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This is part 1 of a (probably) controversial topic-popular books that are overhyped!
Now of course, this list is based on my own opinions and reading tastes, so please don’t be offended if one of your favorite books is on this list. I am well aware that many people find Riley Sager and Sarah J. Maas overhyped, but they are still two of my favorite authors and it doesn’t bother me what other people think!
When I started writing this post, I realized I had a lot of strong opinion about a lot of books, so I did split this list into two parts! Part 2 coming soon, so check back often or subscribe to my newsletter so you know about my newest posts in your inbox!
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
Let’s just get this one out of the way early. I don’t get the hype for this book. I’m sorry. Maybe I am just too dumb to understand, but I thought this was super boring and should not have been labeled as horror fiction.
This is one of those books that I can’t say too much about without giving away the entire plot. If you decide to read this book with POVs from a man, a young girl, and a cat, just know that it’s going to be a long, strange ride of character driven plot.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
I’ve actually been considering giving this series another chance, but I really didn’t like the first book. Too much of the book focused on the whiny main character’s insta-love situation. I wanted more of the world building. I’ve heard the series gets better after the first book though, so maybe I’ll give it another shot eventually.
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
I just read this recently and thought it was so boring. There’s two POVs but I only cared about one of them. To be completely honest, I don’t even remember which POV I preferred because this was so forgettable. The author’s newest book was a June Book of the Month pick and I have to say I was pretty surprised.
Two women, each running away from their lives, plot to switch plane tickets at the airport. But why are they both so eager to switch places?
Related: Is a Book of the Month Subscription Worth It?
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
The concept for this book was super intriguing because it is a mixed media novel so you feel like you are actually collecting the clues along with the main character. But it meandered too much for me and I stopped caring about what happened to this mysterious girl.
The Troop by Nick Cutter
I did not know this book was going to be so gross. Not for those with weak stomachs. It wasn’t scary at all, just really disgusting. There is a lot of body horror and animal abuse in this one and I was not prepared for that.
A boy scout troop is camping on an island when a mysterious stranger shows up at their campsite. The stranger is acting very strange and appears to be very hungry…
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
You might enjoy this more if you go into it knowing it’s not going to be a thriller. It’s more of a domestic drama with a mystery element. The end was too convoluted to be believable so I wasn’t a fan.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Don’t do it! This was terrible. Nothing happens until the last 75-ish pages, and by then, you won’t care about any of it. I have heard the audiobook was good, but I still can’t say I would ever recommend this book.
A woman shows up to her brother’s apartment and discovers he is missing. As she investigates the disappearance, she gets to know some of the building’s strange tenants.
Listen to the audiobook on Scribd. Use my link to try Scribd free for 14 days.
Related: Best Audiobook Services
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant
This book was on my radar before I started blogging. The concept? A team of scientists is assembled to investigate the Mariana Trench, where a mockumentary team went missing seven years ago. I won’t spoil what happened to the original team, even though it is revealed early in the book, but the concept was mind blowing. And there were some scary, tense scenes. But unfortunately, the pacing was bogged down by overly detailed scientific jargon that I didn’t care about.
Do you agree with any of my picks? Let’s chat in the comments!
Gry C. says
I completely agree with you on “The Paris Apartment” . I enjoyed Lucy Foley’s last book “The Guest List” , so I guess I had certain expectations. “The Paris Apartment” to me was equally slow as well as pretty unrealistic, and predictable.
“The Last Thing He Told Me” left me:……..Uhmmmm…..what was the all the hype about??
Allison says
The Last Thing He Told Me has to be one of the most disappointing books I’ve ever gotten from BOTM!
Clare Eden says
Is there more overhyped books? Cause you were right, I read most of these and I regret it.