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The Cleaner: John Milton, Book 1
6.0
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Meet John Milton. He considers himself an artisan. A craftsman. His trade is murder. Milton is the...
crime fiction
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2304 KP) rated Sunrise at the Mayan Temple in Books
May 18, 2020
Slow Start, Fast Paced Second Half
Ricky Kidd is surprised when his younger brother, Joel, is given six tickets to spend 10 days down in Mexico. He’s even more surprised when his parents agree to send the two of them plus his friend Mike, Ralphy, and Lisa, along with Old Lady Bugsby as their chaperon, down there. When the group arrives, they learn they are there to be part of a dig at Chichen Itza. It sounds great, but Ricky soon begins to get new worries. Like why is everyone afraid of the leader of their dig? Are the rumors of an ancient legend come back to life true? Or is something more sinister happening?
Normally, I love this series, but this is definitely the weakest book. The mystery starts slowly with a travelogue as Ricky and the gang head south. Once the plot does begin, it moves quickly, but Ricky has to have much of it explained to him at the end. He does have a few insights, but not the usual ones that solve the case. The short story used to introduce the plot also causes some issues with the book overall, ignoring some of Ricky’s drive for justice we’d normally see. It twists the broader story instead of just introducing it. Fortunately, the characters are as wonderful as always, and I enjoy spending time with them. It also has some funny moments, including a great running gag. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to pick up this book, but if you are new to the characters, start with one of the earlier, better ones.
Normally, I love this series, but this is definitely the weakest book. The mystery starts slowly with a travelogue as Ricky and the gang head south. Once the plot does begin, it moves quickly, but Ricky has to have much of it explained to him at the end. He does have a few insights, but not the usual ones that solve the case. The short story used to introduce the plot also causes some issues with the book overall, ignoring some of Ricky’s drive for justice we’d normally see. It twists the broader story instead of just introducing it. Fortunately, the characters are as wonderful as always, and I enjoy spending time with them. It also has some funny moments, including a great running gag. If you are already a fan, you’ll want to pick up this book, but if you are new to the characters, start with one of the earlier, better ones.
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Connections In Death (In Death #48)
9.0
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In this gritty and gripping new novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Eve Dallas fights...
Lost (House of Night Otherworld #2)
9.0
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The moment Other Kevin returns to his world trouble begins. Thankfully, he finds friends and...
Nadja had a difficult childhood and spent time in prison after being convicted for a crime. But it's been years since her release and she's wanted nothing more than a normal life since: a quiet flat, a job, and maybe some friends. But when one of those few friends, Lauren--the wife of her boss--asks for help covering up a murder, Nadja cannot help but agree. Even if it means endangering all the peace she's worked for. The women quickly make a plan, but when it all starts to crumble, Nadja begins to question exactly what her role is in this plan.
I really enjoyed Hausmann's book DEAR CHILD, but this one didn't have quite the same flair. There are books with confusing timelines that you enjoy and then there are books with confusing timelines that simply muddle things and make it hard to enjoy the plot. This book was the latter for me. There are a lot of interconnected stories in varying timelines and points of view and, truly, it's a lot to follow.
This read seems rather slow and rather blah until the last bit, where it takes off and gets exciting. You sort of know where it's going, which makes it even harder to keep reading. The characters are not that engaging, making it hard to get attached. It's difficult to root for this gang--especially Lauren and her husband. The plot is crazy and rather violent, spinning toward preposterous. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll enjoy things a lot more.
Overall, this had hints of enjoyment, but wasn't my favorite. 2.5 stars.
I really enjoyed Hausmann's book DEAR CHILD, but this one didn't have quite the same flair. There are books with confusing timelines that you enjoy and then there are books with confusing timelines that simply muddle things and make it hard to enjoy the plot. This book was the latter for me. There are a lot of interconnected stories in varying timelines and points of view and, truly, it's a lot to follow.
This read seems rather slow and rather blah until the last bit, where it takes off and gets exciting. You sort of know where it's going, which makes it even harder to keep reading. The characters are not that engaging, making it hard to get attached. It's difficult to root for this gang--especially Lauren and her husband. The plot is crazy and rather violent, spinning toward preposterous. If you can suspend disbelief, you'll enjoy things a lot more.
Overall, this had hints of enjoyment, but wasn't my favorite. 2.5 stars.
Merissa (12552 KP) rated The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1) in Books
Apr 20, 2023
THE SHIFTER is the first book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we meet with Bran and Seren. Bran is a shapeshifter, as such, he is sentenced to death by the Ri, who is Seren's father. There is a lack of loving feelings towards his daughter though. Seren helps Bran escape, along with many others, making her a traitor in her father's eyes. When she is kidnapped and ransomed, her father refuses to pay it, leaving Bran - who had found himself with that gang - to make a decision with long-ranging effects.
Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.
This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 20, 2023
Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.
This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.
Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 20, 2023
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2304 KP) rated Dark Horse in Books
May 4, 2022 (Updated May 4, 2022)
Always Bet on Orphan X
Evan Smoak’s latest client is giving him pause. Evan prefers to help the innocent who have gotten in over their heads. The call he’s taken is from Aragon Urrea, the kingpin of a major drug operation in South Texas. Evan initially hangs up on Aragon, but decides to help him because of his request. Aragon’s daughter was kidnapped from her eighteenth birthday party by a rival drug cartel, and Aragon needs someone to get her back without starting a drug war. It isn’t long before Evan realizes just how bad the rival gang is. But can he find a way to fulfill his mission without compromising who he is trying to become?
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Yes, this book does address the cliffhanger ending from the last book, but it spends a couple of chapters setting up this book before it gets into that. I’ll admit, I struggled to get into the book. The beginning was a little slow. It was using that time to make the new characters complex enough that we could root for Evan to succeed. It worked, because once that was established, I was hooked and raced through the book to see how Evan would overcome overwhelming odds this time. The violence went a bit further than I felt it needed to, even for this series. Evan continues to evolve as a character, and I love watching him struggle to overcome his training. While not as dramatic as the last book’s cliffhanger, we are definitely left wanting to know what is going to happen to Evan next. Fans of the series will be rewarded if they stick with the book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7) in Books
Jun 4, 2022
98 of 230
Kindle
Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7)
By Katie Evers ( Katie Epstein)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Zombies. Freaking zombies.
Terra knew an apocalypse would hit her one day. Throw in the nightmare of the walking dead and she’s ready to run for the hills. But that wouldn’t be professional. Not when the haunting zombies are the work of a powerful mage who has escaped to Earthside and taken an abandoned mall hostage.
With no choice but to work alongside the US military, Terra and the gang have to hide their gifts and act like the humans. Grady is tactical. He can lead them in. But the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes trying to keep their secret. So dangerous, it might get them all killed. Or eaten.
I absolutely love this series! This is the 8th book and we are getting to see the big guns when it comes to Terra finding all the escapees from a supernatural prison. This had zombies so that right there is a win for me! Now if I’m going to be super picky over 2 things that stress me out with this book 1. Is whoever proof read this didn’t do the best of jobs there are little bits of grammar and mistakes through most of the book and yes I’m being super picky but I don’t know about anyone else but it stalls the reading and knocks me off a little. 2. Is I can never find the author due to all the name changes 😂! Other than that the book and series are just really really good!
Oh and hallelujah Kane finally gives in!!!!!!
Kindle
Death be Rising ( Terra Vane book 7)
By Katie Evers ( Katie Epstein)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Zombies. Freaking zombies.
Terra knew an apocalypse would hit her one day. Throw in the nightmare of the walking dead and she’s ready to run for the hills. But that wouldn’t be professional. Not when the haunting zombies are the work of a powerful mage who has escaped to Earthside and taken an abandoned mall hostage.
With no choice but to work alongside the US military, Terra and the gang have to hide their gifts and act like the humans. Grady is tactical. He can lead them in. But the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes trying to keep their secret. So dangerous, it might get them all killed. Or eaten.
I absolutely love this series! This is the 8th book and we are getting to see the big guns when it comes to Terra finding all the escapees from a supernatural prison. This had zombies so that right there is a win for me! Now if I’m going to be super picky over 2 things that stress me out with this book 1. Is whoever proof read this didn’t do the best of jobs there are little bits of grammar and mistakes through most of the book and yes I’m being super picky but I don’t know about anyone else but it stalls the reading and knocks me off a little. 2. Is I can never find the author due to all the name changes 😂! Other than that the book and series are just really really good!
Oh and hallelujah Kane finally gives in!!!!!!