Cart
|
|
my account
|
wish list
|
help
|
800-878-7323
Hello, |
Login
MENU
Browse
New Arrivals
Bestsellers
Featured Preorders
Award Winners
Audio Books
See All Subjects
Used
Staff Picks
Staff Picks
Picks of the Month
Bookseller Displays
50 Books for 50 Years
25 Best 21st Century Sci-Fi & Fantasy
25 PNW Books to Read Before You Die
25 Books From the 21st Century
25 Memoirs to Read Before You Die
25 Global Books to Read Before You Die
25 Women to Read Before You Die
25 Books to Read Before You Die
Gifts
Gift Cards & eGift Cards
Powell's Souvenirs
Journals and Notebooks
socks
Games
Sell Books
Blog
Events
Find A Store
Don't Miss
Big Mood Sale
Portland Like a Pro Sale
Picture Book Sale
Powell's Author Events
Oregon Battle of the Books
Audio Books
Get the Powell's newsletter
Visit Our Stores
Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
(0 comment)
Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
Read More
»
Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
(0 comment)
Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
(0 comment)
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
{1}
##LOC[OK]##
##LOC[Cancel]##
Customer Comments
kdowli01 has commented on (13) products
Granite Harbor
by
Peter Nichols
kdowli01
, April 02, 2024
This was so good! This was a slow-burn mystery, more character-driven and atmospheric than action packed, but if you like that, I absolutely recommend checking it out! Even though it is a bit slower, I thought the pacing was great, and I couldn't read the last 50 or so pages fast enough. It's also so creepy, and not too gory but still icky, if that makes sense? And it has a ton of depth for a murder mystery, with great characters and realistic complicated relationships. My only issue is that I knew who the killer was IMMEDIATELY. From how the book was written, there was really only one option. That said, this was so much more than a whodunnit, so that really didn't matter.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
She's Not Sorry: A Psychological Thriller
by
Mary Kubica
kdowli01
, March 23, 2024
This was a fun, quick thriller that I enjoyed reading! I did predict one twist early but another caught me completely off guard and was surprising enough to make me want to go back and re-read the beginning. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I'm not quite clear on why it happened the way it did, but I definitely enjoyed!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Manicurists Daughter
by
Susan Lieu
kdowli01
, March 09, 2024
This was a really interesting memoir, at the most basic level about Susan's desire to uncover what happened to her mother, who died from complications from plastic surgery when Susan was 11. As with any good memoir, there was so much more to it than that though! This brings up a lot to think about regarding health care, immigration, families, and self-discovery.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Last Murder at the End of the World
by
Stuart Turton
kdowli01
, February 09, 2024
Points for creativity, but ultimately I didn't really enjoy the experience of reading this book. There was a lot going on, and I felt lost almost the whole time, and when you finally learn what's going on it just wasn't worth the lead up. It felt long and at times it was repetitive, going over the same basic suspects over and over again. But then at times it would skip ahead several hours and I would be totally lost.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
The Fury
by
Alex Michaelides
kdowli01
, December 23, 2023
I loved this! 4.5 stars It involves a lot of typical murder mystery tropes but it's done in a way that felt completely unique. I loved the voice of the narrator, how he breaks the fourth wall, and how he's very up front about his own role in the drama. It gave me Othello vibes, with the multiple twists and attempts to manipulate. The same scene is told from a couple different perspectives, which shows just how many layers there are to the plot. I docked a half point because some of the twists were a bit obvious, but I had such a great time reading this!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Half a Cup of Sand and Sky
by
Nadine Bjursten
kdowli01
, October 17, 2023
I love reading about Iran, about the people and culture (and the food!). I struggled with this some because it's described as a story of the Islamic Revolution, but that part of history was such a small part of the book, it almost felt like it was rushed through.I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd gone in with different expectations.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Suddenly a Murder
by
Lauren Munoz
kdowli01
, September 02, 2023
This had a great setup but even with my expectations lowered for a YA, I was still sadly let down by this. It tried way too hard to set up a red herring with the prologue. And when the secret is finally revealed and we get the explanation for Izzy's behavior...it's just really illogical and clumsy. The plot also felt somewhat lazy, in the way it set up for Izzy to learn about the entire investigation.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Connellys of County Down
by
Tracey Lange
kdowli01
, August 26, 2023
This was so good! I loved how every character had their (in some cases very significant) issues, and how real the interactions between them felt. It was easy to root for each of them but also dislike each of them in turn. I ended up just a hair shy of 5 stars because some parts came together slightly too perfectly and I was just so frustrated by some stupid decisions, but this was still such a good read!
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Mrs Planskys Revenge
by
Spencer Quinn
kdowli01
, July 12, 2023
Oh my gosh, this so completely charming and fun to read, I loved it! Ok yes, this requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief, but what an amazing premise, and I have not rooted for a character as much in a really long time. I'm not usually one for cozy mysteries (and this isn't that either, but a somewhat similar feel), but I absolutely loved this and couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Clytemnestra A Novel
by
Costanza Casati
kdowli01
, April 28, 2023
"Huntress. Warrior. Mother. Murderess. Queen." Most of what I'd heard about Clytemnestra previously was pretty much focused on the Murderess aspect of her story, but this book gives you so much more, showcasing every aspect of her character, and what led to the point she's usually known for. This was a much more complex portrayal of her than I've ever seen, and I really enjoyed seeing her in all the different roles she took on.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
If Were Being Honest
by
Cat Shook
kdowli01
, April 09, 2023
This took me a minute to get into. But it grew on me. Once I got them straight, I found most of the characters really endearing, and enjoyed seeing how their stories played out. It had some really touching moments as well as some funny ones. I don't think this is one that will necessarily stick with me, but I did end up really enjoying it, it's very cute and a great family story.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Headmasters List
by
Melissa De La Cruz
kdowli01
, March 07, 2023
This was fine I guess? It was a quick read with short chapters, but overall I found it really predictable and simultaneously completely unrealistic. It is YA, so trying not to be too harsh for its simplicity, but there are very similar YA mysteries out there that do it so much better.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment
Angel Maker
by
Alex North
kdowli01
, January 22, 2023
This was different, that's for sure. There were so many parts to the plot, I don't even know how to begin summarizing it. It essentially involves a serial killer from decades before, a strained sibling relationship, and a murder investigation. There are 4 seemingly independent POVs that do all come together by the end, but only just. * Ok, first what I liked about it. Kind of surprising to me, I liked the philosophy behind it. There was a lot in here about determinism, and the idea that time is a construct and all things are happening at once. Which leads to the discussion of free will, and if it's a real thing. I also liked the way the end came together, with a big twist that wasn't on my radar at all. * Unfortunately that didn't make up for just how confused and jarred I felt the whole time I was reading this. The chapters are very short, which means it goes quickly, but with this many POVs, it means that you don't make it far with any particular character before moving on, and I found myself having to constantly go back and remind myself where we left off with them. There were also a ton of characters involved beyond the main POVs, so it did get tough to follow and keep track. * The ending also felt somewhat rushed, and some plot points just didn't make a ton of sense. * This definitely gets points for creativity, and it kept me engaged, but it didn't live up to my expectations after The Whisper Man.
Was this comment helpful? |
Yes
|
No
report this comment