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Review: Tuesday’s Gone by Nicci French

Apr 112013

Tuesday’s Gone:
A Frieda Klein Novel
2nd in Series
Psychological Thriller
Pamela Dorman Books (April 4, 2013)
Viking
Published by The Penguin Group
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0670025671
E-Book File Size: 813 KB
ASIN: B008EKOO0A

In this follow up to Blue Monday psychotherapist Frieda Klein returns to help Chief Inspector Karlsson. A London social worker making a routine home visit discovers her client serving tea to a naked decomposing corpse. Frieda is asked to help identify the man and what she finds is a complex web of lies and half truths that all eventually seem to connect back to her.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

As I have come to expect from Nicci French this story is a complex puzzle with dynamic characters and ongoing tension just beneath the surface.

There is so much happening in this story. More layers are pealed away as we get to know more about our protagonist, Frieda Klein. She seems to keep making headlines as a book is released about a former case and Frieda is portrayed in a very poor light. All the officers involved in the current case are not happy to have her consulting as she believes there is much more to the case than meets the eye. She is also very conflicted about the course of her personal life as a new man appears to be interested but she hasn’t dealt with her feeling for a former love that moved away.

Michelle Doyce has been placed in a mental institution but Frieda was able to determine the identity of her guest for tea. But “Robert Poole” seems to be a con man who had ran scams on several people including a nice elderly woman. She was lonely after losing her husband and her sons only visited when they needed something, like her money. She was the perfect choice for a man like “Bob”. Bob turns out to be quite an enigma.

Josef and Reuben also return in this installment. Josef has returned from Kiev with an enormous weight upon his shoulders and both Frieda and Reuben are both trying to be supportive.

As I said the whole story is a complex puzzle and not everything falls into place before that last page. I found myself reading this story very slowly to catch every nuance and clue and I am still not sure I caught them all. It is best to read these books in order because they do build off of each other. Then you will be like me. impatiently Waiting for Wednesday.

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To find out more about Nicci French check out this website.

Amazon.com Widgets

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Broken Harbor by Tana French

Reviews 2012, Where Are You Reading Challenge 6 Responses »

Aug 162012

Broken Harbor: A Novel
Viking (July 24, 2012)
Published by The Penguin Group
Mystery
Hardcover: 464 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0670023653

Mick “Scorcher” Kennedy is the top detective in the Murder Squad. He is now partnered with rookie Richie Curran, just out of uniform. Kennedy has dropped down to #2 in solve rates in his department. Then he is handed what should be a dream case.

Patrick Spain and his two children are found dead in one of the half-built/half abandoned “luxury developments” in a place called Brainstown. His wife Jenny is in intensive care.

What was first thought to be an easy case turns out to be a lot harder when too many clues can’t be explained.

The neighborhood used to be called Broken Harbor and Kennedy’s family has a little history with the place. His sister Dina freaks out when she sees the case on the news. She is remembering something about the summer they spent there as kids. Something “Scorcher” thought was deeply buried.

Kennedy has his hands full as he tries to solve the case and keep his sister safe and out of trouble.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I was so looking forward to reading this book. It really had me well past halfway but then it just seemed to fall apart.

This book is a police procedural type story which I usually find very interesting. This one started really good but after the middle is really started to drag and got boring. Yes, boring. I found myself barely skimming through the pages just to get to the end. I had figured out who-dun-it very early on and all the dialogue, tons of dialogue was just filling pages to tell readers what we already knew. Then at the end there were still so many questioned answered. Almost 500 pages and we are left to wonder about so much.

What really upset me was when the lead character started to make some choices a man in his position would never make. A law and order guy would not risk his career this way.

As far as the other characters, his other sister Geri just seems to be too lackadaisical about their sister, Dina, with the mental heath issues. Dina was just plain annoying. My verdict is still out on the rookie Curran, he could develop into a solid character in a future installment.

I have enjoyed other French novels and by the end of this one I was even questioning if she had really written this story. I got to the end and realized I really knew nothing about Mike Kennedy. The man had absolutely no real back story. His life was his job occasionally uninterrupted by his crazy sister.

I know Tana French is a much better writer than this and I hope her next book is shorter and full of the dynamic characters and the thrills I know she can deliver.

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Little Night by Luanne Rice Review & Giveaway

E-Book Challenge, Giveaways, Reviews 2012 6 Responses »

Jun 012012

Little Night: A Novel
Pamela Dorman Books
Viking
Published by The Penguin Group
Release Date: June 5, 2012

How far would you go to protect your sister? What if you do protect you sister and she tells lies that don’t backup your story?

That’s exactly what happened to Clare Burke. She tried to help Anne leave the husband that was abusing her and ended up being charged with assault. The verdict largely hinged on her sister’s defense of her spouse. She stuck with her abusive husband and her testimony was all lies. Clare ended up in prison.

Even after she was released the sisters remained estranged. Her sister has moved to Denmark where her husband was born and raised. Clare is living in Manhattan, writing her blog about the birds of Central Park. A very quiet life compared to her life before. Her relationship with fellow birder Paul has been sorely tested over the years and they have not been able to reconcile. They have tried to remain friends.

Almost twenty years after the incident that sent her to jail Clare is surprised when her niece, Grit, shows up on her doorstep. Grit has always wanted a relationship with her aunt. She knew the kind of man her father was and she remembered how Clare tried to help. As they work hard to develop that relationship they must face the wounds inflicted upon them by Anne as she stayed by her husband’s side. Healing is difficult for both of them but together they hope they can get by the physical and emotional scars left from the pain they have both suffered. They still hold out hope that Anne will her leave husband and return to her family and friends who really love her.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Written in true Luanne Rice style we are taken inside a very complex family situation that has us reeling. The physical and emotion abuse that splits Anne off from her own family is tragic and when it continues on to her own son and daughter is even more disturbing. Tempered by her wonderful descriptions of nature, the birds and the bogs we are given a bit of a rest from the extreme family drama. Rice is an expert of creating the ebbs and flows necessary for a story as powerful as this one. I have never been to Central Park but after reading this book I almost feel like I have.

We received a sneak peek at these characters in How We Started that was released for Kindle on May 1. The story of how Clare and Paul met was perfect before delving into this story that was so heartbreaking. In a split second Clare and Paul’s lives changed forever. She pushes him away when she is in prison and tells him to get on with his life. Even when released her heart is so closed off she is afraid to let anyone in. The arrival of Grit helps her start the healing process and her niece tries to move forward as well.

This is the 30th novel from Luanne Rice. It is fresh and original and just plain outstanding. Another one for the keeper shelf because you will definitely want to read it more than once.

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Central Park from Rockefeller Center

Thanks to the people at Viking I have another brand new copy of

and a brand new paperback copy of

The Silver Boat: A Novel

to giveaway!!

U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End June 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winners Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here.

VERY SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!! Featuring Books by Luanne Rice!!!!

Giveaways 27 Responses »

Apr 282012

Luanne is getting ready for the release of her 30th novel!

Little Night, which deals with themes of domestic violence and how it affects the entire family, has already garnered fantastic pre-pub buzz including a starred Publishers Weekly review which calls the book “poetic and stirring” and a starred Library Journal review calling it an “outstanding read that both chills and warms the soul.”

In winter 2012, Luanne interviewed women whose lives have been touched by abuse. Three women told their stories on camera, including Luanne, who was in an abusive marriage herself.

One of the stories is shared in this video.

Luanne’s last book, The Silver Boat, is coming out in paperback on May 29th. You can read my review here.

There is also a new book available now on Kindle for just $1.99. Two original stories featuring characters from The Silver Boat and Little Night.

How We Started

In these stories, bestselling author Luanne Rice gives her readers two tales of early love and longing. “Paul and Clare” introduces the heroine of her upcoming novel, Little Night, and offers a glimpse into how she met the love of her life—and the beginning of her life-long passion for birds and nature, even in New York City. “Miss Martha’s Vineyard” is a snapshot of the quirky, unconditional friendship with larger-than-life blueblood Harrison Thaxter that has kept Rory McCarthy from The Silver Boat afloat even in rough romantic seas.

I will be posting my review of this book soon.

The people at VIKING are being really generous!!
They are offering a copy of both Little Night
and
a copy of The Silver Boat for giveaway!!
The winner will receive both books in advance of their on-sale dates!

This is exciting!!!
If you have already read The Silver Boat don’t pass this giveaway by,
you could share your winning copy with a friend!

Entering is easy, you just have to be a follower of
Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book!

Contest ends at 12:01 a.m. EST on May 13.

Good Luck!!!
Continue reading »

Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli Review and Giveaway

A - Z Reading Challenge, Giveaways, Reviews 2012, Where Are You Reading Challenge 2 Responses »

Mar 152012

Glow: A Novel
VIKING
Published by The Penguin Group
Available Today!

This story spans the years 1836 to 1941 following the female descendants of Solomon Bounds.

Amelia McGee, a young woman of Cherokee and Scotch-Irish descent, is an outspoken pamphleteer for the NAACP and when her home was vandalized in the middle of the night she decides to put her eleven year old daughter, Ella, alone on a bus home to Georgia from Washington, D.C. But when the local bus is out of commission Ella is left walking the last part of her journey. She is preyed on by two drifters and is left for dead on the side of the road with just her dog.

Ella is found by Willa Mae Cotton, a former slave and Mary-Mary Freeborn. They take her back to their cabin to nurse her back to health. While there she learns the secrets of her lineage, she is the youngest of Solomon Bounds kin.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is a poignant narrative of an important time in history. In 2012 we are still talking about race, it is still a hot button issue even as we have the first president of mixed race.

The author takes us on a journey through Solomon Bounds family tree and each branch and leaf gets to tell us their part of the story. White, African-American, Native American, even mixed together, they all have their own voice in this family. Their words have a lyrical quality that makes the story real and engaging.

It is a story full of history and local customs of the Northeast Georgia. The settings of the mountains and forests surrounding the story are described lovingly, as is the weather endured, the heat, the winds, and the rain.

The theme throughout is love, a mother’s love for her child, the lengths we go to to maintain that relationship as well the other relationships in our lives, even relationships that society would deem forbidden. The women in this adventure are very strong and continue to grow throughout their story.

Again, I am amazed that this is a debut novel for this author. She is definitely an author to watch.

This is a beautifully composed novel spanning over 100 years, the readers will definitely see and feel the “Glow”.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Thanks to the wonderful people at Viking
I have 2 copies of this book to give away!!

U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End March 29, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winners Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here.

Review: Blue Monday by Nicci French

1st In A Series Challenge, Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Reviews 2012, What's In A Name Challenge, Where Are You Reading Challenge 3 Responses »

Mar 132012

Blue Monday: A Novel
Pamela Dorman Books
VIKING
New Series
Available Now

Frieda Klein believes the world is out of control and the only thing we can control is what is inside our own heads. Yes, she is a psychotherapist. A very obsessive compulsive one at that. She spends her free time walking the streets of London to clear her head and get her thoughts in order.

Frieda has a patient that keeps having recurring dreams for a child that looks just like him. He and his wife have been unable to conceive and it has tormented him so that he is very near a mental break. When she learns of the disappearance of 5 year old Matthew Farraday and sees his resemblance to the child her patient has described he feels she must notify someone is charge of the investigation. She never imagined she would be working with the chief investigator to find the boy.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
It is very important to lay out a really good foundation when starting a new mystery series and these authors (Nicci Gerrard + Sean French) have done an excellent job. Revealing enough about the primary characters to immerse us in the current story but leaving us intrigued about where these characters will go and grow in future installments.

Frieda Klein is a perfect imperfect protagonist. She already has many layers. Reuben is a troubled soul that continues to emerge. Josef is a mystery himself and because of his background adds a little humor to a very intense story. Inspector Karlsson is a tough nut to crack but we can see a relationship with Frieda moving forward. The primary character to this story, Alan, was very well written as he struggled through his pain and dealt with a therapist he thought had betrayed him and had secrets revealed about his life that he never could have fathomed. All the characters are flawed which gives them so much depth.

The mystery is extremely complex and suspenseful. A few white knuckle moments. These are experienced authors with several other bestsellers. They know how to create a thrilling tale to keep us turning those pages. It starts slow and builds. I am anxious to see where the next Frieda Klein story takes us.

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The Royal Wulff Murders by Keith McCafferty

Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Reviews 2012, Where Are You Reading Challenge 1 Response »

Feb 282012

The Royal Wulff Murders: A Novel
Viking
Published by The Penguin Group
Jacket Design and Illustration by Jim Tierney
Available Now

The “Holy Grail” of trout rivers in Montana is the Madison River. It is here that a fishing guide reels in quite a catch. A dead body with a Royal Wulff trout fly through his lower lip and a stick in his eye. Obviously an easily explained drowning. Not so fast, Sheriff Martha Ettinger thinks there is more to the story. While questioning other fishermen she meets Sean Stranahan, a former private detective, painter and fly fisherman would has moved to Montana to escape his life back East and pursue his passion of painting.

Stranahan is still representing himself as a P.I. because his landlord likes to have the tenants represent a variety of occupations. He is totally surprised when Velvet Lafayette shows up at his door to hire him to find her missing brother. Are these cases related? Will Sean and Martha need to team up to find their answers? Just what is happening in and around Bridger, Montana? It is definitely more than meets the fly!

Dollycas’s Thoughts
You do not have to fish to enjoy this well written mystery. The first novel by Field & Stream Magazine Editor McCafferty is a very well crafted and complex whodunit. His love of nature shines as brightly as the sun through his detailed descriptions of everything from landscapes to ponds to fish and birds. Big Sky Country leaps right off the pages.

His characters are also well developed and so sharp that you clearly picture them in their waders casting out to reel in a great big trout or belting out a song or tracking down clues to catch a killer. My grandfather was quite a fisherman and somehow I could see him out there in that beautiful setting casting time and time again with a huge smile on his face. He would have loved this scenic locale.

The story has ebbs and flows, ripples and rapids, channels and cascades, unveiled at a pace to be savored not hurried, although by the last few chapters I was devouring the pages at a pretty rapid pace. There are a few red herrings swimming with all those trout.

If you are a nature lover who likes a fine mystery you will really enjoy this book.

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Check back tomorrow. This book will be one of my books in the Leap Into Book Giveaway Hop!

The Darlings by Cristina Alger

Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Reviews 2012 Comments Off

Feb 172012

The Darlings: A Novel
VIKING
Pamela Dorman Books
Published by The Penguin Group
Available Today!

Paul Ross marries the love of his life Merrill Darling, daughter of billionaire financier Carter Darling. Just as he starts to get comfortable living life in all the luxury the Darlings are famous for he loses his job. Carter Darling offers him a job as General Counsel at his hedge fund business. Paul warily accepts the position since the country is in the worst financial position since the great depression and jobs are scarce.

He barely settles into his new job and a tragic event lands the Darlings into the middle of major of a scandal so great Paul has to make some really tough decisions. Does he stand with his family or betray the ones he loves to save himself?

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Cristina Alger’s debut takes on a current hot topic with the arrest of Bernie Madoff in 2008 and the Occupy Wall Street protests and the general distrust of most financial institutions today. We not only get to see into The Darlingshigh society life but we get to observe the people doing everything they can to being them down.

While I believe all those who caused this crisis in America need to be held accountable I really felt for Paul. He didn’t know what was going on, he was just learning the basics of the company when this scandal broke. He took the job thinking he was doing the best thing he could for himself and Merrill and was caught up in the web of lies before he knew what was happening.

With the voice of a true insider Alger has given us a fast paced, page turning fictional exposé into the financial world that has caused havoc around the world. A solid four stars and a smart debut!

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About the Author

Cristina Alger received her B.A. from Harvard College and her J.D. from NYU Law School. She has worked as an analyst at Goldman, Sachs, & Co. and as an attorney at Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale, & Dorr. She was born and raised in New York City, where she currently resides.

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