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Reviews by Constance C. (Manchester, NH)

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Far From True: A Promise Falls Novel
by Linwood Barclay
Broken Promises trilogy (12/3/2015)
This thriller, Far From True by Linwood Barclay is linked to the town of Broken Promises. I did not read the previous books in the series, but that did not make any difference, it can be read as a stand alone. I do think that there are too many characters, some dark secrets which can be guessed at pretty easily. Some side plots but no real mystery. There is an unresolved issue at the end of the book which seems to be setting up the next book. This is a fast read book, of interest to followers of this author. I enjoyed but consider it an average plot.
Home by Nightfall: A Charles Lenox Mystery
by Charles Finch
Excellent Victorian series (9/5/2015)
Home by Nightfall by Charles Finch is a Victorian mystery series. Charles Lenox is the main character of the series, set in 1865, owner of a detective agency with 2 partners. This series has been getting better, the latest being the best as the author is confident in his characters.

I would advise reading this in order as to enjoy the growth of the different people. The plot moves along and kept me reading to find out the resolution. There are two mysteries involved. This book is a fine specimen of the historical period mystery, much period detail.

My only criticism is that the last section could ha been a little shorter.
Circling the Sun: A Novel
by Paula McLain
Disappointed. (5/5/2015)
Being somewhat familiar with Beryl Markham I was interested in this book. I felt at the beginning it had possibilities but as I kept on it was becoming a letdown. The characters are not likable, spending time drinking, swapping partners, and Beryl is right on, using her so-called friends, and husbands. Much is written about horse racing and training as she was famous as a trainer. It is well researched and the author writes well, but that said, it was not a book I enjoyed, Really could not care about any of the people. 3 stars
All the Old Knives
by Olen Steinhauer
Disappointed (12/5/2014)
I have read all of the Olen Steinhauer, he is one of my favorite authors, he is one of the most dependable professionals writing thrillers . But this book is very different from his usual writings. It's short,and takes place in a restaurant analyzing what went wrong yeas ago. The usual edge is not there, actually a little dull. Three stars.
The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer
the cairo affair (12/5/2013)
I have read the Milo Weaver series by Olen Steinhauer and was looking forward to this book. I was not disappointed , anyone who likes spy novels, in the John Le Carre , Len Deighton vein, needs to pick this up. Its a great read, can't put down complex plot, multilayered. The chapters are divided as written by the main characters , it is a portrait of a marriage, betrayal and dangerous political games. 5 stars and well deserved!
How the Light Gets In: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #9
by Louise Penny
How the Light Gets In (7/1/2013)
I have been a Louise Penny fan since I read her first book, and alway look forward to the latest book due to come out. I don't consider myself an easy reviewer, but I have to give this book 5 stars. I just read that the big four book review publications have all given the book starred reviews. The plot involves a mystery and past unresolved issues. Insp Gamache is in the middle of personal and professional turmoil. The mystery is a missing friend of Myrna the bookseller at Three Pines The ending of Beautiful Mystery left unresolved issues and those issues are also involved in the plotline.

Louise Penny shows how a classical mystery can be structured to show emotion and drama. Her characters are so believable that you would like to sit with them, or in some cases not. She is now being compared with P D James and Ruth Rendell and seems to, if possible, get better with each book. I read this in 2 days, now I have to wait another year. I am giving book to my daughter and will be anxious to discuss with her. I got her hooked on these books.
The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey
the last girl by Jane casey (4/20/2013)
The first book I read by Jane Casey was The Reckoning and I was impressed with the book and really looking forward to her next one. In fact, had her name written on my to watch for list. Well, I guess an author can't be brilliant all the time, I was disappointed , I found the plotlines weak, much irrelevant context, and a very contrived ending. Someone who has not read this author, should start with The Burning or The Reckoning. I will watch for the next book Jane Casey writes. and hope its as brilliant as the past books
The Queen's Lover: A Novel
by Francine du Plessix Gray
The Queen/s Lover (5/2/2012)
This historical novel is based on the untold love story of Marie Antoinette and Count Axel von Fersen. Due to the excess amount of details I can only rate it as good. Some of the descriptions are very interesting. I did not care for the main character. Count Alex. But found myself sympathetic to the royal family, their reputations have not been very good thru the years. This pictures them as loving parents, and much nicer individuals. The book is beautifully written, and researched with a different vision of the French Revolution. That said, I found myself losing interest due to the excess details.
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