Death of an Old Girl (Pollard & Toye #1), by Elizabeth Lemarchand

Six stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Asked to read and review this first novel in a long police procedural series, I leapt at the chance to delve into the world of Elizabeth Lemarchard and her well-developed Scotland Yard duo, Inspector Pollard and Sergeant Toye. During a reunion week at the Meldon School for Girls, Beatrice Baynes appears on the scene with nothing but criticism. From the layout of the garden to the freedoms exercised by pupils through to the scandalous artwork being created, Baynes has gone on the warpath. While others around her try to hold their tongues, there is an obvious animosity towards this ‘old girl’ and her less than laudatory personality. When Baynes is found murdered, the list of suspects is long and the motives equally as lengthy. The crime brings Pollard and Toye on the scene, dispatched from Scotland Yard to catch the murderer before the case gets cold. The investigation pushes the cops in numerous directions, though it is the careful examination of clues and insight that leads them to discover more than first meets the eye. With the killer somewhere amongst the reunion attendees, will Pollard and Toye be willing to finger someone, with the victim’s departure anything but a sorry loss to society? Lemarchand lays the groundwork for what surely became an interesting series with this debut novel. Some fans of police procedurals will enjoy it, though I found it hard to grip, even from the opening pages.

I have often said that first impressions of authors are hard to dispel, particularly when I have so many on my radar. Having this book put before me was likely the only way I would have read it, though I am sorry to say that I wish I had skipped the opportunity. I found the writing not to my liking and the story took too long to get going for me to thoroughly enjoy the end result. It was a tough read, peppered with my skimming at times to get through the experience in order to pen this review. Lemarchand does develop her characters well, offering them life and vigour throughout, but I simply could not find myself latching onto them or wanting to dig deeper. Surely, there will be many who have loved this series and have much praise for Lemarchand. To those folks, I tip my hat and praise the fact that I am able to disagree without it being scandalous. I would recommend anyone who reads the dust jacket to give the series a try, for it is perhaps my jaded perspective that left me unsatisfied. That being said. I take my gut reaction seriously and think it bears some merit in the larger reviewing community as well.

Thank you, Madam Lemarchand, for your large contribution to the genre and the writing community. Alas, it just did nothing for me!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2), by J.D. Barker

Eight stars

After his stunning series debut, talk about J.D. Barker and his 4MK thriller has many eager to get their hands on the next novel. Sam Porter is still trying to come to terms with the Four Monkey Killer, a.k.a. Anson Bishop, who rocked Chicago before he slipped through the fingers of authorities. With his own wife also dead, Porter had the case wrestled from him by the FBI without even a consultation with the seasoned detective. Now, in the dead of a Chicago winter, Ella Reynolds has gone missing. Missing Children is alerted and works alongside Chicago Metro until a body is found under the ice. The biggest problem? The water’s been solid for months and the body went missing only a few weeks ago. The buzz says that Bishop is back, but Porter cannot be sure, thinking that the killings are too different, particularly when the teen’s body is soaked in salt water. While Porter goes on a manhunt to find Bishop, he is left to follow a single lead and a hint that Bishop’s mother might hold the key to it all. When more teenage girls go missing, Metro rush to piece it all together, seeing some parallels to the previous 4MK deaths, though the oddity of the bodies leaves them baffled. Within the killer’s lair, the reader learns about an odd fascination with visions, which could be the key the authorities need to bring things together. As Barker pushes an interesting subplot with an old Bishop journal, the story takes on a new and bone-chilling perspective, while the bodies continue to mount. Barker does a sensational job of luring the reader in and finding new ways to create a stellar thriller. Perfect for those who loved the debut novel and readers who enjoy dark crime thrillers.

Barker’s return has been much anticipated and the wait can said to be justified. In a story equally as thrilling, the reader is taken on another journey down to the depths of a killer’s psyche and through some of the triggers that might have helped shape the man Anson Bishop became. The cast of characters is large, which can cause confusion, though those who are able to keep names and plots straight will revel in the detail used throughout the piece. Detective Same Porter definitely makes his mark in this book, though the dilution of storylines has him serving on but a part of the larger narrative. Bishop’s presence, both in the current story and through a detailed backstory in the form of journal entries, enriches the narrative and adds a dark flavour that Barker developed in the opening novel. The reader can better understand the man, while also being baffled by this new killer who has a penchant for teenage girls. The story is longer, but has also been broken into scores of chapters, making the narrative move at a clipped pace. Barker effectively breaks down not only the perspective, but a short timeline, to give the reader a true bang for their buck. Events flow wonderfully, though there is always a sense of panic, even over the short time period needed from first discovery until gruesome finale. Barker is an author not to be missed, as he haunts the reader with his style and skill, a sense that lingers long after the final paragraph.

Kudos, Mr. Barker, for another wonderful piece of work. I am eager to read more of your work, both in this series and in a collaborative effort with the distant relative of the author who honed thrill writing as a genre.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Second Coming (The Shroud #2), by John Heubusch

Eight stars

John Heubusch stunned me with the opening novel in this series, mixing science and religion to posit what might happen if genetic material could be gleaned from the Shroud of Turin. Continuing where the drama left off, Heybusch furthers the story and explores the fallout of a Revelation-type End of Days situation inches closer to reality. After Dr. Jon Bondurant is able to remove the woman he loves, Domenika Jozef, from the clutches of the Demanian Church, a religious sect keen on pushing human cloning well into the future, they must come to terms with a personal loss. Domenika had been kidnapped and bore what the Demanians thought was the cloned Jesus, after taking DNA samples from the Shroud of Turin. However, a second sample of DNA was found on the Shroud, that of a Watcher, a fallen angel. This Watcher is the child left with the Demanians and who has begun his time on earth causing demonstrable havoc. India has been plagued with a devastating illness with no cure; something that puts the Spanish Flu to shame. With no known cure, health officials the world over are baffled as to how to handle it, as more of the world’s population succumbs each day. Knowing that they cannot stand idly by, Jon Bondurant and Domenika Jozef work alongside the Vatican to obtain a ‘pure’ sample of Jesus’ blood to clone their own offspring, the only one who might be able to save the world. Through some less than savoury acts, they are able to bring forth another child in Domenika’s womb and she bears this child, whom they call Christopher. As the years pass, Christopher proves to be a miraculous child and one who can perform many acts thought unknown, including curing the baffling illness plaguing India and elsewhere. Jon, Domenika, and Christopher all become targets of the Demanians, who have started to grow in popularity as the Vatican continues to wrestle with the ongoing issue of child abuse. With the Demanians holding their own weapon, the Vatican can do little but hope that Christopher grows into a man that has the ability to hold onto all that is pure. The stage is set for a battle of Good vs. Evil, Catholic Church vs. Demanian Sect, Science vs. Faith. A brilliant follow-up novel that keeps the reader hooked to the very end and leaves a tumultuous ending. Fans of a good religious thriller may enjoy this, though it is not recommended for the truly devout who wish not to have the Catholic Church knocked of its self-developed pedestal once again.

Heubusch used his first novel to present a foundation of science working alongside faith and the strains both possess as they seek to push to their limits. The ending left the door open with the Demanians in possession of a cloned and reborn Watcher, which sounds much more dramatic than the story presents. Now, it is time to see the fallout and how the key characters will move forward to process this and seek to rectify the imbalance. Jon Bondurant and Domenika Jozef are again great protagonists with much depth. Together, they offer the reader a wonderful means of seeing the narrative from the side of Good, though are by no means united in all regards. Bondurant has a secret, one that might fuel his strong atheistic views and shape the vigorous science-centred beliefs of his past and ongoing research. Domenika knows all about this, though has kept it from the man she loves, a secret sure to rot away at the foundation of their connection. They struggle throughout the piece not only to protect their ‘son’ Christopher, but to battle the inner demons that have created such a strain. Heubusch develops the Demanian Church more completely in this novel. What was a passing sect in the opening novel has now turned into the centre of a movement to dethrone the Catholic Church entirely. Heubusch weaves this narrative together effectively with key characters on both sides of the battle, all while injecting a flavour of End of Days being on the horizon. The remaining cast fits in nicely, all of whom add flavour and intensity to an already exciting narrative. Heubusch has crafted them perfectly and the reader cannot help but get lost in the well-grounded perspectives offers throughout the novel, which presents the theme from a variety of angles. The narrative does get bogged down at times with details regarding Christian history and Catholic dogma, but the story would not be as captivating with only superficial discussions of these topics. Heubusch has taken the time to get everything in order, creating a timely story at a time when Good and Evil seems to be ever-present. While some may look at the dust cover, the title, or even my summary and feel this is something that could only be enjoyed by the devout who want to hear all about their Saviour. It is not a ‘born-again’ piece of fiction with Jesus saving us all and the author injecting their own sermon on how to be saved in time. Rather, it takes much of the Christian foundation of End of Days and explores it through some strong arguments geared towards those who love a well-paced thriller. With a rapid pace and some subplots that demand answers, Heubusch shows that he has an excellent handle on his writing and can captivate the reader in short order.

Kudos, Mr. Heubusch, for another great piece that keeps the reader hooked. I can only hope there is more to come from you soon.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Shroud Conspiracy (The Shroud #1), by John Heubusch

Eight stars

John Heubusch only crossed my radar during a recent trip to the library, where I noticed this interesting religious thriller. Always up for something that turns accepted religious fact on its head, I leapt at the chance to read this book and expand my knowledge base. Dr. Jon Bondurant is a world-renowned forensic anthropologist whose explorations and debunking of Christian relics has helped assign him the title of Vatican Enemy Number One. After years of trying to get permission to run tests of the Shroud of Turin, Vatican sources finally agree, though their regulations and demands are quite lengthy. The Shroud, said to be the cloth used to wrap Jesus Christ’s body after his crucifixion, has long been a controversial relic and never surfaced until the Middle Ages. Earlier tests disproved its authenticity, though new technology could offer an answer once and for all, thereby elevating the Shroud to new heights. Dr. Bondurant assembles some of the world’s best in their fields to examine various aspects of the Shroud, including a recent Nobel Prize winner whose work in ancient DNA has created a buzz around the scientific world. When the team arrives in Turin, they are met by Domenika Jozef, a Polish-born Vatican representative whose devout views clash with most of what Bondurant posits. During some of the key tests, Bondurant and Jozef come across proof that neither could have predicted, turning what may once have been rumour into all but concrete proof. Working on such a high-intensity project, Bondurant and Jozef are pushed together to the point that the tension becomes too much, though the playboy scientist makes his hasty escape before things get too real. While planning the final report for the world and Vatican, all aspects of Shroud analysis come together, though there is an anomaly with the blood analysis and a DNA chain that could not have been expected makes its way into the results. However, there may be more than science at play here, as a religious sect has been poking around and trying to use the services of this Nobel laureate to facilitate their plans for human cloning. As the world reacts to the Shroud news, there could be something equally earth shattering in store, as Domenika Jozef has gone missing. Heubusch creates much hype with this stellar opening novel in the series and leaves readers gasping with the ending, as they rush to find the sequel. Fans of a good religious thriller may enjoy this, though it is not recommended for the truly devout who wish not to have the Catholic Church knocked of its self-developed pedestal.

When it comes to books that seek to debunk religious tenets, there are many out there. It would seem that the Catholic Church, more specifically the Vatican, takes it on the nose when authors try to pry loose fact from faith-based fallacy, at least in the world of fiction. However, while some novels have earned their authors much success, it is difficult to find something entirely unique and yet interesting to a large cross-section of readers. Heubusch has succeeded, marrying science to a well-known Christian relic and churning out this highly entertaining novel. He has developed a lovely collection of characters that find ways to link themselves with the reader as the story progresses, without becoming too far fetched or standoffish. Jon Bondurant and Domenika Jozef prove not only to be two wonderful protagonists, but clash so completely as to complement one another perfectly. One is rooted in fact and refuses to make strong personal connections while the other finds solace in her faith and seeks deep personal connections. Together, they offer the reader a wonderful means of seeing the narrative through two lenses, both of which are highly enthralling. The remaining cast fits in nicely, be they scientists, religious scholars, or sect members pushing a newfangled set of beliefs, all of whom add flavour and intensity to an already exciting narrative. Heubusch has crafted them perfectly and the reader cannot help but get lost in the well-grounded perspectives offers throughout the novel,. The narrative does get bogged down at times with details regarding Christian history, Catholic dogma, and the sciences of analysis, but I surmise that the story would not be as captivating with only superficial discussions of these topics. Heubusch has surely taken the time to get everything in order, creating the equivalent to a well-oiled machine before letting the reader make their own decision. With as quick pace throughout and some subplots that are sure to become central arguments in the sequel, Heubusch ends this opening novel with a stunning revelation, one that could rock Christianity to its core, should it come to pass. Then again, it’s always fun to weaken a foundation and see how the tenets withhold the impact, no?

Kudos, Mr. Heubusch, for a great piece that keeps the reader hooked. I am rushing to get my hands on the sequel so that I, too, can learn how all this plays out.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Measure of Darkness (Clay Edison #2), by Jonathan Kellerman and Jesse Kellerman

Eight stars

Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman return with another successful collaborative effort as they continue their new series. This comes after a disastrous effort that many readers still remember. A late-night shooting outside an Oakland home brings Clay Edison to the scene. An investigator for the Coroner’s Office, Edison spends much of his time trying to locate the next of kin while also working to better understand the rationale, paralleling some of the work undertaken by the police. While the deaths took place at a single location, bullets were not the only weapon of choice. Adding to the complications, Edison must try to identify the bodies, which proves harder than it might seem. The case branches out and forces Edison into the world of the transgender community, who protect themselves, erecting walls of privacy they feel prevents societal shaming. While Edison must walk on eggshells in this regard, it pales in comparison to some of the other mysteries of the case surrounding an alternative school with a history of bucking the mainstream. The further Edison digs, the more complicated things became. If this were not enough, Clay’s brother appears after a stint in jail with news of his own, enough to topple the apple cart for Clay and those close to him. The Kellerman men provide a fast-paced and highly entertaining piece that explores the criminal process from a unique perspective. Recommended for fans of both authors and their collaborative efforts, as well as readers who love a good police procedural.

I have read most of what Jesse Kellerman has written, though I soured on him after reading the aforementioned literary disaster. However, when I saw such rave reviews for the series debut novel, I took the plunge and was pleased with the outcome. The Kellerman men have a great grasp of writing that puts the reader at ease and keeps them connection to the cases at hand. Clay Edison, a college basketball phenom whose career abruptly ended, has adapted to life as a coroner’s investigator. He’s a great character whose off-hand approach to life and work keeps the story moving along well. He has a way about him that has the reader wondering where his mind is going and what he is thinking, keeping the narrative twisting in numerous directions. The reader sees much of his backstory emerging with the arrival of his brother on the scene. Bringing up memories of their youth and the different paths they chose at an important fork in the road helps the reader to relate a little better with him. Adding a collection of characters who differ greatly from one another, the authors inject an interesting flavour to the story, such that the reader will not likely become tired as the narrative progresses. Tackling a few poignant societal issues, the authors provide an interesting—and I would venture to say, ‘healthy’—discussion of the issues, choosing to offer a perspective that is respectful without being soap box-esque. This provides the reader with some insight that may not have been at their disposal before, perhaps opening the minds or sparking an ongoing debate. The story certainly flows well and reads like a police procedural, though without much of the gritty banter between authorities and witnesses. The seamless writing style of these two established authors is reflected in the ease with which the reader can progress in short order. I am definitely looking forward for more in this series, though understand personal commitments of both Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman may make another novel a distant dream.

Kudos, Messrs. Kellerman, for another stellar piece. You have great fan bases and I hope you’ll continue to cater to them for the foreseeable future.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Chaser (Jinx Ballou Bounty Hunter #1), by Dharma Kelleher

Eight stars

Dharma Kelleher returns with this debut novel in her new series, one that is sure to pique the interests of those readers who enjoy something a little grittier. Jenna Christina ‘Jinx’ Ballou is a well-respect bounty hunter in Phoenix. With eight years experience and time working for Phoenix PD, she has the intuition needed to hunt down criminals of all stripes and colours. She’s quite excited to be featured in a local news magazine, sure to highlight all her accomplishments. However, the journalist spins the article to reveal a personal matter she has kept under wraps for close to two decades; that she is transgender. While this has not proven to impede her abilities to work, it would seem that many in her line of work are a little less than accepting. Having been blackballed by many, Jinx is forced to peddle her wares and is given a one-time chance to locate a significant bounty in only five days. A teenage girl has been charged with murdering her mother and, while out on bail, has disappeared from her aunt’s custody. While the aunt vows that she has no idea where she might have gone, Jinx is not too sure. Rumour has it, she’s been scooped up by some random man, though details remain sketchy. Working with her boyfriend and fellow bounty hunter, Conor, Jinx uses all her contacts to locate this young woman, which takes her to the darkest parts of the city. Risking her life and limb every day, Jinx must juggle her work and background as she faces people with little regard for respect and responsibility. Time is running out and Jinx has to secure this bounty or face dire consequences in all parts of life. Kelleher does a fantastic job opening the reader’s eyes to the world of bounty hunting and acceptance of people in all walks of life. Those who have enjoyed Kelleher’s past work will likely find this piece of great interest.

While I do not usually read the type of books that Kelleher pens (bikers and bounty hunters), I find the quality and ease of understanding to be highly addictive. Kelleher invests time and energy to ensure that the reader, no matter their walk of life, can feel comfortable reading this material and, at times, develop an affinity for the genre. Jinx Ballou is a character that is sure to prove curious to the attentive reader. She is filled with layers of personality traits that complement one another, while also bringing much backstory to keep things from getting too mundane. A bounty hunter in a male-dominated field, she has grit and determination to differentiate herself from others, without going over the top. Kelleher handles the transgender angle respectfully and offers the reader education rather than feeling as through they are being inculcated with information. There is a delicate mix and Jinx juggles all parts of her life while also keeping the story moving forward. Some of the other characters serve to accentuate differentiate varying aspects of the story’s plots, be they the world of bounty collection, sexual acceptance, or personal growth. Kelleher has shaped these secondary characters as effective vessels to speak to the perspectives she wishes to portray throughout. Turning to the story, it is gritty and does not slow down at any point, but does alternate between plot and characters development. This is important, particularly if Kelleher wants to create a series, for it is connection to both that will have the reader wanting more. Pulling no punches, Kelleher tells things as they are, injecting saucy dialogue to create a degree of realism to the character interaction. This will surely offend or upset some readers, but that would likely be the crowd who’d not return nonetheless, so there is little lost keeping them on the wayside. I have been happily surprised to see all the pieces Kelleher has presented to date and hope she has more in store for her fans, no matter the topic.

Kudos, Madam Kelleher, for another winner. I can see so much potential and hope you’re getting the support from readers and writers alike to keep pushing forward with this venture.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Noise Downstairs, by Linwood Barclay

Eight stars

Linwood Barclay can always be relied upon to put forth exciting novels that creep up the spine, leaving the reader questioning what they’ve just read. His ability to develop a psychological thriller puts him in league with some of the top in the genre, thereby strengthening his fan base. Paul Davis is a college professor who was out on a late evening drive. After coming upon the vehicle of his colleague, Paul stops to help, only to be attacked and almost killed. Eight months later, Paul is trying to come to terms with the head injury he suffered that night, while his wife, Charlotte, must try to acclimate to her husband’s constant forgetfulness. She purchases an old typewriter for him, in hopes that it will help him process some of the feelings and thoughts that came from the attack. Paul has also engaged the services of a therapist, Dr. Anna White, who is helping him come to terms with the entire ordeal. When Paul wakes in the night, hearing a clacking sound that could be no other than the typewriter, he rushes to see, but there is nothing there. Worried, Charlotte tries to help her husband come to terms with what must be his subconscious brain playing tricks on him. Dr. White goes so far as to concur, hoping that her patient will find solace rather than constant distress with this new form of therapeutic release. Meanwhile, Dr. White has another patient whose past is indicative of severe and inexplicable revenge tendencies, seeking to topple the apple carts of many others for his own peace of mind. The more she tries to help, the less it appears to work. With Paul’s ongoing traumatic situation, now morphed into messages spewing from paper left in the typewriter at night, one can only surmise that there may be something supernatural happening, which is only further supported when it would appear that it was the same typewriter as the man who attacked Paul; someone who had forced previous victims to write letters of apology before he killed them. With all this coming to a head, Paul forges on to make sense of it all, while Charlotte becomes increasingly worried. Has her husband lost all touch with reality? Could his memory loss be responsible for him writing these messages at night, but not remembering? And how can one completely explain that noise of the typewriter clanking in the night? Barclay leaves these and many other questions with the reader, who will likely want to dive in to better understand what is going on. Another brilliant piece by a psychological thriller expert. Recommended for those who enjoy Linwood Barclay’s work or the reader who finds solace in a novel that poses multiple mind games.

I can usually be assured of a top-notch novel when Barclay publishes something and this piece was nothing short of stellar. The mix of well-developed characters, a plausible plot, and just a touch of King-esque paranormal activity (so much so that the characters actually refer to what is going on as having come from a King novel), leaves the reader wanting to push onwards as things get even more complicated. Paul Davis is a wonderfully relatable character who has been through a great ordeal and is only now able to pick up the pieces. He straddles the line between recovery and deeper psychological issues, though there is little doubt that current events with his new gift have pushed him further away from sanity. He struggles to understand it all, though has been able to turn to Anna White to help him. While this does not always work, the reader can see glimpses of sanity in his sporadic activities and memory-debilitating daily life. Anna White proves to be another key character, juggling her own personal issues alongside those of a handful of clients, all of whom pose different risks to themselves and others. The reader will likely find the White character to be very grounded, though also a bit standoffish, as is usually the case when processed through the eyes of a patient. Paul and Anna find themselves in an odd dance to better understand the former’s mental state and while outward signs point to issues, there is surely something else at play. A handful of other characters prop things up and thicken an already strong plot, adding questions and intrigue while riding the narrative’s easy flow. The story is one that might not be entirely unique—an inanimate object takes over and causes a protagonist angst—but the way it is presented in Barclay style leaves the reader to wonder how it all comes together. Things flow well and the story does not get too out of hand, though the reader need keep an open mind until the final chapters to understand what is going on. Barclay has mastered his craft again and it is up to the reader to decide if they are prepared to accept what is on offer.

Kudos, Mr. Barclay, for another wonderful novel. I can only hope your ideas continue to flow, as I have eagerly anticipated many of the pieces you’ve presented in the last numbers of years.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

A Killer’s Mind (Zoe Bentley #1), by Mike Omer

Eight stars

My first venture into the world of Mike Omer’s writing will surely not be one I forget. A serial killer novel that flips the genre on its head, Omer keeps the reader guessing throughout, in a piece that loses no momentum the deeper the plot. Dr. Zoe Bentley is an accomplished forensic psychologist with a passion for her work. When she is contracted to consult for the FBI, she leaps at the opportunity, getting neck-deep into a case that has been chilling Chicago to its core. While the local profiler scoffs at her ideas, FBI Special Agent Tatum Gray takes a liking to Bentley’s quirky side, though is kept in his place throughout the investigation. Someone has been murdering women and leaving them on public display, but not before embalming them, a unique act that has dubbed the killer the Strangling Undertaker. While investigating, Bentley cannot help but think back to a string of serial murders from her youth, which shocked her small town in Massachusetts. Bentley was sure she could identify the killer, but no one would listen to a teenager at the time. Back in Chicago, the killer seems to be getting sloppy and is almost caught, offering up a number of digital breadcrumbs on which the authorities can capitalise. When Bentley’s past and the current investigation collide, she cannot help but wonder if the horrors from two decades before might be rejuvenated, allowing a killer to whet their appetite again. Omer chills the reader to their core and provides the perfect mix of action and killer perspective to ensure the reader will come back for more. Those who love serial killer thrillers (what a tag-line for the sub-genre!) will want to keep this one on their list.

With the rise of certain television programmes, FBI profilers tend to be protagonists that are appearing throughout novels of this genre. That said, while anyone can spout out theories and ideas, it is the killer who deserves the praise, should they be thoughtful enough to provide a unique approach to crimes. Readers want to see new and intriguing ways to have their spines tingled, while trying to see what clues are left for synthesizing. Mike Omer does both very well and was able to keep me hooked, wondering throughout each passing chapter. Introducing Zoe Bentley’s character with such a backstory did much to convince me this would be a novel worth my time. I found her to be not only well-grounded throughout the investigation, providing both a serious and lighter side, but also to have a lovely, if dark, past as a teenager, which surely got her interested in all things serial killer. Omer balances these well and mixes them throughout the narrative, helping develop an attachment for the reader. Tatum Gray and some of the other characters laid the foundation for what could be a great series, should Omer continue with his strong FBI pairing, though there is likely a twist or two coming by next summer. The story was strong, yet did not get bogged down in too much psychological analysis, providing readers from all walks of life to feel comfortable navigating through the novel. Things flowed well and there were enough moments where the story took a twist so that the reader could not predict too much as things developed. Having not read any of Omer’s earlier work, I cannot comment on whether this venture into the genre is new or surprising, but I will say that he has made a fan out of me and I will keep my eyes peeled for the second Bentley instalment next July.

Kudos, Mr. Omer, for entertaining and educating in equal measure. You’ve made a fan out of me and I would venture that many others who take the time will sing your praises too!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The White Road, by Sarah Lotz

Six stars

This is my first venture into the world of Sarah Lotz and her writing, which is important to note from the outset. The story took me to new heights and offered some self-examination in some chilly conditions, something that I presumed at the beginning of this reading journey would prove exciting. Simon Newman is a thrill seeker of sorts. Not only that, but he likes to document those who seek thrills, but do not succeed, to the point that they lose their lives. Teaming up with a friend, Simon agrees to go inside a cave to explore, in hopes of finding—and documenting with video—a number of bodies of fellow cave explorers who perished. Macabre? Definitely, but when the exploration does not go as planned and Simon almost loses his life, he has an epiphany of sorts, as well as collecting a ton of emotional baggage. Simon turns to his next adventure, climbing the north side of Mount Everest, where there are surely many bodies are strewn across its paths. Lying to falsify his need to be there, Simon learns about an epic explorer, Juliet Michaels, who lost her life trying to be the first female to ascend to the summit. Through her journals (which the reader also experiences as a secondary narrative), Simon is able to learn that Juliet faced demons of her own, only to perish in the attempt to conquer them. With the climb moving forward, Simon meets a fellow climber whose story is closely tied to Juliet’s, all while he is on the lookout for new video footage to wow his website viewers back home. Struggling to come to terms with his past struggles, Simon realises that there is much more to the Juliet Michaels story than meets the eye, if only he will take the time to follow the path laid out before him. Lotz pens this interesting story, which may ‘pique’ the curiosity for some, though I found it to be an avalanche of convoluted writing.

I would suspect that the worst thing for an author is to have a reader spend time with a book and think, ‘Ok! So where is the point in all this?’ I felt that way throughout this novel and could not shake that it was not simply me in a poor reading mindset. I cannot criticise the writing, for it was quite well developed, or even the characters, as they did reveal themselves in a decent fashion. While the narrative was excessively long, I can see the Lotz wanted to condense each ‘happening’ into a single chapter, thereby making them long and somewhat convoluted (like a mountain trail?). I could not find myself caring much about the story or how the characters moved from one mindset to another. I like to learn and Lotz offers many chances to explore mountain climbing, going so far as to add a glossary of terms and peppering the narrative with ‘mountain-speak’. I just felt that the story left me feeling disconnected, like an old piece of Velcro that no longer has the ability to adhere to much of anything. Surely there are others who loved the book and praise Lotz for her writing. First impressions are strong and I simply could not find myself loving the book or the premise. Maybe I am just too jaded or want action rather than epiphanies embedded in a deeper meaning. Whatever it is, I cannot pretend that I am the problem, though perhaps I need my own hike away from the rest of the world to clear my head.

Thanks, Madam Lotz, for sharing this piece. I did not find it engaging, but I am sure others will lap it up.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Liar, Liar (Harriet Blue #3), by James Patterson and Candice Fox

Eight stars

The collaborative efforts of James Patterson and Candice Fox have brought about another winner in this third instalment of the Harriet Blue series. Picking up the action when the previous novel ended, the reader is thrust into a fast-paced crime thriller that has as many twists as it does lingering questions. With the revelation that Regan Banks is the actual Georges River Killer, it is time to capture Australia’s most elusive serial killer in short order. While Harriet ‘Harry’ Blue has always professed that her brother, Sam, is innocent, it was only after he was murdered behind bars and the evidence came to light that anyone believed her. With Banks on the lam, Blue has taken it upon herself to find him alone and put a bullet in his head in an act of vigilante justice, while lurking in the shadows and away from her colleagues. With the Task Force turning its attention to finding Banks, they must also worry about Blue, hoping she will resurface and let the authorities bring the killer in to answer for his crimes. With Banks in hiding, he is able to ascertain Blue’s personnel file, which includes much of her backstory from a life in foster care. Reaching out to Blue, Banks takes her around southern Australia to different locations of people important to her, leaving bodies as a calling card. Meanwhile, Blue’s friend and fellow cop, Edward Whittacker, has been given a new partner as they hunt down the likes of Banks. Vada Reskit is a rookie detective with a great deal of gumption, perfect to help with the investigation, though there is something about her that leaves Whittacker a little concerned. As the case pushes forward and the Sydney Police turn Blue into a criminal on the run, there is little hope for a peaceful resolution to all of this. While Banks and Blue continue their game of cat and mouse, all that remains sure is that there will only be one survivor and a lot of blood. Patterson and Fox continue this successful partnership, crafting a series that has all the elements of a good crime thriller. Perfect for series fans and those who love a crime novel they will be able to devour in short order, as they revel in an ending that no one could have expected.

In my long reading career, I have spent much time with the books of James Patterson. Some will know that I have a love/hate relationship with the author, who would appear to use his name to sell books, rather than focussing on quality (the James Patterson Syndrome). While that may be the case, Patterson does collaborate with a number of authors who seem to have a strong ability to create quality work, thereby showing that not all pieces that bear the Patterson name need be duds. Candice Fox is one such author, who is a well-established author in her own right that I have come to read and enjoy. As Patterson continues to churn out novels faster than I do reviews, those involving Fox should not be lumped with many sub-par pieces of writing. Those familiar with this series will know all about Harriet Blue and her dedication to clear her brother’s name, as well as bring the actual killer to justice. Her backstory is riddled with emotional land mines from a life in foster care, which is handled effectively so as to draw the reader closer to her, always wondering if there are new pieces that might better explain the protagonist’s life. This novel turns the focus of Blue’s character development to finding Banks and ensuring he receives the punishment he has coming to him. The reader will likely enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions Blue exhibits as she tries to stay off the radar of authorities while turning this search into a vendetta fuelled by personal injustice. Banks is another character who has taken some of the spotlight, showing off what may have driven him to kill so freely and without a second thought. The reader can, should they choose, find crumbs of compassion for the man, though he is crafted as a wonderful antagonist and one that can be hated with ease. A handful of others shape the story as it turns from a manhunt into a desperate search for a cop who has lost her ability to think rationally. This gripping storyline will keep the reader flipping the pages of each short chapter and likely polishing off the novel in short order. Patterson has kept the cliffhanger formula to drive the reader to push onwards while Fox’s Australian influence can be seen throughout the plot. Well worth the time invested, though it should not take a reader with a gap of time in their schedule long to complete this intense thriller.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Fox, for keeping this series moving. How a BookShot (short story) could have morphed into such a series, I could not have predicted from the outset. I hope your collaborative work continues.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Spymaster (Scot Harvath #17), by Brad Thor

Eight stars

Brad Thor returns with another wonderful novel in his Scot Harvath series, keeping things not only exciting but politically on point. In a world where alliances are always shifting, the reemergence of Russian political dominance is one that cannot be ignored. After a number of high-ranking officials from a number of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries are gunned down, word is that it is part of a larger plan to disrupt the collective. There is proof that the Russians have been amassing troops on the borders of their Baltic neighbours, leaving those within NATO feeling additionally nervous as they wonder if this could be foreboding to an aggressive move. Scot Harvath is a member of the team contracted to follow-up and investigate the intelligence, which purports that Russia will strike close to the Organization’s underbelly, in neutral Sweden. The team makes its way to as island off the country’s coast, looking for a Russian cell that could commence attacks on their former satellite states, particularly those who are new NATO members. Under the Organization’s founding documents, Article 5 insists that an attack on one member is an attack on all, which could lead to a new war on European soil. Meanwhile, the Americans are trying to deal with a major gaffe in Poland that could propel the world to turn against them. Someone has broken into a convoy of vehicle and stolen military parts capable of resurrecting previously banned missiles. With the NATO situation gaining momentum, this revelation could push the Russians to the brink. As Harvath and his team seek to dismantle the Russian cell in Sweden, there is the larger concern of what might come on another front. Diplomatic means are off the table and this must be stopped before the world media gets wind of these potentially catastrophic maneuvers. Harvath has much to accomplish and little time to waste. Thor keeps readers intrigued as the story hits home in what could be a ‘torn from the headlines’ plot. Perfect for series fans and those who love politically relevant thrillers.

At a time when espionage and political thrillers are still fixated on all this ISIS, it is nice to see some authors keeping an open mind. Gone are the days when readers tend to want more Islam versus Infidel themed novels, particularly with all the action taking place with Russia at present. Thor spent a number of his novels dealing with this topic, but has been able to look at current news headlines to craft new and exciting storylines that will continue to impress readers. Scot Harvath has undergone much transformation over the series and continues to keep himself a relevant part of the discussion. Thor has not offered additional backstory, but keeps developing his protagonist. With an ever-updated ‘team’ working alongside him, Harvath’s personal attributes are highlighted in new and interesting ways. Others complement him well, while also carving out their own character development, thereby permitting series fans to see constant growth of those names who keep reappearing on the page and adding hope that some of these new names will find a means of popping up once again. The story was not only interesting, but offered the reader a chance to wonder ‘what if’ as it relates to the sub-plots being developed. While there is certainly less of a Russia-US animosity at present, that is sure to change when America finds itself once again and out of the orange-haze quagmire that has foreign policy nursing from the Russian teat. Until then, Thor posits many plausible and thought-provoking storylines that could develop in Western Europe. Using NATO was a brilliant spin on what is currently taking place and, through some of his research and personal sentiments, Thor makes some fairly grounded arguments to keep the politically savvy reader wondering, as well as gasping at the novel’s ending. Might this be some foreboding remains to be seen.

Kudos, Mr. Thor, for another wonderful novel. Some may not like the tempered action, but I found it completely captivating and hope you’ll consider continuing this theme.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Don’t Turn Out the Lights (Commandant Martin Servaz #3), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

Continuing with another Bernard Minier novel, I noticed a distinct change in this series. Whereas the first two novels were definitely crime thrillers, this one has morphed into something psychological, but still holds a strong story to keep the reader fully engaged. Christine Steinmeyer is prepared to go out on Christmas Eve when she noticed an unmarked letter in her post box. Opening it, she discovers a letter expressing that the writer intends on killing themselves and that she, the reader, is to blame. Baffled, Christine seeks to learn if she received this letter in error, but no one else seems able to determine the intended recipient. During her Christmas Day radio broadcast, a caller reaches Christine on-air to ask how she could have let someone die. Spooked, Christine is more determined to find out who is behind this and how she can stop the game. Meanwhile, Martin Servaz is on leave from the Toulouse Police, having checked himself into a facility to handle some traumatic events in his recent past. He is haunted by horrible nightmares, though is sure that he will be able to overcome them, given the time to process. He receives a random envelop one day, in which he finds a hotel key card from a high-end establishment. With little to do, Servaz follows the message left for him and makes his way to the hotel, only to learn that the room associated with the card has an ominous past. An artist took her life the year before, but there is no suspicions or foul play. Still, for many who know Servaz, he does not let this go lightly, beginning an exploration into this woman and what might have led to her demise. As Christine continues to probe her own mystery, messages begin appearing at work and by email, attributed to her. She hears things and cannot sleep, sure that someone is following her. The deeper she probes, the less things make sense and those around her have given up on her. When she finds herself in the crosshairs of the police, she knows that she is being toyed with, but cannot finger the culprit. Servaz’s off the books investigation soon finds a thread that brings Christine into his own probing. Might there be a correlation between these two cases? Minier branches out with a wonderful novel that takes readers down many a dark corridor and leaves them guessing until the final page, when the closing paragraph is left to resonate. Perfect for those who enjoyed the first two novels and readers who enjoy a dark, psychological thrillers that develop at their own pace.

Those who follow my reviews will know that I find foreign language thrillers to differ greatly from my usual English reading fare. They tend to be much darker and use characters whose angst pushes the story into odd directions. Bernard Minier is one author whose novels meet this criteria, particularly as they take the reader into the struggles of Commandant Martin Servaz. However, in this case, it is processing the horrible reality of what he has come to presumed followed the closing of the previous novel. Servaz is back, though plays a secondary role in this piece, at least in its central focus and drive. He seeks to come to terms with the likely death of a past lover who was kidnapped by a killer he put away years before. While not actively working, his mind seeks a mystery that he can solve which is why the ‘hotel key curiosity’ is right up his alley. The reader plunges into this investigation with him, keeping him occupied enough not to think of the past. That said, he does have a brief encounter with his daughter, who brings stunning news and permits the reader to witness some of the Commandant’s character development. The primary focus of the novel is Christine Steinmeyer, whose fall from glory is documented through a spiral of intensifying acts and revelations , hinting that the mental health struggles from her youth may have resurfaced. Additionally, the reader learns much about this woman’s past and how the death of her older sister may have been a long path full of red flags that no one noticed. As Christine professes her sanity, the reader can only wonder who is pulling the strings of these seemingly inexplicable actions that see her lose the trust of many. With a number of other characters who push the story along, Minier has crafted a strong collection of entities to propel this novel of a differing genre into being success. Minier does well to individualise this story without leaving the series fan feeling cheated or out of sorts. The slow advancement of the overall plot works well, as Minier is never one to get to the point in short order. Peppering the narrative with both operatic and space references, the reader can learn a great deal while trying to solve these parallel mysteries that seem to have a similar thread. By the end, the reader can breathe a sigh of relief, only to be pushed over with new information in the epilogue to stun them and pray that the fourth novel will soon be on hand.

Kudos, Monsieur Minier, for another great piece. I am eager to get my hands on the next in the series when it has been translated!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen (Six Tudor Queens #3), by Alison Weir

Eight stars

Alison Weir barely has time to breathe as she churns out yet another masterful novel in the Six Tudor Queens series, this time with a strong focus on Jane Seymour, wife number three. Young Jane had always wanted to join the cloister and become a nun, which seemed to be her destiny right up until her eighteenth birthday. Shipped off to the convent, Jane found herself not quite sure of her choice and decided that, perhaps, God had other plans for her. Returning to her jubilant family, Jane enjoys a quieter life with the Seymours, until, that is, a family indiscretion leaves the family surrounded by scandal and Jane utterly embarrassed. With an arrangement to send Jane to Court in hand, Jane finds herself somewhat hesitant, but agrees to serve as a lady to Queen Catherine. Making her way to the big city, Jane is able to see a different type of life, surrounded by gaiety and lavish lifestyles. While Jane becomes quite close to the Queen, another lady-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn, begins her treachery and erodes the strong marriage between Catherine and King Henry VIII. Jane is forced to watch as the King begins to dismantle his long-standing marriage, going so far as to enter a schism with Rome and declare the creation of the Church of England. While Jane cannot voice her concerns too loudly, she sides strongly with Catherine, even as the King moves to strip his wife of her title. With Anne ascending to the throne, Jane can only watch in wonder as they ‘play house’ for a time. Jane reluctantly takes a role in the new Queen’s household, which only helps to pave the way for the King to visit her and, to no one’s shock, find fancy with her. Soon Henry VIII is seeking to woo Jane and wonders about making her his formal mistress. While young and somewhat naive, Jane knows all too well what is to come and tries her best to fend him off, though the Seymours want nothing more than to see Jane secure her role. Rumours abound about Queen Anne’s activities and soon Jane succumbs to the King’s desires and she becomes pregnant. With the potential of the next male monarch in her womb, Jane watches the downfall of Anne Boleyn and her eventual beheading. This creates an odd situation, whereby Jane is ready to become Henry’s next wife, but protocol and dignity would see her wait. As her pregnancy progresses, Jane can only hope that she will not misstep, as the previous two queens did, and that she can bring England a prince. Everyone watches and waits, as Queen Jane approaches her due date, hoping that the next King of England will soon be born. As with the past two queens, Jane suffers miscarriages, males never brought to term. However, the King seems to be more patient and Jane tries anew to bring her husband, and England, its long-awaited heir. However, no good deed comes without sacrifice and Jane must face more tragedy, something she could not have seen coming. Weir breathes new life into the Tudor dynasty with yet another novel! Series and topic fans will likely find this piece to their liking, allowing Weir to explore some of the rumours of the time in her well-presented narrative.

One can always expect something masterful when Alison Weir is writing, though it may be difficult to parse what is fact from fiction, which may be why reading the Author’s Note at the end of the novel is more important than ever. Those familiar with Weir’s work will known that she is a masterful biographer of many English monarchs, some of whom become central characters in her works of historical fiction. I would venture to say that most of the ‘fiction’ found herein relates more to the added dialogue than fanciful creations of historical happenings, but that is for the reader and well-versed historian to dispute. Turning the focus of this series towards Jane Seymour might have been a gamble, as she was Henry VIII’s wife for so short a period, but Weir offers up a wonderful collection of stories and advances the narrative throughout to show what impact she had on the Tudor Court. From her childhood wanting to be a nun through to her demise while bringing forth England an heir, Seymour saw much growth with the reader and her soft-spoken nature was only slightly tipped askew when trying to bring home a point. She acted as strong mediator between Henry’s first child, Mary, and sought to dilute some of the King’s fanciful antics for which he has become so well known. There is no shortage of characters that surround Jane, both at and away from Court, all of whom influence the story greatly, none more than Henry VIII himself. While it is no shock to anyone, the King could be seen to fly off the handle and become somewhat irrational, be it for his own plans or the push to have an heir. Whatever that might be, it proved to be a threat throughout this novel, which saw much intensity grow with each passing day that a male was not forthcoming. Weir’s attention to the story is, as always, first rate and the reader can bask in such detail without drowning in minutiae. Those who are fans of Tudor writing will surely find this entertaining and engaging, while those not as well-versed may learn a thing or two. The ease with which the chapters flow, the information is presented, and the dialogue balanced will keep the reader wanting more, as I do. However, as I am not living in the United Kingdom, I do not (yet) have access to the short stories that Weir has crafted within this series, and so must wait for Anna of Kleve in 2019.

Kudos, Madam Weir, for another wonderful novel. I thoroughly enjoy this series and cannot wait to see how you will tackle the second half of the wives of Henry VIII.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Circle (Commandant Martin Servaz #2), by Bernard Minier

Eight stars

After reading Bernard Minier’s debut crime novel in this series, I was certain that I would return for more. Translated from the French, these novels must not only find a way to capture the attention of the English reader (in my case), but also show that language is no impediment to a great story. Commandant Martin Servaz receives a frantic call from someone in his distant past, hoping that he will come to her aid. It would seem that a young man has found himself in the home of his professor, who has been tied up and murdered. All the evidence points to Hugo Bokhanowsky being the killer, though he is sure that he did nothing wrong, even if he was in a drugged stupor. While Servaz asserts control of the scene, he cannot help but remember his time in this town, attending the Marsac, a premier university. It is also where his teenage daughter, Margot, is currently enrolled. As Servaz seeks to put together some of the clues at the scene, he receives a haunting message from a serial killer he put away, someone who has been on the lam for over a year. Taunting him, Servaz must try to keep his focus in order to keep Julian Hirtmann at bay. With little concrete or digital evidence at their disposal, Servaz and the team dig a little deeper to find motives or even connections to the victim, though he cannot help but notice that the crime fits perfectly into Hirtmann’s past kills. One man seems to have a growing connection to the victim, though his political position has kept it discrete. Margot Servaz has come across her own trail of evidence, having known some of Hugo’s friends on campus. When she uncovers a secret group calling themselves The Circle, she is keen to learn more, though it may cost her a great deal. With a case mounting against Hugo and his mother pleading for Servaz’s assistance, the Commandant is forced to make a final push and ensure a killer does not stay off the radar and strike again. Minier keeps the story dark and yet full of intrigue, as the reader learns more about the case, the Commandant’s past, and a number of secrets held by those in town. Perfect for those who enjoyed the debut novel and readers who are not afraid of entering dark, slowly developing crime thrillers.

I tend to find foreign language thrillers to differ greatly from those I read in English. Darker, more angst-driven, and whose characters seem to be less relatable to those I find in my normal reading fare. It could be the introspection or even the philosophy that comes up within the narrative, but whatever it might be, it is refreshing and always has me keeping an eye for these authors when they publisher additional novels. Bernard Minier is one such author, whose novels take the reader into the struggles of Commandant Martin Servaz. The crimes are usually less common and the layers related to motive keeps the reader guessing until the final page turn. Servaz is back for this second novel, though he does not reflect too much on the case that introduced readers to his character. Rather, there is the ongoing memory of a serial killer he put away, who has since slipped through the cracks and may be targeting him anew. Servaz must return to Marsac, his former school, which brings up many memories from his past, offering the reader a great deal of backstory and angst. Servaz surely had some strong and deeply personal moments here, which bleeds into the narrative and is discussed at length. He seems able to divorce his past struggles with the case at hand, allowing him to grow and forge onwards. Making things a little more difficult would be the presence of his daughter, Margot, whose own academic studies are flourishing. Margot is a young woman whose life has always been influenced by other Marsac students, though Minier is keen to paint her out to be a sexually confident woman who does not suffer fools. The handful of other influential characters help provide the reader with a solid narrative that moves along at a slower pace, though does not ever lose its momentum. Sub-plots and minor storylines come to life under Minier’s direction, keeping the reader entertained as they seek to solve the murder of an instructor. The story is strong and takes things in many directions before righting itself in the closing chapters. Small nuggets of information come to light and the pieces fit together seamlessly. Perhaps not the type of case that some readers would enjoy, but surely one that keeps the story from being spoiled too early. I found that the piece ran fairly smoothly, indicative not only that the translation was strong, but that the story and language hold true when leaving its original French. That said, it is peppered with French-nuanced legal terms and formalities, so much so that the translator opens the novel with an explanation of the legal and policing system, which would surely be foreign to many who are reading this outside of France. Well written and surely a series I will continue to follow, as long as English translations are available.

Kudos, Monsieur Minier, for another great piece. I am eager to get my hands on the next in the series and have noticed a fourth has just come out in French!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

In Her Shadow, by Mark Edwards

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Mark Edwards, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Mark Edwards is back with another spine-chilling novel that takes the reader inside the eerie world of communication with the afterlife, yet another branch of psychological thrillers. Jessica is the proud mother of two children, though it would seem her youngest has begun acting out at school. When she arrives to speak with the teacher, Jessica learns that Olivia has been making many comments about her friend, Izzy, who’s died. Although Olivia is only four, Jessica refuses to take any chances and soon learns that her daughter is speaking about a member of the family. It would seem that Izzy, Olivia’s aunt, died after leaping from her balcony at home, not long after little Olivia was born. How might Olivia be communicating with her aunt, save through some sort of spirit portal? Thoughts of this nature remind Jessica of a situation from her own youth, when she and Izzy were visited by an uncle’s spirit who was highly disruptive. Jessica refuses to believe that Olivia has any contact with her dead sister and pushes the limits to find out who might be feeding her daughter such information. However, the evidence keeps piling up that Olivia has a way to speak to ‘Izzy’ and there are things that few others ever knew, yet they seem to be coming from Olivia’s mouth with ease. The entire situation opens up new fears in Jessica when Olivia admits one night that Izzy was pushed and murdered by someone. Could there be some truth to this? If so, how much does Olivia know and can her connection with Izzy help re-open a police investigation? Edwards uses his skills to lure the reader deep into the story and soon the story has taken over their entire brain, forcing them to race forward and discover what’s happened before turning off the light at night. Perfect for those who love Mark Edwards’ work, as well as the reader who enjoys blindsides throughout.

I have long enjoyed Mark Edwards and his writing, finding myself susceptible to his style of narration so much that I lose track of time. Even when I want to read only a few pages, I find it hard to put down one of his books until I have resolution to the mystery at hand. Edwards has a wonderful way of connecting the reader to his characters, especially a strong-minded protagonist like Jessica. The reader learns much about her throughout, both her backstory and current development as she fights to get to the bottom of both the Izzy and Olivia situations. There is much to discover and the story peels things back slowly enough as to keep the reader flipping pages, but not too quickly as to be a let-down. Alongside Jessica are a handful of other characters, all of whom bring their own flavour to the story, particularly those who crossed paths with Izzy in the days and weeks before her death. Edwards keeps the reader wondering if it could have been murder and who might have the most plausible motive to end the life of this interesting woman. That also serves to promote Izzy into the role of secondary protagonist, as flashbacks and extensive dialogue throughout resurrect her personality throughout the entire piece. Edwards effectively weaves past and present into a seamless plot and keeps everyone guessing until the very end. The story was brilliantly executed and the reader will surely find themselves surrounded by possible culprits and mysteries they ask themselves, all while the narrative forges onwards. With clipped dialogue that keeps the story realistic, Edwards leaves little time to ponder, as each chapter presents new and interesting perspectives to keep things from going stale. I have yet to find a dud when Mark Edwards is at the helm and hope many readers will follow me and get hold of this book in short order.

Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another winner. I hope those who have yet to discover your writing style do so soon, for you have a great deal to offer the genre and those who love it so very much!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Director, by David Ignatius

Eight stars

David Ignatius packs quite a punch with this novel, which explores the world of Intelligence and the race to plug a leak that could be devastating. Mixing thrills and political intrigue, the author pulls the reader into the middle of a story that could be pulled from the headlines, if ever America’s secrets were to see the light of day. After working his entire professional life outside the Washington inner circle, Graham Weber is put forward as the new Director of Central Intelligence. Upon his confirmation, Weber makes waves from the outset, wanting to clean up the agency by ‘opening up all the doors and windows to air things out’. Little does he know, that while there may be issues, this is an insider’s game. When a young Swiss hacker reaches out to consular staff in Germany, he tells a tale of how the CIA is vulnerable and that US Intelligence is candy that many hackers have already begun pilfering. Weber puts his resources into validating this claim, though the hacker disappears before a full investigation can be completed. From there, concerns about the larger hacker issue come to the surface and Weber learns that there might be a mole within the US Administration (or the Agency) feeding others ultra-secret information. Still new and smelling like an outsider, Weber’s time at the Agency could be short-lived, unless his political and intelligence witch hunt yields some results quickly, while he dodges those with sharpened knives aiming for his back. Well-paced and easy to get hooked, Ignatius has written a wonderful novel that takes readers who enjoy political thrillers on a wild ride.

This is my first David Ignatius novel, but I intend on securing more in the coming months. The entire concept was interesting and the elements of a stellar novel emerged as I continued to read this piece. Graham Weber becomes the protagonist from the early pages of the book, but the reader learns that he is by no mean the Intelligence guru that one might expert from someone heading up the Agency. His naïveté adds something to the overall development of his character, though he has a determination that many outside the inner workings of espionage and covert missions would likely share. However, he is not ignorant to either the need for secrecy or the importance of keeping America from being the laughing stock of the Intelligence community. The various other cogs in the wheel keep the reader hooked from the early going as the leaks and hacker angles are explored a little more. One must wonder if there are people like this in ‘real life’ who might be as ruthless and cutthroat when it comes to saving their own hides. Ignatius paints them in such a light that the reader cannot help but want to know more. The story stands on its own and keeps getting better the more momentum it gains, which only goes to show that Ignatius is tapped into the genre and its inner workings. While I do not profess to being highly knowledgeable about anything related to spies, intelligence sharing, or even national secrets, I felt as though Ignatius penned the novel in such a way that any reader could fell well-versed enough not to get lost among all the topics being discussed, which helps expand his reader base. I am eager to see what else he has written and how I might learn from him, given the chance.

Kudos, Mr. Ignatius, for such a wonderful novel. I am sure to find more of your work and tell others to give your novels a chance.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Confession, by Jo Spain

Eight stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jo Spain, and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

This is my first venture into the writing of Jo Spain and it will surely not be my last! Spain offers a well-developed novel that mixes the thrill of a mystery with the intrigue of a multi-voiced narrative that seeks to explore an act of extreme violence. While Harry and Julie McNamara are watching television one evening, someone discretely makes their way inside and repeatedly strikes Harry across the head with a golf club. A panicked call to the authorities after the attacker has fled finds Mr. McNamara taken to the hospital, clinging to life. Detective Sergeant Alice Moody takes the lead on the case, trying to ascertain who might have wanted to attack McNamara, a rich Irish banker. With Harry clinging to life in a coma, the reader discovers one John Paul “JP” Carney has been arrested in conjunction with the attack, though he seems not to remember the event, or have any reason to have approached the McNamara manse. The story offers a present-time narrative through the eyes of DS Moody, who is trying to build a case and discover a motive that Carney may have had. Julie McNamara and JP Carney offer up their own perspectives, both as backstories and with flashes of present-day, as it relates to the larger McNamara crime. Was the attack on Harry McNamara completely random? How might JP have ever run in the same circles as a powerful banker? Why has Julie been so hands-off since a suspect was detained? All this and more fills the reader’s mind as they push through this novel. Spain leaves the reader wondering until the very end as they, like DS Moody, slowly peel back the proverbial onion to see the core of the crime. Perfect for those who like mysteries that slowly develop and then come together with a BANG!

This being my first venture into the world of Jo Spain, I was not sure what to expect. It would seem that she has quite the following, with an established novel series already, but I cannot help but feel that this standalone novel could convince many to take a gamble on more of her work. Spain does a masterful job of using her characters to propel the story forward, in that interesting ‘multiple perspective’ narrative. This allows the reader to develop a closeness with Julia McNamara, JP Carney, and DS Alice Moody independently and as a larger whole. There is much backstory, as mentioned above, for the latter two characters, while Moody seeks to keep her chapters in the present and focussed on the case. The reader can feel more of a closeness to Julia and JP, thereby helping them to have a better idea as to the foundation of the attack that saw Harry McNamara injured so grievously. Taking the time to develop these characters in short order fuels the momentum of the story and enriches the narrative for the curious reader. The story proves to be quick paced and is a mystery that has little downtime as the authorities race against the clock to gather needed evidence. How could an attack on a wealthy gentleman who has no ties to the attacker have played out? What role, if any, did the wife have to the man who came in wielding a golf club? Who was Harry McNamara, away from the headlines he generated because of his profession? All this and more enters the fray in a narrative that flows through short chapters jammed with information. The dedicated reader will surely polish this off quickly, but be left with a wonderful residue as it all comes together, demanding more of Spain’s work in short order.

Kudos, Madam Spain, for a wonderful piece. While it was my first of your novels, it will surely not be the last!

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Skyjack (Thea Paris #2), by K.J. Howe

Nine stars

K.J. Howe brings just as much excitement in this follow-up novel as her debut brought curious readers! Without a doubt, this piece keeps the reader’s attention through to the final page flip while packing a punch throughout. This goes to show that she is not a one-hit wonder and will likely make a name for herself for years to come. After securing the adoption of two young African boys with a London family, Thea Paris is flying with Ayan and Jabari to their new home. Trying to explain what to expect in the United Kingdom, Paris realises that these two know only the life of being child soldiers, but hopes this new beginning helps let them be children again. When the plane on which they are travelling is skyjacked, Thea is forced to go into work mode, trained as a kidnap and ransom negotiator with Quantum International Security. As events unfold upon their landing in the Libyan desert, Thea discovers that the group responsible has their eye on one particular passenger, but will not elaborate. Thea negotiates the release of the passengers, but only if she will make her way to Turkey and secure a transport vehicle for the hijackers. Baffled, Thea agrees to do whatever she can to help, especially if it means she can get to London and save these boys from more devastation. Meanwhile, Austrian teen Johann Dietrich comes to learn that his father heads up an ultra-nationalist group that seeks to rid the world of Arabs the world over, blaming them for a handful of recent terror attacks. Armed with this knowledge, Johann goes through channels to reach Thea Paris, hoping she can properly synthesise what is to come and the fallout. Johann tries to make his way to Turkey, but is not alone, and the results could be disastrous. WIth the passengers still being held hostage and armed with this news, Thea pieces together what is going on and how all of Europe could be in danger, if she does not act swiftly. Howe keeps the reader on the edge of their seat through to the final chapter in this sensational second thriller with a unique spin. Recommended for those who love the fast pace of hostage rescue with a political bent.

I remember reading Howe’s debut and being very impressed, not only with the writing style, but the unique angle she took when it came to kidnap thrillers. Her personal experiences are not only helpful in pulling factual information and weaving it into the story, but there is surely some of Howe in Paris’ character. Thea Paris is a tough-as-nails woman who takes her job seriously. Her compassion comes through in an attempt to get her young charges to London, but she is also full of determination when negotiating the release of hostages. The reader will surely latch onto her early in this piece, particularly if they have the backstory of the debut novel. Thea surrounds herself with some of the world’s best at Quantum, leaving the reader to see others who are well-versed in security and human extraction, all while trying to limit the bloodshed. The handful of other characters, from passengers to those promoting terror, all play their essential role in this piece, which keeps the story moving forward. The narrative and larger plot are both highly digestible and the attentive reader will find themselves engrossed with both as the pages fly by. Easily read in a few sittings, Howe shows that her ability to convey intense information flows smoothly. Of particular interest is the sub-plot about Arab extermination, specially the parallels that Howe makes with Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ of the Jews. The reader can see that this is a plausible plan by some ultra-nationalist groups, particularly with the massive numbers of displaced individuals around Europe, though I am sure it could just as easily happen on other continents. Full of realistic situations backed up with intricate knowledge of goings-on, Howe’s novel is not only a must read, but will keep the reader thinking long after turning that final page.

Kudos, Madam Howe, for another strong novel. I love your ideas and presentation, hoping that Thea Paris has the energy to stick it out for a long time to come.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Overkill (Hawke #10), by Ted Bell

Seven stars

There is something about Ted Bell’s work that has me returning each time a new piece has been published. He touches on electrifying aspects of espionage mixed with humour that I find highly captivating, but there remains a constant irritation on my part with some of the dialogue and character interactions throughout many of these tales. While spending time with his son in Switzerland, Lord Alex Hawke is keen to see what progress Alexei has made at ski school. Riding up to a mountain peak in a gondola could not be more peaceful, especially on Christmas Day, but tragedy strikes when the cable snaps and the machine crashes. Scrambling to get help, Hawke ensures that his son is alive and makes sure that Alexei is put on one of the medical helicopters headed for a local hospital. However, when Hawke arrives for medical updates, there is no sign of Alexei or record that he ever made it to the hospital. Hawke assumes the worst and assembles his closest friends to help him find the Hawke heir, worried that he has been kidnapped. Meanwhile, a plane carrying the Russian President goes down in rural France. Based on the wreckage, it would appear President Putin has perished, news that spreads quickly through new agencies worldwide. However, many know that news can be faked to serve the source! Putin is alive, though has decided to ‘rough it’ and stay off the radar. He reaches out to an unexpected source, Joseph ‘Uncle Joe’ Stalingrad, and seeks assistance to devise a plan. Sure that there are those in Russia who are trying to see his downfall, Putin enacts Operation: Overkill, which will see him rise to power and destroy all his enemies, including those ruthless oligarchs within the Kremlin. While Lord Hawke continues to search for his son, tidbits of news reach him that leave him to believe that his once friend, Putin, is not only alive, but may also have orchestrated Alexei’s kidnapping. Lord Hawke will stop at nothing to bring Alexei back to safety, though is unaware that Overkill may have massive consequences that cost him more than he could have predicted. Bell weaves this energetic tale in his signature fashion, peppering the story with familiar and new characters to keep the story fresh. Recommended for those who enjoy Alex Hawke’s pompous nature and ability to drum up a decent bit of espionage with international thrills.

Ted Bell has a wonderful gift with his writing and is able to bring a story home with ease, even if I find some of the ideas far-fetched and the characters irritating. As I listened to the book, I gave this much thought and concluded that some of the irritants could arise from Bell’s past work writing for a soap opera, as I find certain plots cheesy and dialogue overly stuffy. Still, there is much worthy of the reader’s time in this novel. Those familiar with the series will know that Lord Alex Hawke is a complex man who is the modern incarnation of James Bond. His allure to the opposite sex and ability to fight anyone barehanded make him an interesting character and one the reader might enjoy. There are crumbs of a more recent backstory in this piece, as well as flashbacks to Hawke’s work with Putin in previous novels. Bell keeps Hawke on a similar path, striving to find his son and stopping at nothing to bring that about, even if it means killing the likes of Putin. There are some interest returning characters who, in their own way, help add depth and accentuate the traits of Hawke throughout this novel. From a prim and proper valet to a life-long friend who worked for Scotland Yard, and even the carefree Floridian who is happy to rush out and help, Bell has crafted these characters effectively over the ten full novels and various shorter pieces, many of whom develop on par with Hawke. There are surely some newer faces that grace the pages of Bell’s latest book, villains and heroes alike. Bell takes literary freedom and injects humour when needed to keep the reader from getting too bogged down. The premise of the story is decent and Bell effectively weaves a tale that mixes love with violent determination. The reader is taken down a few rabbit holes to get to the final standoff, pitting Hawke against those whose evil cannot be easily defined. Bell works his magic to suspend reality while also keeping the story grounded and plausible. I’ll likely stick with these novels when they are published, but cannot shake some of the annoyance that comes to the surface when I read them.

Kudos, Mr. Bell, for another great novel. I enjoy what you do in your writing and hope you can tap into the current world sentiment with your novels, which always spin things and keep the reader wondering.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Courtney’s War (Courtney #17), by Wilbur Smith and David Churchill

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Wilbur Smith, David Churchill, and Bonnier Zaffre USA for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After a few novels in the Courtney saga proved to be complete duds, I was pleased to see Wilbur Smith team up with David Churchill and returned things to the 20th century, where the series has flourished. In the Spring of 1939, young love is blossoming between Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach. Highly educated and politically savvy, both Saffron and Gerhard can feel the tides turning in Europe and anticipate the Nazis will begin their push through Europe, triggering another massive war. After spending time in Paris, these young lovers must part, vowing to find one another as soon as possible. Fast-forward to 1942, where Saffron Courtney is deeply embedded into ‘Baker Street’, a covert group led by a handful of British spies. Her goal will be to infiltrate the National Socialist movement in Belgium and the Netherlands, with hopes of learning Nazi news that can be fed back to the Allies. Meanwhile, Gerhard has become a valuable asset to the Germans, working in the air during the Battle of Stalingrad, shooting down any Russian plane that dares get too close. During one flyover, Gerhard sees some of the atrocities being done to large portions of the Jewish community, only later learning that it is the Final Solution ramping up. Vowing to himself to bring down the Nazis, Gerhard must carefully destroy the political machine without being caught, with a brother who is fully engaged in the Nazi movement and smells a rat. As Saffron returns to the African continent to help build her backstory, she spends some time with family and renews old acquaintances, only to be pulled away and sent to Belgium. Her actions may not be as covert as she hoped, but she can hope to remain one step ahead of the Germans hunting her down. With the War reaching its climax, both Saffron and Gerhard will have to work hard to return Europe to its proper course, though Nazis are ruthless and are happy to scrub out anyone who does not respect the Reich’s power. Brilliant in its delivery and full of wonderful storylines, Smith and Churchill show that this is one saga to which dedicated readers can return with pride. Recommended for those who love the Courtneys in all their glory.

It was a difficult decision to choose this book, having been so disheartened by some of the recent novels in this saga. That said, I had to tell myself that those novels that took things onto the high seas many generations ago were part of a sub-series that never caught my attention. With some of my favourite characters and 20th century history mixed together, I knew that Wilbur Smith (alongside his writing companion, David Churchill) should get the benefit of the doubt. This is a return to the great Courtney stories and the reader should find it easy to glide into the comfort of familiar names (had they read much of the previous novels) while finding the plot riveting and eager to comprehend. Saffron Courtney remains a strong, independent woman who, even though she is madly in love, finds little issue with remaining grounded and able to make snap decisions. She has become a powerhouse character in previous novels and only grows more likeable and independent-minded here. Her tactics will likely have the reader cheering her on as she makes her way through early 1940s Europe in an age where women were still not given their due. Gerhard von Meerbach proves to be as interesting as he is cocky, though some of that is surely a ruse as he hides within the Nazis in order to bring them down. He is strong-willed, as is seen throughout and particularly in the last segment of the book, always hoping that he will be reunited with the woman he loves. While there may be an imbalance in that love between the two characters, the reader can surely feel the connection throughout the parallel plots as they develop. The story itself is strong and uses Second World War history and some of the less familiar angles to keep things from becoming too predictable. Saffron’s seeking to penetrate the Nazis is as intriguing as it is unpredictable, while Gerhard seems more passive in his attempts to weaken the military might for which he fights. The handful of worthwhile secondary characters do well to push the story forward, particularly as to go to either support or suppress our aforementioned protagonists. I can only hope that the reader will see some of the vilification that I did throughout the book, from actual Nazi officers as well as those who support National Socialism in other domains. The narrative kept a good pace, giving the reader action throughout. However, with unnumbered, lengthy chapters, some segments seemed to stretch out without that literary breath that invigorates a stellar story. Let’s be glad the Courtneys are back in fine form.

Kudos, Messrs. Smith and Churchill, for returning the Courtney saga to its rightful place with a strong novel. I can only hope this will continue, as you boasted, Mr. Smith, in your recently published memoir that you loves this series with all your heart.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

Nine stars

I may be a little late getting to the party, but when I crafted the topic for my reading challenge that handled books that have an associated movie/television programme, I knew this would be the perfect fit. I chose to binge watch the first two seasons of the show and then dive into the book. It opens that age-old dilemma of comparative medium, but permitted me to draw stronger parallels between them, as well as offer a book review as soon as I turned the final page. Margaret Atwood’s novel has been resurrected (pun intended) over the last few years, particularly because of the television programme, but also some of her cultural foreboding with the rise of an America under the auspices of a power-hungry group of men who would write and interpret the rules as they saw fit. As the reader discovers early on, the book is a perspective piece written by Offred, a handmaid, one of the new classes of women in Gilead. This country is the dystopian near-future America after a second Civil War, whose laws are strongly tied to biblical teachings. The upper echelon is a male collective, known as Commanders, who rule each household and meet as a council to make decisions for the larger community. Each commander has a wife, though these women are either barren or past the stage of fertility, thus introducing the importance of the handmaid. She is, for lack of a better word, a fertile vessel to ensure that future generations can be born within the country. Offred sheds light on the horrid act of attempted conception, which is lost in the written narrative, but the television show makes all the more graphic. Offred describes how each girl was stripped of her name before being taken in as a handmaid and given a moniker that speaks of her dependence to the commander of her household. They are denoted by their long, red dresses and ‘winged headgear’, quite puritanical, particularly when seen on-screen. As the story progresses, the reader learns of the inculcation these women receive to be the best possible handmaids and not to stray from the teachings of the Council, which suppresses women and their rights to the point of making any reading by a woman to be an ultimate sin. These teachings are primarily led by a steel-willed matron, Aunt Lydia. Many handmaids seek to flee, looking North to Canada, but those who are unsuccessful face brutal punishment at the hands of those responsible for keeping the girls in line. Life in Gilead is anything but bucolic, though Offred does offer a glimpse of hope that somehow, some way, she will escape and try to build a life safely away from the country that metamorphosed before her. A brilliant piece of social commentary by Atwood years before things began going extremely sour, it is surely a must-read for those who are curious about all the hype. I’d strongly recommend reading the book and watching the programme, which branches off into new and interesting pathways, furthering the thought processes.

There is so much that could be said about the book and television interpretation, though I wish not to spoil it for anyone who remains on the outside, as I did for too long. I admit, it is difficult for me to divorce this book from the television programme that continues to build, as well as from the puritanical and punitive measures being taken in the modern America, though I readily admit that Atwood’s novel stands well on its own. It seeks to depict a world that is both forward moving and yet reaching backwards to right itself, as though the leaders of Gilead joined in a chorus of ‘Make America Great Again’, much before they could Tweet on their pocket computers. Exploring the characters of this novel, Atwood places Offred front and centre, depicting the world that she sees while offering flashbacks to a world that existed before much of the dramatic overhaul, including memories of her family. Offred, a woman of thirty-three, has much insight and backstory, as well as development while ‘caged’ in her red dress and winged headgear. She, as well as many of the other handmaids, put a new flavour of teenage rebellion into the piece, offering up a mind that is strong enough to know they do not like what is happening but not fully able to push back and forge a unique path. Atwood creates many symbols for her handmaids, tying them inextricably to their commanders, but also to one another and the household, as if the are an essential cog in the wheel. While I am not one to dig for symbolism in all that I read, I could not ignore the narrator’s moniker serving two purposes: Of-fred , denoting her tie to Commander Fred Waterford, and Off-red, speaking of her desire to push away from the role (read: red dress) she is forced to master. Other characters within the novel offer up interesting glimpses into the larger Gilead, as well as some personal struggles faced by those who live in this newly washed land. Be they serving a role or preaching new truths, Atwood places each one in a spot of prominence to give the reader something to digest with each turned page. Perhaps the most curious of character interactions can be said to be that of Offred and Commander Waterford, seen from many angles and with various emotional results. The story is hard to explore, as it is both a journey and a personal collective of thoughts and sentiments. As Offred discusses mid-way through the book, these are her depictions of events and told through a storyteller’s eyes, whereby facts and circumstances are omitted, while delivering a version of events. For those who have seen the television programme, much more detail is offered and the story’s thread is stronger with tangential happenings. However, as a baseline, Atwood gives the readers enough on which to chew so as to pass their own judgment about Gilead and its dystopic existence. The narrative tells a true story and one that each reader can interpret themselves. I found the mix of book and television programme to be the ultimate treat to better seeing the new America in all its glory. I admit, had Atwood written a series of novels about this, I would likely read them all, but I am just as happy to indulge in the on-screen interpretations of events and branch-offs to deliver the knockout punch that I so enjoy at the end of each hour. One final thought on the subject. Has Atwood offered strong foreboding about what is to come in America? Likely not, at least in its current state of affairs. While there surely has been some verbal and physical beating back of opposition, current American leadership (even donning their Russian marionette strings) could never execute a plan as thoroughly conniving as depicted in here. It takes a lot more than two typing thumbs and radical racism to bring about a revolution at the top. From the bottom… let’s see what 2020 has in store!

Kudos, Madam Atwood, for this thought-provoking piece. I hope many who, like me, have not taken the time to read and/or watch what you laid out so effectively will do so and add fuel to the discussion about all topics on offer.

This book fulfills Topic #4: Gateway Reading for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Every Fifteen Minutes, by Lisa Scottoline

Eight stars

Although I have never read the work of Lisa Scottoline, when a friend requested that I buddy read this book, I jumped at the opportunity. I came into this piece free from influence or expectations, but have come to feel strongly about the author’s work. Dr. Eric Parrish is the Head of Psychiatry at a rural Pennsylvania hospital, juggling a busy patient load on the ward, as well as in a private practice. When he is called down to the Emergency Department, he meets Max Jakubowski, a teenager who has been carrying much guilt on his shoulders while caring for his terminally ill grandmother. Eric sees something in Max that could benefit from some psychiatric intervention and encourages the young man to see him to chat, if not for private therapy. When Max calls to set-up the appointment, Eric jumps at the opportunity, though it seems as though the young man wants a quick fix with meds. Eric is also trying to juggle a recent separation from his wife and the strains this is putting on his relationship with Hannah, his young daughter. After a series of events put both Eric and Max in the crosshairs of the police and media outlets, things take a serious turn for the worse. Trying to keep himself level-headed, Eric reaches out to help Max as best he can, though it would seem something new pops up every fifteen minutes to derail the stability both need so badly. Interspersed with chapters told in a first-person narrative about someone’s self-diagnosis with sociopathic tendencies, the story gains momentum with each page. Scottoline has penned a winner here, as it keeps the reader fully engaged until the very end, with an ending that comes out of left field. Recommended for those who love a good thriller that mixes legal, medical, and police matters into one culminating story the reader will likely not be able to put down.

As I mentioned above, I came into this buddy read blind and hoped for the best. Scottoline delivered a strong story that kept me going as I trudged deeper into the story, full of twists and unexpected developments. Dr. Eric Parrish proves to be a wonderful protagonist, whose backstory is constantly being shaped by commentary and flashbacks. This serves to provide the reader with the needed insight to better understand his actions moving forward, as he deals with the many issues on his personal radar. Max remains an elusive character, whose emotions appear genuine and whose self-discovery is stunted by a veil of obsessive compulsive actions. As Eric and Max work together, the reader can see a strong bond that is created, though there remain mysterious cracks between them that cannot be repaired with ease. The remaining characters serve to accentuate the personality traits of the two central characters, some offering stronger support than others. Scottoline knows how to develop characters without crowding the story with a number of names to confuse the reader. The strong remains strong and serves to inform as well as entertain the reader, never losing its way as the chapters flow towards the culmination of the final reveal. With plots that grip the reader and force them to ask for more, Scottoline controls the narrative effectively, particularly that sociopath narrative, which leaves the reader wondering.

Kudos, Madam Scottoline, for this sensational read. I am sure to return and poke around to see what else you have written, perhaps even a full-on series that I can enjoy in the coming months.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Operation Wormwood, by Helen C. Escott

Nine stars

First and foremost, a large thank you to Helen C. Escott and Flanker Press Limited for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

After being approached by the author to read this novel, I was curious. It was only when I read that it was set in Canada that I knew I had to give this—and a Canadian author—a try, in hopes that it would prove to be a successful undertaking. Escott offers up a gripping story, set in the capital city of Canada easternmost province, Newfoundland and Labrador. When the Roman Catholic Archbishop of the province is admitted to the hospital with a handful of symptoms, Dr. Luke Gillespie is baffled as to what it might be. A bleeding nose that comes from nowhere and cannot be stopped, extreme pain, and a sensation that the taste of water is extremely bitter, to mention only a few of these random symptoms. After running a number of tests, Dr. Gillespie discounts all of the expected diagnoses that seem to fit, which only causes him to become more befuddled. When Sergeant Nicholas Myra of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary arrives to interview the Archbishop, Gillespie is brought in on a theory the police have been floating, that this illness is isolated to those who have committed a form of pedophilia. More patients soon arrive with similar symptoms, leading Gillespie to wonder if there is an epidemic around St. John’s and if Myra’s theory might have merit. Soon, it becomes clear that this epidemic stretches outside of St. John’s and may have cases all across Canada, something an eager priest wants to share through media sources. It would seem that some of those who are afflicted know one another and call this ‘disease’ Wormwood, from a passage in the Book of Revelations. Digging deeper along the medical and legal angles, Gillespie and Myra work to ascertain how only certain individuals are being targeted and who might be behind this Wormwood, human or otherwise. Time is running out, though some may be just as happy to let nature take its course in a cruel form of survival of the worthiest. Escott pens this wonderful thriller with all the needed ingredients to hook the reader from the opening pages. Highly recommended for those who love a mix of legal and medical thrillers with a religious flavouring to keep the suspense at its most intense.

As Escott admits in her dedication, this work was a decade in the making, leaving me to believe that she spent much time honing her skills in an attempt to provide the reader with the best possible product. She surpasses many of my expectations for this novel and has me very excited to share this piece with other eager readers. Readers are able to learn much about both protagonists, Luke Gillespie and Nicholas Myra throughout this novel, as their backstories are developed effectively throughout the narrative. Coming from completely different backgrounds, both men bring different skills to the table that help propel the story forward and provide the reader with much insight as their character development thickens with each passing page. The handful of other characters offer pieces necessary to move the story forward, particularly some of the darker aspects of the story that the reader will discover upon taking the time to enjoy this novel. Escott builds these characters effectively and pulls no punches with their flaws, which only helps enhance an already strong narrative. The story itself is powerful, mixing the law and religion’s hold over the masses, as well as how to handle those who have committed grievous sin, such as pedophilia. There is much made not only of the abuse of children, but also the decades-old taint the Church has had in relation to this. Additionally, Escott brings in a discussion of Indigenous populations and the abuse they suffered, only to have their pleas ignored as not being credible. The reader need not worry about Catholic inculcation, though the biblical references are important to better understand some of the key arguments and stereotypical sentiments lobbied at the Church. Escott knows how to push without shoving and discuss without preaching, leaving a larger cross-section of readers willing to give this novel a try. I’m sure to pass this title along to anyone who is looking for a strong piece of Canadian fiction that can be digested in short order.

Kudos, Madam Escott, for a wonderful piece. I hope you have more novel ideas in the works, for I am ready to queue up to read whatever else you have on offer.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:

https://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Private #1 Suspect (Private #2), by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Six stars

There are times that a reader will find themselves trying to get into a novel or even a short story, but cannot seem to get a handle. It could be poorly developed characters, a weak plot, or even an audiobook narrator that sucks the life from a wonderful opportunity. While many will shelve the book or write a horrid review, I thought it a good time to test the theory that sometimes coming back to something could save it from an eternity on a DNF shelf. Here is my effort of a James Patterson book that started my jaded view of his writing and mass-publication for the sake of making money. Jack Morgan returns from a trip to Europe, tired and ready to sleep. After a quick shower, he makes his way to bed, only to find a body. It is that of his former flame, bloodied and garrotted. While he knows he could not have killed her, the police keep an eye on Morgan, who seems to be acting slightly off. Meanwhile, Private HQ is being flooded by calls for cases, including from a hotel owner who has discovered numerous bodies in her chain of hotels across California. Additionally someone carjacked a shipment of narcotics from Las Vegas, a case on which Private would not normally work, but Morgan’s had a chit called in. Struggling to put the pieces together with these cases might be the distraction Jack Morgan needs, but it will not replace that ache in his heart, as the killer remains free and in the shadows. A decent output by Patterson and Paetro, though it remains one that has not captivated me, which begs the question why I kept devouring the books in this series.

I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of some of these new series that Patterson has glued together with co-authors, for I find them to lack a really strong foundation. This was, again, one of those books. I admit, I read because of the Patterson name, though I rarely go into a book assuming that it is going to be stellar (I let his Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, and Michael Bennett woo me that way). This was a mediocre book, but somewhat worth the time I spent. Having read all the books in the series, I must take a giants step back and forget much of what I know about the characters found herein. Jack Morgan has become a super boss in later books, but here, he was still that vulnerable fairly new head of Private. He is not the gritty man I have come to enjoy, nor does he receive much of the accolades from others around him. The rest of the team seemed to fit nicely into this story, though I felt that there were too many of them active and more cases than should have been combined in a single book to keep proper track of them all. As I did the first time around, I simply felt the whole book was less than interesting, but will elevate my star rating to three (of five). It could be that I set the bar too high (see above series preferences), but it is now the label of JAMES PATTERSON that has this on the bestseller’s list, I fear, not its content. As many of you know, I coined the phrase James Patterson Syndrome, and this may have been an early novel that helped me form the diagnosis.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson and Madam Paetro, for this early novel in the series. I am still not sure I liked it, but there have been some interesting follow-up novels that span far reaches of the world.

This book fulfills Topic #2: Still Tepid? for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

Don’t Drink the Water: The Year of Short Stories, by Jeffrey Archer

Nine stars

Master storyteller Lord Jeffrey Archer has chosen to please his fans with a new venture; a short story released each month. Those familiar with Archer’s work will know that he can not only spin long and involved pieces, but also the short story that compacts adventure into a handful of pages. I recently received my August story and could not wait to get started. Richard Barnsley is an astute businessman with strong ties in Russia. When the chance to solidify a major deal crosses his path, Richard is not about to let it slip through his fingers, with a senior member of the Cabinet and the Russian President prepared to attend the signing ceremony. Back in England, Barnsley discovers that his wife of many years has apparently decided to file for divorce, thought she has not come out to tell him. Worried about the entire situation, Barnsley agrees to take his wife on his business trip to Russia. He purposely fails to let her know that the local water is not potable and that she need only consume the bottled variety on offer. Barnsley also concocts an elaborate scheme to ensure her bottled water is always replaced with that which flows from the tap, thereby ensuring her demise. While sightseeing, Richard’s wife comes down with something, leaving her achy and feverish. Might this be the ultimate act to ensure no division of assets at divorce? Only time will tell, as long as no one drinks the water! Archer pens yet another wonderful story, keeping the reader thinking and the story flowing through to its final zinger. Recommended for those who love a good Archer short story or any reader who needs something to fill a little time in their day!

Lord Jeffrey Archer’s work is always full of unique perspectives, be they complete novels or shorter story such as this one. I am so pleased to have come across this collection and have reviewed each story based on its own merits. Now I await each instalment on a monthly basis, I can hope to find gems amidst all the reading I undertake each year. This was definitely one of the more exciting pieces I have read of late, pitting a man who refuses to lose anything against an unsuspecting wife who wants nothing more than to enjoy herself on holiday. Told in an interesting way that prefaces the piece with a version of events that makes Archer the story’s actual narrator, the reader is treated to something quite intriguing through to the very end of this story. The characters proves interesting and the story flowed well, as Archer is prone to ensure it does in his shorter pieces. Archer is able to impress and entertain in equal measure, something that is rare in the pieces I have come across over the last number of years. I have enjoyed all these stories and am eager for the next turn of the calendar, when I can be assured yet another gen.

Kudos, Lord Archer, for a masterful new story collection. How you find so many effective ideas that produce high quality publications I will never know.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons

The Summer Before the War, by Helen Simonson

Seven stars

I admit that when I helped craft this topic in my ongoing book challenge, it was the most difficult for me to complete, as few books I know actively take place during a single season and highlight that fact. Once I flipped through my library’s offerings and came upon this piece by Helen Simonson, I knew I had a winner. Mix the quaintness of an English village with the impending thunder of the Great War and Simonson has a recipe for an interesting and highly tangential novel. The bucolic town of Rye, England is precisely what it appears to be. Nestled away from the big city, it is home to a community that is tightly woven together, yet keep away from the big city stresses. However, when the school requires a new Latin teacher, the scholastic gap might as well be an endless abyss. It may be the summer of 1914, but no child should be without a chance to expand their knowledge, or so the sentiment appears to be. When Agatha Kent locates the perfect candidate, she seeks to knock down many of the walls Rye has built around itself, while permitting her also to push forth her women’s rights agenda. Beatrice Nash arrives to take the post, having just lost her father and life-long mentor. While Nash is young, she has all the credentials and Agatha is sure that the school’s board will not be able to turn her down. As Nash settles into her new home, she is surrounded by townsfolk, all of whom have their own perspectives of what life is like and how the greater world should react to the potential war about to burst onto the European scene. Plunging into her work, Nash soon learns that she may have bitten off more than she can chew, as Rye is anything but the peaceful town she might have expected, and things are just getting started. Simonson does a masterful job of mixing humour, politics, and early twentieth century English ways of life in this novel that captivates as it entertains. Recommended to those who enjoy something a little lighter, but still full of heavy political and social issues, all peppered with humorous undertones.

Having never read Helen Simonson before, I was unsure what I ought to expect or if this would be the ideal book for my current reading challenge. I came to see that it strays far from what I might be used to reading, but definitely hit the spot and opened my eyes to a new and promising author. Beatrice Nash is surely more than the next Latin teacher, something she exhibits through her forward personality and stern scholastic manner. She must, however, try to fit into this small-town mentality without letting herself go mad. Nash exhibits some interesting characteristics, all of which come to the surface as she interacts with many of the townsfolk in Rye. The numerous secondary characters prove to be highly entertaining and offer a wonderful flavour of what the reader can expect throughout, engaging one another on many topics from local charitable ventures to the suffrage movement and even into politics of the Great War through Belgian Refugee Relief. Simonson delves deep to provide a wonderful cross-section of society and forces them all to subsist in a goldfish bowl, while the reader watches. The story is a mix of social commentary, dry wit, and even some political sentiment, which propels the reader to see World War I through the eyes of a small English community, something that might be foreign to many who pick-up this book. It is by opening one’s mind—as the townspeople must do for Nash—that the truth can seep in and shape the future for all.

Kudos, Madam Simonson, for this delightful book. I was so pleased to have taken a risk on it and hope many others will read it for themselves.

This book fulfills Topic #6: The Current Season/Equiniox for the Equinox #4 Reading Challenge.

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons