Kevin

The last in the series, this book brings it to it's well known conclusion. Somehow, the timing didn't flow too well with the last part feeling somewhat rushed. However, if you've read the rest of the series, you will want to read this one.

Not the best Michael Connelly. A departure from his well loved characters and a trip into new territory just didn't quite work.

I've never read any Michael Morpurgo before and only picked this one up because the kids are starting to read them at school. I have to admit I was in floods of tears at least twice whilst reading this (even on my morning commute....)
If this is anything to go by I'm going to be reading a lot more of his work, though perhaps not so much in public.

Another great read in the series. A well constructed plot keeps you guessing throughout whilst there is still time to develop the central characters.

I have loved these books ever since I read The Brass Verdict, so went back to the beginning and am working my way through the whole series. This is another that doesn't disappoint.

Very readable. The author concentrated more on setting the historical backdrop than developing the plot so, as an historical novel it was fine but as a mystery / thriller, it was a little lacking.

Abismal

Another great instalment in the series.

Excellent. A perfectly paced historical adventure. Very enjoyable.

I was looking forward to reading this book but was ultimately left wanting. Although beautifully written, I never really connected with the characters and so, by the end of the book, didn't really care what happened to them.

This is the first Lee Child I've read and based on this, it will be my last.
An appalling and totally unrealistic plot. By half way through it was so obvious who the killer was, I read on, waiting for the twist that never came.
Frustrating and disappointing.

I have not read any Alice Sebold before and was a little concerned when I read some of the reviews as I started to read this book. However, as I read on I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the style of writing which, through a stream of consciousness, slowly revealed the protagonist's family history, building the picture of her mental state. I don't think we are ever meant to love or hate her but, ultimately, we do start to understand why she made the decisions she does. For me, this was an interesting treatment of a complex subject.

Although a rather obvious plot, this book contained all of the comic elements that you come to expect from Ben Elton. I prefer the style of his later works (such as the excellent Two Brothers) and, for me, this was more reminiscent of something by Douglas Adams but, even so, an enjoyable holiday read.

I really enjoyed the way in which the story was presented in two different time-frames but was ultimately underwhelmed by the ending. A great read but I felt that it lacked the explosive ending that would have lifted it to being a classic.

Bit of a confused book. The details of Stephen's life story were so sparse I never felt I got to understand much of the man and the ‘science' bits were so deep, I felt myself becoming lost very quickly. It is interesting how he so readily slips into a discussion of highly complex theories the way most people talk about their shopping and some of his humour does come through. A quick read so I'm glad I made the effort but probably won't again.

Not my cup of tea. Disappointing.

wow. Had no preconceptions about this book but absolutely loved it. Excellent characterisation and fantastic plot. Can't wait to get into the next instalment. Only question is do I buy the dvd or the book. ..?
Having received the whole set of books for Xmas I felt I had to start from scratch. Knowing the story made this even better than the first time.

The latest instalment in the continuing tale of Cato and Macro, I felt that this was a little slow to get started, with a little too much time spent dwelling on things that were ultimately irrelevant. Having said that, once things got moving, the story continued with the usual blood-thirsty ferocity of a Simon Scarrow novel.
If you're a fan of Cato and Macro, you have to read this. If you've not read any of the series yet, then you are missing out. I would suggest though that you don't start with this one.

Absolutely amazing. I loved this book. The writing was beautiful, constructing a story against a backdrop of some of the most horrific events in recent history. With numerous characters from different generations, the story is told from different time lines yet never loses direction or pace. Not the usual comedic romp you might expect from Ben Elton, the dignity with which he treats the characters leaves a lump in the back of the throat on more than one occasion. A masterpiece that I will definitely be reading again.

I don't get it. Am I missing something? I thought this was un-original, predictable and so poorly written I just couldn't finish. Gave up 1/3 of the way through. I got a free copy off Amazon and still think I paid too much...