Review: Wicked Game

Publisher: Orenda

 

If you like a good crime novel with a thriller aspect that's based on reality (to an extent) then this is the book for you.

 

I didn't realise until I was 150 pages in that this book is based on the life of a real man, the author. I obviously knew the events in the book were real, in many cases, but when I realised this novel was based on one man's career and life, it gave this read more credibility and extra depth. Also, the fact that this book is rooted in reality, meant that for the large part it wasn't sensationalist. There were movements towards this at the end, but I imagine you kinda have to do that if you want a commercial success.

 

I really liked the different POVs in the book, I'm a fan of this writing technique as I'm sure frequent readers have gathered. But, my main fave man was Kev. Bloody loved Kev!

 

If you want a book that feels real but has the key action, plot twists and intrigue that leads a thriller onwards then this is defos the book for you. I look forward to the next one!

 

Happy Reading

 

BG

:-)

Review: The thing on the shore

Publisher: Quercus

 

This is the second book from Tom Fletcher after THE LEAPING, and yes it needs to be in capitals.

 

There is one familiar face here, but nothing more, oh and there is a call centre, I think we are seeing a theme.....

 

I thought of how to describe this book when on a jolly with Boy Geek, 'horror for the techno age'. There is technology, but also HORRIBLE things and they are linked very well.

 

As per leaping, this book makes you feel uncomfortable, you don't know if you really like the characters and there is something up but you can't put your finger on it.

 

There are some really hideous grotesque characters, there are some that are really very alarming and then there are some which are almost acceptable, but that goes to pot pretty quickly.

 

This is a short review as I'm afraid to give anything away, but I will say, not for the squeamish, defo for fans of The Leaping, and don't read it if you have one of those faces that makes expressions and you don't know it!

 

ENJOY

 

BG

:-s

 

 

Review: Crazy Rich Asians

Publisher: Atlantic

 

I have had this book for years, years and years and I have put off reading it as well, I judged a book by its cover...sorry people!

 

Anyway, this book is addictive, it's trashy and easy to read but the tongue in cheek humour is fab and really was something I enjoyed.

 

All you do is follow around rich Singaporean families as a normal girl is introduced to them for the first time. It's like a soap opera on steroids! You have twiddley moustache villains, gloriously loved beautiful heroine style people and dashingly handsome heroes. Most were however complete cartoons, and that was super.

 

This book really is opulence and fun at its fullest. This is a really self indulgent book but it's great.

 

The very very ending did piss me off a treat, but the twists and rest of the read were actually worth it.

 

Take this on hols with you this summer.

 

Happy Reading

 

BG

:-) 

Review: Hot Lead, Cold Iron

Publisher: Titan

 

 

We're in the 1930s, the heart of gangster age, but there is magic and fantasy and mystery too - PERFECT.

 

Loved the use of Oberon as a last name, that did not pass by me for one second. YAY. Also, I'm just going to say it now to get it done with, I LOVE OBERON!

 

The style is great, I like the little asides to the reader, it makes you feel like you really are there and you can just imagine an old film with the asides voice over. I also loved the gangster language. Perfect!

The mash up of worlds was also right up my alley, I love fantasy, love a good thriller/crime novel so this was just the type of book I was  meant to read. Also I was reading it on a work trip back in April, so the complete escapism was more than welcome!

The book gets very very dark towards the end which was a shock as the humour and other aspects were quite light hearted and jovial. But, it's not gratuitous or ridiculous and actually gives the novel a good brutal hit that makes you sit up and take notice.

And this may shock some of you, but I really loved the cheesy ending which has clearly set up another Oberon novel. If Titan are reading this, can I have it please?

Overall, just my type of book, and one that took me by surprise. Fun, gripping, entertaining, unexpected.

Happy Reading

BG
:-D