Julie Elizabeth Powell's Blog, page 2
March 19, 2022
We All Have Secrets by Jane Corry
I was given an ARC of this book, which has been described as a domestic thriller – spot on!
I was immediately drawn into this story about Emily, a complex character infused with guilt, compassion and hurt. Then there’s Francoise, a beautiful young woman who was now taking care of Emily’s father...
The plot was about the secrets and the thoughts and feelings of Emily and Francoise. As each POV is recognised, the story unfolded and the secrets were revealed.
The writing style was great, with enough descriptions to bring a sense of place, while its pace steamed along, bringing with it insight into relationships and how secrets can fester life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I liked how the secrets were brought into the light. I liked the writing style and how it switched from Emily to Francoise. Yes, it was sad and disturbing in parts, and yet, that’s life.
Overall, for me, this was a five-star read.
Recommended.
I was immediately drawn into this story about Emily, a complex character infused with guilt, compassion and hurt. Then there’s Francoise, a beautiful young woman who was now taking care of Emily’s father...
The plot was about the secrets and the thoughts and feelings of Emily and Francoise. As each POV is recognised, the story unfolded and the secrets were revealed.
The writing style was great, with enough descriptions to bring a sense of place, while its pace steamed along, bringing with it insight into relationships and how secrets can fester life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I liked how the secrets were brought into the light. I liked the writing style and how it switched from Emily to Francoise. Yes, it was sad and disturbing in parts, and yet, that’s life.
Overall, for me, this was a five-star read.
Recommended.
March 16, 2022
Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin
I was given an ARC of this story and I was fascinated from beginning to end.
I’ve always been intrigued by how the mind works and even written about it, so when I saw the description of this book I was delighted to receive a copy. The story involves memory and the removal of such due to trauma of some kind.
The characters bring to life the concept – Finn, Mei, William, Oscar – while lurks the ‘evil’ of corporations. Noor is the central character, a psychologist who works for the corporation in London. She’s certainly complex but her moral code is high, though she is emotionally stunted, while Louise is a mystery in many ways.
As the backgrounds of each character unfold, the plot unravels and my fascination deepened.
The writing style was like an explosion of ideas, thought and feelings, fast-paced and compelling. I liked the switches between characters that slowly gave insight into what was happening.
For me, the concept was gripping and made me think about how important memory is in making us who we are – so when it’s taken, what will that mean?
A thought-provoking and persuasive read, which I highly recommend.
I’ve always been intrigued by how the mind works and even written about it, so when I saw the description of this book I was delighted to receive a copy. The story involves memory and the removal of such due to trauma of some kind.
The characters bring to life the concept – Finn, Mei, William, Oscar – while lurks the ‘evil’ of corporations. Noor is the central character, a psychologist who works for the corporation in London. She’s certainly complex but her moral code is high, though she is emotionally stunted, while Louise is a mystery in many ways.
As the backgrounds of each character unfold, the plot unravels and my fascination deepened.
The writing style was like an explosion of ideas, thought and feelings, fast-paced and compelling. I liked the switches between characters that slowly gave insight into what was happening.
For me, the concept was gripping and made me think about how important memory is in making us who we are – so when it’s taken, what will that mean?
A thought-provoking and persuasive read, which I highly recommend.
February 8, 2022
The Patient by Tim Sullivan
I was given an ARC of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The best thing about this story is the character, DS George Cross – I loved his uniqueness, his quirky way of doing things, his logical thought-process, which were traits of Asperger’s Syndrome – spectrum of autism. Evidence rather than instinct was the best kind of investigation, according to Cross.
Going against theories of the incompetent, Cross investigates the death of a young woman due to the pleas of her mother – yet, something doesn’t sit right, so into the mystery he goes.
There are other characters that fit nicely into the story, but it is Cross that made it enjoyable for me – despite his supposed lack of social skills, I liked his style, and the way he tried to take on the advice of his partner, and his straightforward manner. His relationship with his father was fascinating and the way he behaved with regard to those without a real voice. His interaction with Esther was particularly well done. I also liked the way those he worked with understood his ‘difference’ (most, if not all). And he was thought a genius in catching the criminals, so allowances were made for his unusual methods.
Themes such as drug abuse, mental health, difference, politics, murder, suicide (and more), together with the great plo, and characters, made this a compelling read.
The writing style was fast-paced and intelligently done – certainly a page-turner.
A highly recommended crime thriller.
The best thing about this story is the character, DS George Cross – I loved his uniqueness, his quirky way of doing things, his logical thought-process, which were traits of Asperger’s Syndrome – spectrum of autism. Evidence rather than instinct was the best kind of investigation, according to Cross.
Going against theories of the incompetent, Cross investigates the death of a young woman due to the pleas of her mother – yet, something doesn’t sit right, so into the mystery he goes.
There are other characters that fit nicely into the story, but it is Cross that made it enjoyable for me – despite his supposed lack of social skills, I liked his style, and the way he tried to take on the advice of his partner, and his straightforward manner. His relationship with his father was fascinating and the way he behaved with regard to those without a real voice. His interaction with Esther was particularly well done. I also liked the way those he worked with understood his ‘difference’ (most, if not all). And he was thought a genius in catching the criminals, so allowances were made for his unusual methods.
Themes such as drug abuse, mental health, difference, politics, murder, suicide (and more), together with the great plo, and characters, made this a compelling read.
The writing style was fast-paced and intelligently done – certainly a page-turner.
A highly recommended crime thriller.
The Patient by Tim Sullivan
I was given an ARC of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The best thing about this story is the character, DS George Cross – I loved his uniqueness, his quirky way of doing things, his logical thought-process, which were traits of Asperger’s Syndrome – spectrum of autism. Evidence rather than instinct was the best kind of investigation, according to Cross.
Going against theories of the incompetent, Cross investigates the death of a young woman due to the pleas of her mother – yet, something doesn’t sit right, so into the mystery he goes.
There are other characters that fit nicely into the story, but it is Cross that made it enjoyable for me – despite his supposed lack of social skills, I liked his style, and the way he tried to take on the advice of his partner, and his straightforward manner. His relationship with his father was fascinating and the way he behaved with regard to those without a real voice. His interaction with Esther was particularly well done. I also liked the way those he worked with understood his ‘difference’ (most, if not all). And he was thought a genius in catching the criminals, so allowances were made for his unusual methods.
Themes such as drug abuse, mental health, difference, politics, murder, suicide (and more), together with the great plo, and characters, made this a compelling read.
The writing style was fast-paced and intelligently done – certainly a page-turner.
A highly recommended crime thriller.
The best thing about this story is the character, DS George Cross – I loved his uniqueness, his quirky way of doing things, his logical thought-process, which were traits of Asperger’s Syndrome – spectrum of autism. Evidence rather than instinct was the best kind of investigation, according to Cross.
Going against theories of the incompetent, Cross investigates the death of a young woman due to the pleas of her mother – yet, something doesn’t sit right, so into the mystery he goes.
There are other characters that fit nicely into the story, but it is Cross that made it enjoyable for me – despite his supposed lack of social skills, I liked his style, and the way he tried to take on the advice of his partner, and his straightforward manner. His relationship with his father was fascinating and the way he behaved with regard to those without a real voice. His interaction with Esther was particularly well done. I also liked the way those he worked with understood his ‘difference’ (most, if not all). And he was thought a genius in catching the criminals, so allowances were made for his unusual methods.
Themes such as drug abuse, mental health, difference, politics, murder, suicide (and more), together with the great plo, and characters, made this a compelling read.
The writing style was fast-paced and intelligently done – certainly a page-turner.
A highly recommended crime thriller.
February 4, 2022
The Interview by Gill Perdue
I was given an ARC of this book and I found the topic disturbing but very well done.
The story is brutal. It’s written from three points of view in the first-person narrative – Laura, Jenny and Niamh. Each of the characters is well-developed, each distinctive, each interesting, each having a story of their own.
When Jenny is brought into the special interview with Laura (the interviewer) and Niamh (the note taker), the atmosphere is tense. A man is missing and something terrible has happened to others. The truth must be found but Jenny (witness, victim, criminal?) speaks of imaginary places and people.
I liked how the story was split into three perspectives – Jenny’s certainly gave insight into the horrors of her life. Laura’s secret is eating its way into her sanity, resurfacing because of this case and Jenny’s situation. Niamh is the happiest of them, and we understand why – she’s wise and loving and understanding.
The themes are harrowing but I don’t want to give spoilers. It’s fast-paced and definitely a page-turner. I thought the writing style suited the story, while the suspense and mystery heightened the experience.
Highly recommended, though be warned, it’s emotional and raw.
The story is brutal. It’s written from three points of view in the first-person narrative – Laura, Jenny and Niamh. Each of the characters is well-developed, each distinctive, each interesting, each having a story of their own.
When Jenny is brought into the special interview with Laura (the interviewer) and Niamh (the note taker), the atmosphere is tense. A man is missing and something terrible has happened to others. The truth must be found but Jenny (witness, victim, criminal?) speaks of imaginary places and people.
I liked how the story was split into three perspectives – Jenny’s certainly gave insight into the horrors of her life. Laura’s secret is eating its way into her sanity, resurfacing because of this case and Jenny’s situation. Niamh is the happiest of them, and we understand why – she’s wise and loving and understanding.
The themes are harrowing but I don’t want to give spoilers. It’s fast-paced and definitely a page-turner. I thought the writing style suited the story, while the suspense and mystery heightened the experience.
Highly recommended, though be warned, it’s emotional and raw.
January 25, 2022
Electronic Demons by Seth Rain
I was given an ARC of this book and I enjoyed it, like I knew I would, having read the others in the series.
The premise of this story is intriguing – what is real, what is an illusion, what makes us real? January Day thought she was real in her world and yet she saw things that should have been impossible. As the story continues, January is plunged into those impossible things.
Electronic Demons sees January continually question what is going on. Who can she really trust and what is real?
I love the fast-paced writing style, the overall concept and intelligent questions. There are heroes and villains and plenty of action, thoughts and feelings that bring depth to this intriguing tale.
I always like strong female leads and January is certainly that, although, she has her vulnerable side, her determination to do what’s right is brilliant.
Worth reading for sure and highly recommended.
The premise of this story is intriguing – what is real, what is an illusion, what makes us real? January Day thought she was real in her world and yet she saw things that should have been impossible. As the story continues, January is plunged into those impossible things.
Electronic Demons sees January continually question what is going on. Who can she really trust and what is real?
I love the fast-paced writing style, the overall concept and intelligent questions. There are heroes and villains and plenty of action, thoughts and feelings that bring depth to this intriguing tale.
I always like strong female leads and January is certainly that, although, she has her vulnerable side, her determination to do what’s right is brilliant.
Worth reading for sure and highly recommended.
December 20, 2021
The Switch by Simon Williams
I was given a review copy of this short story and I was intrigued from the start - as I am with all this author's work.
The story is divided between misery and utopia - off and on - and 'off' shows the misery of the cold, heartless reality, where nobody wants to stay, while 'on'...
This was a disturbing story, and one where I could relate to the misery of reality. I couldn't help but wonder if a virtual life would be better and if that choice were given, what would it be? This is about choices but so much more. It's sad, and it was interesting to see what the choice would be by the man.
But there is a twist...
The writing style has an easy flow, despite the difficult themes. It's an intelligent and thought-provoking read and I thought it was amazing.
Highly recommended to those who like to think upon intriguing topics.
Very well done.
The story is divided between misery and utopia - off and on - and 'off' shows the misery of the cold, heartless reality, where nobody wants to stay, while 'on'...
This was a disturbing story, and one where I could relate to the misery of reality. I couldn't help but wonder if a virtual life would be better and if that choice were given, what would it be? This is about choices but so much more. It's sad, and it was interesting to see what the choice would be by the man.
But there is a twist...
The writing style has an easy flow, despite the difficult themes. It's an intelligent and thought-provoking read and I thought it was amazing.
Highly recommended to those who like to think upon intriguing topics.
Very well done.
November 25, 2021
Children of the Apocalypse Mega Box Set by Baileigh Higgins
Although these stories were about a zombie apocalypse, they were done in such a way that the characters led the action, plot, thoughts and feelings - loved that. It was set in South Africa and the descriptions gave a great sense of place.
This set was divided into Dangerous Days, some shorter character stories (Death's Children), Dangerous Nights and two bonus novellas - all relevant to the story as a whole. There were a vast number of characters, each believable, each worth following. There were heroes and villains and, of course, the zombies. How the virus came into being is not explained but we can guess it to be because of politicians and scientists.
Not everyone had a happy ending, and some deaths were surprising, while others were welcomed.
The thing I liked best about all the stories was the great writing style and how each of the characters were important; each having a role. And I liked how the story followed each one from their point of view, albeit third-person.
The bonus novellas were an interesting addition - no spoilers from me.
Overall, I loved this series and how I really cared about what would happen to the characters.
Highly recommended.
This set was divided into Dangerous Days, some shorter character stories (Death's Children), Dangerous Nights and two bonus novellas - all relevant to the story as a whole. There were a vast number of characters, each believable, each worth following. There were heroes and villains and, of course, the zombies. How the virus came into being is not explained but we can guess it to be because of politicians and scientists.
Not everyone had a happy ending, and some deaths were surprising, while others were welcomed.
The thing I liked best about all the stories was the great writing style and how each of the characters were important; each having a role. And I liked how the story followed each one from their point of view, albeit third-person.
The bonus novellas were an interesting addition - no spoilers from me.
Overall, I loved this series and how I really cared about what would happen to the characters.
Highly recommended.
November 18, 2021
Dangerous Days Boxed Set
This set is part of a mega box set that I'm reading and I've reviewed each part separately, so I'll just say that this is a great read - intriguing yet believable characters, fast-paced and with a fabulous sense of place.
It's set in South Africa and a virus is loosed upon the world, turning humans into hungry zombies. Yes, it's been done before, but I liked this because of the writing style and the huge cast of characters. There's mystery and suspense, betrayal and loyalty - and gore, of course (no, I don't like that but it's part of the genre).
Overall, I would recommend this series to those who enjoy this genre.
Very well done.
It's set in South Africa and a virus is loosed upon the world, turning humans into hungry zombies. Yes, it's been done before, but I liked this because of the writing style and the huge cast of characters. There's mystery and suspense, betrayal and loyalty - and gore, of course (no, I don't like that but it's part of the genre).
Overall, I would recommend this series to those who enjoy this genre.
Very well done.
Seize Another Day by Baleigh Higgins
I have the box set of this series and book four was a good conclusion to this part of the series - if surprising in some ways.
The characters, in my opinion, make this a great read, while watching how each cope with the battles and scenarios. There were some good descriptions of the setting - I've never read a story set in South Africa before.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how it's written.
Recommended for sure.
The characters, in my opinion, make this a great read, while watching how each cope with the battles and scenarios. There were some good descriptions of the setting - I've never read a story set in South Africa before.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how it's written.
Recommended for sure.
