Entertainment
10 Thriller Books of the 21st Century That Are Perfectly Written
Thrillers tend to focus on the plot, engaging readers with clever twists, mysterious characters, and relentless pacing. However, the genre’s best novels serve up stellar prose alongside the tense storytelling; indeed, they are finely constructed on a sentence-by-sentence level.
With that in mind, this list looks at some of the best-written thriller books of the last quarter-century. Some blur the boundaries between literary fiction and genre writing, while others incorporate elements of horror or historical fiction. Despite their differences, all the titles below boast exceptional technical skill.
‘My Sister, the Serial Killer’ (2018)
“The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces.” Korede is a hardworking nurse whose younger sister Ayoola has an alarming habit of killing her boyfriends, allegedly in self-defense. Each time it happens, Korede quietly helps dispose of the evidence, convincing herself that protecting her family is the right thing to do. However, that fragile arrangement begins collapsing when Ayoola develops an interest in the man Korede secretly loves. Korede grows increasingly concerned that he will be her sister’s next victim.
It’s an intriguing premise that Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite spins into a tense dark comedy rippling with psychological tension and barbed social commentary. This debut novel earned rave reviews and took home the 2019 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Best Mystery/Thriller.
‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ (2018)
“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” This one was adapted into a so-so movie starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, though the original novel is a lot stronger. The story alternates between Kya Clark’s isolated childhood in the marshes of North Carolina and the later investigation into the death of local celebrity Chase Andrews. As the timelines gradually converge, we come to understand the protagonist’s years of loneliness and quiet observation.
Along the way, Where the Crawdads Sing melds several styles and subgenres, including drama and coming-of-age, all of them united by the expertly sustained murder mystery. It’s a tricky balancing act that author Delia Owens pulls off with aplomb. She also excels at her descriptions of nature, practically turning the marsh into a character in its own right. Not for nothing, the book was a runaway success, selling well over 18 million copies.
‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2005)
“People always have secrets. It’s just a matter of finding out what they are.” Published only after author Stieg Larsson‘s death, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was an immediate global sensation, hugely reshaping thriller writing in the late 2000s. The plot pairs journalist Mikael Blomkvist with the brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander as they reopen the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger, a mystery that has haunted one of Sweden’s wealthiest families for generations.
Harking back to the great mystery tradition, the plotting here is masterful, loaded with misdirection and subtle clues that first appear insignificant but later turn out to be crucial. Complementing this, the prose style is economical and punchy, written in plain language and deploying a dry but effective procedural tone. It’s brisk and clear and keeps the pages turning the whole way through.
‘Gone Girl’ (2012)
“Like a child, I picture opening her skull, unspooling her brain and sifting through it…” Gone Girl has already cemented its reputation as one of the most impactful thrillers of the century so far. It begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne on her fifth wedding anniversary, leaving her husband Nick under immediate suspicion. Competing narratives emerge, and hidden motivations come to light, forcing readers to reconsider everything they believed they understood about both characters.
The book plays the audience like a fiddle, hitting us with red herrings and shocking narrative switcheroos, and keeping the psychological tension at a fever pitch. The writing style is sharp and cynical, almost cold to the touch, filled with dark humor and sharp cultural critique. The best example is the iconic “Cool Girl” monologue, which is masterful even without Rosamund Pike‘s brilliant delivery.
‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’ (2014)
“Reason is for rich people. We have madness.” Although it extends far beyond conventional thriller boundaries, A Brief History of Seven Killings contains enough political intrigue, assassination plots, criminal conspiracies, and white-knuckle action to please the genre’s fans. Inspired by the attempted assassination of iconic singer Bob Marley in 1976, the novel follows an enormous cast of politicians, gang leaders, journalists, intelligence operatives, and ordinary citizens as decades of violence reshape both Jamaica and the wider world.
Along the way, the writing style effortlessly shifts between several distinct narrative voices, each possessing a singular rhythm and vocabulary. It’s symphonic and energetic, full of stream-of-consciousness and unfiltered, racing thoughts. The imagery is larger than life, too, making the characters and settings (and the unflinching violence) practically leap off the page. It’s all quite musical, influenced by reggae and hip-hop.
’11/22/63′ (2011)
“We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.” 11/22/63 ranks among the very best of Stephen King‘s 2010s output, confidently blending thriller mechanics with time travel, historical fiction, and romance. In it, English teacher Jake Epping discovers a portal leading to 1958. Presented with the opportunity to prevent JFK‘s assassination, he embarks upon a mission that becomes far more complicated than he ever imagined. Every attempt to alter history creates unforeseen consequences, and the past itself appears determined to resist being changed.
This premise could easily have crashed and burned into a pulpy mess, yet King pulls it off gracefully, resulting in one of his most enjoyable and well-rounded stories from that period. The main characters are compelling and likable, the plot is always engaging, and, despite the immense narrative ambition, the emotional weight never falters, even across 800-plus pages.
‘The God of the Woods’ (2024)
“He liked to trick people, to confuse and disorient them until they lost their bearings, and their minds.” The God of the Woods is the most recent novel by Liz Moore, who also wrote Long Bright River. Set around an Adirondack summer camp in the 1970s, the story begins with the disappearance of thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar, whose older brother vanished under similarly mysterious circumstances years earlier. Investigators, family members, camp staff, and locals become entangled in the search, dredging up secrets and traumas that have shaped the community for decades.
What we have here is an unusually intelligent crime novel, one that combines expert pacing with genuine psychological depth. Rather than relying on constant twists, the novel patiently builds suspense through layered perspectives, carefully revealed history, and richly developed relationships. Moore’s handling of multiple timelines is particularly impressive as well.
‘In the Woods’ (2007)
“I had learned early to assume something dark and lethal hidden at the heart of anything I loved.” This psychological mystery (Tana French‘s first book) swept the thriller awards circuit in 2008, including winning an Edgar Award. It follows Dublin detectives Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox as they look into the murder of a twelve-year-old girl in the same woods where, twenty years earlier, two of Rob’s s childhood friends disappeared without explanation. Rob himself was found traumatized and unable to remember what happened.
French builds this setup into a truly haunting thriller, nimbly fusing police procedural and character study. Perhaps most of all, In the Woods stands out from most crime novels thanks to its three-dimensional characters, who react to their circumstances in believable ways. It also paints a vivid, immersive portrait of contemporary Ireland, another element that gives the book a lot of personality.
‘Mystic River’ (2001)
“The person you love is rarely worthy of how big your love is.” Many readers will know this one from the phenomenal film adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood. Mystic River is the magnum opus of author and screenwriter Dennis Lehane, who also penned Shutter Island and Small Mercies. The novel revolves around childhood friends Jimmy Marcus, Sean Devine, and Dave Boyle, whose lives were permanently altered after a traumatic event in their youth.
When Jimmy’s teenage daughter is murdered decades later, the investigation forces all three men to confront painful memories they have spent years trying to bury. This sets the stage for a heartbreaking mystery/drama hybrid, one that at times feels like a Greek tragedy set in a suburban setting that’s both simultaneously familiar and alien. It’s melancholy and thematically dense, with so much to say about stolen innocence, tribal loyalties, and the way violence propagates across generations.
‘London Falling’ (2026)
“If you misstepped on a slick cobble after a night out drinking, the black water could suck you under in an instant.” Although it’s a work of nonfiction, London Falling reads like the tensest thriller. Written by Say Nothing‘s Patrick Radden Keefe, it’s an investigation into the death of the ordinary English teenager Zac Brettler, who leaped into the River Thames in 2019. However, as the author digs deeper, he finds out that Zac had been hanging out with several potentially unsavory businessmen… and telling them that he was the son of a Russian oligarch.
In piecing together the chain of events that led up to Zac’s death, Keefe constructs a grim but compelling portrait of an entire city, one where crime and corruption roil beneath the surface, and the authorities frequently turn a blind eye to wrongdoing by those with money and power. It’s a remarkable, compulsively readable book but also a rather sobering and somber experience.
Entertainment
Remy Ma Flexes Gifts From Millyz, Claressa Shields Gives Update
Remy Ma flexed her “soft girl” gifts from Millyz as Claressa Shields shared an update on her “negativity cleanse.”
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Remy Ma Flexes “Soft Girl” Gifts From Millyz
On Thursday, September 24, Remy Ma took to Instagram to share a video post with fans. To note, the rapper is gearing up to release her latest single, ‘Why I Get Married,’ on Friday, September 25.
“🌹thank you @millyz,” Remy wrote in reaction to her celebratory gifts from the rapper. “Sidebar: the card tho🤭🤞🏾 RemFunFact: I can’t WAIT til FRIDAY😈! Pre-save link in my bio”
Footage showed Remy receiving what appeared to be 10 bundles of roses and a red Hermes Kelly bag.
Peep the clip below.
To note, Millyz even slid in her comment section, writing, “Soft Girl Operation 🤞”
While Instagram user @sexyjdeleon wrote, “clarence gonna go buy one too lmao 🤣😂😂😂😂😂talking about she rich cause we know she ain’t gonna get it gifted too her 🤣🤣🤣”
Additionally, Instagram user jumpwithme_ added, “@remyma I see you get flowers without begging 🫣🥰🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”
While Instagram user @beautifulspirit wrote, “Most of us know yall not really in a relationship. Just real life friends. Remy got these men sweet on her fr. She is working and getting real love. The only female emcee other male emcess even rocking with right now.😍😍❤️🔥”
Claressa Shields Shares Update On Her “Negativity Cleanse”
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, September 22, Shields took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a video of her own with fans. In the clip, she showed off her recently done hair, and as the caption, wrote, “My negativity cleanse is going great 😊 ! Even my skin clear ☺️”
More On Recent Events With Remy Ma & Claressa Shields’s “Negativity Cleanse”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Remy Ma began promoting her upcoming single, ‘Why I Get Married,’ earlier this month. Additionally, she’s had fans wondering if she’s sparked a new romance with fellow rapper Millyz. Last week, he shared a clip of him and her getting a bit steamy while in a bathroom, teasing their joint song, ‘Say Yea,’ per The Shade Room.
Then, earlier this week, Claressa Shields unveiled her “negativity cleanse, which prompted social media users to share her belief that the boxer wants “peace” after “causing chaos.” In reaction, Remy Ma briefly weighed in on the content creator’s take.
RELATED: Oop! Remy Ma Reacts After Content Creator Goes IN On Claressa Shields, Saying She “Wants Peace After Causing Chaos” (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Joh’Vonnie Jackson Talks About Being His Daughter
Joh’Vonnie Jackson is speaking about her experiences growing up as the daughter of Joe Jackson. Her mother, Cheryle Ann Terrell, was Joe’s mistress for 25 years while he was married to Katherine Jackson. Joh’Vonnie is the youngest half-sibling of Michael, Janet, Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon and Randy Jackson. She’s now 52.
RELATED: Clip Of La Toya Cheffing It Up For Jermaine & The Jackson Family Has Social Media Users Cuttin’ UP (WATCH)
Joh’Vonnie Says Joe Jackson Kept It Real About Who Her Siblings Were
As mentioned, Joh’Vonnie recently appeared on the talk show, ‘Portia.’ In response to the interviewer’s question, she explained that Joe Jackson always told her who her siblings were and that she knew them by name. “And he always made sure that I knew you are a Jackson,” Joh’Vonnie said. Adding, “You’re tough, you’re strong, you’re a Jackson.”
When Vonnie got older, her mother, Cheryle, let her know the mistress situation between her and Joe Jackson. She was a young teen, around 11, when that conversation happened, she says. In 2018, she published the memoir ‘Bastard Child: The Story of the 11th Jackson.’
“I was very angry, very upset. I was feeling like ‘How can I ever get advice from her when she’s out here doing this?’ And it was really abnormal because I saw my father every day if my dad wasn’t out the country, he was at home with us.”
Despite being angry with her mother, Joh’Vonnie Jackson admits that she didn’t feel the same way towards Joe. She confirmed that her dad attended her graduations, dinners and that they even had a backyard garden that he farmed. Still, Joe Jackson was strict with Vonnie and her mother and their whereabouts.
“He was extremely strict…very controlling. Myself I wasn’t allowed to go hang out with the kids, I wasn’t allowed to go to anyone’s house nor have anyone come over,” Joh’Vonnie said. “It wasn’t good. My mother and I we couldn’t even shop at the corner store because there might be a run in with some of the family.”
Her parents, she later said, met at her mother’s work Christmas party. Cheryle, Joh’Vonnie said, worked as a secretary for a few police officers. “They met and my dad pursued and he didn’t stop…cause she wasn’t interested,” Vonnie said. Though she watched her Jackson siblings take off in front of the world, Joh’Vonnie admits it was a given that she wouldn’t get to be around them.
“It made me feel horrible because when you’re young and you see these people that are your siblings on television, you’re like oh my God, you have these expectations…”
RELATED: Serayah Sparks Reactions After Seemingly Sharing First Full Look At Her Baby Boy With Joey Bada$$ Following Cheating Allegations (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Blake Horstmann and Wife Giannina Gibelli Expecting 2nd Baby
Newlyweds Blake Horstmann and Giannina Gibelli have something else to celebrate with their second baby on the way.
“We were aiming to have a honeymoon baby, so by the time it would’ve popped up on an at-home pregnancy test, I ended up taking it too early so it showed negative,” Giannina, 33, told People on Thursday, September 24. “Then the next day, I felt some pressure around my abdomen, just a very distinct feeling, so I thought, ‘Why not? I’ll take it again.’ I was shocked when I saw two little pink lines pop up.”
Giannina and Blake, 37, are already the parents of son Heath, 2, and are expecting their new arrival in March 2027.
The pregnancy news comes months after the couple tied the knot in Croatia in June surrounded by Bachelor and Bachelorette stars like Jason Tartick and Astrid Loch. Giannina also received support on her special day from her fellow Love Is Blind alums, including Jessica Vestal and Taylor Krause.
“It was the best day of our lives, literally. And for, like, a week after when we came home, I was just, like, jet-lagged,” Giannina exclusively told Us in July, revealing that she and her husband experienced some post-wedding “anxiety” after getting home. “And I was like, ‘Who am I now?’ Being a bride for a year and a half was lovely, and now just settling into our new, like, solid foundation, which was nice.”
Giannina, who appeared on season 1 of Love Is Blind, confessed, “I baked, like, five loaves of bread. I just couldn’t stop baking. Yeah, I was stress baking.”
While taking time to acclimate to their lives as husband and wife, Blake and Giannina confirmed they were ready to have more children while also expanding their podcast.

Giannina Gibelli and Blake Horstmann. Courtesy of Giannina Gibelli/Instagram
“We’ve been working really hard on that,” Giannina told Us of their “He Said, G Said” podcast. “Now we can dive fully into that because we kind of started that in the middle of wedding planning, like, the tail end of wedding planning. We can dive fully into that, and hopefully, yeah, expand the family.”
Giannina and Blake met in 2021, with Us exclusively confirming in January 2022 that they were dating. The pair announced in November 2023 that they were expecting their first baby.
“First comes love, then comes baby H 🤍” the duo announced via a joint Instagram statement. “We’re so grateful that life has led us here and over the moon to be parents to our sweet baby come spring 2024!”
Their son, Heath Orion, was born in March 2024.
“Our baby is his father’s twin!” Giannina exclusively told Us the following month. “There are so many similarities it’s adorable to see them light up in each other. As far as personality goes, he’s an Aries like his mama so we’ll see, he just might be the perfect mix of both of us.”

Giannina Gibelli and Blake Horstmann. Courtesy of Blake Horstmann/Instagram
Giannina gushed about her husband and their partnership after giving birth, saying, “So far we love doing everything together, the only time we see us ‘dividing’ our time is when he’s off to work, but we have our village that’s with us 24/7 so it’s been a beautiful thing to be able to focus just on our baby and our time as a family together.”
That October, Blake proposed while the couple were traveling to Spain. When they said “I do” this summer, their son served as the ring bearer.
While sharing photos from the magical wedding, Giannina teased that she and Blake were already gearing up to be a family of four.
“Making sure the ruins are still ruined so I can go make baby No. 2,” she captioned an Instagram video from Europe in August.
Blake playfully replied in the comments section, “Ruins first baby second 😂.”
Entertainment
Martha Stewart Gives Surprising Verdict On MrBeast’s Empire
Martha Stewart may be considered one of the original influencers, but even she initially had questions about MrBeast and his staggering online reach. The 85-year-old lifestyle icon revealed that she recently spent three days with the YouTube superstar, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, while discussing what separates a genuinely successful influencer from someone simply filling space online.
Although Stewart admitted she didn’t have a definitive formula for digital success, she suggested MrBeast accomplished something significant by recognizing an unmet need and creating content that keeps billions of viewers entertained.
Martha Stewart Spent Three Days With MrBeast

Stewart reflected on MrBeast’s influence during a recent interview with AARP The Magazine. “I don’t really know, because so many people are influencing so many millions of people in very odd ways today,” she said when asked what makes a successful influencer.
The media mogul then revealed that she had recently spent time with the 28-year-old creator. “I just spent three days with [28-year-old media personality] MrBeast. Who the heck is MrBeast? Why is he getting billions of hits on his YouTube channels?” Stewart asked.
She did not disclose why they spent three days together or whether the meeting was connected to an upcoming collaboration. However, Stewart appeared to leave with a better understanding of why MrBeast has built such a massive audience. “He struck a chord. He found a void that wasn’t being filled, and he filled it,” she explained.
The Lifestyle Icon Says MrBeast Is Not ‘Wasting People’s Time’
Stewart’s assessment was about more than MrBeast’s enormous view count. She questioned whether every popular online personality deserves to be considered genuinely influential simply because they have millions of followers or attract significant attention. “You have to study each influencer and see, are they really influencing, or are they just wasting people’s time?” Stewart said.
When it came to MrBeast, she delivered a favorable verdict. “He does not seem to be wasting people’s time. He seems to be entertaining and intriguing,” Stewart added.
Rather than dismissing the younger creator’s unconventional approach, Stewart seemed interested in why it works. For her, the important distinction was whether the content gave viewers something meaningful enough to maintain their attention. MrBeast’s ability to be both entertaining and intriguing seemed to place him on the right side of that divide.
Martha Stewart Believes Audiences Want To Know The Person Behind A Brand

Stewart also explained why remaining the face of her own brand has been so effective throughout her career. “People want to know you. They want to know that you’re part of their daily life, important to them in some specific way,” she said.
That connection has remained central to Stewart’s business, even as the platforms used to reach her audience have changed dramatically. Before influencers regularly shared daily videos, personal updates, and behind-the-scenes content, Stewart built familiarity through television appearances, books, and her “Martha Stewart Living” magazine.
Her brand became closely associated with her personality, tastes and expertise. Audiences were not merely receiving household advice from a company. They were receiving it from Martha Stewart herself. That dynamic mirrors a major part of modern influencer culture, where the relationship between a creator and the audience can matter as much as the content.

Stewart’s influence generated memorable moments years before today’s social media ecosystem. During the AARP interview, she was reminded that she has been called the “OG” of influencers and that her famous phrase, “It’s a good thing,” carried meme-like appeal before internet memes became a daily part of popular culture.
“That was something I said on my very first TV show in 1993. I painted a handle of a piece of garden equipment orange, and I said, ‘Now this will never get lost in the garden. It’s a good thing,’” Stewart recalled.
While today’s creators can turn an unexpected line into a viral sound or trending clip within hours, Stewart built that kind of recognition through traditional media. Her television presence and distinctive delivery gave audiences phrases, tips, and ideas they could immediately associate with her brand.
Martha Stewart Built Influence Before Instagram And YouTube

Stewart also reflected on how different the media landscape was when she started building her audience. “When I first started, we didn’t have Instagram, we didn’t have Twitter, we didn’t have Facebook. All that stuff came later,” she explained.
Without those platforms, “Martha Stewart Living” became one of her most important ways of maintaining a lasting relationship with readers. “So the magazine, Martha Stewart Living, was very important to people. They read every single word and kept every issue,” Stewart said.
The publication did not disappear from readers’ lives after they finished an article. Many treated each edition as a resource they could save and consult again. “People still come up to me all the time and say, ‘I have every issue of your magazine, so I still refer to it all the time,’” she shared. “It’s exactly what you want to have happened.”
After three days with MrBeast, Stewart may still be asking how anyone generates billions of YouTube views, but she appears convinced that his influence is more than empty internet attention.
Entertainment
The Beach Boys Abruptly Cancel More Shows After Touring Break
The Beach Boys are facing another shake-up on the road after three scheduled performances were canceled with little explanation. The legendary group was expected to perform in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina during the final week of September as part of its “Pet Sounds 60” tour. Two venues have formally confirmed their cancellations, while the Massachusetts date has disappeared from the venue’s online calendar.
The sudden changes come approximately two months after The Beach Boys postponed a separate stretch of concerts to take a break from touring. Despite the latest cancellations, several October dates remain listed on the band’s official website, with tickets still available.
The Beach Boys Cancel Three September Concerts

The Beach Boys were scheduled to take the stage at The Big E Arena in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on Thursday, September 24. However, the concert is no longer listed on the venue’s event calendar.
The band was then expected to perform at the Univest Performance Center in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, on Friday, September 25. That show has been canceled, according to the venue.
Another performance scheduled for Sunday, September 27, at The Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was also called off.
The Pennsylvania and South Carolina venues reportedly attributed the cancellations to “circumstances beyond the control,” but neither provided additional details about what prevented the performances from moving forward.
Representatives for The Beach Boys have not publicly provided a more specific explanation for the latest changes.
October Tour Dates Remain On The Calendar

Although this week’s concerts will not proceed as planned, The Beach Boys have not canceled the remainder of the “Pet Sounds 60” tour. The band’s official tour page continues to list a performance at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois, on October 9. The group is also scheduled to perform at the PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati on October 10, followed by a concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on October 11.
Tickets reportedly remain on sale for all three October shows. There has been no announcement indicating that those performances will be postponed or canceled.
With no detailed statement from the band, it remains unclear whether the three September cancellations are isolated changes or could affect additional dates. For now, the October leg appears to be moving forward.
The Band Previously Paused The Tour To ‘Recharge’

The latest disruption follows a separate round of postponements announced earlier this summer. In a July 22 statement shared through Mike Love’s Instagram account, The Beach Boys revealed that performances scheduled between July 23 and September 3 would be postponed.
“We’ve been having a blast out there, and to keep the good vibrations going strong, we’ll be taking a short break to recharge before getting back on the road in September,” the group said at the time.
The statement suggested the band intended to resume touring after a temporary break. However, the cancellation of three additional September dates has created fresh uncertainty for fans hoping to catch the anniversary show.
The band has not announced replacement dates for the newly canceled concerts or indicated whether affected ticket holders will receive refunds automatically through the respective venues.
‘Pet Sounds 60’ Honors A Landmark Album And Brian Wilson

The tour marks the 60th anniversary of “Pet Sounds,” the influential Beach Boys album released in May 1966. The record produced several of the group’s most enduring songs, including “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Sloop John B” and “God Only Knows.” Decades after its release, the album remains one of the most celebrated projects in the band’s catalog.
“Playing for you is the highlight of our summer every year – especially as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while saluting the 60th Anniversary of Pet Sounds,” the group said in its July statement.
The anniversary tour also follows the June 2025 death of Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson at the age of 82. Wilson’s death marked the loss of the creative force behind many of the band’s defining recordings. The acclaimed musician and songwriter was central to the creation of “Pet Sounds,” making the current anniversary especially emotional for longtime listeners.
The Beach Boys’ touring lineup has also undergone another major change. Bruce Johnston, 84, reportedly stopped touring with the group in March, leaving Love, 85, as the only original member still performing on the road.
Mike Love Has Faced Health Problems And Personal Loss

Love has been candid about the difficult period he has experienced physically and emotionally. In June, the musician shared an Instagram post following a London performance that he described as “uplifting.”
In the same message, he revealed that he had been dealing with illness and the deaths of two close family members. “Losing my sister, Maureen, on the first Anniversary of cousin Brian’s death, combined with my ongoing recovery from what started out as bronchitis, followed by COVID, has taken both an emotional and physical toll on me,” Love said.
The singer explained that he was feeling “stronger every day physically,” but remained “heartbroken emotionally” after the losses.
Even amid those challenges, Love emphasized how much performing and connecting with fans meant to him. “I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than with our audience,” he wrote. “For me, our audience is the medicine, and the music is the cure.”
There has been no public indication that Love’s previously disclosed health problems or personal losses are connected to the latest concert cancellations. Without a statement from the band, the reason behind the three canceled September performances remains unknown.
Entertainment
Candace Cameron Bure Details ‘Special Forces’ Experience
“Full House” alum Candace Cameron Bure is one of 15 celebrities set to compete on season five of Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.” Ahead of the show, which premieres on September 24, the beloved actress is opening up about her experience, calling it one of the most challenging things she’s done in her life.
Candace Cameron Bure Had A Difficult Time On ‘Special Forces’ Season 5

Bure was announced to be part of the cast of “Special Forces” in July 2026. Months later, she told Us Weekly that she wanted to quit the hit competition series because of the difficulty of the challenges.
She said, “I was ready to quit the show. Like, I was ready to quit. I was like, ‘I don’t know if I want to keep going.” The “Full House” actress explained, “It was physically the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life — and yet it was exciting, but brutal.”
Still, Bure appreciates the experience. According to her, “In retrospect — now that I’m not there in the jungle — I’m so glad I participated, said yes, and showed up. I’m really proud of myself for that. But it was really hard — physically and mentally — and you learn a whole lot about yourself, particularly your weaknesses.”
She then reflected on her journey, saying, “I don’t know if there’s any preparation. I’ll just tell you, I’m a big crybaby. Also being in perimenopause, your hormones are all over the place. I think that it truly was another reason why I wanted to do it because I was going in hoping I would inspire other women my age going through that.”
The Actress Revealed Her ‘Biggest Takeaway’ From The Show

Bure continued her Us Weekly interview by admitting that she was a bit fearful to watch the show after experiencing the rigorous challenges, noting that she “cried way more than” she cared to own up to.
She said, “I don’t even know what we’re gonna watch back. I might be cowering and so embarrassed to see what’s gonna happen. I don’t really know.”
Bure added about the show, “But those interrogations, they were actually scary. I didn’t know the Directing Staff well, and they have such a presence, and they are really all beautiful people. But in the moment, you’re in this fight-or-flight stage, and it’s just scary. So I cried a whole lot.”
Regarding her “biggest takeaway,” the mom of three said her abilities as a teammate aren’t where she’d like them to be, and she plans to improve in real life. She explained, “You are fighting for your life out there, and when you get put in those situations, it’s fight or flight. You either stand up to it or you want to run. That’s the emotional reaction that most people have.”
She continued, “I realize, like, I’m a flyer. Yet you have other people to care for, and that’s where I got really disappointed with myself that I let my fear get the best of me, but that also meant not just for me, but for the other people that I was with.”
Candace Cameron Bure Will Be Competing Against 14 Other Celebs On ‘Special Forces’

As mentioned, Fox announced the cast of “Special Forces” season five in July 2026. In addition to Bure, it includes Brandi Glanville, Mauricio Umansky, Alexia Umansky, Ruby Rose, Collin Gosselin, Matt Barnes, Bre Tiesi, David Charvet, and several others.
The show features celebrities competing in military-style challenges. Unlike other reality shows in the genre, there are no votes or traditional eliminations. Instead, contestants either exit the competition on their own or are deemed medically unfit to continue. In some cases, the directing staff can remove players for other reasons.
The Actress Previously Turned Down The Show

Following the news of her casting, Bure spoke to TV Insider in August 2026 and revealed that she’d been asked to join “Special Forces” in the past.
According to her, “I really love physical fitness, and I’m a very competitive person. I actually was offered this show a few seasons ago, and I passed, ultimately out of fear.” However, more recently, she “stepped up” her “fitness game” and then had a change of heart.
Bure explained, “So when the show offer came back around, I took a deep breath and thought to myself, ‘I think this is the opportunity and the timing that I need to say yes to.”
She Has Multiple Christmas Movies Releasing This Year

In addition to “Special Forces,” Bure has two new movies releasing in 2026. The first, “A Second Chance Christmas,” will premiere on October 8 on Great American Pure Flix, then arrive on Great American Family and GFAM+ two days later.
After that, “A Sweet Christmas Anniversary,” the third movie in the series, will arrive on November 24 on Great American Pure Flix and then on the 27th on Great American Family and GFAM+.
Entertainment
Final Clayface Trailer Unleashes DC’s Terrifying Body Horror
DC Studios has released the final trailer for Clayface, offering its most disturbing look yet at the upcoming horror thriller.
Starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, the film follows a rising Hollywood actor whose life is shattered after a Gotham crime boss leaves him horribly disfigured. Desperate to reclaim his former life, Hagen undergoes an experimental treatment that initially appears to restore his face, only for terrifying side effects to begin transforming him into something else entirely.
The new trailer leans heavily into the film’s body-horror elements, showing Hagen struggling to control his rapidly changing body while his desperation gives way to revenge. It also offers another glimpse at the monstrous Clayface that Hagen will eventually become.
Directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, Clayface also stars Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan.
Rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity and brief drug use, Clayface marks a decidedly darker corner of the DC Universe.
Clayface arrives exclusively in theaters October 23.
The post Final Clayface Trailer Unleashes DC’s Terrifying Body Horror appeared first on Coastal House Media.
Entertainment
Hayley Williams Addresses Ex Chad Gilbert’s Death at 45
Hayley Williams has broken her silence after her ex-husband, New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, died at 45.
“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate, but I feel sure now that I want to [because] life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” the Paramore singer, 37, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, September 23. “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene, and my time connected to him taught me a lot.”
Williams was married to Gilbert from 2016 to 2017 after a decade of dating. Following their divorce, Williams moved on with Taylor York, while Gilbert found love with wife Lisa Cimorelli. The guitarist died on Sunday, September 20, after a battle with brain cancer.
“He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer,” Williams recalled of her ex-husband in the statement. “There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about what contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in.”
She continued, “His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me. I will forever be grateful that, from him, I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore.”
Williams further sent “love and [her] sympathies” to Gilbert’s family, New Found Glory bandmates and “all his friends.”

Chad Gilbert and Hayley Williams attend the People’s Choice Awards 2010. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for PCA
Gilbert is survived by his mother and his brother, in addition to Cimorelli, 33, and their 5-year-old daughter, Lily.
“It’s clear to me that an immeasurable amount of people saw how incredible Chad was, what an inspiration he was, and how bright his light really shined,” Cimorelli wrote via Instagram on Wednesday. “It’s been such a blessing to read all the stories and memories of how many lives he touched. I felt a little lighter today going through our old memories.”
She added in her emotional tribute, “He loved so hard, gave so much and constantly emptied himself for me. That needed to be guarded and luckily I was the right person for the job. It was truly an honor and a privilege to be chosen by him. I told him I felt unworthy of so much love and attention early on, but he would teach me about God’s love and build me up so much in those moments. He was truly so, so, so special. So precious.”
Cimorelli further noted that “life will never be the same without” Gilbert, but she plans to follow her late spouse’s example to be “selfless, generous [and] courageous” in his honor moving forward.
“[I will] not let that legacy ever fade,” she concluded. “His love was superhuman and he was my super man. Rest in peace, baby.”
Entertainment
Johnny Depp Returns in First Day Drinker Trailer
Johnny Depp is back in action in the first trailer for Day Drinker, the upcoming supernatural revenge thriller from Lionsgate.
Directed by Marc Webb, the film stars Madelyn Cline as Lorna, a bartender working aboard a private yacht who crosses paths with a mysterious passenger named Kelly, played by Depp. Their encounter quickly pulls them into a dangerous criminal underworld, where nothing appears to be quite what it seems.
The newly released trailer offers the first extended look at Depp’s mysterious character and teases a bloody story of revenge with a supernatural edge.
“You thought I was fucking done?” Depp’s character declares in the footage. “I’m done when I say I’m done.”
Penélope Cruz also stars as Cara, a powerful figure whose involvement adds another layer to the increasingly dangerous situation.
Day Drinker marks the fourth film collaboration between Depp and Cruz. The pair previously appeared together in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Murder on the Orient Express.
The film also reunites Depp with a major Hollywood studio release and puts him at the center of a decidedly darker project from Webb, whose previous directing credits include 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man films.
Written by Zach Dean, Day Drinker also stars Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle.
Day Drinker arrives exclusively in theaters March 26, 2027.
Entertainment
Taylor Frankie Paul Reevaluates Her Online Presence
Taylor Frankie Paul is stepping further away from the spotlight after announcing her exit from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”
The reality star has now wiped her Instagram feed and handed her social media accounts to her assistant. The move comes days after Taylor announced that she no longer wanted to continue with the Hulu series.
Taylor Frankie Paul has been part of “SLOMW” since its first season in 2024. Her time on the series has increasingly been surrounded by cast conflict and controversy, including tensions following her reported legal issues involving ex Dakota Mortensen.

Followers noticed the change on Wednesday, September 23, when Taylor’s Instagram feed suddenly had no posts. Her bio also revealed that someone else would temporarily be handling the account. It read, “Assistant here @madshellander running her account for a bit.”
Taylor’s assistant, Maddy, later explained the change through an Instagram Story. “Hi guys, I’m Maddy—Taylor’s assistant. I will be helping her with socials for a bit,” she wrote. She added that followers could continue sending inquiries through Taylor’s direct messages.
Maddy also defended her role after criticism over a glimpse into her workday. She explained, “I’m here to help Taylor however it may be that day.”
She added that there was “much more that goes on outside of social media” before asking people not to judge their daily activities. The social media move follows Taylor’s announcement that she was leaving the reality show.
The 32-Year-Old’s Exit From ‘SLOMW’ Came With Fan Support

Taylor announced her departure from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” on September 21. She thanked the networks that supported her but said, “I don’t desire to move forward like this.” She also explained that she had previously been willing to leave so the other women could continue with less stress.
Her announcement arrived during a difficult period for the cast. Mikayla Matthews had already said she would not return if Taylor remained involved with the show. Mayci Neeley and Layla Taylor had also expressed uncertainty about returning for another season.
Fans responded to Taylor’s announcement with messages of support. One commenter wrote, “Fully support you, Taylor. I agree with everything here.” Another praised her for “finally addressing the bullying,” while others criticized how some cast members had treated her.
Taylor also accused some of her co-stars of collectively piling on after knowing what she had experienced, as per The Blast. She claimed there had been “ongoing abuse through the system the last 8 months.” She later described the situation as “bullying for months now” and said she was “relieved to be out.”
Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘SLOMW’ Exit Not Enough To Lure Mikayla Matthews Back

Mikayla has made it clear that Taylor’s departure has not changed her decision. She directly addressed questions about whether she might reconsider after Taylor announced her own exit. “To answer your question, no, I will not be coming back,” Mikayla wrote.
Mikayla said she was the only cast member who chose to leave for “MANY reasons.” She also said she had repeatedly taken her concerns to the “right people” and believed there were “so many things wrong with this situation.”
Her comments made clear that her decision was based on more than one issue. Mikayla also called for broader changes surrounding the situation.
“I think we can collectively agree that a lot of changes need to be made,” she said in an Instagram Story. She acknowledged that she could not predict what might happen in the future. Mikayla had previously tied her decision directly to Taylor’s return.
The Blast noted that she said she agreed to film because Taylor was not involved, but changed her mind after production allowed Taylor back. Mikayla said she told production, “Great, then I will not be participating, god bless and goodbye.”
The Reality Star Gets Pulled Into Another MomTok Clash

Taylor’s show exit has also unfolded alongside another public disagreement involving Miranda Hope. The Blast reported that the latest exchange began after Emma Ellis posted a video featuring Chase McWhorter, Hope’s ex-husband. Taylor responded with an “I’m kind of jealous” sticker after McWhorter appeared to lean toward kissing Ellis.
Hope responded with a sticker calling Taylor a “B-tch” and accusing her of being on “some weird sh-t.” Other commenters also criticized Taylor’s response, with one calling it “Another day, another double standard from TFP.” Another person questioned whether Taylor was “on drugs again, sweetie.” The exchange drew mixed reactions from viewers.
One commenter suggested Taylor meant she was jealous that McWhorter could kiss Ellis. Others were less sympathetic and questioned why she would comment publicly. The tension also revived questions about Taylor and Hope’s complicated history. Their friendship has previously been described as existing in a “gray area.”
Taylor Frankie Paul’s ‘SLOMW’ Cast Tensions Run Deeper

The latest clash is not the only disagreement Taylor has faced with members of her “SLOMW” circle. Earlier tensions with Mikayla included accusations that Taylor reminded the group she was responsible for certain opportunities.
Mikayla later described that behavior as “weaponizing and manipulating your following” to maintain a “power position.” The disagreements became more serious when production on Season 5 was halted amid Taylor’s legal troubles involving ex Dakota.
A majority of the cast reportedly refused to film with Taylor during the height of the situation, creating a major roadblock for production. Mikayla had also previously said she wanted to keep her distance from Taylor and Dakota while the legal drama was unfolding.
Taylor was expected to appear in the first half of Season 5, but some of her scenes were reportedly filmed separately from the other cast members.
She reportedly entered a rehab facility while dealing with the fallout surrounding her split, court restrictions, and television career. Taylor has since spoken about trying to move beyond the distrust and resentment surrounding her recent experiences. She said she feels “at war” and is “afraid of who I can trust.”
What will Taylor Frankie Paul do next?
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