Riveting and fully engaging plot
924946
Once again Vickie McKeehan hit it out of the ball park.  Her ability to weave a story with new characters and beloved characters she has already introduced is just outstanding.  Definitely a just read.
4471426
I absolutely loved this novel, and I didn't expect to, which is even better. I'm just not a big fan of family drama stories because in my opinion they tend to be melodramatic. However, this one is filled with fully-developed and raw characters and has a rich plot; I enjoyed this so much I finished it in one day.
I like the dimension the author was able to give to each character. No one is inherently good or bad, which make them seem all the more real.
The buildup was satisfyingly paced, and the relationships well-established enough to get the reader hooked to the story.
The ultimate clincher for me is the climax, which is something I honestly never saw coming. Seeing how some of the reviewers mentioned they knew it from the start, I sort of feel a bit silly now. Still, two thumbs up!
2063351
I loved every facet of this book, though listening to it with my Kindle 's text to speech was not ideal, it was still such a riveting story that I almost forgot the robotic voice filling my ears! It was a wonderful tickle to my imagination as I recognized the threads of non-fiction woven so artfully with the thrilling fiction... I appreciate not being dragged through gruesome descriptions of violence, though the violence was there, the heart of the true heroes of the story shone through and I was able to glance briefly at the horrors of the situation but not be dragged down by it. The pace never lagged, but then one never knew from one moment to the next--with a quick turn of the page--where you would be in time with the characters and the plot line. Kept me on my toes and interested--can hardly wait to start the sequel!  Well done, A.J. Riddle! I can hardly believe this was your very first novel... you done good, Mama Riddle, in mentoring your son into a fantastic novelist!
723059
A tightly-written detective story with a a master-work of a plot and Connelly's trademark gift of characters so well-defined and real that one expects to meet them on the street. Series protagonist Harry Bosch is particularly appealing in this one, showing a depth of feeling and compassion not as evident in some previous books in the series.

The book is a real page-turner with many surprising turns and twists, yet (with one exception, which I won't give away) all are so thoroughly natural that each time I was left delightfully wondering how I hadn't seen them coming. It's a true plot musician's verbal literary sleight of hand that never leaves the sour taste of a forced plot twist or sudden, unforeshadowed "magic" plot resolution.

All in all, The Black Box the work of the reigning master in his field at the top of his powers. It's a read not to be missed, even if you're not big into detective thrillers.
1250116
Excellent read-rich plot, interesting characters
476683
"Beyond Recognition" by Ridley Pearson accelerates from the first page, and with the exception of a lull at the midway point moves at a nonstop pace.
The lull is caused by a couple of scenes being too drawn out and what I felt a weaker subplot.
The story is riveting when the action revolves around the investigation of the Seattle serial arsonist and the interaction between Lou Boldt, Daphne Matthews and their team. The characters (on both sides of the law) are well developed and most credible.
Mr. Pearson did a couple of years of research on this one and it shows. It is based on an actual Seattle arson case and the procedural and technical aspects really ring true.
Seattle comes to life on every page with wonderful descriptive passages.
This is a terrific series and Mr. Pearson is masterful at forensic detail, without making it tedious. Highly recommended.
3431476
Great characters, terrific pacing, and a riveting plot make this a page-turner in the very best sense. The story charges between past and present, with the time periods cleverly connected through the mysterious amulet. Historical anecdotes and art history are smart background to a novel that moves forward at breakneck speed. The author has a light touch with supernatural elements, making them integral to the story without ever feeling forced. The novel is grounded in facts about the artist Cellini and the author's deep knowledge and intelligence shine through at every turn. The hero David Franco is compelling and his emotions seem real, making this a great read for everyone. Masello has become one of the very best writers in this genre. Can't wait for his next.
4775195
This book is without a doubt one of the most engaging, complex and enthralling mysteries that had me totally in its grip. I was swept into this story so much so that I finished it in one sitting.

Serial Date has everything a mystery/thriller needs to be successful, fast-paced and action packed, strong and memorable characters and a story that will grab you from beginning to end.

Madeline "Leine" Basso is a character that is hard-nosed, strong and fearless yet compassionate and vulnerable at the same time. She is a retired hired gun hoping to make amends with her daughter and make some sense of her own life. She is called to Los Angeles for a job as security for the reality show Serial Date when a cast member is murdered.

Police detective Santiago "Santa" Jensen is in charge of the murder investigation and when he meets Leine there is definitely a strong sense of connection. As the detective is pulled further into the case he is faced with making a decision based on his gut feelings or to go by the book and follow procedure.

This book is intelligently written and paced in a way that enables the reader to come face to face with the characters as well as becoming involved in the complexities of the story. The characters are well described and each serves to play an important part in the progression of the story. The writing is strong and convincing with a plot that will hold you hostage. The descriptions of the different backdrops for the story painted a clear picture in my mind which is a direct result of the masterful writing in this book.

Serial Date is a fantastic read that I would recommend to all readers. If you do not read this book you will really be missing a Great Read!
4458363
Lots of action and a story that engages the reader from start to finish.
703449
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book, and I devoured it in just a couple of sittings. Katy Lee has delivered another beautifully written, tightly plotted gem that satisfies the reader on so many levels. The deaf heroine, Miriam, is a joy: funny, sensitive, caring, and grounded in her faith. Lee has done her research and information about the deaf community (e.g., name signs) is woven seamlessly throughout the novel. But it is tortured hero Owen--I admit it. I'm a sucker for a tortured hero!--who steals this show. His grief and guilt over the death of his wife and the injury that changed his son's life forever are gut-wrenching. His journey to love and unconditional acceptance, and back to his faith, superimposed on a framework of a nicely done suspense plot, was deeply moving and truly inspirational. And the scenes with his son will steal your heart. I can't wait to return to Stepping Stones Island. Katy Lee is an author to watch.
1060922
I loved the novel. It was fast paced, full of interesting plot developments and characters and it was hard to put down. Admittedly, I am a Turow and Grisham fan, and I am a lawyer. But those are not prerequisites to enjoying this book. The settings in various places with what occurred there and the connections to each other were surprising. What I love about crime/mystery novels is deep plot development and background along with technical explanations and twists which I would not expect. This novel had all that. These people and their predicaments became real. The answers and solutions were riveting. I don't want to reveal anything here but I found it to be a good read. I look forward to the next two parts of the trilogy.
4657819
Chance for Freedom is a riveting story centered on the disappearances of orphans in England. The depth of Ms. St John's research into the West Africa Squadron (part of the Royal Navy) adds rich details that truly put you in the story.

We first met Captain Malcolm Westbourne and Katherine Ashby in Book 1 of the Chances Are series. Now Malcolm's assigned to protect the orphans at the orphanage where Katherine devotes all her time. He declares his intent to court her. Katherine resists because of something that happened in her childhood, but Malcolm is as determined to win her heart and as he is to save the orphans.

 Chance for Freedom is a well-crafted, wonderfully plotted historical loaded with emotion, intrigue, and danger that keeps you turning the pages. I loved catching up with Emma, Drake, and the others from Second Chances and look forward to the next in this series.
695030
Beautifully written and filled with tremendous characters, Overholt's book pulls one in from the first page to the last. The story is beautifully rendered, and the plot keeps one guessing until the very end. The historical detail is flawless and the streets of early New York portrayed so vividly and viscerally that I felt like I had lived there myself. The writing flows with ease and skill, and I often found myself reading for hours when I'd meant to read just a chapter. Overall, an engaging page turner filled with splendid and meticulous detail.
1879555
Cormoran and Robin are back. And this time the plot does these wonderfully engaging characters justice.  I thought this story was well paced, the murder quite inventive, if a bit startling in it grusomeness and the resolution completely satisfying.  We are treated to much more of the back stories of this affable PI and his and his wannabe partner in training and can't help cheering for them in their personal challenges as well as for them as a team.  I heartily recommend this book and anxiously await the next in what I hope will be a long series.
2843632
This book has it all. It has a  perfectly paced plot, engaging characters, and is full of action.  As a woman, I loved that it was not all blood and guts.  My husband has been bothering me to read this book on Rome and I finally relented. I was so impressed that I went back and read book one, Legion. Even reading the books in reverse order was engrossing.
Many of the characters are idealized, but that does not take away from them. On the contrary, it makes the reader care even more about them. And while the plot and characters unfold, the reader is immersed in the culture of Ancient Rome.
3255804
superbly written; engaging plot; peaked interest; a wonderful moral theme;
4602549
If you just read this book for content, its a solid four star assassin story that both meets and exceeds genre requirements.  Great plotting and an engrossing lead character are offered up as table stakes.  Plenty of action, and evidence that the author knows his stuff, from sniper rifles and ammo, to everything an assassin needs to know to get the job done in a way that convinces the reader the writer might actually have done a stint as a Special Forces operative once upon a time.

What made the story really leap off the page for me though was the execution of a very solid concept on a line by line level.  The narrative voice is entirely engrossing.  The dry humor exquisite.  Not one moment of the tale felt rushed.  Every sentence was the perfect beat to forward the drama.  It was the excellence in the crafting that made this book so remarkable.

Im officially hooked on this series.