Intricately Woven Plot and Characterizations
353788
I did not wish to read this book because of the depressing subject matter.  Our book club chose it, and I am so grateful.  The lyric quality of the prose and the voices of the four main characters who served as protagonist/narrators wove a beautiful and inspirational message.  I will not be soon forgetting the truths revealed in this  historical novel.
4714170
This complex murder mystery manages to combine an intricate plot with frequent danger filled action and a few twists and turns to a surprising ending.  Along the way it informs the reader of the fascinating ancient and modern history of St. Augustine, Florida.  The story is a colorful blending of history, politics, sex, archeology, police procedure, courtroom drama, etc.  Well worth a read.
3789422
Domini's latest book carves out characters so stubbornly vivid that they achieve the rare feat of lodging themselves in one's consciousness long after the final page. Kit Viddich-- protagonist, muckraker, Minnesota ranch boy--deals with the slings and arrows of late-seventies political journalism abetted by a cast of diverse yet deeply recognizable figures. Whether it's his Brahmin wife and her Cape-Cod-loving family, corrupt politicos, corrupted prisoners, or the unlikely crew of his struggling magazine, it is the fascination with these characters and the ways they interact that draw us into the story time and again.

  Yet this richness of characterization does not undermine the strength of the plot, rather it helps propel us through the many-turning corridors of the storyline and drives us deeper and deeper beneath the surface of Kit's personal and professional dilemmas. Like any good investigator, you will want to follow. You will want to uncover what is there.
1066095
Beautifully written--a many-layered story that is woven together quite well. Occasionally, the narrative jumps around a bit too much and becomes hard to track, but mostly it travels fluidly through the intertwined lives of its protagonists.

What I can't applaud enough is the portraits of the places and people populating this story, each of whom was drawn as a complex and very human individual. I found myself caring very much for each of them. A book I didn't want to put down. It's always such a pleasure to discover a "new" author.
236706
J.P. Rose has written a story that takes you on a sensuous and thrilling expedition into her character's dark pasts. The plot weaves together effortlessly, gaining momentum with each chapter and unraveling many twists that will take your breath away. I loved the complexity and depth of the protagonists, and the relationships between the characters. Her book touches upon real human emotions and experiences in a way that explores questions of self-worth, the power of connections, and the significance of love and loss.
2910056
Intertesting and well crafted plot, moves along at a good pace
1037874
This is a love story between a Chicago artist (Clare) and a librarian (Henry) who time travels for brief periods against his will.  When he time travels, he can't take anything with him, including clothes, so when he disappears, only his clothes are found, and wherever/whenever he appears he has to find/steal clothes.  Henry is fairly well characterized.  So is Clare as a child, although I thought the adult Clare wasn't as well done.  The story is intricately and skillfully plotted, and the book is plot driven.  My biggest problem had to do with lack of complexity of emotions, especially for the adult Clare.  There is strength of emotions, but not the complexity of emotions - the facets layered amongst and against each other that happen in real life in times of crisis.  I also felt that sex was used to generate reader interest, rather than to legitimately characterize.  Still, the book is a little above a beach book, and is a page-turner.
629082
Very enjoyable read.  The plot and interweaving of the characters and timeline was masterful.
2941260
Interesting concepts, well realized characters and intricate plots, a thoroughy enjoyable read.
1350902
As a first novel by the author, "The Tangled Web" provides the reader a look at the effect of greed, secrecy, and complicated family relationships over generations following World War II.  Through present actions described by a host of well-developed characters, interwoven with glimpses of earlier actions by senior family members and their accomplices, one grasps the complex intricacies of the plot of this novel.  The book ties historical information to present actions, leading the reader to understand the effect of actions from over 50 years ago on those who reaped the benefits and on those who were adversely affected by those actions.  Vivid descriptive passages of individuals, places, and events provide the "you are there" feel.  The myriad of characters are well developed, with emphasis placed on the primary characters.  The minor characters and their roles in the plot were keys to the overall cohesiveness of the story line.  The fast-paced nature of this ambitious and well researched novel leaves this reader wanting a sequel.
1247782
Stellar writing immerses you not only in this long past world, but in the mindsets of two very different women who are very much aware of themselves and the dichotomy of their thoughts, actions, and place in their present society. There are no clear cut heroes or villains, although many characters take actions where you know they know better, but you still root for them and/or don't root against them. It's a nicely complicated romance saga with a bit of mystery and thriller thrown in that leaves enough threads for you to want a sequel but enough closure where you can accept where things stand.
1336893
Complex and interesting characters draw you into a tangle of events, past and present, that keep you questioning and curious all the way to the end. The island, its landscape, seascape, weather and people are vividly drawn in rich detail that never detracts from the pacey plot but gives an atmospheric and brooding depth to the storytelling. This is a very satisfying and rewarding  crime novel. I'm already looking forward to the next in the series.
1526411
This is a very intertwined, intricate story of years of deceit and power. I found it a little tough I the beginning to "get into", but once I did I couldn't put it down.
3701533
Intricately woven plot that takes place across two continents. The story told as a mystery provides an excellent vehicle for detailing the history of problems within the Catholic Church, revealing the weaknesses of some of its leaders while reminding readers of the goodness and strength of others.  The authors' analysis of the Church and recommendations for change are effectively achieved through this "good read."
4872485
What I most enjoyed about The Woman Behind the Waterfall was the complexity of the narrative and in particular that way it switches back and forth between first-person and third-person, and between the perspectives of various characters; this prevented the reading experience from becoming monotonous at those points where the plot seemed to be developing slowly.  Renderings of scene are vivid to the point of being suffocating at times, but the sentences doing the description are often so sonically pleasing that one may want to read one or two of them aloud.  I personally have never been to Ukraine, but I imagine that people who have spent time there will get a nostalgic thrill from the loving yet realistic treatment of the countryside and the language.  The incorporation of some Ukrainian words into the narrative was handled deftly, intensifying the sense of place without becoming confusing.  Some readers may be put off by the fantastical elements of the plot, but the novel is mostly realistic in its portrayal of character and emotion: characters who behave selfishly and sometimes even cruelly are nevertheless treated sympathetically, and the novel does not shy away from the uncomfortable truths that even the most intense feelings can change with circumstances, and that we often resent the ones we should, and indeed do, love.
2354805
This is not an easy read. The plot is substantial, convoluted and somewhat wearing. Way too much to finish in just one, two or three sittings. It takes time and energy to understand the characters and their all too human flaws. And I found that I did want to take the time to appreciate the character development.

The story flow just drew me in. Well researched, technically accurate along with unexpected plot twists and believable characters --- one can't ask for much more in this kind of story.

The editing was quite good, too, along with the proof reading. Only two very minor grammatical errors; quite unusual for the current state of Kindle books.

The author has two more books on the way, one due this year, 2012. I will buy it.
2916436
It takes a while to get situated, but the plot is intricate and intriguing.  The growth in the relationship between the two main characters seems genuine.  Overall it is an entertaining book to read.