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kbn4's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
olivecatlady's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
cathyatratedreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book really got me hooked, where I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was just right and the mystery of who the killer is and how he could have been on the loose without anyone even noticing for years was page-turning. I also really enjoyed that it was intelligent; like good science-based novels such as Michael Crichton’s works, it provided mini lectures on various topics that fit into the story. My only frustration with the book was how many f-words it contained (35-40). Argh.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-naturalist-fiction-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-naturalist-fiction-book-review/
vorpalblad's review against another edition
4.0
Great New Voice in the Suspense Genre
If you like Special Agent AXL Prendergast, you may have a new series to get sucked into. Dr. Theo Cray, with his completely theoretical background couldn't be more different than Prendergast, but Mayne's writing is that same high-paced, page-turning burn. We get to see Theo change from an academic punching bag to someone who can see themselves continuing down this road as a hunter without a bunch of expository input. Instead we see it in how Theo thinks less and less about his teaching position, as he starts to consider new ways to organize data, and as he enthusiastically starts down a road that will lead him to a serial killer. I loved that Theo would geek out occasionally, going off on tangents. Two things that dropped a star for me: awkward writing on the romance and the fact that Jillian, the local who begins to help him and is ex-military writes off her gut instincts about being followed, while Theo, whose experience to this point has been mainly theoretical, has an internal dialogue about her dismissing her instincts. It was like Mayne wanted to write this strong female counterpart but just as Theo forgets her backstory, it sometimes feels like the author does as well. Don't let that hold you back. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of her in future novels and her voice will become more clear if Mayne continues to build her as well as he has Theo.
If you like Special Agent AXL Prendergast, you may have a new series to get sucked into. Dr. Theo Cray, with his completely theoretical background couldn't be more different than Prendergast, but Mayne's writing is that same high-paced, page-turning burn. We get to see Theo change from an academic punching bag to someone who can see themselves continuing down this road as a hunter without a bunch of expository input. Instead we see it in how Theo thinks less and less about his teaching position, as he starts to consider new ways to organize data, and as he enthusiastically starts down a road that will lead him to a serial killer. I loved that Theo would geek out occasionally, going off on tangents. Two things that dropped a star for me: awkward writing on the romance and the fact that Jillian, the local who begins to help him and is ex-military writes off her gut instincts about being followed, while Theo, whose experience to this point has been mainly theoretical, has an internal dialogue about her dismissing her instincts. It was like Mayne wanted to write this strong female counterpart but just as Theo forgets her backstory, it sometimes feels like the author does as well. Don't let that hold you back. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of her in future novels and her voice will become more clear if Mayne continues to build her as well as he has Theo.
motormommy's review against another edition
4.0
Couldn't put it down. Suspenseful and addicting. I think I'll need to continue on in the series.
shanshanshannon's review against another edition
4.0
The short chapters and scientific unraveling make this serial killer chase very exciting.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
3.0
I'll have to say I wasn't very impressed with this novel. Things seemed to be moving too perfectly for the protagonist, Theo Cray, and his scientific work - except when he was getting beaten up and mangled. I felt like he was more of a victim than the actual ones. His behavior had a few moments of inspiration, but he was either being too weak or extremely brave when it didn't fit with his personality. I just don't see him as being realistic. The concept is decent, but with a better protagonist at the helm.
suebee135's review against another edition
5.0
Dr. Theo Cray is a professor of Bioinformatics. He describes himself as a “biologist who stares at a computer screen and sometimes goes out into the real world.” When a former student, Juniper, is found dead, Theo is an immediate suspect. As the investigation and interrogation by Detective Glenn proceed, it is determined that Juniper was killed by a bear, not a man, and Theo is free to go. But he isn’t really free. Not free from the guilt he feels at having failed Juniper, having not prepared her for dangers that lurk out in the field. Not free from his surety that the police have everything wrong. As Theo investigates on his own he ticks off local authorities but also makes a few friends. As his computer generated hunting pattern yields more and more bodies, and Theo gets closer to finding the truth about the killings, it becomes clear it will be a brain vs. brawn showdown.
This was such an engrossing thriller, I read it in one day. Great writing and short chapters always keep my reading momentum going. Mayne’s writing is humorous and thrilling at the same time. A truly fantastic read and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
This was such an engrossing thriller, I read it in one day. Great writing and short chapters always keep my reading momentum going. Mayne’s writing is humorous and thrilling at the same time. A truly fantastic read and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
basqueattack's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. It was a good balance of thrill, plausible science and suspense. The love story seemed a little forced in the book, but it played out pretty well in the end. Overall, the book was pretty good. My only gripe is that you aren't introduced to the murderer until he is identified in as the murderer. I would have much rather preferred that he was introduced (if only very briefly) at some point during the investigation so you feel like "Oh I should have known that all along." The only advantage of doing it this way was at least it came as a surprise.