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Review Date: 10/6/2010
Christopher Moore does it again! This book is laugh out loud hilarious! Most of the book is told from the point of view of "Abby Normal," a goth Valley Girl, who wants nothing more than to be "Nosferatu" and spend her life being Mistress of the Greater Bay Area Night and going "Raaarrr" to those around her.
When we last left Abby and her manga-haired love monkey, Foo Dog, they had trapped "The Countess and Lord Flood" in bronze statues and were living in the love lair deciding what their next move should be. They quickly learn they have gotten in way over their heads when they discover that Chet is a vampire cat and is quickly turning other cats to the dark side and eating several people along the way. Plus, Jody and Tommy are gonna be REALLY pissed when they get out of the bronze statues. And then there are those ass-hat cops Rivera and Cavuto who are snooping around...seriously, could life get any more sucky?
Sadly, I think this is the last story in the series as this book ties up many loose ends and pretty much cleans house. One can only hope there will be more, but it doesn't feel like it. Do yourself a favor and read this series, starting with BLOODSUCKING FIENDS, followed by YOU SUCK and then BITE ME.
When we last left Abby and her manga-haired love monkey, Foo Dog, they had trapped "The Countess and Lord Flood" in bronze statues and were living in the love lair deciding what their next move should be. They quickly learn they have gotten in way over their heads when they discover that Chet is a vampire cat and is quickly turning other cats to the dark side and eating several people along the way. Plus, Jody and Tommy are gonna be REALLY pissed when they get out of the bronze statues. And then there are those ass-hat cops Rivera and Cavuto who are snooping around...seriously, could life get any more sucky?
Sadly, I think this is the last story in the series as this book ties up many loose ends and pretty much cleans house. One can only hope there will be more, but it doesn't feel like it. Do yourself a favor and read this series, starting with BLOODSUCKING FIENDS, followed by YOU SUCK and then BITE ME.
Review Date: 4/14/2011
Helpful Score: 2
Dating in the modern world isnt all its cracked up to be as our heroine, Sarah Dearly finds out when her blind date turns out not only to be a vampire, but bites her and turns her into one of the undead. Then to make matters worse, Sarahs sire is murdered by vampire hunters just mere minutes after shes turned and she has no idea what to do next. Luckily, self-preservation kicks in and Sarah does what any self-respecting woman, undead or alive, would do when faced with imminent violenceshe hauls ass out of there. When she comes across 600+ year old vampire Thierry de Bennicoeur preparing to commit suicide, Sarah takes a leap of faith (literally) in the hope that she can convince Thierry that life is worth living and herself that she can continue to live her own life before this minor derailment into the vampire community. Along the way, Sarah meets other vampires, some nice and some she would probably like to stake herself and a vampire hunter who is intent on killing her despite her numerous protests that she isnt evil.
I found this book to be a cute and entertaining story to a series that looks to be very entertaining. I liked Sarah quite a bit. She reminds me of Betsy Taylor from the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson. If you like that series, you will enjoy this one. Sarah has a lot of attitude and isnt shy about expressing herself. I thought she had a lot of spunk. Even after being fired from her job and no financial windfalls looming on the horizon, Sarah manages to take charge of the situation and plows forward instead of wallowing in self-pity.
I didnt warm up to Thierry, unfortunately. He seemed too stuffy and stuck-up for me. Even though it was quite obvious to me that he was attracted to Sarah, I didnt like that he went out of his way to push her away and wasnt very nice about it. The fact that she stuck around and had his back says more about her and her integrity and compassion, however. I liked Michael Quinn, the vampire hunter who is after Sarah. I was glad to see he turned out to be one of the major characters. I found his personality very likeable. Sarah befriends one of the vampires at Thierrys nightclub named George who I found to be very likeable and funny.
Though the jury is still out on whether I want to see Sarah and Thierry end up together, I am looking forward to reading the second book to find out what happens next.
I found this book to be a cute and entertaining story to a series that looks to be very entertaining. I liked Sarah quite a bit. She reminds me of Betsy Taylor from the Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson. If you like that series, you will enjoy this one. Sarah has a lot of attitude and isnt shy about expressing herself. I thought she had a lot of spunk. Even after being fired from her job and no financial windfalls looming on the horizon, Sarah manages to take charge of the situation and plows forward instead of wallowing in self-pity.
I didnt warm up to Thierry, unfortunately. He seemed too stuffy and stuck-up for me. Even though it was quite obvious to me that he was attracted to Sarah, I didnt like that he went out of his way to push her away and wasnt very nice about it. The fact that she stuck around and had his back says more about her and her integrity and compassion, however. I liked Michael Quinn, the vampire hunter who is after Sarah. I was glad to see he turned out to be one of the major characters. I found his personality very likeable. Sarah befriends one of the vampires at Thierrys nightclub named George who I found to be very likeable and funny.
Though the jury is still out on whether I want to see Sarah and Thierry end up together, I am looking forward to reading the second book to find out what happens next.
Review Date: 8/24/2011
I read the second book before reading this one so the sequence of events was a little bit out of order, but still enjoyed this book quite a lot. How Jen and Fletch manage to make it through all the adversity in their lives and come out of it still together provides many hours of entertaining and laugh out loud reading.
Review Date: 10/6/2010
Alot of interesting plot twists greet Rachel and her friends in this installment of the series. Some good and some quite sad and some extremely unwanted and disappointing. The longer the series goes gives me more curiosity to the direction the author will take Rachel and Trent's relationship. In this book, the reader is given a glimpse of their childhood past and, for me, a little bit more understanding of their history. Jenks remains my favorite character in the series with his Tinkerbell expletives that keep me laughing until my sides hurt.
Review Date: 5/17/2011
Helpful Score: 1
Ive long been fascinated by the unsolved Jack the Ripper murders in 1888 and have my own personal speculation on who Jack was. For the most part, I enjoyed this story that centers around an FBI profiler who is battling her own personal demons trying to solve the murder of her sister several years before. After an especially grueling case, Victoria is all but ordered to take a vacation. She shanghais childhood friend, Trey, and they depart for London to attend a weekend seminar featuring a speaker from Scotland Yard about the unsolved Ripper murders.
For the most part, I enjoyed the story that mixes the historical facts with the growing romance between Victoria and Jonathan Blake. Throw in a Jack the Ripper copycat killer who is murdering women and has chosen Victoria to receive his dark messages and graphic and disturbing gifts. The identity of the modern day Ripper provided a satisfactory closure as well. My problem with this book was instead of ending the story with the killer being captured and Victoria and Jonathan riding off into the sunset, the story continues and goes off the deep end into a conspiracy theory about the 1888 Jacks identity and a bunch of cloak and dagger moments and cover-ups.
I may be in the minority here, but though several theories about Jacks identity make logical sense, I personally feel that there being no resolution is a big part of the appeal of this case. If you can overlook the last chapter, maybe even skip it all together, you may enjoy this story overall.
For the most part, I enjoyed the story that mixes the historical facts with the growing romance between Victoria and Jonathan Blake. Throw in a Jack the Ripper copycat killer who is murdering women and has chosen Victoria to receive his dark messages and graphic and disturbing gifts. The identity of the modern day Ripper provided a satisfactory closure as well. My problem with this book was instead of ending the story with the killer being captured and Victoria and Jonathan riding off into the sunset, the story continues and goes off the deep end into a conspiracy theory about the 1888 Jacks identity and a bunch of cloak and dagger moments and cover-ups.
I may be in the minority here, but though several theories about Jacks identity make logical sense, I personally feel that there being no resolution is a big part of the appeal of this case. If you can overlook the last chapter, maybe even skip it all together, you may enjoy this story overall.
Review Date: 3/21/2015
The Body In The Woods by new to me author April Henry is the first book in a series about three teens who are members of a search and rescue team. While on a search for a missing man, they discover the body of a young girl. The trio soon realize a serial killer is on the loose and decide to work together to solve the mystery before one of them becomes his next target.
Though this story did not pack a high level of intensity, its a good start to the series and holds a lot of promise as we learn more about Alexis, Nick and Ruby. I enjoyed meeting these characters and getting to know them. They are an awkward group that do not know each other very well but a friendship begins to bloom and becomes stronger as they work together to solve the crime. I thought each character was unique and interesting as more is learned about them and the reader gets to see firsthand into the lives of each one. The author does a good job of capturing the voice of each characters personality and bringing them to life on the page.
The story moved at a good pace and the author does not mire down the reader in unnecessary details. I was able to guess the identity of the killer fairly quickly but I enjoyed seeing it all play out and wondering how the teens would get the police to help.
My Final Verdict: Good start to a series that will appeal to fans of young adult themes and mysteries. What the book lacks in suspense and intensity delivers with interesting characters that will draw the reader in to find out what happens next.
Though this story did not pack a high level of intensity, its a good start to the series and holds a lot of promise as we learn more about Alexis, Nick and Ruby. I enjoyed meeting these characters and getting to know them. They are an awkward group that do not know each other very well but a friendship begins to bloom and becomes stronger as they work together to solve the crime. I thought each character was unique and interesting as more is learned about them and the reader gets to see firsthand into the lives of each one. The author does a good job of capturing the voice of each characters personality and bringing them to life on the page.
The story moved at a good pace and the author does not mire down the reader in unnecessary details. I was able to guess the identity of the killer fairly quickly but I enjoyed seeing it all play out and wondering how the teens would get the police to help.
My Final Verdict: Good start to a series that will appeal to fans of young adult themes and mysteries. What the book lacks in suspense and intensity delivers with interesting characters that will draw the reader in to find out what happens next.
Review Date: 2/3/2014
Helpful Score: 3
The Book of Tomorrow is another story by a very talented author who continues to amaze me with the scope of her talent.
The Book of Tomorrow revolves around Tamara, a young girl coping with the sudden death of her father and loss of her home. She and her mother are forced to move away from all of her friends to live with her aunt and uncle.
Tamara soon meets a boy who drives a travelling library van and he gives her a leather bound book. At first, Tamara is disappointed to discover the pages inside the book are empty, but the magic begins the next day when she opens the book and discovers her own handwriting on the pages detailing the events of tomorrow before it happens!
I wasn't sure I was going to like Tamara at first. She comes across as a very spoiled brat carrying a lot of bad manners and hostility. The more I got to know Tamara, I realized how much pain she is in over her father's death and the circumstances surrounding it, the guilt she feels and her fear at her mother's withdrawal into a near catatonic state.
This story has a lot of very interesting secondary characters that round out the plot and made it much more intriguing. I quickly got pulled into anticipating what events would be described in the pages for Tamara to discover and try to either alter or allow to occur.
I asked myself several times while reading this book if I would want to know in advance what tomorrow brings and I couldn't come up with a definite answer. The idea is very appealing and frightening at the same time. Knowing what is coming forces Tamara to grow up a little bit faster, while making some hard decisions.
Fans of Cecelia Ahern's work will enjoy this story immensely. The Book of Tomorrow wasn't my favorite out of the many by her that I have read, but I highly recommend it for its unique story and interesting characters.
The Book of Tomorrow revolves around Tamara, a young girl coping with the sudden death of her father and loss of her home. She and her mother are forced to move away from all of her friends to live with her aunt and uncle.
Tamara soon meets a boy who drives a travelling library van and he gives her a leather bound book. At first, Tamara is disappointed to discover the pages inside the book are empty, but the magic begins the next day when she opens the book and discovers her own handwriting on the pages detailing the events of tomorrow before it happens!
I wasn't sure I was going to like Tamara at first. She comes across as a very spoiled brat carrying a lot of bad manners and hostility. The more I got to know Tamara, I realized how much pain she is in over her father's death and the circumstances surrounding it, the guilt she feels and her fear at her mother's withdrawal into a near catatonic state.
This story has a lot of very interesting secondary characters that round out the plot and made it much more intriguing. I quickly got pulled into anticipating what events would be described in the pages for Tamara to discover and try to either alter or allow to occur.
I asked myself several times while reading this book if I would want to know in advance what tomorrow brings and I couldn't come up with a definite answer. The idea is very appealing and frightening at the same time. Knowing what is coming forces Tamara to grow up a little bit faster, while making some hard decisions.
Fans of Cecelia Ahern's work will enjoy this story immensely. The Book of Tomorrow wasn't my favorite out of the many by her that I have read, but I highly recommend it for its unique story and interesting characters.
Review Date: 11/15/2006
I have enjoyed every book I've read by this talented author. The characters were great and the storyline kept me interested and intrigued at the outcome.
Review Date: 10/13/2010
With the arrival of Mavis's much anticpated baby and the recruitment of Eve and Roark as unwilling birth coaches, this installment of the In Death series has become my favorite.
Filled with the gritty action and precise, hard-nosed determination Eve demonstrates with every case, this story also brings a lot of light moments and laugh out loud hilarity at the horror Eve and Roark feel facing the birth of Mavis and Leonardo's child. In her typical fashion, Eve manages to solve three homicides and take down a baby selling ring in the process. Surprising that something as minor as the birth of a child could send this tenacious seeker of justice to her knees. I hope this series continues for a very long time and I'm looking forward to the next book with eager excitement and anticipation.
Filled with the gritty action and precise, hard-nosed determination Eve demonstrates with every case, this story also brings a lot of light moments and laugh out loud hilarity at the horror Eve and Roark feel facing the birth of Mavis and Leonardo's child. In her typical fashion, Eve manages to solve three homicides and take down a baby selling ring in the process. Surprising that something as minor as the birth of a child could send this tenacious seeker of justice to her knees. I hope this series continues for a very long time and I'm looking forward to the next book with eager excitement and anticipation.
Review Date: 5/6/2015
My favorite theme in historical romance has been kilts, Highlanders and all things Scottish for a very long time. Bound To The Highlander is the debut novel of new to me author Kate Robbins who does a brilliant job of bringing to life a wonderfully romantic story set in a vibrant and beautiful country during the early fifteenth century. I got a very good sense of what it is like living there, the hardships people faced and the lack of modern comforts we take for granted in the 21st century, like electricity and plumbing. As much as I love kilt-wearing Highlanders with accents that make my toes curl, I dont think I would actually want to live back then.
I really enjoyed meeting Aileana and James. Seeing their mutual distrust and apprehension of each other in the beginning bloom into love and passion was a delight. I also loved the side story of Gwen and Calum. It was too bad that Aileanas Uncle dies at the very beginning of the book as I think I would have enjoyed meeting him too. In addition to the good characters, Ms. Robbins writes her villains very well too. Theres a very intense and violent scene between Aileana and Gawain that was hard to read but written so well that I was glued to my seat waiting to find out what happens next.
Overall, this was a good start to a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. I recommend Bound To The Highlander to fans of historical romances and to anyone who enjoys good stories with strong characters and beautiful settings.
I really enjoyed meeting Aileana and James. Seeing their mutual distrust and apprehension of each other in the beginning bloom into love and passion was a delight. I also loved the side story of Gwen and Calum. It was too bad that Aileanas Uncle dies at the very beginning of the book as I think I would have enjoyed meeting him too. In addition to the good characters, Ms. Robbins writes her villains very well too. Theres a very intense and violent scene between Aileana and Gawain that was hard to read but written so well that I was glued to my seat waiting to find out what happens next.
Overall, this was a good start to a series that I am looking forward to reading more of. I recommend Bound To The Highlander to fans of historical romances and to anyone who enjoys good stories with strong characters and beautiful settings.
Review Date: 11/3/2006
Excellent story with lots of humor. I love the email format the book is written in.
Review Date: 5/23/2011
Helpful Score: 1
Very fast read and entertaining first book of a new to me young adult series by an author whose work Ive only read are time travels. I have noticed I have become more drawn to and intrigued by paranormal young adult stories. Not sure why. Perhaps the characters seem less jaded and cynical to me than in the adult counterparts. Maybe its that whole the future is so bright, I gotta wear shades mentality that seems to permeate all of the young adult books I have read lately. Its not a bad thing really; the difference is so intriguing because theres a sense of adventure and wonder and yes, even innocence in the story that isnt always present in other series.
This story revolves around identical twins, Sunshine and Rayne McDonald. Ironically, these identical twins couldnt be more different. Sunshine is a dedicated student who maintains a good grade point average, is on the field hockey team and is currently the understudy to the lead in the school play. She has a major crush (who doesnt?) on Jake Wilder who doesnt know she exists and who is also in the school play. Rayne has no interest in school, devoted to maintaining a Goth persona and wants to be a vampire. Rayne all but twists Sunnys arm into accompanying her to a Goth hangout called Club Fang. Sunny meets Magnus who turns out to be a vampire and who proceeds to bite her, not realizing it was supposed to be Rayne he was to bite. Now Sunny will become a vampire in one week unless she and Magnus can find a way to reverse the change.
This story was a lot of fun. Sunnys transformation to the undead was quite humorous and I loved her and Magnus together. Initially, Rayne seemed very self absorbed but she grew on me and I ended up liking her a lot too. Some of the things Sunny experiences as she gets closer to becoming a vampire were very entertaining. The smell of food causes her to be physically ill, her initial taste of blood and her surprise at how much she enjoyed it and the unexpected effects of the Vampire Scent having on guys around her. Sunny is adamant she doesnt want to be a vampire even though she is developing feelings for Magnus and he for her. I enjoyed the conflict. Magnus is willing to do anything to help Sunny get her humanity back in spite of the virtual rejection he is feeling at her reaction to being a vampire.
Along the way, Sunnys mother is convinced she is on drugs, Sunny is called upon to take over the lead in the play, Sunny and Magnus witness the slaying of the vampire leader and have to travel all the way to England to obtain the cure before prom. Oh, and she still needs to buy a prom dress
The ending came as a surprise and ends on a big cliffhanger lead in to the next book. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series so I can find out what happens next. Overall, if you enjoy reading a vampire series featuring young adults and prefer it to be of the lighter variety, I highly recommend this book.
This story revolves around identical twins, Sunshine and Rayne McDonald. Ironically, these identical twins couldnt be more different. Sunshine is a dedicated student who maintains a good grade point average, is on the field hockey team and is currently the understudy to the lead in the school play. She has a major crush (who doesnt?) on Jake Wilder who doesnt know she exists and who is also in the school play. Rayne has no interest in school, devoted to maintaining a Goth persona and wants to be a vampire. Rayne all but twists Sunnys arm into accompanying her to a Goth hangout called Club Fang. Sunny meets Magnus who turns out to be a vampire and who proceeds to bite her, not realizing it was supposed to be Rayne he was to bite. Now Sunny will become a vampire in one week unless she and Magnus can find a way to reverse the change.
This story was a lot of fun. Sunnys transformation to the undead was quite humorous and I loved her and Magnus together. Initially, Rayne seemed very self absorbed but she grew on me and I ended up liking her a lot too. Some of the things Sunny experiences as she gets closer to becoming a vampire were very entertaining. The smell of food causes her to be physically ill, her initial taste of blood and her surprise at how much she enjoyed it and the unexpected effects of the Vampire Scent having on guys around her. Sunny is adamant she doesnt want to be a vampire even though she is developing feelings for Magnus and he for her. I enjoyed the conflict. Magnus is willing to do anything to help Sunny get her humanity back in spite of the virtual rejection he is feeling at her reaction to being a vampire.
Along the way, Sunnys mother is convinced she is on drugs, Sunny is called upon to take over the lead in the play, Sunny and Magnus witness the slaying of the vampire leader and have to travel all the way to England to obtain the cure before prom. Oh, and she still needs to buy a prom dress
The ending came as a surprise and ends on a big cliffhanger lead in to the next book. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series so I can find out what happens next. Overall, if you enjoy reading a vampire series featuring young adults and prefer it to be of the lighter variety, I highly recommend this book.
Review Date: 7/30/2007
Helpful Score: 5
Very cute story. I enjoyed watching the mess Rachel gets herself into, though her intentions start out good. I'm eager to get my hands on the rest of this series to see how she ends up.
Review Date: 8/30/2007
Helpful Score: 14
This book was a last minute addition to the tote bag for my trip to Scotland. I'm always afraid I will get stuck on an extremely long plane ride (and going to Scotland definitely counts as LONG) with crappy books. This book completely took that fear away. Let's just say that I nearly missed boarding my connecting flight in Newark, NJ because I was so engrossed in this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the author's sarcastic wit and humor throughout the whole book.
I've never read this author before and I am so glad I found this one and will be hunting for all of her books.
I've never read this author before and I am so glad I found this one and will be hunting for all of her books.
Review Date: 8/16/2014
With The Bro-Magnet, readers are introduced to Johnny Smith, a typical nice guy who enjoys guy things and has a lot of friends, but cant seem to land that one special girl. When he finally meets a woman who he thinks could be the one, he is faced with hoards of advice from family and friends on the image he needs to present in order to win the girl. Based on the advice, he recreates himself into someone practically unrecognizable and he wonders if its just a matter of time before the charade blows up in his face or if he will get the girl.
I really liked this story and felt an instant connection to Johnny. The entire story is told from his perspective and through his eyes, the reader is introduced to his family and friends and are given a birds-eye view into his entire life, beginning with his birth and the death of his mother, his awkwardness with the opposite sex, his childhood and adolescent crushes, his numerous stints as Best Man and his near instant friendship with almost every man he meets. In spite of his dismal failure at finding his soul mate, Johnny is a very likable and down to earth guy.
The plot was very easy to get into and though I guessed early on how it would play out, I still enjoyed the ride. I especially enjoyed what Johnny had to go through to acquire a cat and his General Hospital marathons. My only issue with this story was with Johnnys Aunt and her constant reminders to Johnny how he killed her sister. That really got old and tiresome and I could only imagine how annoying it would be to hear that and have it thrown in your face your whole life. It impressed me that Johnny took it in stride and didnt let the fact that he grew up without his mother make him feel inadequate or bitter.
The Bro-Magnet was a very good story with likable characters, a plot that progresses smoothly, and dialogue that is entertaining and often laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend this story if you are looking for a fresh perspective from the opposite sex with an entertaining twist.
I really liked this story and felt an instant connection to Johnny. The entire story is told from his perspective and through his eyes, the reader is introduced to his family and friends and are given a birds-eye view into his entire life, beginning with his birth and the death of his mother, his awkwardness with the opposite sex, his childhood and adolescent crushes, his numerous stints as Best Man and his near instant friendship with almost every man he meets. In spite of his dismal failure at finding his soul mate, Johnny is a very likable and down to earth guy.
The plot was very easy to get into and though I guessed early on how it would play out, I still enjoyed the ride. I especially enjoyed what Johnny had to go through to acquire a cat and his General Hospital marathons. My only issue with this story was with Johnnys Aunt and her constant reminders to Johnny how he killed her sister. That really got old and tiresome and I could only imagine how annoying it would be to hear that and have it thrown in your face your whole life. It impressed me that Johnny took it in stride and didnt let the fact that he grew up without his mother make him feel inadequate or bitter.
The Bro-Magnet was a very good story with likable characters, a plot that progresses smoothly, and dialogue that is entertaining and often laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend this story if you are looking for a fresh perspective from the opposite sex with an entertaining twist.
Review Date: 10/7/2014
I enjoyed The Broken by new to me author Shelley Coriell. This book is the first installment of a series centering on a crack shot team of FBI agents tasked with hunting down the big bad evil in the world. This first book introduces us to Kate Johnson and Hayden Reed. Kate was the first victim and only survivor of a vicious serial killer and has been in hiding, intent on keeping her trail untraceable, knowing the killer is still out there and anxious to finish the job. Hayden is an FBI profiler looking for the serial killer with personal demons of his own, committed to catching the killer and keeping Kate safe. I really liked that Hayden wasnt the typical knight in shining armor hero. Hes deeply flawed with painful scars and carrying immense personal baggage and that makes him perfect for Kate. They are kindred spirits and I enjoyed watching them connect and learn to let their guard down and trust one another. Kates entire life has been a complete nightmare. Raised by a mentally ill mother and abandoned by her father, Kate worked hard to make her life successful until the night she nearly died. Since then she has been on the run staying with a cantankerous Vietnam vet as his caretaker and making jewelry. She is on high alert always and ready to hit the road at a moments notice. When the killer strikes again, she realizes she is going to have to come out of hiding and work with the FBI before another victim is claimed.
This book takes the reader into Kates past and we discover the Broadcast Butcher wasnt the only dark moment in Kates life. I was hoping to find out more about her father and what happened with him and why he never came back and my heart went out to the child Kate was and what she endured. I was angry at her grandparents for never being there and wished Kate told them how their absence in her life affected her. Their assistance to the FBI seemed a little too late for me. Perhaps there will be more closure here as the series progresses. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Smokey Joe. He was an amazing character and the perfect surrogate father that Kate needed in her life.
My only problem with this story is that there was such a huge build-up to the end which fell flat for me. I had high anticipation to learn who the killer was but the big reveal was a big letdown. I felt it was it was a random afterthought and the reasons behind why he targeted Kate in the first place felt hollow to me.
Overall, this was a good story with interesting and well-written characters that will appeal to fans of mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense. I am curious about the other agents introduced in this book so I will be looking for the rest of the series to find out their story.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Broken from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes the reader into Kates past and we discover the Broadcast Butcher wasnt the only dark moment in Kates life. I was hoping to find out more about her father and what happened with him and why he never came back and my heart went out to the child Kate was and what she endured. I was angry at her grandparents for never being there and wished Kate told them how their absence in her life affected her. Their assistance to the FBI seemed a little too late for me. Perhaps there will be more closure here as the series progresses. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Smokey Joe. He was an amazing character and the perfect surrogate father that Kate needed in her life.
My only problem with this story is that there was such a huge build-up to the end which fell flat for me. I had high anticipation to learn who the killer was but the big reveal was a big letdown. I felt it was it was a random afterthought and the reasons behind why he targeted Kate in the first place felt hollow to me.
Overall, this was a good story with interesting and well-written characters that will appeal to fans of mysteries, thrillers and romantic suspense. I am curious about the other agents introduced in this book so I will be looking for the rest of the series to find out their story.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Broken from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend (Broken Hearts & Revenge, Bk 1)
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Author:
Book Type: Hardcover
2
Review Date: 8/29/2014
New to me author Katie Finn offers up a story that reminds us that honesty is always the best practice. Gemma Tucker is your average high school student who has just been dumped by her boyfriend, Teddy, and suddenly finds herself without the summer she had planned out. At her mothers insistence, she goes to the Hamptons to spend the summer with her father. Being back in the Hamptons stirs up less than pleasant memories for Gemma as the reader learns that Gemma did some not so very nice things to a girl that she was friends with five years prior. She decides that she wants to make things right, but a huge case of mistaken identity puts her in the position of trying to start over. First of all, the terrible things that Gemma did to Hallie that ruined her life was done when they were eleven years old so I really didnt understand the extent of animosity that Hallie had for Gemma and the reader is never enlightened as to how Hallies life was ruined by what Gemma did. Granted, what Gemma did was cruel and mean, but she feels really bad about it and is trying to make it right. Its not until the end of the book that the reader is given a glimpse of just how much Hallie hates Gemma and though I understand why Hallie feels the way she does, I am hoping that Gemma will prevail. I dont expect Hallie and Gemma to become best friends again, but I think Josh and Gemma would be a great couple.
My Final Verdict: I usually get annoyed with stories that drop a cliffhanger at the end instead of tying up loose ends, but this book was an exception. I found the plot interesting and the characters likable and easy to relate to. My interest in what happens next has been sparked enough to want to read the next book and find out what Gemma will do next. This book was a good start to the series and I am hoping that there will be more closure in the next book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Broken Hearts, Fences, And Other Things To Mend from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
My Final Verdict: I usually get annoyed with stories that drop a cliffhanger at the end instead of tying up loose ends, but this book was an exception. I found the plot interesting and the characters likable and easy to relate to. My interest in what happens next has been sparked enough to want to read the next book and find out what Gemma will do next. This book was a good start to the series and I am hoping that there will be more closure in the next book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Broken Hearts, Fences, And Other Things To Mend from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review Date: 4/24/2014
Helpful Score: 1
New to me author Jane Casey brings to life a character I found very likeable and easy to relate to in Maeve Kerrigan. As a detective constable working in dominantly male squad, Maeve tries to ignore inappropriate comments and innuendo she overhears within her squad. She strives to prove herself worthy to her chain of command by trying to be the best investigator she can be. In addition, her dedication to her job puts a strain on her personal relationships with her family and boyfriend.
At the height of The Burning Man serial killer investigations, a new homicide brings more questions instead of answers. The more Maeve learns about the latest victim causes Maeve to wonder if the crime is being perpetrated by the same suspect or if a new monster is loose in London.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the way the plot is peppered with multiple layers that reveal the victims dark past and events that led to her death. The big reveal came as a great surprise to me. The author does an excellent job of tying all of the loose ends together to make the finale more believable.
Overall, I found The Burning to be a very good beginning to what, I believe, will be a series that will appeal to fans of mysteries and police procedural novels. This series has characters that the reader will enjoy meeting, getting to know and caring for. I enjoyed the passion that Maeve brings to her job and the justice she seeks for her victims. I look forward to the next book in this series.
At the height of The Burning Man serial killer investigations, a new homicide brings more questions instead of answers. The more Maeve learns about the latest victim causes Maeve to wonder if the crime is being perpetrated by the same suspect or if a new monster is loose in London.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the way the plot is peppered with multiple layers that reveal the victims dark past and events that led to her death. The big reveal came as a great surprise to me. The author does an excellent job of tying all of the loose ends together to make the finale more believable.
Overall, I found The Burning to be a very good beginning to what, I believe, will be a series that will appeal to fans of mysteries and police procedural novels. This series has characters that the reader will enjoy meeting, getting to know and caring for. I enjoyed the passion that Maeve brings to her job and the justice she seeks for her victims. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Review Date: 9/27/2013
I should have known something would happen that would interfere with the movie premiere. Silly me for thinking that Eve and the gang could have a night out on the town enjoying the excitement and hype of the premiere dressed in their glitterati with the flashbulbs blasting away. Wait a minute, what was I thinking? Its Eve so OF COURSE, it would happen and I really think Eve prefers it that way. With Calculated In Death, Eve and her team are investigating the death of an accountant who also happens to be the sister-in-law of a judge. At first glance, it appears the murder is due to a random mugging, but Eve quickly picks up on clues left at the crime scene that lead her to believe the murder was actually a professional hit. Once again, Eve quickly pieces together clues that lead her and Peabody to the killer.
Not enough Roark or Summerset in this story, unfortunately, but one of my favorite parts of the book involves a scene with Eve and Summerset after she comes home pretty banged up after a foot pursuit with the killer gets ugly. Summerset actually convinces Eve to take a blocker and she actually listens to him! I was so shocked that there wasnt more of a fight. Is Eve getting soft where Summerset is concerned? Is she starting to care about him? Nah, probably not, but as much as I enjoy their snarky poke and jab sessions, I love love love the scenes where they actually have a civil conversation and where theres a hint of some compassion, empathy or other human emotion. Just a hint, however. Anything more wouldnt be believable. Then again, anything is possible. They certainly have come a long way since the early books, where their animosity was mutual and vibrated off the pages with a such a resounding energy, that it was impossible to misinterpret the depth of their dislike of one another as anything else.
I also enjoyed that Eve didnt seem to be as haunted by the demons of her past as she usually is. I wont go so far as to say she has finally turned a corner, but I think she has a much better handle on it than she realizes.
Overall, a very good and entertaining installment that delivers the usual blend of mystery, thriller, romance and humor. I am looking forward to the next offering as Roarks family from Ireland is coming for a visit and I so enjoy seeing Eve try to navigate her way around what having a family means.
Not enough Roark or Summerset in this story, unfortunately, but one of my favorite parts of the book involves a scene with Eve and Summerset after she comes home pretty banged up after a foot pursuit with the killer gets ugly. Summerset actually convinces Eve to take a blocker and she actually listens to him! I was so shocked that there wasnt more of a fight. Is Eve getting soft where Summerset is concerned? Is she starting to care about him? Nah, probably not, but as much as I enjoy their snarky poke and jab sessions, I love love love the scenes where they actually have a civil conversation and where theres a hint of some compassion, empathy or other human emotion. Just a hint, however. Anything more wouldnt be believable. Then again, anything is possible. They certainly have come a long way since the early books, where their animosity was mutual and vibrated off the pages with a such a resounding energy, that it was impossible to misinterpret the depth of their dislike of one another as anything else.
I also enjoyed that Eve didnt seem to be as haunted by the demons of her past as she usually is. I wont go so far as to say she has finally turned a corner, but I think she has a much better handle on it than she realizes.
Overall, a very good and entertaining installment that delivers the usual blend of mystery, thriller, romance and humor. I am looking forward to the next offering as Roarks family from Ireland is coming for a visit and I so enjoy seeing Eve try to navigate her way around what having a family means.
Review Date: 1/21/2014
A very fascinating riveting story that drew me in immediately. Several plots are occurring simultaneously in this book that appear to be separate and individual but begin to connect together. A missing teenager who vanishes in the middle of the night without a trace and leaves the entire community baffled. A social workers arrest as a sexual predator of children opens up more questions than answers. I was prepared to dislike Wendy Tynes initially. She struck me as a Nancy Grace type of journalist looking for explosive headlines and bright lights and assuming her target was guilty without due process. The story weaves in and around the characters of this story to make the reader unsure of their own convictions. Several times while reading this book I was positive that Dan Mercer was a pedophile and had killed the missing girl, but a few pages later, I began to doubt and then start the process over again. This book really made me think about the criminal justice system in this country, when it works and works well, and also when it doesnt.
This book is also about rash decisions and how they can alter lives forever. Decisions made by Haley, Dan, Wendy and others lead to actions by others that cause a tsunami effect of destruction in their wake. This book showed me that nothing is ever as it seems on the surface but all too often, people go with that perception and make judgments based on it.
Harlan Coben is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to turn to when I want a story that packs a solid punch but still manages to surprise the reader. This story brought out a range of emotions in me while reading. Everything from anger and shock to fear and sorrow combined with some tears and laughter will give the reader a thoroughly entertaining, though exhausting experience.
If you enjoy James Patterson, I highly recommend you try Harlan Coben. He is definitely a master of his craft. Find a comfortable chair, kick off your shoes and settle in for a thrilling adventure when you open this book. You wont want to put it down.
This book is also about rash decisions and how they can alter lives forever. Decisions made by Haley, Dan, Wendy and others lead to actions by others that cause a tsunami effect of destruction in their wake. This book showed me that nothing is ever as it seems on the surface but all too often, people go with that perception and make judgments based on it.
Harlan Coben is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to turn to when I want a story that packs a solid punch but still manages to surprise the reader. This story brought out a range of emotions in me while reading. Everything from anger and shock to fear and sorrow combined with some tears and laughter will give the reader a thoroughly entertaining, though exhausting experience.
If you enjoy James Patterson, I highly recommend you try Harlan Coben. He is definitely a master of his craft. Find a comfortable chair, kick off your shoes and settle in for a thrilling adventure when you open this book. You wont want to put it down.
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