In trying to describe my opinion of the book, the analogy of eating a donut is what crosses my mind. Chewing a donut is pleasurable. It tastes good anIn trying to describe my opinion of the book, the analogy of eating a donut is what crosses my mind. Chewing a donut is pleasurable. It tastes good and is easy on the mouth (although not the waistline.) But even as I start to swallow, I don't like the fact that I am eating a donut and once it reaches my stomach, the negative feeling is heightened.
This book was like that for me. Too much 'sweet' aka 'hooks' and not enough 'nutrition' aka substance. I didn't really like or feel empathy for Jasper Dent. The story feels contrived. Even though we are all conflicted in ways, to read in virtually every chapter the inner battle Jason battles with himself gets very tedious. Not to mention it is the same argument over and over again so that I felt the writer was too lazy to be more imaginative.
I feel like the writer thinks he is pulling off 'the genius son of a 'Hannibal Lecter' type serial killer' and it's an epic fail of both characters. Neither one of them demonstrated anything that remotely resembles a genius IQ and were rather bland characters as far as the annals of fiction stretch.
I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because despite my criticisms, I took an average interest in the proceedings which is better than when I cannot wait to finish a book because I have totally lost interest.
I haven't liked a book with Mafia characters this much since The Godfather. I actually like this better since I think it has a lot more contrast and cI haven't liked a book with Mafia characters this much since The Godfather. I actually like this better since I think it has a lot more contrast and context. The Godfather is all Mafia all the time, but this had a rip roaring story line of blue bloods and what happens when a Mafia don moves into a neighborhood of old money. Nobody is exactly likable but John Sutter, the blue blooded lawyer, who is the main protagonist, has a certain style (aka smart mouth/quick wit) that I appreciated. I also really enjoyed 'the meeting of the minds' these two men had with one another. Two intelligent minds that are worlds apart, and yet, get one another on a very fundamental level. I had never read this author and I just picked this spontaneously because it sounded interesting. When I got to the end, I was very pleased to see that there is a sequel, The Gate House, that I will borrow from the library on my next trip!...more
This book is a bit deceiving. It gives the impression that this will be a story about a down and out, female serial killer in Victorian England. Read This book is a bit deceiving. It gives the impression that this will be a story about a down and out, female serial killer in Victorian England. Read no further if you do not want any more information. For roughly the first half or so, I was quite captivated. It is written well and Lord knows I like a plucky gal even if she has killed some people (one can argue whether they deserved it or not but the fact remains she killed men.) I thought this was quite a bit different from the usual Victorian 'damsel in distress' and was enjoying it. This could have gone in so many different directions as the author laid down a solid foundation where we feel we know 'Jane' and feel both distress and empathy. I did not expect the last part of the book to dissolve into a sappy, Victorian 'damsel in love' and for the nature of the premise to change so radically. Almost worse than that, it ends like a typical 'ladies novel, 'chick lit' type of 'happy ending' all tied up with a big neat bow. Bleah. How uninteresting and pedestrian it became. I expected better and am quite disappointed. I am giving it 3 stars instead of 2 because the first part was based on a good idea and the writing, itself, was excellent. ...more
I enjoyed reading this story. I especially love the drawings/illustrations. I think this is a good mystery for the pre-teenager. Anyone older may findI enjoyed reading this story. I especially love the drawings/illustrations. I think this is a good mystery for the pre-teenager. Anyone older may find it a bit more style over substance. However, I do think this shows a great deal of promise as a series. This being the first one, I think this is a novel situation that can grow into its own in the future. I think this is a bit too tame for teenagers. But for the young at heart, I think there is an old fashioned innocence mixed with a lot of empathy for those who are different and I wouldn't bet against this becoming a classic series in the mode of the Bobbsey Twins. ...more
I read this for one of my book club's March member group read. One of the things I love about this book club is that I get to experience books I wouldI read this for one of my book club's March member group read. One of the things I love about this book club is that I get to experience books I would never have chosen myself for one reason or another. It helps broaden my horizons and it's interesting to know what other die hard readers choose and enjoy. This story is a good case in point because I read all kinds of books but the three genres I typically do not read are romance, western and spy novels. I have never seen a James Bond movie and doubt I ever will.
This is touted as a tale of revenge, the first in a series of what will, undoubtedly, have at least 6 since that was the number the heroine wishes to kill as an act of revenge. The protagonist lives in Marrakesh and I did like that flavor to the story since I love to read stories that take place in other countries. However, she travels to Somalia and tangles with a group of pirates/terrorists and I'm not so keen on the middle east, terrorists, Africa, Islam/Muslims....the entire gist. I am sickened by the real news with stories of ISIS, beheadings, acts of terrorism, etc. I read for many reasons but one has got to be to get away from the depressing news about humanity given to us in every form of media on a daily basis. And, to be completely honest, these 'super-human' types in the movies and books that defy all odds and single handedly face down a multitude of enemies and save the day don't thrill me...I often feel it's so far fetched, it's silly.
But despite all my complaints about what I dislike, for a genre that isn't my cup of tea, I thought this was okay. It moved along quickly and it didn't go into grisly detail. I wasn't bored and I didn't force myself to continue reading, so I would say that given these qualities it was a successful read for me. I might even continue to read the series to see what happens to Beatrix since she has some health issues along with her intent to extract her pound of flesh. ...more
Truman Capote was a talented writer whom I admired even as it saddened me to see him throw his talent away...a victim of the fame game as much as anytTruman Capote was a talented writer whom I admired even as it saddened me to see him throw his talent away...a victim of the fame game as much as anything else. He betrayed the woman he loved most and bit the hand that fed him frequently and relentlessly. I thought this book was fascinating and explained a lot of what happened to his society friendships, etc. It's a powerful read and gives the reader much to think about.
There are two things that struck me as particularly naive, sad and something that all people over a certain age should know, if not first hand by example. If you have secrets, if there are things you prefer to not have anyone know, the first and foremost rule is to tell NO ONE. To betray someone's trust makes one a snake....no question...but to reveal your deepest and darkest to another makes one a fool. But most of us have faced the bad consequences of unburdening ourselves to a snake at some point in life.
I believe that Capote truly did love Babe Paley even though he betrayed her. Because some people can only love in what would be considered by most as not real love. I have never felt loved by my father. It is only in the past few years that I have begun to acknowledge to myself that if he was filled with truth serum or hooked up to a lie detector, he would answer yes if asked if he loved his daughter. The test would bear witness that he was telling the truth. Does that give me any solace? Not really.... Does it make him a good, caring, present parent? No.....none of the above. Do I forgive this? Not really but I finally have a better understanding of how love fails. There is that Latin expression that bears repeating here: "Quod me nutrit, me destruit" aka "What nourishes me, also destroys me." Perhaps the lesson to be learned is to love ourselves most of all and not rely upon another to be the center of one's universe.
All the money, fame and power one can have does not create happiness or inner security. Love is blind but one should not let it be all encompassing. Be cautious of revealing what will hurt you and others should it become common knowledge. When you witness someone being bitchy, callous, nasty and unfeeling towards others, remember that at any time it could be your turn next.
I liked this more than I thought I would. I am not especially fond of dead narrators but thankfully there were a couple of other narrators as well so I liked this more than I thought I would. I am not especially fond of dead narrators but thankfully there were a couple of other narrators as well so it didn't seem as far-fetched.
It had a rather slow start and a weak ending in my opinion, but neither prevented it from being an entertaining read. ...more
I debated back and forth whether this was a 3 or 4 star book. I guess I should split the difference and say it was 3.5.
I did enjoy the story. The firI debated back and forth whether this was a 3 or 4 star book. I guess I should split the difference and say it was 3.5.
I did enjoy the story. The first 80% was interesting and held my attention just fine. But the ending...ugh. First, in my humble opinion the ending dragged on and on and on. I think it should have wrapped it up much quicker. Especially since this is what I consider to be a weak and unsatisfying ending to a murder mystery. Maybe even lazy. I don't mean to be harsh but if the author thought this was clever or a big twist or something along those lines, I just think it was a couple sandwiches short of a picnic. ...more
I give this a solid 5 stars for story telling and execution. I liked how this was crafted. The viewpoints between the mother of an abducted child and I give this a solid 5 stars for story telling and execution. I liked how this was crafted. The viewpoints between the mother of an abducted child and the policeman in charge of the case was thought provoking and never gave the story a chance to get bogged down in the clutter that one main character sometimes does. I had a hard time putting it down and even when I made myself go to bed, the story lingered in my mind. I felt the crushing burden a family member, especially a mother or father, must feel when they are suspected of being the perpetrator of the crime and how the public' (internet) makes all kinds of random, hurtful, nasty comments without having the facts. This is not a book jam packed with action, nor is it a clever mystery, but I did feel that it was a thoughtful character study. I very much enjoyed the heavy concentration of the thoughts running through the protagonist's minds....more
Great story telling. I loved how all the pieces to the 'mystery' were thrown out and then seamlessly woven together at the end. I'm especially happy tGreat story telling. I loved how all the pieces to the 'mystery' were thrown out and then seamlessly woven together at the end. I'm especially happy that I read it in October because I read horror all year round but I feel sort of cheated if I don't get a rip snorter of a horror/thriller read done in the month of Halloween. This is the first book I've read by Jennifer McMahon and I realize I own two other books by her that have been patiently waiting for me to read them (along with their hundreds of brother and sister books strewn all over my house.) I highly recommend. ...more
Daphne du Maurier is one of my all time favorite authors. She's both a master story teller and writes so well that she always invokes an intense mood Daphne du Maurier is one of my all time favorite authors. She's both a master story teller and writes so well that she always invokes an intense mood that makes me feel like I am actually within her story. I can see the characters and her setting so clearly that the movie in my mind of her stories is sharp and intense..no murky corners. I couldn't help but wonder if one is supposed to feel sorry for Phillip. I think she wrote his character without pity, so I'm going to say no. I did not feel sorry for him. And, not for the obvious reason being 'a fool and his money are soon parted.' I found within Phillip, as I think is especially true of so many white males, the arrogance of thinking they are all that and more. The older I get, the more I find irritating how men with nothing to offer...nothing...not in intelligence, appearance, finances, charm, etc. have not the slightest doubt that any woman would be happy to have their attention. White males have had it their way for so long a lot of them have a sense of entitlement that is absolutely insufferable. This is Phillip's downfall....it doesn't cross his mind that Rachel would not want him. He has quite the delusional sense of self and therefore cannot see anything else clearly. I have a feeling that Ms. du Maurier was well acquainted with a lot of Phillips in her life and had much satisfaction of writing about the downward spiral of a fictional one. It's a good story and I think her stories will never go out of style. The ones I've read all have classic themes that are universal and the quality of her writing leaves a big imprint on the heart and mind. ...more
This was certainly different. To be honest, I have not read a novel like it. I thought it well executed and hard to put down. The protagonist is a sexThis was certainly different. To be honest, I have not read a novel like it. I thought it well executed and hard to put down. The protagonist is a sex worker, she has a video internet site where she fulfills men's fantasies, obsessions, perversions, etc. It's a bit rough for me to think of women, even though they may make huge salaries, degrading themselves in this line of work. On the other hand, who am I to judge? But be forewarned if you find this sort of thing distasteful. However, that isn't all she is...dare I say more? She, herself, suffers from some kind of fetish, obsession or psychosis (I'm not sure what it would be properly called) to kill people. So, this story is twisted BUT it does not stop it from being a ripping good read and I was cheering for her with all my heart as the facts unfolded. All in all, I think the author pulled off a pretty neat trick. ...more
This was a quick and easy read and I found it interesting as it moved along quickly. I would have given it 4 stars except that after I finished, I felThis was a quick and easy read and I found it interesting as it moved along quickly. I would have given it 4 stars except that after I finished, I felt unsatisfied. I found that it lacked a viewpoint as to why the tragedy took place. A sweeping panorama of bullying off in the wings (as opposed to front and center in the story) and a stay-at-home father's constant doubts about his parenting skills did not give me enough to have it resonate and touch a chord within me. For those who do not like their water deep, I think this will a good read. I had hoped for more substance as to what was going on in the minds of the title character and his friend. ...more
I enjoyed this old-fashioned, British ghost story and thought it well executed. Nothing was original or unique, but I liked the main character, Eliza I enjoyed this old-fashioned, British ghost story and thought it well executed. Nothing was original or unique, but I liked the main character, Eliza Caine, very much. I've always liked a plucky spinster ahead of her time and she proved to be a capable, responsible and caring governess to her charges. This book is not frightening in the least nor is it squeamish in any respect. I think anyone, including children, could read it without having nightmares. ...more
This was chosen as our monthly read by a member (Iridescent Ivonne, does that work, Stepheny...lol?) of my book club. I took it home from the library,This was chosen as our monthly read by a member (Iridescent Ivonne, does that work, Stepheny...lol?) of my book club. I took it home from the library, sat down and read it cover to cover in about an hour and a half. Not only is it suspenseful and interesting, I don't think I have ever read a book with this type of format. A lean 166 pages, no chapter is over 5-6 pages. Told from several different viewpoints of the villagers in the German town the murders take place, I have to applaud the author for a clever concept. Even though short, it is not skimpy in revelation. I definitely had the feel for the time, place and characters. ...more
I loved this book. Kate Morton not only told a first rate story, she perfectly plotted and executed a rather tricky multitude of time changes and charI loved this book. Kate Morton not only told a first rate story, she perfectly plotted and executed a rather tricky multitude of time changes and characters that come together seamlessly as the story unfolds. If it makes me sound naive, so be it, but I think this had one of the best endings I've ever read. As I wondered what the 'secret' was, I fully admit that I did not see it coming nor did I suspect the events that occurred. I was delighted to be surprised and it is only in retrospect I can admire how the story unravelled in such an intrically perfect fashion. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Morton. I had actually started 'The Secret Garden' but put it on the back burner to read this one (as it is borrowed from the library). I will be returning to 'The Secret Garden' with great anticipation. I know many people think that is her best work. I liked this so much, I will be reading her other books. I like the lady's style and want to read more of her tales. ...more
I entertained the hope that the last half of the novel would continue to hold my interest. I don't think this works as an entertaining fantasy but I hI entertained the hope that the last half of the novel would continue to hold my interest. I don't think this works as an entertaining fantasy but I have never much cared for the King Arthur legend, etc. I like fantasy when well done....for instance...love 'A Song of Fire and Ice' collection, Harry Potter to name two (and I could name 20 or more easily that have captivated me) but I thought this was pretty bland. The elderly couple got on my nerves at times and as far as the quest they were on.....the handful of avenues they explored, one way or another, nothing of any interest seemed to happen. I suppose it is only fair to mention that the only other work of Kazuo Ishiguro that I know is 'The Remains of the Day' and it outright bored me. This author and I do not have 'chemistry.'
I read it in 2 sittings so it's a quick read. I was excited for a good portion of the book knowing that there would be a dragon, but never have I been so let down in waiting for a character to appear. I wish I could have liked it better, but I finished it and will look forward to my next book. ...more
I just finished reading Watership Down for the first time. Better late than never, right? I almost didn't read it since I avoid animal stories. I can'I just finished reading Watership Down for the first time. Better late than never, right? I almost didn't read it since I avoid animal stories. I can't abide even non-existant animals enduring any kind of misery or abuse. I was reassured by two GR buddies that I could read it without mental/emotional duress. I'm glad I did. It's quite the charmer. I fell hard for Hazel and Fiver and their friends. This is one of those books that people of any age can enjoy. The universal themes of working together for the good of all are something we could use more of in our real world. Hazel has become one of my all time favorite storybook characters. His kindness, wisdom and bravery make him an outstanding model of what we should all aspire to be. I understand why this is such a classic and is many people's favorite book. It's a gift to the entire world. ...more
I will give this a 3.5. I found it to be an engaging story, but the best way I can describe my reading of it was more from a 'distance' or, perhaps, 'I will give this a 3.5. I found it to be an engaging story, but the best way I can describe my reading of it was more from a 'distance' or, perhaps, 'clinical.' It didn't grab me emotionally or give me even a slight case of 'the feels.' In thinking about why this was the case, the entire story centered solely on the protagonist, Mr. Heming. There were other characters, of course, who came and went, but none of them were very deeply sketched and nothing came from their viewpoint. I think that was the disenchantment.....it was Mr. Heming's all the time, all the way and since I think he was pretty much a low life weasel, he did not make for an arresting character that you could love or hate. I didn't even find him all that interesting. He was not evil enough to be fun to hate and he wasn't good enough to find compelling. It is a good story; I think it could be a great story if there was richer character development....more
This is a beautiful story. June, who is 15, has a special relationship/friendship/chemistry with her Uncle Finn. She has fun with him and he makes herThis is a beautiful story. June, who is 15, has a special relationship/friendship/chemistry with her Uncle Finn. She has fun with him and he makes her feel more loved than anyone else in her life. Unfortunately, he dies of AIDS. June resonated strongly with me. This story had a very authentic feel to it. I had the same kind of relationship with my father's mother, my Grandmother. We had so much fun together from the time I first remember her to the day she died, when I was 29. No one made me feel more special and loved than she did. The older I became, the more we became like bff's. I think she has had the most imprint on me. I am who I am, first and foremost, because of her. This story is about the people we love and how they affect us. It is about dealing with different kinds of loss of those we love. I can't help but think the author must have had a very special relative because she captures exactly what it is like. It made me feel good; it made me remember my special relative and how I miss her, and yet; she resides in me in so many ways that she doesn't seem so very far away. Even though it is early in 2015, I know this will be in my top 10 books of the year. ...more
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