An enjoyable coming of age story - 3 star

A pleasant coming of age story written in a rather engaging style which helps to encapsulate the trials and tribulation of young Daniel. He is on the cusp of manhood and has to face the disgrace of his father, the overpowering love of his mother, and his increasing interest in a boy called Philip. The question of sexual orientation, the need for spiritual guidance (or not as Daniel comes to realise) is dealt with understanding, sympathy if not a little humour.

The Death Watcher, Chris Carter still top of his game - 5 star

I have read all Chris Carter’s books and have found them unputdownable until that is I read Genesis, 14th in the Robert Hunter series….and I  thought it was terrible ( well every author is allowed one book that just doesn’t float my particular boat :) So with more than a little trepidation I picked up The Death Watcher and hoped the winning formula that had held me glued to the antics of Hunter and his intrepid partner Garcia, would return….and boy was I not disappointed.

As fans of Carter will know Hunter and Garcia work in the Robbery and Homicide division in the LA PD but more particularly the Ultra Violent Crimes unit, dealing with homicides so severe and grotesque that only those of a certain disposition (our 2 heroes :) can be allocated. Yes the Death Watcher is yet another serial killer book, but it is much more than that, and to find out why we just need to look at the author’s background….Born in Brazil of Italian origin, Chris Carter studied psychology and Criminal behaviour in the USA. As a member of the District Attorney's Criminal Psychology team, and working together with the Police Department in numerous cases, he interviewed and studied many criminals, including serial and multiple homicide offenders with life imprisonment convictions.

So in The Death Watcher we are invited to attend and be witness to group sessions with evil men who are prepared to acknowledge their crime and by this acknowledgement maybe find a little peace. It is this evaluation and understanding of perpetrators that gives Carter a unique insight into the criminal mind and makes his books (well nearly all of them) an essential read. The Death Watcher concerns a very disturbed individual and when the bodies of his victims are discovered, Hunter and Garcia start on a journey that could result in a fatal conclusion. Enjoy, and hold on tight, for the ride, welcome back Chris, you are still top of your game :)

An author at the top of her game - 5 star

A big welcome back to the Martini club, a loose configuration of ex spies living in the aptly named Purity (it’s not so pure :) For those of you who have not read the first in the series “The spy Coast” the Martini club comprises unofficial leader Maggie, Declan, her possible boyfriend, Ben, Ingrid and Lloyd. Retirement has brought little respite for the five and when a young girl Zoe is reported missing they are determined to help acting chief Jo Thibodeau solve the case, even if acting chief Thibodeau does not want any help.

Susan, Ethan and their daughter Zoe are travelling to Maiden Pond to scatter the ashes of Ehtan’s father George. There he will meet with George’s widow Elizabeth, his brother Colin, wife Brooke and their young son Kit. However all is not well in this family, when Zoe disappears, the past resurfaces and deadly family secrets emerge with near fatal results 

I thought this was an excellent story weaving parts of questionable CIA history (and educating me in the process)with a top notch edge of the seat thriller. I love this new series that the author has commenced, what a wonderful direction for her to take, and a treat for the reader. Highly recommended.