wynnz's reviews
213 reviews

Scavenger Reef by Laurence Shames

mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

 The first book in this series was enjoyable and entertaining. However, this book was disappointing and slow-paced, like a whodunit investigated by Inspector Tortoise. Lackluster characters and a weak plot made it an almost boring read. The blurb suggests humor, but unfortunately, I didn't find it funny at all, not even a titter. I will continue reading the series, hoping that things will improve. 

Vegas Lies by Andrew Cunningham

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

3.75

A dark and disturbing subject matter is tackled head-on in this episode of the Lies series. Sex trafficking, slavery, prostitution, kidnapping, murder, pedophilia, and parricide - these are all everyday light subjects! Our dynamic crime-solving duo becomes a threesome in this disturbing plot as Mo joins the gang, bringing her martial arts skills to the party. I was half expecting Liam Neeson to drop by and lend a hand because he has experience in this type of work.

"I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are very particular skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you, but if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." —Liam Neeson, "Taken"

Overall, putting aside the subject matter, it is a fast-paced, exciting mystery thriller.

The Day That Never Comes by Caimh McDonnell

funny mysterious

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

4.5

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

0.0

Florida Roadkill by Tim Dorsey

medium-paced

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

3.5

 Well, brace yourself for a smorgasbord of criminality that's proudly on display here. We've got it all: murder, kidnapping, extortion, drug and alcohol abuse, cartel assassins, and mental health issues. It's a dark comedy extravaganza, leaving you questioning whether it's the best or worst thing you've ever witnessed—depending on your perspective, of course.
Prepare to dive into a wild maze of crazy situations, where a motley crew of characters takes center stage. Their paths intertwine in a chaotic dance, leading to a crescendo of depravity that will leave you gasping for air. With a , for some but while others may find themselves stumbling into a not-so-rosy fate.
So buckle up, dear reader, for a wild ride that's as thrilling as it is morally ambiguous. This tale will have you teetering on the edge of amusement and revulsion, straddling the fine line between dark comedy genius and a descent into madness. Embrace the madness, for better or worse. 

Native Tongue by Carl Hiaasen

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

 Well, it's all in here isn’t it! Murder, virtual geronticide, kidnapping, burglary, shootings, maiming, drug abuse, extortion, scams, environmental issues, corporate greed, animal cruelty and last but not least bestiality. Characters aplenty in all shapes and sizes. A lot to cram in but it's done well. Amusing and very entertaining. 

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I found it funny, not belly laughs, not rolling off the furniture, but an inwardly quiet little titter. Which is more than I do with today's supposedly "comedies". Good characters I could relate to and the dialogue was witty in parts.
There are a few inconsistencies but overall it was good, hence the 5 stars. I am really looking forward to the next book.

Destiny's Cradle by Paul Crawford

4.0

Good book, good story, good characters, perhaps I should look at a “good” thesaurus. For a story with very little action, it was strangely a page turner, and I really enjoyed it. Hence 4 stars. Very good, oh dear there I go again!

Against All Odds by Jeffery H. Haskell

4.0

Prelude to Extinction by Andreas Karpf

3.0

First contact scenario. Slow start, good middle, tapered off towards the end, it was OK.