Categotry Archives: Mystery
Damage Done
Juvenile Fiction
Random House Books for Young Readers
2015-07-21
336
"Exceedingly clever and surprisingly unsettling, Damage Done is an unforgettable read." --Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You "In her incredible debut novel, Amanda Panitch leaves you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to be stunned. Prepare to be torn apart." --Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist "A brilliant thriller. Gillian Flynn for the YA set." --Amy Christine Parker, author of Gated 22 minutes separate Julia Vann's before and after. Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend. After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that's what she tells the police. Now that she's Lucy Black, her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school. And someone much more dangerous. She thought her brother's crimes were behind her. But now she's being forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind. How far will Julia go to keep her slate clean? One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It's only just beginning. . . . In this deliciously twisted contemporary thriller, family can be a real killer. For fans of We Were Liars and readers who love unique multiple perspectives that leave clues like breadcrumbs until they reach the stunning conclusion. From the Hardcover edition.
Review:
“Damage Done” is a book I expected to enjoy if the description was any indication, but I had no idea just how far beyond my expectations it would go. It’s the perfect blend of mystery, thriller, and to be quite honest, “messed up.”
Julia Vann is living a new life after a horrific crime committed by her twin brother, Ryan. The story is told in her voice, which is very well-written and easy to read. While her circumstances are extraordinary, she is going through many things that are relatable to anyone who has been a teenager: crushes, social cliques, distant parents, and assorted other annoying adults. She’s definitely a narrator that leaves the reader wanting to know more.
The plot is perfectly paced with small flashbacks to the past written in with what is currently happening. To add a bit of an outside view, there are a few notes from Ryan’s psychologist added between some of the chapters. It allows the reader to learn the entire story at a slow pace, or if they prefer playing detective, gives enough clues and room between them for many theories to be developed.
Be warned: The book is quite disturbing and does have graphic violence as well as animal deaths. I believe that none of it was gratuitous in terms of the story and was a necessity in establishing the pattern of a growing sociopath. I can’t say much else without spoilers, but if you’re squeamish this is not the book for you.
I definitely recommend “Damage Done” for all adults and older young adults who like twisted thrillers and mysteries with a good dose of psychology. Please take note of the older above. It isn’t a good choice at all for the younger YA readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Graphic Violence, Sexual Situations, Animal Abuse
The Devil’s Only Friend (John Cleaver)
John Cleaver, Book 4
Fiction
Tor Books
2015-06-16
304
John Wayne Cleaver hunts demons: they've killed his neighbors, his family, and the girl he loves, but in the end he's always won. Now he works for a secret government kill team, using his gift to hunt and kill as many monsters as he can . . . . . . but the monsters have noticed, and the quiet game of cat and mouse is about to erupt into a full scale supernatural war. John doesn't want the life he's stuck with. He doesn't want the FBI bossing him around, he doesn't want his only friend imprisoned in a mental ward, and he doesn't want to face the terrifying cannibal who calls himself The Hunter. John doesn't want to kill people. But as the song says, you can't always get what you want. John has learned that the hard way; his clothes have the stains to prove it. When John again faces evil, he'll know what he has to do. The Devil's Only Friend is the first book in a brand-new John Wayne Cleaver trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells.
Review:
John Wayne Cleaver is back in “The Devil’s Only Friend”, the first in somewhat of a sub-trilogy within the already established John Cleaver series by Dan Wells.
I’ll start off by saying that the entire John Cleaver series, though popular, is extremely underrated. I also think it’s unfairly compared to Dexter. Granted, Dexter is a wonderful series and he is a great character, but John Cleaver stands on his own as a psychopathic anti-hero. He doesn’t need anyone’s help to establish exactly who and what he is. And yes, I realize I am writing this like he is an actual person, but that is a true testament to how developed he is as a character. Mr. Wells has made him feel like a living, breathing person who may or may not want to kill you, but will most likely not. He’ll just make an intricate plan to do so in case he ever changes his mind.
“The Devil’s Only Friend” is the best of the series yet, and while I would encourage everyone to read the first three, if you feel like jumping in here the backstory is explained in enough detail to keep you from being confused, while also avoiding a dry rundown that will leave previous fans bored and waiting for the plot to get going. Which is great, because the plot is nothing short of amazing. Every single clue adds up to the ultimate conclusion, but I had about ten different theories on how it would go and still managed to be taken by surprise. This is a mystery written by a master. I wish I could go into more of the plot but almost anything I say besides it is blow-your-mind-good will lead to some sort of spoiler.
I feel the need to add this: For some reason unknown to me, many bookstores and libraries insist on shelving this entire series under “Young Adult”. Now, I’m not saying this cannot be read and appreciated by the older young adult set, but I’m also fairly certain that you will traumatize quite a few of them if you hand them a John Cleaver book thinking it’s “Dexter for Kids”. This is NOT a young adult book. This is a book for serious mystery and thriller fans who do not mind a lot of gore, horror, and psychotic thoughts.
In short: Great main character, excellent plot, not for the squeamish, everyone else should read all of the John Cleaver series. Of course, this is a review for “The Devil’s Only Friend”, so be sure to read that one, as well.
Five enthusiastic (albeit bloody) stars.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book about a teenaged psychopath. That should be all the warning necessary.
If You’re Lucky
Juvenile Fiction
Algonquin Books
2015-10-20
288
Is Georgia's mind playing tricks on her, or is the entire town walking into the arms of a killer who has everyone but her fooled? When seventeen-year-old Georgia's brother drowns while surfing halfway around the world in Australia, she refuses to believe Lucky's death was just bad luck. Lucky was smart. He wouldn't have surfed in waters more dangerous than he could handle. Then a stranger named Fin arrives in False Bay, claiming to have been Lucky's best friend. Soon Fin is working for Lucky's father, charming Lucky's mother, dating his girlfriend. Georgia begins to wonder: did Fin murder Lucky in order to take over his whole life? Determined to clear the fog from her mind in order to uncover the truth about Lucky's death, Georgia secretly stops taking the medication that keeps away the voices in her head. Georgia is certain she's getting closer and closer to the truth about Fin, but as she does, her mental state becomes more and more precarious, and no one seems to trust what she's saying. As the chilling narrative unfolds, the reader must decide whether Georgia's descent into madness is causing her to see things that don't exist-or to see a deadly truth that no one else can. "A remarkable page-turner . . . Keep[s] readers wondering, twist by twist, if Georgia's universe will simply burst apart." --Andrew Smith, author of "Grasshopper Jungle"
Review:
In what is a rarity in young adult books, the topic of schizophrenia is tackled head-on in “If You’re Lucky”, a taut thriller that leaves the readers as confused as the narrator as to what is real and what is not.
Georgia, the main character, is a teenager with paranoid schizophrenia who is dealing with the loss of her brother Lucky, the town’s golden boy. One of his best friends shows up to the memorial and creates a whirlwind of emotions for her. Georgia is an extremely well-developed character, and her descent into a schizophrenic episode is written beautifully. It truly feels as though you are trying to navigate the world through the distortion in her mind. This adds a great deal of twists and turns to the mystery of what happened to Lucky. The rest of the characters are also well-developed and relatable, with my favorite being Fin. I won’t say anything else about him because it may ruin some of the reading experience.
I loved the plot and found it to be the perfect mix of thriller and standard mystery. At some points I literally had goosebumps from the creepiness. However, the reason for me giving three stars instead of four is because of the plot. It seemed to begin slowly, and while the entire book is well-written, I didn’t realize I was actually into it until I was about a third of the way through. This points to a slight problem with the pacing. It would have been nice to add a bit of “oomph” to the setup.
In spite of the slight pacing problem, I still wholeheartedly recommend “If You’re Lucky” to those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers. There is some adult content, but it is still a safe choice for middle schoolers and up as long as they’re not opposed to things that can be disturbing.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Violence, Underage Drinking
A Magic Dark and Bright (Asylum Series)
A Magic Dark and Bright
Asylum, Book 1
Bookish Group Press
February 5, 2015
Paperback
328
She meant to help a ghost...not unleash a curse. Amelia Dupree hasn’t seen the Woman in White since the night her brother died. The ghost seems to have disappeared from the woods surrounding Asylum, Pennsylvania—that is, until Charlie Blue moves into the creepy old MacAllister House next door. Amelia can’t help liking him, even though she spent her childhood thinking his grandmother was a witch. And she definitely can’t ignore the connection between his arrival and the Woman in White’s return. Then Amelia learns that the Woman in White is a prisoner, trapped between the worlds of the living and the dead. Devastated by the idea that her brother could be suffering a similar fate, Amelia decides to do whatever it takes to help the Woman in White find peace--and Charlie agrees to help her. But when Amelia’s classmates start to drown in the Susquehanna River, one right after another, rumors swirl as people begin to connect the timing of Charlie’s arrival with the unexplained deaths. As Charlie and Amelia uncover the dark history of Asylum, they realize they may have unleashed an unspeakable evil. One they have to stop before everything they love is destroyed.
Review:
When I was given the opportunity to review and arc of “A Magic Dark and Bright”, the first book in the Asylum series, I was expecting a few creepy feelings in the vein of the Fear Street Series. Here is what really happened:
I had insomnia, and for whatever reason decided that 2 am was a good time to start a ghost story. By 2:30 am I was convinced a visitor from the grave was looking at me from the yard and spent the next thirty minutes trying to convince myself I needed to peek out of the curtains. Then I decided that would be the type of the idea that is acted upon in the first three minutes of a slasher film, so chose instead to hide under the covers.
I was reading Stephen King in elementary school, so I wouldn’t exactly consider myself a horror genre wimp. This book really managed to hit a fear center for me. I don’t anticipate looking out of the window at night any time in the near future. The characters are compelling, it’s a quick and easy read, the imagery is perfectly creepy, and it doesn’t rely on gore for the fright. The only reason I made it four stars, instead of five, is that there were some timeline shifts that became a bit disorienting at points.
I recommend “A Magic Dark and Bright” for upper middle graders to adults, providing they enjoy being scared while reading. Make sure you have curtains in your bedroom. Shut them before reading. Trust me.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Intensely Creepy Stuff
The Memory Hit
The Memory Hit
Hachette Children's Books
June 4, 2015
Paperback
352
On New Year's Eve, Jess's life is unrecognizable: her best friend is in the hospital, her boyfriend is a cheater. A drug-dealing cheater it would seem, after finding a stash of Nostalgex in his bag.
Nostalgex: a drug that stimulates memory. In small doses, a person can remember the order of a deck of cards, or an entire revision guide read the day before an exam. In larger doses it allows the user detailed access to their past, almost like watching a DVD with the ability to pause a moment in time, to focus on previously unnoticed details and to see everything they've ever experienced with fresh eyes. As Leon, the local dealer, says 'it's like life, only better.' What he fails to mention is that most memories are clouded by emotions. Even the most vivid memories can look very different when visited.
Across town Sam Cooper is in trouble. Again. This time, gagged and bound in the boot of a car. Getting on the wrong side of a drug dealer is never a good idea, but if he doesn't make enough money to feed and clothe his sister, who will?
On New Year's Day, Jess and Cooper's worlds collide. They must put behind their differences and work together to look into their pasts to uncover a series of events that will lead them to know what really happened on that fateful New Year's Eve. But what they find is that everything they had once believed to be true, turns out to be a lie ...
Review:
“The Memory Hit” is an old-fashioned thriller for the young adult crowd. Think “Scream” type thrills with a drug-dealing setting.
If you’re looking for romance, “The Memory Hit” is not for you. There are some brief moments of it, mostly through memories, but that is all. One of my favorite things about the book is the fact that there is an abusive boyfriend who is not portrayed as some misunderstood hero and a girlfriend whose thoughts are shown both before and after she realizes he is abusive. Those portrayals are rare, and I like to point out any time a book treats abuse realistically and doesn’t in any way condone it.
The characters are well-developed in the way that you expect from a standalone thriller. There are strengths and weaknesses in all of them, with realistic reactions to some really terrifying things going on around them. There are several moments that had me jumping out of my seat and an overall atmosphere of general creepiness. Add in the mystery of “whodunnit” and it makes for a fun and fast read. Readers will feel thankful that nostalgex is not a real drug by the end of the story.
I recommend it to upper middle grade readers and up who enjoy a good scare and are looking for a quick read.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Very Mild Sexual Content, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Humber Boy B
Humber Boy B
Mystery
Legend Press
April 1, 2015
Digital
304
A child is killed after falling from the Humber Bridge. Despite fleeing the scene, two young brothers are found guilty and sent to prison. Upon their release they are granted one privilege only, their anonymity.
Probation officer Cate Austin is responsible for Humber Boy B’s reintegration into society. But the general public’s anger is steadily growing, and those around her are wondering if the
secret of his identity is one he actually deserves to keep. Cate’s loyalty is challenged when she begins to discover the truth of the crime. She must ask herself if a child is capable of premeditated murder. Or is there a greater evil at play?
Review:
As a lover of mystery, procedurals, and books that expose flaws in prison systems, I had quite a bit of hope for “Humber Boy B”. Unfortunately, what was a promising premise fell completely flat.
The plot began decently enough, but became burdensome after a while. I did enjoy the way flashbacks were intermingled, but they were the most interesting parts. By the end, several subplots had been introduced that were rather large and important, only to be left unresolved. I know this is how life works, but the author could have made them a less important part of the story and focused more on the main storyline, which most definitely needed expansion. There will be a second book in the series, but as it is written there will be no opportunity to clear up most of the loose ends. I think this bothered me the most because between the flashbacks, two different types of narration (first person and third person omnipotent), and a long length, there was no reason not to essentially finish the story being told.
Some of the characters are well-developed. Other characters are basically caricatures of mystery tropes that you get the feeling you are supposed to like but are the exact opposite of likable. On top of that, the two main characters have been developed through many perspectives and still make decisions that are completely out-of-character and unexplained. I came to downright despise the female protagonist, and considering the series will revolve around her, I can only hope the author redeems her in a major way, because there really was potential.
In short, I can’t recommend “Humber Boy B”. I wish the author the best and hope she finds her rhythm.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
This is an adult book, so there is no content warning.
The Third Twin
Delacorte Press
February 24, 2015
Hardcover
336
Identical twins. Identical DNA. Identical suspects. It’s Pretty Little Liars meets Revenge in this edge-of-your-seat thriller with a shocking twist.
When they were little, Lexi and her identical twin, Ava, made up a third sister, Alicia. If something broke? Alicia did it. Cookies got eaten? Alicia’s guilty. Alicia was always to blame for everything.
The game is all grown up now that the girls are seniors. They use Alicia as their cover to go out with boys who are hot but not exactly dating material. Boys they’d never, ever be with in real life.
Now one of the guys Alicia went out with has turned up dead, and Lexi wants to stop the game for good. As coincidences start piling up, Ava insists that if they follow the rules for being Alicia, everything will be fine. But when another boy is killed, the DNA evidence and surveillance photos point to only one suspect—Alicia. The girl who doesn’t exist.
As she runs from the cops, Lexi has to find the truth before another boy is murdered. Because either Ava is a killer . . . or Alicia is real.
Review:
I really wanted to like “The Third Twin”, and for a little over half of the book, I did. Somewhere around there it really jumped the rails in several aspects. The first half is why I gave it three stars, but the second would most certainly would be a two star book, in my opinion.
The premise is a very interesting one, and an unsolved murder for which the protagonist is a suspect holds a lot of promise. The stakes rise as it goes on, delivering a mix of the predictable and good surprises. The set-up was the best part of the book.
The characters are not well-developed, relying mostly on tropes to establish their personalities, and by the end they are quite grating. The ending, without spoiling it, is everything that a mystery should not be. While unpredictable, which is a good quality, it comes out of nowhere with absolutely no clues to lead it there, which is anything but good.
For most mystery lovers, I would recommend giving this one a pass. If the little details are not something you care about in a mystery or thriller, it may be worth a try. If nothing else, “The Third Twin” is a quick read.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Mild Sexual Situations, Language, Violence
Hades
Hades
Archer and Bennett, Book 1
Mystery
Kensington
January 27, 2015
Hardback
320
Review:
It has been quite some time since I have found a new and enjoyable mystery series that features both procedurals and a unique premise, but “Hades” definitely meets all of those requirements and more. If you read the description, it may sound like “Dexter”, but I can assure you there is very little resemblance.
The plot goes back and forth between the backstory of the twins Eden and Eric, along with their “father” Hades, and a first-person account by detective Frank Bennett of the current work of finding a prolific serial killer. On occasion there is also a third-person narrative of what is happening with the killer. The switches took a bit to get used to, but once they did I found them enjoyable.
The plot is fast and interesting, with quite a few surprises thrown in. It will be difficult for even the most enthusiastic mystery lovers to see where it all will end, making it the perfect mystery. The characters are deep and well-developed, with enough mystery surrounding them to make the reader look forward to the sequel. Unfortunately, writing much more would spoil the surprises, and where is the fun in that?
I recommend “Hades” for any mystery lovers out there with strong stomachs, as it can be gruesome at times.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I don’t normally write content warnings for adult books, but please be aware that this novel contains animal death.
Vivian Apple at the End of the World
Vivian Apple at the End of the World
Vivian Apple, Book 1
HMH Books for Young Readers
January 6, 2015
Hardcover
272
Seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in the evangelical Church of America, unlike her recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed "Rapture," all that’s left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country roadtrip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.
Review:
The summary for “Vivian Apple at the End of the World”, while intriguing, sells the book far short. So much more occurs within different contexts during the course of the book. It is a contemporary romance, mystery, dystopia, and horror story all mixed into one good book.
The subject matter can be controversial, as organized religion is not exactly lauded, but I believe readers should look at it as satire. It brings up very important questions that are important that we all ask ourselves in a way that is very palatable for teenaged readers. What do we believe? What is important to us? Should we follow the crowd or go against the pressure of society? Is everything we are taught true?
The plot flows quickly, but not too quickly, and is anything but predictable. The characters are well-developed and there is a tongue-in-cheek humor that left me laughing out loud several times. Not to be ignored is the romance between Vivian and Peter. It is refreshingly devoid of “instalove” and develops in a way which is believable under the circumstances. That is always something worth noting in a young adult book.
I recommend it for teenagers and adults who enjoy a good satire that makes them think closely about religion and society, though it may be offensive to those with certain religious beliefs.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Underage Drinking and Drug Use, Violence.
Top Secret Twenty-One
Stephanie Plum, Book 21
Fiction
Bantam Dell Publishing Group
2014-06-17
320
Stephanie Plum is back in an all-new adventure from #1 bestselling author Janet Evanovich. This time Stephanie's in deep. To get to the bottom of the mess, she's going to have to keep things Top Secret.
Review:
I read Janet Evanovich’s novels for the same reason I read the late Lillian Jackson Braun’s: They are comforting and easy, much like sitting down with an old friend once a year for coffee to catch up on each other’s lives. We share a history, and no matter what the next book brings, I am too attached to stop now.
All of the old cast is back, and as always, they bring with them quite a few laughs along with the somewhat formulaic plot. I feel like there needs to be no spoiler warnings when I say that we always know her car will meet a demise, Lula will want some Cluck-in-a-Bucket, and there will be some happening at the funeral home. It wouldn’t be Stephanie Plum without them.
I’m very happy to see Ranger and his feelings being more fleshed out in this and the previous book. It feels like it’s been a long time coming. Readers always knew there was more to him, but it’s nice to finally have it acknowledged.
Unfortunately, that brings me to my main complaint. There is not enough focus on him. Morelli has become somewhat boring and Stephanie herself has been acknowledging this. It seems like either their relationship needs to move forward or Ranger needs to get his chance. The formula for them is getting old and needs some shaking up.
I’ll still never quit you Stephanie, no matter how predictable you become.
Follow my book reviews and ramblings:
