"Three Marys", by Glenn Cooper

Cal Donovan #2

Summary:

Three impossible births. Three incredible miracles. One deadly secret.

Three teenage girls all name Mary from different corners of the world have fallen pregnant, the three have been proven to be virgins. In view of this, Pope Celestine has summoned Harvard professor of religion and archaeology Cal Donavan to investigate. As Cal struggles to uncover the truth he soon realises that more than meet the eyes is at stake: could this apparent miracle cause the collapse of the Catholic faith.

Are the three teenagers really all bearing the son of God?

My thoughts:

This story is fun to read and is engaging. It gives us a mix of religious and adventure elements to capture our imagination till the very last page and does so very well. The author’s creativity is in over drive here, what a vivid imagine Glenn Cooper has…or maybe a twisted one 😊. The plot is not only entertaining it is also interesting. I zipped through it in no time so captivated was I. Yes, some will find the premise to be overboard and impossible: they would be definitely right in thinking so but I enjoyed every word, I was hooked from start to finish.

The cast of characters is original and I simply love Cal….is such an interesting and unusual character. We have action aplenty to keep us on our toes. This is definitely a plot driven story that moves along in a steady and moderate tempo and reveals its secrets drop by drop to keep up the suspense and us entertained till the very end.

Whether you are religious or not take this as a fun read to pass time with.

My thanks to Book Whisper/Lascaux Media for this ARC which I received via Netgalley

"Bianca's Cure", by Gigi Berardi

Renaissance Florence

At the core of this history driven story is the bond between Francesco de Medici and Bianca Capello and her obsession with science-artemisia and her pursuit of a cure for malaria. On the other hand, the Medici put alchemy ahead and were more concerned with science. Eventually, Bianca’s trajectory brought her to the Medici court and ultimately to the Grand Duchess’s seat.

The characters in his story were real figures at the time Florence was a republic and malaria was killing the Medicis.

“Bianca’s Cure” is a story of love, ambition and the ever-present threat of violence. It is not a feel-good story of feminine empowerment rather one of confrontation where tradition collides with invention and the opportunity for advancement.

I found this story to be in the tradition of the best historical fiction where the author has taken a least known woman and has created a stirring account of a relentless pursuit of a cure for the heat disease. This fiction depicts a life shrouded in mystery and the voice-driven narrative skillfully describes the tortuous path a woman of science takes.

Elegantly written “Bianca’s Cure” has intellectual depth as well as emotional drive and depicts science in a unique way. Bianca was well ahead of her time.

Her skill may have doom them both Francesco and herself….read it and find out for yourself….

I don’t mind passing time reading story that is well-said and well-done.

My thanks to the publisher She Writes Press for this ARC which I received via Book Whisper and Netgalley

"Her Cold Justice", by Robert Dugoni

Keera Duggan #3

A Legal Thriller

The story in a few words:

Michael Westbrook is accused of the double murder of a suspected drug dealer and his girlfriend. His uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator and is desperately needs her help. The case looks grave but Keera will never concede defeat.

Even if it is part of a series this story stands well by itself.

My thoughts:

Robert Dugoni as slowly won my heart and is now on my list of must-read authors. If you haven’t read any of his works, you are missing out. He excels setting a plot that will hook you from the start, slowly introducing his characters and giving them lots of charisma to charm us.

I love how he unravels his story smoothly, slowly drawing us into a very suspenseful investigation and letting anticipation build into our mind to hold us captive till the outcome is finalized. Although further Keera gets into the trial; danger rises and deeper the team digs in and a question arises what is the prosecutor, Kim Tran, intent and what is she up to? Playing with the rules to muddy the water….and how come she seems to anticipate what Keera will do…all this letting the stage for an exciting investigation and court drama which are both very well executed case that is not just about murder rather a conspiracy….. I was so taken in by what was going on I didn’t see time pass.

“Her Cold Justice “, is well written, captivating and very suspenseful….an excellent addition to the series.

My thanks to Thomas& Mercer and to Netgalley for this ARC