Hobby Stash » Crime/Detective

Death in Holy Orders by P.D. James

Linda — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:16:34 +0000

I have always enjoyed P.D. James’ novels as they are reminiscent of the Sherlock Holmes’ genre of crime/detective novels. But Death in Holy Orders was a bit of a disappointment for me. There were quite a few plot sidetracks that I felt did nothing for the novel….almost like a soap opera. And I had a real problem with a priest convicted of child molestation being portrayed as the victim.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Linda — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:51:25 +0000

Plain and simple, Love You More is a page turner. The story alternates between the perspectives of Tessa Leone, the state trooper accused of killing her husband and daughter, and D.D. Warren, the Boston PD detective tasked with solving the case. I enjoyed the technique used to change the reader’s perception of guilt or innocence as the story unraveled. At times it was a bit over the top but so well told, it didn’t matter.

Rating: ★★★★★

Fever Dream by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Linda — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:49:19 +0000

Let me say first off Fever Dream is not a realistic crime detective novel. Realism aside, it is action-packed with an intricate, intertwined plot. Agent Pendergast discovers his wife’s death of 12 years ago was not an accident and sets out to solve her murder. I was hooked at the start with the flashback back to her death. Pendergast is an ends-justifies-the-means kind of agent which lends to the dangerous situations that occur to him and anyone with him on the case. Despite the “no way” moments encountered, the plot’s twists and turns kept me hooked right up to the end.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Killer View by Ridley Pearson

Linda — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:14:46 +0000

This second novel in Pearson’s new Walt Fleming series leaves me feeling about the same as I did with the first novel…unsure I want to continue with this series. Domestic terrorism, which seems to be on the rise in our country these days, is the basis for the plot. Unfortunately, there were points where I was so squeemish with the graphic descriptions of violence, I was tempted to stop reading. And the characters are still flat. In summary, I miss Lou Boldt.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Linda — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:39:31 +0000

Cemetery Dance was a ripping good, escape-from-realism yarn. I loved how it all came together in the end with semi-plausible explanations for totally implausible events. Once you get past the total lack of professionalism on the part of the police force as well as the FBI, it’s quite enjoyable. But if you can’t make that leap, this book might not be one for you. I, for one, was clueless until almost the end on the culprit responsible.

Rating: ★★★★☆

In The Dark by Brian Freeman

Linda — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:42:52 +0000

Interestingly Freeman’s fourth novel has two titles: In The Dark for the U.S version and The Watcher for the U.K. version. Personally I prefer the U.S. title…more mysterious. This fourth novel in the Jonathan Stride series continues intertwining an unsolved mystery from his high school years with a current peeping Tom case he is trying to solve. I actually managed to figure out the older murder before the killer was revealed but still surprised by some of the various details that unfolded. Enjoyable as always but I couldn’t help thinking Stride sure has a lot secrets in his closet as well as his friends and just about anyone he meets. Not sure I’d want to live in the same town with him.

Rating: ★★★★☆

First Degree by David Rosenfelt

Linda — Sun, 17 May 2009 10:55:12 +0000

Who dun-nit with a comedic twist…and second in Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. Carpenter, an irreverent wise cracking lawyer, whose dry wit makes me chuckle out loud, is tasked with saving his girl friend, Laurie, who is being framed for murder.

Rating: ★★★★½

The Falls by Ian Rankin

Linda — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:37:16 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed this British mystery featuring Edinburgh police detective John Rebus, who works to solve the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy banking family. The Falls is Rankin’s thirteenth novel featuring detective Rebus and I plan to delve into those past novels. Rankin’s classic mystery style reminds of a dark version of the old Agatha Christie who dunnit series. Nice.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson

Linda — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:06:11 +0000

I have mixed emotions about Killer Weekend. It’s the start of a new series for Pearson. The novel begins with a flashback to eight years earlier when rookie patrolman Walt Fleming saves the life of Attorney General Elizabeth Shaler. Returning to present day, now a sheriff, Fleming is tasked with helping to protect Shaler, who’s about to announce her candidacy for president. The novel is relatively fast paced and certainly action packed. But, with the exception of Fleming, character development was minimal and I’m hoping the next in the series, Killer View, will do a better job of fleshing them out. All in all a good read but my vote is still out on the series.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

Linda — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:00:43 +0000

Harry Bosch takes on a supporting role in this novel as Michael Holler, an L.A. attorney, serves as the main character. Connelly intertwines the two characters beautifully and this novel is his usual “can’t put it down” read. It delves into the fallacies of our legal system while incorporating the usual who dunnit plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of the two characters together in future novels.

Rating: ★★★★½