Reading Reviews

As a writer, I cringe when I hear of a new review of my books. I feel like J. Alfred Prufrock--Do I dare...?
As a reader, I probably should cringe as well, because it's going to cost me. A good review makes me want to read a book, and by "good", I don't necessarily mean positive. A good review is like a teaser: it gives enough info to entice me onward, which generally means onward to a purchase. Even if the reviewer doesn't like the book, or if he/she criticizes bits of it, it might still sound appealing enough for me to buy it.
Bookstore owners are great "reviewers". They hand-sell books they enjoy, recommending them to readers they see as similar in reading tastes. Professional reviewers are helpful, too, although you need to get a feel for the individual and what he or she chooses to read and review.
I just read a review on THE KILLING SONG by P.J. Parrish on MysterEbooks.blogspot.com from my friend P.J. Coldren. Now I'll have to buy the book, because it sounds great. Add a frisson of anticipation to that cringe as the "cha-ching" hits my credit card!