Review : The Devil's Bones by Jefferson Bass

Title : The Devil's Bones Author : Jefferson Bass Reading Dates : 3 Nov - 8 Nov 2012 Total Pages :309
The Body Farm Carved in Bone Flesh and Bone The Devil's Bones Bones of Betrayal The Bone Thief The Bone Yard The Inquisitor's Key
From Amazon : A woman's charred body has been found inside a burned car atop a hill in Knoxville. Forensic anthropologist Bill Brockton is on the case, torching bodies to research how fire consumes flesh and bone. Days later, he receives a mysterious package - a set of cremated remains that seems entirely unreal. As Brockton investigates, he uncovers a truth too horrifying to believe Meanwhile, disgraced medical examiner, and Brockton's nemesis, Garland Hamilton, has escaped from custody. A deadly game of cat and mouse begins, with Brockton's life at stake. Finally running Hamilton to ground, Brockton finds only the incinerated remains of his enemy, or does he? Before he finds the truth, Brockton will face his ultimate test.

Book Review of The Devil's Bones.

Of the 3 Body Farm mysteries by Jefferson Bass that I’ve read, The Devil’s Bones is probably my favorite. Which is not saying much, considering the reason I prefer it to the others. Its not so much the story or characters which I like, as the description of Miranda’s reconstruction of a skull that I enjoy.

Watching a skull reconstruction on television isn’t as satisfying as reading about it. At least, this was the feeling I got while reading The Devil’s Bones. On television, its like watching a jigsaw puzzle coming together. While you know its more than that, the knowledge is something more on the periphery. Reading about it though, the expertise and skill involved is inescapable.

Apart from that though, the story wasn’t much to talk about. In fact, I have complaints regarding the storyline and pacing. The plot seems to meander quite a number of times. This is most likely due to the fact that Dr. Bill Brockton is investigating more than 1 case at once and the author can’t seem to decide which should be the focus of the story. Then, there are moments when the characters actions seem to contradict each other. One moment, we have people running crazily to escort Bill Brockton to safety when an enemy of his escapes incarceration. The next, we have him going happily off on his own without anyone showing more than a modicum of concern for his safety.

All in all, I think this ends my experiment with The Body Farm thriller series.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Not really.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? No.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Thriller or mystery readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

Review : The Bone Thief by Jefferson Bass

Title : The Bone Thief Author : Jefferson Bass Reading Dates : 30 Sep - 5 Oct 2012 Total Pages :385
The Body Farm Carved in Bone Flesh and Bone The Devil's Bones Bones of Betrayal The Bone Thief The Bone Yard The Inquisitor's Key
From Amazon : Dr. Bill Brockton has been called in on a seemingly routine case, to exhume a body and obtain a bone sample for a DNA paternity test. But when the coffin is opened, Brockton and his colleagues, including his graduate assistant Miranda Lovelady, are stunned to see that the corpse has been horribly violated. Brockton’s initial shock gives way to astonishment as he uncovers a flourishing and lucrative black market in body parts. At the center of this ghoulish empire is a daring and prosperous grave robber. Soon Brockton finds himself drawn into the dangerous enterprise when the FBI recruits him to bring down the postmortem chop shop—using corpses from the Body Farm as bait in an undercover sting operation. As Brockton struggles to play the unscrupulous role the FBI asks of him, his friend and colleague medical examiner Eddie Garcia faces a devastating injury that could end his career. Exposed to a near-lethal dose of radioactivity, Dr. Garcia has lost most of his right hand and his entire left hand. Out of options, he embarks on a desperate quest: both of his ravaged hands will be severed at the wrist and replaced with those from a cadaver. But unless suitable ones are found soon, the opportunity will be lost. As Brockton delves deep into the clandestine trade, he is faced with an agonizing choice: Is he willing to risk an FBI investigation—and his own principles—to help his friend? Will he be able to live with himself if he crosses that line? Will he be able to live with himself if he doesn’t? And as the criminal case and the medical crisis converge, a pair of simpler questions arise: Will Dr. Garcia survive—and will Brockton?

Book Review of The Bone Thief.

The Bone Thief was a better read than the Bones of Betrayal. While what Dr. Bill Brockton does most of the time still doesn’t jibe with what I had thought the job of a forensic anthropologist to be, these seemed more incidental than intentional.

While it strikes me as strange that all these people want to involve the protagonist in what should be their job, at least this seems more plausible than what happened in Bones of Betrayal. It is still too coincidental for my tastes but I suppose it is within the realm of possibility that he would be consulted in anything with a scientific bent or the handling of bodies.

Bill Brockton also seems to have grown on me although I find him too straight-laced at times. There are limits to being nice. Wrongly handled, and characters can come off as boring. More than once, I was irritated by his reaction to the situations he finds himself in, a situation he should have expected in the first place.

What I had a hard time swallowing was his relationship with his assistant, Miranda. When she learns that she had misunderstood his earlier actions, there doesn’t seem to be any bitterness on his part. Even if he had knowingly caused the situation, I find it impossible to believe that he didn’t feel even the slightest bit of hurt or angered that she could so easily believe him to be a criminal. I would have expected some recriminations. Not a lot, but at least something.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? No.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Not really, not unless I could get the books on discounted prices.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Crime fiction readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

Review : Bones of Betrayal by Jefferson Bass

Title : Bones of Betrayal Author : Jefferson Bass Reading Dates : 24 Sep - 30 Sep 2012 Total Pages :319
The Body Farm Carved in Bone Flesh and Bone The Devil's Bones Bones of Betrayal The Bone Thief The Bone Yard The Inquisitor's Key
From Amazon : Dr. Bill Brockton is in the middle of a nuclear-terrorism disaster drill when he receives an urgent call from the nearby town of Oak Ridge—better known as Atomic City, home of the Bomb, and the key site for the Manhattan Project during World War II. Although more than sixty years have passed, could repercussions from that dangerous time still be felt today? With his graduate assistant Miranda Lovelady, Brockton hastens to the death scene, where they find a body frozen facedown in a swimming pool behind a historic, crumbling hotel. The forensic detectives identify the victim as Dr. Leonard Novak, a renowned physicist and designer of a plutonium reactor integral to the Manhattan Project. They also discover that he didn't drown: he died from a searing dose of radioactivity. As that same peril threatens the medical examiner and even Miranda, Brockton enlists the help of a beautiful, enigmatic librarian to peel back the layers of Novak's life to the secret at its core. The physicist's house and personal life yield few clues beyond a faded roll of undeveloped film, but everything changes when Brockton chances upon Novak's ninety-year-old ex-wife, Beatrice. Charming and utterly unreliable, she takes him on a trip back into Oak Ridge's wartime past, deep into the shadows of the nuclear race where things were not quite as they seemed. As Beatrice drifts between lucidity and dementia, Brockton wonders if her stories are fact or fancy, history or myth. But he knows one thing—that she holds the key to a mystery that is becoming increasingly labyrinthine. For as the radiation count steadily rises, and the race to find the truth intensifies, the old woman's tales hint at something far darker and more complex than the forensic anthropologist himself could have ever imagined.

Book Review of Bones of Betrayal.

I picked up Bones of Betrayal and The Bone Thief both because I needed to fulfill one of my reading challenges and also because the books came at a discount. I’d like to say I was pleasantly surprised by Bones of Betrayal but the book just left me confused as to what a forensic anthropologist does.

I had the idea that it would be something akin to what Dr. Temperance Bones of the Bones series does but without the more exciting bits. Bones of Betrayal though had me wondering when would the science begin because it seemed that Dr. Bill Brockton’s job has more in common with that of police detectives. More than once, I was left wondering why is he the one doing the investigating and being approached by those with information to offer. And when would he start doing more than talk to other people.

Story-wise, the crime seems to solve itself with the victims and perpetrators conveniently offering up evidence as the tale unfolds. Except for some parts at the beginning and end, there didn’t seem to be much scientific work involved.

So, while I didn’t dislike the story, I didn’t like it either. Bones of Betrayal simply leaves me confused and wondering as to what the protagonist’s role is supposed to be.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? No.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Maybe.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Crime fiction readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012

Review : Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

Title : Only Time Will Tell Author : Jeffrey Archer Reading Dates : 25 Aug - 31 Aug 2012 Total Pages : 450
The Clifton Chronicles Only Time Will Tell The Sins of the Father
From Amazon : From the internationally bestselling author of Kane and Abel and A Prisoner of Birth comes Only Time Will Tell, the first in an ambitious new series that tells the story of one family across generations, across oceans, from heartbreak to triumph. The epic tale of Harry Clifton’s life begins in 1920, with the words “I was told that my father was killed in the war.” A dock worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father, but he learns about life on the docks from his uncle, who expects Harry to join him at the shipyard once he’s left school. But then an unexpected gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, and his life will never be the same again. As he enters into adulthood, Harry finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question, was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore who spent his whole life on the docks, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line? This introductory novel in Archer’s ambitious series The Clifton Chronicles includes a cast of colorful characters and takes us from the ravages of the Great War to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Harry must decide whether to take up a place at Oxford or join the navy and go to war with Hitler’s Germany. From the docks of working-class England to the bustling streets of 1940 New York City, Only Time Will Tell takes readers on a journey through to future volumes, which will bring to life one hundred years of recent history to reveal a family story that neither the reader nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.

Book Review of Only Time Will Tell.

I enjoyed Only Time Will Tell. It reminded me a lot of my favourite book by Jeffrey Archer, Kane and Abel. While it isn’t as good, it does come close.

What I enjoyed about Only Time Will Tell is the characters that populate the story and how Jeffrey Archer sets about entwining their lives together. The characters in Only Time Will Tell aren’t saints but they make it easy to believe that goodness in itself puts them in a class of their own regardless of their station in life. I couldn’t help liking Harry and his extended family, all of whom never hesitate in making hard choices in order to give their loved ones a brighter future than they had.

The other interesting part about Only Time Will Tell is how the author reveals the facts surrounding Harry Clifton’s father’s death. By telling the story from the different characters viewpoints, only we the reader become privy to the entire tale. And even then, I get the feeling that there’s more to the story to come. After all, they each have a part of the puzzle and not all of them have had a chance to tell it yet.

Even so, while I enjoyed Only Time Will Tell and there is a cliffhanger ending, I didn’t end the story with a burning desire to read the next book. I supposed it is because the first book in The Clifton Chronicles gives off the vibe that nothing truly bad could ever happen to the good guys. That no matter what adversity Harry may face, he and his loved ones will triumph in the end.

A lovely read to pass the time.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but I can wait.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Probably not.
• Who would I recommend this too? Fiction readers looking for a feel good read.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

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Challenges : 2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge; Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012

Review : Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Treachery in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 25 Oct - 27 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : After her boss, Lieutenant Eve Dallas, suggests that New York policewoman Delia Peabody’s footwork needs some work, Delia books some time in the gym for what almost becomes a “killer” workout. Rather than visit NYPD’s brand-new, state-of-the-art exercise facilities, Peabody opts for the building’s old gym, since fewer of her well-toned, light-on-their-feet co-workers will be there. Upon arriving, Peabody has the place to herself until she hears voices and realizes that she’s listening to two cops angrily arguing about a deal in which they are both involved. Fortunately, the two leave before they realize Delia has overheard them. Not only does Peabody know the name of one of the corrupt cops, she also knows they are both guilty of murder. Now it will be up to Peabody and Eve to take these crooked cops down. The thirty-second (!) entry in Robb’s gritty, futuristic procedural series is one of the best yet: a sexy, high-stakes, high-adrenaline read that will delight series stalwarts, hook readers new to Eve Dallas, and please both mystery and romance readers. --John Charles

Book Review of Treachery In Death.

Treachery In Death was another memorable In Death book. Immediately after finishing it, I had a hankering to re-read some of the In Death books.

What makes this one stand out for me, is that Eve not only knows who she’s up against right from the start but has to set a trap to find the evidence she needs without the opponent getting wind of it. There’s no doubt that she will but how Eve and her team goes about laying the groundwork for it certainly makes for some very tension-filled reading. Especially, at the end, when everything comes together.

The other is that Renee Oberman is the opposite of what Eve holds most dear about her job as a police officer. And as in any Nora Roberts book, this represents plenty of emotionally charged moments. Even if it does get a bit cliched at times, I still couldn’t help being drawn in.

The other typical element is of course the humour. The conversations between Eve and her team is as usual filled with plenty of funny moments, even in the midst of death.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yup, it's already on my wish list.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Read another review on the book by :

• About Happy Books
• Under the Boardwalk

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge

Review : Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Fantasy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 19 Nov - 1 Dec 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas must discover who's preying on those who cater to the rich and famous in the new novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.

Book Review of Indulgence In Death.

Indulgence In Death was another disappointment for me.
Mainly, this is because I felt the story lacked any emotional punch. Supposedly, Eve and her colleagues are outraged and disgusted by the selfishness of it all. And this leads to the show of solidarity and teamwork to close the case at the end. The only problem is those feelings seem to be merely surface ones and neither their words or actions quite translate to me, the reader. So, the entire story just felt flat and 2-dimensional.
This was too bad because I felt the storyline here had potential. This could have been another memorable case in the series but it simply is not. The only reason I’ll be picking this up again is because it makes up part of the series. Still, I would not have sensed the lack even if I’d skipped Indulgence in Death.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but mostly because it makes up a part of the In Death series.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but again because I'm a fan of the series rather than the book itself.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? In Death fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it if you're looking to complete the series. Else, borrow it.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Fantasy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 13 Nov - 19 Nov 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : The game started with a murder. Now, it's Eve Dallas's move. It is the most puzzling case Eve Dallas has ever faced: the founder of the computer gaming giant U-Play is found decapitated in his locked, private playroom. And now Eve and her team are about to enter the next level of police work, in a world where fantasy is the ultimate seduction-and the price of defeat is death...

Book Review of Fantasy In Death.

Fantasy In Death unfortunately falls short of my expectations. Not only in the mystery department but especially in terms of the story’s ability to pull the reader in.

One of In Death’s major plus points is how the cases brings home certain points, thus tugging at reader’s heartstrings. Here, however neither the victim nor the mystery seems to matter. And it wasn’t until the very end where I actually felt something for the characters in the tale. Probably because the human aspect of the story seems to have been drowned out by the science.

As for the mystery itself, I think it’s not difficult to guess where things are heading. Right from the start, I knew how the deed could have been accomplished and it just took a bit longer to identify the culprit and have it confirmed.

This definitely doesn’t meet the usual standards I have for the series.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Probably, but mostly because it makes up a part of the In Death series.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but again because I'm a fan of the series rather than the book itself.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? In Death fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it if you're looking to complete the series. Else, borrow it.

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Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Judgement in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Judgement in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 30 Oct - 31 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : When a cop killer cuts loose in a club called Purgatory, Detective Eve Dallas descends into an underground criminal hell.

Book Review of Judgement In Death.

Judgement in Death is memorable because it is one of those rare cases where both the readers and Eve are sympathetic to the killer. It is a kind of vindication of Eve’s dedication not just to her badge but to the rule of law because she never hesitates in pursuing justice. Yet, Eve is not without mercy. She does make a concession to the murderer’s feelings at the end.

Other than that, Judgement in Death expands on her relationship with another recurring character, Don Webster. Eve’s relationship with Webster is often difficult as she seems to despise what he does even if she respects the person. Their arguments often strike me as funny since Eve would be as quick to condemn a corrupt police officer but condemns Webster’s job.

This is definitely one of reasons I continue to read the series.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes, but not soon.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, although not in order.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Conspiracy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 29 Oct - 30 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : Streetwise cop Eve Dallas and her trusty sidekick Peabody face a methodical killer in this latest addition to the In Death series by J.D. Robb, better known as the bestselling author Nora Roberts. In the late 21st century, on the streets of New York City, a street sleeper is found murdered, his diseased heart removed with surgical precision. His death would typically drop to the bottom of a list of senseless and inexplicable killings, but Lieutenant Dallas, who "would stand for the dead and the living," is not about to let that happen. When her research uncovers similar crimes in several cities that were dropped under mysterious circumstances, Dallas knows she's facing a killer cruel enough to prey on the weakest in society and powerful enough to conspire an extensive coverup. To complicate matters further, Dallas faces an equally troubling threat to her career when she's linked to the death of a fellow cop. Now she must fight to restore her good name as well as track down the killer. In Conspiracy in Death, Roberts creates a futuristic world of evil that Eve Dallas negotiates through tough talk and brute force. While Robb crafts the crimes with great care, she assumes a familiarity with the characters that new readers will lack. But fans of the In Death series and newcomers alike will enjoy the thrill of the chase as Eve Dallas sets out to get her man. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Book Review of Conspiracy In Death.

Conspiracy in Death emphasizes how important are Eve’s symbols to her. This is one of the few times we see Eve really break and it was heart wrenching the first time I read it. This time round though, it was more intriguing because I couldn’t help wondering why she would break. No doubt her symbols are important but surely she realizes as a police officer the necessity of it. After all, she’s done the same to fellow officers in the name of duty. An interesting conundrum. The other intriguing part of this is how she deals with what happened and the steps she takes to keep in the loop. Eve seemed to constantly make things harder on herself by not listening to sound advice from friends and colleagues. Also, now that her job is at risk, she’s certainly more amenable to bending her rules.

The other reason I picked this up was because here’s another book where Eve’s clique of trusted aides and friends expand. It’s always fun to read again how and why each connected.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes, but not soon.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, although not in order.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb

Title : Ceremony in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 28 Oct - 29 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death
From Amazon : Eve Dallas is conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow officer-but every clue brings her closer to the most seductive form of evil.

Book Review of Ceremony In Death.

The reason why I re-read Ceremony in Death is because I thought it would make a nice contrast to Treachery in Death. This particular In Death book has always fascinated me because here Eve makes what I’d always believed to be a line she would never cross for anyone, with Roarke as an exception, and yet she does. I think most readers would sympathize and understand the choice here but how Eve can make this choice without any qualms at all is a source of constant speculation for me.

The other is actually the introduction of Jamie. While he’s nowhere near as important as any of the other supporting or recurring characters of the series, I like how he and Eve deal with each other in this one. In the course of her cases and also within her expanding circle of friends Eve has had to deal with other children and teenagers. But I’ve always thought that the dynamics of Eve and Jamie’s relationship a special one because here’s a young boy she can actually relate to without any of her usual hang-ups and whom she even respects.

As for the case itself, apart from its venturing into the realms of the occult, the rest is actually pretty clear-cut right from the start. Even without Eve’s investigation results, most readers would probably be able to guess where things are heading. It would still be pretty interesting reading for a first time reader.

Other than that though, it’s the humour and the relationships Eve and Roarke forms with other people as the story progresses that keeps me coming back to the In Death series.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Probably, but not soon.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes. although maybe not in order.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge

Review : Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts

Title : Blue Smoke Author : Nora Roberts Reading Dates : 29 Jun - 2 Jul 2011
From goodreads :
The blaze that night at her family's pizzeria changed young Reena Hale's life. Neighbors and relatives would help the Hales rebuild. The Baltimore authorities would arrest the arsonist responsible. But as Reena beheld the fire's brutal beauty and destructive power, her destiny began to take shape. She would understand and master its terrible force-and one day become an investigator herself. But she is not the only one fascinated by the flames. Someone else sees their power-and is obsessed not with conquering the fire but with controlling it, owning it, using it to exact vicious revenge . . . When Reena finally joins the arson unit, her strength and wits are constantly tested-although sometimes the job seems like a snap compared to her love life. But she can't always blame the men-after all, a soot-caked woman barking orders and smelling of smoke isn't the biggest turn-on in the world. Then she meets Bo Goodnight, who seems different. He's been trying to find Reena for years, and now that she is close enough to touch, he has no intention of letting go. Nor does the man who has begun to haunt Reena's life-with taunting phone calls and a string of horrifying crimes. And as Reena tries desperately to trace the origins-of the calls, the fires, the hatred aimed in her direction-she will step into the worst inferno she has ever faced. From the incomparable Nora Roberts, Blue Smoke is a tale of gut-level fear, human triumph, and the bonds that carry us through our darkest times.

Book Review of Blue Smoke.
It’s been some time since I read a Nora Roberts book, so I thought I’d re-read one of my favourites by the author, which just happened to be Blue Smoke this time.

There are a few reasons I like Blue Smoke. The same reasons which applies to all the Nora Roberts romances that I like. Her main characters almost always clicks. Its a rare thing for me to find her couples not absolutely perfect for each other. And more than half the enjoyment in reading her books comes from watching the hero and heroine figure that out. No matter how many times I re-read them, it’s always a treat.

The other reason is the recurring emphasis on family. In this case, that would be Reena’s big, loud and protective ones. I love how they’re always there for each other. Yet, like any real family, they have their ups and downs too.

The only negative here is the case that Reena is working on. I must admit that apart from the first time that I read this one, I’ve mostly skimmed those parts in all subsequent re-reads. The arson investigation simply isn’t as interesting once you know the story.

Still, Blue Smoke is one of my comfort reads. One of those books that I might pick up when I’m feeling blue and looking for something to cheer me up.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes. I've done so a few times.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series if there were one? Probably.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
• Who would I recommend this too? Romance fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Third Girl by Agatha Christie

Title : Third Girl Author : Agatha Christie Reading Dates : 25 Jun - 28 Jun 2011
Explore other Hercule Poirot books here.
From Amazon :
Three young women share a London flat. The first is a coolly efficient secretary. The second is an artist. The third interrupts Hercule Poirot’s breakfast confessing that she is a murderer—and then promptly disappears. Slowly, Poirot learns of the rumors surrounding the mysterious third girl, her family, and her disappearance. Yet hard evidence is needed before the great detective can pronounce her guilty, innocent, or insane.…

Book Review of Third Girl.
Third Girl was an okay read but I’m still not sure I want to read more Hercule Poirot stories.

When it comes to my reading, I know that I enjoy the stories better when I like the main characters or at least find them interesting. This is doubly so whenever I’m following a series. After all, would you read a series of books featuring a character you disliked ? And that’s my problem with Hercule Poirot. I’ve found that what is meant in fun and his signature trait, rather annoying. It doesn’t affect the story in the least, but I kept feeling impatient whenever Poirot’s vanities are played up. So, I’m not exactly sure that I want to continue reading them.

On the other hand, the cases themselves are interesting. I had a good time trying to dissect the problem in Third Girl. Although I figured out half the puzzle early on, there were still plenty of surprises waiting for me at the end. Even better, the solution includes a resolution I was wishing for.

Overall, an enjoyable read but one I’d enjoy more with less emphasis on Poirot’s eccentricities.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but probably not in a good long while.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Possibly.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? No.
• Who would I recommend this too? Suspense or Agatha Christie fans.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.

Books alluded to :

In My Mailbox

Teaser Tuesdays

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge, What's in a Name Challenge 4

Review : Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie

Title : Partners in Crime Author : Agatha Christie Reading Dates : 19 Jun - 25 Jun 2011
Tommy & Tuppence
The books in the series include : The Secret Adversary Partners in Crime N or M? By the Pricking of My Thumbs Postern of Fate
From goodreads :
Tommy and Tuppence Beresford adopt the methods and manners of every major literary detective from Hercule Poirot to Sherlock Holmes to piece together an increasingly complex series of delightfully different-and deadly-misdeeds.

Book Review of Partners in Crime.
Partners in Crime was another fun read, although I did approach it with a bit of trepidation. I’ve only read 3 other Agatha Christie books, all Hercule Poirot mysteries, which unfortunately I did not enjoy as much as I wanted to. In any case, Tommy & Tuppence seems to have hit the spot for me.

The Beresfords are fun, both as a couple and in their endeavours to solve the mysteries they encounter. Neither takes themselves too seriously and enjoy life and cases so much, that you can’t help but share the same feelings. After this book, I definitely want to read more about Tommy & Tuppence.

The only cases which were a bit of a let-down for me was The Unbreakable Alibi, The Ambassador’s Boots and The Man Who Was No. 16. All 3 had such obvious and typical solutions which I spotted immediately at the beginning that it just did not do the rest of the cases justice. The others though often presented interesting twists, especially The Case of the Missing Lady. I would never have imagined that resolution no matter what.

One thing else I learned from the book is how woefully ignorant I am of the mystery or suspense genre. The stories here are supposed to be spoofs of other fictional detectives, but the only ones I actually recognized by name was Sherlock Holmes and Poirot. Partners in Crime definitely has me curious about the detectives now though.

All in all, a fun read, but I’m guessing fans of the genre would be a better judge.

My conclusions :

• Would I re-read the book ? Yes.
• Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Definitely. I'm already planning to buy other books in the same series.
• Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Maybe not. I'd be satisfied if I could borrow it occasionally.
• Who would I recommend this too? Fans of suspense fiction.
• For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Mystery fans should buy this. Other readers would enjoy this too, but borrowing the book should be sufficient.

Read another review on the book or other related links of interested :

• Agatha Christie
• Mystery Files
• Paperback Dolls

Books alluded to :

In My Mailbox

Teaser Tuesdays

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge