Mystery / Thriller
Plot: This story of a young female investigate reporter encountering dangerous and traumatic circumstances in New York is an interesting one, but the book’s intentions do not become entirely clear. It seems the rest of Mary’s story is to be continued, but this first book ends on a somewhat unsatisfying precipice.
Prose/Style: The prose is clear and straightforward, serving the story well. It would, however, benefit from a thorough professional edit.
Originality: The concept of witnessing an attack on One World Trade Center is a familiar one, but Chanler capably captures the unsettling events for readers.
Character Development/Execution: Characters are finely developed—most notably, Howard Peters, who is painted as evil incarnate without becoming a caricature.
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Plot: Benny Goldfarb is a smooth-talking private detective who gets sucked into the complex world of Colombian politics, drug cartels, and gun-toting mercenaries, when his love interest Rosa asks him to help save her missing brother Enrique. The result is a fast-paced adventure through Colombia as Benny, Rosa, and their cab driver Umberto race to find Enrique before it's too late.
Prose/Style: Feigenbaum's prose is simple--though mostly effective--as it unravels the adventures of Benny and his cohorts; the reader is given what is needed to paint a narrative picture without deviating into fluff or overly complex prose. This simplicity allows the story to keep moving without too many stalls along the way.
Originality: A damsel-in-distress needing rescue from a private detective is formulaic; however, the chase through Colombia adds a bit of color and flair. Feigenbaum's familiarity with Colombian history, customs, and conflict--and his ability to keep the reader engaged--add a layer of interest to this standard detective tale.
Character Development/Execution: Benny Goldfarb is a fun character who has a few tricks up his sleeve--he's resourceful, passionate, and not afraid to resort to violence (when necessary); while still remaining morally upright, spiritual, and oddly old-fashioned. Rosa and Umberto, as Benny's sidekicks, add a sense of camaraderie to the narrative that makes it more enjoyable to read.
Plot: The unique plot revolves around a doctor, Jordan Roberts, who is cloning human beings in several different settings for unclear intentions that must be unraveled by the readers. There are many settings and characters, and they do not all work together, leading to a somewhat confusing narrative.
Prose/Style: This book, while full of intrigue and ethical questions, would highly benefit from a professional edit to allow for smoother flow.
Originality: This thriller integrates a number of highly original ideas readers are unlikely to have encountered before. Micko invariably keeps readers guessing as the unusual and eventful plot progresses.
Character Development/Execution: Dr. Roberts lacks a conscience and admits to being narcissistic, which makes it somewhat difficult to identify with her. There are many characters in this novel, but they don't all come alive (and some are clones!), nor do they necessarily fit together organically.
Plot: The overlapping storylines in this book – a lawman chasing down an accused man, a white criminal on the run with his Black mistress, an oil glut raising issues in a developing town – are intriguing but sprawling. Readers may find it difficult to keep track of the many characters, settings, and plotlines.
Prose/Style: The book is most successful when probing into the psychological struggles of Ray Elliot, the fallible protagonist. But the perspective jumps around from character to character, and the style does not always provide the necessary interiority for great character development.
Originality: A quasi-Western, this book is original in its imperfect idea of justice. Unlike traditional genre entries, there is no clear-cut definition of good and evil.
Character Development/Execution: Ray Elliot is a complex lawman – committed to justice without knowing how to enforce it. The infrequent glimpses into his troubled psyche are some of the best parts of the book, but they’re overshadowed by extraneous plot points.
Plot: Though plenty of background information is given to help develop the story and characters, it does not deter from the action. The plot is delivered at an even pace and climaxes with a surprise ending that most readers will appreciate, even though some may not be convinced.
Prose/Style: While the writing can be stiff and lacks fluidity, the even pacing engages the reader and delivers a gratifying reading experience. Greater detail and explanation behind the circumstances may allow for greater credibility.
Originality: While this work carries familiar aspects of the mystery/thriller genre, the author draws in fresh and intriguing aspects of technology and currency.
Character Development/Execution: Background information provides main characters significant depth and helps the reader develop empathy for them and to feel conflicted about their circumstances at the end of the novel.
Plot: Richman’s highly eventful plot is suspenseful and teeming with twists and turns. Readers may anticipate some of the storyline’s zigzags, but they will be gratifyingly surprised at the cliffhanger ending.
Prose/Style: Richman’s prose stumbles at times due to its complexity – but in the end, the interstellar plot is enhanced by the distinctive style.
Originality: The Chiral Protocol deftly mixes sci-fi and thriller elements, but the added bioterrorism elements make the story stand out.
Character Development/Execution: Richman’s characters are too numerous to track, sacrificing depth for quantity. Citizen General Che Josza is a standout, and his capacity to play both sides makes him an admirable deuteragonist.
Plot: Biel’s warm plot is set against a plausible background, with balanced pacing and a well-structured series of events. Readers may predict the heartwarming ending ahead of time, but they will be pleasantly swept up in the journey to reach it.
Prose/Style: Biel’s conversational prose steadily moves the story forward without overreaching the plot. The writing has a natural flow that enhances the reading experience.
Originality: Vision of Love hits all the standard romantic tropes, but does so in a way that maintains its charm and appeal.
Character Development/Execution: Biel crafts tidy characters with convincing narratives. Readers will appreciate Tabitha Stetson’s barely veiled insecurity, and Henderson Quade is a lovable, albeit bumbling, hero.
Plot: This comic thriller makes amnesia a major plot point, which provides for ample moments of comedy as well as mystery to keep it engaging. The plot unfolds a bit unevenly, but maintains a steady pace that will keep readers turning pages.
Prose/Style: The writing is accessible, propulsive, and humorous, with lively dialogue that manages to imbue energy as well as aid the plot. Yet, the unusual choice to have chapters switch between the amnestic first person narrator and a third person narrator, like Sarah, Holly, Lance, or Alessandra, ends up creating some confusing moments that hinders the plot and could be avoided by paring down the number of point of view characters.
Originality: This novel, while not especially inventive, is entertaining and interesting, and it manages to be unique in its balancing intensity with moments of heart and humor.
Character Development/Execution: The amnestic narrator is the heart of the novel, and his distinct voice and humor keep the story engaging as he discovers himself. The supporting characters are also important to the story and most are well developed, but the villains feel like tropes at times and require another layer of characterization.
Plot: While Berryman’s concept holds much promise and raises prescient questions, the plot here relies on genre conventions, which may leave readers predicting the turn of events.
Prose/Style: Otherwise intriguing passages often feel dull, as much of the tale is told in textbook fashion rather than shown, allowing neither the narrative nor prose to play out naturally and making the plot feel much more slowly paced than it truly is. Longwinded monologue-styled dialogue further impacts the reading experience.
Originality: The combination of thriller, dystopian, and alternate history aspects is compellingly set up, but the wide scope of the novel never quite allows it to find its true focus.
Character Development/Execution: Characters are insubstantial and their voices largely homogenous. Former Marine Robert Bradley is more often handed answers and has actions excused, leaving him sadly insubstantial.
