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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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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...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Esther Whatley has commented on (48) products
Look for Her
by
Emily Winslow
Esther Whatley
, March 30, 2018
There's a break in a decades-old cold case which still holds the interest of many. Will the killer finally be held accountable? Told by an interesting cast of characters with multiple POV's, it is fast paced, twisty and unpredictable. Will you be able to guess the ending? This can be read as a standalone but since it is the fourth in a series, reading the previous books would help fill in some details. Recommend for thriller fans.
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Intrusions
by
Stav Sherez
Esther Whatley
, February 23, 2018
This was my first read by this author and now that I've read this book, it will not be my last. I was grabbed at the Prologue and stayed hooked as the story unfolded piece by piece thereafter. It's tough to give any detail at all without disclosing too much information but if you are thriller enthusiast, as I am, you'll find this read more creepy than your average thriller, especially if you spend a lot of time online. This is the third book in the series and I will definitely be going back to read the first two.
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Great Halifax Explosion
by
John U Bacon
Esther Whatley
, February 21, 2018
I very seldom read non-fiction but I was not familiar with this incident and the book had such good reviews, I was anxious to read it. The story is told from the perspective of people who survived. It's written chronologically so it gives the prelude, the collision, the explosion and the aftermath of this horrific explosion. The detail given of the moment of the explosion gave me chills. An excellent, well-written book.
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The Woman in the Window
by
A J Finn
Esther Whatley
, January 11, 2018
My reading is 90% in the thriller/suspense genre. There are always so many good books in this genre it makes it a little tough to review one book since I tend to compare each one to any 5 star books recently read. I'm not a full-fledged four star on this one but more than three stars. If you are a movie fan, this one is already contracted. Well written, strong character development and the suspense you would expect from a psychological thriller. While I don't agree with the hype, I would recommend the book, especially for those who seldom read in this genre, as their expectations may not be as high.
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Murder in Music City Corruption Scandal & the Framing of an Innocent Man
by
Michael Bishop, Richard Walter
Esther Whatley
, November 02, 2017
This is an interesting true crime story that shows the dark, corrupt side of Nashville. The author attempts to solve a 50 year old murder through a series of long-shot leads. Readers have a chance to play detective and develop their own theories. Will you agree with the author's conclusions?
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The Spy Across the Table, Volume 4
by
Barry Lancet
Esther Whatley
, October 31, 2017
This was my first read of this author. I don't know how I missed him but I will definitely go back to book 1 in the Jim Brodie series. This international thriller held my interest with its fast pace while providing informative tidbits about the Far East culture as well as insight into the darker side of our own government. Recommend for thriller, espionage fans.
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Room of White Fire
by
T. Jefferson Parker
Esther Whatley
, October 25, 2017
Why would PI Roland Ford receive more than his usual rate to find a patient gone AWOL from a mental institution? And why would he be told not to return the patient to the institution when he is found? There is a conspiracy connected to the highest levels of government. This is a well written book with an interesting plot and surprising twists. The ending leaves the door open for a sequel and I would love to read that, too.
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Bitter Season
by
Tami Hoag
Esther Whatley
, October 22, 2017
Liska and Kovac, characters we've seen in previous Hoag books, are investigating two intersecting cases, 25 years apart in this psychological thriller. A bit of a slow start but it only takes a few chapters to become immersed in this police procedural. Surprise ending.
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The Marriage Pact
by
Michelle Richmond
Esther Whatley
, October 04, 2017
What can go wrong when you try too hard to protect your marriage? What are the consequences of breaking the rules of a cult, known as The Pact, a group supposedly designed to keep marriages happy? This is a chilling story that I found myself reading obsessively. This is a love story of sorts, but not mushy, gushy chick lit. It is gripping, tense and scary and can be disturbing. Recommend for thriller fans.
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The Long Count: A John Q Mystery
by
Jm Gulvin
Esther Whatley
, September 24, 2017
Since I grew up in the South and came of age during the Vietnam war, I loved this psychological thriller, first in a series, set in the South during the Vietnam era. It grabbed me from the beginning and never let go. I look forward to the other books in this series featuring the adventures of Texas Ranger, John Q, who is quite the character. Recommend for psycho thriller fans.
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Dark Saturday
by
Nicci French
Esther Whatley
, June 22, 2017
This was my first read of this author and although it is part of a series, it works as a standalone read. I plan to go back to the beginning of the series since I really enjoyed this one. This is the story of a psychotherapist who is investigating the case of a patient who was convicted of killing her family 13 years ago. But someone is trying to stop the investigation. Did the girl do it or was she framed? Interesting cast of characters and a cliff hanger ending that may be resolved in the next book in the series.
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The Red Hunter
by
Lisa Unger
Esther Whatley
, June 10, 2017
As usual, Unger does not disappoint in this telling of multiple story lines of two women with different points of view. It can be a little confusing but does come together. As you read consider whether this is revenge or justice, then decide. Another must read for Unger fans or a good place to start for those who have not previously read her work.
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Pocket Wife
by
Susan Crawford
Esther Whatley
, April 25, 2017
A light, quick read. As a thriller fan I found it somewhat predictable and with too little suspense for my taste. It's a step above cozy but not the best choice for gritty thriller readers.
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The Spider and the Fly: A Reporter, a Serial Killer, and the Meaning of Murder
by
Claudia Rowe
Esther Whatley
, April 24, 2017
This book didn't do it for me. It's a true story about a journalist and her interactions with a serial killer but there was too much about the author and not enough about the killer. Since she was writing about a living character, there should have been a wealth of information and detail available about the killer's background, motivations, victims, etc., that would have given the book greater depth.
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Vigilance: My Life Serving America and Protecting Its Empire City
by
Ray Kelly
Esther Whatley
, April 23, 2017
As a long time fan of Ray Kelly, I was interested to learn more about his background and his experiences. I liked his personal insights and especially the details of 16 failed terrorist attempts on our country.
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Head Full of Ghosts
by
Paul Tremblay
Esther Whatley
, April 22, 2017
If Stephen King says it scares him, then I know I must read it. It is creepy and scary. The author does a good job of developing the character, Merry, so I cared about her. Fast paced and lots of WOW moments. Recommend for horror fans.
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Security
by
Gina Wohlsdorf
Esther Whatley
, April 21, 2017
I enjoyed the unusual writing style. It is gory, suspenseful and twisty. I read almost exclusively the thriller genre and have a talent for picking the villain long before the story is over but this one kept me guessing almost until the very end. Interesting cast of characters and the hotel, which is supposed to be the most secure in the world, almost becomes a character itself. I recommend for other thriller readers.
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Disappearance at Devils Rock
by
Paul Tremblay
Esther Whatley
, April 20, 2017
This horror thriller is a creepy, haunting read. Gave me some chills in the night. A teenager disappears and then strange things start to happen. Questions surround those who were with him when he disappeared. Love the surprise twist. This was my first read by this author and I plan to read A Head Full of Ghosts, which was highly praised by Stephen King, one of my favorites.
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The Travelers
by
Chris Pavone
Esther Whatley
, April 19, 2017
After reading and enjoying The Accident, I was anxious to get into this one. Once again, Pavone has not disappointed. This book is fast-paced, with numerous plot twists and the action is spread across several exotic locales. Pavone has a talent for character development; I appreciated that I really did not much like Will, the lead character. Surprise ending. Recommend for suspense/thriller fans.
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Hells Gate A Thriller
by
Bill Schutt, J R Finch
Esther Whatley
, April 14, 2017
Fast paced, interesting read. I found the ending a bit abrupt but since this is the first in a series, the next installment has the perfect place to start. I appreciated the section that gives a reality check so you know what's based on fact and where the authors took creative license.
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Rogue Lawyer
by
John Grisham
Esther Whatley
, April 13, 2017
I've been reading John Grisham for many years and he never disappoints. Even after all these years, his is still a genius at character development and complex plotting. And I still want to use the term page turner - I zoomed through it. Of course, this is a must read for Grisham fans and if you're not already a Grisham fan, pick this one up and get on board.
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Quality of Silence A Novel
by
Rosamund Lupton
Esther Whatley
, April 12, 2017
The cover notes offer more than this book delivers. I do like suspense but found this one a bit dark. Also not a fan of political or social issues as part of a book's theme, in this case, fracking. I found it a bit confusing in the transitions from one character's point of view to another. Also would have liked more options as to the solution of the mystery that runs through the story.
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Death by Cyanide: The Murder of Dr. Autumn Klein
by
Paula Reed Ward
Esther Whatley
, April 11, 2017
This is the first book, a true story, by this author who is a journalist. I found that it read more like a news story than a novel, a little dry for my taste. Would have liked more detail on how the prosecution and defense developed their strategies for the trial. Still an interesting read for those who like true crime.
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Bone Labyrinth A SIGMA Force Novel
by
James Rollins
Esther Whatley
, April 10, 2017
Very well written, as always by Rollins. My rating is based on my limited knowledge of, and limited interest in anthropology, astronomy and archaeology which are all involved in this complex story. I found the experiments with engineered genetics interesting if at times cruel. Heroes and villains battle throughout with lots of action. It's a must read if you are a Rollins fan.
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Girl Before
by
JP Delaney
Esther Whatley
, April 09, 2017
I was a little hesitant to read another "Girl" book. I really enjoyed Gone Girl and Girl on the Train and thought a third one would be a disappointment. The Girl Before turned out to be my favorite of the three. I read it obsessively, loved the story line, the writing style and every plot twist. The suspense builds to the very end. The characters were interesting, flawed and believable, even though they were caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I'm not a fan of chick lit or romantic suspense - this book is neither one. I give it a rare 5 stars.
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Natchez Burning
by
Greg Iles
Esther Whatley
, July 07, 2015
This is the first book in a trilogy, with The Bone Tree being the second. I tried reading The Bone Tree when I hadn't read Natchez Burning and realized I was missing too much detail and background so I read Natchez first then moved on to The Bone Tree. I've read and enjoyed several of Greg Iles books in the past and with the first two books (more than 1600 pages) of this trilogy, he has outdone himself. This is an epic saga with a huge, diverse cast of characters and action on almost every page. Don't let the length of these books scare you away - the pages fly by. I am now eagerly awaiting the third book. Highly recommend.
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Bone Tree
by
Greg Iles
Esther Whatley
, July 07, 2015
This is the 2nd part of a trilogy, with the first book being Natchez Burning. I tried reading The Bone Tree when I hadn't read Natchez Burning and realized I was missing too much detail and background so I read Natchez first then moved on to The Bone Tree. I've read and enjoyed several of Greg Iles books in the past and with the first two books (more than 1600 pages) of this trilogy, he has outdone himself. This is an epic saga with a huge, diverse cast of characters and action on almost every page. Don't let the length of these books scare you away - the pages fly by. I am now eagerly awaiting the third book. Highly recommend.
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See Also Murder A Marjorie Trumaine Mystery
by
Larry D Sweazy
Esther Whatley
, June 18, 2015
This was a quick, easy read and very well written. While there were a few parts of the book that were a little slow, for the most part the story moved along quickly. Interesting cast of characters with numerous suspects for multiple murders in this small, quiet community. It is a little on the soft side for my taste and I would recommend it for fans of cozy mystery.
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Legend A Harrowing Story from the Vietnam War of One Green Berets Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines
by
Eric Blehm
Esther Whatley
, June 14, 2015
This is an inspiring true story about a green beret who went above and beyond to save lives during a fierce battle in the Vietnam War. I not only admired the lead character but also those around him. It's amazing to read about what these soldiers encountered as they fought for us in this war. Recommend for those who enjoy true military stories.
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Swimmer
by
Joakim Zander
Esther Whatley
, April 28, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this spy thriller with a little human interest element thrown in. I appreciated that the family side of the story was not mushy and overly sentimental. If you enjoy the talent and wisdom of a spy who has been around the block too many times to count, I recommend this one. We also get a good look at the generation coming along behind him so there could be sequels.
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Last Days of the Condor
by
James Grady
Esther Whatley
, April 04, 2015
If you're of a certain age, you probably sat in a movie theater and watched a handsome, young Robert Redford star in Three Days of the Condor. Now Condor is back. He's not as fast or strong, he's a 60ish spy who still has superb espionage skills and a knack for disguise, trying to figure out if there's anyone he can trust in his current situation. Lots of action, great cast of characters and a must-read espionage fans.
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Knife
by
Ross Ritchell
Esther Whatley
, March 29, 2015
When the evening news airs stories about our military and how they're fighting for us, hot tears roll down my cheeks. I know it's tough but I've never been there, so I don't REALLY know. This book takes us into a company of men fighting for us in hostile territory and we learn what their life is really like, during off times and during action. I really liked the author's style of writing and loved the cast of characters. Heart-stopping action is punctuated with the sometimes humorous activities during down time. Highly recommend.
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Cuba Straits
by
Randy Wayne White
Esther Whatley
, March 23, 2015
One of the things I enjoy about Randy Wayne White's books is his home locale. I live the next island over from Sanibel and when he writes about driving down Macgregor Blvd. and crossing the Sky Bridge to Fort Myers Beach, I know all about it. I drive those routes to get home. This was not my favorite book by White but still completely enjoyable and with lots of action and the usual cast of quirky characters. The White humor is also there even in the face of seemingly grim situations. Recommend for old or new White fans.
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The Accident
by
Pavone, Chris
Esther Whatley
, March 19, 2015
When I rate a book 5 stars, it means I wouldn't change anything and that's certainly the case with The Accident. The plot was unusual but not so farfetched that it couldn't really happen. The characters, good guys and bad guys, were all interesting and complex. It's my favorite genre - thriller - in the truest sense of the word. Fits all the cliché descriptions of the genre - page turner, nail biter, up-all-nighter, didn't want it to end, etc. Even the heft of the book in my hands was perfect - small, lightweight, easy to hold whether in bed or on the beach. Thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend.
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Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
by
Larson, Erik
Esther Whatley
, March 14, 2015
I received an advanced reader's copy. We all know what happened almost 100 years ago, so this is not a mystery book. This is more than just the story of the sinking of the Lusitania, so it is not just a dry historical book. This book was extremely well-researched and provides deep background on the crew and passengers of the Lusitania, as well as the strategy employed by the captain of the U-20 that sank her. We also gain insight into what was happening in the personal life of the American president. So even though this is non-fiction, it reads like an award winning novel. It held my interest from the first page to the last; it was thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommend.
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The Race: A Hell Ranger Thriller
by
Gina Fava
Esther Whatley
, March 07, 2015
Action story with the good guys battling a terrorist as he wreaks havoc in Rome. Non stop action with weapons and human capabilities that only a few years ago we may have thought completely unbelievable. But advances in technology being what they are now, I found the book totally believable. Compulsively readable and enjoyable.
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Snow Garden
by
Christopher Rice
Esther Whatley
, March 07, 2015
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book although I think it may be more appealing to younger (20 something) readers. Since I am an older reader, I don't know if it's the usual course of events that so many damaged people can find each other so quickly on a college campus. They do in this book and this is the story of how they further damage each other, with some surviving and some not surviving. Some of the dialog becomes tedious and then we have a round of action or another twist. Creative and well written however at 500 pages, I think it could have been a good story with 100 or so fewer pages.
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Fine Summers Day
by
Charles Todd
Esther Whatley
, February 17, 2015
In the days prior to World War I, a young Scotland Yard inspector is called upon to investigate a series of seemingly unrelated deaths. As he digs deeper, he suspects there is some event that serves as a connection between the victims. The book is well written and even though the plot is very similar to The Reckoning, which I read last year, it still held my interest. As a suspense fan, I find it interesting to read how crimes were solved in the "old days", before the internet, email, fax or when even finding a phone was a chore. Very enjoyable read.
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Cold Betrayal
by
J. A. Jance
Esther Whatley
, February 02, 2015
Since this author is so prolific, I decided to step outside my usual preference and try this book when I received an advance proof from Goodreads. I've rated it 4 stars since it was well-written and I believe it will appeal to readers who prefer a soft approach to suspense. The main plot involves a cult that will ring familiar to some news stories from recent years. A second, unrelated plot revolves around threats made to the mother of the main characters daughter-in-law; possibly more about these characters in future books. The author does a good job of making it clear as the book moves from the main plot to the second. Recommend for cozy mystery readers.
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Vengeance
by
Bryan K. Koepke
Esther Whatley
, January 25, 2015
Multi-faceted, complex plot with the main character trying to discover who killed his father and exact his vengeance. Diverse and interesting cast of characters. Some parts were a bit predictable and I was frustrated with the main character's inability to protect himself in some situations but overall very enjoyable read.
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Flesh and Blood
by
Cornwell, Patricia
Esther Whatley
, January 13, 2015
I have read books by Patricia Cornwell for many years and she never disappoints me. Her character, Kay Scarpetta, is no-nonsense, beautiful, bright and unafraid. Scarpetta and her hunky FBI agent husband, Benton, make a perfect team, both professionally and personally. You can feel their mutual respect and love for each other without mush or gratuitous sex. In this book we again see Martino, a former employee of Scarpetta's who is now a detective and Lucy, Scarpetta's brilliant and fearless niece. This story focuses on the team working to solve several murders that at first seem unrelated until Scarpetta realizes they may be the work of one killer. The killer also seems to know a great deal about Scarpetta and her team and taunts them, both physically and through cyber attacks. How many will die before they find the killer? Fast-paced and hardcore, a must read for thriller lovers.
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One Step Too Far
by
Tina Seskis
Esther Whatley
, January 08, 2015
I enjoy psychological thrillers and was intrigued by the blurb describing this book. Even though it was quite different than what I usually read (gritty, hardcore thrillers) I was impressed by certain aspects. The book tells the story of the challenges a woman faces when she leaves her home, husband and child. The glimpses into her past are handled smoothly and effectively develop her character. The reason for her leaving is a mystery which unfolds later in the book. As I read, I thought of many possible reasons for her leaving but was surprised at the truth. Interesting story, diverse cast of characters and very well written.
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House of Wolfe A Border Noir
by
James Carlos Blake
Esther Whatley
, January 06, 2015
Gritty, mean, dirty, fast-paced. There is no fluff here, just a great story about some really bad guys doing some really bad stuff. Now I want to catch up on the Wolfe books I haven't read yet. Very entertaining.
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Past Crimes
by
Glen Erik Hamilton
Esther Whatley
, January 06, 2015
I like the Van Shaw character, who reminds me of Jack Reacher in some ways. But I found it frustrating that a guy who is so street smart caused problems for himself and found himself in dangerous situations which he should have anticipated and avoided. Good character development and smooth transitions between past and present in the story.
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The Long and Faraway Gone
by
Lou Berney
Esther Whatley
, January 06, 2015
Well written with an interesting plot and varied cast of characters. Good early character development made it easy to follow when the story moved back and forth between the past and present.
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Concerning Georgia Stekker
by
Evelyn Marshall
Esther Whatley
, October 09, 2014
I usually don't read women's fiction but it sounded intriguing, so I took a chance. This is quite a change from the hardcore, gritty thrillers I typically read so the first half seemed to drag a little. The second half was far more interesting as the main character learns the ways of the world and decides on her plan. I think many women will enjoy this book and if you are a woman who has been jilted by a man, I think you will thoroughly enjoy it.
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Laws of Murder A Charles Lenox Mystery
by
Charles Finch
Esther Whatley
, September 13, 2014
This Victorian murder is different than the gritty, hard core thrillers I usually read. I found it very thoroughly researched and well written. Multiple murders, multiple suspects. It's fascinating to read how crimes were solved in the days before internet, DNA, phones or even fax machines. Understanding how they had to do it, it's surprising that any crimes were ever solved in those days.
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Bones Never Lie A Novel
by
Kathy Reichs
Esther Whatley
, August 23, 2014
Kathy Reichs never disappoints. If you're a fan, you'll recognize some old friends and of course, some new characters. If this is your first read, jump in and get hooked. I appreciate that while there is medical detail it's not so far above a layman's head that we can't understand. Also appreciate that though there is an ongoing love interest, there's no moon-eyed mush or gratuitous sex. The last scene in this book promises more for the future and l look forward to reading more. Recommend for suspense/police procedural fans.
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