About Me

The story behind A Book A Week, and the reader behind the reviews.

It started with a New Year's resolution:
1 book a week, 52 books in a year.
I kept reading, and it grew into something much more.

Back in 2011, I was an avid reader who had somehow lost my way with reading. Between working and being a full-time student, reading for pleasure had slowly fallen by the wayside.

I wanted to change that. So I gave myself a New Year's resolution to read one book every week for a year. I started A Book A Week on January 1, 2012 as a way to hold myself accountable and share what I was reading along the way.

I didn't quite reach my goal that first year, but I kept reading. I kept reviewing. And all these years later, I'm still here, looking forward to whatever book comes next. Some years I crush my goals, some years I don't, but my love for a good book has never wavered.

Line drawing portrait of Ethan

Hi, I'm Ethan

Reader. Blogger.
Book lover.

I'm a lifelong reader with a particular soft spot for mysteries and thrillers. I've always loved the genre, and I credit those stories—the twists, suspense, and need to know what happens next—with keeping me a reader as an adult. My reading has taken me in all kinds of directions since then, but I'll always come back to a good mystery.

I love creepy horror novels. A fascinating work of nonfiction can completely pull me in, too. And I've found plenty of favorites in science fiction, literary fiction, romance, and other genres I might never have picked up when I first started the blog. That's part of the fun. I never quite know what kind of story is going to grab me next.

When I'm not reading or writing reviews, you'll usually find me at home with my husband and our pets. I'm a classically trained musician and composer, an enthusiastic home cook, and a backyard gardener. There's usually a trip to look forward to or some new project that has caught my interest, too.

At the end of the day, I just really love books. There's nothing quite like discovering a story I can't put down or finding an author I can't wait to read again. Even when a book doesn't quite work for me, I still enjoy thinking about why and putting those thoughts into words. That's what keeps me reading, reviewing, and sharing it all here on A Book A Week.

Loose hand-drawn fountain pen illustration

Review Disclaimer

Honest reviews, always.

Some of the books I review are ones I've purchased myself. Others are provided by publishers or authors in exchange for an honest review. Either way, what I write here is always what I really think.

Not every book is going to work for every reader, and that's part of the fun of talking about books. I'll tell you what worked for me, what didn't, and hopefully give you enough to decide whether a book might be right for you.

Good, bad, or somewhere in between, you'll always get my honest take.

Contact

Have a question about the blog, a book you think I should read, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you.

Drop me a note using the form below.

Let's Connect

I'm always happy to hear from readers, publishers, authors, and fellow book lovers.

Review Copies

I'm always open to considering books for review. I read across a pretty wide range of genres, though mysteries and thrillers tend to be particular favorites. If you'd like me to consider a book, send along a little information about it and why you think it might be a good fit for A Book A Week.

Publishers & Authors

Review requests, interviews, features, or something else you have in mind? Send me a note. I'm always happy to hear about new books and opportunities that might be a good fit for the blog.

General Inquiries

Have a question, a recommendation, or just want to talk books? Those messages are welcome, too.

Find Me Elsewhere

Send a Message

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Showing posts with label Novella. Show all posts

Dead Weight by Hildur Knútsdóttir

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Dead Weight by Hildur Knútsdóttir

Last year, a coworker recommended Hildur Knútsdóttir ’s The Night Guest , and I devoured it in a single sitting. I loved the tightly wound ...

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The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

It’s officially feeling like Christmas around my house this week. The weather has cooled, the tree is up and glowing, the lights are strung ...

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Ghosts of Grayhaven by Amy Newbold and Lark Wright

Friday, October 31, 2025

Ghosts of Grayhaven by Amy Newbold and Lark Wright

As October draws to a close (seriously, how is the month already over?), I’m wrapping up my annual attempt to cram in as many spooky reads a...

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The Housemaid's Wedding by Freida McFadden

Friday, July 4, 2025

The Housemaid's Wedding by Freida McFadden

I just finished reading The Housemaid Is Watching , the third book in Freida McFadden's addictive, page-turning series, and I was genuin...

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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Holiday stories often conjure images of warmth, joy, and the unshakable hope of the season. Yet the ones that resonate most deeply with me e...

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The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

Friday, October 4, 2024

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

October usually signals the beginning of the spooky season for me, but I've been momentarily sidetracked by thoughts of future holidays....

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Trust by Hernan Diaz

Friday, February 16, 2024

Trust by Hernan Diaz

There are moments when we, as readers, indulge in books for pleasure and enjoyment, while other times, we opt to challenge ourselves. I'...

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Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

Friday, December 15, 2023

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

As the holiday season unfolds, Madeline Martin is haunted by the tragedy that struck her community over a decade ago. She remains the sole s...

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The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

What is your favorite holiday tradition? For me, decorating, enjoying festive music, and savoring delicious holiday dishes are a few of my m...

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When Christmas Comes By Andrew Klavan

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

When Christmas Comes By Andrew Klavan

"In heaven, the great God will judge me, but here on earth I must leave it to you." This time of the year, I'm craving any and...

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Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

What are you afraid of? As October comes to an end, we celebrate the one night a year where ghouls and goblins are actually welcomed. As I s...

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Come Closer by Sara Gran

Monday, October 25, 2021

Come Closer by Sara Gran

"So you think you're possessed, it said. Don't we all, from time to time." It can be easy to ignore the things that are ri...

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If It Bleeds by Stephen King

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

If It Bleeds by Stephen King

There's no denying the fact that I'm a Stephen King fan. Be it his doorstop sized horror novels or the crime novels he's turned ...

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Elevation by Stephen King

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Elevation by Stephen King

In recent years, Stephen King has strayed from his horror roots to write novels that focus more on real-life scenarios. The Outsider , relea...

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The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

"She defines and eliminates problems. She's practical in an evil way." Gillian Flynn, author of the bestselling Gone Girl ,...

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Moon Up, Past Full by Eric Shonkwiler

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Moon Up, Past Full by Eric Shonkwiler

Fresh off the heels of his well received novel Above All Men , author Eric Shonkwiler presents a collection of short stories titled Moon Up,...

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Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes by Karin Slaughter

Friday, August 21, 2015

Blonde Hair, Blue Eyes by Karin Slaughter

The year is 1991 and college student Julia Carroll has her whole life ahead of her. She's a bright aspiring journalist, dedicated stud...

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And the Soft Wind Blows by Lance Umenhofer

Monday, April 22, 2013

And the Soft Wind Blows by Lance Umenhofer

Writing a novella is a unique challenge. In a short number of pages, the author must create an intriguing story that features well-develop...

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