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Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Blindsighted (Grant County, #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2019 (Updated Jun 8, 2019)
Small town Georgia, big time gruesome crime thriller!!!
Hard to believe this was Karin Slaughters first novel, it’s very well rounded for a debut.
When a young college professor is brutally murdered (and I mean BRUTALLY - i.e. not for the squeamish) it falls to Sara Linton as the town coroner to perform the disturbing autopsy. Having found the victim in the local diner, it soon becomes obvious to Sara that there is a seriously sick individual on the loose.
It’s Sara’s ex-husband, police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, who must head up the investigation along with the only female detective Lena Adams, who is also the victims sister (love small town America everyone is all up in each others stuff - did I mention as well as been the towns coroner Sara is also the local paediatrician….) When another victim is found crucified the tension to find the killer builds, as does the tension between characters.
This book was very graphic, but boy was it entertaining in a disturbing way. Fast paced with plenty of suspense, a great beginning to a series.
When a young college professor is brutally murdered (and I mean BRUTALLY - i.e. not for the squeamish) it falls to Sara Linton as the town coroner to perform the disturbing autopsy. Having found the victim in the local diner, it soon becomes obvious to Sara that there is a seriously sick individual on the loose.
It’s Sara’s ex-husband, police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, who must head up the investigation along with the only female detective Lena Adams, who is also the victims sister (love small town America everyone is all up in each others stuff - did I mention as well as been the towns coroner Sara is also the local paediatrician….) When another victim is found crucified the tension to find the killer builds, as does the tension between characters.
This book was very graphic, but boy was it entertaining in a disturbing way. Fast paced with plenty of suspense, a great beginning to a series.
This was what I was looking for in an adult suspense novel. It was thrilling. The characters were not likable in a way you were still somehow rooting for. I honestly have no idea why I like Amy, why she is my favorite character in this book even though she is cunning and manipulative and sadistic, but I do. Flynn did a phenomenal job writing these characters in a way that I hate to love them, and love to hate them.
There were not many slow parts to this book. The plot twists just kept coming, hitting me in the face over and over and over which was so brilliant. I loved it.
I love not knowing what is going to happen next. I think it worked very well in this book, because thinking back, I could see where it was going. But in the moment, I had no idea. It was brilliant.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more of Gillian Flynn's books.
There were not many slow parts to this book. The plot twists just kept coming, hitting me in the face over and over and over which was so brilliant. I loved it.
I love not knowing what is going to happen next. I think it worked very well in this book, because thinking back, I could see where it was going. But in the moment, I had no idea. It was brilliant.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read more of Gillian Flynn's books.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August in Books
Mar 15, 2018
What an amazing book! I was intrigued by the rather minimal plot synopsis on the jacket and so had to check this book out, and I am very glad I did. I found the principal character of Harry August to be engaging and interesting and quite enjoyed all the ancillary characters as well, but it was the plot that really hooked me on this one. Without giving anything away I'll just say that it involves reincarnation, time travel, quantum physics, espionage, world history, revenge, and in its own weird way, love. It is somewhat unfair to pigeonhole the book into the science fiction category, as it is really somewhat more of a cat-and-mouse suspense story, although seeing as the plot spans several decades, repeatedly, it does seem as though sci-fi could be the best fit. No matter where you would categorize though, this is easily my favorite read of the year so far, and quite possibly one of my favorite books of all time. Absolutely brilliant.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
Forsaken is a book partially based on characters and events from the Salem witch trials. Some of these events find their way into the latest novel by best-selling novelist Thad McAlister.
Throughout the story, the author allows you glimpses into the past via excerpts from Clayton Stone's journal, showing you important events that happened in 1692. These journal entries give you just enough information to keep you guessing and add to the suspense when you are reading about the present. There were some good twists and a nice salute to Stephen King (one of my favorites) that made this even more fun to read. This was a great stay-up-all-night-reading type of spooky story, and I recommend this book to any fans of horror novels, witches, or things that go bump in the night. I will also be on the lookout for book #2 of the Shadow Cove Saga, to find out what happens to Ashley and Rachael!
Forsaken is a book partially based on characters and events from the Salem witch trials. Some of these events find their way into the latest novel by best-selling novelist Thad McAlister.
Throughout the story, the author allows you glimpses into the past via excerpts from Clayton Stone's journal, showing you important events that happened in 1692. These journal entries give you just enough information to keep you guessing and add to the suspense when you are reading about the present. There were some good twists and a nice salute to Stephen King (one of my favorites) that made this even more fun to read. This was a great stay-up-all-night-reading type of spooky story, and I recommend this book to any fans of horror novels, witches, or things that go bump in the night. I will also be on the lookout for book #2 of the Shadow Cove Saga, to find out what happens to Ashley and Rachael!
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated A Dark and Stormy Murder (A Writer's Apprentice Mystery, #1) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
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!
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!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Stalker in Books
Jun 15, 2018
Stalker by Lisa Stone
Stalker is the first book by Lisa Stone I have read, but I can guarantee it won't be the last. The premise of this book is simple enough - a Home Security man who gives his clients that little bit more, even though they don't know about it.
This was a well-paced novel, with plenty of action and suspense to guarantee you keep turning the pages. The scary part of this book is that it is all so simple, and in this day and age, so many options. There were parts that I knew were coming, however that didn't detract from the story in any way. There were still so many questions that needed answering.
With well-defined characters and situations, I found Stalker to be excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that jolted me out of the story. Absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well-paced novel, with plenty of action and suspense to guarantee you keep turning the pages. The scary part of this book is that it is all so simple, and in this day and age, so many options. There were parts that I knew were coming, however that didn't detract from the story in any way. There were still so many questions that needed answering.
With well-defined characters and situations, I found Stalker to be excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors that jolted me out of the story. Absolutely recommended by me!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated The Girl in the Rain (Deep Waters, #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I jumped between giving this book a 3 and 4 stars, it started off quite exciting, it stayed quite engaging throughout the book, and it ended quite exciting, for that I'd say it's a 4 star book, however, I had a bit trouble with the MC and her interaction with her brother.
The whole concept of this book was great - coming from someone who lived with a brother who both abused drugs and alcohol for quite a while, I can see where she was coming from, however, there was a lot of the "woe is me" syndrome that I HATED. I get the feelings of burden and guilt but - as someone who has been there done that, but I think this was taken way to the point of excess.
I know it was meant to build suspense, but it had me kind of hating the MC a lot, hating the whole mid part of the book, which was frustrating. The end highly made up for it though and now I do want to continue with the series because, cliffhangers amirite?
The whole concept of this book was great - coming from someone who lived with a brother who both abused drugs and alcohol for quite a while, I can see where she was coming from, however, there was a lot of the "woe is me" syndrome that I HATED. I get the feelings of burden and guilt but - as someone who has been there done that, but I think this was taken way to the point of excess.
I know it was meant to build suspense, but it had me kind of hating the MC a lot, hating the whole mid part of the book, which was frustrating. The end highly made up for it though and now I do want to continue with the series because, cliffhangers amirite?
Recently divorced Jasmine feels like she has failed everyone; her husband, her kids, and herself. Her ex-husband left her for a younger model, her daughter blames her for the divorce & won’t speak to her, and her son broke his leg as a call for attention.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While making a new friend, a mistake made at a women’s shelter leaves Jasmine in danger and doubting her safety. She seeks the help and guidance of her bible study group the Planted. As she finds a new job and perspective in life, Jasmine is brought closer to God and those she loves.
This is the fifth book in the Christian suspense series, Planted Flowers. As with the other books in the Planted series, this is more than just a book of mystery and romance. The underlining story has to do with finding faith, strength, understanding, and support while gaining a deeper relationship with God and his teachings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah Rothwell (170 KP) rated The Devil Rides Out in Books
Oct 8, 2018
Hauntingly amazing
This is the first time I’ve read this book, I read it because my grandfather did the cover illustrations for this edition and I can honestly say this book is amazing. I didn’t connect with it when I was younger but now I’m older I am amazed at how haunting this book is.
The suspense is there, the panic leaps between you and the book all the time and it’s amazing.
This isn’t my typical genre of book to read but now I can’t stop at just this one.
It’s not a particularly long book but it doesn’t miss anything, you won’t be grasping at the next one, you’ll just be taken by this one and transported like it’s the first book you’ve ever read.
I can’t say I found anything bad about this book because I didn’t. I will definitely be rereading it and moving onto the other two books in the ‘trilogy’ that Wordsworth Editions printed. I hope they are as satanic as this book, creepy but breathtaking.
The suspense is there, the panic leaps between you and the book all the time and it’s amazing.
This isn’t my typical genre of book to read but now I can’t stop at just this one.
It’s not a particularly long book but it doesn’t miss anything, you won’t be grasping at the next one, you’ll just be taken by this one and transported like it’s the first book you’ve ever read.
I can’t say I found anything bad about this book because I didn’t. I will definitely be rereading it and moving onto the other two books in the ‘trilogy’ that Wordsworth Editions printed. I hope they are as satanic as this book, creepy but breathtaking.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Taking Chances: A Male/Male Novella Collection in Books
Oct 31, 2018
Taking Chances: A Male/Male Novella Collection by Robin Covington
Taking Chances is a set of three novellas, all dealing with love where you have to take a chance. All three of these stories are only quick snippets as they are novellas. I do think (and it could have already happened!) that all three could go onto to be a fully fledged novel, rather than a novella.
The stories are all heart-warming in their own way, although there is angst and suspense within each one. The characters are well-rounded, and have their own foibles. There isn't much world-building involved as they are all contemporary, but that just means the focus can be on the characters rather than the scenery.
I enjoyed each story and would definitely read more by this author. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
The stories are all heart-warming in their own way, although there is angst and suspense within each one. The characters are well-rounded, and have their own foibles. There isn't much world-building involved as they are all contemporary, but that just means the focus can be on the characters rather than the scenery.
I enjoyed each story and would definitely read more by this author. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!