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b Crocker

  • 12
  • reviews
  • 1
  • helpful vote
  • 17
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Legal Magic

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-12-24

This complex tale moved fast and enjoyed a complex ending. A rather standard murder case suddenly becomes a shocking court experience that will leave the reader (and the court) breathless. Very satisfactory reading.

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Terrific, But Not Quite

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-12-23

I just needed it to be longer, and get get still-opened cases finished. Frustrating not knowing what happens in the criminal case and the railroad accident case. But one of Grisham’s best books. As a long retired lawyer I was riveted by the legal ballets.

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The Most Complex but Fascinating . . .yet

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-24-23

I have read all of the Louise Penny Inspector Gamache books.
This is by far the most complex (sometimes aggravatingly complex) lengthy, and fascinating tale. It’s always a comfort to meet the same characters again. Hopefully, Gamache will not continue to age. This one kept me up into the wee hours to see what happened next. Good read!

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Political & Literary Paranoia

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Story
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-26-22

I have read all of Louise Penny’s books; have loved most. Her characters become family after a while.
This novel, deeply affected I believe, by Hillary Clinton no doubt, is the book that would not end. And encased a library of neurotic, heavy drinkers, sneaking into offices and breaking into computers of the “Washington elite”. You pray for it to end, but no deal. The main characters, mostly women, climb on to endless international flights to some of the most dangerous war-torn enemy countries in the world. They are obsessed with cell phones, clothing,
and deadly international intrigue (atomic bombs placed in major cities are always going off or threatening to go off). But, not to worry: the ladies will save the country mainly by phones. You can hear neurotic, obsessed Hillary in her hatred of “the former President”(living in an extravagant over-blown Florida mansion): GUESS WHO! Ms. Penny has done much better on her own. Try again!

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Terrific

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-22-21

Superb narration and unusual, touching plot. Erudite historical references re Korean history. Imaginative and touching plot. Refreshing, unique.

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Terrific!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-12-21

I have read all of Philip Margolin’s mystery thrillers. WORTHY BROWN is a complete departure from any of his other books.
It was a great read - historically insightful and mesmerizing.
I enjoyed every surprising minute of it.

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Not As Usual

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-23-21

THREE PINES came to life again in THE MADNESS OF CROWDS, but
it’s not the neat statement of life that usually populates Louise Penny’s books. It encompasses an odd array of new and familiar characters in a twisted, complex, painful discussion of euthanasia.
Some odd (and I think unnecessary) characters are introduced, not just the mad poetess Ruth, but “The Hero of Sudan” (is this an obtuse reference to the tragic Afghanistan war?) is inexplicably brought into this winding plot as a foil, excuse for violence.
The plot itself is so populated with suspicious characters, that in the end, there is no final solution to the various types of crimes and the guilty do not pay I full (including abuse of psychiatric patients by the state).
I think the author over-reached a bit with the complexity of the issues.

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STUNNING!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-24-20

It reads like a course in criminal law. It’s complex, riveting, suspenseful. There’s no way to see the end that’s coming; always misleading as the plot ebbs and flows. Totally absorbing.

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Gabriel Allon is Preparing for Retirement

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-19-20

Of all Daniel Silva’s Allon books, (and I have read them all) this one is the most searing and will be memorable. Obviously, in the cruel and infinite world of anti-semitism, Mr. Silva has thrust a sword through the heart of historical distortions and world-wide tragedy regarding
the Catholic church’s web of anti-semitism and millennial misdeeds.
Much of his tale here, will be refuted by readers and Catholic, indeed
Christian, hierarchy.
Not an easy listen (or read), as the author delves in great detail into the complex ancient history and geography of Christianity, and specifically Catholicism; and ecclesiastical ritual while driving a plot through various European countries. The orator, Mr. Guidall, was difficult to understand; reading too quickly too many foreign names, places and dialects. I found myself rewinding constantly. A second read is a must.
A terrific thought provoking book; -not just an adventure, but an education. I look forward to Gabriel’s next life.

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Almost . . . Maybe!

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-22-20

A far-reach plot, which repeats the same drama over and over again.
A young woman in and out of mental institutions for 10 years, after a breakdown following a tragic unsolved murder of her family, is convinced someone is after her. The basic plot is
a good idea for a standard murder mystery, but this plot goes to unbelievable and tiring extremes. So much time and so many bad guys, and so many murders, and our girl just keeps tripping along.
When the master manipulator and murderer is finally exposed, it’s
an unbelievable and disappointing denouement. I was exhausted by the time “who done it” was revealed. Also, unconvinced. Too easy.

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