Best International Mystery & Crime
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Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at. play in his small Bavarian town. Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Author Oliver Pötzsch Question: What initially inspired you to write this story? But I also look up to many authors of the fantasy genre such as Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, and the almost forgotten Fritz Leiber. In his life he built an enormous archive of information about my ancestors and the hangman profession, and I have been allowed free use of this resource. Also, during my career as a journalist I made several radio programs on this topic, talking to herb women and guardians of cultural heritage and searching in many archives of Bavarian cities for my ancestors. Oliver Pötzsch: After the thriller about Ludwig II, I am writing the fourth novel in the Hangman series. "A brilliantly-researched and exciting story of a formative era of history when witches were hunted and the inquisitors had little belief in their methods beyond their effect in pacifying superstitious townspeople . Pötzsch, actually descended from a line of hangmen, delivers a fantastically fast-paced read, rife with details on the social and power structures in the town as well as dichotomy between university medicine and the traditional remedies, which are skillfully communicated through character interactions, particularly that of Magdalena and Simon. The shocking motivations from unlikely players provide for a twist that will leave readers admiring this complex tale from a talented new voice."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I liked the start of this story, the basic idea of the tale, a hangman searching for the truth. The title of this story suggests this daughter has a major role, but quite frankly she doesn't. In fact, the hangman's daughter is such a minor character, she could be removed completely from the story and the novel would be virtually the same. She has a scene towards the end of the book where she's captured as a hostage, but it's so forced and unnecessary, it's more like a "women in refrigerators" moment. In the meantime, if you're a minor character living in this historical world, it seems like your only purpose is to be to chased, tortured, threatened with rape, or face being burnt alive as a witch. Yes, the hangman's daughter manages to escape, but the scene adds nothing to the novel. The second woman, the hangman's daughter, captured and threatened, was an unnecessary cliché. Instead of tying up loose ends, there's more drama, then everything is miraculously solved behind the scenes. The female characters could be replaced with potted plants, so I can't see myself recommending it to any of the women in my life."
"The writing is quite well done...I feel like I'm in a movie and I can see this becoming, possibly, a mini-series on a venue like FreeForm."
"I happened upon Oliver Potzsch's The Hangman's Daughter one day when I opened up my Kindle to find Amazon pushing it on the splash screen. Hoping for something closer to Iain Pear's Stones Fall, but with fresh memories of Orhan Pamuk's abominable My Name is Red, I waded once again into a historical mystery. The start was promising, but The Hangman's Daughter soon became bogged down by very bad writing and a poor, improbable plot. The banter is thick with that kind of cheesy bravado one finds in badly dubbed martial arts movies of the 70's. For example, we learn that the body of a highwayman has been prominently left hanging on the gallows tree to serve as an example for those passing by on their way to Schongau. In the very next paragraph the author tells us that a band of criminals has chosen the area around the gallows tree as a hideout because no one ever ventures there. Most are superstitious knuckle draggers who see the devil behind every tree and want to burn as a witch any woman who exhibits suspicious behavior, like laughing. I wondered, as the hangman laid back in the grass for the umpteenth time to smoke his pipe and grin at the great unwashed going about their business in complete ignorance, how the hell it took this legend in his own mind more than 400 pages to catch the perps. Although I obviously can't say for sure, my feeling is that back in that day, anyone open-minded enough to swim against the tide of backwardness of those times did so, out of necessity, with a bit of caution and humility."
"The author does a fair job of describing what it was like to exist when torture was a natural way of life, although it could be set almost anywhere in Europe. The writing style is clumsy and repetetive, as if the author is trying to fill space or has forgotten he's already said something."
After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. She has jampacked her swift debut thriller with sneaky moves that the reader has to track with care… It’s hard to believe this is her first novel… The Dry is a breathless page-turner, driven by the many revelations Ms. Harper dreams up... .”. ― The New York Times , Janet Maslin. “A stunner…It’s a small-town, big-secrets page-turner with a shocker of an ending …Recommend this one to fans of James Lee Burke and Robert Crais, who mix elements of “bromance” into their hard-boiled tales.”. ― Booklist , starred review. “A nail-biting thriller …A chilling story set under a blistering sun, this fine debut will keep readers on edge and awake long past bedtime .”. ― Kirkus , starred review. " The Dry is one of the most talked-about debuts. of the new year ....Harper’s story is tightly plotted and moves briskly, the tension as brittle and incendiary as the dried-out crops on the Kiewarra farms. That's what Jane Harper has given us with The Dry , a story so true to setting and tone it seemed I fell asleep in Virginia only to wake in Australian heat. The Dry is a marvelous novel that once begun is hard to put down, once finished even harder to forget.” ―Ron Rash, New York Times bestselling author of Serena. The Dry is a wonderful crime novel that shines a light into the darkest corner of a sunburnt country .”. ―Michael Robotham, New York Times bestselling author of Life or Death. It’s a multilayered, stiletto sharp read…that packs a punch as blistering as the Australian sun it’s set under.” ― Open Letters Monthly. “A razor-sharp crime yarn dripping in the sights, sounds and smells of the Australian bush…The storytelling is accomplished, with a bald sparseness to the writing that draws you in and characterization that rings resoundingly true…as the action twists and turns, the pace build[s] to a fantastic finale that will leave you breathless .”. ― Australian Women’s Weekly. “ A tightly plotted page-turner that kept me reading well into the night …Harper shines a light on the highs and lows of rural life – the loyalty born of collective endurance in adversity, as well as the loneliness and isolation, and the havoc wrought by small-town gossip. Her plot twists and layering are intricate and subtle and keep you guessing to the end while the townspeople grow on you despite their dirty secrets.”. ― The West. Australian.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Jane Harper - The Dry. Overnight I finished Jane Harper’s novel - a story I found difficult to put down until I reached the last page. The author writes in beautiful, descriptive language and, at the same time, keeps socking the reader between the eyes with the revelations that unfold in this terrible story of a brutal family murder in an outback country town - a town that seeps with anger, bitterness, violence, oppressive heat and blow-flies."
"The story is set in a small rural town in Australia (wonderfully described....feels like you are there), Federal Agent Falk returns from his job in Melbourne to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood best friend, now dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after killing his wife and young child (leaving their infant alive, though). So it's with considerable trepidation that Falk agrees to a request from the deceased's parents to look a little closer into the deaths. This present-day mystery is cleverly woven with the last questionable death that occurred in the community decades earlier, one that Falk was suspected of contributing to. I deducted one star simply because in 3 or 4 months, I probably won't remember the plot or characters."
"What attracted me to this Australian novel was the description that this was a literary mystery about big secrets in a small town with a real shocker of an ending. The easily anticipated reveal was not jaw-dropping, and the use of italicized passages to indicate the past was, I thought, a ham-handed device, a sign that the text needed further refinement. The federal agent, Aaron Falk, who comes back to Kiewarra after twenty years (not a new concept), was congenial, and kept the pages turning, although, again, I feel that the author relied on stringing together an overused rather than original character here. The townspeople remember Luke and Aaron’s alibi for their whereabouts on the day of Ellie’s death, and old suspicions return and foment. The downside was that once she broached subjects such as integrity, decency, small-town crazy, greed, jealousy, and redemption, she either overstated it or underdeveloped what she put in motion, using a style that felt like forced mournful. The red herrings were conspicuous, and the denouement was a bit hard to swallow, and I predicted it based on Harper’s tendencies, style, and choices throughout the book. I would give her another try, however (but only in a stand-alone), with the hope that she’ll grow on her strengths-- of compassion for humanity, small town concerns, and the tough road to justice."
After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. Federal Agent, Aaron Faulk, returns to his hometown in Australia to mourn, and inevitably investigate, his best friend's apparent suicide. The story builds like a wave seeking the purchase of earth before it crashes down and wipes out everything you might have thought about this enthralling tale. "It’s extremely rare and exciting to read a debut that enthralls from the very first page and then absolutely sticks the landing. That's what Jane Harper has given us with The Dry , a story so true to setting and tone it seemed I fell asleep in Virginia only to wake in Australian heat. The Dry is a wonderful crime novel that shines a light into the darkest corner of a sunburnt country.” —Michael Robotham, New York Times bestselling author of Life or Death.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Jane Harper - The Dry. Overnight I finished Jane Harper’s novel - a story I found difficult to put down until I reached the last page. The author writes in beautiful, descriptive language and, at the same time, keeps socking the reader between the eyes with the revelations that unfold in this terrible story of a brutal family murder in an outback country town - a town that seeps with anger, bitterness, violence, oppressive heat and blow-flies."
"The story is set in a small rural town in Australia (wonderfully described....feels like you are there), Federal Agent Falk returns from his job in Melbourne to his hometown for the funeral of his childhood best friend, now dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after killing his wife and young child (leaving their infant alive, though). So it's with considerable trepidation that Falk agrees to a request from the deceased's parents to look a little closer into the deaths. This present-day mystery is cleverly woven with the last questionable death that occurred in the community decades earlier, one that Falk was suspected of contributing to. I deducted one star simply because in 3 or 4 months, I probably won't remember the plot or characters."
"What attracted me to this Australian novel was the description that this was a literary mystery about big secrets in a small town with a real shocker of an ending. The easily anticipated reveal was not jaw-dropping, and the use of italicized passages to indicate the past was, I thought, a ham-handed device, a sign that the text needed further refinement. The federal agent, Aaron Falk, who comes back to Kiewarra after twenty years (not a new concept), was congenial, and kept the pages turning, although, again, I feel that the author relied on stringing together an overused rather than original character here. The townspeople remember Luke and Aaron’s alibi for their whereabouts on the day of Ellie’s death, and old suspicions return and foment. The downside was that once she broached subjects such as integrity, decency, small-town crazy, greed, jealousy, and redemption, she either overstated it or underdeveloped what she put in motion, using a style that felt like forced mournful. The red herrings were conspicuous, and the denouement was a bit hard to swallow, and I predicted it based on Harper’s tendencies, style, and choices throughout the book. I would give her another try, however (but only in a stand-alone), with the hope that she’ll grow on her strengths-- of compassion for humanity, small town concerns, and the tough road to justice."
Best British Detectives
“Penny’s absorbing, intricately plotted 13th Gamache novel proves she only gets better at pursuing dark truths with compassion and grace.” — PEOPLE “Louise Penny wrote the book on escapist mysteries.” — The New York Times Book Review “You won't want Louise Penny's latest to end….Any plot summary of Penny’s novels inevitably falls short of conveying the dark magic of this series.... ‘Glass Houses,’ along with many of the other Gamache books, is so compelling that, for the space of reading it, you may well feel that much of what’s going on in the world outside the novel is ‘just noise.’” —Maureen Corrigan, The Washington Post When a mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one cold November day, Armand Gamache and the rest of the villagers are at first curious. In Glass Houses , her latest utterly gripping book , number-one New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny shatters the conventions of the crime novel to explore what Gandhi called the court of conscience. - AudioFile Editor's Pick "In his third narration of Louise Penny's popular Three Pines series, Robert Bathurst emphasizes the humanity and compassion of Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache . AudioFile , Earphones Award Winner "The audio book is splendidly read by Robert Bathurst." "Robert Bathurst puts his own indelible stamp on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in Louise Penny's twelfth Three Pines puzzle. LOUISE PENNY is the #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels ( Still Life, A Fatal Grace, and The Cruelest Month ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There’s a lot going on here, with Gamache dealing with the murder and also with his duties as head of the Sûreté du Québec (as readers of the previous novels will remember that the Sûreté had a corruption problem that Gamache exposed.). However, if you haven’t read any Armand Gamache novels, I recommend you start with her first novel - Still Life - to really enjoy the series. I don’t want to say too much as much of the joy of the books in this series is how disparate plot points come together but I found myself frustrated that once again we have the clever Armand Gamache looking like he’s in over his head. I found myself putting the book down - needing a break from reading it. While this is one of those books that I’m glad I read, unlike some of the other books in the series, I don’t see myself reading it again."
"I consider myself fortunate to have read all the Inspector Gamache novels by Louise Penny. In this novel Inspector Gamache has taken over as head of the Surete after rooting out top level corruption. There are rumblings that Gamache hasn't really changed anything as crime is up, the drug trade is rampant and what is to be done? This blends into the second story of the drug trade and Gamache's plan to really put a dent in it, if not stop/slow it down for good."
"More than just a mystery - this is a book that takes you into the characters, challenges your assumptions and leaves you wondering who is as they appear, and who is genuine. I loved this latest in her series - as expected she picked up from recent events in the prior novel and goes to the task of writing a story that is both compelling and puzzling. She surprised me with the defendant on trial, and the ultimate set of villains in this book, while bringing along my favorite characters and developing them further. People with drug abuse, distrust of the police and their competence, the hard working and dedicated law enforcement officers, politicians you don't quite want to trust, and couples living marriage equality."
Best International Mystery & Crime
Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at. play in his small Bavarian town. Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Author Oliver PötzschQuestion: What initially inspired you to write this story? But I also look up to many authors of the fantasy genre such as Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, and the almost forgotten Fritz Leiber. In his life he built an enormous archive of information about my ancestors and the hangman profession, and I have been allowed free use of this resource. Also, during my career as a journalist I made several radio programs on this topic, talking to herb women and guardians of cultural heritage and searching in many archives of Bavarian cities for my ancestors. Oliver Pötzsch: After the thriller about Ludwig II, I am writing the fourth novel in the Hangman series. "A brilliantly-researched and exciting story of a formative era of history when witches were hunted and the inquisitors had little belief in their methods beyond their effect in pacifying superstitious townspeople . Pötzsch, actually descended from a line of hangmen, delivers a fantastically fast-paced read, rife with details on the social and power structures in the town as well as dichotomy between university medicine and the traditional remedies, which are skillfully communicated through character interactions, particularly that of Magdalena and Simon. The shocking motivations from unlikely players provide for a twist that will leave readers admiring this complex tale from a talented new voice."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I liked the start of this story, the basic idea of the tale, a hangman searching for the truth. The title of this story suggests this daughter has a major role, but quite frankly she doesn't. In fact, the hangman's daughter is such a minor character, she could be removed completely from the story and the novel would be virtually the same. She has a scene towards the end of the book where she's captured as a hostage, but it's so forced and unnecessary, it's more like a "women in refrigerators" moment. In the meantime, if you're a minor character living in this historical world, it seems like your only purpose is to be to chased, tortured, threatened with rape, or face being burnt alive as a witch. Yes, the hangman's daughter manages to escape, but the scene adds nothing to the novel. The second woman, the hangman's daughter, captured and threatened, was an unnecessary cliché. Instead of tying up loose ends, there's more drama, then everything is miraculously solved behind the scenes. The female characters could be replaced with potted plants, so I can't see myself recommending it to any of the women in my life."
"The main character of the hangman and his friend the young physician were terrific, both very likable and believable."
"Good book."
"The first of the hangman series and the one I liked the most, probably because everything was new and interesting without. all the continual repitition in the later series."
"To have this review be as helpful as possible I just wanted to mention that Oliver Potzsch named, as far as I know, this series of books he is writing The Hangman's Daughter - this is the first in the series. I personally hope Amazon translates the rest of Oliver's books into English."
"Once the action started and the mystery began to unravel I couldn't put the book down!"
"When a child dies, cries of witchcraft leave an innocent woman in jail, and Kusil, Simon, the village doctor, and Kusil's daughter to search for the real culprit."
"The deputies used more information about this and other stuff to get the latest version of the time."
Best Historical Mystery
Twenty years before, amid strange staff disappearances and allegations of fraud, panicked investors sold Cleveland’s largest bank in the middle of the night, locking out customers and employees, and thwarting a looming federal investigation. Iris, a young engineer working her first job out of the office, finds herself assigned to map out a floor plan for the bank building which has been empty for two decades. Just as Beatrice did 20 years before her, Iris quickly recognizes that there’s something not quite right at the bank and she soon learns that the building is not as empty as everyone thinks.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When I was a regular shopper at my local bookstores, my initial selection was based off thickness (how I discovered Robert Jordon and Terry Goodkind and others of that epic length writing). THE DEAD KEY, however, is largely one single, long wind-up, the pacing not really picking up till well past the last quarter. moments rolling, the suspense tight with wonderment and discovery, simply an exquisite plotline that has made the game a cult classic. And the ending... well, a completion within the same emotional level as Arturo Pérez-Reverte's 1993 novel, THE CLUB DUMAS had concluded with (the novel may be recognized by more as the later movie, THE NINTH GATE). All in all, enjoyable, yet I do have to wonder how even more fantastic these elements would be if the book was the same 477 pages but made tauter in pacing, richer in action, and, yes, even more deeply layered."
"I left off one star because the main characters are too much alike, in fact all the women especially but the men as well seemed like slight variations of the same personality."
"Several low-level female employees at the bank discover that something is awry (in both time periods), and their attempts to solve the mystery puts them in serious danger."
"The story concept is interesting: an important bank mysteriously closes overnight. When I was about 1/3 into the story it seemed that n.o.t.h.i.n.g. Reading the early reviews, I was sure I was reading a different book. For example, in most instances, we don't read about the secretary's workday, we read about her thinking about her workday or thinking about the personalities of the people she works with, or wondering where her friend is, or wondering about the significance of papers she sees. For example, the engineer meets her boss at the building and explains to him some of the work she has done, but (from the reader perspective) this is merely retelling what the engineer already mused about in the previous pages: she went to the eighth floor, to the room on the left; it was dusty; she made some measurements; she went to the next room; she saw papers on the floor; she wondered why the papers were left behind; she made some measurements; she looked at some of the papers; she wondered what the papers meant; she decided to take some of the papers with her to look at later; she went to the next room; she made some measurements. I second that thought."
Best Traditional Detective Mysteries
“Penny’s absorbing, intricately plotted 13th Gamache novel proves she only gets better at pursuing dark truths with compassion and grace.” — PEOPLE “Louise Penny wrote the book on escapist mysteries.” — The New York Times Book Review “You won't want Louise Penny's latest to end….Any plot summary of Penny’s novels inevitably falls short of conveying the dark magic of this series.... ‘Glass Houses,’ along with many of the other Gamache books, is so compelling that, for the space of reading it, you may well feel that much of what’s going on in the world outside the novel is ‘just noise.’” —Maureen Corrigan, The Washington Post When a mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one cold November day, Armand Gamache and the rest of the villagers are at first curious. In Glass Houses , her latest utterly gripping book , number-one New York Times bestselling author Louise Penny shatters the conventions of the crime novel to explore what Gandhi called the court of conscience. - AudioFile Editor's Pick "In his third narration of Louise Penny's popular Three Pines series, Robert Bathurst emphasizes the humanity and compassion of Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache . AudioFile , Earphones Award Winner "The audio book is splendidly read by Robert Bathurst." "Robert Bathurst puts his own indelible stamp on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in Louise Penny's twelfth Three Pines puzzle. LOUISE PENNY is the #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling author of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache novels ( Still Life, A Fatal Grace, and The Cruelest Month ).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There’s a lot going on here, with Gamache dealing with the murder and also with his duties as head of the Sûreté du Québec (as readers of the previous novels will remember that the Sûreté had a corruption problem that Gamache exposed.). However, if you haven’t read any Armand Gamache novels, I recommend you start with her first novel - Still Life - to really enjoy the series. I don’t want to say too much as much of the joy of the books in this series is how disparate plot points come together but I found myself frustrated that once again we have the clever Armand Gamache looking like he’s in over his head. I found myself putting the book down - needing a break from reading it. While this is one of those books that I’m glad I read, unlike some of the other books in the series, I don’t see myself reading it again."
"I consider myself fortunate to have read all the Inspector Gamache novels by Louise Penny. In this novel Inspector Gamache has taken over as head of the Surete after rooting out top level corruption. There are rumblings that Gamache hasn't really changed anything as crime is up, the drug trade is rampant and what is to be done? This blends into the second story of the drug trade and Gamache's plan to really put a dent in it, if not stop/slow it down for good."
"More than just a mystery - this is a book that takes you into the characters, challenges your assumptions and leaves you wondering who is as they appear, and who is genuine. I loved this latest in her series - as expected she picked up from recent events in the prior novel and goes to the task of writing a story that is both compelling and puzzling. She surprised me with the defendant on trial, and the ultimate set of villains in this book, while bringing along my favorite characters and developing them further. People with drug abuse, distrust of the police and their competence, the hard working and dedicated law enforcement officers, politicians you don't quite want to trust, and couples living marriage equality."
Best Vampire Mysteries
When Ainsley and her team at MAGIC, Inc. beg Lily for her help, she agrees, taking on a load of problems that pile up faster than she can say Abracadabra . A new revolution in black magic stumps the island’s burgeoning Mixologist, while a haunted house, a surprise birthday party, and rising familial troubles back on The Isle compete for her already-limited time and attention.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Her potions can do anything from curing the odd ache- heart,limb,loves , turning you pink, or into your costumed self of innermost desire ( strictly for a party purpose)-pirate, fairy,dolphin anyone? With one simple wish, the clearly defined new life Lily has carved for herself is thrown into chaos, and the twists of the Isle continue to reveal themselves."
"From Lily’s relationship with Ranger X to investigating the haunted house to her fighting The Faction, this book just blew me away!"
"Being a Mixologist, Lily can help bring more fun to any party...if she gets it right.When some of the people from the Islanders start disappearing, Lily needs to up her game."
"She meets her father for the first time and she finds out more about herself and her family history as some things have still remained a mystery."
"This is the 4th book in this wonderful series and it is the best one yet."
"This series becomes better & better with each book!"
"I know somewhat predictable but fun light interesting characters you want to hear about."
"This book was a little longer than the first 3 books in the series and I loved it."
Best Witch & Wizard Mysteries
Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at. play in his small Bavarian town. Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Author Oliver PötzschQuestion: What initially inspired you to write this story? But I also look up to many authors of the fantasy genre such as Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, and the almost forgotten Fritz Leiber. In his life he built an enormous archive of information about my ancestors and the hangman profession, and I have been allowed free use of this resource. Also, during my career as a journalist I made several radio programs on this topic, talking to herb women and guardians of cultural heritage and searching in many archives of Bavarian cities for my ancestors. Oliver Pötzsch: After the thriller about Ludwig II, I am writing the fourth novel in the Hangman series. "A brilliantly-researched and exciting story of a formative era of history when witches were hunted and the inquisitors had little belief in their methods beyond their effect in pacifying superstitious townspeople . Pötzsch, actually descended from a line of hangmen, delivers a fantastically fast-paced read, rife with details on the social and power structures in the town as well as dichotomy between university medicine and the traditional remedies, which are skillfully communicated through character interactions, particularly that of Magdalena and Simon. The shocking motivations from unlikely players provide for a twist that will leave readers admiring this complex tale from a talented new voice."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I liked the start of this story, the basic idea of the tale, a hangman searching for the truth. The title of this story suggests this daughter has a major role, but quite frankly she doesn't. In fact, the hangman's daughter is such a minor character, she could be removed completely from the story and the novel would be virtually the same. She has a scene towards the end of the book where she's captured as a hostage, but it's so forced and unnecessary, it's more like a "women in refrigerators" moment. In the meantime, if you're a minor character living in this historical world, it seems like your only purpose is to be to chased, tortured, threatened with rape, or face being burnt alive as a witch. Yes, the hangman's daughter manages to escape, but the scene adds nothing to the novel. The second woman, the hangman's daughter, captured and threatened, was an unnecessary cliché. Instead of tying up loose ends, there's more drama, then everything is miraculously solved behind the scenes. The female characters could be replaced with potted plants, so I can't see myself recommending it to any of the women in my life."
"I loved the history in this book and fell in love with Jakob, Magdalena and Simon."
"Memorable characters and interesting insight into historical Germany."
"I would definitely recommend this book to everyone ."
"After a child is found dead with a strange symbol scratched into his shoulder, the hangman Jakob Kuisl, actually an ancestor of the author, is required to torture and seek a confession out of the town midwife presumed a witch and responsible for the death. Without a speedy confession the whole town is in danger of a "witch trials" type scenario that will cause finger pointing and screaming confessions to more "witches" and in turn many more women of the town will end up dead. Jakob and Simon work together to find and catch "the devil" who has orchestrated the chaos is the town, and then work to convince the town leaders of the truth."
Best Crime Fiction
Surrounded by quirky, fascinating characters as dedicated to one another as they are to their new partner, Harmony must learn to trust her team—and a new romantic interest—on a dangerous and deadly mission that conjures up memories she’d much rather forget. Craig Schaefer’s books have taken readers to the seamy edge of a criminal underworld drenched in shadow through the Daniel Faust series; to a world torn by war, poison, and witchcraft by way of the Revanche Cycle series; and across a modern America mired in occult mysteries and a conspiracy of lies in the new Harmony Black series.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"“Harmony Black” is set in the same universe as the Faust series and there are major spoilers for that series in the first chapter. So I’ll start by saying if you want to read or haven’t finished the Faust series, do that before reading this. I think that he was quite successful- I liked her a lot even though she clearly harbors some misconceptions about Faust :) I’ll probably still read the rest of the Faust books- I think that one of the “spoilers’ is misleading- but I definitely look forward to reading more about Harmony. But although Harmony can definitely be read as a standalone- and a separate series- I still wish that I had read all of the Faust series first."
"I had never heard of Craig Schaefer before, but now I will be seeking out more of his books. Before today, there were only two books I ever found so captivating that I read them straight through, cover-to-cover, in one go."
"The novel is written like a normal crime story, except the bad guys are demons and the agent is a witch. In a nutshell, about every 30 years 6 children disappear from their cribs in a small town called Talbot Cove, Michigan. The team who is assigned to hunting down "Hostile Enemy 17" include Harmony, the witch; Jessie, a half-breed, female "Big Bad Wolf';" April, an older lady in a wheel chair; and Keith, a computer hacker. Sounds crazy, but this combination works to make this a great story about chasing down Hostile Enemy 17, aka the "Boogey Man.""
"And although there are occult elements in this novel, don't let that put you off if you happen to dislike such reads; the supernatural portions are so successfully integrated into the storyline that after you've finished reading, all you will be aware of is a darned good crime novel with a dedicated, yet whacky cast of characters. Normally I would add more insights and impressions about such a fine book, but I'm afraid I'm practically jumping out of my skin to read more by this author, having already downloaded another of his books!!"
Best Assassination Thrillers
In the #1 New York Times bestselling series’ latest thriller, Mitch Rapp finds himself alone and targeted by a country that is supposed to be one of America’s closest allies. Forced to make a decision that will change his life forever, Rapp quits the CIA and assembles a group of independent contractors to help him complete the mission. Facing an international incident that could end his political career, the President orders America’s intelligence agencies to join the Saudis’ effort to hunt the former CIA man down. The Mitch Rapp story begins with American Assassin , followed by Kill Shot , Transfer of Power , The Third Option , Separation of Power , Executive Power , Memorial Day , Consent to Kill , Act of Treason , Protect and Defend , Extreme Measures , Pursuit of Honor , The Last Man , The Survivor, Order to Kill, and Enemy of the State. He initially found inspiration from his father, the former director of Interpol, and still draws on his contacts in the intelligence community to give his books such realism.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Claudia in my opinion does not read like the person who would fit into the scheme of a operator like Rapp seems to be."
"Another entertaining addition."
"Another great book in the series."
"Typical Rapp story."
"If you enjoyed the other books read this one and enjoy."
"I've rad all of Vince Flynn's books and the new author stays true to Flynn's characters and style!"
"I️ love the fact that Kyle incorporated all the old villains of past books and had them working for Rapp."
"Kyle's books are better on this one I'm my opinion because in the others Mitch was less real."
Best German Literature
Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at. play in his small Bavarian town. Amazon Exclusive: A Q&A with Author Oliver PötzschQuestion: What initially inspired you to write this story? But I also look up to many authors of the fantasy genre such as Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, and the almost forgotten Fritz Leiber. In his life he built an enormous archive of information about my ancestors and the hangman profession, and I have been allowed free use of this resource. Also, during my career as a journalist I made several radio programs on this topic, talking to herb women and guardians of cultural heritage and searching in many archives of Bavarian cities for my ancestors. Oliver Pötzsch: After the thriller about Ludwig II, I am writing the fourth novel in the Hangman series. "A brilliantly-researched and exciting story of a formative era of history when witches were hunted and the inquisitors had little belief in their methods beyond their effect in pacifying superstitious townspeople . Pötzsch, actually descended from a line of hangmen, delivers a fantastically fast-paced read, rife with details on the social and power structures in the town as well as dichotomy between university medicine and the traditional remedies, which are skillfully communicated through character interactions, particularly that of Magdalena and Simon. The shocking motivations from unlikely players provide for a twist that will leave readers admiring this complex tale from a talented new voice."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I liked the start of this story, the basic idea of the tale, a hangman searching for the truth. The title of this story suggests this daughter has a major role, but quite frankly she doesn't. In fact, the hangman's daughter is such a minor character, she could be removed completely from the story and the novel would be virtually the same. She has a scene towards the end of the book where she's captured as a hostage, but it's so forced and unnecessary, it's more like a "women in refrigerators" moment. In the meantime, if you're a minor character living in this historical world, it seems like your only purpose is to be to chased, tortured, threatened with rape, or face being burnt alive as a witch. Yes, the hangman's daughter manages to escape, but the scene adds nothing to the novel. The second woman, the hangman's daughter, captured and threatened, was an unnecessary cliché. Instead of tying up loose ends, there's more drama, then everything is miraculously solved behind the scenes. The female characters could be replaced with potted plants, so I can't see myself recommending it to any of the women in my life."
"I loved the history in this book and fell in love with Jakob, Magdalena and Simon."
"Memorable characters and interesting insight into historical Germany."
"I would definitely recommend this book to everyone ."
"After a child is found dead with a strange symbol scratched into his shoulder, the hangman Jakob Kuisl, actually an ancestor of the author, is required to torture and seek a confession out of the town midwife presumed a witch and responsible for the death. Without a speedy confession the whole town is in danger of a "witch trials" type scenario that will cause finger pointing and screaming confessions to more "witches" and in turn many more women of the town will end up dead. Jakob and Simon work together to find and catch "the devil" who has orchestrated the chaos is the town, and then work to convince the town leaders of the truth."
Best Australian & Oceanian Literature
Imagining a life beyond the kitchen and fields of the wealthy family they both work for, they plot to leave their homeland, marry, and raise the child Kathleen is secretly carrying. Born in Germany and now a resident of Spain, Sarah Lark is a horse aficionado and former travel guide who has experienced many of the world’s most beautiful landscapes on horseback.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Michael and Kathleen grow up together in nineteenth century Ireland, at a time when the majority of the Irish are starving because of the potato blight. It felt authentic, the author has put a lot of care into her research which shows in the detail of the historical facts and the way she describes the landscape. The characters are very human, as portrayed by their determination, hopes and dreams but they also have their flaws which makes them realistic."
"I really liked this novel, two different storylines going at once, it had to come to a head, but the ending really?"
"This story line based on true historical facts was good."
"With the rollercoaster of emotions author induces throughout book, it can be slow going at times but worth the effort."
"Actually Ms. Lark writes very well."
"New Zealand and its down under neighbors are intriguing in their immigration history and native stories."
"I really love historical fiction, this was a interesting take on England exporting criminals to Austrailia, emigrants going to New Zealand and their ensuing lives."
"I could not put this book down - it was so interesting and intense."