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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, so I know I just said I was a seasoned horror fan that hardly ever gets scared, but oh buddy, this one creeped me out! I grew up in rural Minnesota, and a lot of my fondest childhood memories involve playing alone in the woods. I still love camping and hiking, and Montana is on my list of dream spots to explore. The scenes in the woods were incredibly vivid in my imagination, so Mayne's descriptions of the characters knowing they were being watched, feeling like prey being stalked, their constant sense of danger, all deeply unsettled me. Easily my favorite parts of this book.
The actual mystery was interesting enough to keep my attention, though the way Theo waxed about the victims at times bordered on too paternalistic for me, and it doesn't help that the genre feels over-saturated with young, white, female victims. In the end, I liked it enough to breeze through it fairly quickly, but it's unlikely it will prove to be memorable in the long-run.
The actual mystery was interesting enough to keep my attention, though the way Theo waxed about the victims at times bordered on too paternalistic for me, and it doesn't help that the genre feels over-saturated with young, white, female victims. In the end, I liked it enough to breeze through it fairly quickly, but it's unlikely it will prove to be memorable in the long-run.
Theo’s perspective was a fun one to follow, taking a more methodical and analytical approach in this murder mystery versus a typically raw & emotional one.
The only part I wasn’t in love with was how out-of-character him and Jillian became at the end, him suddenly tough and her helpless. I’m not sure why the author bothered to include her being in the army as a part of her character plot, then decided to render any of the military training/experience she would have received and instead made it entirely about Theo being the one to do it all & fall into the tired trope of Saving The Girl. The sudden push of romance in the novel also felt a little much, but the rest of the storyline was fun to follow along with and see how he would piece things together.
The only part I wasn’t in love with was how out-of-character him and Jillian became at the end, him suddenly tough and her helpless. I’m not sure why the author bothered to include her being in the army as a part of her character plot, then decided to render any of the military training/experience she would have received and instead made it entirely about Theo being the one to do it all & fall into the tired trope of Saving The Girl. The sudden push of romance in the novel also felt a little much, but the rest of the storyline was fun to follow along with and see how he would piece things together.
Very entertaining - reads like a movie script. The ending is predictable and much of the plot I found to just be over-the-top and lack credulity.
What in the hell?
The main character- you dont care if he lives or dies. His weird guilty attraction to the first murder victim is frankly unacceptable. The love interest- i dont remember anything about her other than her *natural beauty* and her *not like other girls* personality. The mystery- dumb. You begin to sympathize with the murderer after awhile. He’s gotten away with it for years and now this goon is gonna take him down? No offense but I would be angry too. The third act of this book is borderline nonsensical and the ending is the laziest of the lazy.
Pacing, what pacing?
This book features such mind meltingly inane moments as the main character discovering in rapid succession that a) a bear might not have killed all these girls b) a man did it and then c) the man might also be a great white shark. I have never been so aghast.
That being said I think I read this book faster than anything Ive read in awhile because it genuinely made me laugh. Never on purpose- for sure. But sometimes it just doesnt matter.
The best part of this book is how often the main character gets beaten up. You deserve it, headass.
The main character- you dont care if he lives or dies. His weird guilty attraction to the first murder victim is frankly unacceptable. The love interest- i dont remember anything about her other than her *natural beauty* and her *not like other girls* personality. The mystery- dumb. You begin to sympathize with the murderer after awhile. He’s gotten away with it for years and now this goon is gonna take him down? No offense but I would be angry too. The third act of this book is borderline nonsensical and the ending is the laziest of the lazy.
Pacing, what pacing?
This book features such mind meltingly inane moments as the main character discovering in rapid succession that a) a bear might not have killed all these girls b) a man did it and then c) the man might also be a great white shark. I have never been so aghast.
That being said I think I read this book faster than anything Ive read in awhile because it genuinely made me laugh. Never on purpose- for sure. But sometimes it just doesnt matter.
The best part of this book is how often the main character gets beaten up. You deserve it, headass.
Uh-fucking-mazing.
I'm floored by the genius that is this work of epicness. Highly recommended. The audiobook even more so. Fantastic listening and vivid portrayal.
I'm floored by the genius that is this work of epicness. Highly recommended. The audiobook even more so. Fantastic listening and vivid portrayal.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My first book of 2021. It started great. Interesting subject, fun to follow protagonist.. About halfway through the book, I thought I'll give it five stars. Maybe 60%. Then it started to stumble. It lost its believability as the protagonist pushed his luck more and more. In the end it was a 3.5⭐ for me which I rounded to 3⭐
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Andrew Mayne has proven his versatility within the crime thriller genre by putting out a number of highly intriguing series with unique spins. This in the third series that I started, hoping that it would pack as much punch as the previous two. Mayne does well by introducing Professor Theo Cray and developing a unique means by which of analysing the forensic area. When a former student appears to have been attacked by a bear, Cray arrives in rural Montana to offer his insights. While he believes the authorities at first, he soon realises that the attack was cover for a brutal murder. Using some of his academic knowledge, Cray uncovers a number of other bodies and is sure there is a serial killer out there, eyeing many others and hoping to blame the fauna for the deaths.
Very few people understand Professor Theo Cray or the academic realm in which he finds himself. A computational biologist, Cray studies the systems in which things live and analyses them on a high level to extract themes or norms that few others see. When he is approached as a potential suspect in the death of a former student. Cray goes on the defensive and is soon able to convince the authorities in rural Montana that the death is attributable to a bear attack.
However, as he explores the injuries and the location a little more, Cray second-guesses himself, discovering another body soon thereafter, that of a local drug-addled prostitute. While the police are sure it was a case of intoxicated bad luck and hungry wildlife, Cray is not so sure. He tests his theory by analysing the area and providing some data that leads him to a number of dump sites. While they are covered to appear like temporary spots for future feasting, Cray is sure this is a killer marking their territory.
He goes out on his own to look into the lives of these women who were killed and what connection they might have. From there, it’s a slow and methodical trip through the evidence of the potential killer’s life and mind, in hopes of discovering something that will lead the way back to the person who has been acting so strangely.
While Cray pushes harder, he is indirectly targeted by the killer and must take drastic measures to protect those around him. It may be the only way to save others, but will it mean the end for Professor Theo Cray before the killer is truly revealed? Chilling and fast-paced, this is one series debut that will leave readers demanding more in short order.
It was just over a year that I was introduced to the world of Andrew Mayne and his unique take on forensics within the crime thriller genre. Now, with a third series crossing my path, I cannot get enough of the author or how he interprets crime novels. This unique approach has me wanting to know more and demanding something that stands out from the large collection of novels that supersaturate the genre.
Theo Cray is nothing, if not unique. His approach to life and the study of biology has him sought after and a pariah at the same time. He knows what he loves and pursues it, but few others can actually comprehend what magic he has at his fingertips or how it can be used effectively. With a little backstory, Cray presents himself to the reader as both an academic and a passionate man, one who feels emotion, even if it gets tangled up in computer printouts and analytical data. His passion when he starts something is on display throughout this piece and there is so much more I hope to learn as the series progresses.
Andrew Mayne does a masterful job with his other characters, forming the story around those who find themselves emerging throughout the narrative. There is no lack of action or real progression throughout this piece, something that helps keep the reader enthralled with how things are going. Taking a snapshot of the rural Montana community and the locals as part of the murder investigation occurs with ease as Mayne crafts characters who are relatable and realistic for the reader.
While Andrew Mayne has been able to dazzle with his writing before, he never ceases to amaze me with his approach to crime thrillers. A crisp narrative that pushes along throughout the story, there is something for everyone in this piece that offers up some refreshing approaches. Readers who devour novels in this genre will like the uniqueness that Mayne offers, adding depth and intrigue while keeping the reader on their toes. Short chapters coax the reader to push further, if only to see what awaits them around the next bend. While Theo Cray is unique and somewhat awkward, his mental processes are proven and his is definitely an asset to those who utilise what they have before them. I am eager to read more, subtlely comparing the other series as I go.
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for a brilliant launching point in what I have heard is a great series. I cannot wait to see where you will take your readers next!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
I really liked the book... in the beginning. Something happens at the last third of it that let me... I don't know, a bit disappointed, although, for the life of me, I can't pinpoint exactly what it was that caused it.
I love Theo, he is really brilliant, and I found all the science talk truly fascinating. The way in which Theo uses his knowledge and expertise to find clues is not only resourceful and original but also elegant.
The plot is really well done, and the writing is skilfull. I also enjoyed witnessing the changes we see in Theo as the story advances; a realistic character development.
I resent the romance, as it feels forced and put out there just to fill the, apparently, requisitory sex-scene. I think it would have worked a lot better if they were friends, But then, that's me. I guess if the authors keep doing it, it must work :P
But I'm still curious and will keep reading/listening to this series.
I love Theo, he is really brilliant, and I found all the science talk truly fascinating. The way in which Theo uses his knowledge and expertise to find clues is not only resourceful and original but also elegant.
The plot is really well done, and the writing is skilfull. I also enjoyed witnessing the changes we see in Theo as the story advances; a realistic character development.
I resent the romance, as it feels forced and put out there just to fill the, apparently, requisitory sex-scene. I think it would have worked a lot better if they were friends, But then, that's me. I guess if the authors keep doing it, it must work :P
But I'm still curious and will keep reading/listening to this series.