1014. "Gated Prey" by Lee Goldberg -- 5 Stars

 

Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg -- 5 Stars

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

ISBN: 9781542029346

 

I read the first two books in the Eve Ronin series. I enjoyed them and so was delighted to receive an advance copy of the third book from Netgalley. There are so many good things about these books. Best of all are the characters. Eve is relentless and driven, working twice as hard as her colleagues to make sense of the twists in a case.  Duncan is her partner and mentor. He brings the right amount of humor and witty dialogue while offering wise and insightful guidance. He is just days away from retirement. I hope he will be a presence in future books. California and the craziness of the entertainment industry add a unique setting and flavor. The plot is smart with twists and surprises. It never slows. The best praise I can offer is I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was fun to read. I look forward to more books in this series.

 

Reviewer: Nancy

1013. "Paradox Lake" by Vincent Zandri -- 2 Stars

 

Paradox Lake by Vincent Zandri -- 2 Stars

Oceanview Publishing

9781608094189

 

This book did not live up to its advance praise and editorial reviews. It reminded me of a not very good slasher movie. The characters were silly. There was an annoying stereotypical twelve year old daughter, a mother who had strange conversations with her deceased daughter and husband, a handsome local who quickly had a steamy relationship with the mother, and the necessary murdering maniac. The mother rented a property in the woods that she did not know had a history of violence. There were spooky sounds, dangerous storms and of course, the mother and daughter had bloody battles for their lives. Not too original.

 

Reviewer: Nancy