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Reviews by Nikki R. (Irvine, CA)

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The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
Quick Read (5/1/2011)
I have to say I did enjoy this book although it will not go down as a favorite in the same way my last read, The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver will. I found it an easy, quick read bordering on a summer beach book. The historical aspects were present in a pleasing fashion encouraging you to pursue more in depth information. As this is apparently the first in the Brendan Prescott spymaster series I look forward to others.
The Devotion of Suspect X
by Keigo Higashino
Misplaced Devotion ? (1/20/2011)
Having grown up in Gardena, CA post WWll the Japanese culture was very familiar to me. I fell under the spell of this book quickly and virtually clipped from page to page. The writing started out a bit stilted, but with the quickly developed plot and twists it soon didn't matter. It's all here; love, loyalty, dishonesty, guilt, regret, and of course murder. Would love to see this as a movie! If I have any complaint the ending felt like I hit a wall. It wasn't very satisfying.
The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean
by Susan Casey
Catch the Wave if You Dare (8/30/2010)
The Wave was infinitely more engaging than I had thought it might be. The author made the wave warriors real, likable, and bigger than life. The book is engrossing, informative, and at times horrific pondering these monsters of the sea. This read was made all the better since I was on Maui at the time, however the former is not necessary to have a great time with the book. Enjoy!
The Swimming Pool
by Holly LeCraw
Seduced by the Swimming Pool (3/17/2010)
I really enjoyed the book and was quite frankly amazed at how the author was recounting the character's thoughts as she wove an ingenious and startling twist into the plot. This book hits you on many levels and would probably be best as a lady read. It has more depth than many books directed at ladies and yet is a quick and entertaining experience.
The Bricklayer: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
Hail Vail (1/4/2010)
As I began reading I had some doubts since it started rather slowly in my opinion. I kept plugging away and boy did it get exciting ! A bit creepy too as the adventures were recounted. On a lighter note the male/ female interplay added interest. By the time I finished The Bricklayer I decided this read was time enjoyably spent. Looking forward to more Steve Vail.
Heavenly Pleasures: A Corinna Chapman Mystery
by Kerry Greenwood
A Whole Lot To Do About Nothing (4/14/2008)
I thoroughly did not enjoy this book at all. It had a lot of potential in terms of plot ideas, but I felt it didn't develop any of them to my level of interest. If anyone would enjoy this book it may be cat lovers as they are featured throughout. I cannot say I would recommend this book to anyone. The best items in this book were the recipes at the end. Just might use them.
Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
by Roberto Saviano, translated by Virginia Jewiss
A Walk on the Dark Side (10/10/2007)
It is not often that I render an audible gasp on the first page of a book.Gamorrah is not for the gentle souls among us. It is raw, brutally descriptive, and at the same time very informative.I thoroughly enjoyed it and can say this book will haunt my thoughts for sometime to come. If you want to walk on the dark side this is your book. Fabulous !!!
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