"A Gentleman in Moscow", by Amor Towles

Published in 2016

Overview:

Moscow

Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the luxurious Metropol Hotel in Moscow after the Bolshevik Revolution. The novel spans several decades, exploring his life within the confines of the hotel as he navigates personal relationships and the changing political landscape outside. (Kirkus)

My views:

Frankly I almost gave up reading this novel although in hindsight I am glad I didn’t, so my advice do not give up at one point it will intrigue you and keep you captive till the very end. I was within a few chapters and from then on, I had a hard time putting it down.

The story combines historical fiction with a thoughtful exploration of life and purpose amidst adversity. This unique plot makes this novel stands out but the style is what pushes it to be above average.

I like how the author sets beautifully up the scenes and history of Russia and fluidly inserts it into his plot and to boot make an history lesson interesting.

From the get-go I love Count Alexander, he jumps right out of the story with his vivid actions and strong personality, he really comes to life. I loved following him through the years it felt so real. Although I wouldn’t want to live through what he did.

This is a great read

"The Navigator's Daughter", by Nancy Cole Silverman

Kat Lawson Mystery #1

In a few words:

The year is 1996

Kat Lawson’s father receives a mysterious letter informing the former WW2 navigator/bombardier that his downed B-24 has been found and asking to come to Hungary, Kat suspects this is all part of some senior rip-off scam. But her father insists she represent him not only take photographs of the plane but to find the mother and son who risked their lives to rescue him and his crew by hiding them in a cave. The trip will change her life for ever…..

My thoughts in a few words:

This story is base on the life of Silverman’s father and with a lot of creativity the author has penned and excellent story to captivate us.

Reading “The Navigator’s Daughter” was a pleasant experience, my first by this author but it won’t me the last. From the start we are in a rollercoaster ride while Kate uncovers bit by bit what happened years ago. It is a slow but careful read that will grab anyone in its suspense and keep all riveted till the end. The narration brings us back in time during the war while Kate visits cities, towns, castles and takes photographs always keeping in mind finding Katerina and Adolph, the caring family that saved her father. This is by far not a boring story mystery await Kat also a bit of romance to lighten her life. But she never thought getting caught in the middle of an international art theft ring…..Doesn’t this pique your interest. Give this book a go you will not be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book for free with no obligations to write a review.

"Heartless Highway", by Melinda Woodhall

 

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book # 9

The story in a few words:

When the body of a beautiful young woman is discovered near a busy highway it didn’t take long for Special Agent Bailey Flynn to find evidence linking the murder to the East Coast Highway Killer recently apprehended. She is suspecting the FBI task force may have the wrong man in custody ….she sets out to find the answer.

My thoughts:

Melinda Woodhall never fails to entertain, her latest is no exception. Once started I was so into this suspenseful story I lost track of time, so eager to see what Baily would come up with. For sure the task had pinned the murders on the wrong man but Baily did her all to find who really had no regards for a human life and sniff him out. The original investigators stuck to their outcome not way would they bend leaving Bailey with an immense challenge. I appreciated how the author excelled in throwing one red herring after the other and spinning a tale that derailed all expectations. Well done.

This gripping and emotional charge mystery is a good addition to the series. I am amazed how authors can come up with a fresh story with each installment without making them too formulaic. This is not only police procedural-oriented story it also gives us a great amount of personal and family saga. I enjoy this immensely.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of, many are recurring ones we came to know well through this series and a couple added to the mix for us to get to know or forget…. Of course, Melinda Woodhall style is clear and active with no sex scene and foul language and provides us with a thrilling read to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book for free with no obligations to write a review.

"Phoenix Rising" by Michael Reit

1 September 1939

This installment chronicles the lives of four people as Hitler’s armies pushes across the Polish border.

Felix Wolff, a Jewish refugee thought he found save heaven in England but soon was arrested and thrown into an internment camp. To clear is name he joins the fight against Hitler.

Sicherheitsdienst agent Karl Vogt is sent to control the growing Jewish population within the Reich. His actions were the groundwork for Poland’s Jewish annihilation and the horrors that came with it.

Adela Beran, in occupied Czechoslovakia risks everything to pass secrets from a weapons factory to the Czech resistance and is asked to help assassinate Heinrich Himmler at Berlin….

In a central role we have Albert Göring using his famous name and position to help the resistance in the Protectorate to sabotage production and hamper the Nazi.

This is a recreation what may have happened during the war.

My thoughts:

This is a powerful story of courage, survival and resistance. It is told in vivid and grim details. You can feel in the author’s words how Karl is an impassioned and cold -hearted individual with only task is to eliminate the Jewish population. While Felix, faces one horror after the other and gives his all to the war effort. Mr. Reit gives him sensibility and a strong will to succeed. With the help of Albert Göring, the factory manager and the brother of the infamous henchmen Hermann Goring, Adela shows how a courageous individual she is and behind the words you feel as apprehensive as her.

A mention: Albert Göring used his famous name to save hundreds from Nazi persecution….not all German were cruel, although what he did put a target on his back.

The story is active and very captivating…even for those who may have read more then their share of war stories it is an excellent read. ..

Well said and well done.

My thanks to the Book Whisperer and Netgalley for this ARC

"The Quiet Mother", by Arnaldur Indridason

Detective Konrad, #3

This mystery is a gripping noir novel that follows retired detective Konrad as he seeks redemption after failing to help Valborg, a woman who was later found murdered. The investigation draws him into a web of lies and betrayals. The story is about the heavy toll of keeping secrets.

The slow pace facilitates the chance to get to know the characters, how they think and react even if their names are hard to pronounce, try to remember them they often pop up in this police procedural saga.

Following Konrad, the tension gradually rises and I soon found myself deep into a difficult story to follow and even harder to stay with. Although, I like how Konrad ferrets out leads and information into Valborg’s past, each revelation pointing to a hidden life that connected her death to a decade old murder and eventually having Konrad solving the murder. It was an intense read.

No doubts about it, the story is a slow burn and jumps timeline quite often, so again be present. It a bit complicated and puzzling at time but it does come together and it all make sense by the end, if you stay with it.

If you like puzzles, intriguing narrative and baffling style you will surely be contented.

I love this author I have him on my watch list but admit that “The Quiet Mother” was not my favourite books by him.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC

"Possession Point", by Glenn Burwell

Detective Robert Lui book #5

I find this story to have an interesting plot, engaging characters and particularly appealing to me being a Canadian is the setting: the beautiful city of Vancouver and its Okanogan Valley. Robert Lui is the main player, now a private detective/researcher with a flair for finding trouble and solutions is there to entertain us all through the mystery. Robert has recently made a career and a personal change and has his doubts that he made a good move…..

The story in a few words:

When a string of construction accidents plague Vancouver where deaths have occurred, Robert hired to find out what is the cause and who is really behind the tragedies, heads out to Surrey to find out why young men who have recently immigrated from Hong Kong have become victims and what was behind the insurance co. aggressiveness.

Further thoughts:

I love this story even if I missed the previous saga and all its recurring characters in no way, did I feel lost. The author did a fine job situating us and introducing his players, I would say in whole smooth sailing. It is also vividly said to kept us engaged from start to finish.

Well done

I received this book from the first reviewer program for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.