Fallen - Linda Castillo

 Fallen - Linda Castillo

She read

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

This is the thirteenth in the Kate Burkholder series: it is the first I have read.  Despite her being a prolific writer, this is my first Castillo novel.  How have I missed her? I had no difficulty with this as a standalone, however, there were some events alluded to in Kate’s background about which I wish I knew more.

With an engrossing storyline and well drawn characters, this was a fast read.  I had a little difficulty with the “who done it” and it was a bit predictable, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.

Kate is a strong, well adjusted female protagonist who does seem to get herself into dangerous predicaments.  Good thing she has a strong support system behind her. If you are new to this series and expect a light mystery, be forewarned that there are a few brutal scenes in it. 

Having grown up near Pennsylvania Dutch country (the book takes place in Ohio), I enjoyed Castillo’s take on the Amish and English cultures as well as the translated Deitsch phrases.  

****½

When You Are Mine - Michael Robotham

 When You Are Mine - Michael Robotham

She read

This is the first book I have read by prolific writer Michael Robotham. Although he has written some series, this is considered a stand-alone novel although I hope it might become a series.  I like his writing style and character development as well as colorful description of characters.  

As one reads this book, which I couldn’t put down, you know that Phil is headed down the wrong path and continues to cause trouble for herself.  I liked her and though she is strong and persistent, I did wish she was more savvy in reading people and their motivations.

There is a lot about justice and fairness here and it is to Robotham’s credit that 

I felt a lot of anger about some of the injustices being perpetrated.

Fans of police procedurals, psychological thrillers, and twists and turns will enjoy this novel.  

*****

The Third Grave - Lisa Jackson

 The Third Grave - Lisa Jackson

She read

Publication Date: June 29, 2021

This is the fourth book in a series; it is the first one I have read and it did not inspire me to go back and read the prior ones.  The story itself was OK, but the telling of it tedious and I found myself frequently skimming.  I also found the character of Nikki annoying.  It was difficult to believe that she was so concerned about her pregnancy after two miscarriages, yet she put herself in danger by actions like traipsing around a slippery river bank right after a hurricane. 

***

The Very Nice Box - Gleichman, Eve and Blackett, Laura

 The Very Nice Box - Gleichman, Eve and Blackett, Laura

She read

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

I enjoyed this book, although it was a bit different from what I expected. 

It is amusing and a great send-up of some of today’s work cultures. I loved the Ikea parody.  

In the description of the book, Mat is noted to be a classic example of male entitlement.  However, I didn’t see him that way….I thought he went beyond that and was a very disturbed individual. The pace of the book was uneven….fast paced at times, at other times, slow.  The ending was a bit over the top.  Overall, though, an entertaining read. 

 

****

A Dark and Secret Place - Williams, Jen

A Dark and Secret Place - Williams, Jen

She read

This is a dark, twisted story.  Although well written, with graphic descriptions, it was a bit over the top for me.  If you like this genre (horror rather than mystery or thriller), then I would recommend the book.  However, for me, it was no more than a three star read. In the beginning, there were a couple of different story lines that seem edto be all over the place, but they all did come together.  I did like the retelling of early macabre fairy tales! I don’t like when characters make bad choices, and Heather made quite a few.

*** 

Far Gone - Danielle Girard

 Far Gone - Danielle Girard

She read

Publication Date: June 15, 2021

This is the second book in a series but the first I have read; it works well as a standalone.

A fast paced story with richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions, I couldn’t put it down, compulsively saying to myself “just one more chapter.”  It is told from different points of view, a technique that worked well. Yes, it is suspenseful, with some twists.

I usually don’t like when characters make bad choices, but Hannah, after all, is only 14 years old.  There were a few too many coincidences for me, yet I still enjoyed the book.

After finishing this, I realized that I have the first one in the series on my Kindle; I just never had the chance to read it.  Now, I will go back and read it as a wait the third (hopefully) one.

****

The Disappearing Act - Catherine Steadman

 The Disappearing Act - Catherine Steadman

She read

This was an entertaining read.  Although I had problems with some aspects of the story, I did like Steadman’s writing.  She created a good feel for LA/Hollywood.

I don’t like female characters who do dumb (or maybe I could be kinder and say naive) things from leaving her bag unattended to not replacing a lost keycard, and worse. At times, the story got bogged down with Mia’s indecisiveness and  ruminations. Despite that, I kept compulsively reading to find out what would happen next! Three and a half stars rounded up to four.

****

The Bombay Prince - Sujata Massey

 The Bombay Prince - Sujata Massey

She read; he will read it

Beautifully, yet simply written, this book reads as though it was written when it takes place….1921. Highly evocative, the author paints a vivid picture of time and place and I loved the luscious description of the clothing.  I almost felt as though unraveling the mystery was secondary to learning about Bombay society in this era as an independence movement burgeons.

Purveen Mistry, the first woman solicitor in Bombay, is a strong, independent character 

I didn’t realize that this was the third in a series; it is, then, the first I have read. It was a delightful introduction this author and her characters. 

*****

The Bone Code - Kathy Reichs

 The Bone Code - Kathy Reichs

She read

Another in the "Bones" series by Kathy Reichs (the 20th).  I have never watched the television series.  I tried it once for a few minutes, but the actress just didn't fit my "picture" of Tempe Brennan, so I was turned off to it......Anyway, my thoughts....

Reading another Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan “Bones” novels is like visiting with an old friend.  A very intelligent friend who is sometimes not so smart when placing herself in dangerous situations.  I always gleam some new information from her novels, whether it be in the area of forensic anthropology or, in this book, genetics

It’s difficult to put down one of Ms. Reichs' novels as her foreshadowing of events at the ends of chapters keeps the intrigue going and prods the reader to go on for “just one more chapter"

I enjoy Reichs’ writing.  She has a clever way with words and a good sense of humor comes through. While this can be read as a standalone, I think you will not enjoy it as much without knowing backstories and histories that have been developed in past novels. Can’t wait for #21!

****