I'm still not sure exactly what this book was all about after reading it. It's certainly an unusual tale, well enough written with an intriguing plot,...moreI'm still not sure exactly what this book was all about after reading it. It's certainly an unusual tale, well enough written with an intriguing plot, but quite who the protagonist of the story is, why he's mute, how he comes to be living the way he is and crucially why he's so able to take on a myriad of skilled enemies is all a bit of a mystery. I did finish the book and didn't dislike it, but as well as feeling a bit lost, I didn't really get on with the short, choppy writing style. (less)
Without Fail is probably my favourite Jack Reacher book so far. His no-nonsense, unflappable presence is apparent right from the start. This time his...moreWithout Fail is probably my favourite Jack Reacher book so far. His no-nonsense, unflappable presence is apparent right from the start. This time his skills at locating and bringing to justice the bad guys is nicely teamed up with a former army colleague, and therefore you don't get the sometimes OTT Reacher can do anything and everything feel to the story. Some people may feel it misses a little of the action from earlier Reacher books, but I quite enjoyed the more measured, calculated attitude that poured off the pages. Right from the start with the way Secret Service agent M.E. Froelich tracks down Reacher and tries to get him to help, through the twists and turns in the plot. It also felt a bit more personal (and therefore less contrived?) than some of the others in the series.(less)
Did not finish - I will perhaps need to try giving it another go at a later date, but I only managed the first couple of chapters and just found it re...moreDid not finish - I will perhaps need to try giving it another go at a later date, but I only managed the first couple of chapters and just found it really strange.(less)
An intriguing plot, fairly well written, pacey and with sprinkling of humour amongst the action, and all set in a stunning location. Sounds like it al...moreAn intriguing plot, fairly well written, pacey and with sprinkling of humour amongst the action, and all set in a stunning location. Sounds like it all should add up to a very good book, right? Well I did enjoy it but it's a bit cliche-ridden, and the events that unfold just get more and more unbelievable as the book progresses. The main irritation for me was that the 'hero' of the story puts Jack Reacher to shame with his ability to survive any mishap and defeat any enemy. Plunging into icy waters on a snow-capped mountain, getting shot, or simply knocked out, he shakes it all off with ease, and while the survival skills of a mountain guide are no surprise, being able to take on armed soldiers, be comfortable with various guns and have the ability to fly a helicopter stretch things just a little far. Still 3* for the entertainment value! (less)
Set in the near future this is an enjoyable if at times formulaic mystery. I quite enjoyed the back-drop of the story with the female protagonist Lara...moreSet in the near future this is an enjoyable if at times formulaic mystery. I quite enjoyed the back-drop of the story with the female protagonist Lara Evans going up against contestants from other states to win not just prize money but jobs for her state. However, the main strand to the book which involves parallel plots of Lara trying to figure out who tried to kill her when she responded to an emergency call, and a computer nerd who starts trying to extort money, felt very predictable. A light, easy to read book, but I'd have enjoyed it more if what was going to happen hadn't seemed so obvious.(less)
Tripwire is a typically fast paced thriller involving Jack Reacher. There's plenty of action, a clever criminal to hunt down, the usual love interest,...moreTripwire is a typically fast paced thriller involving Jack Reacher. There's plenty of action, a clever criminal to hunt down, the usual love interest, and some insight into Reacher's character, which all adds up to the usual entertaining read from Lee Child. However, I did find the usual Reacher 'stuff' a little irritating in this book. I.e. the fact he is always that bit bigger, stronger, faster and more intelligent than everyone he comes up against, and that every woman he meets finds him incredibly attractive. Plus, there seemed a little more descriptive narrative of pretty banal events than was necessary, so I wouldn't put it down as one of his best.(less)
I really enjoyed the actual story and would have rated it 4 stars, but poor formatting and spelling errors let it down. No breaks between some paragra...moreI really enjoyed the actual story and would have rated it 4 stars, but poor formatting and spelling errors let it down. No breaks between some paragraphs made it difficult to follow at times, varying font sizes and incorrect spelling (wait instead of weight, queue instead of cue) were irritations. Aside from that it was a good, pacey page turner of a thriller, although the ending could have been a bit better. It perhaps should be noted that it's female dominated book, and in addition to that there is a bit of love interest between the two main characters, so bear that in mind before reading it if that's likely to offend you (I did read a review of the book from someone who gave it 1 star because of this!).(less)
It's pretty obvious that this is meant to be an easy to read, light-hearted book, so I found it easy to ignore a few oddities in the plot and just enj...moreIt's pretty obvious that this is meant to be an easy to read, light-hearted book, so I found it easy to ignore a few oddities in the plot and just enjoy the story. The idea behind it is a bit different and certainly grabbed my attention, but ultimately while I enjoyed the book, it could have been so much better, and it was a very, very unsatisfactory ending (abrupt and felt as if the author ran out of ideas and just wanted it finished).(less)
The final book of the Lewis Trilogy didn't grab me quite as much as it's predecessors, but it was still a very good book, and this trilogy will rate h...moreThe final book of the Lewis Trilogy didn't grab me quite as much as it's predecessors, but it was still a very good book, and this trilogy will rate highly in my collection. I found the rock star part of the storyline a little out of kilter with the rest of the series, and the introduction of a new character who was supposed to be a childhood friend of Fin's a little strange.
However, that apart it's exactly as you expect. An immersion into life on the Islands, with intriguing relationships between the characters and a winding and complex tale that ranged from the present day to events of Finn's teenage years. All of which is expertly woven together and leaves you wondering what destination the twists and turns will eventually lead you to. (less)
This is a pretty intriguing story, and one that struck a chord with me in these tough economic times. Just how would society react to the promise of a...moreThis is a pretty intriguing story, and one that struck a chord with me in these tough economic times. Just how would society react to the promise of a perfect place, especially when it seems the rest of the world is falling to pieces? Does it really exist, is it right that it does, and what about those get left behind?
It's quite a short book and not without its faults (it may seem a bit mundane to some, and the main character isn't someone you really warm to, but both seem deliberate by the author to me). However, I read it in just a couple of days, not because it was short, but I was hooked right from the start and couldn't wait to finish it.(less)
This was quite a fun book, if a little lightweight. The main character is the fairly likeable Security Guard/PI Wannabe Harvey Mapes. I did find some...moreThis was quite a fun book, if a little lightweight. The main character is the fairly likeable Security Guard/PI Wannabe Harvey Mapes. I did find some of his daydreaming a bit irritating though, and not as funny as the author probably intended! It's a fairly straight forward story line with no great plot twist or in-depth investigating, but enjoyable all the same. I normally prefer darker thrillers, but this is fine for a light-hearted, easy read or those that prefer their mysteries a little lighter. (less)
While still a gripping book, this isn't one of the best from the Jack Reacher series. The plot, which sees Reacher kidnapped along with an FBI agent w...moreWhile still a gripping book, this isn't one of the best from the Jack Reacher series. The plot, which sees Reacher kidnapped along with an FBI agent when he just happens to be walking by at the wrong time, is just a little too far-fetched. Reacher is a little too perfectly able to handle all sorts of incidents, which includes escaping from his captors only to lock himself back up again, even very early in the book before he really forms any sort of relationship with his fellow prisoner. In addition, while the detailed explanation of guns, bullets, etc. can be interesting, there's a couple of occasions where Child gives you so much detail, it gets a little boring. It's still as entertaining as you expect from the Reacher series, just not up to the normal high standard.(less)
This is the first Ken McClure book I've read and I will definitely be picking up more by this author. I initially thought the book might have a bit to...moreThis is the first Ken McClure book I've read and I will definitely be picking up more by this author. I initially thought the book might have a bit too much science and politics in it for my interest, but McClure manages to give enough detail to make the story plausible without it being boring. After a slightly slow start, the story moves along at a nice pace, and although there's not a lot of character development, Dr Steven Dunbar seems a fairly likeable and solid lead. Overall the book was a quick, light read with an enjoyable and intriguing plot that mixes truth and fiction to good effect.(less)
There's no getting away from the fact that this is book is a heart-breaking and sad tale, but there are highs as well as lows, and it is very well wri...moreThere's no getting away from the fact that this is book is a heart-breaking and sad tale, but there are highs as well as lows, and it is very well written. It's clear that the author is close to the Enke family, and it's a touching and interesting insight into the terrible illness of depression. You don't need to be a football fan to read it, but you'll probably take more out of the book if you have an interest in sport.(less)
This first novel featuring Inspector Kari Vaara introduces you to the stark, madness tinged life in the dark, bitterly cold winter of rural northern F...moreThis first novel featuring Inspector Kari Vaara introduces you to the stark, madness tinged life in the dark, bitterly cold winter of rural northern Finland. While the suicide rate here is high, unsolved murders are not, but despite what at first appears to be a fairly straightforward case, personal histories and new evidence soon lead to complications. It's not the best investigated murder, and it's a rather blunt portrayal of rural Finland, but the contrast between the brutal killings and the pristine surroundings, the complexities of the individuals involved and the desire to seek justice all make for a very enjoyable read.(less)
The author must be doing something right here, as despite finding quite a few issues with this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's a serial killer thr...moreThe author must be doing something right here, as despite finding quite a few issues with this book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It's a serial killer thriller with a number of inconsequential threads and loose ends, an over the top kill count & questionable detective work, all of which adds up to a pretty improbable tale.
The reader is irritatingly in the dark about the history of Detective Gabe Quinn despite there being a lot of references to his previous high profile case as well as the significance of various items seemingly left for him at crime scenes. And added to all of that, the short, punchy style of writing can be a bit off-putting....
However, it's a very entertaining story, and when the already fast pace quickens in the second half of the book, all that was forgotten and I just couldn't put it down. Very enjoyable!(less)
I enjoyed the book - a well written legal thriller with a reasonably good pace to it. The novelty of someone conducting their own defence, vigilante j...moreI enjoyed the book - a well written legal thriller with a reasonably good pace to it. The novelty of someone conducting their own defence, vigilante justice, the beliefs of the terrorist and the forgotten victims and consequences of their actions all add up to an interesting mix. The only thing that stopped the book being really good for me was the fact there was no real structure to the bits where the story went back in time, it was a little confusing. Also, there were a few typos, I came across a few “¾” in the middle of sentences that I couldn't always make sense of? Otherwise, it'd have been a definite 4 star book for me. (less)
I really liked the first half of this book, an interesting plot with someone teetering on the brink of insanity and seeing it all as a good versus evi...moreI really liked the first half of this book, an interesting plot with someone teetering on the brink of insanity and seeing it all as a good versus evil battle. However, it dragged a little in places and I felt it all started to get a bit repetitive. I have to admit I ended up skipping bits of it just to reach the end. I'm loathe to mark it down too much, as it was a pretty entertaining read for a while, but I just can't get past having to skip pages.(less)
This is a fast paced, well written thriller. The two main characters are part of a group of people involved in what they think is an experiment in sur...moreThis is a fast paced, well written thriller. The two main characters are part of a group of people involved in what they think is an experiment in survival, but is in fact a game and there can be only one winner. The bets placed on the outcome are high, but so are the odds of survival, as there is a wild card to be introduced into the game. In addition to the survival/thriller aspect, there's a bit of romance involved and with an interesting set of characters, a plot that isn't too far-fetched, it all adds up to a great read.(less)
The second book in the trilogy based on the Isle of Lewis, The Lewis Man is even better than it's predecessor The Blackhouse. Not only is it an intrig...moreThe second book in the trilogy based on the Isle of Lewis, The Lewis Man is even better than it's predecessor The Blackhouse. Not only is it an intriguing mystery that gives an insight into the harsh life on the Islands, but also a moving tale of an orphan in the 1950s who is now old man lost in the fog of dementia. Told in part through this elderly man Tormond MacDonald and the main character of Fin Macleod, this is an utterly captivating read.
Just like the first book, while it deals with a crime, it's the exploration of the relationships between the characters, and to a lesser extent the imagery of life on the Islands, that makes it so special. I can't praise this series highly enough, and can't wait for the next book.(less)
An okay book..... I'm perhaps being a little harsh marking it 2 stars instead of 3 stars, but despite the book certainly having some entertainment val...moreAn okay book..... I'm perhaps being a little harsh marking it 2 stars instead of 3 stars, but despite the book certainly having some entertainment value, I just didn't enjoy it and was glad when I reached the end. On the plus side, it's pretty well written, based on an interesting plot and has some good characters. However, the writing felt a bit formulaic at times, and the big problem was the improbable storyline. It just veers from one unbelievable scenario to another, things get very jumbled and the original plot gets lost along the way leaving you feeling a little bemused by at all when you reach the end of the book. (less)
Enjoyable, interesting and well written, but just a couple of things stopped it from being a really good book for me. There was far too much backgroun...moreEnjoyable, interesting and well written, but just a couple of things stopped it from being a really good book for me. There was far too much background of the history of events in Bosnia leading up to the current story. I found it a bit of a slog and wondered if there was any need to go into it in quite so much detail. Following up that gritty realism, as entertaining and fast paced as the action was, everything fell into place all a bit easily for Tregay. That apart, still a good book, and I'll be adding the author to my watch list.(less)
An interesting concept, and as usual King knows how to tell a tale and do it well, so why 'only' 3 stars? Well despite this book being really intrigui...moreAn interesting concept, and as usual King knows how to tell a tale and do it well, so why 'only' 3 stars? Well despite this book being really intriguing to start with (and the first third is very good), things got a little boring after that. The love story part wasn't too bad, it was bizarrely the main feature of the book Oswald's assassination attempt on Kennedy, that got a little boring. So only an average King book, despite the initial promise.(less)
I quite enjoy serial killer plots, and although the protagonist in this one was a bit gruesome, the book stands up well to others in the genre. It's w...moreI quite enjoy serial killer plots, and although the protagonist in this one was a bit gruesome, the book stands up well to others in the genre. It's well detailed, both in the plot and characters, and although there sometimes seems a bit too much happening with sub-plots, twists and dead-ends, it all links up well and adds depth and suspense to the story. There are a few things that stop if from being really great, there doesn't seem any great urgency to track down the killer, and there's a lot of detail given to some elements of the crimes that are just forgotten about by the end of the book, but that apart, very enjoyable.(less)
This book stands out as it is a thriller with a bit of a difference, it's a rather strange tale, even in the way it's written. The character of Probat...moreThis book stands out as it is a thriller with a bit of a difference, it's a rather strange tale, even in the way it's written. The character of Probation Officer Cate Austin is straightforward enough, but the direct perspective you get from the main character Alice, gives you a glimpse into an unhinged mind. Perhaps the closeness of the madness to normality was a bit too near the bone for me, as I found it a rather unsettling and chilling read!(less)
The synopsis of this book states it is "a touching reminder of our ability to turn the small things in everyday life into the extraordina...moreA rare beauty
The synopsis of this book states it is "a touching reminder of our ability to turn the small things in everyday life into the extraordinary", and that sums up the book perfectly for me. There's no great storyline, but that doesn't matter as you meander along with Lobbi, it's almost dreamlike, and it's a hauntingly beautiful and a strangely gripping tale nonetheless.(less)
If you are after a fast and easy thriller with a bit of humour for some light entertainment, then you'll be pretty happy with this book. Gritty, compl...moreIf you are after a fast and easy thriller with a bit of humour for some light entertainment, then you'll be pretty happy with this book. Gritty, complex and hard-hitting it's not though! It is all a bit far-fetched and at times has a keystone cops feel about it along with it being fairly obvious what was likely to happen next, but nevertheless a fairly enjoyable read.(less)
Utterly enthralling, what an amazing book. I'm still not sure what it was all about (religious cults, the Little People, a world with two moons, the a...moreUtterly enthralling, what an amazing book. I'm still not sure what it was all about (religious cults, the Little People, a world with two moons, the air chrysalis and maza/dohta, receivers and perceivers?) but this book just draws you in, and the more you read, the deeper and deeper you fall into it's clutches.
You have to be very patient though, it's incredibly long (and is the reason I've given it four and not five stars). The slow and exacting pace is constant, Murakami describes things in great detail, his characters often think slow, very deliberate thoughts, and speak in slow, exact phrases, which at times are repeated back to them in their conversations. Clearly a ploy to get you to follow the beat Murakami sets, but some people may find it hard going.
However it also gives him the chance to build the story up gradually, you can feel the tension and suspense rising and although it's full of the details of dull, ordinary life, it's also wonderfully full of lots of little mysteries. It is most definitely worth setting some time aside and just letting yourself slip into this world, it is far too long, but it's still a terrific book.(less)
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