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Cut to the Bone
Cut to the Bone
Ellison Cooper | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely love the Sayer Altair series and book three didn't disappoint one bit. What is not to love about an incredibly intelligent kickass black FBI agent who takes no prisoners? While Sayer lost her FBI agent fiancé, Jake, several years ago--something she's still reeling from--she's now surrounded herself by her own makeshift family: Adi; her neighbor, Tino; and Ezra. And, of course, there's her witty and tough grandmother, Nana, who raised Sayer. Coming back to this crew as a reader feels like returning to family. Cooper excels at capturing each character's unique voice, and I'm so fond of them all. We even get an appearance from Sayer's former boss, Holt, who has been kicked out of the FBI in a scandal covered in the previous books.

The mystery plot here is a really wild but totally engaging case. There are lots of references to Egypt and plenty to keep you on your toes. It is a tense and suspenseful tale and Cooper throws in plenty of well-timed twists and turns. The story turns personal for Sayer, and I was certainly riveted. Cooper writes in a quick, fast-paced style that makes it easy to keep flipping the pages.

All the books in this series are dark, and this one is no exception. They are not especially for the faint of heart. A lot of death and gruesome descriptions. It is easy to see that Cooper, who has a Ph.D. in anthropology and worked as a murder investigator, knows her stuff. For me, the authenticity just makes the story pop off the pages even more.

This book ends with a total boom for Sayer, and I cannot wait for the next installment. As I said, I love this series and adore Sayer and her little family. If you haven't read the entire series, I recommend starting with book one, but this one will standalone, especially if you love a twisty and engaging thriller. 4+ stars.
  
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Erika (17789 KP) rated This Is a Robbery: The World's Greatest Art Heist in TV

May 1, 2021 (Updated May 1, 2021)  
This Is a Robbery: The World's Greatest Art Heist
This Is a Robbery: The World's Greatest Art Heist
2021 | Documentary
My review of this documentary may be slightly bias because I've read several books on the Gardner Heist, including the FBI Agent's memoir who nearly tracked down the missing paintings, but got stuck in a pissing contest between agencies.
First, I felt like they should have had this FBI Agent contribute more to the documentary, rather than presenting some other theories as to where the paintings ended up. I actually thought they were going to have him appear in the last ep, but he didn't. This would have bumped up the rating for me, honestly.
Second, so many conspiracy theories with the Italian mob. I just shook my head at this. Way too much focus. The police department's focus seemed half-ass, and like they took the easy way out by blaming the mob, then didn't interview actual witnesses again.
The BEST PART of this documentary series was when they interviewed a guy that is a member of the IRA. There was a theory that the IRA had lifted them. The guy basically told everyone to F-off, because the IRA wasn't involved. I cackled because it was completely hilarious.
Overall, this was just ok. It would probably be really interesting for people that don't know anything, or very little, about the Heist. Sure, this heist is interesting, but not 'The World's Greatest Heist'.
  
Mindhunters (2005)
Mindhunters (2005)
2005 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Great cast (2 more)
Remote location
A mix of Thriller, Whodunit & Horror
Great cat & mouse Thriller
I really enjoyed this despite the fact it seemed to go straight to DVD. It has a well known cast including LL Cool J, Val Kilmer and Christian Slater. It has good production values as well.
A team of Fbi profilers are at a remote location under going a training selection when they start getting bumped off one by one. It has ideas from And then there were none and even some death traps like the Saw films. Well worth checking out if any of that appeals. Similar to @D-Tox (Eye See You) (2002) as well.
  
The Pursuit
The Pursuit
Janet Evanovich, Lee Goldberg | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Picking up moments after the last book ended, we learn who kidnapped conman Nick Fox and why. Can FBI agent Kate O’Hare track him down? Will this reveal their secret partnership? And what scheme can they stop next?

Yes, I’m being especially vague on the plot, but most of the fun of this book is seeing how things unfold as the book progresses. The story moves quickly and keep the pages turning. As always, the characters could be a tad sharper, but some of the supporting characters are a hoot.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-pursuit-by-janet-evanovich.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Remember Me
Remember Me
Noelle Winters | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Noelle Winters does a good job creating a sense of suspense in [Remember Me]. The plot centers around Katy who's daughter was kidnapped three years ago. Suddenly the case is refreshed by a picture of her daughter being sent to her. The FBI sends Alex to liason with local law enforcement and the family on this case that her father originally worked. These two broken women find friendship and hope within each other.

The plot of this takes some unexpected twists. The romance is there but not the main focus. It was a really quick read with developed characters and a very steady pace.