tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82739118838565802002024-03-18T20:17:53.419+10:30MYSTERIES in PARADISEWhy <b>MYSTERIES?</b> Because that is the genre I read. <br>Why <b>PARADISE?</b> Because that is where I live.<br>
Among other things, this blog, the result of a 2008 New Year's resolution, <br>will act as a record of books that I've read, and random thoughts.Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.comBlogger648125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-60560920710085538782024-03-16T11:58:00.002+10:302024-03-16T11:58:43.908+10:30Review: THE NIGHT SHE FELL, Eileen Merriman<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71D3U2XwVML._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71D3U2XwVML._SL1500_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div> this edition is available on <a href=" https://www.amazon.com/Night-She-Fell-Eileen-Merriman-ebook/dp/B0CP6X5ZFJ/">Amazon</a> for Kindle<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0CP6X5ZFJ</li><li>Publisher : Penguin eBooks (NZ Adult) (March 5, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://eileenmerriman.co.nz/">author website</a> <br /></li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href=" https://www.amazon.com/Night-She-Fell-Eileen-Merriman-ebook/dp/B0CP6X5ZFJ/">Amazon</a>)</p><p>‘When I last saw Ashleigh, she was lying in a pool of blood . . . Her eyes were open, staring sightlessly into the sky. I’d like to think she saw the stars before she died; that in her last moments she flew, soaring on serotonin, dreamy with dopamine. I’d like to think she didn’t suffer . . .’<br /><br />A beautiful young law student dies on the concrete below her third-storey window in chilly Dunedin.<br /><br />It’s clear enough how she died. What isn’t is why — or who’s involved.<br /><br />Plenty of people had a reason to hate Ashleigh, with her straight As and perfect looks. She’s fallen out with her flatmates, and her boyfriend Xander is having second thoughts about their future together. And then there are the weird messages.<br /><br />The Night She Fell is a gripping psychological thriller from one of New Zealand's most multi-talented contemporary novelists. </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>This appears to be the author's first adult crime fiction novel.</p><p>Set in Dunedin where Ashleigh and Xander are university students living in different flats. Xander is a medical student and Ashleigh a law student. They have been together for seven years but Ashleigh is dominating while her parents have been financially generous to Xander and his family. Xander's eye has been recently caught by Ronnie, a psychology student with a room in Ashleigh's house.</p><p>And then one night Ashleigh dies, jumping from a third floor window. It is just a week since she and Xander broke up.</p><p>The structure of book centres around Ashleigh's death. The main voices are Xander and Ronnie and the chapters are Before and After. The puzzle is what caused Ashleigh to jump. Is anyone or anything to blame?</p><p>Very engrossing.<br /></p><p><b>My rating:</b> 4.7 </p><p><b>About the author</b></p><p>Several of Eileen Merriman’s young adult novels have been finalists in the NZ Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards, and also Storylines Notable Books. Her first adult novel, Moonlight Sonata, was released in 2019, and was longlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction. Her fourth YA novel, A Trio of Sophies, was released in Australia, New Zealand and Germany in 2020 and was a finalist in the Ngaio Marsh Crime Awards. Her fourth adult novel, The Night She Fell, is due for release in March 2024. Three of her young adult novels have been optioned for TV or film, including Catch Me When You Fall, for which the prequel, Catch A Falling Star, was released in 2023.<br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-33106028383716976362024-03-10T10:55:00.000+10:302024-03-10T10:55:11.007+10:30Review: DARK DEEDS DOWN UNDER, Craig Sisterson (edit)<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ePBRJUBfL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ePBRJUBfL._SL1500_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This edition is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Deeds-Down-Under-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0B6CQCCJD">Kindle</a></li><li>ASIN : B0B6CQCCJD<br /></li><li>Publisher : Clan Destine Press (July 1, 2022)</li><li>Print length : 349 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Deeds-Down-Under-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0B6CQCCJD">Amazon</a>)</p><p><i>A vibrant southern constellation of crime writers.</i><br /><br />Dark Deeds Down Under features the very best of modern Australian and New Zealand crime and mystery writing.<br /><br />Spend time with some of your favourite Aussie and Kiwi cops, sleuths and accidental heroes, and meet some edgy new investigators.<br /><br />A crew of beloved series characters - Corinna Chapman, Hirsch, Sam Shephard, Rowly Sinclair, Nick Chester, Murray Whelan - will lead you down dark alleys to meet our newer heroes - the Nancys, Penny Yee and Matiu, Alex Clayton, Kate Miles - and the stars of some cracking standalone tales.<br /><br />Travel the criminal trails of two countries. From the dusty Outback to South Island glaciers, from ocean-carved coastlines and craggy mountains to sultry rainforests or Middle Earth valleys, and via sleepy towns to the seething underbellies of our cosmopolitan cities.<br /><br />The 19 dark deeds herein are perpetrated by:<br /><br />Alan Carter - Nikki Crutchley - Aoife Clifford - Garry Disher - Helen Vivienne Fletcher - Lisa Fuller - Sulari Gentill - Kerry Greenwood - Narrelle M. Harris - Katherine Kovacic - Shane Maloney - R.W.R. McDonald - Dinuka McKenzie - Dan Rabarts & Lee Murray - Renee - Stephen Ross - Fiona Sussman - Vanda Symon - David Whish-Wilson</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p></p><p></p><p>I love short stories but short story collections are always difficult to to review. I try not to say which I've enjoyed most. Ranking them is always too hard. But here is a collection you can pop on your Kindle for the occasional dabble. They are all good representatives of the genre, some of them grittier than others.</p><p>So I've decided to list below the authors that I have 'met' before and to list the books that I have read.</p><p>The collection has also pointed out to me some authors I should really look for, particularly those "across the ditch". In reality I've only met the work of 9 of the 19 before, so Craig has done me a service.<br /></p><p>But, I've got to say it... the one that will stick with me for a while is <b><i>Mr Pig</i></b> by NZ author Stephen Ross. <br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.6 </p><p>I have 'met' the following authors through their books recorded in this blog<br /></p><p>Carter, Alan: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/01/review-prime-cut-alan-carter.html">4.7, PRIME CUT</a> - Cato Kwong #1</li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/review-getting-warmer-alan-carter.html">4.7, GETTING WARMER</a> - Cato Kwong #2</li><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2019/04/review-marlborough-man-alan-carter.html">4.6, MARLBOROUGH MAN</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2021/04/review-doom-creek-alan-carter.html">4.5, DOOM CREEK</a> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/02/crocodiletearsalancarter.html">4.6, CROCODILE TEARS</a> - Cato Kwong #5 </li></ul><p>Disher, Garry: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-wyatt-garry-disher.html">4.7, WYATT</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-whispering-death-garry-disher.html">4.8, WHISPERING DEATH</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-blood-moon-garry-disher.html">4.7, BLOOD MOON</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2016/09/review-heat-garry-disher.html"><span style="color: purple;">4.2, THE HEAT</span></a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/review-signal-loss-garry-disher.html">4.5, SIGNAL LOSS</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/review-her-garry-disher.html">4.7, HER</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/review-under-cold-bright-lights-garry.html">4.9, UNDER THE COLD BRIGHT LIGHTS</a></li><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2019/01/review-kill-shot-garry-disher.html">4.7, KILL SHOT</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2013/11/review-bitter-wash-road-garry-disher.html">5.0, BITTER WASH ROAD</a> - Hirsch #1 - aka HELL TO PAY</li><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-peace-garry-disher.html">5.0, PEACE</a>- Hirsch #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/12/review-consolation-garry-disher.html">5.0, CONSOLATION </a>- Hirsch #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/12/review-days-end-garry-disher.html">4.7, DAY'S END, Garry Disher</a>- Hirsch #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2021/12/review-way-it-is-now-garry-disher.html">4.8, THE WAY IT IS NOW</a></li></ul><p>Gentill, Sulari: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/review-few-right-thinking-men-sulari.html">5.0, A FEW RIGHT THINKING MEN</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/review-decline-in-prophets-sulari.html">4.8, A DECLINE IN PROPHETS</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/review-miles-off-course-sulari-gentill.html">4.8, MILES OFF COURSE</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/review-paving-new-road-sulari-gentil.html">4.7, PAVING THE NEW ROAD</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-woman-in-library-sulari-gentill.html">4.5, THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY</a></li></ul><p>
Greenwood, Kerry:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/04/review-murder-on-midsummer-night-kerry.html">MURDER ON A MIDSUMMER NIGHT</a> - #17</li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2008/05/tirck-or-treat-kerry-greenwood.html">TRICK OR TREAT</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-forbidden-fruit-kerry-greenwood.html">FORBIDDEN FRUIT</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/09/review-dead-mans-chest-kerry-greenwood.html">4.3, DEAD MAN'S CHEST</a> -#18 </li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-cooking-books-kerry-greenwood.html">4.4, COOKING THE BOOKS</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/review-tamam-shud-kerry-greenwood.html" target="_blank">4.3, TAMAM SHUD</a></li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/book-review-unnatural-habits-kerry.html">4.8, UNNATURAL HABITS</a> - #19</li><li>
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/review-murder-and-mendelssohn-kerry.html">4.3, MURDER AND MENDELSSOHN</a> - #20</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/02/review-murder-in-williamstown-kerry.html">4.5, MURDER IN WILLIAMSTOWN</a> - #22 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/01/review-question-of-death-kerry-greenwood.html">4.5, A QUESTION OF DEATH</a> - anthology of short stories set in 1928</li></ul><p>Kovacic, Katherine:<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-portrait-of-molly-dean-katherine.html">4.5, THE PORTRAIT OF MOLLY DEAN</a> - #1</li><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/05/review-painting-in-shadows-katherine.html">4.6, PAINTING IN THE SHADOWS</a> - 2 </li><li>
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-shifting-landscape-katherine.html">4.5, THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE</a> - #3 </li></ul><p>Maloney, Shane: <a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2008/10/review-sucked-in-shane-maloney.html">SUCKED IN</a><br /></p><p>
McDonald, R.W.R</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2021/10/review-nancys-rwr-mcdonald.html">4.2, THE NANCYS</a></li></ul><p></p><p><span class="caption">Symon, Vanda:<br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="caption">
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2008/11/review-overkill-vanda-symon.html">OVERKILL</a></span></li><li><span class="caption">
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2009/02/review-ringmaster-vanda-symon.html">THE RINGMASTER</a></span></li><li><span class="caption">
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-containment-vanda-symon.html">CONTAINMENT</a></span></li><li><span class="caption">
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-bound-vanda-symon.html">4.8, BOUND</a></span> </li></ul><p></p><p>and lastly, but by far not least<br /><span class="caption">Sisterson, Craig: </span><span class="caption"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/04/review-southern-cross-crime-craig.html">5.0, SOUTHERN CROSS CRIME</a></span></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-65088409877372602492024-03-09T16:22:00.004+10:302024-03-09T16:22:52.203+10:30Review: SUSPECT, Robert Crais<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PNb7fPDiL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PNb7fPDiL._SL1500_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>This edition available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZ0HGJI">Amazon for Kindle</a></li><li>ASIN : B00AZ0HGJI<br /></li><li>Publisher : Orion (January 17, 2013)</li><li>Print length : 418 pages</li><li>Page numbers source ISBN : 0425278271</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AZ0HGJI">Amazon</a>)</p><p>LAPD cop Scott James is not doing so well. Eight months ago, a shocking late-night assault by unidentified men killed his partner Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed, and ready to explode. He is unfit for duty - until he meets his new partner.<br /><br />Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan sniffing out explosives before losing her handler to an IED.<br /><br />They are each other's last chance. Shunned and shunted to the side, they set out to investigate the one case that no one wants them to touch: the identity of the men who murdered Stephanie. What they begin to find takes them both on a journey through the darkest moments of their own personal hells. Whether they will make it out again, no one can say. <br /></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>I have read this book for discussion with my U3A Crime Fiction Reading Group.</p><p>If Maggie had been a human Marine, not a dog, she would be decorated, as it is she is under notice. Shape up or ship out! The same is true of her new human alpha, LAPD cop Scott James. In reality he should be retired. Both he and Maggie have been injured on duty, and both are struggling to resume a working life. They both suffer from PTSD and are temporarily part of the LAPD K-9 unit but the odds are stacked against them.</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>both react badly to loud sudden noises</li><li>both have long lingering injuries.</li></ul><p>Among the questions I am going to ask my group are those relating to the meaning of the book's title, because I think there is more than one. So, what is it that helps Scott and Maggie work together? What attributes does Maggie have that are of most use to Scott in his search for the killers of his former partner?</p><p>Crais attempts to make Maggie a real character, even to the point of getting inside her head, telling us how she sees her new partner. For Scott there is a real learning journey. He has never had a dog before, and has a lot to learn about how to treat Maggie.<br /></p><p>In a sequel to this novel <a href="https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/robert-crais/promise.htm">THE PROMISE</a>, Crais decided to bring this pair into his Elvis Cole series but there don't appear to be any mention of them after that.<br /></p><p>I will be interested to see how my group react to this novel - for some of them it will not be their cup of tea. I should explain that in the case of this group we read sets of books supplied by our local library so I didn't actual choose this book specifically, just a title from a list.<br /></p><p><b>My rating:</b> 4.6</p><p>I've also read</p><p><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-forgotten-man-robert-crais-audio.html">4.6, THE FORGOTTEN MAN</a> <br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-58167915817556259952024-03-09T15:20:00.001+10:302024-03-09T15:29:39.853+10:30Review: A SWEEPING DARKNESS, Inferno Trilogy 3, G.R.Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WaVBKvFCL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WaVBKvFCL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> this edition from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLP5MWZ8/">Amazon on Kindle</a></li><li>ASIN : B0BLP5MWZ8</li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (January 1, 2023<br /></li><li>Print length : 210 pages</li><li>#24 Highlands and Islands Detectives</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLP5MWZ8/">Amazon</a>)</p><p>The public weeps as the killings begin again. With the chase now on, agendas are quickly accelerated. Can Macleod and McGrath pull together a ragged investigation to stop an unholy sacrifice?<br /><br />Reinstated but still under the public glare, DI Macleod knows that the dark cult responsible for the first deaths are now feeling the pressure. Tales of brutality and sacrifice run rife leaving Macleod to sort rumour from reality. As the true nature of what the cult intends to do comes to light, Seoras and Hope find themselves in a desperate race to find missing children and Ross's adopted child.<br /><br /><i><b>For the love of God, he has to find them!</b></i></p><p><b>My Take</b>:</p><p>The Infernal Trilogy races to its breathtaking conclusion. MacLeod and his team has to find the final meeting place of the cult as well as locate seven children selected for sacrifice.</p><p>An impressively constructed story. <br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5</p><p>I have read</p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-man-overboard-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, MAN OVERBOARD - #19 </a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-antisocial-behaviour-gr-jordan.html">4.6, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR</a> -#20 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-rogues-gallery-gr-jordan.html">4.5, ROGUE'S GALLERY</a>- #21</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-death-of-macleod-inferno-trilogy.html">4.5, THE DEATH OF MACLEOD</a> - #22</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-common-man-inferno-trilogy-2-g-r.html">4.5, A COMMON MAN</a> -#23</li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-83044526009102146762024-03-03T13:37:00.004+10:302024-03-03T13:39:07.406+10:30Review: A COMMON MAN, Inferno Trilogy 2, G. R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71evgZYyjNL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71evgZYyjNL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>this edition available from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLP9G14P/">Amazon on Kindle</a></li><li>ASIN : B0BLP9G14P<br /></li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (December 11, 2022)</li><li>Print length : 222 pages</li><li>Highlands & Islands Detective Book 23 </li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLP9G14P/">Amazon</a>)</p><p>Removed from his post and cast aside by his superiors. Without authority and any resources to call to hand. Can Macleod operate from the dark and hunt down the mysterious group before another child dies?<br /><br />Having been sidelined from the investigation and fast tracked for an early retirement, DI Macleod knows that the child killer is still on the loose. With the assistance of his injured Colleague, DS Urquhart, Macleod finds himself operating beyond the law for the first time in his career. With DS McGrath increasingly frustrated by the glory hunting DCI, Macleod must pull whatever resources he can to bring about the arrest of the dark band of brothers before another innocent suffers.<br /><br /><i>With Hope removed, you need a rottweiler at your heels! </i></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p><b>Warning</b>: don't start this until you have read <a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-death-of-macleod-inferno-trilogy.html">THE DEATH OF MACLEOD</a>, Inferno Trilogy 1.</p><p><i>Spoiler: in the first in the Trilogy, Macleod had a falling out with the new DCI and has gone on indefinite leave. Clarissa was injured in that novel and so she is on leave too. None of Macleod's team are meant to be in contact with him.</i></p><p>This novel further explores the dynamics that holds this team together. The trilogy has one more title to go.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.6 </p><p>I've read <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-man-overboard-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, MAN OVERBOARD - #19 </a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-antisocial-behaviour-gr-jordan.html">4.6, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR</a> -#20 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-rogues-gallery-gr-jordan.html">4.5, ROGUE'S GALLERY</a>- #21</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-death-of-macleod-inferno-trilogy.html">4.5, THE DEATH OF MACLEOD</a> - #22</li></ul><p></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-9881942239692226952024-03-03T13:12:00.001+10:302024-03-03T13:18:32.403+10:30Review: THE DEATH OF MACLEOD: Inferno Trilogy 1, G.R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815XJL8PKpL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/815XJL8PKpL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>this book available from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLZQ6FCS/">Amazon on Kindle</a></li><li>Highlands & Islands Detective Book 22</li><li><span class="a-list-item"> <span class="a-text-bold">ASIN
:
</span> <span>B0BLZQ6FCS</span> </span></li><li><span class="a-list-item"> <span class="a-text-bold">Publisher
:
</span> <span>Carpetless Publishing (November 9, 2022)</span> </span></li><li><span class="a-list-item"> <span class="a-text-bold">Publication date
:
</span> <span>November 9, 2022</span> </span></li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLZQ6FCS/">Amazon</a>)</p><p>A slaughter of innocents. A crazed public demands vengeance from any source. Can Macleod hold his poise amidst a cry for blood before justice?<br /><br />When a heinous crime against children provokes a national outcry, Detective Inspector Macleod and his team are under pressure for results like never before. As the murders continue, top brass demands a scapegoat at all costs. But when Detective Sergeant McGrath suspects evidence has been planted to sate the public’s bloodlust, can Macleod find the real killer before the public tears their sacrificial lamb apart?<br /><br /><b><i>Today in the crucible, tomorrow the gallows</i>.</b></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>These stories continue to hold my attention. </p><p>Macleod has a new DCI who sees Macleod as a managerial challenge. When Macleod comes up with a radical interpretation of the ghastly events that are occurring, the DCI insists that he is wrong and forces Macleod to take action that he feels is wrong.</p><p>There can only be one result.</p><p>The author has chosen to break this story into 3 parts, hence the title.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.6</p><p>I've also read</p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-man-overboard-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, MAN OVERBOARD - #19 </a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-antisocial-behaviour-gr-jordan.html">4.6, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR</a> -#20 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-rogues-gallery-gr-jordan.html">4.5, ROGUE'S GALLERY</a>- #21</li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-89348553590670806442024-02-23T19:13:00.006+10:302024-02-23T19:13:50.508+10:30Review: THE WAITER, Ajay Chowdhury<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn2.penguin.com.au/covers/original/9781529111934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://cdn2.penguin.com.au/covers/original/9781529111934.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>This edition read on Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Waiter-Ajay-Chowdhury-ebook/dp/B088GQDNLG">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>ASIN : B088GQDNLG</li><li>Publisher : Vintage Digital (27 May 2021)</li><li>Print length : 283 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Waiter-Ajay-Chowdhury-ebook/dp/B088GQDNLG">Amazon</a>)</p><p>Ex-detective Kamil Rahman is embroiled in a case that might just change his life - for better or for worse . . .<br /><br />Disgraced detective Kamil Rahman moves from Kolkata to London to start afresh as a waiter in an Indian restaurant. But the peace of his new life is soon shattered. The day Kamil caters an extravagant party, the powerful host, Rakesh, is found dead in his swimming pool.<br /><br />Suspicion falls on Rakesh's young and glamorous new wife, and Kamil is called to investigate for the family. Kamil and Anjoli, his boss's daughter, prove a winning team - yet as the case progresses, and their relationship grows, the events of Kamil's past threaten to catch up with him . . .</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>Dismissed and disgraced Kolkata detective Kamil Rahman moves to London to shake off his past but he soon finds himself attempting to solve another murder, and to his amazement finds the events are connected, and that people have followed him to London.</p><p>A competently constructed first novel with an interesting scenario.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.3</p><p><b>About the author</b><br /><br />Ajay Chowdhury was the inaugural winner of the Harvill Secker-Bloody Scotland crime fiction award. He is a tech entrepreneur and theatre director who was born in India and now lives in London where he builds digital businesses, cooks experimental dishes for his wife and daughters and writes through the night. His children's book, Ayesha and the Firefish, was published in 2016 and adapted into a musical.<br /><br />The Waiter, published in 2021, is the first in his critically-acclaimed crime series about Kamil Rahman, an ex-policeman from Kolkata who has moved to Brick Lane in London. It is being adapted for television by Moonage Pictures. Follow-up The Cook was published in May 2022 to excellent reviews and deals with the issue of homelessness. The third book in the series - The Detective - is about government surveillance and AI. <br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-53775697280943344522024-02-17T11:08:00.002+10:302024-02-17T11:08:27.208+10:30Review: THE TRAP, Catherine Ryan Howard<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Xei+sjmAL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Xei+sjmAL._SL1500_.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>This edition from <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Trap-Catherine-Ryan-Howard-ebook/dp/B0BPGFT141/">Amazon</a> on Kindle<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0BPGFT141</li><li>Publisher : Transworld Digital (3 August 2023)</li><li>Print length : 372 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Trap-Catherine-Ryan-Howard-ebook/dp/B0BPGFT141/">Amazon</a>) </p><p>Stranded on a dark road in the middle of the night, a young woman accepts a lift from a passing stranger. It's the nightmare scenario that every girl is warned about, and she knows the dangers all too well - but what other choice does she have?<br /><br />As they drive, she alternates between fear and relief - one moment thinking he is just a good man doing a good thing, the next convinced he's a monster. But when he delivers her safely to her destination, she realizes her fears were unfounded.<br /><br />And her heart sinks. Because a monster is what she's looking for.<br /><br />She'll try again tomorrow night. But will the man who took her sister take the bait?</p><p><b>My Take:</b></p><p>Lucy lives in the same house as her sister's boyfriend. Her sister Nicki did not come home several months ago and there has been no trace of her. Lucy is convinced her sister is one of a number of Irish girls who have been abducted in the last three or four years, that there is a serial killer at work. Lucy cannot accept that she is never going to see Nicki again. The boyfriend Chris is convinced it is time they let go and moved on. He wants to get on with his life, and says Lucy needs to do that too.</p><p>We see the action from several points of view: Angela who works in the Missing Persons Unit; Denise a Gardai attached to a special task force searching for 3 missing women in particular; and someone who appears to be abducting women.</p><p>The story explores the motives behind setting up a special task force, why some missing women warrants searches and others don't, and we inch closer to finding out what happened. </p><p>There are a couple of unexpected twists right at the end, that make you feel the story has started all over again.</p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.4 </p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/06/review-distress-signals-catherine-ryan.html">4.4, DISTRESS SIGNALS</a> <br /></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/06/review-liars-girl-catherine-ryan-howard.html">4.7, THE LIAR'S GIRL</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/09/review-nothing-man-catherine-ryan-howard.html">4.7, THE NOTHING MAN</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/09/review-rewind-catherine-ryan-howard.html">4.4, REWIND</a> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/09/review-56-days-catherine-ryan-howard.html">4.7, 56 DAYS</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-run-time-catherine-ryan-howard.html">4.4, RUN TIME</a> </li></ul><p></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-12685828946853858952024-02-05T19:17:00.000+10:302024-02-05T19:17:15.822+10:30Review: ROGUE'S GALLERY, G.R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://grjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HD21-ebook-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://grjordan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HD21-ebook-small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>this edition an e-book on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Rogues-Gallery-Highlands-Detective-Thriller/dp/1915562104">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>#21 in the Highlands and Islands series</li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (10 September 2022)</li><li>Paperback : 228 pages<br /></li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Rogues-Gallery-Highlands-Detective-Thriller/dp/1915562104">Amazon</a>)</p><p>Foreign royalty found dead on an island estate. A fractious gathering provides a plethora of suspects. Can Macleod and McGrath sort the treasure from the driftwood to reveal who truly gains the most from the duke's death?<br /><br />DI Seoras Macleod is ordered away from his recovering partner Jane, to investigate the suspicious death of a foreign duke at the estate of his mother. Found naked and deceased in a small loch near the family's holiday estate, the duke is not short of enemies at the milestone gathering of his remaining parent's birthday. Amidst bluster and genuine loathing, Macleod, and his faithful Sergeant McGrath, must hunt down a killer who seems ready to destroy an entire lineage.<br /><br />Blood runs thicker than water, every drop! <br /></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>A small European royal family has been allowed to set up a sequestered embassy on a remote Scottish island. MacLeod and his team have been ordered by the British government to investigate the murder of the head of the family. But MacLoed is far from happy. He is very restricted in the way in which he can carry out the investigation.</p><p>And then the weather closes in and the team becomes isolated on the island, and then more murders take place. MacLeod can't understand why he has been assigned this case. In addition he has been taken away from his partner who suffered mental stress in the last case. He thinks Jane needs him more than this case does.</p><p>What is the British government hoping he will achieve, or do they have another agenda?<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.6 </p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-man-overboard-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, MAN OVERBOARD - #19 </a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-antisocial-behaviour-gr-jordan.html">4.6, ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR</a> -#20</li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-13348594838229366192024-02-03T16:21:00.000+10:302024-02-03T16:21:54.908+10:30Review: ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, G.R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wyUDpui4L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wyUDpui4L._SL1500_.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>This edition available from <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Antisocial-Behaviour-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0B21SCJCQ">Amazon</a> on Kindle<br /></li><li>#20 in Highlands and Islands series</li><li>ASIN : B0B21SCJCQ</li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (17 July 2022)</li><li>Print length : 228 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Antisocial-Behaviour-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0B21SCJCQ">Amazon</a>) </p><p>A youth is found dead at a children’s playpark. A stolen car burnt out with the joyriders inside. Can Macleod discover the avenging angel brutally restoring the highland’s peace and quiet?<br /><br />When a spate of deaths indicating teenagers as targets sends Macleod and McGrath into a very public hunt for killer, they must walk in view of the hottest debate of the day. But when Hope believes she sees an angle that points the blame at those who responsible for the nation’s safety, Macleod must trust his Sergeant’s instincts while dodging a career ending bullet.<br /><br />It was all easier back in the day, or was it? <br /></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>Set in Inverness. Gangs from two council estates appear to be at war. In one night 5 young people dead in two separate incidents. Macleod's DCI wants a public campaign with Seoras as the figurehead. He protests, that is not his job. His is finding out who is responsible for the murders.</p><p>Besides, he and his team are not convinced that gang conflict is the root of the problem. The weapons being used, including a grenade, are too sophisticated.</p><p>Another excellent read. <br /></p><p><b>My rating:</b> 4.6 </p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/02/review-man-overboard-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, MAN OVERBOARD - #19 </a></li></ul><p></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-6776296239385964142024-02-02T15:54:00.002+10:302024-02-02T15:54:48.021+10:30Review: MAN OVERBOARD, G. R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71B2104t1nL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71B2104t1nL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>this edition read on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Overboard-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09WVJVP9P/">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>#19 in the Highlands and Island series</li><li>ASIN : B09WVJVP9P</li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (May 29, 2022)</li><li>Print length : 219 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis </b>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Overboard-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09WVJVP9P/">Amazon</a>)</p><p>A Coastguard’s nightmare repeats. The fledgling tourist season is in tatters. Can Macleod and McGrath find the killer amongst the hordes of holidaymakers?<br /><br />When the Coastguard note an increase in drownings from travellers falling overboard from passenger vessels, Macleod is called in to satisfy an itch that these may not be innocent accidents. When the victims are all found to be from troubled marriages, the team must seek the hidden orchestrator of spring mayhem. Can Seoras and Hope find the killer before widow maker of the seas strikes again?<br /><br />To jump or not to jump, sometimes it’s not a choice! </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>While the people apparently committing suicide by jumping into the sea from the top deck of a ferry are all on different ferries, they are all ferries being run by the same company. So is somebody trying to put the company out of business? </p><p>These suicides are too much of a coincidence for Macleod, but the investigation is hampered by the fact that most of them don't surface and the bodies are not able to be retrieved. But then they get "lucky" and a body is retrieved and the pathologist is able to determine that it is a case of murder.</p><p>The team gets stretched very thin by the locations of these incidents, and by also tracking down the people that these "bodies" have been interacting with before they jumped.</p><p>Another very engaging read! I am very much enjoying the variety in these stories, and the fact that they are so readable.<br /></p><p><b>My rating:</b> 4.5</p><p><b>I have read the following</b>:</p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-cleared-to-die-gr-jordan.html">4.5, CLEARED TO DIE</a> - #18</li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-61337004634324223702024-02-02T15:17:00.000+10:302024-02-02T15:17:10.887+10:30Review: MOLE CREEK, James Dunbar<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62a92f0ac1a26c2a711f871d/a08984bb-60c3-4ff5-8c5b-1dd24898b400/MoleCreek_FCA_HR.jpg?format=750w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62a92f0ac1a26c2a711f871d/a08984bb-60c3-4ff5-8c5b-1dd24898b400/MoleCreek_FCA_HR.jpg?format=750w" width="209" /></a></div>This edition available from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mole-Creek-James-Dunbar-ebook/dp/B0C8T3DB2Q">Amazon</a> on Kindle<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0C8T3DB2Q</li><li>Publisher : <a href="https://www.echopublishing.com.au/books/mole-creek">Echo</a> (August 1, 2023)</li><li>Print length : 332 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mole-Creek-James-Dunbar-ebook/dp/B0C8T3DB2Q">Amazon</a>)</p><p><b>A hellish war. A deadly secret. Fifty years on, in a small Tasmanian town, the truth unfolds and the killing begins again … </b> <br /><br /><i>Betrayal cannot be buried forever.</i><br /><br />In the tiny Tasmanian town of Mole Creek, retired Australian cop and Vietnam veteran Pete McAuslan has retreated to his fishing cabin to write his memoirs. In Sydney, his grandson, journalist and trashy true crime author Xander, learns that Pete has taken his own life, begging forgiveness in a suicide note.<br /><br />Arriving in Mole Creek in the aftermath of Pete's death, Xander discovers that his grandfather's laptop is missing. He begins to suspect that something is wrong, refusing to accept the facts as presented. With the local police not interested in investigating an apparently open-and-shut suicide, Xander sets about uncovering the truth of what happened to his grandfather.<br /><br />In the process, he discovers long-buried secrets from Pete's time serving in the Vietnam war: secrets that Pete has withheld from him and everyone else for fifty years; secrets that powerful people would prefer to stay buried. Ensnared in a web of betrayals that began a generation before, Xander finds himself on the hitlist of a clinically violent assassin. Now he must race to identify the connection between the seemingly unremarkable death of an old Australian soldier and the imminent reactivation of the most powerful and potentially destructive 'sleeper' in the history of espionage - before the truth catches up with him. </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>When Xander McAuslan refuses to believe that his grandfather Pete, a retired policeman and ex-Vietnam veteran has committed suicide, he unleashes a can of worms.</p><p>Pete has never told Xander very much about what he did in the Vietnam war. Xander know he was in the military police, and was sent home wounded, but little apart from that. Xander knows that his grandfather was supposedly writing his memoirs but hadn't kept in touch very well. However things about his grandfather's death don't sit well, and there are a number of puzzles: like, where is his laptop? Once Xander begins to investigate, things begin to happen.</p><p>This story was written mainly in two times frames, 50 years apart, producing a many stranded plot, which was for the main part fairly easy to follow. In the long run though, at the end, I think the author had a problem in pulling it all together, and it felt a bit rushed.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.2</p><p><b>About the Author</b><br /><br />James Dunbar is a journalist, television scriptwriter, travel writer, university lecturer and website editor. Mole Creek is his first venture into the serious crime thriller and espionage genre. Published under Jimmy Thomson, he is also the author of two crime ‘caper’ novels and two true-crime memoirs, as well as several books about Australian army engineers (sappers) during the Vietnam War. <br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-51600511785047429842024-01-24T16:21:00.002+10:302024-01-24T16:21:48.594+10:30Review: CLEARED TO DIE, G.R. Jordan<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YMYEX1wEL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YMYEX1wEL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This edition read on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Cleared-Die-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09SGS5979">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>Highlands & Islands Detective Book 18</li><li>ASIN : B09SGS5979</li><li>Publisher : Carpetless Publishing (3 April 2022)</li><li>Print length : 227 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Cleared-Die-Highlands-Detective-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09SGS5979">Amazon</a>)</p><p>A dead controller killed alone in his tower. A climate of fear and coercion among employees and managers. Can Macleod enter the world of air traffic and bring a safe, orderly, and expeditious solution to the case?<br /><br />When a commercial turboprop is forced to go-around on losing communication with Mull tower, the operations team find their oldest controller dead at his post. Amidst a furore over a change of working, Macleod and McGrath find a company in turmoil and with grudges to settle. As the sides are unmasked and the stakes known, can the pair see through the anger and disgruntlement, to bring a brutal killer to justice?<br /><br />Silence is golden… unless you need to land! </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>I'm unashamedly hooked on this series.</p><p>This book is set on Mull where a traffic controller is found dead at his desk when a small plane is attempting to land. </p><p>A relatively quick read, but several puzzles keep you hooked until the end. </p><p>But if you are new to this series, do tackle some of the earlier titles, so get some real knowledge of the main characters. I enjoy the variety of settings, and also the real variety in plots. Look out to for the well developed interactions between the main characters. They get you thinkin!<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5</p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/review-waters-edge-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, WATER'S EDGE</a> -#1</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/03/this-edition-on-kindle-amazon-asin.html">4.4, THE BOTHY</a> - #2</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/reviewthe-horror-weekend-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE HORROR WEEKEND</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-small-ferry-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE SMALL FERRY</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/04/review-dead-at-thrird-man-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, DEAD AT THIRD MAN</a> - #5 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/05/review-pirate-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE PIRATE CLUB</a> <span style="font-weight: normal;">- #6</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-personal-agenda.html">4.5, A PERSONAL AGENDA</a> - #7</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/07/review-just-punishment-gr-jordan.html">4.6, A JUST PUNISHMENT</a> - #8</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-numerous-deaths-of-santa-claus-g.html">4.5, THE NUMEROUS DEATHS OF SANTA CLAUS</a> - #9</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/08/review-our-gated-community-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, OUR GATED COMMUNITY</a> - #10 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-satchel-g-r-jordan.html">4.4, THE SATCHEL</a> - #11 </span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2022/11/review-culwych-alpha-gr-jordan.html">4.3, CULHWCH ALPHA</a> - #12</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-fair-market-value-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, FAIR MARKET VALUE</a> - #13</span></li><li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-coach-bomber-gr-jordan.html">4.5, THE COACH BOMBER</a> - #14</span> </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/10/review-culling-at-singing-sands-g-r.html">4.7, THE CULLING AT SINGING SANDS</a> - #15</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-when-justice-fails-gr-jordan.html">4.6, WHERE JUSTICE FAILS</a> - #16 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-cortado-club-g-r-jordan.html">4.5, THE CORTADO CLUB</a> - #17</li></ul><p> </p><p> </p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-63723008982587997112024-01-20T14:05:00.003+10:302024-01-20T14:05:25.801+10:30Review: THE RUNNING GRAVE, Robert Galbraith<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1kr1aiLR6L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1kr1aiLR6L._SL1500_.jpg" width="205" /></a></div> This edition read on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Running-Grave-Cormoran-Strike-Novel-ebook/dp/B0C3CKHR3F">Amazon</a>) on a variety of devices<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0C3CKHR3F</li><li>Publisher : Mulholland Books (September 26, 2023)</li><li>Print length : 961 pages</li><li>#7 in the Cormoran Strike series</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Running-Grave-Cormoran-Strike-Novel-ebook/dp/B0C3CKHR3F">Amazon</a>) </p><p>In the seventh installment in the "outrageously entertaining" Strike series, detective duo Cormoran and Robin must rescue a man ensnared in the trap of a dangerous cult. (Financial Times) </p><p>Private Detective Cormoran Strike is contacted by a worried father whose son, Will, has gone to join a religious cult in the depths of the Norfolk countryside. <br /><br />The Universal Humanitarian Church is, on the surface, a peaceable organization that campaigns for a better world. Yet Strike discovers that beneath the surface there are deeply sinister undertones, and unexplained deaths. <br /><br />In order to try to rescue Will, Strike's business partner, Robin Ellacott, decides to infiltrate the cult, and she travels to Norfolk to live incognito among its members. But in doing so, she is unprepared for the dangers that await her there or for the toll it will take on her. . .<br /><br />Utterly page-turning, The Running Grave moves Strike's and Robin's story forward in this epic, unforgettable seventh installment of the series. <br /></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>Well, this must be the longest book I've ever read - Kindle tells me nearly 18 hours, page count 961, but to be honest, my interest in it never flagged. I did initially contemplate reading the hard copy edition, but eventually hopped between my Kindle and my Samsung tablet.</p><p>The story itself has a huge time span, and an enormous range of characters, but the more you read, the more you want.</p><p>Highly recommended.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 5.0 <br /></p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><p><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/review-cuckoos-calling-jk-rowling.html">5.0, THE CUCKOO'S CALLING</a> #1 <br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/review-silkworm-robert-galbraith.html">4.5, THE SILKWORM</a> #2 <br />
<a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/review-career-of-evil-robert-galbraith.html">4.6, A CAREER OF EVIL</a> #3<br />
<a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2019/01/review-lethal-white-robert-galbraith.html">4.7, LETHAL WHITE</a> - #4 <br /><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2020/10/review-troubled-blood-robert-galbraith.html">4.8, TROUBLED BLOOD</a>- #5 </p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-44887824141721257912024-01-12T17:30:00.004+10:302024-01-12T17:30:56.871+10:30Review: THE COVENT GARDEN MURDER, Mike Hollow<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71LViqmF2fL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71LViqmF2fL._SL1500_.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>this edition available from Amazon as a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Covent-Garden-Murder-compelling-Detective-ebook/dp/B0BWPNK6NG/">Kindle e-book</a></li><li>#8 in the Blitz Detective series<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0BWPNK6NG</li><li>Publisher : Allison & Busby (October 19, 2023)</li><li>Print length : 328 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Covent-Garden-Murder-compelling-Detective-ebook/dp/B0BWPNK6NG/">publisher</a>) </p><p>December, 1940. Christmas is coming, but the season of goodwill is overshadowed by the death and destruction of the Blitz. In London's Covent Garden, where the glamour of theatreland rubs shoulders with the bustle of the capital's biggest fruit and vegetable market, the war has closed the theatres and ruined the market trade.<br /><br />When a daylight air raid hits the Prince Albert Theatre in Drury Lane, rescuers find a man dying in the wreckage. But it wasn't the bomb that's ending his life - he's been stabbed, and with his dying breath he whispers what sounds like a fragmented confession. As Detective Inspector John Jago begins to investigate, there's an underlying question he must grapple with: was the murdered man himself a killer?<br /></p><p><b>My take</b></p><p>This series began with the beginning of the Blitz in London at the beginning of September 1940, and here we are in the last book in the series, the 8th, at Christmas nearly 4 months later. </p><p>All the cases have been murder mysteries, cases that could have been attributed to the Blitz, except, as in most of the cases, for the obvious presence of a murder weapon. We have learnt little snippets of what it was like to be in London in the Blitz, also little bits about the legacy of World War One, and what was done by the authorities to try to keep life in London "normal" for its population.</p><p>The cases have been meticulously investigated by Detective Inspector Jago, originally of the Metropolitan Police force, but recently of Scotland Yard. His offsider/bagman has been Detective Constable Peter Cradock, plucked summarily from uniform and put into plain clothes. We have met a range of regular characters, including Dorothy, an American correspondent for the Boston Globe based at the Savoy Hotel.</p><p>The characters have been well developed and the plots plausible and the scenarios intersting.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5</p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-blitz-detective-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE BLITZ DETECTIVE - #1</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-canning-town-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.6, THE CANNING TOWN MURDER</a> -#2 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-custom-house-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDER</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-stratford-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE STRATFORD MURDER</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-dockland-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE DOCKLAND MURDER,</a> - #5</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-camden-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CAMDEN MURDER</a> - #7</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2024/01/review-pimlico-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE PIMLICO MURDER</a> - #6</li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-83081008373276154502024-01-07T10:07:00.003+10:302024-01-07T10:07:17.610+10:30Review: MURDER ON FRIDAY STREET, Russell Cooper<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This edition read on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Friday-Street-Mysteries/dp/B0CJBCR7K4">Amazon</a>)<a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oLwXowutL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oLwXowutL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /></li><li>ASIN : B0CJBCR7K4</li><li>Publisher : Red Balloon Press (September 19, 2023)</li><li>Paperback : 394 pages</li><li>ISBN-10 : 1919602178</li><li>ISBN-13 : 978-1919602172</li><li>#1 Friday Street Murder Mysteries<br /></li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Friday-Street-Mysteries/dp/B0CJBCR7K4">publisher</a>) </p><p>If you love Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, you’ll love this.<br /><br />Eccentric twin brothers, Cedric and Ambrose, retire from MI6 to make honey and tackle crosswords at Tanglefoot Farm in England’s Surrey Hills.<br /><br />The unsolved brutal murder of their long-lost friend drags them back into the secret life they left behind.<br /><br />Can Cedric and Ambrose, along with Charlie, their dead friend’s daughter, and the seventy-five year old mystery woman who lives in a campervan, unravel the clues and crack the cold case before the killer strikes again?<br /><br />The chase is on to solve the mystery and catch the murderer.<br /><br />Murder on Friday Street is the highly entertaining first book in the Friday Street Murder Mystery series. If you like witty, feisty women, a tangle of clever clues, and hilarious adventures, then you’ll love Russell Cooper’s gripping murder mystery.</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CMmy6qwAEy0Fln4bfysA3TTapTSmdUMo71D2Pxvbs4lyGFI7GtXt7q7iQ3Rw2N6uvR2MtqlWsRjXuVHSSkcxE6GcDL-VrUKtznpFtgBYseqApGEJQ-FYqrEKnVMHh1VcZK12czCjwP8/s200/coat-tails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="187" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CMmy6qwAEy0Fln4bfysA3TTapTSmdUMo71D2Pxvbs4lyGFI7GtXt7q7iQ3Rw2N6uvR2MtqlWsRjXuVHSSkcxE6GcDL-VrUKtznpFtgBYseqApGEJQ-FYqrEKnVMHh1VcZK12czCjwP8/s200/coat-tails.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>While I enjoyed reading this latest outing in the <a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/search?q=geezer+lit">geezer lit</a> genre, I am just a little uncomfortable with its close proximity to that other very successful series by <a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/search?q=Richard+Osman">Richard Osman</a>. It feels a little to0 close to a spoof on a spoof, an author saying "<i>I can do a little better. ... instead of one retired spy lets put a few of them together and see what happens</i>." (although I am sure this sort of thing happens more than I indicate in my reviews)<br /><p></p><p>In the middle of it there is some serious plotting, a serious cold case, some delightfully drawn characters, some humorous and not-so humorous situations.<br /></p><p>However, if you read it then come back here and tell me if you think I've been unduly harsh with my <a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2008/08/riding-on-coat-tails-or-plagiarism.html">coattails analogy</a>.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.0</p><p><b>About the author</b></p><p>Russell Cooper...grew up on a rich diet of spy novels and Sunday afternoon television dramas. Following a hectic career in the restaurant business I did a couple of undisclosed stints (nothing dangerous) with NATO & GCHQ. Today I live in Surrey UK and when I’m not writing, editing or reading, I support the demands of Winnie, my toy poodle. <br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-87008875062279262792024-01-02T14:36:00.001+10:302024-01-02T14:36:26.685+10:30Review: THE PIMLICO MURDER, Mike Hollow<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71DRfjsL0EL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71DRfjsL0EL._SL1500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This edition read on Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Pimlico-Murder-compelling-wartime-Detective-ebook/dp/B093PHTGBL">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>#6 in the Blitz Detective series</li><li>ASIN : B093PHTGBL</li><li>Publisher : Allison & Busby (18 November 2021)</li><li>Print length : 345 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Pimlico-Murder-compelling-wartime-Detective-ebook/dp/B093PHTGBL">publisher</a>) </p><p>Armistice Day, 1940. The nation remembers the Great War while a new and harrowing conflict rumbles on. The Blitz Detective, John Jago, must set aside his own painful memories to investigate a suspicious death in Pimlico, south-west London. The body of a young man has been discovered in an Anderson shelter, with two white poppies in his pocket.</p><p>As the investigation progresses, Jago and his assistant, DC Cradock, find themselves knee-deep in Pimlico's shady underworld and connections with Mosley's fascist party. It will take all their skills to uncover the truth behind the young man's brutal death.</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>These stories are a reminder that even when there is a war as catastrophic as the Blitz of 1940, life goes on, and the deaths that occur are not necessarily the result of war: the usual crimes continue to be committed too.</p><p>In this one, Jago and Cradock are seconded to Scotland Yard to solve the murder of a young man whose body is found in an Andersen shelter. As usual they investigate a range of characters and unearth other crimes being committed. </p><p>So far these stories have actually taken place in a very short period of time: the second half of 1940 in London with Hitler's planes attacking it almost every night. The amount of research behind the stories lend a feeling of authenticity. There are a number of "personal interest" threads too which provide ongoing interest. <br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5</p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-blitz-detective-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE BLITZ DETECTIVE - #1</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-canning-town-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.6, THE CANNING TOWN MURDER</a> -#2 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-custom-house-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDER</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-stratford-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE STRATFORD MURDER</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-dockland-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE DOCKLAND MURDER,</a> - #5</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-camden-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CAMDEN MURDER</a> - #7</li></ul><p></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-88455453449148877252023-12-30T15:09:00.005+10:302023-12-30T15:09:54.308+10:30Review: THE CAMDEN MURDER, Mike Hollow<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zMY8-6ZhL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71zMY8-6ZhL._SL1500_.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>This edition read on my Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Camden-Murder-Blitz-Detective-Book-ebook/dp/B0BBZ288RL">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>#7 in the Blitz Murder series</li><li>ASIN : B0BBZ288RL</li><li>Publisher : Allison & Busby (December 15, 2022)</li><li>Print length : 337 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Camden-Murder-Blitz-Detective-Book-ebook/dp/B0BBZ288RL">publisher</a>) <br /></p><p></p><p>November 1940. As dawn begins to break, blackout regulations are rendered pointless by a car burning fiercely near the Regent's Canal in Camden Town, north London. In the burnt-out vehicle police find the charred remains of a body. The victim is Les Latham, a commercial traveller for the Baring and Sons confectionery company. He liked to be known as Lucky Les, but it seems his luck has finally run out.<br /><br />Detective Inspector John Jago discovers a mysterious photograph and some suspicious-looking petrol ration books among Latham's belongings. These lead him off on a murky trail of deceit, corruption and murder. It seems that the Blitz Detective will have to make his own luck to bring to light an unexpected killer. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>Another instalment in this lovely series with John Jago and his offsider Peter Cradock hunting down the person responsible for the death of a commercial traveller.</p><p>There are a number of red herrings to be discarded before the truth is finally revealed.</p><p>What I love about these books is the feeling of authenticity that comes from solid research and details gleaned from the news of the day. (Who knew that early RAF bombers were sent out with homing pigeons to deliver their location in the case of being shot down; or that Great Britain paid Jamaica NOT to export their banana crop?)</p><p>In some ways police procedures have not change in 80 years - fingerprinting, dental records etc - but these crimes are set against the setting and stress of London in 1940, and the characterisation is superb. There are glimpses of what is happening in the rest of the world and how England is surviving as Hitler attempts to cut it off.<br /></p><p>You will notice that I've inadvertently skipped reading #6, THE PIMLICO MURDER, but I will remedy that in the New Year.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5 <br /></p><p></p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-blitz-detective-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE BLITZ DETECTIVE - #1</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-canning-town-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.6, THE CANNING TOWN MURDER</a> -#2 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-custom-house-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDER</a> - #3</li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-stratford-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE STRATFORD MURDER</a> - #4 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-dockland-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE DOCKLAND MURDER,</a> - #5</li></ul><p> </p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-83111547398070374182023-12-28T16:34:00.003+10:302023-12-28T16:34:44.871+10:30Review: DOGBOY V. CATFISH, Luke Gracias<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OjAlffBNL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81OjAlffBNL._SL1500_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>This edition read as an e-book on Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Dogboy-v-Catfish-Luke-Gracias-ebook/dp/B0C5M16D1L">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>ASIN : B0C5M16D1L</li><li>Publisher : Authors Upfront (17 May 2023)</li><li>Print length : 247 pages</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Dogboy-v-Catfish-Luke-Gracias-ebook/dp/B0C5M16D1L">Amazon</a>)</p><p>On the day of her second wedding, Katherine Fisher, aka ‘Catfish,’ set the date for her divorce. In precisely 18 months, she would be entitled to half of their combined assets and receive maintenance payments until her five-year-old daughter, Emma, turns 18. Just as Catfish was about to take her husband, Lindsay ‘Dogboy’ Kramer (a successful businessman and dog whisperer) to the cleaners, he goes missing.<br /><br />The police investigation into Dogboy’s disappearance leads them into the dark world of counterfeit designer goods, money laundering, and drug smuggling.<br /><br />With Dogboy’s assets frozen and the mob protecting their interests, the missing persons case escalates to homicide. Catfish is in a race against time to get hold of Dogboy’s assets before the police get hold of her.<br /><br />One question remains - is Dogboy dead or alive? <br /></p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>A fascinating tale, told almost in a documentary style.</p><p>Katherine Fisher (Catfish) it seems, will do almost anything for money. She sees her husband Lindsay (Dogboy) as a gullible and easy target, but doesn't realise he has realised her intentions, and set his own plans in motion, to ensure that not only is the wealth that she aims to capture is moved out of her reach, but also that the police and the authorities will be able to document what she has been up to.</p><p>In the long run Dogboy is able to call on friends that Catfish didn't realise that he had, while her own resources are criminals.</p><p>This is a real page turner, unusual format, and unique subject matter.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.7</p><p><b>About the author</b></p><p>Luke Gracias is an Environmental Specialist who has been working part- time in the film industry since 2006. The Codex Gigas or the Devil's Bible is the largest medieval manuscript in the world. It currently resides in the National Library of Sweden. The Codex Gigas has twelve missing pages which are rumoured to contain an apocalyptic test known as the Devil's Prayer. <br />An avid photographer, Luke travelled through Europe and his home country Australia documenting the 13th Century conspiracy between the Mongols who came to Europe in search of the Devil's Prayer and the Papal Inquisition. <br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-31489613610702372442023-12-24T11:42:00.003+10:302023-12-24T11:42:53.923+10:30Review: A DEADLY AFFAIR, Agatha Christie<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://agathachristie.imgix.net/image-store/Shop-2021/Jacket_ADeadlyAffairUK.jpg?auto=compress,format&fit=clip&q=80&w=400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://agathachristie.imgix.net/image-store/Shop-2021/Jacket_ADeadlyAffairUK.jpg?auto=compress,format&fit=clip&q=80&w=400" width="210" /></a></div>this edition read on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Affair-Unexpected-Stories-Mystery/dp/0063142341">Kindle</a><br /></li><li>Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks (January 4, 2022)</li><li>Paperback : 272 pages</li><li>ISBN-10 : 0063142341</li><li>ISBN-13 : 978-0063142343</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Affair-Unexpected-Stories-Mystery/dp/0063142341">Publisher</a>)</p><p>Love can propel us to our greatest heights . . . and darkest depths. In this new collection of Agatha Christie short stories, witness the dark side of love—crimes of passion, games of the heart, and deadly affairs. This pulse-pounding compendium features beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, master of charades Parker Pyne, the enigmatic Harley Quin, and the adventurous Tommy and Tuppence, all at the ready to solve a tantalizing mystery.<br /><br />In 'The Face of Helen,' a night at the Royal Opera could reach a deadly crescendo for a woman caught in a dicey love triangle; 'Finessing the King' delivers a curious ad in the personals that could mask sinister intentions; who’s in danger of getting stung in 'Wasp’s Nest' depends on rounding up suspects and solving a murder—before it even happens. Those are just a few of the tales in this collection featuring essential reading that Christie fans old and new will simply love.</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>An interesting collection of 14 short stories, mostly featuring sleuths that have not been as popular as Poirot and Marple, and mostly written early in the author's career, as shown in the list below.</p><p>I found <i>Magnolia Blossom</i> particularly interesting because it was published in the same year as Christie's own disappearance, and could shed some light on her state of mind. <i>Death by Drowning</i> is also interesting for the role played by Miss Marple's doctor.<br /></p><p>Affairs of the Heart - from Autobiography<br />The King of Clubs - Poirot, 1923<br />The Face of Helen - Mr Quin, 1927<br />A Death on the Nile - Mr Parker Pyne, 1933<br />Death by Drowning - Miss Marple, 1931<br />The Double Clue - Poirot, 1923<br />Finessing the King - Tommy and Tuppence, 1924<br />A Fruitful Sunday - standalone, 1928<br />Wasps' Nest - Poirot, 1928<br />The Case of the Caretaker - Miss Marple, 1942<br />The Man in the Mist - Tommy and Tuppence, 1924<br />The Case of the Rich Woman - Mr Parker Pyne, 1932<br />Magnolia Blossom - stand alone, 1926<br />The Love Detectives - Mr Quin, 1926<br /></p><p>My rating: 4.5 </p><p>Here are the <a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/p/agatha-christie-reading-challenge-short.html">Agatha Christie short stories I have read</a><br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-70354844020349292062023-12-23T12:28:00.001+10:302023-12-23T13:23:40.373+10:30Review: BETTY BOO, Claudia Pineiro<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8184Xbw-IyL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8184Xbw-IyL._SL1500_.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>This edition an e-book on Kindle<br /></li><li>Publisher : Bitter Lemon Press (February 9, 2016)</li><li>Miranda France (Translator) </li><li>Paperback : 410 pages</li><li>ISBN-10 : 1908524553</li><li>ISBN-13 : 978-1908524553</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Betty-Boo-Claudia-Pi%C3%B1eiro/dp/1908524553">publisher</a>)</p><p>The fourth novel from Claudia Piñeiro, South America's best-selling crime novelist.<br /><br />When a renowned Buenos Aires industrialist is found dead at his home in an exclusive gated community called La Maravillosa, the novelist Nurit Iscar (once nicknamed Betty Boo owing to a resemblance to the cartoon character Betty Boop) is contracted by a former lover, the editor of a national newspaper, to cover the story. Nurit teams up with the paper's veteran, but now demoted, crime reporter. Soon they realize that they are falling in love, which complicates matters deliciously.<br /><br />The murder is no random crime but one in a series that goes to the heart of the establishment. Five members of the Argentine industrial and political elite, who all went to the same boarding-school, have died in apparently innocent circumstances. The Maravillosa murder is just the last in the series and those in power in Argentina are not about to allow all this brought to light. Too much is at stake.</p><p>My Take</p><p>This novel comes as a reminder of how much translated crime fiction has fallen off my radar in recent years, and also what a different flavour this author in particular brings.</p><p>The Crime writer of the national newspaper covering this murder in a gated community is a fairly new appointment, inexperienced, and is referred to as Crime Boy. His editor decides to provide a different slant to the case by installing a novelist, a former lover, in the gated community, to write a series of articles about the life that the murder victim was leading. These articles will be published simultaneously with whatever Crime Boy can provide. The victim's wife had been murdered in the same house three years earlier, but apart from the way she was murdered, was there any connection? </p><p>In addition the newspaper is still employing its former crime writer, on what he regards as fairly useless tasks, and he decides, against his better judgement, that Crime Boy needs tutelage. Between them, with Betty Boo, the three of them make a formidable team.</p><p>A most enjoyable read.<br /></p><p>My rating: 4.6</p><p>I've also read</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span class="caption"><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-thursday-night-widows-claudio.html">THURSDAY NIGHT WIDOWS</a></span></li><li><span class="caption"><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/review-all-yours-claudia-pineiro.html">ALL YOURS</a></span><br /></li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-21261862493508123382023-12-19T09:42:00.001+10:302023-12-19T09:42:17.465+10:30Review: A DISAPPEARANCE IN FIJI, Nilima Rao<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814GhW6tKSL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814GhW6tKSL._SL1500_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This edition read as an e-book on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disappearance-Fiji-Nilima-Rao-ebook/dp/B0BDDT1RHZ">my Kindle</a></li><li>ASIN : B0BDDT1RHZ</li><li>Publisher : Soho Crime (June 6, 2023)</li><li>Print length : 289 pages</li><li>Page numbers source ISBN : 1641294299</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disappearance-Fiji-Nilima-Rao-ebook/dp/B0BDDT1RHZ">Amazon</a>)</p><p> A charming and atmospheric debut mystery featuring a 25-year-old Indian police sergeant investigating a missing persons case in colonial Fiji<br /><br />1914, Fiji: Akal Singh, 25, would rather be anywhere but this tropical paradise—or, as he calls it, “this godforsaken island.” After a promising start to his police career in Hong Kong, Akal has been sent to Fiji as punishment for a humiliating professional mistake. Lonely and grumpy, Akal plods through his work and dreams of getting back to Hong Kong or his native India.<br /><br />When an indentured Indian woman goes missing from a sugarcane plantation and Fiji’s newspapers scream “kidnapping,” the inspector-general reluctantly assigns Akal the case. Akal, eager to achieve redemption, agrees—but soon finds himself far more invested than he could have expected.<br /><br />Now not only is he investigating a disappearance, but also confronting the brutal realities of the indentured workers’ existence and the racism of the British colonizers in Fiji—along with his own thorny notions of personhood and caste. Early interrogations of the white plantation owners, Indian indentured laborers, and native Fijians yield only one conclusion: there is far more to this case than meets the eye.<br /><br />Nilima Rao’s sparkling debut mystery offers an unflinching look at the evils of colonialism, even as it brims with wit, vibrant characters, and fascinating historical detail. </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>Set in colonial Fiji in 1914, this mystery novel takes readers to a time and setting with which most of us are not familiar, but the author certainly is.</p><p>An indentured Indian woman goes missing, and a local priest brings the attention of the newspapers to what he calls a kidnapping. Newly arrived from Hong Kong, Sergeant Akal Singh is already in trouble with his boss who reluctantly sets him to investigate the case. The last thing the Inspector wants is for the kidnapping claim to be true, and for his world to be rocked with scandal. </p><p>A very readable first novel.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.4</p><p><b>About the author</b></p><p>Nilima Rao is a Fijian Indian Australian who has always referred to
herself as “culturally confused”. She has since learned that we are all
confused in some way and now feels better about the whole thing. When
she isn’t writing, Nilima can be found wrangling data (the dreaded day
job) or wandering around Melbourne laneways in search of the next new
wine bar.</p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-76275287398067411472023-12-17T15:09:00.002+10:302023-12-17T15:09:28.453+10:30Review: THE DOCKLAND MURDER, Mike Hollow<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711EwsL-cwL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711EwsL-cwL._SL1500_.jpg" width="208" /></a></div> this edition an <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dockland-Murder-intriguing-wartime-Detective-ebook/dp/B08GNZ582J">e-book on Kindle</a></li><li>#5 Blitz Detective series<br /></li><li>ASIN : B08GNZ582J</li><li>Publisher : Allison & Busby (March 19, 2021)</li><li>Print length : 440 pages</li><li>Page numbers source ISBN : 036937889X</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dockland-Murder-intriguing-wartime-Detective-ebook/dp/B08GNZ582J">publisher</a>)</p><p>In the depths of the blackout, the silence of London's Royal Albert Dock is broken only by the lap of inky water against the quay and the occasional scurrying of rats' feet. A patrolling policeman is passing the newly arrived freighter SS Magnolia when something catches his eye. A man is sprawled awkwardly across a nearby barge - with an exotic-looking dagger in his back.</p><p>DI Jago of West Ham CID discovers the victim was a dock worker by day and a Home Guard volunteer by night - and there are things even his wife, bombed out of their flimsy home in Silvertown, doesn't know about his past. Who wanted to kill him? As Jago investigates, he uncovers a widening circle of secrets ranging across family tensions, the last war, and a far-flung corner of the British Empire. And then there's the mysterious spate of thefts from the dock to contend with. </p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>This series is set in the Blitz in LOndon, various locations, beginning in September 1940. <br /></p><p>One of the things that I am enjoying with this series is the wide ranging plots strands and the extra information given to us about characters and their background.</p><p>These details add to the feeling of historical authenticity.</p><p>Highly recommended.<br /></p><p><b>My rating</b>: 4.5</p><p>I've also read</p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-blitz-detective-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE BLITZ DETECTIVE - #1</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-canning-town-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.6, THE CANNING TOWN MURDER</a> -#2 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-custom-house-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDER</a> - #3 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-stratford-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE STRATFORD MURDER</a> - #4 <br /></li></ul>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-23653911831590453072023-12-17T14:47:00.003+10:302023-12-17T14:47:58.547+10:30Review: THE STRATFORD MURDER, Mike Hollow<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619maN61gML._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619maN61gML._SL1500_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div> Book 4 of 8: Blitz Detective<br /></li><li>First published as FIRING LINE.2018</li><li>Publisher : Allison & Busby (December 10, 2020)</li><li>Paperback : 352 pages</li><li>ISBN-10 : 0749026030</li><li>ISBN-13 : 978-0749026035</li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stratford-Murder-Blitz-Detective/dp/0749026030">Amazon</a>)</p><p>October, 1940. Bombs are falling on Stratford when air-raid warden Sylvia Parks sees a house with a shining light, in clear breach of the city’s strict blackout rules. With no answer at the door she manages to break in, only to discover the body of a young woman, strangled to death with a stocking. For Detective Inspector John Jago, the scene brings back memories of the gruesome Soho Strangler, who murdered four women a few years ago but has never been caught – could there be a connection?</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>I'm very much enjoying this series, reading them as e-books on my Kindle. The characters are well drawn, the scenarios feel authentic, and each book leaves you looking forward to the next.</p><p>In this case a young woman is found during a blackout strangled in her home. She works as a cinema usher, but there seems some possibility that she may be earning extra money by entertaining men in her home.<br /></p><p><b>My Rating</b>: 4.5 <br /></p><p><b>I've also read</b></p><ul><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-blitz-detective-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE BLITZ DETECTIVE - #1</a></li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/11/review-canning-town-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.6, THE CANNING TOWN MURDER</a> -#2 </li><li><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2023/12/review-custom-house-murder-mike-hollow.html">4.5, THE CUSTOM HOUSE MURDER</a> - #3 </li></ul><p></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8273911883856580200.post-24169872965094112562023-12-01T12:52:00.002+10:302023-12-01T12:52:24.674+10:30Review, SLEEPING MURDER, Agatha Christie<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71frLSjxHOL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71frLSjxHOL._SL1500_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>This edition read on Kindle (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Murder-Miss-Marple-Book-ebook/dp/B004BDOTLS/">Amazon</a>)<br /></li><li>ASIN : B004BDOTLS</li><li>Publisher : HarperCollins; Masterpiece Ed edition (October 14, 2010)</li><li>Originally published 1976 (Miss Marple's last case, written about 35 years earlier)</li><li>Print length : 257 pages </li><li><a href="http://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/2014/10/review-sleeping-murder-miss-marples.html">My earlier review</a> <br /></li></ul><p><b>Synopsis</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Murder-Miss-Marple-Book-ebook/dp/B004BDOTLS">Amazon</a>) </p><p>A strange house<br />A ghost from the past<br /><br />As soon as she moves into Hillside, Gwenda knows there’s something strange about this house.<br /><br />A sealed room. A hidden door. The apparition of a young woman being strangled.<br /><br />But strangest of all – this all seems quite familiar.<br /><br />As her friend Jane Marple investigates, the answer seems to lie in a crime committed nearly twenty years ago.<br /><br />The killer may have gotten away with murder. But Miss Marple is never far behind.<br /><br />Never underestimate Miss Marple</p><p><b>My Take</b></p><p>I have of course read this earlier, but have re-read it for discussion with my U3A Agatha Christie Reading group. I think they will enjoy the read. I think this is one of the best Marple stories.<br /></p><p>Despite the advice not to investigate Gwenda and her husband decide try to work out what Gwenda's vague memories of the house she has recently bought actually mean. </p><p>I particularly liked the description of Miss Marple.<br /><span class="a-color-base a-text-italic" role="article"><i>Miss Marple was
an attractive old lady, tall and thin, with pink cheeks and blue eyes,
and a gentle, rather fussy manner. Her blue eyes often had a little
twinkle in them.</i></span></p><p><span class="a-color-base a-text-italic" role="article">There are no signs that this was actually written during World War II and stored for later publication. Certainly no signs that it was meant to be Miss Marple's last case.<br /></span></p><p><b>My rating:</b> 4.7</p><p><a href="https://paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com/p/agatha-christie-novels.html">My Agatha Christie book reviews</a><br /></p>Kerriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13581470363339796352noreply@blogger.com0