Kevin’s reviews of other people’s books
“Slow-developing plot with a lot of backstory, but ultimately a dark noir detective story with an ambiguous moral compass.” There is a LOT of backstory in this story, which the author weaves in through the first person narration of Joe, the former cop and now PI looking for redemption and answers. The plot moves very … More Down the River Unto the Sea, by Walter Mosley [Review]
I love books where the author steps outside conventional construction and executes it well. Non-linear story-telling is not for everyone, and I’m sure some readers will find this a very difficult book to read. But Henry’s life is non-linear, so what Ms. Niffengegger has done here is create a reading experience that parallels the experience … More The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger [Review]
Nothing in this story makes sense, and when you’re waiting for the author to finally explain things in the end, it doesn’t happen. There are no twists that make you say, “Ohhhh, now I see.” Instead, you say “What? How?? No!!!” I am told that Mary Kubica has written some excellent stories. Unfortunately, her latest … More Just the Nicest Couple, by Mary Kubica [Review]
A disappointing first book in a new series. A poor effort by an author who can do better. I have seen free and discount offers on C.M. Sutter’s many thrillers. She has wildly successful books with tens of thousands of reviews. The first one I tried I couldn’t get into, but recently I picked up … More Blood in the Bayou, by C.M. Sutter [Review]
“a complex plot that author DW Viergutz weaves together masterfully in this novella prequel that whets the reader’s appetite to find out more about these intriguing characters.” Genevieve Callow is a complex and fascinating protagonist with a rich backstory. She’s a Senior Special Agent in the FBI’s division that profiles serial killers. She has an … More Red Mud River (Prequel novella to the Callow and Oakley thriller series), by DW Viergutz [Review]
“It’s a tossed taco salad of thrills and intrigue arranged by master chef Dan Alatorre.” A killer in an obvious disguise takes out the owners of two sensationalistic fringe internet news outlets, along with a secretary in a law firm and a judge – all in the same day. This sets off alarm bells for … More Fourth Estate, by Dan Alatorre [Review]
“It’s a one-note song, but a good one.” The Personal Librarian is an amazing true story describing the dichotomy of a brilliant young Black woman who lands her dream job as the librarian for one of the icons of industry and art — J. P. Morgan. In this position, Belle establishes an international reputation as … More The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict [Review]
“A roller-coaster of thrills and suspense“ This first book in the Gamma Sequence series from one of my favorite thriller authors, Dan Alatorre, takes us from Tampa to Bali as the private investigator hero finds himself caught up in an international conspiracy involving genetic engineering and a wealthy corporate conglomerate. Hank “Dash” DeShear, the PI, … More The Gamma Sequence (A Medical Thriller), by Dan Alatorre (Audiobook narrated by Skye Stafford) [The Gamma Sequence Series, book #1 [Review]
Holy Parrot reminds me a little bit of Stranger in a Strange Land, where an exotic prophet appears out of nowhere to confront established dogma with new and wonderful ideas. Angel A’s novel is not on the level of the Robert Heinlein classic, but I enjoyed this read and recommend it, particularly for readers who … More Holy Parrot, by Angel A [Review]
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