May Reading Wrap-Up—Murder, Magic & Mayhem

It looks like this month I managed to do a wrap-up on time! May has been all about binge-reading, genre-hopping, and staying up way too late with books I couldn’t put down. I fell deep into Annabel Chase’s Crossroads Queen series (six books and counting!), got hit with a haunting prequel, and found a few standout reads that reminded me why I love everything from dark fantasy to YA thrillers. Let’s get into it.

Here’s everything I read in May, in the order I finished it:

1. Dead to the World by Annabel Chase

Fast, fun, and full of bite, this one hooked me immediately. Lorelei is sharp, sarcastic, and just vulnerable enough to make you care deeply. A solid series starter with mystery and supernatural flair.

2. Dead of Night by Annabel Chase

The series finds its stride here. Humor, heart, and layered world-building keep the pace strong, and Lorelei continues to be one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines.

3. Dead Last by Annabel Chase

Heart, humor, and game-changing reveals. This book deepens the world and character arcs in ways that had me glued to the page.

4. Dead Wrong by Annabel Chase

More danger, more depth. This one delivers strong plot progression with just the right mix of supernatural mystery and emotional weight.

5. Speak of the Devil by Antony J. Stanton

A chilling, beautifully written prequel that lays the groundwork for a much bigger story. Farida’s voice is powerful, and the rising darkness feels both intimate and epic.

6. Dead Weight by Annabel Chase

Mob vampires? Mysterious fae? Lorelei’s past catching up with her? Yes, yes, and yes. Book five raises the stakes without relying on a cliffhanger.

7. Hive by D.L. Orton

Time travel, existential dilemmas, and a cast of characters you’ll want to protect. Smart, emotional, and refreshingly original sci-fi.

8. Play Dead by Annabel Chase

Castle renovations, friendly ghosts, and the Wild Hunt—this one blends cozy moments with gut-punch twists. Found family meets deadly secrets.

9. Never Run from an Immortal by Victoria J. Price

A gripping fantasy romance with intense world-building, emotional payoff, and characters that stay with you. If you like your love stories dark and dangerous, don’t skip this.

10. Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

YA mystery with bite. Part psychological thriller, part murder investigation, this one kept me turning pages. Think Sadie meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

That’s it for May! If any of these books caught your attention, give them a shot—and don’t forget to leave a rating or review if you enjoyed them. It really helps authors get seen.