Book Review: The Nesting by C.J. Cooke
The Nesting
Author: C.J. Cooke
Published: September 29, 2020
416 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 3 stars
Book Description:
The woods are creeping in on a nanny and two young girls in this chilling modern Gothic thriller.
Architect Tom Faraday is determined to finish the high-concept, environmentally friendly home he’s building in Norway – in the same place where he lost his wife, Aurelia, to suicide. It was their dream house, and he wants to honor her with it.
Lexi Ellis takes a job as his nanny and immediately falls in love with his two young daughters, especially Gaia. But something feels off in the isolated house nestled in the forest along the fjord. Lexi sees mysterious muddy footprints inside the home. Aurelia’s diary appears in Lexi’s room one day. And Gaia keeps telling her about seeing the terrifying Sad Lady…
Soon Lexi suspects that Aurelia didn’t kill herself and that they are all in danger from something far more sinister lurking around them.
Kim’s Review:
What a strange book. At its core, it’s a murder mystery. But there’s a lot of weird, Norwegian type horror elements that were just … weird. Then throw in some environmentalism that actually makes everything worse. I know it sounds awful, but I feel like I don’t even remember most of the story. The murder mystery was solid and I like that part of it. But the rest of it feels so muddled. Maybe if I knew more about Norwegian mythology, it would have been better. But unfortunately it just fell flat for me.
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Book Review: The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
The 14th Colony
Series: Cotton Malone #11
Author: Steve Berry
Published: April 5, 2016
450 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
What happens if both the president and vice-president-elect die before taking the oath of office? The answer is far from certain—in fact, what follows would be nothing short of total political chaos.
Shot down over Siberia, ex-Justice Department agent Cotton Malone is forced into a fight for survival against Aleksandr Zorin, a man whose loyalty to the former Soviet Union has festered for decades into an intense hatred of the United States.
Before escaping, Malone learns that Zorin and another ex-KGB officer, this one a sleeper still embedded in the West, are headed overseas to Washington D.C. Noon on January 20th—Inauguration Day—is only hours away. A flaw in the Constitution, and an even more flawed presidential succession act, have opened the door to disaster and Zorin intends to exploit both weaknesses to their fullest.
Armed with a weapon leftover from the Cold War, one long thought to be just a myth, Zorin plans to attack. He’s aided by a shocking secret hidden in the archives of America’s oldest fraternal organization—the Society of Cincinnati—a group that once lent out its military savvy to presidents, including helping to formulate three invasion plans of what was intended to be America’s 14th colony—Canada.
In a race against the clock that starts in the frozen extremes of Russia and ultimately ends at the White House itself, Malone must not only battle Zorin, he must also confront a crippling fear that he’s long denied, but which now jeopardizes everything. Steve Berry’s trademark mix of history and speculation is all here in this provocative new thriller.
Kim’s Review:
My brain hurt after reading this book, in a really good way! I’ll start with my main problem that brought it down a star: That question is in the description. It pretty much gave away the main twist. It was kind of annoying that so much anticipation was built up throughout the story, just for it to be written on the back of the book all along. But I love a good old society. And I love Russians. And I love spies who are so badass that they can do anything. I don’t mind Canada, but I’m ok that we never conquered it.
This book kept me going from page 1. Something is always happening, someone is always being shot at, someone is always in danger. The whole book is what I’d call an experience. While the twist felt a little anticlimactic, the action never ceased. This is perfect for those who like a thriller with a good conspiracy. I really enjoyed it while sitting on the beach!
Purchase Links:
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Book Review: The Amber Room by Steve Berry
The Amber Room
Author: Steve Berry
Published: August 26, 2003
464 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
Atlanta judge Rachel Cutler loves her job and her kids, but her life takes a dark turn when her father dies under strange circumstances, leaving behind clues to a secret about one of the greatest treasures ever made by man. Forged of the exquisite gem, the Amber Room inexplicably disappeared sometime during World War II. Determined to solve its mysteries, Rachel takes off for Germany with her ex-husband, Paul, close behind. Before long, they’re in over their heads. Locked into a treacherous game with professional killers, Rachel and Paul find themselves on a collision course with the forces of greed, power, and history itself.
Kim’s Review:
I’ve been on a thriller/conspiracy kick lately. Steve Berry does seem to be the king of a good conspiracy! I’ve read The Amber Room before, but it’s been a very long time so I decided to reread it: And it was worth it! Russian treasure is the kind of thing I’d like to find while randomly digging on the beach. I don’t have the athletic prowess to be a treasure hunter, so I’ll just live vicariously through these characters. Thankfully, most of them are likeable! I prefer the villains in this story . . . not that that should surprise anyone. I mean, sneaking into rich people’s European castles to steal their already stolen treasures sounds like a dream come true. I could do without all the murder, but that’s not the point! The Cutler’s are a nice couple, but the silly passive aggressiveness got a little boring after a while.
There’s a good bit of everything for everyone in this book. You may not like history, but there’s plenty of action to keep you distracted. Overall, I really like this book. I plan to go see the Amber Room reproduction before I die and maybe we’ll get lucky and the real thing will eventually be found!
Purchase Links:
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