Kevin’s reviews of other people’s books
“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]
“Chilling, Haunting, and mesmerizing” This well-crafted psychological thriller provides a surprising answer to the question: can a pedophile child murderer be a sympathetic character? Well, perhaps not exactly sympathetic, but Ms. Rheilan manages to provide a realistic narrative set in 1962 England in which the reader’s expectations, attitudes, and emotional reactions toward Ralph, the antihero, … More A Cat’s Cradle, by Carly Rheilan [Review]
“A complex and twisted plot that all comes together in the end in a very satisfying way.” I had not read any of Ms. Elston’s earlier books, but I loved this one! It’s rare for me to find a layered mystery/thriller where the plot is as tight and complex as this one. The characters are … More First Lie Wins, by Ashley Elston [Review]
“A quick, entertaining read with plenty of twists.” I’m a fan of Bruce Perrin’s stories and enjoyed this departure from his trademark psychological sci-fi thrillers to a romping, twisty tongue-in-cheek spy story. This is a plot that I thought I had figured out early on. I was partly right, but mostly the events spun in … More In the Mind of a Spy, by Bruce Perrin [Review]
“Jean Heller rings the bell with book #1 of her Deuce Mora series” I love a good investigative journalist story, and Jean Heller rings the bell with book #1 of her Deuce Mora series starring the female columnist from the fictional Chicago Journal. I loved Deuce, including her insecurities and her dogged determination. The out-of-nowhere … More The Someday File, by Jean Heller [Review]
“A gripping, twisty mystery that keeps you guessing and keeps you interested in an exotic setting.” This noir-style mystery is set in Hong Kong in the 1950s. The protagonist, Charles Balcome, is an English gentleman who enjoys having affairs with the bored wives of the island’s rich English business tycoons. But Balcome has a dark … More Once a Killer, by Murray Bailey [Review]
“Scientists, astronomers, and readers who love Williscroft’s earlier books and both the theoretical and practical issues of space exploration will love this detailed treatment that builds on the author’s earlier Oort chronicles.“ I’m a fan of Robert Williscroft’s science fiction and Keid,A Lost Civilization is solid, hard-core sci-fi. You might call this book“pure” science fiction. … More KEID: A Lost Civilization: The Fourth Oort Chronicle (The Oort Chronicles Book 4), by Robert Williscroft [Review]
Mysteries don’t get any better than this one. It’s a masterful and thoroughly enjoyable read. Michael Connelly doesn’t need more reviews for Resurrection Walk. I’ve been a huge fan for decades and model my own writing on his formidable foundation. I picked up this Kindle on a discount deal and could not have enjoyed the … More Resurrection Walk, by Michael Connelly [review]
“Compelling characters and an intriguing plot, but some significant flaws that need to be corrected.” Manning Wolfe, a Texas lawyer, has created a fascinating character who is also a Texas lawyer named Quentin Bell (or is it?). Quentin is leading a double life (not a spoiler), or rather living one life in an identity not … More Hunted by Proxy, by Manning Wolfe [Review]
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