Good plot, character development goes in interesting directions
592187
Good plot, character development goes in interesting directions, seemed to be less adventure than the first book, and far too much insight into the main character's thoughts and feelings and opinions. While those are nice, in general, the author infuses the character's opinion, or a sarcastic remark, after nearly every line of dialog from another character. It was predictable and distracting from the action and conversation.
2033170
This was an entertaining read with an interesting plot. I found some of the author's techniques for providing background information somewhat clumsy and some of the characters seemed a bit flat. Having said that I have high hopes for the authors potential to improve and I will be following her;I have already bought the next book in this series and The first of another series to see how she is going to develop the story.
2910056
Intertesting and well crafted plot, moves along at a good pace
1654830
Having read this book I got most of the rest of the series. It has an interesting plot with good character development.
4905571
Good plot, likable characters, except for the bad guys.
1338826
Good character development in plot line, looking forward to reading the next installment.

I have to say more or Amazon won't accept the review
4260166
Nicely developed plot using a variety of characters who gradually intersect. Good characterizations of understandable people rahter than stock characters who are good or evil. Sympathetic protagonist with depth and humanity and family --without coy gimmicks.

This is a good mystery read, and I look forward to others from Alex Nichols.
1840901
I enjoyed the plot development, the handyman construction details. I had a hard time with John's poor vocabulary as it seemed forced and did not match his personality. Why the detailed street travelogue? The emotions, plot development, pace, and character development made it a good read.
2699523
In depth character build-ups and interesting plot twists make this an interesting read.
3234462
A well laid out tale, with good plot and character development. Not as humorous as anticipated, but I enjoyed the unique characters and would probably read another book in the series. Typos were distracting.
4307918
The plot advances at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. I did feel the characters could have sometimes been easier to identify with but they were mainly engaging, as was the storyline.
2726945
I enjoyed the dialogue and character development. The direction of the novel was pretty well telegraphed from early on but the insights were offered in an interesting manner.
397494
Plot's been summarized elsewhere. It was a good plot, and I liked it as I tore through the book for the first time and expect to like it when I reread, and it wraps up nicely while also leaving room for a sequel (pretty please?) But the thing I liked most about Carousel Tides was the way it respected genre elements without falling into triteness. There are selkies, and fae from other dimensions, and people (using the term loosely) with a mystic tie to the land or the ocean, but they are also clearly, complexly characterized individuals. There's a romance subplot, but you can see why the characters are interested in each other, and it's not - entirely - due to some supernatural link between them. And it doesn't lead them to pay too much attention to having sex with each other and too little to the things that may kill them. The fantasy elements aren't slapped helter-skelter on top of the contemporary reality; they are entwined. The nonhumans are mysterious, and "other," and as capable of being good or evil or petty as are the humans. It all fits together remarkably well, and I recommend it.
4093379
Moves slow at times, but good plot with surprising twists.
431258
Plot was interesting, captivating in that I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. Several characters and subplots that I hope would have been developed more, however, may be in subsequent books. There are some punctuation and typos that could be corrected, found myself reading some parts a couple times to clarify the meaning.
Would recommend to others.
4403635
I liked the book, I liked it a lot, mainly because I've just recently found Scudder and I'm working my way through all of the novels.  But I get the feeling that this one is a bit of an interlude before jumping into the soul-changing character development you find in eight million ways to die.  That's just my character feel.

The plot, on the other hand, is good, and the ending has a twist that's just believable (and a bit) sad enough to make it a really great storyline.

All in all, I was thinking about giving this one a 3, but only because of what I mentioned in the first paragraph.  The general story idea is fresh and good.  Not just your average "body appears, let's go look for who put the body there" line.
4095896
Although there will be a sequel, this story can stand on its own.  Characters are interesting, and I liked the plot.  The story is wrapped up nicely in the end, but there are enough outstanding mysteries to make me want to read the next one.