Cartwheel: A Novel by Jennifer DuBois

Cartwheel: A Novel by Jennifer Dubois
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I have concluded that my book selection swayed by the PR was totally wrong. This is not the type of novel that I enjoy or even find interesting. Having read other reviews now I would still have made the same mistake. Jennifer DuBois must be very pleased with the feedback from readers but unfortunately I am not one of them. This book mysteriously forced me through to its end, whilst just giving me crumbs of hope that it may just turn the corner, and provide some excitement and entertainment.

Cartwheel was an odd name for this book and until this was explained, you could be forgiven for linking to the speed of an old wooden cart. The writing style may suit a lot of people who scan and don't actually read all the words, as it is crowded with a great excess of text that perhaps adds only a little to characters and atmosphere, but nothing for the overall story - it could have forty percent shorter and would have moved along more quickly.

Other reviewers have suggested Cartwheel is based on, or inspired by the Amanda Knox story, to me that sounds about right, as here we are several years on and we still don't know for sure who killed the victim. The characters painted by the author were all very troubled, in particular Sebastian who was a great irritation whilst reading, his language forcing you to stop and ponder what was actually said. This character could have been easily used to spice up the plot creating some exciting diversions for the reader.

If like me you like a fast paced exciting thriller my recommendation is give this a pass.

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Border Angels by Anthony Quinn

Border Angels by Anthony Quinn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Starting off well with all the intrigue of the comings and goings of a brothel, this novel for me just petered out. It did not maintain my interest to the end, nor did it reward me with a good ending, everything was a bit flat. It is okay, but don't expect any thrills or exciting action, it is not there.
The main character Celius Daly strikes me as one of the most incompetent police inspectors I have read. He doesn't seem to get the picture of the crime he is meant to solve, and in this episode he is diverted by his own circumstances. Set in the borderlands of Northern Ireland it does however paint a good picture of the economic downturn, and the problems created by an increasing immigrant population.
I would set this low in your priorities to read.

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Paradigm by Helen Stringer

Paradigm by Helen Stringer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

With the world devastated by wars and economic collapse, Sam Cooper in his faithful GTO tours the Wild Lands with his friend Nathan eking a living from selling household appliances. This all changes when they are attacked and meet New Zealander Alma.

Imagine Mad Max in a world where the cities are largely run by a single computer, almost big brother, this is how the world has changed and where Sam has to work out how to save himself from a fate worse than death. Very good book gives it all a plausible feel which is essential for a good Sci Fi.

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Kennedy Imperative ( Berlin ) by Leon Berger

The Kennedy Imperative by Leon Berger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A political spy thriller set in 1960's Berlin, CIA agent Phillip Marsden is caught in the middle of a political stand off, whilst trying to get some answers to his own family issues. The author has cleverly woven historical fact with fiction to present a glimpse of the life in Berlin when the wall was erected, and an brief insight into the Cold War as seen from the Kennedy White House.

Those were dangerous days during the Cold War and Leon Berger has clearly shown how fragile political and international relationships were. This backdrop to the spy element of the story adds all the necessary tension and drama required to make a very good novel.

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Perfect People - Peter James

Perfect People by Peter James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Child parent relationships are always very emotive subjects, but add in a bit of Sci Fi as in Logan's Run, mix it with current affairs in the way of religious mania and you get this riveting novel.

This the first book of Peter James I have read and I am very impressed by the way he has taken a tragedy from everyday life and turned out this highly recommended story. The main characters are secondary to the great storyline, they are there to provide the glue for the story and could be swapped out for a new set and still have the same impact.

The Klaesson family suffers tragedy with the loss of their son to a rare genetic borne condition. Seeking to avoid this happening again they buy the services of a controversial scientist who claims he can eradicate the problem genes from their next child. I cannot describe any more as I don't want to spoil your enjoyment

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In the Company of Wolves by James Michael Larranaga

In the Company of Wolves by James Michael Larranaga
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quin Lighthorn starts his new internship at Safe Haven, a company buying life insurance policies. This is a tale of lies and corruption and fraud from start to finish, with its murders, drugs and alcohol thrown in. It may have been written some time ago, but I am very glad the author decided to let us read it. As it is full of lies, deception and drug induced hallucinations, you are kept on your toes till the end with the outcome never certain.

The author must be congratulated for a very well executed novel, very easy and compelling read. The analogy with wolves which runs through the story is clever and cements the "Indian" theme in place. My only question is, as it took twelve years for this to publish, will we ever see book two?

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No Way Out - A Karen Vail Novel by Alan Jacobson

No Way Out by Alan Jacobson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very good action thriller with all the normal fight scenes, car chases and James Bond type action. Good story line of CIA/FBI/MI5 operatives saving Britain from a terrorist attack. The main character Karen Vail I believe has been overworked as to me she was very unlikeable, gobby, know it all, with ego to match. She could have been toned down a little to make her acceptance with her peers more believable. Written for an American audience the author added various references to the differences between English and American English, one or two of these changes in language use is fine and makes the point, overuse makes them irritating, as does calling police cars "cruisers" .

The story was told at a fast pace with action in every chapter. This is the kind of story ideal for making into a movie, however I not sure Karen Vail would have the same appeal as James Bond. Although I have some misgivings the book is very enjoyable and therefore meets my criteria for recommendation.

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