different

[Royalefork]

I really like the characters in these books. They are deeper than I would expect in a mystery like this. I also really like the stories and the plot twists. Very good books in my opinion.

[The Pirate Ghost]

I think Bowers's daughter is the most interesting character. I hope she develops as I read the rest of the series. It's different, because the characters are deeper, and Stewart seems to have something in mind past the end that will help fuel the series. My only fear is that Queen isn't available in Kindle format yet.

[Mary]

I'm on book #4 in the series and have enjoyed all of them. There are a few slow spots, but overall the twists in plot and the thought processes of the characters is very interesting.

[Megan]

What I loved the most about this series is that the books seem to get better as the series goes along. Even my husband (who is in no way a big reader) is reading and enjoying them.

[Teresa]

I have read the first 2 books. I enjoyed them both.

[M.R.]

I've only read The Pawn and have just started The Rook. I think they're very good so far -- can't wait to read more!

[Melissa]

I agree that Tessa is the most interesting character. The author is great at bringing characters to life and making you care about them. It makes the reader feel like they have a relationship with these characters. So many times, I just want to reach into the story and give Tessa a hug.

I just finished the third book.

[Helovitz]

I have read all of these books and enjoyed all of them. Haven't read any of the authors other books what are they like?

[Sharon]

Melissa wrote: "I agree that Tessa is the most interesting character. The author is great at bringing characters to life and making you care about them. It makes the reader feel like they have a relationship with these characters. So many times, I just want to reach into the story and give Tessa a hug."

Interesting how wide the reaction is of different readers to the same character. I enjoyed the book, well written, lots of action and tension, well developed characters. Unfortunately, my reaction to Tessa was to want to yank her up and smack her upside of the head. I wanted her to just go away and sulk somewhere she wasn't spoiling the story for me.

I've read some of the lower ratings for this series and it appears she is definitely continuing as a part of the series and her behavior is apparently not improving. I think I'll give the rest of the series a miss, reminds me too much of the teenage years my daughter and I suffered through together, something we both survived but neither of us enjoyed!

[Melissa]

Sharon wrote: "...Unfortunately, my reaction to Tessa was to want to yank her up and smack her upside of the head. I wanted her to just go away and sulk somewhere she wasn't spoiling the story for me... "

I guess I was thinking of her as a girl who was mourning the loss of her mother and dealing with having to live with her step-grandparents while her workaholic stepdad, the only "family" she has. It is understandable that she'd have difficulty dealing with life. She was just a kid and didn't have much stability. She just needed to feel wanted and loved. I can't imagine how painful it would be to lose a mom when she's the only real family you have.

[Sharon]

Melissa wrote: "guess I was thinking of her as a girl who was mourning the loss of her mother and dealing with having to live with her step-grandparents while her workaholic stepdad, the only "family" she has. It is understandable that she'd have difficulty dealing with life. "

True and in real life you would have to deal with it, but I just don't deal well with that particular characterization unfortunately. I'd have enjoyed the book much more without her.