A narrative told from 11 different voices, this was hard work. This hard work took away any enjoyment I may have been able to glean from this book. ItA narrative told from 11 different voices, this was hard work. This hard work took away any enjoyment I may have been able to glean from this book. It became monotonous and confusing; and I believe this is not what my reading should be like, or stand for. They are all similarly bland, grey, lacklustre and lacking.
The central theme on this, a murky but beguiling piece of water, where women have lost their lives should be interesting enough, but it was just murky and unappealing.
A woman with a psychic connection who swindled people for tarot readings etc, but was meant to be a true voice on these deaths, a lying tainted cop with a weak disposition, a sister who had lost her own sibling leaving a tortured neice behind - the same woman who did not return her now dead sister's phone calls, awful young blokes doing awful things do young women, an insipid spineless head teacher who completely lacked personality. Oh, and a pedophile teacher. Arghh! I don't think I should go on. Even the young female detective running away from her own troubles couldn't redeem this for me.
Lina, the niece, was probably the only likeable character in this busy, boring and basically dull book that dragged. Unfortunately this clearly wasn't for me. Added half star as this was not a badly written book, and rounded up to 2.
I love the little fillers that come our way in between our beloved series. This one was tiny, a little foray into the time when the Reacher family werI love the little fillers that come our way in between our beloved series. This one was tiny, a little foray into the time when the Reacher family were much younger, young Jack only 11 to be precise.
He was the same then as he is now. Could work out what needed to be done, how to collate what was needed to execute the necessary actions, and to follow it through with aplomb.
So young but so capable. He and his brother Joe, each with their strong points. Joe with the smarts, and Reacher with the physical capability to carry it through. There was one line which Jack referred to his older brother as knowing how to punch, and not physically being able? Or words to that effect.
Stan (Reacher senior) had the faith in his sons to do what needed to be done, making allowances and actually providing them with the materials they needed to solve a predicament they found themselves in. Relating to the military, and a school yard scrape.
Excellent peek into the earlier life of the Reacher clan, AWFULLY narrated by Kerry Shale. Jeff Harding is the ONLY narrator allowed near this series. Luckily Jack nmn Reacher and this entire concept can redeem this issue.
These are the books that drive you nuts! This was good on audio, as the awful, insipid, and completely unlikable characters were bought to life and weThese are the books that drive you nuts! This was good on audio, as the awful, insipid, and completely unlikable characters were bought to life and were in my face, even more so! The audio version had a quick interview as a bonus at the end, which was interesting. Another trivial matter for me, on this one, was having read an article on The Guardian, about this author some time back, about her career change from doctor to writer. An interesting woman.
Linda was the type of woman who I just wanted to wring her neck. She was so socially awkward, but more than this, she was just plain awful! The poor woman had no hope given her equally as awful mother, who’s greatest ambition in life was to sit by and watch things play out outside of her window; gossip was what fuelled her.
Linda has no hope really given a mother like this, and a lot of the story is her bouncing off of herself about ‘what mother would approve’ of. Linda is friendless, she will hold onto any shred or crumb of companionship, which all ends up being fantasy.
I'd never really needed a hiding place before, because my life has never had anything in it worth hiding.
When I was little I caught chicken pox, it was all mothers engineering. She sent me to play next door with a little boy who was covered in it hoping I'd get covered in it too and it worked. A couple of weeks later, they began to appear, furious little spots all over my body red and unhappy, demanding to be scratched. Mother was delighted. I was too once I realised it meant I'd have to stay off school. For once I had something to show for myself.
Her husband is awful, they have no life, no friends, no conversation. There was a scene in the pub where she asks him a question and he seems to wonder if she’s even talking to him. ‘Who me?’
She must find common ground with people, and this is through things like the television show Coronation Street and will use these talking points as the basis for her answers to police, as to what she was doing and when. She has no breadth of experience, and almost everything she utters is cringeworthy.
The mystery is a serial killer, the twist is good, but the characters are so so awful! Linda goes from a then and now perspective, and this unfolds very well. The voice of Linda is read well in audio, with the undertones of her character giving the reader an impression which may very well cloud their impression of her character in a strong way. Whether this is a good or bad thing I’m not sure, as this book did have me quite up and down, going from 4 stars to 3. I think the insipidness of the characters did it for me; the only shining star was Linda’s charity shop colleague. It was almost surprising that she was able to work at all!...more
Fan girl moment from this ol' girl when I secured one of the first holds on the audio version of this one. It's sad to realise I don't have many booksFan girl moment from this ol' girl when I secured one of the first holds on the audio version of this one. It's sad to realise I don't have many books left unread by Harlan Coben, I have a couple on my shelf that fit into this category.
Harlan Coben is my favourite author, and this book affirmed by delight and position of this important title. A quick pace, likeable characters, an over the top but not too much so plot, all delivered with that frenetic and comedic style I have become accustomed to with HC. No matter what the subject matter, whether it’s one of my favourite series or a standalone, I know it is he as I read along. I think it is the one liners, the barbs (boy are they razor sharp), the whip smart banter that seem to be a part of each of this author’s books.
Married couple David and Cheryl are floundering for many reasons, David has turned to the bottle and Cheryl is distanced from him, they are lying to each other and have lost their love. When their son is three he is found bludgeoned to death in this bed. Eventually blame lands on David, and he takes this, reminiscent of Lindy Chamberlain in Australia. Showing no emotion in court, therefore the judgement of the world falling heavily on his shoulders.
Imprisoned for life, refusing visitors and accepting his fate. Learning to defend himself, it seems he has survived thus far. Life turns sharply when David’s sister-in-law Rachel turns up unannounced. What she has to say will spur David to emerge from his languor and fight for his son and his freedom.
Much of this fell into place; but this did not matter. I was spurred on for David and Rachel to fight the good fight, turn the tables on the awful privileged rich folk and solve this heinous crime. David was a fighter who appeared to have given up, and his partner in crime Rachel was good value. I loved these characters, hated many of the others and did not have an affinity for Cheryl or the man she later married while David was in prison.
A worthy 5 HC stars. As I say he is my favourite author, but I don’t rate 5 usually. This one hit the mark and I loved the fun ride....more
This was a large book, large in so many ways. I chose the audio version; I’d have not been able to get through it otherwise as audio now is my main moThis was a large book, large in so many ways. I chose the audio version; I’d have not been able to get through it otherwise as audio now is my main mode of reading. May I say my first thought was listening to BD Wong – I was so excited, and I was pleasantly delighted it was a lovely experience. He was wonderful, as were all the narrators.
A hefty and layered book, spanning three centuries with characters retaining the same names. My mind was busily trying to make these characters have a connection, because that is the way my mind works. Peter, David and Charles reappeared in each story – in name only, there was no other tangible link. I did struggle with this.
All three stories were rich and vivid, scary and confronting. So serious; but at the heart are the ages old issues. We all want to feel love, safe, and secure in a home, a physical home and a cultural one. To have a family to nurture, and to be nurtured by.
What of us that do not fit at the top rung of society, or us that do not love those who society expects us to love. Or the common folk deigned not good enough to be worthy of safe accommodations, ample food rations, and safe and secure away from the many sources of threat.
I don’t love stories about Covid (not that this was not the particular theme), so I had portions of this story I liked more, such as 1993 New York, where AIDS was ravaging otherwise healthy men. I loved in particular one of the characters here, the best friend of one of the younger men who was ashamed of her background, feeling unworthy of entering a smart home for a dinner party. Making a beautiful hand-crafted gift for her best friend, for this friend to hide it away. It made me sad, as did her not feeling worthy. Though I was lifted by this section where gay men were openly able to marry, and to love with all their being.
To Paradise is a lyrical and complex narrative which must not be approached lightly. I was continually search for the tangible and would not recommend doing this. The writing is remarkable, the author is remarkable. I hesitate to compare this to A Little Life, but for whatever reason I do, it does not deliver as its predecessor for this reader, but I am certain this book has captured many hearts.
My quirky GR friend, who always writes from the heart sums up this story so well. Here is Jaidee’s review – /review/show... I can’t quite get my words so coherently!
I listened to this tome on the BorrowBox platform via my public library at 1.25 speed. I so recommend reading this book that way. ...more
Reacher, as always is in fine form. I love Jeff Harding’s narration and am yet to pick up a physical book from this series. This instalment starts witReacher, as always is in fine form. I love Jeff Harding’s narration and am yet to pick up a physical book from this series. This instalment starts with Reacher happening upon a female would be suicide bomber. I learned a lot from his observations of this woman on the subway in New York at 2am.
This book included characters such as Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and Rumsfeld.
Reacher doesn’t always get it right, but as in all my reading, it is the character study that interests me. I love the writing of Lee Child, and this book does not disappoint. As always, never a dull moment. Recommended reading.
Some guys kick cats, I keep walking.
(On Bin Laden) He was a long lanky streak of piss I could have reached up and snapped his scrawny neck any old time I wanted to Did you want to? (asked Reacher) You bet I did….
…I said, ‘suicide mission’. But it would have saved a lot of lives later. I nodded. Just like if Rumsfeld had stuck a shiv in Saddam.
Right there on the corner were four more guys waiting to talk to me. Similar types as before but not federal agents. Their suits were too expensive. The world is the same jungle all over, but New York is its purest distillation. What is useful elsewhere is vital in the big city. You see four guys bunched on a corner waiting for you, you either run like hell in the opposite direction without hesitation or you keep on walking without slowing down or speeding up or breaking stride. You look ahead with studied neutrality, you check their faces, you look away. Like you’re saying, is that all you got. Truth is it’s smarter to run, the best fight is the one you don’t have. But I’ve never claimed to be smart, just obstinate, and occasionally bad tempered.
In a befuddled state I heard my brother’s voice in my head. A line he liked to use as a kid. Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in his shoes, then when you start criticising them you’re a mile away and he’s got to run after you in his socks.
I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform via my public library, at 1.75 speed. Jeff Harding's voice suits this series perfectly. ...more
These both were very small fillers, with Reacher's involvement in the first almost non existent. They are easy for me to access via the library in theThese both were very small fillers, with Reacher's involvement in the first almost non existent. They are easy for me to access via the library in the audio format, which is fine because I want to read all titles in the series chronologically, which really isn't happening as I didn't know the first book directly preceded Gone Tomorrow by minutes.
The inbetweeners are not narrated by Phil Harding, which is very much our loss, so I definitely don't enjoy these as much as the regular books.
James Penney's New Identity- An ex veteran, sacked from his job, does something rash which I couldn't really see anyone in their right mind doing. Avoids the full wrath of the law where Reacher makes his appearance. This is an ok little story.
Guy Walks Into a Bar - Reacher is in full observation mode as always and sees a seedy event unfolding, and steps in to right the wrong.
An easy listen while I was doing chores, and I will be on to the next Reacher book very soon. I need to say that while not all of my Reacher ratings are 5⭐, 4⭐ reads for me are wonderful, so this 3⭐ rating here also isn't a bad thing.
My all time favourite author, Harlan Coben is the same, I don't always rate 5⭐. I'm never disappointed, there is always a sliding scale....more
Having loved this author’s previous work, I jumped at the chance to read this book. This was fluffy, it requires a lot of acceptance of unreal situatiHaving loved this author’s previous work, I jumped at the chance to read this book. This was fluffy, it requires a lot of acceptance of unreal situations occurring at all stages, and very light. I considered giving up at some stages, but as it was an audio read it was able to be finished quickly, and I did want to know how these quirky and thrown together group of women ended up.
Nisha is rich and successful, seeped in material desire and wanting to look good. Extremely snobby, judgemental, and mean. There was a background to her which possibly showed us why she was this way, but she was hard to take. Married to an awful scum bag wealthy for doing goodness knows what and travelling the world to partake in this ‘business’. She has an adolescent son who isn’t well, and he’s become collateral damage to this jet setting lifestyle. Poor kid.
Sam, such a hard worker, has the sexist boss from hell who undermines her, constantly rude and just awful. Her husband is suffering from depression and unable to work is leaving everything to her including financial, household and everything else. It’s really hard reading about his lack of anything toward his wife who works so hard.
A mix up at the gym transpires this story into the farcical, Sam takes Nisha’s bag by accident and this triggers events that draw these women together. Predominantly a pair of Louboutin shoes get taken, are used used (and for of course)) and go missing. It’s just quite surreal, really. Nisha ends up completely broke and penniless (the husband has cut her off completely. Awful stuff!). Nisha has to work (gasp) and learns a thing or two here.
Jasmine comes to the rescue while Nisha finds her feet, and thus and unlikely friendship/cat and mouse chase in the streets of London ensues. Each woman learns what is important and many life lessons are learned and cherished.
Most characters were not nice, the cook in the hotel where Jasmine and Nisha worked was thoughtful and measured, but it was all quite grey. Sam was very open to allowing herself to be trampled upon, and Nisha’s snootiness was awful. These characters did flourish but it was cringeworthy at times. My frustration was mounting and I wanted a cummupance for many!
Themes such as female friendships were heartwarming, but it was all very unreal and over the top. A middle of the road read for me. Disappointed I wasn’t captured like the author’s previous works.
2.5★, which is a generous rating.
I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform through my public library at 1.5 speed....more
I LOVE this series for good reason. I can escape into the craftily put together world of Reacher and Child. I read a lot of heavy and serious AustraliI LOVE this series for good reason. I can escape into the craftily put together world of Reacher and Child. I read a lot of heavy and serious Australian crime fiction, where there is a lot of bad done. There is always a lot of bad that Reacher stumbles upon, but he is uber smooth. Funny, dead pan, mocking. Always mocking the bad, and sometimes this is directed at himself, too. I don’t need bells and whistles with the Reacher series.
‘We don’t want you here.’ Reacher said, ‘You’re confusing me with someone who gives a shit what you want.’
‘No, I’m a man with a rule. People leave me alone. If they don’t, I don’t.’
The back to basics with this character, his NMI, the need for no belongings, the always available surplus or thrift store to enable his last-minute clothes purchases, all the while fitting his beautiful bulk.
The geography here, Hope and Despair, two desolate towns where Reacher hops over the bordering line so to speak, is full of corruption, greed and warped religious thinking. I love how he deals with the zealots, always with a cool crisp and clear come back. I can’t quote any here as I listen to this series, and it provides me such comic relief delivered by the talented Jeff Harding. This guy can put no foot wrong in my opinion, and I assume he will carry the series all the way through.
The unfortunate places Reacher finds himself in tell me the United States of America is full of so many bad places! But never fear, Reacher will always right some wrongs. The author details Reacher’s reasons and actions all the way through, a lot of this is ingenious and always brings a smile.
I noticed the romantic tension with this instalment’s lucky lady (don’t judge me) was not so chemistry fuelled , but I adore how Reacher used his wiles to dress down some workers at a repatriation facility for catastrophically injured veterans, and the way in which he made sure these soldiers were treated with the respect they deserved. What can Jack not do?
Can’t wait to continue with this series, I’ve read a little about the writing process the author takes via a short eBook, he is on a good thing. I have faith the series will be ok, even as the author steps away as after all, my reasons for reading this are for pure escape and fun times. Bring it on....more
This book sat languishing on my audio list for some time, so here I was finally listening. I had previously read Other People's Houses, which I enjoyeThis book sat languishing on my audio list for some time, so here I was finally listening. I had previously read Other People's Houses, which I enjoyed a lot more than this one.
Lindsay was desperate for a child. I found this desperation sweltering and off putting. Funnily enough, as many of my previous books have been, this protagonist is a teacher. I think this may have affected my enjoyment in some way, it is getting a little too much having so much similarity. Of course, this is not the author's issue but noticeably adjusting my enjoyment.
Her hopes are dashed when the long term partner leaves her, but quite happily for her she met someone else quickly; he was initially perfect. This really was too good to be true as the set up was manufactured by the private investigator Lindsay had arranged to cement what she needed to know about her cheating partner. When things are set up and manipulated of course dramas and mayhem will ensue, and this case serious lies and cover ups build up to a deadly crescendo.
I simply wasn't invested, reading only to finish to have the loose ends answered, and was able to speed up the audio for this purpose. I am sure many other readers enjoyed this more, I found it to be another run of the mill average thriller. I didn't gel with the characters and felt a superficiality.
I listened to this on the BorrowBox platform through my public library. ...more
Again, an Australian woman writer smashing it out of the park. A debut that does not hint at anything less than quality writing. I am lucky I have a fAgain, an Australian woman writer smashing it out of the park. A debut that does not hint at anything less than quality writing. I am lucky I have a father that will always give me good, solid recommendations. And he is lucky is lovely librarian gives him personal recommendations, too, all the way to placing the books onto his record, directly on to his request shelf. We both have a personal recommendation service!
This book is written by someone who has worked in the field, and this is what I love, as the content is reliable and close to the way things go in the real world. In this instance, the New South Wales justice system, which has been of interest to me lately as my daughter has just finished a criminology degree.
Again I read a debut that ends up being a series starter, that when I read it initially, there is no plan for a series. This will be a good one. Laura is a prison psychologist who hasn't had a good start, she lost her partner as a paramedic and after the trauma of that situation, she ditches that career for her current one. She may lack some smarts here, as she's not treated well by her soon to be ex-husband, and she seems to allow herself to be somewhat a victim of coersvie control. This then seems to set up up to be unreliable in the telling, and I enjoyed this aspect. Although I did want to shake some sense into her many times!
She becomes involved with an awful inmate, the charasmatic Justin Jones whose case is passed on to her when a colleague leaves early for maternity leave; there are many red flags for Laura as this man certainly is not the squeaky clean reformed man he appears to be. His file is marked for release and this just doesn't sit right with her.
No one will listen to Laura, apart from Sam, the quirky and quite eccentric prison guard Laura has befriended. She has gone to all levels of the sytem, to the Warden and her own direct boss. She is running against the clock and things become personal as her adolescent daughter gets dragged into the fray.
This is an interesting thriller, more enjoyable by being local to me, and with a smart but yet flawed woman in the lead.
I look forward to see more of Laura and her daughter; this was a tremendously written novel. Hats off, Mercedes Mercier....more
Another gory and completely off the wall visit into the troubled psyche of our (beloved?) Timothy Blake. Orphan/CIA assistant/cannibal/prosthesis wielAnother gory and completely off the wall visit into the troubled psyche of our (beloved?) Timothy Blake. Orphan/CIA assistant/cannibal/prosthesis wielding/nice bloke?
I'll give up my other arm. I'll never eat another person. I'll do anything. Just don't let Thistle be dead.
The trouble with this protagonist is that his appetite is deplorable, but his back story and psychological make up show us readers he has not had it easy. At all. To like or not to like?
He is rewarded with flesh for service, and this time is no different. Or is it? This time he is working along side Zara, his CIA offsider with problems/quirks/failings of her own. A body has turned up in a spacesuit in a NASA training location in Texas. I noticed there were many references to there being ‘anything can happen in Texas’ type of comments!
Timothy ends up undercover in a locked psych ward where he learns a thing or two, and us the reader also does about the inner workings of this conflicted man.
The plot was extremely convoluted, but written ever so well, and I very much enjoyed Timothy grow as a person and seeing Reese Thistle turn up again. Timothy is whip smart and self-deprecating, and Mr Heath equally so writing these amazingly original stories.
I enjoyed the acknowledgments where the author thanks every aspect of his readership and teams and he also appreciated the readers that shared their mental health journey along the way.
This author is so unique with his storytelling, this book is not straight up horror, it is funny and clever and warped in only the way Jack Heath can deliver. And a cliff hanger? Of course!...more
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