Detective Marko Zorn is back in this third installment of the series.
Marko is based in Washington, D.C. and gets entangled in a case involving a dangDetective Marko Zorn is back in this third installment of the series.
Marko is based in Washington, D.C. and gets entangled in a case involving a dangerous drug called Speedball that has hit the streets. It is the most powerful drug ever seen and is killing people. He starts digging into the Pharma company and the ruthless people behind it.
He goes head to head with his boss, Chief Flynn and has to go behind the scenes to stay off the radar and takes many risks to get to the bottom of the drug company.
Full of action packed scenes and some disturbing scenes. The drug scheme gets a bit complicated and takes away from the momentum. Marko is a strong character who always takes chances with his own safety. Beware, there is harm to an animal (off page) that happens early in the book (I could have done without that)!
I loved the second in this series, but this one was a bit too heavy in the whole drug theme for me.
I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives2.5 Wild Gone Wrong...
I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives in England, but she still falls for Dennis Danson who was convicted of murdering a young woman twenty years ago in Florida. He was 18 at the time and has been incarcerated and on Death Row since his conviction. A documentary is being filmed to support new evidence and try to get Dennis released.
Sam and Dennis marry and then this story goes completely off the rails for me. Their so called marriage/relationship is awkward and creepy. They are sent wedding gifts from Katy Perry and Johnny Depp sends them apples? What? really?
The story continues and is describing a lot of mundane tasks and I'm asking why? and having to question where this is going? The interviews are repetitive and this story is running in circles.
At times I laugh at something outrageous, or silly. At times I'm cringing at something disgusting. At times I am just wondering how much more I can take! There seems to be a lack of cohesiveness in this story, going from some suspense to Dennis just casually taking a shower??
I do believe the author is talented and has a way of playing the reader by using some suspense to engage, but this was just not the book for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and we had lots of fun discussing some of the antics used. As always, people enjoy different books so read other reviews and decide if you'd like to give it a go!
Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced arc.
Merged review:
2.5 Wild Gone Wrong...
I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives in England, but she still falls for Dennis Danson who was convicted of murdering a young woman twenty years ago in Florida. He was 18 at the time and has been incarcerated and on Death Row since his conviction. A documentary is being filmed to support new evidence and try to get Dennis released.
Sam and Dennis marry and then this story goes completely off the rails for me. Their so called marriage/relationship is awkward and creepy. They are sent wedding gifts from Katy Perry and Johnny Depp sends them apples? What? really?
The story continues and is describing a lot of mundane tasks and I'm asking why? and having to question where this is going? The interviews are repetitive and this story is running in circles.
At times I laugh at something outrageous, or silly. At times I'm cringing at something disgusting. At times I am just wondering how much more I can take! There seems to be a lack of cohesiveness in this story, going from some suspense to Dennis just casually taking a shower??
I do believe the author is talented and has a way of playing the reader by using some suspense to engage, but this was just not the book for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and we had lots of fun discussing some of the antics used. As always, people enjoy different books so read other reviews and decide if you'd like to give it a go!
"It's happening," said Naomi. "And you're not going to let me down".
And here we go...
I simply could not resist this Strangers On A Train premise! "It's happening," said Naomi. "And you're not going to let me down".
And here we go...
I simply could not resist this Strangers On A Train premise! Murder swap anyone?!
Amanda and Wendy come up with the perfect plan. These two strangers were brought together by chance, both suffering enormous loss. They are broken and want justice for their loved ones.
You won't believe just how far they are willing to go!
It took a bit for me to get into this one, but once it got going, I had a hard time putting it down. Each POV chapter ending on a cliff that begged for one more chapter, the need to know what would come next!
The author gets a little wordy, overly describing things like what a character sees first in the supermarket (and lists it), etc. I got used to it though and the suspense totally hooked me.
The last twist was memorable! A bit of a JOLT that gave me some chills as I stared at the last page! Oh Mr. Blue Eyes I have questions for you!
If you don't mind some brow raising coincidences, this one is a wild, tension filled ride.
Purchased at Blackwells UK online (free shipping to US)...more
Past and present chapters give insight into how three foster girls grew up together at Wild Meadows Farm and formed a unbreakable bond that w3.5 STARS
Past and present chapters give insight into how three foster girls grew up together at Wild Meadows Farm and formed a unbreakable bond that was based on their survival.
An investigation has been opened, a crime that may have occurred while the girls were living at the foster home. Now, the girls are reliving everything that happened 25 years ago and it may prove to their worst nightmare. This gets DARK.
I felt heartbroken for the girls, Jessica (suffers from OCD and was my favorite), Norah (who tends to react with anger) and Alicia (she became a social worker).
It was hard to read about the abuse, the crimes at the foster home, and the horrible way they were treated by the foster mother, Miss Fairchild. I can't say that I "enjoyed" the backstory. I did like the chapters with Dr. Warren, the therapist. His jaw even dropped at some of the revelations ...more
Don't worry about a slow beginning, it takes off full force from page one. Parts took my breath away and myIntense and compelling cat and mouse chase.
Don't worry about a slow beginning, it takes off full force from page one. Parts took my breath away and my hands were always solidly glued to my kindle.
It is on the darker side of my usual reads with some blood chilling scenes. I had the urge to scream "run!" several times, feeling anxiety. I was somehow in the game too, second guessing and trying to connect dots! Brain cells fully engaged.
I liked the way the author weaved the two settings together, not giving too much away, laying the puzzle pieces and letting the reader work them out. I was wondering where the dominoes would fall, who would make the first misstep.
Someone's unhinged, going down rabbit holes, taking risks they shouldn't. The cat and mouse both making choices, mistakes and creating panic around them.
Recommend if you enjoy crime / police procedural thrillers with some stalker vibes!
I'm a fan of the author, but this wasn't a favorite.
I'm not a huge fan of diary entries and much of the story relies on them to set the stage. I do enI'm a fan of the author, but this wasn't a favorite.
I'm not a huge fan of diary entries and much of the story relies on them to set the stage. I do enjoy a gothic thriller, so the huge rundown manor, Cotswold was my favorite aspect, but something about the mystery and resolution made me feel uncomfortable and it wasn't what I expected and just too dark and macrabre. I also didn't connect with a single character. I imagine if it ever snowed there, it would be black!
It is a short novella, only 112 pages.
Just not my cup of Christmas tea, but I will be in line for the author's next as he usually delivers a worthy read!
Check out other reviews because this one has some big fans!
Thanks NG for my Arc. This one is OUT on October 17, 2023...more
It was a very chilly/icy week in Texas and this added to the chilling setting of the novel.
Three plot threads. TWhat in the horror did I just read??!!
It was a very chilly/icy week in Texas and this added to the chilling setting of the novel.
Three plot threads. Three locked room scenarios. Three POV's. That is all you need to know.
A dizzying post apocalyptic thriller that gripped me from beginning to end.
I listened to the entire book. The narration was amazing, gave it that cinematic boost that took it to another level of edge of your seat, nerve-racking, nail biting tension. Not scary, but oh so dark and foreboding.
Peppered with dark humor, lots of cursing, ghastly descriptions and a sense of dread that builds like a snowball heading downhill and fast.
The twist was brilliant! How did she pull THAT off? I was dumbfounded. She got me!
I was thrilled when I heard that Rachel Krall from The Night Swim would be back in book two.
This time she is on a mission to digRachel Krall Series #2
I was thrilled when I heard that Rachel Krall from The Night Swim would be back in book two.
This time she is on a mission to dig for information on a missing high profile influencer, Maddison. She visits Terence Bailey, who is in person and a suspected serial killer. He is also being released in a matter of days.
Rachel embarks on a risky little investigative journey on her own.
I was never fully engaged in the story and wasn't wanting to reach for it, which is a sign I couldn't connect or didn't care. I'm not a fan of the influencer vibes and this one was quite heavy on them. There were also a few turns that were overdone IMHO.
If you can suspend belief, enjoy police procedurals, interviews, and the social influencer angle, this may be one you would enjoy.
I'm in the minority, but this one didn't work for me for many, many reasons!
My second by the author, I do have Stolen,I think I read a different book!
I'm in the minority, but this one didn't work for me for many, many reasons!
My second by the author, I do have Stolen, but haven't read it yet.
The beginning and the setup did intrigue me and I was enjoying Millie and her little addiction of breaking into people's houses! She really doesn't "do anything" though, just snoops around a bit. It rejuvenates her and she goes about it with a spring in her step.
Then, things took a slow dive (for me)!
I didn't buy into Millie's character, her actions didn't make sense much of the time. The three couples in the house buying/selling plot were also hard to imagine doing the things they did. The plot went pretty dark, they all had property crushes, very dysfunctional homes, some suffered from domestic abuse and their own dark angels.
You know the perfect storm is brewing, but for me it was more like a horror show with some cuckoos in their nests.
I'm clearly an outlier, read the raving five star reviews for other opinions.
Thanks to NG for my arc. OUT August 4, 2022...more
Evan Smoak is back in book #8 of the Orphan X series!
The President has him in a little situation. She wants something from him and knows that he, andEvan Smoak is back in book #8 of the Orphan X series!
The President has him in a little situation. She wants something from him and knows that he, and only he, can deliver, but Evan has a moral compass. He doesn't stray from his commandments and his standards are high.
So many of the beloved characters from the series are back, Even Orphan V!
As always the adventure is over-the-top, hair-raising and lively. X has a close call in this one and I found myself saying, "Nooooo, no, no..........." but his skills are worthy. He cats and mouses around with the baddie as he tries to assess his character. Is he truly evil or is he motivated by something else?
Evan is always stocked with the best caliber of vodka, is savior of the desperate and lost, and always wears the white hat!
X is always X-ing, slightly OCD, may be allergic to patterns, and is always figuring out his next move. He may be down, but never out. This one is for those who love X, action-packed pacing, good vs evil, and plenty of hold your breath fighting.
Wowza, what a cliffy hanger at the end! Now, the wait....
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc. OUT February 14, 2023...more
I survived! I'm safely off the island, now I need a vacation and NOT on an isolated island!
WHAT A TRIP!
They just wanted to see the koalas, wallabies, I survived! I'm safely off the island, now I need a vacation and NOT on an isolated island!
WHAT A TRIP!
They just wanted to see the koalas, wallabies, and wombats. They didn't realize they were entering a sort of Jurrasic Park. Tom wanted to give his family some kodak moments. Jacko invited them to the private island. They made "a deal". All the while Jacko had a wolfish grin.
They set out to explore the island.
An unfortunate accident. What to do, what to do.......
They meet the shotgun wielding family- Ma is the head and she scared the senses out of me. A creepy, savage of a character, a total nightmare.
Thats all you get! Read at your own risk! (JK)
Once the chase begins, it is non-stop in your face action. I could feel the tension, danger, and shock. Yes, I wanted to pull the covers over my eyes! These island hicks were barbarians, but I was glued to every page.
If you're looking for a fast paced page turner with some shock and awe, this will deliver. It was a bit out of my comfort zone, but still I was entertained and had to see it to the end!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my arc. OUT May 17, 2022
Audible purchase for .99 Narrated by: David Thorpe Series: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
A little bit of a different perspective Audible purchase for .99 Narrated by: David Thorpe Series: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
A little bit of a different perspective as we know who the murderer is from the beginning (also with POV chapters).
I wasn't sure in the beginning, but I was pulled into it and kept listening. I also really liked the main detective, DI Barton. The story is intense and atmospheric with the heavy snowstorms and the investigation closing in on the murderer.
Wrap up and listen to this if you enjoy police procedurals/crime fiction that is a bit on the gritty side with some engaging characters. It is a series, so I may try another one sometime to catch up with DI Barton (but you know- so many books)!
A mixed bag for me. I went in blind and probably should have read the synopsis, or at the very least researched Well, that was out of my comfort zone!
A mixed bag for me. I went in blind and probably should have read the synopsis, or at the very least researched the novel The Island of Doctor Moreau, which this is a reimagining.
You might be expecting horror, but this one is historical with a heavy science fiction angle. The author's settings and vivid descriptions always captivate me. This one is set Mexico in 19th century, in an estate called Yaxaktun. The mansion has a laboratory for the mad-scientist, Doctor Moreau to do his "experiments". He lives there with his daughter, Carlota, housekeeper Ramona and the "hybrids" (cringe).
There was a lot happening in this novel. The pacing went from quick to snail's pace at different points. I couldn't help but think Dr. Moreau was unethical and creepy. At one point, I gasp so hard I almost jumped out of my skin. There is also a bit of a light romance, some Beauty and The Beast feels, a gun fight, hands like claws, and other unexpected side effects of Dr. Frankenstein, I mean Dr. Moreau!
Thanks to NG and Ballentine for my arc! OUT July 19, 2022...more
Grace McGill is a lonely girl who is a death cleaner. I googled death cleaner and it is a "real job"3.5 Stars
When everything's coming up daisies.....
Grace McGill is a lonely girl who is a death cleaner. I googled death cleaner and it is a "real job", ugh. They sanitize, disinfect and deep clean after bodies have remained undiscovered for a length of time. Some of the descriptions were just too much for me, so I did end up skimming over some descriptions (I knew this going in though, so it was expected).
Grace is definitely not like most people and she is very much aware of the fact. She feels that the dead have a "story to tell" and one of the dead she cleaned up keeps "whispering to her" and she can't let go. She feels the need to know more about his life and death.
There is a fair amount of telling, confessions, a first person narration with a lot of Grace's "inner thoughts". She certainly does have a story to tell.
I had mixed feelings throughout reading, I can't say it was enjoyable. It was a decent book, but for me it lacked in the "couldn't put it down-ness".
I may be an outlier, lots of higher reviews!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy! OUT Jan 20,2022...more
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