Bear Brook is by far my favourite podcast from this year. It has everything you want from a true crime story: mystery, a cold case, and new technologies that helped solve this gruesome crime. Personally, I don't like investing in true crime podcasts that don't wrap everything up with a perfect bow...because I need to know! 

The podcast that wrangled me into this world of episodic digital documentaries. I loved the story of Adnan Syed, but more importantly, because Sarah Koenig hosts it. She is superb at showing both sides of the case, without appearing biased. 

The story of Tara Grinstead is complicated and confusing. This story starts at point A, and suddenly veers you of the course you think you're taking. It's exciting, exhilarating, and one incredible investigative true crime story. It's hosted by Payne Lindsey, who is easy to listen to, and the episodes fly by (there are a lot).  

Missing Richard Simmons is not a true crime story, but it is a mystery that I couldn't stop listening to. When my friend first recommended this story, my initial thought was 'that eccentric fitness instructor from the 80's???' I downloaded the first episode and never listened to it for 3 months. What a mistake that was. This is still one of my all time favourites. It's like falling down a rabbit hole to another world. 

Who would have thought all of this was happening right where we live? A huge part of this story takes place in Vancouver, BC. It's an incredible story about a cult, masking as a multi-level marketing company. This is dark and not for the faint of heart. 

An Australian true crime podcast from last year, that looks at the disappearance of Lynette Dawson. This story is peculiar. Long story short - her husband moves his teenage mistress/student into their family home. It's all levels of creepy and disturbing. 

The Netflix story that took the world by storm, is first told through a podcast. I really enjoyed listening to this one, and although the daughters voices are almost unbearable, and the mothers frame of mind antagonized me, you'll thoroughly enjoy this California family drama.

My sister and I both found this story to be devastating. When the doctors who are supposed to help you, end up taking advantage of your mental state, and abuse that relationship. The whole time I was shocked and enraged over what these people went through. 

I'm only on episode 3, but so far so good. It's the story of a missing actress from LA. 

If you haven't read Find Her by Lisa Gardner, you need to read it prior to reading Look For Me. Look For Me can act as a stand-a-lone, however the character of Flora Danes is so unique and intense. Find Her is book # 8 in the Detective D.D. Warren series. It's one of those books that always stays with you. It truly made me question what kind of survivor I would be? Flora Danes is held captive for 472 days in a coffin-sized box. It's a terrific, fast-paced revenge thriller, that looks at what it means to find yourself again . Look For Me follows Flora Dane, as D.D. Warren's new sidekick. I loved the sarcastic banter, the community of survivors, and the mystery at the heart of this novel. I highly recommend this one! A compelling, well-written read, that makes you question, 'what does it mean to be family?'

I have seen this book all over Instagram and in everyone's hands in passing this month. I've read a few of John Green's books including Finding Alaska and The Fault in our Stars. I know I'm not the targeted audience for YA, however I do love this genre. I listened to this on Audible, so it may have impacted by opinion, as the multiple voices were read vastly different than I would read on my own. The main character suffers from an anxiety disorder. Listening to the narrator gave me anxiety, which proves Green's ability to force the reader into the characters shoes in a compelling and powerful way. At the heart of this story is the mystery of a billionaire, which Aza and Daisy attempt to solve in order to earn the large reward. I didn't think the two themes blended at all. I found the story to lack a solid plot line. Events were unrealistic, characters were self-absorbed and narcissistic, and the unending references to Star Wars was enough to make close this one and never return. Sadly, I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone. For some of my favourite Young Adult reads, check out the link. 

I had seen Six Stories posted on numerous blogs for the past year. Ever since seeing the cover (the art work drew me in), and discovering the podcast element, I have wanted to devour this book. After the first "story" I contemplated not finishing, or putting it away for awhile. I just couldn't get into it. I love podcasts, especially Serial, which was quite possibly the greatest murder-mystery I've ever listened to. In my fiction selections I prefer page-turners and whodunnit's, but I also enjoy a slow burn, with the heart of a story dependent on character-development. After the third story I realized this book had little to no suspense, with shallow characters that were unreliable. There are supernatural elements, built upon the superstition and folklore passed down to the characters in the town. I was actually hoping the story would follow this plot line, as it was more interesting then the unsatisfying conclusion that was repetitive and drawn out.