Review: A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

I have yet to read a novel by John Boyne that I don't absolutely get engrossed with. After finding and reading The Absolutist I've been a huge fan of his. After missing the deadline to read The Heart's Invisible Furies earlier this year, I thought I could redeem myself by reading A Ladder to the Sky in order to maintain my fan status. Suffice it to say, Boyne does not disappoint.

Review: Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer

In the interest of full disclosure, I have been a fan of Jeffrey Archer's since I found Kane and Abel in the clearance bin at my local used book store. I was urged by my insanely smart brother to pick a book by its cover and so... that's what I chose. Suffice it to say, I was hooked to Archer's uncomplicated style of writing. His delivery can be described as hearing a story from that human fixture in your local bar or fellow commuter. He writes as if he's telling a story that might be a tad predictable at times, but is entertaining all the time.

Review: Why I'm No Longer... by Reni Eddo-Lodge

When I saw the title of Reni Eddo-Lodge's latest work, I couldn't pass it by. Seriously! How much more poignant, jarring, could a title be without using any profanity? The title Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Racecouldn't be more intriguing for someone like me who no longer comments on threads with any hint of racial bias. I made the mistake of commenting on one of my Goodreads friends review of a book about the war on police, and next thing I know some white dude insinuated that I was ignorant or in a position to ignore all the government has done for low-income neighborhoods. 

Review: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Sandie Jones The Other Woman is quite an interesting psychological thriller debut. Actually, I started The Other Woman as a soft start. You know? A soft start is when you read a chapter or two before committing the time and effort. I knew I wanted to read something uncomplicated, fast paced, and fun due to my last read being a little heavy, but I wasn't prepared to get sucked in as I did.

Review:Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

I'm somewhere between a 3 and a 4 star rating with B.A. Paris' Bring Me Back. Bring Me Back is the story of a man who's seeming to rapidly descend into madness after discovering that his girlfriend, who he thinks may have died 12 years earlier, is back. The idea that she might be back is what clinches on to readers, but the fast moving pace of this read keeps the attention of readers, even when things start to go a little quirky.

Review: Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

Wow! What an incredibly moving and touching story. Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras delivers a vivid, profoundly engrossing coming of age story that is told through two young girls who couldn't be more different, yet, they share a connection that is unheard of given the circumstances

Review:The Flight Attendant by Chris

It's been a little over 24-hours since I finished The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian and I'm still not sure where to start. I thought if I gave myself some time to wrap my head around what I'd just read. Obviously from the 4-star rating I enjoyed this read, yet, for the life of me I can't see why. Here's why...

Review: The Parking Lot Attendant by Nafkote Tamirat

The Parking Lot Attendant by Nafkote Tamirat was captivating from page one. We're introduced to our narrator whose story begins on an undisclosed island where it's clear she and her father might be outcasts of sorts. This unnamed island has become home to the narrator and her father along with other Ethiopians that believed in Ayale.

Review: The Boat People by Sharon Bala

The Boat People by Sharon Bala might best be reviewed after tonight's State of the Union address... The Boat People tells the story of immigration from three different viewpoints... VERY different viewpoints. There's no denying the political message behind this read, but instead of focusing there, I'll begin with a good ol' simple review. 

Review:Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

When I was asked to read and review Sophie Kinsella's Surprise Me, I was bouncing off the walls with excitement. I loved The Undomestic Goddess and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Both novels featured a charmingly befuddled British female lead that begs the average woman to root for. Sure, I know they're a tad bit aloof, but it's cute. I'm no feminist so I can appreciate these characters for what and who they are: Fun!

Review:Stay With Me by Aybami Adebayo

As promised, I am providing a review on Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo. Stay With Me is the gripping literary novel that follows the story of Yejide and Akinyele and their marriage and ultimate dissolution throughout the years. To say this novel isn't interesting a moving would be a lie and those who have read know that "if a lie travels for twenty years, even a hundred years, it will take one day... for the truth to catch up with a lie."

Review: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

I needed My Not So perfect Life badly. After reading a dismal, uninteresting book it was time for something light, easy, and just plain old fun. I was introduced to Sophie Kinsella by reading Confessions of a Shopaholic. Come to think of it, Katie Brenner is a lot like Becky Bloomwood, the heroine of the "Shopaholic" series.

Review: The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian

Review

I literally hovered the mouse over the 3 and 4 star rating while I gathered my thoughts on this novel. There's no doubt Chris Bohjalian has mastered the art of grabbing his reader with an enticing storyline that proves impossible to walk away from. Bohjalian proved this trick of the eye withClose Your Eyes, Hold Hands. That novel, similarly to The Guest Room baited me with a tale of a good person engrossed in a surreality that hooks the reader from page one. The Guest Room is an easy quick read that focuses a lot on the way lives unravel after an investment banker, with a rather cushy life named Richard Chapman, agrees to host his younger brother's bachelor party. This bachelor party is seemingly standard by bachelor party standards until the two men who served as bodyguards are murdered. The purity of Richard's suburban life and reality becomes jarringly compromised. Richard is forced to face his part in the whole debacle. His job is compromised along with his integrity, marriage, and sanity. He's forced to pick up the pieces of his life after the bachelor party. He can no longer be the good guy he seems to be. I mean... really... Richard Chapman is a stand up guy. My only concern as I got father into the story was that RIchard would be fine. The Guest Room doesn't simply focus on how a bachelor party gone wrong can ruin a life, it touches on the reality of human trafficking. Bohjalian gives a voice to one of the sex slaves and does an awesome job at making her real. Sure her story is a little cliche but... it's always hard to ignore the first person narrative of a young, beautiful girl forced into a world outside of her dreams of being a ballerina... being anyone other than who she's forced to be. Really I enjoyed The Guest Room but sadly, I became bored. Although Bohjalian had me on edge and looking forward to the next "development", I lost interest in the whole human trafficking subject as a whole. Also I lost sight of if this was a suspenseful novel or anything else. I read a lot of suspenseful thrillers. I read enough to know that the hint of danger is not fa behind. Bohjalian threw enough suspense into the mix that the lack of developing that story was actually maddening. I may be a minority in saying that I didn't care how his wife felt about finding an empty condom wrapper or if his daughter would ever forgive him. I didn't care because in real life, the answers may not be simple but they are always finite. The wife's weakness was unbearable just as much as Richard's initial inability to fight for the family he seemingly cared so deeply for. What kept me reading The Guest Room was the idea that someone had to pay. Not all the characters could be as perfect as Bohjalian painted them to be... unless I missed that point. That bad shit happens to good people. Bad shit happens to girls with dreams of becoming a ballerina. Shit happens to a man who really loves his wife yet feels inexplicably drawn to a girl he's met once, and could have possibly killed someone in cold blood. I guess I'm over my rant and would simply like to say I ultimately enjoyedThe Guest Room. I can honestly say I was hooked. Even when I wanted to give up on this novel for the lack of developed excitement, I stayed on board and trudged along. Bohjalian's latest will appeal to those who like their suspense toned down and digestible without offending the masses encompassing a chick-lit appeal. Overall, The Guest Room will make anyone happy they didn't check in as a guest on this roller-coaster ride.  *** Copy provided by Netgalley via Doubleday Books

Review: Inspector of the Dead by David Morrell

When I found out there would be another book in this series featuring the Opium EaterThomas De Quincey, his brilliant and beautiful daughter Emily, and their Scotland Yard buddies Ryan and Becker. Inspector of the Dead begins with the death of a prominent woman in a very public place named Lady Cosgrove. She is found with a note in the her pocket that reads "Young England". This group is known for being against the monarch hoping to someday overthrow the government. 

As the investigation progresses, there are more attacks and deaths on prominent persons in London with notes left on them naming others who have attempted to assassinate the queen. Being a genius on the subject of murder as a fine art, De Quincey was able to deduce that the Queen may be the true target of all these murders.

De Quincey and crew investigate past attempts as well as possible suspects. We learn through their travels just how rudimentary the legal system was at that time. It's people such as Becker and Ryan who suggested incorporating the many things I'm sure are taken for granted. Such as taking pictures of the crime scene or at least preserving the scene. And gratefully Morrell doesn't allow this novel to move at a pace that makes you feel every inconvenience of being set in Victorian England. I barely noticed that it would have been helpful to have a cell phone in order to tell the Queen to hide. 

Morrell kept me glued to this novel and I enjoyed it just as much as Murder As a Fine Art. The idea that not much has changed in regards to human nature to wear disguises to often times be who we aren't or to make the appearance of being more important than we are. Even De Quincey admits he's fallen victim to being a person who knows that his name bares more weight in certain circles. That is why he added the "De" before Quincey. The suspect in this novel uses disguises to work his way into a society he didn't belong. And he's pretty smart I tell ya. I really dig this guy. 

One other thing worth mentioning is that I really enjoy getting into the characters heads. Emily's diary entries provide a lot more depth into her character and the relationship she has with the two inspectors Ryan and Becker. We also get to peer into the mind of the killer in an effort to understand what he's thinking and why he's doing what he's doing. The only characters who take a backseat in this title are Becker and Ryan. I would have liked more from them but... they aren't the stars. Thomas De Quincey is. He's a character based on a real man so it's interesting that Morrell has given him such depth and allows him to be likable instead of stagnant.

Overall, I'm a bonafide fan of this Thomas De Quincey series. Inspector of the Dead is fast paced, absorbing, and just a good ol' fun read. Traipsing around the dark and murky corners of Victorian England is always a good time. I hope David Morrell graces us with more installations to this De Quincey series. He is one of my favorite authors so even if there is never another Opium eater, I will definitely be reading more. Inspector of the Dead encourages me to see past the disguise and realize people are more than they appear to be.

Copy Provided by Mulholland Books via Netgalley

Review: Mightier Than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer

I am a huge Jeffrey Archer fan ever since discovering Kane & Abel. There's a way he weaves a story that keeps readers glued to the pages. We become invested in the characters, the themes of good and bad, and the hopes that being honorable will pay off rewardingly. Having laid out my disclaimer and letting those reading this review know that yes, I am a fan, I am still hoping that my honesty will be honorable and neither Archer or his fans will stone me too bad when I give my honest opinion. 

When word got out that Mightier Than the Sword was soon to be released, I rushed to try and get any copy I could get. Thanks to Netgalley I didn't have to wait long. This is the 5th book in the Clifton Chronicles. It begins where Be Careful What You Wish For leaves off. For those who haven't read that book, you may want to look away and finish that book before reading this review. In the nick of time, the bomb that threatened the maiden voyage of MV Buckingham is taken care of all that remains is making sure there is no panic and the bomb is kept secret. 

As the book progresses through the years, the usual suspects pop up such as Lady Virginia Fenwick and Major Alex Fisher coupled with some new enemies focused on new plots. It seems like the Clifton family can't go anywhere without creating an enemy which is pretty ironic because they are genuinely good people. This is where I grow tired of this series. It's getting to be tired and repetitive that there is someone plotting against this family.

Because I'm familiar with Archer's writing I don't expect any grand literary journey but rather just plain old good storytelling. With this in mind, I was surprised that I struggled through the first half of this book. It was not as engaging as other Archer titles have been for me in the past. Thankfully, the book turned around and I became engrossed with Mightier Than the Sword. Trying to guess what obstacles the Clifton's will face entices me to read on. Yes it was imperative to see how Sebastian fairs with his lady Samantha or if Emma will remain the chairman of Barrington Shipping. 

Ultimately, this series can't be over. It ends jarringly. The ending is so abrupt that I wondered if I was given a faulty copy from Netgalley. Archer, you clever, clever man. Although I wasn't over the moon about Mightier Than the Sword it serves its purpose in moving the Clifton story forward while maintaining it's hold on fans of the series. I look forward to the next installment. Until then... ***

Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley

Review: The Deep by Nick Cutter

Nick Cutter did it again! Cutter weaves a horrifying tale that reminds me of what the horror genre is missing and I love it. There's endless suspense, tension, psychological warfare, alien matter, and just good ol' fashion terror. After reading last year's The Troop I was excited to see Cutter was back in the saddle. Anyone who's read The Troopknows there was some f**ked up Sh** happening to those boys. Poor, poor boys. Poor, poor us if we ever find ourselves living a true-life Cutter tale. First comes the virus, outbreak, etc. Then comes pure havoc.

The 'Gets is making its rounds around the world. No one's sure where it came from nor how to get rid of it. This disease begins some scarring on the skin. Then a little forgetfulness that eventually transforms into the brain totally forgetting how to function to the point where even the involuntary reflexes, such as breathing, cease to occur. Many have lost their loved ones to this handicapping disease. The only hope it seems is a small team of scientists who are stationed aboard a ship 8 miles beneath the sea.

Luke is asked to coax his genius brother Clayton into making a breakthrough or at least breaking out since he has been MIA to command control. Rule number one, if most of the people aboard a vessel are either dead or have gone crazy, it's probably a good idea not to continue with the mission. But if everyone followed rule number one, there would be no good stories such as The Deep. Plus, there's always gotta be one someone who could be the hero and save the world of the 'Gets.

Before long, Luke is given a rundown of all the strange happenings aboard the sub and still ventures on. And I mean there's some strange sh**. Wack-a-do scientists, dreams too real to be dreams, constant strolls down memory lane with mommy dearest, and an increasingly more frequent disembodied voice or pull. And that's not the it.

Not only does Luke face the threat of being impaled by 8 miles worth of water, there is an alien substance that can possibly cure the 'Gets. Only problem is... that may not be it's intent at all. The ambrosia could quite possibly have it's own agenda. Who knows?

Nick Cutter is descriptive to the point where you cringe because the portrait is painted so vividly. I felt like I was walking along the Treiste corridors with Luke and Al. He even completely immerses readers into the journals of less than reliable scientists gone mad. There were times I was even afraid Luke's badass mother was going to rise from the grave just to haunt me for no good reason. Cutter spares no detail and allows us readers to experience the psychological warfare that Luke is experiencing in the world's worse place on earth.

Before I give the whole book away I must say I enjoyed The Deep very much. There were no dull moments. It's cabin fever at its height, mixed with a bit of horror, with a side of paranormal activity. One man's journey to the deep blue assures me my place is on dry land.   ****

Copy provided by Simon & Schuster via Netgalley

Review: No Fortunate Son by Brad Taylor

The secret's out that after reading the last 2? or 3? Brad Taylor books, I'm kinda hooked. When I need a book that I can quickly escape into, and get lost in I turn to books like this with bad-ass characters who you wouldn't want to be caught with a knife in their gunfight with. Yes Pike Logan is da man. He traipse the globe with his team of other bad-asses named the Taskforce. They are a super secret group that only the top guys in Washington know about. Their missions are usually to save those who have no idea what type of danger their really in. 

One huge glaring difference in No Fortunate Son is that Pike doesn't have his team. After the actions he took in his last adventure (Days of Rage
What's the current situation? I'm glad you asked. A slew of Irish terrorists kidnap children of men in power such as the Vice President's son, and the Secretary of Defense... so on and so forth. And this is where things get interesting and falter a little bit.

Taylor ropes in his readers with action that doesn't cease but when I look back, I see a lot of holes that I just didn't come together in the end. One major idea is that potentially the US doesn't care if a bunch of nobodies die so it makes more sense to take someone a lot closer to home. That was fine and dandy. But eventually, there's talk that something the kidnapped may know that can be used a potential leverage. That never really comes into fruition. I don't know... but I never really felt these plot twists were used to their full potential or seen through.

Besides my little plot gripes I will continue to read more Brad Taylor novels and follow Pike Logan to the ends of the Earth because I know he will save me from any bad guy there. He's still haunted by the deaths of his wife and daughter enough to make him an interesting character that is worth liking in all his bad-assery. Overall, fans of this series won't be disappointed and potential fans of this series, be warned that one crazy thrill-ride will ensue upon opening No Fortunate Son.  ***

Copy Provided by Penguin Group Dutton via Netgalley

Review: Die Again by Tess Gerritsen

Tess Gerritsen is back with another Rizzoli and Isles crime thriller spanning all the way across the bush in Botswana where there is a killer more sinister than the hunting leopard. Die Again tells the story of an adventure in Africa turned nightmare. A group of people travel into the bush in order to get a closer look at what it means to live in the wild. Before long, they become hunted, and it ain't by no lions or tigers.

Six years later, Rizolli and Isles are called to an horrific crime scene where a world renowned taxidermist, Leon Gott, is gutted similarly to the way big game is done. But his remains are not all they find. Before long, the investigation leads them to the bush, where six years earlier, a group of tourists disappeared. Or did they? Mwahahahaaaa...

Anyway, I have been a fan of Tess Gerritsen's work for a long time. She has a way of writing suspenseful, yet informative novels that refuse to let go. These novels are descriptive, especially when it comes to the human body or autopsy scenes. Gerritsen is a doctor, so expect to be amazed... or at least a little grossed out. Once I begin one of her books, it's not an option not to finish it. Die Again is no different. 

Although I'm a huge fan of Gerritsen's, I'm still able to read all her novel's objectively. How? Do you ask? Because she can afford to have an honest review or two. My honesty will not make or break her. When Die Again starts, it's clear that we are not trudging along the mean streets of Boston. It is actually a narrative. A really good narrative that brings to life the Botswana bush and invigorates the senses. It is here Gerritsen proves how well she writes. The animals come to life, the character's senses are heightened, and the sense of tension is palpable. I could have stayed in those moments forever.

Sadly, Gerritsen didn't give much attention to detail on the Boston side of things. I want to believe it's because followers of this series don't need too much detail. Detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles need no introduction. For those of us familiar with them, they need no introduction. For others living under a rock, they may want to steer clear of reading this without first checking out prior works in this series. They will be doing themselves a favor.

The one other thing I noticed that kinda made my gears grind was how chick-litish the book really was. When they weren't talking about the perp who is haunting his prey, the characters are talking love, romance, nonsensical things that have no bearing on a crime thriller. I know it's been a while since I've read any books in this series, but were they always so soft? Even bad-ass Rizzoli seemed less... bad-ass.

Anyway, besides my one major gripe, Die Again comes highly recommended. I enjoyed reading every page. Tess Gerritsen always manages to make the tension real enough to feel. I look forward to hunting down the next Gerritsen novel. ****

Copy provided by Random House via Netgalley

Review: Saving Grace by Jane Green

I tend to like novels by Jane Green. Most chick-lit is uncomplicated and full of women who fawn over men they think are usually out of their league. These women tend to be unassuming, befuddled, insecure, and annoying. Although Green's novels are always well-written and entertaining, her main heroine, Grace Chapman, holds at least a few of those qualities.

Grace Chapman has the picture perfect life. She's married to a successful author, has a beautiful, talented daughter, and a knack for creating the perfect dish. The only problem is that these things are all not true. Her life isn't as perfect as it may seem. In fact her life isn't as perfect as she would even like to think it is.

From the beginning, there is tension on every page. As the narrator describes Ted Chapman, Grace's husband, it's almost certain where the pages will lead in this book. Instead, Green totally changes the course and doesn't go with such a predictable plot, and brings us instead more of a cautionary tale. Actually, two cautionary tales. 

Without giving too much away, Grace and Ted are in need of a personal assistant when Beth falls into their laps. She's perfect. Beth is able to help Grace with her household duties, as well as calm the storm that is Ted. But... there's just something about her Grace can't quite put her finger on. Something that just isn't right. 

Before long Grace is questioning everything about her life, her husband, and this Godsend. This is when the second cautionary tale comes in to play. It's in reference to the American need to label all things and all people.

Because I must have a gripe with almost every novel, I think what was most annoying about this novel was Grace. I know that most women in these novels are supposed to be a little annoying. They ignore signs that any blind person can see. They make dumb moves and almost always base their worth on a men. Grace is no different. She's absolutely draining because she's so weak. I guess that's the point. No one can save us but ourselves. 

Saving Grace is an interesting novel that will leave readers more aware of who they welcome into their lives and homes and running from their own truths. Jane Green always manages to reel me in with her writing and absolute need to finish the story. I am compelled to see it to the end no matter how much I like or dislike her characters. One other plus about this book is that it has recipes. Recipes are huge for a lot of women... so please, by all means, this book is for you.   ***

Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via netgalley

Review: Because She Loves Me by Mark Edwards

I am hovering between a 2 and 3-star rating. My initial reasoning for the 2-star rating is based on the fact that Because She Loves Me by Mark Edwards is the just like every other novel based on obsessive love connections.

Everyone knows the type of story I'm referring to. Boy meets insatiable girl who warps his mind with sex, more sex, better sex, and even better sex. He's so wrapped up in this woman's love (and legs) that he can't see straight and that's besides the fact he's initially dealing with problems with his eyes. He refuses to see that strange things are happening. Items are missing from his home, friends are having scary encounters, and words of wisdom from weird kooks don't dissuade this guy, Andrew, from ignoring all the signs that things aren't right with Charlie.

The reason I decided to go with the 3-star rating is because this book wasn't entirely awful. We observe what it's like to be so overcome with someone else. We ignore their jealous rages to the point of finding them to be endearing. We even make excuses for all the unexplainable bad luck we've been having since meeting that person. All for the sake of love and keeping it. Thank God I haven't been there.

My other reason behind the 3-star rating is that Because She Loves Me is just so damn entertaining. Sure, the characters are a little thin, the plot is a lot predictable, and the hero is a complete dummy, I was still totally entertained. That's essentially the point of psychological thrillers. To be entertained and thank your lucky stars she doesn't love you.  ***

Copy provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley