Tag: Thriller

Someone Close to Home by Alex Craigie

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Someone Close to Home by Alex Craigie is amazing!  Megan Youngblood is a young girl with a domineering and manipulating mother who is seeking to climb the social ladder by any means.  Megan is a talented pianist who grows her talent and becomes renowned, earning money and fame.  All she needs is Gideon, but life takes a turn.  We are given a front row seat to the emotional and physical roller coaster ride that is Megan’s life after a stroke places her in a nursing home at the hands of a vengeful and vicious victim of her mother’s evil plotting.

Written as a memoir, Someone Close to Home is captivating as the reader moves from memory to the present and back.  Craigie skillfully places her readers into the story through the strong character developments and ease in which the dialog and plot move.  Without realizing it, I cheered at Jordan’s departure; I cried at the pain of Megan; I slapped my chair at Theo’s dressing down by Gideon; Martin’s subsequent impact on Annie; and when I closed the book at the end of the last sentence I cried.

This is a beautifully written book, mixing thriller with memoir style writing. I have not had so many different reactions to one book ever.  Craigie has done what every author wants – transported their reader into a powerful, creative story and let them experience the book completely on many different levels.  There are several different characters in this book that are incredibly remarkable.

If you are looking for a book that holds your attention and elicits passionate responses from its readers, this is the book!  I cannot highly recommend this book enough.  I was truly surprised at how it captured and held my attention and continued well past the last page – and I absolutely hate to cry!

An amazing book! A definite MUST READ!

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Ignition (William Hawk Book 1) by Willian Hawk

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The fate of the world all too often rests on the fate of an illogical person who is eager to push “the button” or set off a chain of events that no one but the smartest, strongest, best armed and most adept can fix.  That is until now!  William Hawk just turned 16 and is hoping his life is going to get more interesting now that he can drive, date, and be his own man … well, that is until a unique chain of events sets off his otherworldly self and he meets Grace.  Grace is an otherworldly soul as well, a Change Agent III just like William.  Although Grace knows she’s a Change Agent III and her twin brother and all around evil demonic presence Ravios aka Roland is set to destroy not just the world but the universes.

William and Grace find themselves on the wrong side of the local police, his current girlfriend and his best friend are all involved; they find themselves befriended by a couple of Native American’s with the sight.  Together they set about to accomplish the first step of “ignition”.

This was an awesome read! The author, under the pen name William Hawks, does an excellent job of building his characters fully.  Laying out the storyline in a logical and realistic manner.  The vivid descriptions of the terrain, situations, and encounters are clear and rich.  One cannot help but feel satisfied or sadness or even the gasp that escapes when one realizes what everyone’s role truly is in the story.

The author genuinely has written an action-packed adventure that will have audiences on the edge of their chairs.  I could not put the book down until I finished it.  My grandson is now reading the book and is LOVING it!  I think he secretly hopes that next year when he turns 16 something mind-blowing will happen to him too!

I appreciated the fact that the author developed the characters in a realistic manner, she had William doubting himself; had each character responding in a realistic manner.  An excellent adventure!

WordsAPlenty highly recommends this book to readers of all ages.

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Predictable Violence by Gillean Campbell

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A copy of this book was sent to WordsAPlenty for an honest review.

 

When someone loses their family to violence, justice must be served.  For Mackenzie Anderson losing her husband and two-year-old daughter was more than collateral damage … losing her heart was devastating enough now she had to save her soul and mind.  Going after the killer of her family results in a life-changing event.  Now she fights for the dead; serving up justice by finding murderers.

Mack is investigating a triple murder with no clues, no evidence, no clear motive and no suspects.  In a plot-twisting, mind-blowing turn of events – Mack comes face to face with another murderer – the guy who killed her family.  Can she deal with him and still solve this case?  Will she live to see tomorrow?  Will she commit the unthinkable?

Gillean Campbell has delivered an edge of your seat murder thriller that will leave the reader sitting in stunned silence!  This is not your typical murder mystery!  Campbell has built a solid backstory that is spelled out at the beginning of each chapter solidifying the past to the future and giving us the full story of who Mack is, why and where she is headed.

One cannot help but feel the pain Mack suffers throughout the book, but it does not take away from the murder at hand.  Rather it adds to it in ways that are more influential to the story in its entirety.

Campbell delivers a potent story that is well written, terrifying each step of the way, and with a surprise ending that is amazing!  What seems to be a complex story is, in reality, a well woven, easy to follow story that comes together in the end with a shocking ending!

The cover and title blend well into the story.  Very well done!

I enjoy mysteries and thrillers, but Campbell has created a complex, likable, respected and realistic character.  I started this book and had it finished in two days because I could NOT put it down!  It is not a book that one can read whenever – it’s just not possible!  You CANNOT put it down once you get started!!!

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The Last Oracle A Climate Fiction Thriller (Sam Jardine Crime Thrillers Book 3) by Christopher Hepworth

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WordsAPlenty was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Christopher Hepworth has written an engrossing financial thriller that explores and reveals the appalling degree of greed and manipulation of a few for their own financial gain and political notoriety.

Sam Jardine is once again being called in to negotiate a monumental deal. Known by many as a gifted yet quirky negotiator, Jardine is known for getting the job done.  His sense of morals and ethical behavior presents him as naïve but he is far smarter and all too often underestimated by most.

Jardine is asked to negotiate a deal that enmeshes him into a battle with a secret organization of men who are willing to sacrifice the environment for greed and political gain while also dealing with terrorists. In the end, Jardine must make hard decisions that could spin the world into global catastrophic financial and environmental disasters. All the while keeping a promise to an ancient one and trying to save his brother, Jack.

Christopher Hepworth is a masterful storyteller weaving complex situations by placing Jardine in unnerving encounters and non-stop action.  Hepworth creates a realistic plot with believable and strong characters.  I have admired Hepworth for his repeated use of strong female characters.

This is not a book that one can put down once started; Hepworth is enthralling and unexpected.  His clever plot twists are flawless and his understanding of human nature is frighteningly accurate.   One cannot read this and walk away from it unscathed, you will be haunted by it!

Definitely, a must-read for fans who enjoy thrillers, environmental issues, and action-packed adventures.  Hepworth knows how to keep the suspense going!

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The Fall, a novel of post-apocalyptic Australia, Book 1 Conversion by S.T. Campitelli

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I was given a copy of The Fall, a novel of post-apocalyptic Australia, Book 1 Conversion by S.T. Campitelli in exchange for an honest review.

The Fall, a novel of post-apocalyptic Australia, Book 1 Conversion by S.T. Campitelli is a detailed version of what we could be facing when a deadly and destructive virus spreads unchecked.  Unlike most where there is one country or individual to blame, we are given another unique possibility.

The story begins in 2052.  Survivors who are fortunate enough to have been granted admittance to these secure structures survive while others less fortunate are left outside to fend for themselves with the deadly creatures that roam freely seeking out fresh human meat to consume or infect.  Not only do the Kulin survivors have the infected hordes to worry about but now they have some serious betrayal issues but also an insanely unbalanced villain that will wreak havoc.

Campitelli develops his characters vividly and with subtle yet in-depth detail.  No one will have any issues visualizing each character.  The plotline moves smoothly yet at a fast action packed rate that leaves one on the edge of their chair.  I had difficulty putting the book down after I started it!

Campitelli is a masterful word-smyth building a storyline that is both engaging and exciting.  His dialogs are perfectly matched to the situation and characters.  He leaves no stone unturned, the audience has a thorough picture of what is going on yet still manages to surprise us multiple times!  I like that he not only took Australia as the setting but the way he broke the story up giving his audience multiple points of view.

As a first time author, he hit it out of the ballpark with this book!  He has definitely set the standards high for himself but I am confident he will continue – he is a gifted author who innately writes good solid books.

If you enjoy horror, apocalyptic stories, and realistic scenarios, this is the book for you!

A definite 5-star review due to his innate writing skills and unique storyline.

 

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The Devil’s Kettle by JJ Ollman

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The Devil’s Kettle by J.J. Ollman is a unique tale in which friendship withstands everything.  Three missing people in a short span of time, they all have one thing in common – well, two if you count the man that abducts them!  Two friends and a reporter band together and try to track down their missing friend Seth.  However, one friend has a deadly secret that is about to become well known and thus begins the thrilling page-turning novel by J.J. Ollman.  The two friends, Mancoat and Hodges are perfect foils for the police and kidnapper working together effortlessly.  The race against time and Hodges’ past is about to turn things around to an even deadlier outcome!

This is not just your ordinary missing person, serial killer, and mystery.  Ollman makes it so much more when he keeps throwing in twists that keep you sitting on the edge of your chair with the turn of each page.  Just when you think you have it figured out – wham!  He does it again.  Even with the barrage of twists and turns in the mystery, Ollman keeps the story clear and flowing.  The reader never becomes confused about what’s going on – the story flows so well that the reader can do nothing but set back and wait for the next twist knowing it is coming but not just when or how!

The characters were well developed as was the storyline.  Everything fit together nicely with no lingering questions.  While this book involves characters from another book, this one can be read as a stand-alone book.  It is clear that Hodges did something horrible but is a seeking redemption while also staying free.

This is perfect for people who enjoy the edge of your seat type of novel, mysteries, and thrillers.  Ollman is a masterful storyteller.  His books are well researched and pack a powerful punch!   I cannot wait to read his other books!

Five-star review for its edge of your seat action!

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Stranger by Peter Stankovic

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Nick Hunter, a journalist and a playboy debonair, wakes up to find he has no memory.  He sets forth trying to piece together the last 24 hours.  Sometimes, ignorance is bliss but in this case, Nick finds himself in deadly hot water.  Finding out who he is, what he does for a living and what the “job” he was paid to do is vital to his health.  In the meantime, he falls hard for a woman – something he suspects is totally foreign to him.

Nick quickly discovers several things about himself – he’s a player, he’s a top notch journalist, he’s gotten involved with the wrong people and he’s in love.   Now it’s up to him to save those he loves from the corrupt politicians and mafia types.

Peter Stankovic adeptly creates a plot where danger is around the corner with this edge of your seat thriller mystery.  Stankovic smoothly tells the story of Nick Hunter with vivid imagery and details.  The character development is complete as the characters come to life.  I found “Ginger” to be most amusing as well as deadly, but I knew Nick wasn’t going to let himself be bested – by anyone.

Stankovic is a masterful storyteller whose ability to captivate and engage the audience is thorough.  I found the book difficult to put down after Nick began to remember his life and see the danger for what it was.  I thought it was brilliant how Stankovic brought the story to a close.  His characters are strong. His story is light, not overwhelming.

Well done!I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries, thrillers and romance.  While this book had several instances of romance, it was tastefully done.

A definite 5-star rating!

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Garden of Fiends: Tales of Addiction Horror

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I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I love horror; the creature features, zombie books, creepy music, and Halloween!  I introduced our children to the classic monsters all the way through Halloween, Friday the 13th and the Chain Saw Massacre.  I also enjoyed reading about serial killers and their twisted minds but I was in no way prepared for the horror of Garden of Fiends.  Stories told from the perspective of addicts – alcohol, drugs and sometimes both, were much more than even I could handle.
Sometimes true horror lies in the truth and with addicts, their truth is true horror.  Having a daughter who has dabbled in Vicodin and more, having seen the results of a child impacted mentally by an addict mother, her withdrawal, and daily struggles, well this hit close to home.  There does not seem to be an end and each of these stories builds on that horror.
This is not a collection of stories for the faint of heart.  There are aspects of each story that is gritty and real.  I found this a difficult audiobook to finish because it was brutal and too realistic in portraying human nature and its frailty and selfishness.
The narrator, Rick Gregory provided an extra level of creepiness with his narration style.   His voice was smooth and emotionless.  You knew something horrible was coming but he never let the listeners know it until it happened.  The flow was flawless and did not rely on unnecessary dramatic flair.
There were no issues with the audiobook or quality of production.
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Caged Minds by David Pyle

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Five people, all trapped in a five-star hotel doing the bidding of an anonymous host. Threats of blackmail, physical harm to family and promises of success keep these five participating in a deadly game. The five are key figures in the journalism world; different levels but nonetheless, important in their own right.  Toss in some secret agencies, a hostile take-over by men in ski masks and suits and you have the beginning of one roller coaster thriller ride.  Not everyone gets to leave alive!

Trust does not come easy but the ticking clock helps to build some bonds while exposing others.  There is more going on than meets the eye!

A cleverly crafted thriller, David Pyle, takes his readers deep into the underbelly of terrorism, greed and secrecy.  Nothing is left to chance, each step a character takes is choreographed with precision, each word has a meaning … Pyle has woven an engrossing book that prevents the reader from putting it down.  A long but exciting read.  There is not a dull moment – if there’s no action going on, then there is intrigue that begs full disclosure.

The characters are well developed and from the first moment you don’t know who to trust but Pyle leads you to the truth.  The characters are perfectly constructed fitting expertly into the story.  Each step of the storyline and character involvement is thorough and intensely intriguing.

A must read for all lovers of thrillers and mysteries.

Pyle has a true knack for laying the groundwork for long, detailed and intense thrillers.  WordsAPlenty gives this book a five-star rating for suspense and uniqueness.

 

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Between Life and Death by David Pyle

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WordsAPlenty received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

James Earl Williams has a fresh start, finally. Having lived through the gangs of New Jersey protecting his younger brother best he could, he met his legal problems head on and now he is finally free to go to college and begin his adult life. Somehow, his new beginning is not at all what he envisioned. He meets Jolie – a beautiful young woman who is just as attracted to him as he is to her. All could be good with the world still … but then there’s the persistent click click click sound… the grave robberies … the evil being lurking in his dreams … an old woman … and epic battle!

James doesn’t know which way to turn and finds himself fighting not only for his life but for his very soul and the souls of his loved ones – both past and present. It will take him and his entire family to face this evil; some will live, some will die and some … will be between life and death!
David Pyle has created a southern world filled with familial ties, supernatural beings, action, mystery, voodoo and even the walking dead! Between Life and Death has something for everyone.

Pyle very smoothly walks us through a complex story with lots of people who are integral to the story. Each character plays a pivotal role in the upcoming deadly battle of wills and good vs evil. Although there are some soul-searching and transformation of a couple of key characters, the story flow is slow and natural. No character is extraneous or useless, but rather each one enhances the transformation of James or another main character leading them into the final battle.

Character development was solid. Each character was strongly developed leaving no doubt about where their loyalty lay. The reader could not help but grow to know and love some characters and despise others. Pyle executes vivid imagery in character and plot development. This is not a story to be read at night, alone or during a storm. Pyle strikes fear in the reader that goes deeper than the physical world – he takes fear to much deeper levels striking at one’s core beliefs.

Epic in length, this is a solid read that resonates with the reader long after it is over. There were several plot twists and character discoveries that shock the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more by David Pyle.

WorldsAPlenty gives this book, Between Life and Death, a five-star rating for its story line and ingenious blending of several genres into one story.

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