Mystery / Thriller
Plot: This story is fast-paced, very detailed, and packed with action. Saleh offers a fine blend of science and mystery to deliver an entertaining and smart narrative. The resolution is somewhat rushed, but this will only make readers eager for future installments.
Prose/Style: Saleh's writing style is clear, immediate, and cinematic. Readers will feel immediately immersed in the events as they unfold.
Originality: This story's science elements allow the work to stand apart. Though Leigh falling for one of her bodyguards is not surprising, the romantic choice she ultimately makes offers an intriguing twist.
Character Development/Execution: The characters are consistent throughout the story, and are provided with backstories that provide them depth and dimension.
Plot: The Jesuit Letter is a quick-paced mystery never lets up from the first scene to the last. This first installment in the series is a hero’s journey in a familiar Shakespearean setting in the sixteenth century. The mystery is steeped in broad themes of religion and politics of the time and is well-researched by the author. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, topped off by an ending that is sure to bring readers back time and again.
Prose/Style: The story is told in flashbacks with a formal tone, and has clear and intriguing descriptions of the time period and setting. Hamilton has balanced the nuances of the Elizabethan era with prose and vocabulary that is easy to follow and understand. Shakespearian fans will not be disappointed, yet fans of other genres will not find the writing intimidating.
Originality: Including characters who would have lived during the time period, like a young William Shakespeare, allows the setting and time period to feel authentic. Packaging the circumstances of the time, especially religion, politics and an action-packed mystery, is skillfully done.
Character Development/Execution: The main character is loyal and heroic, and brings out the best in other characters. Young William Shakespeare is a delightful character who not only highlights the setting but also makes the time period feel authentic, lending insight to what it might have been like to live during the time.
Plot: The locale is vivid and the main characters are empathetic; the overall theme of protecting rare and endangered wildlife, while not romanticizing or stereotyping Botswana, makes for a worthwhile read.
Prose/Style: The prose here is above average. The many details of landscape and indigenous species are especially vivid.
Originality: Many books are written about going on safari in parts of Africa, but this one also encompasses the theme of illegal poaching.
Character Development/Execution: The characters are, for the most part, multi-dimensional. The romance thread is not overplayed nor at the core of the mystery. This reader can clearly envision the majority of the characters portrayed here.
Plot: A wild romp to find a murderer has a little bit of everything: gore, fun, and humor. The narration and action have tension throughout as the characters are on an intense mission. The author and characters have a strong passion for the plan that is laid out. This sixth installment in this series with these characters stands alone even though the characters continue to change and evolve throughout the series.
Prose: Dramatic and fast paced, the author has used direct and forthright texting language--sure to appeal to a broad contemporary audience.
Originality: The unique writing style is risky, but largely succeeds. Mixing the informal tone with gore and intense action as well as humor, creates an interesting contrast for the reader.
Character/Execution: The main character is a force who is humorous and pulls the other characters along with her. Side characters are well-developed and interact with the protagonist in a manner that enhances her personality.
Plot: Dean’s novel is quickly paced and filled with intrigue as several mysteries begin to unfurl, which is tempered by a slow-burn romance. Despite the machinations of several opposing parties, An Embarrassment of Itches remains tightly plotted, each mystery coming to a satisfying conclusion.
Prose/Style: Protagonist Ginny Reese’s humor and personality shine through the first-person prose, bringing the tale wonderfully to life. Banter between characters and tenser dialogues involving characters at odds are particularly well-crafted.
Originality: An Embarrassment of Itches sucks the reader in from the very beginning, balancing the cozy, small-town atmosphere with an unsolved murder and plenty of intrigue and suspense.
Character Development/Execution: The inherently curious, confident veterinarian Ginny Reese is a force to be reckoned with, and a supporting cast full of both instantly likable and love-to-hate characters flesh out the small-town setting.
Blurb: A murder mystery unfolds in a small, cozy town filled with mystery and intrigue that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.
Plot: The Recruiter is an intriguing thriller that explores the ethics of big business and offers a multilayered narrative.
Prose/Style: Mukte has a plainspoken, even prose style that--while at times somewhat heavy in exposition--more than capably carries the story.
Originality: The text feels quite original, as readers most likely would not have encountered many novels with characters as seemingly fair-minded as Ori and his primary staff. The author seamlessly integrates social themes into the narrative, while maintaining tension and providing unexpected twists.
Character Development/Execution: Ori is an endearing and complex character. Additional characters are varied, nuanced, and well integrated; readers may rely on the character list to keep track of their roles within the intelligent storyline.
Plot: This conspiracy-laden book sometimes bites off more than it can chew. The plot is suspenseful but confusing, a postmodern espionage story that is as frustrating as it is exciting. It’s perfect for fans of thrillers who can appreciate a dose of heady philosophy.
Prose/Style: The prose would benefit from consistency — at times verbose, other times short, curt, and to-the-point. But there’s a certain appeal to Eglise’s style: despairing, artful, and precise.
Originality: The story follows a professional plagiarist unraveling a conspiracy while researching the spread of COVID-19 for two grad students. A novel concept — and a great blend of current events and suspense.
Character Development/Execution: Takis is a wholly original character, with an original profession and outlook. Because the plot is confusing, it can be difficult to keep track of if (and how) he changes throughout, but he’s likable and interesting enough to keep readers along for the ride.
The Chronicles of the Obscure Detective: Williams Joy Returns With a Brand New Collection!
by AMIR JOYRating: 8.00
Plot: Joy’s novel is very reminiscent of the tales of Sherlock Holmes, and will delight fans of the genre. This is an enjoyable collection of mysteries that are solved by a detective who closely studied Holmes and uses his methods to solve crimes.
Prose/Style: This work is written in Victorian English, and the author’s expertise in the craft is demonstrated as the language flows smoothly and quickly.
Originality: There are numerous works that are similar to Sherlock Holmes or spin-offs of Conan Doyle’s work. While the premise may not be particularly fresh, the mysteries themselves are unique and entertaining.
Character Development/Execution: The protagonist, Williams Joy, remains consistent throughout the whole story and does not exhibit much character growth or change.
Plot: The premise here is fascinating. The important but often overlooked role that Cuba played in World War II is a terrific backdrop for this work. While the story is engaging, it lacks the depth and context needed to fully flush out the global situation to give the reader better perspective.
Prose/Style: The writing here is solid, but at times is stilted and stiff. Descriptions of insignificant details are frequent and misguided. The author could place more focus on setting the stage for the reader who likely wasn't alive in 1942, explaining what was happening in the world and why Cuba was such a potential hot spot for the war.
Originality: This a highly original work on a more niche aspect of WWII.
Character Development/Execution: Because the author doesn't use a lot of description to set the stage for the work, the emphasis is placed on dialogue. Dialogue offers critical insight into a character, and the author effectively allows the reader to get to know the key players in the work.
Plot: Cockell's plot is electrifying and riveting. It clips along at high speed, with plenty of buildup and escalating tensions until the end. The conclusion is full of surprises that readers will not anticipate.
Prose/Style: Cockell's articulate prose adds appeal to the storyline, with crisp and effective dialogue. Eilert Weiss's voice is palpable and precise.
Originality: Readers will appreciate the classical thriller elements in Requiem for Noah, but the preternatural components are distinctive and remarkable in their novelty.
Character Development/Execution: Cockell's characters will appeal to readers through their dual representation of cruelty and beneficence. Eilert Weiss will draw readers in with his dogged insistence on justice, even in the midst of intense fear, and Noah Goodwyn is a paradox of good and evil paired with understandable angst.
Blurb: A creepy thriller that will jettison readers from one tense moment to the next, with satisfying shocks around every corner.
Plot: This fourth installment in the Detective Matt Jones series moves quickly and never slows down until a satisfying ending surprises the reader. The mystery is methodically solved, which makes it believable. The plot climaxes and unfolds at a steady rate that allows the reader to keep guessing about how it will end.
Prose/Style: With the implementation of the dialogue, the author maintains tension throughout the story by keeping the main character in situations where he is alone or meeting others in uncertain circumstances. Using an appropriate and relevant setting, the author has created a suspenseful tone throughout the book. The dialogue is fluid and intriguing.
Originality: Even though the book is the fourth in the series, it did not feel as though the reader needed to have read the other three in order to appreciate the book. As the story unfolds at an even pace, readers will appreciate the ending.
Character Development/Execution: A concerned main character is reliable in his decisions; strong and likable, the reader wants him to successfully solve the crime. The characters that surround him are well-rounded and intriguing.
Blurb: Fans of the first three books will not be disappointed in this skillfully plotted novel.
The Secret of Heaven: An explosive mystery regarding the divinity of Christ vs the humanity of Jesus. (Aiden Leonardo Book 1)
by Felix AlexanderRating: 7.75
Plot: Moving at a fast pace, readers of this book will be reminded of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Initially, the plot feels confusing, as there many characters introduced, and it takes some effort to keep track of them all. The plot contains something for everyone: conspiracy, suspense, mystery, action, and unpredictable plot twists. The plot keeps the reader thinking and guessing.
Prose/Style: The novel is well-researched, and Alexander knows his scripture. While he does not bank on the reader having the same level of knowledge, his depth of understanding does slow the reader down as his references take some time to digest. His prose help create the thrill ride behind the main character who is on the run.
Originality: Reminiscent of Dan Brown’s work, this first installment of the series has a lot to offer. The author has crafted a piece that will cause readers to think and wonder who to trust.
Character Development/Execution: Many characters are introduced at once, and the reader has to sort them out to keep up with the action. At times it is hard to tell who is speaking. There is, however, a shift midplot, as characters and personalities become more distinctive.
Plot: McAvoy’s plot melds art, music, and ciphers into a century-spanning, edge-of-your-seat heist. Historic and modern clues meld together perfectly, and the complex workings of church and mob hierarchies combined with character relationships elevate the story.
Prose: McAvoy’s prose is both clear and direct, serving the story well. Clever dialogue and unique character voices make the novel shine even brighter.
Originality: A fun, exciting look at a centuries-old art scam sets the church and the mob at odds, weaving historical figures and wonderfully crafted characters together in a sweeping mystery/thriller sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
Character/Execution: Father Michael Dominic is a complex protagonist, grappling with his emotions as well as a mysteries that need unfolding and an angry mob boss. Antagonist Don Angelo Gallucci proves a classic villainous mob boss.
Plot: Martin has written an action packed thriller. While an exciting story, there is so much going on that less attention is paid to the subtleties of storytelling and readers may feel overwhelmed.
Prose: The writing style is clipped, clear, and rather sparse. It’s effective, but the novel may benefit from a greater degree of detail so as to better immerse readers in the action and setting.
Originality: This is a very creative story and the numerous plot lines are woven together in a thoughtful manner. The combination of terrorism, murder, espionage, and kidnapping made for a fast-paced thriller that will capture the attention of readers.
Character/Execution: The author excels at demonstrating how painful and extraordinary circumstances can lead to individuals’ significant change and growth.
Plot: Rich in details, the author drops the reader into the mystery immediately and relies upon a character from the first book in the series to solve the mystery. Thoughtful clues are revealed throughout the plot and allow the reader to discover and guess along with the main character. A few too many details do slow the plot down throughout.
Prose/Style: Paring down the details throughout would create a better flow for the reader. The dialogue between the characters feels genuine and reveals solid relationships.
Originality: Having a common character in a series often keeps readers interested throughout. The likable main character will keep readers coming back for more.
Character Development/Execution: The common character between the two books in the series continues to develop and change and has an interesting career. She is hardworking and learning right alongside with the reader.
Plot: From the start, this story is gripping. The pace is fast, and the plot is intriguing. There are enough twists in the story to keep the readers engaged.
Prose: The language used is simple and conversational, which makes it easy to read. This also helps maintain the flow of the story.
Originality: Rollover is refreshing, and the mystery is high. Even though there are some clues that at times threaten to give away the story, the book has a few surprises for the readers.
Character/Execution: Nikki, as the main character, is vibrant and relatable in her flaws. Besides Nikki, each character is playing their role with near perfection and adding to the overall mystery and suspense of the story.
