Death by Blue Water by Kait Carson

Death by Blue Water. A Hayden Kent Mystery by Kait Carson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Florida Keys, white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, sounds like paradise, ideal for scuba diving, but is it? Hayden Kent a paralegal is diving when she swims into a dead body at her favourite dive. Okay all she has to do is report it and the police will take it from there. No, nothing is that simple, she is implicated and it becomes even more difficult when she cannot remember what she was doing when the victim was killed. Yes murder, greed, and corruption can happen in paradise. How can Hayden get herself out of this? The author Kait Carson builds a very good plot giving only small clues as to the final outcome, leaving plenty of room for you to develop your own ideas. This is not the most riveting read, but it is easy reading and good entertainment.

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Intrusion by Reece Hirsch

Intrusion by Reece Hirsch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We all Google something everyday and hear or read about the size and power of Google, now you can read a thriller based on theft from a fictional Google caller Zapper. Chris Bruen a security and privacy lawyer at a law firm, is called in to investigate a hack into Zapper. Being a very hands on investigator Chris and his colleague Zoey have narrowed down the culprits and he decides to make a visit. Be warned this is not just a cybercrime investigation, Reece Hirsch has given us the whole shooting match - killings, greed, power, deadly pursuits and story twists all go to making an excellent thriller. The author has drawn on his professional background in writing this book and it shows, it is well written and gives you the impression that it is not all fiction and could be very real. This is one of my favourites of the year so far and could feature in my top 5 selection.

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Scorpion by Andrew Kaplan

Scorpion by Andrew Kaplan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Scorpion is a typical eighties based espionage thriller with the main character an independent spy / mercenary named after the stinging desert insect. He is given a mission from the CIA to rescue a kidnapped daughter of a U.S. Senator. The novel follows the Scorpion on his travels to the Middle East to try and discover where Kelly has been sold into slavery. It is clear from the beginning the Kremlin is involved in this abduction but to what end?. Andrew Caplan has written a very good Cold War style thriller but is also relevant for today's world with the middle Easter location. I enjoyed the book however it would have been better had the author not dwelled so much on painting the Scorpion's background and childhood. This information could have been delivered in a more discrete and minimal way to avoid the appearance of padding and distracting from the story.

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The Night Hunter by Caro Ramsay

The Night Hunter: An Anderson & Costello Police Procedural Set in Scotland by Caro Ramsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Missing girl story set in the picturesque hills above Loch Lomond and that's about as nice as it gets. Elvira McCulloch has taken a year out of her medical degree due to her sister Sophie having gone missing. Determined to find her, she teams up with a scruffy retired detective Billy Hopkirk. What a team they make, Billy the scruffy slob and Elvira the proverbial minger. It all kicks off when "Elvie" heads off up to the hills to her job as a nanny for a local wealthy business man and a naked body appears from nowhere. The author builds the tension throughout but minimises the clues you need to unravel the mystery. As it the tension reaches the point where you need to know or you will stop reading, it goes up a few gears and an ultra exciting ending is revealed. One of the best stories this year and would have got 5 stars had the author not used the first person style. For Anderson and Costello fans they are hardly in the book to merit a mention.

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Massacre Pond by Paul Doiron

Massacre Pond by Paul Doiron
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This my first read in this series with Maine warden Mike Bowditch. The wardens appear to be a strange mix of wildlife warden and country policeman that don't have an equivalent in the UK making it difficult to relate to. I found it pleasantly refreshing for the hero / central character to be the lowest rank warden and not the sheriff or lieutenant. The storyline is is triggered by a wildlife massacre however this leads to other crimes to be investigated. Dealing with his own personal issues Bowditch has also to contend with being sidelined on the investigation of the crime he discovered. Not a bad book however not a riveting read either.

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Until the Debt is Paid by Alexander Hartung

Until the Debt is Paid by Alexander Hartung
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jan Tommen, a Berlin homicide detective in love with Betty his new girlfriend, wakes up with not only a hangover but a big gap in his memory. Returning to work he is assigned a new case, where he quickly becomes the prime suspect. Not trusting his colleague to clear him, he goes on the run enlisting help of friends to help with the investigation to clear his name. You might think this is bad enough but it gets worse with more dead bodies. Alexander Hartung has written an outstanding murder mystery, keeping you guessing who is guilty all the way through. The graphic description of the crimes sets an unreal atmosphere and elevates the story to a new level of urgency to solve the murders. The translator Steve Anderson should also take credit creating an exciting easy to read thriller.

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Hell's Fortress by Michael Wallace

Hell's Fortress by Michael Wallace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Post apocalypse thriller, but not your normal one, this is by the grace of God. In a world ripped apart by a mega volcanic eruption a religious cult in southern Utah, USA tries to defend their town and survive. You would expect a religious group would be welcoming and helpful, not this one. The story quickly splits in two with Eliza and companions seeking to rescue her fiancée Steve in LA, with her father Jacob Blister Creek's leader organising the defence. The author clearly illustrates how far people will go to survive regardless of religion or creed. It is an entertaining read however a little irratating with continual referencing to their religious beliefs and lifestyle which I find totally alien.

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Seven Wonders by Ben Mezrich

Seven Wonders by Ben Mezrich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If mystery and adventure in the style of Indiana Jones is your thing then this book is for you. The Grady twins are poles apart however when Jack the adventurer discovers his brother Jeremy has linked the seven wonders of ancient and modern, he tries to discover what it all means. The excitement builds by solving the ancient puzzles whilst avoiding the booby traps and the competition who are hunting Jack and his companions to steal their secrets. Travelling around the world you do get a bit of a history lessons and some science lectures but it does add to the understanding. Quite predictable but none the less it is like Indiana Jones and reasonably entertaining.

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Sons of Sparta by Jeffery Siger

Sons of Sparta: A Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mystery by Jeffrey Siger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


At times this seemed more of a Greek comedy rather than the billed murder mystery. The relationship between the principal characters all police employees is very entertaining, almost telepathic and aids to lighten the reality of the murder itself. Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis allows his colleague Detective Yianni Kouros to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle not long after a family get together in the isolated southern region of Mani. With a tradition of family feuds going back centuries, things are not quite what they seem and soon Kaldis is guiding the investigation from Athens. This is a very entertaining murder mystery full of lighter moments, and minimal Greek history to set the background and atmosphere. This is the sixth in this series of cases for Kaldis written by Jeffery Singer as a frequent visitor to Greece uses his personal knowledge to great effect.

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Private India by James Patterson & Ashwin Sanghi

Private India by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When asked about James Patterson is he any good? I always say he is reliable and will always give you a good read. This is my first book in the Private series I have read and I am pleased to say that Private India hits the same mark. Santosh Wagh is the chief of the Mumbia office who lands a good old ritual serial killer case to solve. I think Ashwin Sanghi as co author has done an excellent job in adding the Indian flavour to this thriller making the circumstances of the murders feel more real. He also adds the right amount of background of Indian culture in explanation helping to crank up the atmosphere and is not without humour. My favourite line to describing Indian civil servants "It is a well known fact that Indian government servants reached their offices late and made up for it by leaving early". This atmosphere combined with Patterson's expertise in thrillers has produced a very fast paced and entertaining story.

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Hostage by Kristina Ohlsson

Hostage by Kristina Ohlsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The name hostage is a little misleading it should be Hijack, but maybe the author had a reason for this, if so I missed it. Hostage or Hijack this is a very good novel full of action, thrills and cliff hanging moments. The story starts with what is almost the ending as the author describes the events leading up to that point. After a slow start the pace picks up and we meet the central character Eden Lundell head of the Security Services counter-terrorism unit in Stockholm. Eden who has previously worked for MI5 is tasked to catch terrorists responsible for the four bomb threats targeted at Stockholm and the subsequent hijacking of a flight to USA. With only scraps of evidence to work with the team of specialists try to piece together the reasons behind these actions and get the aircraft safely on the ground.

Very exciting and feels like "real time" story telling which has been expertly translated into English. Kristina Ohlsson finishes chapters on cliff hangers and you have to read on through one two more chapters before returning to that key moment to find out what happened. Frustrating but very exciting to read.

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Crude Carrier by Rex Burns

Crude Carrier by Rex Burns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I don't often reward a book with 5 stars but when it meets all my criteria the rating is simple. This is my first Rex Burns novel and was very pleased when I found out he was a "no messing about author". He starts straight in with the plot, an unexplained death at sea to which the parents of the sailor understandingly wants some answers. James Raiford of the Touchstone Agency is hired it investigate and provide the answers. Assisted by his daughter Julie they decided some undercover work is required to find the truth about Harold Rossi's death.

The author does not waste in words in flashbacks, unnecessary background, history lessons or any of the other ploys some authors use to fill the book. Rex Burns just gives you gripping action, mystery and just enough clues to keep you entertained up to the climax of the book. Excellent high seas adventure which will make me seek out other Rex Burns novels


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The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid

The Skeleton Road by Val McDermid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Scottish murder mystery with Balkan roots. DCI Karen Pirie as the Historical Crimes Unit are sent to investigate a skeleton found in an old Edinburgh building. Short of immediate clues they call on forensics to aid with identification and start an investigation that takes them to Oxford and beyond. They quickly establish the victim from Croatia but with no apparent connections to the house in Edinburgh but an important General in the Balkan wars of the 1990's. The story is good however it good have been improved by omitting some of the background flashbacks which were overdone. It is also easy to see the author is Scottish and with the impending referendum appears to be insecure, as all things Scottish are also unnecessarliy overdone.


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Paying the Ferryman by Jane A. Adams

Paying the Ferryman: A Naomi Blake British Mystery by Jane A. Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Firstly before saying how entertaining the book was Jane Adams has tackled the thorny issue of domestic abuse / violence. She has painted a horrifying picture of the circle of violence a couple can get into and importantly how it affects their children physically and mentally. If this mirrors reality and I have no reason to doubt it then the message is clear, something has to change.

This is a Naomi Blake mystery but she is only in the background as a consultant. The main character is Inspector Ryan Steel who is charged with investigating the murder of a local family for what appears no apparent reason. As they assemble all the available evidence it is clear there is a link to organised crime families, but is this fallout between the families or some other reason. Excellent and gripping story if not very sad in places. I would recommend this to my friends.


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Rain Girl by Gabi Kreslehner

Rain Girl by Gabi Kreslehner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What seemed like a standard fatality on the autobahn turns into a difficult murder investigation for detectives Franza Oberwieser and partner Felix Herz. The crime scene is not only awash with rain but they have no witnesses. Piecing together scraps of information they establish the young girls indentity, this is the start of a long search for the truth about their victim who has a very complex past. The author adds to the mystery intertwining with Franza's own complex life and her daily struggle to understand herself. To release more information as the book progresses Gabi Kreslehner replays incidents as they happen but careful not to give away to much. It is fair to say this a pretty standard murder/mystery which could have done with a little more excitement but not bad.

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The Dark Meadow by Andrea Maria Schenkel

The Dark Meadow by Andrea Maria Schenkel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Zauner family is one of those families when it goes wrong it goes wrong, deserved or not deserved it happens. Afra the daughter is single and pregnant when she returns home, to the shame of her god fearing father. The story of disaster befalling the family is told using various accounts of witnesses and police involved, it is a lot to cram into this little novella. Translated from the original in German, the book is easy reading and apart from the locations and names you would never guess its origin. If I could have influenced the author I would have asked for a more exciting / thrilling conclusion as the ending is a little flat. Overall I liked the book and would select a full length novel by the author.

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Fall From Grace by Tim Weaver

Fall From Grace by Tim Weaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is number five in the David Raker series by Tim Weaver, so I was a little hesitant about reading and understanding the characters and places. I should not have been worried, although part of a series it can stand alone as a novel in its own right. Adding lots of little details Tim Weaver greatly enhances the atmosphere of the story, drawing you into the investigation. Yes David Raker is an investigator of missing persons hired by Melanie Craw to find her father Leonard Franks. Franks a newly retried metropolitan policeman had settled in the moors of Devon with his wife Ellie, when suddenly he disappears into thin air. Puzzling from the start, as he went missing whilst getting logs for the fire, where could he go with no neighbours around for miles? David Raker has to unravel this mystery and find Franks.

The story is very well constructed, giving you very few clues as to what happened with the author carefully dictating your pace. Although full of little details it is very absorbing and is not short of surprises. The pace is gradually increased until you work out what has happened, and then you realise you have still an hour or more worth of reading left? Thoroughly good book and highly reccommended. I will be looking out for the earlier books in the series.

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Defector in Our Midst by Tom Fitzgerald

Defector in Our Midst by Tom Fitzgerald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The jihadists are at it again plotting destruction of the infidel, so don't be mislead by the title this is more like a "saboteur or spy in our midst". Myk McGrath a top rated CIA operative is assigned to case to track down terrorists planning the downfall of the US. They have kidnapped a Chinese scientist to work on a new weapon, can Chen Wu be found before the weapon can reek havoc. Myk is motivated by the appearance of Saji a terrorist he knows was responsible for his wife's death in the Madrid train attacks. The investigation however is slowed dramatically by realisation that the terrorists appear to have inside information. During his investigation Myk uncovers some of his own family history of which he knows very little, having never met or ever really known anything about his aunt Rachel and her relationship with his mother, this encourages further digging. The author Tom Fitzgerald has woven two stories ( family / work ) together to produce an outstanding action thriller that I found hard to put down.

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Lethal Code by Thomas Waite

Lethal Code by Thomas Waite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This novel is for all those people who think there is no such thing as a computer virus, unleashing all the internet scaremongering in one go. Yes this might be fiction but if you have suffered a minor virus attack, ID theft or even web fraud, then this will hit home with devastating reality. Lana Elkins is the foremost expert in cyber security, and when they come under attack from an unknown group bent on the destruction of the USA, Lana is quickly drafted in to work with the security services, to locate and neutralise the attackers before they destroy America. The author Thomas Waite has crafted a storyline worthy of the best Hollywood blockbuster thrillers, including plenty of action and twist and turns of the plot to keep you riveted to the book. The pace is fast except for a section in the middle, my only reason for not awarding full marks. One of the hallmarks of a good thriller is when afterwards your mind is full of what ifs, what would I do if, what would the government do if. Would I be able to perform like some of the unlikely heroes of the book? . Excellent.

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Kill Zone by Harry Ledowsky

Kill Zone by Harry Ledowsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From dealing with fallout from the Cold War in his first book Harry Ledowsky has moved onto the fallout from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a nuclear nation Pakistan scientists have developed a nuclear bomb in a small briefcase and is now in the hands of terrorists. This exciting thriller follows Major Ryan Nash as he works with the CIA to track down and recover the bomb before it is used. The author describes very clearly the problem with the secret services, there is too many secrets, lots of corruption and who can you really trust. This story got its hooks in from page one kept me captivated until the end. It has special services combat, black ops, double cross and treason, it has all the ingredients you need for a good thriller and Harry Ledowsky's recipe is first class. I like that for his second book characters are not repeated from his first. I look forward to the third book.

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Chasm by James Bruno

CHASM by James Bruno
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a West Wing fan I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book. It started slowly and this is the reason I have only rated it at 3 stars, so don't give up it gets much better. The storyline is very good with political wrong doing at the centre. The main characters are Mike Gallatin, an insurance investigator and Lisa Valko, a White House publicist, they meet each other as Mike investigates his daughter's close escape from serious injury. Chasm is a hidden operation to resettle war criminals in the US, as an easy way to remove a problem, and provide a peace dividend in the world's trouble spots. This novel makes you wonder what is actually hidden from sight in the US government, and how close this is to reality. James Bruno considers the age old problem of power corrupts and corrupts at the highest level. The corruption can also be very violent as the gains are taken at almost any cost. Even if this is only partially true, it is very scary

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Dark Side by Margaret Duffy

Dark Side: A Gillard and Langley British Police Procedural by Margaret Duffy
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

My status for this book is a lie, I have not read it, well not all of it, only three quarters and I reached my limit of frustration. A short format book was unfortunately not short enough. The writing style of Margaret Duffy I found, as another reviewer also suggested was challenging. The story was very difficult to follow and there was a total absence of hooks to keep your interest. This book would be a contender for a high score on the Hawking Index, for books that readers are most likely not to finish reading. The crime mystery is one in a series of featuring the Gillard and Langley partnership where one of their colleagues is the target of a drive by shooting in London. After the first chapter it becomes increasingly difficult to follow and understand who is who and where you are. It may be me and my expectations are set to high, but I don't think so.

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Rollover: A Dan Mahoney Mystery by Susan Slater

Rollover: A Dan Mahoney Mystery by Susan Slater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Getting a lift after a breakdown was never expected to turn into a can of worms. Dan Mahoney an insurance investigator is sent to resolve a claim for a necklace insured for half a million dollars, following a robbery at the Wagon Mound bank. Prior to his arrival in the remote town things start to go wrong when his car unexpectedly breaks down, a nice old man in his beat up truck offers a lift and before you know it he is in hospital. To follow on the author adds suicide / murder and all sorts of deception and lies mixed in with a tiny bit of romance. This book has been very cleverly crafted to keep feeding you excitement and information to retain your interest whilst keeping the climax for the end. Sometimes you find authors struggling to fill the pages, resorting to giving lectures or adding an irrelevant second storyline, not here Susan Slater sticks to the plot faithfully. The view is always from the investigators perspective, you are privy to all his meetings and also hearing his thoughts, so can you work it out, I couldn't.

This is the first book I have read from this established author, her second Dan Mahoney mystery, but is now into double figures as a whole. I now plan to read the first Dan Mahoney mystery and thoroughly recommend Rollover to any crime, mystery and thriller reader.

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The Spartan by Charles Purcell

The Spartan by Charles Purcell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of Spartacus on the TV you're book is here, modernised into the 21st century. The only thing missing is the gratuitous sex which is probably a relief. Spartan is at the top of his profession above Tier 1 of US special forces only doing black ops. A specialist at hand to hand combat always resulting in lots of blood and extremely high body count. Partnered with an ex Mexian policewoman with some interesting high tech equipment, Spartan is assigned to retrieve biowarfare canisters spread around the US by a mad Chinese General. Only one mad General is not enough as Spartan is pursued by another.

If you are not into bloody, needless killing, action thrillers then please do not read. The book is overflowing with it, however it is a very real terrorist scenario cleverly thought out by the author, who does not waste any lines of the book with padding or irrelevant information. From start to finish you are kept on your toes with action. If you thought John Rambo was tough wait till you read about this guy.

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The Good Suicides by Antonio Hill

The Good Suicides: A Thriller by Antonio Hill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What could happen on a team / motivation week away for employees of Alemany Cosmetics at a remote country house? This is what Inspector Salgado of Barcelona has to unravel whilst trying to control his emotions stirred up by the disappearance of his wife Ruth. The suicide of an employee and his killing of his wife and child may be connected, or is it? This is a good story but you have to be patient, it is a very slow burner. Partly necessary, the early chapters are filled with background to the characters including that of Inspector Salgado.You are always wondering what has actually happened and why the picture of strangled dogs hanging from a tree is so important. The author Antonio Hill refuses to give any real clues other than a few crumbs, which doesn't give you any chance of understanding what happened until it is revealed. Is it to do with the cosmetics industry and vivisection protest groups, is a the company a depressing place to work - sorry but you have to wait.

This is the second book in the series and I have rated it with 3 stars, but if it had been a little faster paced it would certainly deserve 4 stars.

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Scotch Rising by SJ Garland

Scotch Rising by SJ Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With Scottish independence vote due in September, this novel set in 1707 when Scottish and English parliaments agreed to Union is very topical. Just returned from the new world Captain Clyde-Dalton is assigned a post as an excise collector in the highlands of Scotland. This post is punishment for his misdemeanors in the New World but turns quickly into a murder investigation. Battling against the local culture and weather the Captain starts to learn the murder of his predecessor is more complicated than the locals believe. His experience in the New World, as he finds out does not always translate to the village environment he is now in.

SJ Garland has tackled the Scottish language issue by using a set list of old Scottish words and a list of normal English words misspelt to portray the accent. It does not really work that well but it does convey the atmosphere of the setting very well. Markinch today is village in Fife and not the highlands however it does not really affect the story. It is a good story in a historical setting but with the thrills and twists of a good murder mystery.

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The Hidden Girl by Louise Millar

The Hidden Girl by Louise Millar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If all escapes to the country were as eventful as this one, people would only be living in cities. A slow burner which has you guessing for some time but keeps you hooked. From the start Hannah and Will's move to the remote Suffolk countryside of his youth is filled with mystery, why leave a good job for this house, who is Barbara and why is she visiting? Then there is the mysterious tall figure lumbering in front of Will's car. All of these events are not explained until later but the help build the tension. Louise Millar the author gradually builds up this tension bit by bit until Hannah starts to question her sanity, and then it explodes into action.

This is not your normal murder mystery thriller, but is does have murder, mystery and it thrills.

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Sting of the Drone by Richard A. Clarke

Sting of the Drone by Richard A. Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We have all seen the news footage of the strikes against the terrorist Taliban but don't really know much more. Richard A Clarke brings a thrilling and frightening clarity to the drone operations of the US Government. He details the fight against the terrorists in many guises, and how the programme has to continually evolve to stay ahead of the continually evolving terror groups. Using his extensive knowledge the author leads us through the policy, the procedures and reality of operating remotely controlled aircraft to eliminate terrorists, including the collateral damage and it's control. The kill decisions in Washington are explained and and the flight operations located in Nevada carry out the orders. The Al Qaeda group is now using contractors like the terrorist criminal cartels like the Qazzanis giving the story it's thread,

This is not a normal fictional thriller because of the depth of detail provided but it is a compelling and exciting read that does not try to preach any opinion, it is left for you to decide on.

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Dire Wolf by Eric Jubb

Dire Wolf: a Novel by Eric Jubb
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With the main character John Johnston having virtually the same name as myself how could I not review it. Sadly I don't live up to the heroics of the Afghan veteran who retires from the army back to his family's home in Montana. Beset by tragedy John starts to build a new life, when his young brother is attacked by wolves. John decides he must track and kill the wolves responsible to allow his brother to eradicate his trauma. Over time the body count of the wolves starts to climb and with the help of university professor Doctor Beth Wall, they decide the wolves are genetic mutants from the medieval past. The hunt is now on weather allowing.

This is a good adventure which is written in the first person, and in some places the language is very naive, but it does not really affect the story telling. The book also describes some of the problems war veterans have in readjusting to civilian life, and war wounds. Not exactly my normal thriller read but good none the less.

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Zero Alternative by Luca Pesaro

Zero Alternative by Luca Pesaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The general view is that finance is boring and for sad people, however Luca Pesaro has given us a brilliantly different one. Starting with a tough day on the trading floor of an investment bank, Scott Walker is drawn into a web of deceit, murder, revenge and sex. These are the classic elements of a great thriller and Zero Alternative does not disappoint. Most of us have suffered losses from the 2008 finance market disasters but here the author takes it on to the next level. Walker's friend DM has developed predictive software that will rock the markets and the race is on to get possession by any means.

If you like a fast paced action thriller that is easy to read and does not try to lecture you on the subject matter, then this is a book for you.

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The Eye by Bill Pronzini & John Lutz

The Eye: A Novel of Suspense by Bill Pronzini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very good detective suspense novel situated in New York. Unlike other novels we know the identity of the killer from the start, and the suspense is created by the chase to find him before the body count gets to high. The killer Lewis Collier is obviously a crazy who believes he is acting out Gods justice and cannot be caught. He spys on his victims from the other side of the Hudson River using his telescope "the eye of God". The authors flip from one character to another as they build the story, but cleverly tell you each time they change character so it is easy to keep track. E.L. Oxman is the main detective assigned to solve the case. Can he find the killer before he himself is in danger?

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The Last Chameleon by James North

The Last Chameleon by James North
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As the second novel in the Vanguard series my expectations were high, unfortunately James North has missed a great opportunity to deliver a worthy follow on story. The storyline is an excellent idea but the book has not quite delivered the exciting thriller to the standard of Deep Deception. Vanguard a secret organisation formed after the ending of the Cold War, is tracking down illegal nuclear supplies to Iran and North Korea and deploys Caroline Dupre on her first important mission. I think this is where it goes wrong, the lead character does very little for the mission until late in the day, with all the detective work and heroics being completed by others in the organisation - the lead character needs to do this. It is still a good book with the author getting hold of current issues, highlighting the problems in the world today driven by power and greed.

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The Remaining by D. J. Molles

The Remaining by D.J. Molles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lee Harden a Captain in the US Army has an unusual job, he waits in isolation for something to happen. Part of the Hometown project Lee must stay in his protected bunker when catastrophe threatens the US. A plague ravages across America and Lee along with Tango his dog is living underground for thirty days before he can emerge to carry out his mission. The plague is turning the population into zombie like creatures intent on killing any normal humans they spot. As Lee finds out fulfilling his mission criteria is not going to be easy.

The Remaining is the first part of a series by DJ Molles and if the subsequent books are as scary, thrilling and compelling to read he has a winner. The author's description of the events is very believable and therefore scary. As a fan of The Walking Dead TV show I can draw some similarities but thats all it is, the storyline is clear it is all about survival in a new world and trying to establish a new society. I look forward to reading the follow on books in the series and recommend it to any The Walking Dead fans. 

You can view my blogs on The Walking Dead just follow the links

The Walking Dead - Season 4
The Walking Dead - Mid Season Break

The Walking Dead - Season 4 Finale

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The Killing Season by Mason Cross

The Killing Season by Mason Cross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Chicago sniper one of the most notorious of serial killers, has just escaped from custody on the way to his execution. The hunt for this vicious killer is on and the FBI call in Carter Blake for help. This start had all the hallmarks of an exciting fast paced thriller, I was not disappointed. Set only over a few days the action is very intense but compulsive reading. It is what it seems, a manhunt, but it has more making it even more thrilling. Carter Blake is not the only hero in the story, he is teamed with special agent Elaine Banner of the FBI. Together they track the killer Caleb Wardell to try and capture him before the body count increases.

Mason Cross has written an excellent first novel, I have no hesitation in recommending it, and look forward to the next Carter Blake story.

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The Accident by Chris Pavone

The Accident by Chris Pavone
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This story started well enough setting out a decent plot however, that is where the the disappointment and frustration set in. I have not read a book like this for a long time, abruptly flitting about from character to character and present to past. This for me was very disjointed and did not make for an enjoyable read. It is also very disheartening as the storyline is actually very good with some good twists, but the entertainment is destroyed by the writing style.

Isabel Reed is a literary agent presented with a manuscript from an anonymous author. The author has written a revealing account of the life of a media mogul who appears to have friends who will go to extremes to prevent the publication of the book. Who will win the day and what is the truth is such hard work to find out it does not get my recommendation.

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The Double Silence by Mari Jungstedt

The Double Silence by Mari Jungstedt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It is a shame that some things just don't live up to the billing. This is the case here! the author makes you wait for a third of the book before anything actually happens to let it make the thriller/mystery category. You might also think that during that time you would get some information that you could use later on in the book, but no it is just useless padding. That aside the remaining two thirds of the book are okay, and a reasonable crime thriller is told. Three murders take place during the holiday of a tight group of friends on the island of Faro in Sweden. A festival celebrating the film director Ingmar Bergman is attended by the holidaymakers when the killing starts. Anders Knutas is the local police detective who along with his colleague have to unravel the mystery of who done it.

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Lethal Metal by Harry Ledowsky

Lethal Metal by Harry Ledowsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the northern Russian port of Murmansk in 2000, this is a story of the after effects of the decline of the Soviet navy. Murmansk is now home to the Northern fleet of the Russian navy, and has become a dumping ground of Soviet naval hardware no longer in use, including the radioactive waste products from all the ship reactors from the Cold War days. Some young children playing in the woods are contaminated and are seriously ill. What follows is the investigation by a local hospital doctor and friends to find and clear the waste responsible, unaware they are dragging themselves deeper and deeper into the world of illegal arms dealers, terrorists and local mafia. The author Harry Ledowsky cleverly builds up the tension page by page revealing clever twists and turns of this very good thriller. He also uses this story line to graphically describe the outfall from the breakup of the Soviet Union, highlighting how the military hardware and even the waste is up for sale to highest bidder fuelling betrayal and corruption.

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#coldwar #ledowsky #kursk #soviet

Runner by Patrick Lee

Runner by Patrick Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sam Dryden is out jogging minding his own business when a young girl bumps into him. This accidental meeting with Rachel is the start of a roller coaster ride to escape the clutches of corporations after the next big bucks. They are pursued by very determined groups of people who seem to have no limits to the resource they can use. As Sam is ex special forces, his skills come in very useful as he helps Rachel who has lost her memory, but does have some tricks of her own.

Patrick Lee has written a fast paced and thrilling story which I found very easy to read with no convoluted language, no unnecessary history or lectures, just excellent story telling. I recommend you don't miss it.

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Rooms To Die For by Jean Harrington

Rooms to Die for by Jean Harrington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like a good thriller that isn't too convoluted and easy reading but moves on well. This murder happened in a mall occupied by shops that are for the discerning interior designer and customer. What follows is an entertaining investigation by an interior designer called Deva and her Police boyfriend Rossi. This seems to be a tried and tested formula but it works really well with other characters portrayed sympathetically and believably, and yet with humour. I was a bit at a loss as to some of the designer brands and materials as it was set in America, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.

Reviewed by Felicity

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The Farm by Tom Rob Smith

The Farm by Tom Rob Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The synopsis of this book excited me but in the end I was a little disappointed and as a result only rated it at three stars, instead of four. Had the author provided more hooks a third of the way through, I would not have hesitated to award four. In the end I had to work hard to stay the course to receive the reward at the end. The style is mostly narration which in itself was a little tedious however the storyline was excellent.

Daniel's parents retired to his mothers homeland Sweden, buying a small farm in an isolated location in the rural south. The idea of setting up a guest house to generate income never got off the ground, as Daniel found out following Tilda's call announcing her arrival at Heathrow. With mixed messages from both his parents Daniel has to unravel the truth of his mother's illness.

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Grand Cru Heist by Jean Pierre Alaux & Noël Balen

Grand Cru Heist by Jean-Pierre Alaux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the first wine detective story, Treachery in Bordeaux and enjoyed the brief foray into the world of wine. Grand Cru Heist is no different. The main character Benjamin Cooker is unique as ever, but ever so slightly annoying. The plot is a simple one and the setting is well suited for this, anything more complex would not work as well.

Car jacked in Paris the wine expert is drawn into a search for stolen vintage wine and the solving of a double murder. Cooker is helped in his investigation by his assistant Virgile. Throughout the story you given a lesson on French wines and regions, which is interesting but could be minimised? Overall a good book to pass a few hours.

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The Culling by Robert Johnson

The Culling by Robert Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The title tells all but what is doesn't say is the magnitude of problem facing the human race. This is expertly described within the storyline by Robert Johnson. With the worldwide population increasing beyond comprehension Dr Carl Sims of the CDC finds himself at the centre of a plot to dramatically reduce the planet's populace, to allow it to recover from the decades of over exploitation and pollution. Carl's father had originally highlighted the problem by establishing population clocks in major cities but to date no one had really taken any notice. Will this plot succeed and how will it shape the future of the world.

The author has written an exciting thriller, which is for most of the time fast moving and entertaining, albeit with some dire visions of what could happen.

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Shadows of Death by Jeanne M. Dams

Shadows of Death by Jeanne M. Dams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This my first Dorothy Martin mystery and may well be my last. I have stretched the rating to 3 stars, but to be very honest I struggled to stay the course. Written in the first person it is an unusual read, styled like a Miss Marple type mystery, and very slow pace with minimal excitment. Dorothy and her husband retired policeman Alan Nesbit travel to the Orkneys on holiday and get involved in a mysterious death. The whole story is set against the background of the islands neolithic history. The story is okay but lacks any real punch, dwelling too much on their dog Watson. The dog has no relevance that merits the attention given, although it does seek out two clues during the investigation. In summary I have been generous with 3 stars, but believe it will suit some readers looking for a mystery without thrills - not my choice.

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Paths of Courage by Mike Woodhams

Paths of Courage by Mike Woodhams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Looking for good fashioned espionage based action thriller, look no further. This story starts with action and does not stop until the conclusion, my type of book - pure entertainment. Omega team, an elite British black operations unit led by Frank Ryder, is given the task of tracking a deadly virus and retrieving a vaccine. To do this he has help from Grace Seymour a scientist from Porton Down. Whilst Omega are tracking the virus, the latest British hunter killer submarine is looking for a rogue Russian Delta sub. Are the two linked?

Mike Woodhams has to be congratulated for a superb book, like a 007 movie in type.

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The Defections by Hannah Michell

The Defections by Hannah Michell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not normally my genre, but attracted by the subject matter I decided to curb my need for thrills. As the title suggests the story is about defections, north Koreans going south, but primarily it describes the relationship of Mia, a British embassy translator obsessed with an attractive married diplomat named Thomas. To set up and layout the background of this story takes so long, that only a third remains when you start to get some real action. In this build up we are given an insight into the lives of not only Koreans affected by the division of the country, but also of the diplomats stationed there. With a lot of questions from her childhood unanswered it has left her as an outsider in her own family. Mia tries to overcome this by becoming totally absorbed in her ambition to better herself. Will she succeed in getting the answers she wants?

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