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Detective Jason Smith #4
Occams's Razor
Occam’s Razor (Detective Jason Smith#4) by Stewart GilesA football player is shot dead in front of a packed crowd of people. DS Jason Smith is put in charge of the investigation. The murder weapon is found in a house across the road from the football ground. It is a rare Russian army issue sniper rifle.As the investigation hits dead end after dead end, two government agents arrive and take over, pushing Smith and his colleagues to the side.As more people die Smith quickly realises these agents are not who they claim to be. He is forced into the dark world of these phantoms and he finds himself at the mercy of his old nemesis; the man who kidnapped his sister years earlier.This is a gripping thriller with twists and turns all the way to the stunning ending. If you like Police Procedurals, then this is a series you won’t want to miss.THE DETECTIVESDS Jason Smith is an Australian who was sent to York to live with his Grandmother when his sister disappeared from a beach. He has suffered many losses in his short life and is now a dedicated detective. He is a bit of a loose cannon he has his own way of doing things and that doesn’t always mean following orders and procedures.DS Thompson is of the same rank as Jason, but he doesn’t have the same support or success. He and Jason have a love/hate relationship which brings a bit of humour to the series. Thompson is old school and thinks his age should give him respect and privileges, but life doesn’t work that way for him.DC Erica Whitton is Jason’s preferred partner they work well together and share a bond. She isn’t always appreciated by Jason, but they care about each other and that brings a different dimension to the series.What readers are saying about Occam’s ‘This book was gripping from the first page to the last. The characters are all well written, believable and sympathetic.’ – Mrs Christine H Clark‘Superb book left you guessing to the end..Sends you up so many alleys and you still can’t see the outcome.’ – Mike‘A well paced story that will have you hooked very quickly and then drag you along for the ride in such a way as to not want to stop reading..’ - Hisboss‘Another gripping book by this Author well written lots going on could not put this book down.’ – Kindle Customer.BOOKS BY STEWART GILESDS JASON SMITH SERIESBook 0.5-PhobiaBook 1-SmithBook 2-BoomerangBook 3-LadybirdBook 4-Occam’s RazorBook 5-HarlequinBook 6-SeleneBook 7-HorsemenBook 8-UnworthyBook 9 – VenomBook 10 – SeveredBook 11 – DemonsBook 12 - DeadeyeBook 13 - MotiveBook 14 – AustraliaBook 15 –WishboneBook 17 - GhostsBook 18 - The ScarecrowBook 19 - The BluesmanBook 20 - The LibrarianBook 21 - The ViaductBook 22 - The TwinDI O’REILLY MYSTERIESBook 1 - Blood on the IslandBook 2 - Lies on the IslandBook 3 - Fear on the IslandBook 4 - Malice on the IslandBook 5 – Revenge on the IslandBook 6 - Christmas on the IslandBook 7 - Silence on the IslandBook 8 - Secrets on the IslandBook 9 - Chaos on the IslandBook 10 - Sadness on the IslandDC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIESBook 1-The BeekeeperBook 2-The Perfect MurderBook 3-The BackpackerDS JASON SMITH &DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIESBook 1 - The EnigmaBook 2 – DropzoneBook 3 – The Raven Girl
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
181 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Giles
82 books84 followersAfter reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. After Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series - the DC Harriet Taylor Cornwall series. The Beekeeper hit the shelves and hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. The third in the series, The Backpacker I have self-published and is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 22, 2018
DS Jason Smith is called on to investigate the murder of a football player. He finds a rare Russian Army issue sniper rifle apparently the murder weapon.
Government agents show up and take over the investigation, not winning any friends at all. Smith is determined to keep investigating no matter what. But are these agents who they say they are? And what exactly do they want?
The closer Smith gets to the truth, the closer to danger he gets. He finds himself facing an old enemy ...the man who kidnapped his sister many years ago.
Although this is the 4th book in the series, this one is easily read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend starting at the beginning though.
I like the characters, especially DS Smith. He's a little flighty at times, tends to drink a bit too much, and now he has started smoking .. just because. He loves and spoils his dog nd for that I can forgive him anything. He really wants to do right by his job and yet there are times he seems to be ready to walk away.
There is plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the explosive ending.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 25, 2018
Well the awesome Stewart Giles has done it again! Another absolutely gripping page turner to add to the very addictive DS Smith series. This review is for the newly updated digital version.
A footballer is killed after saving a penalty. 38000 witnesses and no motive! The team is struggling until Smith returns to work.
This is a very twisty turny read as Smith deals with yet another tragedy in his life and his past comes back to haunt him.
Be careful who you trust is the message behind this story and all the way through I kept changing my mind and bouncing around suspects and thoughts only to find out how wrong I was. People are messing with Smith's head and his life is in danger. It is a roller coaster ride through the dark twisted minds of some evil people and they are happy to use whoever they can to achieve their goal.
It is difficult to review this book without spoilers so all I can really say is clear some time buy the book and settle down for an awesome page-turner that you will never forget.
I am loving this series the books get better and better If you like a good detective read with a unique story line and even more unique, complex characters then this is definitely for you.
5 golden stars from me.
A footballer is killed after saving a penalty. 38000 witnesses and no motive! The team is struggling until Smith returns to work.
This is a very twisty turny read as Smith deals with yet another tragedy in his life and his past comes back to haunt him.
Be careful who you trust is the message behind this story and all the way through I kept changing my mind and bouncing around suspects and thoughts only to find out how wrong I was. People are messing with Smith's head and his life is in danger. It is a roller coaster ride through the dark twisted minds of some evil people and they are happy to use whoever they can to achieve their goal.
It is difficult to review this book without spoilers so all I can really say is clear some time buy the book and settle down for an awesome page-turner that you will never forget.
I am loving this series the books get better and better If you like a good detective read with a unique story line and even more unique, complex characters then this is definitely for you.
5 golden stars from me.
September 23, 2018
“With all things being equal, the simplest explanation tends to be the right one.” ~ William of Ockham.
From the outset, there seems to be nothing simple about Smith’s latest case! The novel opens with the death of Jimmy Fisher, the up and coming goal keeper of York City football team by a sniper.
Smith quickly finds the gunman’s hideout complete with the weapon, a standard issue rifle from the Russian army. But as he is about to investigate, the case is taken away from him by the shadowy SOCA (the serious crimes agency). More deaths of football players follow but at every turn the SOCA agents block his investigation. What are they trying to hide? Smith will stop at nothing to find out.
Nothing like a bit of DS Smith to get you out of a reading slump! This is the fourth in the Smith series, while I suppose it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest to read a few of the previous books just because you may miss some of the recurring story lines from the other novels.
Smith certainly has a rollercoaster of a ride in this novel! His investigation is blocked at every turn. He doesn’t know who to trust. Then a he gets a blast from the past and the death of a close friend sends him on a downward spiral.
My only complaint, this is of course just my opinion, was the fact Smith suddenly takes up smoking, out of the blue which bugged me slightly. It’s a filthy habit and I hope he quits in the next book.
Occam’s Razor is a real thrill ride of a novel that honestly you cannot predict what will happen next.
From the outset, there seems to be nothing simple about Smith’s latest case! The novel opens with the death of Jimmy Fisher, the up and coming goal keeper of York City football team by a sniper.
Smith quickly finds the gunman’s hideout complete with the weapon, a standard issue rifle from the Russian army. But as he is about to investigate, the case is taken away from him by the shadowy SOCA (the serious crimes agency). More deaths of football players follow but at every turn the SOCA agents block his investigation. What are they trying to hide? Smith will stop at nothing to find out.
Nothing like a bit of DS Smith to get you out of a reading slump! This is the fourth in the Smith series, while I suppose it can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest to read a few of the previous books just because you may miss some of the recurring story lines from the other novels.
Smith certainly has a rollercoaster of a ride in this novel! His investigation is blocked at every turn. He doesn’t know who to trust. Then a he gets a blast from the past and the death of a close friend sends him on a downward spiral.
My only complaint, this is of course just my opinion, was the fact Smith suddenly takes up smoking, out of the blue which bugged me slightly. It’s a filthy habit and I hope he quits in the next book.
Occam’s Razor is a real thrill ride of a novel that honestly you cannot predict what will happen next.
September 26, 2018
Another Jason Smith novel and I looked forward to reading it, knowing that I was in line for a great time. I want to read each of these books quickly so that I get to the surprise ending but I also want to read them slowly so that I can enjoy every little clue and turn of phrase. Set in York (brilliant!), Jason is a detective sergeant with a team of detectives around him. I love their characters - they are all different and they each have their own little quirks which make them human and so real!
A goalkeeper is shot dead by a sniper but it is on the football pitch in front of thirty eight thousand spectators, just after he has saved the penalty which will give them promotion. It doesn't take Smith long to find where the shot came from and it was fired by a Russian Army rifle. As other murders happen, the Serious Crime Agency is involved and the York police are shunted to the sidelines. But Smith won't let it rest and he carries on his investigations, realising that the man who was responsible for his sister's kidnap in Australia many years before is implicated in the murders.
No more details, you need to read this for yourself.
This series has been digitally remastered and re-released and I am reading my way through the series and loving every minute of it. I would recommend to all who love a good whodunit. More please Mr Giles!
A goalkeeper is shot dead by a sniper but it is on the football pitch in front of thirty eight thousand spectators, just after he has saved the penalty which will give them promotion. It doesn't take Smith long to find where the shot came from and it was fired by a Russian Army rifle. As other murders happen, the Serious Crime Agency is involved and the York police are shunted to the sidelines. But Smith won't let it rest and he carries on his investigations, realising that the man who was responsible for his sister's kidnap in Australia many years before is implicated in the murders.
No more details, you need to read this for yourself.
This series has been digitally remastered and re-released and I am reading my way through the series and loving every minute of it. I would recommend to all who love a good whodunit. More please Mr Giles!
August 22, 2019
You know that you're reading a great book when you feel fed up that life gets in the way of your reading. In-between reading this I found myself thinking of the book and I was trying to imagine what was going to happen next and who would I trust? This fourth book in the series did not disappoint. I like how each book tells us a different story and gives us just enough history from the previous book, bringing us up to date without wasting time getting stuck in to the current story. Smith and his team find themselves pushed aside, as a pair of government agents insist on taking over the case where a young upcoming footballer is shot after saving a penalty. Who are they and why are they involved? More murders occur and it becomes like a game of cat and mouse, full of action and twists and turns. I couldn't stop thinking about adorable Theakston 💙 and hoping that he'd be safe as the danger could happen anywhere and at any time. If you have read the synopsis then you will know that a nemesis from Smith's past appears, but what is his involvement? Is he actually responsible for the murders? Again, I loved the humourous scenes, the fast pace and suspense of the story, and the shocks that I didn't see coming! I feel a sadness for Smith as heartache seems to be his best friend (how much more can he take?), yet he always bounces back, inebriated or not. I think that he would give Bond, James Bond, a run for his money - although Smith isn't as level headed as 007 - he is still a smart DS. I felt a little bit sad at the loss of one of the great characters, but hey ho - it all makes for great storytelling - same old, same old, would become very boring. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of Mr Giles' addictive stories. Thank you x
June 21, 2023
I've read several of this authors books now. I do love a good crime novel, even better when it's a series, and each book is a follow on story. While I did enjoy this story it felt very drawn out at the beginning and very rushed at the end. There was no happy medium for me. I dare say we'll find out more about this story and the missing characters as the series progresses, I just wanted a wee bit more from the ending.
October 1, 2018
I have been a fan of Stewart’s books for a little while now. I have read, reviewed and loved each of his books that I have got hold of. I just love the series featuring DS Jason Smith and I devour (well not literally but you know what I mean) each new instalment of the series as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. I have been (im)patiently waiting to read ‘Occam’s Razor’ for what feels likes ages, but in reality was only a matter of weeks. The wait is over and bloody Nora what a flipping fantastic and action packed book it is. I absolutely flipping well loved it but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about DS Jason Smith? I have been a fan of Jason’s from the first book in the series and I have developed something of a soft spot for him. Smith is an Australian, who moved over to England to live with his beloved Grandmother, following the disappearance of his sister. Smith had a very close relationship with his Gran and I got the impression that she was both mother and grandmother to him. Naturally he was devastated when she died but her influence lives on. Smith has been a policeman for some years now but he isn’t your usual, play by the rules sort of policeman. Oh no, Smith is the sort of police officer who gets results even if it means bending the rules slightly. Smith is like a dog with a bone in the sense that if something doesn’t seem right to him then it usually isn’t and he will investigate until his curiosity is fully satisfied. This often gets him into trouble with his bosses as he persists with his investigation even when he is warned off by his bosses, by people in suits and by sinister men. Smith does drink a fair amount but I sense that for him drinking alcohol is his way of coping with the horrors he has to face every day. He is a man with a sad past and he has his demons. That said I still have a soft spot for DS Jason Smith and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what trouble he gets himself in.
OMFG this was one seriously flipping fantastic rollercoaster ride of a read. The author’s writing style is such that he manages to entice you into his web from the first word on the first page and before you know it you are hooked on the book with no chance of escape- not that I would want to escape from DS Jason Smith in any case. That’s what happened to me anyway. It didn’t take me long at all to get into the book and because I was familiar with particular characters, I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends. I became addicted to reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ and I was always in need of my fix. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but several chapters later I was still reading and I felt as though I was a member of Smith’s team. The pages seemed to fly past at speed and before I realised what was happening I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how this tricky investigation ended and I knew if Smith survived but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the story, the characters etc so much that I just wanted the book to continue. Reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ felt as though I was on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty and surprises just around the corner. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers because I was dreading turning the page in case it meant that Smith was in danger but then I mentally gave myself a kick because I knew that if I wanted to find out what happened then of course I would have to read on. ‘Occam’s Razor’ is one of those books that is guaranteed to get the heart racing, the adrenaline pumping and the blood pressure rising.
Can I just say that I absolutely loved the fact that ‘Occam’s Razor’ is set in York in the North East of England, which is where I am from. I love stories that are set near me and which feature places I am familiar with. My home town was mentioned and I gave a little cheer when I came across it.
‘Occam’s Razor’ can be read as a standalone but for certain references to past events to make sense and because I am a bit OCD about reading series in order, I would suggest that you read the series in full and in order. Believe me you won’t regret it.
In short I absolutely blooming loved reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. DS Jason Smith is one of my all time favourite characters in crime fiction and Stewart Giles is right up there in the top 10 of my favourite and must read authors list. I personally think that this series would be perfect for television adaptation and it would be far better than the television adaptation of DCI Banks. I fully recommend this book, this series and this author to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*. I just wish that I could have awarded it more stars because it really is that good.
What can I say about DS Jason Smith? I have been a fan of Jason’s from the first book in the series and I have developed something of a soft spot for him. Smith is an Australian, who moved over to England to live with his beloved Grandmother, following the disappearance of his sister. Smith had a very close relationship with his Gran and I got the impression that she was both mother and grandmother to him. Naturally he was devastated when she died but her influence lives on. Smith has been a policeman for some years now but he isn’t your usual, play by the rules sort of policeman. Oh no, Smith is the sort of police officer who gets results even if it means bending the rules slightly. Smith is like a dog with a bone in the sense that if something doesn’t seem right to him then it usually isn’t and he will investigate until his curiosity is fully satisfied. This often gets him into trouble with his bosses as he persists with his investigation even when he is warned off by his bosses, by people in suits and by sinister men. Smith does drink a fair amount but I sense that for him drinking alcohol is his way of coping with the horrors he has to face every day. He is a man with a sad past and he has his demons. That said I still have a soft spot for DS Jason Smith and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what trouble he gets himself in.
OMFG this was one seriously flipping fantastic rollercoaster ride of a read. The author’s writing style is such that he manages to entice you into his web from the first word on the first page and before you know it you are hooked on the book with no chance of escape- not that I would want to escape from DS Jason Smith in any case. That’s what happened to me anyway. It didn’t take me long at all to get into the book and because I was familiar with particular characters, I felt as though I was reuniting with old friends. I became addicted to reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ and I was always in need of my fix. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but several chapters later I was still reading and I felt as though I was a member of Smith’s team. The pages seemed to fly past at speed and before I realised what was happening I had finished the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how this tricky investigation ended and I knew if Smith survived but I was enjoying the author’s writing style, the story, the characters etc so much that I just wanted the book to continue. Reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ felt as though I was on one hell of a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with twists and turns aplenty and surprises just around the corner. On more than one occasion I almost had to read through my fingers because I was dreading turning the page in case it meant that Smith was in danger but then I mentally gave myself a kick because I knew that if I wanted to find out what happened then of course I would have to read on. ‘Occam’s Razor’ is one of those books that is guaranteed to get the heart racing, the adrenaline pumping and the blood pressure rising.
Can I just say that I absolutely loved the fact that ‘Occam’s Razor’ is set in York in the North East of England, which is where I am from. I love stories that are set near me and which feature places I am familiar with. My home town was mentioned and I gave a little cheer when I came across it.
‘Occam’s Razor’ can be read as a standalone but for certain references to past events to make sense and because I am a bit OCD about reading series in order, I would suggest that you read the series in full and in order. Believe me you won’t regret it.
In short I absolutely blooming loved reading ‘Occam’s Razor’ and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. DS Jason Smith is one of my all time favourite characters in crime fiction and Stewart Giles is right up there in the top 10 of my favourite and must read authors list. I personally think that this series would be perfect for television adaptation and it would be far better than the television adaptation of DCI Banks. I fully recommend this book, this series and this author to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*. I just wish that I could have awarded it more stars because it really is that good.
September 30, 2018
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I really enjoyed this one and it is an excellent addition to the series!
I really enjoyed reading this story and it was almost like catching up with old friends! The plot was well thought out and it has excellent characterisation as with the author’s previous books.
I really enjoy his writing style and the flow that he gets with the story making them tough books to put down and this one was no different – it is a great story and one I will be highly recommending!!
I would say that this one is fine to read as a stand alone, but if you are interested in the whole series I would recommended that you do read them in order as there are recurring themes.
4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads and Amazon – very much looking forward to the next book in the series!!
I really enjoyed this one and it is an excellent addition to the series!
I really enjoyed reading this story and it was almost like catching up with old friends! The plot was well thought out and it has excellent characterisation as with the author’s previous books.
I really enjoy his writing style and the flow that he gets with the story making them tough books to put down and this one was no different – it is a great story and one I will be highly recommending!!
I would say that this one is fine to read as a stand alone, but if you are interested in the whole series I would recommended that you do read them in order as there are recurring themes.
4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads and Amazon – very much looking forward to the next book in the series!!
June 6, 2024
Another engrossing Jason Smith case
I am really enjoying these books, so much so that I am simply racing through them back to back now at the expense of all my other reading.
I have read Stewart Giles Guernsey series and enjoyed those a great deal, but the character development with Jason Smith has more depth; his imperfections and faults make him more human, more relatable, and a little more frustrating too! He’s not quite young enough to be a son of mine but I do feel quite protective towards him, and wanted to firmly tell him off when he started smoking, for example 😂
This case, Occam’s Razor, was the most engaging yet for me. It is not overly long, relatively light on the prose but descriptive enough to ensure I keep turning those pages long after I should have put the book down.
Highly recommend.
I am really enjoying these books, so much so that I am simply racing through them back to back now at the expense of all my other reading.
I have read Stewart Giles Guernsey series and enjoyed those a great deal, but the character development with Jason Smith has more depth; his imperfections and faults make him more human, more relatable, and a little more frustrating too! He’s not quite young enough to be a son of mine but I do feel quite protective towards him, and wanted to firmly tell him off when he started smoking, for example 😂
This case, Occam’s Razor, was the most engaging yet for me. It is not overly long, relatively light on the prose but descriptive enough to ensure I keep turning those pages long after I should have put the book down.
Highly recommend.
November 4, 2017
A good read.
Maybe it's just me but I ended the book very unsatisfied, too many loose ends. Don't like the good characters being killed off, where's the new ones coming from? Like the way the police take no notice of clues or intuition, just like real life.
Maybe it's just me but I ended the book very unsatisfied, too many loose ends. Don't like the good characters being killed off, where's the new ones coming from? Like the way the police take no notice of clues or intuition, just like real life.
November 5, 2018
I am gripped to the Smith series and would guess everyone would be.
Fancy watching the footie? Maybe not on this day. Jason is trying to solve the case but is being stopped at every turn. Who will win in the end though??
Fancy watching the footie? Maybe not on this day. Jason is trying to solve the case but is being stopped at every turn. Who will win in the end though??
June 26, 2017
Love the way he writes
Best book I've read in a long time can't wait to read more of his books recommend to all feaders
Best book I've read in a long time can't wait to read more of his books recommend to all feaders
July 28, 2017
Another good read.
Having read all the previous writings of this author I was not disappointed with the latest read, many thanks and I look forward to the next.
Having read all the previous writings of this author I was not disappointed with the latest read, many thanks and I look forward to the next.
September 17, 2017
This was a little better than the previous book. The author has finally moved away from using a similar crime in each book. Still a few typos. I thought the end was unsatisfying with a big plot hole.
April 7, 2018
Made no sense
I have no idea what the plot was. I don't think there was one, just rambling pages of nothingness. The ending truly sucked.
I have no idea what the plot was. I don't think there was one, just rambling pages of nothingness. The ending truly sucked.
November 19, 2018
I feel that there were too many twists and turns with regard to who was on which side. But for that it would have been 5*.
October 18, 2019
On to # 5 Harlequin.
May 29, 2022
Really enjoyed this read. At times I was convinced i knew the plot and then I wasn’t lol. Enjoyed
December 15, 2022
A pretty good story told in interesting way.
Jason and his crew were have their hands full trying to understand the situation with the bad guys and solving the problem.
Jason and his crew were have their hands full trying to understand the situation with the bad guys and solving the problem.
January 8, 2024
Not bad
I actually enjoyed this one better than the first three books so I would recommend it for anyone just wanting a quick read not brilliant but not bad
I actually enjoyed this one better than the first three books so I would recommend it for anyone just wanting a quick read not brilliant but not bad
March 2, 2024
Brilliant read
Can’t put these books down reading one after the other, great characters, very thought out, going to start the next one.
Can’t put these books down reading one after the other, great characters, very thought out, going to start the next one.
September 7, 2024
Just loving this series of books!
January 22, 2025
All I can say is brilliant so bring oncrhe next episode with smith and Whitton.
July 16, 2025
Loving this crew! Highly recommend.
February 28, 2018
Usual Smith fair. Hates journos, hates lawyers, hates this, hates that and the other. I was disappointed he didn't get shot and died. York City police are like the Keystone Kops. Yet I still/keep/reading them.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews