Reviews

Every Wicked Man by Steven James

qu33nofbookz's review against another edition

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1.0

This had way too many storylines going on with lots of constant POV switching and plot lines switching so you just get little snippets here and there before moving on. It was annoying and jarring and side plots and details were dropped and never picked back up which made things feel incomplete and not everything got an ending which the author was trying for and just seemed to forget or drop when it didn't fall in with another plotline. Also, there was a huge religious subplot dropped into this book when it isn't in any of the others in this series which is not my cup of tea to be preached at. All the storylines were all just a bit implausible too, none of them had the feeling that they could really actually happen which is not good in a crime novel. Not sure if I want to pick up the next book in the series.

jdsutter's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beastreader's review

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4.0

Ok, so my mistake as it has been a while since I have read a book from this author. Yet, when I read over my reviews form prior novels and having finishing this book, I can remember why I had a strong, good feelings about the books I read from Mr. James. Patrick Bower is great. He is intelligent with leads to him being quick on his feet and ready for anything. This is a good thing as there is plenty of action to be had in this book.

I was moving from place to place and with different people. While, there were other characters, they were easy to keep straight. Additionally, I like the fact that the other characters were not just "fluff" but did play major roles within the storyline. With the action there was not a lot of down time. Finally, there is the ending. I am happy to report that it was good. Nothing worse then a weak ending.

kons's review against another edition

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mikepage7176's review against another edition

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3.0

Meh. 2.5 is probably the real rating. I love Stephen James & the Bowers files, but this was probably the worst one I've ever read. Which is disappointing as it was the send off for the series. I'm not sure having a prequel be your finale really works. It surely didn't here.

It's a slog through the middle and then you're just left completely scratching your head over the decisions major characters make, especially the ladies. Some of the plot holes were glaring as well.

It just doesn't rise to the promise it has at the beginning.

jmfraser19's review against another edition

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5.0

As always James has written a fantastic novel that keeps you interested from page one. This book had so many connections that I was so enthralled with how they all connected.

shelfreflectionofficial's review against another edition

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4.0

I have now read all the books in this series. And this was another winner. Steven James is an excellent writer who weaves a tangled web of mystery quite well, maintaining suspense, adding tasteful humor, giving his characters depth and intelligence, and challenging the reader in all sorts of moral or spiritual dilemmas. I wish we could read more thrillers like this- James proves you can write fantastic, gripping thrillers without adding all the language and sexual trash most authors use that do nothing for their stories. I appreciate James’ work and hope he continues to write more for us!

For this book in particular I echo what I wrote for book 2 that I prefer to read everything chronologically and not read prequels to already established characters in a series. As things wrapped up in the end, I struggled a bit making sense of some of the more technical explanations and wished it had been a little easier to grasp. But overall, another great book in the series and gave the reader a lot to think about.

See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!

charityconzone's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

alexiachantel's review against another edition

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5.0

Every Wicked Man blew me away with it's tension, fast pace, and and depth of characters. This book was simply amazing!

Bowers is investigating the death of a senator's son, only it quickly becomes more complicated than a suicide. James brings multiple points of view together in this layered crime. Even the story lines that don't seem to have any affect on the investigation end up crossing into it.

There is so much going on, each character is well written, and the tension and puzzle keeps the pages turning. But it's truly the characters and their struggles that hit you square in the chest. Bowers has his new wife and 16 year old step daughter, watching their interactions is sweet and laughable. His wife is struggling with a heavy issue that sadly many people will be able to relate to. The quirky novelist has his own demons and Mannie the bodyguard is surprisingly noble. So, so much to love!

Even though this is book three in The New York Years series it can be read stand-alone. If you're in the mood for a gripping thriller that will leave you pondering regret and forgiveness, pick this one up!

*copy courtesy of the publisher in return for an honest review. Alternate review posted at: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/2018/09/5-wine-review-for-every-wicked-man-by.html

shelfnurturing's review

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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