Mary Tarry
Just not my thing - tried to skip over the graphic sex (BDSM), but it just got darker and darker.
DNF
Having loved many of LM's previous books, I was disappointed by this one. It was depressingly slow and the characters had few redeeming qualities.
Refreshing. Loved the portrayal of millennial/hipsters vs. sage veterans of the marketing industry. Loved the reformation of the grumpy neighbor.
I don't get this one. The book is so slow and the main character is unbelievably annoying and inconsistent. One minute, she is dismissing a very desirable man with firm willpower, and the next minute she is wobbling under pressure from her kid's babysitter. 500 pages (almost 16 hours in audio format) is just too long and detailed for my tastes. DNF
This is why I read!
I was skeptical about the structure of this book in the first few chapters, but grew to enjoy the puzzle of before and after stories. The characters were well developed. The author's knowledge of apraxia was impressive, but most of all, I loved the detailed courtroom dialogue.
This is an outstanding legal thriller!
BRILLIANT!
Having read hundreds of mysteries, this is the weirdest, most complicated book I have ever read. At moments, I considered giving up because the plot is so mind-bending it fatigued my brain.
On the whole, this book is a masterpiece, yet I probably wouldn't jump into another one by the same author for a year or so (until my poor little head recovers from this one).
Dugoni's best work!
This author tackled the subject of why God creates humans with “disfigurements” and how such a person might wrestle with his or her faith throughout life. One very flawed character is beautifully redeemed while others are not. The book captured our struggle to understand the incomprehensible (faith) without peddling commonplace platitudes about the God/man struggle.
For those of us who grew up in Northern California in the 70's, the book is an accurate throwback. The Candlestick moment was my favorite.
My favorite character was Sam's mother whose protective instincts are portrayed in a refreshingly positive light.
Very well-written and unpredictable. Excellent plot structure.
The book is a bit dark and contains one very explicit sex scene which is not my preference.
Outstanding quality of writing, but very dark and a bit graphic (especially the dream scenes).
Well-written thriller filled with many fascinating Supreme Court facts. The author handles political issues with fairness.
I found this one a bit tedious with hours of interrogation. Good plot, decent character development. Excellent narration.
Couldn't get past the second chapter before returning the book!
I do not know why this book is so highly rated when the writing is bad and the author tries to camouflage her lack of skill with sex and F-bombs.
Book inside book format was ok. I am willing to overlook the Agatha Christie mimicry, but the lack of likeable characters is my dealbreaker. Two stars because the Audible narrator has the most extraordinary voice.
I wouldn't recommend this book for the following reasons:
1) some characters are portrayed as very innocent, more victims of circumstances who had no understanding of consequences of bad behavior such as truancy and fighting
2) the book contains a significant amount of profanity (perhaps necessary since it is a true story)
3) the story is pretty depressing since it tries to tackle a sweeping variety of societal problems (poverty, drugs, gang violence, teen pregnancy, LGBT assaults)
4) there were a few mildly negative references to authorities (police, judges)
5) the actions of Richard are portrayed as a foolish prank or joke - he lit an unsuspecting stranger on fire in public - I call that arson and assault, but maybe that's just me
I did learn a lot about the “non-binary” community, so a couple stars for some helpful writing in those chapters.
I liked the Chet and Bernie novels a little better, but these are cute (and free on Hoopla). Appropriate for family car rides (clean except for an occasional, “ass” and “Oh my God” type language).
One of MC's posthumously published novels, this work is a precious gem and like all MC novels, leaves me not only entertained, but better educated.
Free on Hoopla.
Contains spoilers
DNF
Too much profanity for me. After a few chapters, I was in a depressed mood by the subject matter and I still couldn't see a plot forming. I know other people like to read books like this for the cathartic value, but it's not my thing.
I couldn't finish this one.
The beginning is fascinating, but the plot falls apart when the central conflict just feels too contrived. Two stars for an original premise.
Based on the description, I expected the commonplace criticisms of ICE agents. The author seems more interested in pulling back the curtain on intercity life in Detroit. Subjects like police shootings, voodoo and lesbianism are handled with a refreshing subtlety that appeals to the intellect and challenges the traditional American perspective on immigration.
WELL DONE!
(Best of Hoopla)
