Kevin’s reviews of other people’s books
“I wish that first scene had been a stand-alone short story and I could have stopped there.” This book was selected by my book club. I was expecting witty, clever, and engaging, and the story starts out exactly that way as Maud, our 88-year-old heroine, is visited by two police inspectors. It seems a man … More An Elderly Woman Must Not Be Crossed, by Helene Tursten [Review]
This book is not a traditional mystery. The interest for the reader is not in what happened, but rather in experiencing how the characters react as they discover what the reader already knows. This book is marketed as a “Psychological thriller.” For readers who enjoy getting deep inside the heads of characters and experience the … More Free Fall, by Nina Atwood [Review]
“A short story mystery that hits every cliche.” S.K. Winters’ short story is described on its Amazon sale page as “A Thriller” (it’s not) and is not branded as a short story (which it is). Don’t expect a novel or a thriller. What you can expect is a quick read that is long on descriptions … More The Mansion, by S.K. Winter [Review]
“An Edge-of-your-seat mystery with one of my favorite characters.” I’m a big fan of the Logan Mckenna mysteries and Look Again is another winner. The whodunit elements are compelling, the characters are interesting, and Ms. Davisson’s writing is entertaining. Get a cup of hot cocoa and settle in for a long night because you are … More Look Again (A Logan McKenna Mystery), by Valerie Davisson [Review]
“As a jumping off point for discussing these significant social issues, the book is a success. But as a story about Stephanie, the book misses the emotional mark and it is structurally challenged.” Ms. Kiser’s memoir (a book club read for me) succeeds in raising many important social issues through her journey working in her … More Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant, by Stephanie Kiser [review]
“An engaging investigative mystery with a few flaws that is, nevertheless, a worthwhile read and the start of an interesting series.” In this first installment of the series, which I purchased during a 99-cent promo, we meet investigative reporter Will Finch, who is surely a complex and interesting protagonist. Working for a newly digital-only San … More Bone Maker, by D.F. Bailey [review]
“This is a well-constructed psychological thriller that is definitely recommended reading.” For lovers of an intricate plot and a compelling story with complex and deeply scarred characters, you have come to the right book. Despite some quibbles with the mystery-solving process, this well-written book is one you can’t put down until you know the terrible … More Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, by Matthew Sullivan [review]
“An engaging story with some significant flaws, but which shows real promise for this author” This second novel from Matthew D. Saeman shows some promise and some good writing, but it unfortunately doesn’t know what it wants to be. It’s marketed as both “hard science fiction” and “political thrillers & suspense.” It wants to be … More To Serve, Protect, and Destroy, by Matthew D. Saeman [Review]
“A captivating story of awkward teenage love and the scars left behind.” A photojournalist is attacked and severely injured by the angry mob storming the US Capital on January 6, 2021. One of his attackers may have a connection to the photographer, Ollie, from his prep school days from 1986. Mr. Vega proceeds to spin … More Fury in Her Eyes, by Phillip Vega [Review]
“A haunting tale of how a family is torn apart by unspeakable acts of abuse and an illustration about how long-kept secrets can circle back on those whose acts may have been induced by righteous circumstances, but which nevertheless can inflict collateral damage years later.” I am a huge fan of Anna Willett’s stories, which … More Needles and Pins, by Anna Willett [review]
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