BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

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-top sex and gore festival.
One additional thought, Tessa developed nicely but I though Brian lacked depth. The novel could actually be improved through the inclusion of an additional 50 pages.

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 section dove back into the lives of two very uninteresting characters. Only one person, Duluth, rings true, and is not mind numbingly lost.

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 done without the crabs and the preponderance of the tarot cards, but others may appreciate these facets. The revealing of the interlocking pieces satisfied though.

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 and repeated her problems throughout, which ended with the hand of God providing the unexplained conclusion the this pseudo scifi, mystery, romance, fantasy. For me, I would rate it lower, but I can see a certain type of reader finding pleasure in the novel.

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 and psychological make-up border between the annoying and the unbelievable.

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, the most upsetting part of the novel is the conclusion that quickly, very quickly, ties the story together. It felt like the author was ready to move on and just ended it.

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 only flaw for me in the book was the obsessive nature that Maud developed after her unfortunate accident. I thought for her character it was a bit too much. Otherwise, a five star beach read.

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 the type of novel that is easily finished in one sitting ( the plot twists and reader involvement). The historical aspects only added to the story and imparted much that I was unaware of in that particular level of society. A most enjoyable book in almost every way.

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 I experienced difficulty in liking any person or portion of the plot involved in the book. I ended up rushing through the final 100 pages just to see how the author concluded the slight mystery. A clever and unexpected close but not enough to give satisfaction. I usually like almost any book but I would not recommend this version and do not even plan on saving my copy.

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 this author I have read and will look forward to the next installment as the last few pages left an unresolved but unfortunately realistic quality to several of the minor players.

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 I am familiar with many to these locales in our area. I enjoyed all the interactions that progressed through the plot until the last forty pages. The action at the end, especially the explosion, just seemed a little over the top for what led up to the it. The book satisfied as a read but could have been more with a little stronger, different ending.

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 the enjoyment of the story. I did find the storyline readable but then again I can find redeeming values in most books. I can recommend the novel but only if you check it out from a library and save your money.

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. The author gave enough hints as to who was committing the murders but kept it in doubt with several red herrings. For a first novel, though, I felt there were two weaknesses that kept it from being really excellent. The main character, Lucy, at times seemed to be exceptionally naive for someone so intelligent who understood the limitations of the times. She acted out of character at intervals. Also, while the ending tied up the story nicely, the last two pages seemed to be written only so the reader knew there would be other novels coming. It gave an artificial aspect that left me wondering if Susanna Calkins could not have invested more time in making it less obvious about her intentions. Lucy and Adam were so strongly romantic that the rational speeches by both felt out of place in the final pages.

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, Cuba connection along with the somewhat atypical hero gave an excellent perspective on the prohibition years. I cannot think of how Lehane could have made it better.

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 Dickensian string of coincidences. Otherwise the plot holds and the ending surprises. A satisfying read.

Reviews by Norman G. (Washougal, WA)

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Reviews by Norman G. (Washougal, WA)

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