Riddle Maker

Rating:
Summary: Jade Fairall got me hooked on mystery/suspense books!
Review: ...Riddle Maker proved to be more than just a pleasant surprise for me!

The very first paragraph plunges the reader into a vividly described scene on par with any good Hammer-horror movie, followed by an introduction to the first character who is graphically murdered by the end of the first chapter. This book is not for the feint-hearted or those easily offended by 'adult content', albeit minimal and in context with the killer's 'modus operandi'.

Unlike the classic style of who-dunnits, Riddle Maker does not lead the reader on a merry dance to the final chapter before the killer is revealed, along with the motive and means, all neatly tied up in a bow and smugly leaving the reader to feel an idiot because of being so out in left field. For the 'veteran reader' of this genre, that may be a disappointment. For a novice, like myself, it was the very thing which appealed to me, because this lead me to wanting to read on to discover how the killer's pursuers would figure it out, and if they would thwart his intended 'Grand Finale'.

Fairall, the author, is unapologetic concerning the relative lack of complexity of the plot, and the manageable number of characters (manageable for those of us who lose interest after running out of fingers to count on for who is who!)

All in all, Riddle Maker is an ideal 'level entry' book for this genre, and an excellent start for Fairall's first novel...

Rating:
Summary: Author and filmwriter, k.t. Frankovich, Gives 2 thumbs up
Review: Any book that commands, and demands, my full attention deserves the best of my critiques, and this is why I give the "Riddle Maker" a two-thumbs-up Five Star rating!
If you're bored with the never ending routine of your daily life, then this is definitely the book for you. From the very onset of the first paragraph, my daily chores got put on hold, the telephone answering machine was driven into overtime, and my husband suddenly learned how to cook for himself. But it got even worse, when at 3:30 in the morning, I woke out of a sound sleep and just couldn't wait another minute to find out whodunit?! So I did the only logical thing one can do while reading this book. I grabbed the flashlight, donned the glasses, and raced to the end in all the glory of my 'jammies' and my favorite comforter! And, what a finish it was!...
I always know when I've read a good book because I find myself getting really ticked-off at the author for ending it. And that's exactly what I experienced with the "Riddle Maker."
So if you want a much needed break in that dull, boring household routine, do yourself a favor by reading the first paragraph of this magical book. I guarantee you, life will take on that much needed sudden change! And you'll enjoy every single moment of it.

k.t. Frankovich

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: This was an amazing book, quick & witty, impossible to put down! I can't wait for her next book.