This is the fifth book int the Ruth Galloway series, and they keep getting better, as far as I see it. Ruth is a character that really grew on me and This is the fifth book int the Ruth Galloway series, and they keep getting better, as far as I see it. Ruth is a character that really grew on me and I feel as though I know her quite well. Another favorite of mine, Cathbad, is really given a greater role in this book, which is a wonderful because he adds a different dimension to the story and is a very thoughtful person. The story itself is very engaging, with Ruth, as ever, in the midst of the trouble. A former college friend of hers dies mysteriously and sent Ruth a letter just before this tragedy occurred. Ruth is drawn to the scene, which happens to be very near Blackpool where Inspector Harry Nelson is vacationing with his wife. Inevitably, Ruth and Nelson cross paths and he is pulled into the investigation, helped by his former colleague, Sandy. I won't get further into the details of the plot, but I enjoyed it, though it seems wrong to write that about such a grim murder mystery. What makes Elly Griffith's books so special, that I read five of them in a row (and would, if I could, go on) is the characters. For me, characters are really what make a book memorable, and Ruth, Cathbad, and Nelson are certainly that. They bring a human quality to a story that could otherwise feel only tragic and bleak. Murder mysteries really need characters such as these to work, for me at least. They need something redeeming and light in a story where the emphasis is on the darkest aspects of human nature. The world is full of good too, and if that is ignored, the book is no longer realistic and no longer very engaging, in my opinion. Well done, again!
This was just what I needed after several rather tough and trying crime novels. Moriarty's books I should say, are not your typical chic-lit. They feeThis was just what I needed after several rather tough and trying crime novels. Moriarty's books I should say, are not your typical chic-lit. They feel real and part of reality is sometimes tragedy. This is not to say that humor or happiness is lacking, but there is always some element of 'real life' that keeps these books from veering into the pink fluff area. THREE WISHES is the story or triplets, Lyn, Cat, and Gemma, who are all quite different but are bound to each other by the ties of family and friendship. Each of them is dealing with their own issue and the chapters have different POVs, which I am a fan of, when done right. It's the kind of book to read when you are looking for mild escapism and the occasional laugh. So far, I've read three of Moriarty's books and I just got another, so I can certainly recommend them. My favorite is probably THE HYPNOTIST'S LOVE STORY.
This was such a delightful book. I can only recommend it. It's not terribly long, but written in such an elegant but humorous way I cannot believe it This was such a delightful book. I can only recommend it. It's not terribly long, but written in such an elegant but humorous way I cannot believe it took me this long to read it. I'm not a big nature person, and while this book is written by a future zoologist it doesn't seem to matter. The story is much more than a catalog of a boys adventures on Corfu, but rather a story of a very real family. I have been to Corfu and can attest to the fact that it is striking, so reading of this family who fell in love with the place is easily understood.
Well, this was a surprise. I started reading this with not the highest expectations, not really knowing what to expect. What a clever and tightly writWell, this was a surprise. I started reading this with not the highest expectations, not really knowing what to expect. What a clever and tightly written story this is! It is part thriller, part mystery, with a dash of romance and psychological depth. Very creepy, very atmospheric, and nicely written. The story revolves around Cathy, a young woman who was drawn into a volatile (to say the least) relationship with a man called Lee. The story is told partly in the present day (2007-2008) and through flashbacks, which really emphasize how Cathy's life has changed because of this relationship. I won't give more away, but it is very cleverly plotted and I really felt for Cathy and liked the other male character, Stuart, who adds a sense of normality and comfort. Overall, absolutely worth reading, though quite creepy, so maybe not after dark...
I'm not really sure how to review this book and manage to do it proper justice. I can't say it was wonderful or great or lovely, because the subject mI'm not really sure how to review this book and manage to do it proper justice. I can't say it was wonderful or great or lovely, because the subject matter is so horribly tragic and disturbingly accurate, but I can say it is a profound, deeply moving, beautifully written book, amazingly researched to the point that I kept thinking, 'what horrible, horrible things Elizabeth Wein must have read to get to this point.' The story is told my an American female transport pilot, who, through a stroke of terrible luck, get's put into Ravensbrueck. And while the story doesn't sugarcoat things, Ms Wein does make it clear that this is ONLY a very small snippet of the whole. So much happened in these camps that our character, Rose, is no part of. Still, what we learn of her life there is sad enough. I don't want this book to come across as a misery though. It's best points are that it is a story of friendship and humanity, in the midst of unspeakably tragedy. Rose makes friends, find a sort of family in the camp and this is what shapes her character and gives the story great depth. I keep thinking it may very well become required reading in schools in a while, because it is something I think people should read, accessible, shocking, but also moving and thoughtful. Highly recommended (but beware, once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down!)
This is the second book by Adam Mitzner that I have read and was again pleasantly surprised(mayble that's the wrong way to put it, because I already lThis is the second book by Adam Mitzner that I have read and was again pleasantly surprised(mayble that's the wrong way to put it, because I already liked the first one...) The story is again centered around a legal case. But as it moves forward, new developments and clues constantly pop up and intermingle with what is already known. Mitzner has a wonderful ability to create a fast-paced legal thriller with interesting and engaging characters. In my experience with the genre, that is not the norm, unfortunately. I hope to read more by this author in the near future!
While I enjoyed this second installation in what appears a promising series, it was not as good as the first, 'Crocodile on a Sandbank.' I won't descriWhile I enjoyed this second installation in what appears a promising series, it was not as good as the first, 'Crocodile on a Sandbank.' I won't describe the plot, because I don't want to give away too much, but it is somewhat similar to the first. Amelia is again at an excavation, and again a part of a tricky situation. I like the way Elizabeth Peters writes, she has a great talent for mingling wry wit and elegant prose. I have already purchased the third in the series. I think anyone who enjoys a historical mystery without much gore or even a cozy, would appreciate this series.
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