thriller – The Spine View

All That Glitters by John Anthony Miller

Rating: 5 Stars Pub Date: 13-Mar-2023

This WWII thriller, by John Anthony Miller, is an edge of your seat kind of story about a female spy, working for French Intelligence, who is given a near impossible task. I immediately fell into this one and was captivated by the outstanding story telling of the author.

Camille is the heroine of the story. She along with her partner, Roger, in this operation are tasked with stealing industrial grade diamonds from a vault in Belgium. There is one catch, the Germany army has already invaded Belgium and the town in which the vault is located will shortly be overrun by Germans. These diamonds are not only highly valuable, but of the highest importance to the war effort since they are being used for advanced technologies. It will be a race to see who can get there first.

Camille and Roger beat the Germans to the vault, but only barely. They know that the German army is already in the city and hear them getting closer. It will not be long before they reach their location. They work quickly to open the vault and remove the diamonds. As they are making their escape the Germans arrive and Roger is killed. Fortunately, Camille is able to get away with the diamonds; however, her escape car is damaged by the gun fire and she is forced to abandon it along the roadside in a rural part of Belgium.

She must now find another way to get out of Belgium and to England, the final destination of the diamonds. To do so she needs to contact her handler, Nichols, in Paris. Fate seems to be smiling on her when she runs into Dr. Lucien Bouchard, a physician that once saved her life. With his assistance and the help of others in the French Resistance, she heads for Paris where the diamonds will be rerouted to England. However, there are others nefarious players, i. e. the Gestapo and a German spy who is married a high ranking French Official, who also want desperately to have the diamonds.

The plot is full of surprises and unexpected players. In addition, two other things are worth mentioning about the plot. First, is the complexity., There were lots of moving parts and everything had to work just right for Camille to achieve her goal. Also, the romantic development between Camille and Lucien added a lot of depth to the plot, and characters, that made the story realistic which, in turn, caused me to become further invested in the outcome.

Then the danger of what she, and later Lucien, were attempting took my breath away at times. I felt like at any moment some little something, or twist of fate could happen, and all would have been for nothing. This made the tension almost unbearable at times. Whether you call it “nail biting” or an “edge of your seat” suspense, this expertly executed story is one that will stay with me for a long time.

In summary, All That Glitters is much more than your average thriller. It also a story about love and redemption among other things. It will appeal not only to lovers of Thrillers, Historical Fiction, and Romance, but also to a more general audience that enjoys a complex plot and memorable characters. I highly recommend this to everyone.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Transfer Problem by Adam Saint

This book was a pleasant surprise. I have read numerous Sci-Fi books that use the same troupe and this one was surprising original. A rich and compelling story that had me hooked from the beginning.

Ethan is highly intelligent and he works for a bank looking for trends in the financial markets that can be exploited for profit. He has a chance encounter with Anna, a research scientist, that shares his interests, is brilliant, and not surprising he falls in love.

Anna is researching methods that will enable a mind to be uploaded to a computer. She has developed a way to transfer a brain; however, the mind is destroyed in the process. Hence, the transfer problem. She wants to do some testing and needs a powerful computer. She enlists Ethan to help her access the bank’s massive computing power. The results are spectacular. Too good actually.

The world’s financial systems are in chaos as a result of the experiment. Ethan is on the run from the government and he soon discovers that his brother, Robert, is behind all this. He must find Robert and unravel the mystery of Anna if everything is going to be returned to normal.

I thought the plot was inventive and the pacing was good. In addition, there were so many little things that happened and details given that enriched this story. I enjoyed the complexity and did not find it was, in any way, off-putting. It was obvious that the author had a deep understanding of the technology involved and he was able to make me understand without being so technical that I got lost.

The best thing about this book are the characters, especially Ethan. The character development was slow and methodical. There was a lot going on and the author slowly peeled away the layers to reveal a character that I become deeply invested in.

Thoroughly enjoyable and I loved how the story unfolded so organically. It is not only fast paced but well crafted. If you are a fan of thrillers, be sure you read this one.

I received a free electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch

I can describe this book in one word, fantastic! Crouch has hit it out of the ballpark again with his latest book, Upgrade. He never fails to surprise with his imaginative and realistic plots. To me, this book is what makes me want to read Science Fiction.

Unbeknownst to the main character, Logan Ramsey, he has received an upgrade. In short, his genome has been re-sequenced. Not only have errors been erased in his genes, they have been improved. His mind is sharper. He finds he can recall things from his childhood like they happened yesterday. His comprehension is now off the charts. What he struggled to understand before now seems so simple. But that is not all, his physical attributes are vastly improved. He is faster, stronger and heals quicker. However, is this necessarily a good thing for the entire population?

In order to avoid any spoilers, I am not going to say anything further. I will tell you that the pacing of this book was more like a thriller and I was on the edge of my seat for most of the time. It is a compelling story, filled with thought provoking ideas and a perfect blend of science and fiction.

The character of Logan was so well thought-out and perfectly executed. Crouch does know how to put you inside the head of a character so that you understand their problems and feel their emotions as if they were your own. It left me wondering what choices I would have made if I had been in Logan’s shoes. I love books in which I connect with the MC and I question myself in the process.

Crouch explored a lot of interesting ideas in this book. I especially liked that he asked the reader, is intelligence better than compassion? Also, can we lose our humanity if we become too smart? Because of these issues, and others, he raises, this is the perfect book for a Sci-Fi book club. There are a lot of interesting avenues to explore within the pages and you could talk for hours about some of them.

However, this is a great book for people who are not necessarily Sci-Fi fans because the science in this is not in your face. This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read this year. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced book that also speaks to your heart.

I received a free copy, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.

The Drop by John Anthony Miller

Set in Havana, Cuba just prior to Castro, this suspense/thriller The Drop, by John Anthony Miller, is a wild ride full of surprises. Written with great prose and meticulous attention to detail in both setting and characters, makes it a real winner.

A very interesting and diverse set of characters in The Drop. First there is, Jimmy Foster who is the uber wealthy Wall Street guy. He is married to, Darlene, who is gorgeous and a gold digger. He loves Havana, and he and Darlene come often to enjoy the sun, pool, music and sometimes the casinos in the city. They have everything going for them and should be the perfect couple. Yet some people are never satisfied, and the grass is always seems greener on the other side. So when Jimmy is kidnapped, she is not overly distraught.

There is another beautiful woman involved in this story, Ariana. She and her family where once wealthy until it was all taken away by Batista. Now she is out for revenge. However, revenge costs money, lots of money. Steal from the mob… no problem. Kidnaping, well maybe not so good.
Especially, when a wife has everything to gain from a missing husband and everything to lose if he is found.

Lastly there is the private detective, Harry, that has a mysterious air about him. Is he in Havana on behalf of a jealous husband or is there something else going on? He is definitely in the all the right places at the right times and seems better prepared than the police to find Jimmy.

So many little twists and subtle hints of what is to come as the story progresses. However, as I have mentioned in the past, I hate spoilers. Instead, I am leaving with this vague overview and hope that I have given you enough to peak your interest.

I loved the setting of this book; because, I am starting to feel worn out on historical books set either during WWI or WWII and this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Also, I am highly appreciative that the author took great care in the scene descriptions. It enhanced the story and allowed me to place myself in the characters’ shoes.

The characters were well done and there was a lot of subtly in their actions. I didn’t always understand their actions and that made the book more interesting. However, it all comes together neatly in the end and I got why the characters did what they did.

I can’t fail to mention just how good the plot was. There was a twist at the end that I never saw coming. Even after several days to noodle on the ending, I am still left shaking my head. It was alluded to; however, I never put two and two together, which is unusual for me. Well done!

This book had everything going for it and Miller has become one of my favorite authors. If you are looking for a historical fiction story in an unusual setting and a twisty plot, then this the book for you. I highly recommend you read it.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

The Plot is most definitely one of those books you just can’t put down. Such a lovely slow burn and the ending, well it just smacks you in the face. Highly inventive and truly addictive!

Jacob “Jake” Finch Bonner is a ‘has been’ writer. He wrote one novel that was received well by the critics and had lukewarm commercial success followed by a couple more that should never have been published. He is now drowning in self-pity and unable to write another book worthy of print. Instead of writing, he is now teaching writing at a MFA program at Ripley. One of his students is an arrogant asshole but he does have a killer idea for a novel that is sure to be an instant success.

Years go by and the book is never published. Jake stars wondering what happened. By doing a little research on his computer, he discovers that his former student is dead. Such a shame to let a fabulous idea go to waste and he rationalizes that a plot can’t be copywrited. He will not use any of his student’s words, not that he can remember much after all this time has passed, everything will be his own except for the basic plot. No will ever know, until they do.

The day he has been dreading has finally arrived. While on the road to promote the book, aptly named “Crib”, he receives a message through his author website that simply says, “You are a thief.” Other messages follow, then a Facebook post, even a message at his home. The cat is out of the bag and there is no way to put it back. Jake is now obsessed with finding out more about his former student. What he uncovers is shocking and leads to a chilling conclusion.

This is not one of those thriller that you are totally engrossed in from page one. It was more like a speeding train, it took time to build up energy but once it got going there was no stopping it. I appreciated that the author took her time with this story because it allowed the reader to get an in-depth look into the life and mind of Jake. Something I miss in some thrillers and just the kind of pacing I adore.

I felt the character of Jake was perfect for the story. It needed a character that was self-doubting and so insecure as to be cringe worthy in order to make the story really sing. While the whining would have normally driven me crazy, in this case it gave me feelings of empathy for Jake and I found him very relatable.

Fabulous story, great characters and the pacing is just the way I like it. I was starting to get bored with thriller type novels; however, this book has reawaken my love for the genre. Highly recommend to all readers.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

Bluff by Jane Stanton Hitchcock

Bluff, by Jane Stanton Hitchcock, gives new meaning to the idea that revenge is a dish best served cold. Maud, the main character, not only serves it up cold but in a big heaping portion! Full of intrigue, wonderful characters and a nasty plot of revenge to pay back the bad guys, this book is absorbing from page one all the way through to the end.

Maud is a 50ish divorcee who is primed and ready for a fight. She has always suspected that Burt Skylar, an accountant to the rich and famous in NYC, swindled her mother out of over 100 million dollars. She has spoken against him for years and has earned the nickname “Mad Maud”. However, she has never been able to prove anything.

Finally all the right cards are in her hand and she sees her chance for revenge. She enters The Four Seasons, one of the swankiest restaurants in the city, and pulls the trigger and shoots Sun Sutherland, a wealthy and prominent businessman, who is dining with Skylar. Did she miss or is there more to this story than meets the eye?

Love, love, loved the character of Maud. She has a brilliant mind and is downright devious. I also loved how she played people like she played poker. Most everyone is totally taken in by the frumpy middle-aged woman act that she carried off better than a Broadway actress. I would hate to get on her bad side and can only pity those she plays poker against. The supporting characters also hit the mark with me. They helped round out the revenge plot nicely.

The plot has more twists than the Mississippi River and it was fast paced. I really appreciate the balance the author was able to achieve between pace and character development. I find that in this type of book one or the other is lacking. Brilliantly done!

I highly recommend this book to readers of mystery and thrillers. In addition, if you love strong female characters you will enjoy Maud and her story.

I received a free copy from the published in exchange for my honest review.

The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

I am in love with the Lady Astronaut series by Mary Robinette Kowal and have been waiting eagerly for the third installment, The Relentless Moon. It is scheduled to hit the shelves on July 14^th and I was very fortunate to get an advanced copy from the publisher. Be sure to get your copy ASAP because the author did not disappoint with this gripping tale of sabotage and intrigue in the first lunar colony.

The focus of this book is on Nicole Wargin, a very minor character in the previous books, instead of Elma York. Though the plot does run in parallel to book two of the series, The Fated Sky. Because Nicole is the wife of a powerful politician, this has enabled her to secure a space on the rocket that will take the first team of civilian colonists to the moon.

The trouble begins before they even land on the moon. It appears that the lunar landing craft has been sabotaged and it is only because of the intense training that no lives are lost. Of course, the trouble does not end there. Mysterious power outages plague the colony among other things. It has everyone on edge waiting for the next disaster to happen. The one that result in lives lost. Nicole puts the skills she learned in WWII as a spy to good use as she works on figuring out who is friend and who is foe before it is too late.

What I loved most about this book is that it is both plot and character driven. Let’s start with the plot. First it was believable. I can easily see how the extremists would stop at nothing to achieve their goals including murder. Secondly, the twists that the plot took are ingenious and the action keeps you on the edge of your seat through most of the book.

I also fell in love with Nicole. She, like Elma, is flawed yet strong in ways that are unforeseen. As in the other two books, the author presents these flaws and shows how the character struggles with them. Nicole is also an ambitious and tenacious person and those traits have served her well. Yet, despite a very successful career and a husband that loves her, she struggles with anorexia. She sometimes feels out of control and food is one thing she can control. The author examines this in depth along with the various relationships Nicole has with coworkers and her spouse. This made for a powerful story and one I know I will read again.

This book is in my top five of the year so far and I doubt that will change as the year progresses. I believe it will appeal to readers of Science Fiction in addition to other readers. For example, if you enjoy Nora Roberts works, this is one you should add to your reading list. It would also make a good book club pick because there is a lot to talk about. Gender, and race issues among other topics are highlighted in the book.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Sinner, Saint, or Serpent by John Anthony Miller

Sinner, Saint or Serpent, by John Anthony Miller, is a twisted murder mystery that will keep even the best sleuth in the dark until the very last page. The book opens and closes with a bang and the ending took me totally by surprise. I need more books like this!

No one seems very upset when August Chevalier, a prominent business man, is murdered, Mafia style, in his own home. After all, he was a ruthless businessman with questionable practices and even a few ties with the mob. No wonder no one seems too enthusiastic about finding the killer, including the police, with one exception being a local reporter named “Justice” Harper.

Justice earned his nickname by being a fair and honest reporter that always seeks the truth. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that he wants to find the killer who committed this crime. He feels he owes that to the citizens of New Orleans. Of course the added benefit of solving the crime before the police is getting a big scoop for the newspaper.

Justice along with his colleague, Remy Moore, work together to discover who killed Mr. Chevalier. There are three prime suspects. The philanthropist Lucinda Boyd, known for her many charity efforts that benefit the folks of New Orleans, the wealthy businesswoman Blaze Barbeau with a questionable past, and the voodoo queen of New Orleans, Belladonna Dede. They all have motives for waiting him dead and all three can be placed close to the scene around the time of his death. So who did it?

Loved Mr. Miller’s descriptive prose of 1920s New Orleans. It was wonderful and I got a real sense of the vibe of the city. I could just imagine going to a speak-easy and listening to the jazz band play, then strolling the streets of the French Quarter. The city described had a mysterious air to it and that made it the perfect setting for a murder mystery.

The plot was superbly done. It opened with the murder; therefore, I was invested in the story right away. The tension in the plot slowly built so that I always wanted to keep reading to get the next clue and try to figure out who the killer was before the final reveal. By the end I was sitting on the edge of my seat and then when I finally arrived there I was totally blown away. Did not see that coming at all!

If you love mysteries you need to read this book. Great story and awesome execution! You will love it!

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

For Those Who Dare by John Anthony Miller

For Those Who Dare, by John Anthony Miller, is a riveting, fictional account of a young woman’s desperate plea for help to escape being trapped in East Berlin after the government erects a wall to keep its citizens in. Eloquently told by an author adept at developing characters who draws you into the story.

Kirstin Beck has been thinking for months about escaping to West Berlin were her grandmother, and a daughter she was forced to give up years ago, lives. On the night she plans on escaping, the East German government unspool razor wire and erect the first barrier to separate East from West. She barely manages to escape the clutches of the police.

From her apartment she can see into West Berlin. So close and so unobtainable. She just has to find a new way to get out. Then one evening she see a young man in a window across the wall in West Germany. She holds up a sign with two words, “Help Me”. Can she depend on this stranger to assist her? There is Stasi in West Berlin. What if he is one of them?

On the West side of the wall Tony Marino is a young American writer working on a series of books called a History of Nations. He is currently conducting research for his book on Germany when he reads the plea of Kristin. Something about her and the plea moves him. With funding and the blessings of his editor he devises a plan to dig a tunnel into the East. It will be dangerous and there will be plenty of opportunities to get caught. Yet he feels compelled to help.

This is one of those books that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. The plan is daring and so very dangerous. There is only one way for it to go right and a thousand ways for it to go wrong. This made for a story with lots of tension, which resulted in me reading well beyond my bedtime. Then the ending, fabulous is the only word I can think of describe it. It totally took me by surprise. So well done!

In addition, I loved the characters especially Kirstin. She went through so much in her young life but was still so brave. I also appreciated how the author used the minor characters to help round out the story.

At this point, I need to mention that the story is loosely based on a real tunnel escape from East Berlin. I remembered watching a documentary some years ago about it and I did a little research. It was interesting to learn a little bit about the inspiration for this book. The author used the basic facts to weave an imaginative and fictional story that will be sure to delight readers.

I highly recommend this book, especially to people that love historical stories that are grounded in fact. I received a free copy in exchange for me honest review.

The Deserter by Nelson and Alex DeMille

I thought I was going to love, The Deserter by Nelson and Alex DeMille; however, after multiple tries, I called it quits at 165 pages in. The story never drew me in and the characters lacked the development I love. The writing is good, so no complaints there.

I have read other reviews and for the most part other readers enjoyed the story. I believe it boils down to the book not being my tastes. My advice is to read what others have to say and draw your own conclusions. Though I suspect if you are a DeMille fan you will enjoy this one.

I received a free copy, at BookExpo 2019, in exchange for my honest review. I will leave you with the blurb from the book (see below) since I did not read far enough to write my own synopsis.

When Captain Kyle Mercer of the Army’s elite Delta Force disappeared from his post in Afghanistan, a video released by his Taliban captors made international headlines. But circumstances were murky: Did Mercer desert before he was captured? Then a second video sent to Mercer’s Army commanders leaves no doubt: the trained assassin and keeper of classified Army intelligence has willfully disappeared.

When Mercer is spotted a year later in Caracas, Venezuela by an old army buddy, top military brass task Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor of the Criminal Investigation Division to fly to Venezuela and bring Mercer back to America—dead or alive. Brodie knows this is a difficult mission, made more difficult by his new partner’s inexperience and by his suspicion that Maggie Taylor is reporting to the CIA.