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
Absolutely labyrinthian with the number of twists and turns in this story. Once you think you've figured it out, trust me, you haven't. Riley Sager doAbsolutely labyrinthian with the number of twists and turns in this story. Once you think you've figured it out, trust me, you haven't. Riley Sager does it again!...more
Explosive in detail and stunning when you realize this is a true story. REDNECKS has the factual density of a non-fiction account delivered with a comExplosive in detail and stunning when you realize this is a true story. REDNECKS has the factual density of a non-fiction account delivered with a compelling style that reads like the historical fiction novel that it is. The entire story would translate well to the big screen and I hope to see it up there someday. ...more
An epic race against time story. The finale will leave your pulse pounding and gasping for air as if you're the one trapped underwater. T.J. Newman doAn epic race against time story. The finale will leave your pulse pounding and gasping for air as if you're the one trapped underwater. T.J. Newman does it again!...more
Intriguing and inventive, NINTH HOUSE is a perfect blend of magical realism. Steeped in the lore of the mysterious societies at Yale University while Intriguing and inventive, NINTH HOUSE is a perfect blend of magical realism. Steeped in the lore of the mysterious societies at Yale University while surrounded by the ominous history of New Haven, Connecticut, I loved how the past mixed with the present. How the reality between worlds was blurred. How the pages kept you guessing at the endgame, motivations, and perpetrators of the story's seemingly endless roster of competing agendas. Above all else, I loved the scrappiness, take-no-shit persona that is Alex Stern. I'm looking forward to jumping into the next book in this series. ...more
Imagine Die Hard. Except John McClane is Secret Service instead of NYPD. And Nakatomi Plaza is an underground Presidential doomsday bunker instead of Imagine Die Hard. Except John McClane is Secret Service instead of NYPD. And Nakatomi Plaza is an underground Presidential doomsday bunker instead of a Los Angeles skyscraper. If that doesn't convince you to pick up this one, then I don't know what else will. ...more
Andrews & Wilson absolutely crushed it with this latest adventure in the Jack Ryan universe. Act of Defiance is a perfect blend of everything you coulAndrews & Wilson absolutely crushed it with this latest adventure in the Jack Ryan universe. Act of Defiance is a perfect blend of everything you could want and everything you'd expect from a Tom Clancy novel, and an A&W novel for that matter. Action, adventure, high stakes, laugh out loud quips, and ever evolving plotlines that ratchet up the tension with every page turned.
Beyond these givens though, the dynamic duo also deliver a seamless, modern take on the one that started them all, The Hunt for Red October. What you have in Act of Defiance is the emergence of new heroes blended perfectly with the nostalgia of familiar characters you've come to know and love. A&W raise the bar on the techno-thriller genre Clancy perfected, giving us a detailed yet accessible view of modern submarine technology, tactics, and tenacity. The book struck all the right chords with me, so much so that I had to re-watch Sean Connery in his iconic role as Marko Ramius for the thousandth time during the process of reading it.
If you grew up with Clancy like I did, then run, don't walk to this outstanding addition to his legacy. You won't be disappointed....more
A stellar debut that fires on all cylinders. LANDSLIDE feels like a peek behind the curtain of international espionage, the grim reality of which willA stellar debut that fires on all cylinders. LANDSLIDE feels like a peek behind the curtain of international espionage, the grim reality of which will make you want to avert your eyes. Yet you won't be able to because the fast-paced spiral of the narrative keeps you glued to the page and propels you forward to the exciting conclusion. Mason Hackett is an everyday hero, competent and courageous, but accessible through his flaws and vulnerabilities. The author's knowledge of this world bleeds onto the page, and I can't wait to see what comes next from Adam Sikes!...more