lollybee's reviews
164 reviews

A Prey to Murder: A George and Molly Palmer-Jones Mystery, Book Four by Ann Cleeves

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

This is an earlier work from Ann Cleeves and it is noticeably lacking in her deft touch and rounded characters from the 'Shetland' and 'Vera' series.  The female characters are dismissed by the male characters: their thoughts, opinions and ideas are an irritant to them rather than being worthy of consideration.
On the whole I found this book more of a chore than a pleasure to read.
Hands Down by Felix Francis

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

3.0

When former jockey turned Private Investigator Sid Halley receives a telephone call from  ex-jockey trainer Gary Bremner, asking for help to stop someone threatening his livelihood, he becomes involved in a web of corruption, blackmail and intimidation centred around horse racing and betting.
An enjoyable read 
The Secret of Villa Alba by Louise Douglas

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious sad
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

With a dual timeline narrative this had the potential to be a gripping story.
Unfortunately I found the main characters very difficult to warm to.
The ending tied everything neatly together but was rushed considering how much time had been taken in the build up to the 'big reveal'.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It's New Year's Eve and six potential buyers are being shown around an apartment when a hapless bank robber rushes in and takes them hostage.
As the police gather outside, the hostages - and unsuccessful bank robber - begin to share their life experiences with each other, gradually realising that they have far more in common with each other than they originally thought.
Fredrik Backman always provides food for thought with his stories; this was no exception.
Now You See Them by Elly Griffiths

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The fifth book in the 'Magic Men' series, jumps forward eleven years to 1964.
A young schoolgirl has disappeared and Superintendent Edgar Stephens and his team are tasked with finding out what has happened to her. To add to the pressure, Brighton is under siege with the Mods and Rockers declaring all out war on each other.
This was an entertaining story with several strands revolving around the main characters' frustrations with their  personal lives.
The Sleeping and the Dead by Ann Cleeves

Go to review page

dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Very slow with an over-reliance on coincidences.
Not one of Ann Cleeves' better stories.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Go to review page

emotional informative sad slow-paced

3.0

Morrie Schwartz is nearing the end of his life.
During Mitch Albom's Tuesday visits (Morrie  was Mitch's former professor at university) they discuss life, love and everything in-between.
A thought-provoking read.
The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

When a group of archeologists discover bones that appear to be more modern than ancient DCI Harry Nelson and Dr. Ruth Galloway find themselves working together to try and piece together the clues.
Emotions are high when it is confirmed that the bones are those of a young girl who went missing thirty years ago and there are also links to the first case that Nelson and Ruth worked on together in The Crossing Places.
No One Saw a Thing by Andrea Mara

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A fast-paced novel about a group of university friends in London for their annual reunion and a child goes missing on the underground.
The story comprises of three timelines with short chapters frequently ending on cliffhangers, which becomes a little tiresome after a while.
An enjoyable read about friends, secrets and lies.
Summer Lightning by P.G. Wodehouse

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

A light-hearted story set in Blandings Castle: full of machinations and misunderstandings.