Book Review: The First Victim

I have reviewed JB Lynn multiple times in the past for her Hitwoman Series. And though about crime and mystery, the hitwoman series is still light hearted and laugh-out-loud funny. This book, however, is much more serious in nature. 

I am surprised and impressed by Lynn's ability to flow so flawlessly between two vastly different ends of the mystery genre. While both carry suspense, The First Victim is more of a Law and Order type scenario, where things go seriously wrong. A serial killer is plotting to finally get the one that got away. I almost felt the need to hold my breath the entire way through. (Clearly, I didn't - I'm no good at holding my breath) 

I know that some of my friends have recently read Gillian Flynn, and I have already recommended this book to them personally. And while Flynn is most recognized for her book, Gone Girl, she also has many other great books published (though not as admittedly bat-s**t-crazy as Gone Girl). 

I encourage readers out there to give this book a go. I'd love to chat about it if you do!

Book Review: Love You More

Here is the latest book in the Detective D.D. Warren series.  Why does she keep writing about this author?  I don't care!  Well, you should care, because Lisa Gardner is an amazing author and I don't think she has been given near enough recognition.

This book opens to a female state trooper shooting her husband three times.  And her daughter is missing.  The police arrest her for the murder.  But come on.  It's a crime novel.  Do you think that it's going to be that easy?  Oh, don't get smart with me; no you didn't.

On top of the murder investigation and the amber alert, D.D. has some personal issues to face as well.  In the previous novel, the usual loner detective gets cozy with a gentleman friend.  But don't worry - this isn't 50 shades...of anything.

Where is the little girl?  Why did the state trooper feel the need to shoot her husband?  Does she have an accomplice?

As Gardner has done in her other works, you get to read the point of view from multiple characters.  Here, the reader gets the perspective of my favorite detective, as well as the accused, Tessa.  Watch out - the prison bit is nuts!

I'd compare this book to Gone Girl in respect to the amount of premeditation and planning that is revealed throughout.  Although unlike that book, this one doesn't end in a "WTH?"  If you've read Gone Girl I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.  But I haven't read any of these books.  Unlike you, I HAVE a job.  Well, you should read them.  Reading is a swell hobby.

I really wish that all of these books could be turned into a Law and Order type show.  I would do an excited dance!


So, on a little side note, here's something that I found when I was google searching for an image of the book title page...

 

Is this not the best?  It turns out, there is a whole line of "love you more than..." at  www.theanimatedwoman.com.  I'm definitely going to have to check out her site again.

Book Review: Gone Girl

If I were to review this book in a single word, it would be WOAH.

Anyone who enjoys thrillers or suspense should pick up this book.  And if you don't?  Read it anyway.  It might just open up a new genre.  Seriously.  I'm not kidding.  Do I look like I'm kidding?  Well that's just my normal face.  Just trust me.

But seriously, Flynn takes her readers through a roller coaster, like the ones that go upside down so many times you're dizzy when you try to get up at the end of the ride.  But it's so awesome that you go back and ride it again.

I had heard a bit of buzz about this book, although I couldn't really place where if you asked me (so don't).  I'd periodically check the library to see if it was available, but it never was and there was a long list waiting.  I didn't put myself on the list because honestly, it could be seriously a year before it would be my turn.  Not to put pressure on any slower readers; I'm just impatient when it comes to good reads.

Then I happened to notice it on the bottom of the book shelf at my sister-in-law's house this past Monday and asked if I could borrow it.  She was gracious in letting me borrow not only this book, but a stack full.  Anyone that knows me knows that I am a full-on nerd when it comes to books and I was pumped to have new reads.

"It doesn't turn out like you think it would" was what she told me.  Fair enough.  Most thrillers don't if they're written well.  100 pages in and I texted her "This guy is a jerk!"  She told me just wait.  HO-LEE-COW.  I understand what she meant though.  You can't give away anything without ruining it. 

Here is the synopsis if you're curious: http://gillian-flynn.com/gone-girl/

Basically, the book starts out like an opening scene for Law and Order.  Flynn gives the reader a bit of time to get acquainted with the situation and the characters and then BA-BAM!

This book was the most technically  engaging book I've read since The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series.  And it's equally as twisted, although not quite as graphic.  I've already told quite a few people that they need to hurry up and read it just so I can discuss it with someone.  This is urgent!

So if you happen to get a gift card to a bookstore this holiday season, I'd definitely recommend Gone Girl.  While it's number 85 on the list of books I've read this year (not counting comic books) I'd rank it in the top 5 for sure.