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Reviews by Karen R. (Columbus, OH)

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Before the Poison
by Peter Robinson

Literary Mystery (12/4/2011)

This started off great, slowed down a little, and then I could not put it down. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This mystery spends most of its time in character development, while slowly developing the plot. I enjoyed the two different times in …more

Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen

Motherhood vs. Spy (2/11/2011)

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, and I loved how the main character, who was a spy before being a mother, discusses how difficult being a mother is compared to being a spy. I look forward to more Sally Sin novels. Sally is a very compelling character.

Adam & Eve: A Novel
by Sena Jeter Naslund

Great writing, mediocre plot/characters (9/7/2010)

I enjoy reading. I am more than willing to suspend reality, up to a point, but this novel expects too much suspension of reality. There was not good character development, but it was well written. I am going to check out Naslund's other novels, because she is such a good writer.

The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors: A Novel
by Michele Young-Stone

Great First Novel (4/27/2010)

I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, with very good character development. I enjoyed how the story was interspersed with pages from the book The Handbook for Lightning Strike survivors. The characters, while flawed, were very interesting and have stayed with me …more

The Map of True Places
by Brunonia Barry

Very Good Read (4/16/2010)

I enjoyed this book from the first page. I thought the characters were a little "stereotypical" but it was a quick read. It was well written, flowed very well. And I loved the ending. So many books are very good, and then just end; this ending actually enhanced the entire book.

Arcadia Falls
by Carol Goodman

Very Good Read (12/26/2009)

I normally do not like "stories within stories." When I read a book, I like to read the main story. In Acadia Falls, there are several stories within stories, and I enjoyed all of them. This is a book that I thought about when I was not reading, and looked forward to …more

The Book of God and Physics: A Novel of the Voynich Mystery
by Enrique Joven

Interesting but.... (6/19/2009)

I loved the premise of this book, a Jesuit Priest, who teaches high school physics, is trying to decipher an old manuscript. Hector, the Jesuit Priest, is an interesting, personable character. He loves to utilize the internet whenever possible. He also enjoys making his …more

Murder in Mykonos
by Jeffrey Siger

Murder in Mykonos (11/7/2008)

I enjoyed the book. It was well written and easy to read. Fast paced, exciting, and I really enjoyed the lead detective. I am looking forward to seeing what Jeffrey Siger writes next. I am sure Detective Andreas Kaldis will become a series. I also enjoyed the setting of the …more

Tethered: A Novel
by Amy Mackinnon

Hooked from the first sentence (8/11/2008)

I received this book, and finished it within 3 days, while working full time. I was hooked from the first sentence, and the writing was great. The main character is an undertaker, who has flaws, and I came to know her and understand her. This is one of the best books I have …more

A Case of Exploding Mangoes
by Mohammed Hanif

Started off great, then.... (4/5/2008)

I loved the beginning, found my self thinking of the main character, wondering what would happen, etc. Then, I lost interest. I stuck with the book, because I wanted to give it a fair review. Finally I just read the end, skipping about the last third. I don't know enough …more

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