Get The BookBrowse Anthology, our 880 page collection of our past decade of Best of Year reviews, now available in hardcover!

Reviews by Mary L. (Madison, MS)

Order Reviews by:
Lamp Black, Wolf Grey
by Paula Brackston
Not what I had hoped for (7/9/2015)
Well want do I say. I was compelled to finish the book although I had
correctly guessed the ending. The book plot was VERY predictable. The
protagonist was not sympathetic and read a bit flat. The supernatural
(of which I was very interested in) was predictable and seemed to be
added as a side interest to gather more reader's interest. I'm so
sorry to say I felt I was reading a potential very good story that
tried to add several storylines only to interest more readers which
instead lost all readers.
That said, If you want an easy beach read, this will be entertaining.
However, if you are wanting what is described on the book blurb, I
would turn away to that classics, " the mist of Avalon", the Mary
Stewart trilogy, and the now in demand as they should be the Diana
Galbaldon "Outlander" series. For satisfaction chose these, for cotton
candy chose "black lamp"
Cloudland: A Crime Novel
by Joseph Olshan
Average (4/4/2012)
I agree with most the the other reviews. I struggled to complete this novel. I often had to go back to sections to understand what was happening or to remember who the character was. Sorry! It had good potiential.
Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman
Beautiful and captivating book (1/6/2012)
Since many other reviews discuss the plot, I will not rehash it. I must say the the writing is beautiful. Many passages brought tears to my eyes and I had to read them to my husband. The book highlights "mankind' arrogance to our earth and cultures that are foreign to us. I can say it was difficult to read only because of my shame as to what is done in the name of progress. The research is on point and the plot captivating. This is not I book, I would have selected for me, however I have been greatly enriched by reading it. I urge all to step outside their usual genre and READ THIS BOOK!
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
A quick lite read (12/5/2011)
"The Look of Love" would make a perfect day beach read: Short chapters, fashion, and fun. I was able to figure out the end but it was still an enjoyable read. I will pass the book along, but if I had to purchase the book, I would not spend my money on it.
The Borgia Betrayal: A Poisoner Mystery Novel
by Sara Poole
Interesting Series (7/15/2011)
I enjoyed this book for the history and strong female character. This is the second in a new series. Although, you do not need to read the first, I did go back and picked it up. Some scenes were a bit over the top but hey it is a novel. I would recommend for light, historical reading.
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
Excellent historical mysery (4/20/2011)
I highly recommend this first in a new series set in Tudor England. The book is well written and the characters quickly become real to the reader.
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
A Must read! (12/28/2010)
I laughed. I cried. How did Dr. Trout see into my life? I enjoyed the human characters but his portraits of the animals toughed my heart deeply. I could go on and on but I can only say “YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!” As a side note – this book saved my stepdaughter’s dog. He had just dug up my flower and winter vegetable garden. I locked myself in the bedroom and read this book nonstop. It saved her dog and my sanity. I haven’t decided about her. Please read this book!
The Discovery of Jeanne Baret: A Story of Science, the High Seas, and the First Woman to Circumnavigate the Globe
by Glynis Ridley
A wonderful discovery (12/28/2010)
As many other reviewers have stated the story is fascinating, well researched, and contains little information on the real Jeanne Barret. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I too wish there was more information to fill in the blanks of her life but with imagination you can see the courage, bravery, and skill of this fascinating woman. I do not read nonfiction often, but I would recommend this to all readers.
Charles Jessold, Considered as a Murderer
by Wesley Stace
Difficult Read (11/10/2010)
I received this book with much excitement. However, I struggled to read it. The plot was slow to develop. The book was written in the manner of speaking of Victorian England. It also had many references to opera and music that although I am fairly versed in this subject, I still had to look up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book. (I read the ARC. I expect a good editor will tighten the plot). However, I was able to anticipate the plot twist. This book is a fair first attempt at a mystery. Any opera lover would enjoy this book just to gain a feel of English opera in Victorian England. up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book.
  • Page
  • 1

BookBrowse Book Club

  • Book Jacket
    The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris
    by Evie Woods
    From the million-copy bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop.
  • Book Jacket
    The Devil Finds Work
    by James Baldwin
    A book-length essay on racism in American films, by "the best essayist in this country" (The New York Times Book Review).
  • Book Jacket
    The River Knows Your Name
    by Kelly Mustian
    A haunting Southern novel about memory and love, from the author of The Girls in the Stilt House.
  • Book Jacket
    Real Americans
    by Rachel Khong
    From the author of Goodbye, Vitamin, a novel exploring family, identity, and the shaping of destiny.

Members Recommend

  • Book Jacket

    One Death at a Time
    by Abbi Waxman

    A cranky ex-actress and her Gen Z sobriety sponsor team up to solve a murder that could send her back to prison in this dazzling mystery.

  • Book Jacket

    The Fairbanks Four
    by Brian Patrick O’Donoghue

    One murder, four guilty convictions, and a community determined to find justice.

  • Book Jacket

    The Seven O'Clock Club
    by Amelia Ireland

    Four strangers join an experimental treatment to heal broken hearts in Amelia Ireland's heartfelt debut novel.

  • Book Jacket

    Happy Land
    by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

    From the New York Times bestselling author, a novel about a family's secret ties to a vanished American Kingdom.

Who Said...

Don't join the book burners. Don't think you are going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever ...

Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Wordplay

Solve this clue:

J of A T, M of N

and be entered to win..

Your guide toexceptional          books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.