Review: A Killer's Grace

A Killer's Grace by Ronald Chapman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chapman's A Killer's Grace grabbed me by the gut as I read the letter from Davidson. You don't follow a beginning like that up with some mediocre cheap thrills and thankfully this author knew that. A Killer's Grace is thought provoking, forcing the reader to dig deep into the judgements and preconceived ideas we all try to convince ourselves we don't have.

The premise is simple; Serial killer reaches out to journalist to expose a fatal flaw in the system. Our serial killer is the worst kind of monster and you think to yourself, here's our antagonist. Well, yes and no. Davidson is the epitome of your nightmares, by his own account, but there remains a spark of humanity within him and he is determined to prevent others like him from inflicting the same sort of damage to society. Some might say Davidson is an anti-hero. Enter Kevin Pitcairn, journalist and recipient of this letter. Pitcairn would be our protagonist, our good guy. Only we find out he's no choir boy and could pretty easily be sitting in a cell next to Davidson were it not for some dumb luck.

There is a lot going on in this book but the everything works to enhance the story rather than distract from it. I thought the relationship between Pitcairn and Maria Elena was a perfect contrast to the life Pitcairn led before he found her and AA. I was engrossed in the research into Davidson's past and mental state and then fascinated by the utter shit show that followed the publication of Pitcairn's article.

There aren't a few words one can use to accurately describe this book. It is complex to the 9th degree both literally and figuratively. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in it nor can I fathom going untouched by the subject matter.

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Review: Seventeen

Seventeen by Suzanne Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ah, the dystopian novel, quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Here Suzanne Lowe gives us what most teenagers probably think they want - no adults - and quickly teaches them to be careful what they wish for. Sisters Lexi and Hadley are Australian teens orphaned by the adult killing virus known as KV17. Safe for only a short time in their family home, eventually they set off to find security with others like them. Lexi and Hadley are welcomed into the community of Jasper's Bay by the surviving young inhabitants and set about making a new life. As it turns out, it isn't as easy as adults made it look and they struggle. Pepper in a sadistic antagonist named Broc and his band of cruel misfits, KV17 mutating into God only knows what, and Lexi quickly reaching the age of uncertainty and you have Seventeen; 337 pages of dark foreboding mixed with just the right amount of lighthearted humor, the quintessential good people versus evil people conflict, and a story that will resonate with any teen or young adult. Fully fleshed out characters, realistic scenarios, and exemplary writing garners this novel a five star review.

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Review: Danny Chaucer's Flying Saucer

Danny Chaucer's Flying Saucer by Christopher Peter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christopher Peter's Middle-grade fiction story, Danny Chaucer's Flying Saucer is my nine year old's next book! I thought it was so fun and creative while still teaching kids morals about being a good person and friend. In addition, the author manages to teach the reader about space without dragging the story down.

Danny Chaucer is a boy going through a hard time, missing his best friend, Sam, and dealing with bullies. His life gets even more difficult when he is assigned to mentor the new girl in class, Nat Ford, who is likewise going through some hard times. Two previously friendless kids have each other to lean on and nothing can stop them now. Enter a shady military woman nicknamed Frosty Knickers who is searching for an escaped flying saucer, complete with a cheeky artificial intelligence named BOB, with plans to use the saucer in nefarious ways and you have the beginning of a fun filled adventure. Danny and Nat end up flying through space with Frosty Knickers, AKA Captain Frost, navigated by BOB. Humor and thrills abound leading to a perfect ending with plenty of opportunity for sequels.

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Review: What She Knew

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you'd like your brain to focus on nothing else until you get to the end of the story, What She Knew should be your next read! A psychological thriller told from several perspectives, it doesn't get any better than this. Rachel's gut wrenching description of the pain at the loss of her child will make you hug yours tighter. You certainly won't let them go running ahead of you in the woods anymore. Although probably true to reality, I feel cheated that some characters didn't get what they deserved for past sins and some paid too dearly. It's a matter of opinion, I suppose, on who falls into which category. All in all, MacMillan turned out a gripping, mother's worst nightmare mixed with police procedure novel here.

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Review: Victims

Victims by Jonathan Kellerman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #27 in the series but you need not read the first 26 to jump right in. I haven't. Although now I have 26 new books on my To Read lists. I got a nasty sunburn because I was so wrapped up in reading this to reapply sunblock at the pool. If you've seen my pasty white skin you'd understand how diligent I am with sunblock. I digress...

Anyway, a true police procedural which is my absolute genre of choice. Mix in a few eviscerating murders by sick, twisted maniacs and I'm a happy girl. Clues are unearthed steadily and you never feel forcefed the story. The banter between the characters is funny and realistic. I loved this book!

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