Tag Archives: fiction

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : The Secret of Secrets

Book Reviews, Dan Brown, Robert Langdon, thriller stories, , , ,

Hello dear readers,

I realize I have been gone for quite some time, and can only say as an excuse that life is full. I was able to spend some time with both my children for the holidays, but as they are grown and have their own lives, I did have to travel to one of them this year. I considered the trip very worthwhile, but I have had countless demands on my time, so I haven’t had the luxury to sit and just write for far too long. Of course, I did manage to take a couple of books with me, and so I can finally sit down and offer my latest review.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon, #6) by Dan Brown (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review 

The sixth installment of author Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series features the globe-trotting Harvard symbologist attending a prestigious talk given by new girlfriend Katherine Solomon in Prague. Dr. Solomon, a long-time colleague, has written the definitive text on consciousness theory, a treatise which apparently is so explosive a splinter division from the CIA will stop at nothing to prevent her publishing it.


With Katherine in danger, Robert dives in, literally into an icy river, and figuratively, to protect her and discover who and what is targeting her work. The reader is treated to an exploration of the art and culture of Prague as clues are hidden all around, and under the city.


Meanwhile, others are also searching for answers, including an apparent figment out of local medieval lore. Will Robert be reunited with Katherine, and will they be able to salvage her manuscript, that has somehow been erased from the publisher’s server? And who or what is the mysterious Golem, who seems to be both stalking them and taking out their enemies?


This is certainly the longest novel in this series to date, at more than 670 pages, but the author includes enough action and depth of plot in the story that the word count feels justified. There are twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat for the long haul. Meanwhile, Robert Langdon continues to amaze as he puts together obscure clues with the efficiency of Sherlock Holmes.


The only criticism I have is that there seems to be so little continuity from his other stories; one would think that Langdon’s character would be more effected by some of his past experiences and relationships than his demeanor suggests. The only reference noted to past adventures is made by his editor, in an aside, that Robert is always in the middle of dangerous situations.


All being said, this is an excellent story full of thrills, suspense, and plot twists to satisfy most readers, along with some tender moments of romance that lead fans of the series to wonder if this is the one love that Langdon will keep for longer than the end of one novel. I give The Secret of Secrets 5 stars, and recommend it to fans of thrillers, mysteries and spy novels.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect

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Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect (Ernest Cunningham, #2) by

Benjamin Stevenson (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

In this sequel to Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, the hero/survivor Ernest Cunningham has turned the trauma from the first installment into a book. As the novel opens, he is about to board “The Ghan,” Australia’s modern day answer to the Orient Express for a writer’s festival.

From the beginning of the story, Ernest is plagued with survivor’s guilt and feelings of inadequacy, even as he tries to romance his fellow survivor, the owner of the ski resort, Juliette. Ernest is also feeling the pressure to produce a new book by his publisher and agent Simone, who is on the train for her own reasons.


In an attempt to find inspiration, Ernest begins observing and investigating events that happen on board the train. Of course, there is a murder, multiple suspects and red herrings as the plot becomes more convoluted. A second murder, and rival authors who are also trying to capitalize on the events for their future publications, leads to Ernest being unsure if anyone is innocent, and who could he possibly trust to help solve this mystery that is stranger than fiction.


Author Benjamin Stevenson writes this series in the first person, so most of the story is told through Ernest’s eyes, although there are parts where he deviates to another character. Ernest is not a detective, per say, but his former career was writing books on how to write mystery stories, so he uses his dubious skills, obtained from studying golden age masters of the craft, like Agatha Christie, to assist and lead him forward.


This somewhat unique point of view from the main character allows him to address the fourth wall, i.e. the reader as he seemingly gives away plot points long before they happen, all the while surprising the reader with the twists the story actually takes. These interludes are both humorous and slightly irreverent, showing the author enjoys playing with his characters as much as this reader enjoys his story.


I award this book five stars, and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : The Hanging Tree

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The Hanging Tree by Irina Shapiro

The Hanging Tree (Nicole Rayburn #1) by Irina Shapiro (Goodreads Author)

Amy Caudill‘s review

When Nicole checks into an isolated old mansion for a writer’s retreat, she has no idea she will be drawn into the true story of a local legend. Alys Bailey may or may not have been a witch, depending on the definition of such in the 1600’s, but she was most probably hanged on a centuries-old tree that overlooks the current breakfast room of the manor. The mystery of this character inspires Nicole, as does the reluctance of the owners and the locals to speak of her.


Nicole soon forms a partnership with Kyle, a fellow writer, who volunteers his time to assist with her research. As the two grow closer, Nicole learns he has secrets of his own.


This is the first book I have read by author Irina Shapiro, and I found her method of alternating between chapters of the present and the past more interesting than frustrating. She skillfully weaves between the two separate stories, while leaving the reader wanting more.


My only complaint with this novel was that there were several elements introduced into the story the author chose not to capitalize on. The current owners of the manor may or may not have acquired the home by unscrupulous means, a suspicion led by the fact there is no record of Lisa Prentiss in the family genealogy on the grounds. The manor lies next to a man-made lake created by flooding an ancient town, and only the bell tower of the church is visible above the surface of the water. I feel Shapiro could have done so much more with these plot points, but they are relegated to the status of red herrings.


Meanwhile, the reader is lead to see that the real villain of the historic story is not the accused witch but the lady of the manor. The final twists are certainly unexpected, and in my opinion make up for any disappointments with the direction the story takes.


I award this story four stars, and will most likely read more of this author’s work. I recommend this to fans of historical romantic mysteries.

Amy Caudill’s Reviews : Sherlock Holmes and the Highgate Horrors

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Sherlock Holmes and the Highgate Horrors by James Lovegrove

Sherlock Holmes and the Highgate Horrors by James Lovegrove

Amy Caudill‘s review

What a good book to read to start off the spooky season!  This fourth volume in the series by James Lovegrove combines the classic characters of Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes with the monsters of H.P. Lovecraft to weave a tale that brings our heroes into a secret war against alien monstrosities that not only influence our world from afar, but now are found to walk among us.

This novel, presented as sort of an addendum to the three prior, skillfully takes the original characters of Holmes and Watson, as well of some of the original author’s specific cases, and weaves into to them a secret subtext that Watson, as the “author” whose works appeared in The Strand, chose to keep hidden from the public.  Lovegrove, as the “heir” to these secret case notes, has decided the time is right to reveal what really happened behind the scenes.

This particular volume delineates happenings from not only earlier cases, but also particulars at the end of Holmes and Watsons’ careers and lives.  For instance, the “real” reason Holmes retired to the country, and what “really” happened to Irene Adler.  Throughout, the reader is treated to multiple cases where the duo fights against the hordes of the Outer Gods and worshippers of The Great Old Ones, so named from Lovecraft’s work. 

Now, though, it appears a cabal of humans is assisting the otherworldly creatures in conquering a much nearer and dearer target, Earth itself.  Why have the invaders come to Earth, despite their different physiology and inability to survive under Earth’s atmosphere and gravity?  The reason is not revealed till deep in the text and is shocking in its insidiousness and desperation.  The culmination of the final story shows links between all the cases and reveals the ultimate plot of the aliens, who are no longer united in their goals.

This book is a treat for fans of the original works of classic authors, Conan Doyle, and Lovecraft, and combines their characters in a plausible way that can delight a whole new generation of readers.  Fans of the series’ will easily recognize specifics, but can also enjoy the new stories, like that rare well-written piece of fan fiction with an original plot.  I award Lovegrove four stars and recommend this volume to fans of Holmes, Cthulhu, classic mystery and horror books.