Gripping suspense with ingenious MO
931836
Detective Ruben Montoya ("Cold Blooded") is back, investigating the murder of a local shock jock and a female college student headed for a nunnery. Still grieving the loss of his lover Marta, the last thing he wants is to get involved with the prime suspect - the victim's wife Abby Chastain.

As more victims start to pile up, it is obvious that there is a serial killer on the loose, and all points lead to the Our Lady of Virtues convent and mental hospital, where Abby's mother plunged to her death decades earlier.  Each set of victims are polar opposites of each other, adding to the mystery. While Ruben does not believe that Abby is the culprit, she is somehow integral to the killer's motivation - finding out why just might get them both killed.

Jackson does a great job keeping the killer under wraps (so much so that we are not aware of him until the final act); throwing out numerous possible suspects. The killer's inspired MO is clever and ingenious.  But the revelation of the culprit was a let down after such a gripping tale, marring what could have been a perfect story.
4345596
Renek's accomplished a rare feat in creating a suspenseful page-turner that's drenched with gorgeous descriptions and beautifully evocative language. That combination not only makes for great reading, but also skillfully underscores an important tension:  On the one hand, Maddy Foster, the novel's heroine, floats through an idyllic, almost dream-like setting.  On the other, she's constantly skirting the edge of a vaguely sinister darkness.  There's quite an interesting ensemble cast here - each character realistically crafted and just as realistically unpredictable, and Renek's masterfully captured the unique seductions of traveling through exotic and yes, slightly dangerous locales.  Spiritland's an exciting journey and you're likely, like Maddy, to throw yourself indulgently into this adventure, only to find that things turn out in a way you never expected.
4698167
This suspense thriller grabbed me from the very first paragraph and never let go.  His story is tensely drawn, his characterizations superb, his hero imperfect but thereby all the more real.  When a resolution is finally reached, he is short and sweet with it, no drawn-out belaboring of the ending.  In truth, I figured out some of the mystery before it was made clear, and it detracted not one bit from the story.  If you want a grabber of a story, this is for you.  Warning:  don't read it when you have other obligations, because those obligations will find themselves waiting.
1147053
Diogenes Ruiz has written a page-turner at which even big pharma might gasp. Well drawn characters never lose their lines. Perfect timing delivers delightful, frightful, and hilarious bombshells and quips. (shades of Carl Hiaasen) Anchored in the childhood of its two main characters,  a good boy and a bad one, they lose track of one another in adulthood. The sadistic bully is a dangerous criminal. The good boy attempts to have a good life and normal marriage. The finale offers heart pounding suspense co-mingled with profound thought. Thank heaven "Persistent Evil" is not far off!
1350385
The Someday File is a riveting novel, filled with suspense, that makes you not want to put it down until the end. Deuce Mora, the investigative journalist, is introduced and so captivates the reader that I cant wait for the next book about her. Several plots and subplots wind through the pages, coming together in an unexpected way at the end. Hellers background as a journalist is evident, as is her love of Chicago, revealed through description and history. Deuce Moras experiences at the Chicago Journal provide a glimpse into the current state of newspapers in a digital world. Gangsters, racketeering, migrant workers, prejudice and corruption are threaded throughout. The hijacking of a trailer load of scotch plays a leading thread through the book, and one wonders if Heller is an admirer of Laphroaig. The brash and pushy Mora develops a broad network of contacts and friends, the trust resulting from integrity. Though the characters and plots are knotted together at the end, were still left wondering who was behind the scenes, calling the shots. Were left wanting more and hope that Heller will soon have a second Deuce Mora book written.  A great read - don't put it off.
3009329
Kate Marshall is finally getting to a place in her life where she can accept the heartache of three years ago when her husband and four-year-old son were killed in a boating accident. Every day she heals a little morewith the help of her move to St. Louis, a wonderful job, and friendly church community. Everything changes when she spots a young boy at the mall who looks and speaks exactly as her son Kevin did. When the authorities chalk her crazy theory to her being a grief-ridden mother and decide not to investigate, she turns to a private investigator as her last hope. Connor Sullivan knew from the moment he met Kate he would do anything to help her. As the former Secret Service man starts investigating the boat accident that killed Kates husband and son, he begins to find several anomalies that make him think that maybe it wasn't an accident after alland Kevin could still be alive. Further investigations bring Kate and Connor closer, as well as bringing old secrets to light.

I would have to start by saying that Irene Hannon is a master storyteller, especially when it comes to the suspense variety. Deceived has everythingpowerful mystery, hold-your-breath suspense, swoon-worthy yet realistic romance, engaging characters, and a bad guy that wasn't one-dimensional. When I first began Deceived, I was worried that it was impossible for it to have a truly happy ending considering the plot-line. And Im a girl who likes happy endings *wink*. But there was no reason for hesitation, as Hannon weaved the story intricately peeling one layer after the other until we the reader saw everything as a whole. The ending was perfect, as I should have expected from this talented author. Another main thing I loved about this book was that it was very much character-driven, with a lot of attention into building the characters relationships. This made reading along as Kate and Connor grew closer all the more lovelier. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, sporadically holding my breath until the conclusion. For the last half of Deceived, I literally couldn't put it down.

If you enjoy inspirational suspense novels, this book is for you! This is my first experience with the Private Justice series, but Im practically jumping to get my hands on the others as soon as I have time. For fans of Ronie Kendig, DiAnn Mills, or Lynette Eason, Deceived definitely makes it onto my top suspense novels Ive read thus far this yearmaybe even onto my top suspense reads ever!

**I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM REVELL IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW. MY SINCEREST APOLOGIES TO REVELL AND THE AUTHOR FOR MY DELAY IN REVIEWING.
3022688
This is a top-flight debut suspense thriller with only one weakness--it's obsession with detail. Anthropologist Jane Doe falls for two men who introduce her to two disparate communities with isolated and pristine societies ; one in Siberia, the other in Africa. The common denominator in the two locales is an integral link to magic, as in witchcraft.
Doe's first husband, an anthropologist, is involved recreationally with the Siberian Chenka but is in control of it ; whereas the second husband, a black poet and author, cedes control to the African magic and becomes a gruesome mass killer.
Parallelled with Doe's story is that of police detective Iago Paz. Paz is assigned to solve the murders and bring the murderer to justice. He learns that human wisdom is limited when dealing with the otherworld. And Doe is needed if the killing is to end.
Michael Gruber has a unique voice and uses it well to create honest and believable characters. The interplay between characters is wonderful. He builds his suspense slowly to a chilling finale that may have some readers losing sleep. His weakness is that he perhaps builds his suspense a little too slowly for some.
Gruber obviously knows the subject of magic well. He spends much of the book building the reader's understanding of magic in great detail, eventually showing clearly the difference between white (good) magic and black (bad) magic. He depicts clearly the finite nature of human mind and reason and our refusal to listen to multi-dimensional thought. Family relationships shadow the characters and become a major factor in the end.
Fantastic writing! Chilling climax! Unfortunately, it took me more than 100 pages to be hooked. A book not for the impatient.
3747832
I was drawn in from the very first page by the evocative images and the intriguing use of language that set a tone of suspense and mystery.  Montgomery weaves a wonderful tale of paranormal goings on in a small, isolated community of female artists and scholars.  The characters are both funny and wise as they deal with the strange situation they find themselves in.  I was especially pleased to have a cast of characters with a mixture of ages all working together, first to understand what was happening, then to survive the mounting danger they find themselves in.  The author is masterful in building suspense, increasing the sense of foreboding throughout the story, until the end when the survival of the characters is in question.  I can hardly wait to read the third and final installment in this excellent series.
353586
This exquisite novel with its dazzling cover is something to treasure, for it contains such intricate detail as to take your breath away. The electrifying tension radiates off the pages as this thrilling, mesmerizing tale is as gripping as Dan Brown's `The Da Vinci Code' if not more so. I was swept into a mysterious world shrouded in conspiracy theories, deep-rooted history and ancient prophecies. The fast-paced, layered plot is something to loose yourself within as you unravel the truth bit-by-bit, reveling in the delights of the perilous backdrop that is so atmospheric. I was taken on the most thrilling journey to the exotic, piquant and vibrant Jerusalem where an ancient evil lies waiting hidden beneath a troubled, divergent civilization.

There is a single manuscript nearly all but forgotten, which contains the key to the greatest, shocking historical secret of all-time...

Sean Ryan and his girlfriend Isabel Sharp are exploring the ancient, mysterious city of Jerusalem when they find themselves drawn into a dangerous game with deadly consequences. Meanwhile in the same city Doctor Susan Hunter was translating an ancient manuscript, until it suddenly disappears without a trace. Behind Lady Tunshuq's Palace in the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem the archeologist Max Kaiser is found dead, with murder on the cards now no one is safe...

The sequel to `the Istanbul puzzle' (shortlisted for the Irish crime novel of the year 2012) continues the story from where it left off, by including the square and arrow symbol (that Sean and Isabel discovered within the Museum of Antiquities), in central Cairo near Tahrir square. Against the backdrop of the many Pharaohs, including notably King Tutankhamun's mask, this beautiful story is something that will delight those who enjoy exploration and adventure. The intriguing, fascinating historical elements are wonderful that combined with exciting action for a rollercoaster of a ride make this a splendid story and page-turner. Complete with photographs and information about Jerusalem this is a book dedicated to the city, its culture and is a testimony of the author's accomplished writing ability for he allows you to glimpse beneath the shiny surface and explore the unexpected!

This confident, convincing strong thriller is an undeniably remarkable piece of great writing, that is perfection itself and which I highly recommend. To find the answers to all the secrets and unravel the riddles one must delve deeper into the complexity of the plot, remicent of the detective /archeologist that is longing to explore and uncover so much. This fantastic book is a must-read and one that I cannot praise highly enough, for it unexpectedly surprised and overwhelmed me!

*I won a copy through a `GoodReads, First-Read' giveaway. I would like to thank the author, as I concider myself to be extremely privileged to have had this opportunity*
1331473
A little girl lost in the Rockies,  parents suspected of foul play,  local law enforcement,  FBI,  a death row inmate and a nosey journalist, and that's just for starters.  This story kept me locked in to it from start to finish.  Well written with descriptive accounts of primary characters,  mountainous terrain,  rescue personnel without being tiresome.  It is full of fast paced suspense, leading to a dramatic conclusion.  I think you'll like it!
4837237
This acclaimed novel features dazzling writing, a complex, deeply layered plot, drama and suspense aplenty, and finely wrought characters. The two main protagonists, linked through murky circumstances and of dubious backgrounds and loyalties, seek monetary and emotional redemption while challenged by the unique political and cultural mores of post 9/11 Africa. It's fast paced. Actually, it's more than fast paced, featuring shifting and surprising plot turns that veer off into totally unexpected directions. . Describing the plot is a futile exercise; this reader was often lost the story thread, but hung on for the sheer enjoyment of the ride.

The main protagonist speaks in the first person or as an involved narrator. The writing is direct: "I ordered a martini. It tasted like one." One is swept along by the rhythm of the narration and the craftsmanship of the prose. This rises above the typical action/thriller category. And in  no way will you predict the ending!
107241
The reader is instantly drawn into a web of suspense that has the chilling realism to it that it could happen to any one of us. One of the best suspense novels I've read lately, it definately falls into the "can't put it down" category.  I am looking forward to Alan Jacobson's  upcoming novel, The Hunted.
3170171
Jeff Spalsbury's futuristic novel is as gripping as it is inventive.  We follow the engaging characters as their quest for Conundrums takes them through the mysterious realm of Zip, suggesting that we must confront our own fears of the unknown if we hope to succeed in reaping and sharing the rewards of the journey.  From the ever precise Arc to the doggedly determined ambassador Judith, the characters must learn to harness their respective strengths in order to forge a strong enough unit to dispatch evil, with a capital "E."  Zorkon's Secret is fast paced and entertaining, but it is also eminently thought provoking as it probes worlds of interpersonal, geopolitical, and metaphysical relations with equal deftness.  This is an excellent read that especially speaks to the reader in unsettling times like our own.
1004490
Clever and unexpected, Taker of Lives has more surprises than a box of chocolates !  FBI, BAU, and Palm Beach Detectives declare a suicide to really be a murder by proxy. Someone drugs, strips, and takes pictures of a fairly well known model, and puts them on the internet for all to see. After the model is sent a link, her shame, horror and pain is so powerful, she feels her only recourse is suicide. Special Agent Tess Winnett, Detectives Fradella and Michowsky are complex and fascinating characters as they verbalize their every thought in searching for the unsub. Their IT guy, Donovan, is so knowledgeable you won't understand much of what he does unless you are a computer guru! The profiling and psychological twists and turns are impressive. Really brilliant storyline and research by the author, Leslie Wolfe!

As the unsub escalates, Tess is asked for help of a personal nature by her SAC. This adds more intrigue and suspense to an already fast-moving story. A tantalizing and entertaining read!
1130294
Prince of the City: The Cat Whiskers by Mackenzie Brown is a suspense-
filled read. Every page consumes the reader with trepidation and eagerness
to learn the where, when, and how every act will unfold. The story is about a black
detective set in Liverpool, UK dealing with crime, espionage, and the black market
during the war. The book started out a bit slowly for an action-filled story, but
eventually picked up in creating the action-crammed plot. I enjoyed the ingenious
twists and turns of how  each action unfolded from the cat gone missing to the
widows son and eventually the best friend. The book does have an odd ending or
lack thereof, however I thought it was a much-needed pause. It was definitely a
gripping read for me and I would recommend it to other readers.

Mackenzie Brown is a talented writer. His book is saturated with a hypnotizing story
line that keeps readers on their toes if not under the pillows from fear of what will
happen next. Brown placed more emphasis on creating the action-filled plot instead
of the creative characters or the place and mood of the setting. This is a perfect
escape for the impulsive, give it to me now readers but not as inviting for the careful,
more anxiety-filled souls. However, there were times where I saw the plot over-packed
with action but was unable to really see the characters even though they were present.
I hope that the characters will be more developed in the following series.
Review by Olga Gladky Verro, Editor of "Voices From The Past" by Orest M. Gladky.
3424756
This is my first novel by Joy Fielding, but it will not be my last! This was a real nail-biter, steeped in mystery and suspense.  A diabolical plot is hatched.  Casey is very severely injured, to the point of almost death, but wakes up from a coma not being able to see or feel or move---but she can hear! Imagine that.  Doctors, nurses, family members, and friends, all talking unguarded about you or any other mundane thing, and you can hear and react, only its all internal.  Nobody knows you can hear and understand.  The reader travels this journey with Casey, trapped in her own body, finding out that the hit-and-run accident really might have been a murder.  Imagine finding out who hatched the diabolical plan to murder her and frantically trying to find a way to save yourself from the would-be-murderer coming to finish the job--for good.

It doesn't get much better than this.  The pace was great with nerve-wracking, nail-biting psychological suspense.  I was absolutely riveted and could not put the book down.  Some things I figured out on my own, but I would not say the book was predictable by any means.  Try this book, you will love the journey!
408911
Bethany, aged twelve, is in a car with her sobbing mother and burdened father. Neither parent will tell her where they're going or why her mother has been crying for months. They arrive at a small town in the middle of the night, where she is informed that she will stay with someone her parents call "Aunt Myrlie." Bethany's mother is beside herself with grief, and has a very difficult time parting with her daughter. Then, astoundingly, her overly protective parents drive off and leave her with the stranger.

Bethany tries calling her parents' cell phones to beg them to come back, but all she gets are "this number is out of service" messages. The next morning, her father calls to tell her, puzzlingly, that she's safer where she is than with them. She overhears Myrlie tell her father that Bethany must learn about Elizabeth, which is not the name of anyone Bethany knows. There are more mysteries, too, such as the way Myrlie is shocked that Bethany loves to swim and the fact that Myrlie (who actually turns out to be Bethany's aunt) always introduces her as a visitor instead of her niece.

The questions keep coming quickly and furiously: Whose memorial makes Myrlie so uncomfortable? Why do people act like they've seen a ghost when they meet Bethany?

But Bethany realizes that she's accustomed to unanswered questions, having lived with them all her life: Why does her family move constantly? Why are her parents so old? Why have they never had contact with relatives?

When the truth is finally revealed, it's astonishing --- and devastating. Even in her confusion and distress, Bethany realizes that the revelation doesn't explain everything about her odd life, or why some strange man appears to be stalking her.

This is yet another triumph for the amazing Margaret Peterson Haddix (if you haven't yet read RUNNING OUT OF TIME or AMONG THE HIDDEN, they should be the next books on your reading list!) Haddix is a master at combining a dazzlingly original concept with suspenseful writing --- and she delivers both in DOUBLE IDENTITY.

That said, I felt that the ending was just a bit on the anticlimactic side with a rather too-tidy resolution. However, I still wholeheartedly recommend this book for its thought-provoking twist on the theme "be yourself" and for the noteworthy suspense, which builds throughout the story.

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