Category: Genres

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.

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.