Book Review of “Gone” By Jonathan Kellerman

Gone

By Jonathan Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series never misses out on action, adventure and thrill.

Gone is a good mystery plot.

A naked girl is found running across the road seeking help. Finally she manages to get an old truck driver to help her. She claims that she along with her boyfriend had been abducted. They even have some marks to prove it. Turns out that this pair (Michaela Brand and Dylan Meserve, twenty something year old acting students of an LA acting school) was seeking their “15 seconds of fame” by pulling up a hoax. But all said and done, the authorities press charges and Alex Delaware (an LA child psychologist and a consultant to the police) is on the case to examine Michaela Brand’s psychological state. A plea deal is eventually reached and life seems to come back to normal- until Michaela is found murdered. And Dylan Meserve goes missing.

Things go haywire from then on.

LAPD detective Lieutenant Milo Sturgis seeks Alex’s help as the body count increases. Seems like the serial killer on the loose must be put to rest. Everyone is under surveillance – from the students to the owners of the acting school to acquaintances to relatives – everyone.

As tempted as I am, I won’t be giving out the climax. Yeah thank your stars I’m not spoiling the suspense.

The characters of Alex and Sturgis show depth and a lot of development. Together they combine intellect and experience to solve cases that seem as complex as finding a needle in a hay stack. (Oh never mind the cliché here.)

Their friendship brings in warmth and fun. Their personal lives bring in a lot of drama and of course smiles.

It is not as predictable as it may seem. You are sure to be surprised at the revelations.

Gone is high on intensity, drama, suspense and thrill. Apart from the forgivable long descriptions of people, places etc. by the author, Gone does make for a great read. The plot is taut and it literally keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Kellerman seems to get better and better with each book. No wonder each of his Alex book (compelling and psychologically deep) eventually ends up being a bestseller.

Book Review of “R” Is For Ricochet By Sue Grafton

“R” Is For Ricochet

By Sue Grafton

I don’t know what to say about this one. Grafton has delivered stupendous work in the past (and hopefully will keep doing so) but R for Ricochet got a bit messed up I believe. There is a bit too much going on in here – and it is not all that captivating.

Santa Teresa detective Kinsey is hired by a wealthy man Nord Lafferty to drive his daughter (Reba) home from prison.

Reba has been a brat – a spoilt child. Now that she is released, her father is concerned and wants her to stay away from trouble. She had committed a fraud and admitted the crime, for which the judge had given her a four year sentence, but she is released early for good behavior.

Kinsey and Reba talk, share stuff and crib together and of course become friends.

Reba admits to her gambling habits. She promises her parole officer she would stay off gambling and drinking during her parole time.

Kinsey takes Reba for dinner that evening where they bump into Reba’s ex-employer Alan Beck. Kinsey realizes this is a set up. Beck was the one who put Reba in the prison in the first place. She pretends to leave but hides and watches Reba and Beck making love in the backseat of Beck’s car.

Reba wants to elope with Beck but the cops are closing in on Beck for some money laundering stunt.

Kinsey’s baby-sitting task turns out to be a bit more complex – like her other cases.

A fed agent visits Kinsey and wants her to convince Reba to turn witness for the FBI and put Beck behind the bars for all his hideous acts. He even has photographs of Beck in bed with another woman.

Reba decides to avenge herself (after seeing the proofs) but the feds want things their way. Kinsey to tries to coax Reba to listen to the authorities before things go out of control and she is put back into the prison.

This suspense-thriller, set in the 80’s, lacks the usual action. Not to say there is none – but I liked the earlier series better. This one has many predictable parts. The characters have been etched fine and you do end up caring for Reba. She is fun, reckless and seems hopelessly in love. Kinsey is more mature and serious and also gains a love interest in this one.

But there was no fun in knowing about Kinsey’s old landlord/neighbour’s love interest; or his brother’s case; etc.

Read it only if you have bought the book. Else skip it – no loss.

Book Review of “Knockout” by Catherine Coulter

Knockout

By Catherine Coulter

 

Alright…this one seems like a mixed bag. At some points the story grips you like never before and at some points it dips to the depths of an unknown shoddy valley.

The way the characters developed in the earlier series was intriguing – but now they just seem stuck.

The story begins with FBI Agent Dillon Savich stopping a bank robbery and ends up killing the leader of the gang. The daughter (of the leader) then vows to seek revenge and goes on a killing rampage.

Dillon gets a telepathic message from a seven year old girl, Autumn who thinks of Dillon as a hero. Autumn desperately wishes to save her mom and herself from her father’s relatives who wish to make use of her “super talents” to augment their power and their paranormal cult.

There is a bit of excitement, drama, action and suspense with a tinge of humor, but delivered in potions that keep running out soon. Both the plots are managed well but lack of chemistry and characterization make it weak.

It is gripping enough to keep you hooked but Coulter could’ve done a better job.

 

Book Review of “Sam’s Letters to Jennifer” By James Patterson

Sam’s Letters to Jennifer

By James Patterson

 

*Spoiler Alert*

I do like some emotion stirring read, sometimes. But this one felt like an over-doze!

I don’t know if I should be doing this – but Sam in this case – is Samantha – Jennifer’s grandma.

The story begins with Jennifer moving back to her small town to take care of her grandmother who is injured in a fall and is now in coma. To give you a bit of Jennifer’s background – she loses her husband in an accident and undergoes a miscarriage too. Apart from her family, the only person Jennifer can count on and is close to, is her grandma – Sam.

So, as Jennifer is getting accustomed to her community life, she happens to come across Sam’s letters that reveal a part of Sam’s life which Jennifer never knew. The letters, addressed to Jennifer, were placed in her room in Sam’s house. In them, Sam discloses certain aspects of love that she wants Jennifer to experience and appreciate. The letters disclose the secret love life of Sam.

During this time, Jennifer also happens to reconnect with her childhood friend Brendan. And things move beyond friendship – as fated! But there is more to Brendan’s life that what meets the eye!

The novel comprises two love stories. It is fast-paced read; and quite a departure from Patterson’s regular mystery/thriller shockers but it does have suspense – almost right till the end.

The character of Jennifer is very relatable – one who has loved and lost and is scared to walk the same path again. Brendan is a free-spirited man with no inhibitions. And Sam who has found solace in accepting love in this “secret” sorta way.

This book shows an extremely emotional side of Patterson – an unexpected profile. There are quite a few heart-stirring moments that would appeal to the soft at heart – somehow I could relate to them only a wee bit.

I’d say it is a one-time read if you are the emotional sorta person. It focuses on love, relationships, family and faith. I think I like Alex Cross’ series more than emotional reads.

 

Book Review of “Changes” By Jim Butcher

Changes

By Jim Butcher

 

By far the best work of Jim Butcher, Changes highlights Harry Dresden’s character with a variety of hues that were never seen before.

Harry Dresden is a wizard who lives and works as a detective in Chicago, Illinois. The story begins with Dresden receiving a call from his ex-love – Susan informing him that he is the father of a daughter who is now kidnapped.

There begins the perfect blend of urban fantasy and adventure as a father begins one of his most challenging missions – retrieval of his daughter from the clutches of the Red Court vampires.

With touches of sarcasm and humor (Dresden style), the story with its umpteen gripping twists and astounding climax behold the reader until the very last page.

Be it the vampire centric stories full of assassins or the exhilarating supernatural and mystical theme, danger lurks on every page.

 

The dramatization and descriptions look absolutely real and believable, with some totally acceptable exaggerated action, making it MUST read.

 

Book Review of “Caught” By Harlan Coben

Caught

By Harlan Coben

 

A “thriller” rightfully earns itself a name if it captures the reader’s attention strong enough to be held without being kept even for a moment. Caught by Harlan Coben, to a certain extent manages to do so.

A well crafted thrilling story by Coben, creating and maintaining the suspense till the very end.

The book comprises of different stories meshed together only to reveal an unsuspecting climax.

A sting operation by a TV reporter to uncover the truth of a social worker who turns out to be a pedophile gelled with the case of a missing high school senior (girl), followed by the death of the suspect and finally the revelation of the truth.

The story typically shows ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations. Must admit, the characterization is kind of complex but lacks depth where required.

Some clues engulf you in a seamless challenge to uncover the truth.
It is a fairly satisfying, fast paced novel but minor flaws like incorporation of lots of twists and turns, lack of firm clues (in the end) leave the reader a bit confused.

 

Book Review of “Black Hills” By Nora Roberts

Black Hills

By Nora Roberts

Black Hills is a very engaging romantic/suspense kinda story and the cover just plays its part of mesmerizing you even further to grab it the moment you set your eyes on it.

The story is about Lillian Chance and Cooper Sullivan who meet in South Dakota as kids. Coop is a city lad while Lil a Sioux descendant. Coop is visiting his grandparents over his summer break while Lil’ is a resident of South Dakota, fascinated by wild animals. Their friendship blossoms into love but they are torn apart due to circumstances and meet again years later to get re-acquainted. Lil now runs a wildlife refuge while Coop (an ex-cop) decides to help his grandparents with their family business and farm.

With tension between the lovers over yester years, there is danger lurking and targeting Lil and her refuge. Coop obviously emerges hero by saving Lil and winning his lost love once again.

The author’s articulate skill of intense research and penning character that are so relatable make the book a definite choice. Lil and Coop have very strong character sketches that are totally relatable.

With each of her creations we see a new setting and new characters that do complete justice to the central theme and ideation. The intriguing twists and clever scoops show her ability of in depth analysis and quality deliverance of the substance.

Ample of tension, fine detailing of the town/situation/people, Lil’s work – make it absolutely gripping. Not to forget the interesting secondary characters – Lil’s parents, Coop’s grandparents, etc.

A highly recommended read for all.

 

Book Review of “I, Alex Cross” By James Patterson

I, Alex Cross

By James Patterson

 

A typical James Patterson, fact-paced, action novel – I, Alex Cross is a quick read with short chapters.

This suspense-mystery-thriller opens with Alex getting the news of his estranged niece’s gruesome murder. She is ground up in a wood chipper and found in a plastic garbage bag in the back of a car. She was a hooker involved with a sex club, and entertained rich and famous clients like judges, congressmen and highly affluent politicians. The investigation with intriguing twists and turns leads Alex to the White House and finally to the President’s husband.

And then there is the equally emotional sub-plot of Alex’s grandmother- Nana, bringing in a humane touch to the inhumane murders happening around. Nana falls ill land is rushed to the hospital. Alex now swings between finding his niece’s killer and being by his Nana’s side.

The highly engrossing mysterious plot is spiced with bad/raw language, sexual content, and violence. With a lot of action, drama and suspense with clear prose, the author paints a thrilling picture of terror. Alex’s character is very well balanced. Very humane, witty, and sharp. Patterson’s honest portrayal of relationships is heart-warming. His bold imagination show his knack of building up consistent suspense and thrill for the readers.

A highly captivating page-turner.

 

Book Review of “Hour Game” by David Baldacci

Hour Game

by David Baldacci

Hour Game seems to be a bagful of red herrings. This is a complex, action-packed thriller that wraps you tight.

Wrightsburg overall is a quiet and peaceful town. But off late, the residents are in a state of shock and panic. A serial killer has committed gruesome murders,and the body count keeps increasing.

The victims are random; the motive is unknown; and the clues all mixed up, misguiding the cops and the detectives on the trail, about the identity of the unscrupulous “copy-cat” murderer.

Meanwhile, former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell (with their new private investigation office in town) are working on a burglary case at the estate of the richest (but dysfunctional) family (Battles) in the area. But before they get to the thief they are sought by Chief of Police Todd Williams who also calls in the FBI for further investigation.

*(I’d suggest reading Split Second before grabbing this one to get a brief background detail on Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. But in case you can’t – The two are disgraced secret service agents who now have joined hands by becoming partners in a private investigation firm.)

The serial killer(s) seem to be aping the techniques and markings of other madmen, from San Francisco’s Zodiac Killer to Chicago’s infamous John Wayne Gacy.

The first murder is that of a woman and her corpse is found with a wrist watch, with the time set to one o’clock. (Copy of the Zodiac Killer.)

The second and third murder is that of a young couple, spotted at a “make-out” site, killed by a shotgun. A dog collar is found on the floorboard of their car (Copy of Son of Sam.)

The handyman accused of theft in the Battles case is also found murdered. And the fifth victim is a local resident and international tycoon Robert E. Lee Battle.

There is no connection between the (killing) techniques, nor do the victims seem related. But each murder is marked by a precise time. Too many suspects, too little time, too many messed up clues.

As the duo approach the truth there is a surprise awaiting them – apart from the fact their lives are in danger too.

It is a good read no doubt – but I did trace some flaws.

There a just about tooooo many characters. Keeping a track of them is so troublesome. After a point I actually gave up – I simply stopped caring as to who is linked to whom.

The interaction/banter of King and Maxwell is entertaining (to a certain extent) and their characterization is well done. King is a cleanliness freak while Maxwell is a slop. These two opposites make great partners though. Their energy, skill and intelligence are super-duper awesome.

There’s ample of action in the beginning but it somehow fades away towards the end. Being a Baldaci fan I couldn’t stop mid-way but I kinda lost a bit of my enthusiasm. (The loyalty still remains though.)

The suspense is good, the setting is good, the detailing is good, and so are the plots and the sub-plots. I closed it with mixed thoughts.

Book Review of “I Heard That Song Before” By Mary Higgins Clark

I Heard That Song Before

By Mary Higgins Clark

 

When she is six years old, Kay Lansing overhears an argument and a man whistling a song. The story is about what happens twenty years later!

Kay’s mother died when she was very young and her alcoholic father (a landscaper) is presumed to have committed suicide. Kay is brought up by her grandmother in New Jersey. She grows up to become a librarian. She goes to Peter Carrington’s mansion to request him to host a charity fundraiser. The Carrington Family is one of the richest families of US. Peter agrees. But soon they (Kay and Peter) fall in love and marry.

But certain mysteries of the past surface and it shows Peter as a “person of interest” in two murders – one of his fiancée who died after a party and his first wife who drowned to death, and he is also linked with the disappearance of their neighbor Susan Althorp.

To make matters worse, a young girl’s body is found buried on the Carrington estate is unearthed years later and Peter is indicted for murder–days after he returns from his honeymoon with Kay.

Kay stands by her husband even when her grandmother hold Peter responsible for all the tragedies.

The author drops hints letting you sift through the suspects, including Peter, to decide who the murderer is; his dead wife’s mother who still lives on the estate; her son (now a Manhattan gallery-owner with a gambling addiction); a trio of domestic servants; Peter’s chief aide; and assorted parents, friends and relations of the two dead women, the likely identity of the villain shifts from character to character, until aided by a police investigation and the perspective of a private eye hired by the ailing mother of the dead fiancée, everything cleverly falls into place.

As “facts” pile up pointing to his guilt, Peter defends his actions basing them on a serious problem with sleepwalking, a form of automatism.

The court case against Peter is rather compelling and fascinating, as put up by Nicholas Greco, the PI hired by Peter’s first wife’s mother. Greco uncovers information that raises all fingers to Peter’s guilt but certain bits of information soon turn the case in a different direction altogether.

This psychological thriller seems a bit predictable in certain sections but overall it is a very enjoyable, cleverly written, compelling read.

MHC’s trademark of short chapters, cliff-hanger endings, well defined characters and gripping plot deliver yet another interesting read.