Review of Divergent by Veronica Roth (2011) (Divergent Book 1)
Bottom line: Reading Divergent is like watching a good action movie: it’s not really about the plot, it’s about the heroes and their journey. Rating: Recommended Blurb: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), […]
Review of Murder in the Marais: An Aimeé Leduc Investigation, Vol. 1 by Cara Black (1998)
Bottom line: There were elements that I didn’t think were done as well as they could have been, but still an entertaining ride for the most part. Rating: Recommended if: You’re interested in a mystery series set in Paris, are looking for a new series to get behind, or you can get it for free […]
Review of Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (1996) (A Song of Fire and Ice Book 1)
Bottom line: This book has graphic sex and violence, and I didn’t enjoy the story or characters enough to balance out the disturbing elements. Rating: Not Recommended Blurb: Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, […]
Review of The Hidden Institute by Brand Gamblin (2011) Free Audiobook
Bottom line: Great story, great characters, great narration, and it’s available as a free audiobook! Rating: Strongly Recommended Blurb: Rising above your station can be deadly. Cliffy is a child born on the streets of a Neo-Victorian world. Witnesses to a murder, he blackmails a nobleman, receiving a unique bribe. In exchange for his silence, […]
Review of Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie (1920) (Hercule Poirot Book 1) Free Kindle E-Book
Bottom line: A classic Golden Age mystery, by the Queen of mystery, although not her greatest work. The first time the world was introduced to the Hercule Poirot – the funny little man with the egg shaped head and impressive mustache. Update: As of 7/1/2013 this book is no longer free. Rating: Recommended IF – […]
Review of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams (1987) (Dirk Gently Book 1)
Bottom line: Not up to Douglas Adams’s usual standard. Worth a try if you’re a big fan of his other work. Rating: Recommended IF – you are a Douglas Adams fan Blurb: There is a long tradition of Great Detectives, and Dirk Gently does not belong to it. But his search for a missing cat […]
Review of Cover Her Face by P.D. James (1962) (Adam Dalgliesh Book 1)
Bottom line: I liked this story, although I would have preferred to get to know the detective better. A traditional murder mystery set in an English country house, it was a fun introduction to P.D. James. Rating: Recommended Blurb: On the same day as the St Cedd’s church fete in the grounds of her home, […]
Review of The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross (2011) (The Steampunk Chronicles – Book 1)
Bottom line: An intriguing first full-length installment of the series. I had a few complaints about the writing, but the story was very entertaining. I’d recommend reading The Strange Case of Finley Jayne first (although you don’t need it for The Girl in the Steel Corset to make sense) because it’s free and if you […]
Review of Invisible by Lorena McCourtney (Ivy Malone Series Book 1) (2004)
Bottom line: A fun mystery with a strong Christian presence. If you are looking for a new series to try that isn’t too intense, give this book a shot – especially since it’s free. Rating: Recommended Blurb: She’s not your average crime fighter! Meet Ivy Malone, an inconspicuous older woman who has a mutant curiosity […]
Review of Blunt Instrument by Georgette Heyer (Inspector Hannasyde #4) (1938)
Bottom line: An easy-going murder mystery set in 1930s London. Worth a try if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie or Ngaio Marsh and want something new (especially if you can borrow it). I didn’t enjoy it as much as I usually enjoy a Christie or Marsh, but it was still a pleasant enough read. […]