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booksofgemini's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
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
cathyatratedreads's review
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
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
4.0
Couldn't put it down. Suspenseful and addicting. I think I'll need to continue on in the series.
shanshanshannon's review
4.0
The short chapters and scientific unraveling make this serial killer chase very exciting.
johnbreeden's review
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.