Review: The Calling

The Calling by Inger Ash Wolfe

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



It's hard to like a book when you don't like the protagonist, but I did. Hazel is an unimpressive leader, an enabled alcoholic and a poor decision maker, but her story was good enough to overcome that. I enjoyed knowing the killer before the climax and the stories of each 'victim' were compelling in their odd combination of hope for release and fear of death.

While the story was good enough to get me to read more by the author (which, by chance, I can't as they won't reveal their actual identity) I won't be reading another book featuring Hazel.



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Review: A Cold Day for Murder

A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I liked Kate and her home and routines and guard dog. Her friends and family were quirkier than usual but I accept that it's largely driven by their location, which separates them from most of the world. In most ways, this was an okay books - the location and lifestyles and odd details (flying out for alcohol, flying in for funerals, old trestle bridges, oil pipelines and their equipment) added to the interest. I read this on my iPod and it was perfect for reading while out and about because it was easy to keep track of the story. As an added perk, the end was a surprise.



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Review: Trespasser

Trespasser by Paul Doiron

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



First, let me admit that I started skipping pages about 2/3 through through book. I simply couldn't take the main character's idiocy any longer. The game warden consistently made the worst decision any time he was faced with an option. Often, Doiron would include Bowditch's thoughts, which included the agreement that it was a bad decision. His drinking, his stupidity, his denial...I finally reached the point where I couldn't stand it and just had to get through the ending. Bottom line: It was okay. If no other books are available, read it. If you are faced with this and an old, battered physics text book, read this. Otherwise, choose something else.



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Review: Freaks

Freaks by Tess Gerritsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Short, sweet, clever. Perfect eBook to read while waiting at a doctor's office!



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Review: Think of a Number

Think of a Number by John Verdon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A retired detective that never really got the job out of his soul is now turning pictures of serial killers into art. When an old friend asks for help, he obliges and allows himself to be drawn into a homicide investigation.

The process behind victim selection was a bit too over the top for me but I'm willing to overlook it as I figure I just can't think like serial killer. And the final drama was a little overdone, but again, it was a solid ending.

This was a solid police thriller with an "I can't put it down" effect. I enjoyed reading it and will look for the next Gurney book.



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