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Showing posts with label Irish Writers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Irish Writers. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2020
I Will Follow Maeve, Follow Maeve Wherever She May Go ...
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The Chiron Club is not the kind of place where just anyone can waltz in. Especially not a woman. It's a palace of luxury, indulgence, and secrets to which only its male members are privy. So, when Paige Hargreaves—a freelance journalist who was investigating the exclusive gentlemen's club—turns up dead, the police naturally turn their focus on the club. Did one of its members kill Paige to keep her quiet? That's what DS Maeve Kerrigan and her partner, DI Josh Derwent, are determined to find out.
As the duo digs into the secrets of both Paige and the Chiron Club, they make some dangerous discoveries. Unearthing these truths is getting Maeve and Josh closer to a killer, but Maeve is keeping her own secret and it's this that could really put her life in danger. Can she solve the mystery of how Paige died? Can she save herself from suffering a similar fate?
I'm trying to wean myself off dark, disturbing thrillers, but when it comes to Jane Casey's Maeve Kerrigan series, I just can't resist. I love this brave, tenacious, self-deprecating heroine! Maeve is a likable blend of vulnerable and tough and that's perhaps never more apparent than in The Cutting Place, the ninth installment in the series. Although these novels feature taut, compelling mysteries, it's Maeve's evolving relationship with the mercurial Derwent that has become my favorite aspect of the series. That features prominently in The Cutting Place, which makes me happy. As always, Casey isn't afraid of taking on disturbing subject matter, so be forewarned that this isn't an easy read. Still, it's one that kept me totally riveted. Weaning be darned, I'll follow Maeve Kerrigan anywhere!
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left for Dead [novella], The Burning, The Reckoning, The Last Girl, The Stranger You Know, The Kill, After the Fire, Let the Dead Speak, One In Custody [novella], Love Lies Bleeding [novella], and Cruel Acts)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Cutting Place from the generous folks at HarperCollins via those at Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Summery Friendship/Secrets Novel Gets a Meh From Me
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Six years ago, three strangers flew to Italy to enjoy a surprise vacation on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Each of the women expected to soak in the picture-perfect scenery, dine on delectable cuisine, and relax on the sparkling beach. None of them foresaw meeting the others at a ramshackle villa and becoming instant, lifelong friends. What Kim, Colette, and Annie experienced in Italy—from friendship to romance to the start of a successful business—changed their lives.
Now, Kim is bringing them back to Italy for the grand re-opening of the villa that started it all. A well-known wellness guru, she's had the place renovated and turned into a health spa. She can't wait for her old friends to join celebrities, investors, and other influencers at what will certainly be the most glamorous event of the season. It soon becomes apparent, however, that someone is out to sabotage Kim by exposing a ruinous secret she thought no one knew about. She's not the only one worried about what could happen in Italy. Annie has her own secret to hide. She's also got her own reasons for needing to be at Kim's fancy party—and it's not to pat Kim on the back for a job well done. Then there's Colette, who fell madly in love with a local while in Italy and subsequently had her heart dashed into a million pieces. Although she's been happily married to another man for five years, she can't help but wonder what happened to the one that got away. Luca will no doubt be at Kim's party. What will happen when she sees him again?
When the three women reunite on the Amalfi Coast, shocking secrets will out, old resentments will flare, and, once again, the friends' lives will be forever changed by what happens in Italy ...
Old-friends-coming-back-together-to-deal-with-past-secrets-that-are-threatening-to-come-to-light is one of my favorite mystery/thriller tropes. I figured I'd dig it in a contemporary romance/women's novel as well. Unfortunately, The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill didn't pull me in like such thrillers usually do. The story started slowly and took its time getting to the juicy parts. As much as I loved the book's sparkling setting, I found the characters, the prose, and the plot pretty meh. All of the starring women irritated me with their immaturity—even their adult selves were childish and petty. Even though I saw the plot twists coming, I did want to know what was going to happen in the story, so I finished it. In the end, though, The Summer Villa was just an average read for me. Nothing special.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other summer friendship novels, but no specific titles are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Summer Villa from the generous folks at HarperCollins. Thank you!
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Newest Not My Favorite Maeve Kerrigan, But Still ...
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Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Cruel Acts, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Guilty?
A year ago, Leo Stone was convicted of murdering two women and sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s been freed on a technicality, and he’s protesting his innocence.
A year ago, Leo Stone was convicted of murdering two women and sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s been freed on a technicality, and he’s protesting his innocence.
Not guilty?
DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to put Stone back behind bars where he belongs, but the more Maeve digs, the less convinced she is that he did it.
The wrong decision could be deadly…
Then another woman disappears in similar circumstances. Is there a copycat killer, or have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
I'm a big fan of the Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey and while Cruel Acts, the eighth installment, isn't my favorite, it's still an engrossing read. It has some disturbing themes and yet, I couldn't stop turning pages. The murderer's identity caught me by surprise, which is always good. My favorite part of the novel and, really all the books in the series, is Maeve herself. She's a great character—brave, tough, down-to-earth, and passionate about her job. Watching her relationship with Josh Derwent, her work partner, evolve is always fun. All in all, then, I found the book compelling, even if it's maybe my least favorite in the series.DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to put Stone back behind bars where he belongs, but the more Maeve digs, the less convinced she is that he did it.
The wrong decision could be deadly…
Then another woman disappears in similar circumstances. Is there a copycat killer, or have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left for Dead [novella], The Burning, The Reckoning, The Last Girl, The Stranger You Know, The Kill, After the Fire, Let the Dead Speak, One in Custody [novella], and Love Lies Bleeding [novella])
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, sexual innuendo, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought an e-copy of Cruel Acts from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, May 27, 2019
Intriguing Crime Series Offers More to Be Explored
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When Dr. Emma Sweeney happens across the dead body of a university student while crossing campus after hours, she calls the first person who comes to mind—her boyfriend, Detective Sergeant Cormac Reilly. As persona non grata at the Galway police station, Cormac never would have been assigned to the apparent hit-and-run. Especially considering his relationship with the star witness. Things get even dicier when a student i.d. in the deceased's pocket identifies the victim as Carline Darcy, granddaughter of the billionaire owner of Darcy Therapeutics, the company which funds Emma's research. Suddenly, the "accident" is looking a lot like murder, with Emma quickly becoming the biggest suspect. And, somehow, Cormac is the one in charge of the investigation.
With the case getting increasingly complicated, Cormac is torn between his loyalty to his girlfriend and the evidence mounting against her. Determined to solve a murder and finally prove himself to his colleagues at the same time, Cormac will have to risk everything he has, both personal and professional, to find the truth.
While I didn't enjoy the second installment in Dervla McTiernan's Cormac Reilly series quite as much as the first, I still really liked The Scholar. Like its predecessor, the novel is a compelling, exciting page-turner that I had a hard time putting down. I especially like the characters McTiernan has created, all of whom are realistically complicated and flawed. Although the story people in this series have already come alive enough for me to care about what happens to them, I still feel like each of them has hidden depths to be explored. That's one of the reasons I'm so excited to see where this series goes. McTiernan has impressed me so far. I'm a big Cormac Reilly fan; I can't wait to see what happens to him next!
(Readalikes: The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan; also reminds me of crime novels by Tana French, Sharon Bolton, and Jane Casey)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Engrossing Irish Crime Novel an Intriguing Debut
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Cormac Reilly, now a detective sergeant, has never forgotten the call he took as a rookie twenty years ago that led him to a dead mother in County Mayo. There, he discovered the body of Hilaria Blake, a bed-bound alcoholic with advanced-stage liver disease, dead of an apparent drug overdose. In the freezing, dilapidated house, he encountered Hilaria's two children—Jack and Maude—both bruised and starving, reeking of neglect. Cormac took them to the hospital and never saw them again, although their pathetic situation never quite left his mind.
Two decades later, Cormac is back in Galway after a stint in Dublin. Despite his work experience, he's handed cold cases to keep him busy, a not-so-subtle insult. When a body is discovered in the river Corrib, Cormac is shocked to be called in on the case. To his dismay, the deceased is Jack Blake, a 25-year-old civil engineer who Cormac once carried out of a ramshackle home in which lay his dead mother. While the death is a suspected suicide, Maude—newly arrived in Ireland from her home in Australia—insists her brother did not kill himself. While Jack's girlfriend, Aisling Conroy, isn't sure what to think, Maude tries to convince her and Cormac to look more closely at what she insists is a murder. Cormac reluctantly does so, even though he's being pressured to arrest Maud. When a colleague finds shocking new evidence, however, he starts to suspect Maud may be right, but can he prove it? The case raises disturbing questions about the local police department. Is Cormac being deliberately misled? If so, why? It's up to him to find out the truth before someone puts a stop to his questioning—for good.
The Ruin, a debut novel by Irish lawyer Dervla McTiernan, is the first in a new detective series featuring the likable Cormac Reilly. It's a compelling, well-plotted mystery featuring a set of complex, intriguing story people. The action isn't heart-pounding, but it's steady and engrossing. I definitely had trouble putting the book down. With an interesting setting, sympathetic characters, and a storyline that kept me guessing, The Ruin made for a very satisfying read. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, The Scholar, when it comes out in March.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of crime novels by Tana French and Jane Casey)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, November 16, 2018
French's Newest Slower, More Meditative, But Compelling Nonetheless
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A charmer with an uncanny knack for lucking his way out of every scrape, 28-year-old Toby Hennessy is celebrating his latest near-miss when his luck finally runs out. When he surprises a pair of thieves in the act of robbing his flat, Toby is beaten and left for dead. Although he survives, he suffers a traumatic brain injury that results in debilitating anxiety and panic attacks. Needing a change of scenery, Toby flees Dublin for the Ivy House, his ancestral home in the country.
Toby's idyllic country retreat is shattered when a skull is discovered inside a witch elm on the property. When the remains are identified and motives are ascertained, Toby is left with a mystery to solve. With the help of two cousins with whom he grew up, he tries to make sense of his past, a prospect that is suddenly much grimmer and perplexing than he ever thought. His closest friends and relatives are keeping damning secrets—can Toby uncover the truth they're hiding? Does he even want to?
As much as I love the Dublin Murder Squad series by Irish crime writer Tana French, I admit I was intrigued when I heard she would be publishing her first standalone novel. While The Witch Elm shares similarities with French's previous books, it's also quite different. Slower moving and more meditative. Which doesn't mean it's not compelling. It is. It's just engrossing in a different way. Although the story revolves around a mysterious death and involves a police investigation, The Witch Elm is not a crime novel per se. That is, it's not so much about solving a case as it is about looking inside the heads and hearts of some very intriguing characters. While the action does ramp up toward the end, the book's finale is depressing and pointless, but also thought-provoking. Overall, I liked The Witch Elm, although it's definitely not my favorite from French.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books by Tana French)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, drug use, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
Friday, February 02, 2018
One A Spare, Striking YA Novel About Two Unique Girls and One Terrifying Choice
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Unlike most people, 16-year-old Grace has never been alone. Literally. Never. Not when she sleeps, not when she cries, not when she goes to the bathroom. As a conjoined twin, she is never—ever—by herself. Although Grace and her sister Tippi have separate hearts and heads and two arms each, along with very distinct personalities, they're attached at the stomach. They've learned to get along as a team and mostly, they're happy to be two, but also one.
As Grace and Tippi make the transition from being homeschooled to attending a private high school, their lives start to change. Navigating the treacherous waters of high school is its own beast, but the girls are also dealing with an anorexic older sister, an overworked mother, and an unemployed father who's drinking too much. Not to mention Grace's attraction to a new friend. As if that weren't enough, Grace's body starts to rebel, causing the girls to make an impossible choice that could change —or end—both their lives forever.
Written in verse, One by Sarah Crossan is a spare, striking novel that is as raw as it is powerful. Although every word in the story is purposeful, that doesn't stop the tale from being rich and engrossing. It's an impacting novel that teaches important lessons about love, acceptance, sacrifice, and the strength of a sister's love. Because of its format, you can read this one quickly, but it won't let go of you quite that fast. An impacting little book, One is a fascinating portrait of two unique girls who have to make one terrifying decision—together.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a half dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and depictions of underage drinking and illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Atmospheric Historical Mystery Just Okay
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As the daughter of the coroner of Dublin's North Wards, 18-year-old Abigail Lawless has had an unconventional upbringing. She's grown up surrounded by the tools of her father's trade. He, in turn, has encouraged Abigail's curious mind and interest in his work, despite society's view of what is and is not appropriate for a young woman in the early 19th Century.
Abigail's interest is piqued by the death of Emilie Casey, who works as a nursemaid for the wealthy Nesham family, and her newborn son. Although Emilie's death is ruled a suicide, Abigail isn't convinced. Determined to know the truth, the coroner's daughter starts digging. Her investigation catches the interest of some powerful parties, including the leader of The Brethren, a strict religious sect. The closer Abigail gets to finding the real answers, the more dangerous her obsession becomes. Can she figure out what really happened to Emilie and her infant? Or will Abigail end up the next woman dead of an apparent suicide?
The Coroner's Daughter by Irish author Andrew Hughes is an atmospheric mystery that's engrossing overall. It stars a likable heroine, about whom I would gladly read more. The novel's plot is a bit loosey-goosey. It gets overly long in places, making for dull spots, and not all the ends are tied up by the finale. The tale also gets predictable, although to be fair I did not guess the identity of the criminal mastermind. In the end, I found The Coroner's Daughter to be just an okay read for me.
(Readalikes: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco and The Anatomist's Wife by Anna Lee Huber)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and blood/gore
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Casey's Crime Series Just Keeps Getting Better
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Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Let the Dead Speak, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
When Chloe Emery returns early to her mother's house in Putney after a visit with her dad, she's shocked to find the place covered in blood. The only living thing remaining in the home is the family cat. It appears as if Kate Emery, Chloe's mother, has been murdered. But where is the body? And why would someone commit such a savage act against a 42-year-old single mum?
Maeve Kerrigan, a newly promoted DS, is assigned the case along with the always mercurial DS Josh Derwent. As the duo investigate the crime, they find themselves hitting roadblocks at every turn. The Norrises, the Emerys' disapproving neighbors, are strangely unhelpful, even when it's obvious that Chloe and the Norris' teen daughter know much more than they're saying. Could the neighborhood bad boy have had something to do with Kate's death? The case gets curiouser and curiouser with every clue ...
As Maeve hunts down answers in an increasingly puzzling case, tries to sort out her even more baffling love life, and tangles with a moody Derwent, she'll have to use all her patience, savvy, and detecting skills to make sense of it all.
It's no secret that I enjoy the Maeve Kerrigan mysteries by Irish crime writer Jane Casey. Our heroine is a down-to-earth copper who's brave and devoted but also fallibly human. It's easy to root for her as she chases killers in London while dealing with private entanglements that are almost as dicey. Let the Dead Speak, Maeve's seventh adventure, is just as engaging as its predecessors. It boasts a twisty mystery, lots of action, and an ending I didn't see coming. The story is a depressing one, to be sure, but as with all the Maeve Kerrigan books, Let the Dead Speak is engrossing, addicting, and satisfying. As always, I can't wait for the next installment in this compelling series that just gets better as it goes.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left For Dead [novella]; The Burning; The Reckoning; The Last Girl; The Stranger You Know; The Kill; and After the Fire)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Let the Dead Speak from the generous folks at Minotaur Books (a division of St. Martin's Press/Macmillan). Thank you!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Final Installment a Fitting End to Compelling Teen Mystery Trilogy
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Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Hide and Seek, it may inadvertently spoil plot surprises from previous Jess Tennant mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Jess Tennant wasn't thrilled when her mom dragged her away from London to live in tiny Port Sentinel, but the seaside village has definitely grown on her. She enjoys living with family at Sandhayes, flirting with her hot next door neighbor, and working at the town's dusty thrift shop. Having gotten herself entangled in some town mysteries over the year since she's lived in Port Sentinel, Jess is known as a bit of a troublemaker. But, really, she's just an ordinary kid trying to survive high school.
When 16-year-old Gilly Poynter disappears one winter day, Jess can't stop herself from worrying. She didn't know her classmate well, but she's certain the girl has come to some kind of harm. If the police won't do something about the missing teen, Jess will. Even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Although she's warned away from her amateur investigation, Jess refuses to give up. She will get answers.
In the meantime, Jess has plenty of other problems. There's her stepfather's sudden reappearance; her "forbidden" relationship with Will; and the constant friction between her and the police inspector, who also happens to be Will's father. Can Jess sort out all her personal problems? Will she uncover the truth about Gilly's disappearance? With so much on her plate, the last thing she wants to worry about is her personal safety—but that's becoming an increasing concern. The more she sticks her nose where it doesn't belong, the more danger stalks her every move ...
I've enjoyed all the books in the Jess Tennant trilogy by Irish crime writer Jane Casey. Hide and Seek, the final installment, is no exception. The story moves along at a swift pace, with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing. Jess is an engaging heroine—smart, brave, and self-deprecating. The teens in this series are unrealistically unsupervised and world-weary, but that's about my only complaint with these books. Otherwise, I've really enjoyed the whole series. Although Casey's adult books get fairly graphic, her YA mysteries are much easier to stomach. If you're up for a tense, twisty teen mystery, I'd definitely recommend this trilogy. Here's hoping Casey pens more books for younger readers!
(Readalikes: How to Fall and Bet Your Life by Jane Casey; also reminds me a little of the Northwoods Mystery series [Enchantment Lake; The Clue in the Trees] by Margi Preus)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Bet Your Life A Satisfying Second in Engrossing YA Mystery Trilogy
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Bet Your Life, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from its predecessor, How to Fall. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
After three months in Port Sentinel, 16-year-old Jess Tennant is starting to feel at home in the little Devon town by the sea. She's missing Will Henderson, who's been sent off to boarding school in order to keep him from getting too close to Jess, but there's some solace to be found in Ryan's eager arms. Before she can become too comfortable in her new living situation, though, another mystery unfolds to shake up her world.
When Sebastian Dawson is left for dead on the side of the road one night, Jess is as shocked as anyone else. She doesn't care much for Seb, but that doesn't mean he deserves to be in a coma after being beaten almost to death. The police don't seem too concerned about finding the assailant. Jess, however, wants to know exactly what happened to Seb and why. As she starts delving into her classmates' secrets, she finds plenty of compelling motives. But who actually tried to kill Seb? Jess is determined to find out.
Bet Your Life, the second installment in the Jess Tennant series by Irish crime writer Jane Casey, is just as absorbing as the first. Maybe more so. Fearless Jess is an easy heroine to like. Not only is she brave, but she's also funny, self-deprecating, and loyal (most of the time). The plot sprints along at a good clip, making the book difficult to put down. Sure, you'll have to suspend your belief a little bit to swallow the fact that Jess always seems to solve cases trained coppers can't, but overall, this is a satisfying read in an engrossing trilogy. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: How to Fall and Hide and Seek by Jane Casey)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
Casey's YA Mysteries Just As Compelling As Her Adult Books
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Most people would be ecstatic about spending their summer holiday at the seashore. Not 16-year-old Jess Tennant. She doesn't have anything against the beach, it's just the odd circumstances under which she's being taken there. Her mother—who has always been tight-lipped about her past—has suddenly decided to whisk Jess away from London to tiny Port Sentinel, the seaside town where she was reared. They'll be staying for months with an aunt and cousins Jess has never met. Talk about awkward.
Even more awkward is the reaction Jess receives while walking around town. People gawp at her like they're seeing a ghost. Which they are, kind of. Turns out, Jess bears a remarkable resemblance to her cousin Freya, who recently died in a fall off a steep cliff. The death has been ruled a suicide, but not everyone is convinced. The more Jess learns about her late cousin, the more she suspects Freya didn't die by choice. Jess wants answers, but her questions only provoke stern warnings and unsettling threats. What really happened to Freya Leonard? Jess is determined to find out.
I'm a big fan of Irish crime writer Jane Casey's adult novels, so I was eager to give her YA series a go. I ended up liking it quite a bit, even more than her other books in some ways. How to Fall, the first installment in the trilogy, introduces the intrepid Jess Tennant. Our heroine is tenacious, brave, and independent. With a funny, self-deprecating voice, she's easy to both like and admire. There's plenty going on in How to Fall to keep readers engaged. In fact, it's a fast, exciting page turner that can easily be read in one sitting. The story takes some dark turns and the teen characters often act a lot older than they're supposed to be, but overall, I enjoyed How to Fall. It took less than a chapter to convince me to put the next two books in the series on hold at my library. I've already devoured them because, well, they're just that compelling. Enough said.
(Readalikes: the other two books in the trilogy, Bet Your Life and Hide and Seek)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, sexual innuendo, and depictions of underage drinking
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Likable Heroine + Compelling Plot = Another Winning Maeve Kerrigan Mystery
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for After the Fire, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Murchison House, one of the concrete high-rises that makes up London's seedy Maudling Estate housing project, is no stranger to police activity. The place is a magnet for every kind of criminal activity possible. This time, a savage—and suspicious—fire has ravaged through the building, leaving many residents displaced and desperate. Four people are dead, one of them an outspoken politician well known for his racist rantings. What was a man like him doing in a dive like Murchison House?
As DC Maeve Kerrigan and the rest of the murder squad look into the incident, it becomes crystal clear that the fire was no accident. Neither was the politician's death. Plenty of people had reason to loathe Geoff Armstrong, but who actually killed him? Everyone connected with Murchison House has something to hide, including Mr. Armstrong. The more Maeve discovers, the more risky her job becomes. Murchison House has always been a dangerous place—will it be a deadly one for the intrepid DC Kerrigan? As if she doesn't have enough to worry about, Maeve is still dodging the skin-crawling attention of her stalker; dealing with a condition that could put her job at risk; and trying to sort out her feelings for one DI Josh Derwent. One thing is clear—she's in for a wild ride.
You've probably realized by now that I'm a raving Maeve Kerrigan fan. Jane Casey's heroine is brave, tenacious, and, above all, human. She's unfailingly likable, an always compelling narrator whom I happen to adore. The series also boasts intriguing minor characters and taut, engrossing plots. After the Fire, the sixth installment, is no exception. With a number of didn't-see-that-coming twists, the story kept me riveted. As always, I'm intrigued to see where Casey takes Maeve next. Wherever it is, I'll definitely be along for the ride!
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left for Dead [novella]; The Burning; The Reckoning; The Last Girl; The Stranger You Know; The Kill; and Let the Dead Speak; also reminds me of books by Sharon Bolton and Tana French)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Fifth Maeve Kerrigan Mystery Leaves Me Hankering for the Sixth ... and Seventh ... and Eighth ... and ...
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(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Kill, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
DC Maeve Kerrigan is looking forward to attending the wedding of a colleague in the peaceful English countryside. She could use a break from the grimness of her job as a London murder detective. A brutal cop killing in the city cuts her holiday short, however, and it's not long before she and her mercurial partner, DI Josh Derwent, are headed back to the mean streets of London. So much for the vacation Maeve so desperately needs.
Puzzled by the cold reaction of the policeman's widow, Maeve and Derwent must sort out the truth behind the murder. What led to Sergeant Hammond's untimely demise? Everyone involved in the crime seems to be hiding explosive secrets, including Maeve's boss. Can Maeve filter out the facts in time to catch a killer? Torn between loyalty to her mentor, her desire to put a murderer behind bars, and her blossoming attraction to her partner, Maeve's got plenty on her plate. And things are about to go from bad to a whole lot worse ...
It's no secret that I love me some Maeve Kerrigan. She's the perfect heroine—brave, devoted, and likable. Her narrative voice is so compelling that I would literally follow it anywhere! That's not tough, though, when Jane Casey writes such engrossing stories. The Kill, the fifth installment in her popular series, is no exception. Although I guessed the identity of the murderer early on in this one, the novel still held enough surprises to keep me turning pages late into the night. I'm especially enjoying the growing relationship between Maeve and Josh, the latter of whom gets some much needed humanizing in The Kill. The ending of this one made me sad, but it also left me hankering for the next book (and the next and the next ...).
(Readalikes: other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left For Dead [novella]; The Burning; The Reckoning; The Last Girl; The Stranger You Know; After the Fire; and Let the Dead Speak; also reminds me of books by Tana French and Sharon Bolton)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Always Thrilling Crime Series Never Disappoints
(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for The Stranger You Know, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
London murder detective Maeve Kerrigan is at a loss. Someone is strangling women in their homes, leaving no evidence behind. Without DNA, footprints, or any other clue to guide them, Maeve and her team can't figure out how to proceed. Who is this guy and how is he covering his trail so completely?
When evidence finally does start trickling in, it points in a disturbing direction—DCI Josh Derwent. Maeve's partner is long on personality flaws and short on charm, but he's a driven, highly-skilled copper. He can't be a murderer. Can he? Derwent has never been exactly forthcoming (except when Maeve really, really wishes he wouldn't be) about his personal life; truthfully, she doesn't know that much about him. Could the misogynistic Derwent really be behind the brutal killings? Maeve doesn't think so, but the more she learns about his dark past, the more uncertain she becomes. Derwent has been accused of murder before. Was he guilty then? Is he guilty now? Maeve has to know.
I've been a big Maeve Kerrigan fan ever since her debut in The Burning. Irish crime writer Jane Casey has created an understated heroine who shines because of her humanity. Maeve is tough and smart, compassionate and brave, but also fallible and self-deprecating. I love her. Casey also crafts tense, exciting plots filled with lots of twists as well as colorful characters. The Stranger You Know, the fourth book in the series, is no exception. It's a surprise-filled, action-packed, can't-put-it-down thriller that kept me totally engrossed. Fair warning: Casey's books are not for the faint of heart. They're disturbing and gory. If you can handle that kind of thing, then I'd recommend Jane Casey's mystery/thrillers. Her police procedurals are always top-notch—complex, well-written, and engaging. If you're a British/U.K. crime fiction fan and haven't given Casey a go yet, you're missing out.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left For Dead [novella]; The Burning; The Reckoning; The Last Girl; The Kill; After the Fire; and Let the Dead Speak. Also reminds me of the Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French and mystery/thrillers by Sharon Bolton)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, June 03, 2017
Third Maeve Kerrigan Mystery Twisty, Disturbing
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for The Last Girl, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Maeve Kerrigan mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.
Philip Kennford, a London district attorney with a cutthroat reputation, lives a life of luxury. He, his pampered wife, and their twin daughters dwell in a mammoth house, wear designer clothes, and enjoy all the lavish trappings their vast wealth can purchase. Money, however, cannot buy happiness or close family ties. The Kennfords' dysfunction becomes all too apparent when Mrs. Kennford and one of her daughters are brutally stabbed to death in their home. Although Philip receives minor injuries, the other twin escapes unscathed. Robbery is suggested as a motive for the attacks but is quickly dismissed. Philip's cold reaction to the murders is curious. So is that of 15-year-old Lydia, the surviving twin. Did Philip kill his family? If so, why is Lydia alive when Philip's favorite child lies dead in a morgue? Something sinister is definitely going on here. But what?
It's up to DC Maeve Kerrigan and her partner, the odious DI Josh Derwent, to find out. As they investigate the killings, the duo uncovers a whole mess of lies and secrets slithering beneath the surface of the Kennfords' glittering lifestyle. In the midst of trying to solve this heinous case, Maeve must also deal with the ever-present mocking of her mostly male colleagues. Even worse, her beloved boss is making decisions she finds not just shocking but also unethical, even illegal. Can Maeve and Josh solve the puzzling Kennford case? What about their boss's under-the-table activities? Do they have the heart—let alone the guts—to stop him?
Although this series seems to get darker as it goes, I'm still a big Maeve Kerrigan fan. She's an admirable heroine—brave, compassionate, long-suffering, and funny. The Last Girl, the third Jane Casey mystery starring Maeve, is intriguing and compelling. It's also twisty; I did not see the (very disturbing ending) coming at all. These books are not for the faint of heart, but if you like gritty British/Irish crime novels, you'll definitely want to check out Maeve Kerrigan and other books by her creator.
(Readalikes: Other books in the Maeve Kerrigan series, including Left For Dead [novella]; The Burning; The Reckoning; The Stranger You Know; The Kill; After the Fire; and Let the Dead Speak. Also, Jane Casey mysteries are similar to those written by Tana French, Sharon Bolton, and Peter May)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
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