The Prophet by Ethan Cross

Title: The Prophet
Author: Ethan Cross

Publisher: The Story Plant
ISBN: 978-161188045-8
Pages: 414
Series: Shepherd Thriller #2
Type: Adult Thriller
Source: Received for Review
Goodreads


Francis Ackerman Jr, one of America's most prolific serial killers has gone to ground. Special Agent Marcus Williams was assigned to his case and has just moved on to the case of the Anarchist, a killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive. But while Marcus is desperately tracking the Anarchist in hopes of catching him before he strikes again, he is unaware that another figure is hiding behind the scenes. The Anarchist may be the killer, but he isn't the mastermind...the Prophet is out there and his ultimate plans are beyond imagination.

This is the second book in the Shepherd Thriller series (after The Shepherd), but there is plenty here for a new reader to enjoy. I haven't read the first in the series but there was enough backstory to help me understand what happened without info dumping or detracting from the current storyline which is densley plotted and packed with twists and turns. I didn't expect to be as glued to the page as I was, from the action packed start to the unexpected ending.

The writing style kept me sucked into the story and the book has a matter of fact way of addressing details (references to specific gun models e.g. ".40 caliber Glock 22") which add realism to the story but at times went over my head as they moved outside of my knowledge base. Each character has a distinct voice despite the relatively large cast and all the characters were really well written and fully formed. They came to life on the page and seemed incredibly vivid, and I found it easy to follow the action despite the changing viewpoints. In fact the killers' viewpoints all kept me reading and added a creep factor which I really liked.

One aspect I wasn't expecting and loved was the psychological angle which really explored the motivations and thought processes of the serial killers in the book. I'm a big fan of Criminal Minds so to see their mindsets explored was fascinating. The author also did a great job with the satanic angle managing to create a heap of tension with a creepy cult but without becoming overwrought or unrealistic. It's clear the author has done his research and his knowledge shines through the book enhancing the storyline.

All in all, this was a great read and I'll definitely read more by this author.

Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
Cover: 9/10

Overall: 45/50

The hardest post I've had to write

I thought it was about time for me to write a little about why my posts have been intermitent. When I started my blog I wanted it to have regular posts, but when I started my blog my health was better. For the last ten years I have lived with ME which is a neurological condition that causes intense exhaustion which is not helped by sleep, along with a host of cognitive and physical symptoms. Over the last year it has been getting steadily worse leaving me unable to read or use a computer some days.

This means I can't blog as regularly as I'd like, I'm struggling to read books at all some days and I'm finding it difficult to keep up to date on the blogs I love to read. There are days where I can read posts but can't comment (captcha is a massive struggle for me even on my best day) but I am still reading your reviews and posts when I can.

My blog is still important to me and I do want to continue which is why I felt it necessary to discuss my condition openly. At the moment I'm struggling so chances are there won't be any more posts for a little while, but I'm hoping to be back as soon as I can.

To the followers and readers who have stuck with me through the breaks, I am incredibly thankful for you. I'm trying to keep posting as regularly as possible, and I'm hoping to build up a backlog of posts to cover when I am too unwell to read or blog.

To those people who want to unfollow because I can't guarantee regular posts, I'm sorry to see you leave but I hope you can find a blog that meets your needs as a reader.

To the authors, publicists and tour leaders who have requested reviews or participation, I will be reviewing the books I have received (although it may take me some time) and if I have committed to tour dates I will meet them. Thank you for bearing with me on this.

If you'd like to know more about ME, click here to find out.

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo

Title: Murder Takes Time
Author: Giacomo Giammatteo

Publisher: Inferno Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-0-9850302-0-9
Pages: 421
Series: Friendship and Honor #1
Type: Adult Crime
Source: Received for Review
Goodreads


Twenty five years ago Tony 'the brain' Sannullo, Frankie 'Bugs' Donovan, Paulie 'the Suit' Perlano and Nicky 'the Rat' Fusco made an oath for Friendship and Honor. Now grown up the four boys have taken different paths and are living very different lives. Frankie is now a hardened Brooklyn cop facing a series of brutal murders that all have a bizarre combination of DNA planted at the scene. Struggling with the case he has no choice but to contact his old friends, even if the old oath could compromise the oath he swore as a cop.

I wasn't sure what I would think of this as it is outside my normal comfort zone so I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is really readable and kept me glued to the page. You can really tell that the author is writing about the time and area in which he grew up and his passion really shines through the narrative. There are even photos of some of the locations in the back of the book. I'd been warned in advance about the rough language but it fits with the characters and their background and never comes across as excessive.

I found myself connecting with some characters more than others. Frankie is really struggling both with the case and with the conflict between his past and career. I sympathized with Nicky who has definitely had the most difficult life, and quickly became resentful of the circumstances that led him down an entirely different path to the one he wanted. I loved Mama Rosa and she really brought the boys childhoods to life. You could almost taste the sauce she was constantly nursing in the kitchen.

The plot is cleverly written and the motivations and identity of the killer are gradually revealed alongside the past of the boys and how they ended up becoming the men they are today. I was disappointed by the ending though as it feels like justice was abandoned in favour of leaving the storyline open for the sequel promised at the end of the book.

There were several things I didn't like: the violence is very graphic at times and could have been lessened without negatively impacting the storyline. Also while I knew there would be sexual content in advance I was unaware that a fair amount of those scenes are nonconsensual and pretty disturbing. I also struggled at times with the large cast, especially in the past scenes where lists of names are reeled off, and found it difficult to tell when certain scenes were taking place as while they are marked as '19 years ago' some cover years at a time.

All in all, this was a good read and I'd consider picking up Murder has Consequences when it is released.

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 8/10
Ending: 7/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Cover: 7/10

Overall: 37/50

 

The author is even giving you the opportunity to try the ebook edition risk free during the book's tour (November 4 - 10). The details are below:

 

For anyone who buys a digital book during this tour and mentions the tour, I will offer a money-back guarantee, with these conditions:

1. Understand that this book contains several chapters with graphic violence.

2. Understand that it contains rough, street language

3. Understand that there are two chapters with sexual scenes

4. Understand that the story is told in multiple Point of Views.

If for any reason, other than those stated above, you do not like the book or aren't happy with it, just write me an email and tell me why. Email me a proof of purchase receipt, and I'll refund your money. This applies only to the digital books. I can't do it with print editions.