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.

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

Title: First Drop of Crimson
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780061583223
Pages: TBC
Series: Night Huntress World #1
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Denise MacGregor knows all to well the dangers of the vampire world. Her last foray there ended in the death of her husband so since then she has shunned the vampire world, including her best friend Cat Crawfield. When a demon shapeshifter marks her and threatens her family, Denise has no choice but to reconnect with it. She calls Spade, a mysterious vampire who has been fighting his attraction to her since they met and together they must fight to save Denise and her family.

This is the first book in the Night Huntress world series that has spun off of the great Night Huntress novels (which started with Halfway to the Grave). Falling after the fourth book in that series, this features two of my favourite characters - Cat's best friend Denise and Bone's best friend Spade so I was really looking forward to reading it.

The plot is well-thought out but surprisingly simplistic compared to the Night Huntress books. At first the book had difficulty keeping my interest as it just felt like the characters were going through the motions, but it then picked up and I really enjoyed the second half. There were some clever twists and a brilliant ending.

I already liked Spade and Denise and I really enjoyed reading their story and learning more about them. My enjoyment was dented a bit by the fact the tension stopping the pair from getting together is almost completely down to misinterpretation. There were times where I wanted to reach into the book and knock their heads together. One simple conversation and their relationship problems would have almost entirely disappeared.

One thing I really enjoyed was that there are cameos from other Night Huntress characters, including Ian who I have always loved. He is his usual arrogant rude self but he helps to ground the story and to create a counter point to Spade.

All in all this was a good read and I'm looking forward to Eternal Kiss of Darkness.

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Cover: 7/10

Overall: 42/50

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Ashes
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
ISBN: 978-1-4063-0763-4
Pages: 411
Series: The Mortal Instruments #2
Type: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Clary Fray now knows that her past is a lie. Her mother hid her true identity, and Clary's discovery of her role as a Shadowhunter is tainted by the realisation that her crush Jace is in fact her brother. But with their homicidal father Valentine still on the rampage, Clary and Jace must learn to deal with their emotions and begin to fight back against him...and against the dangers from within the Shadowhunter's Clave itself.

This is the second book in the Mortal Instruments series (after City of Bones) and I couldn't wait to see what happened after the shock revelations at the end of the last book. Clary has returned to Luke's and is spending her time with Simon while Jace, Alec and Isabelle have all returned to the Institute. Valentine is still a threat and is continuing his plans to destroy both Shadowhunters and Downworlders alike, and Jace comes under suspicion from the Clave.

The story is quite well paced, although several of the twists aren't fully explored, like Clary's unusual abilities. There's a quite a lot of development of Clary and Jace's backstory, along with several hints that they are not as they appear and may not even be related after all. Valentine is certainly twisted enough to invent that kind of trauma, and also if they are his creations as opposed to his children it is reasonable he would still regard them as siblings.

Simon's story also takes several surprising turns, first with Clary and second with an impulsive decision that has far-reaching consequences. Magnus Bane also reappears and becomes more ingrained in the story through his connection to Alec. In terms of the romance it's a bit all over the place with some ending, some beginning and some muddling through, and rather than affecting a simple love triangle it appears most of the characters have messy love lives.

All in all this was a fun read and I'm looking forward to City of Glass.

Plot: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Ending: 10/10
Enjoyment: 9/10
Cover: 8/10

Overall: 45/50

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Destined for an Early Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-158321-6
Pages: 365
Series: Night Huntress #4
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Ever since Cat and Bones met six years ago they have been fighting against all manner of opponents. Now they finally have time for a proper vacation, but Cat's dreams are being invaded by a vampire named Gregor who claims that she belongs to him, and she's beginning to realise there are gaps in her memory. Cat wants to know who he is and why he thinks he can claim here, but finding out may cost her Bones...and her life.

This is the fourth book in the Night Huntress series (after Halfway to the Grave, One Foot in the Grave and At Grave's End) and it steps up a notch from the previous books. Cat's past and future are called into question, and decisions are made that will change the direction of the series for good.

The plot is clever, managing to pick up the tiniest of plot threads from the previous books and tie them together to create a story that makes perfect sense, and well paced. The book starts off at quite a fast pace and manages to sustain it most of the way through. The world opens up a little more with a visit to New Orleans that introduces ghosts in a larger role as well as fleshing out (no pun intended) what we know of the ghouls.

Some of my favourite characters from previous books returned (Spade, Vlad and Annette) and the newly introduced Gregor and his minions are sufficiently unnerving. Cat and Bones's relationship goes through a few changes as well with Cat taking the calmer mature role and Bones acting irrationally and, at times, like a massive jerk. Their whole relationship is called into question and it brings some unexpected twists.

All in all, this was a great read and I can't wait to get stuck into This Side of the Grave.

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

Overall: 47/50

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

Title: At Grave's End

Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-158307-0
Pages: 342
Series: Night Huntress #3
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads


Cat Crawfield has spent years hunting vampires, first alone then with her lover Bones and finally with her FBI team. Now Cat's secret is out, and now the vampires know all about the deadly half-breed chasing them down. With her cover blown, Bones is desperate to keep her safe. But the greatest danger isn't to Cat as a deadly master vampire sets her sights on destroying Bones using any means necessary, including the darkest of magics.

This is the third book in the Night Huntress series (after Halfway to the Grave and One Foot in the Grave) and I was really looking forward to seeing what happened next. This book didn't disappoint, managing not only to pick up some unsolved issues from previous books and bring them to surprising conclusions but also introducing a totally new bad guy determined to destroy Cat and Bones forever.

The storyline is full of twists and turns, not only in the more action-based parts but also in the backstory. Even Cat's mother goes in a whole new direction. Several characters from previous books return, including Spade, Mencheres and Ian, and it's great to see them take a larger role in the storyline. New characters like Vlad (yeah...THAT Vlad) also add interest and give some interesting side story.

It's great to see Cat and Bones more settled in their relationship as it allows for both more action and a more intricate backstory involving other characters. Tate's interest in Cat is still present, but thankfully completely unrequited meaning that there is no overused love triangle here. On the whole, this is an incredible read that sucks you in and doesn't let go.

All in all this was a great read and I can't wait to read Destined for an Early Grave.

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

Overall: 49/50

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: One Foot in the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-124509-1
Pages: 357
Series: Night Huntress #2
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

It's been four years since Cat left Bones behind to protect him from her new life. Now Cat is head of an FBI team dedicated to hunting down the more homicidal vampires. However, Cat has a price on her head and each hunt gets her closer and closer to being caught. Only Bones can save her, but if he finds her he won't let her leave again...ever.

This is the second book in the Night Huntress series (after Halfway to the Grave) and I was really looking forward to reading it. There's a huge gap between the end of the first and beginning of this, but somehow the author manages to slip in all the relevant backstory without info dumping or getting off track.

The story is just as action packed as before, just with a wider cast as Cat's FBI team now play a key role in her hunts and she's made friends during her time away from Bones. Other characters from Bones's past are also introduced leading to a better understanding of his character. The storyline manages to pick up threads from Cat's past and combine them with her present in a way that creates a tale that sucks you in and doesn't let go.

Cat has matured since the previous book and doesn't react quite as instinctively as before, although she still gets annoyed easily and kicks serious butt. Bones has also become more open and got over his fear of losing Cat, which means there are some big revelations of how the vampire (and ghoul) world works which really adds to the realism of the books. Annoyingly Cat's mother returns and is just as hysterical as before.

All in all, this was a great read and I'm really looking forward to reading At Grave's End.

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

Overall: 47/50

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: Halfway to the Grave
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-124508-4
Pages: 358
Series: Night Huntress #1
Type: Adult Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchased
Goodreads

Catherine Crawfield was born as a result of a horrifying attack on her mother. Raised in a town that regarded her mother as a liar, Cat has always been driven to fight so when her mother reveals Cat is half vampire she finds a whole new target. Now having spent years hunting the undead a chance meeting draws her into an alliance with Bones, a vampiric bounty hunter. But going after more powerful vampires comes with greater risks...and greater revelations about Cat's true nature.

This is the first book in the Night Huntress series, and I really enjoyed reading it. The storyline is cleverly told with a few twists and turns that change the direction of the book. This sits on the border between urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a little too much romance for the former and a little too much action for the latter. However it is classified it is a fast paced story that draws you straight in from page one.

Cat is a great lead character, and it was interesting to see how she dealt with her heritage as Bones exposed her to some home truths about vampires. I loved Bones, although at times he sounded a little too English (kind of Oliver-esque). I've seen Cat and Bones compared to Buffy and Spike, but the resemblance stops pretty quickly as these characters are really well fleshed out. The only character I disliked was Cat's whiny judgemental mother who I really hope doesn't feature much in the later books.

I really enjoyed the ending which manages to create a plausible continuation of the story into a series while still maintaining the completeness of this book.

All in all this was a great read and I'm looking forward to One Foot in the Grave.

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

Overall: 48/50

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-407121-08-6
Pages: 416
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Type: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Purchased
Goodreads


Freed of his wolf skin Sam and Grace finally have a chance at a future together, if they can overcome the obstacles in their present. Sam has been left with the responsibility of not only caring for the pack as a whole, but mentoring the new wolves Beck brought back to Mercy Falls. Grace struggling to deal with her parents suddenly taking a parental role and their new dislike of Sam. But neither realises that Grace is slowly slipping away...

This is the second book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy (the first being Shiver and the last Forever). I loved the first and couldn't wait to read this and it pretty much met my expectations. Shiver told the story of how Grace and Sam fell in love, and this continues that story on showing their relationship. Unlike the first book, however, this is less intimate introducing a wider cast and taking the focus wider.

The first sentence sets up the entire novel 'this is the story of a boy who used to be a wolf and a girl who was becoming one' so tension is introduced from the beginning as once more Sam and Grace's relationship comes with an expiry date. The story is well told but has a feeling of inevitability which carries through, and without the influence of the other characters (like Cole and Isabel) it wouldn't have been as enjoyable to read.

One of the most interesting parts is the new wolf Cole. I love his back story and it was great to see what could motivate someone to choose the werewolf way of life. It was also great how he brought a new perspective to the scientific aspect of being a werewolf and I can't wait to see how his theories carry on.

All in all this was a great read and I'm looking forward to Forever

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

Overall: 46/50

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-407115-00-9
Pages: 434
Series: Wolves of Mercy Falls #1
Type: Young Adult Paranormal
Source: Purchased
Goodreads


Grace is fascinated by the wolves that live in the woods behind her house. Despite being bitten as a child, Grace loves to watch them and is drawn to the one with yellow eyes. Content just to watch and listen to their howls, Grace has no idea she is about to be drawn into their world. When a classmate is attacked and killed by wolves, the town decides to hunt the pack down and soon Grace finds herself face to face with a boy whose yellow eyes seem oh-so-familiar.

This is one of my favourite books. The whole book is written using beautiful descriptive prose and has an amazing lyrical and haunting quality. The book has quite a slow pace but I enjoyed watching the story develop gradually and found that it meant that even simple moments were able to tell a story. This is more about the relationship between Grace and Sam than anything else, but there is a secondary storyline involving the dead boy which adds a little action. There is also a vein of tension running through the novel as each chapter begins with a temperature, steadily dropping throughout the book as Sam and Grace's time runs out.

I really liked both Grace and Sam. Grace is a very down-to-earth focused person who likes everything to make sense while Sam is artistic and literary living in a world that makes very little sense at all. I loved watching two people from such different worlds interact, and it was great to see how their friends and families had shaped who they were as individuals as well as how they related to one another. The narrative switches between Grace and Sam's perspectives which I really enjoyed. Each has a clear voice, although each chapter still indicates the narrator at the start.

With any young adult paranormal book there is the now inevitable comparison with Twilight. I've read both and I must say that I prefer this. It lacks the passion and intensity of the latter but makes up for that with a beautiful and sweet representation of first love. However just because I prefer this doesn't mean everyone will, as with all things it's a matter of personal taste and opinion.

All in all this is an incredible read and I can't wait to get stuck into Linger.

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

Overall: 49/50