When temperatures start to drop, I find myself turning more to thrillers and mysteries. Foggy air, earlier sunsets, and cool temperatures remind me of scary, spooky events. I guess that is why I prefer to read about mysteries during this time.
This month, I’ve read 3 plot-driven thriller books for fall that would make great additions to your reading list.
Book: The Ice Cap and the Rift (book 2 in the Ancestor Series)
Author: Marshall R Chamberlin
Genre: Thriller/sci-fi and military
Source: Free from publisher
Readability Rating: 3 stars
Morality Rating: PG-13
Buy it: Amazon
The Ice Cap and the Rift Book Summary (from Amazon)
John Henry Morgan, ex-Marine, Director of the United Nation’s Institute for the Study of Unusual Phenomena, returns from the devastating attack on ISUP’s Mountain project in Belize only to be cast into the aftermath of the Comboquake and the dangers of the rift. Morgan and key ISUP staff mount an expedition to the rift and discover a cavern occupied one hundred and eighty thousand years ago, containing a perfectly preserved high-tech habitat and a traveling machine operated by unknown scientific principles. Survival for the ISUP scientists and preservation of new technologies for the benefit of humanity lie in choices of whom to trust.
What I Liked Most
I love any book that has a good sci-fi twist (true science fiction, not the sort of fantasy version of Star Wars). The blend of military military and science was believable, and from what I assume about the world, a situation with strange science would involve the military in a major way. The plot was solid and realistic from start to finish.
What I Liked Least
Although I do have minor bits of military experience, I don’ t really care for extreme technical information in books. I thought the military and technical details bogged the book down in spots.
Overall Thoughts
Anyone who loves solid, military-influenced fiction should really enjoy this book.
Book: The Marco Effect
Author: Jussi Adler-Olsen (Wikipedia says he is Danish, so yay for diversity!)
Genre: Crime Thriller
Source: Free through First to Read
Readability Rating: 4 stars
Morality Rating: PG-13
Buy it: Amazon
The Marco Effect Book Summary (from Amazon)
All fifteen-year-old Marco Jameson wants is to become a Danish citizen and go to school like a normal teenager. But his uncle Zola rules his former gypsy clan with an iron fist. Revered as a god and feared as a devil, Zola forces the children of the clan to beg and steal for his personal gain. When Marco discovers a dead body—proving the true extent of Zola’s criminal activities—he goes on the run. But his family members aren’t the only ones who’ll go to any lengths to keep Marco silent . . . forever.
What I Liked Most
It’s been a long time since I read a thriller that made me laugh (it might never have happened, actually). I really loved that The Marco Effect worked a little lightness and humor into the story although it was focused on traditional thriller topics. The story itself was more character-driven than I’ve found in many thrillers, which was refreshing. One of my favorite things about reading books from authors from other countries is the unique form of phrasing they bring to books.
What I Liked Least
In some spots, the plot dragged a bit, and in others, a person talked for too long in one solid chunk. In general, I’ve found that most people don’t say more than 2-3 sentences before they are interrupted.
Overall Thoughts
The Marco Effect is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in years. Even if you are not a typical thriller fan, I bet you would find something to like about this book (and I assume the other novels in the series, although I haven’t read them).
Book: Bones Never Lie
Author: Kathy Reichs
Genre: Crime Thriller
Source: Free through Net Galley
Readability Rating: 4 stars
Morality Rating: PG-13
Buy it: Amazon
Bones Never Lie Book Summary (from Amazon)
Unexpectedly called in to the Charlotte PD’s Cold Case Unit, Dr. Temperance Brennan wonders why she’s been asked to meet with a homicide cop who’s a long way from his own jurisdiction. The shocking answer: Two child murders, separated by thousands of miles, have one thing in common—the killer. Years ago, Anique Pomerleau kidnapped and murdered a string of girls in Canada, then narrowly eluded capture. It was a devastating defeat for her pursuers, Brennan and police detective Andrew Ryan. Now, as if summoned from their nightmares, Pomerleau has resurfaced in the United States, linked to victims in Vermont and North Carolina. When another child is snatched, the reign of terror promises to continue—unless Brennan can rise to the challenge and make good on her second chance to stop a psychopath.
What I Liked Most
The writing in Bones Never Lie was punchy and right to the point. After reading many books that go on forever needlessly, I enjoyed a book that went straight to the point. Bhe of this, the book was easy to read and didn’t take long.
What I Liked Least
I found in some spots I felt like I was reading a police report or legal document, which interrupted the flow of the story for me. I’m not sure if I needed so many distinct details about the case.
Overall Thoughts
Bones Never Lie is a thriller, and should leave you feeling somewhat depressed, but it doesn’t. This book is perfect for crime thriller fans who don’t want to leave the story feeling depressed. The ending is happy enough to please even non-seasoned thriller readers.
Share your favorite thriller with me in the comments!
More Thrillers at Daily Mayo
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