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MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Stratagem in Books

Mar 5, 2019  
Stratagem
Stratagem
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…makmaking him the prime suspect for murder.


My Thoughts: Everyone loves a good mystery and this is no exception. Fast paced and keeps the reader guessing until the end. With so many twists and turns that keeps the readers' interest.



This is a well-written novel with interesting characters that the reader will easily identify with. This is my first novel from Robin Caroll, and it won't be my last. I truly enjoyed her writing and the plot for this novel was interesting.



Not only a mystery but a story about forgiving as well. A wonderful read for those who love a good mystery and suspense book.
  
This cozy mystery is dedicated to Mary Stewart, and that should tell you something! A fan of gothic romantic suspense, the author has done a great job of incorporating the common elements of that genre into a cozy mystery.

I've always loved Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and similar authors, so I was very excited to hear about this cozy. I was not disappointed. There's the young heroine, living in an unfamiliar house, the "is he good or is he bad" guy, and the "he must be good but there's something we don't like about him" guy, and lots of other suspicious characters for us to distrust. All of these elements, combined with a modern mystery and a likable amateur sleuth, created a story I didn't want to put down.

This one also wrapped up a little differently than most cozies - the reader is left with a pretty good idea of what the characters will be doing at the beginning of the next book. I can't wait for it!
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Patient in Books

Apr 28, 2022  
The Patient
The Patient
Jane Shemilt | 2022 | Mystery, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
From the description, I was expecting an exciting and fast-paced thriller but this is not what I experienced; it was more a slow-burn domestic suspense/mystery/love affair that although wasn't what I anticipated, it kept me engaged most of the time.

I found the characters weren't particularly likeable and whilst this doesn't usually bother me that much, they did start to grate on my nerves which affected how I felt about them and the story as it developed.

The story itself was an interesting mystery but nothing overly exciting or different. The writing was a little over descriptive at times but it plodded on ok.

Overall, not the most exciting book I have ever read but not the worst either but, once again, there are many more positive reviews out there so give it a go if you enjoy romance books with a bit of mystery thrown in.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.9 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, I didn't hate this book as much as I thought I would but that doesn't mean much. As anyone that follows my reviews will notice, I do not read mysteries. When I do read a mystery it is for book club and inevitably I find it dull. This book was no different. I would give this book a 2.5 star rating so I rounded up to 3.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency made me reminiscent of Agatha Christie & Mary Higgins Clark. So if you enjoy those authors, I'm sure that you would enjoy this author. There was mystery but no suspense so it seemed to drag on for me. I borrowed this book from the library but after reading 5 pages into the book, I had to switch to the audiobook so that I could force myself to read the rest of the book.

Not going to lie, this reminded me a lot of Winnie the Pooh. If you think about it, Winnie the Pooh was always looking to solve a mystery and each chapter or episode/15 minute segment was a new mystery. This is very similar to this book.

All in all, I will not continue on in this series.
  
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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The House in Books

Aug 22, 2017  
The House
The House
Simon Lelic | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Slightly too long and a little overhyped
I actually don't know what to make it this. It drags on for far too long and could have been shortened by a good few chapters. I understand it's to create more suspense for the final reveal which wasn't that much of a mystery in the end. I expected it to have more of a horror feel, which it doesn't at all but that's the initial premise. The level of abuse is gratuitous at points and truly cringe worthy. I just don't think it was worth any hype, although it's an interesting tale nevertheless.
  
Escape Room (2019)
Escape Room (2019)
2019 | Action, Horror, Thriller
A fun thriller, though formulaic.
I've always been enchanted by the idea of escape rooms. Always wanted to do one, just never had the chance. Ironically enough, this movie only enhanced my desire to do one. A very likeable and familiar cast serves their purpose through the twist and turns of a thriller that follows the now formulaic nature of the genre. Everyone gets a mysterious invite, enticed by money, and chaos ensues. Film flies by with a great mix of mystery, suspense, and action. An enjoyable time. Got to try one of these rooms soon.
  
TP
The Protector (Sons of Texas, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
this is the second book in the series, this is a continuing story and picks up where book one finishes. This is a romantic suspense story with plenty of romance to keep you reading long into the night. The characters were fab and you will fall in love with them from the start. This series so far has everything you need, action, mystery, romance and lots of chemistry. I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
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AB
A Beautiful Mess (Beautiful Mess, #1)
T.K. Leigh | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a bit slow in the beginning chapters but from around chapter 3, i was hooked. there are a lot of different parts to this story, a love story combined with conspiracy, mystery and suspense. the story contains lots of twists and turns and definitely will keep you hooked. the characters were very easy to connect with and you were able to feel all there emotions. the secondary characters also play important roles within the book which only adds to the story. would definitely recommend but remember to have all the books in the set first.
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