Review Shots: A Tale of Three Kings & Red Harvest

 5/5 Broken Stars

ON THE BACK:

For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope. Christian leaders and directors of religious movements throughout the world have recommended this simple, powerful, and beautiful story to their members and staff. You will want to join the thousands who have been profoundly touched by this incomparable story.

SHOT:

Wonderful book on brokenness. I’d never read this author before, but I knew a professor who recommended it very highly. I bought a copy, and I finally got around to reading it. Though short in length, it is powerful, and I highly recommend this for everyone, not just Christian readers!

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 3.5/5 Continental Op Stars

ON THE BACK:

When the last honest citizen of Poisonville was murdered, the Continental Op stayed on to punish the guilty–even if that meant taking on an entire town. Red Harvest is more than a superb crime novel: it is a classic exploration of corruption and violence in the American grain.

SHOT:

Read this for a class. I enjoyed it, and it was well-written, but I never warmed up to the main character. I don’t believe anyone can honestly warm up to this main character, but I also believe, Hammett wanted it that way. This is definitely a crime mystery classic, and it’s worth the read if you ever get the chance. However, it was certainly not my favorite book.

The Essence of Malice – Ashley Weaver

 4/5 Parisian Stars

On The Back:

The fourth installment in the Edgar-nominated mystery series set in 1930s England.

When Milo Ames receives a troubling letter from his childhood nanny, Madame Nanette, he and Amory travel to Paris where they are soon embroiled in a mystery surrounding the death of a famous parfumier. Helios Belanger died suddenly, shortly before the release of his newest, highly-anticipated perfume, and Madame Nanette, who works for the family, is convinced that her employer’s death was not due to natural causes.

The more Amory and Milo look into the motives of industry rivals and the Belanger heirs who are vying for control of his perfume empire, the more they are convinced that Nanette may be right. When secrets unfold and things take a dangerous turn, Amory and Milo must work quickly to uncover the essence of the matter and catch a killer before the scent goes cold.

My Thoughts:

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Minotaur and Netgalley, but all thoughts stated in this review are my own*

A wonderful book in a truly outstanding series, The Essence of Malice  was wonderful!

I love Amory and Milo, and their relationship dynamic. Their relationship is truly unique, and I like seeing Milo try to remedy his past wrongs. However, I feel that after the tension that permeated their relationship in the first two books left, the strength of their relationship has started going downhill. It is in no way detrimental to the book, but it’s just something I’ve started noticing.

I loved the mystery, it was well put together, and solid. The Belanger family was well-written and I really hope that they reappear in the next book. I loved the change of pace in Paris, also.

Overall excellent, I highly recommend this book and this series!