Category: reviews

Gobsmacked!

“The Woman in the Window” by A. J. Finn

Book Review: “The Woman in the Window” by A. J. Finn

Although it took some time for the plot of “The Woman in the Window” to develop, it is well worth the read.
It starts with a very interesting premise: Anna Fox, the main character and narrator, is a psychologist who is struggling to overcome a debilitating psychological disorder herself. As in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” (which the author references), Anna’s window provides her a connection to the outside world and eventually the conduit for inserting peril into her own life.
A. J. Finn’s use of descriptive language sets the mood for this suspenseful psychological thriller. And he has developed his characters just enough so that the reader can draw his own conclusions (incorrect as they may be) about what really happened to Anna and to her neighbor.
If you find the first two-thirds of this book a little slow (as I did), persevere. Persevere. Finn has set you up for the last third of the book, where you will encounter two stunning surprises.
Because of the relatively slow pace of the early part of the book, I should probably give it a solid four star rating. But, truth be told, I was gobsmacked by the twisty ending — TWICE! So, I am pushing my rating up to a five stars. It’s a great read, and it’s going to make a great film.

A Kiss Before Dying

Ira Levin

Book Review: “A Kiss Before Dying” by Ira Levin

“A Kiss Before Dying” is a very tightly controlled thriller. The book remains a mystery until the end of the second of three sections. Then the thriller element comes to the forefront. Masterfully written. This is Ira Levin’s first novel, written in his twenties. Just a masterful piece of writing.

Robert Wagner in the 1961 film, “A Kiss Before Dying”

“Female insects know how to deal with their lovers.”

Review: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

#rt #Review #Book #WhereTheCrawdadsSing #DeliaOwens #readers

“Where the Crawdads Sing” is a powerful story about survival. From a tender age, Kya, the main character, is abandoned by everyone who should love, protect, and guide her through life. Unable to read or write and without money or family, Kya learns to survive on her own by turning to the only world she knows — the natural world surrounding her marsh home. As a rule, she avoids the civilized world adjacent to her marsh until two men come into her life. From them she learns about the good and the bad in humanity.

Although Kya comes to observe people through the lens of her natural world, “Where the Crawdads Sing” is about much more than the natural world. This book is an exciting murder mystery and a love story with a satisfying and surprising ending. The storyline is very well-written, but the author’s writing style surpasses it. Her language is picturesque and lyrical. It needs to be savored.

This book is a unique treasure, and I cannot imagine that anyone but Delia Owens could have written this wonderful book. Put it on your bookshelf.

Crawdad, crayfish, mud bug

I Need Your Help

I need your help.
Two months ago, I gave away 100 copies of my first novel, Blood Contest, in a GoodReads Giveaway.
If you received one of the free books and have read the novel, I’d like to ask you to post your review of the book.
As an independent writer, I am thankful for the support that my readers have given me by simply choosing to read my book, but I am also aware that reviews are crucial for any writer. Your honest review would not only aid me by contributing to the popularity of my book, but it would also help your fellow readers by giving them an idea as to whether or not they would enjoy reading the book.
If you do not have a copy of Blood Contest but would like to read and review it, I’d be happy to give you a reviewers copy. You can download a version for any electronic device (or multiple devices) here:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/my3xyyn26d
or
https://BookHip.com/DVXQQX

Thanks so much for your support.

Michael Connelly isn’t as good as they say…

Michael Connelly

Spoiler Alert: He’s much better.

Book Review: “Blood Work” by Michael Connelly

“Blood Work” starts with a compelling premise. Forced to retire from the Bureau, FBI profiler Terry McCaleb needed a heart transplant to survive. Five weeks after receiving his transplant, McCaleb is recuperating when Graciela Rivers seeks him out to ask a favor. Find the killer of her murdered sister. McCaleb knows that he should not help Graciela, but he finds he can not refuse her. The catch — McCaleb’s new heart was Gabriella’s sister’s. She was the one who saved his life.

At first, the murder seemed to be a random act of a convience store robber until McCaleb uncovers a deeper, more sinister connection between himself and the killer — a connection that makes McCaleb the prime suspect in the murder and threatens his relation with Gabriella.

“Blood Work” is excellently plotted and moves along at a break-neck pace. But, what really does it for me is his rich interaction of the characters in this book. Connelly is understated but so accurate in his depiction of human nature.

This is my favorite book by Michael Connelly, and, for anyone who has not read him, “Blood Work” is an excellent place to start. It’s close to perfect.