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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2660 KP) rated Big F@!king Deal in Books

Apr 13, 2026 (Updated Apr 13, 2026)  
Big F@!king Deal
Big F@!king Deal
Lawrence Allan | 2023 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Kidnapping is Always a Big Deal
This book picks up exactly where the previous one ended. Jimmy has just made headlines for the right reason - successfully solving a case. The headlines bring someone from his past back into his life - his father, who just vanished over a decade ago. But Jimmy has no time to worry about what his father wants since one of the wealthiest families in LA has hired him to find their college age son who has been kidnapped. The kidnappers have given them until Friday to put the ransom together. Can Jimmy find the young man before time runs out?

I loved the first book in the series, and I enjoyed this one, too. The plot wasn’t quite as strong, but it kept me turning the pages the entire way through. The cast is good, but Jimmy really shines. I loved the humor, especially Jimmy’s observations in the first-person narration. As the title implies, this isn’t a cozy, but the language and violence are used well and aren’t excessive. I’m hoping to get to the third soon.
  
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ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Sirens in Books

Nov 23, 2025  
The Sirens
The Sirens
Emilia Hart | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, we all know by now that I like a slow burn, and The Sirens delivers on that. I enjoyed the flashbacks to the Irish sisters being transported to Australia in the 1800’s, and indeed their story prior to this - along with the reason behind the modern day timeline.

Nature, the sea and the landscape of New South Wales all play a major role in this book, and the descriptions were so evocative. As someone who has never been to Australia, I was able to imagine the setting of this story.

The relationship between the sisters is a strange one: the older sister, Jess, seems very disconnected from her younger sister, doesn’t stay in touch, and when Lucy arrives unannounced at her house, Jess isn’t there. The house is in a state, and no-one knows where she is.

I really enjoyed the 1800 timeline: the oppression of the Transportation ship, the sisters, and their ending was *chef’s kiss* (I’m not saying 🤐).

A book of male violence and manipulation, and an interesting way to deal with it! I enjoyed this, but I do think it could be a marmite book (I like marmite).
  
A Dangerous Breed
A Dangerous Breed
Glen Erik Hamilton | 2020 | Thriller
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Learning About the Past – Danger in the Present
A trip with his friend Hollis to get medical help for an injured man puts reformed thief and former Army Ranger Van Shaw in the sights of a dangerous man. Suddenly, Van is being extorted to break into a biotech firm and steal an unspecified item. Meanwhile, Van might be on the trail of his father for the first time in his life. If he finds him, does he want to know this man after all?

Normally, I enjoy these books and all the twists and turns they give us. This one left me unsatisfied. While the stories do reach logical and suspenseful conclusions, I can’t help feeling there should have been more. Neither story was developed enough for a full novel, but took time away from each other. Of course, the characters, new and returning, were excellent as always. While I was expecting more language and violence than the books I normally read, there was one particularly distasteful scene. This book is disappointing since I usually enjoy the series. This one is for fans only.
  
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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Island in Books

May 15, 2022  
The Island
The Island
Adrian McKinty | 2022 | Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The choices you make have consequences ... some of them deadly!

Whilst on a working holiday in Australia, the Baxters decide to do some sightseeing and find their way onto the isolated and private Dutch Island. They are hoping to see and photograph some of the native wildlife but end up being involved in a tragic accident which brings them to the attention of the O'Neil clan who call the island their home and they are not happy!!!

The Baxters quickly get into a fight for their lives and so begins the non-stop action that is The Island. There is lots of tension, violence and scenes of peril with a few twists but, overall, it's the story of survival ... but who will make it off The Island?

This book has a vibe akin to the film The Deliverance with a bit of Rambo thrown in for good measure so if you like that sort of action, I would definitely recommend this ... you won't be disappointed.

Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Island and share my thoughts.