Skullduggery

Rating:
Summary: Mysticism, murder, mayhem and more make this a great read!
Review: I just finished reading Skullduggery and, I must say, I'm not a huge reader of this genre, but this book had me hooked from page one! The author did a super job of pulling so many compelling subjects into one suspenseful story. I don't know how she did it so smoothly and credibly, but if you like new age mysticism, politics, humor, and dialogue and situations that mimic the real human experience, you'll really enjoy this book. I saw a lot of myself in the main character, which really enhanced my ability to connect with her and her dilemma. The author did a fine job of drawing this character--and the others in the story--so completely that I really felt like I knew them. And, as a result, I stayed heavily invested in where they were going, how, and the outcome of the many sub-plots woven throughout. The plot, itself, took me through so many twists and turns, I couldn't wait to come home from work to read more (or stay up late, or get up early, etc). That's truly the mark of a good book in my opinion. And while I like to fashion myself as somebody adept at figuring things out, the ending really surprised me. All in all, I really recommend Skullduggery (even if you're not a big mystery book reader) and hope that it's just the first in a series about this protagonist. Kudos to the writer! I'm hooked!

Rating:
Summary: entertaining read
Review: I just finished Skullduggery and I'm impressed by the way the author managed to pull so many disparate threads together, balancing personalities, themes and plot with ease. I especially liked the bits of humor- I laughed out loud a lot :)

I look forward to the next installment with this protagonist. I like her sense of humor and her searching, inquiring spiritual side- a nice mix that moves the plot forward while deepening her character's motivation.

Rating:
Summary: Original, entertaining and satisfying
Review: Loved this mystery. It's one of those stories that you get involved with and don't want to end. This book was entertaining because it has a very solid, fast-paced plot and the lead character is someone who not only is believable but is someone you really want to succeed. Also, the concept of the crystal skull is fresh -- I didn't know about them at all until I read this book. Overall I would strongly recommend this book to mystery readers, but I would also recommend it to those who prefer other genres because I am certain they would feel satisfied by the end of the book. I hope there will be other books by this author because she's got a good style and an entertaining way of telling a story.

Rating:
Summary: Worst book ever
Review: Why this book was published I will never know. The writing was terrible. I tried very hard to "get into" this book as it was a selection from my book club. I couldn't even finish it. The first few chapters were written so poorly that it soured the rest of the book. I think she stared out trying to write in a sort of noir style. It failed. Then the next few chapters switched styles and there was no cohesion between the way the character was first presented and the way she acted throughout the rest of the book (well, what I forced myself to read).
Awful.
The fact that this woman teaches at 2 local colleges in Chicago frightens me. This book is proposed to be the first in a series. Ugh.

Rating:
Summary: Worst book ever
Review: Why this book was published I will never know. The writing was terrible. I tried very hard to "get into" this book as it was a selection from my book club. I couldn't even finish it. The first few chapters were written so poorly that it soured the rest of the book. I think she stared out trying to write in a sort of noir style. It failed. Then the next few chapters switched styles and there was no cohesion between the way the character was first presented and the way she acted throughout the rest of the book (well, what I forced myself to read).
Awful.
The fact that this woman teaches at 2 local colleges in Chicago frightens me. This book is proposed to be the first in a series. Ugh.