Review - The Sadness of the Samurai by Victor Del Arbol

Book Summary from Amazon

A betrayal and a murder in pro-Nazi Spain spark a struggle for power that grips a family for generations in this sweeping historical thriller.

When Isabel, a Spanish aristocrat living in the pro-Nazi Spain of 1941, becomes involved in a plot to kill her Fascist husband, she finds herself betrayed by her mysterious lover. The effects of her betrayal play out in a violent struggle for power in both family and government over three generations, intertwining her story with that of a young lawyer named Maria forty years later. During the attempted Fascist coup of 1981, Maria is accused of plotting the prison escape of a man she successfully prosecuted for murder. As Maria's and Isabel's narratives unfold they encircle each other, creating a page-turning literary thriller firmly rooted in history.

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My Review - 3 More Sugar Please

I was intrigued as I started reading, each chapter taking on a different generation which you know will all come together toward the end.  Historical fiction isn't a genre that I read so I was happy to read this for a challenge and while reading realised it was full of suspense.

I appreciated when the story included meanings of the Samurai, the art work of the sword, the meaning, what it means to wound someone and when, its mandate, this was very well done, keeping you in tuned to the title of the novel.

I do think for those that love suspense would think this thriller was a bit convoluted, the execution of it was done in a way to make it more complicated and throw it off but it actually turned me off, it became a touch boring for me.  Instead of feeling the excitement of getting to the end to see how it all comes together, I just couldn't wait for it to end.

There are numerous killings and betrayal which kept the story exciting, in the end it just didn't fully work for me.  A 40 year tragedy, all the heartache, the murders, the family history and how the finale ended, I expected more of a explosive ending, some readers may feel it was.  A great story about hate and revenge and being patient enough to win, if it is to cover up actions or to reveal them.

I thought this was good, not completely my cup of tea but I can see many others enjoying the intricate weaving of the stories. If you are intrigued I say go for it.

Some favourite quotes - this book definitely has some amazing quotes

"You read the novel.  If you don't like it, burn it... And if you do like it, burn it anyway.  But that won't change things.  I know who you are, and I know what's inside you, waiting to awaken."

Waiting is the only thing you have left when you are unwilling to give up.  Hatred needs patience to become a useful emotion.

This weapon represents the best values of the warrior: bravery, loyalty, fierceness, elegance, precision, and power, but at the same time the worst as well:  death, pain, suffering, murderous insanity.

"All my life I wanted to be honest.  I thought that if I armed myself with principles, if I made an effort and put order into my actions, I would manage to live a good life.  But everything that forms the basis of my existence is false.  It's like finding out that you yourself are a lied.  I failed, and I don't even know who I am, or who I wanted to be.  I feel lost, filled with confusion and pain.  And I have no answers."

Thank you to the Publicist for sending me this one for my honest review.  I am putting this towards my Eclectic Reading Challenge.

Crime Fiction Alphabet (A) Andrea Kane

Go to Kerrie's blog, Mysteries in Paradise for more information on how to participate in this meme.

Your post MUST be related to either the first letter of a book's title, the first letter of an author's first name, or the first letter of the author's surname, or even maybe a crime fiction "topic". But above all, it has to be crime fiction.

So you see you have lots of choice.

You could write a review, or a bio of an author, so long as it fits the rules somehow.
(It is ok too to skip a week.)

You probably won't have to do a lot of extra reading in order to participate, but I warn you that your TBR may grow as a result of the suggestions other participants make.

My choice this week is Andrea Kane. Her newest will be published June 26, 2012

Summary and Bio from NetGalley

THE MAN SHE LOVED IS GONE FOREVER.

THE CHILD SHE LIVES FOR COULD BE NEXT.

Each day is a struggle for Amanda Gleason’s newborn son as he battles a rare immune deficiency. Justin’s best chance for a cure lies with his father, who was brutally murdered before Amanda even realized she carried his child.

Or was he?

One emailed photo changes everything, planting a seed of doubt that Amanda latches on to for dear life: a recent photo of a man who looks exactly like Paul. Could Justin’s father be alive? The mother in her is desperate to find out. But tracking down a ghost when every second counts is not for amateurs.

Forensic Instincts is the one team up for the challenge.

A behaviorist. A former navy SEAL. A technowizard. An intuitive. A retired FBI agent. A human scent-evidence dog. Together they achieve the impossible, pushing ethical and legal boundaries whenever the ends justify the means.

The manhunt is on for the elusive father. Yet the further FI digs into his past, the more questions are raised about whether the man Amanda fell in love with ever really existed at all.

Dark secrets. Carefully crafted lies. From the congressional halls of Washington, D.C., to exclusive Hamptons manors, there are ruthless people who would stop at nothing to make Forensic Instincts forget about the man Amanda desperately needs to find.

Little do they realize that once Forensic Instincts takes the case, nothing will stop them from uncovering the shocking truth that transcends The Line Between Here and Gone.

About the author:

ANDREA KANE’s psychological thriller The Girl Who Disappeared Twice became an instant New York Times bestseller, the latest in a long string of smash hits. It introduced Forensic Instincts, an eclectic team of maverick investigators, each with different personalities and talents, all with one common bond: a blatant disregard for authority. The Line Between Here and Gone is the next exhilarating installment in the Forensic Instincts series. Armed with skills and talents honed by years in the FBI and Special Forces and training in behavioral and forensic psychology, the team solves seemingly impossible cases while walking a fine line between assisting and enraging law enforcement.

With a worldwide following and novels published in more than twenty languages, Kane is also the author of eight romantic thrillers and fourteen historical romances. She lives in New Jersey with her family, where she is plotting new ways for Forensic Instincts to challenge the status quo.

My review of The Girl who Disappeared Twice  - We meet the Forensic Instincts team and her newest book is about them, fantastic.......

Reading - It's Monday........

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2012 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading a Historical Fiction/Mystery - a requested review.  I'm enjoying so far.

Set across three generations, this gripping page-turner brings explosive force to the traditional historical novel. When Isabel, a Spanish aristocrat living in Pro-Nazi Spain becomes involved in a plot to kill her Fascist husband, she finds herself betrayed by her mysterious lover, setting off a power struggle that grips a family for generations.

I completed the classic Rebecca, and loved it.  My review

I have also completed but still need to do mini reviews for.......

No idea what is next.  Look forward to networking with you, enjoy your week.

Review - Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Book Summary from Amazon

With these words, the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten—a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house's current occupants. With an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim's first wife—the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca.

My Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection

I am glad I chose this as my classic read for the year, a masterpiece, I understand why this is many readers favourite book of all time.  Daphne Du Maurier was a true artist of her time. 

The whole book had this mysterious eerie feel to it which keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Flow is important to me and I think this may be one of the best executed books I have read.  There is no doubt I prefer modern reads but DDMaurier took you back without the unnecessary description, the wording and sentence structure was enough to put you in the time and atmosphere of the Manderley home.   When I got to the revealing of the true secret in the book I was shocked but also pleasantly surprised, it all made sense and then I couldn't put the book down, amazing.

What was most brilliant to me was that we never know the new wife's name, she is called Mrs. de Winter throughout, I wanted her to say just call me "    ", I will not live in the shadow of Rebecca or the latest Mrs. de Winter.  This alone made the book mysterious and creepy.

My favourite character was Mrs. Danvers, she was brilliantly done and I loved to hate her, I couldn't wait for the new Mrs. de Winter to stand up to her or fire her, the thrill of the wait was great.   What a cruel controlling woman.  I would read more about her character.

For those that are struggling with choosing a classic read for a challenge or just intrigued, I highly recommend. 

For those that love audio I have read that a Anna Massey performs it amazingly.  I can see this as a great book club read also.  There is so much more I would love to say but don't want to take anything away from someone's first experience with this one.

Since blogging, I have read To Kill a Mockingbird, And Then there Were None and now Rebecca, I was able to appreciate the others but this one is by far the best in my opinion, I will try more of her works now when I am in the mood for a delightful classic.

A favourite quote that I think represents the story well....

Frank did not have to sit at her place in the dining-room hold the knife and fork that she had held, drink from her glass. He did not throw a coat over his shoulders which had been hers, nor find her handkerchief in the pocket.  He did not notice, every day, as I did, the blind gaze of the old dog in its basket in the library, who lifted its head when it heard my footstep, the footstep of a woman, and sniffing the air drooped its head again, because I was not the one it sought. 

Waiting on Wednesday, Gillian Flynn

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This is a total WOW for me, I can't wait to read it, I have it in my calendar to download on release date, June 5, 2012.

Michelle over red headed book child has a current giveaway for US bloggers, go become a follower, she is one of my top blogging friends and another fan of Mystery, Thrillers, etc.

Here is Michelle's ARC review.


Summary from Goodreads:

"'What are you thinking, Amy? The question I've asked most often during our marriage, if not out loud, if not to the person who could answer. I suppose these questions stormcloud over every marriage: What are you thinking? How are you feeling? Who are you? What have we done to each other? What will we do?'"

Just how well can you ever know the person you love? This is the question that Nick Dunne must ask himself on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police immediately suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they aren't his. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone. So what did really did happen to Nick's beautiful wife? And what was left in that half-wrapped box left so casually on their marital bed? In this novel, marriage truly is the art of war...

What are we reading.....

Sheila over at Book Journey  has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2012 Wishlist.

Currently reading the classsic.......

Completed a not so great mystery - My review here. 2 1/2 stars

Also, completed a great YA read - My review here.  4 1/2 stars

What is next, I have no idea.  Maybe i'll go for another genre, last week was a great mix.



Review - Live to Tell by Wendi Corsi Staub

Book Summary from Amazon

Secrets can scandalize . .
In a lovely suburban town just north of New York City, the gossip mill runs more efficiently than the commuter-train line. And in every impeccably decorated house, they're talking about Lauren Walsh. They say that nothing could be worse than being abandoned by your husband for another woman. They're wrong . . .

Secrets can shock . . .

All Lauren wants is to protect her children from the pain of her messy divorce. But when their father goes missing, a case of mistaken identity puts all their lives in danger, and a stealthy predator lurks in the shadows, watching . . . waiting . . .

Secrets can kill . . .

Lauren is about to uncover an unfathomable truth—a truth this cold-blooded mastermind would never let her live to tell . . .


My Review - 2 1/2 Not my Cup of Tea

I had high hopes for this one, Wendy Corsi Staub was recommended as an author similar to Mary Higgins Clark, what an amazing honour in my opinion but hardly should be received.  I found this story to be completely disjointed, to many characters and side story lines trying to create this great big mystery which for mystery lovers they would have already figured out so even though it all came together in the end, it felt like what was the point.

I read until approx 25%, thought it was my mood, came back a couple of weeks later, considered it a DNF but decided to complete it.  There is family drama, lots of it, the story almost read like an adult fiction instead of a mystery which in the end took away from the book overall in my opinion, I continued thinking, just get to the point already.

I usually enjoy the style of hearing what characters are saying in their head.  I think one character is fine, it becomes a part of that character, but all the characters was way overdone.

I do think the last 30% of the book was done well, bought it all together but nothing about the book was dynamic or enough of a mystery to be entertaining.

Unfortunately another let done in the reading department this year for me, sigh.

If you are a fan of Wendy Corsi Staub, please recommend your favourite, I will be willing to try another by her........

Review - Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Book Summary from Amazon

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

A great YA read, one of my favourites actually, either they are not my cup of tea or I really enjoy them.  Amazing characters, real family and teenage issues, school situations, tragedy, forgiveness, counseling sessions, overall really great.  One thing I enjoy about YA is when parents are included, I may have thought the parents sucked but they were a true part of the storyline.  The father was beyond selfish, this surprised me as he was a professional, a lawyer, and he didn't assist his daughter, shocking.

The format took a little getting used to but I did enjoy going from present day back to the May 2nd incident day.  And the book was in parts, great thoughout flow.  The newspaper reports thrown in showed the impact of how many were killed or victimsm this was a dynamic style.  The media was confronted near the end which was a great ending, briging closure to the book and the characters.

Sometimes when you don't like a character you don't enjoy the book but these characters were done so well it gave the book fulfillment.  Teenagers must be the hardest to figure out and relate to, Jennifer Brown did a great job.

I would highly recommend this one to young adults, think it is an important read.  A book that can be used to understand Bullying and the consequences.  I enjoyed it more than Speak and I know many think that is a must read.  Hate List had me crying at the end, wow.

Some favourite quotes:

People do it all the time - assume that they 'know' what's going on in someon else's head.  That's impossible.  And to think it's possible is a mistake.  A really big mistake.  A life-ruining one if you're not careful. 7% on Kindle

And that's how it started:  the infamous Hate List.  Started as a joke. A way to vent frustration.  But it grew into something else I'd never have guessed.  31% on Kindle

"Life isn't fair.  A fair's a place where you eat corn dogs and ride the Ferris wheel."
      "I hate it when you say that."
      "So do my kids."  49% on Kindle

"One's my favorite number," Bea giggled.  "The word won being the past tense of win, and we can all say at the end of the day that we've won once again, can't we? Some days making it to the end of the day is quite the victory."
...................One, Won, One hour.  Junst one.  Won.  I tossed the words around in my head.  66% on Kindle

"Just like there's always time for pain, there's always time for healing.  67% on Kindle

Disappointed in books lately

It is April and I have only been impressed by maybe 4 books, it is slowly making me think what is the point.  I can't get excited to blog when I have no inspiration, I do try to still network at times but I realise that I have cut back a lot lately, for that I am sorry.

I don't think it is blogging burnout because I have always said blog when I want, I don't have a schedule and won't participate in meme's unless I have time to comment on others.

So am I choosing badly, how can that be. 

Life has been busy, sad at times, some life changing decisions etc so maybe all of my life is affecting my reading.

Well, I have had enough of picking up a book and getting to approx 20% on the Kindle and just not wanting to commit any more time to it.  Some a true DNF and others just the wrong mood.

PLEASE........., any advice or recommendations that you think I will enjoy?

I picked up Hate List by Jennifer Brown and I am enjoying it, a good YA read.  Not my go to genre so i'm pleasantly pleased.

Review - The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen

Book Summary

Boston detective Jane Rizzoli hasn't completely recovered from the near-death experience at the hands of a serial killer (The Surgeon) that left her scarred and scared, but that doesn't keep her from going after a copycat murderer whose modus operandi is disturbingly familiar. Warren Hoyt may still be behind bars, but Jane thinks there's a connection between him and the man the police call the Dominator, based on the way this new fiend subdues and violates his victims before he kills them. Political interference from an FBI agent who seems to know more about the Dominator than anyone else only intensifies Jane's determination to solve the case. When Hoyt escapes from prison and teams up with his blood brother to take revenge on the policewoman who put him there, the pace of this truly frightening thriller picks up and drives the narrative to its violent conclusion.

My Review - 2 1/2 Not my cup of tea

What a total let down, I cannot believe this was written by the same author, The Surgeon was almost perfection in my mind, so to get a total boring, what was the point follow up was beyond disappointing.

This read like a debut, repetition continuously.  I understand the details needed for those that didn't read The Surgeon but even if you didn't it became insanely unnecessary.

There was no mystery to me in this book, so The Surgeon escapes from prison and the serial killer who they name The Denominator end up working together.  The disappointing part is when we get to see them together it is the last scene of book and in my opinion, one of the worst endings ever, seriously I read the book for that, sigh. 

I will read the next in series just because there is no way Tess Gerritsen gave me a fluke.  The Surgeon was scary, had horrifying and gruesome scenes, lots of on the edge anxiety while reading, this one just fell flat, I seriously forced myself to finish.

For those that watch the show, do we deal with the 'I'm a female in a male dominant career pity party concept'?  That is so irritating to me that I seriously started to hate Rizzoli.  And the continued comparison of Rizzoli and The Surgeon as hunters, I didn't buy it.

The Surgeon is such a great book, for those interested I highly recommend reading that one and skipping this in the series.  Let us hope it gets better.  I wonder if The Surgeon and The Apprentice was written as one and then edited down, possibility........

My Review of The Surgeon (Book 1)

I chose The Apprentice, thanks for voting

My Review of The Surgeon (Book 1)

 

The Apprentice (Book 2 ) - Tess Gerritsen

 

Boston detective Jane Rizzoli hasn't completely recovered from the near-death experience at the hands of a serial killer (The Surgeon) that left her scarred and scared, but that doesn't keep her from going after a copycat murderer whose modus operandi is disturbingly familiar. Warren Hoyt may still be behind bars, but Jane thinks there's a connection between him and the man the police call the Dominator, based on the way this new fiend subdues and violates his victims before he kills them. Political interference from an FBI agent who seems to know more about the Dominator than anyone else only intensifies Jane's determination to solve the case. When Hoyt escapes from prison and teams up with his blood brother to take revenge on the policewoman who put him there, the pace of this truly frightening thriller picks up and drives the narrative to its violent conclusion.

 

 

 

I think I will choose Miss Peregrine's next, I need a real book.  I LOVE my Kindle but to many in a row I always feel that pull to a real book.   This one came up 2nd in the poll also.

 

Have a great week.

 

 

Review - Department Thirteen by James Houston Turner

Book Summary from Amazon

Department Thirteen - the assassination and sabotage unit of the KGB - never officially existed, but retired KGB colonel Aleksandr Talanov knows that it did. It’s but one of the many secrets he’s worked hard to forget. Now living in Australia, Talanov and dozens of dinner guests are suddenly the target of assassins. Talanov and his wife are mistakenly spared, but soon find themselves running for their lives, hunted by the killers, blamed by the police, increasingly pivotal to an invisible network of death about which they know nothing. But someone thinks they know. For in 1983, a second Department Thirteen was created, and Talanov discovers they have but one purpose: to kill him, whatever the cost.


My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

So amazing, what a thrilling rush, non stop action, thought provoking and brilliant characters.  Talanov, the ex secret agent is my favourite character this year so far, love him.  He is like a cat, has 9 lives, this was my only complaint, one to many close calls during his run for life adventure or is it that he is just that good.

I have never read an espionage book that I can think of and thriller is my favourite genre, crazy right.  Well, this book had a great opening and did not let up until the last paragraph.  Talanov has became the target for assassins but he was a successful spy so he was trained by the best of the best and wasn't going to let him or his wife die without knowing why.  He was trained to protect and read people to know what was coming next.

There were many characters but they were all defined and added to the storyline, easy to keep track of.  Some were hardcore which included strong females which is always refreshing. I initially thought it would be to many but J Turner executed his characters perfectly.  Some were only known as code names, Three and Four, which added to the story as everything and everyone was a cover up.

I love how this story was so intricate, an onion, peeling away each clue, development, the past, who else will die and when, intense brilliance.

This is an unputdownable read for sure.  I found myself daydreaming and cheering for Talanov, when I wasn't reading and in my sleep.  I highly recommend this to all crime, mystery, thriller fans.  One of the best I have read in a long time.  If you enjoy movies like Mission Impossible, you will love this one.  Need a recommendation for the men in your life, this is it.

And the characters will make you want more and guess what..... James Turner will be giving us more this year September, the next is called Greco's Game.

I usually like to share favourite quotes but honestly this book just had so many memorable scenes it was hard to choose quotes.  I suggest you go read it.

My only concern is that there are unbelievable scenes and Talanov should have died but he knows his stuff and when assassins think they have the upper hand and then try to get information also, it all goes wrong, for them........

First Paragraph - Espionage Thriller

FFT is hosted by Diane of Bibliophile By the Sea where we share the opening paragraph of our current read to see if others would read the book based on that first paragraph.  Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

and

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Moscow: 1983

Colonel Aleksandr Talanov of the KGB was trained to keep other people safe.  It was his job.  He was good at it.  Unfortunately, the people he was protecting tonight were not the targets.  He was.  And not in a way he could ever have imagined.


This book is so entertaining and action packed, look out for my review..... hoping Thursday/Friday.

It's Monday - What are you reading

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2012 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading an amazing Crime Thriller (Espionage), 40% in on Kindle

I completed - My Review and a review over Aimee's blog Coffee Table Reviews

I have a poll on my sidebar for what is next, currently from the post The Apprentice is winning.  Go here to see the summaries of the others and comment/vote if interested.

On another note - With the blogger changes I was looking at new looks and almost lost my blog as I know it, omg, so scary, I hate technical changes.  Need to get used to the new blogger dashboard that I haven't did yet, eeek.....