SUSPECT (PolProc-Off. Scott James and Maggie, Los Angeles, Contemp) 1st in series - Robert Crais Nine months ago, a shocking assault killed Scott James' partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty—until he meets his new partner. Maggie, is a German shepherd whose PTSD from serving in Afghanistan, is as bad as Scott’s. They are each other’s last chance. They’re about to investigate the one case no one wants them to touch: identifying the men who murdered Stephanie.
Don – Good - Robert Crais "lite" Not much of a story but lots on police/military dogs and their training Helen – Good - This is basically a story about a boy and his dog. The characters were interesting, the dialogue was good, and I loved the interaction between Scott and Maggie. The mystery wasn't anything special, though. I wish that this book had either been listed as just straight fiction with more effort dedicated to Scott and Maggie's relationship or there had been more work on making the mystery something to pay attention to. I was way more invested in whether Maggie could make it as a police dog than the whodunnit. But it was an entertaining read and I give it a Good. LJ – Good – This had one of the most powerful prologues I’ve read. It’s not often a book can make my cry, but this one did; twice. The best aspect of the story is Maggie, the dog, and learning the difference between military and police dogs and the training they receive. The police procedure itself wasn’t that engaging, and neither was the protagonist. Let’s hope the series improved from here. Nancy – Okay –The book’s protagonist, Scott James, like me, became a devoted dog person later in life, so this initial description of him peaked my interest. And “Suspect” as a whole, was a sweet, heart warming story of two broken spirits working together to become whole. I found Scott’s character and his inner torment interesting and largely believable. I know some one just like him in real life. In this work of fiction though, I would have appreciated a better developed character. The character of Maggie the German Shepherd was pretty believable too and I enjoyed how Crais described her inner dialogue, although it did begin to feel a bit repetitive- crate, pack etc. ( but then again, she is just a dog!). I did enjoy reading about Sergeant Leland. He felt like an amusing Joe Friday caricature to me- perpetually scowling and walking away… In retrospect, I’m now feeling that limited character development were unfortunately the hallmarks of too many characters in this book. I also had high hopes for Detective Joyce Cowly, but her character definitely deserved better. What she actually got in this book was too few pages, almost no personal development and a cliched ending that felt rushed all the way around. I was glad to have read and finished this book but for me, I don’t think it’s going to be that memorable. Ron – VG+ -Suspenseful and meaningful mystery, beautifully written and with an unusual pair of damaged protagonists, each critically dependent on the other. The side characters are also very well drawn, the plot is interesting, and the ending is satisfying.
AVERAGE GROUP RATING: G+
HER DEADLY GAME (Legal Thriller-Keera Duggan-Seattle, WA-Contemp) 1st in series - Robert Dugoni Keera Duggan was building a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor until her relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. Returning to her family’s failing criminal defense law firm, Keera is retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment adviser accused of murdering his wealthy wife. The prosecutor is Miller Ambrose, Keera’s former lover. As Keera and her team follow the evidence, they uncover a complicated and deadly game that’s more than Keera bargained for.
Don – G+. Good story, but slow at times. There were portents so the ending was predictable, but liked how the murder was set up, but the method was fascinating Gabriel – Poor - It didn't draw me in. Even the parts about being stuck working in her dysfunctional family's law firm could have been much more interesting. Ginny – VG+ - Agrees with Nancy’s views. It was well-structured, crisp, had a layered plot. She might read another by this author. Joni- VG - Overall, I liked the book. The characters and their actions felt realistic. I really liked the family drama as part of the plot. I was struck by how awful it would be for someone working to defend someone they think is guilty. I would read more of this writer and recommend to others. I give it a very good. Nancy – VG - Let me begin by getting my critiques of this book out of the way. Its overall depiction of alcoholism was weak and just not realistic. This included the Duggan family‘s dynamic around Patsy, the alcoholic father, his seemingly simple journey to sobriety (just quitting cold turkey one day with no DT’s after drinking constantly since the age of 17?) and a weak ending where the alcoholic Patsy and his youngest daughter so easily and almost fairytale like, trip off together to AA. Unrealistic and without much nuance. That being said, the book’s genius was its layered and well related plots, each one done well. First was the portrayal of the intellectual and emotional familial relationships among the three daughters, secondly, their work together in the family law firm portrayed individually as well as a group and thirdly, the court room drama where legal moves were compared to those carried out on the chess board. Each plot was done well with interesting twists. And although I was personally bored by the book’s detailed chess moves, using those same moves and the game of chess as a vehicle to move the story forward was elegant. Almost all of the book’s characters were interesting to me, with the exception of the mother who only seemed to cook and keep her head down. Each time I put this book down I looked forward to picking it up again. I would enjoy reading more by this prolific writer. Ron – VG - Very good characters and suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing for a long time. There are definitely some plot holes, but for me they we minor in the overall scheme of things. The ending is satisfying but a little too neat.
AVERAGE GROUP RATING: G+
HADES (Thriller-Archer/Bennett-Sydney, Australia-Contemp) 1st of series - Candice Fox Sydney homicide detective Frank Bennett has a new partner—dark, beautiful, coldly efficient Eden Archer. Frank doesn’t know what to make of her, or her brother Eric, who’s also on the police force. Their methods are . . . unusual. But when a graveyard full of large steel toolboxes filled with body parts is found at the bottom of Sydney harbor, unusual is the least of their worries. For Eden and Eric, the case holds chilling links to a scarred childhood—and the murderer who raised them. For Frank, each clue brings him closer to something he’s not sure he wants to face. But true evil goes beyond the bloody handiwork of a serial killer—and no one is truly innocent.
Don – Ex - Great 1st Novel! Characters, setting, plot development kept me engaged. First of a trilogy; I'm reading EDEN , the 2nd on , now. This author has great style & develops the story so well. The ending was unexpected. Helen – Poor - I saw a whole bunch of things coming in this one. It's basically a bad Dexter ripoff with a minor change in who is doing the killing. Not much else to say about it. It's a Poor for lack of creativity and entertainment. Joni – Good - I had to skip over multiple parts of this book due to animals being hurt. That is something that throws me out of a book. And, I did actually put the book down part way through. But I picked it up again and was completely engaged. It was an absolutely absurd plot, but the good vs evil theme made it interesting. Another book where nearly all the characters are either seriously sick or sad victims. It does remind one of Dexter, but it lacks the depth. (There is a pun there given that the bodies were found in more shallow water.) I give it a good for having an engaging story line. As awful as I found the characters, I may read the next in the series. (I’m a very contradictory reader!) LJ – Ex - The book opens with an incredible setting description, but this is not a place one really wants to be. One also realized the protagonist is very different from the norm. One ends the chapter with a definite sense of “Wow!”. The characters are fascinating. Each one is deeply flawed, yet they also make you stop and think. It is sadly brought home that racial discrimination exists everywhere. Frank has a less-than-reputable past with domestic abuse and a DUI. Eden and her brother are products of their past. Martine, the survivor, is excellent in her strength and vulnerability; her emotions as a survivor define how no one else can truly understand what one has been though. Hades, in an odd way, elicits the most empathy of them all. “Hades” is very dark, yet it is extremely well written. It takes you places you don’t really want to go but can’t avoid. It leaves you uncertain as to whether you really want to read another in this series, yet knowing you probably will. Nancy – VG - The excellent (and very dark) “Hades”, with all of its many plot twists, perpetually held my attention as I tried to reason out the motives and emotional reasoning of every character throughout the entire book. It was precisely because each character was so well drawn that it became fairly easy for me to exercise a willing suspension of disbelief about the book’s premise of a deeply psychologically compromised adult being lured into raising two violently orphaned children, all while living within an enormous dump. The significant backstory of how Hades tried to manage his ‘son’ Eric’s obsession to harm and kill was very interesting and actually reminded me of Dexter, one of my favorite TV shows. It would have also been interesting though to understand more about the killer’s own personal story and how that might have contrasted and/or been similar to the development of Eric’s own compulsions. The book’s undercurrent of how the two siblings lived by the twin codes of honor and control was interesting and almost always believable although I thought the book’s final ending regarding the power Eden was expected to have over Frank for the rest of his life was a bit heavy handed. That being said, it also made sense that Frank would forever join the ranks of the psychologically damaged Eric, Eden and Hades. I would be interested to read more books in this series by the author Candice Fox, who sounds like an interesting character herself. Ron – Poor - Not badly written, but no sympathetic lead characters at all. Predictable ending and its gratuitous evil almost made me feel dirty for having read it.
Nine months ago, a shocking assault killed Scott James' partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty—until he meets his new partner. Maggie, is a German shepherd whose PTSD from serving in Afghanistan, is as bad as Scott’s. They are each other’s last chance. They’re about to investigate the one case no one wants them to touch: identifying the men who murdered Stephanie.
Don – Good - Robert Crais "lite" Not much of a story but lots on police/military dogs and their training
Helen – Good - This is basically a story about a boy and his dog. The characters were interesting, the dialogue was good, and I loved the interaction between Scott and Maggie. The mystery wasn't anything special, though. I wish that this book had either been listed as just straight fiction with more effort dedicated to Scott and Maggie's relationship or there had been more work on making the mystery something to pay attention to. I was way more invested in whether Maggie could make it as a police dog than the whodunnit. But it was an entertaining read and I give it a Good.
LJ – Good – This had one of the most powerful prologues I’ve read. It’s not often a book can make my cry, but this one did; twice. The best aspect of the story is Maggie, the dog, and learning the difference between military and police dogs and the training they receive. The police procedure itself wasn’t that engaging, and neither was the protagonist. Let’s hope the series improved from here.
Nancy – Okay –The book’s protagonist, Scott James, like me, became a devoted dog person later in life, so this initial description of him peaked my interest. And “Suspect” as a whole, was a sweet, heart warming story of two broken spirits working together to become whole. I found Scott’s character and his inner torment interesting and largely believable. I know some one just like him in real life. In this work of fiction though, I would have appreciated a better developed character. The character of Maggie the German Shepherd was pretty believable too and I enjoyed how Crais described her inner dialogue, although it did begin to feel a bit repetitive- crate, pack etc. ( but then again, she is just a dog!). I did enjoy reading about Sergeant Leland. He felt like an amusing Joe Friday caricature to me- perpetually scowling and walking away… In retrospect, I’m now feeling that limited character development were unfortunately the hallmarks of too many characters in this book. I also had high hopes for Detective Joyce Cowly, but her character definitely deserved better. What she actually got in this book was too few pages, almost no personal development and a cliched ending that felt rushed all the way around. I was glad to have read and finished this book but for me, I don’t think it’s going to be that memorable.
Ron – VG+ -Suspenseful and meaningful mystery, beautifully written and with an unusual pair of damaged protagonists, each critically dependent on the other. The side characters are also very well drawn, the plot is interesting, and the ending is satisfying.
AVERAGE GROUP RATING: G+
HER DEADLY GAME (Legal Thriller-Keera Duggan-Seattle, WA-Contemp) 1st in series - Robert Dugoni
Keera Duggan was building a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor until her relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. Returning to her family’s failing criminal defense law firm, Keera is retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment adviser accused of murdering his wealthy wife. The prosecutor is Miller Ambrose, Keera’s former lover. As Keera and her team follow the evidence, they uncover a complicated and deadly game that’s more than Keera bargained for.
Don – G+. Good story, but slow at times. There were portents so the ending was predictable, but liked how the murder was set up, but the method was fascinating
Gabriel – Poor - It didn't draw me in. Even the parts about being stuck working in her
dysfunctional family's law firm could have been much more interesting.
Ginny – VG+ - Agrees with Nancy’s views. It was well-structured, crisp, had a layered plot. She might read another by this author.
Joni- VG - Overall, I liked the book. The characters and their actions felt realistic. I really liked the family drama as part of the plot. I was struck by how awful it would be for someone working to defend someone they think is guilty. I would read more of this writer and recommend to others. I give it a very good.
Nancy – VG - Let me begin by getting my critiques of this book out of the way. Its overall depiction of alcoholism was weak and just not realistic. This included the Duggan family‘s dynamic around Patsy, the alcoholic father, his seemingly simple journey to sobriety (just quitting cold turkey one day with no DT’s after drinking constantly since the age of 17?) and a weak ending where the alcoholic Patsy and his youngest daughter so easily and almost fairytale like, trip off together to AA. Unrealistic and without much nuance. That being said, the book’s genius was its layered and well related plots, each one done well. First was the portrayal of the intellectual and emotional familial relationships among the three daughters, secondly, their work together in the family law firm portrayed individually as well as a group and thirdly, the court room drama where legal moves were compared to those carried out on the chess board. Each plot was done well with interesting twists. And although I was personally bored by the book’s detailed chess moves, using those same moves and the game of chess as a vehicle to move the story forward was elegant. Almost all of the book’s characters were interesting to me, with the exception of the mother who only seemed to cook and keep her head down. Each time I put this book down I looked forward to picking it up again. I would enjoy reading more by this prolific writer.
Ron – VG - Very good characters and suspenseful plot that keeps you guessing for a long time. There are definitely some plot holes, but for me they we minor in the overall scheme of things. The ending is satisfying but a little too neat.
AVERAGE GROUP RATING: G+
HADES (Thriller-Archer/Bennett-Sydney, Australia-Contemp) 1st of series - Candice Fox
Sydney homicide detective Frank Bennett has a new partner—dark, beautiful, coldly efficient Eden Archer. Frank doesn’t know what to make of her, or her brother Eric, who’s also on the police force. Their methods are . . . unusual. But when a graveyard full of large steel toolboxes filled with body parts is found at the bottom of Sydney harbor, unusual is the least of their worries. For Eden and Eric, the case holds chilling links to a scarred childhood—and the murderer who raised them. For Frank, each clue brings him closer to something he’s not sure he wants to face. But true evil goes beyond the bloody handiwork of a serial killer—and no one is truly innocent.
Don – Ex - Great 1st Novel! Characters, setting, plot development kept me engaged. First of a trilogy; I'm reading EDEN , the 2nd on , now. This author has great style & develops the story so well. The ending was unexpected.
Helen – Poor - I saw a whole bunch of things coming in this one. It's basically a bad Dexter ripoff with a minor change in who is doing the killing. Not much else to say about it. It's a Poor for lack of creativity and entertainment.
Joni – Good - I had to skip over multiple parts of this book due to animals being hurt. That is something that throws me out of a book. And, I did actually put the book down part way through. But I picked it up again and was completely engaged. It was an absolutely absurd plot, but the good vs evil theme made it interesting. Another book where nearly all the characters are either seriously sick or sad victims. It does remind one of Dexter, but it lacks the depth. (There is a pun there given that the bodies were found in more shallow water.) I give it a good for having an engaging story line. As awful as I found the characters, I may read the next in the series. (I’m a very contradictory reader!)
LJ – Ex - The book opens with an incredible setting description, but this is not a place one really wants to be. One also realized the protagonist is very different from the norm. One ends the chapter with a definite sense of “Wow!”. The characters are fascinating. Each one is deeply flawed, yet they also make you stop and think. It is sadly brought home that racial discrimination exists everywhere. Frank has a less-than-reputable past with domestic abuse and a DUI. Eden and her brother are products of their past. Martine, the survivor, is excellent in her strength and vulnerability; her emotions as a survivor define how no one else can truly understand what one has been though. Hades, in an odd way, elicits the most empathy of them all. “Hades” is very dark, yet it is extremely well written. It takes you places you don’t really want to go but can’t avoid. It leaves you uncertain as to whether you really want to read another in this series, yet knowing you probably will.
Nancy – VG - The excellent (and very dark) “Hades”, with all of its many plot twists, perpetually held my attention as I tried to reason out the motives and emotional reasoning of every character throughout the entire book. It was precisely because each character was so well drawn that it became fairly easy for me to exercise a willing suspension of disbelief about the book’s premise of a deeply psychologically compromised adult being lured into raising two violently orphaned children, all while living within an enormous dump. The significant backstory of how Hades tried to manage his ‘son’ Eric’s obsession to harm and kill was very interesting and actually reminded me of Dexter, one of my favorite TV shows. It would have also been interesting though to understand more about the killer’s own personal story and how that might have contrasted and/or been similar to the development of Eric’s own compulsions. The book’s undercurrent of how the two siblings lived by the twin codes of honor and control was interesting and almost always believable although I thought the book’s final ending regarding the power Eden was expected to have over Frank for the rest of his life was a bit heavy handed. That being said, it also made sense that Frank would forever join the ranks of the psychologically damaged Eric, Eden and Hades. I would be interested to read more books in this series by the author Candice Fox, who sounds like an interesting character herself.
Ron – Poor - Not badly written, but no sympathetic lead characters at all. Predictable ending and its gratuitous evil almost made me feel dirty for having read it.
AVERAGE GROUP RATING: G+