Author: Steven

Adam Oyebanji’s Two Times Murder is a clever and engaging mystery that offers a fresh twist on the private detective genre. The protagonist, a former Russian spy in witness protection turned language teacher and amateur sleuth, is a fascinating character. This setup provides the backdrop for the novel’s dual cases, which at first seem disconnected but weave together in unexpected ways.

The story is well-paced, with a solid plot and a satisfying, neat ending. The threat of the protagonist’s exposure adds tension, maintaining interest as the narrative unfolds.

While the interspersed character development is intriguing, some details feel underexplored or unresolved. It’s possible these threads are intended to set up a sequel, but as a standalone, they slightly detract from the overall impact.

Overall, Two Times Murder is a smart and entertaining read with a compelling premise and strong storytelling. Fans of mystery and espionage will find much to enjoy here!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Louise Penny has done it again with The Grey Wolf! This latest installment in the Armand Gamache series is an absolute triumph, blending intricate mystery with sharp contemporary social and political observations. Penny’s talent for creating twisty, thought-provoking plots is unmatched, and her ability to weave these mysteries into the deeply human stories of Gamache, his family, friends, and colleagues is what truly sets her apart.

Over the course of the series, you come to genuinely care about these characters—they feel like old friends. Gamache himself remains one of the most thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly powerful protagonists in modern crime fiction. His moral complexity and nuanced leadership make him endlessly compelling.

Fans of Martin Walker’s Bruno Courrèges or Tim Sullivan’s George Cross series will find much to love here: the same intelligence, charm, and emotional depth, paired with clever, twist-filled storytelling. Louise Penny smashes it out of the court every time, and The Grey Wolf is no exception. This is crime fiction at its finest—don’t miss it!

I really struggled with The Boyhood of Cain by Michael Amherst. The main character, referred to as “the boy,” was cringe-worthy and deeply unpleasant, making it nearly impossible to connect with or empathize with him. His actions and thoughts felt grating and self-absorbed, which made reading the book a chore.

Tthe narrative itself felt aimless. I kept waiting for some kind of insight, development, or even a clear purpose, but it never came. Instead, the story dragged on, leaving me more frustrated with every page. Ultimately, I found this book tedious and unenjoyable—definitely not one I’d recommend.

The Drowned by John Banville offers a glimpse into 1950s Ireland through the lens of a crime that almost feels secondary to the bleak and introspective lives of its characters. While the writing is undeniably atmospheric, the Strafford and Quirke novels lean heavily on mood and personal struggles, making the mystery feel like a backdrop rather than the main event. For me, the focus on the grim realities of the era was a bit too much, overshadowing the intrigue I look for in crime fiction. Not entirely my cup of tea, but fans of slow, character-driven narratives might find it compelling.

A Gripping Thriller That Keeps You Hooked

Amy Jordan’s The Dark Hours is a great first novel of suspense and storytelling. This powerful police thriller weaves two timelines seamlessly, keeping you on the edge of your seat as the mysteries unfold. Each chapter is packed with tension, and I couldn’t put it down.

The characters are compelling, the twists are sharp, and the pacing is flawless. I loved every moment of the journey, and I’m already hoping there’s more to come from Jordan. If you’re a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing, this is an absolute must-read!

A Masterful Homage to John Le Carre

Nick Harkaway’s Karla’s Choice is a mesmerising journey into the shadowy world of espionage, echoing the cerebral intensity of John le Carré which one would not expect even though Harkaway ios Le Carre’s son. As a longtime admirer of le Carré and George Smiley’s intricate moral landscapes, I approached this book cautiously. Could anyone truly follow in the master’s footsteps? Harkaway not only rises to the challenge but carves out a fresh, gripping narrative that stands tall in its own right.

The plot revolves around the enigmatic Karla, the legendary Soviet spymaster, who faces an impossible dilemma as his empire crumbles. When an unlikely operative uncovers a secret that could tilt the balance of power, loyalties are tested, and the hunter becomes the hunted. Harkaway’s storytelling draws us deep into the ethical gray zones of espionage, where personal and political stakes collide in breathtakingly unexpected ways.

The pacing is pitch-perfect, blending intricate plotting with taut suspense. I felt like I was reading an early le Carré novel, with its dense layers of intrigue and flawed, compelling characters. Every twist felt earned, and the emotional undercurrents added depth without slowing the action.

Fans of Le Carre’s moral quandaries will either love or hate this new perspective on Smiley, but I loved it. Harkaway captures the melancholy and moral complexity that made le Carré’s world so unforgettable while infusing it with his own energy and insight.

More novels like this, please! For fans of the genre—or anyone who craves intelligent, gripping storytelling—Karla’s Choice is an absolute must-read.

A Fascinating Deep Dive into the Life of Pamela Churchill

Sonia Purnell’s “The Kingmaker” offers a compelling and in-depth exploration of Pamela Churchill’s extraordinary life. The book delves into her influential role during World War II and the post-war era, providing a wealth of historical detail.

The level of research and attention to detail is impressive, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of Pamela’s life and the historical context in which she lived. However, the extensive detail can sometimes feel overwhelming, making the book feel longer than necessary.

Despite this, “The Kingmaker” remains a fascinating read for anyone interested in 20th-century history and the lives of influential women.

Wow, what a read, dark, creepy, unfathomable. Stephen King meets James Elroy and Hunter S Thompson.

A labyrinthine, nightmarish journey. A world of fungal horrors and existential dread. Vandermeer’s prose is a toxic brew, both mesmerizing and repulsive. A relentless exploration of the human condition, pushed to its absolute limits.

A compelling read but exhausting. Not enjoyable but had to finish. A harrowing, unforgettable experience.

And Then There Were None is a classic locked room mystery that showcases Agatha Christie’s storytelling. While the setting and middle class characters may feel somewhat dated, the intricate plot and clever misdirection remain captivating. The novel’s central premise, a group of strangers isolated on a remote island with a mysterious host, creates a tense and intriguing atmosphere.

While Christie didn’t invent the locked room murder mystery entirely, she certainly perfected the genre with her unique approach to the concept. Her ability to keep readers guessing until the very end is a testament to her skill as a writer.

One of the novel’s most intriguing aspects in this edition is the availability of an online solution. After completing the book, readers can access the answer and compare their own deductions to Christie’s intended solution. I had the wrong suspect but the right method!

Overall, And Then There Were None is an enjoyable read that offers a classic mystery experience.