mystery

Book Review: The Lightning Thief

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The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1
by Rick Riordan

My rating: 4.5 / 5
Genre: Middle grade fantasy adventure

Percy Jackson has always had issues, but then his algebra teacher attacks him and he accidentally kills her, and his dyslexia isn’t the biggest problem in his life anymore. It turns out that he is a half-blood, meaning the son of a Greek god, and now monsters are going to periodically try to kill him. And to top it all off, he’s accused of stealing Zeus’s master lightening bolt. What’s a half-blood to do?

This is one of those series that I’ve heard of for years, but was never really on my radar. But my now-15-year-old daughter read it and loved it and ended up convincing me to read it. It was a fun read! Percy is a pretty sympathetic young hero, with dyslexia and ADHD and a whole lot of catching up to do when he finds out about his parentage. Though he’s not completely ignorant, as he’s been learning about Green mythology all his life. I also really liked Grover, and though Annabeth was sort of meh to me at first, she grew on me too. Of course there are bullies, both inside and outside of the “special” world, but it’s nice to see Percy able to fight back in some way. Some of the minor wins he had along the way in general made me cheer. 

The chapter titles are sometimes hilarious (ch 1: “I Accidentally Vaporize My Algebra Teacher”), sometimes intriguing, and sometimes a little dull, but overall, getting to the end of a chapter and seeing what the next would would be added a little thrill to the reading. And right off the bat, the incident with the teacher drew me in and made me so excited to know more! I don’t have much more than a sketchy knowledge of Greek mythology, so I wasn’t able to figure anything out that wasn’t explained in the story. On the other hand, I did correctly guess how the main part of the prophecy Percy receives would play out. It didn’t bother me to figure it out in advance, though. It just made sense.

There were two main downsides for me, one being just the nature of Greek mythology that comes into play so heavily in this book. Apparently it’s common for them to sleep around and either impregnate women or, in the case of the female gods, get pregnant themselves, only to abandon the baby and his/her mother/father. All through the centuries. I mean…it’s just kind of skeevy to me. The other downside was the motivation for the bad guy and his minion(s). It’s a bit cliché. But I suppose it might be pretty apt given who the main bad guy is. Plus, this book is written for kids around 10-13, so it probably won’t be particularly cliché for them yet. And both of these together only meant a half-star detraction, because the book was overall a lot of fun and excitement with a hint of much more to come. I recommend this to pre-teens and young teens (and it would be a good one for more reluctant readers, I think, especially boys), but really anyone who enjoys younger audience fantasy and adventure would probably like it.

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Book Review: The K Team

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The K Team
Book #1
by David Rosenfelt
read by Fred Berman

My rating: 3 / 5
Genre: Mystery

The newly formed K Team consists of two former cops—Corey Douglas & Laurie Collins, super-human investigator Marcus Clark, and Corey’s former K-9 partner Simon. When they’re hired by a judge to find out who’s attempting to blackmail him, things quickly turn sticky and then downright dangerous.

It’s no secret how much I love the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt, so I knew I had to check out this spin-off when I got to the point in the series when it came up. The story has its merits with a conspiracy similar to those that are the norm in the Carpenter series and an overall interesting case. But sadly, Corey Douglas (the main character) is no Andy Carpenter and Fred Berman (the narrator) is no Grover Gardner. I realize that’s a little unfair to say, at least regarding the narrator, but Grover Gardner has spoiled me, so it is what it is. Andy actually appears in this book several times, and Fred Berman’s voice for him made me cringe hard the first time or two I heard it. I got used to it by the end, but wow. And the MC is pretty bland compared to Andy’s wit and sarcasm. Every once in while, Corey will make a snarky or sarcastic remark in the narration, but I certainly don’t expect Corey to be Andy (because otherwise, what’s the point of the spin-off?). But that means Corey needs his own kind of personality, and so far, I’m not seeing much. Maybe this will develop in future books, though so far there are only a few, and I have no idea if Rosenfelt plans to keep going with this spin-off, or if it just didn’t quite reach its potential. If you’ve read and enjoyed some of the main series and wonder whether you should read this book, the answer is yes, because a major development related to the main series actually does happen in this book. Major. My jaw dropped, seriously. If you haven’t read any of the main series, don’t start here. But definitely do start on the Andy Carpenter series if you’re interested.

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Book Review: A Sea View Christmas

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A Sea View Christmas
An On Devonshire Shores novella
by Julie Klassen

My rating: 3 / 5
Genre: Christian historical romance, Christmas fiction

Spoiler notice: The following review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series, starting with The Sisters of Sea View.

Sarah Summers is beginning to regret her rejection of Callum Henshall, even while part of her knows that she can’t marry and leave the boarding house her family runs behind. While she struggles with her indecision, the family prepares to host a series of holiday events at their boarding house.

After reading the main On Devonshire Shores series, I was glad to know that Sarah, who is at least a partial main character in each of the other books (I’m pretty sure I’m remembering that right) would be finally getting her happily ever after here. What I wasn’t expecting was the slow, light romance that half of the book focused on regarding the youngest Summers sister, Georgiana, who is 17 in this book and has caught the attention of an old friend. The sad thing is that I was more interested in Georgiana’s plot arc, even though it was pretty clear by the end it wasn’t meant to be the main one. Sarah’s arc, on the other hand, really bogged the story down for me. I think someone just needed to yell at her sooner and tell her that she wasn’t in control of everything. Then the story could have been a little shorter. It’s actually on the long side for a novella, at least I think so…maybe it just felt longer? Apparently at this time in history, there were something like fifteen parties throughout the Christmas season. I don’t know how everyone didn’t go broke trying to celebrate. I suppose I’m exaggerating, but it did feel like a lot of parties really close together. On the other hand, half of the fun of the book was reading about some of the festivities, especially the odd role-playing game on Twelfth Night

The book was atmospheric and a nice one to read during the Christmas season, but overall, I can’t say I enjoyed it as much as I hoped to. Based on past experience, though, I have good reason to believe that most fans of Regency-era Christian romance will enjoy this book and the series before it. Unlike the other series like this that Klassen wrote, and the Christmas-themed follow-up novella to that one, I don’t really recommend that you read this novella as a stand-alone. Sarah and Callum’s story starts in the first book in the series, and I think you’d lose something by not having read it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of this book to review.

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Book Review: A Scheming in Parliament

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A Scheming in Parliament
Of Cloaks & Daggers #2
by Erica Vetsch

My rating: 5 / 5
Genre: Christian historical mystery

After spending years cultivating his reputation as a drunkard amongst the peerage, Sir Bertrand Thorndike, agent for the crown, has been given a mission that requires him to go straight so he can be presentable as he takes his new seat in Parliament. Meanwhile, the Eleos school, run in part by Philippa Cashel, a former courtesan who now attempts to help other women in a similar position, seems to have become a destination for injured or sick women before they’ve barely gotten themselves set up. Philippa and Bertie have to work together when the dirt Bertie is trying to uncover in Parliament ends up colliding with Philippa’s work.

I just love the way Vetsch weaves her stories, and this one is no exception. Philippa has terrible history, but she allows it to inform her present and future and help others who are going through what she did or worse. And Bertie’s completely unassuming yet protective nature is exactly the right foil for Philippa. The slow development of their relationship is one of my favorite kinds, and while they learn to lean on each other, there’s the terrible secret in Parliament to ferret out. Bertie is capable yet just clumsy enough to be endearing, and Philippa adds her own skills to the team. I really enjoy this twosome.

My favorite Vetsch character may have had a smaller role in this book, but that just means that the others get to shine more. And there’s still plenty of Marcus Haverly, so it’s all good. I’m really looking forward to the culmination of this trilogy. I highly recommend this book for fans of this genre and time period, whether you like romance or not, because there is some, but it’s not the focus of the book. But keep in mind that this book is the second in a trilogy. They each have their own main plot, but there’s enough that carries over from the previous book that it’s better to start with A Thieving at Carlton House. Of course, I would really recommend starting at the beginning for the full, rich experience, but diving in here is fine, too.

Note: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but my opinions are my own.

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Book Review: Muzzled

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Muzzled
Andy Carpenter #21
by David Rosenfelt
read by Grover Gardner

My rating: 4.5 / 5
Genre: Mystery

When a fellow dog helper brings a conundrum to defense attorney Andy Carpenter, an ensuing sequence of events ruins his attempt at retirement when he ends up defending a man of murdering two people and faking his own death in a boat explosion.

As much as I enjoy the formula in this series, it’s nice to see it turned on its head now and then, and that happens big time in this book. Andy’s wit and snark is still wonderfully intact, as is his team of investigators and the tendency toward conspiracies in this series. The story overall isn’t a stand-out, and the main bad guy (at least the one we are aware of the most) doesn’t have quite the dangerous feel I’m used to. I think that’s because he actually doesn’t show up much. But there definitely still is danger, and Marcus’s services are fully warranted. In fact, Marcus has an incredibly rare special moment in this book! Grover Gardner continues to portray Andy perfectly. If it’s not clear, I recommend this book (especially the audio) for fans of mystery, crime fiction, and courtroom dramas, as well as the books that precede it in the series (and probably all that follow it, but I’m still working my way through).

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Book Review: And to All a Good Bite

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And to All a Good Bite
Andy Carpenter #32
by David Rosenfelt
read by Grover Gardner

My rating: 5 / 5
Genre: Mystery

When a man who once saved a puppy from a burning building is arrested for murder a year later, defense attorney Andy Carpenter is a little less reluctant than usual to take his case. A man who can save a dog’s life can’t possibly want to harm a human, right? This case takes Andy into another area that is foreign to him—high end art.

I may have sounded a little snarky in my synopsis, but really, sometimes Andy’s belief in a client’s virtue simply due to how they treat dogs makes me roll my eyes. Still, that doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book (maybe because I’ve gotten so used to the crazy amounts of dog love in this series). I always enjoy Andy’s team, and I liked seeing the inclusion of Corey, a former K-9 cop that is one of the major characters in the spin-off series, The K Team, which I haven’t read yet but plan to start soon. I really liked the angle of Nazi-stolen art in this story, which I felt was a fresh and interesting area to explore for this series. And the conspiracy, though twisty as always, comes together really well in the end.

Andy sarcasm in this book reminded me of why I love these books, and overall, this one ranks up there for me in this series. I don’t know how much longer the series will go on, but it’s good to know that Rosenfelt still brings an enjoyable story 32 books in. And Grover Gardner continues to portray Andy perfectly. If it’s not clear, I recommend this book (especially the audio) for fans of mystery, crime fiction, and courtroom dramas, as well as the books that precede it in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me a copy of this book to review.

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Book Review: The Final Gambit

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The Final Gambit
The Inheritance Games #3
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

My rating: 4 / 5
Genre: YA mystery, romance

Spoiler notice: The following review may contain some spoilers for the previous books in the series, starting with The Inheritance Games.

Avery Kylie Grambs is now only weeks away from inheriting the huge estate left to her by a stranger, but not only does she still have to live at Hawthorne House for the rest of that time in order to inherit, she has to survive. When a stranger shows up asking for help, Avery Kylie Grambs may not trust her, but she can’t stop the Hawthorne brothers from forming their own opinions—opinions which may or may not lead to destruction. A very risky gamble.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the first 2 books in the series, but I pressed on for my daughter, who considers this one of her favorite books series ever. That is mostly because I was not a fan of the love triangle/romance angle in the first 2 books, which was based way more on physical attraction than I prefer and involved Avery Kylie Grambs toying with the hearts of 2 brothers. In the first couple of books, I assumed Avery Kylie Grambs was going to end up with Grayson Davenport Hawthorne, if only because of romance tropes I’m used to, so I was surprised that she “chose” Jameson Winchester Hawthorne by the end of book 2. I thought that would mean that there would be a lot more angsty romance stuff in this book, but fortunately, it wasn’t as bad as I expected (not that there wasn’t some, though, including weird flashbacks to a scene that I figured I must have forgotten in book 2 but turned out to not actually be in book 2 and eventually, after teasing us about it several times, was shown in its entirety in book 3). But that means that I was able to enjoy this third book more for the puzzles and investigation, which were always the main draw of this series for me.

Though this ended up being my favorite book of the series, I still didn’t love it, and that has a lot to do with the fact that I started to strongly dislike Avery Kylie Grambs in this book. And Grayson Davenport Hawthorne. Though I liked Jameson Winchester Hawthorne more, so I guess the brothers part evens out some. (I still think they’re all ridiculous though). Xander, who has been my favorite Hawthorne brother throughout the series, retains his place and actually has an arc in this book that was one of my favorite things about the series.

Here at the end of the main series, I have to say that I am not much of a fan of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’s style. Both her prose style and her overall plotting style. In my review of the previous book, I mentioned that we seem to get an answer for why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire estate to Avery Kylie Grambs, who was a complete stranger to him, making it a very risky gamble, but in the 2nd book, we’re given a different reason, but with half the book to go, we find out that that actually isn’t the reason either, and by the end, I didn’t know if any answers given in that book were “final” or not. Yeah, no, they’re not. It’s one thing to let a story or mystery stretch over 3 books, but it’s a whole other thing to give “fake” answers along the way that are discounted in the next book. I just do not care for that. As for her writing style, if you were at all confused or annoyed by my usage of full names throughout this review, then you understand my feelings. This is not the only time I’ve seen/heard full (either first and last or even first-middle-last) names used in what is supposed to be a romantic setting, and I’d heavily dispute whether there is actually any romance in that. But here, it’s used all through the story, including by the villain, and I’m sure that’s not supposed to be romantic. Even besides that, Barnes has a tendency toward repetition, with phrases, scenes, etc. Like “a very risky gamble” being overstated to death by the end of this book.

I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to continue with the series that follows this one or the bridge book. Part of me feels like it could be better, because the love triangle will be behind us and Avery is in them less, but part of me feels like it could be a waste of time if my other issues with these books persist. I’m interested in one of Barnes’s earlier series, so I may read some of that to see if I can handle reading her books outside of this trilogy. As for this book and series though, I think most people probably won’t be bothered by the same things as me and would enjoy this more than I did. But if you struggle with high-angst love triangles or a love triangle involving siblings (or the normalcy of people who barely know each other sleeping together, which I didn’t even get into in my review), you might want to pass on the story.

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Book Review: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

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Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Hercule Poirot #20
by Agatha Christie
read by Hugh Fraser

My rating: 3.5 / 5
Genre: Classic mystery

I think I’m starting to get burnt out on this series. I spend a lot of time while listening to these books guessing at reasons why each different character could be the murderer. But not using logic and reason within the story, rather I try to figure out which is the least likely or the one that will surprise the me the most, and then try to figure out how and why they might have done it. I’m usually wrong. I’m not sure if enough information is given to the reader to allow us to truly use logic and reason to pinpoint the killer, but even if it were, I’ve never been great at guessing mysteries correctly anyway. That said, I did have a correct guess about the killer in this book, but that’s partly because I’ve been waiting for this particular outcome for several books now.

I did like the overall mystery in the end, and Poirot is in fine form. I miss Hastings though. And I’m noticing more and more than he goes through several “possible” reveals before he gets to the final one, and by the time he gets to the final one, I’ve got mental whiplash. I think he’s telling us the truth, but that’s not it…then maybe it’s this, but no…it’s not. Because of the aforementioned waiting for this type of killer to come up, I know I’ll never forget the outcome of this book, but with others like that, I can’t really remember who ended up being the bad guy. In the end, I liked the book, but maybe I would’ve liked it more if I weren’t listening to them all so closely together. Still, I think this story is worth reading—or listening to the narration by Hugh Fraser, which is as great as ever.

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Book Review: Dachshund Through the Snow

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Dachshund Through the Snow
Andy Carpenter #20
by David Rosenfelt
read by Grover Gardner

My rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Mystery

When reluctant defense attorney Andy Carpenter’s wife Laurie gets caught up in the lives of a family where the husband/dad has been arrested for a cold-case murder, it’s no surprise that Andy ends up with a new client.

Is it weird that I could probably put the same basic synopsis at the front of every one of these reviews and repeat the same opinions on many of them, and yet, I still absolutely love this series? Some are better than average and some are worse than average, but it’s a formulaic series, so it’s difficult to think of anything new to say with each review. For this book, though, I can say that it was nice to have a less complex and widespread mystery. Not that there weren’t still quite a few players behind the scenes that caused me to get lost a little bit, but overall, I’d say this book was on the high side of average for the series. A solid addition to the series. I especially recommend the audiobook, because Grover Gardner’s narration is a huge part of why I never want to stop listening to this series.

This book also births a spin-off series (though it looks like it was a short-lived one), which I’ve known existed but never really known much about. Now I’ll have to be sure to get that a try too!

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Book Review: Appointment with Death

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Appointment with Death
Hercule Poirot #19
by Agatha Christie
read by Hugh Fraser

My rating: 3 / 5
Genre: Classic mystery

This was not my favorite Poirot, and I’m not sure I can pinpoint the reasons. It reminded me of some of the earlier books in the series that I didn’t like, in that it felt a little bloated. We’re given a ready-made cast of suspects, which of course made me look more carefully at everyone outside of that group. I’m not sure we’re given enough clues to figure it out for ourselves (though I suppose I can see some hints toward it when looking back). But then we’re sort of jerked around, all the way up through the reveal, with Poirot talking to someone as if they had done it, and then clarifying that it wasn’t them. I remember that happening in past books as well, and I couldn’t tell you who the murderer actually is in those books, because by the time they were revealed, I was a bit weary from explanation. The same thing happened here, and though I can remember the culprit right now, I’ve already had to remind myself that it wasn’t one of the fake-outs on the way to the real one. And yeah, just like one of the characters in this book pointed out, I don’t particularly appreciate Poirot’s hypocrisy in letting the culprit(s) go free in a previous book but insisting on justice in this case. Not that I think he should have let it go here, but that never really felt great about him doing so in the previous instance. I’m also not a fan of the “there’s not enough evidence to convict, so I’ll just get the murderer to kill him/herself” that happens too often in this series. Anyway, all of that combined to keep me from enjoying this book as much as I did previous ones. Though Hugh Fraser’s narration is still great.

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