The Book Was Better

Frankenstein meets The Terminator in this newest In Death installment. What if our humanity could be merged with technology? A body that won’t age, limitless strength and endurance, a database mind. Would it be worth the sacrifice? That’s the science that Eve is up against, just over 24 hours from where we last left her. When bodies and parts are discovered littered around NY, it’s up to Eve and her team to stop the mad doctor.  This one hit different. Previous editions have featured some pretty messed up mentalities, but this one might take the cake. It was everything I love about an In Death installment— the minutia of everyday cop banter, friends who are like family, plenty of delicious sarcasm, and of course, Roarke. The dramatic irony took away the element of mystery, but knowing who the bad guy was and wondering how Eve and Peabody would get there was just as fun.  Because I was blessed with an advanced copy from NetGalley, the creepy vibe was perfect for Halloween. Cons...

She survived the death of her parents. She survived a brutal attack. Can she survive again?  Arden Bowie is an up and coming author when a "fan" develops a sick obsession that leads to a traumatic assault in her own home. After nearly five years of healing and a new home in the pacific northwest, Arden is finally settled in. She has friends, family nearby, and even the blossom of a special someone in her life. But her attacker has not forgotten her and his obsession has only grown stronger. When he gets released, Arden has to decide if she will let the fear define her or take back her life.  Nora Roberts is like the Ann M. Martin of my adulthood. I typically devour her books, so I was a disappointed when this one felt a little bland for me. Maybe it's a product of how prolific she is, or that I read both her and her JD Robb alter ego, but her characters and situations are starting to feel a bit redundant. I appreciate a strong woman lead, but Arden didn't seem strong ...

  I mean, is any woman really ever good enough for her mother-in-law? When Addison's MIL passes away, she vows to put her own feelings about the woman who never accepted her away, to focus on supporting her husband in his grief. But as family secrets and paranormal frights creep into the mix, can Addison hold her tongue?  Conradt's exquisite prose sets such a creepy mood that I just had to keep reading -- preferably with a light on. I loved the reverse symbolism of the crows and the undercurrent of draw-you-in suspense. My only hesitations were a few moments of over-psychoanalysis that made the plot drag at times.  Overall, this one is a keeper and I am thankful to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance read!  The Secret Attic: ★★★★3/4 

  My book club's theme is to read books that are becoming movies. That way, we have fun reading the book together, and later get the double-whammy of enjoying the movie together, too. In the case of Verity , this is one time that I actually hope the movie is better than the book.  This one goes in my DNL (did not love) pile. In a book that should have been twisty and turny, the twist was not even all that twisty -- predictable even. But my biggest issue -- and biggest bookworm pet peeve -- was that the characters were just not likable. It's hard to root for a hero or heroine that you don't like. They were all terrible people doing terrible things, which is not my jam.  Did I keep reading because I wanted to know what happened next? Yes. Was I satisfied with the ending? Meh.  Verity: ★★