Quite possibly the fastest I've ever read a nonfiction book. I flew through this telling. The factual intricacy and narrative mastery combines to satiQuite possibly the fastest I've ever read a nonfiction book. I flew through this telling. The factual intricacy and narrative mastery combines to satisfy those seeking a trip through history and those looking for a gritty tale of survival on the high seas alike. It's no surprise that David Grann was named B&N Author of the Year for 2023. An absolute must read!...more
Intriguing peek into the world of forensic pathology and what medical examiners do. I loved how the antagonist became more and more twisted as the booIntriguing peek into the world of forensic pathology and what medical examiners do. I loved how the antagonist became more and more twisted as the book went on. The ending was a bit abrupt, but not enough to detract from reading the next installment. ...more
If you've ever experienced a five star restaurant, you know the full enjoyment of all the layers woven into a gourmet meal. Such an experience is due If you've ever experienced a five star restaurant, you know the full enjoyment of all the layers woven into a gourmet meal. Such an experience is due to the masterful talent of the chef, who intricately weaves the components together, blending them in such a way that it is exquisite to the patron. Nuanced and savory, with depth, boldness, and ultimately delight.
That's the best analogy I could come up with for Vanessa Lillie's BLOOD SISTERS and I still feel like I'm not doing the book justice with it. There are so many elements that are expertly balanced. Historical context of the plight of peoples indigenous to North America. The travesties and injustices that they've endured past and present. An engrossing story that leads you on a wild chase through it all. The protagonist Syd Walker is as formidable as she is vulnerable and accessible. At times Indiana Jones and at others Detective Olivia Benson.
BLOOD SISTERS is a sumptuous plot, with all the flavors of a thriller we know and love. Mystery over missing and murdered girls. A serial killer in the shadows? Competing agendas. Misleading and questionable character motives. Action, adventure, and excitement.
And through all of these seamlessly blended elements, at the heart of the story is a poignant takeaway of the bonds of family. The ups and downs of relationships with our loved ones, both blood and as close to it as possible, that inevitably comes from life. Those that are stretched thin at times, but as is the case with the Walkers, always hold firm when the chips are down and the only thing you can rely on is each other.
If you can't tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to dive into the sequel THE BONE THIEF coming out in October. ...more
Excellent world crafting and intrigue. Each character's POV and voice is distinct and unique, yet all of their motivations fold into the same ultimateExcellent world crafting and intrigue. Each character's POV and voice is distinct and unique, yet all of their motivations fold into the same ultimate objective, just for different reasons. I really enjoyed the way in which alliances were shifted in preparation for the next installment. It'll be interesting to see how the bonds we saw developed in this story play out in the next. Looking forward to diving into the second book in the series!...more
A highly technical legal thriller. Like reading an episode of Law & Order, except you're seeing the investigative work and court cases play out simultA highly technical legal thriller. Like reading an episode of Law & Order, except you're seeing the investigative work and court cases play out simultaneously rather than one before the other. Compelling narrative and insights on the inner workings of the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's office, and organized crime....more
A tightly wound plot that volleys your suspicions back and forth as if you're sitting front row at Arthur Ashe Stadium watching the U.S. Open championA tightly wound plot that volleys your suspicions back and forth as if you're sitting front row at Arthur Ashe Stadium watching the U.S. Open championship. ...more
A wild transcontinental ride that will have you white knuckling the pages and holding on by your fingerprints. THE DEVIL'S EYE is National Treasure meA wild transcontinental ride that will have you white knuckling the pages and holding on by your fingerprints. THE DEVIL'S EYE is National Treasure meets Lethal Weapon, with all the hallmarks of a globe trotting adventure and plenty of new takes that give the story its own spin. Make sure you're grounded when reading this one because the current flowing through you will be pure electricity. ...more
Imagine The Help tangling with The Lost Boys. I loved the capture of southern society niceties, exuding proper etiquette even in the face of a blood-sImagine The Help tangling with The Lost Boys. I loved the capture of southern society niceties, exuding proper etiquette even in the face of a blood-sucking fiend. Plenty of chuckles and a deep appreciation for stay-at-home Moms, especially if you're a kid of the 80's or 90's like me when the book takes place. ...more