Rose is, in my opinion, Martin Cruz Smith best novel. It’s a historical mystery that seems to break all the rules. It is vivid, engrossing, and brilliant. It is beautifully written, and its unusual plot and location only serve to deepen one’s interest. This is the sort of novel that captures and transports us to a different world, and involves us so thoroughly in the action that we never want to leave. Is it historically accurate? I don’t know, but nor do I care. It feels real, and that’s good enough for me.
By the time Martin Cruz Smith wrote this novel, he had already proven himself a master storyteller. He is the author of such winners as Gorky Park, Polar Star, and Red Square. But if you’re looking for Arkady Renko or a Russia setting, I have to warn you, they aren’t present here.
This is an ambitious and riveting mystery that clearly shows Mr. Smith’s versatility and mastery of his craft. I read the entire thing in one sitting, and now I wish I had read slower. I highly recommend this unusual page turner. If you don’t like it, I suggest you grab your wrist and check for a pulse. Get it now.
Tags: historical, Mystery, pageturner
And Then There Were None, also published as Ten Little Indians, is one of the most intriguing, bewildering, and ingenious mystery/thriller novels of all time. It belongs at the very top of must reads, not only for mystery lovers, but for fiction fans across all genres.
Agatha Christie leaves no argument, with this novel, that she will forever be the queen of the close room mystery. I have read virtually all of her work, and I can say that this novel shows her at the top of her game.
This is an intricate page turner that slowly builds up to one shocker of an ending. This novel is at times dark, and in very subtle ways, complex. It is nothing like Agatha’s previous work up to this point.
In short, this novel is a spectacular couldn’t put it down good read. If you have seen the stage or movie adaptations, you may not be aware that Agatha Christie rewrote the ending of the book for these. Read the book. It’s way better.
Tags: agatha christie, murder, Mystery
In the realm of couldn’t put it down literary winners, I believe The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand rightfully holds a top spot. This powerful masterpiece will hook you after only reading the opening sentence.
If you’re an idealist with high aspirations who holds fast to personal visions and ideas, this is the book for you. After reading the first page you will fall completely in love with the protagonist who struggles to mainstream his contemporary architectural ideas and defeat the principles of architectural dogma.
But regardless of your politics, or your philosophical views, as a story this book is just plain good reading.
Having experienced the power of this massive book first hand I must air a word of caution. Before you delve into this fast-gripping brain teasing novel, be sure to eat, bathe, and take your vitamins. Once you read the opening passage, this book will stick to your fingers like glue.
I guarantee once you start this puppy you won’t be able (or even want to) put it down. Don’t wait, this book is a must read.
Tags: architecture, objectivism, philosophy
I have read many books in my lifetime. From classics to science fiction to even an occasional romance novel, but of all these books, only very few have had the power to actually influence my life. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is one of these novels.
This riveting masterpiece takes you on the journey of a despondent young man contemplating an unthinkable ethical dilemma. Within the opening pages this novel will grab hold of you and send you back to 1800 Russia where you will vividly live the mental anguish and rationalization of the protagonist’s choice and the unexpected ramifications of his actions.
I love this story because I feel that it truly speaks to the human condition. Every single one of us at one point or another has faced ethical and moral dilemmas and the pressures that come with making the right choice.
If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of this novel and get ready for a twisted tale of greed, crime, and punishment you won’t soon forget.
Tags: Crime, Dostoevsky, pageturner, russia
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