Book Review | J.D. Barker | The Fourth Monkey

The Fourth Monkey

This book was sent to me for free. This book was sent to me by the publisher. I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Author: J.D. Barker
Title: The Fourth Monkey
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Dark, Fiction

Pages: 475
Price: £12.99
Release Date: July 2017

Started: 10th March 2017
Finished: 9th April 2017

Synopsis: See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil ... do no evil. For over five years, the fourth monkey killer has terrorised the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realise he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. 
As the lead investigator Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unravelling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.
With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer's identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the fourth monkey killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller. 

Review: Before I get into the review I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. It excites me that this book is described as "Se7en meets silence of the lambs" as those are two movies that I really enjoy. When it comes to thriller books and movies I have a pretty dark taste. This was a truly amazing book and with each turn of the page I became more and more lost in this book. This book is extremely exciting and action filled to the point that you will be on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. The addition of the diary entries makes for good insight into the killer's life, childhood and why he is like he is. This is the kind of book that grips the attention of the reader and holds it hostage until the end of the book. In my opinion this is the kind of book that would be perfect in the book collection of anyone who enjoys crime fiction and thriller novels. I firmly believe that this book would make an amazing movie adaptation so long as they didn't remove too many of the details from the book. I would highly recommend this book to any avid reader who enjoys mystery thrillers but I also suggest that other readers venture into the book as I am sure that as long as you don't mind gory details that you will fall deeply in love with this book. It is the kind of book that once you start reading you can't stop reading and put the book down. The ending of this book is a major cliff hanger so I am ready to have the next book and find out more about the story line. I enjoyed this book so much that I pre-ordered the next book for me and my sister as soon as it became available on Amazon. 

I gave this book a five star rating as it was just an epic read and left me hooked. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book as I am sure that it will be as amazing as the first. 

Book Review | Terry Goodkind | Nest

Nest

This book was sent to me for free. This book was sent to me by the publisher. This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. 

Author: Terry Goodkind
Title: Nest
Genre: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Adult, Action, Suspense, Crime

Pages: 432
Price: £15.90

Started: 24th January 2017 
Finished: 15th February 2017

Synopsis: Kate Bishop thought she was an ordinary woman living and working in Chicago. But she unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a police investigation into a brutal murder, Kate makes a shocking discovery: she has the ability to identify killers just by looking into their eyes. Trying to grasp the implications of this revelation, Kate is drawn deep into a world of terror. She is tracked down by Jack Raines, a mysterious author with shadowy connections to those who share her ability. He tells Kate that her unique vision also makes her a target, and only he can help her. Now, hot on Jack and Kate's heels are a force of super predators, vicious and bloodthirsty killers who will stop at nothing until Kate is dead. But even as she fights for her life, Kate still isn't sure if Jack is really her salvation, or another killer coming to slaughter her. 

An explosive mix of action and suspense, Nest is a landmark new novel from worldwide best-selling author Terry Goodkind, and a complete reinvention of the contemporary thriller. Travel with Goodkind on a dangerous journey to the back alleys of the darknet, to the darkest corners of our minds, and to the very origins of what it is to be human. 

Review: Before I start the review of the book I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I would also like to thank the author for all the time and hard work he puts into all of his novels and how creative and imaginative his books are. Novels like this are a true work of art and you can clearly tell that the author put a lot of time and love into his creations. I am so excited to have this book in my collection. This was a truly amazing read that had me hooked from start to finish. This book was filled with plenty of action that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found it nearly impossible to stop reading and put this book down. I found myself really interested in this story line and rooted for Kate and Jack. The ending came as a real shock and i'm hoping for a second book that will tie up all the loose ends. The cliffhanger ending really shook me and after this book I found it hard to get into another book. I wondered about the ending so much that I allowed myself to slip into a reading slump. This is a book that I can see myself enjoying numerous times and it also makes me want to read more by Terry Goodkind. I would highly recommend this book to all readers but especially those that enjoy a good thriller that they can get lost in. 


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Yvonne Jones | The Amulet Of Amser

The Case Of The Mona Lisa: Volume 1 (The Amulet Of Amser)

I received this book from the author through Goodreads. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Yvonne Jones

Title: The Amulet Of Amser - The Case Of The Mona Lisa

Genre: Historical, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade

Synopsis: Wen's very first fantasy adventure in the middle grade chapter book series - The Amulet Of Amser - The Case Of The Mona Lisa.

Blending history with fiction, Children learn about famous pieces of art. Wen, the youngest member of the Amser family, is destined by his family's ancient oath to forever protect the world's most precious pieces of art for all of mankind. During a visit to his Grandfather's house, Wen learns that he can influence what will happen tomorrow by going back in time. Will Wen be able to save the Mona Lisa or will Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece be lost forever?

Review: This was a good read and I would definitely be interested in completing this book box set once they are all published.  This is a fun and factual way to teach children about history and art. This book is made up of a very short story so children will not have to sit for ages to hear/read the whole story. The length of the story and the fact that there are illustrations is a good thing as it means that children will not get bored. Mixing fact with fiction will make the book more interesting for children. This is a good way to teach children facts without it feeling like a lesson. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review | Dan Petrosini | Am I The Killer?

Am I the Killer?

Author: Dan Petrosini

Title: Am I The Killer?

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Mystery

Synopsis: The juxtaposition of Peter's first person world with a third person investigator's efforts creates a satisfyingly multi-faceted, well rounded story that grabs readers from the first few paragraphs and doesnt let go to the unexpected end. - Midwest Book Review A brain-injured veteran is arrested for murder soon after he returns home to New Jersey from Afghanistan. Peter has a motive. The murder victim bullied Peter throughout his youth, and, on the night of the murder, Peter discovers the bully has stolen his fianceé while Peter served overseas. Determining the truth about what happened that fateful night is complicated by Peter’s brain injury, as it either prevents him from recalling events or provides him with the perfect cover. Detective Luca, in the midst of trying to salvage his marriage, leads the investigation but does not believe the Marine had a role in the killing and pursues other leads as political pressure to solve the case rises . However, evidence develops and even Peter’s brother, Vinny, who dropped everything to help his injured brother recover, begins to question Peter’s guilt. After Peter's arrest, his lawyers, faced with a client either unwilling or unable to assist in his own defense, recommend he cop a plea. Detective Luca attempts to move on but is haunted by an old case that fuels his obsession to determine the truth about what happened that night.

Review: This is an excellent book that I got completely lost in from the first page. I finished this book on the same day that I started reading it and I felt like I was a part of the story and not just a outsider reading into the story. In the near future I may treat myself to the paperback copy of this book and read it again and again. I would recommend this book to any avid reader who is interested in crime and mystery stories. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Chris Grams | 3 Down

3 Down

Author: Chris Grams

Title: 3 Down

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Synopsis: Do you know how to hide a dead body? Heidi Artz is a recent divorcee nearing her 30th birthday. After buying a condo with the help of her best friend, Jane, Heidi throws a housewarming party. She’s got her eye on Jane’s sexy assistant and invites him with hopes of landing a date. The party is a success! Soon after everyone says their goodbyes, Heidi is brutally assaulted. Rage overriding intelligence, Heidi kills her attacker while trying to get away. Scared and uncertain, she calls Jane begging for assistance. While waiting for her friend’s arrival, Heidi sees a newscast announcing her ex-husband has been found murdered. At least parts of him have been found. Worried about being accused of her ex’s murder coupled with the murder she’s already committed, Heidi agrees when Jane decides calling the police is out of the question. The best friends are determined to get rid of the body themselves. Heidi has been receiving anonymous notes, dark messages containing instructions she must comply with or suffer consequences. In the beginning, Heidi thought those notes were pranks, jokes to keep her guessing. Now that her attacker is dead, the cryptic messages have to stop – or so she hopes. Magic – Obsession – Murder Someone is stalking Heidi Artz. Perhaps it’s a lustful neighbor or that perverted coworker who harasses all females. Maybe it’s simply a lovesick admirer. The faster she runs, the closer he gets. Hopefully, the police haven’t discovered her unintentional crime. Hopefully, they’re not following her. She keeps seeing a man in the distance, feels his presence, can smell him lingering. Heidi knows someone’s watching and waiting, a snake eager for the right moment to strike. Trying to focus on the right side of reason, Heidi finds that she and her life expectations have drastically changed. She vows to become self-sufficient and secure her own future no matter what it takes. She must find strength to escape a psychotic medicine man whose supernatural powers derive from a place far more terrifying than a government protected burial ground. With the body count rising, Heidi will have to do the unthinkable in order to survive.

Review: This is an excellent read and I could just not stop reading it until I had finished it. I love a good mystery/thriller story and this grabbed my attention from the minute I started reading it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery/thriller story. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Sarah Parry | Imitating Art

Imitating Art

Author: Sarah Parry

Title: Imitating Art

Genre: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, Romance

Synopsis: Don't get mad - write a book about it! Well not IT exactly, but writing a book is what Nell Flanagan did to get over her philandering husband Patrick, leaving her for a younger model. An exercise that started out as therapy, but ended up with her becoming an International bestselling author. Things are looking up at last, until events start happening in real life that start mirroring events in Nell's book. When Patrick goes missing in similar circumstances to the husband in her novel, Nell finds herself under the scrutiny of handsome Detective Sergeant Rob Parsons, whom she labels with the same womanising brush as her husband, particularly when he tries to flirt with her during questioning. And then when her twelve years old daughter, Laurel, is kidnapped, Nell finds herself on the road south with the last person on earth she would want help from - the handsome police officer himself! Imitating Art is a romantic caper introducing a new detective duo that sizzles like the best flirtatious banter!

 Review: Excellent book. Easy to settle into and hard to stop reading. Really enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend it. This is good for both young and old. An excellent romance story that will make the reader fall head over heels with the book and the mystery will keep the reader on their toes wondering how the story will end.

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars