Reviews

 I have read all of C.J. Box Joe Pickett novels. I really enjoyed them. But this one left me disappointed. There were two deaths that I don’t think were necessary. Actually, I think the two characters had potential for future interesting story lines. I won’t reveal which characters (no spoilers). I am so disappointed that I might take a break from reading the Joe Pickett series.

A fun, fast read, with punchy characters, terrific pacing, and tone-perfect humor. I loved the relationship between the ex-con dad and his seriously ill daughter and the essentially incompetent villain, but the heartfelt and utterly satisfying ending is what really made this book special. Great read.

This book as well as the first one," 6:20 Man " kept me reading and interested every chance I had down time. I looked forward to the next twist and turn to the mystery of the real time crimes. I blasted through these books in hours. I have been reading Baldacci books for a long time. A great story teller. Devine is up there with the characters from the Camel Club series. The facts in both books are well researched.

Miss Marple, Jessica Fletcher and now a grittier version in Maggie E, long retired from the CIA. An old case suddenly bursts into her Maine retirement life in a small Maine town.

Aided by 4 other CIA retirees, she is thrust back to Thailand, Italy and dangers galore. Calling themselves The Martini Club, the five neighbors thought they were settled into shared meals of dishes from their exotic former posts, good alcohol and fitting into small town life. When danger intrudes, their tradecraft and smarts kicks in.

This is not Tess Gerritsen’s first series. Her Rizzoli and Isles crime series entertained us on the page and on TV.

Can’t wait to see what Gerritsen will serve up in The Martini Club Book 2.

This is my first time reading a book by Lou Berney, and it definitely won't be my last.

The story centers around Hardy "Hardly" Reed, who is aimlessly going through life working at an amusement park. He lives in a garage. Hardy was placed in foster care after his mother passed away. Preston, his foster brother, is the closest thing to family he has. Preston is the one who dubbed him Hardly.

Hardly goes to delay payment on a ticket, and it is here that he notices two children sitting by themselves. Out of concern, Hardly wonders where their parents are and tries to engage them in a conversation. He notes what looks like injuries.

Hardly struggles to move on and thinks the kids rely on him as their only hope. He's always stayed in his comfort zone and is content with his current situation. Despite this, he thinks it's worth taking a risk, and along the way, he finds authentic friends who care about him.

I enjoyed Hardly's character development and having a purpose in his life. My favorite character is Eleanor, who acts unapproachable but strikes a deal with Hardly to exchange favors. Without them knowing, they become friends, and she gets him out of a tight jam. Eleanor's grandmother is a hoot too. If you're a fan of thrillers, don't miss out on this one!

I went into this expecting a mystery-thriller. My first thought on finishing was disappointment. Until I realized how much fun I had reading it.

This book, while different from Ware’s other writings, still proved to keep me engaged and entertained.

The story was a bit predictable and I figured pretty early on what the outcome would be…but the journey getting there didn’t leave me disappointed. It was a thriller, not much a mystery and when I look at it that way, I have more appreciation for this book.

Definitely worth the read if you’re a Ware fan.

I enjoyed Alma Katsu’s latest thriller, involving Russian power plays in London. She captures the tension and atmosphere of the spying involved, and her protagonist is an interesting character, a female CIA officer in what is often an all-male world. The novel has several subplots dealing with a Russian oligarch and the new president of Russia. The war in Ukraine and the turmoil in Russia is also a timely element of the story.

This is the second book featuring agent Lindsey, Red Widow is the first and you may want to read that before diving into Red London.

I have read all of the Gabriel Allon books, and this one was most enjoyable. It’s an excellent thriller and I liked the plot and its pace. While covering a very serious topic, e.g. the threat of Russian nuclear weapons use in Ukraine, Silva also uses lots of levity and humor, poking fun at various people and situations. And I really liked the new character Ingrid! She’s a keeper. Kind of like Gabriel Allon meets the girl with the dragon tattoo. Overall, an excellent mystery thriller and great addition to the series.

The second book of the compelling story of Danny Ryan and his band of brothers, City of Dreams keeps you engaged and enthralled. It’s action, suspense, family, love and betrayal. Complex characters and a great story make this an excellent read. Can’t wait for the next and final installment! Kudos to Mr. Winslow!

Alex Quinlan not only survived the horrific murder of her parents and brother but is accused of the crime and dubbed “Empty Eyes” by the insatiable media. When the state’s case falls apart, Alex with the help of her attorney sues the state for defamation and while she wins the case, the media still has doubts of her innocence.

Ten years later and Alex is now Alex Armstrong and working as an investigator for her attorney’s law firm. When she is sent to investigate the disappearance of a college student, Alex discovers unexpected connections to the murder of her family and soon realizes that those she is closest to may not be who they seem.

This is one of those books that you think is finished with the revelation of the killer, but it is not. A twist filled plot and another in the last pages of the book, make this a book that will be discussed long after “The End” whether you liked it or not. Alex is a character that you immediately feel sympathy for with her treatment after the murder of her family, but as the story continues, she grows into a strong and intelligent protagonist who refuses to forget the past but seeks answers from it. This thriller has intriguing characters that are fully fleshed and believable, multiple mysteries and shocking twists that never end.