This fall is going to be a big one for new Scandinavian crime fiction. If you read my Fall 2017 Nordic Noir Reading List, you'll already know that one of the books I'm recommending is ORDEAL by Jorn Lier Horst, a brilliant police procedural with a big heart. ORDEAL is without a doubt my favorite Jorn Lier Horst book I've read thus far—its complex plotting and endearing characters make for a compelling and engaging read. The king of the Nordic Noir procedural, Jorn Lier Horst has crafted an impeccable slow-burn crime novel in ORDEAL.
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Audio Book Review: IN HER WAKE by Amanda Jennings @OrendaBooks
Little-known fact about me: until a few days ago, I had never listened to an audiobook. Thankfully, my favorite crime fiction publisher Orenda Books is currently celebrating #LoveAudio week! Naturally, I had to jump on this chance—I chose to listen to psychological thriller IN HER WAKE by Amanda Jennings. Along with a review of the audiobook, I'm thrilled to share a few "extras" with you today: in this post, you'll find an audio clip of IN HER WAKE so you can check it out for yourself, and at the bottom of this post is an international giveaway for 2 audio book copies of IN HER WAKE!
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Book Review: UNRAVELING OLIVER by Liz Nugent
UNRAVELING OLIVER by Liz Nugent will be one of the most original reads you'll encounter this summer. A 360-degree view of a sociopath's development, this book is better qualified as a psychological profile than a psychological thriller. Through chapters alternately narrated by Oliver and those in his life, this story examines its main character's development from isolated young boy to manipulative and abusive grown man. Laced with menace and wholly immersive, UNRAVELING OLIVER is a standout: from its blunt, unnerving main character who is so matter of fact about his cruelty to its original and engaging storytelling, this is a crime book to remember.
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Book Review: THE BIRDWATCHER by William Shaw
I'm a self-proclaimed tough sell when it comes to classic detective novels, but William Shaw's THE BIRDWATCHER made a convert out of me. I went into THE BIRDWATCHER a bit of a skeptic—and I came out a convert. A fantastic example of classic British crime, THE BIRDWATCHER is every bit true to its genre, from its pacing to its tone and its subject matter. But beyond its genre adherence, this book is really just excellent writing. Shaw is a skillful, beautiful writer whose book not only fully held my attention, but actually left me in tears at the end. Emotionally engaging, brooding, and masterfully plotted, THE BIRDWATCHER is a slow-burning mystery that highlights the very best of classic crime, with a quirky, endearing spirit all its own.
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Blog Tour | Book Review: THE OTHER TWIN by L.V. Hay
THE OTHER TWIN by L.V. Hay is aptly titled: this book has two identities. On the one hand, this book is an inventive, addictive psychological thriller for the social media age—a binge-worthy story that considers the secrets we can hide online. On the other hand, this book is an unflinching and heartbreaking glimpse into the damage we can inflict on one another when we impose our own worldviews on those around us. As much a call for acceptance as it is an addictive thriller, THE OTHER TWIN will surprise readers with the substantial message that lies underneath its engaging and binge-worthy plot.
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