Book Review: The Woods Are Waiting (By Katherine Greene)

A big thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for an ARC of The Woods are Waiting by Katherine Greene. This was my introduction to the author, and the premise was incredibly intriguing. Read on to find out how this thriller fares.

Genre: 

Thriller, Mystery

Blurb:

Cheyenne Ashby has lived under the shadow of her mother’s eccentricities all her life. Constance Ashby is the protector of the small town of Blue Cliff, keeping at bay the evil entity that haunts the surrounding forest. When three children are found dead in the forest, out-of-towner Jasper Clinton is convicted. But Cheyenne, unable to bear the weight of her family traditions, superstitions, and responsibilities, leaves her town and turns her back on her mother and on the two people who matter the most to her – Natalie and Jackson.

Five years later, another child goes missing. The event leaves Constance Ashby a wreck. Cheyenne returns to fulfill her duty and take care of her mother. She faces her past once again and tries to rebuild the broken relationships with those that she still loves. But, as Cheyenne and Natalie realize, there’s only one way to bury that past and resolve the events that have pushed the town into an increasing frenzy of fear and anger – face the evil that lives in the woods.

Overall Rating:

8 out of 10 stars

Plot:

9 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

10 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

10 out of 10 stars for its mystery; 7 out of 10 stars for its thrill

Writing Style:

10 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

No.

Highlighted Takeaway:

A great mix of mystery, creepiness, and the emotional struggles that come with life’s tough decisions, The Woods Are Waiting is an excellent debut by Katherine Greene, making her an author to watch.

What I Liked:

The Woods Are Waiting does justice to a not-uncommon theme – a small town set in its ways and beliefs, plagued by hauntings of an unknown being, and rife with unrest in the aftermath of tragedy. What it gets right is:

• the characterization of the two protagonists and multiple supporting persons, each holding their own, with their own voice, and their own growth,
• the emotional conflicts that accompany the tough decisions you have to make sometimes and their aftermath,
• the vulnerability and strength in relationships of all kinds,
• the setting, especially that of the forest, and its impact on the people and the events they experience,
• a mystery that keeps you guessing right till the end

What I Didn’t Like:

While there was little to specifically dislike in Katherine Greene’s debut thriller, the only thing that would have made it better was a little more creepiness. There was significant focus on the ‘creature within the woods’, but there was just something lacking in the effect the narrative had; it left you curious more than unsettled, which is what I was expecting given the setting and theme.

It also moves steadily, but at a slow(ish) pace, picking up in intensity after the 70% mark. That doesn’t in any way affect the outcome, but I definitely found the ‘face the evil’ aspect to be introduced much later than the blurb had me believe.

Who Should Read It:

You’ll enjoy Katherine Greene’s work if you like thrillers with emotion and mysteries with supernatural elements. It’s perfect for fans of Tim Weaver’s David Raker series (because of their similar settings, especially The Dead Tracks) or Mark Edwards (because of their similar themes, especially The Retreat).

Who Should Avoid:

Trigger Warning: The Woods Are Waiting does involve crimes against children, although it is non-violently handled. However, if that’s a particularly sensitive topic for you, I’d definitely recommend avoiding this one.

You could also skip this if thrillers with supernatural themes aren’t a favorite.

Read It For:

A story that excellently combines a creepy mystery and the complexities of relationships and emotions.

I really enjoyed The Woods Are Waiting and finished it within a couple of days. It’s definitely a book that keeps you turning the pages. If you’re looking to try a new author with immense potential, you can pre-order your copy of Katherine Greene’s debut here. It goes on sale in July 2023.

Share recommendations of your favorite thrillers in the comments below. And, as always, thank you for stopping at The Book Review Station!

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

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Book Review: Snowblind (By Ragnar Jónasson)

Snowblind, by Ragnar Jónasson, was an impulse pick-up for me at my library. (Yes, I do spend a lot of time at the library, which probably isn’t a surprise at this point!) The blurb and setting were interesting, especially as the weather outside more or less mimicked that within the pages of the book. The book is a translation from the original and has been translated into English by Quentin Bates (who has also translated Books 2 to 5 in the Dark Iceland series.

How did my introduction to Ragnar Jónasson’s work go? Read on to find out.

Genre: 

Thriller, Mystery

Length: 

320 pages

Blurb:

Rookie policeman, Ari Thor, leaves behind his home and girlfriend in Reykjavik and takes up his first assignment in the remote village of Siglufjordur. Often snowed in during winter, the small fishing town has little in the way of crime. Until an elderly, famous writer – a resident of Siglufjordur – falls to his death, and a young woman is found half-naked, unconscious, and in a pool of her own blood, all within the span of a few days. As a snowstorm rages on, cutting off the only path into and out of the village and, Ari Thor faces more than a growing sense of claustrophobia – he faces the close-knit community of Siglufjordur that tells little and hides a lot. What price will he need to pay before he finds the killer among them?

Overall Rating:

8 out of 10 stars

Plot:

8 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

8 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

4 out of 10 stars for its thrill; 8 out of 10 stars for its mystery

Writing Style:

7 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

Yes, this is Book 1 in the Dark Iceland series, featuring Ari Thor. The books are in a different order in the Icelandic version and in the translated, English version. Snowblind is the starting point for readers of the English version (while being the second book in the Icelandic series), but it does not feel like it picks up mid-series.

Highlighted Takeaway:

A character-driven whodunit that pulls you right into its bleak, snowy setting, Snowblind is probably best enjoyed in the winter months with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa by your side.

What I Liked:

The setting of Snowblind is one of its highlights. It is perfectly crafted and sets the stage for the entire story, making each dialog and action that much easier to envision and connect with. Another highlight is its characterization. Moving through multiple POVs, the book gives you incredible insight into each character and their motivations, without becoming overwhelming.

What I Didn’t Like:

The only thing I would say I didn’t like is how the book is represented in its blurb – its genre assignment. Although stated to be a thriller, Snowblind doesn’t exactly keep you on the edge of your seat. While that doesn’t make it a bad book, it definitely results in you having to adjust between what you expect and what the book really is.

Who Should Read It:

If you like whodunits or character-driven mysteries, you’ll really enjoy Snowblind. It keeps you invested in the characters and their personal battles as it slowly unfolds. You’ll also really enjoy it if you like stories set in remote areas and that take place under the wrath of Mother Nature.

Who Should Avoid:

If you prefer your mysteries to be more thriller-oriented, you should skip Snowblind.

Read It For:

Its setting, and characters that will stay with you after you turn the last page.

I was quite torn when rating Snowblind. The main reason was (as mentioned) that its pitch is very different than its story. Eventually though, when rating it for what it is – a whodunit, not a thriller – I am compelled to give it a high rating. It’s a book that most readers of classic mysteries will thoroughly enjoy. If you liked Agatha Christie’s work, you’ll enjoy Ragnar Jónasson’s.

If you’d like to get your own copy of Snowblind, you can do so here. If you’d like to check out another Icelandic author who combines mystery with some thrill, read my review of The Doll by Yrsa Sigurdardottir.

What are some of your favorite mysteries? Tell us in the comments below. And, as always, thank you for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review!

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

Book Review: Find You First (By Linwood Barclay)

I discovered Linwood Barclay when I came across Elevator Pitch. That book had been a fast read, with a lot of connected story arcs, and a satisfying end (check out its full review here). It also got me interested in Linwood Barclay’s other works. Which is how I ended up reading Find You First.

How did it compare to Elevator Pitch? Read on to find out.

Genre: 

Thriller, Mystery

Length: 

438 pages

Blurb:

Tech millionaire, Miles Cookson, had little time for things other than the business empire he built and his success. Until he was diagnosed with a fast-progressing terminal illness. Now, Miles needs to redefine his priorities and address an unexpected challenge – a fifty percent chance that his illness is passed on to the next generation. As a sperm donor in the past, Miles has nine children that he’s never met, nine adults who could be carrying his illness. Determined to equip them with the knowledge of their potential future and a part of his fortune, Miles begins his search for his biological children.

Chloe Swanson, an aspiring film documentarian, knows that her mother used a New York sperm bank to become pregnant twenty-two years ago. And she’s determined to find her biological father and any biological siblings.

When Miles and Chloe meet, they both find some of the answers they’ve been searching for. They also find that someone is killing off Miles’ children. Will they find out who is behind the terrifying events unfolding around them before Chloe becomes the next target?

Overall Rating:

7 out of 10 stars

Plot:

8 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

8 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

6 out of 10 stars for its mystery; 6 out of 10 stars for its thrill

Writing Style:

8 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series:

No. 

Highlighted Takeaway:

A well-paced crime fiction that may not produce a lot of thrills, but definitely keeps the pages turning with its suspense.

What I Liked:

Linwood Barclay always manages to weave tales with numerous layers in a compelling and taut manner. Find You First is no different. The way the story comes together is great, made better by the fact that its characterization definitely has you invested.

One of the most intriguing (and surprising) parts of the story was one character who was definitely created in the image of (or at least heavily inspired by) an infamous predator who made the news in the past few years. It made the story much more believable and realistic.

What I Didn’t Like:

Like Elevator Pitch, there’s nothing to specifically dislike in Find You First. It checks all the boxes for a mystery and thriller. It isn’t creepy, nor does it give you the chills (like Dead Silence), but it keeps the pages turning. It just isn’t the best mystery or suspense out there and does seem to drag a bit at times.

Who Should Read It:

If you enjoy crime fiction, mystery, and serial-killer-themed books, you’ll probably enjoy Find You First. It also has some emotional aspects that work really well. It is one of those books that you can read over a weekend or carry along on vacation and relax with for a few hours every day.

Who Should Avoid:

If you’re not a big fan of crime fiction or consistent-paced thrillers (instead, preferring to stick to those that make your skin crawl a bit), I’d recommend skipping this one. You could, instead, try Alex North’s The Whisper Man, if you haven’t read it already.

Read It For:

A multi-arced story that keeps you engaged and guessing.

I’m definitely going to be following Linwood Barclay and his books, even if they won’t be my first choice for a “thriller”. They’re excellent comfort reads when you want to follow an interesting story that is gripping but that does not leave you looking over your shoulder.

If you’d like to grab a copy of Find You First, you can get it here. Or get a copy of Elevator Pitch here. Want to share your thoughts on Linwood Barclay and his books? Leave us a comment below. And as always, thank you for taking a quick break at The Book Review Station.

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

Book Review: The Doll (By Yrsa Sigurdardottir)

I came across The Doll while strolling through my library. It caught my interest immediately thanks to its potential serial killer theme and its very creepy cover image. Written by Icelandic author, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, The Doll has been translated for its English-language audience by Victoria Cribb.

Without further ado, let’s jump right into the review of this thriller.

Genre: 

Thriller, Mystery

Length: 

464 pages

Blurb:

Years ago, a mother takes her young daughter on a fishing trip – an opportunity for the girl to bond with her mother after the devastating loss of her father. They catch nothing but a horrific broken doll that has spent years in the ocean. The mother wants to return it to the seabed, but the young girl’s pleading forces her to bring it home. That night, the mother posts an image of the doll on social media. That night, the mother dies… and the doll disappears.

Present day, Detective Huldar is investigating the identity and cause of death of a skeleton pulled out of the ocean. As the case inches forward, he is drawn into another one – a homeless drug addict’s violent murder. Children’s Home psychologist, Freyja, is assisting in the investigation of a third case – child abuse by the caretaker in a foster care home. As Freyja and Huldar end up helping each other with their cases, they discover that all three are linked by a single person, a vulnerable and missing witness – the young girl who found and kept the doll all those years ago.

Freyja and Huldar frantically search for the girl. But will they be able to untangle the cases as they get increasingly convoluted, or will their failure lead to the loss of more lives?

Overall Rating:

7 out of 10 stars

Plot:

9 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

9 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

8 out of 10 stars for its thrill; 9 out of 10 stars for its mystery

Writing Style:

8 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

Yes, this is Book #5 in the Freyja and Huldar series, also called the Children’s House series. There are 6 books in the series, all of which have been translated into English by Victoria Cribb for the UK market (available outside of the UK too) between 2017 and 2022.

However, it can be read as a standalone. There are some references to past events, but nothing that seemed like a massive spoiler.

Highlighted Takeaway:

Primarily a police procedural, The Doll offers a few nightmares, excellent mystery, and engaging suspense, making it the entire package for fans of crime fiction.

What I Liked:

While The Doll is an interesting read overall, some things do stand out:

• good characterization, unaffected by the fact that this book is mid-series,
• multiple storylines that come together well for a complex yet clean mystery,
• great cultural and practical insight into the Icelandic region

What I Didn’t Like:

There was nothing that was pointedly wrong with The Doll. The only thing that didn’t make it a 10 out of 10 star rating for me was that it was a good book, but it wasn’t as good as other thrillers and police-procedurals I’ve read.

Who Should Read It:

If you like crime fiction with a creepy touch, suspense, or thrillers, you should definitely try The Doll. You will probably discover an author you may not have followed so far, but whose books may just make it on your list of series to catch up on.

Who Should Avoid:

If you don’t like gore or violence, I would recommend avoiding this one. It’s not got a lot of blood and mayhem, but the few bits that get a bit graphic can be a bit much if you’re not a fan.

Read It For:

Learning about a different culture, and a multi-layered mystery that holds you till the last page.

I’ve read a few translated works, especially by Nordic authors – The Bat by Jo Nesbø and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson being two that come to mind. I’ve enjoyed both authors’ works. And now, I can definitely say that Yrsa Sigurdardottir is another author to watch if you like crime fiction and thrillers. I’m definitely going to be catching up on the previous books in the Children’s House series.

If you’d like to get your own copy of The Doll, you can buy it (with free global shipping) here. And if you’d like to start with the first book in the series, The Legacy, instead, you can buy a copy here.

Got recommendations on thrillers or crime fiction you’d like to share? Drop us a comment below. And as always, thank you for stopping at The Book Review Statoin for your book review break.

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

Book Review: The Night Shift (By Alex Finlay)

I’d read the blurb of The Night Shift by Alex Finlay a few months ago and was immediately intrigued. I’d really enjoyed his earlier book, Every Last Fear (read its review here), so my expectations were definitely high going into this one. Read on to find out if they were met!

Genre: 

Mystery, Thriller

Length: 

312 pages (Hardcover)

Blurb:

1999. Linden, New Jersey. Four teenage girls are attacked in the late hours of the night at the Blockbuster video store where they work. Only one survives. The suspect is quickly identified. But he manages to flee and is never seen again.

Fifteen years later, another attack at an ice cream store in the same town leaves three teenage girls dead and one survivor. Both survivors recall the killer’s last words. “Goodnight, pretty girl.”

In the aftermath, four lives intersect: the survivor of the most recent attack, who is battling her own demons and the bad hand life has dealt her, the survivor of the first attack who is forced to relive her own tragedy as she gets involved in this one, the brother of the original suspect who is adamant of his brother’s innocence, and the FBI agent who is determined to solve both cases.

All four of them are after the truth. And none of them know the price they will have to pay to uncover it.

Overall Rating:

10 out of 10 stars

Plot:

10 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

10 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

10 out of 10 stars for its mystery

Writing Style:

10 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

No.

Highlighted Takeaway:

An intriguing mystery that manages to hit hard emotionally.

What I Liked:

There was a lot to like in The Night Shift. First, its story – a good premise, handled really well. Second, its pace – moves well, doesn’t drag in spite of many arcs running in parallel, and keeps you turning the pages. Three, the mystery – you don’t see a lot of it coming and it definitely manages to surprise. Last, and definitely not least, is the emotional punch – there are aspects of the book which leave you with a heaviness in your stomach that you carry long after.

What I Didn’t Like:

There was nothing I specifically disliked in The Night Shift. There was one character that I didn’t particularly like, but their backstory provides enough support to make their flaws seem accurate, and the character eventually grows on you.

Who Should Read It:

Anyone who likes a good mystery or suspense will definitely like Alex Finaly’s The Night Shift.

Who Should Avoid:

Although not too gory, some parts can come across as too raw or graphic. So if that’s something you absolutely cannot digest, I’d recommend avoiding this one.

Read It For:

How well the many arcs come together, and the story’s emotional punch.

With The Night Shift, I have definitely developed an interest in Alex Finlay’s work and will be exploring more of it. You can buy a copy of The Night Shift here (hardcover) or here (paperback).

If you’d like to share any author or book recommendations, or tell us your thoughts on Alex Finlay and his work, please leave us a comment below. And, as always, thank you for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review.

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

Book Review: Stone Bruises (By Simon Beckett)

I’ve been a huge fan of Simon Beckett’s work. His David Hunter series has always been great, the setting brooding and gray – the perfect thriller setup, with a very human, easy-to-associate-with protagonist. So when I saw that he had published other standalone books, I was intrigued.

And picked up Stone Bruises. Does it meet expectations? Read on to know.

Genre: 

Thriller

Length: 

316 pages

Blurb:

Sean is running from something. He finds himself in France, where he abandons his blood-stained car on a backroad before starting his efforts at hitch-hiking to anywhere but here. But then his foot gets caught in an animal trap leaving him delirious, ill, and almost dead near a rundown farm. When he wakes up, he realizes that he’s been taken in by two women. Their father, the owner of the farm, is livid at having a stranger on his property. But his caretakers persist and Sean begins his slow recovery on the farm. Its solitude and seclusion are welcoming, promising to take him away from his own troubles. Until he realizes that that very solitude means that no one knows what’s happening on the farm… which means that no one will ever know if he never makes it off the land. What secrets does the farm hold? What secrets do its occupants harbor? Is Sean really safe on the farm? Or is it the lesser of two evils when compared with what Sean has left behind in the outside world?

Overall Rating:

4 out of 10 stars

Plot:

6 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

7 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

2 out of 10 stars for its thrill

Writing Style:

7 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

No.

Highlighted Takeaway:

Not exactly a thriller, Simon Beckett’s Stone Bruises is more of a slow burn that has some surprises along the way.

What I Liked:

The basic story is interesting, with enough twists you don’t see coming.

What I Didn’t Like:

Stone Bruises really plods along slowly. It’s a slow-paced drama-suspense mix, with a higher percentage of the former. The characters are intriguing enough, but not so much that you feel a lot of (any) emotion when anything happens. The elements of suspense and mystery fall pretty flat – there is a lot of buildup, especially as the book shifts between past and present, but the revelations seem anticlimactic. This is also why the twists, although surprising at times, don’t hit all that hard either. Overall, it’s not a book that leaves you rooting for any character, nor against any. It’s oddly linear in its story-telling, going along at a slow pace until it just… stops.

Who Should Read It:

If you like slow burns centered around family secrets and mystery-drama, you’ll probably enjoy Stone Bruises.

Who Should Avoid:

If you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller or even something that is similar in mood and setting to Simon Beckett’s other works like the David Hunter series, you’ll probably not love this one.

Read It For:

A comfortable read that you can follow along easily enough but don’t have to be too invested in.

Although a disappointment, Stone Bruises hasn’t turned me away from Simon Beckett entirely. I still find him to be a great author, but I’d probably be sticking to his more graphic thrillers.

Share your thoughts on anything book-related in the comments below. And, as always, thanks for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review.

– Rishika

Book Review: Walk the Wire (By David Baldacci)

Walk the Wire is Book #6 in David Baldacci’s Amos Decker series. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews on the Amos Decker books, you already know that he’s one of my favorite literary characters – a decent person who is just trying his best against the odds he’s facing. Ever since his introduction in Memory Man, I’ve followed his story arc dedicatedly. In fact, I even completed the Will Robie and Jessica Reel series prior to reading Walk the Wire because those characters make an appearance in this one.

So did Book #6 meet expectations? Read on to find out.

Genre: 

Crime fiction

Length: 

422 pages

Blurb:

Amos Decker and his partner, Alex Jamison, are sent to London, North Dakota to solve the murder of a young woman. The victim was perfectly autopsied before being dumped in the open. Decker and Jamison have no idea why they were sent in to investigate a single local murder. But what they find is a thriving fracking town with its share of oddities. A mysterious government facility, home of a local religious sect, and a business rivalry that stretches into the past are a few of the things skewing the investigation. And things only get more complicated when Jamison and Decker learn that the victim was a schoolteacher by day, and a prostitute by night. As they persevere in their pursuit of the truth, Jamison and Decker find themselves in graver danger than ever before. Will assistance from an unexpected ally keep them safe? Or is the truth larger and more dangerous than any of them could ever imagine?

Overall Rating:

3 out of 10 stars

Plot:

3 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

4 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

3 out of 10 for its suspense and mystery, not because it didn’t have any, but because whether it did or not is made irrelevant.

Writing Style:

5 out of 10

Part of a Series: 

Yes. This is Book #6 in the Amos Decker series.

Highlighted Takeaway:

Walk the Wire does an excellent job (and by far the best I’ve seen) in absolutely ruining an incredible character and their story arc.

What I Liked:

It had Amos Decker, who I (still) like. But only because there are a few (very, very few) sections that do justice to the character you’ve come to appreciate.

What I Didn’t Like:

Okay… There are quite a few things here, so let’s make a list.

1. The story is just all over the place. While multiple angles is often common in Baldacci’s work, Walk the Wire had so many things going on that it began to feel like additional angles were only added in because the main story had limited depth.
2. The main story had limited depth. It was something that probably seemed like a good mystery at some point, but had little in the way of suspense and intrigue, leading to a weak premise and the need for so many tangents.
3. Did David Baldacci really write this? I’ve mention in my past reviews on Baldacci’s more recent works that it’s increasingly seeming like he’s relying on ghostwriters. And the style, pace, unnecessary tangents, and weak premise of Walk the Wire make it seem like this is no different.
4. Whoever wrote it did not know Amos Decker. The (beloved) character is anything but himself. You could literally replace him with anyone – known or unknown – and have the same result. Occasionally, whoever wrote this book seemed to remember what made Decker interesting; they then wrote some basic paragraph about him, and went back to forgetting about his capabilities.
5. Writing style was just blah. In spite of so much going on, including a potentially intriguing murder mystery, the writing style was too blah to evoke any interest. It took some effort to keep reading.
6. The cringe dialog. Sometimes, “cool” dialog can be fun. But if you’re going to use the same line and same situation for a character’s “cool and heroic” entry every time, it’s going to become pointless. And that’s what happens with the Reel and Robie angle.

Who Should Read It:

If you’re terribly bored and have read every other book there is, then (and only then) would I recommend reading Walk the Wire. And this holds true even if you’ve read other books in the Amos Decker series.

Who Should Avoid:

If you’ve not read the Decker series before, don’t let this one be your starting point. If you’re a big Baldacci fan, avoid this one. It might have his name, but it has nothing else of his style. And if you’re a fan of the Memory Man, avoid Walk the Wire. It adds nothing to the series and actually manages to completely ruin an amazing character.

Read It For:

Passing time that you should probably spend reading something better. Even the extended Robie and Reel cameos do nothing to save it.

I am physically upset that David Baldacci ruined Amos Decker as a character with Walk the Wire. If you’re a fan of the series, I would recommend stopping at Book #5. You won’t get anything new from the sixth instalment.

Walk the Wire also led to the end of my fandom with Baldacci. I may still finish the John Puller and Atlee Pine series, which I began a while ago, only because I want to see how their continued arcs end. But, it’ll be a while before I get to them (while praying that their characters haven’t been ruined by Baldacci).

Let me know your thoughts on David Baldacci and his works in the comments below. And as always, thank you for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review.

– Rishika

Book Review: The Shadow at the Door (By Tim Weaver)

The Shadow at the Door is different from Tim Weaver’s other books. It’s a collection of short stories, with some shared characters. While Weaver’s main protagonist, David Raker, makes multiple appearances, the stories go beyond him. Read on to know what works and doesn’t in this gorgeous-looking collection of four short stories.

Genre: 

Thriller, Crime

Length: 

496 pages (Hardcover)

Blurb:

Four short stories come together in this collection by Tim Weaver. In the first one, David Raker is searching for a man who walked upstairs to his bedroom one night and simply disappeared. Months later, there’s still no trace of him and his desperate family turns to Raker. In the second story, a night patrolman on the London Underground finds something dreadful, but that’s only the beginning. Next is a story about a years-old case that revolves around a key recurring character. Can the past catch up to ruin the present? And lastly, another familiar face makes an appearance in a story where a personal vacation ends up becoming a whole lot more.

Overall Rating:

8 out of 10 stars

Plot:

Story 1: 10 out of 10 stars

Story 2: 10 out of 10 stars

Story 3: 8 out of 10 stars

Story 4: 8 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

10 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

9 out of 10 stars for all stories’ suspense and thrill

Writing Style:

10 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

Yes. This picks up a little after Book #10 in the David Raker series, No One Home, and does have older characters come up.

Highlighted Takeaway:

A different take on the David Raker series, The Shadow at the Door shines the limelight on other known characters too.

What I Liked:

Tim Weaver’s short stories are slightly different in style than his novels… but in a good way. They’re just as enthralling and filled with twists. I especially enjoyed how Weaver delved into stories of secondary characters.

What I Didn’t Like:

There is nothing specific to dislike in this book.

Who Should Read It:

If you’ve been reading the Raker series, I would highly recommend picking this one up. It is definitely a good addition to the arc development of David Raker as well as other key characters.

Who Should Avoid:

The Shadow at the Door is probably not the best starting point if you’ve not read any of the David Raker series. And I don’t think it’ll be spectacular as a standalone either.

Read It For:

One of the best insights into a secondary character that you come to care for over the past books.

I got my copy of The Shadow at the Door at Book Depository. They deliver across the world and I had to have this ‘collector’s edition’ style hardcover. Click here to buy a copy. And, if you want to get into Tim Weaver’s latest book in the David Raker series, buy your copy of The Blackbird here.

Want to add something about Tim Weaver or other crime and thriller writers? Got recommendations? Leave us a comment below. And, as always, thanks for stopping at The Book Review Station and reading this review.

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– Rishika

Book Review: End Game (By David Baldacci)

End Game is the last (as of now) in the Will Robie and Jessica Reel series. As some of the characters are supposed to make an appearance in his other series on Amos Decker (Memory Man), I wanted to wrap this one up and not run the risk of missing anything.

The last book in the series – The Guilty – had its ups and downs, although it was more good than bad. End Game was not too different. Read on to find out what worked and didn’t work, for me, in this David Baldacci book.

Genre: 

Mystery, Thriller

Length: 

408 pages

Blurb:

Jessica Reel and Will Robie return in End Game. But, instead of being out of the country taking down its enemies, these two government assets are sent to rural Colorado on a much more personal mission. Blue Man, their handler, superior, and friend, has gone missing when he had taken a rare fishing vacation to his hometown of Grand. When Reel and Robie arrive, they find a town with a stagnant economy, an understaffed police force, and camps recruiting people with dangerous ideologies. As they delve deeper into the mystery behind Blue Man’s disappearance, they find themselves facing an adversary who has a home and firepower advantage. Will they find Blue Man before it’s too late for themselves?

Overall Rating:

7 out of 10 stars

Plot:

8 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

8 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

8 out of 10 for its mystery

Writing Style:

7 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

Yes. This is Book #5 in the Will Robie series and, from what I can tell, possibly the last one.

Highlighted Takeaway:

A well-crafted tale that brings together mystery, suspense, and the results of social, political, and systemic issues.

What I Liked and Didn’t Like:

I’m combining the two sections that are usually separate in my blog posts because there were a lot of things I liked, but that at the same time could be considered out of character and strange for a David Baldacci book.

The primary one is the Reel/Robie arc. End Game picks up very differently on their relationship than where its prequel, The Guilty, ended. And their relationship remains off as the book progresses, often with irrational behavior. While I actually sort of enjoyed the personal angle, I did find it odd – it simply seemed to be an ‘extra’ to keep readers vested in the characters… something that was just not the norm with Baldacci. And I’m still not sure if it was needed. You could have taken that whole angle out and the book would have not really been much different. Consequently, the other personal/relationship angles that the story went into seemed a bit forced.

The mystery and suspense were good, with a lot of arcs that offered surprises. But, a lot of it was also unrealistic. At this point, Robie and Reel seem more superhuman than skilled (and uncharacteristically boastful too). Their character arcs seem to now be driven by someone who’s crushing on how cool they are. Which is off-brand for them. So there’s that contradiction, which is enjoyable (I mean, cheesy dialog has its moments) but not the norm for these characters.

The tale reads well (better than The Guilty), while still seeming to be written by not-Baldacci. Overall, a good story with a satisfactory (sort-of) end to the Robie/Reel books.

Who Should Read It:

If you’ve been reading the Will Robie series, I’d definitely recommend reading End Game and seeing it through. Also, if you like political mysteries and thrillers in general, the series is a good one (just probably not the best ever).

Who Should Avoid:

If you’ve not read any of the previous books in the series, I’d recommend passing on this one. It will work as a standalone, but you’ll miss out on a lot of the early character development, and that will take a lot out of the story.

Read It For:

The conclusion (again, assuming this is the last one) of the Robie and Reel series. Both are likable characters, even if often unrealistic.

You can get your copy of End Game by David Baldacci in paperback here, and in hardcover here.

Got something to share about David Baldacci’s books or other thrillers/mysteries? Drop us a comment below. And as always, thanks for stopping by The Book Review Station!

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

– Rishika

Book Review: The Book of Cold Cases (By Simone St. James)

I can’t remember exactly where I saw the blurb for The Book of Cold Cases the first time. But I do remember finding it really interesting, especially that it was based around the concept of true crime.

So when I finally got the book from my library, I dove right in. Read on to know if it met expectations. Before we get to that though, a quick disclaimer.

This post contains affiliate links. The Book Review Station may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you use these links to purchase books. Thanks!

Genre:

Crime, Thriller

Length: 

344 pages

Blurb:

Shea Collins is a receptionist by day and a true-crime blogger by night. Her passion for her blog – The Book of Cold Cases – is fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. A shy, anxious adult, Shea is pulled out of her comfort zone when she meets Beth Greer.

30 years ago, Beth had been arrested for the brutal murder of two men who had been shot, strange notes left by their bodies. In spite of a witness claiming that he’d seen Beth fleeing the scene, the rich, easily-judged twenty-three-year-old was acquitted. And she spent the rest of her life alone, in her mansion, away from prying eyes.

Yet when Shea asks her for an interview, Beth agrees. They meet at Beth’s mansion, and Shea begins to notice strange happenings – things move when she’s not looking, she sees a girl outside the window, and the house seems to have a life of its own. Slowly, Shea is pulled in by Beth’s charm, resisting her own intuition that something is off. But is it Beth who’s manipulating Shea, or is there something more sinister in the Greer mansion?

Overall Rating:

7 out of 10 stars

Plot:

7 out of 10 stars

Characterization:

8 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:

8 out of 10 stars for its thrill and mystery

Writing Style:

9 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series: 

No.

Highlighted Takeaway:

An interesting mix of thriller, horror, and mystery, The Book of Cold Cases will be most enjoyed by readers/viewers of true crime.

What I Liked:

The characters were really well done, with the range of their emotions being realistic and easy to understand, even when you didn’t like them. The story itself is told from multiple points of view, and all of them hold their own. A few different arcs run in parallel, and they’re tied together really well at the end. All in all, the book moves at a good pace, keeps you engaged, and keeps you guessing.

What I Didn’t Like:

While there isn’t anything to specifically dislike in The Book of Cold Cases, there were two things that stuck out for me. One, the book does everything it should do to be a good read, but somehow it isn’t phenomenal. Two, the horror aspect is just a given – it’s there, you have to accept it, and there is little focus on it other than how it affects the characters and their emotions.

Who Should Read It:

Anyone who enjoys crime fiction and true crime would like this book. It is the first book of Sime St. James that I’ve read and I enjoyed it enough to want to read more of her work. The mix of horror and mystery works!

Who Should Avoid:

If you’re not a fan of crime-related content, I’d recommend giving this a skip.

Read It For:

The relationship between the protagonist and antagonist, and how it affects them individually.

I explored some more titles from Simone St. James, and although I’m not a big fan of horror (as I am, in fact, a scaredy-cat), I’ll be reading more of her work for sure. In the meantime, if you’d like to get a copy of Simone St. James’ The Book of Cold Cases, you can buy it here.

Share your thoughts on The Book of Cold Cases or other books and series on true crime in the comments below. And as always, thanks for stopping at The Book Review Station and giving this review a read!

– Rishika