Little Monsters by Kara Thomas

Little Monsters by Kara Thomas-336 pages

I read The Darkest Corners, also by Kara Thomas, so I wanted to read her other recent novel (also, it counts for this month's mystery challenge). I think I like The Darkest Corners a little more, but this is not a bad read, though. It is suspenseful and gives some insight into teenage friendships and how a killer can be someone unexpected, especially if he or she is manipulated and provoked. It, also, explores our (most of us anyway) basic need to be and feel loved by someone. Overall, it is a good, suspenseful read.

Some Girls: My Life in a Harem, by Jillian Lauren

Some Girls: My Life in a Harem, by Jillian Lauren, 352 pages

While the title sounds like the book would be a gratuitous play by play of a scandalous life, it was actually a really well-written and thought-provoking story.  At times, it could have been the story of any other woman's life.  With the major difference being this woman was offered a place in the harem of the Prince of Brunei.  Lauren found herself alone in New York City at age 19, trying to make it as an actress and only finding success as a sex worker.  This opened the door to serving at the court of Brunei, where Lauren realized that money isn't everything, and she has more to offer than a pretty face.  My only objection was that the narrative tends to jump around chronologically, but I found alot to identify with the author about.