suspense - No Apology Book Reviews

In Memory of Sue Grafton

October 10, 2018January 14, 2018

Article by Elise Cooper Sue Grafton the legendary mystery fiction writer died of cancer on December 28th. She is known for her alphabet series, using the strategy of alphabet titles for her novels. She based the idea on Edward Gorey’s gruesome alphabet picture book, The Gashlycrumb Tinies. Unfortunately she never finished the alphabet and as her daughter noted, in Grafton’s universe the alphabet ended with “Y.” Grafton once stated to me, “My character Kinsey Milhone is my alter ego. I …

Interview with Jayne Ann Krentz (Promise Not to Tell)

October 7, 2018January 2, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz is a breath-taking story. While the first in the series, When All the Girls Have Gone, was spell-binding, this book leaves the readers’ heart pounding as it is more of a thriller than a mystery. Krentz delivers an impactful series by focusing each novel on one of three brothers. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but in not reading the first people will miss …

Interview with Charles Todd (A Casualty of War)

October 10, 2018December 21, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Casualty of War by Charles Todd is a winner. This Bess Crawford mystery has the war coming to a close. The story explores the impact World War I had on all who witnessed it: officers, soldiers, doctors, and battlefield nurses. Fans of Bess will not be disappointed as she is still as independent, steadfast, intelligent, and resilient as ever. Per usual she seeks justice and works within societal norms where readers are able …

Interview with James Rollins (The Demon Crown)

October 10, 2018December 10, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Demon Crown by James Rollins, a Sigma Force novel, blends action, adventure, science and history. Per usual, he takes a unique idea based on some truth and builds a narrative around it. Readers, in typical, Rollins style, learn something, while being entertained at the same time. In this latest novel, the characters see creatures flying through the air wondering if it is a bird, a plane, and then realize they are gigantic wasps. …

Interview with Laura Griffin (Touch of Red, Cover of Night)

October 10, 2018December 3, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Touch of Red and Cover of Night by Laura Griffin have plots with an intricate suspense, and well-developed characters. The intensity on the pages is prevalent in the story along with the character’s relationships. Touch of Red is part of the Tracer series and Cover of Night is part of the SEAL series, but each can by read as a stand-alone. Cover of Night starts off with a bang when journalist Karly Bonham witnesses …

Interview with T. R. Ragan (Her Last Day)

October 10, 2018November 19, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Her Last Day is the first novel of a new series by T.R. Ragan. She is known for writing riveting thrillers whose antagonist always seems to be a gruesome serial killer. The three sub-plots throughout the story are brilliantly weaved together. The plot has Sacramento California private investigator Jessie Cole drawn to detective work after her sister Sophie disappeared ten years ago. Reporter Ben Morrison who wants to write a series of articles on …

Twisted Truths by Rebecca Zanetti

October 9, 2018November 14, 2017

Title: Twisted Truths Author: Rebecca Zanetti Series: Blood Brothers #3 Plot-driven with somewhat undeveloped characters I would like to thank Rebecca Zanetti, Forever/Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Desperate to find the baby who suddenly became her daughter, Noni Yuka tracks down the man who a year ago left in the dark of night without so much as a word, shattering her heart. If anyone can …

Interview with Iris Johansen (Mind Game)

October 10, 2018October 29, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Mind Game by Iris Johansen has fast paced action involving “Super Heroes.” The plot has Jane MacGuire plagued by dreams of a girl, Lisa, in trouble, having been kidnapped and beaten. She ends up discovering Lisa is related to Seth Caleb, someone Jane is attracted to and frightened by. Working with Caleb, they free Lisa and find that the kidnappers are trying to leverage Seth into doing their dirty work of killing someone without …

Interview with Christina Dodd (The Woman Who Couldn’t Scream)

October 10, 2018October 8, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Woman Who Couldn’t Scream is a classic Christina Dodd novel. The plot has Merry Byrd seriously injured in an explosion that meant to kill her. She had to undergo numerous facial surgeries that changed her appearance. To get the financing she had to make a pact with the devil, a possessive old geezer who wanted her for his trophy wife. Changing her name to Helen Brassard she endured nine long years of his …

Interview with Lisa Scottoline (Damaged and Exposed)

October 10, 2018September 3, 2017

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Lisa Scottoline deserves a high five for her latest novels Damaged and Exposed. These back-to-back homeruns hit at reader’s heartstrings with her gripping and riveting storylines and characters. In Damaged, a ten-year-old child, Patrick, has fallen under the radar of the government agencies. His needs are not being met regarding dyslexia, abuse in a public school by a teacher’s aide, and having to endure classmates’ bullying. Law partner Mary DiNunzio is hired to fend …