"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

"Sign of the Cross", by Glenn Cooper

Cal Donovan book #1,

A religious conspiracy of the crucifixion

The story in a few words:

Abruzzo, Italy: a young priest suffers the stigmata of the crucifixion. From the Vatican, the Pope calls on Harvard professor Cal Donovan to investigate the truth of Padre Gio claim. Cal is determined to uncover the truth and the cause of the mysterious wounds.

Berlin, Germany: a neo-Nazi organisation believes the priest is the key to an earth-shattering secret. A secret that can be used as a deadly weapon.

When the priest is abducted, a perilous race against the clock begins. Only Cal can track down the ruthless organisation and stop it, before an apocalyptic catastrophe is unleashed.

My thoughts:

There is a lot going on in this book as it toggles from the current day story to back in time to the stories of the men who were involved in the kidnapping of padre Gio. This backstory lays the groundwork for the plot and all eventually comes together at the conclusion. But I admit for a good part of this story I was overwhelmed trying to piece all parts together. It appeared disjointed and quite a challenge to stay with it but as I got further into the storyline it does eventually blend nicely and I was happy to have stuck with it. The action takes us from Italy to Germany in search of the truth about the padre condition and who was behind his kidnapping.

I was glued to Cal quest when he teamed up with Gio sister Irene and they set out in a perilous race against the clock and unravel the mystery and track down and save Gio. This part was exciting and very suspenseful. The fast-paced narrative that intertwine historical and religious themes is engaging and the exploration of religious relics although less than original was nevertheless captivating.

If you are interested in a story with a religious twist, you may enjoy this one.
I wish to thank the publisher Book Whisperer for this eBook which I received via Netgalley

"Passport to Spy", by Nancy Cole Silverman

Kat Lawson Mystery #2

Kat is an investigative reporter for the Phoenix Gazette behind this facade she is an undercover traveling journalist working for the FBI. Her assignment is to get close to Hans von Hausmann, a charming museum curator suspected to be hiding artwork stolen from Jewish families during WW11, specifically the Gerhardt Hoard. The story tells us the relationship between Kat and Hans and the unknown dangers Kat has to travers and along the way who can be or cannot be trusted.

My thoughts:

This well paced plot overflows with heart-pounding moments and intrigue and filled us with excitement as we follow Kat crisscross unknow dangers. The plot gives us so many unexpected twists and turns that from the beginning I was hooked. Love this story, this mix of actual facts and vivid imagination is very well-done. Kat does get close to Hans and his sister Erika Schonburg in hope to find out is there is truth to that rumour and where these treasures might be hidden….but fate got in the way and a Russian got in the picture…

The author has a knack of capturing the Bavarian culture and mentality and has enclosed all this in a story filled with spies, secrets and the boot a beautiful setting and wonderful characters.

Well said and well done

I received this review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Kashmir", by Ty Patterson

Zeb Carter book #16

Zeb and his crew are sent to Kashmir to gather intelligence on the ground realities in Kashmir: their mandate is clear….to observe and report. Not to intervene. What they don’t know is their friend Meera Bhosle, an Indian intelligence agent is also there undercover to expose drug networks…..all worked well till she’s burned. Nothing Zeb wouldn’t do for his friend even if it comes with catastrophic risk.

My thoughts:

Mr. Patterson is sticking to his great formulae: sent his team on a risky mission in an exotic or troubled region and have them save the day. Along the way give his readers an exciting story with lots of action and suspense to keep them captive till the very last page. How can he keep us, his long-time fans, glued to each word till we reach the finale: quality of writing, exceptional storyline, knowledge of regions, custom and languages and outstanding characters.

After gazillions of books, I am not tired reading Ty Patterson’s thrillers: keep the good work coming and thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have given me through the years.