Peter

Grisly, chilling, yet it'll wrap you up and you will think about it long after it's finished. The background of 50s Soviet life is fascinating as a backdrop. The final twist is a bit unbelievable but it doesn't take away from the impact of the story. Recommend this one highly but if you are squeamish, better stick to Disney.

When the hero of the story is a serial killer something is out of line. The side quips and commentary about life in Florida were amusing, but chuckling over blood and gore just didn't seem to fit. Was the goal here was to start a new genre, just by doing something that is so off center just to be different? If so, give me the old time rock and roll.

Grisham's early novels were carefully crafted and very entertaining. However, his more recent tries have not had the same quality in my opinion. Lame plot and predictable ending.

I was fascinated (and disgusted) at this inside glance at the country's bond markets. This is an excellent example when we lose sight of the need for checks and balances in our financial industry. A must-listen to anyone who thinks they understand the bond business. And, then you need to listen to Lewis' latest book, The Big Short.

After meeting Nesbo with his Snowman, I was hooked. Now five of his books later, I think Headhunters is even better, his best to date. Creative, well-researched and loaded with twists and turns. If you like a gripping, sophisticated mystery, you need tackle this one. Heartily recommend!

Fascinating and believable plot backgrounded by an accurate description of Manaus and the jungle (having been there myself). Good read, with a thought-provoking message about the interface of the modern world with indigenous peoples.

I like Coban's Myron Bolitar series, but this one just doesn't measure up. I went through the whole book wondering whether this one was an attempt to write a novel for teenagers. Illogical plot that wandered aimlessly and was senseless. I'd avoid this one.

It was supposed to be an intriguing mystery, but the plot was thin and what it really was was a limp glimpse at a disfunctional Irish family. I kept looking to see how close I was to finishing this one. Good reviews? But, not from me.

I love Lescroart's stuff, his Dismas Hardy "legal mysteries", and he is perhaps the best of this genre. But, here he tries to write a Hemingway-esque piece and it doesn't work. I tried and tried to finish this one but I couldn't. Maybe if he tried to put Dismas in Spain? Ah, forget it.

I was intrigued by the Audible summary and although the author hasn't written much, I took a chance on this one, and it was one of the best books I have read/listened to in a while. The tough, capable heroine was believable, sort of a female Jack Reacher (who isn't so believable), which was unique. The backdrop of West Africa was fascinating. A good read, highly recommended.

The Audible write-up suggested that Nesbo was another Scandinavian "black" mystery of the same caliber of Steig Larsson. I was skeptical, thinking of the tidal wave of Templar novels that followed "DaVinci Code", few of which were decent reads. Snowman was superb, with dozens of twists and turns. I immediately ordered Nesbo's other books. Very entertaining (but not for the weak of heart).