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Reviews by Norman G. (Washougal, WA)

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The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
A Winner (11/6/2018)
Strong characters, riveting plot, and a honest look at life in the Australian outback make giving this book an easy 5 star recommendation. If you have the opportunity you will be richly rewarded for time spent.
Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper
Quick but Thought Provoking Read (10/11/2017)
Harper has written an atmospheric novel that checks all the boxes of book worth reading. The locale, the characterizations, the interplay between the people, and the twist at the end all keep the story engaging up to the conclusion. A highly recommended book.
The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
Well-contructed Thriller (11/14/2016)
The book checks all the boxes for readers looking for a quick yet satisfying story. The characters are personable and engaging, the plot has few holes, and the conclusion has a satisfying twist. A highly recommended read.
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
by Scott Stambach
Thoroughly Satisfying (7/16/2016)
No critique, no comments, just an excellent, well-developed story that covers all the points leaving the reader feeling the time has been well-spent with original characters in a unique setting. Read the book and enjoy.
Security
by Gina Wohlsdorf
Excellent start, over-the-top finish (3/24/2016)
I found the book engaging and satisfying for the first 170 pages then it turned cliched. I classify the story as a fine beach read to be enjoyed but not really thought about. My main problem came at the end where I was unsure if I was reading a comic parody or an over-the-more
Hunters in the Dark
by Lawrence Osborne
Actually Three Stories (11/4/2015)
The first 125 pages meandered and made me wonder when will the book actually begin. I felt as if I was reading a philosopical travel book by a member of the hippie generation. Part two picked up the pace and actually started to bring the book to life, but the final sectionmore
All Is Not Forgotten
by Wendy Walker
Best have ever reviewed (9/30/2015)
This book deserves its five star rating. The style, prose, plot, and characters are all engaging. The most enjoyable book I have read this year. Only the final five pages disappoint. Just a little too neat at the ending. It is easy to see why people want to make this book into film.
The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler
Speculative (4/11/2015)
Unsure of all the reasons why, but I did enjoy this read even though it played too much to the fantastical for my preference. The bother's, sister's, bookseller's and neighbor's stories all wove together well and keep the story's pace moving briskly. I could have donemore
The Well
by Catherine Chanter
Rambles (2/14/2015)
First, I need to state that others may like this book but I need to be able to identify and like at least someone in the story. No one, except Hugh (a very minor character), had any redeeming characteristics. The main person of the story, Ruth, continually rambled andmore
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Actually 4.5 (1/8/2015)
Great storyline. Outstanding historical details woven throughout the action. Many memorable characters, well written. Great descriptive setting. A very enjoyable read except for one factor that actually makes the book a 4.5 instead of a 5. The main character actions andmore
The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth
Slow with a throw from left field (11/13/2014)
This story may have satisfy some readers but I struggled to maintain interest. The characters never define themselves in a manner to bring sympathy or empathy. I find it difficult to categorize the story as a mystery or romance/mystery as it lacked in both. However, themore
The Paris Winter
by Imogen Robertson
The Paris Winter (7/8/2014)
I thought at first that I would never get through the book as the cover made me think Chic Lit, but I was very pleasantly surprised. All characters were well-drawn, the story moved at a good pace, the historical locale proved interesting, and the ending satisfied. The onlymore
The Devil in the Marshalsea
by Antonia Hodgson
Fleet Read (3/5/2014)
When I think about it, it is hard to quantify but this book satisfied me completely (except the maybe the too perfect ending). I do like to be entertained and find it necessary to be drawn to the characters. I loved the depiction a Samuel Fleet. He made the book. It is themore
The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer
Hard to like (12/12/2013)
If you like well drawn characters, this book is not for you. If you like action or suspense, this book is not for you. If you like to feel comfortable or identify with someone in the story, this book is not for you. It is a timely story with a modicum of interest but Imore
Through the Evil Days: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Excellent novel (9/4/2013)
I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this story The characterizations came through as very believable, the story line continually advanced, the locales had color, and I appreciated the human qualities of the an Episcopal priest as the heroine. This is the second by thismore
Bitter River: A Bell Elkins Novel
by Julia Keller
well-written but lacking (7/11/2013)
The best part of the book was the setting in a tired small town. It brought a realism to the story that helped with the believability of the everyday characters that populated the book. The storefront community that developed also helped with the story as it progressed as Imore
The Caretaker
by A .X. Ahmad
Hard to commend but still enlightening (4/8/2013)
I had a difficult time accepting the characters as real people. Each seemed to be more stereotypical than original, and often they acted different from expectations of how they felt. It was hard to find sympathy or identify with anyone of them and this took away from themore
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
Satisfying (3/12/2013)
At no time did I find myself let down by the plot or the characters as the novel moved along at a fast pace. The historical part of the novel gave an accurate picture into the life and views of the time and the people mainly voiced the prevailing sentiments of the era. Themore
Live by Night
by Dennis Lehane
Best novel reviewed to date (8/10/2012)
I have reviewed about eight books thus far and Dennis Lehane's Live by Night stands out as my most enjoyable read. The accuracy of the time period, the originality of the characters, and the evolving plot made for a quick and suspenseful read. The New England, Florida, Cubamore
An Unmarked Grave: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Excellent, as always (4/16/2012)
I always enjoy books by Charles Todd, and this was no exception. The characterization made you care about the people and most seemed very believable. The historical background added to the authenticity with its accuracy. The only complaint has to do with the Dickensianmore
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