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Merissa (13600 KP) rated Overland in Books

Mar 31, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)  
Overland
Overland
Ramcy Diek | 2020 | Contemporary, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
OVERLAND is a compelling story about a woman whose actions come back to bite her. Not that she did anything wrong, but it had far-reaching consequences that never occurred to her.

It is very well-written, with the scenes between Skyla and the children particularly heart-rending. The big bad is just that - bad, through and through. The same as Edmond, he just had no redeeming qualities at all. Although the reader was supposed to want Skyla and Troy to get together at the end, it was just a bit too easy. If Edmond had been a bit more involved, I believe it would have added a bit more to the story, rather than him being a two-bit cartoon character.

Saying that, the whole story takes you along at a fair pace, with suspense and horror/disgust in equal measure. Part of me is sad that Bjorn got off so easy, but then I also think it was the perfect ending.

Although this says it is romantic suspense, I don't feel that it is. The romance part of it is definitely secondary to the thriller side, just a mention before and after the main event.

A great read and definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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!
Mar 31, 2021
  
The Late Show (Renée Ballard, #1)
The Late Show (Renée Ballard, #1)
Michael Connelly | 2017 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not Sure the Character is New, but Story is Great
LAPD officer Renee Ballard has been demoted to working the overnight shift in the Hollywood division. She’s frustrated that she never gets to work a case to resolution in her current role. Until one night when a series of cases land in her lap. A woman reports a stolen wallet. A transgender individual is left for dead. A shooting incident happens at a bar. As Ballard gets involved in all these cases, can she solve them?

I remember when this book came out how far behind I was on the author’s books and thinking I’d never get to it. And yet here I am. I found that Ballard shared quite a bit with the author’s Harry Bosch character. I’m not saying I didn’t like her, but I felt like she was a bit too familiar. Maybe that will change when I see them together. And again, I did like getting to meet her here and am looking forward to seeing what else happens to her. The mystery was very compelling. I saw a few things coming early, but there were some great twists that took me by surprise as well. I also enjoyed the nod to the Bosch TV show, which I guess means it is time for me to start watching it. Do keep in mind this is a police procedural, so the content is stronger than in the cozies I often read. If you haven’t met Ballard yet, you’ll be happy you picked up this book.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated 26 Below in Books

Sep 13, 2024 (Updated Sep 13, 2024)  
26 Below
26 Below
Kimberley Woodhouse | 2023 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Darcie and Jason Stop a Villain Cold?
Darcie Phillips is thrilled to be leading the new Emergency Operations Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. On the team is Jason Myers, a cybersecurity expert. But they’ve just barely begun their jobs when a strange woman appears in town warning about something happening when the temperature drops to 26 below. Since winter is coming, that will be soon. Can Darcie and Jason figure out a way to deal with this crisis?

I was intrigued by this premise, so I decided to give this book a try. Unfortunately, I found this book uneven. There is more buildup than pay off, and some of that buildup gets swept under the rug. I did like Darci and Jason and find them compelling characters, although the rest of the team are fairly one note. This is a Christian novel, and I found that aspect refreshing and emotionally touching in ways I wasn’t expecting. I think this is more of a character study than a thriller, and I wasn’t expecting that. There are a couple of small timeline issues, made more obvious by the way each scene is headlined with date and time. But I had to laugh at how much of a cold weather wimp I am while reading how these characters felt about the weather in Alaska. I am still considering picking up the next book since I am intrigued by the threads left opened here. If you are looking for strong characters in a light thriller, you should consider picking this book up.