Tiffani C.

A Murder of Prose

Reviewed: 08-10-24

This anthology is a must-listen for thriller fans. While every tale is captivating, there are some fantastic standouts. I loved experiencing works from some of my favorite authors while also discovering new voices that I'm now eager to explore further. the connective theme of birds of prey adds a unique and intriguing touch, like an eagle swooping in to steal the spotlight at a pigeon convention.

I do hope volume 2 features Shanessa Gluhm, the queen of bird-themed thrillers. Her inclusion would be the perfect addition!

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1 person found this helpful

An utter disappointment

Reviewed: 02-27-24

Wow, this was bad. The title should have been "Cliche." It was written as if two 75-year-old James Bond fan boys decided to write a book without having ever taken a writing class. On top of that, they decided to make the main character American, and set it primarily in the Philippines, without ever having set foot in America or Asia. Based on the writing, I'm assuming the authors are British.

I don't expect authors to travel to the locations of their books--that would eliminate all sci-fi and fantasy, but at least do a minute of research to add some authenticity.

The worst part of this book is the "plot," if I want to be generous with the definition. It's nonsensical and mostly non-existent, made up of a string of cliches. Alex Mason, an American "spy," who works for a super secret government agency, drives around Manila in his Aston-Martin, drinking Vespers, but eating hamburgers, while trying to solve a mystery his grumpy boss seems to know all about but refuses to tell him.

Nothing adds up until the final five pages of the book, when the main character makes a Columbo-style proclamation that had zero setup and zero cause for Mason to come to that conclusion.

I only stuck with this book because it was so short.

I was looking for a new spy thriller series and now I'm still searching. I had high hopes for David Archer and Blake Banner since they have so many positive reviews. I can't fathom why anybody who enjoys the genre could like their writing. Maybe Odin is an anomaly. Perhaps I'll give them another chance, but someone would need to convince me.

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3 people found this helpful

A stunning achievement.

Reviewed: 01-13-24

Everything about the entire series is a triumph. This is the pinnacle of storytelling.

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Fantastic historical thriller

Reviewed: 12-28-23

A captivating literary journey that seamlessly blends history, mystery, and intrigue through the eyes of fully fleshed-out characters. McAvoy's
skillful storytelling transports readers to a place where past and present converge in a thrilling narrative, making readers feel like the story was ripped from the headlines.
 
One of the novel's strengths lies in its meticulous attention to historical detail. McAvoy weaves a rich tapestry of the medieval period,
bringing to life the vibrant characters and tumultuous events surrounding the Avignon Papacy. His vivid descriptions and extensive research create an immersive experience.
 
The characters are well-developed and engaging, particularly Father Michael and Hana. Each has their own complexities and motivations as they grapple with emotions
and devotion to duty.

With its historical authenticity, compelling characters, and gripping plot, The Avignon Affair will keep readers eagerly turning pages to unravel the mysteries of the past and the fate of France’s future.

Not to be left out is the amazing narration. It's no easy feat to embody multiple characters of different nationalities and genders, but the narrator nailed each one.

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1 person found this helpful

Riveting thriller

Reviewed: 07-08-23

Another riveting, immersive thriller from Robert Dugoni. Incredibly researched, with fully fleshed-out characters, you feel like you're with them on every page as they traverse the streets of Russia.

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Fantastic!

Reviewed: 03-20-23

Jayne Ann Krentz is at the top of her game with Sleep No More. This book is the definition of a page-turner. Why? Because Ms. Krentz takes compelling, sympathetic characters and drops them in a fairly isolated location in what seems like a contained plot, but when the layers are revealed, the stakes are high and the ideas are BIG. Thousands, if not tens of thousands of whodunnits have been written, but Ms. Krentz accomplishes that rare feat—she makes it fresh and current. 

I’m not going to rehash the plot in this review. Read the book description for that (or better, the book). A perfect example of Ms. Krentz’s skill is the main character, Pallas Llewellyn, who has a podcast. In the hands of a lesser author, a podcast would’ve felt trite, if not forced. But it works perfectly in Sleep No More, as Ms. Krentz artfully weaves a minor subplot and character backstory deftly into the main storyline.

Above all, Sleep No More is suspenseful. No, it’s riveting. Do yourself a favor and read this book. You may lose some sleep (haha), but it’s worth it. Highly recommended!

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant book, brilliant narration

Reviewed: 01-05-23

Painter of the Damned is unbelievably good. it's a sweeping epic that's even better than the first. The characters, the story, the mystery, the action, it's riveting from start to finish. I can't wait for book 3.

And beyond the book is the incredible narration. I listen to a good deal of audiobooks and I can confidently say this narrator is the best I've ever heard. And with dozens of characters of different nationalities, ages and genders, he had his work cut out for him. I don't know how he does it.

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Phenomenal novel about the founding of Israel

Reviewed: 12-25-22

"The desert keeps a still tongue. When it does speak, it comes for your
life.” This line, uttered by an Arab gunrunner-poet, captures the essence and
raw beauty of David L. Robbins’ epic, Isaac’s Beacon.

In the footsteps of James Michener and Ken Follett, Isaac’s Beacon is a sumptuously
written sweeping tale of love, loss and the determination to rise from the ashes.
Robbins is at the top of his game with this dramatization of the founding of Israel.

The novel is impeccably researched and filled with characters that bleed
on the page as much as they bleed on the sand. And as is expected of not only Robbins,
but the subject matter, intense action explodes on the page.

Isaac’s Beacon is a gripping story of the will of the spirit and the power
of the pen. It’s a story of survival, rebirth and justice. Highly recommended.

Excellent narration too.

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A rip-roaring historical thriller

Reviewed: 11-12-22

A rip-roaring read that hits all the quintessential marks of great historical thrillers: action, suspense, mystery, great protagonists and antagonists, and of course, history. Andrew Clawson has an uncanny ability to suck a reader in through character and then propel that character on a rollercoaster adventure. With a piece of history purportedly tied to King Arthur, a group that has been protecting a secret for 2000 years, and multiple parties after the same thing, Harry Fox is squarely in the middle. And the stakes are high. If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones or Dan Brown, do yourself a favor and read Andrew Clawson.

Excellent narration, too.

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1 person found this helpful

Wow wow wow!

Reviewed: 09-26-22

This book is SO good! Action, mystery, romance, art, history. It's all packed in but never feels overbearing. It's an amazing story told by an equally incredible narrator! How the narrator was able to do so many voices and accents is beyond me. With the storyline over two centuries it's like you get two books for the price of one. This book would make an awesome show or movie. I felt like I was listening to one. Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Apple TV, take note!

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