Culprits is a crime anthology centered around a band of professional criminals who pull off a career heist. The short stories each follow a member of Culprits is a crime anthology centered around a band of professional criminals who pull off a career heist. The short stories each follow a member of the crew in the aftermath of the opening stanza which introduces the characters and sees them execute their plan.
There's some top talent in crime fiction contributing to this well paced and plotted anthology including David Corbett, Zoe Sharp, and Gary Phillips to name a few. Each bringing a unique perspective to the fallout.
I really liked the structure of this anthology and consistency in the way the characters are portrayed throughout. While the number of characters is initially hard to follow, each is clearly defined by their role and individual circumstance following in the aftermath of the heist.
My rating: 4/5 stars, I was looking forwarding to reading Culprits and wasn't let down. This book has appeal to both readers of long and shorter forms of crime fiction.
Merged review:
Culprits is a crime anthology centered around a band of professional criminals who pull off a career heist. The short stories each follow a member of the crew in the aftermath of the opening stanza which introduces the characters and sees them execute their plan.
There's some top talent in crime fiction contributing to this well paced and plotted anthology including David Corbett, Zoe Sharp, and Gary Phillips to name a few. Each bringing a unique perspective to the fallout.
I really liked the structure of this anthology and consistency in the way the characters are portrayed throughout. While the number of characters is initially hard to follow, each is clearly defined by their role and individual circumstance following in the aftermath of the heist.
My rating: 4/5 stars, I was looking forwarding to reading Culprits and wasn't let down. This book has appeal to both readers of long and shorter forms of crime fiction....more
A vampiric tale circa 1857 in which blood flows just as freely as the water on the river to which the steam boats race.
The graphic novel adaptation ofA vampiric tale circa 1857 in which blood flows just as freely as the water on the river to which the steam boats race.
The graphic novel adaptation of the original prose has some nice art but is hampered by predominantly indistinguishable generic-looking characters. Marsh, Joshua and a small group others aside, most share a likeness which made it difficult to follow what was actually happening and to whom. The story is moody, hauntingly atmospheric, and violent, yet the art didn’t do it justice.
My rating: 3/5, I’d suggest picking up the prose opposed to the graphic novel. Strong story which lacked the desired complimentary art – mood was too light and the character renditions too same-same....more
Marvel's Black Widow is one of the more mysterious and complex characters in the publisher's large catalog of heroes and villains, and while Forever RMarvel's Black Widow is one of the more mysterious and complex characters in the publisher's large catalog of heroes and villains, and while Forever Red goes some ways to delving into her rich backstory, the book largely centers around a couple of teens with unexpected ties to Romanoff.
Author Margaret Stohl captures the essence of the character to perfection, so much so, that Forever Red could easily be a short cinematic experience with all the action and espionage trappings. Coupled with two new characters in Ava and Alex and a consistent frenetic pace, the story never looses traction.
My rating: A solid 3.5/5. I would've rated Forever Red much higher had the story been more Romanoff-centric, which in a way, it was, just not to the extent I had hoped. Definitely work checking out if you're a Marvel fan. ...more
"She was a beautiful blonde and she was in trouble. Usually, that's all I need to know. When your name is Mike Hammer, certain things are expected of "She was a beautiful blonde and she was in trouble. Usually, that's all I need to know. When your name is Mike Hammer, certain things are expected of you."
Tricked into meeting a client in the proverbial lions den of mafia land, Mike Hammer's long overdue return to the graphic novel medium sees the perennial private eye come face to face with death - the long one.
Whilst Hammer has been portrayed in comics and newspaper strips previously, the Titan Comics / Hard Case Crime collaboration freshens up the hard man for the modern day audience and the results are largely positive.
In trademark Hammer fashion, the PI falls for a damsel in distress (in this case, Helen Venn), while his secretary with extras, Vera, becomes embedded in the story both as a victim and heroine. The linear nature of the story makes for an easy and entertaining read.
The trade paperback collection also features two short stories entitled Trouble... Come And Get It, and Killer's Turn which, whilst not featuring Mike Hammer, are a nice addition for long time Spillane readers.
My rating: 4/5 stars. Not as hard edged as some of the prose novels yet still captures that tried and true Mike Hammer feel. I hope we see more of the perennial PI in this medium....more
Gothic horror infused fantasy, accessible to both readers familiar with the characters and planes (Avacyn and Innistrad feature respectively) of MagicGothic horror infused fantasy, accessible to both readers familiar with the characters and planes (Avacyn and Innistrad feature respectively) of Magic the Gathering and those new to the table-top gaming lore.
Introducing new characters (those not previously featured in Magic the Gather lore in card/other formats), Tacenda and Davriel gives author Brandon Sanderson an established but new playground to explore and expand upon and he does it in a captivating and entertaining way.
Using the shorter length prose of a novella ensures each chapter progresses the story, be it character development, backstory, or pure action (of which there is plenty).
My rating: 5/5 stars. This was the first time I'd read anything by Brandon Sanderson and it certainty won't be the last....more
The Roman standard is missing, lost in a failed battle in the Germanic forest of Tottenwald and the Emperor of Rome, Nero, fears a revolt is at hand. The Roman standard is missing, lost in a failed battle in the Germanic forest of Tottenwald and the Emperor of Rome, Nero, fears a revolt is at hand. The standard symbolizes the solidarity and strength of the mighty Roman empire - without it, both Nero and the spirit of Rome are lost.
In search of answers and the missing artifacts, Nero enlists the services of the world first detective, Antonius Axia, and famous female gladiator Achillia. Together they set out, not to Germany, but to Egypt, in search of a Roman solider who may hold the key to the standards' disappearance.
The third installment in the Britannia series, much like the second volume, continues to move away from the supernatural theme introduced in the first volume, and more into the traditional detective/mystery genre. Whilst not a bad thing, I was hoping for Lost Eagle of Rome to return to the formula which made the first volume so enjoyable.
It was great to see Achillia return. The strong female lead from volume two is an excellent addition to the broader Valiant universe and her character generally meshes well with Axia. That said, author Peter Milligan seemed to confuse her attraction or lack thereof with Axia on a few occasions which made a few scenes read out of character. I hope this is revisited in future installments.
Robert Gill was the artist on Lost Eagle of Rome, a departure from the previous artist but you wouldn't know it - 5/5, a perfect compliment to the story.
Overall I rate this a solid 3.5 stars. Interesting characters and a nice story which lends itself to further exploration. ...more
The first volume of Snotgirl was great. Not only did it establish a likable yet flawed character in Lottie Person, but it also established an element The first volume of Snotgirl was great. Not only did it establish a likable yet flawed character in Lottie Person, but it also established an element of mystery and violence, particularly in the later stages of volume one.
Volume two, California Screaming is a major let down. The story largely centers around Lottie's ex, Sunny Day, Lottie's girl-crush and infatuation, Caroline,, and Charlene, the young woman from the previous installment who took a header off a rooftop. While, on the surface, the story has a lot of sub plots to work with, the graphic novel is largely non-eventful and at times tedious.
My rating: 2/5. The art is great as per the first volume, but the story is lacking substance and execution. I don't think I'll return to the world of Lottie again following this outing. ...more
Unnatural echoes sentiments of Black Mirror with elements of real-world totalitarian plausibility exemplified through birth and mating control, as welUnnatural echoes sentiments of Black Mirror with elements of real-world totalitarian plausibility exemplified through birth and mating control, as well as overtaxing those few who dare to be different, stretching the populace into poverty.
While this all consuming and thought provoking story draws comparison to current day events and spotlights the strength of diversity, it's a fun and wholly entertaining light erotica with fantastical elements which steadily build each chapter into an epic crescendo of violence and the other-worldly.
The protagonist, Leslie Blair, is a pig girl, who dreams of a wolf-man lover; something forbidden in this animalistic world where its citizens are made to procreate with 'their kind', if not on their own accord, then at the hands of a Government controlled match-making service called Real Love, a subsidiary of the Reproduction Program Office.
Unsure as to why she's constantly at the mercy of these 'unnatural' dreams, Leslie confines in her roommate, Trish for support, seeking method to the madness.
What follows neither of the young women sees coming - and certainty not this reader.
My rating: 5/5 stars. Unnatural is a great read complimented by some stunning art. Over the course of the 4-issue volume, the graphic novel establishes a new world, concept, characters, and a heartbreaking backstory while setting up the next installment. I can't wait to read volume 2....more
Despite the hefty page count, Matthew Reilly's books are super quick reads loaded with pure adrenaline - and the latest installment in the Jack West JDespite the hefty page count, Matthew Reilly's books are super quick reads loaded with pure adrenaline - and the latest installment in the Jack West Jr. series is no different.
Whereas the previous book, The Four Legendary Kingdoms focused primarily on a single location, Hades, The Three Secret Cities marks a return to West's globetrotting adventures as he and his loyal friends attempt to save the world once more from certain doom.
By completing a complex set of ancient puzzles across multiple continents, the returning adventure-based action theme prominent in previous books proves to be a winner yet again.
My rating: 4/5, sure some of the action sequences felt a little repetitive at times and Jack West Jr. seems to have superhuman healing and fighting abilities but that's part of the fun with these books. They're well researched and loaded with manic action to provide a great form of escapism. I can't wait for The Two something something! ...more
More Bosch than Ballard, Dark Sacred Night teams up Michael Connelly's longtime protagonist with his latest to create a well balanced and entertainingMore Bosch than Ballard, Dark Sacred Night teams up Michael Connelly's longtime protagonist with his latest to create a well balanced and entertaining police procedural bathed in the darkness of LA's nighttime underworld.
Bosch has a case which haunts him; the murder of an underage prostitute he's never been able to solve. The case eats away at him. Every day he's reminded of his failure, in part due to the dead prostitutes mother who shares his personal residence - their relationship purely platonic.
Ballard, perennial member of the 'late show' aka the night shift in LA's police department, catches cases only to throw them to other detectives when the sun comes up. There's a decent smattering of small time cases for her wade through in Dark Sacred Night but it's when her world and Bosch's collide, do things get really interesting.
I enjoyed Dark Sacred Night. Personally, I was hoping for some more Ballard-based books; the character does well to hold her own without the need for a heavy hitter to push the book into 'best-selling territory' but Connolly makes the duo work; their chemistry is natural and the multi-POV methodology fits seamless into the narrative (this made more apparent with the changing narrators in the audio version).
My rating: 4/5 stars. Dark Sacred Night has a decent plot at its core complimented by enjoyable supplementary cases the two protagonists find themselves entangled. Bonus points for reading perfectly well as a standalone in its own right. ...more
Michael Hendricks is a former army vet long presumed dead who now makes a lucrative living from murdering hit men who target seeming innocent men at tMichael Hendricks is a former army vet long presumed dead who now makes a lucrative living from murdering hit men who target seeming innocent men at the bequest of the mob. It's a tough gig but Hendricks' skills and training have made him perfect for the path he's so violently paved for himself.
In The Killing Kind, we're introduced to Hendricks and a host of bit-characters who fleet in and out of the story (sometimes altogether after a backstory and present tense scene) which makes it difficult to really connect with any one character, although Charlie, the cop on Hendricks' trail grew on me towards the later stages of the book.
The story is pretty much what you'd expect from a thriller / hit man novel with plenty of action (the casino scene is especially well written) and lots of lives thrown away in a hail of bullets. What dampens the story is the somewhat disjointed feel of the book overall. Is this meant to be about Hendricks/the mob/Charlie/or the hit man hired to hunt Hendricks? Too much switching back and forth between characters for no real reason makes it a little uninteresting at times.
My rating: 3/5 stars. I much prefer Max Allan Collins' Quarry novels for my hit man fix but The Killing Kind is a decent enough thriller, I just wish the story stuck to Hendricks rather than introducing elements which detracted from the plot....more
It was always little things that unlocked the blackout doors. Details... the lipstick makes him remember a smile. The smile leads to a voice...then a It was always little things that unlocked the blackout doors. Details... the lipstick makes him remember a smile. The smile leads to a voice...then a face. And that's how Charlie realized whose house he'd woken up in...right before he found her lying dead on the living room floor.
Bars, blackouts, limelight and lowlifes. The Fade Out is A-grade noir set in the Hollywood's golden era of film, where stars shone their brightest and studio cover-ups were commonplace - it was a time where murder was more hindrance than heinous .
When screenwriter Charlie Parish stumbled upon starlet Valeria Sommers lifeless body less than twenty feet from where he was sleeping off 'the night before' in a bathtub, his first thought was to cover his tracks, his second thought, was the studio, the third - panic, for last night was drowned out in a watery wall of booze.
What follows is a murder mystery, a studio cover-up to make Sommers' untimely death a suicide, and the introduction of a bunch of seedy bit players all with something to gain by ignoring the murder.
The only thing holding The Fade Out (Act One) back is the incomplete ending. Rather than tying loose ends, the story progressively evolves as the fictitious Hollywood branches out into new character side stories - each interesting enough but given this arc ran for 4 issues, the core plot element is largely left unresolved.
A brief note on the art: Fantastic, moody, perfectly captures the essence of noir soaked Hollywood.
My rating: 4/5 stars. As mentioned early, The Fade Out (Act One) lacks a conclusion and fails to deliver a single cohesive and self contained story, rather, continuing to build an elaborate and intrinsically linked cast of characters with backstories as dark as the back-alleys they deal. I loved this story arc, but think it would've been better with an extra issue or two, conceptually - 5/5....more
A conglomerate of the wealthy controlling worldwide drug trafficking, politics, and banking interests known as The Twelve is threatened when a EuropeaA conglomerate of the wealthy controlling worldwide drug trafficking, politics, and banking interests known as The Twelve is threatened when a European underworld faction muscles in on their trade. In response, they dispatch a lethal killer known only by her handle; Villanelle, to take care of the problem. Unbeknownst to The Twelve, Villanelle's bloody footprint will be closely followed by an industrious MI5 agent, Eve, commencing a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Codename Villanelle is a fast, action-orientated thriller which spans multiple continents, switching POV's between the deadly antagonist and the determined protagonist to provide a well rounded story showcasing both sides of the equation.
My rating: 4/5 stars. This is the first in a new series featuring Villanelle and establishes the character really well; balancing out the backstory amid the present day setting while maintaining a frenetic momentum throughout. With the episodic-like action sequences well executed and engaging cast of characters, this series looks to be a winner. ...more
Eli Ever has the power to regenerate; he doesn't die and he doesn't age. Victor Vale has the power to hurt, to turn people into living puppets he can Eli Ever has the power to regenerate; he doesn't die and he doesn't age. Victor Vale has the power to hurt, to turn people into living puppets he can bend to his will - at least physically. The two resume hostilities in an wholly entertaining and enthralling story.
Vengeful picks up where Viscous left off, so if you've not read that book, you'll be a little lost here.
Continuing to build upon the superhero mythos introduced in the previous installment, Vengeful expands on the extra-ordinary characters (EO's) to give the book an added layer of depth. One character in particular, June, a shape-shifter, is perhaps one of the best characters in the book. I love the way V.E. Schwab is able to introduce a new character while also providing significant backstory that doesn't detract from the core plot.
Spanning multiple timelines yet maintaining a cohesive narrative, Vengeful is well plotted and wholly addictive. I hope we see a lot more books set in this interesting and diverse fictional landscape, V.E. Schwab has so deftly crafted.
Isaiah Quintabe (aka IQ) can be likened to a modern day Sherlock Holmes, such is his superior intellect and heightened powers of deduction which are cIsaiah Quintabe (aka IQ) can be likened to a modern day Sherlock Holmes, such is his superior intellect and heightened powers of deduction which are comparable to the renowned PI of early crime fiction. While his sidekick, Dodson isn't quite Sherlock's Watson, he's a great character and a perfect fit for IQ; both in his ability to help (and at times hinder) an investigation while also providing a humorous outlet for the often dire situations the duo find themselves in.
In Wrecked, the third IQ novel, author Joe Ide dumb downs IQ a little which casts the urban sleuth in a new light; showcasing his insecurities and vulnerabilities, which ultimately transforms the character into something more real-world. His struggles and failures are gains for the reader and the supporting cast who pay a more pivotal role in the plot (this being Dodson, Gloria, and the bad guys).
Wrecked reads perfectly well as standalone but is much better with the added context of the previous novels in IQ and Righteous.
My rating: 5/5 stars. This series continues to grow from strength to strength. Highly recommended. ...more
Budgsy Seagal's murder, mobsters, hollywood, and crime, in fine fiction.
Jonathan Craine, the former Hollywood movie 'fixer' returns in the follow-up tBudgsy Seagal's murder, mobsters, hollywood, and crime, in fine fiction.
Jonathan Craine, the former Hollywood movie 'fixer' returns in the follow-up to The Pictures to face off against FBI agents, mobsters, and greedy casino owners.
Set some 8 years after the events of the preceding novel, Craine has set up shop on a rural property in California with his son. The peace and tranquility is soon spoiled when a gun toting mobster flies in and crashes Craine's life.
Force to do the mob's bidding, Craine must find Bugsy Siegel's killer before his own son joins the mobster in death.
The Syndicate is fast-paced, violent, and full of action. A worthy successor to The Pictures.
There's a lot of facts intertwined in this clever fiction which readers familiar with the era will appreciate.
My rating: 5/5. I can't wait to see where author Guy Bolton takes Craine and co. next. ...more
I liked the concept of this series but I struggled to understand what actually happened in the third installment. There were too many characters and tI liked the concept of this series but I struggled to understand what actually happened in the third installment. There were too many characters and too many sequences with long winded dialogue which didn’t progress the story in any meaningful way, to appreciate the extensive world building and finer aspects of the book.
Whilst I believe some of my confusion was due to having listened to the audio version (which clocked in at over 22hrs), the constant flickering of characters in and out of the core narrative detracted from what was a decent enough revenge-like fueled military sci-fi.
Just fails the pass mark for me – 2/5 stars. ...more
There's just something about a Jason Starr novel that separates his writing from the rest. Be it the personal narrative surrounding his characters, thThere's just something about a Jason Starr novel that separates his writing from the rest. Be it the personal narrative surrounding his characters, the easily plausible accidental murder of his killers, or the intense family centered dynamic - all of it jells just right to form a unique blue-collar domestic noir - with a twist.
Fugitive Red is perhaps one of the best yet.
Jack Harper is a struggling New York real estate agent, married to Maria, a successful corporate worker. Their son Jonah is the glue which keeps them together.
When Jack shows an apartment to a former band buddy, his thoughts of a bountiful commission give way to the lure of infidelity. Jack's onetime friend plants the seed of escaping the daily marriage grind by indulging in internet hookups - specifically, hookups for unhappily married people.
The first time is the last time for Jack as his life spirals out of control after finding the woman going by the internet handle 'Fugitive Red' naked and very dead at their designated meet-up spot.
Prime suspect, deadbeat husband, homeless, and attempted kidnapper are just some of the labels he dons during the course of the novel - but nothing is worse than the twist which turns everything on its head.
My rating: 5/5 stars. I can't recommend this book highly enough....more
The expanded adaptation of the feature film, Solo, provides added depth to the first Stars Wars heist-like film, broadening an already entertaining stThe expanded adaptation of the feature film, Solo, provides added depth to the first Stars Wars heist-like film, broadening an already entertaining story and immersing the reader in the ever expanding Star Wars universe.
Without giving away spoilers, we learn more of Qi'ra's difficult time having being sold to slavers and ending up in the criminal gang Crimson Dawn in between leaving and being reunited with Han Solo. While also getting some character perspective to the action orientated scenes during Solo's time as a member of the Empire.
The plot is pretty straight forward and ties in nicely with the original trilogy feel. The early Han Solo is a little less battle hardened and tends to rely more on luck than wit but all the hallmarks of the character he eventually becomes are there.
Both Lando and Beckett were key cogs in the film, however in the novelization, they read as bit players with Lando providing little more than a cameo - a stark contrast to how I felt after watching the film. Perhaps this is more about the way I read the characters rather than the majority.
I'd rate Solo smack bang in the middle of the unofficial Solo trilogy of books with Most Wanted as easily the best book and Last Shot rounding out the three.
My rating: 4.5/5. Chances are, you'll enjoy the book if you enjoyed the film. Without having previously seen the locales and characters on the big screen, I think the novelization would've felt a little less polished, the kessel run in particular. That said, I enjoyed the added depth the book provided and would easily recommend this to fans of the Disney Cannon....more
'The world is mired in lies, chaos and darkness, mate.'...'You're a bringer of truth, order and light.'
'Not any more, I've had enough.'
The fourth book'The world is mired in lies, chaos and darkness, mate.'...'You're a bringer of truth, order and light.'
'Not any more, I've had enough.'
The fourth book in the Cato Kwong crime series goes beyond the thin blue line of crime fiction and delves deep into the personal lives of its characters to provide not only a well written police procedural, but a book that humanizes the darker elements unlawful acts have on those who serve and protect as well as their loved ones.
Immediately the thing that sticks out about Heaven Sent is the connection the author has with the characters who traverse the streets of Fremantle, Western Australia, on either side of the law; Kwong is complex and not without his flaws. He's instantly likable and a well defined character, his actions often to the detriment of his family but the betterment of the Fremantle public. While, the elusive murderer who taunts police in a macabre game of cat and mouse is omnipresent, growing more dramatic and menacing with each chapter.
The place-setting and pacing are on point, with each murder adding a notch of intensity to Kwong's plight; take down the serial killer who targets the homeless and taunts the police.
Throw in an interesting journalistic angle and some beefy side plots and Heaven Sent becomes one meaty read that doesn't disappoint.
My rating: 5/5 stars. Despite being the fourth book in the series, Heaven Sent is easily accessible to new readers, that said, I definitely want to check out the earlier books given how much I enjoyed this one. Highly recommend....more
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