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Threads of Fate (Fated in the Stars #1)
7.5
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Destiny weaves a tale of unbreakable bonds. Nix’s life has been one quiet struggle after...
Mutli-partner Omegaverse MM Romance
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2633 KP) rated Nemesis in Books
Jul 8, 2025 (Updated Jul 8, 2025)
Orphan Versus Friend
One of Evan’s few friends is Tommy, who also happens to be his weapons dealer. But after discovering some of Tommy’s weapons on an assassin that Evan was fighting, he is mad at his friend for not following Evan’s strict code. Their initial conversation doesn’t go well, but things get complicated with other assassins and a young man that Tommy is trying to help. Will the two be able to solve their differences? Or will they wind up killing each other?
This series is a definite break from my cozy diet, but one I usually love despite the rather graphic violence we get. In this case, the book has too many flaws. The entire plot could have been resolved with a couple of conversations. There are great stretches in the middle where nothing really happens – we’re just dealing with repetitive scenes that don’t go anywhere. Evan is more evil than usual. I get that it was supposed to lead to some growth, but it didn’t work for me. And the ending? I really felt like it let me down. We get some ripped from the headline politics in this book, but it leads to cliches and doesn’t feel like there is much point to it. I feel like the series is marking time in some ways since the initial arc was resolved, and this is worse than normal. The writing is still wonderful. Lots of others seem to still love it, but this one is best for only the diehard fans.
This series is a definite break from my cozy diet, but one I usually love despite the rather graphic violence we get. In this case, the book has too many flaws. The entire plot could have been resolved with a couple of conversations. There are great stretches in the middle where nothing really happens – we’re just dealing with repetitive scenes that don’t go anywhere. Evan is more evil than usual. I get that it was supposed to lead to some growth, but it didn’t work for me. And the ending? I really felt like it let me down. We get some ripped from the headline politics in this book, but it leads to cliches and doesn’t feel like there is much point to it. I feel like the series is marking time in some ways since the initial arc was resolved, and this is worse than normal. The writing is still wonderful. Lots of others seem to still love it, but this one is best for only the diehard fans.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2633 KP) rated Dead-Bang Fall in Books
Feb 2, 2023 (Updated Feb 2, 2023)
Helping a Face from His Past
PI Nate Ross thinks he has a simple case when he’s hired for a penny-ante theft caper. But that’s before one of his suspects is killed in a back alley. While Nate didn’t witness the crime, he did see the victim go into the alley with someone that Nate helped put in prison five years ago. However, a few hours later, that man turns up at Nate’s office claiming to be innocent and hiring Nate to clear him before disappearing again. Nate buys most of the story, but he knows he didn’t get the whole truth. That feeling only grows as he starts to investigate. Can he figure out the whole truth?
This is a great trip back to 1939 Hollywood, and the setting comes to life. As a throwback PI novel, it does start out with a little too much jargon of the time, but fortunately, that calms down as we get into the story. It does have a bit more violence and foul language than in one of the cozies I read, but it doesn’t go overboard. The plot is strong with quite a few twists, compilations, and half-truths before we reach the fun climax. Nate much face his past here, and we are reminded about enough to make the growth real. Meanwhile, we get a couple of fun returning characters and a batch of great new ones. If you enjoy PI novels set in this era, this is one to check out.
This is a great trip back to 1939 Hollywood, and the setting comes to life. As a throwback PI novel, it does start out with a little too much jargon of the time, but fortunately, that calms down as we get into the story. It does have a bit more violence and foul language than in one of the cozies I read, but it doesn’t go overboard. The plot is strong with quite a few twists, compilations, and half-truths before we reach the fun climax. Nate much face his past here, and we are reminded about enough to make the growth real. Meanwhile, we get a couple of fun returning characters and a batch of great new ones. If you enjoy PI novels set in this era, this is one to check out.
Surface Scratch (Neon Scars #1)
8.0
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20-year-old Caleb Walsh hasn’t had an easy life. After a life-altering car accident left him...
Dark Paranormal Romance MM Vampires
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Special Place in Hell: The World’s most Depraved Killers in Books
Nov 15, 2021
189 of 250
Book
A Special Place in Hell: The Worlds Most Depraved Killers
By Christopher Berry-Dee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Christopher Berry-Dee is the man who talks to serial killers. A world-renowned investigative criminologist, he has gained the trust of murderers across the world, entered their high security prisons, and discussed in detail their shocking crimes. The killers' pursuit of horror and violence is described through the unique audiotape and videotape interviews which Berry-Dee conducted, deep inside the bowels of some of the world's toughest prisons.
Christopher Berry-Dee has collated these interviews into this astounding, disturbing book. Not only does he describe his meetings with some of the world's most evil men and women, he also reproduces, verbatim, their very words as they describe their crimes, allowing the reader a glimpse into the inner workings of the people who have committed the worst crime possible - to mercilessly take the life of another human being.
As compilations go it wasn’t too bad. I got a feeling it wasn’t a book he wanted to write he seemed a little wushu washy in parts of that makes sense. There were a few I’d never heard of in this and that’s why it’s a 3 star instead of a 2 as he seemed quite animated about these select few. I do have a few more of his book in my tbr pile so I will give him an go.
Book
A Special Place in Hell: The Worlds Most Depraved Killers
By Christopher Berry-Dee
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Christopher Berry-Dee is the man who talks to serial killers. A world-renowned investigative criminologist, he has gained the trust of murderers across the world, entered their high security prisons, and discussed in detail their shocking crimes. The killers' pursuit of horror and violence is described through the unique audiotape and videotape interviews which Berry-Dee conducted, deep inside the bowels of some of the world's toughest prisons.
Christopher Berry-Dee has collated these interviews into this astounding, disturbing book. Not only does he describe his meetings with some of the world's most evil men and women, he also reproduces, verbatim, their very words as they describe their crimes, allowing the reader a glimpse into the inner workings of the people who have committed the worst crime possible - to mercilessly take the life of another human being.
As compilations go it wasn’t too bad. I got a feeling it wasn’t a book he wanted to write he seemed a little wushu washy in parts of that makes sense. There were a few I’d never heard of in this and that’s why it’s a 3 star instead of a 2 as he seemed quite animated about these select few. I do have a few more of his book in my tbr pile so I will give him an go.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Twist of a Knife (Hawthorne & Horowitz Mystery #4) in Books
Aug 7, 2022
Getting back into a Hawthorne & Horowitz mystery is like meeting up with an old friend you haven't seen for ages but it's as if you saw them yesterday so if you haven't read any of the previous in the series, don't worry, you will fall into the story and the characters quickly.
Once again, Mr Horowitz provides a treat of a murder/mystery staring himself as one of the main characters alongside the enigmatic and mysterious Daniel Hawthorne. Are they friends or do they just tolerate each other? I'm still trying to work that one out but Hawthorne is the one Anthony turns to when he is accused of the murder of a theatre critic who panned his play Mindgame.
With an eclectic and wonderful cast of characters, Hawthorne sets about trying to find the murderer amongst a host of viable suspects (Anthony included) in his own inimitable way whilst the evidence stacks up against Anthony and an arrest by the police appears to be inevitable and imminent.
Written at a great pace, this is full of humour, mystery and is thoroughly enjoyable and I loved it. What I particularly like about this series is the lack of violence which makes a nice change to what I usually read and I am looking forward to (hopefully) the next in the series and that more details are revealed about Hawthorne!
Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Twist of a Knife and share my thoughts.
Once again, Mr Horowitz provides a treat of a murder/mystery staring himself as one of the main characters alongside the enigmatic and mysterious Daniel Hawthorne. Are they friends or do they just tolerate each other? I'm still trying to work that one out but Hawthorne is the one Anthony turns to when he is accused of the murder of a theatre critic who panned his play Mindgame.
With an eclectic and wonderful cast of characters, Hawthorne sets about trying to find the murderer amongst a host of viable suspects (Anthony included) in his own inimitable way whilst the evidence stacks up against Anthony and an arrest by the police appears to be inevitable and imminent.
Written at a great pace, this is full of humour, mystery and is thoroughly enjoyable and I loved it. What I particularly like about this series is the lack of violence which makes a nice change to what I usually read and I am looking forward to (hopefully) the next in the series and that more details are revealed about Hawthorne!
Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read The Twist of a Knife and share my thoughts.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Lost (Jonah Colley #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
Oh my goodness!! This is one of my reads of 2021; it grabbed me round the neck from page 1 and didn't let go right to the very end.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This is one very, very clever and exceptionally good story that had me absolutely hooked from the beginning and devouring every page with a voracious appetite for more.
The characters are excellent, all of them have a part to play and all play it well. Of particular note are the main character of Jonah, who I quickly became attached to, and the investigating officer, DI Fletcher, who I quickly disliked (there's got to be a story there for a future book ?!?); I didn't feel there was one character that was surplus to requirements.
It's full of atmosphere, tension, suspense, anticipation and is totally gripping from the very start. I was desperate to find out if there was any connection to Jonah's missing son and the carnage Jonah discovers at the bleak Slaughter Quay and was extremely satisfied with the outcome and how it was reached.
I can't wait for the next instalment in this new series and have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of crime thrillers but be warned, it is a difficult read in parts and there is violence and numerous scenes of peril so if you are of a nervous disposition, then this might not be the one for you but if not, go and buy it ... now!
Many, many thanks to Orion Publishing Group via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2633 KP) rated Uneasy Prey in Books
Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Apr 25, 2022)
Who Are the Monsters Targeting the Elderly?
Zoe Chambers is back to work after a couple of months of medical leave, and her first night back in the ambulance finds her taking a call for an elderly woman who fell down the stairs in her house. On her way to the hospital, she revives enough to say she was pushed, but then she passed out again. When she dies, Zoe’s boyfriend, Police Chief Pete Adams, becomes involved. The investigation quickly leads to the thieves who are targeting the elderly in the area. Can Pete and Zoe catch them before they strike again?
Every time I pick up one of these books, I’m reminded why I enjoy them. Zoe and Pete are both strong, and they share main character duties. I love seeing the story unfold from both of their point-of-views, and it is always easy to follow whose head we are in. The story includes a couple of sub-plots that help draw us into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The twists kept coming until the end. The characters are all strong whether returning or new. I did get a little frustrated with Pete at one point, but it was a minor point. These books are a tad darker than the books I normally read, and they have a shade more language and violence as well, but that’s worth noting only in passing. I hope I get a chance to pick up the next in the series soon.
Every time I pick up one of these books, I’m reminded why I enjoy them. Zoe and Pete are both strong, and they share main character duties. I love seeing the story unfold from both of their point-of-views, and it is always easy to follow whose head we are in. The story includes a couple of sub-plots that help draw us into the story, and I had a hard time putting the book down. The twists kept coming until the end. The characters are all strong whether returning or new. I did get a little frustrated with Pete at one point, but it was a minor point. These books are a tad darker than the books I normally read, and they have a shade more language and violence as well, but that’s worth noting only in passing. I hope I get a chance to pick up the next in the series soon.
Skull's Vengeance (Curse of Clansmen and Kings #4)
Book
A Celtic warrior queen must do the impossible—defeat her sorcerer half-brother and claim the...
Historical Fantasy Ancient Rome Ancient Britannia
The Prisoner of Paradise (The Paradise Series #1)
Book
The world’s largest oil painting. A 400-year-old murder. A disembodied whisper: “Amore mio.”...
Commercial Thriller Historical Fiction Magical Realism