Category: Crime

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gripping, Layered, and Immensely Satisfying

Tony Parsons delivers yet another brilliant police mystery with Murder for Busy People. The book masterfully weaves together three compelling threads. The main plot—whether a recently released criminal is bent on vengeance—keeps you on edge with its perfectly timed twists and turns. The secondary plot, involving police officers potentially abusing and murdering vulnerable young girls, adds a disturbing element to the story, reflecting the conflicts of police investigating “their own”.

The final plot is the emotional core surrounding Max Wolfe’s teenage daughter, Scout. As Wolfe navigates the perils of police work, the tension in his personal life adds a whole new layer to the narrative, making you feel deeply invested in these characters.

The surprises are frequent and skillfully placed, never once feeling forced or overdone. Parsons knows how to balance tension and emotion. For anyone who loves a mystery that’s not only smart but emotionally resonant, this one is a must-read!

Steve Goble’s “Go Find Daddy” offers a blend of mystery, action, and character development. At the heart of the story is Ed Runyon, a former SWAT officer turned private investigator. His tough-as-nails exterior hides a vulnerability that makes him a surprisingly relatable protagonist.

Goble’s narrative unfolds at a steady pace, keeping readers engaged from the outset. The mystery of the missing person, Donny Blackmon, wrongfully accused of murder, is intriguing and well-crafted.

One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the gun lobby and its influence on American society. Goble’s portrayal of this issue is balanced and insightful, offering a valuable perspective.

Overall, “Go Find Daddy” is a satisfying read that will leave you eager for more from Steve Goble, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Joel Dicker’s The Alaska Sanders Affair is an intricate mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Dicker weaves together multiple timelines and narrative voices, while this approach may initially seem daunting, it quickly becomes clear. As the reader delves deeper into the mystery, the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place, revealing a web of interconnected events and hidden truths.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep the reader guessing. Dicker skillfully employs misdirection and red herrings, leading the audience down unexpected paths and constantly questioning their assumptions.

The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. From the enigmatic Alaska Sanders to the determined author and detective investigating her disappearance, the characters bring depth and complexity to the story.

An Eye for an Eye by Jeffrey Archer is a classic Archer tale: well-crafted, entertaining, but ultimately lacking the depth and grit of a truly great novel.

Archer’s storytelling abilities are undeniable. He spins a captivating yarn that keeps the reader engaged, and his characters, while somewhat stereotypical, are still enjoyable to follow. However, the plot feels a bit lightweight and reminiscent of the privileged upper middle class police mysteries of the 50s and 60s. The story lacks the realism and grit that would elevate it to a memorable work.

While “An Eye for an Eye” is certainly worth a read for Archer fans, it’s not his best.

Gregory Delaurentis’ Suspicious Looking Packages promised a gritty, atmospheric dive into the world of the New York bomb squad post-World’s Fair. While the setting is undeniably dark and compelling, the execution falls flat.

The novel is bogged down by repetitive plotlines and a lack of character development. It feels like reading an extended procedural without the payoff. The constant barrage of hoax bombs grows tiresome, and the characters remain one-dimensional throughout.

The most egregious issue is the ending. Instead of a satisfying climax or resolution, readers are left hanging with a “to be continued” cliffhanger. It’s as if the author tricked us into reading only the first part of a trilogy. A truly disappointing conclusion to an already underwhelming story.

Avoid this book unless you enjoy endless descriptions of suspicious packages without any real substance.

Alan Rhode’s The Eagle and the Cockerel is a fast-paced political thriller that blends the familiar echoes of Brexit with a chillingly plausible dystopian future. The novel weaves together high-stakes political maneuvering, the insidious influence of social media, and a dash of international intrigue.

Rhode’s exploration of a potential Franco-German union is a fascinating premise. The parallels drawn with the Brexit vote are thought-provoking. However, while the plot is engaging, it occasionally feels overstuffed, trying to juggle too many complex elements at once.

The portrayal of the social media giant, ROME, is particularly chilling, highlighting the frightening potential for these platforms to manipulate public opinion. This aspect is both timely and disturbing.

Overall, The Eagle and the Cockerel is an entertaining read that offers a believable vision of a possible future.

Adam Childs’ The Last Israelite weaves together historical intrigue, romantic adventure, and spiritual exploration. At its core, The Last Israelite is a story of identity and belonging. Childs deftly captures the challenges and complexities faced by Jews towards the end of the first millennium, offering readers a poignant glimpse into their lives.

The novel’s romantic subplot adds an emotional and cultural sub-plot to the story, while the romance is a pleasing element, it never overshadows the historical core of the narrative. Childs’ research is evident in the detailed descriptions of customs, architecture, and daily life, immersing readers in the world of the story.

While The Last Israelite is entertaining, it occasionally leans towards predictability in plot development. Nevertheless, these minor quibbles do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The Last Israelite is a good read that successfully blends historical fiction with romance. Readers interested in ancient history, religious themes, and adventure stories will find much to appreciate.

Susie Dent’s debut crime novel is a clever and elegant puzzle wrapped in a literary mystery. The heavy dose of lexicology at the outset almost made me abandon ship, but I’m so glad I persevered. The intricate wordplay is undeniably fascinating, and it’s cleverly woven into a compelling plot. The characters are well-developed, and the twists are satisfying without feeling contrived. A truly unique read.

While the linguistic elements might overwhelm some readers, those who enjoy a mental challenge will find this book rewarding.