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Reviews by Sharon P. (San Diego, CA)

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The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
Intriguing concept and a good read (11/27/2016)
I love the alternating POV of Emma and Jane! The concept of the house as a part in the mystery was intriguing and delightfully creepy. The male character, Edward, was a bit thin and as persona I am tired of in my reading, however, if enjoyed the other characters and their paths. I recommend!
Underground Airlines
by Ben H. Winters
Very good - but something missing for me (9/11/2016)
This has all the makings of a superb book. The subject is fascinating, the writing is perfect, and I love a controversial topic. But I couldn't gain enough traction with the main character to compel me forward. I read it and really liked it, but I personally needed more backstory upfront since imagining this world took some getting used to. However, I do highly recommend it and I'm sure it will stick with for quite awhile.
The Widow
by Fiona Barton
Intriguing and different (1/17/2016)
I did really like this book. I thought the writing was very good and set the tempo and definitely built the mystery. I was engaged the whole time. I thought the ending was fabulous...definitely unexpected. A throughly enjoyable book!
When the Moon Is Low: A Novel
by Nadia Hashimi
3 1/2 stars. Good but not deep enough (9/9/2015)
I did really like the book and would certainly recommend it. However, perhaps the timing reading this book effected my review...these past weeks, the news is fulled with refugee stories. Heartbreakingly real-with pictures and real-time coverage of Syrian refugees making their way to Greece, Hungary, etc.-I couldn't help feel that this lovely book was missing something. Something that took me deeper into the characters and their struggle. On the other hand, reading this book while the Syrian refugee exodus was happening helped me understand the back story of the real people trying to make their way to safer land and all that they go through and the sacrifices they make to leave their countries behind. For that, I really thank the author.
Trust No One: A Thriller
by Paul Cleave
Interesting twists and turns! (6/6/2015)
I had a tough time putting this book down. It certainly gave a frightening view of the devastating effects of Alzheimer's on the mind of the sufferer and those closes to them. I thought the plot was unique and exciting and to me, the ending was not predictable. My only problem with the book was really understanding the motive of the killer in the end...that was a little too vague for me. However, I highly recommend this read.
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Interesting look into business in China (1/14/2015)
I was intrigued with the setting of this book~China~and the clash of civilizations with Americans doing business in China. I loved the main character Paul; I did feel his pain and loyalty to his departed son. It was fun to watch him wake up and engage in the world. I could always do without a love story mixed into a mystery, but this one was rather tender. Paul's Chinese detective partner, Zhang, was a delight as his Buddhism gave a nice balance to the massive corruption. I would read this author again. Really enjoyed the book!
The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth
4.5 stars! Intense and engrossing (12/5/2014)
I was surprised at how engrossing this story was. I am not familiar with the author, but will look for more of her work in the future. It's the perfect mystery in most ways. I enjoy the alternating voices of the victims and the DI, however, I would have loved a few chapters squeezed in from the perspective of the murderer. I didn't "get" the motive for the crimes from the murderers point of view until I reread the book. Otherwise, well done and great read.
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