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Reviews by Constance C. (Bristol, RI)

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True Crime Story: A Novel
by Joseph Knox
Too long and boring (11/3/2021)
I don’t know why this author wrote this book in this format. Transcripts by different students who just met? The plot is flimsy with not much substance and repetitious. Not one of these characters is likable and I cared about none of them. It a very boring book. I kept reading because I was reviewing. I did skip ahead. I can’t recommend this book; even the ending fell flat.
The Temple House Vanishing
by Rachel Donohue
Good debut novel. The Temple House Vanishing (4/8/2021)
The Temple House is a girls boarding school run by nuns. They act as if they were in charge of a first class elite boarding school. However it is only a second rate school, with the building needing work. The plot concerns the disappearance on the same day of student Louisa and art teacher Mr. Lavelle. The book is narrative form, 2 people. Student Louisa and The Journalist. At times this is confusing. Louisa is a scholarship student and her only friend is Victoria from a wealthy family, her father on school board and so on. They form a close bond including the male art teacher. I must say that I cannot imagine nuns allowing a young attractive male teacher to spend time with female students. I did not like the characters, I found them self centered and heartless. Quick to put up walls to protect themselves. The disappearance is nationwide big news. The 25th anniversary is coming up. Which explains The Journalist. She is digging around to write a big story. I can't give any more information, don't want to spoil the plot. The ending is dragged out too long, it uncovers a tragic tale and secrets. I found the book an enjoyable read, the author writes descriptive scenes very well, but too many. I give it three stars.
He Started It
by Samantha Downing
He started it. (2/8/2020)
This is a devious psych thriller, about three siblings. To claim slices of gramp's fortune, they have to retrace the trip they drove with him years ago. A more detestable group I've yet to meet. They have deeply held secrets and betrayals pile up. The author has a wry humorous way with words, and good at creating characters. However, had to suspend belief at some plot lines. The book is a fast read, beginning held my interest but second part slow. The author has an explosive and unexpected ending. I did not care for this ending, felt as a reader I was being manipulated. Therefore 3 stars for me, but I'm sure to be in the minority.
The Yellow Bird Sings: A Novel
by Jennifer Rosner
Very difficult book to read (11/18/2019)
This book is based on the plight of Jewish children hidden during World War 2 in Poland. A mother and daughter are hidden in a barn, the day comes when the mother must make the sacrifice of letting her go, because the child can be hidden in a convent. The book is about the triumph of hope during dark times. The daughter's music is her hope of finding mother. The book is beautifully written, but it is bleak to read. I really did not enjoy it because it is constant danger and pain. I can't recommend, one must decide for oneself.
D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II
by Sarah Rose
Wonderful brave women (3/13/2019)
D-Day Girls is a well researched and written book. These are fascinating and very brave women. These were the women of Churchill's Special Operations Executive. Not everyone was in favor of sending women behind the lines, parachuting with Nazis controlling France. They were very highly trained and blended in with the locals, displaying great courage. Wiring info to London. The author has written a book for history lovers who will just enjoy reading and admiring all of these women.
A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne
Ambition and literary theft (8/31/2018)
A Ladder to The Sky is a novel about literary theft and ambition and confirms John Boyne as an assured author.Maurice Swift becomes famous by using other people's stories and doesn't care who he steals from. He is a psychopath, a ruthless manipulator who will stop at nothing to achieve his dream of becoming a famous author and winner of The Prize. John Boyne has the ability to write soul and meaning. His plots are all so different. I never give 5 stars but I am this time. Read this book you will be in for a great read.
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
Not Impressed (4/16/2018)
This is the first book I have read by Beatriz Williams. I am not impressed, I found writing uneven and characters undeveloped. Very unlikable people, always having conversations that go on and on. I really am not sure which plot is the main plot, so many different stories going on.

This is not historical fiction and not a mystery. It is a soapy summer romance novel. Every year about this time we get the Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Maine coast island book. his is going to be a big favorite book club selection. Some readers will really enjoy it.

I'm sure that my review will be the exception and that's why we have reviews. I'm glad I did not pay for the book, and don't plan on reading the author again.
Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper
Jane Harper major voice in contemparary fiction. (10/5/2017)
I did not like The Dry, so was a little leery of reading Force of Nature. I was pleasantly surprised, this is one of the best 2017 thrillers. And hope the author continues this series with Aaron Falk, excellent character. This book had well developed characters and a good plot, compelling reading to the end, could not guess what the ending was going to be. Did not go to the end and peek. Hope to see more of this type of story telling.
Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson
Cannot recommend this book. (6/29/2016)
Having read Once We Were Brothers, I wanted to read this author's latest. This is a poorly constructed book, the characters are not developed , the conversations are stilted, and the story goes on and on. Having read books about the Holocaust that held my attention I kept hoping that this one would get better. The author has much information about the Holocaust but that information does not guarantee good writing and story. I regret that I cannot recommend this book.
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