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lurkykitty (3 KP) rated Saint X in Books

Mar 26, 2020  
Saint X
Saint X
Alexis Schaitkin | 2020 | Thriller
9
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A compelling and intelligent mystery
When Claire is only seven years old, her eighteen year-old sister Alison disappears and is found dead when their family takes a vacation on a Caribbean island. This book takes place mostly in NYC where Claire, now called Emily, is a young adult working at her first job. By happenstance, she runs into one of the men from the island who was accused of killing her sister, but was not convicted due to lack of evidence. She befriends this man to learn more about what happened to her sister, to the detriment of her own mental health. The initial impression of this book was that it would be a fast paced thriller with a stunning conclusion. However, it is more a commentary on unresolved grief, the assumptions that are made based on race and class, and how one event can shatter the lives of so many. It could still be categorized as a mystery. I found the multiple points of view valuable in understanding the characters and events. Even though, at times, Saint X did not move quickly, it was still a compelling and interesting read.
  
Trapped
Trapped
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my first time reading a book by Lillian Duncan, which I am surprised at since she writes mystery/suspense and that is one of my go to genre’s. I really enjoyed this book though! I would definitely say that it can be read as a standalone book. This book starts and captures your attention almost immediately. The book takes some unexpected turns quite early in the book, it was from a different perspective then I have read before. I loved how throughout the book God was the central focus without being forceful.
I think that at some points it was a bit wordy, however, I kind of liked the wordiness. It fit the situations very well. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for telling a kidnapping story from a different perspective, the relatable characters, and for how Lillian Duncan was able to intertwine God in every aspect of the book. I recommend this book to anyone who likes edge of you seat reads with strong characters and a mystery/thriller that leaves you thinking even after the book is over.
  
Mercy River
Mercy River
Glen Erik Hamilton | 2019 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Helping a Friend Gets Van into Trouble
A middle of the night phone call sends Van Shaw to the small town of Mercy River, Oregon. The call had come from fellow former Army Ranger Leo Pak, and Leo has been arrested for a murder in the community. Van thinks Leo is innocent, but Leo won’t answer Van’s questions about what happened. Meanwhile, the town is the site of an event for current and former Ranger, so the population is swelling this weekend. Will that help or hurt Van’s efforts to clear his friend?

While this may sound like the set up for many of the books I normally read, it isn’t long before the plot branches off in some thrilling new directions. Those looking for a thriller will not be disappointed with the action scenes, yet the mystery is tied up perfectly. Since Van is out of town for much of this book, the series regulars are reduced to cameos, yet we still get some updates on them. The new characters are fully developed, and Van continues to be a complex main character. I appreciated how this book works in issues that vets face without slowing down the book by preaching. Like the earlier books in the series, this one does have flashbacks, but they don’t focus on any particular time in Van’s life while still helping us appreciate the events unfolding in Van’s life currently. This book has more language and violence than I typically read, but it fits for a thriller and never gets excessive. This was another compelling entry in the series. Anyone looking for a great thriller will be pleased this picked up this book.
  
Schoolgirl Missing
Schoolgirl Missing
Sue Fortin | 2019 | Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller
9
9.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Brilliant. I enjoyed it.
I have been wanting to read this book for a while and the cover definitely caught my attention. It is a story full of twists, turns and definitely unexpected, shocking outcomes. I would never have guessed at all. Very cruel and devious. Full of secrets, lies and deceit.

An easy to read, fast paced thriller and mystery. Kit and Neve are as bad as each other! I actually loved Jake and Lucies characters. Jake didn’t deserve what happened to him. A real page turner of a read… I found myself getting very angry towards the end and outcome I just don’t understand how someone could do that to Poppy for their own sake… Poor Poppy my heart was with her the whole time.

I would highly recommend.