Books: The Whisper Place

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The Whisper Place by Mindy Mejia is a thoroughly good read that had me interested and intrigued from the first chapter. Mindy Mejia has crafted a story that is not only well written but also very well paced, with chapters that moved the plot forward while giving just enough space to develop the characters and tension and a few moments when I had the chance to put the book down and think.

The two private investigators, Max Summerlin and Jonah Kendrick stood out as relatable. As a former cop and a psychic detective, they make an unconventional but compelling duo. I did wonder if having a psychic detective might just be a lazy author’s way to solve a difficult crime, but no. Their personalities felt authentic, their backstories were intriguing, and I appreciated how their partnership unfolded throughout the book. Mejia gave both men depth, humour, and emotional complexity, which made me care about them. I’d like to follow their future cases.

The mystery itself is layered and emotional. When a man walks into their office searching for his missing girlfriend who seemingly has no past, Max and Jonah take on a case that takes them from quirky 80s-inspired bakeries to chilling forests and a house full of dread. In parallel, a woman flees across the country, running from her past. As their paths inevitably converge, the stakes rise and the story grips tighter.

One of the things I appreciated most was the clear line between the “good guys” and the villains. Mejia didn’t muddy the waters unnecessarily. She let us feel exactly what we were meant to. I felt fear at times, tension and curiosity throughout, and genuine relief by the end.

The Whisper Place is a rewarding read…; suspenseful, character-driven, and emotionally satisfying. Fans of intelligent thrillers and detective fiction will find a lot to love here. I’m already looking forward to what Max and Jonah investigate next.

Books: No Precious Truth

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I loved reading No Precious Truth by Chris Nickson.

No Precious Truth by Chris Nickson

It’s a suspense/thriller. Brother (Dan) working for MI5 and sister (Cathy) working for police/army in Leeds during WW2 are coincidentally together on a small team chasing down an escaped and dangerous German spy. The suspense comes from pressure on Dan by his bosses to capture the spy and close the case before collateral and psychological damage is done. The book is overflowing with scene setting (Leeds in WW2) and character development, e.g. Dan’s girlfriend being sacked from the spy catcher project, Cathy’s boyfriend shipped off on a troop ship to North Africa, the rest of the Special Investigative Branch in Leeds, as well as Cathy’s best friends and parents living their civilian lives under the threat of German bombs. The story is primarily told from Cathy’s perspective and although it’s hinted at several times, the book doesn’t dwell too much on the fact that she’s a woman struggling for acceptance in a male-dominated career/situation. The plot is well-paced, the characters are credible and likeable, and the ending is tense and satisfying.

Books: The Bookseller

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Tim Sullivan’s The Bookseller is an engaging murder mystery that explores the world of rare books.

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan

Set in Bristol (UK) where a bookseller is found murdered, the story follows DS George Cross and colleagues as he tries to solve the crime. George Cross is an intriguing protagonist, notable for his emotionless quirks and methodical approach. His relationships with his colleagues add some lightness to the story, though they might feel a bit too well-crafted at times – I suspect the police workplace may be a little less rosy than it’s portrayed in this story. Still, his unique personality keeps the narrative going along.

The is compelling, with the crimes and feuds within the book trade providing a new and intriguing backdrop. Sullivan uses the details of this niche industry effectively, adding depth without slowing the plot’s pace. It’s not just about solving the crime; it’s about understanding the characters and their motives, which makes this story satisfying. While the plot twists and turns, it remains clear and easy to follow. The resolution ties things together well, leaving no loose ends. It’s a straightforward but well-executed mystery that keeps you guessing without being overly complex.

The Bookseller is a very enjoyable read for anyone who loves murder mysteries with a unique setting and a slightly unconventional detective. It’s a satisfying story that balances intrigue, character development, and a good dose of insider knowledge about the book world.

Books: Small Lives, Big World: A Collection of Short Stories From Near and Far 

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R.M. Green’s Small Lives, Big World is an exquisite collection of short stories that masterfully weaves ordinary and extraordinary aspects of human experience together. The book captivated me with its skilfully crafted characters, richly detailed, vivid settings, and thought-provoking plots.

Small Lives, Big World: A Collection of Short Stories From Near and Far by R. M. Green

Green has a strong talent for bringing everyday moments to life while imbuing them with intrigue and poignancy that stay with you long after you’ve turned the page.

The characters in this collection are as diverse as the settings they inhabit—an Ottawa suburban housewife, a Chinese shopkeeper, a private in the trenches of World War I, and a six-year-old train traveler, to name just a few. Each of them feels authentic and fully realized, their emotions and struggles palpable. Green’s ability to create characters who are simultaneously specific and relatable is quite remarkable. You don’t just read about their little lives; you step into them.

Equally vivid are the settings, which range from the bustling Parisian streets to tranquil yet enigmatic corners of Central America. The book’s descriptive prose breathes life into each location, steeping the reader in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of these places. Whether it’s the tropical backwaters or the claustrophobic office of a factory, the settings feel essential to the stories they frame.

What truly places this collection on the top shelf, however, is the storytelling. Each story is intriguing and often takes unexpected, twisty turns that kept me thoroughly engaged. Humor and tragedy, despair and hope, are balanced to create a tapestry of human experience that is both entertaining and deeply moving – and real. Themes of love, fear, dreams, and resilience thread through the stories, uniting the characters and settings seamlessly.

Small Lives, Big World is a book that invites you to journey alongside its characters, sharing their lives, joys, and struggles – but only for a little while and with each story, I was left wanting more. For well-traveled readers and those with an interest in exploring the richness of human experience across the globe, this collection is a must-read. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

A later edit… I wanted to add to my review… this book is a perfect example of one of those wonderfully crafted books that is a totally satisfying read that for some random reason is not on best-seller lists, but jolly well should be because it’s a WAAAAY better read than most of the mediocre-to-rubbish stuff that the big publishing houses push onto consumers in the big book stores.

Books: When the Germans come

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I loved reading When the Germans Come by David Hewson.

When the Germans Come by David Hewson

It is an outstanding mix of historical fiction and compelling murder mystery/suspense. Set in 1940 with the threat of Nazi invasion in the air, the story paints an authentic-feeling picture of wartime Britain. The characters are cleverly crafted—Louis Renard, a wounded ex-detective, is both compelling and flawed as all book-heroes should be, while Jessica Marshall, the determined, naive Canadian journalist, adds an engaging and fem-fatale perspective as she chases down a story with life-threatening stakes that the Army simply does not want told

The setting and atmosphere feel completely authentic, capturing the fear, uncertainty, and resilience of a small town on the brink of invasion. The murder mystery at the heart of the story is both sensible and believable, weaving seamlessly into the larger context of war and espionage. Hewson’s ability to balance historical detail with a tight, suspenseful plot is evident, keeping the reader engaged until the big reveal. The story’s atmosphere of danger and intrigue is palpable, and the exploration of moral dilemmas in wartime adds another thoughtful layer. This is a book where everything works well—the characters, the plot, and the richly created setting combine to make it a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking read.