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Eadie B. (eadieburke) - , - Reviews

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Agent 6
Agent 6
Author: Tom Rob Smith
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 2/21/2018


Leo Demidov is no longer a member of Moscow's secret police. But when his wife, Raisa, and daughters Zoya and Elena are invited on a "Peace Tour" to New York City, he is immediately suspicious.

Forbidden to travel with his family and trapped on the other side of the world, Leo watches helplessly as events in New York unfold and those closest to his heart are pulled into a web of political conspiracy and betrayal-one that will end in tragedy.

In the horrible aftermath, Leo demands only one thing: to investigate the killer who destroyed his family. His request is summarily denied. Crippled by grief and haunted by the need to find out exactly what happened on that night in New York, Leo takes matters into his own hands. It is a quest that will span decades, and take Leo around the world--from Moscow, to the mountains of Soviet-controlled Afghanistan, to the backstreets of New York--in pursuit of the one man who knows the truth: Agent 6.

My Review
This book was a good ending for the trilogy. It was very atmospheric and I loved the history of Leo in the past from 1950 through 1980. We received lots of information of the brutal Soviet Union of the 1950's. Some parts held me on the edge of my seat. The book flowed very easily and I liked the short chapters. The story does leave you wanting to know more about his family and what happens to them in the future. I found it to be a very interesting spy story and would highly recommend this trilogy.


Agony Hill: A Mystery
Agony Hill: A Mystery
Author: Sarah Stewart Taylor
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 8/3/2024


This is the story of a barn fire located in Bethany, Vermont as Franklin Warren is relocated there in 1960. The fire killed Mr. Weber, member of the community that nobody liked. The people of Bethany Vermont have many secrets. This is the first look at a series and was a slow burn as it is a character driven book. I loved the character of Mrs. Alice Bellows and her WWII stories about her husband's activities. I look forward to more books by Sarah Stewart Taylor. If you love historical novels from the 1960's then you will love this book. Highly recommended!


The Air You Breathe
The Air You Breathe
Author: Frances de Pontes Peebles
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 1/21/2019


This story takes place in the 1930's and the setting is Brazil and Los Angeles during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Graca, a spoiled daughter of a wealthy sugar baron, and Dores, an orphan kitchen worker at the sugar plantation, begin an intense friendship that is full of affection, jealousy and love. They share their passion for music - Graca as a singer and Dores as a writer. The writing is excellent and captivating and makes the book hard to put down. As you read about their singing and dancing, you can hear the samba music playing. The plot is beautiful and heartwarming in places but also tragically sad. Dores' narration is vivid and unforgettable. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would highly recommend this book to those who love cultural historical fiction.


Alamut
Alamut
Author: Vladimir Bartol
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 4/3/2015


I found this book to be a very interesting and exciting read. Even though it was written in 1938 it is very prevalent today. The characters are well developed and the plot is entertaining which makes the book hard to put down. I would definitely recommend this book to others.


The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream (25th Anniversary)
Review Date: 7/2/2018


Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far differentâand far more satisfyingâthan he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams. I enjoyed listening to the audio of this book. The story had a lot of wisdom and was very inspirational. Recommended for those who like inspirational books.


The Alchemist's Secret
The Alchemist's Secret
Author: Scott Mariani
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 6
Review Date: 2/18/2021


A quick-paced treasure hunt thriller with plenty of action and treasure codes. Ben Hope is tortured by his missing sister who disappeared under his watch. He now devotes his life to rescuing kidnapped children. He's been recruited to locate an ancient manuscript containing a formula to save a dying child. This trail leads Ben and Dr Roberta Ryder from Paris to ancient Cathar to find Fulcanelli's elixir. Very enjoyable read and reading book 2 next.


The Alchemy of Murder (Nellie Bly, Bk 1)
The Alchemy of Murder (Nellie Bly, Bk 1)
Author: Carol McCleary
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 5
Review Date: 7/20/2017


Book Description
The world's most famous reporter, the intrepid Nellie Bly, teams up with science fiction genius Jules Verne, the notorious wit and outrageous rogue Oscar Wilde, and the greatest microbe-hunter in history, Louis Pasteur. Together, they must solve the crime of the century.

They are all in Parisâthe capital of Europe and center of world cultureâfor the 1889 World's Fair. A spectacular extravaganza dedicated to new industries, scientific discoveries, and global exploration, its gateway is the soaring Eiffel Tower. But an enigmatic killer stalks the streets and a virulent plague is striking down Parisians by the thousands. Convinced that the killings are connected to the pandemic, Nellie is determined to stop them both... no matter what the risks.

My Review
This was an interesting historical fiction account of Nellie Bly, feminist newspaper reporter, who was in search of a killer similar to Jack the Ripper who killed prostitutes. I enjoyed reading about the historical characters that Nellie met in Paris, such as; Louis Pasteur, Oscar Wilde and Jules Verne. Louis Pasteur was hunting microbes in order to help with a cure for the Black Plague. Oscar Wilde became of friend of Nellie and helped her in the search of the killer of the prostitutes. In the book, she had a relationship with Jules Verne which was rather interesting. She decided to prove to Jules Verne that woman can do whatever men can do and took up the challenge to do a record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days and beat Phileas Fogg's time from the infamous book by Verne, Around the World in 80 days. She was a pioneer in her field, and launched a new kind of investigative journalism and wrote an exposé in which she faked insanity to study a mental institution from within. I look forward to reading the next book in the Nellie Bly series in order to see what Nellie is up to as I really enjoyed her adventures in the first book. I would highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction about famous people.


The Alexandria Link (Cotton Malone, Bk 2)
The Alexandria Link (Cotton Malone, Bk 2)
Author: Steve Berry
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 127
Review Date: 10/24/2016


Book Description
Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: "You have something I want. You're the only person on earth who knows where to find it. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don't hear from you, you will be childless." His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone's Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.

My Review
This is book 2 of The Cotton Malone series and I would have to say that it is my favorite. This book had it all - history mixed with religion and suspense. It was a fast moving plot with great characters and never a dull moment that kept the pages turning fast. I loved the short chapters with lots of cliffhangers that Steve Berry does so masterfully. Lots of twists and turns with surprises in the end make for very adventurous read. I'm now looking forward to the next Cotton Malone read and I would highly recommend this series to those who love fast-paced adventure with history and religion mixed in.


The Alice Network
The Alice Network
Author: Kate Quinn
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 149
Review Date: 5/13/2018


Two womenâa female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947âare brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

Story is told in alternating viewpoints of Eve, a spy, and Charlie, American socialite. I found the story to have well-developed characters and an interesting enough to hold my attention until the last page. Both woman showed lots of bravery in their stories which were amazing! I would highly recommend this book to those who like interesting war stories.


Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (Signet Classics)
Review Date: 5/12/2015


This book is an enjoyable read for all years from 2 to 99 years old. It is a fantastic and fun read and should be read to children and grandchildren and handed down from generation to generation. Reading it as an adult, the symbolism is very noticeable in the narration. If you haven't read Alice before, you should not hesitate as it should not be missed!


All Souls
All Souls
Author: Javier Marias, Margaret Jull Costa (Translator)
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 5/22/2015


I love Marias' style of writing - it is like having an intimate conversation and you feel like you are in the middle of what's going on. The only problem I had with the book was that there was not much of a plot. The story was mainly an exploration of what constitutes trust, love, companionship and personal honesty. I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to find out what it's like to attend Oxford University.


All That Is Mine I Carry With Me
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me
Author: William Landay
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 10
Review Date: 5/30/2023


November 1975, ten-year-old Miranda Larkin comes home from school to find her house eerily quiet. Her mother is missing. Nothing else is out of place. There is no sign of struggle. Her mom's pocketbook remains in the front hall, in its usual spot. So begins a mystery that will span a lifetime. What happened to Jane Larkin? Investigators suspect Jane's husband. A criminal defense attorney, Dan Larkin would surely be an expert in outfoxing the police. But no evidence is found linking him to a crime, and the case fades from the public's memory, a simmering, unresolved riddle. Jane's three children--Alex, Jeff, and Miranda--are left to be raised by the man who may have murdered their mother. Two decades later, the remains of Jane Larkin are found. The investigation is awakened. The children, now grown, are forced to choose sides. With their father or against him? Guilty or innocent? And what happens if they are wrong? A tale about family--family secrets and vengeance, but also family love--All That Is Mine I Carry With Me masterfully grapples with a primal question: When does loyalty reach its limit? I have read Defending Jacob and was looking forward to reading a new book by William Landay. I was not disappointed and found his book to be very interesting. The characters were very believable and real. The plot was one that took me through the book quickly as I had to find out what happened to Jane Larkin. The ending was a twist that I did not see coming and I think you need to read this book and find out what happened to Joan. I am now looking forward to another book by Landay and hope I don't have to wait as long as I waited for this one.


All That We Carried
All That We Carried
Author: Erin Bartels
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.7/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 1/4/2021


Sisters Olivia and Melanie Greene were on a backcountry hiking trip 10 years ago. They received a message that their parents were in a fatal car accident. The sisters grew apart over their pain and grief. Recently Melanie insisted that they take a hiking trip in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula as a way to move forward. While in the wilderness they face their deepest fears and question their beliefs.
Bartels has written an interesting story and an adventure of two sisters who have past experiences that need some healing. In the end the sisters do grow closer but not before they go through a lot of forgiving. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to Bartels next book. Recommended for those who have had sibling rivalry experiences to contend with. I would like to thank Revell Publishing for a free copy for an honest review.


All the Bright Places (Audio CD) (Unabridged)
Review Date: 1/20/2020
Helpful Score: 1


Just finished this audio. A heartbreaking love story about 2 fragile and damaged high school kids named Violet and Finch. Niven's writing is excellent despite the difficult topic. Narration alternates between Finch and Violet. Very touching and an honest depiction of depression and mental illness. Looking forward to Netflix movie 2/28/20.


All the Colors of Darkness (Inspector Banks, Bk 18)
All the Colors of Darkness (Inspector Banks, Bk 18)
Author: Peter Robinson
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 17
Review Date: 10/23/2017


Book Description
New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author Peter Robinson delivers a gripping novel of jealousy, betrayal, envy, ambition, greed, lust, revengeâall the colors of darkness that lead inevitably to murder.

In a world of terror and uncertainty, what does one small death matter?

The body hanging from a tree in a peaceful wood appears to Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot to be a suicide. But further investigation into the sad demise of Mark Hardcastle leads to another corpse, brutally bludgeoned to death.

Suddenly the case demands the attention of Chief Inspector Alan Banks, called back from his vacation even though nothing suggests this wasn't a crime of passion followed by remorse and self-destruction. Shocking revelations broaden the inquiry to unexpected places and seats of power. And a stubborn policeman who will not be frightened away could lose everything in one terrifying, explosive instant.

In this masterful novel of psychological suspense, Peter Robinson delves once again into the dark recesses of the human mind and shows what can happen when evil rests there.

My Review
I listened to this book on audio and the reader did an fantastic job. It held my attention all the way through which is not the case with some audios. I found the characters to be well developed especially Inspector Banks and Annie Cabbot. The excellent plot had lots of twists and turns with a bit of venture into spying with the MI6. The book was very well written and I loved his musical and literary references. This book mainly dealt with Shakespeare's Othello's themes. I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this series to those who love police procedurals.


All the Dangerous Things
All the Dangerous Things
Author: Stacy Willingham
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 12/22/2022


One year ago, Isabelle Drake's life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. With little evidence and few leads for the police to chase, the case quickly went cold. However, Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to herâliterally. Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn't slept in a year.
This book is told in two timelines: Present (now) Isabelle and Ben, Past (then) Isabelle and Margaret. It is a slow start but then moves into fast-paced. It is told in Isabelle's POV who is an unreliable narrator suffering from insomnia. It touches on motherhood emotions and is every mother's worst nightmare. The book has a major twist in the end that really surprised me. It has complex characters who make Isabelle feel overwhelming grief and guilt. She meets Waylon Spencer and does a podcast with him going over the past with her sister, Margaret, who had drowned in the marshes. If you love psychological suspense then you would love this book. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for a copy for an honest review.


All the Devils Are Here (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 16)
All the Devils Are Here (Chief Inspector Gamache, Bk 16)
Author: Louise Penny
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 34
Review Date: 8/9/2020


16th book of the CI Gamache series. Location is Paris France and daughter Annie and Jean-Guy's second baby is about to arrive. Three Pines is missed but I loved all the backstory information this book provided. We learned more about Daniel and his father's strained relationship. The main story centers around Gamache's godfather, Stephen Horowitz, who helped raise him as a child. It's a real family affair as we find answers to why Stephen was a victim of a hit and run. I loved that Reine-Marie, Gamache's wife, had a hand in helping to solve the mystery.

As always I enjoyed Penny's writing. I received a free audio from MacMillian Publishers and NetGalley for an honest review. I also enjoyed the narrator, Robert Bathurst, very much. He had a soothing voice and did an excellent job narrating the female characters too. In the end, the whole family returns to Three Pines and I now await the next book in order to see how their story continues. In order to get the best enjoyment from this series, it's best to start with book 1, Still Life, but book can be read as a standalone too. Highly recommended.


All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See
Author: Anthony Doerr
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 65
Review Date: 9/4/2016


Book Description
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure's reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum's most valuable and dangerous jewel.

In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure's converge.

Doerr's "stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors" (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer "whose sentences never fail to thrill" (Los Angeles Times).

My Review:
This was a very beautifully written book and one in which you love to savor every word. I found the beginning to be a tad slow but suddenly the book gets very interesting and you quickly find yourself much engrossed. The story switches back and forth between two different perspectives and comes together towards the end. It's a type of book that stays with you long after you finish reading it. The World War II history has been very well researched and this novel proves that there are many stories from that period that still need to be told. If you haven't read this masterpiece, you need to, as the story will leave you awe-inspired.


All the Wicked Girls
All the Wicked Girls
Author: Chris Whitaker
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 11/1/2022


Raine sometimes complains that nothing exciting is ever gonna happen in Grace again. Daddy told her careful what you wish for. Everyone loves Summer Ryan. Sheâs a ray of light in the struggling small town of Grace, Alabama- especially compared to her troubled sister, Raine. Then Summer goes missing. This is a dark and atmospheric novel with POV by Summer and Chief Black and Raine. Raine is bound and determined to find her sister. The local Sheriffâs Department is looking for her too. If you love mysteries with a dark atmospheric theme, then you will love this book. I look forward from this author a new book with the same type of features that keep me hooked until the end.


Almost Dead (Lizzy Gardner, Bk 5)
Almost Dead (Lizzy Gardner, Bk 5)
Author: T. R. Ragan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 10
Review Date: 1/9/2022


Lizzy Gardner's fiancee, Jared, is in a coma but a string of deaths has forced her to get back to work. The victims were all members of the Ambassador Club at a Sacramento high school. Lizzy will need her colleagues to help her track down the killer who has a deadly revenge list before the next name maybe hers. This is the 5th book of the series which seems to get better with each book. They have a bit of wit and humor which makes me laugh but can get a bit gritty too. The characters are well-developed and work together in a nice way. I'm looking forward to the 6th book which is the last book in the series. I will definitely be missing Lizzy and friends and their wild and crazy adventures. If you like mystery thrillers then I'm sure you would like this series.


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