For a book set one month after a mother recovers her missing/kidnapped daughter there is surprisingly little to no mention of, or interaction with saiFor a book set one month after a mother recovers her missing/kidnapped daughter there is surprisingly little to no mention of, or interaction with said daughter.
Other than that it was alright, didn't really touch on the huge upheaval that must have gone on in the convent/stadium but I guess it was just a little bridging novella after all.
Merged review:
For a book set one month after a mother recovers her missing/kidnapped daughter there is surprisingly little to no mention of, or interaction with said daughter.
Other than that it was alright, didn't really touch on the huge upheaval that must have gone on in the convent/stadium but I guess it was just a little bridging novella after all....more
I was provided this book free of charge by the author for reviewing purposes.
The blurb of this book sounded quite wacky and fun, so when offered the cI was provided this book free of charge by the author for reviewing purposes.
The blurb of this book sounded quite wacky and fun, so when offered the chance to review it I thought it would be a fun read, and I can now say that my initial impressions from the blurb were not in any way wrong.
It's an enjoyable lighthearted book that doesn't take itself too seriously, David Zelig has been wronged and decides he's sick of being at the wrong end of peoples anger and discrimination, so he decides to start his own secret society. Yet he's not really sure how one goes about that, so he picks up some old propaganda material and tries to use it for a guide, then tries looking on the dark web were he stumbles into another secret society. From here it's a fun rabbit's hole of entertaining antics as this secret society isn't at all what he expected, and he and his friends then picked up by the FBI to infiltrate this secret society, upon which they find out there's yet another secret society seemingly at war with the former one.
Overall, it was quite an enjoyable book and I think I shall now be looking at some of the authors other books as this was good.
Merged review:
I was provided this book free of charge by the author for reviewing purposes.
The blurb of this book sounded quite wacky and fun, so when offered the chance to review it I thought it would be a fun read, and I can now say that my initial impressions from the blurb were not in any way wrong.
It's an enjoyable lighthearted book that doesn't take itself too seriously, David Zelig has been wronged and decides he's sick of being at the wrong end of peoples anger and discrimination, so he decides to start his own secret society. Yet he's not really sure how one goes about that, so he picks up some old propaganda material and tries to use it for a guide, then tries looking on the dark web were he stumbles into another secret society. From here it's a fun rabbit's hole of entertaining antics as this secret society isn't at all what he expected, and he and his friends then picked up by the FBI to infiltrate this secret society, upon which they find out there's yet another secret society seemingly at war with the former one.
Overall, it was quite an enjoyable book and I think I shall now be looking at some of the authors other books as this was good....more
Until reading The Bromance Book Club the other day, I had never read a romance novel, despite having read over 1,500+ books of other genres since I stUntil reading The Bromance Book Club the other day, I had never read a romance novel, despite having read over 1,500+ books of other genres since I started keeping count. What can I say? I feel like I've been missing out as that was a great book, and somehow Undercover Bromance improve on what was already a great book and made for an excellent read.
If you're a bloke like I was who has never read a romance book, you'll be doing yourself a favour if you pick up one of these. You could read this one without reading the first, but you'll definitely have greater appreciation for the characters if you do read the first, so I would recommend reading it beforehand for the best reading experience.
At it's core this novel is a story of overcoming adversity, and the characters and circumstances are well written. It's enthralling, at times you get a giggle, at times you get a tear in your eye like when one of the characters talks about their past, at other times you find yourself cheering for them.
It's just one of those light but really good books you stumble across every now and again. I feel like I'm a romance genre convert now....more
As a bloke who doesn't read romance novels I was intrigued by this book when I saw the glowing reviews. At its core its a story of a husband working tAs a bloke who doesn't read romance novels I was intrigued by this book when I saw the glowing reviews. At its core its a story of a husband working to save his marriage through being roped into being romance novels by his friends in a book club type set up where his friends decided to help him save his marriage by working on himself with the aid of said books.
It's quite a good read and actually has some good advice in there for husbands and for relationships in general, I can say it was an enjoyable book and dare say I might even be open to reading this genre in the future....more
The Peacemaker, written in 1947 and set in 1960 is a near future novel (which is now has become historical fiction with the passing of 80 years reallyThe Peacemaker, written in 1947 and set in 1960 is a near future novel (which is now has become historical fiction with the passing of 80 years really) that depicts a multi-millionaire tycoon's efforts to prevent the world from falling into another devastating world war.
To do this he steps away from the helm of his corporation and disappears to the Antarctic where he assembles a team to build several units of what is essentially now known as an intercontinental ballistic missile. His scheme is faces some adversity with conflict with ex-Nazis hired to work in the remote factory/laboratory, however his large scale scheme does unfold utilising fear of a Martian invasion to incentivise the various countries of the world to unite in common purpose and form a World Government.
I feel like conspiracy theorists would really appreciate this novel, possibly using it as proof that such plots really have been thought of and are underway (cough UN Agenda 21 nonsense). At any rate, the story and book itself is really quite enjoyable and comes with an interesting authors note that the story was originally formed 4 years after Hitler's rise to power, yet before World War 2 unfolded. Making the events relating to the Nazi characters rather thought provoking as to if the author changed the course of such characters when writing was finalised in 1945 before publishing in 1947, or if it was always the case that Germany would have lost the war in the novel.
In closing, great book, worth a look if you can actually find a copy, it seems rather rare and I had the luck of stumbling across a good condition first edition still with an unmolested dust jacket....more
This is a fast paced thriller, a twisted story of revenge where one man seeks to address the perceived wrongs done to his daughter after she runs downThis is a fast paced thriller, a twisted story of revenge where one man seeks to address the perceived wrongs done to his daughter after she runs down a mother and child whilst high on drugs and is sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Initially you're glued to the pages trying to work out precisely what is going on, then as the story unfolds you're glued to the pages trying to work out who is doing it to the doctor and why, then everything becomes clear and it becomes a race to free his daughter before any harm is done to her.
Overall, whilst not character rich, it's certainly the type of book that will have you wanting to read just a few more pages before bed. Would recommend if you're after a fast crime thriller....more
I read this without having read any prior books in the series, and as such it doesn't do all that well as a stand alone book with many references to vI read this without having read any prior books in the series, and as such it doesn't do all that well as a stand alone book with many references to various prior events, only rather than refreshers they're quite hollow references which leave the stand alone reader a little puzzled. The continual sadness Kay feels over the dead Benson is one such instance where the circumstances of his death aren't readily apparent.
Regardless, it was an entertainingly gory book with a mysterious serial killer who likes to nibble on his victims and leaves odd long blonde hairs behind. For the pace of the novel, I felt things wrapped up rather abruptly and would have preferred a more comprehensive resolution than the rather sudden ending that was written.
Overall, it wasn't bad just seemed more like a written to contract punched out for money rather than the passion of telling a story, like it was a book geared to a particular audience that will buy it for the name on the spine....more
I picked this up unaware it was part of a series, apparently being the third book in the series, however that being said reading the book out of orderI picked this up unaware it was part of a series, apparently being the third book in the series, however that being said reading the book out of order I didn't feel it was missing any elements that detracted from the reading experience. There's enough background of each character and their present circumstances for the book to stand on its own, although there are call backs to prior events that do make you aware something has gone before, but not to the detriment of the narrative.
Overall, it was a decent serial killer book, set around a mental hospital and events of the past. There's some romance/sex scenes there that seem targeted towards the female audience yet not to the point of derailing the story as you would find in some men-writing-women books.
Would recommend for readers who are fans of crime and serial killer novels....more
The 27th Day is a classic 1950s science fiction novel written with distinct cold war influences.
Set in the late 1950s, aliens abduct five humans and The 27th Day is a classic 1950s science fiction novel written with distinct cold war influences.
Set in the late 1950s, aliens abduct five humans and provide each of them with a box, only they can open, which contains 3 golden capsules which can be used to exterminate humanity. They're told that they have 27 days in which to choose to use them, or not use them, and if at the end of that period more than 1/3 of humanity remains they will not colonise Earth. The aliens however are confident that humanity will wipe out more than 2/3rds of itself.
This was an enjoyable read, the distinct picture is painted as America essentially being the beacon of world hope, and Russia being a beacon of evil with a population brainwashed by its leaders. The Russia leader is referred to as Great Leader, which is a little amusing consider that is what North Korea's dictator likes to refer to himself as. At any rate, despite the distinct cold war background to the story, it's quite the romp.
The Time Injection written in 1968 was certainly an interesting read with an unusual plot - it's set in 2080 in England where the countryside has beenThe Time Injection written in 1968 was certainly an interesting read with an unusual plot - it's set in 2080 in England where the countryside has been abandoned with the advent of indoor farming and the population has all moved to the cities. Everyone lives on top of one another and people are becoming distant and disconnected from themselves, others and their environment.
A group of men enlist Hew Jones, who has previously been outside the walled cities, to take them on a safari trip where they will seek relief by injecting a new drug called Pelargonium which will take away their civilised instincts revert them mentally to a stone-age mindset.
Their little trip falls into disarray almost from the beginning and rapid descents into savagery and a fight for survival.
Overall, it was certainly an unexpectedly unusual story yet in it's own quaint way it was quite enjoyable. Not really anything stand out about it as at its core it is an overcoming adversity novel, just set in a unique setting and in the year 2080....more
This is a historical fiction novel set in the 20s & 30s in the interwar period leading into and including the Spanish Civil War.
If you're an aviation This is a historical fiction novel set in the 20s & 30s in the interwar period leading into and including the Spanish Civil War.
If you're an aviation fan, you'll probably love it, for those of us who aren't it's okay. There's certainly a story in there yet the start is cumbersome and slow, which becomes average towards the middle and slowly builds toward good quality reading in the last 100 or so pages.
There's a few historical figures within the novel, yet they're used more for set dressing than pivotal story moments which I found took away from the picture it was trying to paint rather than adding to it.
Overall, it was decent but if you're not into aircraft & aviation there's better historical fiction books out there to sink your teeth into....more
This is a lengthy but good legal thriller by Grisham about the death penalty, whilst it goes slow down in parts, it is a detailed story that uses everThis is a lengthy but good legal thriller by Grisham about the death penalty, whilst it goes slow down in parts, it is a detailed story that uses every page wisely to build a moving narrative on the issues surrounding the death penalty in America.
Overall, it's a rather sad book, a man full of hate gets shafted by those around him and left holding the bag for a bombing where two young children were killed, a bombing that the man never intended would kill anyone. Despite being named by an associate of the Klan, he remains faithful to his oath to never name a co-conspirator in the Klan. There's some political maneuvering and friction between partners at the law firm where the lawyer works. It's quite a sombre book all said.
I enjoyed it even if it wasn't as 'exciting' as some of Grisham's other legal thrillers....more
Whilst I was a little disappointed at the lack of legal focus in this book, it more than made up for this with its excellent structure and thrills.
EssWhilst I was a little disappointed at the lack of legal focus in this book, it more than made up for this with its excellent structure and thrills.
Essentially, a young law student floats the idea of a conspiracy behind the murder of two supreme court judges, after discarding the theory herself as too far fetched to be possible she gives it to her professor (and lover) to read, it makes its way to the FBI who then wanting to ruffle some feathers in the Whitehouse pass it up the chain. Somewhere a long the line it passes the eyes of people involved and they decide the only way to get on top of things is to kill the professor and the student, using a car bomb they manage to kill the professor and in doing so confirm that the far fetched idea is actually real beginning a series of political & law enforcement maneuverings whilst the young law student runs for her life.
Overall, it's an excellent thriller mainly focused on the student fleeing for her life, the conspiracy & cover up actions. There's next to no legal proceedings and no real courtroom action, but it's still a good book, just not that sort of book....more
Like Contact and A for Andromeda, The Cassiopeia Affair is another message-from-outer-space science fiction novel. Only rather than dealing with the aLike Contact and A for Andromeda, The Cassiopeia Affair is another message-from-outer-space science fiction novel. Only rather than dealing with the actual message as the main plot line in The Cassiopeia Affair the plot primarily revolves around the political ramifications of the message itself.
There's main parties in the novel, those that believe the message and wish to use it as a catalyst to join countries together with the common goal of improving humanity through disarmament along with implementation of structures to encourage peace. Then there's a second party mainly consisting of a doubtful scientist, his underling and a senator he ropes in to help scuttle the plans being made.
Overall, it's not a bad story, it's enjoyable and there's all the elements of humanity within - greed, distrust, power, deceit, hatred. However I was expecting it to be more science-y and less political whereas it primarily is a novel of politics revolving around the reaction to the message. ...more
Set in the 1980s during the opening stages of the Afghan-Soviet war when the Soviet Union was largely unopposed Lie Down With Lions follows the interaSet in the 1980s during the opening stages of the Afghan-Soviet war when the Soviet Union was largely unopposed Lie Down With Lions follows the interactions between two spies, one a professional, the other a sleeper.
In the start of the book the men are in France and encounter each other and the sleeper identifies the professional to the Russians so they can attempt to kill him, after this the sleeper marries a woman who the professional had been seeing and together the woman and sleeper go to Afghanistan. Unbeknownst to the woman, it is for the sleeper to spy on the Afghans and report intelligence to the Russians.
With America taking more of an interest in humiliating Russia on the world stage the professional is sent to aid the Afghans and obtain their agreement to join tribal forces in exchange for American military aid. It's here where the men encounter one another, the sleepers cover is blown and once again he fingers the professional to the Russians who move in to try and capture him as a political coup. The result? A nail biting chase through the mountains to Pakistan as the professional tries to flee with the Russians hot on his heels. There's a juicy romance sub plot to go along with that, that whilst far fetched doesn't detract from the greater story itself.
I quite enjoyed it and would recommend it for those who enjoy action/adventure and/or spy thrillers....more
Larry Carr, a reputable diamond expert, has tragedy enter his life when his fiance is killed in a horrific car accident.
He becomes slightly unhinged aLarry Carr, a reputable diamond expert, has tragedy enter his life when his fiance is killed in a horrific car accident.
He becomes slightly unhinged and is recommended by a psychiatrist to take up some unpaid work as a welfare worker to sort his head out and put his tragedy in proportion. With this change of scene, Larry becomes further unhinged and a spiral of poor decisions begins.
At 190 pages it's a fast and sweet thriller like most of Hadley Chase's books, I found it to be an enjoyable tale that was rather humorous at times in terms of Carr's bumbling criminal enterprises. There is some dated language regarding the gay characters in the book (homo, pansy, etc) however this is more a reflection of the era it was written than an prejudices on behalf of the author I felt.
Whilst this had a certain air of deja vu having similar plot elements to a Robin Cook book I had read previously (insurance companies killing expensivWhilst this had a certain air of deja vu having similar plot elements to a Robin Cook book I had read previously (insurance companies killing expensive patients to save money) there was a distinct difference in implementation of these plot elements. In Silent Treatment the story is more about the ramifications of those acts & the people involved in them, than the acts themselves.
Specifically, a friendly doctor, Harry Corbett, has his wife go in for what should be a rather run of the mill neurosurgery operation, only before she even gets to the operating theatre she dies. Blame is thrust upon Harry by a fellow doctor who had been planning to run away with his wife, and as Harry works to clear his name the situation becomes murkier than it initially appeared.
Overall, it was an excellent medical thriller that was thoroughly enjoyable with a climactic ending that wrapped the subplots up nicely. Would recommend for fans of medical thrillers, or thrillers in general....more
If you enjoy Paul Erdman, Michael Ridpath & Arthur Hailey's books on business, you will likely enjoy The Fourth Estate.
It's a fictionalised account ofIf you enjoy Paul Erdman, Michael Ridpath & Arthur Hailey's books on business, you will likely enjoy The Fourth Estate.
It's a fictionalised account of the lives of Robert Maxwell (Richard Armstrong in the book) and Rupert Murdoch (Keith Townsend in the book). Whilst being a fictionalised account some events are skimmed over, other dramatised, et cetera, it nonetheless is a compelling read that paints both men in a not particularly favourable light.
Robert Maxwell for those unaware is the father of Ghislaine Maxwell who got herself tangled up with Jeffrey Epstein - I shall let the reader decide for themselves if the lack of ethical behaviour recounted in the book reflects on the daughter of the man in any way.
At any rate, it's a good tale that illustrates the bitterness between the two men and their rather ruthless, at times unethical, business practices, as well as highlighting the illegal behaviour on the behalf of Robert Maxwell/Richard Armstrong.
Would recommend if you enjoy business novels....more
This was an unexpected pleasure to read, one of the best scifi books I've read this year along with Station Breaker, Orbital & A For Andromeda.
InvadeThis was an unexpected pleasure to read, one of the best scifi books I've read this year along with Station Breaker, Orbital & A For Andromeda.
Invader On My Back starts off a little strangely mentioning humans called Norms, Scuttlers, Stinkers & Delinks however it all soon becomes apparent that Norms are basically normal people, Scuttlers are people who can't look at the sky, Stinkers are people who other people can't stand to be around and become violent in the presence of (towards the Stinker) and Delinks are delinquents. How does this fit into the story? It's set far into the future, the figure of 400 years is mentioned so perhaps circa 2368 depending on when that 400 years begins. In this future humanity has evolved into these four distinct groups, and this story follows Craig, a stinker, who is given hired by the Police Research Institute to meet another Stinker for research purposes.
Shortly thereafter we learn there's a 5th type of evolutionary divergence happening within the population and following this Craig's research brings to light other goings on on the planet relating to the Invaders of the books title.
Whilst it's quite a short novel at 176 pages, it really is excellent and very much worth the read....more
I've read a couple of these Lucas Davenport series books by Sandford (out of order) and they've all been very good stories, even from a stand alone peI've read a couple of these Lucas Davenport series books by Sandford (out of order) and they've all been very good stories, even from a stand alone perspective for people like me who read them out of order as they find them. This one was no exception, it starts off with a murder with the perpetrator hanging the two victims naked in a tree, and from there the story develops into a bit of a twisted web.
It's quite enthralling and has the kind of pace to keep you glued to the pages up late at night continuing to read even when you really should be sleeping. I liked how everything wrapped up although I found the circumstances of the weapon used in the closing scenes didn't make logical sense, given the prior scene. But that's just a small niggle, it didn't really effect my enjoyment of the closing scene and the satisfaction it gave.
Would recommend for fans of police procedurals....more
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