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kellyvandamme's review against another edition
3.0
I was lucky enough to read The Scribe via the Pigeonhole and I enjoyed it. There were quite a few comments from my fellow pigeons about the fact that chief inspector Carver enlists Maddy Kramer's help, so I feel it's something I should address. First of all, the lead investigator seeking civilian assistance is not uncommon in fiction, it's a trope I've come across rather often, and it's probably quite rare in real life investigations, but this is fiction, and it's not like I had to suspend disbelief all that much: Maddy is clever and she belongs to the niche where the murders are being committed. Moreover, Carver's dealing with a serial killer and he's on a deadline, I can see how he would just grab any help he can get, because bringing in external resources would take too long. Again, most likely not the way things are done in actual police investigations but frankly, I didn't give two hoots! When it's 30 degrees Celsius out and you're reading in the garden, you don't want your novel to be hyperrealistic, you want to be entertained. And that I most certainly was!
A lot of red herrings here, most I saw through, but Chaudhuri did manage to surprise me with one of the reveals.
One to read and simply enjoy, not analyse.
A lot of red herrings here, most I saw through, but Chaudhuri did manage to surprise me with one of the reveals.
One to read and simply enjoy, not analyse.
dessertcomes1st's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this so much, the feisty lawyer and the meticulous detective. Hoping that the author will continue this series.
tonyfrobisher's review against another edition
5.0
Clever, full of twists and steadily gathering momentum
I rarely read thrillers, but when I do I want to be caught up in the story, kept second guessing, eager to read on to find out what happens next, to reach a conclusion that surprises and satisfies.
A.A. Chaudhuri's The Scribe grabbed my attention immediately and maintained it throughout. The story is full of fast paced narratives, twists and turns and as the book moved towards the denouement, you find the pages flicking past faster as the momentum increases.
No spoilers from me. But read The Scribe and spoil yourself with a clever, well written thriller from an excellent writer.
I rarely read thrillers, but when I do I want to be caught up in the story, kept second guessing, eager to read on to find out what happens next, to reach a conclusion that surprises and satisfies.
A.A. Chaudhuri's The Scribe grabbed my attention immediately and maintained it throughout. The story is full of fast paced narratives, twists and turns and as the book moved towards the denouement, you find the pages flicking past faster as the momentum increases.
No spoilers from me. But read The Scribe and spoil yourself with a clever, well written thriller from an excellent writer.
faysieh's review against another edition
3.0
Overall I liked this book but there were parts of it that just didn't resonate for me, even in a fictional world, and those bits jarred my reading brain.
The premise is original and a good one. Females from a particular law academy that they attended in the past get picked off one by one. Why are these particular girls chosen? What connects them? And of course, who is doing the killing? There is clearly a strong motive for the murders and each victim has a particular facet of law scribed into their chest. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you wondering and guessing which is always a must for a thriller/crime book. The characters are a little flimsy and unlikeable. They need padding out with back stories and refining a little but there is definitely something between Carver ( the DI) and Kramer (the lawyer) to develop a working relationship in future novels ( with the added bonus of a hint of romance).
As a debut novel it was ok, just not amazing. I would read the second in this series by AA as I felt there was enough interest in this book to want to see what happens next. Great start, good ending, a bit rough in the middle.
The premise is original and a good one. Females from a particular law academy that they attended in the past get picked off one by one. Why are these particular girls chosen? What connects them? And of course, who is doing the killing? There is clearly a strong motive for the murders and each victim has a particular facet of law scribed into their chest. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you wondering and guessing which is always a must for a thriller/crime book. The characters are a little flimsy and unlikeable. They need padding out with back stories and refining a little but there is definitely something between Carver ( the DI) and Kramer (the lawyer) to develop a working relationship in future novels ( with the added bonus of a hint of romance).
As a debut novel it was ok, just not amazing. I would read the second in this series by AA as I felt there was enough interest in this book to want to see what happens next. Great start, good ending, a bit rough in the middle.
steph1rothwell's review against another edition
4.0
The Scribe is the first in a new series of books that features a police officer and a lawyer. They start to work together when women that Maddy knows are found dead with differing messages carved onto their bodies.
It was a fascinating and gripping novel to read. I certainly read a lot of crime fiction but I can’t remember reading one where you get to know the victim just before their death. I found it created empathy and gave me a connection with them. Rather than just seeing them after their death. The flashbacks are also interesting, they don’t always work but they do so here. They gave a brief insight into the victims and their tutor. As they progress you do see the more unlikeable side to a few of them.
Carver and Maddy are strong characters and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. You see glimpses of their family lives but it doesn’t overpower the main storyline. I liked both of them and the other officer, Drake a lot. James and Elizabeth Stirling I absolutely detested, and I always admire an author who makes me feel that way about a character. They were amongst many that I suspected of being the killer.
This is a series I will definitely follow in the future. I want to know what happens next for both of them.
It was a fascinating and gripping novel to read. I certainly read a lot of crime fiction but I can’t remember reading one where you get to know the victim just before their death. I found it created empathy and gave me a connection with them. Rather than just seeing them after their death. The flashbacks are also interesting, they don’t always work but they do so here. They gave a brief insight into the victims and their tutor. As they progress you do see the more unlikeable side to a few of them.
Carver and Maddy are strong characters and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. You see glimpses of their family lives but it doesn’t overpower the main storyline. I liked both of them and the other officer, Drake a lot. James and Elizabeth Stirling I absolutely detested, and I always admire an author who makes me feel that way about a character. They were amongst many that I suspected of being the killer.
This is a series I will definitely follow in the future. I want to know what happens next for both of them.
dianesmillie's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book through pigeonhole over 10 days. Overall a good book which keeps you reading until the end to discover who the killer is. Keeps you second guessing who did it and didn’t see the twist at the end until nearer the reveal. Yes the book is a bit “silly” and unbelievable at times, which were comments from other readers, however, it is a fiction novel written to entertain and it does do that. I think this is a great attempt at a debut novel, especially in a genre that is so popular and a strong category at the moment. Would definitely be interested in reading the sequel.
bookoholic's review
5.0
The Scribe by A. A. Chaudhuri is the first book in the Maddy Kramer and Jake Craver series (thanks for that because the book is awesome! I hope that there are many more to come).
A former student of the Law Academy is murdered. Quite brutally. She’s pretty, ambitious and wants to get a job so badly that she stays very late at work, where she meets her fate.
It would be a standard murder investigation if not a message left on the body, and frankly, another victims following in the matter of days!
A serial killer is on the loose and Maddy Kramer, who was working in the same law firm as the first victim, figured out the pattern. She’s working with the police trying to prevent next murders.
She is successful, friendly, she leads a normal life living with her best friend and a cat. Everything is turned upside down when the killer targets people she knows.
The victims have something in common - not only they’re all beautiful, but they also shared a similar secret from the time back at the academy.
The clock is ticking, the mysteries need to be uncovered and the killer stopped...
What a great story! I truly enjoyed it and I’ve spent my last day of holidays reading it :) I couldn’t stop! Not only the book is well-written, but it also offers a twist which I didn’t see coming!
Well, you better buy this book and I’m off to reading The Abduction, 2nd Maddy and Carver instalment.
canada_matt's review
4.0
In her genre debut, A. A. Chaudhuri pens a sensational crime thriller that will have readers forging ahead late into the night to discover what drives a curious and cunning serial killer. When the body of a young lawyer and security guard are discovered at an elite London law firm, DCI Jake Carver and his team are baffled. Not only was the lawyer an up and coming star, but Sarah Morrell has had her torso inscribed with ‘Contract’. Who could have wanted to commit such a heinous act? Fellow lawyer Maddy Kramer is chilled to the bone, having attended law school with Sarah, even if they were not close. When a second lawyer is murdered and an equally chilling word carved into her chest, Mandy can no longer sit idly by. She approaches DCI Carver and offers some of her own insights, as well as providing some interesting information about one of her former law professors, who also happened to have had a sexual relationship with both victims. James Stirling has a long reputation for racking up the conquests, though he refuses to admit as much when the police come knocking. Soon, both Mandy and DCI Carver are contacted by the killer, offering insight into future kills, though it will take teamwork and determination to crack the code. As the kills mount and Stirling becomes the most likely suspect, a break in the case sends the investigation in new and troubling directions. Seven presumed victims, all tied together by one man, but could he have done all this without ever being detected? Chaudhuri does a masterful job in her writing and delivery of this stellar police procedural. Recommended to those who love fast-paced crime thrillers, as well as the reader who enjoys new and upcoming authors.
I stumbled upon this book and the dust jacket blurb alone was enough to pull me in. I wanted to try the book, though the fact that A. A. Chaudhuri was writing her first crime novel left me unsure of what to expect. From the opening pages, I was hooked, with a killer lurking in the shadows and slaying an unsuspecting young lawyer. From there, the story grew, allowing me to connect with both protagonists. DCI Jake Carver is a dedicated copper, whose time on the force has both helped him hone his skills and lose what little connection he has with his family. Trying to balance homicide work with being a dad to his son who seems to have turned away after the divorce, Carver can only hope that he is able to use what little downtime he has effectively. He’s in tune with his caseload and dedicated to finding answers, wherever they may be, though is not too proud to accept help. I am eager to see how his character grows in any follow-up novels. Carver is contrasted nicely with Maddy Kramer, a young lawyer whose backstory is full of pain. Orphaned at nine, Maddy learned how to grow up with her grandmother, though she is not beyond sacrificing others to make it in the world of the law. That said, she has a great deal of compassion and is determined not to let the killer in the novel get the upper hand. Working with Carver, they are able to develop a strategy to crack the code and save a number of victims from meeting an untimely fate. Other characters complement the narrative nicely and keep the reader affixed to the story at hand. As the book is listed as “#1”, I can only hope others will be published and some of the minor characters appear again, able to work more cases with equally disturbing killers. The story was as strong as I could have expected, more than I predicted this novel would bring. The narrative is full of impactful plots and races from one chapter to the next. A mix of longer and short chapters keep the reader on their toes and makes for a thrilling adventure, until the final page turn. This is one novel not to be missed by those who like the genre. A wonderful novel, no matter where the reader chooses to experience this book.
Kudos, Madam Chaudhuri, for a stunning series debut. I cannot wait to see what else you have in story for readers.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
I stumbled upon this book and the dust jacket blurb alone was enough to pull me in. I wanted to try the book, though the fact that A. A. Chaudhuri was writing her first crime novel left me unsure of what to expect. From the opening pages, I was hooked, with a killer lurking in the shadows and slaying an unsuspecting young lawyer. From there, the story grew, allowing me to connect with both protagonists. DCI Jake Carver is a dedicated copper, whose time on the force has both helped him hone his skills and lose what little connection he has with his family. Trying to balance homicide work with being a dad to his son who seems to have turned away after the divorce, Carver can only hope that he is able to use what little downtime he has effectively. He’s in tune with his caseload and dedicated to finding answers, wherever they may be, though is not too proud to accept help. I am eager to see how his character grows in any follow-up novels. Carver is contrasted nicely with Maddy Kramer, a young lawyer whose backstory is full of pain. Orphaned at nine, Maddy learned how to grow up with her grandmother, though she is not beyond sacrificing others to make it in the world of the law. That said, she has a great deal of compassion and is determined not to let the killer in the novel get the upper hand. Working with Carver, they are able to develop a strategy to crack the code and save a number of victims from meeting an untimely fate. Other characters complement the narrative nicely and keep the reader affixed to the story at hand. As the book is listed as “#1”, I can only hope others will be published and some of the minor characters appear again, able to work more cases with equally disturbing killers. The story was as strong as I could have expected, more than I predicted this novel would bring. The narrative is full of impactful plots and races from one chapter to the next. A mix of longer and short chapters keep the reader on their toes and makes for a thrilling adventure, until the final page turn. This is one novel not to be missed by those who like the genre. A wonderful novel, no matter where the reader chooses to experience this book.
Kudos, Madam Chaudhuri, for a stunning series debut. I cannot wait to see what else you have in story for readers.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
daniellelouis_'s review
4.0
I was lulled into a dark twisty storyline after a female is murdered at her place of work; Sarah is an ex-student of The Bloomsbury Academy of Law. Immediately, as a reader, you’re set up to expect the unexpected in a world of conspiracy where everyone is a suspect and everyone could be selected as the sadistic serial killers next victim. We have increased jealousy amongst peers, as they fight for not only the chance of their dream career, but to turn the eye of the attractive and highly intelligent law professor, James Stirling.
The Scribe ties together a multitude of dialogues from various characters, including the professor, Chief Inspector Jake Carver and an upcoming lawyer Madeline Kramer, who is also a previous peer of those individual’s who have fallen victim to frenzied blood lust. Together they must race against time to find the answers to the murderers riddles that lead to the next victim, I found this to be an unexpected addition that got my pulse racing! Be prepared to buckle your reader’s seatbelt because this novel is anything but a walk in the park. What always impresses me, although obviously thriller writers research, is the extent to which they do – A.A Chaudhuri has clearly immersed herself into the workings of not only police procedures and law around crimes, such as murder, but it is also clear that she has been mindful to include a great deal of forensic elements. In this case I would describe it as a legal crime thriller and that is one of the main reasons that I was so bloody engrossed!
What an attention grabbing warped mind A. A Chaudhuri has! She’s managed to pen a devious serial killer with a distorted taste for murder inscribing female victims with their law specialities! How brutally, yet deliciously sick is that?! The killer’s complete identity is hidden completely, no personal details are given away so you’re completely and utterly kept in the dark, gripped until it’s time for the big reveal. I felt that The scribe was the perfect balance of thrill and blood – it was packed to the brim with action, jealousy, revenge, i and murderous escapades, don’t miss the beginnings of this cracking thriller series!
The storyline is written in such way that is free flowing without major complexity, with taut events occurring, heart racing breaks in the case are constantly thrown at you. Each chapter is time and date labelled which allows the reader to follow the chronological events unfolding. A.A’s attention to detail is phenomenal, in terms of visualisation and character building / portrayal. I absolutely adore both Carver and Kramer, I think they are most definitely a quality crime fighting duo!
I loved this rollercoaster thriller, it is most definitely one for the diehard thriller fans! I loved the exitement of the chase, with Maddy and Carver racing against a death clock to save the victims. If you’re a reader like me, who can’t help but fully commit to a crime thriller series, this is the one for you and… the second instalment is due to be published this Christmas!
The Scribe ties together a multitude of dialogues from various characters, including the professor, Chief Inspector Jake Carver and an upcoming lawyer Madeline Kramer, who is also a previous peer of those individual’s who have fallen victim to frenzied blood lust. Together they must race against time to find the answers to the murderers riddles that lead to the next victim, I found this to be an unexpected addition that got my pulse racing! Be prepared to buckle your reader’s seatbelt because this novel is anything but a walk in the park. What always impresses me, although obviously thriller writers research, is the extent to which they do – A.A Chaudhuri has clearly immersed herself into the workings of not only police procedures and law around crimes, such as murder, but it is also clear that she has been mindful to include a great deal of forensic elements. In this case I would describe it as a legal crime thriller and that is one of the main reasons that I was so bloody engrossed!
What an attention grabbing warped mind A. A Chaudhuri has! She’s managed to pen a devious serial killer with a distorted taste for murder inscribing female victims with their law specialities! How brutally, yet deliciously sick is that?! The killer’s complete identity is hidden completely, no personal details are given away so you’re completely and utterly kept in the dark, gripped until it’s time for the big reveal. I felt that The scribe was the perfect balance of thrill and blood – it was packed to the brim with action, jealousy, revenge, i and murderous escapades, don’t miss the beginnings of this cracking thriller series!
The storyline is written in such way that is free flowing without major complexity, with taut events occurring, heart racing breaks in the case are constantly thrown at you. Each chapter is time and date labelled which allows the reader to follow the chronological events unfolding. A.A’s attention to detail is phenomenal, in terms of visualisation and character building / portrayal. I absolutely adore both Carver and Kramer, I think they are most definitely a quality crime fighting duo!
I loved this rollercoaster thriller, it is most definitely one for the diehard thriller fans! I loved the exitement of the chase, with Maddy and Carver racing against a death clock to save the victims. If you’re a reader like me, who can’t help but fully commit to a crime thriller series, this is the one for you and… the second instalment is due to be published this Christmas!
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