"We project one thing to the world but inside there's hurt, there's pain, there's memories chasing us that will never go away."
Lisa Kendal has scars. And we're not just talking about the ones on the outside that everyone can see though she keeps her body completely covered. She's got some serious emotional and psych issues, a past "incident" that was likely a suicide attempt, and many questions about her past. When she can't get straight, honest answers from her parents (Edward and Barbara), she takes matters into her own hands and rents a room in a beautiful house in North London. Despite the near constant nightmares and the crazy rules that the home owners hold her to, she feels drawn to the place. When she finds a handwritten letter at the back of a bedside cabinet, the urge to find out more about its author intensifies leading to quite the roller coaster ride of a story! NO SPOILERS.
I read this in one sitting in a couple of hours because I had to find out all the secrets. I felt the synopsis was a bit misleading, but probably necessary to avoid giving away the real plot. In order to appreciate this crazy tale, you're probably going to have to use every ounce of effort to suspend disbelief and just go along with the spins and twists. A pet peeve of mine is when I am forced to read about a character's dreams, but I was able to gloss over the many times that Lisa's nightmares were related and get on with it. I can't say I liked any of the characters and found it pretty easy to figure out where it all was going, but it was a fun read and I'm sure the author had a blast writing this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre: psychological thriller
NetGalley Top Reviewer
NetGalley Top Reviewer
Thursday, January 31, 2019
The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne
They are playing a devious game of cat and mouse -- but who's the "cat" and who's the "mouse"?
Rebecca is shocked when she gets a letter from her best friend's husband, Richard Gray. The devilishly handsome and wealthy man had swept Nicole off her feet in a whirlwind courtship and they married quietly in a little stone church in Worcestershire near their new home. But things hadn't been going well when Nicole's suicide is reported to Rebecca and so she heads off immediately to the funeral. Finding herself immediately taken by Richard, his obvious grief and distress over what Nicole had done, Rebecca slowly becomes involved with him and his daughter from a previous relationship, Olivia. What had really gone on between Richard and Nicole and can Rebecca find happiness when her friend could not? NO SPOILERS.
Told in alternating points of view, chapters are narrated in past and present tense by Nicole, Rebecca, Olivia and Richard. The unraveling of their secrets and their plans makes for a very fast-paced read that is hard to put down. You may or may not be surprised by the revelations and climax. As the author says in a letter to the reader at the end, "this is a story about relationships." There's lots of descriptive sex and quite a bit of repetition so the reader can't miss the point about which characters are good and those who are not so quite black and white. To be honest, I didn't relate to any of them but I liked the book. "Controlling relationships are not an easy subject..."
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I am looking forward to reading Sheryl Browne's next book and have enjoyed her previous ones as well.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre -- psychological thriller -- abusive relationships
Rebecca is shocked when she gets a letter from her best friend's husband, Richard Gray. The devilishly handsome and wealthy man had swept Nicole off her feet in a whirlwind courtship and they married quietly in a little stone church in Worcestershire near their new home. But things hadn't been going well when Nicole's suicide is reported to Rebecca and so she heads off immediately to the funeral. Finding herself immediately taken by Richard, his obvious grief and distress over what Nicole had done, Rebecca slowly becomes involved with him and his daughter from a previous relationship, Olivia. What had really gone on between Richard and Nicole and can Rebecca find happiness when her friend could not? NO SPOILERS.
Told in alternating points of view, chapters are narrated in past and present tense by Nicole, Rebecca, Olivia and Richard. The unraveling of their secrets and their plans makes for a very fast-paced read that is hard to put down. You may or may not be surprised by the revelations and climax. As the author says in a letter to the reader at the end, "this is a story about relationships." There's lots of descriptive sex and quite a bit of repetition so the reader can't miss the point about which characters are good and those who are not so quite black and white. To be honest, I didn't relate to any of them but I liked the book. "Controlling relationships are not an easy subject..."
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I am looking forward to reading Sheryl Browne's next book and have enjoyed her previous ones as well.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre -- psychological thriller -- abusive relationships
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
The Rule of Law (Dismas Hardy #18) by John Lescroart
When you're talking about a crime..."there's a difference between knowing it and being able to prove it. And if you get that mixed up, you're on a slippery slope."
It comes to pass that Ron Jameson is elected as the new DA in San Franciso. He beat out Dismas Hardy's friend and law partner, Wes Farrell, and is determined to shake things up. In fact, Jameson seems to have a vendetta against the entire firm and his first target is Hardy's secretary, Phyllis McGowan. She's served with a warrant after the grand jury indicts her as an accessory to murder! It seems that the intrepid and hard-working Phyllis has kept several secrets, and one of those happens to be that she is working as part of an Underground Railroad system that helps undocumented immigrants get out of the USA and into Canada, thus avoiding deportation. The other is that her ex convict brother, Adam, has been staying with her as he is trying to get back on his feet Unfortunately, Adam is not reformed after his time in prison. Dismas scrambles to help Phyllis with her legal troubles and incurs the wrath of the new DA. Now he and his colleagues and friends have a target on their backs as the DA also seeks to uncover evidence to further discredit them in an old case known as the Dockside Massacre. In retaliation, or as an aside, the SFPD has two detectives investigating Ron Jameson in cold case that involved murder! Yes, there's a lot going on. NO SPOILERS.
This is the 18th in a long running series featuring the attorney, Dismas Hardy, and though it is classified as a legal thriller, it really didn't have much about the practice of "law" but was more a mystery and cat-and-mouse game between all the players on opposing sides. Although I've read only a couple of the previous titles, I wasn't lost as the author keeps the reader in the loop as far as who is who in the characters. It took me awhile to become invested in the story as I kept getting distracted by the political messages imbued in the narration -- those about immigration, deportation, ICE, DREAMers, sanctuary cities, etc. The loose ends are tied up, explanations are given, solutions occur in a most convenient fashion making it all a little hard to swallow. Sometimes I wasn't even quite sure that Dismas was a "good guy" as he's painted. But then again, we're talking about criminal defense attorneys. I think most of the characters in the book are of the "either - or" variety and it was quite clear that the bad guys were awful and the ones on Hardy's side were not. Just seemed like there was quite a bit of shady stuff going on -- on both sides.
I enjoyed the book well enough but never fully invested myself in the characters though I liked Hardy's sense of humor and his love of the arcane. It might be better to read this if you have been following along the entire series instead of picking this up as a start point.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is part of a long running series and though it could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend doing that.
Genre - legal but not really a thriller, more a mystery
It comes to pass that Ron Jameson is elected as the new DA in San Franciso. He beat out Dismas Hardy's friend and law partner, Wes Farrell, and is determined to shake things up. In fact, Jameson seems to have a vendetta against the entire firm and his first target is Hardy's secretary, Phyllis McGowan. She's served with a warrant after the grand jury indicts her as an accessory to murder! It seems that the intrepid and hard-working Phyllis has kept several secrets, and one of those happens to be that she is working as part of an Underground Railroad system that helps undocumented immigrants get out of the USA and into Canada, thus avoiding deportation. The other is that her ex convict brother, Adam, has been staying with her as he is trying to get back on his feet Unfortunately, Adam is not reformed after his time in prison. Dismas scrambles to help Phyllis with her legal troubles and incurs the wrath of the new DA. Now he and his colleagues and friends have a target on their backs as the DA also seeks to uncover evidence to further discredit them in an old case known as the Dockside Massacre. In retaliation, or as an aside, the SFPD has two detectives investigating Ron Jameson in cold case that involved murder! Yes, there's a lot going on. NO SPOILERS.
This is the 18th in a long running series featuring the attorney, Dismas Hardy, and though it is classified as a legal thriller, it really didn't have much about the practice of "law" but was more a mystery and cat-and-mouse game between all the players on opposing sides. Although I've read only a couple of the previous titles, I wasn't lost as the author keeps the reader in the loop as far as who is who in the characters. It took me awhile to become invested in the story as I kept getting distracted by the political messages imbued in the narration -- those about immigration, deportation, ICE, DREAMers, sanctuary cities, etc. The loose ends are tied up, explanations are given, solutions occur in a most convenient fashion making it all a little hard to swallow. Sometimes I wasn't even quite sure that Dismas was a "good guy" as he's painted. But then again, we're talking about criminal defense attorneys. I think most of the characters in the book are of the "either - or" variety and it was quite clear that the bad guys were awful and the ones on Hardy's side were not. Just seemed like there was quite a bit of shady stuff going on -- on both sides.
I enjoyed the book well enough but never fully invested myself in the characters though I liked Hardy's sense of humor and his love of the arcane. It might be better to read this if you have been following along the entire series instead of picking this up as a start point.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is part of a long running series and though it could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend doing that.
Genre - legal but not really a thriller, more a mystery
Friday, January 25, 2019
The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts
"...the law has nothing to do with the truth."
In 1997, two young girls -- 10-year-old Laurel and 6-year-old Primrose (Rosie) -- are accused of abducting and killing a toddler in a gully near a canal by their back garden. Because of her young age, Rosie is not subject to trial but Laurel (referred to during the proceedings as "Child X") is convicted and sent to a detention center. After the court case, her identity was revealed to the public and Laural and Primrose were labeled with the Flower Girls name. While Laurel languished at the youth center until age 18, the rest of the family were given new identities, moved away, and never visited her. When Laurel turned 18, she was moved to a women's prison and her only regular visitor was her uncle, and solicitor. Meanwhile, Rosie grew up out of the spotlight with her Mum and Dad and their notoriety hidden.
Flash forward 20 years to Rosie's (now her name is Hazel Archer) 25th birthday. She and her partner Jonny are at a Balcombe Court in Devon on New Year's Eve to celebrate with his teenaged daughter, Evie. A cry goes up early in the evening -- a 5-year-old girl, Georgie Greenstreet, has gone missing. A massive search begins even as a horrible winter storm comes in and blankets the hotel and beach with ice and bitter cold. When DC Lorna Hillier arrives on scene, she's in high gear and initiates an intense investigation. It's during this drama that Hazel meets the author, Max Saunders, and reveals her hidden identity as she shares with him her worry that she will be outed as a "Flower Girl" and somehow accused of this crime. Seeing an opportunity in this fortuitous encounter, Max has visions of a book deal based on Hazel's life and the long ago murder of Kirstie Swann. NO SPOILERS. Now, just pick up the book and read it!
I'm still reeling after finishing this book in the last couple of hours. Definitely it's a one-sit read as I think most will find it impossible to put down. Told in alternating points of view and going back and forth in time, it is an incredible story that asks more questions than it provides answers. This extremely well-written mystery demands that the reader think about evil and the concept of punishment. If you think about what you've read in the news, you'll be staggered by the notion of child murderers and again, wonder how and why they walk among us. Despite the clues and revelations, the conclusion leaves many dangling uncertainties and I would have liked to have seen more explanation and a more spelled-out ending -- I couldn't believe it when I read the last paragraph -- what??? No, please tell me more!
There were many characters in this book and they each play a role but were not fleshed out as much as I wanted -- give me more details and information. That said, I felt that I could identify at times with several of them and also want to shake others until the truth fell out. I really enjoyed this gripping story and definitely will look for other books written by this author. Very compelling and unsettling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Raven Books for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre -- mystery, legal and justice, police investigation, child abduction, murder
In 1997, two young girls -- 10-year-old Laurel and 6-year-old Primrose (Rosie) -- are accused of abducting and killing a toddler in a gully near a canal by their back garden. Because of her young age, Rosie is not subject to trial but Laurel (referred to during the proceedings as "Child X") is convicted and sent to a detention center. After the court case, her identity was revealed to the public and Laural and Primrose were labeled with the Flower Girls name. While Laurel languished at the youth center until age 18, the rest of the family were given new identities, moved away, and never visited her. When Laurel turned 18, she was moved to a women's prison and her only regular visitor was her uncle, and solicitor. Meanwhile, Rosie grew up out of the spotlight with her Mum and Dad and their notoriety hidden.
Flash forward 20 years to Rosie's (now her name is Hazel Archer) 25th birthday. She and her partner Jonny are at a Balcombe Court in Devon on New Year's Eve to celebrate with his teenaged daughter, Evie. A cry goes up early in the evening -- a 5-year-old girl, Georgie Greenstreet, has gone missing. A massive search begins even as a horrible winter storm comes in and blankets the hotel and beach with ice and bitter cold. When DC Lorna Hillier arrives on scene, she's in high gear and initiates an intense investigation. It's during this drama that Hazel meets the author, Max Saunders, and reveals her hidden identity as she shares with him her worry that she will be outed as a "Flower Girl" and somehow accused of this crime. Seeing an opportunity in this fortuitous encounter, Max has visions of a book deal based on Hazel's life and the long ago murder of Kirstie Swann. NO SPOILERS. Now, just pick up the book and read it!
I'm still reeling after finishing this book in the last couple of hours. Definitely it's a one-sit read as I think most will find it impossible to put down. Told in alternating points of view and going back and forth in time, it is an incredible story that asks more questions than it provides answers. This extremely well-written mystery demands that the reader think about evil and the concept of punishment. If you think about what you've read in the news, you'll be staggered by the notion of child murderers and again, wonder how and why they walk among us. Despite the clues and revelations, the conclusion leaves many dangling uncertainties and I would have liked to have seen more explanation and a more spelled-out ending -- I couldn't believe it when I read the last paragraph -- what??? No, please tell me more!
There were many characters in this book and they each play a role but were not fleshed out as much as I wanted -- give me more details and information. That said, I felt that I could identify at times with several of them and also want to shake others until the truth fell out. I really enjoyed this gripping story and definitely will look for other books written by this author. Very compelling and unsettling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Raven Books for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre -- mystery, legal and justice, police investigation, child abduction, murder
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Life or Death (Zac Boateng #3) by Chris Merritt
"Revenge didn't always help."
This third police procedural/crime thriller featuring DI Zac Boateng of the Met Police is quite complex and involves quite a lot of action as he and the rest of the Lewisham team try to solve the case known as Operation Pluto. As you know from previous books, Zac likes to go off on his own and he's still looking for the man responsible for his daughter's death 5 years ago. His partner, DS Kat Jones is trying to keep tabs on him at the behest of DCI Krebs, especially after an informant dies in jail and Zac had visited him shortly before the supposed drug overdose. Then, Zac's son, Kofi, is kidnapped -- but he doesn't tell anyone as ordered by text message and he and his wife Etta try to meet the abductor's demands so they can get their son back. It's all seemingly connected to a criminal man or organization involved in gun dealing that is referred to as Kaiser -- but is this Kaiser connected somehow to the very police who are meant to be hunting him down?
Lots of characters to keep straight and a complicated bit of investigation with red herrings dangled to lead the reader on to the climax and the reveal. The narrative is told from several points of view which adds to the complex construction of the novel but offers a bit of insight into the motivation of some of the characters. I'm sure we'll be reading more about Zac and his mission in future novels. Zac is the typical family man who happens to be a dedicated detective and, atypically for this genre, has a happy home life. He's the quintessential "good guy" whose main focus is to discover more about why his daughter died and who was responsible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the third in the series and I believe it's important to read all of them in order as it doesn't really seem like it will work as a standalone.
Genre- police procedural and crime thriller
This third police procedural/crime thriller featuring DI Zac Boateng of the Met Police is quite complex and involves quite a lot of action as he and the rest of the Lewisham team try to solve the case known as Operation Pluto. As you know from previous books, Zac likes to go off on his own and he's still looking for the man responsible for his daughter's death 5 years ago. His partner, DS Kat Jones is trying to keep tabs on him at the behest of DCI Krebs, especially after an informant dies in jail and Zac had visited him shortly before the supposed drug overdose. Then, Zac's son, Kofi, is kidnapped -- but he doesn't tell anyone as ordered by text message and he and his wife Etta try to meet the abductor's demands so they can get their son back. It's all seemingly connected to a criminal man or organization involved in gun dealing that is referred to as Kaiser -- but is this Kaiser connected somehow to the very police who are meant to be hunting him down?
Lots of characters to keep straight and a complicated bit of investigation with red herrings dangled to lead the reader on to the climax and the reveal. The narrative is told from several points of view which adds to the complex construction of the novel but offers a bit of insight into the motivation of some of the characters. I'm sure we'll be reading more about Zac and his mission in future novels. Zac is the typical family man who happens to be a dedicated detective and, atypically for this genre, has a happy home life. He's the quintessential "good guy" whose main focus is to discover more about why his daughter died and who was responsible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the third in the series and I believe it's important to read all of them in order as it doesn't really seem like it will work as a standalone.
Genre- police procedural and crime thriller
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
The Suspect (Kate Waters #3) by Fiona Barton
The first hint of trouble comes with an absence. There's no email in Lesley O'Connor's inbox when she looks for a missive from her 18-year-old daughter, Alex. It's alarming because Alex was meant to be contacting her parents to find out her A Level results. It's even more worrisome because Alex and a friend, Rosie Shaw, are supposed to be enjoying an adventure in Thailand. They contact the police to report that the last time they had heard from Alex was when she said she was in Bangkok. Both sets of parents meet with Detectives Bob Sparkes and Zara Salmond to ask for help in contacting the British Embassy in Thailand and reporter Kate Walker soon gets involved in trying to find out what's become of the missing girls. But Kate has her own private concerns -- her own son, Jake, hasn't phoned home much since he bunked off to Phuket after leaving his university studies over 2 years ago. Something is truly amiss in Thailand and this mystery must be solved as worries for the teenagers mount. NO SPOILERS.
What a great story! Told in alternating points of view, the reader hears the voices of Alex, Kate, Bob, and Lesley who describe events in detail as they happen. The shifts in perspective were easy to follow and lent a great deal of tension and suspense to the evolving tale. You can feel the parents' anguish intensify as it all unfolds and you can imagine the frustration experienced by the police and by Kate as they try to find out information from officials on foreign soil. The writing was excellent and I had difficulty in putting the book down as more and worse is revealed. I definitely liked the style in which this was told and just sat quietly as I tried to take it all in after I turned the last page.
I had read the first book in the Kate Waters series and do have the second (which I'll definitely go back to), but I wanted to read this by publication day as I was grateful to NetGalley and Berkley for the e-book ARC to review. This is definitely a book I can recommend as I understand all too well that "protecting our children changes who we are. Who we seem to be."
And lastly, call me overprotective and whatever, but I can honestly say that there's no way on earth I'd let my 18-year-old daughter go off backpacking in Thailand with a girlfriend. Oh yes, I know that bad stuff can happen anywhere -- even in your own backyard -- but it just seems way too risky of a venture.
This is book 3 of a series. I read book #1 and didn't have any issues with missing #2 as far as being able to read as a standalone. I do plan to read #2 shortly as well.
Genre -- a mix of police procedural/crime thriller with a reporter aspect and also family drama
What a great story! Told in alternating points of view, the reader hears the voices of Alex, Kate, Bob, and Lesley who describe events in detail as they happen. The shifts in perspective were easy to follow and lent a great deal of tension and suspense to the evolving tale. You can feel the parents' anguish intensify as it all unfolds and you can imagine the frustration experienced by the police and by Kate as they try to find out information from officials on foreign soil. The writing was excellent and I had difficulty in putting the book down as more and worse is revealed. I definitely liked the style in which this was told and just sat quietly as I tried to take it all in after I turned the last page.
I had read the first book in the Kate Waters series and do have the second (which I'll definitely go back to), but I wanted to read this by publication day as I was grateful to NetGalley and Berkley for the e-book ARC to review. This is definitely a book I can recommend as I understand all too well that "protecting our children changes who we are. Who we seem to be."
And lastly, call me overprotective and whatever, but I can honestly say that there's no way on earth I'd let my 18-year-old daughter go off backpacking in Thailand with a girlfriend. Oh yes, I know that bad stuff can happen anywhere -- even in your own backyard -- but it just seems way too risky of a venture.
This is book 3 of a series. I read book #1 and didn't have any issues with missing #2 as far as being able to read as a standalone. I do plan to read #2 shortly as well.
Genre -- a mix of police procedural/crime thriller with a reporter aspect and also family drama
Saturday, January 19, 2019
The Couple on Cedar Close (DI Dan Riley #2) by Anna-Lou Weatherley
"It's got all the elements of a front-pager: passion, jealousy, betrayal, rejection, attempted suicide..."
Laurie Mills wakes in a stupor in the middle of the night to find her husband, Robert, dead in the guest bathroom. When the police arrive, find the murder weapon and the message written on the mirror, Laurie is taken directly to the police station. It's a slam dunk, after all, Laurie had just recently outed her husband's infidelity -- including the fact that he had a love child -- at the neighborhood barbecue. But DI Dan Riley isn't convinced -- it's his intuition telling him that something about the whole crime and the situation isn't that clear cut. NO SPOILERS.
Well, this was a romp! The story has everything, including some serious psychopathology and several extremely twisted relationships. Although the main of the plot was quickly visible, it was fun to see how it all was going to play out -- including a few surprises along the way. Though I didn't really relate all that much with the very damaged Laurie (I was more sympathetic to the "bad guy" in a way), I did enjoy this second in the series as much as I did the first. As far as DI Riley, he's an OK male detective and I'm hoping with the bit of cliffhanger at the end that he's going to get over Rachel now and get on with his life. He's painted just a little too "all that", and I'm hoping he'll show some minor little flaws as well! It's a good series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the second in a series. Read in order for best enjoyment.
Genre -- psychological thriller, detective story, "bad romance" domestic drama
Laurie Mills wakes in a stupor in the middle of the night to find her husband, Robert, dead in the guest bathroom. When the police arrive, find the murder weapon and the message written on the mirror, Laurie is taken directly to the police station. It's a slam dunk, after all, Laurie had just recently outed her husband's infidelity -- including the fact that he had a love child -- at the neighborhood barbecue. But DI Dan Riley isn't convinced -- it's his intuition telling him that something about the whole crime and the situation isn't that clear cut. NO SPOILERS.
Well, this was a romp! The story has everything, including some serious psychopathology and several extremely twisted relationships. Although the main of the plot was quickly visible, it was fun to see how it all was going to play out -- including a few surprises along the way. Though I didn't really relate all that much with the very damaged Laurie (I was more sympathetic to the "bad guy" in a way), I did enjoy this second in the series as much as I did the first. As far as DI Riley, he's an OK male detective and I'm hoping with the bit of cliffhanger at the end that he's going to get over Rachel now and get on with his life. He's painted just a little too "all that", and I'm hoping he'll show some minor little flaws as well! It's a good series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the second in a series. Read in order for best enjoyment.
Genre -- psychological thriller, detective story, "bad romance" domestic drama
Friday, January 18, 2019
The Death Messenger (DS Matthew Ryan #2) by Mari Hannah
Excellent crime thriller/police procedural featuring a killer with a very unique motive.
This second in the series (regretfully, I missed the first one), starts as Detective Superintendent Eloise O'Neil and Detective Sergeant Matthew Ryan of the Northumbria Police are setting up a newly formed unit that could have the potential to deal with international issues or really hot assignments. Their first case starts when they receive a DVD depicting a bloody murder scene in a lock-up close to the River Tyne. There is no body, but the detectives don't imagine for an instant that this is a hoax. From the beginning, the pair is stymied by a lack of evidence, motive and suspects. They are joined by husband and wife Frank and Grace Newman -- both with the type of experience and skills needed by this new team to figure out what's going on as several high profile murders subsequently take place -- all seemingly at the hands of the videographer sending the DVDs. The team gears up and follows where the few leads take them to seek out the person or persons behind these deaths where the victims appear to have no connection. What is the link and, despite being thwarted by higher ups in the government, how in the world is this new unit going to work it all out. NO SPOILERS
I enjoyed this and definitely will want to read the next in the series. The major drawback for me, and what really detracted from my overall rating, is the constant and ridiculous crushing that Matt is doing on Eloise. Give me a break! If he'd spend less time thinking about and mooning over her and worrying about her safety and mental well-being, he might be a better, more effective sleuth! It got old really fast and if that romantic pap was left out of the story, it would have hummed along at a better pace instead of dragging with all that sappy stuff. She's his boss, they are a two-person team with support personnel, so either get it on or let's get over it. It really diminished my perception of Eloise as a super duper strong leader with all her mopey sensitivities and he was like a love-sick puppy around her. ENOUGH! That said, when all that wasn't being focused on over and over, I liked the premise and the complexity of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the second in a series and, though I did not read the first, I wish I would have!
Genre - Police procedural/ crime thriller
This second in the series (regretfully, I missed the first one), starts as Detective Superintendent Eloise O'Neil and Detective Sergeant Matthew Ryan of the Northumbria Police are setting up a newly formed unit that could have the potential to deal with international issues or really hot assignments. Their first case starts when they receive a DVD depicting a bloody murder scene in a lock-up close to the River Tyne. There is no body, but the detectives don't imagine for an instant that this is a hoax. From the beginning, the pair is stymied by a lack of evidence, motive and suspects. They are joined by husband and wife Frank and Grace Newman -- both with the type of experience and skills needed by this new team to figure out what's going on as several high profile murders subsequently take place -- all seemingly at the hands of the videographer sending the DVDs. The team gears up and follows where the few leads take them to seek out the person or persons behind these deaths where the victims appear to have no connection. What is the link and, despite being thwarted by higher ups in the government, how in the world is this new unit going to work it all out. NO SPOILERS
I enjoyed this and definitely will want to read the next in the series. The major drawback for me, and what really detracted from my overall rating, is the constant and ridiculous crushing that Matt is doing on Eloise. Give me a break! If he'd spend less time thinking about and mooning over her and worrying about her safety and mental well-being, he might be a better, more effective sleuth! It got old really fast and if that romantic pap was left out of the story, it would have hummed along at a better pace instead of dragging with all that sappy stuff. She's his boss, they are a two-person team with support personnel, so either get it on or let's get over it. It really diminished my perception of Eloise as a super duper strong leader with all her mopey sensitivities and he was like a love-sick puppy around her. ENOUGH! That said, when all that wasn't being focused on over and over, I liked the premise and the complexity of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is the second in a series and, though I did not read the first, I wish I would have!
Genre - Police procedural/ crime thriller
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Last Woman Standing by Amy Gentry
"It had nothing to do with justice and even less to do with preventing future misdemeanors by petty offenders. It had been vengeance, plain and simple."
Dana Diaz is a struggling stand-up comedian wanna be when she meets Amanda after a particularly uninspired set. "Short, stacked, and Latina", Dana hasn't had much luck breaking into the scene and she blames it on an event that happened to her when she lived with her BMF, Jason, in LA. As Dana and Amanda talk, they find that they have something in common -- they've both been taken advantage of by men. Amanda suffered from the effects and lost her IT job. Dana was assaulted by a man she was looking at to mentor her. As these things do, their chat leads to a crazy plan -- a swap -- each will "take care of" a man whose name is on their lists as having violated them. This scheme is put into action and leads both in a direction they had not anticipated. Oh wait...one of them had.
NO SPOILERS.
Well, I wanted to like this book given its timely nature with #metoo and so many stories in the media about women suffering because of sexual things done to them by men. Women who kept quiet and didn't speak up thus never going that extra step or preventing those same men from going on to do the same to other women. It was what appealed to me when I read the book, but this story wasn't what I was anticipating for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I hated all the characters. I couldn't muster up one bit of empathy for any of the women or the men. Second -- I hate comedy routines and there wasn't a single line in the book that came from a routine that even made me crack a smile much less laugh. It just wasn't funny, it was crass and stupid and yeah, I guess I can't take a joke. So without anything to hold onto or to care about with the rising action, I wanted to quit reading the book but forced myself to finish without connecting to it in any way. The first half or so was totally boring and, although it picked it up a little in the second half, I just didn't care and slogged on to what I thought was a totally horrible ending.
So, that's all I've got. I am sorry I picked it up and wasted my time. I think the author's message got lost somewhere in the ridiculousness of the whole sordid story. In short, I lost the plot. I kept waiting for there to be ONE decent man but he never showed up! Despite everything that's going on out in the real world, there are some men who don't assault women. Anyway, if YOU are assaulted by any one at any time -- speak up. Save yourself from that inner rage and guilt. Rant over.
I do want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for granting my ill-considered request to read and review. It didn't work for me, but I'm sure others (as noted in some of the reviews I've recently read) will find it "razor sharp" though I thought it dull and pointless.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre - meant to be a suspense thriller
Dana Diaz is a struggling stand-up comedian wanna be when she meets Amanda after a particularly uninspired set. "Short, stacked, and Latina", Dana hasn't had much luck breaking into the scene and she blames it on an event that happened to her when she lived with her BMF, Jason, in LA. As Dana and Amanda talk, they find that they have something in common -- they've both been taken advantage of by men. Amanda suffered from the effects and lost her IT job. Dana was assaulted by a man she was looking at to mentor her. As these things do, their chat leads to a crazy plan -- a swap -- each will "take care of" a man whose name is on their lists as having violated them. This scheme is put into action and leads both in a direction they had not anticipated. Oh wait...one of them had.
NO SPOILERS.
Well, I wanted to like this book given its timely nature with #metoo and so many stories in the media about women suffering because of sexual things done to them by men. Women who kept quiet and didn't speak up thus never going that extra step or preventing those same men from going on to do the same to other women. It was what appealed to me when I read the book, but this story wasn't what I was anticipating for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I hated all the characters. I couldn't muster up one bit of empathy for any of the women or the men. Second -- I hate comedy routines and there wasn't a single line in the book that came from a routine that even made me crack a smile much less laugh. It just wasn't funny, it was crass and stupid and yeah, I guess I can't take a joke. So without anything to hold onto or to care about with the rising action, I wanted to quit reading the book but forced myself to finish without connecting to it in any way. The first half or so was totally boring and, although it picked it up a little in the second half, I just didn't care and slogged on to what I thought was a totally horrible ending.
So, that's all I've got. I am sorry I picked it up and wasted my time. I think the author's message got lost somewhere in the ridiculousness of the whole sordid story. In short, I lost the plot. I kept waiting for there to be ONE decent man but he never showed up! Despite everything that's going on out in the real world, there are some men who don't assault women. Anyway, if YOU are assaulted by any one at any time -- speak up. Save yourself from that inner rage and guilt. Rant over.
I do want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for granting my ill-considered request to read and review. It didn't work for me, but I'm sure others (as noted in some of the reviews I've recently read) will find it "razor sharp" though I thought it dull and pointless.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre - meant to be a suspense thriller
Monday, January 14, 2019
A Promise to the Dead (Detectives King and Lane #4) by Victoria Jenkins
This 4th book in the Detectives King and Lane series features another complicated murder case that forces the team to delve into some nefarious activity that happened over 30 years ago.
On a dark night, Matthew and Stacey are coming home -- intoxicated -- and decided to take the long route home. Bad decision. Matthew runs out of gas and leaves Stacey behind in the car while he goes to get help. When the police are called to the scene the next day, Stacey is dead from a gunshot and Matthew is missing. Of course he becomes the prime suspect. Now all the team has to do is find him!
Meanwhile, a body has been found in the garden of a local house that's undergoing some renovation. And still there's more: a local man has gone missing after a night out around Cardiff Bay. After some investigation, it becomes obvious that there must be some sort of link between these cases, but DI King is having a hard time putting it all together. And one member of her team is keeping a secret...
NO SPOILERS
This was a bit slow going and hard to get into for me. Not sure if that was because I was reading this while suffering through a blizzard and power failure, but I couldn't really fall under the spell of the story. I also had a difficult time remembering the characters from the only other book in this series that I've read (#3) and many times when references were made to past events, I had no clue what that was about. I don't think this works as a standalone for that reason and I wish I would have had more detail about the characters and their history. The scars on Lane's face? Coudn't remember how she got them. The other issues in King's personal life -- no recall. So, though it was an interesting police procedural, I didn't find it as compelling as I usually do.
The clues are pieced together, painstakingly, and the case is solved but it seemed to take a long time to get to the reason for it all. I'm sure it's just my own fault having a bad memory of the previous book, but I found it hard to connect to the characters and to get fully invested in their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I know I really liked book #3 so I will definitely be eager to read the next in the series.
This is Book #4 in a series featuring DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. Best read in order.
Genre - police procedural/crime thriller
On a dark night, Matthew and Stacey are coming home -- intoxicated -- and decided to take the long route home. Bad decision. Matthew runs out of gas and leaves Stacey behind in the car while he goes to get help. When the police are called to the scene the next day, Stacey is dead from a gunshot and Matthew is missing. Of course he becomes the prime suspect. Now all the team has to do is find him!
Meanwhile, a body has been found in the garden of a local house that's undergoing some renovation. And still there's more: a local man has gone missing after a night out around Cardiff Bay. After some investigation, it becomes obvious that there must be some sort of link between these cases, but DI King is having a hard time putting it all together. And one member of her team is keeping a secret...
NO SPOILERS
This was a bit slow going and hard to get into for me. Not sure if that was because I was reading this while suffering through a blizzard and power failure, but I couldn't really fall under the spell of the story. I also had a difficult time remembering the characters from the only other book in this series that I've read (#3) and many times when references were made to past events, I had no clue what that was about. I don't think this works as a standalone for that reason and I wish I would have had more detail about the characters and their history. The scars on Lane's face? Coudn't remember how she got them. The other issues in King's personal life -- no recall. So, though it was an interesting police procedural, I didn't find it as compelling as I usually do.
The clues are pieced together, painstakingly, and the case is solved but it seemed to take a long time to get to the reason for it all. I'm sure it's just my own fault having a bad memory of the previous book, but I found it hard to connect to the characters and to get fully invested in their lives.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I know I really liked book #3 so I will definitely be eager to read the next in the series.
This is Book #4 in a series featuring DI Alex King and DC Chloe Lane. Best read in order.
Genre - police procedural/crime thriller
Friday, January 11, 2019
The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene
"Everything was perfect, and full of perfect people, except for the two of them, who looked the part, but were sliding backward into their true, deep imperfections, where they belonged."
The only question to be answered in this domestic drama is -- who is the "perfect liar"? Max W. is basically a fraud and Susannah has some deep-seated psychological issues. She and her 15-year-old son, Freddy, are still reeling from his father's death when Max appears at party and sweeps her off her feet. Their marriage seems to be going very well until the morning a note appears taped to their front door. All of a sudden, their wonderful life starts unraveling. No spoilers.
I was really into the story until things shifted and my "oh no" meter ramped up. Told in alternating points of view by Max and Susannah, the two extremely unlikeable characters are definitely suited to each other. There are hints and red herrings but it becomes more clear quite soon what is about to happen. I just hated the ending and I'd love to tell more about the reason for that, but can't without ruining the requisite twisty part. It just didn't work for me and I'll stop after saying that I really prefer a book where justice is served.
Although this one didn't hit all the right notes for me, I enjoyed a couple of hours reading about this crazy couple. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review. I'm certain others will find it a very satisfying psychological thriller and I'm sorry it just didn't quite meet the expectations raised by the synopsis and premise.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre/labels: domestic drama, psychological thriller
The only question to be answered in this domestic drama is -- who is the "perfect liar"? Max W. is basically a fraud and Susannah has some deep-seated psychological issues. She and her 15-year-old son, Freddy, are still reeling from his father's death when Max appears at party and sweeps her off her feet. Their marriage seems to be going very well until the morning a note appears taped to their front door. All of a sudden, their wonderful life starts unraveling. No spoilers.
I was really into the story until things shifted and my "oh no" meter ramped up. Told in alternating points of view by Max and Susannah, the two extremely unlikeable characters are definitely suited to each other. There are hints and red herrings but it becomes more clear quite soon what is about to happen. I just hated the ending and I'd love to tell more about the reason for that, but can't without ruining the requisite twisty part. It just didn't work for me and I'll stop after saying that I really prefer a book where justice is served.
Although this one didn't hit all the right notes for me, I enjoyed a couple of hours reading about this crazy couple. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review. I'm certain others will find it a very satisfying psychological thriller and I'm sorry it just didn't quite meet the expectations raised by the synopsis and premise.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre/labels: domestic drama, psychological thriller
Thursday, January 10, 2019
As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney
Read this if you are in the mood for a seriously twisted, totally warped and outlandishly crazy book about the marriage from hell!
"...that's how marriages were -- like a private room for two, where no one else could see inside."
Matt and Marie have been married for over 20 years and they've definitely had their ups and downs. Now wealthy with two college-aged daughters living away from home, they find themselves face to face, alone with each other and returning to some old habits. Now they both love -- and hate -- each other but what can be done since divorce is so expensive and out of the question. They've been working on their marriage for years, seen therapists, tried to make it work. So when they decide to go on a hiking trip to Estes Park they find some inspiration in the mountains. But! Tragedy strikes when Marie falls from a cliff into the roaring river beneath. Things go from bad to worse for Matt when he becomes the prime suspect as the police begin to think the fall was no accident. It seems that Matt has a history: his first wife died under some very suspicious circumstances. Detectives Spengler and Loren (a mismatched pairing if there ever was one) are investigating the death and come to some very surprising conclusions. NO SPOILERS.
What a fun book that is chock-full of some of the most unlikeable and outlandish characters ever! I found it almost laugh-out-loud funny at times, especially with the aside observations. I liked the style of the narrative as it switched between the characters and the use of the second person point of view was masterfully handled. I really enjoyed this one more than I expected, thinking I'd had it was twisty psychological thrillers that seemed just like the other, and I had a great sigh of satisfaction at the ending. So, suspend your disbelief and go along for this rocky ride without thinking too much about tedious little details or tiny things like realism! And don't let it put you off from the idea of marriage LOL, it's doubtful you'll find a soulmate in each other as this couple did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the e-book ARC to read and review. It kept me thoroughly entertained!
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre/Labels: Domestic drama, psychological thriller, dark humor
"...that's how marriages were -- like a private room for two, where no one else could see inside."
Matt and Marie have been married for over 20 years and they've definitely had their ups and downs. Now wealthy with two college-aged daughters living away from home, they find themselves face to face, alone with each other and returning to some old habits. Now they both love -- and hate -- each other but what can be done since divorce is so expensive and out of the question. They've been working on their marriage for years, seen therapists, tried to make it work. So when they decide to go on a hiking trip to Estes Park they find some inspiration in the mountains. But! Tragedy strikes when Marie falls from a cliff into the roaring river beneath. Things go from bad to worse for Matt when he becomes the prime suspect as the police begin to think the fall was no accident. It seems that Matt has a history: his first wife died under some very suspicious circumstances. Detectives Spengler and Loren (a mismatched pairing if there ever was one) are investigating the death and come to some very surprising conclusions. NO SPOILERS.
What a fun book that is chock-full of some of the most unlikeable and outlandish characters ever! I found it almost laugh-out-loud funny at times, especially with the aside observations. I liked the style of the narrative as it switched between the characters and the use of the second person point of view was masterfully handled. I really enjoyed this one more than I expected, thinking I'd had it was twisty psychological thrillers that seemed just like the other, and I had a great sigh of satisfaction at the ending. So, suspend your disbelief and go along for this rocky ride without thinking too much about tedious little details or tiny things like realism! And don't let it put you off from the idea of marriage LOL, it's doubtful you'll find a soulmate in each other as this couple did.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the e-book ARC to read and review. It kept me thoroughly entertained!
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre/Labels: Domestic drama, psychological thriller, dark humor
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks
You've read the blurb/synopsis -- now read the book. Without giving spoilers, I'm finding it hard to write a typical review as this is and is not a typical missing child crime thriller.
Yes, 4-year-old Alice goes missing in broad daylight from a crowded school fair. Indeed, Charlotte Reynolds, the mom who was supposed to be watching Alice, is blamed. Harriet Hodder is Alice's mom and she had never before left her child with anyone. How could this have happened? And is this a kidnapping similar to that of a boy who was snatched from a nearby village months before? The police investigation begins and the friendship between Charlotte and Harriet naturally falls to pieces as Charlotte blames herself (she was posting on Facebook instead of keeping an eye on Alice) and Harriet's husband, Brian, blames her for leaving Alice with a sitter. But there is much more to this story.
While the two best friends are completely estranged, their lives both take a sharp turn to the worse. Charlotte, formerly a popular divorced mom of three, is looked at with suspicion and distrust -- she lost her best friend's daughter! Harriet sinks into a lockdown mode in her house with only her controlling husband and the liaison officer for company. Harriet feels she is losing her mind with the worry over her missing child.
The narrative shifts between point and view and a then and now format while the women each tell their own version of events as they are questioned by detectives. It turns out that the only truth happens to be this: if someone doesn't want to tell you their secrets, you won't know them.
A subtle shift occurs partway through the book that takes the story in a completely different direction and I really enjoyed the departure from the usual course. After the revelation, the tone changes and I could not turn the pages fast enough to get to the climax. I'm not sure how believable the whole scenario actually is, but I totally enjoyed it nevertheless. The characters were interesting and I could empathize with each woman as the plot delves into some issues typical of women's fiction and domestic drama. The conclusion seemed apt given all that had happened ...but I can't say more tho I want to!
I liked the book. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre and labels: Domestic drama, psychological thriller, Female friendship, missing child
Yes, 4-year-old Alice goes missing in broad daylight from a crowded school fair. Indeed, Charlotte Reynolds, the mom who was supposed to be watching Alice, is blamed. Harriet Hodder is Alice's mom and she had never before left her child with anyone. How could this have happened? And is this a kidnapping similar to that of a boy who was snatched from a nearby village months before? The police investigation begins and the friendship between Charlotte and Harriet naturally falls to pieces as Charlotte blames herself (she was posting on Facebook instead of keeping an eye on Alice) and Harriet's husband, Brian, blames her for leaving Alice with a sitter. But there is much more to this story.
While the two best friends are completely estranged, their lives both take a sharp turn to the worse. Charlotte, formerly a popular divorced mom of three, is looked at with suspicion and distrust -- she lost her best friend's daughter! Harriet sinks into a lockdown mode in her house with only her controlling husband and the liaison officer for company. Harriet feels she is losing her mind with the worry over her missing child.
The narrative shifts between point and view and a then and now format while the women each tell their own version of events as they are questioned by detectives. It turns out that the only truth happens to be this: if someone doesn't want to tell you their secrets, you won't know them.
A subtle shift occurs partway through the book that takes the story in a completely different direction and I really enjoyed the departure from the usual course. After the revelation, the tone changes and I could not turn the pages fast enough to get to the climax. I'm not sure how believable the whole scenario actually is, but I totally enjoyed it nevertheless. The characters were interesting and I could empathize with each woman as the plot delves into some issues typical of women's fiction and domestic drama. The conclusion seemed apt given all that had happened ...but I can't say more tho I want to!
I liked the book. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and is not part of any series.
Genre and labels: Domestic drama, psychological thriller, Female friendship, missing child
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
This psychological thriller is so compulsive that I opened the book this evening and did not put it down until I finished just moments ago! I wanted to write a review while all the emotion and reactions were still running hot.
Here's a piece of free advice: Never lie your way into a psychological research study. We all know how those devious little manipulators can trick you -- ha! Obviously, Jessica (Jess) Farris wasn't privy to my admonition and she went and signed up, becoming Subject 52 after answering some moral and ethical questions on a laptop computer in an empty classroom. Jess is instructed to "be open and truthful" when taking the questions. Little does she know that she is already being analyzed and is subsequently found suitable for an expanded study that will require a great deal more than Jess could have ever anticipated. What becomes of Jess, a floundering make-up artist in desperate need of money for herself and for her family? And what is she willing to do for Dr. Shields in order to get it?
Oh the characters! All basically nasty and terribly unreliable and I can't say I liked any of the schemers. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a subtle shift that might make you unsure if you're coming to the right conclusions. The narrative style and changes in person and point of view is quite effective in stringing the reader along. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I really did not like how the story ended even though I really enjoyed the book!
I read this duo's previous novel, The Wife Between Us, and truly appreciate their talented work on this second collaboration. It stands out in a genre field that has become so inundated with new novels of psychological fiction where all the characters basically have way too many secrets and lies. I'm sure that there will be tons of hype but I had no expectations going in as I haven't read too much about this book and urge others not to read too many reviews before diving in. Enjoy the roller coaster ride and wait for the movie so you can relive the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
Genre: Psychological thriller
Here's a piece of free advice: Never lie your way into a psychological research study. We all know how those devious little manipulators can trick you -- ha! Obviously, Jessica (Jess) Farris wasn't privy to my admonition and she went and signed up, becoming Subject 52 after answering some moral and ethical questions on a laptop computer in an empty classroom. Jess is instructed to "be open and truthful" when taking the questions. Little does she know that she is already being analyzed and is subsequently found suitable for an expanded study that will require a great deal more than Jess could have ever anticipated. What becomes of Jess, a floundering make-up artist in desperate need of money for herself and for her family? And what is she willing to do for Dr. Shields in order to get it?
Oh the characters! All basically nasty and terribly unreliable and I can't say I liked any of the schemers. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there is a subtle shift that might make you unsure if you're coming to the right conclusions. The narrative style and changes in person and point of view is quite effective in stringing the reader along. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I really did not like how the story ended even though I really enjoyed the book!
I read this duo's previous novel, The Wife Between Us, and truly appreciate their talented work on this second collaboration. It stands out in a genre field that has become so inundated with new novels of psychological fiction where all the characters basically have way too many secrets and lies. I'm sure that there will be tons of hype but I had no expectations going in as I haven't read too much about this book and urge others not to read too many reviews before diving in. Enjoy the roller coaster ride and wait for the movie so you can relive the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is a standalone and not part of any series.
Genre: Psychological thriller
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Her Pretty Bones (Gina Harte #3) by Carla Kovach
Two teenaged girls are dead, both showing indications of long term abuse and drug addiction. Forensics indicate that the two are connected. Detective Gina Harte and her team investigate a complicated case in this third book of the popular series. It seems that there may be yet another girl that needs help -- can they find her in time?
Although this book held my interest, the shifting points of view were a bit jarring and some of the narrative just wasn't all that compelling as the reader waits for the plot to become cohesive and to see how it all ties together. This is basic police procedural mystery with a very complicated reveal that was a bit disappointing. I just can't seem to relate to the main character, Gina Harte, and am tired of her personal issues not being resolved and her thinking the same things over and over. The other members of the team are not well-developed and none stand out as memorable. The most interesting aspect of the book to me was actually the fact that one of the characters suffered from Huntington's Disease.
I'm sure I will continue with the series as I seem to be addicted to crime thrillers featuring women detectives. This was my first read of 2019!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is #3 in a series and I've read them in order to date.
Genre: Crime thriller, police procedural, mystery
Although this book held my interest, the shifting points of view were a bit jarring and some of the narrative just wasn't all that compelling as the reader waits for the plot to become cohesive and to see how it all ties together. This is basic police procedural mystery with a very complicated reveal that was a bit disappointing. I just can't seem to relate to the main character, Gina Harte, and am tired of her personal issues not being resolved and her thinking the same things over and over. The other members of the team are not well-developed and none stand out as memorable. The most interesting aspect of the book to me was actually the fact that one of the characters suffered from Huntington's Disease.
I'm sure I will continue with the series as I seem to be addicted to crime thrillers featuring women detectives. This was my first read of 2019!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
This is #3 in a series and I've read them in order to date.
Genre: Crime thriller, police procedural, mystery
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