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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Terminal Threat (A Leine Basso Thriller #13) in Books
Jun 18, 2023
Once again, DV has surpassed herself and created another enthralling adventure to add to the already amazing Leine Basso back catalogue which just keeps getting better and better. I think with this one, it works well as a standalone but I would recommend reading the rest of the series as you won't be disappointed.
Ava (aka Leine) has decided to retire and move to a village in Italy to open a book shop. Sounds idyllic and simple? Well ... with Leine nothing is that straightforward and when she gets embroiled in the death of a local villager and a local racketeer, it's not only her life that is under threat but the life of the entire village and so she engages her colleagues from her previous life to help out with heart-stopping consequences.
As with DV's previous books, it is littered with excellent characters with Leine being one of my all-time favourites; she is strong, brave, not afraid to kick bottoms but with a soft side that is endearing. The story is exciting, the pace is fast and the setting is perfect.
All-in-all, this is another hit for me and one I won't hesitate to recommend to lovers of books that are full of action with a strong female lead. I can also highly recommend this series and once again, thank you to D.V for accepting me as a member her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Terminal Threat and my hungry eyes can't wait to read the next!
Ava (aka Leine) has decided to retire and move to a village in Italy to open a book shop. Sounds idyllic and simple? Well ... with Leine nothing is that straightforward and when she gets embroiled in the death of a local villager and a local racketeer, it's not only her life that is under threat but the life of the entire village and so she engages her colleagues from her previous life to help out with heart-stopping consequences.
As with DV's previous books, it is littered with excellent characters with Leine being one of my all-time favourites; she is strong, brave, not afraid to kick bottoms but with a soft side that is endearing. The story is exciting, the pace is fast and the setting is perfect.
All-in-all, this is another hit for me and one I won't hesitate to recommend to lovers of books that are full of action with a strong female lead. I can also highly recommend this series and once again, thank you to D.V for accepting me as a member her ARTeam and for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Terminal Threat and my hungry eyes can't wait to read the next!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies in Books
Aug 15, 2024
Don’t Bother Booking This Vacation
Eleanor Dash’s first book was an instant best seller. It was inspired by a trip she took to Rome, and she fictionalized parts of it. She just didn’t change the hero’s name, and ever since, her ex, Connor Smith, has been worming his way into her life. Ten years later, Eleanor is planning to kill him off – at least in her next book. However, someone seems determined to do it in real life on a trip they are both on to celebrate ten years of her series. Can she figure out what is going on?
The premise of this one sounded fun, and I was intrigued when I heard that there are footnotes in the book. Sadly, the footnotes didn’t add anything; in fact, they came across as self-indulgent at times and lazy at others, like when the author put character descriptions in them. And I’ll call out the foul language, which was especially excessive at the beginning. (See your footnote complaining about calling out foul language didn’t work.) The characters were shallow, and some of their relationships and issues seems like issues that could have been resolved quickly. Eleanor herself doesn’t seem to fit her backstory. Yes, the characters grew, but it wasn’t quite enough for me. The pacing in the book was off as well, although there were some good twists. I did enjoy the virtual trip to Italy. In the end, this book wasn’t nearly as clever as it thought it was, so the result wasn’t as entertaining as I hoped it would be.
The premise of this one sounded fun, and I was intrigued when I heard that there are footnotes in the book. Sadly, the footnotes didn’t add anything; in fact, they came across as self-indulgent at times and lazy at others, like when the author put character descriptions in them. And I’ll call out the foul language, which was especially excessive at the beginning. (See your footnote complaining about calling out foul language didn’t work.) The characters were shallow, and some of their relationships and issues seems like issues that could have been resolved quickly. Eleanor herself doesn’t seem to fit her backstory. Yes, the characters grew, but it wasn’t quite enough for me. The pacing in the book was off as well, although there were some good twists. I did enjoy the virtual trip to Italy. In the end, this book wasn’t nearly as clever as it thought it was, so the result wasn’t as entertaining as I hoped it would be.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated The Suicide Tree in Books
Jan 9, 2020
Honest Review for Free Copy of Book
The Suicide Tree by Shayla Raquel was a surprisingly good book. It was not quite what I expected but after reading it I am honestly not sure what I was expecting. Early on it talks about the Suicide Tree being a real tree and I could not help but look it up. What I found is that the Suicide Tree is actually a tree called Cerbera Odollam and is found in Asia and India. I find it interesting Knox uses this tree’s nickname for his tag because of the specific properties this tree has. I will leave it up to the interested reader to look up those properties for themselves. The story was so good that I am afraid to say too much without the risk of spoilers.
Trigger Warning: Although I don’t usually feel like I need to add these to my reviews I feel this may be an exception. The death of Knox’s parents is a tragedy and a large part of the story and is brought up very frequently.
Knox Kevel’s parents died in an explosion three years before the story begins. Knox, being almost a computer genius becomes a hacker known as The Suicide Tree while his parents are still alive. After their death, he works for people on the black market and attracts the attention of the FBI. The FBI gets ahold of him twice and he is facing prison time when Arlo Jenson pops in. Arlo wants Knox to work for him and if Knox agrees Arlo will call in a favor with the DA and have Knox’s charges dropped.
Knox ends up flying to Italy with Arlo, in hopes of finding the person who hurt Arlo as a child. Knox and Arlo stay with Norah, Arlo’s sister, and her daughter Jessa. The four of them team up and travel to many well-known cities in Italy trying to discover the truth. The truth about what? Well, you will just have to read The Suicide Tree to find out for yourself.
What I liked most about this book was the interwoven stories of Knox, Arlo, and the mysterious person who harmed Arlo. It was actually hard to find something that I didn’t really like about this book. After thinking about it I would say that the reasoning behind Arlo’s childhood assault (for lack of a better term) was a bit on the anti-climatic side. I was hoping for something a little more in-depth than what was offered.
In all honesty, I believe just about anyone could read this book. There is little in the lines on inappropriate material in this book. The book is also relatively short and does not require a lot of dedication making it perfect for the occasional reader. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 because the plot line was well thought out and there was very little that I questioned after finishing the book. The story was strong and extremely entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read.
Trigger Warning: Although I don’t usually feel like I need to add these to my reviews I feel this may be an exception. The death of Knox’s parents is a tragedy and a large part of the story and is brought up very frequently.
Knox Kevel’s parents died in an explosion three years before the story begins. Knox, being almost a computer genius becomes a hacker known as The Suicide Tree while his parents are still alive. After their death, he works for people on the black market and attracts the attention of the FBI. The FBI gets ahold of him twice and he is facing prison time when Arlo Jenson pops in. Arlo wants Knox to work for him and if Knox agrees Arlo will call in a favor with the DA and have Knox’s charges dropped.
Knox ends up flying to Italy with Arlo, in hopes of finding the person who hurt Arlo as a child. Knox and Arlo stay with Norah, Arlo’s sister, and her daughter Jessa. The four of them team up and travel to many well-known cities in Italy trying to discover the truth. The truth about what? Well, you will just have to read The Suicide Tree to find out for yourself.
What I liked most about this book was the interwoven stories of Knox, Arlo, and the mysterious person who harmed Arlo. It was actually hard to find something that I didn’t really like about this book. After thinking about it I would say that the reasoning behind Arlo’s childhood assault (for lack of a better term) was a bit on the anti-climatic side. I was hoping for something a little more in-depth than what was offered.
In all honesty, I believe just about anyone could read this book. There is little in the lines on inappropriate material in this book. The book is also relatively short and does not require a lot of dedication making it perfect for the occasional reader. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 because the plot line was well thought out and there was very little that I questioned after finishing the book. The story was strong and extremely entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read.
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Murder in Little Italy in Books
May 18, 2019
An Irish Death in Little Italy
Midwife Sarah Brant is called to the Ruocco family for a birth in their home over their Italian restaurant. Antonio’s new Irish wife is in labor, but she is two months early. However, when the baby arrives, Sarah begins to suspect that the baby is actually full term and Nainsi lied about when she got pregnant. When Sarah returns for her follow up visit the next day, she finds that Nainsi died in the night – although she quickly realizes that Nainsi didn’t die from complications from child birth and sends for Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy. Since Frank is Irish, his presence draws suspicion from the family. As the racial tensions in the city over this incident begin to rise, Frank must find a way to solve the case. Can he do it with Sarah’s help?
This is another engrossing trip back in time. These books suck me into another time and place. The mystery here is strong and takes up much of the book, only allowing for brief updates on ongoing stories. However, the case is more than enough to keep us turning pages. Frank and Sarah continue to be strong leads. Frank is a little more dominant in this book, but Sarah still makes significant contributions to solving the case. There are twists, red herrings, and a strong group of suspects. I really could have believed anyone was guilty until Frank and Sarah figured things out at the end. As always, this book was over all too quickly. You can bet I’ll be back in time with these characters soon.
This is another engrossing trip back in time. These books suck me into another time and place. The mystery here is strong and takes up much of the book, only allowing for brief updates on ongoing stories. However, the case is more than enough to keep us turning pages. Frank and Sarah continue to be strong leads. Frank is a little more dominant in this book, but Sarah still makes significant contributions to solving the case. There are twists, red herrings, and a strong group of suspects. I really could have believed anyone was guilty until Frank and Sarah figured things out at the end. As always, this book was over all too quickly. You can bet I’ll be back in time with these characters soon.
Tara (6 KP) rated Ink Iron and Glass in Books
Jul 3, 2018
Has some twists you don't see coming! Keeps you guessing. Keeps building to the end. Makes you wish you had the next book ready so you can find out what happens next. (1 more)
Wasn't a complete cliffhanger, but it did leave you with questions. General curiosity to how the story will continue.
Keep with it!
Book Sleeve Description -
Can she write a world gone wrong?
A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation, where her mother - a noted scriptologist - constantly alters and expands their reality.
But when her home is attacked and her mother kidnapped, Elsa is forced to cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative Victorian Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of young scientists with a gift for mechanics, alchemy, or scriptology - and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.
In this thrilling debut, worlds collide as Elsa unveils a deep political conspiracy seeking to unlock the most dangerous weapon ever created - and only she can stop it.
Wish I had the second book so I can find out what happens!
New type of YA story.
Refreshing.
Can start off slow...trust me...stick with it!
Can she write a world gone wrong?
A certain pen, a certain book, and a certain person can craft entirely new worlds through a branch of science called scriptology. Elsa comes from one such world that was written into creation, where her mother - a noted scriptologist - constantly alters and expands their reality.
But when her home is attacked and her mother kidnapped, Elsa is forced to cross into the real world and use her own scriptology gifts to find her. In an alternative Victorian Italy, Elsa finds a secret society of young scientists with a gift for mechanics, alchemy, or scriptology - and meets Leo, a gorgeous mechanist with a smart mouth and tragic past. She recruits the help of these fellow geniuses just as an assassin arrives on their doorstep.
In this thrilling debut, worlds collide as Elsa unveils a deep political conspiracy seeking to unlock the most dangerous weapon ever created - and only she can stop it.
Wish I had the second book so I can find out what happens!
New type of YA story.
Refreshing.
Can start off slow...trust me...stick with it!
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated A Song for Bellafortuna in Books
Jan 30, 2019
A Song for Bellafortuna is a decent story. Though I am not sure exactly what the plot of it really is? I got the feeling that it was more about the village of Bellafortuna and it people. Though it was a told though a person or persons of Sanguinetti's family.
Is seem to be more about the Giuseppe's life and his family did and trying to make it right for a fight for freedom for his village and it villagers. I did not get this until about Carlo Vasino's death and a really good friend of Giuseppe's dies who name is Baggio.
I really could not get why the book was called what it was it was about. It more about the village of Bellafortuna. The author writing is what makes me want to rate it low. Though we do get lots of history about Italy and it surrounding city with history about Bellafortuna, Sicily.
The chapters leading up to finally getting where we get to the action and why they seem to get this one favorite and greatest tenor in the world named Caruso is the most interesting part and where I could not put the book down. Before that I really could put the book down and really did not want to complete it. Though the story of love, and friendship is though out the book.
The history and scene of views is talked about and created is really can be captured this this book. This is the only thing that keeps me reading the then the action of if they villagers get that freedom?
Is seem to be more about the Giuseppe's life and his family did and trying to make it right for a fight for freedom for his village and it villagers. I did not get this until about Carlo Vasino's death and a really good friend of Giuseppe's dies who name is Baggio.
I really could not get why the book was called what it was it was about. It more about the village of Bellafortuna. The author writing is what makes me want to rate it low. Though we do get lots of history about Italy and it surrounding city with history about Bellafortuna, Sicily.
The chapters leading up to finally getting where we get to the action and why they seem to get this one favorite and greatest tenor in the world named Caruso is the most interesting part and where I could not put the book down. Before that I really could put the book down and really did not want to complete it. Though the story of love, and friendship is though out the book.
The history and scene of views is talked about and created is really can be captured this this book. This is the only thing that keeps me reading the then the action of if they villagers get that freedom?
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The Lost Pulse in Books
Dec 19, 2019
Well, we are back with this time travel of a book. This one was a bit more less entertaining. It was still worth reading and receiving. We get back to traveling back in time. Only now we are mostly in the modern time.
If you are into terrorism what would you do if you could go back in time and stop maybe without changing history? We see what happens when something happens that happens to kill a member of the special team? Was it his fault? This make a decision seems to affect a member that not in the military when her brother is killed?
What happens to Michelle Jackson once her brother is killed? When JJ and the president cant not go back and save him? There seems to be a regret that JJ has? What is it?
We seem to follow Michelle a bit more and also end up in Italy for a few missions. What missions they do go on. Will they help or hurt their BOTM options? Will their be something of nature that the members to need to learn.
What happens to the pulses and if they can get more or not. The author does it once again with this book. What happens to JJ and his wife Michelle? The President seems more involved. What will happen with him? I will want to know how this continues. There are twists an turns though out the book. This is really good for science fiction fans and along with time travel fans. Are you into history, well this book take you on journey back in time as well.
If you are into terrorism what would you do if you could go back in time and stop maybe without changing history? We see what happens when something happens that happens to kill a member of the special team? Was it his fault? This make a decision seems to affect a member that not in the military when her brother is killed?
What happens to Michelle Jackson once her brother is killed? When JJ and the president cant not go back and save him? There seems to be a regret that JJ has? What is it?
We seem to follow Michelle a bit more and also end up in Italy for a few missions. What missions they do go on. Will they help or hurt their BOTM options? Will their be something of nature that the members to need to learn.
What happens to the pulses and if they can get more or not. The author does it once again with this book. What happens to JJ and his wife Michelle? The President seems more involved. What will happen with him? I will want to know how this continues. There are twists an turns though out the book. This is really good for science fiction fans and along with time travel fans. Are you into history, well this book take you on journey back in time as well.
Simple Story: In Search of Argentina's Gaucho Dancers
Leila Guerriero, Thomas Bunstead and Leo Nickolls
Book
'Everything in him seemed to shout this is what I am made of: there is nothing that I cannot do.'...
Letters 1941-1985
Book
The extraordinary letters of Italo Calvino, one of the great writers of the twentieth century,...