Complicated Suspense

Secrets Never Die by Laurie Lewis

Complex is the word that seems to sum up this book—its plot, and characters.  I am still puzzling over the actions of some of the characters.  Some were loveable like Bodie and grew on me.  Others were hard to understand or like such as Julia.

The plot was a few separate threads which took many pages to come together in the reader’s mind.  I am still pondering the sequence of events that made up the story.  And the ending had me on an emotional see-saw.  I couldn’t predict how it would end.  The author is to be commended for being able to write such a complicated story.

The book was well-written and kept me engaged as a reader.  I recommend it to those who enjoy clean suspense with a bit of romance.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley, for my honest review.

This is one for book lovers!

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay

Madeline Cullen has inherited a bookshop from her estranged aunt.  As an ambitious corporate lawyer, she is dismayed when she fails to make partner and she subsequently quits her job.  Through running and rescuing the floundering bookshop, she discovers what she has never known about her aunt and her aunt’s life.  She also discovers the life-altering power of literature, friendship and love.

This book was satisfying on a number of levels.  The characters were complex and well-drawn.  They experienced growth over the course of the story.  The plot contained some surprises.  The writing was clean and vivid.  The themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and love were threaded throughout the book, demonstrating the power of literature to help change a life.

I really enjoyed this book.  My only criticism was that the changing point of view was sometimes hard for me to follow.  But I recommend this book, especially for lovers of literature.  The book list at the end was an added bonus!  I received a free copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.

Futuristic Suspense by Steven James

Synapse by Steven James

Steven James has created a future world where naturals (humans), artificials (robots) and plussers (humans with artificial enhancements) exist together.  In this setting he has staged a suspense.  Kestrel Hathaway, a Methodist minister, is grieving from the loss of her baby daughter and stumbles upon the bombing of the plant where the artificials are manufactured.  Next, she discovers that she is now targeted to be killed.  Nick Vernon, special agent, steps in to investigate Kestrel’s involvement in the bombing.  Once he knows she is innocent, together they try to figure out where the next attack will be and which organization is behind it.  The plot gets more complex and Kestrel and Nick end up in the center of the next attack.  The question for readers is, can the attack be thwarted and who will survive?

I found this book to be a departure from Steven James’ original series about Patrick Bowers.  Although I liked his original books, this one seemed less taut and less adrenalin-laced.  It was, however, much more thought-provoking asking questions such as “What does it mean to be a human? And what is faith and who can exercise it?”

The plot kept me guessing and near the end I found myself siding with the “bad guys”.  If this scenario would play out in real life, I might find myself on the other side of the debate from the main characters. 

I am not sure of the plausibility of this story, but it makes for an interesting read and wasn’t too technical for the average reader.

 

The author left many questions unanswered, so I am wondering if there might be a sequel in the works.  If so, I would read it.

In summary, I enjoy Steven James’ writing and stories and recommend this one to those readers who enjoy suspense with a different setting.  I received a copy of this from the publisher and this is my honest review.

Highly Recommended Book by Elizabeth Byler Younts

The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Brighton is born and grows up in an insane asylum.  She lives there for 18 years and finally manages to escape with her life-long friend, Angel, an albino.  She journeys to find hope, belonging and her true identity.

This is an amazing and powerful story.  I could hardly comprehend the life that Brighton and her mother would have endured in an insane asylum in the 1940’s. 

The characters are complex and their motivations are multi-layered.  How is it that the author can create a character that the reader can at once admire and despise? 

The plot takes turns that the reader can’t anticipate.  It keeps the reader engaged, and even though it switches from past to present, it is easy to follow. 

In short, this book is an amazing story that no one should miss.  I highly recommend it.  I received a copy from the publisher for this, my honest review.