Tag Archives: mystery
Defender
Wendy Lamb Books
April 12, 2016
240
Seventeen-year-old Tyne and her boyfriend Stick investigate a decades-old murder after she finds the body of a girl in the basement wall of her apartment building.
Review:
“Defender” is a gritty mystery set in a downtrodden urban area of Toronto.
While I felt that the varied races of the characters and the realistic feel of the location were unique, there was something off about it all that I can’t quite put my finger on. It didn’t all come together in a way that could have taken it from okay to great. There were a lot of subplots occurring, and that may have been a barrier in keeping the story cohesive.
The mystery contained in the story was a good one with an ending I really appreciated. The look into the very real problems with the foster care system and the difficulty of being able to escape poverty were eye-opening. Many readers are sure to find characters they can relate to, which for many may be a rare occurrence.
“Defender” has its good and bad points, and I encourage those who are interested to give it a try. There is quite a bit of disturbing imagery, so those buying for younger or sensitive readers should keep that in mind.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
Save Me, Kurt Cobain
Delacorte Press
March 8, 2016
272
A chance discovery makes Nico, fifteen, believe that not only is Kurt Cobain, lead singer of the 1990s grung band Nirvana, still alive, but that he might be her real father.
Review:
“Save Me, Kurt Cobain” is not a book meant to be read by everyone (which is in no way a bad thing), but for those it is meant for, you will enjoy it immensely.
At its heart, it is the coming-of-age story of Nico Cavan, a girl who has been lost in the world since the age of four. She is an extremely well-developed character who evokes both sympathy and, at times, rage. Believe me, sometimes the reader will truly want to shake her and ask what the heck she is doing. The auxiliary characters are developed to the perfect point of being both mysterious and understood. In other words, you see them as Nico sees them.
The book is also a love story to music. While Nirvana is the central band, as is obvious from the title, there are many other good ones mentioned. I really hope some of the younger readers will give them a try. I grew up in the Kurt Cobain era, and the facts and stories about him brought an intense wave of nostalgia. Though I do have to admit I felt ancient when they were classified as oldies that parents listen to. Many of the facts presented I had never heard, and I found that to add quite a bit of enjoyment to my reading experience.
My only complaint is that the beginning of the book seems to drag somewhat. All of it is important to where the story goes, so please remember that if you are tempted to stop reading. It is totally worth it.
“Save Me, Kurt Cobain” will appeal to all of the audiophiles, artists, “freaks”, and the lost. It’s perfect for both young adults and adults.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Brief Sexual Situations, Drug Abuse, Discussions of Suicide
The Truth
Sourcebooks Fire
February 2, 2016
256
When Chris wakes up tied to a chair in a dark basement, he knows that he's trapped-and why. He shot and killed Derek's little brother. He had his reasons, but no matter how far Derek goes to uncover the truth about that night, Chris's story won't change. It can't. There is far too much at stake...Derek is desperate to prove his brother didn't deserve to die. And if kidnapping his brother's killer is the only way to the truth, than he'll go to extremes. But Chris's truth is far more dangerous than Derek could have imagined, and knowing could cost both their lives...
Review:
“The Truth” is a thriller that starts rolling in the first chapter and never gives you a chance to catch your breath until the end.
Told through a combination of flashbacks and current events, the story unfolds in reverse and leaves the reader guessing until the very last page. I pride myself on being able to catch plot twists in books, movies, and television shows, but the author managed to surprise me and catch me off-guard. I only figured out a tiny piece of the puzzle. I wish I could say more about it, but almost anything would be a spoiler, and that would suck the fun right out of the reading experience.
Perhaps the best part of the book is that it is a very quick read that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers, while still engaging those who are true bibliophiles. There is almost no romance in the story, so those who do not enjoy that will be satisfied. I’m not going to lie, I felt afraid right along with the main character. Any reader who enjoys young adult thrillers will be turning the pages as fast as they can to find out what happens next.
I recommend “The Truth” to anyone looking for a good thriller who is upper middle grade and up, especially reluctant readers.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Child Abuse,
Need
Need
HMH Books for Young Readers
November 3, 2015
Hardcover
352
“No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better.”
Teenagers at Wisconsin’s Nottawa High School are drawn deeper into a social networking site that promises to grant their every need . . . regardless of the consequences. Soon the site turns sinister, with simple pranks escalating to malicious crimes. The body count rises. In this chilling YA thriller, the author of the best-selling Testing trilogy examines not only the dark side of social media, but the dark side of human nature.
Review:
It takes quite a bit to scare me as far as books are concerned, but “Need” had me wishing I had left the lights on when I went to bed. It’s a solid new book from the author of the popular “Testing” series that fans of thrillers or the author will not want to miss.
The story is told through the first person with Kaylee and through the third person using various students who are members of the new social networking site “Need.” Need promises to deliver what those who make requests need (though it’s really wants), but at a price. Mixing the points of view makes for a great mystery that gives the readers enough clues to keep it interesting, but not so many that it’s obvious what is going on.
All of the characters are compelling, even those with only a few pages in total devoted to them. The plot makes for a page-turner and never slows down. It also brings up many serious issues about social networking and human nature, both good and bad. In fact, aside from a few events that seem a bit of a stretch of reality, I can’t find anything that I didn’t like about “Need”. Also, there is one instance of animal abuse and death, though it isn’t gratuitous and is important to the plot, so please beware if that triggers you.
I recommend “Need” to all of those old (and brave) enough to handle a book that is terrifying because it could actually happen. It can be used to spark discussion about dangers, both online and off, as well as how we treat others.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence, Animal Abuse
The Dead House
The Dead House
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
September 15, 2015
Hardcover
432
Welcome to the Dead House.
Three students: dead.
Carly Johnson: vanished without a trace.
Two decades have passed since an inferno swept through Elmbridge High, claiming the lives of three teenagers and causing one student, Carly Johnson, to disappear. The main suspect: Kaitlyn, "the girl of nowhere."
Kaitlyn's diary, discovered in the ruins of Elmbridge High, reveals the thoughts of a disturbed mind. Its charred pages tell a sinister version of events that took place that tragic night, and the girl of nowhere is caught in the center of it all. But many claim Kaitlyn doesn't exist, and in a way, she doesn't - because she is the alter ego of Carly Johnson.
Carly gets the day. Kaitlyn has the night. It's during the night that a mystery surrounding the Dead House unravels and a dark, twisted magic ruins the lives of each student that dares touch it.
Debut author Dawn Kurtagich masterfully weaves together a thrilling and terrifying story using psychiatric reports, witness testimonials, video footage, and the discovered diary - and as the mystery grows, the horrifying truth about what happened that night unfolds.
Review:
“The Dead House” is a wonderfully inventive and creepy book centered around a girl who may or may not suffer from dissociative identity disorder. Part mystery and part horror, it is one of the best psychological young adult thrillers I have read in a long time.
The thing I most loved about the book is the way in which the story is told. There are journal entries, therapy transcripts, police interrogations, transcripts of video footage, and news articles. Since none of these are told from the point of view of someone who knows the full story, it places the reader in the role of a detective. All of the evidence is laid out to be examined. I found it very fun to try to decipher it all, even if it did lead to a sleepless night.
The main character(s), Kaitlyn and Carly, are wonderful and complicated. You can literally feel their fear and confusion in the diary entries. It’s actually quite disturbing. In a good way, of course. My only complaint is that the secondary characters seemed a little too flat. I liked them, but would have preferred to know a bit more about them.
Overall, “The Dead House” is a quick and engaging read that is sure to appeal to horror and thriller lovers from ages 14 and up. Its fast pacing makes it an excellent recommendation for reluctant readers. Highly recommended! Just be sure to keep the lights on.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Mild Sexual Situations, Violence
Dexter Is Dead (Dexter)
Dexter, Book 8
Fiction
Doubleday Books
July 7, 2015
304
After seven national bestsellers and eight seasons as one of the most successful shows on television, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Lindsay bids a thrilling farewell to his uniquely twisted and beloved serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Dexter Is Dead is the definitive conclusion of the character who has become a global icon. Dexter Morgan has burned the candle at both ends for many years. Blood spatter analyst . . . husband . . . father . . . serial killer. And now, for the first time, his world has truly collapsed. Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything--including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime . . . ironically . . . he did not actually commit). His only chance for freedom lies with his brother, Brian, who has a dark plan to prove Dexter's innocence. But the stakes are deadly, and the epic showdown that lies in Dexter's path may lead, once and for all, to his demise. Jeff Lindsay's trademark devilish wit and cutting satire have never been sharper. Dexter Is Dead marks the end of a beloved series, but is also Dexter's most satisfying and suspenseful outing yet.
Review:
As “Dexter Is Dead” is the last novel in the beloved Dexter series, and I have seen reviews that contain massive spoilers, I am going to keep this review brief so those of you who haven’t been so rudely spoiled will stay that way.
“Dexter Is Dead” is the perfect ending to a wonderful series. The characters, as always, are well-developed. The plot makes sense. Everything comes to a logical conclusion.
The only thing left to say is this: Thank you, Mr. Lindsay. You’ve given all of us the true gift of an incredible character that graced the pages we read and the television screens we watched. We’ll miss you, Dexter.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult novel, there are no content warnings.
Are You Still There
Juvenile Fiction
AW Teen
September 1, 2015
288
Gabriella Mallory, AP student and perfect-daughter-in-training, stands barefoot on a public toilet for three hours while her school is on lockdown. Someone has planted a bomb and she is hiding. The bomb is defused but the would-be-bomber is still at large. And everyone at Central High School is a suspect. The school starts a top-secret crisis help line and Gabi is invited to join. When she does, she is drawn into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse with the bomber, who has unfinished business. He leaves threatening notes on campus. He makes threatening calls to the help line. And then he begins targeting Gabi directly. Is it because her father is the lead police detective on the case? Is the bomber one of her new friends. Could it be her new boyfriend with his complicated past? As the story unfolds, Gabi knows she is somehow connected to the bomber. Even worse she is part of his plan. Can Gabi reach out and stop him? Or will she be too late?
Review:
“Are You Still There” is not what I would call enjoyable, but it is definitely important and timely. It deals with bullying and school violence, so at its core is unsettling, but also a book that should be read.
The story centers are Gabi and her family, all of whom have their strengths and weaknesses. At first, Gabi borders on the unlikable due to her judgmental nature and somewhat “holier-than-thou” attitude in regard to grades and volunteer work. It becomes clear rather quickly that she is simply clueless. She is eventually paired with a diverse group of students who expand each other’s self-awareness. All of the new friends she makes are interesting, go beyond their stereotypes, and add to the plot. I really liked the way Gabi grew, and helped others to grow, throughout the story.
As mentioned in the introduction, the story centers around bullying and violence. It also raises awareness on how we perceive ourselves and others. The most important message to take away is “If you can do or say something to help, do it. Don’t ever just sit back and watch.” Gabi makes some mistakes, and the author does not shy away from pointing out the consequences of those mistakes. There are also things beyond her control, and those are also presented unflinchingly. Nothing in “Are You Still There” is sugar-coated, nor should it be.
I highly recommend “Are You Still There” as a book that presents real issues to young adults without patronizing them. It would be a good book for parents to read and discuss with their child. Communication is so important, and I believe this book will present many opportunities for it.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Minor Sexual Situations, Language, Underage Drinking, Violence
Eden (An Archer and Bennett Thriller)
Eden
Archer and Bennett, Book 2
Kensington
August 25, 2015
Paperback
320
“A new murder mystery star—Candice Fox may just be your new literary addiction.”—Primo Life
“I fool myself that Eden has a heart—that she would at least have trouble killing me...”
Most homicide detective teams run on trust, loyalty, and the shared desire to put killers behind bars. Frank Bennett's partner, Eden Archer, thrives on darkness and danger. She has a rare talent for catching killers - but her idea of justice has little to do with courtrooms.
Now three girls are missing, and Eden is going undercover to a remote farm where the troubled go to hide and blood falls more often than rain. Frank’s job is to keep an eye on his partner while she's there - but is it for Eden's protection, or to protect others from her? Walking a tightrope between duty and desperation, Frank confronts a threat from Eden’s past—the sadistic crime lord Hades, who raised her. Suddenly, the hunter is the hunted. And a killer’s vicious desires are about to be unleashed . . .
The breathtaking new thriller from the author of Hades, winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime Novel, establishes Candice Fox as a suspense writer of international renown and undisputed power.
Review:
I was beyond thrilled when I saw there would be another novel in the Archer and Bennett series after reading the excellent debut, “Hades”. “Eden” did not disappoint. Candice Fox is at the top of the class when it comes to gritty crime thrillers. And when I say gritty, I do mean gritty. This is far from a cozy mystery.
As I had hoped, we get more backstory for Eden’s father, Hades, and it is so well-written that the flashbacks alone could make a complete and satisfying novel. The complexities of Eden are further explored, as well, and Frank grows much more as a character in this novel than in the previous one. There are a few secondary characters who are introduced who are also so well-developed that you keep wanting to know more. Also, the underworld of crime could be considered a character in and of itself. It’s described as if it is a living and breathing thing that looks out for itself and none of those actually involved. Characterization in “Eden” is nothing short of superb.
It’s difficult to say much about the plot without spoiling it because everything is connected, even if you don’t realize it. The pace is steady and makes it difficult to find a stopping point. Make sure you have a few uninterrupted hours before you begin. And the ending…. wow. It more than delivers. No plot failure here.
The only complaint I have is the jumping of points of view. There is first person, third person limited past, and third person limited present. All three of these are different characters. While it worked in the chapters that were dedicated to one character, some chapters combined all three, and that was a bit of a struggle to get my brain to switch gears.
If you like crime thrillers and don’t mind the blood and gore, I highly recommend “Eden”. Please note that this is most definite NOT a young adult book. On occasion I review adult novels, and this is one of those times.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
I normally don’t give content warnings for adult books, but I do feel compelled to warn that there is some animal abuse and racial slurs in “Eden”. They are part of the plot and not gratuitous, but please keep this in mind if you are triggered by those things.
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.
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