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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2474 KP) rated Abstract Aliases in Books

Mar 25, 2020

Abstract Aliases

Ritter Ames | 2016 | Mystery

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Hunting for a Killer’s Alias

As this book opens, it’s been two months since we last checked in on Laurel Beacham and Jack Hawkes. While they have been doing their best to gather clues to stop the coming heist, things have been quiet. Too quiet. However, something is about to explode on New Year’s Day, and I’m not talking about the London fireworks. While Laurel and Jack are waiting for those fireworks to start, they are shocked have an encounter with one of the men involved in the upcoming heist. Then the next day, Laurel’s London office is broken into. Once again one step ahead of danger and one step behind their prey, Laurel and Jack must act quickly. Will they gain any new clues?

The teaser may seem a bit vague, but much of the fun of this book is watching the plot unfold and getting swept up in the proceedings. The plot is fast paced with hardly any time for the characters, or us, to breath. Still, we do get real characters, and I’m enjoying watching Laurel and Jack grow as individuals as well as in their relationship. The rest of the characters are just as strong. This is more of a caper type plot than a traditional cozy, and I loved it. There is a larger story going on, and it is helpful to read this series in order as a result – especially since events of the earlier books in the series are spoiled here. However, this book does have a satisfying story that ties into the larger story, and we get some interesting revelations. Fans of the series will enjoy this book.

Kudos

Hazel (1853 KP) rated Dakota and the American Dream in Books

Apr 24, 2020

"Dakota was tired of playing catch with his mother at the park," so he rested on a bench but was soon distracted by a peculiar talking squirrel. Chasing after the strange creature, Dakota finds himself in a fantasy world full of anthropomorphic animals. Before he knows what is happening, Dakota finds himself working for Corporate America with its odd rules and unhappy employees.

The fantasy world of Sameer Garach's Dakota and the American Dream is a satire of modern-day America. From a ten year old's perspective, the short story covers the corporate ladder, hierarchy, racism, discrimination, career success and an extreme love of coffee. Whilst all this is humorous to the adult mind, there is an alarming amount of truth that paints the "American Dream" as a corrupt society.

From the very start, Dakota's experience feels remarkably like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and could almost be said to be a 21st-century version of the classic children's book. Most of Dakota's story will go over the heads of young readers, however, adults will enjoy the humour and childhood innocence as well as appreciate the connection with their favourite books as a child.

As a parody of both real life and fiction, Dakota and the American Dream is a clever story that entertains and makes you think. Although sometimes extreme, it is amusing to read about everyday life being acted out by squirrels, mice, rats, a cowardly lion, an 800-pound Gorilla and many more bizarre creatures. If the humour and satire was stripped away, we would be left with a child's confusion about the way America works with many things appearing stupid or unfair.