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The Art of Death
The Art of Death
David Fennell | 2021 | Crime
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The main character in this novel is DI Grace Archer, she is a leading investigator in a series of very bizarre and very cruel murders. There is a very wide variety of diverse and intriguing characters in this novel, and this book is told from multiple perspectives, including the victims and the killer as well. DI Archer is a very complex character, her childhood had its horrors, and she is an outsider in her new police station. But I really admired her strength, sharp mind and complexity. This book allows me to delve deeper into the characters, especially the victims, I think all the victims were suffering from one thing or another, and it was interesting to read about their lives.

The narrative of this book always changes, from the investigation it jumps to new abductions, to personal character’s lives. All these things made the book very fast-paced and enjoyable for me. Even though it is a debut novel, I felt like this book is a part of a series because of the way the author incorporated the details from DI Archer’s past. I felt like I missed the investigations that happened in the past. 😀 I found the plot very multi-dimensional, absorbing and creepy. The topics discussed in this book were grief and loss, traumatic experiences, workplace discrimination, many mental health issues, drug use, domestic and other violence and many many more.

The writing style is very easy to read and enjoyable, but at the same time, it felt unusual, different. (I can’t describe how though 😀 ) The author has experience in cybersecurity, and it was interesting to see, how he highlights the mistakes people do in their daily lives when it comes to our social media and online presence. There are a lot of gory murder scenes in this book, so it might not be suitable for sensitive readers. The atmosphere and the setting of the novel constantly change, depending on the perspective, and I really enjoyed it. The chapters are pretty short, and the whole novel was a page-turner for me. I really loved the ending, it left me very intrigued, and I can’t wait for another book. 🙂

So, to conclude, it is a very rich novel, full of layered and diverse characters as well as a plot that is fast-paced and always changing. I really enjoyed this book, it highlights so many various topics and social issues, you just need to find it.
  
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Book Divas (227 KP) rated Schism in Books

Dec 12, 2017  
S
Schism
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was such an adrenaline rush that I was left feeling like I wanted or better yet, needed to jump out of my skin. The story line was an intense and thrilling ride from beginning to end and the characters were unique and their individualities shined through. The world building puts you smack dab in the virus riddled world and you quickly find yourself immersed in the thick of things.
 
My heart felt for what these children and young adults have had to endure and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book. This read deserves more than five teacups {stars} and truly a must read. This debut novel is a HIT and a dystopian masterpiece.
 
{I received a copy when I signed up to host the book promotion and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own}.
  
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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Never Knowing in Books

Jan 15, 2018  
Never Knowing
Never Knowing
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads. It is the story of Sara a 30 something adoptee who is getting married. Right off the bat she wants to look for her birth parents before her wedding. She finds her mom & eventually her dad. That's about all I can way without giving away the story.
It is told in a series of sessions as Sara is speaking to her therapist about what is going on in her life. It was an interesting perspecitve on things, though you never really hear any advice or thoughts from the therapist.
The ending was the hest part....didn't see it coming at all. The beginning was rather ho-hum, but as the story progresses you become sucked into the drama.
It did make me want to read Stevens's debut novel though. I really enjoy her writing style & well developed characters.
  
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Emma (519 KP) rated Dark Winter in Books

Jun 13, 2019  
Dark Winter
Dark Winter
David Mark | 2017 | Thriller
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Keeps the reader enthralled (0 more)
Local story
I took this book on holiday with me,Ironically to the western highlands where the main character is from, and I live 20 miles from Hull where the story is based, which is why the story resonated wirh me so well. I enjoyed the feeling of being able to picture the areas that are being described in the book.
I thought for a debut novel David Mark did a fantastic job of keeping the reader enthralled by the drama of the story, but also kept the story nice and concise, it didn't drag on too long. Also I managed to guess who the culprit was, but had to read all the way to the end to find out how he/she was connected with the whole case.
Overall a very good book and I will definitely be buying more from this author.
  
AR
A Rumored Fortune
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A missing fortune? A swoony hero? A dastardly bad guy? You can probably see why I jumped into this book without hesitation. This second book from Joanna Davidson Politano reaches new heights and, dare I say it, even better than her debut novel (which was exceptional).

Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.

Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.

I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.