Author: Steven

Mark Rubinstein’s “A Lethal Question” is a thrill ride that will have you glued to the pages.

Bill, the psychiatrist thrust into a dangerous world, is a protagonist you can root for. He’s relatable, flawed, but determined to protect himself and those he loves. The suspense builds with each encounter, as Bill desperately tries to untangle a web of deceit that stretches far deeper than he ever imagined.

Just when you think you have things figured out, Rubinstein throws in a twist that will leave you reeling. The unexpected finish is the perfect capstone to this thrilling journey, leaving you both satisfied and hungry for more.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful novel, then “A Lethal Question” is a good choice.

Erica Wright’s “Hollow Bones” is a darkly captivating novel that burrows its way under your skin and won’t let go. Set against the haunting backdrop of West Virginia’s snake-handling churches, the story weaves a suspenseful web around three unforgettable women.

Essa Montgomery, haunted by her past in a dangerous religious sect, finds her world turned upside down when the church burns down, taking lives with it. Meanwhile, ambitious journalist Merrit Callahan sees a chance for a career-making story, and psychic medium Juliet Usher desperately tries to clear her partner’s name when he becomes a suspect.

Wright crafts these characters, each with their own vulnerabilities and strengths. Their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, propelling the story forward at a breakneck pace. The exploration of the snake-handling tradition adds a layer of unsettling fascination, drawing you deeper into the heart of the Appalachian community. The surprising climax is both shocking and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression long after you turn the final page.

If you’re looking for a novel that will keep you up all night, with characters you won’t soon forget, “Hollow Bones” is a great read.

D.V. Bishop’s “A Divine Fury” plunges readers into the heart of 16th-century Florence, a city of both beauty and dark undercurrents. The return of Cesare Aldo, our flawed but captivating protagonist, is a welcome one. Relegated to night patrol after a period of exile, Aldo stumbles upon a gruesome scene – a murder with a distinct religious motive.

Bishop weaves a historical thriller that feels fresh and exciting. The atmospheric setting of Renaissance Florence comes alive, filled with the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the time period. This backdrop complements the chilling mystery of a religious serial killer terrorizing the city.

“A Divine Fury” is a compelling read that will keep you guessing until the very end. The plot is well paced, with twists and turns that leave you eager for more.

While this is the fourth book in the Cesare Aldo series, “A Divine Fury” works well as a standalone novel. However, be warned – you might just find yourself wanting to dive into the previous adventures of this unforgettable investigator.

Ambrose Parry’s “Voices of the Dead” delivers a great historical crime fix.

Although I have enjoyed all of the preceding novels in this series, I didn’t know that Ambrose Parry is a penname for Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman (a consultant anaesthetist) which explains the fusion of medical history, dry humour and intriguing plot.

Set in a fascinating 1853 Edinburgh, the novel explores the intriguing intersection of scientific advancement and the public’s fascination with spiritualism. The investigative duo, Dr. Will Raven and Sarah Fisher, are a capable pair. Raven’s cautious approach balances Fisher’s ambition, making them a team worth rooting for. Their investigation into a series of gruesome discoveries is well-paced, taking them through the city’s underbelly and grand medical halls.

Parry’s prose is effective, bringing Edinburgh’s contrasting landscapes to life. The dialogue is sharp, with moments of dry wit amidst the tension. The plot is cleverly constructed, offering twists that keep you engaged without being overly complex.

If you’re looking for a historical crime novel that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, “Voices of the Dead” is worth checking out. It’s a dark and atmospheric tale with a satisfying conclusion.

While “The Heart in Winter” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s definitely a novel worth acknowledging for its unique blend of influences. Kevin Barry’s evocative prose certainly captures the harsh beauty of a Montana winter, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy’s desolate landscapes. The narrative’s unpredictable twists and turns, with echoes of Flann O’Brien’s absurdist touch, would definitely appeal to readers who enjoy a bit of literary subversion.

However, the challenging nature of the story – perhaps the bleakness or the unconventional narrative style – could hinder enjoyment. It’s a complex work that demands a lot from the reader.

For those seeking a powerful and beautifully written story that pushes boundaries, “The Heart in Winter” is a strong recommendation. But for those who prefer a more straightforward narrative, it might be a tougher read.

A Journey Through Time Woven with Water

Elif Shafak weaves a spellbinding tapestry in “There Are Rivers in the Sky.” This isn’t just a novel, it’s an experience that transcends time and cultures, this book transports you with its intricate narrative and unforgettable characters.

The story follows three individuals, each living in a different era, yet connected by a single drop of water and the mighty rivers Tigris and Thames. Shafak’s prose is both clever and powerful, drawing you into the lives of a Victorian orphan with a prodigious memory, a disillusioned hydrologist seeking solace on a houseboat and a young Yazidi refugee, with links back to an ancient Mesopotamian library housing a lost poem.

As their narratives intertwine, themes of love, loss, memory, and the enduring power of stories emerge. Shafak reminds us, like water, stories have a way of persisting, carrying echoes of the past into the present. The novel is a moving testament to the human spirit’s ability to find connection and meaning even across vast stretches of time.

If you enjoyed the intellectual and emotional depth of Orhan Pamuk’s “My Name is Red,” then “There Are Rivers in the Sky” is a must-read. Shafak’s masterful storytelling will leave you pondering the mysteries of life, the significance of the past, and the enduring magic of rivers that flow not just through landscapes, but also through time.

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.