My Favorite Books of 2015: Mysteries and Thrillers
Check out my Favorite Books of 2015: Mysteries and Thrillers. I run down all my faves!
Welcome to my last and final installment of My Favorite Books of 2015. I’ve also talked about my Favorite YA Fantasy Books of 2015, my Favorite YA Science Fiction and Dystopian Books of 2015, and my Favorite Realistic YA Fiction of 2015.
Today I’m taking about another favorite genre of mine: Mysteries and Thrillers. These books can be really tricky to write and when I get a good one, I’m … thrilled!
The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Here’s some of what I said about The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Bloomsbury)
“The Fixer was a fun, fast-paced story that had me flipping the pages like crazy. The story has a fish-out-of-water set-up and a Washington DC setting that brings in political elements. Plus, Tess’ big sister, Ivy, is a “fixer” like Olivia Pope in Scandal (or real life fixer Judy Smith, the woman Pope was reportedly based on.) The Fixer is also a story about family, as Tess and her big sister Ivy have to address their strained relationship. The Fixer was fun, gripping — an all-around good read!”
Read my full review here! And if you love Jennifer Lynn Barnes, check out my reviews of:
Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty
Here’s (part of) what I said about Lock & Mori by Heather W. Petty (Simon & Schuster)
“Most Sherlock inspired spin-offs focus on the wonderful pairing of the quirky, brilliant Holmes and the underappreciated, long-suffering Watson. But this diabolical book focuses on Holmes and Moriarty (a criminal mastermind and Holmes’ mortal enemy, if you’re not familiar with the guy). In fact, Lock & Mori is told from the point of view of Moriarty (who in this book happens to be a teenage girl!) and Holmes is relegated to the role of love interest and sidekick. The game is afoot!
Though a Holmes-Moriarty ship suggests “iceberg ahead,” if you’re a true Sherlockophile, you should check this book out. I’m really intrigued as to where this story is headed…”
Read my full review here!
Every Word by Ellie Marney
Here’s what I said about Every Word by Ellie Marney (Tundra)
“Every Word, A Sherlock-inspired YA, does everything a second book in a mystery series should do — it has a self-contained mystery but also adds to the overall series plotline, which revolves around the murder of James Mycroft’s parents. I often complain that YA mysteries and thrillers are a little too PG to be truly thrilling, but Every Word was gritty and suspenseful while still seeming like YA. The mystery — involving a suspicious carjacking and a missing rare book — was really well-crafted, with all the clues laid out for analysis. And there was a pretty gruesome autopsy scene that was both poetic and disturbing — the writing in these books is really excellent.”
Read my full review here! And if you’re an Ellie Marney fan like me, check out my review of Some Shall Break, part of her 80s serial killer series.
I love Sherlock Holmes! Adding those last 2 books to my TBR list now 🙂
I would love to read a book titled 'the night we said yes'
Oh man, I actually borrowed The Fixer from the library but never had the chance to pick it up! I have Every Word on my shelves though, which I'm looking forward to reading. Great list Jen!
Oh, man… I haven't got around to reading any of these as yet *feeling ashamed* Hopefully next year… Merry Christmas, Jen!
I really liked Lock and Mori!
I have Lock & Mori on my shelf and can't wait to try it – I've been in the mood lately for a good mystery.
Merry Christmas, Jen! 🙂