The French Gift

4/5

Loved this book, but wanted to take my time before writing my review.
Why ?? When all was revealed it felt the revelation was circumstantial. It felt as if it was only one possibility. Even after rereading it. I did feel better afterwards and i never guessed who. Everything added up and made sense.

The story was truly incredible. I loved the characters and their strength. Both past and present. It would have been nice to know what happened to some of the other characters like Mueller, and to know more about others. Even better that the book was based on a real person. This is a story that needed to be told.

From the first page I was drawn in and did not want to stop reading. I had a need through to book to find out who, but as the story progresses I was asking how. I was wondering seeing if the author was gonna leave us hanging. She did not. In both the past and in the present I felt the did the story well. Evie decided to do what was best for the amazing story she and Cement have been researching and wanting to honor Josephine and Margot. They did well. As Hugo said it needs to be shared because so little about the resistance, prison, and factory was know, Especially women.

Overall I highly recommend this book. The answers will surprise you.

The Pilot's Daughter

 

4/5

Trigger warning: domestic violence.

This book had a unique setting. Reporter in the 1940s searches for information and clues about a crime/murder In the 1920s. While also searching for answers on her on mystery in the 1940s. Ellie seeks answers about her father who is declared MIA, which leads to a murder from the past. I wasn't sure what to expect to be honest but I liked it. I liked if for many reasons but one of which it shows how far women have came since the 20s. Even In the 40s it was hard to be a woman, especially an unmarried one.

I liked the characters. They had growth. They even had strength. They felt real and genuine. Learning from past mistakes, changes the outlook of others. I don't know if I could have handled both issues in both time lines. I think the author did a good job with the characters and the settings. Very intriguing. Very unique. Very well done.

It was a fast read for me. Once I started it flowed really well and I did not want to but it down. It didn't take long to finish this book. Definitely will be watching out for her new one.

Nine Lives

                                                    

                                                 


5/5
Well played Mr. Swanson. Well played. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. Like his others it was hard to put down and I kept wanting to know Who and Why ??

The story moved pretty quickly and kept me guessing. The two Agatha Christie books I thought were actually one and I should have known.

The characters were great, some I disliked while others were well liked. There was diversity, I would love to see a deaf character in one of his books. The ending was well done and tied everything up. The POV from each person was not confusing as some have mentioned in their reviews. I thought it was great to see who thought what.

And as always the great use of other great writers in his books. We all know Agatha Christie, but he always pulls in more posts and authors. A great thing I like about his books.

I definitely recommend this one. The twist is not huge but well done and I liked it. Liked the story and did not guess who done it.

Another great read from Peter Swanson. I look forward to his next.

Book of Cold Cases

4/5

I enjoyed this one, Loved the ghostly feel and the cliff.
Simone St. James is one of my favorite authors. I will say I liked this a bit better then Sun Down Motel but not as good as Broken Girls. I know there are reviews who did not understand why the who dun it was revealed so early in the book, and not the end. To me this was the right way to go.

I did identify with Beth when it came to her family, family can be hurtful without knowing or caring. I liked the characters and the fact Shea showed some real growth. That took a lot for her, but you can not live in the past.

The house and cliffs proved to be the perfect setting for this one. I liked it. Loved the story and the back story. I did guess some and did not guess others. So many good things to say about this one, waiting patiently for the next one.

The Lost Village

 

4/5

I was skeptical of reading this as it was compared to The Blair Witch Movie. I will freely admit I do not like that movie in any shape or form. When I see movies that have the same, "backwards filming of me" I will not watch it. So I was not expecting to like this as much as I did.

First I liked the idea. Two of the descendants from this village go back to find out what happened to the people that just disappeared into thin air. There were some plot holes of course but still made for a good story.

I liked the characters for the most part. Each has a flaw but they do bring something to the table. I believe Gitta probably was Autistic or have some form of Autism. What happens to her is enough to actually bring on the ghosts. The village is in Sweden, which is different, and very isolated. It had all the spooky vibes for the most part. I also liked how grandma did her research. Just from that you can gain some perspective of the preacher, and quesadillas to why no one every thought to verify this guy. From there you can gather it had a cult like feeling as well. It keeps you asking where did they go ?? Where could they have gone ?? No Blair Witch feel for me. So that was a good thing.

I liked how it was explained and pretty much tied up. Again I know there were several plot holes, and I did have more questions that was not answered. But overall the ending was good. Towards the ends you can figure things out. Just wanted more of the ending. At least from the documentary aspect of it.

All in all an enjoyable read keep me interested.

Night Shift

 

4/5

Interesting story that moves at a great pace. Kept my interested, and tho I figured out most of it I did not figure out all of it. Kept me guessing through out the story.

Liked the characters, and Atticus was my favorite. Did not like what happens to him. The lead was a pregnant agent which I don't know how realistic it is for to working as she was.

Loved the whole Blockbuster setting from the movies to the decor. Brought back some good memories.

The Priest

4/5
rounded up

I was not sure about this book, something about the feel of it.

It was not a bad book, I know the story, and still the feel of it just doesn't feel like it should. I have read some of her other books and not had a problem. I even had to look a thing up or two, which is good that I learned from it. I even learned more about Aaron.

With Easter coming, this is a good read. I always watch the movie The Ten Commandments. It was something we used to do with our mom. The book does go with the bible pretty well, and I know the author added some to make it more fictional. The movie and the book seem to do well with that. They also differ as well. Moses' story is pretty well known, but not so much with Aaron. We see how well they work together and how much they do together thru God. I always found it sad, Moses never entered the promised land, but I will admit, I did not know about Aaron.

I still feel the story is important and needs to be shared. This author does a great job of writing stories. I will read others from her. Maybe this one was just a me thing or a fluke. Maybe I need to reread it. Either way, this is going to stay with me. That is not a bad thing.