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The Memorist by M.J. Rose

The Memorist by M.J. Rose, 464 pages.

M.J.Rose is an international bestselling author of nine novels and the coauthor of two nofiction books on marketing. She is a founding member and board memeber of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors AuthorBuzz.com. She runs two popular blogs Buzz, Balls & Hype and Backstory.

Please visit her at:

www.MJRose.com

-----------------------------taken from the book jacket---------------------------

My reading life has few surprises - I either research or get recommendations on every title I choose.  So I was a tiny bit heisitant to read this book as part of a TLC Book Tour, unsure if I was the right girl for the job. But I trust Lisa and Trish, and was honored they asked me to particpate. I began the book a month early "just in case", but finished in two days.

A gift or a curse? Meer Logan has been battling The Dreads since she was a child  - is she lapsing into a memory of a past life, or just experiencing bizarre daydreams? Her father and Dr. Samuels believe her to be reincarnated...she is looking for a more rational explanation. When her father comes into possession of a letter written by Beethoven which contains a valuable clue to Mozart's rumored magic flute, Meer heads to Vienna to see what other secrets the letter holds.  And she is quickly drawn into a dangerous search for the flute that involves deception and a terrorist plot.

I'm pleased to report The Memorist totally delivers on all counts. International thriller, historical mystery, woven amidst a tale of one man's revenge and another's desperation, this book is quite a ride.  I am in awe of the author's ability to juggle so many characters and complex storylines without confusing the reader. And the suspense continues to build in each chapter as the mystery of the flute begins to unravel. Since I don't believe in reincarnation, I wondered if that would be a hindrance - let me assure you, fellow skeptic, it was not.  All this to say, allow yourself to be surprised by a good book.

If you are an orderly type, there is a prequel - The Reincarnationist. Will there be a sequel? I hope so.

4 stars

The End.

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith, 448 pages. 

Set in the Soviet Union during the 1950s, the tension in Child 44 starts early and never lets up.  Leo Demidov is a member of the State Security Force enjoying the privileges that his position affords.  He is asked to squelch the rumors surrounding the death of a colleague's son and ends up on the run while searching for a serial killer.

A completely engrossing thriller, I consider it a twofer since the hubs can read it too. Even if this isn't a genre you typically read, I think you should make an exception. The tone of living in the Stalinist era is captured perfectly. There are equal parts mystery, thriller, historical fiction, and drama - that combine to make this a fantastic read.

4+ stars.

The End.

In the Woods by Tana French

In the Woods by Tana French, 464 pages.

Already much acclaimed thriller, which is as much about the detectives as the case. A young girl is found murdered in the same woods where two children disappeared 20 years before. There were three children in the woods that day, and one of them is Detective Rob Ryan who is now assigned this case with his partner, Cassie Maddox.

In essence, there are two mysteries that need solving, and each painstaking detail is laid out for the reader. I didn't get much in the way of suspense here, it's more psychological mind game stuff, not heart-pounding. After all those pages, I didn't find the ending too satisfying. And as I said, I think the editing could have been tighter.  But there was something about this I liked, the author has a unique voice and style that captured me. And I want to see what's next - the answer can be found in the review of The Likeness.

3.5 stars

The End.

The Likeness by Tana French

The Likeness by Tana French, 480 pages.

This book picks up six months after In the Woods ends, and Detective Cassie Maddox is still recovering from the intensity of that investigation having transferred out of the Murder Squad. But when one of her old undercover identities ends up stolen and the girl murdered, she is compelled to become Lexie Madison again.

A much different story than the previous psychological thriller, The Likeness still suffers from too much detail and long, unnecessary passages. But the characters are more developed here, and the story is stronger.  I found I was holding my breath on a few occasions while Cassie, as Lexie, continues to play a dangerous game - becoming housemates with the suspects while trying to figure out if they are involved and why.You may be a more patient reader than I, so the extra length may not bother you. I still say it's worth a read - there are some interesting twists and turns and overall I was very satisfied. It is rare that I like a second book better than the first. I can only think that the next one will improve upon what is a very creative addition to this genre.

4 stars

The End.

An Absolute Gentleman by R. M. Kinder

An Absolute Gentleman by R.M. Kinder, 304 pages.

This was a library find, not on my reading list. As soon as I checked it out, I went to exchange some books with my cousin. She mentioned this book by name (in an effort to play stump the litchick) and I immediately thought, yes! this is one I can look forward to without much trepidation. 

A novel about a serial killer living in a small midwestern town as a college professor who has had some success with a novel years ago. The story alternates between his childhood filled with neglect and the present setting. Part of what makes it a goodread, is it's ability to be subtly sinister. There is no graphic violence or things that go bump, but the reader's knowledge that an everyday monster lives in their midst. It reminded me just a touch of Dexter, who perfected the modern evil everyman character. But in this case, the middle aged Arthur Blunt makes an even better foil for the wickedness within. It is so genteel that I found myself rereading passages that alluded to the unspeakable because I completely missed it. And Arthur's self awareness adds to his credibility, after watching the trial of two tortuous murderers he remarks,

"How could I be evil and not know it, since I recognize it when I see it?" pg. 139

And don't we all have moments where our judgement of others reveals the same about us? It is this very unique treatment of a topic that is usually sensationalized. I recommend it - 3.75-4 stars.

The End.

Absolution by Caro Ramsey

Absolution by Caro Ramsey

I think if I hadn't figured this one out so darn early I would have liked it more. It just seemed to me that as intuitive as most detectives are and as sharp as this team was supposed to be, they would have figured it out sooner too.  But the plot was fairly complex and dark, with more character depth than you normally find in this genre. If you are a mystery/thriller/ suspense reader, I recommend it. It's good, not great.

3 stars

The End.

They Did It With Love by Kate Morganroth

They Did It With Love by Kate Morgenroth

I'm completely breaking my own rule, posting about this book out of order, but I can't help it. They Did It With Love is a fun mystery/suspense book that doesn't take itself too seriously. Sofie & her husband move out of the city and into upscale Greenwich. She is invited to an exclusive neighborhood book club in an effort to settle into her new suburban life. Soon after, a murder shakes up their club and Sophie uses her sharp wit to help solve the crime. It has a really unique ending which sealed the deal for me.

This reminds me of a modern Agatha Christie book with it's keen observations and dark comedic elements, and a book version of the board game Clue. The characters are constructed in such a way that you recognize them immediately, but more information unfolds with each chapter. The author shows great restraint and skill at revealing clues that almost go unnoticed until the mystery is solved.  And she makes an intricate plot appear simple. It is a clever and engaging book that you'll finish quickly and hopefully want to discuss. (hint hint)

I look forward to reading her other books, especially the YA ones.

www.katemorgenroth.com

The End.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

I'm still reeling from this one. It was chilling, creepy, and disturbing. If you are a fan of suspense/mystery/thrillers and you don't mind completely dark, sinister stories, I recommend it.

A reporter, Camille Preaker, returns to her small hometown to write about the unsolved murders of two young girls. She has some pretty major issues of her own and coming home brings painful memories to the surface.  Even though she has serious lapses in judgement (i.e. partying with her 13 year old sister) she's not unlikable, and it's easy to see why she is troubled. You may even think you have it all figured out. I thought I did. I was wrong.

This book doesn't have quick, scary moments like you'd find in a low budget horror movie. Rather, it's dark intensity increases well after you have finished. So if you are brave, or this is your genre of choice, read it. But don't say I didn't warn you.

The End.