When writing a review or leaving a comment on a review, I’ve often voiced the sentiment that “no two people read the same book”, and/or “no book is foWhen writing a review or leaving a comment on a review, I’ve often voiced the sentiment that “no two people read the same book”, and/or “no book is for everyone”.
This book takes that sentiment and runs with it, highlighting the life of Alice, the author of the book Theo, along with 9 people who read her book.
This is a book of short stories, with each chapter highlighting a different character who is wounded and broken. The stories often end abruptly, which short stories tend to do. They were fine, but I prefer a bit more depth, humor, and/or tension than these stories provided.
For those of us who are readers, the power of the written word comes as no surprise. It’s not a unique idea that every reader takes away something different from each book they read. We each bring our own life experiences and perspectives to each book we read. So, I didn’t find anything new or fresh in developing this premise and there isn't enough character development among the nine to make me care.
I enjoyed the first story about Alice, the author of Theo, but then the book lost steam. It took me a long while to get through it and I wasn’t drawn to pick it up.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, do check out her review and see what she thought.
I didn’t love this book as much as many of my GR friends, which simply proves the point that no two people read the same book.
· I received a digital copy of the book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
I made it to 50% before throwing in the towel. I loved the author’s book, Dear Edward, but this one failed to keep my interest and I found it strange I made it to 50% before throwing in the towel. I loved the author’s book, Dear Edward, but this one failed to keep my interest and I found it strange and weird.
It was depressing and slow, with unlikable characters. None of these factors alone is a deal breaker, but combined, it was the kiss of death.
William is the only sympathetic character but I just couldn’t slog through more of the story to find out what happens to him.
For some reason the author wrote the story it as if it was set during the 1940’s or ‘50’s, not the 1980’s, which created confusion.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
What could be better than a group of friends escaping to a holiday home in Scotland for the weekend?
Well, just about anything could be bette2.5 stars
What could be better than a group of friends escaping to a holiday home in Scotland for the weekend?
Well, just about anything could be better, since, as we are told from the beginning (and repeatedly) that not everyone will be leaving alive.
Told in alternating POV, tension was attempted by ending chapters with foreshadowing statements like “if only I’d known what was going to happen” or “things would soon get worse” or little did I know someone would soon be dead”. (btw, these are not specific quotes, but you get the idea). This is not a favorite literary device and it feels lazy. I was never furiously turning the (virtual) pages, anxious to see what would happen next.
It didn’t help that the main characters were dumb as a box of rocks and there were plot holes you could drive a truck through. No spoilers, but let’s just say apparently none of these characters have heard of basic forensics.
The supposed big reveals and the “surprise” twist at the end were predictable and disappointing.
Daniel Hurst is my go-to for a quick entertaining popcorn read, but sadly this one is by far my least favorite, and not one I’d recommend. It left both my reading buddy, Marialyce, and I disappointed.
*I received a digital audio copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my...more
If you are in the world of finance, you know who Steven Cohen is. If you are not in finance, you probably don't know who Steven Cohen is, because, escIf you are in the world of finance, you know who Steven Cohen is. If you are not in finance, you probably don't know who Steven Cohen is, because, escaping prosecution, his name did not become a household name.
This book details how you can be a cut-throat high stakes player on Wall Street, engage in insider trading and get away with it, despite a concerted effort among law enforcement. Cohen, and others, were able to engage in insider trading, amassing fortunes along the way, but had their underlings/scapegoats pay the price when caught.
I have nothing against wealth, when made in legitimate ways through hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. But this kind of wealth made by cheating and lying is unjustifiable.
This is fascinating non-fiction that reads like fiction, except the bad guys are never made to pay for their crimes. The lingo made my eyes glaze over a few times, but it’s an eye-opening expose of the corruption on Wall Street among the elite few, and details how difficult it is to gather enough evidence to prosecute. Meanwhile those at the top continue operating as always, and living a life of luxury....more
Jamie Fiore Higgins has quite a compelling story of her rags to riches story, ending her career as a managing director at Goldman Sachs. She 2.5 stars
Jamie Fiore Higgins has quite a compelling story of her rags to riches story, ending her career as a managing director at Goldman Sachs. She particularly focuses on what drove her ambition and determination.
I love a rags-to-riches story but I saw this as a cautionary tale of corporate culture and the lure of a seven figure income, leading one to ignore the negatives for the almighty dollar. I don’t think the author came off in a particularly flattering light. Which wasn’t helped when she included details of her sex life, both marital and extramarital. All I could think about was her children one day reading this book.
The OTT description of her miscarriage served no purpose either. I’m in the medical profession and actually experienced a miscarriage myself, but I couldn’t help but think these were unnecessary details written only to elicit sympathy.
No one held a gun to her head to continue to work for GS. She admittedly did so for the money, and this is where my empathy went out the window. This was her chosen profession so suck it up and do your job without whining. Or leave. She’s not the only one who had a job that required grueling hours and very few are compensated as generously as she was.
Her husband was long-suffering taking care of the kids while his wife worked long hours? Oh please, I have been down that road, and if you are a team with your spouse you work through it. Plus, with her income, hire a nanny or housekeeper to help out at home, and quit complaining.
My son-in-law worked on Wall Street and this book did lead to several thought-provoking conversations with him about the environment. Which I found fascinating, so I’m grateful for that.
I also needed to know more about Pete, her best friend at work who was angry and ghosted her when she quit. There’s something about this part of the story that doesn’t ring true. How I would love to hear his side.
I’ve no doubt some of her narrative is correct, but let’s just color me skeptical about much of it, due to some inconsistencies. Much of her story rubbed me the wrong way and felt self-serving. So color me annoyed by someone who willingly took on the job for decades and benefitted monetarily but now complains and writes a book to gain an advantage.
This is why I rarely read memoirs. By their very nature, memoirs don’t have to be 100% accurate....more
Amelie is kidnapped with her husband and kept a prisoner in a dark room with no idea why or who is behind it. The short chapters and alternat2.5 stars
Amelie is kidnapped with her husband and kept a prisoner in a dark room with no idea why or who is behind it. The short chapters and alternating timeline kept the pace of this novel clipping along and the narrator of the audiobook was great. I also liked the spunk and bravery displayed by Amelie as the story progressed.
Sure it’s OTT and nothing here is believable, but that can be a fun element in this genre.
This was a solid 3-4 stars until the wheels fell off at the end, when the reader is subjected to a confession monologue and a very long-winded explanation of who, what, where, and why. My eyes started to glaze over until they popped open at the mention of a name and I had no idea who this person was, even though they were pivotal to the reveal. Hmm….I had both the audio & e-book copy of the book and I almost did a kindle search for the name but couldn’t muster enough interest to bother with it.
*I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
This is the author's first adult novel and it still reads very YA. This will be a positive for fans of the genre, but I struggled.
Three eleven-year-olThis is the author's first adult novel and it still reads very YA. This will be a positive for fans of the genre, but I struggled.
Three eleven-year-old girls spend all their time together in the woods playing and exploring. The fun ended when one of the girls survived a brutal stabbing. A serial killer was convicted of the crime, but now there is a question if the wrong man was put behind bars due to false testimony from the girls.
A lot of time is spent exploring the girls' lives when they were young, and the imaginary world where they played the "Goddess" game. This is where my eyes glazed over. As adults in the current timeline there is a lot of angsty drama and the girls doing stupid things.
YA is not my genre. Other reviewers have loved it so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
* This was a buddy read with Marialyce and neither of us was a fan. * I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
Why would Kim, a devoted mother and wife, leave her 6-week-old baby in a pram at a crowded festival and disappear without a trace? It’s been a year siWhy would Kim, a devoted mother and wife, leave her 6-week-old baby in a pram at a crowded festival and disappear without a trace? It’s been a year since her disappearance, and the case remains cold.
Aaron Falk is in town to celebrate the christening of his godson, when the subject of Kim’s disappearance comes up. It’s a case that weighs heavily on this tight-knit community and Aaron is asked to investigate the case in an unofficial capacity.
In his personal life, Aaron connects to Gemma, a woman he met a year prior. Her husband was killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident 5 years ago, which is also a case Aaron ponders as he looks into Kim’s disappearance.
This is the third, and last book in the Aaron Falk series but it could work as a standalone. As with her other books, this one is highly atmospheric, and the contrast of the serene and beautiful Australian wine country with the darker side of human nature is compelling. Like the peeling of an onion, secrets are revealed, and as pieces of the puzzle click into place and the various threads untangle it’s even clearer what a brilliant, intricately plotted story the author has written.
Aaron is such a well-developed character and I loved getting a deeper understanding of him and the way his mind works, not just in his professional life, but in his personal one as well. The author has a keen insight into human nature and is able to develop compelling characters who are believable and engage in realistic dialogue. Of special note is Zara, the missing woman’s teenage daughter, and Joel, the hit and run victim’s son, who are both likable characters (so difficult to pull off with this age group).
It's bittersweet to finish the last book in the series, but there are interesting developments in Aaron’s life that makes this a fitting end to the series. (However, I do hope Falk makes an appearance in future books.)
I listened to the audio book and Stephen Shanahan did a fantastic job.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, do check out her review and see what she thought!...more
This book languished unfinished on my kindle for weeks until I forced myself to push through. The overwhelminglyFinished…but whew, it was a struggle….
This book languished unfinished on my kindle for weeks until I forced myself to push through. The overwhelmingly positive reviews kept me soldiering on, but this is a perfect example that not every book is for every reader.
Jane Larkin disappears without a trace and her husband Dan is the person of interest, but there is not enough evidence to indict. He lives for decades under the shadow of suspicion, and the devastation for his children, where loyalties are divided, is an appealing premise.
Unfortunately, the repercussions are explored superficially but never in enough depth to make it interesting.
The story is told in very long sections, with one section narrated by the dead woman that felt even longer. I am not a fan of this literary device so this section felt interminable. It's a lazy way for an author to impart information to the reader. Did I mention it was long?
OK, I get it as a stylistic choice, and I could go along with it if it had not been so boring. Much of her narrative is that of an average life, but let’s be honest, most people’s daily lives don’t make for riveting reading. I know my life would put most people to sleep. As did Jane's. Although, unlike Jane, I have an awesome husband. She's still boring, even with a total jerk for a husband.
Also, why did the author make the choice to ditch quotation marks midway though the story. WHY??? ugh
And what was the deal with focusing on the port wine stain on the detective’s face? On, and on, and on….why??? I was like ooh....interesting clue! Nope, wrong. There was no point.
I also didn’t buy the dad’s narration at the end. He has Alzheimer’s but he is very self-aware and cognizant of what is happening. Um. No. That is not how it works. Plus, his POV didn’t give us readers any worthwhile information.
Dan's choice near the end of his life? NOPE! That doesn’t happen at his stage of dementia. I won’t go into details in order to avoid spoilers, but no.
Plus, there was no suspense. There are pages and pages and pages where literally nothing is added to the narrative. There’s no insight into the character’s lives as they deal with their mother’s death and the repercussions of the suspicion on their father. So much unrealized potential.
Take my opinion with a large grain of salt. I'm cranky and definitely on Outlier Island. Many of my friends loved this one but it was a complete miss for me. No book is for everyone.
I loved Defending Jacob so will definitely be in line for the author's next book.
*I received a digital copy of the book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
Even in casual encounters the handsome and charming Drew introduces himself as ‘Doctor” (so....not so charming after all!).
He and his wife Fern have aEven in casual encounters the handsome and charming Drew introduces himself as ‘Doctor” (so....not so charming after all!).
He and his wife Fern have a seemingly perfect life when he suddenly decides he wants to move from the big city to the small village of Aberdeen. He says he was looking for a quieter life but is he really? Fern reluctantly agrees to the move and Drew considers himself lucky to have such a naïve wife.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Drew, Fern has her own plans for her new life in Aberdeen.
As with most of the author’s books this is a quick read with clever twists. The less I say about the plot, the better. (btw, do not read the synopsis on Goodreads as it gives key points away).
I won’t say more about the story but there are plenty of secrets along with the ironic twists the author is known for. I appreciate that his books often come in under 300 pages, and have no agendas, wordiness, or extra fluff. The focus isn’t on complicated character development, and it’s fun to sit back and be thoroughly entertained. For an engrossing page-turner, you can’t go wrong with this author.
I loved the epilogue which suggests one part of this couple just might get what he or she (no spoiler!) deserves.
A buddy read with Marialyce, do check out her review!
• I received a digital audio copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. • The narrators, Sarah Durham and David Wayman did an excellent job • Publication date, January 31, 2023...more
Jenna, happily married and stepmother to two; Nico, a reality show producer; Art, a tech entrepreneur; Ben, a judge; and Donnie, a has-been rockstar. Jenna, happily married and stepmother to two; Nico, a reality show producer; Art, a tech entrepreneur; Ben, a judge; and Donnie, a has-been rockstar. By outward appearances they couldn’t be more different. But they share a secret from their childhood that has come back to haunt them. Someone wants them dead and there's a contract out on their lives.
The premise is intriguing but told in dual timelines, the transitions were abrupt and often in the middle of a chapter with no warning. The assassins were cartoonish, and of the three main character’s POV Jenna was the only one I enjoyed.
If you don’t mind outlandish scenarios that require a huge suspension of disbelief, assassin plots, and OTT action scenes, then you will enjoy this book more than I did.
I loved The Night Shift, which I gave 5 stars, but this type of story is a departure for the author and is simply not my cup of tea. While I appreciate an author trying something different, this had too much action, with too little character or plot development for my tastes.
2 stars for a "fair" rating. Many others enjoyed this far more than I did, so check them out before deciding to give this either a skip or a read.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, do check out her review to see if we agreed on this one.
• I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own....more
Having escaped from an abduction when she was a young girl, Shea’s passion now is true crime, and she runs a website, The Book of Cold Cases.
In 1977 Having escaped from an abduction when she was a young girl, Shea’s passion now is true crime, and she runs a website, The Book of Cold Cases.
In 1977 several men were killed, and Beth Greer was charged with the murders. She was eventually acquitted, but has lived under the cloak of suspicion ever since.
Shea meets Beth and to her surprise, Beth agrees to an interview. Is Beth a cold killer who got away with it or is the true killer still at large? The story alternates between the past and the present as the story unfolds.
Such a compelling premise but for me it failed to reach its potential. The writing itself was serviceable, but I didn’t find the plot compelling and the supposedly ghostly spooky elements gave me eye rolls and chuckles instead of chills. By the halfway mark I was bored stiff and just wanted it to be done. The ending did nothing to elevate this book above a 2-star "fair" rating.
Many of my GR friends enjoyed the book, so I will put this down to the author and I simply not being a good fit.
This was a buddy read with Marialyce, do check out her review to see if we agreed!...more
The book opens with Cora Gunderson, a schoolteacher from Minnesota who inexplicably embarks on a horrific murder-suicide mission. It’s clear her actioThe book opens with Cora Gunderson, a schoolteacher from Minnesota who inexplicably embarks on a horrific murder-suicide mission. It’s clear her actions were not her own and there was a form of mind control that led her to do what she did. Even more disturbing is there seems to be an epidemic of murder-suicides across the country
What could cause such a phenomenon? There is a rogue group of people intent on hijacking the future of the U.S. in order to gain absolute power. They have employed nanotechnology to control the minds of others to carry out their evil deeds.
Farfetched? Perhaps not, which is what makes this even more terrifying.
FBI agent Jane Hawk is a badass heroine, who, after losing her husband to this group’s nefarious tactics, goes rogue to avenge his death, keep her son safe, and bring down those responsible.
From my review of the first book in the series: Koontz outdid himself with Jane….she does the right thing regardless of the personal cost. She’s smart, courageous, and determined…a badass, but with a heart. She won’t hesitate to kill, but only if unavoidable and necessary.
I stand by my assessment of Jane, and in this book, Luther Tillman, the sheriff of a small town whose suspicions are aroused after he finds Cora’s diaries, is on his own mission to get to the truth.
Their challenge? They can trust no one. Law enforcement and those in the highest levels of government are involved in the conspiracy. Jane lives life off the grid, but it’s a nail-biting race to stay one step ahead.
My only complaint is I don’t think the story warrants so many pages, and the author could have told his story with less descriptive writing...yet, I can’t wait to read the next installment.
The underlying theme is good vs evil, one that fans of Dean Koontz will recognize. It is impossible to read his work and not root for the good guy. Jane and Luther were my favorite characters and I can’t wait to see their story progress in the next book.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, do check out her review!
• I listened to the audiobook via Hoopla, narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers, who did an excellent job. ...more
Keera Duggan, a Seattle prosecutor, returns to her family law practice after a failed relationship with a colleague. Her father, a celebrated defense Keera Duggan, a Seattle prosecutor, returns to her family law practice after a failed relationship with a colleague. Her father, a celebrated defense attorney, is also a raging alcoholic with all the fallout that entails, both personally and professionally.
Keera is retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment adviser accused of murdering his disabled wealthy wife. The prosecutor? Miller Ambrose, Keera’s former SO, who is determined to win and take down Keera in the process.
As a former chess prodigy, Keera takes solace in online chess as a way to relax and decompress at the end of a long day. Just who is her anonymous online opponent, The Dark Night? The answer will surprise you! I don’t play chess and the moves went over my head, but I appreciated that the skills and logic needed to be a top chess player are the same skills needed to be a top defense attorney.
I love courtroom dramas and this is among the best. The ending became just a tad bit convoluted and the specifics of the murder were a bit OTT.
But,I loved the character of Keera and her dysfunctional but loving family. Overall, the positives outweigh my reservations about the ending, and I was able to overlook a few sticking points.
The case ends with a conundrum which leaves Keera with a dilemma, and left me furiously turning the pages. I couldn’t see how the author could end this satisfactorily, but he pulled it off. I was left with wanting more from these characters which is a sure sign of a successful read for me. I want more stories featuring the Duggans!
This was a buddy read with Marialyce and Dorie, be sure to check out their reviews to see what they thought. This was only my second book by this author, but not my last.
• I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own....more
When a young woman, Eden, is found dead, the community of wealthy residents close ranks to protect their own.
Teenagers Hannah, Jack and Christopher arWhen a young woman, Eden, is found dead, the community of wealthy residents close ranks to protect their own.
Teenagers Hannah, Jack and Christopher are the main suspects, but the story is told mainly from the POV of their parents.
The themes are familiar: race, privilege, and addiction, but at this point in my reading life, these themes are a bit too familiar and growing old and tiresome.
Cassandra Campbell narrates the audio but, with multiple POVs, the book would have benefitted from a full cast of narrators. The middle of the book bogged down from repetitiveness.
I appreciate an ending that makes me think, but this one left me unsatisfied. These are not people you can get behind or support in any way. I’m no prude, but the author’s gratuitous sexual details and language was off-putting.
I don’t mind unlikable characters, and, in fact, many of my favorite novels have an unlikable cast of characters, but they need to be relatable, sympathetic, or funny. These were none of the above. So 2 stars from me.
I received a digital copy for review from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ...more
This is a small-town mystery/police procedural, with a narrative that oozed with atmosphere. The relationship between the two detectives, Ffione, fromThis is a small-town mystery/police procedural, with a narrative that oozed with atmosphere. The relationship between the two detectives, Ffione, from England, and Leo, from Wales, was a highlight of the book.
Who killed Rhys Lloyd on the night of his big NYE party? Rhys, a famous singer, and co-owner of a ritzy new development that lies on the English/Welsh border, was a despicable character who made a lot of enemies. Just about everyone in the small village has a motive for wanting Rhys dead.
As Ffione investigates her friends and neighbors, long buried secrets are revealed, including her own. Told from the perspective of the detectives as well the party guests, the story requires a bit of patience in the beginning. Perseverance is rewarded as the author ties it all together in an ending that was completely satisfying as well as surprising.
The underlying theme isn’t my favorite: men and the rich behaving badly. But the setting, the detectives, and the fact the author surprised me (twice!) more than made up for it.
Recommended for fans of police procedurals and British crime fiction. I can’t wait to see what Ffione (and hopefully, Leo) are up to next.
The narrator of the audiobook did an excellent job. When I switched to audio from the print version, I particularly enjoyed hearing the pronunciation of Welsh words and names (which were completely different from the voice in my head!).
A buddy read with Marilayce, do check out her review and see what she thought....more
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