Author: Steven

“The Man Who Didn’t Burn” by Ian Moore is a gem of a mystery novel that cleverly weaves together intricate elements of the French legal and police system with a sharp wit that keeps you turning the pages.

At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic lead character, Juge Lombard who is beautifully layered with self-doubt and determination. His internal struggles and relentless pursuit of justice add depth to the narrative, and you can’t help but root for him.

The narrative itself is filled with clever twists and turns, ensuring that you’re trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Juge Lombard. The plot unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and surprises.

What truly sets “The Man Who Didn’t Burn” apart is its wit and humor. Moore’s writing is peppered with clever and often humorous observations that add a delightful layer to the story. It’s not just a gripping mystery; it’s a delightful one that can bring a smile to your face as you navigate the intricacies of the plot.

If you’re a fan of Martin Walker’s Bruno series, you’ll find “The Man Who Didn’t Burn” to be a delightful addition to your reading list. It captures the essence of French life, culture, and the complexities of law enforcement in a way that will resonate with fans of the genre.

Well worth reading, I hope there is more to come.

“The Glutton” by A K Blakemore is a literary work that regrettably failed to engage or captivate. The narrative is woven with a bleak and unpleasant atmosphere that left a bitter taste. The characters felt more like caricatures, lacking depth and failing to evoke any empathy or interest. The plot itself meandered without a clear direction, making it arduous to follow or invest in the storyline resulting in my decision to abandon “The Glutton” before reaching its conclusion.

“North Woods” by Daniel Mason attempts a unique narrative approach by weaving together short stories set in a single rural location in New England across various eras. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short. The verbosity of the prose becomes laborious, leading to a tedious and tiresome read. The promise of an engaging novel dissipates as the stories drag on, making it challenging to maintain interest. Ultimately, the book’s ambitious concept fails to captivate, I couldn’t finish it.

“The Devil Stone” by Caro Ramsey is a dark and gripping Scottish thriller that had me completely engrossed from start to finish.

The protagonist, in particular, is a complex and intriguing figure, making it easy for readers to invest in her journey and struggles.

It’s a dark and suspenseful tale filled with just the right level of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The pacing is spot-on, with a perfect blend of tension and moments of respite. Every revelation and plot development feels well-earned and thoughtfully executed, making for a truly satisfying reading experience.

What’s particularly exciting about “The Devil Stone” is the potential for it to be the start of a series. Ramsey has created a set of characters that beg to be explored further, and I found myself hoping that this book is just the beginning of more thrilling adventures featuring these characters.

In conclusion, “The Devil Stone” is a must-read for fans of dark and suspenseful thrillers. Caro Ramsey has crafted a story that is both engaging and stimulating. I can’t wait to see what Caro Ramsey has in store for readers next.

“Assassin Eighteen” by John Brownlow is the latest installment in an ongoing series that, for some readers, may be starting to feel a bit tedious. While the author continues to deliver the same signature elements that fans of the series have come to expect, such as intriguing characters and intricate plots, there is a sense of familiarity that might not be as engaging for long-time readers. For newcomers to the series, this book might still offer an enjoyable entry point into the world created by Brownlow. Ultimately, “Assassin Eighteen” maintains the series’ core strengths but may leave some craving a bit more innovation or development in the storyline.

“West Heart Kill” by Dann McDormann proved to be a challenging read, to say the least. The narrative felt like a grind, with excessive misdirection that left me constantly searching for a coherent thread to follow. While I appreciate the author’s attempt at complexity, it often led to confusion rather than intrigue.

After investing time in navigating the convoluted plot, I expected a more rewarding resolution. Instead, the conclusion left me with more questions than answers and a sense of frustration.

In summary, “West Heart Kill” may have potential for those who enjoy intricate storytelling, but for me, it was a challenging and ultimately unsatisfying reading experience due to its meandering narrative and underwhelming ending.

“Sweet Little Lies” by Karin Nordin is a disappointing thriller that promises much but ultimately delivers very little. From the outset, it’s clear that the author is trying to create a web of misdirections and surprises, but what we end up with is a convoluted mess that strains credulity at every turn.

One of the biggest issues with this book is the sheer number of misdirections. It’s as if the author is trying to keep the reader constantly off balance, but instead of creating suspense, it just becomes tiresome. Every chapter seems to introduce a new plot twist or reveal that is so far-fetched that it’s impossible to take seriously. It feels like the author is throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, and the result is a narrative that lacks coherence and depth.

Furthermore, the random and unbelievable surprises in the story only serve to highlight the lack of a well-thought-out plot. Characters make decisions and take actions that are completely out of character and defy logic. It’s as if the author is more interested in shocking the reader than in creating a story that makes sense.

In the end, “Sweet Little Lies” by Karin Nordin is a frustrating read that falls short of its promises. The abundance of misdirections and random surprises may appeal to some, but for those looking for a well-crafted and believable thriller, this book is a letdown.