RaveThe Washington Independent Review of BooksClearly, Gregg Hurwitz has done it again. The action in Prodigal Son is brilliant, almost antiseptic, as the plot wavers between sci-fi and \'Damn, could this really happen?\' I do have one small admonition, however: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE FIVE PREVIOUS ORPHAN X NOVELS! You won’t be disappointed.
John Sandford
RaveThe Washington Independent Review of BooksWhat is Sandford’s secret to writing 40 novels using basically the same characters and maintaining the same level of page-turning excellence? First, the man is a master of brief but arresting character description ... Second, he is a master of pacing. When action isn’t filling the pages, plot twists and original dialogue consistently hold the reader’s attention. Few books have the distinction of being both a compelling read and one that the reader is reluctant to finish ... Sandford is one of the rare authors who uses humor brilliantly not through jokes, but through cutting dialogue. Because we’re dealing here with cops who know each other well, examples of said dialogue must be redacted from this review ... If you’ve never read a book by John Sandford, I would not suggest that you start with Neon Prey. Start at number one, Rules of Prey, and don’t skip any of the Prey novels. I promise you they are all delicious.
Annie Ward
MixedWashington Independent Review of Books\"The author in this case, Annie Ward, does create tension. However, the temperature doesn’t rise until the last third of the novel ... Perhaps the most grievous sin of a thriller writer is to leave loose threads hanging at the end, a sin Ward does not commit. In fact, she sews up everything by the final page, and she does it with such a terrific twist that it made me upgrade my initial opinion of the book. Although not a classic thriller, Beautiful Bad is like a good meal at a restaurant where the service is slow but, at the end, the owner offers you a delicious chocolate soufflé — on the house.\
Flynn Berry
MixedThe Washington Independent Review of Books\"...the novel felt more like a rainy-day beach read than a standalone thriller. Although the book was interesting and well written, I had no gasps, no sharp intakes of breath, no amped-up pulse until late in the story when all was wrapped up ... Many novels focus on the elusive desire for closure and the need to answer questions as to why something happens. The cardinal sin in suspense novels is to leave the reader unsatisfied with the ending. In this case, Berry dots the requisite I’s and crosses all her T’s ... My misgivings about this book did not come from the plot or the excellent descriptions. I just needed more: Increase the tension in climactic scenes; allow the reader to feel how horrible it is to go to school with your father\'s face in the tabloids; and, for Claire, when closure comes, let us know it\'s worth it.\
Cristina Alger
RaveWashington Independent Review of BooksThis financial thriller intrigues with its vivid plot and beautiful lead characters ... The author, Cristina Alger, does not get too bogged down by financial jargon ... Although a book about foreign investment bankers may not have universal appeal, there is sufficient conflict and gnashing of teeth to keep the plot moving ... It is also reasonable to give the author extra credit for wrapping up her story with a very pleasing bow.
Tess Sharpe
RaveThe Washington Independent Review of BooksThis is one of the best books I’ve read ... The pacing is extraordinary, and changing from past to present feels like only a slight turn on the radio dial: absolutely no static ... Each character in this riveting novel feels authentic and necessary ... Tess Sharpe rewrote the script. Harley-girl is a warrior, a Wonder Woman without super powers. Her strength comes from her fearlessness, her cunning, and her resolve ... it’s impossible not to root for a character whose mission is to protect abused women, and it’s impossible not to thank the author for introducing us to her.
