"There are some men who enter a woman's life and screw it up forever. Joseph Morelli did this to me -- not forever, but periodically." Right from this opening line, you kinda can't help but feel for the tough, flawed and utterly charming Jersey girl, Stephanie Plum. This quirky mystery, set against a backdrop of the connected and not-so-connected, introduces us to a character that was compelling enough to demand a series of novels...not to mention a film deal with Katherine Heigl playing the lead.
There's more character work and slightly less action that most thriller readers look for, but the humor added to the suspense of the mystery involved should keep all but the most hardcore thriller readers entertained. Plus, let's face it, we all need to branch out from time to time, right? This heroine is gutsy enough to impress the women and sexy enough to keep the men intrigued. And while the characters practically reek of Jersey flair (replete with dialects), they don't keep the action from moving along.
For those not-so-much-with-the-thrillers readers out there, the heroine alone is enough to keep you going here. Then there's the cast of just-off-the-sterotype toughs and Italian mothers and guys those mothers keep trying to set their daughters up with, which provides plenty of opportunities for off-beat humor that will make you laugh out loud. Add to that a sexy ex-flame who may or may not be guilty but is certainly bad, and you've got a novel that'll keep you up to the wee hours of the morning.
This is a novel that definitely deserves a read, and since the film's due out next July, you've got plenty of time to build up your anticipation.
Pirates! We love pirates, right? Whether they look like Johnny Depp or Orlando Bloom, they've got rugged charm and great accents.
We are not talking about those kind of pirates here. In Deep Six, Mark Powell has crafted a tale that takes us into the brutal world of modern-day Somalian pirates and the over-privileged, ennui-filled civilians that are recruited to kill them.
This is Powell's second Mark McCabe novel, the first being Quantum Breach. McCabe is ex-SAS, an ex-banker, heavy on the charm and masculinity with a penchant for getting himself into some extremely adrenaline-pumping situations.
The writing is straightforward, open and honest, although at times it feels as if Powell doesn't completely trust his reader enough and resorts to over explanation. The only other observation is that Powell will occasionally switch perspectives mid-chapter which can be jarring. However, the characters are engaging, which, when added to the gripping action, can make for a compelling read.
If you were a fan of Quantum Breach, you will find Deep Six an improvement on a promising series, instead of the occasional dreaded sophomore slump. We revisit some old characters we love (and love to hate) and the back-story is further fleshed out. McCabe is definitely a character worth revolving a story around.
If Powell is new to you, you should give this author a try. The fact that he's drawing from his own military (and financial) background lends a truthfulness to his story lines that's exciting. The novel is filled with deeply flawed human beings that Powell wisely refrains from psychoanalyzing. The Somalian pirates and their hierarchy is fascinating and topical, giving this novel a very up-to-date feel.
Take some time to check this promising new-ish writing talent out!
With blurbs of praise from Douglas Preston, Steve Berry, James Rollins and Chris Kuzneski, how could I not be drawn to The Ark, by Boyd Morrison. If that weren’t enough the plot involves a female archeologist teaming with an ex-military engineer in order to search for Noah’s Ark in order to save the world from a mysterious virus that could potentially kill billions. Wow!! That is a lot to take on for a debut novel but Boyd is up to the task.
The plot concerns archeologist Dilara, whose father disappeared three years ago while pursuing his obsession of finding Noah’s Ark. After telling her a mysterious message, her father’s friend is poisoned in a mall food court. This leads to multiple attempts on her life and into the protection and (as if you couldn’t guess) arms of former combat engineer Tyler Locke. Together they try to construct the picture from assorted puzzle pieces following a path from the pacific northwest to the southwest and back, eventually winding up in the Middle East where the all good stories involving Noah’s Ark tend to culminate. The antagonist is a billionaire religious fanatic which has become the staple bad guy in recent novels. Although that road has been traveled before, Boyd is able to keep the story fresh with new storylines and interpretations of the religious themes.
Using his real world background and experience (PhD in Engineering, work at Lockheed Martin and Microsoft), Boyd creates realistic but still thrilling scenarios for getting his protagonists into and out of precarious situations. The presentation of the virus and its devastating potential is as convincing as Rollins’ Judas Strain. Familial relationships throughout the book are convincing and varied as are the characters themselves.
As the summer begins to wind down, it is well worth the price of admission for an action packed voyage on Boyd Morrison’s Ark.
For The Hunger Games, we've asked Ben Hopkin (@actingnodrama) to guest review. Ben is an actor, a producer and also a writer, so is bringing a slightly different perspective to things. 'Cause you know, at @ThrillersRockT, we like to shake things up a bit!
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is up for review this week. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. What the bleepedy-bleep-bleep is a Young Adult novel doing getting reviewed on Thrillers Rock Twitter? Well, here’s the thing. It's a YA novel, but really there's nothing stereotypically YA about it.
And while it isn't classified as a traditional thriller, it is well... thrilling. And I mean, shouldn't that be the basis for deciding if a book is truly a thriller? And trust me this is an absolutely, positively adrenaline-pumping, page-turning, hair-raising piece of work.
What The Hunger Games also has is a superbly crafted plot, razors-edge-sharp characters and plenty of emotional resonance.
But what elevates this novel is the clarity of its characters. Every character I encountered, even briefly, in this book was given three dimensions. There are characters in this book that I miss right now because I'm not currently reading it. I'm not going to spend much more time talking about the story or the people within it, but I will just throw out one name for you. Cinna, the stylist. When you read The Hunger Games (as you really MUST), keep him in mind.
As an actor, my litmus test for characters is whether or not I would want to play them (yes, even the female characters... What can I say? Actors are weird), and I can honestly say that it would be an honor to play any of them. Especially Cinna. In case it's in development. And those casting are reading this blog. #justsayin
Okay, disregarding that little self-promoting sidestep... It's the combination of the tight-as-a-drum plot and the crystalline-clear-as-snow-melt characters gives Hunger Games an honesty and emotional through-line that I've rarely felt in another author. When a writer can evoke an epic quality and at the same time ground the sweeping action in believable and lovable characters, magic happens.
Oh, there's one more thing, just in case all of the preceding rambling wasn't enough to convince you. TheHunger Games is the first in a trilogy. Catching Fire is the second, and Mockingjay, the final installment, is due out on August 24th. If you're at all like me, you'll get to the end of this novel and be intensely grateful for that fact.
Finally, I want to thank @ThrillersRockT for the chance to guest review this week. Not only because I get to review alongside some awesome writers, but because the novel I'm reviewing was good enough to keep me up until 3 am to finish it. I also believe there may have been a skipped meal or two in there as well, and for anyone that knows me, that's a big stinkin' deal.
"Mind Walker"
by @rjmc100
Just as we asked why guys would want to read "Hunger Games" we ask why should chicks want to read "Mind Walker?" Because let's face it, most guys are going to automatically dig this book.
So for my other female readers why should you give this first time novelist a chance? Well, besides the fact we have a great female lead, I would have to say for the roller coaster action and a great female lead.
As always we don't give spoilers here but oh how I would want to. Somehow Roy has managed to create a taut, page-turning thriller with just a twist that is sure to surprise.
Also, I find that we girls also really enjoy a story with rich settings and exotic locations. Mind Walker takes us on ride across continents that you won't want to end!
So give this indie author a chance to rock your world!
Don't forget that Plain Jane is also out. A Patterson-style thriller that harkens back to the "Kiss the Girl" days with a slash of Harris' macabre.
You should read 50 pages for free here.
And if you decide to buy the entire book, here is a 50% off coupon: RH88E
Alright, I am just going to come out and say it...
Inside Out Kicks A**
Ok, maybe I said it with asterisks, but still, you get my point.
If you like any type of political thrillers, you are going to LOVE Inside Out.
So let's talk to the non-political thriller readers, especially my gal pals.
This book feels REAL. Eisler has seeped this puppy in research with enough twists and turns to make it quite the roller coaster ride. Inside Out pushes every conceivable controversial button there could be in a political thriller set in current times.
And Eisler's sex? Well, let's just say he could give some romance writers a run for their money.
Is there violence? Yes, but it is so integrated into the plot, it feels necessary to the story line. Besides, if you get a bit queasy, that's what skimming is for, right?
But I truly can't imagine anyone wanting to pass by a single word of Inside Out.
So if you still want to call yourself a thriller fan, you better get Eisler's latest under your belt!
Next up:
Murder & Mayhem
by @JFHilborne
First off, I have to give props to another woman writer that choose to use her full, female name. It takes guts to say, "Hey, I am a chick and write thrillers."
So the pluses just keep adding up on this book. It's about catching a serial killer. Ok, I am definitely going to give it a try.
Next it is set in San Francisco. One of my favorite cities of all time. That means I am going to give it at least 100 pages.
But Madness and Murder didn't need the leg up. First from the first chapter you are intrigued by the grisly murder of a child and sucked in to keep reading until you find out who done it!
A great first novel from a brave new chick writer with 2 more on the way!
So, guys, give us girls a break and read a thriller that doesn't have just initials as the author!
And don't forget @cristynwest's novel, Plain Jane is available at smashwords.
Read 50 pages for free and if you decide to buy, use this 50% off coupon! RH88E
Yep, folks this is a 1-2 punch so if you have come here looking for new thrills, I think you will be satisfied!
First up: Ark of Fire by C.M. Palov - reviewed by our own @MrNeil98!
What do S. E. Hinton, J. K. Rowling and C. M. Palov have in common? Yes, they are writers, but more specifically female writers who were encouraged to use their initials to hide their gender from the predominantly male target audience. Let’s face it guys, this is the 21st century! We shouldn’t be threatened by a woman with a pen (or laptop, as the case may be). Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwall follow a well worn trail blazed by Agatha Christie in crime/mysteries, but the genre of thrillers is still dominated by male authors.
C(Chloe). M. Palov’s debut novel Ark of Fire attracted my attention with blurbs by James Rollins (“Heart-stopping suspense, ancient mysteries, and roller-coaster action. A true gem.") and Steve Berry ("A thrilling romp with a plot that unfolds with vivid velocity to an explosive conclusion. The story crackles with tension and imagination from the first to the last page."). Any book garnering the praise of my two favorite authors is worth a read, and I was not disappointed.
From the opening murder of a D. C. museum curator to a shoot out in the National Gallery, then on to England and finally Malta, “Ark” is a nonstop thrill ride. Throw in some ancient puzzle to solve and an evil mysterious organization and you’ve got a female Dan Brown with a side of Steve Berry. Did I mention the sought after relics: the breast plate “Stones of Fire” that Moses wore and the trope, the Ark of the Covenant. With those elements in place, there is only one thing missing…. Romance.
As photographer Edie Miller gets tangled in the mystery and intrigue, she joins forces with an archeological author, the prudish Caedmon Aisquith. Together they try to evade the villains, solve the puzzle and discover the whereabouts of the golden Ark, concealed by Crusaders 800 years ago. Is it the Ark of the Covenant? Do I sense a budding romance? You’ll have to read it to find out. I, for one, am looking forward to the follow-up “The Templar’s Code” due out in November. In the meantime let “Ark of Fire” heat up your already too warm summer.
And next: Vigilante by Claude Bouchard @ceebee308, reviewed by our very own @cristynwest
The debut title from Twitter superstar @ceebee308 is a gritty look at what creates and propels a person to seek justice outside the law.
The chapter grips you with a painful yet heartfelt scene of a family destroyed priming the pump for the mayhem that ensues.
This is a tight, fast-paced, multi-layed story that dives deeper and deeper into the mystery of who and why these vigilante style murders are happening.
Besides the great story telling and ultimately satisfying conclusion, you can dig into Vigilante knowing that Claude has several other books in the series so no waiting around for him to write the next. You can get your Bouchard fix immediately!
You can purchase Vigilante at: http://bit.ly/9Z4Fn1 and hook up with the author on Twitter #ceebee308
*My only caveat to this review is that for women who are not that fond of rape imagery might find the beginning of this book a bit challenging
We've got a guest review by Professor Thriller himself @MrNeil98 (seriously, he is a walking encyclopedia of thriller writers and their work)!
Plus Barry Eisner asked for us to review his book! #WTH So be looking for "Inside Out's" review on July 26th. Until then check out these two great reviews to help you pick your summer entertainment!
Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci review by @MrNeil98
For those of you looking for a “thriller-ing” summer read, I strongly recommend the latest best seller from David Baldacci, Deliver Us From Evil (DUFE). If you’ve never read him before, think Brad Thor meets Steve Berry. In DUFE, Shaw (just Shaw, no first name unless that is his first name, then no last name) is chasing Evan Waller, a human trafficking, war criminal who represents the Evil from the books title. Also chasing Waller is the beautiful, mysterious Reggie Campion and soon Shaw and Reggie are at odds while pursuing the same goal. They fall in and out of dangerous situations all the while falling for each other.
DUFE is disturbing at times but Baldacci is able to generate the emotion and intent without being overtly graphic. The setting of the majority of the novel is in France with wonderful first hand descriptions of markets and churches (reminding me of recent Berry and Rollins works).
I don’t want to divulge too much of the plot or action but there is plenty of both. I am drawn to novels that have strong female central characters and Baldacci has a proven track record in this regard. With Reggie he has created a thoughtful, complex character that leaves you wanting more at. There is potential for a continuation of her adventures.
For an entertaining and satisfying summer thriller you can’t go wrong with Deliver Us From Evil but , fair warning, you may be “Hooked on Baldacci” and spend the rest of the summer getting caught up on the remainder of his books (try the Camel Club series).
Next up; Forsaken By Shadow by Kate Nolan
Okay, I am going to fess up that this is probably more of a paranormal romance/action than a thriller, however all you manly men, stick with me!
If you are chick, of course you are going to want to read this. It's got powerful beings banished from their world, hiding out in ours. Add in some hot male and female lead characters and you've got yourself a great paranormal novel on your hands.
But Kate was smart and gave the guys something to latch onto in this book as well. You see the male lead has lost his memory and becomes an Ultimate-style fighter.
So yes, there is romance, but I wasn't kidding about the action. Cage fighting, military stealth, and all out mayhem at the end.
Forsaken by Shadow. A book to satisfy both men and women readers as well!
P.S.
Thanks for checking in with us again this week. Don't forget James Rollins' paperback edition of Doomsday Key is out! Order yours here: http://bit.ly/aW8NHs
Also other exciting news, Plain Jane is available through iBooks! Or you can read up to 50 pages of Plain Jane for free here... http://bit.ly/biQOaj
