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The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5)
The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5)
Don Bartlett, Jo Nesbo | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.7 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
A very good crime thriller
Crime thrillers are very common, especially series, but I really think the Harry Hole books are better than your average crime novels.

The Norwegian setting is a nice change from your usual UK or USA set novels. Harry Hole is an intriguing and flawed protaganist, even if he is a little bit cliched. The plot of this novel itself is very interesting, although it does wander slightly into disbelief at times. This doesn't stop it from being a very good read and probably one of the better stories in the Harry Hole series that I've read so far.
  
When Dimple Met Rishi
When Dimple Met Rishi
Sandhya Menon | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Young Adult (YA)
9
7.4 (18 Ratings)
Book Rating
I adored how cute this book was. The progression of Dimple and Rishi’s relationship as the got to know each other was wonderful. I especially liked how we got to see it from both points of view. This book made me giggle with glee, go all mushy at the cuteness and ultimately really root for the main characters. It’s been a while since a book had me this invested in a romance, especially a stand alone novel. As well as cute, this book was also funny. The humour was strong throughout, which really added to my overall enjoyment.
  
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LucyB (47 KP) rated The Age of Bowie in Books

Jul 23, 2017  
The Age of Bowie
The Age of Bowie
Paul Morley | 2016 | Biography
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Interesting read (0 more)
Didn't really cover anything new (0 more)
Interesting angle for a Bowie biography
At first, I wasn't so sure about this biography. It seemed too focused on the author, not enough on Bowie himself.

However, once it got going, it was great! A really novel take on the biography format, almost veering into fiction in places, which might not be for everyone, but I personally thought it worked very well.

Did I learn anything new? No. However, I enjoyed it immensely, and in places, it made me view David Bowie in a new light. I very much enjoyed it.
  
Z(
Zenith (Books of Ascension, #1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
[Zenith: The First Book of Ascension] by [Dirk Strasser] has some interesting characters that keeps the story moving. It seems to introduce the idea of light(good) versus dark(evil) along with the quest for enlightenment.

Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.

Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.
  
TD
The Disease
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
[The Disease] by [George Hamilton] was a medical thriller that pits government loyalty versus the good of humanity. I would like to say this was a post apocalyptic story but sadly I can see events like this being possible today.

The characters of Olga and Ludmilla face choices that will not only affect them but possibly the entire world. The setting is an Eastern European nation while a pandemic rages. Ludmilla is a doctor and "Daughter of the Nation", while Olga her daughter is a dissident. Who can be trusted and what is the right choice are themes throughout this novel.
  
TD
The Death of Bees
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
[The Death of Bees] by [Lisa O'Donnell] is a coming of age novel set in Glasgow, Scotland. The characters are realistic and make you feel for them although the dialogue is hard to understand at points because it is the true way they speak in the poorer parts of Scotland. This does not deter but rather enhances the characters who had to survive on their own and take care of each other even before their 'parents' die and get buried. They learn to care not just for each other but also outsiders who really do have their best intentions in mind.
  
It's no secret that I adore Harry Potter & his world tremendously. That made this book a bittersweet read for me, with the knowledge that this is the end of the character, or so JK says. This was a great story! I was hesitant to read it knowing it was a screenplay but, it was an easy read. It didn't take long for it to flow like a novel. This is another great story in the Harry Potter universe. If it is really the end then it is a perfect ending. If not, then I can't wait to see what's next!!
  
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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Widow in Books

Jul 26, 2017  
The Widow
The Widow
Fiona Barton | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
9
7.9 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Straightforward, not over the top (0 more)
A little more character development needed for side roles (0 more)
Great, no frills British psychological drama
It's rare to find psychological thrillers that aren't over the top. Instead of bodies piling up, this entire novel premises around one particular child abduction and how the people around were affected. The widow of the alleged criminal is a completely flawed person, battling her own demons whilst trying to live with him and the press / police constantly hounding her. She is by far imperfect. If I say anymore it may reveal too much. Looking forward to see this on the small screen.
  
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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Ragdoll in Books

Jul 26, 2017  
Ragdoll
Ragdoll
Daniel Cole | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
8.5 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Slightly overhyped - lost concentration
By the time I reached the end I actually had to ask myself who the hell the suspect was which says it all. I think the premise of it is dark, gritty and fascinating - is the detective involved far too flawed a character to be trusted or is he being framed by an evil genius? Unfortunately with all the various characters and sub-plots introduced, I lost focus and ended up losing the story thread as well. Detective Faulkes' character is well- written but I think the novel literally loses the plot.
  
A State of Freedom
A State of Freedom
Neel Mukherjee | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A wonderful array of short stories set in India
An intriguing network of short stories set in modern India with a backdrop of traditional culture. The stories have a vague link with one another, usually focusing on one particular character's narrative. And the nature of each story varies from magical realism to politics. While there were some stories I liked more than others, the animal cruelty of one specific tale was a little gratuitous to my liking. And while I know this happens in India it didn't seem to go anywhere. Other than that a well written cyclical novel.