Showing posts with label Mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mystery. Show all posts
Thursday, October 3, 2013
by Romily Bernard
Published: 9.24.13
Pages: 307
"Find Me." These are the words written on Tessa Waye's diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa's just been found...dead. Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target. Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick. Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick's deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step? Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare. But she's going to find this killer no matter what. Because it just got personal.
Let it be said, right here and now that I suck at anything computer savvy. I can do the basic HTML that I need for my blog, but beyond that, if it requires codes or etc, I am useless. So I was really interested with the hacking aspect of this book. It was actually quite interesting, and while some of it flew over my head, I thought it was kinda exciting to read about.
Wicket, our MC was fascinating. I'll be honest, I didn't get into her head from the very beginning. It took a little while for me to really connect with her. But once I started to get her, I sympathized and could really see and understand who she was as a character. All the rest of the cast was fabulous. Loved Griff, the cute boy who's also a computer nerd. Score! Dad, the guy you're afraid of more than anything. Lily, the sister who you live for. Lauren, the best friend who wasn't kept in secret! Aah, how refreshing. Love them all.
And then we have the mystery side of this book. Such a thriller! So well done! Romily kept me guessing. She sets up the plot and all these possibilities and I'd think I have it, and then NO, could it be this? Wait...maybe it's not...AAH. The real answer just crept up on me till I was staring at my kindle in shock, while at the same time, horrified and understanding at the same time. It was so obvious, yet I completely missed it. That's why I loved this so much. I couldn't predict anything.
All in all, I'm gonna have to go with a thumbs up. I was glued to my kindle, eager and itching in excitement and terror as I waiting to find out what would happen next. I totally recommend this if you are looking for a edge-of-your-seat novel! Besides, how could you resist the gorgeous cover?
Content: Moderate
[some language, innuendo, kisses]
Romily Bernard
I graduated from Georgia State University with a Literature degree. Since then, I’ve worked as a riding instructor, cell phone salesgirl, personal assistant, groom, exercise rider, accounting assistant, and, during a very dark time, customer service rep.So don’t let anyone tell you a BA degree will keep you unemployed.
Inky Question: What research did you have to do for the hacking aspect of the book?
Romily: I did a lot of Googling and asking around. Luckily, my husband works in IT so I could bounce ideas off of him. I've started keeping a folder of computer/hacking related news articles that I can go back through as I finish the last two books. I'm always on the lookout for cool new ideas.
Inky's Reaction: SEQUELS?!?! I had no idea! Eepster!
As part of this FABULOUS tour we've got a fabulous giveaway for you! Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Check out the rest of the tour! Thanks for stopping by! Have an awesome day!!! XOXO,
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
by C. J. Daughtery
Published: May 21, 2013
Pages: 400
Allie's world is falling apart. She hates her school. Her brother has run away. And she's just been arrested.
Again.
Now her parents are sending her away to a boarding school where she doesn't know a soul. But instead of hating her new school, Allie finds she's happy there. She's making friends. And then there's Sylvain, a suave French student who openly flirts with her. And Carter, the brooding loner who seems to have her back. Soon, though, Allie discovers Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Nothing there is as it seems. And her new friends are hiding dangerous secrets.
*thanks to Harper for providing a copy for review*
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Rules For Disappearing
by Ashley Elston
Published: TODAY! [5.14.13]
Pages: 320
She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.
Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.
But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Published: 9.18.12 by Balthazar + Bray
Pages: 294
GOODREADS / PURCHASE
And their doom comes swiftly. It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives-an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends, Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school's most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine. Suddenly people are dying and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn't scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine. Suddenly people are dying and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn't scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
Watch The Trailer:
Inky's Blurbings:
Wow. Ten is for sure on unforgettable book. It was creepy, exciting, romantic and chilling all wrapped in on book! I really enjoyed this read. Meg was a very thoughtful observant girl. Which made her the perfect MC for this mystery. She pretty relatable and had good sense for the most part. ;) Except for when she didn't. I liked her and found her easy to understand and connect to, even though she wasn't being narrated in first person. She filled the role well and the novel was a great read through her eyes.
The set-up of the mystery and the world building was very well done. It gets moving pretty quick and from there it's all go and go till you drop. It had a great flow to the book in relation to pacing and storytelling. Yay! And for a person not knowing the story it was surprising and full of twists and turns. I don't know how much it's like the original, but for a mystery this was fantastic. It's literally a perfect Halloween read. I was reading this while the sun was shining and I still got the creeps.
The novel was built well, the mystery was enough to creep me out in the middle of the day and it all wrapped up to a crazy ending that I didn't see coming. Whoa. That's all I can say about this book! Lol. It's a short review for once, but hopefully a good one.
The set-up of the mystery and the world building was very well done. It gets moving pretty quick and from there it's all go and go till you drop. It had a great flow to the book in relation to pacing and storytelling. Yay! And for a person not knowing the story it was surprising and full of twists and turns. I don't know how much it's like the original, but for a mystery this was fantastic. It's literally a perfect Halloween read. I was reading this while the sun was shining and I still got the creeps.
The novel was built well, the mystery was enough to creep me out in the middle of the day and it all wrapped up to a crazy ending that I didn't see coming. Whoa. That's all I can say about this book! Lol. It's a short review for once, but hopefully a good one.
Content: Moderate-due to language
(Lots of language: Bi***, He**, Da**, Deity,As*, F***, Sh**,bu**. Innuendo, drinking, some kisses)
4 Stars- Awesome Sauce
(My tongue approves. This book rocked my ponytail. But not my socks.)
Thoughts? Have you read this one? The original story? Do you want to read this book? Do you even like mystery? XOXO,
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Published: 3.30.12 by Pagan Writers Press
Pages: 262
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
Inky's Blurbings:Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
I got a copy of this from the author and I was really excited. Phantom of the Opera has kind of taken over my life. So naturally I was very excited by the prospect of this Teen retelling of the classic tale. It was a very enjoyable read and I went through it in about a day.
We start off with the main character Becca, about to audition for Christine in her school's upcoming performance of Phantom of the Opera. Becca is that rare talent hidden in the body of a girl with a very shy, somewhat awkward character. But she lands the part of her dream, since...she's pretty much obsessed with the story as well. From there on we have the book playing out with mysterious threats and murders from their own Phantom as well as a love triangle with her co-stars, the actors who play Raoul and Phantom ironically.
It's quite obvious who Becca is drawn to from the start so I found it a little annoying that she doesn't just stand up for herself. But then, of course, all romance needs a little hesitation to make things interesting. Honestly, Justyn has not competition with Tom. :D He's the best, and coolest even if he is kinda Gothic. :D And he can sing.
I liked Laura's writing. It was clear and to the point most of the time. But I found there were a couple moments when it was just a little too-descriptive. Like the sunset or the colors of a storm. Then there were times I wanted some description. In regards to character development and romantic relationships. But it wasn't botched. It was still a very enjoyable and smooth read for the most part. One thing I found interesting is that the play is never really specifically called Phantom of the Opera. Most of the time it's called Phantom. And I didn't really recognize any of the lyrics in the book! Probably because I only know the main songs though and she didn't pull from them. But I did love how the music was fit in.
Aside a few cheesy moments, I could connect well and I enjoyed this thrilling tale of the Phantom! I'd suggest this for fans of the story.
Content: Mild
(Some language and a bit of innuendo. A gay character/kiss. Kissing.)
3.5 Stars
Do you like the story of the Phantom? Have you read the book? Seen the play? Would you like to? Do you want to read this? I'd love to hear any thoughts you have! Happy Wednesday!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Released: 3.13.12
When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.
Inky's Blurbings:
It is a truth universally acknowledged that I LURV historical intrigue. Plus Venice? *squeak* And yet, I found quite a big problem going into the novel. I KNEW HALF THE STINKIN PREMISE. (which is why you might now want to read the synopsis..)
I hate, hate, hate, summaries that do that.
I mean I was pretty much predicting -no, cut that I KNEW- what was happening and what was going to happen for about the first 1/3-1/2 of the novel. Um, sadness? And then not to mention it still started slow. Laura wasn't the most interesting character at the beginning and because I knew what to expect, it lost most the excitement surrounding the intrigue.
Luckily, the book began to redeem itself around halfway mark, (the synopsis was finished so things took new twists (YAY)) and the romance began. Giacomo was like a breath of fresh air. Ack. He's awesome. I think the relationship was fairly well developed. They got to know each other pretty well, though I wish there had been more space in the book for that. This book isn't even 300 pages. When I pick up a book that size, I have my doubts. But it was still well delivered.
The Venice that is portrayed was beautiful. I really have to give it so Sasha for her lush descriptions and portrayals. It was really great without being to little or to much description. So did I like it? Yeah I did. Not at first, but it redeemed itself to a nice read. By the end I enjoyed it, but still about a 3.5 rating.
Content: Mild
(Language: Quite a bit ofDeity related phrases, a couple Da**s and He**s. A few moments of innuendo, kissing scenes)
3.5 Stars
Have you read Cross My Heart? What did you think? Let me know! TNT,
Friday, August 3, 2012
Author: Leah Scheier
Released: 6. 26. 12
Add it on: Goodreads
Inquisitive and
observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to
solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the
legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the
opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the
mystery of her cousin’s ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in
London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. Her dreams dashed,
Dora is left to rely on her wits—and the assistance of an attractive yet
enigmatic young detective—to save her cousin’s reputation and help
rescue a kidnapped heiress along the way.
Inky's Blurbings
I actually read this back in June via the DAC Arc Tours. So this is a very late review. Let it be know that I totally love Sherlock Holmes and have read quite a few of the
short stories, so it wasn't hard for the idea behind this book to hook
me. I love a good mystery. And in a historical setting? Sign me up!
Woot! This book got off to a good start. I felt like it was well paced and good in the introduction aspect of the book. The mystery got off the ground well and started to build shortly in. Honestly I'll admit there were a couple times when it got confusing or I just had to straighten up a couple facts, but for the most part it was easy to follow. However there was one thread in the mystery I felt that didn't get woven up. Maybe it's just me. I don't know.
A big part of this
book is the relationship between Peter and Dora. Holy cow, Peter
rocketh. Haha. He's another kind of "investigator" that Dora runs into
and they clash nearly the moment they meet. It was so funny and yet
aggravating every time they had a conversation. They had their little
bouts of "Who's the better Detective?" throughout the whole book. That was so great. But then you have the more romantic side to the two. Dora obviously is attracted to him and there are signs claiming that the feeling is mutual. But they are both to stubborn to admit it for make the first step. That's what drove me nuts. They don't even kiss. After all that? We have to wait for the next book? Come on!
So that would have to be the cliffhanger of the novel. I was mad where it ended because I wanted something about them to be resolved. Their secrets are and they really connect, but nothing else happens. Luckily...there is a sequel! For this I am happy. I can not wait for more news about it!
So Overall? I had a really great time reading this. I loved the mystery and the historical setting. I liked the relationship between Dora and Peter, but honestly it was a terrible ending. It is also a clean read! I'm very much looking forward to the sequel!
3.5 Stars
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Borrowed
Published: 8/16/11
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Pages: 220
Summary: Drawing Conclusions or Drafting Disaster? Other than harboring a somewhat obsessive fondness for Crispix and completely swearing-off boys after a bad date (don't ask), sixteen-year-old Kate Carter is about as ordinary as they come, except for her two notable talents: art and sarcasm. After an introduction to forensic sketching in her elective art class, Kate discovers a third and most unexpected gift: criminal profiling. Her photo-quality sketch helps the police catch a wanted murderer and earns her celebrity status in South Woodhaven Falls. But when that murderer appears to be using his friends to exact revenge, Kate goes from local hero to possible target. Will she manage to survive? Will life ever be normal again? And will local news anchor Ted Deffle ever stop sending her flowers?
The Book In 3 Words: Funny, Mystery, Imaginative
Rad Review: I loved this comedic tale about Kate and her story. I sped through it in a day after borrowing from my friend. It was quite well written and it doesn't take long to get into the spunky topic of the book. Kate and her sarcasm light up the book in a clean, and fun humorous way. With the mystery of John X on her hands her life gets very exciting and fun to follow.
If you are looking for a romantic comedy, this ain't it. It's all comedy and mystery. But it's not dripping in romance. There are some inklings of romance to add a little flavor, but don't get your hopes up. Overall a delightful tale that is for sure worth an hour or two of your time.
Content: Squeaky Clean!
Erynn Mangum has some other books such as the Maya Davis, and Lauren Holdbrooke trilogies and a few short kindle stories.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
Rad Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: YA, Comedy, Christian, Chick-Lit, Mystery
Rad Review: Okay. I'm a total geek for romantic comedy. Fun, flirty, and hilarious is a ride I will take any day. This is one that totally fits that genre. Christian Author, Jenny B. Jones hits the spot. Bella's adjustment is the main topic of the book, but then you throw in snarky wit and humor, a little mystery, some romance, blend it all together and you're set for this rollicking ride. The writing was just fabulous! Smooth and like I said already, funny. You get into Bella, you laugh with her, you feel with her. I will say that her really stubborn attitude dragged on more than I wanted , but It cleared up along with everything else. Some things felt a little fast, but other than that I have no complaints.
It's a Princess loses her tiara and slips in the mud story. One that'll appeal to all YA lovers.
Content: Clean Read!
Source: Library
Buy It: @Amazon, @Barnes & Nobles
All 3 books are out in this laugh-coaster so don't miss I'm So Sure and So Over My Head!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Summary: When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected. Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help. For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.
Rating: 5 Stars
Genres: YA, Mystery, Romance, Comedy
Rad Review: Ally Carter shelves with a fabulous new series! I liked her Gallagher Girls books, but I think I can honestly say I liked this one better. :D Her writing was just FUN. The story was greater and totally pulled me in.
I loved the characters. Kat and Hale were totally cute. The team was so much fun. Their teamwork was great. I just read and read and read till I finished. I loved the Art and Europe facts. Lots of fun in this book. Check it out!
Content: Clean Read
Source: Library
Buy It: @Amazon, @Barnes & Nobles
Don't miss Book 2 : Uncommon Criminals!
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