Author: Steven

I finally dove into Elizabeth Strout’s lauded world with “Tell Me Everything,” looking forward to the magic so many readers rave about. Unfortunately, the charm I was expecting never materialized.

The novel, set in the familiar town of Crosby, Maine, revolves around lawyer Bob Burgess and his entanglement in a local murder case. Weaving in the narrative of Bob’s burgeoning friendship with writer Lucy Barton offered some initial intrigue. But the story quickly meandered, failing to capture my attention. I didn’t finish the book. The slow pacing and lack of emotional engagement left me unmotivated to continue.

For those seeking a character-driven exploration of small-town life, “Tell Me Everything” might hold some appeal. However, if you’re looking for a captivating plot or a surge of emotions, this might not be for you.

“Beatles and Beacons” by Fran Raya had the potential to be a great nostalgia trip, but it fell a little flat. As someone who remembers the fervor of Beatlemania firsthand, I was excited to dive into Becca’s story. However, the historical details felt more like reciting facts than reliving a bygone era.

The autobiographical elements also grew wearisome after a while. While Becca’s passion for the Beatles is undeniable, her personality didn’t quite win me over. It was hard to connect with her on a deeper level.

That being said, the book’s heart is in the right place. Fans of the Fab Four might still enjoy the surface-level celebration of their music and influence. But for me, “Beatles and Beacons” lacked the spark that could have truly ignited a love for Becca and her journey.

Adam Sikes’ “The Underhanded” dives into a world of shadowy cabals and international intrigue. While it delivers ok action sequences and a fast pace, the overall experience is a bit underwhelming.

The central conspiracy is far-fetched, bordering on outlandish. The idea that a hidden organization could manipulate global events to such a degree strains credulity.

Unfortunately, the characters don’t fare much better. Protagonist William Dresden, despite his interesting backstory, feels wooden and predictable. The supporting cast falls into familiar tropes, offering little in the way of surprise or depth. The plot, while predictable, moves at a brisk pace, making it a breezing summer read.

“The Underhanded” might shine as a potential TV series. The fast-paced narrative and outlandish plot could translate well to the small screen.

Overall, “The Underhanded” is a middle-of-the-road spy thriller. It’s a fun, albeit forgettable, read.

Christopher Brookmyre’s “The Cracked Mirror” is a twisted masterpiece that deserves a standing ovation. Buckle up, because this one throws you into a whirlwind of seemingly disparate plots that converge in a way that’s both shocking and delightful.

On one hand, we meet Penny, a sharp-as-a-tack investigator with a keen eye for detail, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s iconic Miss Marple. She’s investigating a suspicious suicide in a seemingly idyllic Scottish village. On the other coast, we have Johnny, a jaded Hollywood detective with a dark past, tackling a similar case – a washed-up screenwriter found dead in his mansion.

Brookmyre weaves these seemingly separate narratives, building suspense with each chapter. The quirky charm of Penny’s small-town world clashes brilliantly with the gritty underbelly of Johnny’s Los Angeles. Just when you think you have a handle on things, the two cases collide in a way that’s both hilarious and mind-blowing.

But “The Cracked Mirror” doesn’t stop there. The story takes a dramatic pivot, venturing into territory I never saw coming. This unexpected twist elevates the novel from a classic whodunnit to a thought-provoking exploration of reality and perception. Brookmyre’s masterful writing keeps you guessing until the very last page, leaving you both satisfied and wanting more.

This is a novel that defies categorization. It’s a witty murder mystery, a heart-pounding thriller, and a mind-bending exploration of human consciousness, all rolled into one. Brookmyre’s characters are unforgettable, the dialogue is sharp and witty, and the plot twists will leave you speechless.

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable reading experience, “The Cracked Mirror” is a must-read.

James Scott’s “The Blood of Patriots and Traitors” delivers a lot of action. Former CIA agent Max Geller is yanked back into the world of espionage, tasked with extracting a high-level Russian defector. The plot races across continents, with heart-stopping chases, near misses, and intricate spy games.

However, the characters struggle to keep pace with the thrilling plot. Max, despite his impressive skills, feels like a typical action hero archetype – brooding, relentless, and lacking in nuance. The supporting cast falls into similar tropes, with clear-cut heroes and villains leaving little room for complexity.

The story’s focus on a Russia conspiracy with allusions to a specific U.S. president feels a bit heavy-handed. Additionally, the sheer amount of action stretches believability at times. While some may enjoy the over-the-top sequences, others might find them lacking in realism.

Overall, “The Blood of Patriots and Traitors” is a fun, action-packed read for those seeking a quick escape. But if you’re looking for a spy thriller with layered characters and a grounded plot, this might not be the perfect fit.

Joanne Leedom-Ackerman’s “The Far Side of the Desert” throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of international intrigue. The story opens with a seemingly idyllic vacation between sisters Samantha and Monte, shattered by a shocking kidnapping. This propels us on a thrilling chase across continents, with the line between heroes and villains constantly blurring.

Leedom-Ackerman excels at keeping you guessing. The fast pace and multiple perspectives ensure there’s never a dull moment. You’ll find yourself constantly questioning motives and wondering who to trust. The exploration of hostage syndrome adds another layer of complexity, making the characters even more intriguing.

However, the novel isn’t without its flaws. The large cast and globe-trotting nature can be overwhelming at times. Delving a bit deeper into certain characters’ motivations could have added emotional weight. Additionally, the ending, while suspenseful, might leave some readers wanting a bit more resolution.

Overall, “The Far Side of the Desert” is a satisfying read for fans of fast-paced political thrillers. If you enjoy intricate plots with morally ambiguous characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, just be prepared for a few narrative bumps along the way.

Black Wolf by Juan Gómez-Jurado is a decent follow-up to the first book in the Red Queen series. It delivers the action-packed thrills you’d expect from a crime thriller, with Antonia Scott and Jon Gutiérrez back on the case.

Here’s what works: The adrenaline keeps pumping throughout. The central mystery – finding a missing pregnant woman – is intriguing, and the danger Antonia and Jon face is palpable. There’s a good balance between pulse-pounding chases and Antonia’s unique investigative skills. Plus, the cliffhanger ending will leave you wanting more.

However, the spark felt a little dimmed compared to the first book. The case itself, while suspenseful, might not be quite as captivating as the initial Red Queen project. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling drawn out due to overly detailed descriptions.

Overall, Black Wolf is a solid thriller, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. If you’re already invested in the series and love Antonia and Jon’s dynamic, you’ll likely enjoy the ride. But for newcomers, it might be better to start with the first book.

The Family Experiment by John Marrs is a thought-provoking thriller that takes a familiar concept – reality TV – and throws it into a mind-bending future. Set in a Britain grappling with a cost of lving crisis, the book explores the dark side of technological advancements in a way that’s both unsettling and strangely believable.

Admittedly, the initial chapters take some getting used to. The world-building is complex, and the narrative jumps between several characters, which can be disorienting at first. But persevere, because once the story hooks you, it doesn’t let go. Marrs weaves a web of suspense, as the participants in the titular “Family Experiment” – a reality show where couples raise virtual children in a condensed timeframe – begin to unravel. The “children” themselves, creations of AI, add an extra layer of intrigue, blurring the lines between real and artificial.

While the premise might sound outlandish, the book’s core themes – the desperation for parenthood, the ethics of technology, and the pressures of social conformity – feel chillingly relevant. Marrs doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and the story takes some genuinely surprising turns.

This isn’t a light read, but it’s a rewarding one. If you’re looking for a sci-fi thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, The Family Experiment is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for a slow burn that erupts into a truly unsettling climax.

Chad Lester’s “Titan’s Tears” is a mind-bending thrill ride that will leave you equal parts dazzled and deeply unsettled. Set in a near-future Alaska where human augmentation and robotic labor are the norm, Lester crafts a world both eerily familiar and terrifyingly advanced.

The beauty of “Titan’s Tears” lies in its slow-burn approach. We follow three seemingly unconnected characters: a disillusioned slaughterhouse worker, a brilliant but ostracized scientist, and a nanny grappling with a strange protege child. As the story unfolds, Lester masterfully weaves their narratives together, building a sense of unease that creeps up on you like a rogue AI in the night.

The real chills begin when hints of a superintelligence lurking behind the scenes start to emergehinting at the potential dangers of unchecked technology, making you question the convenience of a world where robots do your bidding and spare organs can be 3D printed. Buckle up, because as the plot threads converge with a series of well-placed twists, you’ll find yourself rethinking your morning commute in a self-driving car.

“Titan’s Tears” isn’t just a thrilling sci-fi adventure; it’s a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of progress. By the time you reach the climax, you’ll be both exhilarated and terrified, a testament to the power of this novel. “Titan’s Tears” is a dystopian sci-fi tale that will stay with you long after the final page.

Liz Mistry’s “The Blood Promise” is a fantastic Scottish noir that had me hooked from the very first page. Buckle up for a thrilling ride with two phenomenal new lead characters: DC Jasmine “Jazzy” Solanki and DI Annie “Queenie” McQueen.

Mistry masterfully weaves a suspenseful plot that’s equal parts police procedural and personal vendetta. As Jazzy and Queenie, relegated to a less-than-glamorous unit, tackle a complex murder case, it soon becomes clear that the investigation cuts a little too close to home for Jazzy. The past and present collide, leading to a shocking revelation and an ending that will leave you wanting more.

Mistry’s strength lies in her characters. Jazzy and Queenie are a brilliant duo. Jazzy, with her sharp mind and troubled past, is a compelling protagonist. Queenie, the seasoned and no-nonsense detective, provides a perfect counterpoint with her dry wit and unwavering determination. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding depth and humor to the narrative.

“The Blood Promise” is a must-read for fans of Scottish crime fiction. Mistry’s sharp writing, combined with the captivating plot and unforgettable characters, make this a truly exceptional debut in what promises to be a fantastic new series. Can’t wait to see where Jazzy and Queenie take us next!