what a pleasant surprise
357898
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, indeed, this series. I picked it up to kill time between releases of "my" authors. What I ended up with was an all consuming need to find out what happens next, something I did not think I was going to find. These Characters are very well defined, the story leads itself, virtually opening doors to further tales at nearly every turn. I find the authors humor to be very quick, and germain. The mixture of sorrow and ferocity is unmatched in my estimation. I'll not run any spoiler information in here, but I will say, that if you are a sci-fi and or fantasy reader, you should try these. The books are not hard reading, not overly filled with useless details, there is some middleing science invloved, nothing overtly egg-headed though, and there is enough fierce action to keep even the most devoted war sci-fi junky happy. I feel as if I'm a pretty finicky reader, I was weened on Heinlien, Tolkein, and Asimov, I have moved in to some mainstream authors in the recent past Bucher, Harrison, sargent, this book has craft that, if not matches all of the above authors, is most asuredly near or in the same class.
Read it!
2920902
To be honest I didn't know what to expect,  but I was wonderfully surprised!  This is a very good read.  A good plot and well written (except for the use of "anyways" instead of "anyway"-leave off the s, Mr Muse, please). Thank you, Ben
Muse, for a southern novel that brings a lovely part of the country and it's people to life.
1113991
I really wasn't sure what to expect......Please
Not another wise-cracking, cynical girl P.I., imagine my joy as I discovered something delightfully fresh!  And enough red herrings, to keep me guessing, right up until the light went on--really rare for this old gal, I usually know "Whodunit" long before the story gets there!  WTG! Ms. Madison--  Thank You!  You really entertained me.
3102609
This book had me guessing from the title that it would be something that I would not be altogether happy to read as I do not like the term "freak" as it is usually used regarding people but here it is not at all what I expected. The book and it's well developed characters as well as the very well developed plot made my day. I was so happy to have discovered this book that I am looking forward to the rest f the series.
1503904
Wasn't sure I was going to like this but was pleasantly surprised and looking forward to next book.  Well done
2601297
Honestly I guess I didn't know what to expect... But it was indeed a pleasant surprise!!

For a persons first novel it was well written, detail-oriented, and fast paced.

I will be recommending this novel to anyone that will listen.

Thank you to Mr. A.G. Riddle! I can't wait to read the sequel.
117314
This book really surprised me. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when it popped up in my recommended reading list, but I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I did!  It had everything I was looking for - well-developed characters, a interesting plot with some unexpected twists, and a sense of drama and fun. I look forward to reading more by this author!
3651564
I enjoyed reading this novel with some misgivings beforehand because it was not my usual choice of genre and also because I had not previously heard of the author. What a pleasant surprise I received in this reading. I truly believe that as I progressed through the story that I experienced every emotion possible. It was a fast paced read and I heartily recommend this book.
96550
Usually, when I begin a book it takes at least a chapter for me to feel invested. "Not What She Seems" got me within the first few pages. This was a pleasant surprise and I loved that it wasn't predictable. I also liked they way the characters are given a chance to show their behaviors prior to all the chaos. This way the author isn't playing back-story catch-up to give the reader context. If you are on the fence about this book and you enjoy mysteries.....give it a chance. You might be surprised yourself.
4694002
A pleasant surprise.  I'm now reading the second one in series and look forward to more.
2431122
I wasn't expecting so much from a free book. This one had everything I enjoy, suspense, mystery, comedy, sorrow, love, and hate all wrapped up into a well written, easy read. I done normally choose romance novels but am glad I gave it a try. It was so much more than romance. I recommend it highly.
1108678
I was quite pleasantly surprised by this book.  Its linear plot was quite interesting and it made a great evening's read.  I identified with the characters and found the entire experience worthwhile.  It's not George Martin, but frankly, I'm unable to take Martin as a steady diet.  Complexity and deep messages aren't my idea of light reading; this book is.  Thanks to Mr. Manning.
3312688
I wasn't expecting much from this book, it was three bucks and not my typical read. I was totally impressed. First of all- the world building was interesting. Not too much to bog me down but more then enough to be excited. The characters  were realistic, none of them flat, all of them had a past that affected their personalities and choices. I read a lot of teen fantasy and get so sick of the one dimensional, cereal box girls/boys/parents. This was a refreshing change. Totally worth my time and gave me a new world to play with in my head. Also- I can't believe how thought provoking it was. I mean come on, a book that actually makes me think afterwards? Not what I expected from this genre, I'm looking forward to the next.
2159110
This was a  a nice surprise.  I thought that it would be a b;and read but I enjoyed it and would read more by this author.
1350067
What a delightful surprise!  I had no knowledge of this music before this purchase, and I can hardly believe it is so very pretty.  This is a sort of anthology of Martucci's shorter pieces, and they are all interesting and pastoral, even a bit languorous.  The singing with orchestra is not at all operatic, but more like sweetly yearning songs.  The orchestral portions are well written and played.  The recordings come from various sessions and are just a bit uneven, so some sound better than others but none are bad.  I've already listened all the way through twice on the first day.  Utterly charming stuff.
497465
An unexpected surprise....REALLY enjoyed this movie.
4138731
Surprisingly, I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would! Nice change of pace.