authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Wife by Alafair Burke starts out the New Year with a thrilling read. It is more plot driven since many of the characters are not very likable. The story is intense and dark being told by a possible unreliable narrator. The storyline concentrates on Angela, who suffered extreme trauma in her teen years and now learns that her husband, Jason, may be a sexual predator. This novel is timely and will force people …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason is the first in a new series. This thrilling story is a shout out to those in law enforcement who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep everyone safe. The action never ceases as the plot combines a mystery, criminal investigation, politics, gang wars, shootings, and bad cops. What makes this story stand out is that Eason also brings to life engaging and …
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 …
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 …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Countdown by Carey Baldwin is a story ripped from the headlines. Juggling two professions, psychologist and pediatrician, has helped her with formulating different storylines. This novel is a departure from her last one, and is much more of a fun read. The plot begins with what appears to be someone drowning on the beach of Tahiti. Forensic psychiatrist Caitlyn Cassidy and FBI Agent Atticus Spenser are enjoying some R and R while preparing for …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …