Review: Cause and Effect

Cause and Effect

Derek Thompson

Thomas and Karl both work for the Surveillance Support Unit in London and in this story they have been assigned to the Benefits Office to check potential fraudulent benefit claims. But at the same time they both become involved in several other investigations which keep the reader guessing about the motives and actions of numerous characters. Only at the end of the book does the reader finally figure out what has been going on in the various investigations.

I like the book and I especially like the witty style of writing. But at times it seems a bit hard to follow the story. There are so many “shadow effects” that I can't help thinking that the telling of the story might be more suited to a visual media. Nevertheless, it has some interesting characters, good dialogue and a lot of intrigue.

Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Hector Finds Time

Hector Finds Time

François Lelord

In this book Hector, the psychiatrist goes off in search of an old monk he knows in order to help him understand the meaning of time. Along the way he relates some lessons he's learned. Some, which come from his patients are so funny that I laughed out loud. Patient Hubert is especially interesting in that he measures time according to how many dog's lives he has left.

If you've ever thought about getting older or the meaning of time this little gem of a book is for you. It's amusing, entertaining and profound at the same time. Many of Hector's lessons and time exercises are thought provoking and shouldn't be missed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallic Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

DVD: Nicolas Le Floch

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DVD: Nicolas Le Floch

Recently I posted a review of The Châtelet Apprentice by Jean-François Parot. I just wanted to let you know if you find this book interesting you might also like the DVD series inspired by these books. Nicolas Le Floch Volume One and Two are available at amazon and at at mhznetwork.

Review: Public Face Private Vice

Public Face Private Vice

Keith Wainman

Chief Superintendent Charlie Smith and his team have a new case. A BBC presenter has turned up dead and as they search for his killer the case twists and turns into something no one expected. What at first looks like a possible case of blackmail may turn into something far more complex.

This is a well written police mystery full of interesting characters and a Police team with a knack for getting the information they need out of suspects, even those who prove to be a little difficult. It's a memorable story that has good dialogue and action as well as enough tension to keep the reader interested in how its all going to pan out.

This book would be great for a television series since the events and characters, especially the police team are so well depicted.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas

2 A.M. At The Cat's Pajamas

Marie-Helene Bertino

I loved the cover of this book. It was so cute and engaging. I expected the story to be the same. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I found it hard to get into the beginning of the book. The characters didn't seem that interesting and the story seemed a bit flat and if I'm honest, boring. Nevertheless, I plowed on and by the middle of the book I found it a bit more interesting. I did at least want to know what would happen to the characters enough to make me continue.

Overall, it seemed to suffer from too many stories within the main story which left it short on character development. To me the numerous stories took away from the main character's story. Madeleine, the nine year old who wants to be a jazz singer is at the heart of the story and the thread that pulls everyone else together but, the development of this character seemed slow and somehow I just couldn't get a feel for her.

It may be a personal preference, but I didn't like the style of writing, which seemed forced and artificial at times. Having said that there were a few interesting bits which helped me get to the end. I enjoyed the conversation Madeleine had with a roach during a dream at 10:05pm and a few scenes containing Sarina, Madeleine's school teacher and her high school friend Ben were interesting. But, by and large I found the book rambled too much and because of this it was hard to feel much for the characters or the story itself.

Thanks to Bloggingforbooks.com for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review:The Châtelet Apprentice

The Châtelet Apprentice

Jean-François Parot

This is a wonderful French mystery set in the 18^th century. Nicholas Le Floch is appointed as an investigator to solve a mysterious death and to help Monsieur de Sartine, Lieutenant General of Police in Paris find important sensitive State documents that have gone missing.

The author creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that allows the reader to almost smell the foul air in Paris and feel the crunch of snow underfoot. The book is full of interesting scenes and well developed characters. As this is the first in a series, it gives a detailed look at Le Foch's past which allows the reader to feel not only connected to the character but gain an understanding into the workings of 18^th century French society. Anyone interested in France during this period or in good historical novels will not be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Gallic Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

Review: Christmas at the Vicarage

Christmas at the Vicarage

Rebecca Boxall

Rosamunde has decided to return home to Potter's Cove in Devon after an absence of 15 years. She left following traumatic events and now she thinks she's finally able to face the past and return. She arrives in Potter's Cove at the vicarage to stay with her father. She finds both change and comfort in surroundings she knew and loved as a child. Only time will tell if she will be able to make a new life in Potter's Cove.

This is a warm and delightful read. I especially like the structure of the book that had chapters alternating between Rosamunde's present and past. It was a good way to cover all the events in her life and story. It also created enough tension and suspense to keep the reader glued to the pages until the very end.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.