Book Review- Tom Rob Smith- Child 44

Tom Rob Smith- Child 44 (Grand Central Publishing 2008) 3.5 Stars

The war has just ended and the Soviet Union’s citizens live in fear. They are to believe that regular crimes do not happen, but people are still arrested. Those who are arrested rarely survive and are believed to be either spies, or disloyal to the fundamental beliefs of the country. When an MGB officer, Leo Demidov discovers that a murderer is on the loose nothing will stop him from hunting down this ruthless serial killer, not even demotions, denouncing, and having his life thrown amuck. He will do whatever it takes to bring this madman to justice.

I found this book to be a rather slow read that took a while for me to get into. It has a great plot and wonderfully created characters, some of them are even wonderfully villainous. The author though has a wordiness about him that slows down the pace of the book and although it creates a vivid image in your mind, it can take away from the interest of the reader. I loved the last 150 pages of this book though as they really are a gripping read and some of the twists thrown in are great. That being said I wish that the author had found a way to cut a little bit of detail to keep the pace going and make it a less slow read. I also found it very interesting to get some incite into the Soviet mindset and I think that Smith does an amazing job of getting the paranoia across. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the books involving the post-war Soviet Union.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html

Book Review- Marcus Wynne- Warrior in the Shadows

Marcus Wynne- Warrior in the Shadows (Forge 2002) 4.25 Stars

Alfie Woodard is a serial killer for hire with a weird way of doing his job. He uses his Australian Aboriginal spirituality to steal from his victims, eating a part of his victims and using their blood to paint pictures, which sends a clear warning message to his boss’ enemies. Charley Payne, ex-CIA, has begun taking photos for the police instead of using his gun, but when he becomes involved with Alfie’s murders he must hunt down the man responsible and put an end to it all, even if it means dying as well.

Having never heard of this author I wasn’t sure about this book when I picked it up, but boy was I surprised. Right page one I liked the main character Charlie Payne, he seemed fun, smart, and you find out later that he is also very tough. Once the mystery starts it will grip the reader and make putting it down very difficult. I loved the flow of the plot, you know that Alfie and Charlie have to meet in a deadly battle and you wonder just how it will happen. I also found it nice to see Australia, even if it was just a small glimpse.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, or adventure books.

For more of my reviews, check out my website, http://www.tonypeters.webs.com/

Tony Peters
Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

www.eloquentbooks.com/kidsonacase.html