Awesome Story -- and I Don't Even Read Mystery Novels!
348220
Funny thing...for the lazy days hanging around our mid-Michigan cottage with my wife, I decided to scout Amazon for a new book or two. Something told me to try a detective/mystery novel, and I came across Bruce Robert Coffin's "In the Shadows."  Boy, what a stroke of luck...

GREAT backstory and well-defined characters are indicative of Bruce's background in both law enforcement and writing. Being a guy who sticks to classic literature and novels, I am a bit surprised and how engaged I found myself.

Getting ready to buy the next John Byron book...GO BRUCE GO!!!

Note: I visited Bruce's website and sent a little note complimenting his work...he responded in a matter of hours.  LOVE IT!
2296598
My subject title there says it all, I think. I loved this book.

It's not the sort of story I normally read. The majority of the books I read are murder mysteries and it's very rare that I venture out of that genre. However, I heard about this book and got the free sample for my Kindle. I read it and wanted to find out more and purchased the book.

I'm so glad that I did. Melissa Lummis is a very talented writer. She's got very interesting and cool characters here. Not only that, but the story here is very compelling.

You know that great feeling you get when you start reading a new book and you find yourself getting totally sucked into it and you quickly find that you love this new "world" and you don't want the experience to end?

That's how I felt while reading this. I repeat: I loved it!
742784
**Thank you to Entangled Teen for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!**

I've not always had the greatest luck with mystery stories. I tend to always want to read them, but then I solve the mystery on my own and lose interest only to be correct with my suspicions in the end. That's why I try to stay away from them. However, when I saw The Foxglove Killings, I knew that there was something different about it. I'm quite glad that I made that realization.

The Foxglove Killings was utterly creepy, which is definitely a plus for a mystery novel. I also love how it started off incredibly creepy just in the beginning, within the first chapter even! I absolutely loved that, because I was thrown right into the story from the very first page and didn't have to wait for any action! I really dislike slow stories, and The Foxglove Killings was definitely not slow-moving for me. Tara Kelly doesn't hold back with the gruesome, which I liked as well. This mystery and it's murder aspects were definitely well thought out.

Going back to what I said before about always guessing correctly when it comes to mysteries... that was not the case with The Foxglove Killings. I changed my thoughts on who I thought it was a few times, and I still ended up wrong! It's just another reason to love this story and recommend it to others!

After reading The Foxglove Killings, I've decided that I should probably read more mysteries, because not all of them are so easily guessable! If you've not read this book yet, you should pick it up and give it a read!
1316572
I loved this book, and I am not normally a big fan of the "thriller"/mystery genre.
The writing is fast-paced and easily digested, and the plot moves quickly. But I think I liked it best because the puzzles the characters are presented with (and therefore you, the reader, as well) are so intriguing, and I learned so much I didn't know.
I know the book is controversial, and although based on some facts, it is a work of fiction...but still, it gives one some food for thought that challenges some long-standing assumptions that are just taken for granted about Jesus, the Catholic Church, famous paintings, various religious and political figures, and symbols you grew up with and probably never even thought about.
Dan Brown gets my vote for a rare author who can create unqiue, entertaining characters, move a plot forward quickly with  hooks galore, and make you think and learn at the same time. I definitely plan to read more of his books!
- Julia Wilkinson, author, My Life at AOL
353001
Two-thirds through, I was already giving this book a five-star rating . . . though typically Im a four-star giver. Im an avid mystery reader (Greg Iles anyone?).
But something about the hype on a special offering of this e-book got me interested. I believe it must have spoken of mystery. I was definitely not disappointed!
I was alive and well during this episode of history but apparently not well tuned in -- so much of it read like a novel. So many characters to boo-hiss and a few to cheer.
I am a native Angelino who left California for retirement in Kentucky. Im pretty sure Im not your average reader of business genre. Im also sure Ive not read my last Steve Coll book!
4751107
When this book came up for review, I had to grab it.  Who doesn't love a mystery, and then a mystery involving food.  Yes, Please..hehe.  I didn't realize this was a series, until I started reading more about it.  I don't think I would consider it a true "series" because it can be read as a stand alone.  I wasn't lost or confused by anything happening.  I was pleasantly surprised by the book and especially about how clean it is for a mystery.  It's fantastic.  Now, onto my thoughts.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I think that at the beginning it moved a little slow, but it was interesting enough I wanted to know what happened.  When Sadie and Pete travel to San Francisco to go through the boxes that were Saides estranged sisters life, the book got really interesting.  I love mystery books.  I love trying to figure out who the bad guy is before it is revealed.  I cannot say I did that in this one.  Which, means (to me) that the author did a great job of hiding the "criminals".  It was fantastic.

When Sadies sister Wendy ends up dead things are a little sketchy.  I thought the story between Sadie and her sister was so sad.  Wendy was messed up.  Really messed up.  Sadie was the sister with her head on her shoulders.  When Sadie is forced to go through Wendy's things at the request of Wendy's son Ji, the story really begins to come to life.

There are a lot of twits and turns in this book, which made it exciting for me to read.  We learn that Ji suffered horribly at the hands of his neglectful mother.  He was a little bitter when Sadie showed up, and I don't blame him.  His life had sucked living with an emotionally unstable mother for way too long.  He was bitter at the fact that Sadie and his grandparents didn't do more to help him.  It really turns out to be a fascinating story.  When it all comes together I was like "how did I not see that coming"?  Having said that I don't think I would have seen the ending.  It still is surprising to me.  Which is awesome.

Sadie and Pete have such a sweet, complicated relationship.  Pete is such a great character.  You cannot help but love him, and feel sorry for him.  Sadie is also a great character.  She is a strong, complicated woman.  She is torn between finding the truth behind her sisters death, and dealing with the feelings Pete is having for his dead wife.

This is a great mystery/love story.  If you like that kind of thing, pick this book up, and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did.  The book has a few recipes in it and I think I am going to have  to try.  Although I think they are over my head..hehehe.  I am not a good cook, but the things they had in the book made my tummy growl a few times just thinking about them.  A book, and food.  What an awesome combination.

In San Francisco we are introduced to more characters, and each one comes with a story.  I love how it all comes together.  I love it when there are a lot of characters in a book and the process of connecting them becomes just as interesting as the story.  Or, when the connections come to light and you have that "AH HA" moment.  I love that.  This was such a fun read.
302517
The best mystery story I have ever read. Period.
1875919
I'm not a fiction reader, I feel that if I'm going to sit down and read I should be learning something so around the age of 12 I stopped reading fiction. I actually forget how I found this book but the reviews were great and it had an interesting plot so I decided to download it. I was hooked. For the next few days I read it cover to cover and loved ever minute of it. The story is very interesting and it always left me wanting to know more about Zero. I wish there were pictures, I would love to see some of the authors renditions of some of the aliens even though the way they're described put a pretty good picture in my head. Because of this book I've started to read fiction again. Thank you Zero...or, I guess, thank you Sara King. :-)
1234764
I do not have a literary background. I am someone who reads for enjoyment and I really loved this novel! I seldom find a book that grips me enough  to want to read it in one session. This novel held my interest in that remarkable way. I felt engaged in all of the characters' story lines- always wanting to know more. The great mystery of human existence - a magical story well told.  Kudos to the author- well done!!! I hope to see more of this author's work in the future.
4014069
"Riptide" Dawn Lee McKenna -- Five Stars!

Okay, I confess - I'm hooked on Dawn Lee Mckenna.  If she writes it, I'm going to buy it and read it without much thought about it.  I was hooked while reading her first novel "See You", a fantastic, wonderful novel (see my review).

When she began writing the Forgotten Coast Suspense series with Lt. Maggie Redmond ("Low Tide"), even though I'm not a mystery reader, I was hooked again.  Just like this one, "Low Tide" is also a winner.  You should read it, too!

Just so you know, I don't ordinarily read mystery novels, so this review is not going to go into the mystery(-ies) or the investigation.  I read mysteries and police procedurals, not for the mystery or some involved, in depth investigation.  I read for the stories behind the characters or the police
department or the community.  Mckenna weaves those little incendental stories about the characters, about the town, about the area, into the story of Maggie's investigations.  I don't pay much attention to the "who-dun-it" issue, I love the stories woven around it all.  And Dawn Lee McKenna does that with the best of them.

I can't help but think that if you're an avid reader like me, you'll enjoy McKenna's novels.  Buy them, read them, you'll enjoy them.  "Riptide" easily earns the five-star rating from me.  And don't forget "See You" and "Low Tide" - you'll like those, too.

And yes, I've already bought the third suspense novel "What Washes Up".

Patrick
Three Great Novels in a Row! (And the fourth in my Kindle waiting!)
4264222
Just wow. I am unfamiliar with the author and "bought" this book (for free at the time) because it sounded interesting. This story went waaaaay beyond interesting - I could not put it down! The writing was well done and you find yourself getting very attached to the characters. It wraps up very quickly, but I don't think it was a bad thing. Could there have been more? Yes. However, I think I like it just the way it is because it leaves the imagination just enough wiggle room. I will definitely be reading this over and over again. Hopefully the price won't go through the roof because of this, but it is definitely worth paying for!
1947570
This is my first experience with this author and I am so very glad I found him! His story is absolutely fantastic.

Mr. Borg has given us a good, clean cut, spine tingling, mystery that will keep you on the edge of your chair during the entire book. The story is very well written and paced perfectly. As you read, there is never any question as to what is going on and why. Mr. Borg has given us a great murder mystery, a slight touch of romance, an abused woman fighting to gain courage in her life, and a spunky senior fighting to find out who almost killed his wife. Mr. Borg, now that I write this, I applaud you. You have multiple story lines going here and have written them without any confusion to the reader.

The characters are so well written and lifelike that you feel you are right into the melee. And, lest I forget, Detective McKenna's faithful dog Spot. By the time you finish this story you know these people, what they thought and went through. Just an awesome story!

I recommend this story for all ages.

I know you will enjoy your book.
3414334
I actually happened to find this book at the dollar store.  I would generally have low expectations from a book found in a dollar store, but I was definitely wrong in this instance.  This book was fascinating!  I loved the characters, the story, the atmosphere in the book.  Korolev is such an interesting character, wrestling internally with the contradictions about his religious faith contrasted against his hopes for the future of Soviet Russia.  He is a brilliant detective, but also a very humble and ethical man -- always trying to rationalize in his mind the injustices and cruelties wrought by the Stalinist government as the somehow necessary cost of attaining the glorious ideals of communism.  A means to an end, no matter how uncomfortable, and a sacrifice he remains willing to accept.  I am now reading the 2nd in the series, The Darkening Field, and it is just as interesting.  I will definitely plan to read all of the books of this series!
3841294
I read the negative reviews here on Amazon but I decided to take a chance with this book despite its bad press. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed the plot and I thought the motivations of each character were deep and believable. Perhaps too deep to be understood by the naysayers?

I have never read a Rebecca Forster novel before but I have put her on my list and I will definitely be looking for more novels by this author.

I was particularly happy with the twists and turns of the plot - it never became predictable and, for me, that's incredibly important in a mystery. I don't WANT to figure it out by the fourth chapter. I don't even want to figure it out by the last chapter. I want to be surprised. And, in this book, I was surprised. Of course, I had my suspicions but I wasn't convinced until the very end. The plot made sense to me and the characters were fleshed out perfectly.

I love Grisham's legal mysteries and I adore D. W. Buffa's work and I consider Rebecca Forster to be on the same level as these authors. Ignore the one-star reviews, give this book a chance and I think you'll be glad you did!
3561841
I chose to read this book because of previous great reviews from other readers, all the while a bit sceptical of their interpretations.  I can truly report that I'm hooked!  I couldn't put it down and have now downloaded the entire series!  This story line is extremely clever.  I'm typically not a fan of this genre, but this book is so well written and interesting.  I can't wait to have my husband read this - I know he'll love it too!  Now on to the next one without delay...
381762
I don't read a ton of mystery/suspense type books but I do tend to enjoy the ones I pick up, and that was certainly the case for The Girl Who Disappeared Twice.  This isn't your standard mystery novel because there's quite a bit of family history in the background, which makes this story more than just about what happened to Krissy but also what happened to Felicity all those years ago. To be honest, I don't know if I would have enjoyed the book as much had there not been the Felicity aspect to it. It really made the story whole for me, adding a sort of mystery-within-a-mystery thing that kept me guessing.

Casey Woods is a great character, and I took to her immediately. She is tough (of course), can read people extremely well, and doesn't hesitate to do what needs done in order to solve the crime. I loved the dynamic between the members of Forensic Instincts - Kane wrote characters that complement each other really well, and I can see myself wanting to read more about this team if future books about them are published. One aspect of the novel I could have seen more of was the relationship between Casey and her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Hutch, a member of the FBI (I think FBI - maybe police). Their relationship was touched upon, but I didn't feel like I really understood the dynamic between the two of them and I would have been happy with a little more character-building of Hutch. This isn't a huge gripe, but I do feel it could have enhanced the story.

As far as the mystery aspect, I was definitely kept on my toes throughout the course of the novel. Of course I had feelings along the way, and there is a turning point in the story at which I figured out the essential elements of what did happen to Krissy, but overall the book kept me guessing. The plot has that Lifetime movie feel to it, which I kind of liked - it wasn't a gruesome serial killer type book, it was more about family secrets and that kind of drama, how someone you think you know and trust for years and years can betray you so horrifically. Personally, I like these kinds of mysteries better than the serial killer type, so it worked well for me.

The Girl Who Disappeared Twice is an interesting, exciting mystery novel with some great characters. I'd be more than happy to learn that Andrea Kane is going to make this into a series (not sure if she is, but it seemed like it at the end of the book) and would definitely pick up another novel starring Casey Woods and Forensic Instincts. Recommended.
3504003
In the interest of full disclosure, I must say right off that I am the author's son.  Yes, Bob is my dad, and I'm so proud of him for getting his first novel published I could just about burst.

I first read this book in bits and pieces...  chapters that he sent to me as he was writing it.  I always wanted to read more, but I could never get fully involved in the story, as I got a couple of chapters, here, another couple of chapters a month later...  By the time I got to read the next scenario(s), in the next chapters I got, I had mostly forgotten the characters and lost hold of the plot line (I read a lot of books).  I can't say how thrilled I was when I got the bound and published edition and found myself unable to put it down!  This is not my typical genre.  I've read some Dan Brown and some Grisham and Clancy, but I had never read any of the...  what I consider "Classic Detective Novels."  I don't even know what to call the style.  I hear references to "Mike Hammer" and "Mickey Spillane," but I honestly don't know much about either one, other than that I've heard their names and have a general idea about how their story's might be told.  I think I have a much better idea now, informed by the style of my Dad's book.

I loved it.  And I don't just say that because the author is my Dad.  Of course I would not say anything BAD about anything my Dad getting published...  I love the man.  But this book really did draw me into it's story, and I'm a pretty critical reader.  I gained a whole new appreciation for a genre that, at least in my mind, I had considered dead, and had never been exposed to.

The characters just seemed to take on faces, lives, and personalities that seemed very real to me from the moment I opened the book.  The story quickly takes on a lively pace and never lets up until the thrilling conclusion.  I would have to recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a good tale that has it's plot based in reality, and it's tone shaded with tinges of the classic PI tales that just don't seem to be told any more.

Way to go, Dad, and I hope as many others find this book as evocative as I did.