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Reviews by Carol G. (Little Egg Harbor, NJ)

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The Girl Before
The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
The Girl Before (12/13/2016)
Fast pace reading and very hard to put down. Love psychological thrillers and the end was not disappointing. Unexpected twists made the story even more compelling. One would be remiss not to read this book. Looking forward to more books by this author.
Crazy Blood
Crazy Blood
by T. Jefferson Parker
Crazy Blood (2/26/2016)
I was interested in reading this book because of my fascination with the skiing circuit. The book was a quick read but since I found the plot predictable, I was disappointed. I felt like I was reading a soap! I have read other books by the author that in my opinion were much better written.
The Two-Family House
The Two-Family House
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
The Two-Family House (12/4/2015)
Since my husband has raised 6 daughters, it was interesting to me to read about Mort's character since it was so different from my husband's. I was pulled into this novel magnetically because of the dynamics of the two families - one raising boys and the other girls.
Although I pretty much guessed the "secret" early on, I still enjoyed reading the book. And though these were Jewish families, some of it so much reminded me of my Italian family.
This book is a quick read and I think will be found interesting to all, especially book clubs.
Broken Promise
Broken Promise: A Thriller
by Linwood Barclay
Broken Promise (7/16/2015)
I have read 9 of Linwood Barclay's previous novels and have always enjoyed reading them. This one doesn't disappoint but I did feel there were too many characters and subplots. This book is an easy read if that's what you are looking for. However, I solved the mystery early into the book except for the cliffhanger ending. This is still an enjoyable book and I will read the next 2 books in this series.
What Doesn't Kill Her
What Doesn't Kill Her: A Reeve LeClaire Series Novel
by Carla Norton
What Doesn't Kill Her (5/19/2015)
I am so glad I read this book. I had never heard of this author prior to receiving this book for review. I am going to read her previous book in the series - The Edge of Normal now. One of my favorite authors - Jeffery Deaver - gave this book outstanding reviews which is one of the reasons I chose it - and so glad I was selected to receive it. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down. This book had all the aspects of what I love to read - a thriller, suspenseful, psychological, nail-biting, chilling, great character insight to name a few. I think anyone would be remiss not to read this wonderful author. I have already spread the word to many of my friends and to my Book Club.
The Well
The Well
by Catherine Chanter
The Well (3/17/2015)
The Well doesn't fit into any set genre although the book jacket sums it up as a thriller. The book is also a fantasy, psychological, a book about ordinary people in unordinary circumstances. Sometimes the book is too wordy with descriptions but mostly reads very quickly especially when wanting to find the mystery of the murder. The author depicts complicated yet believable characters. All in all a very good book. Will recommend to my Book Club.
All the Old Knives
All the Old Knives
by Olen Steinhauer
All the Old Knives (1/15/2015)
I am not a fan of spy novels but the description of this book peaked my interest. I think the author developed complex characters, although not always likeable.
The book was satisfying but not special but I would definitely read this author again.
Brutal Youth
Brutal Youth
by Anthony Breznican
Brutal Youth (6/20/2014)
I thought the book was well written and I especially like that in a debut novel. I especially liked the honesty the author portrayed with the "trio:" I loved what the author accomplished portraying high school experiences which some of us may have encountered. Though I did not experience any of the "bullying", it was an eye opener for me and I can feel for those students who have gone through this. I think anyone who reads this book will get something out of it!
Where Monsters Dwell
Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke
Where Monsters Dwell (12/3/2013)
Wow -Another Scandinavian author I am going to follow - an impressive debut novel!

Characters are complex, which I love, intricate plot which I love, and a satisfying ending.

With so many characters in this novel, not all received justice. Translation was acceptable and since I am used to reading this genre - Scandinavian mystery. I was ok with some of the translation faults. I look forward to the next installment. Kudos to the author.
The Disenchanted Widow
The Disenchanted Widow
by Christina McKenna
The Disenchanted Widow (9/9/2013)
I wanted to read this book because of interest in the time frame - Belfast in the 1980's. However, I felt the dialogue was a struggle sometimes with the heavy use of the Irish dialect.
The cast of characters is certainly entertaining, but sometimes brings a little confusion to the story. The book was a little lengthy for this plot although I don't have a problem reading longer novels. All in all, I liked the book, especially the unexpected ending.
Her Last Breath
Her Last Breath: A Kate Burkholder Novel
by Linda Castillo
Her Last Breath (6/19/2013)
Although I haven't read all the books in the Kate B. series, I have learned to love this character. The book is a page turner and I love reading about the Amish culture since I grew up not far from Amish country in PA.

I especially liked this book because it gave some additional insight into Kate's life. It is a very enjoyable read and I think all will enjoy. I look forward to the 6th installment.
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate: A Lucy Campion Mystery
by Susanna Calkins
A Murder at Rosamund's Gate (4/10/2013)
Great read! Loved it from page 1. A beautiful mystery that keeps one guessing. I loved reading about this period in English history as well. I think the ending could have been stronger and may not please all but overall a definite recommendation.
The Imposter Bride
The Imposter Bride
by Nancy Richler
The Imposter Bride (12/16/2012)
Although I prefer action based books, this was a very well written character based novel that I would definitely recommend to my book club and friends. My one criticism would be that the book was somewhat sombre.
All questions about Lily were answered by the end of the novel, but I did expect more drama about her.
I think this book will especially be enjoyed by mothers and daughters with special relationships with each other. This book does give one much to reflect about and that to me is very important.
And When She Was Good
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
And When She Was Good (7/13/2012)
I love Laura L's books and this does not disapoint!

The book is well written and explores a subject that is often avoided.

I immediately bonded with the character which is important to me when reading a book; I was unable to put the book down and read it in 2 sittings.

I have read most of Laura's books and I highly recommend them to my book club and friends.

I look forward to her next book and am very grateful that I was chosen to read this book for review.

I hope the author comes to southern NJ in the near future as I would love to meet her.
The Face Thief
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
The Face Thief (12/22/2011)
A great psychological & mystery read which is page-turning suspenseful.
However, I was disappointed with the flat ending.
The flashback style may disarm some readers and be bothersome; but I do not have a problem with a flashback approach.
This was an emotional read which made it a somewhat slow paced mystery for those looking for faster action.
I have never read this author before but will definitely read the previous "Now You See Him".
The Sisters
The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen
The Sisters (9/26/2011)
A very complex and moving novel that led me to reflect on my own family and my own life and how my life was shaped by those decisions. The reader is drawn into this story deeper and deeper, when nothing turns out as planned for the sisters, stemming from the first misunderstanding!

This extraordinary novel of two sisters and their families spanning over eighty years is one not to be missed and would be a wonderful discussion book for my book club.

This book will stay in your thoughts long after yo have read the last page. I look forward to reading future novels from Nancy Jensen.
The Borgia Betrayal
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
The Borgia Betrayal (7/5/2011)
After watching The Borgias TV series I wanted to read this book. I'm only sorry that I didn't read Poole's Poison first for some insights and info on Francesca and her family.
I've read so much about the Tudors and now continuing on to the Borgias now. This detailed historical novel gives much insight into this powerful Renaissance family that many probably are not aware of.
I am looking forward to the third installment of this series as the conclusion of this book promises additional conflict.
This book was a compelling read from the first page and I would bet that any lover of historical fiction would be enthralled by its action and suspense during this Renaissance period.
It was a super read! Thank you for allowing me to review this superb book.
The Tudor Secret
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
The Tudor Secret (4/2/2011)
As a lover of historical fiction and mystery, this book fit the bill. I have not read this author previously but look forward to the continuing books in this series. The book was enjoyable, and with plenty of twists. Although a complicated period of history, the author brought the characters to life in such a way for the readers to discover a world apart from the royalty of that time. I also plan to read The Other Queen.
Three Seconds
Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom
Three Seconds (12/10/2010)
I loved this book and am fast becoming a fan of Swedish mystery authors. After reading this book, I have decided to read other available books in print in the US from this team.

The book gets one involved immediately and is very fast paced. There are many things going on - drama, conspiracy, and detective work to name a few. I especially liked the information regarding the justice system in Sweden and the use of informants.

The read of this book is somewhat demanding which is why I gave it 4 stars - actually I would give it 4.5. I have already recommended this book to my mystery lover friends.

Carol G.
Bury Your Dead
Bury Your Dead: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #6
by Louise Penny
Bury Your Dead (9/21/2010)
This is the first time I have ever read Louise Penny and since reading this book, I have reserved the first book in this series from my local library; loved this book! I love mystery and this book did not disappoint. One of the favorite things I like is getting involved in characters and these characters are unforgettable. There are several story lines and they are terrific. One of them refers to the previous book which I will have to read. I have told all my mystery buff friends about Louise Penny and look forward to reading her prior books in this series as well as future books. What a gem. I will definitely recommend it to my Book Club.
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