My Book Reviews

Category: Mystery

The Best Laid Plans by Sidney Sheldon

The Best Laid Plans by Sidney Sheldon
Release: January 1st 1997
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Time Warner
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:

He wanted power. Oliver Russell is fated to rise to the pinnacle of power, President of the United States. She wanted revenge. Leslie Stewart is his betrayed fiancee. Amassing her own media empire, on her fortieth birthday, she looks back. What went wrong?

Video Review

Best Laid Plans Review:

As much as a fan I am of the author, this was an average read.

Let’s start with the positive. In most Sheldon novels, the author sets the landscape on a particular theme. In the Best Laid Plans, the author has set the setting in the printed press/television media business. The author also has a simple, yet gripping style of writing that gets your hooked. Secondly, I really like Oliver and Leslie as the main characters. The two, in addition to the Senator, are ruthless and conniving in their own way. It was interesting to see how they try to get bring each other down. I enjoyed this book till mid-way of the story.

However, the book goes downhill with the introduction of Dana’s character. As much as I loved Dana in the story, I hated how she shifted focus away from Leslie. Moreover, Dana’s story-line never really mingled with the author characters, and felt like a stand-alone plot. I didn’t understand why the author had to even include her in this book. Also, the story leaves us hanging in the end where some of the plots feel unresolved.

Overall, read this book if you are a fan of the author, else I would skip it and read some of his better works.

April 12, 2020
The Lies We Tell (The Undertaker’s Daughter #2) by Debra Webb

The Lies We Tell (The Undertaker’s Daughter #2) by Debra Webb
Release: September 17th 2019
Format: Ebook
Publisher: MIRA
Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

Nothing hurts like the truth.

Doctor Rowan Dupont knows a serial killer is coming for her. Julian Addington has been waiting. Watching. And it’s only a matter of time before he strikes. But what Julian doesn’t know is that Rowan is ready for him. And more than anything she wants answers. How well did the depraved killer actually know her mother? And how many lies have been spun in the years since she took her own life?

Working alongside her childhood friend Police Chief Billy Brannigan, Rowan is determined to get to the bottom of her mother’s puzzling suicide once and for all—even if it means exposing an unsettling past. It certainly seems like her family’s Victorian funeral home has borne witness to more than one dark secret, but when a recent double homicide leads to an even grislier discovery, separating the truth from the lies might be the last thing Rowan does.

The Lies We Tell Review:

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of “The Lies We Tell“. To be honest, I didn’t know that this was the 2^nd book in a series. However, I was able to read this book without any knowledge of the previous one.

I had mixed feelings on reading this book. Even though it is interesting for the most part, I felt it could have been better. The author seems to repeat the dialogues and indirectly recap whatever happened in the previous chapters, which I felt was unnecessary. For example, Billy interviews the victim’s sons in one chapter. In the following chapter, he reiterates the same to Ro in detail, which was not needed. Also, the book opens up a lot of questions that remain unanswered, which I guess would be explained in the final book of the series. In some ways, this was very disappointing. When reading a series, it is nice to have a few conflicts resolved and have the main plot unresolved to tempt the reader to pick up the next book. But in “The Lies We Tell”, almost all the subplots raised are unresolved which I felt frustrated with.

Nevertheless, I liked the overall theme of the book. Ro and Billy are interesting as the main characters, and I liked how the plot progresses with new twists and turns. I also liked the chemistry between the two and how they try to overcome it. Also, I am not sure if I will pick the first book in the series, but I will definitely read the final book “The Darkness we Hide”. I feel like after investing so much time in reading this book, I definitely want to read the following book to see how it ends. Overall, “The Lies We Tell” was a gripping mystery-crime novel but would have been written better.

March 29, 2020
The Naked Face by Sidney Sheldon

The Naked Face by Sidney Sheldon
Release: 1970
Format: Paperback
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:

Judd Stevens is a psychoanalyst faced with the most critical case of his life. If he does not penetrate the mind of a murderer he will find himself arrested for murder or murdered himself.

Two people closely involved with Dr. Stevens have already been killed. Is one of the doctor’s patients responsible? Someone overwhelmed by his problems? A neurotic driven by compulsion? A madman?

Before the murderer strikes again, Judd must strip away the mask of innocence the criminal wears, uncover the inner emotions, fears, and desires, to expose…The Naked Face

Video Review

Naked Face Review:

Sidney Sheldon is my all-time favorite author who got me into reading. I am in a phase where I am re-reading all his novels, and thought I would start chronologically. “The Naked Face” is his debut novel that came out in 1970.

Let me start by what I liked about the story. I thought the book was very suspenseful for the most part. Firstly, I liked Judd Stevens as the main character. You start to see the protagonist going crazy and suspecting all his patients as to who would want to kill him. Moreover, most of the characters/suspects are distinctive, mysterious and intriguing. Also, the author throws a lot of red herrings on some people that keeps you guessing as to who the villain would be. All in all, for the most part, this was actually a very decent suspense novel.

However, sad to say, this book has not aged well at all. To begin with, the main problem with the story is on how the author says that homosexuality can be cured. It’s interesting to see how the mind-set behind gay people was back in that decade, but it just feels ridiculous reading it now. The first victim who dies is apparently a gay man who has been cured and is happy to be back with his wife again, which just sounds illogical. Secondly, I really did not like the ending. There are so many red herrings thrown in the story as to who the criminal could be. But, when it is revealed as to who is behind it all, it is so far-fetched and disappointing that came out of nowhere. Also, there are so many outdated phases like “groovy” and “rad” that make this book feel so old.

Having said that though, I still really enjoyed reading this book. The book is relatively short and easy to read. Sidney shows his talents in this novel by his captivating characters and building the suspense perfectly. Overall, this is definitely NOT the best Sidney Sheldon novel in anyway, but is worth reading if you are a fan of the author and want to read his very first novel. I would give this book a rating of 3/5 stars.

Purchase this book from: [Amazon]

March 27, 2020
Rose: A Double Life (Rose #1) by Valérie Vernay, Denis Lapière, Émilie Alibert

Rose: A Double Life (Rose #1) by Valérie Vernay, Denis Lapière, Émilie Alibert
Release: June 19th 2019
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Europe Comics
Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

Ever since she was a little girl, Rose has had a special and troubling power: the ability to “double” herself and travel outside her body. She always saw it as something wrong with her… until now. When her father is murdered, Rose’s strange ability gives her a chance to find her father’s killer, solve a series of mysterious cold cases, and untangle a centuries-old curse. But maybe some secrets should stay buried…

Rose a Double Life Review:

A big thank you to NetGalley and Europe comics for providing a copy of “Rose: A Double life” for my opinion and review. I loved reading this graphic novel and thought it was a great start to the trilogy!

Firstly, I really liked Rose as the main character. She has the unique ability to project out of her body and interact with ghosts, and I found this to be a very unique concept. Moreover, the story-line is very intriguing with quite a few mysterious plots that are somehow all tied together. Some of the characters are also very strange, like Rose’s friend who is working on her father’s case. I liked the supernatural element thrown into the story so you don’t know how it is going to turn out. Furthermore, the three ghosts in the apartment are entertaining and provide a bit of a comic relief as well in the story.

The pacing is a bit slow but I felt works really well with the theme of the story. In addition, Valérie Vernay has done a wonderful job with the illustrations. Each panel is like watching a movie where we see Rose walk the streets lost in her thoughts. I also liked the idea of how the Rose’s surroundings turn grey when she is out of her body. Moreover, the publishing company have also done a nice job with the translation. Few of these ‘dubbed’ comics seem to lose their edge when translated in English, but this still managed to hold the suspense level.

In short, “Rose: A double life” perfectly sets the tone for the trilogy and I cannot wait to pick up the next installments to read. Overall, this is a good book if you want to pick up a graphic novel with mystery, suspense, historical reference, murder and ghosts!

March 24, 2020
The Lost Mind by Christopher Pike

The Lost Mind by Christopher Pike
Release: August 1st 1995
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:

She awoke in the woods beside a dead body. There was a knife in her hand, blood on her clothes. Had she killed the young woman who lay beside her? She couldn’t remember.
She couldn’t remember anything.
Not even her own name.
It was as if someone had stolen her mind.
Stolen her soul.

Lost Mind Review:

I actually enjoyed reading this book. The story is consistent and gripping with some unique surprises along the way.

I have read a few Christopher Pike books, and know that he likes to incorporate philosophy and science fiction in his thrillers. But, these usually become a hit or miss for me, as I feel it sometimes takes the plot in an unbelievable direction. Even though “The Lost Mind” also has these elements, the story is very interesting. The plot actually made sense for the most part.

Most of the characters are likable. Jenny is a good protagonist and it was interesting to see how she tries to clear the situation she is in. I wouldn’t have really liked her if she was anything like her diary entries. Also, I adored Gator and wanted to see more of him in the story. Amir is also a strong supporting character, and I liked how he gets connected to the main plot. In addition, I also love some of the philosophical passages the author mentions like:

“It is only a life lived in total surrender and service that destroys the ego. It is only when you have left your ego behind that you have a chance to unite with your other aspects. “

However, I feel the author could have written the ending in a better manner. While I enjoyed how the story ended, I felt like the scenes where Jenny fights the villain to learn the truth was very rushed. After that, it felt like a lot of things happen within the blink of an eye in one page, and I would have liked to seen it more drawn out. Moreover, there are some redundant characters like Mitch who did not add anything meaningful.

Overall, “The Lost Mind” was a fun Christopher Pike book to read, and had all the classic elements. I would recommend it to anyone who likes the author or in the mood for a classic YA suspense novel.

March 20, 2020
The Twin by Natasha Preston

The Twin by Natasha Preston
Release: March 3rd 2020
Format: Kindle
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: Amazon

Synopsis:

In this twisty psychological thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Cellar, Ivy finds out that her twin sister, Iris, is trying to push her out of her own life—and might be responsible for their mother’s death.

After their parents divorced, 10-year-old twins Ivyand Iris were split up—Ivy lived with Dad, Iris with Mom. Now, after a tragic accident takes their mom’s life, the twins are reunited and Iris moves in with Ivy and their dad. Devastated over Mom’s death, Iris spends the first few weeks in almost total silence—the only person she will speak to is Emmy. Iris feels her life is over and she doesn’t know what to do. Emmy promises her twin that she can share her life now. After all, they’re sisters. Twins.

It’s a promise that Iris takes seriously. And before long, Ivy’s friends, her life at school, and her boyfriend, Tyler, fall under Iris’s spell. Slowly, Ivy realizes she’s being pushed out of her own life. But she’s just being paranoid, right? And Mom’s accident was . . . just an accident. Right? It’s not like she—or Dad—or Tyler—are in any danger.

The Twin Review:

I loved reading this book! It is always fun reading a story of good twin vs. the evil twin. It is one of those books that is somewhat predictable, but at the same time, it is so gripping that you want to keep reading. Iris is conniving, manipulative, and unpredictable, so you really don’t know how she is going to bring Ivy down. At times, I really felt annoyed at Ivy because she vows to get back at Iris at the end of each chapter, but then goes back to being her old scared self in the following chapter. There are many instances where Ivy could have easily taken town Iris, but she decides to take the high road and give Iris another chance to bring her down. So frankly, I liked Iris more as the main character because Ivy came off as the weaker emotional character.

The supporting characters are there, but I didn’t find any of them to be very memorable, including Ty. In fact, the only thing which I found a bit unbelievable when reading this story was how Ivy’s friends and family easily turned away from her and took Iris’ side. I mean, they have known Ivy all her life, and should have given her the benefit of the doubt, rather than blindly believing Iris. But apart from that, I loved reading this book. The ending, especially was shocking as I did not expect the story to end like that! I am not going to give away spoilers, but the ending blew me away and made me feel frustrated but also satisfied in a strange way.

Moreover, I also enjoyed the author’s style of writing. It reminded me a lot of the “Fear Street” books by R.L. Stine that I loved to read back in the day, albeit this was a more toned down version. The pacing is decent and atmospheric, and the author builds up the suspense smoothly. Overall, “The Twin” by Natasha Preston is a thrilling YA novel that I enjoyed reading.

March 10, 2020
The Dark Side by Danielle Steel

The Dark Side by Danielle Steel
Release: August 27th 2019
Format: EBook
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: Amazon

The Dark Side Synopsis:

In her new novel, Danielle Steel tells a riveting story of the dark side of motherhood.

Zoe Morgan’s grew up by her younger sister’s tragic illness. She watched as her parents dedicated themselves completely to her final days and then divorced. As a young woman driven by these painful memories, Zoe sets the bar high for herself, studying hard and pursuing a career in the nonprofit world, where her deep compassion for disadvantaged children finds a focus.

When Zoe falls in love and has her own child, she is determined to be a perfect mother as well. But before long, old scars begin to pull Zoe to the edge of an abyss too terrifying to contemplate.

As Zoe is haunted by the ghosts of the past, her story will become a race against time and a tale of psychological suspense that no reader will soon forget.

Review:

Watch my video review of The Dark Side by Danielle Steel

[embedyt] https://youtu.be/KJ5hZfbR6kw[/embedyt]

The story starts off in full swing where we learn about Zoe’s life, but slows down once she gets married. It then moves in a slow pace but again picks up on the second half where we find out what is actually happening. What I really liked about the story is how the author highlights an disorder that I had no idea that existed. It is always interesting reading a book where you learn something new in the psychological field. The characters are complex and well-written. I really liked Zoe as the main character as she is very complex and you don’t know how she will react to the situation.

There are only two problem areas for me in the story. Firstly, I thought the climax was flat and disappointing for all the buildup that happens. Secondly, I did not care for the sudden romance that happens in the last page of the story. I thought it was unnecessary and didn’t make much sense. But surprisingly, I enjoyed reading the Dark Side, and a Danielle Steel novel after a long time!

September 10, 2019
Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2) by Katherine Arden

Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2) by Katherine Arden
Release: August 27th 2019
Format: EBook
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Source: Amazon

Dead Voices Synopsis:

Bestselling author Katherine Arden returns with another creepy, spine-tingling adventure in this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Small Spaces.

Having survived sinister scarecrows and the malevolent smiling man in Small Spaces, newly minted best friends Ollie, Coco, and Brian are ready to spend a relaxing winter break skiing together with their parents at Mount Hemlock Resort. But when a snowstorm sets in, causing the power to flicker out and the cold to creep closer and closer, the three are forced to settle for hot chocolate and board games by the fire.

Ollie, Coco, and Brian want to make the best of being snowed in, but there are strange occurances. Coco feels she has seen a ghost, and Ollie is having nightmares about frostbitten girls pleading for help. Then Mr. Voland, a mysterious ghost hunter, arrives in the midst of the storm to investigate the hauntings at Hemlock Lodge. Ollie, Coco, and Brian want to trust him, but Ollie’s watch, which once saved them from the smiling man, has a new cautionary message: BEWARE.

With Mr. Voland’s help, Ollie, Coco, and Brian reach out to the dead voices at Mount Hemlock. Maybe the ghosts need their help–or maybe not all ghosts can or should be trusted.

Dead Voices is a terrifying follow-up to Small Spaces with thrills and chills galore and the captive foreboding of a classic ghost story.

Review:

Watch my video review of Dead Voices by Katherine Arden

[embedyt] https://youtu.be/uajNYsygc8Y[/embedyt]

I never thought the sequel to Small Spaces would be as good as the original, but Dead Voices was MUCH better! You know the feeling you get after watching a really scary horror movie, or reading a creepy book, where even the slightest noise in the house makes you wonder if someone is there? This is what happened to me after I finished reading “Dead Voices”! There are so many eerie characters and macabre situations that occur. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it! Moreover, I loved that this book focused on Coco who happened to my favorite character from the first book. Even though I was at the edge of my seat throughout the story, my favorite scene was where Coco checkmates the villain. You will know what I mean when you read the book. Overall, a wonderful sequel to “Small Spaces”!

September 6, 2019
Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) by Katherine Arden

Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) by Katherine Arden
Release: September 25th 2018
Format: EBook
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Source: Netgalley

Small Spaces Synopsis:

After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie only finds solace in books. So when she happens upon a crazed woman at the river threatening to throw a book into the water, Ollie doesn’t think–she just acts, stealing the book and running away. As she begins to read the slender volume, Ollie discovers a chilling story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who both loved her, and a peculiar deal made with “the smiling man,” a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.

Ollie is captivated by the tale until her school trip the next day to Smoke Hollow, a local farm with a haunting history all its own. However, there she stumbles upon the graves of the very people she’s been reading about. Could it be the story about the smiling man is true? Ollie doesn’t have too long to think about the answer to that. On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to the farm for help. But the strange bus driver has some advice for the kids left behind in his care: “Best get moving. At nightfall they’ll come for the rest of you.” Nightfall is, indeed, fast descending when Ollie’s previously broken digital wristwatch, a keepsake reminder of better times, begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN.

Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed the bus driver’s warning. As the trio head out into the woods–bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them–the bus driver has just one final piece of advice for Ollie and her friends: “Avoid large places. Keep to small.”

And with that, a deliciously creepy and hair-raising adventure begins.

Review:

Watch my video review of Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

[embedyt] https://youtu.be/cUZmaHVT3fU[/embedyt]

I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at Netgalley in exchange for my review and opinion and I absolutely loved it. Firstly, the characters are unique, witty and endearing. The plot is well defined and creepy, not in a gory way, but in a psychological atmospheric way. Moreover, the author covers some relevant topics like realistically coping with the loss of a loved one, and bullying. I also loved the story within a story concept and how we switch between Ollie and Beth’s tales. Overall, this is a great Halloween like story and I enjoyed it.

September 6, 2019
Heaven (Casteel #1) by V.C. Andrews

Heaven (Casteel #1) by V.C. Andrews
Release: November 1st 1990
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Pocket Books
Source: Second Hand Bookstore

Heaven Synopsis:

Of all the folks in the mountain shacks, the Casteels were the lowest — the scum of the hills.
Heaven Leigh Casteel was the prettiest, smartest girl in the backwoods, despite her ragged clothes and dirty face…despite a father meaner than ten vipers…despite her weary stepmother, who worked her like a mule. For her brother Tom and the little ones, Heaven clung to her pride and her hopes. Someday they’d get away and show the world that they were decent, fine and talented — worthy of love and respect.
Then Heaven’s stepmother ran off, and her wicked, greedy father had a scheme — a vicious scheme that threatened to destroy the precious dream of Heaven and the children forever!

Review:

Watch my video review of Heaven by V.C. Andrews

[embedyt] https://youtu.be/wOK3Su0boGE[/embedyt]

I love reading soap-opera styled family sagas and it is one of my guilty pleasures. VC Andrews writes pretty trashy, but very gripping novels which I enjoy. “Heaven” was a fun read as it has some very scandalous events that even readers of today would find shocking. There are some shocking moments like when Sarah gives birth to the baby and when Kitty abuses Heaven in the bathtub. Moreover, I loved Heaven as a protagonist. Even though she comes from a poor family, she is ambitious and level headed and still supports her family. The author has also written the characters very well, as I really didn’t how Kitty would react since she is so unstable.

However, the only thing which I thought could have been better was the pacing. This book is so slow at times where you feel like nothing happens. Overall, Heaven is a nice book to read, if you enjoy the classic VC Andrews style of writing of a family saga with incestuous relationships and shocking scandals.

August 16, 2019