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Mary C Bartel

  • 42
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  • 66
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Another terrific Peter Grant mystery!

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

Reviewed: 01-01-25

I enjoy these so much that I reread the series to put off starting this book. The characters are fantastic and the world building is a unique place to get lost in. The writing is solid and really holds your attention. The narrator is absolutely wonderful.

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Immersive and unexpected

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

Reviewed: 08-10-24

While I put this down once, I picked it up again and I’m really happy I did. The more I read, the more captivated I became with the world building and characters of The Impossible Brightness. As the town around them succumbs to the effects of climate change, a type of irreparable loss, the characters echo this struggle. By playing with magical realism, the reader is drawn into a fascinating and curious exploration or grief, love, friendship and what it means to be understood. Impeccable narrator. Excellent read, I’m still thinking about it days later.

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Another brilliant addition to a great series

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

Reviewed: 10-05-23

I knew I would want this visit to Coopers Chase to last, so I began by re-reading book three which was fantastic. I enjoyed book four even more, as we grow to know the club and other characters in more meaningful ways. Osman included some truly bittersweet moments which only added to my experience of the characters and their bonds. The mystery was of course action packed and hysterical. I hope we can revisit our friends here soon. I was so sad to hear the last chapter play out. Though Fiona Shaw’s narration was absolutely captivating.

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Cohesive Collaboration Is Very Entertaining!

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

Reviewed: 07-25-23

I loved how the authors created this peek into a potential future earth, and kept continuity while offering different perspectives. Each story was really interesting, and included wonderful tech and sci-fi elements. Solid performances.

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Another terrific Vera mystery!

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

Reviewed: 06-21-23

I just read all 10 books back to back and it was very interesting to inhabit Vera’s world for the duration. This book was excellent, great characters, interesting plot and even deeper insights into our flawed inspector. The narrator is very strong, I did not experience any sound issues. Very surprising ending—I was quite stunne! Highly recommend the series the books are extremely well written.

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Solid page turner, really great

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

Reviewed: 02-16-23

Yes, the plot winds its way through Seattle as gamers attempt to solve a seemingly impossible puzzle that may or may not have implications to the end of the world, but for me, that was the fun of it. The waffling between probability, the scenarios you expect to find in Legion or X-Files—sign me up. I found Rabbits a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved spending time in the world and the characters were quite likable. I really couldn’t put it down.

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Another Sublime Read from Newitz

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

Reviewed: 02-08-23

The Terraformers is excellent, really magical. I love reading speculative fiction and it typically has a darker edge but I found The Terraformers to be thought provoking while still being able to make me laugh. Keep in mind this covers millennia so while you do get great character development and a singular compelling plot, our interactions may seem fleeting.

It manages to be a thoroughly enjoyable read as well as a prescient social commentary on corporate greed without being preachy. There are many touching moments I found so uplifting without being sappy. And the imagination, the IMAGINATION! SO out there-yes. I am not sure how to pick a favorite character. I LOVED this book and highly recommend it. Great narrator as well.

A book is always an opportunity to enter a new world and leave your baggage behind. I got lost spending my time in this one and had a hard time saying goodbye. Thank you Annalee Newitz.

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3 people found this helpful

Wonderful Grouping of Fairy Tales

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

Reviewed: 01-30-23

These reminded me of reading the tales of Malory. They are delightful trips though the magical side of England.

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1 person found this helpful

A classic of its time

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

Reviewed: 01-10-23

Wait for a rainy week and enjoy the fantastic performances of this classic. It’s definitely a book of it’s time but sweetly so.

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The Series That Hit!

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

Reviewed: 11-08-22

What a fantastic series! It’s engaging, has a terrific array of well developed characters, the plots are great and the humor is well timed and in point. I cannot recommend these books highly enough. They are not cozies. They’re just great fun, serious at the right times and extremely well written. The narrator is absolutely wonderful.

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1 person found this helpful