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Posts tagged with ‘Suspense’

I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS by Iain Reid

December 9, 2016

BRILLIANTLY CHILLING NOVEL has an ending that will haunt your dreams, and a strong sense of place.

Grade: B PLUS

I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS
Gallery/Scout Press
2016

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ALENA by Rachel Pastan

April 26, 2014

AN ELUSIVE HAUNTING at the intersection of art and life sparks a story of love and loss inspired by REBECCA. B PLUS

Grade: B PLUS

ALENA
Riverhead
2014

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BROTHERS AND BONES by James Hankins

December 22, 2013

TAUT, FAST-PACED THRILLER combines non-stop action, a gripping plot, and plenty of local Boston detail. B PLUS

BROTHERS AND BONES
James Hankins
2012

Grade: B PLUS

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On SIREN’S CALL, by Leah Cutter

November 24, 2013

A well-crafted urban fantasy is like a gorgeous souffle of magic and romance and mystery and suspense. All the elements have to be mixed with a deft hand, or the concoction collapses into a sticky, indigestible puddle. Leah Cutter’s Siren’s Call is a complete delight from star to finish, and her evocation of the fierce love and pride New Orleanians have for their city is a welcome added touch.

Kai DuPrie is always on the threshold of two worlds. Half African American, half Chinese, she’s also half human and half magic. And like all the best insider/outsider characters, she’s become a private detective, using her special gifts to solve problems and find lost things.

And lost people. Or beings. Kai’s search begins when a Siren in human form comes seeking help to find her missing sister. This clever twist on a noir trope blossoms into a taut, complex plot that reveals a hidden world of magic below the surface of New Orleans. Cutter masterfully weaves her creations into the city’s legends and mystique. It’s an elegantly wrought book as well as a great page turner, and I’m hoping for more Kai DuPrie adventures.

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SIREN’S CALL, by Leah Cutter

VIVID NEW ORLEANS setting, multifaceted heroine make this urban fantasy a cut above the rest. Lots of fun!

Grade: B PLUS

SIREN'S CALL
Knotted Road Press/Book View Café
2013

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THE BOYFRIEND, by Thomas Perry

June 3, 2013

BRILLIANTLY PLOTTED THRILLER follows a hard-boiled detective on the hunt for a killer of lovely call girls.

Grade: B PLUS

THE BOYFRIEND
Mysterious Press
2013

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THE ANDALUCIAN FRIEND, by Alexander Söderberg

May 31, 2013

TENSE SWEDISH THRILLER follows an intrepid nurse through a deadly web of international intrigue. Breathtaking.

Grade: B PLUS

THE ANDALUCIAN FRIEND
Crown
2013

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RAGE AGAINST THE DYING, by Becky Masterman

April 2, 2013

TAUT, SUSPENSEFUL THRILLER features a retired FBI agent racing to find the killer targeting her.  Good stuff!

Grade: B PLUS

RAGE AGAINST THE DYING
St. Martin's/Minotaur
2013

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SON OF DESTRUCTION, by Kit Reed

February 19, 2013

SPOOKY TALE COMBINES Florida-style Southern Gothic and the supernatural for chilling suspense. Kit Reed rules!

Grade: B PLUS

SON OF DESTRUCTION
Severn House
2013

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THE ST. ZITA SOCIETY, by Ruth Rendell

November 26, 2012

SECRETS AND TENSIONS in an upscale London neighborhood boil over with deadly results. Ruth Rendell in fine form!

Grade: B PLUS

THE ST. ZITA SOCIETY
Scribner
2012

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