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The Killer On The Wall
The Killer On The Wall
Emma Kavanagh | 2017 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This novel is told from multiple perspectives, so it is quite hard to choose the main character. I think they all played a very important part in this book. I really liked Isla and Mina (police detective investigating the murders), they are two smart, dedicated, and determined women. Ramsey’s (Isla’s husband) parts were quite boring, and my mind just wandered off on multiple occasions. I liked the way the characters interacted between each other, and even though they are into different things, they all had something to offer to this investigation.

I liked the narrative of this book, it was full of surprises and you never knew who is going to die next. The investigation part was quite slow and not very inventive, but I enjoyed all the twists and deception it had to offer. I have to admit, after finishing this book, I had a ton of questions and some of the things didn’t make sense to me.

The writing style was creative, and overall delivery of the book was pretty good. The chapters had a decent length and didn’t leave me bored. I liked the ending of the book, it was very unexpected and it rounded up the story very nicely. This book carries some gross details about murders, so it’s a joy for gory crime lovers, but a nightmare for sensitive readers. :S

So, to conclude, I liked this twisty story, filled with psychopaths and the reasons why they become one. Even though I have lots of unanswered questions, I hope that after reading, it will make more sense to you.
  
40x40

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Rule in Books

Jan 23, 2022  
The Rule
The Rule
David Jackson | 2021 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was not what I expected at all, from the very first chapter I knew that it was going to be a pleasure to read, and that’s exactly what it was. It’s not often that you find a crime novel that truly makes you laugh out loud, but there were definitely a few snorts while I was reading this one.
There are four different lives intertwined within this story and we change frequently throughout as to who we’re following: Daniel, Scott (Daniel’s father), Hannah (a police officer) and Ronan (the twin brother of someone found murdered). We follow Daniel as he struggles through life and him being bullied without him realising it, whilst also following Scott and finding out just how far he is willing to go to protect his son and wife. Hannah’s story is a bit sadder but I’m glad at the end of the book she comes to peace with everything that has been playing on her mind throughout the book. And then there’s Ronan, who’s twin brother can seemingly do no wrong in their mother’s eyes and after he is murdered Ronan still can’t understand why his mother doesn’t love him as much.
The story is ridiculous, but not in a way that it’s unbelievable. It’s a believable story of someone who gets caught up in the wrong world and the lengths that they’ll go to in order to try and get out of the hole they’ve found themselves in.
David Jackson’s writing was a pleasure to read and I have no doubt that I will pick up another of his books in the future.
  
Good Girl, Bad Blood
Good Girl, Bad Blood
Holly Jackson | 2020 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It’s not every time that a sequel manages to live up to the first novel but this book just made me fall in love with the characters even more.
We are back with Pip in the aftermath of the first book and she is trying to not get involved with anything that could get her in the same trouble as last time. Until her best friend’s brother, Jamie, goes missing. She tries to stay out of it, but when the police aren’t interested as he is an adult, Pip knows she can’t just sit back and hope for the best. So Pip goes back into investigative mode, but this time she has the help of Ravi, her boyfriend.
Pip has managed to document the murders of Andie Bell and Sal Singh (the previous book) on a podcast, which has a lot of followers and so she utilises this to get the news of the disappearance out there. Pip agrees with the family that she can use the investigation for a second series of her podcast.
The investigation has many twists and turns and at one point I couldn’t have told you how it was going to end. But the ending was unexpected and a character that I hadn’t anticipated was involved.
Holly Jackson’s use of different kinds of media such as photographs, articles and transcripts made the book so much more interesting to read than your usual crime fiction and I think that’s what has kept me so hooked throughout this series. Hopefully the third instalment will be just as good as this one.
  
The Killing Lessons
The Killing Lessons
Saul Black | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
One of the best crime thrillers I've read so far
Oh lord this book was a roller coaster ride. I’d have to say as of after reading this book, it’s been the best thriller/crime book I have read so far.

The pace of the book is pretty fast and you’re breezing through the book trying to figure out how this is going to come into play. There’s three different story arcs happening here in this book and it’s brilliant how it all came together in the end in one full circle. There plenty of moments where you’re saying to yourself; “Oh no...this is going to happen..” only something else will get in the way and you breathe a sigh in relief. This pretty much is a rinse repeat throughout the book but it doesn’t get tiring or boring. It enhances and makes the plot go faster and more exciting.

Hoo boy Xander/Leon. You are one pretty sad soul. Horrible childhood and all that is understandable but man oh man this is some brutal stuff you’re doing. Normally I cheer for the villains in most book but this one, I can’t. He’s horrible and twisted. You’re torn because you do feel pity for what he’s gone through as a child but he turned out so horribly wrong. This book is not for the squeamish for sure.

Valerie’s got my respect. She’s a total mess getting into the novel and has a lot on her plate. She faces a lot of overwhelming odds and constant pressure it’s no wonder she suffers from constant blackouts and physical reactions to stress. You almost wanted to beg her to stop and just take a breather, she’s a working machine that is endless even when her body is telling her it’s reaching the limit.

Actually you pretty much feel that way with all the characters in the book. They’re in constant emotional physical and mental anguish, they’re at their limit as to what their bodies can take but they all take it and go one step further it’s amazing how they’re still standing. I mentally begged Valerie to end it. I was just about to be in tears for all of them and the suffering they were going through.

The characters were great, the pace of the plot was excellent with a great ending to end things to a full stop. (A little weak on the explanation for Carla’s behavior, understandable but a little extreme don’t you think?) In any case, I greatly recommend this book. It’s an excellent read.
  
TW
The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy, #2)
Marie Rutkoski | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</i>

The second book in <i>The Winner’s Trilogy</i> continues with the story of Kestrel and Arin, two characters from totally different backgrounds. In <i>The Winner’s Crime</i>, Kestrel is engaged to Prince Verex and in line to rule the Valorian Empire. Arin, however, is in Herran and no longer has anything to do with Kestrel.

Previously in <i>The Winner’s Curse</i> some sort of relationship seemed to be building between the two teenagers despite their contrasting lives. However with Kestrel now being someone of importance it is impossible for the two to be together. Kestrel denies her feelings for Arin and, although she does not wish to marry the prince, goes along with the emperor’s plans. Arin on the other hand believes Kestrel is acting this way because she wants to and so grows to despise her.

As the story goes on the reader gets to experience both Kestrel and Arin’s point of views on the situation. Kestrel secretly tries to side with the Herrani, however Arin misunderstands her motives. But with such a powerful Emperor in charge, everything Kestrel does is at a great risk of her own life and can only end badly.

I must admit that I had forgotten a lot of what occurred in <i>The Winner’s Curse</i> and therefore it was difficult at first to understand what was happening in the book. Personally I think <i>The Winner’s Crime</i> was the better of the two books so far as it was clearer from the readers point of view what was happening in the lead up to Kestrel and Prince Verex’s wedding. It was the characters that were misunderstanding each other, but who slowly began to realize each other’s intentions towards the end of the novel. The book ended on a cliffhanger and hopefully the two main characters will view each other in a better light in the next in the series.

Overall this series has not gripped me in the way that I would have hoped. The setting is similar to books set in the distant past however women appear to have similar rights to men, such as fighting in the army, which makes it difficult to get your head around as the two ideas conflict with themselves. <i>Goodreads</i> has the series listed as fantasy, however this is slightly misleading as there are none of the typical feature associated with this genre – e.g. magic.