The Hunter by Tana French

 This is the second book featuring Cal Hooper and Trey Reddy. The first book, "The Searcher," was a twisty mystery that brought rural Ireland to life in a gritty, engaging story. This second book delves even deeper into the people of Ardnakelty, Ireland, and the vigilante justice they mete out to those who don't abide by their rules.

A heat wave has engulfed Western Ireland, bringing fears of selling off land or sheep to make ends meet. On top of this, scoundrel Johnny Reddy returns with Englishman Cillian Rushborough and tales of gold just waiting to be claimed. This news is a Godsend to those facing financial ruin, and even though Johnny isn't the most reliable man, the citizens of Ardnakelty see a possible out for their economic woes. Thinking they are pulling a con of Rushborough, they fall in line, not realizing there is a more significant con in play--one that will ruin them financially faster than the drought.

Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper has taken fatherless Trey Reddy under his wing and is teaching her some skills to help her support her family. When Trey's father suddenly reappears, she is far from happy to see him. After Cal meets Johnny, he spots him for what he is: a charming grifter who is up to no good. Each develops a plan to stop Johnny, not realizing they are at cross purposes. Figuring out Cal's and Trey's plans, motives, and what Johnny is up to moves this story along.

I loved French's Dublin Murder Squad series—they were dark and compelling—but she outdoes herself with the characters Cal and Trey and their small Irish village. This is a moralistic story of revenge and the ties that bind; it sometimes left me wondering about my own moral compass. Loyalties are tested, and secrets are revealed in this raw, fast-paced novel. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric. I recommend reading "The Searcher" first, as events in that novel are referenced here. 

5/5 stars.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Lost Children by Michael Wood

 I usually enjoy this series—it's dark and twisty, just the way I like them. This book, however, was just a bit too dark, even for me. It deals with child abuse, a subject I don't enjoy. Even so, it is a trademark Michael Wood crime thriller—fast-paced with many twists and turns.

Peter Ogilvy has been trying to get an investigation into a murder that occurred at his former boys' home, Magnolia House. Still, with no body, the South Yorkshire police have been sweeping it under the carpet for years. Then, a high-profile man is found gruesomely murdered. When DCI Matilda Darke and her team begin investigating, they uncover his unsavory past, a link to the suspected murdered boy, and physical abuse that occurred at Magnolia House over the years. The investigation is thwarted at every turn by those higher up in the police department, forcing Matilda and her team to hide their proper investigation. It raises questions about possible police involvement in the abuse--why else try to hinder the investigation?

This is an emotionally disturbing book that some readers may find off-putting. Still, it is an excellent police procedural that is gripping and character-driven. Wood's plots are intricate, with characters facing moral dilemmas and not always choosing the best way forward. This series is addicting.

4/5 stars.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Toxic Prey by John Sandford

John Sandford has done it again: written a fiendishly clever book whose plot is both plausible and frightening. How does he sleep at night? Continuing to combine characters from his other series with the main character of the "Prey" books, Sandford has created another super crime-fighting duo in Lucas and his daughter, Homeland Security agent Letty Davenport. Together, they set out to save the world—literally.

Dr. Lionel Scott, an expert in infectious diseases, views the world as being on the precipice of death due to overpopulation. With no solution in sight, Scott takes it upon himself to solve the problem by developing a highly contagious virus that, once released, promises to kill off eighty percent of the world's population. Surrounded by a small group of like-minded followers, he disappears into the wilds of northern New Mexico to perfect his virus and plot its release. His disappearance from the Los Alamos National Laboratory, with its research into highly classified projects, does not go unnoticed, however, and soon Homeland Security agent Letty Davenport is charged with finding Scott. The more Letty learns about Scott, the more concerned she becomes. Enlisting the help of her father, U. S. Marshall Lucas Davenport, and an MI5 agent from Scott's home country of Great Britain, the hunt is on.

This is a powerful, fast-paced novel that raises some ethical and moral questions. It is not "preachy," but it does highlight an issue that should be cause for concern. Sandford does such an excellent job of character development that there were times I was sympathetic to Scott and his followers—a horrible thought, I know. 

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and G. P. Putnam's Sons, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 9, 2024. 

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks by David Gibbins

 What an interesting and entertaining way to learn about or brush up on history. I had no idea so much knowledge about our past could be gained from the objects found on a shipwreck.

From a Bronze Age ship uncovered in Dover to a World War II ship, underwater archeologist David Gibbins does an excellent job of tying our past and present together in an informative narrative. What could easily have been a dry rehash of history is instead an engaging look, through an archeologist's eye, at different eras in history and what artifacts tell us about our past. Even though I enjoyed the ancient shipwrecks more than the recently uncovered ones, I found all twelve enlightening.

If you like history and archeology, I think you will enjoy this book.

4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 2, 2024.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Caught by Harlan Coben

 

I started watching Harlan Coben's adapted books on Netflix and enjoyed them so much that I thought I would try one in book form. Even though this is one of his older books, it has held up and proved to be suspenseful and twisty—much like his adaptations.

When investigative TV reporter Wendy Tynes sets up a sting to catch suspected pedophile Dan Mercer, she sets off a string of events that eventually calls into question her journalistic integrity. As Wendy dives deeper into Dan's past, she finds secrets and perhaps a link to a missing teenager. Could seemingly good guy Dan be a monster, or did Wendy miss something? The more she digs, the more questions arise.

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller that doesn't disappoint. Although written in 2010, only a few instances show its age. I tried Coben's Myton Bolitar series a few years ago but gave up after the first book for reasons I don't remember. Based on this book and the adapted books, I think I'll give it another try. 

4/5 stars.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes

This is the first book by this author I've read, and although it's a slow starter, it turned out to be a good science fiction story about planet exploration and the perils it involves.

Ophelia Bray is a psychotherapist assigned to a Reclamation and Exploration Team to map and explore a planet whose salvageable rights have just been acquired. Her goal is to detect the early warning signs of Eckhart-Reiser syndrome (ERS), a condition that, if it is not caught early, can cause psychotic breaks, violence, and insanity. Along with her own emotional baggage, the team she joins has just suffered the traumatic loss of a crewmember and resents Ophelia's inclusion on this mission. She must overcome her own demons and try to win over the crew if she will be of help.

Once on the planet, crewmembers begin displaying unusual behavioral systems that may or may not be associated with ERS. It's up to Ophelia to figure out what is happening before she, too, is affected.

The book's first third is a slog as Ophelia seems to psychoanalyze every situation and individual, including herself. However, the pace picks up once the action starts on the planet, and this turns into an exciting action-adventure read. It is an atmospheric story with a touch of horror thrown in to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book.

 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Nightfire, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 9, 2024.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

City in Ruins by Don Winslow

 What a way to conclude a successful writing career. In this, Don Winslow's final novel, he satisfyingly ends the Danny Ryan Trilogy and leaves this reader hoping he will decide retirement is too dull and begin writing again.

Danny Ryan thought he had left his Irish mob days behind him. He has become a wildly successful casino partner, has a great relationship with his son, and has a woman he could love. Still, his past resurfaces as an FBI agent out for revenge stirs the pot; he must go on the offensive again to preserve his world. Calling on old friends for help, Danny tries to outwit the government and the Italian mafia while keeping his family safe. His life and business empire are on the line; failure is not an option.

I first became a fan of the character Danny Ryan in "City on Fire" and continued in "City of Dreams." Both left me wanting more, and  I'm happy to report that "City in Ruins." is the icing on this trilogy cake: it resolves storylines and characters' lives fittingly. The writing is excellent, the plot is twisty, and the pacing is fast - a Don Winslow signature novel. I wish Mr. Winslow well in whatever he does next, but I will miss the worlds and characters he created.

5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an advance copy of "City in Ruins" in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is April 2, 2024.

For more information:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble