The New Republic by Lionel Shriver

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Genre -General

It was heavy reading (even though I finished) particularly with the first few chapters which were centred on the main character’s interview, with a well-known newspaper editor as a foreign correspondent. The story is quite good, but it is difficult to keep reading the journalistic jargon in the first few chapters, that we are not necessarily familiar with.

The main character is a disgruntled lawyer who wants to be a foreign correspondent, particularly to follow the missing journalist in Portugal. Some very weighty problems are challenged, but at times a heavy read. Once again, you need to be familiar with the way these newspapers are run (or so the author thinks).

Overall, not a bad story, heavy at times, but the author seems to think the reader is fully conversant with journalistic jargon. Once you get past this, the story becomes more interesting and quite intriguing.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Storm by Clive Cussler

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Genre -Adventure/Thriller

For Cussler fans, this is a gripping storyline and one that seems quite believable and rather scary the thought of it. Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala and the NUMA special assignments team are well and truly back in action.

Something is changing the sea and climate in the Indian ocean. Who is behind the scheme and what is it that is causing this disruption? An excellent read and hard to put down with gripping results.

---- Reviewed by Judy,Rowillve bookchat

Just take My Heart - Mary Higgins Clark

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Genre -Thriller

The title is not what it seems. Emily Wallace a 32 year old Prosecutor takes on her most challenging role in proving that the husband of an up and coming well known stage actress is guilty of her murder. Other murders come into contention, together with distrust of some of the police and the outcome is quite different to the start of a ‘looking forward to reading’ book.

A good read and one that a Mary Higgins Clark fan must not put down.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Hotwire by Alex Kava

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Genre - Thriller
 
Another must for Alex Kava fans. Great thriller involving special agent Maggie O’Dell investigating the death three teenagers in western Nebraska, who were having a drug induced party which ended up in an explosive light show. Somehow the victims ended up being electrocuted and scorch marks were the only evidence of electrocution happening.
 
The story also broaches a deadly outbreak pathogen which has affected children on the East Coast. Is the Government involved? What are the chances of the two issues inter-related and is the pathogen outbreak a conspiracy to involve biological warfare.


Great read and one that keeps you on your toes.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Gone for good by Harlan Coben

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Genre - Mystery


One of his earlier books but if you are a Coben fan then you will enjoy the read. Will Klein lost his brother and the love of his life on the same day eleven years ago. Will’s brother is on the run from being charged with Will’s girlfriend’s murder. Is he guilty? Gripping story, gruesome at times and a twist that is not expected at the end.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Silent Fear by Katherine Howell

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Genre - Mystery


An Australian author (resides in Queensland) with a good storyline around Sydney area.

Paramedic Holly Garland rushes to an emergency to find a man who collapsed with a bullet wound to the neck. Her brother appears on the scene which annoys Holly who has not had contact for 12 years and her animosity towards her brother is not necessarily reciprocated.

A fast moving story with many twists and turns and keeps you in suspense until the end. Not a book you can put down easily.


---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville bookchat

Kill Shot by Vince Flynn

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Genre - Thriller


Mitch Rapp agent or assassin and working his way through a ‘list’. His next target is a Libyan diplomat; something goes horribly wrong and leaves you in suspense. Is he alive?  International repercussions involving Homeland Security, CIA, FBI, Scotland Yard and MI5. A wanted man and intriguing story which will keep you in suspense with a very different ending. Great read.

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat

The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje

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Genre - General

This is a delightful little read, set in the early 50’s about a young boy who boards a huge liner on the Indian Ocean sailing to London to stay with his relations.

The Cat’s table is in actual fact the last table from the Captain’s level, and usually sits the scrum of the selection. A tale of intrigue of what goes on behind closed doors in this era, and how a young lad survived and learned possibly what he should not have. 

---- Reviewed by Judy, Rowville Bookchat