Reviews (4)

Intellectual Mystery
This is a well-written, intellectual mystery by a noted literary writer. The characters are thoroughly developed and believable, the plot filled with hooks and surprises.
"Change was insidious, creeping up on you as though you were playing a game of statues."
Wow! I love Atkinson's writing
I had read Case Histories and could not WAIT to get another book by Kate Atkinson. I was not disappointed. But don't take my word for it...Stephen King called this the BEST mystery of the decade (that is written on the back of the book cover) and it got superb reviews in The New York Times.
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Subjects:  1. English Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Millionaires    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery/Suspense    8. Policewomen    9. Women novelists    10. Fiction / General   

Reviews (53)

I Really Enjoyed This One!
Most of the Gabriel Allon books are very good, but I really like this one. Gabriel's crew is really turning into a little family, and it looks like Sarah will be the newest member.Give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

Post Cold-War Spy Novel Worth Reading
With the dissolution of the Soviet Empire and the end of the Cold War, the international spy novel has suffered from a lack of compelling story lines. Daniel Silva has remedied this deficiency by making Israel as the epicenter of his provocative novels. With a haunting past defined by the Holocaust and a present preoccupied by terrorism, there are storylines aplenty.
Gripping, but a bit predictable.
A good read for my recent getaway, but I found the story somewhat predictable. I did enjoy the art connection to the story. On balance, I'd say I'd rate "The Messenger" a notch behind the trilogy --"A Death in Vienna", "The English Assassin", and "The Confessor". Still I recommend it to fans of the genre. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Espionage/Intrigue    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    4. Thrillers    5. Fiction / Thrillers   

Reviews (33)

Fabulous Again.
Well this one was as good as the first, although Dexter isn't killing much this time around.In fact I spent most of the book thinking, just KILL SOMETHING, Dexter!! :)That aside, it's just as amazing as the first.

In a holding pattern with the first.
Jeff Lindsay, Dearly Devoted Dexter (Doubleday, 2005)
A Little Better Than the First One
When Lindsay's first Dexter novel came out, I reviewed it and give it generally good marks except for the characterization of Dexter's sister Deborah.I also noted that the conceit of having Dexter only kill those who deserved it stacked the deck a little but overall the book was interesting and well-written, as well as one of the few books written from the perspective of a criminal.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    4. Forensic scientists    5. Miami (Fla.)    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Psychological    8. Serial murderers    9. Serial murders    10. Suspense    11. Thrillers    12. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (94)

I try to give a 5 star sparingly
I picked this novel up from my wish list while, interestingly enough, staying with my younger sister after the birth of her second child. I read this novel so quickly it surprised me!
Tyler never disappoints
and she does not with this latest novel. I love her writing, her characters, her eye, her voice. And her gentleness. The author just amazes me with the kindness of her eye. I don't think I have ever read an author who has the impact of me that she does.

Typical Tyler Magic
This book is a little unusual for Tyler.
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Subjects:  1. Assimilation (Sociology)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Intercountry adoption    5. Iranian American women    6. Literary    7. Psychological    8. Tyler, Anne - Prose & Criticism    9. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (55)

So beautifully addictive
Since immensely enjoying Tears of the Giraffe, I quickly became addicted to the #1 Lady, and her detective series. I've purely and completely enjoyed all in the series so very much, and Blue Shoes and Happiness is another gem to be savored. My deep,and only unhappiness with each of the novels is that every turn of the page brings me closer to the end of this rare gift.
Small Things Need Lively Prose
This review is for the Pantheon Books hardback edition, 2006, 227 pages.BLUE SHOES AND HAPPINESS, was on the USA Today top 150 best seller list for 6 weeks from April 27 to June 1 2006, reaching a peak position of thirteen.It is the seventh and latest in McCall's Precious Ramotswe, No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.All seven made the USA Today list.
Another great installment in a wonderful series!
One of the best things about Alexander McCall Smith's entertaining No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is that these aren't really traditional detective stories at all.One must read between the lines to see that the amusing tales delve far deeper than solving simple mysteries and crimes. Each book provides an enchanting glimpse into the life and times of Botswana and the series really serves as a clever study of human nature.The loveable and heavyset chief detective Mma Ramotswe is clearly large and in charge, as her unique agency helps its clients and the stories' readers themselves discover many "things they already know." This charming series is excellent light reading and especially great for planes. Take the whole series with you to make a transatlantic flight go by in the blink of an eye! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Botswana    2. English Mystery & Suspense Fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    5. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Imaginary organization)    8. Ramotswe, Precious (Fictitious character)    9. Women private investigators    10. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths   

Reviews (6)

Great read but leans to the dark side--be warned!
This author is one of my very favorite brand-name picks and her books are immediate purchases.This is one of her strongest--yet darkest--stories to date.The male and female leads are strong, passionate characters with great chemistry that starts from the get-go and just keeps sizzling.
A hot suspense that's sure to please!
I am hopelessly addicted to Shannon McKenna's novels.I've read every one of her books, multiple times in fact, and Hot Night was no exception in quality.McKenna is a novelist that knows how to successfully intertwine both romance and suspense together to create a story that is hard to put down.
An Up All Night Read!
Abby Maitland is trying to put her past to rest.She picks the wrong guys every single time she steps up to plate.Her latest set-up is a real winner and to top things off she's locked herself out of the house.She calls a locksmith who just so happens to like to play hero stopping a potential rape and beating.Abby can't help but be drawn to the handsome dark stranger named Zan but she has to her sanity demands it.But like always the one thing that seems to be the worst for her is all she wants.She finally gives into the sensual draw he generates and this should make things better...but it doesn't instead her life gets much more complicated and Zan is at the center of it all.Her best friend has been killed, people think it's a suicide and bad things keep happening to her.But there is a killer out there and he is closer then anyone knows.Will Zan and Abby be able to stay one step ahead of him or will a killer strike one more time?
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Romance    4. Romance - Suspense    5. Suspense    6. Crime & mystery    7. Fiction / Romance / Suspense   

Reviews (94)

Great Read
America's hero Mitch Rapp returns for another superb encore. CIA Director designate Irene Kennedy is in top form as is President Robert Hayes who seems to be much more decisive in this book than he has in other parts of the series. The bad guys are there: Senator Hank Clark, RepresentativeAlbert Rudin,Jonathan Brown, a former judge and envious contender for the position of CIA Director as well as Ben Fiedman Director General of the, Mossad, a loyalist to his country but still greedy for himself. Sadam Hussein is close to having three operational nuclear devices. A daring mission inside Iraq ensues. Plus, the bad guys are taken care of. Excellent!

an excellent,diverting thriller
a very nice page turner with more than enough depth,detail
Series hits a brick wall
This is the third installment in the Mitch Rapp series and the author's fourth book overall. (I'd suggest reading the previous books both for chronology reasons and that they're better reads.) Mitch is America's #1 "go to" guy when it comes to fighting terrorism. In "Separation of Power" he is faced with cleaning up some open issues from his last mission (someone tried to kill him), the political "in-fighting" surrounding the naming of a new CIA chief, rogue Mossad agents, Iraq gaining nuclear weapons and falling in love. One could be forgiven in thinking this last issue would make for a pleasant diversion while our hero prevents WW III. Not so. Mitch's romance takes a front and center position and in a word is well ... comedic. The "action" threads of the plot - which this author has worked so well in his previous books - is hinted at in the first 100 pages, doesn't really begin until after 200 pages - and then proceeds in fits and starts. There is an inordinate amount of "character development" - self-serving, amoral, scheming politicans & our world weary, battle scarred reluctant hero Mitch, who must once again pick up the sword to do what no other man can do - which like the "romance" impedes the plot. The book hastily concludes, (20+ pages), in an unsatisfying and simplistic finale. Hopefully this book is an anomaly in the series because the author's previous books were great roller coaster rides and provided entertaining reading at the beach and in airports. Unfortunately the much rushed conclusion and Mitch's "new" situation doesn't guarantee that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Espionage/Intrigue    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    4. Political    5. Suspense    6. Thrillers    7. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (31)

Awesome work by Ted Dekker!!!
Once again Ted Dekker has delievered.SAINT is a fast-paced page turner to the end.In classic Dekker style, he leads you on a journey, with many twists and turns, to the ultimate battle between good and evil. He has a gift for pulling you in so that you become concerned about the characters. It is amazing to watch one mans journey to the truth, and discover it with him.Take the trip, as Carl finds love, faith, and himself.You will not be disappointed.
Forest Guard review
This book is really well written it will keep you stuck in its pages untill your done reading it. He pulls the reader into his boook throughout the pages then shocks you with an ending that will never be expected. this book is definitely a must read for all people who enjoy a good book

Amazing!!
Saint is an intriguing story about good versus evil, finding who you truly are in Christ, and learning that accepting the differences in your life that your faith brings is part of being who you are!
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Subjects:  1. Christian fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    4. Kidnapping    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Psychological    7. Suspense    8. Suspense fiction    9. Thrillers    10. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (74)

I don't think they have souls
For me, the moment for reflection came in the assertion that the culling and display of the Hailsham students'art projects was to prove to the outside world that clones had souls. And reflection led me to the conclustion that clones don't have souls.
Please..., Let it go
Absolutely pathetic.I held out hope right up through the last four pages, thinking somehow there would be something there at the end to make up for such a tortuous read.Here's the deal - there is nothing here to care about - the writing (especially the dialogue), characters, and story all come in under the column-heading TRITE.The comparisons with Margaret Atwood are unfounded.Save yourself - this is a dud.And, a wet one at that.

Suspensful, intelligent sci-drama.
Never Let Me Go is the story of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, a trio of kids who grew up at Hailsham, an exclusive and mysterious English boarding school. More specifically, the novel is the story of the strained, bizarre, and sometimes torturous friendship that grows between the three. Against the austere, unsettling background of Hailsham, their relationship twists and turns, simultaneously bringing out the best and worst in all of them- Ruth, we see, is capable of both great affection and seemingly bottomless spite. Tommy, meanwhile, is innocent, insightful, and yet hopelessly naive. Kathy, the story's conflicted, regretful narrator, is a bundle of contradictions, simultaneously strong willed and spineless, loving and bitter, moralistic and utilitarean. The interactions and struggles of these three make for a surprisingly touching, at times cathartic, character study.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Literary    4. Psychological    5. Fiction / Literary   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    3. Harris, Thomas - Prose & Criticism    4. Mystery/Suspense    5. Suspense    6. Thrillers    7. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (782)

Definitively Polarizing
For those of us who have been in the rat race of modern culture long enough that we have stopped thinking, this book is a reawakening.
if a gorilla can see it then why cant we?
i read this book last year during my archaeology class and never go to write a review of the book. this book is a series of conversation and lessons that take place between a gorilla and a man who has an "earnest desire to save the world". the concept of the book is intriguing because all of the lessons that this man must learn are coming from the mind and the mouth of a gorilla. it's interesting to think that we as human do not see the destruction that we are causing in our environment and what we need to be shown needs to be seen through the eyes of those who are actually affected by the destruction of their natural habitat and environment. while humans for the most part are like cockroaches and can survive through just about everything anyone or anything can throw at us, it is nature and all life in nature that can not survive. it takes an outsider to show us the path that we as human have taken, which will ultimately lead to the demise of the entire earth. the leavers and the takers are the basis for much of the gorillas references when discussing how we human came to be. this book is a magnificent and easy prose about the life we have all lived and the inevitable suffering that will come from the continued actions that we take against our earth. yes, interpretation is in the eye of the beholder and what you take from the book, or what you do not take, is totally up to you. what daniel quinn expresses through his characters is truth and if we cant understand from the spoken words of others like you and me, we need to look at the unspoken words of nature and all that reside there before it is too late.. this book has the potential to change your life and to open your eyes to a new kind of understanding and hopefully with this understanding you all can see the truth and do something about it and change the path that we all have chosen before it is too late.

Keep the book in contest: food for thought
I won't argue with detractors. Literarily, Ishmael is laughable. The narrator is an undoubtable caricature, and Quinn is some impressed with his anthro-philosophical platform that he's failed to present a well-formed narrative. In a way, the book reads likea draft. It is too impressed with its premise, and is too eagerly shouting its message to really be taken seriously as a work of fiction.
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Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - General    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. Literary    6. Psychological    7. Fiction / General    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (30)

Superb, Fast-Paced, Entirely Plausible
I just finished reading "Copper Scroll", the fourth Joel Rosenberg novel.The novels build upon one another and are best read in order.
Makes me think. . .
Although this may not have been the most well written of the series, The Copper Scroll was still an enjoyable read.I think the biggest benefit of Joel's books are the references and the opportunity for further research into the subject.
the plot was intriging, but
sometimes the characters were difficult to keep straight. I had to repeatedly refer to the cast of characters in the front of the book which was distracting. Overall, it made for very interesting reading especially in light of the prophesies of the Bible and the soon coming rebuilding of the Temple. Guess we'll see what the truth is then. Israel will prevail. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Copper scroll    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. International relations    5. Middle East    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Religious - General    8. Thrillers   

Editorial Review

Rancorous political infighting surrounds the selection of a successor tothe dying head of the CIA just as Mitch Rapp, the agency's top operative,embarks on a dangerous mission to take out a well-known German industrialistbelieved to be supplying Middle East terrorists with highly sensitive equipmentcritical to constructing a nuclear bomb. When Rapp's ultimately successfulmission is compromised from within, ailing CIA director Thomas Stansfield putshis imprimatur on the efforts of his chosen successor, Irene Kennedy, directorof the agency's Counterterrorism Center, to identify the powerful interests bothinside and outside the agency that wanted Rapp to fail. Read more

Reviews (85)

Fairly good
At the beginning when the book tells us about Saddam Hussein I thought that this'll be as many books written about him. When the book turns out to be an internal affair is when you get thrilled. The book has some pages that said nothing about the main plot but you'll get hooked till the end. This is my first book by VF and I'm looking forward to read more of him.
Good continuation of the series, but not enough action
As a political thriller, this book was heavy on the "political" and not so much on the "thriller".The prior two books, Term Limits and Transfer of Power were more action packed.As a fan of the series, however, I do recommend this third book in the series.There are a large number of characters returning from the prior two books, so I'd definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Good books
I have just finished this book. I have read all of Vince Flynn's previous books and I have enjoyed all of them. If you are looking for a good book pick this one up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    2. Espionage/Intrigue    3. Crime & mystery    4. Fiction / Suspense    5. Political    6. Suspense    7. Mystery/Suspense    8. Fiction   

Reviews (17)

4 3/4 stars
I was hooked from the very first page. Ted Bell has written a very enthralling, action packed thriller. This is my first Bell novel and it reminded me a lot of Clive Cussler's writing style. Great escapist fiction. I did have a tendency to get annoyed with the numerous editing errors. Other than that, this was first class entertainment.
I hated myself in the morning
As much as I hate to admit it, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The source of my enjoyment was not the adolescent characters, the many typos and grammatical errors, the improbable deus ex machinae, or the inconsistencies (like counting nine days from Sunday to Sunday). I enjoyed it because the story is so intense that I literally could not put the book down. If you're looking for some mindless fun, you'll find it here.

"THIS BOOK IS INTENSE!"
A sensational read! There is so much tension and suspense you just go with it,
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    5. Hawke, Alex (Fictitious character)    6. Intelligence officers    7. Terrorists    8. Thrillers    9. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

It has been said that a mystery novel is "about something" and a literary tale is not.Read more

Reviews (15)

Fascinating Historical Thriller.
This is one outstanding read if you are a New Yorker who enjoys historical thrillers the way I do!With uncanny precision, Jed Rubenfeld accurately and colorfully describes turn of the twentieth century New York City at a time many historians consider to be the `incubator period' of what has shaped to become the modern day city of the world, while providing us with a fascinating thriller filled with some of the most interesting and unique characters ever to shape the pages of the fictionalized world: true life mentor/teacher soon-to-be nemesis Dr. Sigmund Freud and Dr. Carl Jung!
A decent debut, but lacking
When I heard of the premise of this novel, I was very interested in it.Historical fiction is not an easy genre to conquer and I was intrigued by this particular author's take on Sigmund Freud and his American visit.
A Book Lover's Dream
I congratulate Mr Rubenfeld on a magnificent first novel. It is intelligent and erudite. Comparisons with the similarly themed "The Alienist" by Caleb Carr is inevitable and apt. For me, the style and plot also echoes Umberto Eco.I particularly enjoyed the references to Hamlet.Some of my fellow readers have been quick to criticise the author for his portrayal of Jung.That is a not-invalid point but Iam no apologist for the author, and would beg my fellow reader to enjoy the novel for what it is - a novel.It is another building in the City of Invention - to borrow the phrase from Fay Weldon's Letters to Alice - and it is a worthy edifice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1856-1939    2. American Historical Fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    5. Freud, Sigmund,    6. Historical - General    7. Manhattan (New York, N.Y.)    8. Mystery & Detective - Historical    9. Mystery fiction    10. Thrillers    11. Fiction / Thrillers   

Reviews (328)

Great book about individuality
This is a great book about the importance of self expression and individuality, it was way ahead of her time. 'The Awakening' is about a ninteenth century woman named Edna, and through seeing the restrictions of marriage, and the expression of art, seeks independence, but as a consequence becomes isolated.The Awakening is a sad story. Sad because of the conflict Mrs. Pontellier is having. Sad because of her lonliness. Yet it is also alluring because Edna does eventually break away from her pre-determined role; because she finally does awaken and free herself...I loved this book alot, it is a must read for anyone who can read.Another story that I recommend is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald -- I mean in case there are still any souls that did not read it...

The "Blinding"
I wish I could give this book a 0 rating. I have yet to understand why this world figures that a woman (or man) must be immoral in order to make a name for herself, or discover her soul. The only thing I enjoyed about this book is how it brought me back to a darn near picture perfect example of the immoral woman written about in the Book of Proverbs as compared to the woman of wisdom. The main character was so selfish in this book. I did feel sorry for the character because of her lost state but, ultimately I found my self very detached from this woman. This book is more about being blind and decieved rather than "awakened." I can now conculed I am not a fan of Mrs. Chopin or her incoherent character Edna! I understand the concept of equality for women, but come on, is this piece of literature really desired as a voice for feminism! In all my encounters with that which is labeled as dealing with the feminist cause/ feminist literature/feminist ideals, I have yet to be persuaded that is someting worthy of association with.

A beautiful and sensual Victorian classic!
I'd never read Kate Chopin before, but The Awakening seemed like a good place to start. The premise of this book seemed interesting. Set in turn-of-the-century New Orleans, this classic tale tells the story of Edna Pontellier, a proper wife and mother who lives a rather passionless life with her husband in a cottage near the beach. She becomes rather aware of herself and that there has to be more to life than what she has experienced. And so, she experiences a sexual awakening when she has an affair with a younger, unmarried man. And that is just the beginning of her journey, which includes getting rid of her husband and children to continue on her route to self-discovery. But will she find happiness in a world where women are oppressed and an uninhibited nature is considered wrong?
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literary    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Literature: Classics    6. Psychological    7. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (3)

Welcome BACK Phillip Mercer!!!
I have been saying for several years now that Jack DuBrul IS the Heir to the Cussler Action Throne, and his last 3 novels have helped cement my opinion, but 'Havoc' has in fact cast my opinion in solid titanium.One other reviewer noted that since there has been a much longer wait for this novel than in between the Mercer novels of the past, it MAY have helped to propel 'Havoc' into a better status than it otherwise may have received, but I tend to think that DuBrul earned it the hard way: Through good old fashioned great storytelling.
the adventures and escapes never stop
In 1937 Chester Bowie makes a startling discovery about how Alexander the Great conquered the world.He realizes the emperor had a weapon of mass destruction millennia before anyone heard of nuclear energy.However, on his trip from Europe to the United States to further his work, Chester dies on that fatal Hindenburg disaster, but he leaves clues about his discovery.
Welcome back, Mercer!
For fans of Jack Du Brul and his series character Philip Mercer, the wait for the latest book has been far too long!At least Mercer is returning to us in a fashionable hardback edition.And it's possible that absence has made my heart grow fonder, because I found this novel a joy to read from start to finish.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    5. Geologists    6. Technological    7. Terrorists    8. Thrillers    9. Fiction / Thrillers   

Reviews (179)

not worth the time
The writing is pedestrian and the plot makes no sense.I thought something might change, that it might become an interesting ghost story, or there might be moral issues, or maybe even a character would grow or change.The heavy-handed ending is, perhaps, intended to demonstrate how the intense oppression and suppression of women in Amish culture forces them to violence against their loved ones...but that's a pretty heavy message for a book that seems full of meaninglessness.Are we supposed to take everything that Ellie says about the Amish in court (peaceful, gentle, incapable of murder, loving, child-centric, willing to accept an out-of-wedlock child into the community) as lies?The ending belongs to a much darker book.My biggest complaint though is the bad writing and editing, I kept stumbling over inconsistencies and that always inhibits my enjoyment of a story.

ANOTHER GREAT BOOK FROM JODI PICOULT!
I have read several of Ms. Picoult's books and I think this was the best yet.The writing was so great, I was taken right into the Amish countryside. The Truth About Jodi Picoult
Like all of the Jodi Picoult novels I've read to date, this one slides down as easily as ice cream. She is a masterful storyteller