I Had To DNF // June 2025
Another month where I only read 2 books and one of those, I had to DNF. I always hate DNFing a book. Especially when I have gotten a good chunk into it. But at the same time, if I am not feeling it, why waste the time?
June Wrap-Up
The goal this month was “Journey” June. Which meant getting back on track with my reading goal. Well… one of the books was on my 25 for 2025 list ????
With A Vengeance by Riley Sager
Synopsis: “Twelve years after a devastating betrayal shattered her world, Anna Matheson is finally ready to face the past. Disguising her true intentions, Anna boards a luxury overnight train from Philadelphia to Chicago alongside a select group of fellow passengers—each one tied to the events that upended her life. Her mission is simple: uncover the truth, expose long-buried secrets, and ensure justice is finally served. But when a shocking murder throws the journey into chaos, Anna realises she’s not the only one with a score to settle. With danger around every corner and the clock ticking down to the train’s final stop, she must navigate a deadly game of cat and mouse—where trust is a luxury she can’t afford, and survival means confronting more than just the ghosts of her past.”
Riley Sager is back with With a Vengeance, and I have to admit, I went into this one a little hesitant. After his last release, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pick up another of his books. But I’ve liked his writing style, so when I heard this was a Murder on the Orient Express retelling, my interest was instantly piqued.
And I’m glad I gave it a chance. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. While some plot points felt a little predictable, almost inevitable given the nature of the story, it still held my attention from start to finish. What really stood out to me was the cast of characters. Each one felt distinct, and their relationships and motivations made sense within the historical context. I also appreciated how the story wove in details about world events from that time period. It gave the mystery a bit more weight and realism.
As far as retellings go, this one is definitely stronger than others I’ve read. That said, it does not quite top the original.
Still, it was a solid murder mystery with a fresh take, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good locked-room-style thriller. 4 Stars.
The Phone Box at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
Synopsis: “On a quiet hill in Japan, overlooking the sea, stands a mysterious phone box—long disconnected, yet still visited by those grieving. They come to speak into the wind, sending messages to those they’ve lost. Yui, devastated by personal tragedy, is drawn to the stories surrounding this place. In search of solace, she embarks on a journey to the phone box, unsure of what she hopes to find—or say—when she gets there. There, she crosses paths with Takeshi, a man navigating his own heartbreak. As their lives begin to intertwine, they discover that even in the depths of sorrow, connection, healing, and hope can still take root.”
This was a book I had to DNF, and not because of any particular fault with the writing or plot. But simply because I wasn’t connecting with it emotionally. I’ve been loving translated fiction lately, especially what’s often called “healing fiction.” Books that are gentle, reflective, and quietly powerful. But this one felt more heavy than healing.
The message behind the story is beautiful, and the journey the characters go on is deeply emotional. I made it over 200 pages in, and I could appreciate the intention and care in the storytelling. The writing itself was strong, especially for a translated work. It captured the atmosphere and emotion well. But the tone was just too sad for me at the time I was reading it.
Sometimes it’s about timing, and this simply wasn’t the right book for me right now. I can absolutely see why others would find it moving and meaningful, it just wasn’t the kind of “healing” I needed.
June’s Reading Stats
Putting all these books into TheStoryGraph app, I found…
I read 2 books!
A total of 781 pages. Even though I DNF’d The Phone Box At the Edge of The World, I read 231 pages. Over half way and I am counting it as a read. Storygraph doesn’t count it in the monthly number.
100% of the books read were fiction, and genre-wise we jabe mystery, historical, contemporary and thriller
My average rating for the month was 3.5.
As always, I read all my books in print
June’s Book Haul
I as very good this month, and… I used points to pre-order a few of these!
- With A Vengeance by Riley Sager
- The Bookshop Woman by Nanako Hanada
- Letters from the Ginza Shihodo Stationery Shop by Kenji Ueda
- The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida
- The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa
- The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon
And that is a wrap up on month where I had to DNF a book.
What did you read in June?
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As always, thanks for reading…
