Member Reviews

[Natalie]

I just finished The Ghost Writer by John Harwood.

Here is my review http://audiobooktatler.blogspot.com/2...

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Kate wrote: " I've read and reviewed The Siege by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. It has just won the CWA International Dagger but I'm not so sure about it...https://www.good..."

nice review. I haven't read it yet (on the gigantic stack sitting on the floor), but soon.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Natalie wrote: "I just finished The Ghost Writer by John Harwood.

Here is my review http://audiobooktatler.blogspot.com/2..."

I liked that book. In fact, his first two books were good; the third, The Asylum, I didn't much care for.

[Gerard]

Scott Parsons' review:"Shake this mix and you get a high-powered, pulse raising race through Lisbon from one close call to another." - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Linda Rowland's review:"Reminds me of James Lee Burke" - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Joyce]

John wrote: "I have just had a most extraordinary experience, and I must tell someone about it.
I had a phone call from a girl, Cali Smith, she called herself. She wanted a copy of my new book, Counterpoint. Sh..."

John - I hate to be a spoilsport, but the moderator for this group has stated "(Any reviews posted by the author of the reviewed book *ahem* will be removed immediately. Author's Corner is for that sort of thing, please.)

Please move your comment to that thread and I am sure people will greatly enjoy it. As authors, we need to respect the guidelines for discussion groups on Goodreads that are generous including us. Thanks!

[[deleted user]]

Strictly speaking, Cali was expressing her enjoyment of Counterpoint, in this little bit of fun.
What is the point of authors trotting out the same old "buy my book" message. No one actually reads the advert.
I have tried to be original.
People here are supposed to be readers. Why not provide some entertainment, some insight in the authors ability to spin a yarn, no hard sell. If you can call it selling, the book is free here and elsewhere.

[Joyce]

John wrote: "Strictly speaking, Cali was expressing her enjoyment of Counterpoint, in this little bit of fun.
What is the point of authors trotting out the same old "buy my book" message. No one actually reads ..."

My point is to simply respect the guidelines.. I think your approach is creative and fun - just posted in the wrong place.

Here is where authors are invited to post about our books: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

[Steve]

Here's a review I wrote a while back of Jakob Arjouni's German crime classic, More Beer:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Natalie]

Review of Crescendo by Deborah J. Ledford

Review here http://audiobooktatler.blogspot.com/2...

[Natalie]

I saw a suggestion on here for this book, so decided to give it a go. Thank you fellow Goodreader!

Just finished by .

Feel free to read my review
http://audiobooktatler.blogspot.com/2...

[Natalie]

Nancy wrote: "Natalie wrote: "I just finished The Ghost Writer by John Harwood.

Here is my review http://audiobooktatler.blogspot.com/2......"

The first book I read by John Harwood was The Asylum, and so far I have liked this one the best- but maybe it was because it was so new for me???

[Bob]

Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I've had The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley on my TBR forever. I keep hearing it mentioned by authors like Dennis Lehane as a noir genre-setter. I'm so glad I finall..."

I just have always found Crumley very hard going. Undoubtedly brilliant but sometimes difficult, even painful to read. The stuff he puts his characters through is mind boggling.

[Lance]

The Wild Beasts of Wuhan is a mild-mannered mystery in which the deadliest weapons are cell phones and laptops and the greatest existential threats to Our Heroine, a forensic accountant, are jet lag and airline food. Series star Ava Lee shops, showers, racks up frequent-flyer points and periodically tracks down $70 million bilked from a wealthy Chinese art collector. Three stars.

Read the full review here.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Joyce wrote: "John wrote: "I have just had a most extraordinary experience, and I must tell someone about it.
I had a phone call from a girl, Cali Smith, she called herself. She wanted a copy of my new book, Cou..."

Nothing like being 2 months late to the party -- thanks, Joyce, for speaking out. In fact, speaking out is EXACTLY what all readers should do when things aren't appropriately posted. I should be reading all of these threads, but I don't always get to them, so I appreciate your efforts!

[Joyce]

Nancy wrote: "Joyce wrote: "John wrote: "I have just had a most extraordinary experience, and I must tell someone about it.
I had a phone call from a girl, Cali Smith, she called herself. She wanted a copy of my..."

Sure thing, Nancy.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Death of a Perfect Wife by M.C. Beaton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The trouble begins when Highland Constable Hamish MacBeth's beloved Priscilla Halburton-Smythe returns from London . . . with a boyfriend on her arm. Then a paragon of housewifery named Trixie Thomas moves into Lochdubh with her lapdog husband in tow. Crying poor, Trixie is cadging furniture and household goods from the locals, supposedly to furnish "The Laurels", in which she and husband Paul are starting a lodging house. But then why are none of the donated items (and she is very choosy about what she accepts) ever seen in the house? Trixie also quickly establishes herself as a leader of the local ladies, causing them to embrace low-cholesterol meals, ban tobacco, save the bats, and begin bird-watching. Soon the town's fish-and-chips-loving men are up in arms. Now faced with the trials of his own soul, and an unwanted offer of promotion, Macbeth must solve Lochdubh's newest crime-the mysterious poisoning of the perfect wife.(less)

I just love MC Beaton and her Hamish MacBeth tales. They are lovely "cosies". The characters are endearing (even the irritating Trixie).
I have decided after reading two at random, to start from the beginning.....
Audio book.

[Franky]

Read In Cold Blood awhile back. Finally got around to reviewing it:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Devi]

Huge fan of Crime. Love all kinds of detective novels. Do recommend some good ones. Looking forward to reading more

[Devi]

Hi everyone. I love to read a lot and have recently started reviewing. I am open to all kinds of books except those with explicit content, violence or horror in any form (I am honestly scared of too violent or horror stories)
You can go through my reviews here devinair_reviews

I also write at times on random topics. Some time in future, I intend to write a book
You can go through my blog here Thoughts

[Devi]

Hi everyone. I just posted a new review on a murder mystery. Check it out at Poisoned Waters
The reviews are also posted on Amazon and Goodreads
Thanks in advance :)

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was my first Dorothy L Sayers...and it won't be my last.

When ad man Victor Dean falls down the stairs in the offices of a respectable London advertising agency, it looks like an accident.

But then the head of the agency receives a letter intimating that all is not as it should be.

Lord Peter Wimsey is called in, and he soon discovers there's more to writing advertising copy than meets the eye.

A bit of cocaine here, a hint of blackmail there, and some wanton women muddy the investigative waters.

And then there is the brutal succession of murders -- 5 of them.

Who is behind them?

And what is the connection?

A rollicking good read.



View all my reviews

[Lance]

Bad Paper: Chasing Debt from Wall Street to the Underworld follows the strange-but-true exploits of a cast of scalawags in the only slice of the financial industry that can make derivatives trading look honest: debt collection. Journalist Jake Halpern brings you bankers, ex-cons, hustlers, debtors, and a thoroughly broken system in an easy-reading, engaging true-crime tale that should leave you either sad or mad. Four strong stars.

Because I wrote this review for Criminal Element, I can't copy it here. However, you can read the entire review -- and find a lot of other good stuff -- here.

[Devi]

Sandra wrote: "

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first Dorothy L Sayers...and it won't be my last.When ad man Victor Dean falls down the stairs in the offices of a..."

Awesome.. I am inspired to read it now :) Thank you

[Barbara]

I've read most of Dorothy Sayers 'Lord Peter Wimsey' books. Excellent literary mysteries.

[Dave]

I wrote a dual review on two hard-boiled detective novels from one of my favorite authors, the late James Crumley. One of his books, The Last Good Kiss, was cited by Dennis Lehane, Michael Connelly, and George Pelacanos as a major influence.

Here's the link:

http://danrenonovels.com/

[Devi]

Hi All, I recently put up my review policy. you can check the same here Review Policy

Do let me know if your books are to be reviewed

Thanks a lot
Devi

[Devi]

Hi All,
I just published reviews for Royal Institute of Magic and Love's Last Call
You can find my Review Policy and Review Request form here
Do get in touch with me for reviews


Cheers
Devi

[Kate]

I've just reviewed Elegy for April

Possibly the least eventful crime novel I've ever read...https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jerry]

Excellent review. You nailed it.

[Kate]

Jerry wrote: "Excellent review. You nailed it."

Thanks!

[Donald]

My most recent review was for The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books by Azar Nafisi (http://gutreactionreviews.com/2014/11...)
I review most genres except romance and sci-fi on my site
http://gutreactionreviews.com/.

[Georgia]

I won the book . I was supposed to give a review which I did on goodreads under the book where comments are made. I did not know there was this thread. Click on the book and read it there!

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


audio.

Ruth Kettering did not marry for love. She had money, which her impoverished husband needed, and he had a stately home to be inherited. However, her husband has not been discreet with his dalliances, and Ruths millionaire father strongly advises her to divorce him.
But is Ruth quite as innocent as she seems? She has some rather murky shadows in her past which threaten to surface when she is found murdered in her luxury compartment on The Blue Train en-route to meet her former lover.
And who has her jewels, which have disappeared?
Ruth's father hires Hercule Poirot to bring his daughter's killer to justice.

The twists and turns are Classic Christie! What more can one say?



View all my reviews

[Devi]

Just finished Sinister which is a YA book, somewhere on the lines of Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl and Curveball which is a romance novel but with an amazing twist. Had fun with both.
Check out my reviews at Sinister (Sinisters #1) and Curveball

Comments and suggestions are always welcome

[Kate]

I've just read (and loved!) Angell, Pearl and Little God, classic suspense by Winston Graham.

My review's here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Kate wrote: "I've just read (and loved!) Angell, Pearl and Little God, classic suspense by Winston Graham.

My review's here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Thank you Kate, have added this to my TBR list. Haven't read Winston Graham for years. I did, of course, read the Poldark Series, and Cordelia, and one or two others that i cannot recall the names of. Looking forward to reading this. 8:D

[Kate]

Thanks, Sandra. I enjoyed the Poldark series too which was what inspired me to look for his less well known books.

[Devi]

Just posted a new review on Guardian of the Gauntlet. It is a Young Adult book but more like a pre teen sweet book with lots of magic and courage. An awesome read. Check out the review at Guardian of the Gauntlet

Also posted review on Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel Now this is a young adult book with werewolf and mystery. There is some twilight, some harry potter in it but it is really a nice read. Check out the review at Wolf Moon: A Grazi Kelly Novel

[Devi]

Just finished reviewing 4 books of all different genres.
2 of them I would specifically love to mention.
Whistlin' Dixie - A Tempered Steel Novel is a beautiful love story, first in the series of books. If you like to read love stories pertaining to one family, then this one is for you. Check my review of Whistlin' Dixie and let me know how you find it.
Another one is a tremendous book, one I would love to spread word across the globe if possible. The Dream Shelf is also a love story. But the love story here is of a child to their parent. An amazing book with a beautiful story. Check out my review of The Dream Shelf and prepare to be amazed by Jeff Russell

[Steve]

I reviewed the classic psychological mystery The Bad Seed by William March. Great story, great writer. Can't believe I never read it till now.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Astrida]

I saw this movie as a 11 year old in Philly. It haunted me for years. Never knew there was a book. Suprer innfo. astrida

[Steve]

Astrida wrote: "I saw this movie as a 11 year old in Philly. It haunted me for years. Never knew there was a book. Suprer innfo. astrida"

Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing the movie versions.

[Thomas]

I have just finished Five: A Novel by Ursula Archer

I received this book free through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program. It was published in Austria in 2012 and translated into English for this edition.

I enjoyed reading this psychological thriller about a serial killer who leaves grisly clues to taunt police by geo caching them. The principal detective is Beatrice Kaspary, a single mother of 2 children, who shares custody with her ex husband. He is a jerk, calling her at 3 am to ask about the children. She neglects her children to pursue this case relentlessly.
I did not suspect who the killer was until almost the end. Two small mistakes:

P. 60 "Was Nora sat(seated) next to you?"
p. 152 "Male corpse, 184(cm) six feet tall..."
This book is labeled "Advance Readers edition" so I hope these mistakes can be corrected

[Devi]

An awesome Jewish murder mystery reviewed and absolutely liked Wedding Wipeout by Jacob M. Appel . No matter what the other reviewers say, I am all for the book and honestly hope another one to come out soon. Check out the book at

[Donald]

Just posted a review of Stephen King's Revival on my blog http://gutreactionreviews.com/2014/11...

[Peter]

With Gut-Check Green Prasad wrote a novel that is intelligent, thought-provoking, fast moving, suspenseful and very entertaining. The story flows, is well structured and easy to read. There are patches of dark humor, the book is brilliantly written and the story kept me guessing to the end. Jake is the kind of protagonist you want to find in a good thriller. Pencil, one of the bad guys, establishes himself right from the beginning as a bad guy, when he kills a… Sorry, can’t give away too much. I hope Peter Prasad enjoyed a few glasses of Sonoma wine after he had completed this novel. He deserved it. I highly recommend Gut-Check Green, a climate fiction thriller. -- Fred Schafer, author, Don't Mention the FBI
http://www.amazon.com/Gut-Check-Green...

[Thomas]

I have just finished

The Honest Folk of Guadeloupe
by Timothy Williams

I received this book free from the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program. I gave this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, for believable characters, good dialogue and a well constructed plot. I could not figure out what happened until near the end.

This book takes place on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, now a French departement, but formerly a French colony. The central character is Anne Marie Laveaud, a juge d'instruction(examining magistrate), a position in the French legal system, denoting a person in charge of a criminal investigation. She is a single mother of 2 children, juggling her job with demands of motherhood. She is already investigating 1 death when she is called to the scene of a second suspicious death, a young female tourist, found dead on a beach.

There are some interesting insights into leftover traces of French colonialist racism and tension between Anne Marie Laveaud and her boss, anxious to solve a murder that could cause a loss of tourist money.

There are 2 mistakes in this "Advance uncopyedited edition"(prominent label on the front of the book).

P70 "For some reason(he) took offense."

p.99 a conversation between Madame Vaton and Monsieur Trousseauis repeated almost verbatim, lines 6-17. It looks like a bad cut and paste mistake.

[Amber]

I reviewed this book on Goodreads and on my blog, part of my series of New Mexico Mystery reviews and author interviews.



She gives great background on the book in the interview. (It goes to my GR blog as well as my Wordpress blog.)

https://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress....

https://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress....

[Peter]

“Gut-Check Green, a brilliantly written novel that kept me guessing to the end. You may be sympathetic and horrified in one paragraph. I love writing that makes you think and act. Prasad weaves murder, mayhem, veteran’s issues, drug dependence and an evil agro-business company into a prescient read. He has a sparse writing style and the story really moves. Bottom line, this is a great read. I highly recommend this book!”

http://www.amazon.com/Gut-Check-Green...

[Devi]

A brilliant murder mystery with a hint of romance in it
Mystery romance lovers must try it. Check out my review at Amazon Burning