The violent prologue almost made me abandon ship before really setting sail. Prologues have become de rigeur in recent years, and I'm finding fewer and fewer that I appreciate.
The plot is pretty much a given early on and not so much mystery as suspense. The CEO of the bad guys didn't seem smart enough to have pulled off all of the situations and his crew (back from his Abu Ghraib days) dislike him and taunt him. But perhaps, like in business and politics, sometimes the least capable make their way to being in charge. The whole mess of villains feel like a dark comedy of sinister and corrupt screw-ups--capable of despicable acts and carnage, but little else. Do these folks exist? Without question, we've seen this over and over.
What I did enjoy was the secondary characters: Dodson, Deronda, and T.K. The sub-plots associated with these characters are the most enjoyable, but the romance element with IQ and Grace fell short for me.
I still want to read the first book, and I will give the next book a chance before deciding whether or not I want to continue the series.
NetGalley/Mulholland Books
PI/Suspense. Oct. 9, 2018. Print length: 352 pages.
From description: A mystery, a love story, and a search through a shadowy past. Two strangers unite in this novel of family secrets by international bestselling author Marc Levy, the most read contemporary French author in the world.
Why did I choose to read this one? I couldn't resist the names of the protagonists (Eleanor-Rigby Donovan and George-Harrison Collins); anonymous letters sent to the main characters (I love anonymous letters that send characters into researching the past); a plot with three time periods that aren't confusing; and the family relationships (especially with the Donovans).
Although there are some dark moments, the overall narrative is ultimately upbeat. Strange and somehow comforting, the investigation into the past reveals all of the shortcomings and flaws in human nature in ways that are understandable.
Kindle First Reads
Mystery/Family drama. Jan. 1, 2019. Print length: 384 pages.
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I've been scheduling reviews for some of the books that aren't due out for several months.
Here are some of my favorites.
The Plotters by Un-Su Kim
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
Who Slays the Wicked (Sebastian St. Cyr) by C.S. Harris
Turning Secrets by Brenda Chapman
The Last of the Stanfields sounds intriguing. (And I love those character names, too.)
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed it, and it wasn't what I expected. Those names still make me smile.
DeleteA translated crime novel piques my interest too! Other than a couple of Maigrets and Alex by Pierre Le Maitre (brutal but had some great twists) I don't think I've read any French crime fiction ever!
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly interesting and the translation was excellent!
DeleteI'm definitely intrigued with The Last of the Stanfields.
ReplyDeleteAnd keep a look out for my mail. :)
The Last of the Stanfields was a mix of secrets and a fun read. Oh, Melody, I'm so behind in my mail! I'm going to get busy today and finish up some letters--all the while thinking about your letter on the way. :)
DeleteYou have me so curious about the Levy book; off to check it out further!
ReplyDeleteI was completely unfamiliar with this author, but it was certainly an entertaining story with a good mixture of light and dark.
DeleteThe Last of the Stanfields sounds really fun. Not too sure about the Ide book though, especially given the prologue you described.
ReplyDelete