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riverdogbookco's review against another edition
2.0
Clever and accurate title. Well-written thriller, plot-wise. But it's entirely a book written by a man that is supposed to be about a woman but is actually about a man instead. The marketing is well-done but inaccurate. This book is about Zig, and tangentially about Nola Brown. It would be nice to actually read a book about Nola who sounds like she would be a fascinating character if she was ever described in a manner that was not in relation to another male. Perhaps we could see her thought process and development as a fully-realized human being and character, instead of how it relates solely to Zig's understanding or in relation to her adoptive father's moods.
Also, in a book that addresses Nola's complexion almost purely through the racial slurs aimed at her by her adoptive father, I'm also not okay with how the assassin is described as Native American (though the author did deign to specify a tribe in there, once - again, accompanied by stereotypical circumstances). If you're truly going to give voice to or raise up an indigenous person as a character, refer to them as their tribe, not the catch-all. Why make mention of a race at all, if that's the case? What depth did it add to the character? I despise writing peppered with characters of color simply to seem inclusive while actually singling that out as an exotic trait and perpetuating clichéd stereotypes.
The plot holds up, though is predictable by the end. The rest does not.
Also, in a book that addresses Nola's complexion almost purely through the racial slurs aimed at her by her adoptive father, I'm also not okay with how the assassin is described as Native American (though the author did deign to specify a tribe in there, once - again, accompanied by stereotypical circumstances). If you're truly going to give voice to or raise up an indigenous person as a character, refer to them as their tribe, not the catch-all. Why make mention of a race at all, if that's the case? What depth did it add to the character? I despise writing peppered with characters of color simply to seem inclusive while actually singling that out as an exotic trait and perpetuating clichéd stereotypes.
The plot holds up, though is predictable by the end. The rest does not.
dannb's review against another edition
3.0
I am brutal in my ratings based on the ending... if he had chosen another city? 4+
crabbygirl's review against another edition
4.0
the organizer of the Royal City Readers bookclub, when I first met her, said she only read genre books and not literary fiction. I wasn't sure of the difference (and was informed - after hearing a list of my most recent reads - that I only read literary fiction) but now I can completely see the appeal of the genre when done well. this was a real page turner, an exciting story full of interesting characters. most chapters opened like a movie, right in the middle of a juicy plot. and there were some choice tidbits about the aftermath of 9-11 and the routine job of an army mortician that were fascinating. I haven't been this carried away by a frivolous mystery/thriller since The Davinci Code.
bibliobabe94's review against another edition
4.0
Great story that keeps you guessing. A bit thin for the premise, but then people never really act the way we expect them to. Favorite line: "Who knew librarians could be so dangerous." I did!!!!!
andiesmith's review
5.0
I can never get enough of his books. So glad they don’t come out every3 months and are well written but I want more stories....I am so very thankful for 20 years of Brads books
cwalter01's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
Great beginning…overall good story
xkay_readsx's review against another edition
4.0
It is a catchy start and very captivating from the beginning. I was confused shortly after a while but figured it out along the way. Good mystery and action! The three main characters, Zig, Nola, and Royall are all well written and movingly linked.
evamm23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0