A quick and easy, intriguing and suspenseful page-turning - overall a fun read!
341744
I know what it's like. Don't you see? I know what she must have felt like, when someone came for her in the middle of the night. That's why I have to find out who did this to her.

If you're after a quick and easy, yet engaging, intriguing and quite thrilling book to read, this one may be for you!

The story is gripping from the very first page, and the fear our protagonist feels is palpable. Laura has a terrifying encounter when a noise wakes her from sleep and she finds a man in her home. The subsequent days see her dazed, anxious and suffering panic attacks. She fortunately (or perhaps not so fortunately as it turns out) has an escape - as a travel journalist she has an assignment which sees her joining an exclusive cruise aboard the Aurora Borealis for its maiden voyage to the Norwegian Fjords and the northern lights. Of course she is going to be safe onboard a boutique cruise ship catering for the rich and famous. Or maybe not...

Her problems onboard begin the very first night. After an evening of self-medicating with alcohol to manage her anxiety and an awkward encounter with an ex-boyfriend, Laura makes it back to her cabin and falls into a deep slumber, only to be woken a few hours later hearing noises from the cabin next door. Trying to reassure herself - "You're completely safe. We're on a boat in the middle of the ocean - no one can get in or away. It's about the safest place you could possible be" - and unable to get back to sleep, she hears the veranda door of the neighbouring cabin gently open, and then a not-so-subtle splash of what she sees was from a body, now sinking beneath the surface of the ocean.

The mystery deepens, the plot thickens, and the suspense builds from there. Laura finds the cabin next door completely empty, with no trace of the young woman she had met in that same room earlier in the day, and no record of her ever being onboard the ship. Evidence goes missing, Laura's reliability as a witness is called into question, and she doesn't know who she can trust.

This book has all the makings of a good old fashioned thriller - a self-made millionaire, an excessively exuberant yacht, a small group of people confined to said yacht with no contact with the outside world, and a mysterious murder reported only by an unreliable witness. Ruth Ware has done a wonderful job in building up suspense as the narrative progresses, and you can't help but keep the pages turning over to find out what happens next. I am happy to admit, I did not see the plot twist coming - and I love it when that happens! Laura's experiences are brought to life and, as the reader, you feel every bit of her terror. The atmosphere is perfectly set up with wealth and exclusivity mixed with claustrophobia, darkness and a chilling whodunit.

Sure there are some problems. Some elements of the narrative were unrealistic and there were a number of events which didn't quite make sense for me. I was distracted at times waiting for all of the pieces to come together and fall into place, when in fact a lot of them never did. Even now, I am wondering why certain events were mentioned, or if I simply missed the connections.

A lot of reviewers have compared, quite unfavourable and in my mind, unfairly, this book to The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl. I believe each book should be judged on its own merit, and considered independently from others in the genre.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It provided for me exactly what I was looking for at the time - a few hours of escapism, with a page-turning narrative and just a fun read - and if that's what you're looking for, I'd recommend it!
2679309
A great short read!  Left me in a quandy between needing to get to the end to see what happens vs. not wanting it to end because I was enjoying the unfolding of the story and characters, not to mention the style of writing.  For a story that only spans a few hours time in a person's life, I got to know so much about the two main characters and their unusual relationship.
The author has an interesting yet whimsical style, especially in a story about the end of a person's life.  Kind of like eavesdropping on a sidebar in a courtroom, where you hear a whisper of something that the author really didn't mean to say out loud... but that makes it for me!
Looking forward to his next work of macabre, with a twist!
2853270
[...]
[...]

My rating: 4 of 5 

Newly appointed spokesperson for the senator's presidential campaign, Vivian Reece, feels a little bit like a fish out of water at this unexpected development. Especially when, after her first televised appearance, she apparently picks up a stalker. Not prepared to take any chances, the head of the secret service assigns a security specialist to shadow her at all times. Not having had much action on the social front recently, Viv is more than a little distracted by her protector, ex-Delta Force operator, Marc Locke.

Placed undercover as part of the Senator's security detail by the FBI to investigate campaign fund fraud, Marc Locke finds himself quickly entangled in an unexpected stalking investigation involving the beautiful campaign spokesperson. With the go-ahead nod from his superiors, Marc is trying to use this new twist to try and glean as much information for his own investigation as he can. But with the gorgeous Viv under unknown threat, it seems there is little else he can think of but her.

When a series of events involving both the president and the senator's campaign offices places Vivian in a suspicious light, the case takes yet another turn. Unsure of who is trustworthy, Marc sticks close to Viv, in fact, he never leaves her side, but it is becoming more and more difficult to keep his true identity from her. Especially since they have gotten very close and personal, and the last thing he wants to do is hurt her.

****

Political intrigue, hot undercover agents, mayhem and murder, gripping suspense and a tentative, unplanned romance....... A complete package!!

An incredibly fast-paced novel that has no slow moments whatsoever. Very few words are wasted on descriptions other than those that directly impact the story. An intricate plot with lots of twists and turns, but very well executed and clearly outlined so no confusion can exist. It isn't a difficult book to read, but it does require attention, but the fast pace won't allow your mind to wander far.

I enjoyed the main characters, who were both strong and self-assured to an extent, at the very least on a professional level. They had an easy connection that moved from friendship into a more intimate connection. There certainly was chemistry between Vivian and Marc, although it didn't necessarily leap off the pages and the heat was quite mild and as speedy as the rest of the story.

I really liked the addition of Scott, Viv's ex, to the plot. He is a likeable ex-SEAL with some handy qualities (yes, Ma'am!) he brings to the table, and added an interesting dynamic. I can see the beginning of the next novel or perhaps as part of the series developing. Maybe that's where Serena, Viv's friend will fit in as well.

For those who enjoy a little fairly reserved (for my standards) bedroom action with their high powered, high action suspense......this would be a good read!!

Powerful, clever and tight romantic suspense with a hint of spice!

**ARC provided in return for an honest review.**
108843
I got this eBook when it was available as a free download from Amazon.  It is the sequel to Excess All Areas which I really enjoyed so I was excited to find out what Freya and Nicholas were up to now!

I was absorbed by the story straight away, it felt like only yesterday that I had read the previous book because I found it so easy to remember it all.  The blast from Freya's past came early on in the book, this was a fantastic twist in my opinion and kept me glued to the pages as I waited to see what would happen.  The information that Jonny gave Freya sent her reeling and from that moment she seemed to fall apart a little bit.  But there was lots more to come...

Freya's feisty nature shone through once again and her witty banter entertained me throughout, but when her life became complicated she didn't handle it in a good way.  I found myself feeling frustrated by her actions particularly where hospitals were concerned.  About halfway through the book things took a sinister turn, this was a great part of the story because it added some heart-pounding mystery and intrigue.

Later on came a real `oh my goodness' moment which completely shocked me, I certainly hadn't seen that one coming!  It was something that I knew would affect Freya in a big way and I felt concerned for her.  What followed was a scary time and although I had guessed who was responsible for what had been going on I enjoyed it nonetheless.

As I have come to expect from this author the writing was addictive and pulled me in so that I was unable to stop reading, this made it another one day read to add to the list.

Public Property was a great read that entertained me from start to finish, I would definitely recommend it!
4090336
I just finished reading this book and I found it to be entertaining and well written.  I always find it important to really like the characters presented and care about what happens to them.  That's what a "page turner" is all about and this book certainly fit the bill in my opinion.  I also liked the very descriptive prose which added to the overall suspense of the novel, especially towards the end.  This is certainly a book I would be happy to recommend to others.  And based on the ending, it would appear that a sequel might be in order.  I will look forward to finding out more about this cast of characters and what their next exploits might bring.
4406308
I chose this book on a whim before vacation, wanting an easy and mindless read... While it was definitely easy to breeze through, it wasn't mindless-- the twists and turns kept me glued to the pages until the very end.
3236440
This fun, quick read starts out right in the thick of the mystery and doesn't let up. We also get some romance with our suspense the characters quickly learn things aren't exactly as they seem and sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants. Coming in at only about an hour's read time, this entertaining story is perfect for an afternoon or bedtime read that's easily finished in one sitting. It's fast-paced and full of interesting characters - some to love and some that we love to hate, but likable or not, they certainly make for an engaging little read.
937912
I love it when a book has you page turning by page 2 and this Amber Fox mystery certainly did.  There is never a dull moment and she is a very aimable character.  Her slightly chaotic, even scatty, exterior cloaks a head-screwed-on, worldly and shrewd ex-policewoman.  She is, of course, pretty and slim with the enviable dilemma of having to decide between two gorgeous hunks.  But then, she IS the heroine, so these qualities are a must !!  I was momentarily very slightly crestfallen when it was apparent that the story was centred around boxing - one of my least favourite sports - but, that moment passed very quickly, as Sibel only uses it as a setting for the perpetrators and never goes into detailed technicalities of the sport.  The story is fastpaced with just enough characters to make it intriguing but not too many to lose track of who is/does what !  I love Sibel's easy going style and she makes it very easy to identify with Amber's thoughts and ponderings.  The fate of each (living!) character is nicely tied up, as is Amber's own - Sibel can be trusted to guide you to a very satisfactory conclusion.  The characters' names are a tad corny but that aside, this is a thoroughly enjoyable chicklit - if you have already read Amber Fox, this will not disappoint and if you have not, welcome to her world, you will be wanting to read more.
982055
Although I was somewhat put off by the title, which I personally found to be cliche, I discovered that I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. The second I opened the book, the action started. I was not forced to endure pages of setting and background information prior to jumping into the storyline. The author skillfully weaves this necessary information into the action and the plot. As a result, the book is fast-paced and a very easy read. Additionally, the chapters are quite short, so if those with only a few minutes to spare don't have to worry about being stopped in the middle of a chapter.

As far as the content of the book goes, it is a mystery. In the first pages, we find that the narrator is a photographer/reporter who is working a job when her roommate's boyfriend is found frozen into the ice. From there on, we follow her as both she and her roommate are cast as suspects, and she investigates the case for his newspaper.

How this ends, is something you will never know unless you pick up the book and read it, something I highly recommend!
1640736
An easy, quick read with engaging characters, and a little white fluff dog (my favorite)! Wasn't too difficult to figure out the mystery, and it had a happy ending! Didn't even realize that the author is also the person who wrote about the Blackmoore sisters (read one of those books too)!!
1452625
Recommended to me by a friend and I wasn't too sure at first but I found the mix of drama and suspense a fun, quick read. Toward the end I couldn't put the book down and I was looking forward to discussing the male characters with the friend who suggested the book! I especially enjoyed the details about rowing and university life in England. Sure the writing could be a bit cliche and sometimes it seems like she took the easy way out but the plot held together and the intrigue was enough to drive the plot along. It was good enough to make me order the second book in the series and recommend this title to friends!
4776473
Enjoyable, easy and quick read...love the detail as it makes for a great mental visual to compliment the storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series. Also enjoyed by my 16 year old daughter who generally doesn't like to pick up a book, but makes for a good summer read!
1975419
A fun and quick read set in the modern technology industry, with a little suspense and a surprise twist. A great way to spend a summer afternoon and a promising start for a new author!
3299431
Read this in just about 5 days, quick for me! Interesting characters, mostly realistic, some disjointedness but all around entertaining and attention-keeping!
4175032
As soon as I started reading Murder at the Mystery Bay Hotel, I felt like I was in south Florida. The author certainly knows how to set a scene! It was such an easy read, I was able to sail through it in no time at all. A little cheesy at times, this book was quite predictable but maintained a little mystery throughout. The main character was such a hoot, and I enjoyed her interaction with her 'love interest' although I thought she trusted him a little too easily a little too soon.
One of my favourite aspects of the story was the appearance of the ghosts - I do love a hint of supernatural and there was just enough to catch my attention. I would have loved to know more about these ghostly personalities though - perhaps a sequel (or should I say prequel?).
All in all, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
I received this ebook in return for an honest review (Fiction Dreams book blog)
283443
I highly recommend this great, easy quick read.
Suspenseful ride with twists and turns that rival a good rollar-coaster.
Highly recommended!
1079212
This book is an easy read. It is short enough to enjoy as a quick read, and grabs your interest quickly. The plot takes many twists and turns and keeps your imagination working. I especially enjoyed the local references as I live near the area described in the book. A definite keeper!