Search
Search results
ClareR (5784 KP) rated The Ash Doll in Books
Sep 24, 2018
A thrillingly dark read!
This is the second in the Charlie Priest series, but I have to say that it's so well written that it's not necessary to have read the first book in the series, 'The Mayfly' to enjoy this. Suffice to say, I got three chapters in to this book and immediately bought the first book. I can see Charlie Priest becoming my new book obsession!
We're thrown right in to the action on the first page with a small girl, who appears to be on the verge of throwing herself off a cliff in front of a group of hikers. No one knows who she is or where she has come from.
We then flash forward to the present day, and the court case that Charlie Priest and his colleagues are involved with - a libel case between a charity and a magazine. Believe me, I couldn't see how there could possibly be any kind of connection between the two.
The start of the book isn't particularly pleasant (trigger warnings here for anyone that doesn't like reading about child abuse!), but it really drew me in: who is the child? What has happened to her? Ho what she come to be imprisoned and abused? Yes, there's some pretty graphic content, both with regards to her treatment and the murders.
Charlie and his sidekick, Georgie Someday, are so likeable, and Charlie's medical condition adds an interesting layer to the story.
I would highly recommend this, especially if you like dark, well written thrillers.
Many thanks to Readers First, NetGalley and the publisher Bonnier Zaffre for sending me a copy to read.
We're thrown right in to the action on the first page with a small girl, who appears to be on the verge of throwing herself off a cliff in front of a group of hikers. No one knows who she is or where she has come from.
We then flash forward to the present day, and the court case that Charlie Priest and his colleagues are involved with - a libel case between a charity and a magazine. Believe me, I couldn't see how there could possibly be any kind of connection between the two.
The start of the book isn't particularly pleasant (trigger warnings here for anyone that doesn't like reading about child abuse!), but it really drew me in: who is the child? What has happened to her? Ho what she come to be imprisoned and abused? Yes, there's some pretty graphic content, both with regards to her treatment and the murders.
Charlie and his sidekick, Georgie Someday, are so likeable, and Charlie's medical condition adds an interesting layer to the story.
I would highly recommend this, especially if you like dark, well written thrillers.
Many thanks to Readers First, NetGalley and the publisher Bonnier Zaffre for sending me a copy to read.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated HIS Desire (HIS, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions as part of the blog tour in return for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
When we first meet Kate and Jesse, they don't exactly get along. Jesse comes across as quite arrogant whereas Kate isn't prepared to accept his attitude and so dishes out one of her own. As the story gets going and you understand more about how these two know each other and the details behind H.I.S. then it just rockets away. The story is fast paced, well written and plotted out to the nth degree which shows in how it flows.
Although this story can be read as a standalone, I personally am reading it as the first in a series because, believe me, I'm hooked. I want to know ALL the brother's (and Emily's) stories - why doesn't Devon go out in the field, is AJ going to be okay, did Rylee and Devon meet in Vegas, and that's just to name a few of the questions this book has left me with. To become that invested from the first book means its a winner for me.
This book is not an insta-love book (thank goodness!), insta-lust yes, but not insta-love. That grows steadily as both our main characters work through their issues, not the least of which is that someone is trying to kill one or both of them. You will be following the story along with baited breath as you try to figure out "whodunnit" but the twists at the end are jaw-droppingly excellent.
First in a series, first by this author - excellent all round Romantic Suspense. Highly recommended.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1) in Books
Jul 1, 2019
Good start to Long Running Crime Series
7.5 for me, rounded up for an enjoyable audio experience.
I listened to the unabridged audio book of this narrated by Charles Turner who did a good job of reading this long crime thriller. I had a poor experience with my first Patterson but this was a good recovery for me.
This book introduces us to Alex Cross (there are A LOT of Cross books) and I think I can see why. Cross is a likeable cop and psychologist, dedicated both to his job and two children what he is raising motherless with the help of his no nonsense grandmother (Nana Moma.) He’s got a lot going on, although besides Cross and Nana the rest of the characters were fairly bland and oddly not a lot of time seemed to be spent working with his partner.
The book gets off to a nice quick paced start and really gets you motoring through it. Cross is redirected from a multiple murder investigation in a poor area of the city to assist in the case of the kidnapping of some rich kids which sets a feeling of tension. There is a theme throughout of white / black tension which despite this book been 25 years old still seems all too relevant.
I did find the book to stall somewhat in the middle; especially when it came to some dull courtroom antics. The ending picked up for me and I was left satisfied. Although there was a tad too much relationship stuff for my liking it wasn’t completely over the top.
Willing to carry on with this series and see where we go with Cross next.
I listened to the unabridged audio book of this narrated by Charles Turner who did a good job of reading this long crime thriller. I had a poor experience with my first Patterson but this was a good recovery for me.
This book introduces us to Alex Cross (there are A LOT of Cross books) and I think I can see why. Cross is a likeable cop and psychologist, dedicated both to his job and two children what he is raising motherless with the help of his no nonsense grandmother (Nana Moma.) He’s got a lot going on, although besides Cross and Nana the rest of the characters were fairly bland and oddly not a lot of time seemed to be spent working with his partner.
The book gets off to a nice quick paced start and really gets you motoring through it. Cross is redirected from a multiple murder investigation in a poor area of the city to assist in the case of the kidnapping of some rich kids which sets a feeling of tension. There is a theme throughout of white / black tension which despite this book been 25 years old still seems all too relevant.
I did find the book to stall somewhat in the middle; especially when it came to some dull courtroom antics. The ending picked up for me and I was left satisfied. Although there was a tad too much relationship stuff for my liking it wasn’t completely over the top.
Willing to carry on with this series and see where we go with Cross next.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Dispel Illusion in Books
Jan 3, 2020
A consistent end to the trilogy
The D&D time-travel series comes to and end with this third book. Here the action is split between a timeline in the 90s following the first two books, with a future narrative of Nick's adult life in the 2000s and 2010s, and finishing up with a retelling of the events of the first book, from "future Nick's" PoV.
I still have issues with the science, multiverse and time-travel execution here as with the first books, but appreciate the way the story was woven together. Some of Lawrence's fantasy books have the different timeline feature and once again he expertly weaves them together so the overall story emerges at a good pace.
At one point, I thought the book was going to go down the Bill & Ted route as a cop-out ("in the future we will come back to this point and leave this key here and voila here it is") but this was actually quite well handled and wasn't the cop-out I feared.
The book benefits from a more stretched timeline as we see significant events from Nick's adult life, rather than dwelling on his teenage years solely. Likewise there is more of a focus on the D&D, which was somewhat lacking in book 2, and with key learnings from that featuring in the real world storyline.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this series, but I have my hang-ups about time-travel and multiverse theories in general. A good bit of escapism, if a little heavy on the pretend science at times.
I still have issues with the science, multiverse and time-travel execution here as with the first books, but appreciate the way the story was woven together. Some of Lawrence's fantasy books have the different timeline feature and once again he expertly weaves them together so the overall story emerges at a good pace.
At one point, I thought the book was going to go down the Bill & Ted route as a cop-out ("in the future we will come back to this point and leave this key here and voila here it is") but this was actually quite well handled and wasn't the cop-out I feared.
The book benefits from a more stretched timeline as we see significant events from Nick's adult life, rather than dwelling on his teenage years solely. Likewise there is more of a focus on the D&D, which was somewhat lacking in book 2, and with key learnings from that featuring in the real world storyline.
Overall, I think I enjoyed this series, but I have my hang-ups about time-travel and multiverse theories in general. A good bit of escapism, if a little heavy on the pretend science at times.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door in Books
Nov 2, 2020 (Updated Nov 2, 2020)
Is Jane’s Neighbor Crazy?
Jane Darrowfield’s newest client is Megan Larsen, her next door neighbor. Megan is a single, mid-30s lawyer on track to become a partner in her firm. However, she begins to suspect that something might be wrong with her. She’s hearing voices and having blackouts among other symptoms. Either she’s going crazy, or someone is out to make her think she is. Jane quickly comes up with a diagnosis, but then something happens that makes Jane question everything she thought she knew. Is Megan in danger? Or is Jane really living next to a madwoman?
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this creative cozy series, so I was anxious to visit with Jane again. I loved this second book just as much. The story is creative and easily fits outside the typical cozy storyline while still fitting perfectly in the cozy mystery genre. Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would happen that would confuse me again. Yet the details all fit together perfectly at the end. Jane is a strong main character. I don’t feel like her friends are well defined, but they don’t get much page time, so that isn’t an issue. Megan is a very sympathetic character, which makes us care for her. The rest of the characters we meet along the way are great as well. This isn’t as funny as the first book in the series, but that’s not a complaint. The subject matter is more serious, and I thought this book perfectly handled that. If you are looking for a slightly different cozy mystery, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Below Dark Waters (Dalya #2) in Books
Sep 25, 2020
Below Dark Waters is the second book in the Dalya series and it really should be read in order or it just won't make sense!
Megan and the rest are making their way away from Capo and hopefully Megan's murderous father. They are a ragtag crew but fit together although cracks are showing in Sarah. Megan is having a rough time of it and isn't sleeping, giving the others concern about her. She is changing more each day, becoming stronger and more fae-like.
Oh wow! This book has just as much going for it as the first! This time, it is told from the points of view - Megan, Lilly, and Carmia. Three very different women with very different experiences. I can't wait to see how they tie together.
One thing I love about Katie Zaber is even when she writes a scene where you expect someone to be nice, she manages to turn it around and throw Megan to the wolves and you don't even blink! She continually surprises me and, for someone who reads as much as I do, that is fantastic.
I loved how the story still involves all the characters from book one although I would have enjoyed more time with Mana but that's just me. 😁 It is getting more intriguing the more I read and I really can't wait to continue this series.
Absolutely and completely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Megan and the rest are making their way away from Capo and hopefully Megan's murderous father. They are a ragtag crew but fit together although cracks are showing in Sarah. Megan is having a rough time of it and isn't sleeping, giving the others concern about her. She is changing more each day, becoming stronger and more fae-like.
Oh wow! This book has just as much going for it as the first! This time, it is told from the points of view - Megan, Lilly, and Carmia. Three very different women with very different experiences. I can't wait to see how they tie together.
One thing I love about Katie Zaber is even when she writes a scene where you expect someone to be nice, she manages to turn it around and throw Megan to the wolves and you don't even blink! She continually surprises me and, for someone who reads as much as I do, that is fantastic.
I loved how the story still involves all the characters from book one although I would have enjoyed more time with Mana but that's just me. 😁 It is getting more intriguing the more I read and I really can't wait to continue this series.
Absolutely and completely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated The Secrets of Bones in Books
May 6, 2020
I Can’t Keep Secret How Must I Loved This Book
It’s Assembly Day, a day set aside near the end of the school year when professional women from Ohio come to talk about their careers. Jazz winds up as a last-minute replacement, so she sets up in the unused fourth floor, hiding a few bones for Gus, a friend’s cadaver dog, to find during a demonstration. However, Gus goes to an unused closet. Sure enough, Jazz opens it to find a skeleton. Things left with the body make it easy enough to identify the victim as Bernadette Quinn, a teacher who resigned abruptly 3 years ago. Obviously, she didn’t really resign, but what happened all those years ago?
After enjoying the first in this series, I couldn’t wait to get back and visit Jazz again. I wasn’t disappointed at all. The book is so well written I was engrossed from page one. Jazz’s world and the characters all come to vivid life, and the animals are fun. The plot gives us several good suspects and clues that are confusing until Jazz pieces it all together at the end. If you are familiar with some of Kylie Logan’s lighter cozies, know that this is a few shades grayer, falling more in the traditional realm instead of being a pure cozy. However, that is no reason to skip this book. I was so engrossed in this book, I read almost two thirds of it in one day instead of saving some for the next day like I normally would. Now comes the long wait for the next book in the series.
After enjoying the first in this series, I couldn’t wait to get back and visit Jazz again. I wasn’t disappointed at all. The book is so well written I was engrossed from page one. Jazz’s world and the characters all come to vivid life, and the animals are fun. The plot gives us several good suspects and clues that are confusing until Jazz pieces it all together at the end. If you are familiar with some of Kylie Logan’s lighter cozies, know that this is a few shades grayer, falling more in the traditional realm instead of being a pure cozy. However, that is no reason to skip this book. I was so engrossed in this book, I read almost two thirds of it in one day instead of saving some for the next day like I normally would. Now comes the long wait for the next book in the series.
Merissa (12358 KP) rated Her Druid Fantasy (The Amber Druid Series #2) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
If you haven't read any of the Amber Druid series yet then you are sure as heck missing out. These books take you on a sensual and romantic journey, peppered with arguments, 'real' life and passion.
This particular book tells the story of Ramsey and Vivienne. You know that they are just perfect for each other but with their own stubbornness and outside circumstances get in the way? I won't say for sure but I will say that I was gripped by their story, in turn, I was sad, happy, and concerned - you name it, I think the emotion will be in this book.
I love how the druids can tell if another one of them is nearby, even without seeing them. And I also loved how they knew that something was going to happen even before Vivi's symptoms became known. It almost reminded me of the Jedi Knights - "there's a disturbance in the Force!"
This series just keeps getting better and better. We greet old friends and get to know new ones. Personally, I love the time spent on drawing away each layer of the characters so that you get a deeper, more intimate knowledge of them. I know Brenan's book is out next which should be good but I really can't wait for Kale's story! He intrigues me ;)
Highly recommended for all Paranormal fans out there.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 25, 2016
This particular book tells the story of Ramsey and Vivienne. You know that they are just perfect for each other but with their own stubbornness and outside circumstances get in the way? I won't say for sure but I will say that I was gripped by their story, in turn, I was sad, happy, and concerned - you name it, I think the emotion will be in this book.
I love how the druids can tell if another one of them is nearby, even without seeing them. And I also loved how they knew that something was going to happen even before Vivi's symptoms became known. It almost reminded me of the Jedi Knights - "there's a disturbance in the Force!"
This series just keeps getting better and better. We greet old friends and get to know new ones. Personally, I love the time spent on drawing away each layer of the characters so that you get a deeper, more intimate knowledge of them. I know Brenan's book is out next which should be good but I really can't wait for Kale's story! He intrigues me ;)
Highly recommended for all Paranormal fans out there.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 25, 2016
weird and wacky but so bloody good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Did you ever read a book and think "what the actual f88k did I just read?"
Cos let me tell ya, this book is such a book! But I mean this in the BEST way!
Frenchie is a potato shifter. Yes, you read that right, a POTATO. Tala is a wolf. And it makes for quite an interesting read, it really does!
It's quite hard, I think, to come up with a really NEW idea, but Ms Sayle proper nailed it here!
It's proper weird and wacky as the series title suggests, but it's also a lot of fun, with some sass and some smex and some danger and a whole sack full of hints and clues about this world that I want more, and I want it yesterday!
As well as feeling pleasantly buzzed and left warm and fuzzy by this book, I'm also left with a lot of questions (which Ms Sayle will know, for me, is dangerous ground!) I'm hoping they get answered in future books. I can't really voice them, for spoilers, but I know what they are, so that's good!
Frenchie's brother and Tala's twin need their story. There is a lot of hurt between those two right now!
Or maybe a broccoli shifter? Or even a bean cos, apparently, beans are dull!
Please, though, read this. It really is a whole lot of fun, and a great start to what I can see being an fantastic series!
4 weird and wacky stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2273 KP) rated Muddled Through in Books
Jun 30, 2022 (Updated Jun 30, 2022)
Did Town Politics Lead to Murder?
Spring usually means that Julia Snowden is trying to get ready for the busy season with her family’s clambake, but this year, she is being distracted by local politics. Specifically, there is the heated debate in town about turning the downtown area into a pedestrian mall on Friday and Saturday nights during the tourist season. On opposite sides of the issue are business neighbors Zoey Butterfield, who owns the pottery story where Julia’s sister works, and Phinney Hardison. When Zoey’s story is vandalized, the only motive she can think of is this controversy. Then a dead body is found. Is local politics the motive for the violence? Or is something else going on?
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book since the last one came out. Yes, we do get to the storylines left open from the previous book, and I was actually impressed with the growth in Julia that came out of them. Of course, the book left me wondering where we were going to go next, but that’s a good thing. Yes, if you are new to the series, you could jump in here, but you’ll appreciate the growth better if you’ve read the earlier books. This is such a great series you’ll be glad you did. As always, Julia leads a great cast of new and returning characters, and I loved spending time with them. The mystery for this book is strong, and I was once again amazed at how everything was plotted when I reached the end. Fans will be happy with this book. If that isn’t you, fix that today.
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this book since the last one came out. Yes, we do get to the storylines left open from the previous book, and I was actually impressed with the growth in Julia that came out of them. Of course, the book left me wondering where we were going to go next, but that’s a good thing. Yes, if you are new to the series, you could jump in here, but you’ll appreciate the growth better if you’ve read the earlier books. This is such a great series you’ll be glad you did. As always, Julia leads a great cast of new and returning characters, and I loved spending time with them. The mystery for this book is strong, and I was once again amazed at how everything was plotted when I reached the end. Fans will be happy with this book. If that isn’t you, fix that today.
