I stumbled across Steven's book on the Kindle forums and was inspired to read it. The cover interested me, I downloaded the sample and had decided to...moreI stumbled across Steven's book on the Kindle forums and was inspired to read it. The cover interested me, I downloaded the sample and had decided to purchase the entire book within a few pages.
I thought he has done a great job with the book and this is a very entertaining read. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci-fi or thrillers. (less)
The paranormal is an interesting genre for me. As some of you may have guessed, I'm a scientist and skeptic. Basically this means I want evidence of c...moreThe paranormal is an interesting genre for me. As some of you may have guessed, I'm a scientist and skeptic. Basically this means I want evidence of claims, not some beliefs and suppositions. Prove it to me.
When it comes to entertainment, the assumption would be that anything other than realistic fiction is not going to grab me. The key word here is fiction. Just as Lt Shane Shcofield's adventures are as realistic as Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter, the paranormal can be just as entertaining to this scientist and skeptic.
This is the second of Jon's books that I have read. Parallax was a very entertaining read that reminded me of some of the earlier paranormal works I read that combined the paranormal with the crime or noir genres. This novel works as a straight crime story, the mental link between the two main protagonists serving as a twist on the formula.
Worth checking out if you like a tale about hitmen having to redeem themselves.(less)
Every time I walk past a book store I just have to take a wander through and see what is on the shelf. The last time I saw two books that caught my ey...moreEvery time I walk past a book store I just have to take a wander through and see what is on the shelf. The last time I saw two books that caught my eye, Luther: The Calling and Red White and Blood. I'd never heard of the latter, never heard of the author, Christopher Farnsworth, and this was the most recent in a three book series.
Sadly I've been burnt before, so I only walked out of the store with Luther. No matter how interesting this book looked, it was about vampires, politics and secrets, this could have been Twilight in the Whitehouse for all I knew. So instead I contacted my trusty local librarian and asked if they had any of the books on the shelves, they had all three. I'm glad they had them all.
Chris's writing is witty, fast paced and well crafted. Essentially he has written a supernatural thriller in direct opposition to the sparkly lameness that has infected the supernatural genre. Despite the themes, the line isn't crossed into horror territory, remaining firmly enjoyable to thriller fans who don't like the gore aspect.
In short, I won't be getting to Luther: The Calling, until after I finish all three of Chris' Nathaniel Cade novels.(less)
This was my first Alex Cross novel and it was largely enjoyable. While it was entertaining enough I wasn't really engrossed with the story or the char...moreThis was my first Alex Cross novel and it was largely enjoyable. While it was entertaining enough I wasn't really engrossed with the story or the characters. Although I did have Morgan Freeman's voice running in my head as I read his character, so big plus there.
I do tend to poke fun at James Patterson since he has become a label for thrillers, rather than a writer of thrillers. I was hoping that his first Alex Cross novel - his signature work - would appease my thoughts on his later work. His early work is superior, but still left me wanting.
I should also note that James was up against it due to another reason. The Kindle edition I read was a very poorly done scan and transcribe. It made for a, at times, frustrating read. I wish the publishing houses would put more effort into these conversions as I have read several now and only a couple have been any good (Chris Ryan's novels were very well transferred).(less)
Harry is the latest author to contribute to The Dead Man series of novellas. It must be daunting to receive the call. Lee Goldberg: Hi Harry. Do you wa...moreHarry is the latest author to contribute to The Dead Man series of novellas. It must be daunting to receive the call. Lee Goldberg: Hi Harry. Do you want to write an edition of The Dead Man? Harry Shannon: Why sure Lee, I love that series. Lee: Okay, just don't fuck it up!
Fortunately Harry has come through with the writing goods to keep the series' reputation intact. Matt and his axe are back, once again visiting a small town, ready to kick some evil arse (I'm Australian, we spell it arse, not ass). This time, though, some professional bad guys are after his blood, literally.
Harry's other books are worth checking out as well. He writes horror (the Night Series) and thrillers (Mick Callahan series), showing the creepy thrills in this Dead Man book weren't an accident.(less)
There are some books that you read and feel enlightened about the world around you. There are some books that are fascinating and insightful, making y...moreThere are some books that you read and feel enlightened about the world around you. There are some books that are fascinating and insightful, making you think. Then there are some that are just unashamedly fun.
McGrave is a straight up actioneer, pure fun, and revels in what some would call cheesy cliches. Instead these cliches are actually part of the humour Less has used to make this story fun.
This story was originally written as a pilot for TV and reminds me greatly of the 80s cop shows. In fact, if you ever saw the hilarious Sledge Hammer, then you could imagine a similar take on action and cop adventure played straight. This McGrave adventure is certainly an escapist pleasure and it had me laughing and entertained throughout.
Treat yourself, unless your idea of a treat is Tolstoy.(less)
Trying to read with a newborn in your arms is tricky. You try to get them to sleep and then realise you haven't been reading all of that time. You try...moreTrying to read with a newborn in your arms is tricky. You try to get them to sleep and then realise you haven't been reading all of that time. You try to feed them and realise that Zaphoid was right, a third arm does come in handy. This all adds up to making it hard to enjoy a good book.
The fact that I did enjoy this book shows just how good it was, because my reading has been very interrupted. Mak is back in what appears to be the finale in the Vanderwall series. Since the last book, Mak has been hiding out in Spain, but it isn't long before assassins get wind of her location and she is headed back to Australia.
If this is the end of the series (I'm going by the novel, I haven't heard Tara mention anything on this) then I think it ended appropriately. Some authors, TV shows and musicians drag out a series for too long. Tara has avoided that nicely. Now the only question is, will she continue in the crime genre, or will her paranormal novels be the focus now?(less)
I really do enjoy a good mystery novel. They can make do without the sex and violence of normal crime or thriller stories and yet still keep you intri...moreI really do enjoy a good mystery novel. They can make do without the sex and violence of normal crime or thriller stories and yet still keep you intrigued. Shamini did have a good reason for eschewing sex and violence, her mother edits it all out. Fortunately she left the humour and intrigue in.
This is my first Shamini Flint novel, and features the fat Indian Inspector for Singapore, Inspector Singh. Singh is the atypical hero, someone you would prefer not to know. Yet you find yourself wanting the inspector to triumph in his battle to find the truth. You also wish that he went somewhere a little less humid, so as to avoid sweating.
Shamini takes an interesting approach to writing a murder mystery. She picks a topic or issue she wants to explore and then writes a murder to bring the fat inspector onto the scene. In this way her novel is as much social commentary as it is murder mystery. I was quite interested in the look into law in Asia, especially the conflicts and overlaps between the different court systems there.
If you like mysteries, then you'll enjoy Inspector Singh Investigates.(less)
As a new dad, there are a few sentiments expressed by Charlie Fox - the hero - about kids that feel spot on. There is nothing more annoying than a bab...moreAs a new dad, there are a few sentiments expressed by Charlie Fox - the hero - about kids that feel spot on. There is nothing more annoying than a baby interrupting you reading a good book, especially during the final 50 pages!
Zoe has certainly got all the right thriller ingredients. But she has also managed to mix them together into a great blend that is interesting and exciting. From go to arrhythmia, there is no let up, with Charlie trying to stay alive and figure out who isn't trying to kill her. If I had one quibble, it was with a chance encounter that was rather important to the plot, I would have preferred it to be done a little different. But then again, I forgive this in Lee Child, Zoe is no less a writer, so it is an easily overlooked point.
If you haven't read any of the Charlie Fox thrillers, do so soon.(less)
All of Jo Nesbo's translated works have a giant sticker on the front saying, "The next Stieg Larsson." So obviously reading one of Jo's books should b...moreAll of Jo Nesbo's translated works have a giant sticker on the front saying, "The next Stieg Larsson." So obviously reading one of Jo's books should bring you another boring, long winded, needlessly detailed, "thriller". Clearly the first 50 to 100 pages will spend more time describing flowers, boats and home renovations than actually introducing the characters and plot.
Thankfully this isn't the case. Nemesis was actually worth reading. At +700 pages it packs in a lot of plot, sub-plots, mystery and intrigue. This book reminded me of other crime novels by the likes of Michael Connelly and Ian Rankin. Although, at least Jo refrains from including a street map description of Oslo like Rankin does for Edinburgh.
The only complaint I have with this book is that it felt over-written. Nesbo and his translator have done a fantastically skilled job, but there are times when you feel a little lost with tangential prose.(less)
Unbelievably this is the first Karin Slaughter novel I have read. I have read one of her short stories before, which made me pick up this novel, so it...moreUnbelievably this is the first Karin Slaughter novel I have read. I have read one of her short stories before, which made me pick up this novel, so it wasn't like I didn't know that Slaughter had the goods in crime thrillers.
I quite enjoyed the slightly different take that Karin has on the crime thriller. Front and centre are a mix of slightly dysfunctional characters that somehow manage to not only work with one another, but are actually interesting to read about. You know how crime novels often have that self-loathing, alcoholic, dark and depressing lead character? Well this novel doesn't have that - thank his noodliness.
You can see why Karin is a bestselling author, so the only question is which of her novels I'll read next.(less)
I got a lot of mileage out of the Sydney Writers' Festival this year. Saw a lot of great authors and presentations, picked up some fantastic books and...moreI got a lot of mileage out of the Sydney Writers' Festival this year. Saw a lot of great authors and presentations, picked up some fantastic books and had a good time. I'd like to see my local Perth Writers' Festival get the same sponsorship so they could put on a big event too. I'm looking at you Dymocks!
Anyway, I saw LA Larkin talk about her writing and the book The Genesis Flaw and managed to miss out on picking up a copy. I blame the scheduling and Sydney baristas for not knowing how to make a real cup of tea. Fortunately The Sydney Writers' Centre were kind enough to send me a copy. Yes I'm getting to the review.
I've read three or four GM crop themed thriller novels this year, this was the most realistic of them by far. At the Writers' Festival LA mentioned some of her research methods, put lightly she goes to great lengths, even Antarctica (she even mentioned a hackers conference she attended and how to spot the undercover cops). A still hate the anti-GM themes in books, being a plant scientist and all.
Despite this, LA has put together a very believable and engaging thriller. I was caught up in the story and liked the more realistic ending to the novel. This was an engaging tale of David vs Goliath, people who have had their phone hacked vs Rupert Murdoch, 99% against the 1% (that'll get the site traffic up). This book is well worth a read if you like the idea of an eco-thriller to make you think.(less)
I'm known for being on the cutting edge, for having my finger on the pulse; for example, I just bought a smart phone. It isn't really surprising to le...moreI'm known for being on the cutting edge, for having my finger on the pulse; for example, I just bought a smart phone. It isn't really surprising to learn that I've only recently discovered Gary Disher's work, despite him having been an award winning author since before I entered highschool.
The first novel I read of Gary's was Wyatt, after hearing him speak at the Sydney Writers' Festival. I enjoyed that novel and now have plenty of good novels to catch up on.
This is my first Challis and Destry novel set in a small seaside town in Victoria Australia. It follows the assaults, rapes, murder and sex lives that keep the local police busy. The intertwining characters and investigations are deftly handled by Gary to give an engaging crime novel.(less)
Before this review, in the interest of full disclosure, I should state that I have known Lee since last week when he sent me a pre-release of this boo...moreBefore this review, in the interest of full disclosure, I should state that I have known Lee since last week when he sent me a pre-release of this book. We go way back. Now onto the review.
This was another book that I read during my lunch break. Please don't tell my boss, as I read more of this on the first day than my lunch break technically allowed - of course I still have enough overtime to miss a week of work so I don't feel so bad. Needless to say this book is far too engrossing for its own good. I highly recommend reading it when you have more than a half hour lunch break.
Lee and Will are the first in a team of 8 to write this Dead Man series. Face of Evil can be regarded as a stand-alone novella, but it does set things up nicely for more to come. This is primarily a thriller with aspects of horror, with a generous smattering of the paranormal. I'm not really a horror fan, I don't really need those details, but here it isn't overriding and the paranormal/horror aspects add nicely to the tension. The release date is February 20th, which is today for me, tomorrow for Americans (yes I'm coming to you from the future), so keep an eye open for this one.
I can't believe I've been an Australian reader for this long and not read a Garry Disher novel. Sure, I'd heard of him, he's a perennial favourite of...moreI can't believe I've been an Australian reader for this long and not read a Garry Disher novel. Sure, I'd heard of him, he's a perennial favourite of the Australian Crime Thriller awards and community. But it was only his appearance at the Sydney Writers' Festival - with Shamini Flint and Michael Connelly - that convinced me to buy Wyatt.
Of course I got Garry to sign my copy and dutifully put it on my shelf of "To Be Read" books. I really should have picked it up earlier to read. I should have read more Wyatt novels. I should have read Garry's other series. Wyatt is crime noir, gritty and fast paced. If that is what strikes your mood then this book should entertain you nicely.(less)
This book not only surprised me but completely engrossed me. I really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars.
Now this really shouldn't be that surprising. David...moreThis book not only surprised me but completely engrossed me. I really enjoyed this book. 4.5 stars.
Now this really shouldn't be that surprising. David is a lecturer in creative writing at Curtin University, so you really expect a well written novel. But it is more than just well written, it really conveys the time and place it is set in, it also has characters that I recognise.
This novel is partly a crime fiction novel set against police corruption in Perth Western Australia during the 1970's and part true crime. Basically any Perth native will not only recognise the locations, but will remember the events and investigations alluded to. It really is hard to discern where to draw the line between reality and fiction in this book. Put another way, if David had written this book 25-30 years ago he would have disappeared in the local forest mentioned in his book.
As a non-Perth native, there is still a lot to enjoy in this book. It is a completely engrossing crime triller and captures the setting and characters of the era to create a thoroughly entertaining read.(less)
Another fantastic Lee Goldberg book. It was a hard call of whether this was a four or five star book, so 4.5 stars it is.
There is a lot to enjoy about...moreAnother fantastic Lee Goldberg book. It was a hard call of whether this was a four or five star book, so 4.5 stars it is.
There is a lot to enjoy about this book. It moves at a reasonably fast pace, it has some interesting characters, there is a bit of humour thrown in for good measure and it harkens back to the westerns and Dirty Harry. You really do get the image of the tough guy pulling up his collar against the cold as he strides across the street.
I think the easiest thing to say about this book is buy it. Anyone who is a fan of the crime thriller genre will enjoy this, and I'm going to keep an eye out for more Tom Wade adventures in King City.(less)
Picking up a James Rollins thriller is a guaranteed good read. He has the knack of providing a solid thriller that moves along at a fast pace.
Now, we...morePicking up a James Rollins thriller is a guaranteed good read. He has the knack of providing a solid thriller that moves along at a fast pace.
Now, we aren't talking Matthew Reilly pace, and not Andy McDermott either. Rollins is in that pacey category with (his good friend) Steve Berry and Clive Cussler. So this is "does my side have air-bags" as opposed to "my parachute isn't opening".
Map of Bones is part of Rollins' Sigma Force series. I like that the heroes are highly intelligent military operatives; it is a nerd's wet dream. This is the second book in the series and the first to feature Seichan, the nemesis of protagonist Gray Pierce. You know you have a good series when the bad guy is this interesting.(less)
Actually book isn't the right term. It is really an amalgamation of Joe Konrath's blog posts sorted int...moreWant to be a writer? Well then, read this book.
Actually book isn't the right term. It is really an amalgamation of Joe Konrath's blog posts sorted into categories. That means you have to ignore some of the typos and keep some of the post dates in mind. Generally though this is a fantastic book filled with great tips and advice.
Now are you a Konrath e-book convert? If you aren't you may be converted before you finish. If you are traditional publishing all the way then you may find this book a tad annoying. Either way this book still has great advice for the perils and pitfalls that a new author can face.(less)
This book arrived on my doorstep from the lovely people at Booktopia, just in time for me to read over the weekend. Unfortunately last weekend also co...moreThis book arrived on my doorstep from the lovely people at Booktopia, just in time for me to read over the weekend. Unfortunately last weekend also coincided with the arrival of my son, damn stork was early, so my reading was interrupted. Normally a Reacher adventure can't be put down, but my new bub showed that sometimes you have to.
Reviewing Lee's new novel is hard, my interrupted reading, sleep deprivation and cuddle time has clouded my impression of the book. Reacher still kicked arse, the story was decent and Lee's characteristic tight plotting was on display.
I'm only giving this 4 stars for now, with the intention of re-reading it sometime after I've had a decent nights sleep.(less)
There is a quote on the back cover of this book from James Rollins, "A brutal master of suspense", I think that sums up my first outing with Brad Thor...moreThere is a quote on the back cover of this book from James Rollins, "A brutal master of suspense", I think that sums up my first outing with Brad Thor.
I'm now a Brad Thor fan. His tight plotting, compelling narrative and his refreshingly humorous dialogue made for a great book. The only negative to come out of this book was the overly patriotic overtones. In fairness, given the characters, this wasn't unrealistic, but for a third person narrative it did feel to lack empathy for other nations and creeds.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading my next Brad Thor novel.(less)
I've read a few Konrath books and have enjoyed his work. Unlike his other Jack Daniels books this had less humour and thus appealed to me less. Readin...moreI've read a few Konrath books and have enjoyed his work. Unlike his other Jack Daniels books this had less humour and thus appealed to me less. Reading the author blurb at the end I realise now why: this wasn't really a JD book, she was just in it. Definitely more of a noir thriller, but not what I expected.
I guess the 3 stars is because I was disappointed and expecting more, but this is a solid book, well worth a read. Just don't make the mistake I did in thinking that this was a Jack Daniels book filled with humour, but rather a straight up detective thriller. (less)
Raylan: "What did he want to know?" Art: "Whether you'd shot anybody this week."
I remember reading Elmore's rules of writing and fixing upon his rule "...moreRaylan: "What did he want to know?" Art: "Whether you'd shot anybody this week."
I remember reading Elmore's rules of writing and fixing upon his rule "leave out the stuff people skip". This novel is a testament to that rule; there is nothing you want to skip in it. This is one of those books that feels like you are immersed in a world, something that Elmore has been widely praised for.
This novel, Raylan, is not really a novel. Think of this work as three novellas held together with some overlap, like, say, a TV series. I think it is fair to say that you can see entire plot and character arcs from seasons two and three of Justified in this book. Clearly this isn't a coincidence, with Elmore joining the writing team for Justified in the second season.
Far from being a criticism, the similarities between Raylan and Justified actually makes this book a cool compendium companion to the series. Just be warned, Boyd is not quite the devious and intelligent character you want to see succeed, as you do in Justified.
For fans of Justified, you will no doubt have your Morgan Freeman and Sean Connery moment, as you read all of the book with the character's voices.(less)
There is something funny about any media that has the central theme of female empowerment embodied by a character that is a teenage boy's wet dream.
Wi...moreThere is something funny about any media that has the central theme of female empowerment embodied by a character that is a teenage boy's wet dream.
Witchblade is an intriguing work and has me interested, but there is something about it that keeps me at a distance. It may be the drip-feeding of plot, or the fact that I'm reading the books whilst also watching the TV series (the differences between the two are noticeable), either way I look forward to reading more of this series, if for nothing more than to confirm whether I like it or not.(less)
Kody tweeted me wanting to know about what I thought of his graphic novel, so I just wanted to say why only three stars.
Don't get me wrong, Kody has p...moreKody tweeted me wanting to know about what I thought of his graphic novel, so I just wanted to say why only three stars.
Don't get me wrong, Kody has put together a good story, the main character is in an interesting headspace and the twist ending I did not see coming. Worth reading for these aspects alone.
The reason for 3 stars and not 4 was that I didn't really like the artwork, just a personal thing about styles. The other thing was a couple of the supporting characters (like the chief) didn't really grab me. So a good read overall.(less)
People would assume that because I'm a writer I would have heard of Joe Konrath as a result of his excellent blog about writing and self-publishing. W...morePeople would assume that because I'm a writer I would have heard of Joe Konrath as a result of his excellent blog about writing and self-publishing. Well, I'd like to say that I found out about the world of self-publishing and writing via Joe after I'd become a fan of his books. I liked his mix of humour and darkly themed tales. I especially liked his novel Shaken, which had me buying anything else I could find of his.
Actually, come to think of it, Shaken may have been the first e-book that my wife and I bought.
Origin is less Jack Daniels and more horror, that is to say, it has less humour and is more about the thrills. Origin definitely keeps the pace up and is an enjoyable read. At about 60% finished (e-book remember) I had trouble putting this book down to do even important tasks, like take the dog out and make tea.
I've given 4 stars, but it is somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 star book. The mix of genres works most of the time, but at other times it feels like someone should be eaten by a monster, not making doe eyes. Definitely a book for horror fans, or anyone who likes thrills and can handle a little horror.(less)
It took a while for me to have some reading time these past two weeks. What better way to spend that reading time than with a...moreDexter, how I love thee.
It took a while for me to have some reading time these past two weeks. What better way to spend that reading time than with a Jeff Lindsay novel.
If there are authors I would like to emulate, Jeff Lindsay and Robert Crais - with their wit, humour and thrilling plots - would be at the top of my list. This outing sees even more of the witty insights into Dexter's world, my favourite being the final exclamation by Astor, Dexter's step daughter.
I can't give this book five stars, because it isn't as strong as the others in the series. Crunch time hits in the plot about page 200 and is the taut and witty Dexter we know and love. I don't normally say this about books I read - as I object to it myself - but sticking with this Dexter outing is well worth it.
Also worth mentioning is that Jeff signed my copy of Double Dexter. I asked him about the difference between how Dexter sees himself as "big brained Dexter" and yet exhibits traits that counter this statement. Jeff had some very interesting insights into the psychopath mind that he shared with me on this topic, summarised as "They are never as smart as they think they are."
I'm not sure of what to think with this book. I've read a few Clive Cussler novels, most recently The Chase, but this was my first Dirk Pitt adventure...moreI'm not sure of what to think with this book. I've read a few Clive Cussler novels, most recently The Chase, but this was my first Dirk Pitt adventure. Before I go any further I should say I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I had just finished The Chase when I was in a bookstore that was having a receivership sale. For e-book fans, a bookstore is a place where the good trees go to die. I was browsing the remaining stock and picked up Sahara, knowing I would enjoy it. Even the movie was able to rise above Matthew McConaughey's terrible acting - thanks in large part to Steve Zahn's terrific turn as Giordino.
Reasonably fast paced (remembering that the last few books I've read were by Matthew Reilly and Andy McDermott) and with a couple of plots, Sahara is an entertaining read. The doubts I have are two fold: pushing the envelope of human endurance and the generational gap. The first point is that Dirk and Al are dragged through hell and back, most of the time running on fumes. For anyone who has really pushed themselves you know how long it takes to recover from that sort of ordeal. The second point is that Cussler's take on the world is 'old school'. He has some quaint things to say about women, despite their strength and indomitable presence in the story. Oh, and I can't be an Aussie without mentioning the fact that no-one in Australia drinks Fosters beer. The only time I have seen it on sale is when I have been overseas.
Either way, Cussler's novels are always entertaining.(less)
Whenever I read a review for a Matthew Reilly book I am immediately putting the reviews into one of two categories. Category G - they got it. Category...moreWhenever I read a review for a Matthew Reilly book I am immediately putting the reviews into one of two categories. Category G - they got it. Category M - missed the point.
Reilly is one of the best at writing books that could be an action movie directed by Bay or Bruckheimer. They are meant to be a flat out thrill ride of action and adventure. So many reviewers seem to expect Tolstoy or Dostoyevsky and are understandably under-whelmed. I on the other hand was expecting a novelised action film, so I was whelmed or possibly super-whelmed.
I am a huge fan of Reilly's work. I finished his first Jack West Jr book and while it retained Reilly's breakneck pacing and adventure, it lacked reader involvement. Things just happened, you didn't feel thrilled by the adventure, and the book had me second guessing the series. This second JW Jr novel stands in stark contrast and is Reilly at his sterling best. While the Scarecrow series is his best work this series is impressive and worth reading.
A little warning: buy both Six Sacred Stones and Five Greatest Warriors, as you will want to read them back to back, just as I am doing. There may or may not be a cliff-hanger that can't wait.(less)
I had some feedback from my sister about how all the books I read have the same covers. I am blessed with siblings, a...moreSummary: 4.5 stars, a great read!
I had some feedback from my sister about how all the books I read have the same covers. I am blessed with siblings, a sister and brother, who are both smart and are not afraid to speak the truth. I think it comes from being raised upon a farm. Farmers and their families tend to be a bullshit free zone because you see life all around you. We all still laugh when we hear someone talk about how they became vegetarian when they realised that animals were made out of food: naive much?
Hopefully my sister will see this book cover and see something different, mainly because while this book sat safely in my favourite categories of reading, it also was something outside the box. I mean, look at the cover: no guns, no macabre hints, no violently stylized text. Read the blurb: how can a dog walker be the hero in a mystery thriller? Which is exactly why you should read Unleashed and enjoy.
I wasn't surprised to learn that Emily, the author, was a dog walker when she was studying English at university. Dog owners will understand what I mean when they read this book. All of those little things that all dogs do, like proudly displaying the couch they have just chewed to pieces - Iz dones good, huh! - when you come home. For readers who like well written and well constructed novels, Emily's degree clearly didn't go to waste, including the ending that caught me off-guard (something that rarely happens).
This was a well paced and involving novel. I literally read it in one sitting today (well if you ignore the break to make lunch), so if it wasn't an e-book you would call it "a real page turner". Plus the book has a dog on the cover. A dog!(less)