Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
Maybe 2 1/2
Three novellas. The women’s murder club is ok, Texas Ranger was a 3 1/2 and the last was bad and dang.
Three novellas. The women’s murder club is ok, Texas Ranger was a 3 1/2 and the last was bad and dang.
mysterious
medium-paced
Well this is something new...and I like it! 23 1/2 Lies features three (3) short stories. The first story (self-titled) is part of the Women's Murder Club series with author Maxine Paetro. Lindsey's estranged father is gunned down execution style and her investigation leads to life-altering truths.
Far as Linsdsey knew, her father died years ago. Yet she is called to the scene and discovers the victim is none other than Marty Boxer. Now she questions everything from why he was murdered to how everyone but his oldest daughter knew he was alive all this time.
23 1/2 was straight to the point yet predictable. I pegged the killer upon first mention which is usually not Patterson's/Paetro's style for WMC books. Yet the personal aspect of Lindsey, her childhood and relationship with sister was in the forefront. It's always nice to read about the personal lives of main characters in a series. So worth the read!
The second short story is titled Fallen Ranger with author Andrew Bourelle. A Texas Ranger named Rory Yates is loyal to the badge. He's put to the test when an armored car robbery suspect might be an ex-Ranger breaking the law to do good. Through days of duplicitousness, Rory determines whether his longtime friend is the man behind the crimes.
The scenery descriptions make it very easy to imagine the story. I like how Rory relayed his thoughts out loud to the reader. Especially because his reasoning made sense as the mystery was revealed.
Watch Your Back is the third short story written with author Loren D. Estleman. An artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. He is tasked with painting the picture to save his own life. I was hoping this short story collection would be 3 out of 3 but nope. Watch Your Back was a dud. It started off that way and unfortunately never picked up speed or my interest.
All three (3) short stories can be read as a standalone. Perfect for reading-on-the-go!
Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson! 23 1/2 Lies will be available Tuesday, September 12.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~ LiteraryMarie
Far as Linsdsey knew, her father died years ago. Yet she is called to the scene and discovers the victim is none other than Marty Boxer. Now she questions everything from why he was murdered to how everyone but his oldest daughter knew he was alive all this time.
23 1/2 was straight to the point yet predictable. I pegged the killer upon first mention which is usually not Patterson's/Paetro's style for WMC books. Yet the personal aspect of Lindsey, her childhood and relationship with sister was in the forefront. It's always nice to read about the personal lives of main characters in a series. So worth the read!
The second short story is titled Fallen Ranger with author Andrew Bourelle. A Texas Ranger named Rory Yates is loyal to the badge. He's put to the test when an armored car robbery suspect might be an ex-Ranger breaking the law to do good. Through days of duplicitousness, Rory determines whether his longtime friend is the man behind the crimes.
The scenery descriptions make it very easy to imagine the story. I like how Rory relayed his thoughts out loud to the reader. Especially because his reasoning made sense as the mystery was revealed.
Watch Your Back is the third short story written with author Loren D. Estleman. An artist is paid to expose his client's cheating wife. He is tasked with painting the picture to save his own life. I was hoping this short story collection would be 3 out of 3 but nope. Watch Your Back was a dud. It started off that way and unfortunately never picked up speed or my interest.
All three (3) short stories can be read as a standalone. Perfect for reading-on-the-go!
Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson! 23 1/2 Lies will be available Tuesday, September 12.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~ LiteraryMarie
Meh…….
I admittedly didn’t read the entire book. I only read the first story, as I’ve been a fan of The Women’s Murder Club since its inception. The story was satisfactory, but brief. It lacked excitement and the action that has me turning pages at high speed. And I missed the dynamic and interaction between the ladies of the WMC, which was kept at a minimum in this story. But it kept me interested and ready for #24. Looking forward to the next installment.
I admittedly didn’t read the entire book. I only read the first story, as I’ve been a fan of The Women’s Murder Club since its inception. The story was satisfactory, but brief. It lacked excitement and the action that has me turning pages at high speed. And I missed the dynamic and interaction between the ladies of the WMC, which was kept at a minimum in this story. But it kept me interested and ready for #24. Looking forward to the next installment.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Three stories here. The first is okay, the second is great and the third is forgettable.
This is three short stories — the first is one of the Women’s Murder Club stories, not quite long enough to be a standalone story. It’s mostly Boxer-centric, not a lot with the other women. Short and quick read, and the storyline may come up again in later full books.
The second one is a longer story, with the Texas Ranger Rory Yates. I wasn’t familiar with this character before reading this, and I really liked it. I looked it up and found that there are two other full books before this, so I’ll check them out.
The third story is short again, and not fully put together, so the flow is a little rough. My least favorite of the three.
It’s a good way to get introduced to several new characters in a short format.
The second one is a longer story, with the Texas Ranger Rory Yates. I wasn’t familiar with this character before reading this, and I really liked it. I looked it up and found that there are two other full books before this, so I’ll check them out.
The third story is short again, and not fully put together, so the flow is a little rough. My least favorite of the three.
It’s a good way to get introduced to several new characters in a short format.
Loved the WMC story and didn't realize it was only a novella, boo! Didn't care for the other 2 stories, not related to WMC.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced