Winner of the 2019 Dashiell Hammett Prize for Literary Excellence in Crime Writing
Publishers Weekly Top 10 Mysteries for Spring 2019
"Driven by the heart-pounding suspense of a high-stakes poker game, Bluff is a vivid, compelling novel about deceit, seduction, and delicious revenge that will keep you spellbound and cheering as you turn the last page." -Susan Cheever, New York Times bestselling author
Bluff is a mix of comedy of manners and revenge tale with an older society woman who plays badass poker! It was fun and unpredictable as the reader is led along through a murder, escape, and many surprises. Thanks to Cathy for this recommendation, I really enjoyed it!
Poisoned Pen Press Mystery/Revenge. 2020. Print length: 320 pages.
Although I liked the characters and some elements of this one, the subject matter was depressing. There weren't any graphic descriptions and yet....
A good crime thriller, but you may want to consider that it is a dark look at evil and pedophiles.
I will give the author another try and hope the subject matter doesn't distress me.
NetGalley/Boldwood Books
Crime/Police Procedural. 2021. Print length: 302 pages.
A second thread involves a case of domestic abuse in the neighborhood.
What could have been a really suspenseful read turned into a "everything works out in the end" sort of book. That's fine, but building so much suspense and curiosity and then having half the characters reform completely--makes the original suspense feel false.
I didn't hate it, but it isn't really a genre I enjoy; however, it should appeal to those who are already fans of Fern Michaels.
NetGalley/Kensington Books
Cozy. March 30, 2021. Print length: 322 pages.
Although, I actually reviewed this months ago, this is just a reminder that A Stranger in Town by Kelley Armstrong will be published Feb. 2. Reviewed in October.
What else can I say--I like this series. :)
I still have to read Armstrong's Watcher in the Woods and Alone in the Wild, but I have the 4th one checked out right now and am on track to get both finished before her new one comes out. I hope. I know...I'm always running a little behind on these series. ;D
ReplyDelete:) We're always behind somewhere! I'm caught up with this series, but behind in many more!
DeleteOh I remember I read a Jane Stanton Hitchcock book many years ago. I know I liked it but you know how it goes, now I can't remember anything about it. And, although the Alex Coombs sound very intense I'm curious about it - probably because it's set in the UK, right?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Bluff; bluffs are certainly part of poker and life!
DeleteBluff sounds like a delight! I am adding that one to my wish list. I haven't read Fern Michaels before but think I may have one of her books on my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteBluff was fun, and I really liked that it didn't need to focus on youth or beauty to provide a great mystery/crime novel!
DeleteI really like the sounds of Bluff, and the MC, of an older society woman playing badass poker!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a tricky book :) I enjoyed the way it developed!
DeleteI am so glad you enjoyed Bluff! Were you aware that Hitchcock actually experienced part of her plot?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware when I was reading it, but I did see later that there were some personal elements! It was a fun book and kept me either smiling or waiting for the next twist. :)
DeleteBluff sounds good to me. I'll have to check out this book. And I need to catch up on that series by Kelley Armstrong!
ReplyDeleteBluff was good! Kelley Armstrong's latest also prepares us for some changes, and I'm eager to see what they will be. :)
DeleteI've never been a fan of the cozy genre, but I couldn't explain even to my own satisfaction why that was. You nailed it in your review of the Fern Michaels book. That's why.
ReplyDeleteBluff sounds really good; I like the sound of that badass poker player elder.
And...that teeshirt makes me nostalgic in so many ways. I am grieving every day lost to not being able to get on the road for an extended wandering around trip. The second we get the all-clear, I'm out of here.
Bluff was good! And Sam, I bet you are ready to hear some blue grass in person :)
DeleteBluff sounds so good! An older society woman who plays poker sounds like so much fun to read about. :)
ReplyDeleteMaude is quite the character; she walks into the Four Seasons and shoots and kills a man. After that events keep changing--and poker strategy is part of the plot. :)
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