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brents's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty solid detective thriller from an author I hadn't even heard of until I saw this book in an audible sale. The Philadelphia setting is pretty cool. I also like the 2 detective aspect of it, and I like both detective characters. The case itself was really interesting, and the investigation aspect was quite good. You do get small POVs from the suspects, but not in a way that gives away very much so you are still solving the case along with the detectives. And it added to the creepy atmosphere of the story.
I think what kept this from being really good for a detective book is that the resolution/climax was a bit of a letdown, and there were certainly some plot conveniences that didn't make a ton of sense. It felt like the author needed to have certain things intersect for plot reasons, but it really stretched real world plausibility.
All in all I always love to find a new detective series in the police procedural style so since my library has a few of these on audio I'll be checking out more of them.
I think what kept this from being really good for a detective book is that the resolution/climax was a bit of a letdown, and there were certainly some plot conveniences that didn't make a ton of sense. It felt like the author needed to have certain things intersect for plot reasons, but it really stretched real world plausibility.
All in all I always love to find a new detective series in the police procedural style so since my library has a few of these on audio I'll be checking out more of them.
rach_s's review against another edition
5.0
A really good thriller to read. It keeps you on your toes and the twist at the end was amazing.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
5.0
I love Richard Montanari books, they are addictive and are page turners that you cannot put down, this one was another brilliant read, with great characters and a thrilling storyline. Would happily recommend.
kaitlin0107's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thedeadpoesy's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Despite the endless piles of homework and revision i had i always made time for this book no matter what. I loved the background of the characters and how they all intertwined, I loved plot twists and new discoveries and how they presented. It is officially one of my all time favourite books and i would definitely recommend reading it.
voicenextdoor's review against another edition
5.0
Yes...GIVE ME MORE
This is my first attempt at this genre since I tend to spook easily, but LOVE Procedurals like CSI, and boy am I glad I did try it out.
Loved it from beginning to end, and I've loaded up my cart with the rest of the series.
Great narration by Scott Brick, and thoroughly enjoyed the structure of the story telling.
This is my first attempt at this genre since I tend to spook easily, but LOVE Procedurals like CSI, and boy am I glad I did try it out.
Loved it from beginning to end, and I've loaded up my cart with the rest of the series.
Great narration by Scott Brick, and thoroughly enjoyed the structure of the story telling.
ericwelch's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook: I have read one other book in this series, The Rosary Girls. I went back to read my review only to discover I had not bothered. I almost did the same with this book, having finished it months ago, yet not having jotted down any notes or thoughts while reading it.
It’s -- they both? -- were satisfying enough, I guess, if you are looking for a time-waster, but I remember being a bit dissatisfied with the premise of both: damaged person becomes a serial killer who poses his victims in ways determined by events in his childhood. The detectives solve the case more by their involvement rather than active problem-solving, sort of like “Midsomer Murders” where the crimes are solved only by the accretion of more bodies. There’s really not much of a mystery, as the reader is treated periodically to the mind and activities of the killer, who, I must say, seemed more a fantastical, rather than “real,” figure. True crime is far more prosaic motivations less extraordinary.
Nevertheless, the book, perhaps thanks to the reader, held my interest while walking the dog, so 3, rather than 2, stars.
It’s -- they both? -- were satisfying enough, I guess, if you are looking for a time-waster, but I remember being a bit dissatisfied with the premise of both: damaged person becomes a serial killer who poses his victims in ways determined by events in his childhood. The detectives solve the case more by their involvement rather than active problem-solving, sort of like “Midsomer Murders” where the crimes are solved only by the accretion of more bodies. There’s really not much of a mystery, as the reader is treated periodically to the mind and activities of the killer, who, I must say, seemed more a fantastical, rather than “real,” figure. True crime is far more prosaic motivations less extraordinary.
Nevertheless, the book, perhaps thanks to the reader, held my interest while walking the dog, so 3, rather than 2, stars.
meganlouise815's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this story but unfortunately, I did feel like it dragged so much from page 150-400. Before and after those pages, I was really invested and was speeding through but during them, it felt never-ending. There did not need to be nearly as many pages as this had. I liked both Kevin Bryne and Jessica Balzano as detectives and as characters - despite it being the 8th in the series, I felt like I knew them and didn't miss out from not reading the first 7 books. I definitely would pick up another one of the series if I came across one in a charity shop or if I got one as a present (this particular copy was a hand-me-down from my nan) but I wouldn't pay full price or go out of my way to find one.
scottiesandbooks's review against another edition
1.0
“This is the wall of dolls,
Secret world of smalls,
Look at them all my friend,
You’ll be one of them in the end”
I think it’s clear that crime novels aren’t really my bag. Most of the time it’s the same old same old, not enough depth and sloppy writing for over half of the book about cops and how messed up their personal life is
Secret world of smalls,
Look at them all my friend,
You’ll be one of them in the end”
I think it’s clear that crime novels aren’t really my bag. Most of the time it’s the same old same old, not enough depth and sloppy writing for over half of the book about cops and how messed up their personal life is