Book Review of “Worst Case” By James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Worst Case

By James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

A stupendous work of a seasoned author.

Detective Michael Bennett (NYPD) and FBI agent Emily Parker (abduction case specialist) team up to track a serial killer in this gripping bestseller.

A quick and easy read, decked with giggles and light-hearted fun in mini-chapters.
A run through Bennett’s life – a widower with ten (!!!) foster children; their beautiful nanny who ends up having a crush on Bennett; plenty of exciting action in tracing the villain and cracking the case of missing teenagers; mushy romance with partner Emily Parker ending on a smart and riveting note makes the book a good read. 

The tome exudes loads of suspense, tension and fast paced excitement.

I’d recommend this one.

Book Review of “Turn Coat” By Jim Butcher

Turn Coat

By Jim Butcher

Yet another feather in the cap for Jim Butcher.

The story begins with Dresden finding the antagonist, Morgan, lying injured at his door seeking his help to get out of a crime he did not commit. Dresden, being the good guy, commits to help Morgan (after much contemplation within).

The story is persuasive and has – a lot about the White Wizard Council (that was missing in the earlier series); a lot of magic; Morgan’s story; smart, witty dialogues (not all by Dresden); alluring action; and best of all the character of Mouse. 

With his supernatural skills as a wizard, and a keen eye for detail (as a detective) Dresden fights against all odds (literally) to emerge the hero (once again!)

Though the pace could have been a bit higher, the plot and the characters, in a way, make up for it.

Absolutely recommended to all.

Book Review of “Shadow of Your Smile” By Mary Higgins Clark

The Shadow of Your Smile

By Mary Higgins Clark

A well crafted novel by Mary Higgins Clark. But I don’t really know whether it is “bestseller” material.
I found it pretty mediocre.

Seems like the author has a fixed formula or a style of portraying her characters.

The story is about an independent young pediatrician Monica Farrell, her entitlement to a fortune she isn’t aware of, her links to a nun, the murder of a relative, some unscrupulous businessmen, greedy relatives, star crossed lovers, a detective, a bit of flying romance with an overall conservative setting – averaging to a typical thriller set in its own pace. 

And it’s weird how the title has no relevance to the plot!

Book Review of “Promises In Death” By J.D. Robb

Promises In Death

By J.D. Robb

 

This one scores as one of J.D. Robb’s really intense and well balanced work spun with a lot of emotions and meaningful interactions.

Detective Amaryllis Coltraine is murdered with her own weapon right in her building. What makes the case all the more special is that Coltraine isn’t just a cop, but Morris’s girlfriend. Clues lead to everyone who was close to and trusted by Coltraine.

Detective Eve is set to solve the mystery with additional pressures of having to disclose the death of Coltraine to Morris and also host Louise’s bridal shower.

The book features Eve’s evolution as a person – focusing on relationships, striking a balance between friends and profession and opening up to people.

Other highlights of the story include – Roarke and Eve’s ever evolving relationship; hilarious moments shared by friends during the bridal shower (and otherwise); and the touching and emotional moments that Morris undergoes.

A fantastic read for all Robb fans.

 

Book Review of “Cross Country” By James Patterson

Cross Country

By James Patterson

 

A thriller by James Patterson featuring the forensic detective Alex Cross.

 

The plot revolves around the cold-blooded murder of Ellie Cox (Alex’s friend / first real love) and her family by a criminal known as “Tiger”. Many people are brutally murdered by this horrendous person and Cross takes it upon him to catch “Tiger” and deliver justice to Ellie and others murdered by him. His quest lands him in Africa.

The grim reality of this new country though depicted well (to a certain extent) is very graphic in nature. The corrupt government officials in Nigeria arrest, jail and torture Alex for three days before the CIA can come to his rescue. He witnesses some of the most horrible situations and conditions of the people of Africa, far beyond anyone’s imagination. The dire situation in Darfur and the diamond mines of Sierra Leone are boldly portrayed by the author.

Though Alex comes across as smart detective in most of his books, in this one it feels like he walks into lame situations without giving it any thought. How did he simply fly over to Africa tracing a murderer without any political or government assistance?! Why does he end up landing his family into trouble and pain?

The gruesome murders, the contrived situations, and a loose and somewhat complicated plot did not satisfy me as a reader.

Patterson’s short chapters ending with a cliffhanger made it easier to finish the book but the poor action did not keep me engrossed like before.

 

Book Review of “Naked Prey” by John Sandford

Naked Prey

By John Sandford

What a brilliant thriller! The Prey series definitely bring about the adrenaline rush while reading.

Lucas Davenport is seen working for the Minnesota Governor, solving complicated and sensational crimes. He is also a family man now –with a pretty wife and a lovely child.

Things get shaken when bodies of a black man (Jane Warr) and a white girl (Deon Cash) are found hanging from a tree, in the woods of northern Minnesota.

Lucas and his partner, Del Capslock, rush to the scene and so do the local sheriffs, and a few FBI guys. Soon an arrest is about to be made. But the suspect and his wife are found murdered.

Lucas returns to Broderick (a small town in Northern Minnesota) tracing a killer only to find that the town is pumping more crime and corruption than anyone can think. So much so that the homicide is linked to other criminal acts spurting around.

This one an international labyrinth of stolen cars, drugs, gambling and kidnapping.

Along comes Lettie West– a twelve year old trapper who cares for her alcoholic mother – being victimized not once but twice. It is she who becomes the main crime solver towards the end.

Sandford delivers yet another astounding read. The plot is complex, sharp, interesting, thrilling and captivating. The characterization is strong. The way she talks; her attitude; tough exterior hiding the heart of a child longing for love and concern; adds up to make her character one of the most likeable ones. Lettie is a dearie. A great addition to the series.

We also get a glimpse of Lucas’ softer side. The richest cop (since he also designs computer games) is as loving and caring as a father ought to be. A side which we hardly came across earlier.

The murder scenes actually send a shiver down your spine. The pace is terrific. The background details are just perfect. Intervened with sub-plots, surprises, twists, felony, deaths, murders, chase and revenge, this contemporary detective-crime-fiction page-turner, scores high as a “must read”.

 

Book Review of “Gone Tomorrow” By Lee Child

Gone Tomorrow

By Lee Child

A high caliber “brain candy” – yes that is what Jack Reacher’s “expeditions” turn out to be eachtime he ventures out with his lonely muscular self, and of course his tooth-brush!
The author churns out yet another gripping story set in New York this time. Jack Reacher finds himself seated in front of a woman (on a subway) who fits perfectly in the (14 point) visual checklist for a suicide bomber. He tries talking to her to extract information but it turns out that the lady is carrying a gun with which she eventually shoots herself in no time. What follows is aseries of twists and surprises and a roller coaster ride to find the truth.

Reacher is the kind of man all women dig. A retired army officer so to say but more of a bad ass with a lot of blood on his hand. All with maximum efficiency – minimum remorse.

Lee Child is a master writer. His crisp, impeccable language with intricate detailing take thereader on a different trip altogether. He mesmerizes you into reading the entire book asap to know how it all ends.The character of Reacher is so well etched that makes you pick up the books just to seewhere Jack lands himself this time and how he uses his brute force, mastermind (that can do complicated math in a jiffy and quote some laureates verbatim!) and wits to solve complexities. Honestly, the story is just about average, but it is the addiction for Reacher’s art of getting into solving complex crimes that makes one pick up the book.

And it’s all worth it!

Book Review of “Wicked Prey” by John Sandford

Wicked Prey

By John Sandford

 

Wicked Prey is a very interesting account of Lucas Davenport and his skills as a detective. This fast paced, intriguing, action thriller is one of Sandford’s best.

The story revolves around three different crimes, one of which targets his daughter (foster child he adopts in the previous book).

There is a gang of armored car robbers looking for a big score; a man with a rifle looking for weaponry for a 750 yard shot; and Randy Witcomb looking to settle some previous score with Davenport.

The characterization is unbelievably true, the writing style impeccable and the plot – just awesome! The strong strategy and mind-work of Davenport keep the action running.

The violence, the language and the setting make the reader visualize the scene to the tee. The plots are garnished with clever and curt humor that keeps the reader hooked on till the very end.

Must commendable – the author’s skill of serving the background of each character without hampering the pace or taste of the plot.
A pretty good read.

 

Book Review of “Mary Mary” By James Patterson

Mary,Mary

By James Patterson

 

In this book by JP, we see FBI Agent Alex Cross enjoying a vacation with his family in Disneyland when he is called for work.

A famous actress has been shot dead outside her home in Beverley Hills. And the serial- killer might be a woman. And “she” is after such “Hollywood” type mothers for some reason known only to her, of course it is all revealed only towards the end. And the clues left behind are totally twisted and confusing, naturally.

Shortly after the murder, a Los Angeles Times editor receives an email describing the murder, and signed, Mary Smith. More killings are threatened, and sure enough, they happen, with similar emails sent to the same editor. Mary also kills “men” and sends out emails “before” the crime happens, to break the pattern. Somehow there is an arrest made, but Alex isn’t sure it’s the right person. Soon he finds himself being targeted as well.

A cold case of 20 years before and some brilliant detective work by Cross leads him to the real killer.

Amidst all the work fiasco, Alex is fighting a custody battle for his younger son. Could life give him any more lemons!?! Yes, it could and surely does. A journalist, stalking Alex’s personal matters, keeps distracting Alex’s attention. And his newest relationship with San Francisco police detective Jamilla starts to face the grunt of it all.

It is a fast-paced read that is pretty entertaining, mysterious and full of suspense. The flow and pace is maintained throughout. The plot is neat and the twists and turns gripping.

It is interesting how the book opens with the thoughts of a killer. It gets you hooked from the every first line.

This is a thriller sure, and you’d notice a bit of character development too. Good or bad – you decide. I could feel a cop’s perspective and thought process. Alex is amongst those dedicated cops who’d give their lives for an investigation to reach its fruitful end.

I liked it for its quick, breezy readable quality.

 

Book Review of “S – Is For Silence” By Sue Grafton

“S” Is For Silence

By Sue Grafton

 

In this one, Sue Grafton’s main protagonist Kinsey Millhon, a Private Investigator, is asked to solve an almost 34 year old mystery.

On the 4^th of July, 1953, Violet Sullivan had left her daughter Daisy (seven years old) under a babysitter’s care and gone to see the fireworks of the 4^th of July. She drove a 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air and had taken her dog along. But she never returned and no one saw her after that.

Daisy, now grown, seeks Kinsey’s help to trace her mother. Though apprehensive about such an old mystery Kinsey takes up the case. Daisy provides Kinsey with newspaper clippings and contacts of all the possible people who knew Violet-the babysitter, the neighbors, the cops of the town, the relatives, the husband, but it all seems like a wild goose chase. Serena Station (the town) is too small to hide secrets it seems and everyone has an opinion (a rather nasty one) about Violet’s character.

The options for Violet’s disappearance are many. She could have either run away with her secret lover (since her marriage was hitting the rocks) or she could’ve been murdered. As Kinsey goes deeper into the case she suspects many people with a motive to kill Violet. Some secrets are being hidden. What they are, Kinsey needs to find out.

But someone seems to be stalking Kinsey too. Her room and car are tempered with. But towards the end Kinsey manages to solve the mystery, almost getting herself killed in the process.

S for Silence makes for a cool crime-detective novel. The action shifts between two different time frames. A different approach by Grafton compared to her previous 18 novels.

The plot gradually unravels, keeping the readers hooked on till the last page. But funnily, Kinsey’s conclusions and interpretations are based on her instinct. Rather unusual for a PI of Kinsey’s caliber. Overall, this is an interesting (stand-alone) novel in the alphabet series of Sue Grafton.