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imbookingit's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, actually. It may be a 4 star book, but it just wasn't what I was looking for.
The book delivers on the thrills, the mystery, the twists and turns of the plot. The issues I had with the book could be plusses for someone else.
The first problem is that this is the third book featuring Jo Beckett. There's no confusion over events missed in the previous books-- plot-wise, this novel stands alone. My issue was that I never had a chance to get to know Dr. Beckett. The character showed growth during the book, but I wasn't invested enough to care. I think this might have been different if I'd read the previous two books.
The second problem is that this was a political thriller with layer after layer of conspiracy theory. These were woven together well (although there is one place where I felt the author tricked the reader), and made a thrilling, textured adventure that wasn't quite my style.
The book was well written enough that I didn't notice the writing-- which is exactly how I like it!
I've put the first book in the series, The Dirty Secrets Club, on my list of books I'd like to read.
The book delivers on the thrills, the mystery, the twists and turns of the plot. The issues I had with the book could be plusses for someone else.
The first problem is that this is the third book featuring Jo Beckett. There's no confusion over events missed in the previous books-- plot-wise, this novel stands alone. My issue was that I never had a chance to get to know Dr. Beckett. The character showed growth during the book, but I wasn't invested enough to care. I think this might have been different if I'd read the previous two books.
The second problem is that this was a political thriller with layer after layer of conspiracy theory. These were woven together well (although there is one place where I felt the author tricked the reader), and made a thrilling, textured adventure that wasn't quite my style.
The book was well written enough that I didn't notice the writing-- which is exactly how I like it!
I've put the first book in the series, The Dirty Secrets Club, on my list of books I'd like to read.
krisrid's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good action/suspense story that combines country-music performers, the President, and political intrigues.
When country-singer Tasia McFarland, ex-wife of the President is shot during a stunt at her concert, there are many questions about whether her death is murder, suicide or accident. When the detective investigating calls in forensic psychiatrist Jo Beckett to look into the situation.
This is a series, but even though I have not read others, I had no problem following the story or enjoying it. The book is full of action, twists and turns and interesting plot development.
I liked the characters, particularly the character of Jo Beckett, but all the characters felt realistic, complex and interesting. Their activities ebbs and flows and you are never quite sure who are the good guys and who are the bad guys as the story plays out.
This was not the most fantastic book I've ever read, however, it was a good, solid murder/action story and it held my attention and kept me interested all the way through.
When country-singer Tasia McFarland, ex-wife of the President is shot during a stunt at her concert, there are many questions about whether her death is murder, suicide or accident. When the detective investigating calls in forensic psychiatrist Jo Beckett to look into the situation.
This is a series, but even though I have not read others, I had no problem following the story or enjoying it. The book is full of action, twists and turns and interesting plot development.
I liked the characters, particularly the character of Jo Beckett, but all the characters felt realistic, complex and interesting. Their activities ebbs and flows and you are never quite sure who are the good guys and who are the bad guys as the story plays out.
This was not the most fantastic book I've ever read, however, it was a good, solid murder/action story and it held my attention and kept me interested all the way through.
ibeforem's review
3.0
I had to start this book twice. I had the audio version, but the narrator really rubbed me the wrong way. She used the same amount of intensity for everything, and it made the book hard to follow. So I ended up getting an ebook and read it that way.
This was an improvement over the last Meg Gardiner I read (the previous book in this series). She still relies too much on similies, but it’s not as noticeable as it was in that book. I like Jo as a character, even if she does need to lighten up and let herself have some fun sometimes.
As far as the plot goes, I think there was a little too much going on. Mental health issues combined with government conspiracies and domestic terrorism makes quite the smorgasbord.
Gardiner does a good job with ramping up the tension and the action, and that’s enough to keep me interested in her writing. I’m sure I’ll continue with this series, as well as her Evan Delaney series.
This was an improvement over the last Meg Gardiner I read (the previous book in this series). She still relies too much on similies, but it’s not as noticeable as it was in that book. I like Jo as a character, even if she does need to lighten up and let herself have some fun sometimes.
As far as the plot goes, I think there was a little too much going on. Mental health issues combined with government conspiracies and domestic terrorism makes quite the smorgasbord.
Gardiner does a good job with ramping up the tension and the action, and that’s enough to keep me interested in her writing. I’m sure I’ll continue with this series, as well as her Evan Delaney series.
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