Marked For Death is an adrenaline-fueled rush! Heart-racing, none-stop action and suspense! Hold on for a wild ride! Mr. Hilton knows how to depict fiMarked For Death is an adrenaline-fueled rush! Heart-racing, none-stop action and suspense! Hold on for a wild ride! Mr. Hilton knows how to depict fight scenes like no other! Complete escapism, albeit with the need to suspend disbelief! My thanks to Mr. Hilton, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Merged review:
Marked For Death is an adrenaline-fueled rush! Heart-racing, none-stop action and suspense! Hold on for a wild ride! Mr. Hilton knows how to depict fight scenes like no other! Complete escapism, albeit with the need to suspend disbelief! My thanks to Mr. Hilton, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!...more
An Insignificant Case- A THRILLER is a misleading title. it does have some suspense, but certainly not a white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat, breathtakinAn Insignificant Case- A THRILLER is a misleading title. it does have some suspense, but certainly not a white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat, breathtaking thriller! It’s a mystery but the thrills and chills are absent. Still, a very good mystery with some twists and turns I didn’t see coming!
An Insignificant Case is a fast and fun read! However, pacing slowed in the middle and my interest waned a bit. Also, I wish the characters had been developed to a greater dimension. Charlie is a very endearing character and I hope this will be the premier of a new series! Phillip Margolin is known for his intense courtroom drama novels; this is a nice but lighter addition to his repertoire!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review....more
**spoiler alert** *SPOILER ALERT* 2.5 rounded up. It was almost DNF because it SLOOOWED WAY DOWN and lagged terribly. At the 42% mark, I skipped a hug**spoiler alert** *SPOILER ALERT* 2.5 rounded up. It was almost DNF because it SLOOOWED WAY DOWN and lagged terribly. At the 42% mark, I skipped a huge chunk and went to the 90% mark and got the gist of solving the mystery just fine. That tells me that there was a lot of unnecessary fluff. What I did read was repetitious and circuitous- get on with it already!
Suspension of disbelief was maxed to the hilt, too. A rape club for good old boys that has persisted almost two decades into their adult and professional lives? How does one connect a large group of highly educated doctors in the medical field to such abominable acts? Doesn’t ring true. I am not so naive to think evil does not exist, but the organized evil of this magnitude involving this many doctors is ludicrous.
Bottom line: I didn’t like this story. It was perverse and obscene. The mystery was too far fetched, suspense was lacking until the very end. The climax with a twist was great but it was way too little, way too late.
This is the first book in this series I truly could not get into. Disappointing. I wish I had skipped it ( which I did for about 50% of the book)....more
4.5. Outstanding and unique storyline. Low gore. Rocketing suspense. Terrific twists with clever reveal. Electrifying climax. More than satisfying den4.5. Outstanding and unique storyline. Low gore. Rocketing suspense. Terrific twists with clever reveal. Electrifying climax. More than satisfying denouement.
One of the best in the series. Five star ratings are a rarity for me. This was close! Read the highlights and you will understand the superb author’s craft that bumped up my rating. Exquisite imagery, metaphors, etc.
State of Suspense is not as compelling as previous installments in the First Family Series. It is not suspenseful as the crimes have already occurred State of Suspense is not as compelling as previous installments in the First Family Series. It is not suspenseful as the crimes have already occurred so there is no tension build-up. Plot holes became tedious to deal with and this reader wished the storylines of Cox and his nephew were fleshed out, which would have led to a deeper storyline. There is not a conclusion to their story arc and character development is lacking. No resolution concerning key players… ending VERY rushed and therefore unsatisfying. There is A LOT of redundancy to events occurring in past installments.
Editing errors are always frustrating. For example, Secret Service Agent Jimmy is away with family for the weekend yet appears in the scene of the news conference on the same day he is “away”.
State of Suspense is mediocre and certainly does not live up to the expectations suggested in the title. It is #7 in the series. This is not a standalone. I recommend readers to start at the beginning of the series as there are A LOT of thrilling scenarios in the previous books....more
3.75 rounded down. An intriguing murder mystery that becomes more and more complex as more murders occur.. It held my interest throughout! Characters 3.75 rounded down. An intriguing murder mystery that becomes more and more complex as more murders occur.. It held my interest throughout! Characters are multi dimensional and interesting. Former police detective, now PI Dylan Fisher is tasked by his ex-wife Rose to investigate a supposed suicide of her old friend. Immediately afterwards, Rose is killed and Dylan witnesses the execution. There must have been bad blood between Dylan’s former colleagues in the police department because he was charged with her murder. Free on bond, he attempts to clear his name by finding the real killer. The tension builds as Dylan becomes a target as well, yet has little sympathy from the police. Rose’s present husband,Tito, comes into play. Although Dylan and Tito were rivals for Rose’s affection, the two make peace with one another and team up to work together to solve Rose’s murder and the mystery surrounding it, stemming from something that happened two decades earlier! Indeed, the plot is complex but not convoluted. There are many twists and the twist at the end was thoroughly unexpected and stunning! The climax was intense and exciting; the denouement very satisfying! This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I hope there is another with the same protagonist! I would read the sequel as this main character Dylan and Tito are dynamic!
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review....more
**spoiler alert** 1.5 stars. First and foremost, the genre of this “thriller” is close to pornographic. Exceedingly smutty. I am appalled by the lewd **spoiler alert** 1.5 stars. First and foremost, the genre of this “thriller” is close to pornographic. Exceedingly smutty. I am appalled by the lewd and crude scenarios and dialogue. It should be listed in the erotica genre. The mystery is compelling, however, and I learned to skim and skip large segments when I determined the crude, crass, and vulgar content was approaching.
Once I concentrated on the mystery content and found I could skip the aforementioned, I was hooked on the mystery. Really hooked! Intrigued! However, my interest waned as it became somewhat boring due to slow pacing. But the mystery was still so intriguing!
There are a lot of factors at play. Most notably, is the unreliable narrator, multiple characters who aren’t real. Time is wasted by reading their stories, which has nothing to do with THIS story. I think this is disrespectful to the audience, the readers, who have invested their time.
Something terribly tragic that happened twelve years earlier, Abby and Noah, or was it Gia and Noah, Abby and Benny, the three con artists: Garret, Emelia and Tim, and the main unlikeable, narcissistic character, Gia. There are a lot of strange scenarios at play as well: a mother living in a sanatorium in Switzerland; a step mother who is buying the family estate; dead goats no one but Gia witnesses; a contaminated well who Gia claims is cursed and she throws peace offerings down the well to appease the evil spirit ( this is addressed ad nauseam yet with no revelation concerning it); employed help whose identity can’t be confirmed; the plight of the kitchen cook crying is never explained. On and on and on. A LOT is never explained or resolved. These loose ends are major.
It is a slow burn, finally building up to the rising action very late in the narrative, but never coming full circle; it is more like a circle to nowhere. Through building action, tension, and twists, the reader is kept guessing until the very end: who is the ladykiller? Regrettably, the reader is kept guessing AFTER the story ends. There is no conclusive resolution to the who-done-it. It is a huge disappointment, having been psyched for a killer ending, then..….poof. Crickets. Again, I reiterate: disrespectful to the reader.
Unanswered questions and unresolved scenarios- very unsatisfactory denouement. Not recommended. I reserve one star rating for DNF. This deserves a one star rating, but it did hold my interest so I did finish reading, regrettably.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an ARC of Ladykiller in exchange for an honest review. Regrettably, my honesty is not complimentary....more
Tori Hunter # 8 is not as compelling as other installments in this series. The beginning was electrifying- then plop. After the initial action packed Tori Hunter # 8 is not as compelling as other installments in this series. The beginning was electrifying- then plop. After the initial action packed and gripping scene, the suspense fizzled. As the investigation of the crime waned on and on, there wasn’t momentum built because the reader was privy to the criminal perpetrators early on. Therefore, no tension or twists. The pace slowed to a crawl as action didn’t pick up until the 85% mark.
For riveting suspense and an enthralling series by this author, I’d recommend the Ryan McRyan series. I prefer and would recommend Mr. Stelljes’ first series featuring Mac McRyan; Mac’s character is much sharper and more dimensional than Tori. Furthermore, the Mac McRyan series is more edgy, exciting, and suspenseful! Mr. Stelljes is a great story teller and I have read all of the compelling McRyan books! The Tori Hunter series isn’t as compelling IMO.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. ALL opinions expressed are my own....more
Jeffery Deaver! It is such a pleasure to read his works! Character development is always a highlight with fully fleshed out, multidimensional characteJeffery Deaver! It is such a pleasure to read his works! Character development is always a highlight with fully fleshed out, multidimensional characters. The character driven plots are always intense and multi- layered that are intriguing and complex. The pacing is perfect with rising tension and suspense! The storylines are plausible and offer surprising and interesting twists. In Hunting Time, we are introduced to Colter Shaw, a dynamic character who is endearing. I was thoroughly engaged with his character. I didn’t realize this was a series, and Hunting Time is the 4th book in the series! It is a testament of a great author that this could be a stand alone and the reader doesn’t feel lost by not knowing the backstory. It is also a testament that the reader would want to learn the backstory; I intend to go back to the beginning of this series! I am looking forward to future Colton Shaw episodes!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unsolicited review. ...more
Electrifying an terrifying! D.D. Warren teams up with Victims Advocate Samuel Keynes to help Flora who has been a kidnapped victim for over a year. ShElectrifying an terrifying! D.D. Warren teams up with Victims Advocate Samuel Keynes to help Flora who has been a kidnapped victim for over a year. She was rescued but is still struggling with memories and other sadistic killers. This is VERY layered and multi dimensional. The twists are incredible and the build up to the climax is edge-of-the-seat suspense! Love this series. It never disappoints with thrills and chills! ...more
This is not thrill ride on a roller coaster…. It is an electric Jet propulsion rocket ride! WOW! The Price You Pay ( also entitled Heavy Lifters) is dThis is not thrill ride on a roller coaster…. It is an electric Jet propulsion rocket ride! WOW! The Price You Pay ( also entitled Heavy Lifters) is due to be released in February, 2024. For fans of this series, I am sure readers CAN.NOT.WAIT!!! However, for me, The Price You Pay is a new foray into this series. And, I can not wait to go back and start at the beginning of the series!
I will not write a summary of the novel- readers can find the synopsis in the promotional blurb. I will write my impressions.
What a dynamic duo are Peter and Lewis! I realize Peter Ash is the main protagonist ( as the series is entitled) but Lewis plays a large role in this one, along with former cohorts in his past endeavors. The rising action doesn’t just “rise” - it skyrockets and the thrusters keep on and on and on , culminating in an explosive climax!
Although there is plenty of action, character development is well developed with dynamic, multi dimensional characters. That is a plus which sets a series apart: the reason to read another action adventure by this author is that the readers become engaged with the characters!
Thematic elements include loyalty, codes of conduct in “missions” and reconciling those with lingering guilt. The primary protagonist Peter Ash has PTSD from his experiences in war and the residual affects are explored in his character.
Needless to say, the pacing is fast and furious. The storyline is unique and complex. I look forward to reading the previous compelling adventures of Peter Ash and et.al.
I am glad to have received an ARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for writing an unbiased review....more
Great mystery in this new First Family installment! The who-dun-it is intriguing and perplexing- to the characters and readers alike!
State of Denial Great mystery in this new First Family installment! The who-dun-it is intriguing and perplexing- to the characters and readers alike!
State of Denial is the 21st novel in the Nick and Sam saga beginning with the Fatal series which segued into the First Family series. While this could be a stand-alone, it would be so much better for readers’ enjoyment to begin at the beginning: character and plot development build and expand on earlier storylines!
It’s a fast and fun read with a solid and complex plot!...more
Lethal Legacy is the third book that concludes the Guardian of Justice series. I was ENTHRALLED with it! It is the best one ( and all of them were excLethal Legacy is the third book that concludes the Guardian of Justice series. I was ENTHRALLED with it! It is the best one ( and all of them were excellent)! Even though it is a series, it can be a stand alone. The author has great writing craft to be able to merge the characters of previous books without being redundant.
One can tell Ms. Hannon has done intensive research. There is authenticity in her writing about police procedurals. The plot is fast paced, the characters endearing, and the storyline unique. The mystery builds throughout as does the suspense. The reveal of the antagonist is revealed at the 75% mark, and it was a shocking surprise, yet plausible. I appreciate how I didn’t have to suspend my disbelief - another excellent example of Ms. Hannon’s writing craft.
Although the reveal was made, the rest of the book ratcheted up the suspense intensely, concluding with a thrilling and chilling climax and a more than satisfying denouement!
Ms. Hannon is known to write Christian literature. Her writing equals other well known suspenseful crime writers, but she writes without gore, immorality or profanity.
I’m so glad she is such a prolific writer as I will have plenty of her books to devour in the future! I highly recommend The Guardians of Justice series! ...more
One Last Kill is the 10 installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I have read most of Mr. Dugoni’s novels and there are so many positive things to sOne Last Kill is the 10 installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series. I have read most of Mr. Dugoni’s novels and there are so many positive things to say about this writer’s style:
This is a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. The author keeps the reader guessing until the end. It is fast paced and held my interest.
HoweThis is a good mystery with a lot of twists and turns. The author keeps the reader guessing until the end. It is fast paced and held my interest.
However, my interest waned as the events became more and more incredulous and unbelievable. There are too many outlandish scenarios that do not ring true and seem implausible. Wade’s actions and reactions to attempts on his life are unrealistic. Even after multiple security breaches, dogs are not employed? A gated house that still allows a person to infiltrate? Again, no dogs utilized, no sense detectors on the grounds?
These and other missteps defied reasoning- even with suspension of disbelief- and negatively impacted the suspense; it is not as thrilling as other books by this author. Disappointing....more
Outstanding! First book I’ve read from Robert Whitlow, but it won’t be my last!
Double Indemnity is a legal thriller with a spiritual undergirding. ThOutstanding! First book I’ve read from Robert Whitlow, but it won’t be my last!
Double Indemnity is a legal thriller with a spiritual undergirding. The faith based novel is beautiful but without spiritual overload! I loved the thematic messages of God’s love and presence, the power of prayer and surrendering to God.
Characters are round and dynamic! Plot is interesting and the mystery is intriguing! Great resolution. My only regret: I don’t know if these characters will continue . I’d love a series to continue with Liz and Connor!
My thanks to the Thomas Nelson publishing , the author and NetGalley for a advanced copy. I am so glad to learn of this new ( to me) author. Kudos, Mr. Whitlow!...more
Pamela Small
>
Books:
suspense-crime-police
(111)
Loading...
