Dan Brown is back with some of his best work in a while. I was not a huge fan of his last two – Inferno and The Lost Symbol. I think for me they seemeDan Brown is back with some of his best work in a while. I was not a huge fan of his last two – Inferno and The Lost Symbol. I think for me they seemed kind of stale after Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. Origin is now probably my second favorite of his (behind Angels and Demons).
Some of the key points:
Religion and Science – this is a big battle in our world today. It is an exhausting battle for someone like me who goes to church but also loves science. I worry that the feeling is starting to be that the two cannot exist together. Dan Brown does a great job of addressing this debate in this book (even though at times I was worried that it was going to end up just being another annoying commentary on the same debate)
Lead Female Characters – Brown amuses me with every new lead female character. It is always a scientist, art expert, museum curator, etc. who just so happens to be one of the top 5 most beautiful women alive (he has 5 Langdon books, each with one of those top 5 ;) )
The Dan Brown formula – I will say that each of Brown’s book has basically the same structure. A mystery starts (usually in a museum, church, famous building). Langdon meets a woman (see above). Langdon and this woman run around trying to solve the mystery. Yes, that formula is here. However, that felt okay this time. The last two books it felt like old hat – almost like he was phoning it in. But, with this one I was kind of glad to get back into the same formula and he developed the plot and suspense well.
If you like Dan Brown – I recommend this.
If you thought maybe the Langdon series had no gas left – I recommend this.
If you want an interesting, thought-provoking mystery with a lot of suspense – I recommend this.
Merged review:
Dan Brown is back with some of his best work in a while. I was not a huge fan of his last two – Inferno and The Lost Symbol. I think for me they seemed kind of stale after Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code. Origin is now probably my second favorite of his (behind Angels and Demons).
Some of the key points:
Religion and Science – this is a big battle in our world today. It is an exhausting battle for someone like me who goes to church but also loves science. I worry that the feeling is starting to be that the two cannot exist together. Dan Brown does a great job of addressing this debate in this book (even though at times I was worried that it was going to end up just being another annoying commentary on the same debate)
Lead Female Characters – Brown amuses me with every new lead female character. It is always a scientist, art expert, museum curator, etc. who just so happens to be one of the top 5 most beautiful women alive (he has 5 Langdon books, each with one of those top 5 ;) )
The Dan Brown formula – I will say that each of Brown’s book has basically the same structure. A mystery starts (usually in a museum, church, famous building). Langdon meets a woman (see above). Langdon and this woman run around trying to solve the mystery. Yes, that formula is here. However, that felt okay this time. The last two books it felt like old hat – almost like he was phoning it in. But, with this one I was kind of glad to get back into the same formula and he developed the plot and suspense well.
If you like Dan Brown – I recommend this.
If you thought maybe the Langdon series had no gas left – I recommend this.
If you want an interesting, thought-provoking mystery with a lot of suspense – I recommend this....more
Lately I feel like many of the suspense/thriller/mysteries I read are so twisty that it starts to get ridiculous. I love a gooNot bad! Not bad at all!
Lately I feel like many of the suspense/thriller/mysteries I read are so twisty that it starts to get ridiculous. I love a good twist or two, a shocking revelation or three, but not incomprehensible nonsense. With The Guest List I feel satisfaction because the level of twists and turns is just right and the magnitude of the surprises is not nonsensically bloated. Its nice to finally find one that is just right (like Goldilocks, but hopefully without the angry bears).
I was thinking 4 to 4.5 stars at first, but because this one quenched my thirst for twisty perfection, I am gonna go for 5 stars (it is my review and I can do what I want, so there!
Merged review:
Not bad! Not bad at all!
Lately I feel like many of the suspense/thriller/mysteries I read are so twisty that it starts to get ridiculous. I love a good twist or two, a shocking revelation or three, but not incomprehensible nonsense. With The Guest List I feel satisfaction because the level of twists and turns is just right and the magnitude of the surprises is not nonsensically bloated. Its nice to finally find one that is just right (like Goldilocks, but hopefully without the angry bears).
I was thinking 4 to 4.5 stars at first, but because this one quenched my thirst for twisty perfection, I am gonna go for 5 stars (it is my review and I can do what I want, so there!...more
I enjoyed this entry in the Will Trent series. I don’t remember much about the second book in the series, but I do remember I didn’t really care for iI enjoyed this entry in the Will Trent series. I don’t remember much about the second book in the series, but I do remember I didn’t really care for it as much as previous Slaughter titles so I was worried that maybe this would not be the series for me. But, with the ties back to Grant County and the uniquely bizarre mystery I was able to stay invested in this one. Also, one thing that sometimes turns me off to mysteries that did not happen with this one is that it did not seem to become intentionally convoluted and confusing. Often, I feel like authors figure if they make the mystery as confusing as possible it will constitute a good book. Or maybe I am just easily confused! ...more
I was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the facI was not sure if I would finish the Gwendy trilogy. I really liked the first book but did not care much for the second one. If it was not for the fact that this book was available on Overdrive when I was looking for something to listen to, I am not sure I would have given it a shot.
I must admit I am glad I did. It was much better than the second book and a fitting end to the story.
A mix of mystery, sci-fi, and horror; it has all the elements you love from Stephen King. His collaboration with Chizmar was very good on this and I wonder how much of it is King and how much of it is Chizmar. Something I read previously (don’t ask me to site my source because I honestly don’t remember) led me to believe this series is mostly Chizmar with King mainly serving as inspiration. I cannot say if that is truly the case, but it would make sense.
One maybe “complaint” is that this book gets very political. I didn’t used to have an issue with politics in books, but after the past few years I am exhausted by it and want my books to be an escape. You are definitely not escaping modern political opinions in this one. I am not going to focus on which side of things the politics fall in this book (I am bet all of you probably can guess which way they fall) because all of it exhausts me!
So, politics aside, it is a better book than the second one, has a good ending, and I am 100% glad I finished this adventure. Should you try the trilogy? I am not sure that I can recommend it, but I am also not sure I can discourage you. At least each of the books are short so if you get to a place you just don’t feel like it is working for you, at least you will have not committed too much time to it! ...more
Slaughter writes great flawed characters. Reading her books is like watching a reality show of people picking the worst options and doing everything tSlaughter writes great flawed characters. Reading her books is like watching a reality show of people picking the worst options and doing everything they can to ruin their relationships. To accompany those characters are some seriously scuzzy characters getting in the way. This is some scum that you will love to hate.
This story is much like the other Grant County books – so if you enjoyed those, you will like this one. Slaughter continues to shock and sometimes disgust with graphic depictions of bad behavior. But, hey, we all like to get a bit grimy when escaping into books from time to time, don’t we?
While not every book in this series or in the authors repertoire has been a hit for me, I do find some gems and enjoyable getaways. This was one that kept me interested and will help to make me keep coming back for more. ...more
The third Nora Kelly/Corrie Swanson adventure – and they are starting to accumulate quite a cast of other regulars as well! This is quickly becoming aThe third Nora Kelly/Corrie Swanson adventure – and they are starting to accumulate quite a cast of other regulars as well! This is quickly becoming another “must-read-as-the-books-are-released” series from Preston & Child.
I give this one 4.5 stars and it might be my favorite one in the series so far. Part of the reason for that is that, while the other two are good, I think it usually takes a few books for a series to get settled in. The story is very intriguing and mysterious. The plot is action packed. There is the always appreciated tongue in cheek humor.
If you like Preston & Child but haven’t started this series yet . . . you should. If you liked the first two Nora and Corrie books and are wondering if you should continue . . . you should!
Below is my summary of the book that I shared in a biddy read chat. Only click if you have read the book already or you don’t care about spoilers:
Hmmm . . . not really all that tight and interesting. It started off strong, but the twists and turns were all over the board and felt forced (and somHmmm . . . not really all that tight and interesting. It started off strong, but the twists and turns were all over the board and felt forced (and sometimes silly).
As mentioned, it started very good and the first third of the book was an interesting story that is basically completely unrelated to the rest of the book (I would give the first third 5 stars). This is sad because it was the best part and I thought it was building up to something much better than I ended up with.
I need to try some of this author’s other books as I know he has a reputation for good, twisty thrillers. But this one just didn’t do it for me, so I am sad that my first outing with Lehane was here. ...more
If you do, are you surprised when bad things happen?
A decent “bubble gum” suspense thriller. Some good tWho opens a hotel in a creepy old sanitorium?
If you do, are you surprised when bad things happen?
A decent “bubble gum” suspense thriller. Some good twists and turns but a lot of suspending reality. But, with many “bubble gum” thrillers, reality is found no where near the plot! Definitely worth a try if you are looking to escape somewhere creepy for a while.
The book appears to be setting up to be a series (with The Retreat expected in 2022). I am not sure that I was into this one enough to go out of my way to continue the series. However, I bet if I give it a try some day, I will find myself somewhat entertained . . . and that will not be a bad thing!
Side note: I have been reading a lot of Riley Sager over the past few years – I think this book will appeal to fans of Sager. ...more
This is where Poirot began! Christie’s most famous detective started his investigations (at least on paper) with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I haThis is where Poirot began! Christie’s most famous detective started his investigations (at least on paper) with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I have already read a couple of his other adventures, so I am a bit out of order. I figured it was time to go back and tackle them the way Christie intended!
This was a strong start and I can see how it appealed enough to become a series. It is fun to follow the quirky behavior and deductive reasoning of our protagonist. While it is not always easy to tell where he is going with his explanations, it all came together in the end.
Another thing this book has going for it is that the mystery was interesting, which is not always the case. A few times I read mystery stories and, while the investigation is interesting, the general plot is lackluster. But, from the moment I met the characters I was hooked. Then it only got more interesting as I learned their backgrounds, witnessed the crime, and then joined Poirot in putting the puzzle pieces together.
I am so glad I tried another classic from Christie. I think if you have any interest in mystery novels you should try Christie, and this would not be a bad place to start. ...more
This was an interesting suspense/thriller. Over the course of the book it seemed like three or four different stories. At times it was a mystery, otheThis was an interesting suspense/thriller. Over the course of the book it seemed like three or four different stories. At times it was a mystery, others it was a legal drama, but it was always keeping me on my toes. It had enough unique twists to keep it feeling fresh and creative overall. I will likely try more from this author in this series....more
I think it is important that I am upfront when writing this review about the fact that I am both in the middle of a reading slump that has been on andI think it is important that I am upfront when writing this review about the fact that I am both in the middle of a reading slump that has been on and off or month and I am in the middle of a cross-country move. I feel like it is very likely that both of these things affected how I felt about the book and my ability to focus on it. So, you might want to take my review with a grain of salt.
Key things that I felt when reading this: - I enjoyed the first Will Trent Book better. - It was a decent book, but far from my favorite Slaughter book. But, not my least favorite, either. - I do enjoy Slaughter and her characters so I will be continuing this series. - There was a lot of jumping around between characters and storylines and I got lost at a few points. - With that last bullet point, I go back to my warning paragraph and the fact that there were many distractions in my life at the time of reading so this is likely not any fault of the book or Slaughter. - Slaughter writes about pedophiles a lot. - As usual, with Slaughter, a gory thriller.
If you have enjoyed other Slaughter books you know what you are getting into here. There may be twists and turns, but no surprises with the way she writes. So, Slaughter fans can read with confidence. Those with queasy stomachs and who cannot focus may want to steer clear (in the second case, at least until you can focus!) ...more
3.5 for the story and the writing. But I had a good time with it, so 4 stars!
If you have read Hiaasen before this book will be no surpri3.5 to 4 stars
3.5 for the story and the writing. But I had a good time with it, so 4 stars!
If you have read Hiaasen before this book will be no surprise to you. It is an irreverent and humorous romp with a crazy cast of characters in Florida. In fact, if Florida Man was a book, he would be a Carl Hiaasen book. I used to think that the types of characters and situations he writes were far-fetched, but after the series of Florida Man articles over the past few years, the storylines seem quite a bit less silly and more plausible. Which is funny . . . but also a little sad!
As mentioned in my star rating – it is not necessarily the most intricately crafted literature. But it really isn’t supposed to be. This is the essence of escapist reading. Something to pick up in the lobby of your beach hotel, read while sipping piña coladas as the waves lap at your feet, and then leave it on the pool deck for the next soul looking for a little vacation for the mind. If that is exactly the type of book you need, then this (or any other Hiaasen book) will be perfect for you!
Also, with all of this in mind, file this author away as one to read after finishing a heavy read or if you are looking to break a slump. Very little stress on the brain with this one and that is sometimes exactly what you need! ...more
This was an interesting but slightly less than usual graphic novel experience. I picked it out as an impulse borrow from the library as the bright andThis was an interesting but slightly less than usual graphic novel experience. I picked it out as an impulse borrow from the library as the bright and colorful cover stood out in the new graphic novel release section. Ended up being worth the impulse . . .
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A little bit spy/espionage. A little bit unrequited love/coming-of-age story. The protagonist is more of the narrator/storyteller than an actual participant in the events of the story. But, just being in the thick of it all affects him in a big way – both past and present.
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The art is fun and interesting to look at. As you can see from the images I have included, it has a very 1960s feel to it which serves to draw the reader into the time period even more. This is a case where the art is intricately involved in telling the story as well. This title is worth it just to see some of the cool imagery.
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This book may not be for every graphic novel fan. But, if you enjoy espionage and/or period specific art styles, this title is very worth checking out. And, if your interest in graphic novels is just to find something new and unique, this would be perfect for you.
I am a fan of Terry Moore. I have been reading his stuff for about 25 years. Strangers in Paradise is fantastic. I really loved the first few issues oI am a fan of Terry Moore. I have been reading his stuff for about 25 years. Strangers in Paradise is fantastic. I really loved the first few issues of Echo. I had been hoping for big things from Rachel Rising
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There may still be big things to come, but volume one was not, for me, a spectacular start - 2.5 to 3 stars. If I was not already a Terry Moore fan, I am not sure that there is enough here to motivate me to move on to volume two. I think I have come to expect that, if I am going to like a series, the first issue or volume should give me a cliffhanger or some serious motivation to continue. I have started several TV shows lately where the first episode has such a bang, I just have to keep going. I did not find that "WOW" with Rachel Rising volume 1.
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The standard character and mystery introductions are here. There are a couple of interesting events that occur. But, I am not connecting to any of the characters yet - they just all kind of blur together for me. I am hoping that when I continue with volume two, what has been flat so far starts to develop some depth.
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The art is great. I love Moore's art and I don't think that will ever change - no matter how well I am connecting with the story. His black and white drawings are always captivating and well detailed. This is probably enough by itself to keep me coming back.
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If you are looking to try Moore, try Strangers in Paradise. If you are already a Moore fan, at least this is some more of his work to read if you are done with SiP!...more
I am in the middle of the road on this one . . . it has the typical feel of a John Grisham novel, and I thought at first it might come i2.5 to 3 Stars
I am in the middle of the road on this one . . . it has the typical feel of a John Grisham novel, and I thought at first it might come in highly for me. But, something odd happened about 2/3 of the way through it . . .
The pros:
- Unique and intriguing plot/mystery: A mysterious death during a hurricane? Yes, please!
- Fun characters: I like all the people we meet on Camino Island. Most of them are quirky writer types with interesting backgrounds.
The (maybe) cons:
- Grisham and food: I have said in previous reviews that one of the biggest things I have always noticed with Grisham from the very first time I read him, he has to give detailed accounts of all the food and drinks consumed by his characters. This was very obvious in Camino Winds. I think the book would be about one fourth shorter if the food a drink mentions were removed. Maybe not really a con, but it just stands out as filler (and makes me hungry and thirsty)
- The rush job: This was the odd part for me that kind of soured the whole experience. Grisham spent a couple hundred pages developing this intricate mystery and setting up all the situations and characters with a precarious heightened intensity. Then, I guess he got a call from his publisher saying the book was due because suddenly it was several weeks later and everything that had been built up was summarized in a few pages and it moved on to the end game of the novel. I felt a bit cheated to have everything I have been getting into resolved with some Clif Notes. This happened to me last year with another book (Gwendy’s Magic Feather) and I was much harsher on that one – mainly because I don’t think the rush job led to a bad ending like it did with that one. But, still . . . let me know if you read this one and felt the same way – it just stood out so much that it was shocking! I was speechless! I checked to see if some part of the copy I had was missing!
A decent book if you like the Grisham formula. But, don’t be surprised if you are looking for the missing pages like I was....more
Usually, I enjoy Riley Sager . . . that was not really the case here.
The book was a series of far-fetched coincidences that made the book laughable inUsually, I enjoy Riley Sager . . . that was not really the case here.
The book was a series of far-fetched coincidences that made the book laughable instead of thrilling. Seriously, instead of being blown away by how the plot progressed I found myself laughing out loud instead. In fact, at one point I said to my wife (we were listening to it together) wouldn’t it be stupid if this is the next plot twist . . . and then it was . . .
So, if you are used to gems from Sager, be prepared to not be quite so blown away this time. One book like this will not sour me on Sager overall, but I really hope this is not a sign of things to come....more
Remove the killer clown and this book can be summarized in one image:
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Interested in some cheesy horror fun heavily reliant on the conflict betweRemove the killer clown and this book can be summarized in one image:
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Interested in some cheesy horror fun heavily reliant on the conflict between generations with some tongue in cheek hinting at our current political climate? Well, then step right up to this crazy circus and behold: FRENDO THE CLOWN!
This was a 3.5 to 4 star book for me. It was fun to read and I was into it the whole time. I did do some groaning and eye rolling from time to time when it got a bit too silly or seemed to be forcing an idea into the plot to make a point. But, overall, I was able to enjoy a bit of escapism with this one.
Horror fans might ask is it really scary? Is it really gory? Well, I will say the cheesiness makes it scary in the same way that 80s serial killer films are scary. I was never really scared by Friday the 13th, but they are still some of my favorite films. Gore? Sure – there is some decent gore here if you need a little chop-chop, stab-stab, hack-hack, and/or shoot-shoot in your horror fiction.
If you prefer to avoid politics completely, some of the tongue in cheek content might bother you. To be honest, a couple of times I said to myself “oh, no . . . I hope politics doesn’t become the focus of this book”, but it stayed in the background . . . nearing the surface a few times, but generally stayed behind the scenes.
Clown in a Cornfield is worth it if you are looking for a fun, not too long escape read. Don’t go in expecting to be truly scared, but I think the suspense and action will satisfy – if you are not too busy eye rolling like I was! ...more
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