ajnel's reviews
665 reviews

Dead Simple by Peter James

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The first novel in the Roy Grace series and centers around Michael Harrison, who goes missing on his stag night, just days before his wedding. The only clue is that he was last seen buried alive in a prank gone wrong.  A fast-moving mystery thriller with loads and loads of twists and turns.  Masterfully written by James. A must read. 

They Thought I Was Dead: Sandy's Story by Peter James

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"They Thought I Was Dead", provides the story of Sandy, the missing wife of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (of the Roy Grace Detective series).   This is a loose standing story narrated from Sandy's perspective.  Essentially Sandy concludes that she has to disappear without a trace to escape certain consequences of her actions. The novel takes the shape of a fast moving macabre "adventure" of bad choices depicting Sandy's life over a 10-year period taking many twists and turns.  It's a gripping and often very sad read, but it is also action packed and entertaining.  Very well written indeed. 4.5/5

Biel by Piotr Jedliński

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

"Murder in White" is a locked room murder mystery / whodunnit that set in a secluded hostel amidst the imposing Tatra Mountains of Poland. A blizzard of epic proportions cuts off the hostel from the outside world, trapping a group of nine strangers inside.  Just as tensions begin to mount among the snowbound guests, a mysterious stranger arrives, seeking refuge from the storm.  Shortly after this new arrival, a dead body is found on the top floor of the hostel, and it becomes clear that a murderer is among them.  With no way to call for help, the remaining guests must unravel the secrets of their fellow travelers to identify the killer before another victim strikes.  Jedliński balanced the psychological impact of the forced proximity of a murderer on the minds of the other guests and the over-the-top and irrational actions which follow from situations very well.  A bit slow-moving and somewhat disjointed novel but a decent whodunnit. 3.5/5

I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A High School English teacher intervenes in a potentially disastrous suicide bombing by an ex-pupil and thus prevents a mass murder. However once he appeared in news coverage, he's targeted by a blackmailer who threatens to expose a "secret" that could destroy his life.  The novel follows said teacher as he races to uncover the identity of the blackmailer and protect his reputation.  A very fast-paced novel with a number of twists and turns which keeps the reader at the edge of his / her seat until the very end.

Want to Know a Secret? by Freida McFadden

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

April Masterson, a middle-class PTA mom with a popular YouTube baking channel, is suddenly receiving messages from an unknown number. She quickly realises that the sender is out to ruin her life. As the messages increase, so too does the interference into her life, with things soon spiraling out of control.  Classic McFadden.  Very well written with loads of twists and turns. 

The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

On the surface, Erika Cass has a picture-perfect life. That said, she knows that her sixteen year old son, Liam,is a psychopath. When Liam's girlfriend disappears and all evidence points to him as the perpetrator, Erica is forced to accept his true nature, this despite Liam's protestations of innocence. An interesting twist on the psychological thriller / whodunnit genre.  Unfortunately McFadden has a bit of a tell when it comes to certain family units she creates. This in turn tends to give away the reveal.  This despite the novel remains totally engaging. 3.5/5

The Seven Doors by Agnes Ravatn

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Nina, a close to retirement university professor is at a crossroads in her life. Her relationship with her daughter is strained, her work feels meaningless, and her childhood home is about to be demolished. When their tenant disappears, Nina becomes consumed by guilt and the need to solve the mystery. A psychological thriller which delves into family secrets, personal crisis, and the consequences of hidden desires. Set against the bleak Norwegian winter.  Claustrophobic and insightful, with one of the most pragmatic unfolds ever captured on paper.

The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

After failed infertility treatments and a fallen-through adoption, Abby and Sam are on the verge of giving up on a child. Abby's young assistant, Monica out of the blue offers to be their surrogate. As the pregnancy progresses, Monica's behavior changes to becoming secretive and controlling, and Abby starts to suspect that Monica is not who she seems. A somewhat predictable psychological thriller filled with well-known tropes.  That said, the novel is fast-paced and action packed.

Bubble by Anders de la Motte

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"Bubble", is the final novel in the "Game" Trilogy.  As HP starts to get closer to discovering the identity of the Game Master he also learns of a potential attack on the Royal Wedding; an attack for which he is being set up as patsy.   Though much more demur and less  unique compared to the previous two novels,  enough twists and turns ensure that the story concludes in a satisfying page-turner. 3.5/5

Buzz by Anders de la Motte

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The second book in the "Game" trilogy picks up the story with HP getting into trouble in Dubai and being deported back to Sweden where HP under a false name joins an IT company to investigate the events which played out in Dubai. His situation takes a turn when he attracts the attention of the powerful CEO. De La Motte avoids the pitfalls of focussing on the "Game" of the first novel by creating a side-story which folds into the main "Game". A cohesively written page-turner with loads of twists and turns and a decent unfold.