. When he came to interview Gwynn he became instantly taken with her. Having been single for many years Peters thought he would never be in a serious relationship again.
As the story continues several more people seem to just disappear leaving Peters to figure out what is going on the usually quiet town. Even though Gwynn is still married to her husband, she has recently separated from her husband Tom, which Peters believes has open the door to a possible relationship with Gwynn. Along the way Gwynn and Peters start making plans to live together, even with the possibility that Gwynn is responsible for the disappearances, and Tom firmly believes that the will be getting back with Gwynn. The question becomes who will Gwynn settle down with and will Peters finally solved the mystery of the missing people and arrest the guilty party.
This is the second book by Joseph Souza that I have read and both books want you to keep reading long before you need to put the book down and go to sleep. As an additional reason to read the book, Joseph has come up with an ending that comes as a surprise that does not disappoint and at the same time is believable along the story line presented. Well worth your time to read.
This was not the first time that Gwynn was was going to make good on her desire to make certain people pay for the wrong that they had done. The first time Gwynn made someone pay was while she was a freshman in high school. Two of Gwynn's school mates had told her of some vile that their gym teacher had done to them in the locker room after all of the other students had left. While on a school hiking trip Gwynn was able to make the gym teacher pay.
Detective Peters was assigned to the disappearance of Sam Townsend. As part of his investigation he needs to interview everyone who had attended the event that Sam was last seen at. When he came to interview Gwynn he became instantly taken with her. Having been single for many years Peters thought he would never be in a serious relationship again.
As the story continues several more people seem to just disappear leaving Peters to figure out what is going on the usually quiet town. Even though Gwynn is still married to her husband, she has recently separated from her husband Tom, which Peters believes has open the door to a possible relationship with Gwynn. Along the way Gwynn and Peters start making plans to live together, even with the possibility that Gwynn is responsible for the disappearances, and Tom firmly believes that the will be getting back with Gwynn. The question becomes who will Gwynn settle down with and will Peters finally solved the mystery of the missing people and arrest the guilty party.
This is the second book by Joseph Souza that I have read and both books want you to keep reading long before you need to put the book down and go to sleep. As an additional reason to read the book, Joseph has come up with an ending that comes as a surprise that does not disappoint and at the same time is believable along the story line presented. Well worth your time to read.
March 25, 2025
I don't even know where to begin. The ending started out really slow for me and I almost DNF'd it but I kept going. We are following Gwynn who we soon find out is not who she seems and we find out her intentions. This book kept me hooked once I got past the first few chapters and I found myself not being able to put it down. Is it my absolute favorite thriller? Not even by a longshot but it is worth the read.
The ending though leaves alot to be desired. I wanted it wrapped up better than that....
3.5 stars rounded up :)
**I received this book for free as an arc in exchange for my honest review***
Thank you NetGalley!
The ending though leaves alot to be desired. I wanted it wrapped up better than that....
3.5 stars rounded up :)
**I received this book for free as an arc in exchange for my honest review***
Thank you NetGalley!
January 22, 2025
I was enjoying this story very much until the end. As anyone who's read my reviews knows, I'm a "tied-up-in-a-neat-bow" kind of girl. I want all of my questions answered and my happily ever after. Unfortunately, Mr. Souza decided not to give me either. But, I can't complain too much because he kept me entertained and engaged until the end. Then he left me hanging. But, I must admit that the story was well worth my frustration with the ending. These characters are something else. Gwynn in particular will keep your head spinning. And along with crazy characters, Mr. Souza provides plenty of pulse-pounding action. From one minute to the next, I never knew where he was going with the story. So, with all of that, would I recommend Cold and Bitter Things? Most definitely. It is an excellent read and I look forward to finding another book by Mr. Souza to enjoy.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.
February 6, 2025
my first read from #NetGalley, This book has very good plot and character (I liked Gwynn )driven. It has started well but went flat towards the end. I just don’t like some characters (Ezra Kauffman so much annoying )on this one as they acted so dumb. I read many police procedural novels but this one seems unrealistic and ain’t well written.
February 21, 2025
This is a twisty thriller told in multiple points of view about a woman who kills for vengeance.
The three points of view are the woman, Gwynn, her psychiatrist and the police detective who is investigating a missing person’s case.
I don’t want to give any of the plot or twists away, but know that each point of view is really interesting and kept this one a page turner for me.
The three points of view are the woman, Gwynn, her psychiatrist and the police detective who is investigating a missing person’s case.
I don’t want to give any of the plot or twists away, but know that each point of view is really interesting and kept this one a page turner for me.
May 9, 2025
This one sucked me in immediately. Gwynn’s character is so interesting me. The thoughts going on in her head, the anti-hero vibes. It was tough deciding if you should root for her to win or get caught. I loved that we got some other characters thoughts throughout the book. The writing style kept me going and I enjoyed the mix of long and short chapters. It made it easier to say, just one more chapter.
Overall, a great read and page turner with some good twists!
🔪 Thriller/Mystery
🔪 Anti-Hero & Serial Killer
🔪 Multiple POV
🔪 Complex Character
🔪 Book 1 in Bad Choices
Overall, a great read and page turner with some good twists!
🔪 Thriller/Mystery
🔪 Anti-Hero & Serial Killer
🔪 Multiple POV
🔪 Complex Character
🔪 Book 1 in Bad Choices
March 12, 2025
Kept my interest and couldn’t put it down. Just wish the ending had more closure.
January 12, 2025
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Joseph Souza’s Cruel & Bitter Things is a dark and gripping tale that masterfully blends psychological suspense with an exploration of moral complexity. The story follows Gwynn Denning, a group home director and mother, who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. While she sees herself as delivering justice, her actions, relationships and past create a protagonist both horrifying and fascinating.
The plot thickens as Gwynn becomes entangled with the detective investigating her murders, adding a layer of forbidden romance that ratchets up the tension. Souza’s ability to weave Gwynn’s dark deeds with her tender moments as a mother showcases the duality of human nature. Is her adopted father more connected to her past than she realizes? Why would her therapist lie to the detective about Gwynn leaving with Sam? These questions keep readers guessing, especially as Gwynn’s sessions with her therapist cast doubt on her reliability.
Though certain moments stretched plausibility, the steady pacing and complex characters made the story thoroughly enjoyable. The suspense is razor-sharp, the ending was satisfying without feeling rushed, though some loose ends left me hoping for a sequel to explore unanswered questions.
Overall, Cruel & Bitter Things is an addictive read that masterfully blurs the line between justice and madness.
Rating: 4.25/5 stars.
Joseph Souza’s Cruel & Bitter Things is a dark and gripping tale that masterfully blends psychological suspense with an exploration of moral complexity. The story follows Gwynn Denning, a group home director and mother, who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. While she sees herself as delivering justice, her actions, relationships and past create a protagonist both horrifying and fascinating.
The plot thickens as Gwynn becomes entangled with the detective investigating her murders, adding a layer of forbidden romance that ratchets up the tension. Souza’s ability to weave Gwynn’s dark deeds with her tender moments as a mother showcases the duality of human nature. Is her adopted father more connected to her past than she realizes? Why would her therapist lie to the detective about Gwynn leaving with Sam? These questions keep readers guessing, especially as Gwynn’s sessions with her therapist cast doubt on her reliability.
Though certain moments stretched plausibility, the steady pacing and complex characters made the story thoroughly enjoyable. The suspense is razor-sharp, the ending was satisfying without feeling rushed, though some loose ends left me hoping for a sequel to explore unanswered questions.
Overall, Cruel & Bitter Things is an addictive read that masterfully blurs the line between justice and madness.
Rating: 4.25/5 stars.
March 16, 2025
This was an awesome thriller, but I need more! Gwynn often wonders who she is and where her DNA came from. Having been adopted when she was just a baby she is curious to know what pieces of her came from who. Her marriage is about over and she will do just about anything to protect and keep her son. When bodies start turning up, Gwynn is questioned. She was at the same event as some of these people. It seems as soon as Detective Peters thinks he has a lead or is getting closer, then another body or incident happens. But he still cannot figure out how they are connected. Meanwhile, he is falling for one of the first persons of interest he interviewed. When another detective is assigned to the case, it seems she has tunnel vision for the same one person. Peters knows it cannot be them, there is no way! But as the bodies pile up, Gwynn finds the truth about who she is and her real parents, things start to really spiral out of control. Bound to keep her secret and her father's secret, she really will do anything it takes to keep her and her son safe. I am curious to know what happens next in this saga as well as would love the story of her father. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
January 1, 2025
A page-turning thriller that poses the question: does the end justify the means? Author Joseph Souza is an expert in exposing the psyche of a disturbed woman. Set aside a block of time to immerse yourself in her world. You’ll be hooked.
The premise of a woman serial killer will lure you in and keep you intrigued as her killing spirals out of control. With a plot that moves at an increasingly quick pace and lots of twists along the way, Cruel and Bitter Things is an unputdownable read.
The story features a woman who acts as judge, jury, and executioner. Gwynn is doing the world a favour by getting rid of evil. Or so she believes. But when she is in danger of being exposed as a killer, Gwynn gets rid of those who pose a threat to her freedom, convincing herself the world is better off without them. Among those who suspect she has a darker side are her therapist whose career goal is to find out what makes Gwynn tick, and her new boyfriend, the detective in charge of solving the murders Gwynn has committed. What will she do when they discover she is a killer?
It’s complicated. What does make her tick? Is she capable of killing the people she loves if they get between her and her five-year-old son? Gwynn’s background is exposed by weaving it into the storyline, providing clues that explain why she is driven to kill. Her therapist’s first person point of view gives further insight into Gwynn’s mind. Detective Peters’ point of view adds an element of suspense as he considers his choices when the evidence mounts against the woman he loves.
One surprise follows another as the story develops, and I found myself wondering whether to root for Gwynn or to hope someone stops her. I was constantly on edge, not knowing what to expect from her. Then came the final twist. Wow!
The premise of a woman serial killer will lure you in and keep you intrigued as her killing spirals out of control. With a plot that moves at an increasingly quick pace and lots of twists along the way, Cruel and Bitter Things is an unputdownable read.
The story features a woman who acts as judge, jury, and executioner. Gwynn is doing the world a favour by getting rid of evil. Or so she believes. But when she is in danger of being exposed as a killer, Gwynn gets rid of those who pose a threat to her freedom, convincing herself the world is better off without them. Among those who suspect she has a darker side are her therapist whose career goal is to find out what makes Gwynn tick, and her new boyfriend, the detective in charge of solving the murders Gwynn has committed. What will she do when they discover she is a killer?
It’s complicated. What does make her tick? Is she capable of killing the people she loves if they get between her and her five-year-old son? Gwynn’s background is exposed by weaving it into the storyline, providing clues that explain why she is driven to kill. Her therapist’s first person point of view gives further insight into Gwynn’s mind. Detective Peters’ point of view adds an element of suspense as he considers his choices when the evidence mounts against the woman he loves.
One surprise follows another as the story develops, and I found myself wondering whether to root for Gwynn or to hope someone stops her. I was constantly on edge, not knowing what to expect from her. Then came the final twist. Wow!
January 19, 2025
This was a wild ride! I could not turn the pages fast enough to keep up with all the twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though all the main characters had serious flaws. They made so many bad choices but I loved the book! It completely consumed me and I did not see that ending coming. I’m still reeling from it!
February 1, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Cruel and Bitter Things. The story centers on Gwynn Denning. She is one tough woman who lives a double life. It’s not often you get a female lead in such situations like say serial killing. The author creates a detailed aspect to a woman who doesn’t seem to have a problem with murder. But does she…the line are blurry and as she leads a double life you wonder what makes her ‘tick’.
Truly an interesting novel that is thought provoking and scary as well.
Made me think about how one might operate in the world with a double standard of what is right and wrong
Thought provoking and not just an average novel. 3.5 stars
Truly an interesting novel that is thought provoking and scary as well.
Made me think about how one might operate in the world with a double standard of what is right and wrong
Thought provoking and not just an average novel. 3.5 stars
March 2, 2025
Gwynn has had unhealthy, homicidal thoughts since she was a child. She began acting on them as a teenager, believing that what she was doing was ridding the world of bad people. She gets mental health help to try to keep her thoughts at bay. As an adult, she finishes college and gets a job in Social Work. She has a successful career, a five year old son, and a husband who is her friend. However, she is not in love with him, and she claims he is controlling of her. Following a separation, she runs into an old college acquaintance who may have date raped her roommate. She kills him, and the dominoes begin to fall as she tries to cover up her crime. She falls for the detective over the murder case, and discovers very dark things about her family roots in the process.
This was a good book that kept me reading to find out what happened. The descriptive visuals were good. It looks as it will be part of a series, and I am hoping there will be a sequel. I had some unanswered questions... Did her roommate really get raped or was she being the drama queen she was described as being? How in the world did the detective get by with the things he did, I can't believe a love interest would cause him to throw away his work ethics and career. What happened to Sandra's dog? Did Nyugen survive? Why is everyone in her life willing to keep her killings a secret?
This was a good book that kept me reading to find out what happened. The descriptive visuals were good. It looks as it will be part of a series, and I am hoping there will be a sequel. I had some unanswered questions... Did her roommate really get raped or was she being the drama queen she was described as being? How in the world did the detective get by with the things he did, I can't believe a love interest would cause him to throw away his work ethics and career. What happened to Sandra's dog? Did Nyugen survive? Why is everyone in her life willing to keep her killings a secret?
January 3, 2025
Talk about going down a rabbit hole! This book made me feel like everything (almost) that happened was justified, but then I would think, "if this happened in my life, how would I feel?" It had me wrangling with self-doubt and right and wrong throughout the chapters.
Was it all plausible? Could it happen in real life? I mean, strange things have happened, but…
All in all, it has a good storyline, is well thought out, and is written well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Was it all plausible? Could it happen in real life? I mean, strange things have happened, but…
All in all, it has a good storyline, is well thought out, and is written well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
Intriguing, fast-paced, and full of unexpected twists. The author excels at developing Gwynn’s character, making her complex, unpredictable, and deeply flawed, yet impossible not to root for by the story’s conclusion. This is the kind of narrative that leaves you questioning who the true villain really is.
January 2, 2025
Interesting story will plenty of twists. The end is even crazier then the story. Growing up adted by a Minister and his wife who explicitly tell not to look for your birth parents is the first clue of something twisted. The story has many cause and effects that drives Gwynn into illegal activities. This will keep you captivated
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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