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elyxyz's review against another edition
5.0
Voto: 4.5
Questo secondo capitolo della serie riparte esattamente dove si era interrotto il primo volume, con Henry che accorre da Viola dopo la sua telefonata – e finalmente abbiamo modo di capire qualcosa di più sul perché siano tanto legati e sul passato della ragazza –, mentre Mac è in convalescenza dopo la sparatoria allo chalet.
Quando Viola rivela a Henry le sue preoccupazioni, non immagina di inguaiarlo e, di riflesso, di incasinare maggiormente la vita di Mac, che ha grane da risolvere su più fronti.
Anche questo libro assume tinte gialle, con morti sospette, truffe e investigazioni improvvisate con un tocco shakespeariano. Aggiungiamo ancora traditori, segreti e scomode verità.
Tutta la storia è permeata di ironia ma anche di una sottile tensione che non abbandona mai il lettore, perché il guaio sembra sempre dietro l’angolo.
Il rapporto tra Henry e Mac è sempre complesso e più complicato, ora che i loro sentimenti si fanno sempre più forti e l’amore potrebbe prendere il posto della semplice attrazione.
Henry e Mac sanno razionalmente che è una scelta terribile, sia per ciò che sono sia per il passato di Henry, per il suo stile di vita e per mille altri motivi… Eppure al cuore non si comanda.
Il capitolo è tutto agrodolce, perché ci sono mille problemi da affrontare sia sul piano pratico che su quello emotivo. Abbiamo modo di capire meglio Henry e la sua complessità: i demoni del suo passato che lo rincorrono costantemente, il senso di colpa e quello del dovere verso Viola. Abbiamo l’Henry forte e quello fragile, molto umano nelle sue imperfezioni.
Mac ha il suo bel daffare a disbrogliare varie matasse, a lavorare sui propri sentimenti e sul dare o meno fiducia – ma ancor più il suo cuore – ad un bugiardo patentato, imbroglione e truffatore.
Non c’è tempo di annoiarsi in questa trama, che ha la giusta dose di adrenalina ed eventi, una buona introspezione e dell’umorismo misto a ironia per stemperare i toni troppo seri.
Benché la tensione sessuale sottenda tutto il libro, abbiamo un’unica scena esplicita, piacevole e descrittiva, ma non particolarmente minuziosa.
Accanto ai protagonisti possiamo conoscere un po’ di più alcuni personaggi secondari che sono comparsi già nel primo libro e non mancheranno sorprese e colpi di scena, perché a volte il mondo è davvero piccolo.
Come il primo libro, anche questo termina con un cliffhanger e spero che la traduzione del prossimo arrivi presto, perché non vedo l’ora di leggere le soluzioni delle cose in sospeso.
Lettura consigliata? Decisamente sì.
Questo secondo capitolo della serie riparte esattamente dove si era interrotto il primo volume, con Henry che accorre da Viola dopo la sua telefonata – e finalmente abbiamo modo di capire qualcosa di più sul perché siano tanto legati e sul passato della ragazza –, mentre Mac è in convalescenza dopo la sparatoria allo chalet.
Quando Viola rivela a Henry le sue preoccupazioni, non immagina di inguaiarlo e, di riflesso, di incasinare maggiormente la vita di Mac, che ha grane da risolvere su più fronti.
Anche questo libro assume tinte gialle, con morti sospette, truffe e investigazioni improvvisate con un tocco shakespeariano. Aggiungiamo ancora traditori, segreti e scomode verità.
Tutta la storia è permeata di ironia ma anche di una sottile tensione che non abbandona mai il lettore, perché il guaio sembra sempre dietro l’angolo.
Il rapporto tra Henry e Mac è sempre complesso e più complicato, ora che i loro sentimenti si fanno sempre più forti e l’amore potrebbe prendere il posto della semplice attrazione.
Henry e Mac sanno razionalmente che è una scelta terribile, sia per ciò che sono sia per il passato di Henry, per il suo stile di vita e per mille altri motivi… Eppure al cuore non si comanda.
Il capitolo è tutto agrodolce, perché ci sono mille problemi da affrontare sia sul piano pratico che su quello emotivo. Abbiamo modo di capire meglio Henry e la sua complessità: i demoni del suo passato che lo rincorrono costantemente, il senso di colpa e quello del dovere verso Viola. Abbiamo l’Henry forte e quello fragile, molto umano nelle sue imperfezioni.
Mac ha il suo bel daffare a disbrogliare varie matasse, a lavorare sui propri sentimenti e sul dare o meno fiducia – ma ancor più il suo cuore – ad un bugiardo patentato, imbroglione e truffatore.
Non c’è tempo di annoiarsi in questa trama, che ha la giusta dose di adrenalina ed eventi, una buona introspezione e dell’umorismo misto a ironia per stemperare i toni troppo seri.
Benché la tensione sessuale sottenda tutto il libro, abbiamo un’unica scena esplicita, piacevole e descrittiva, ma non particolarmente minuziosa.
Accanto ai protagonisti possiamo conoscere un po’ di più alcuni personaggi secondari che sono comparsi già nel primo libro e non mancheranno sorprese e colpi di scena, perché a volte il mondo è davvero piccolo.
Come il primo libro, anche questo termina con un cliffhanger e spero che la traduzione del prossimo arrivi presto, perché non vedo l’ora di leggere le soluzioni delle cose in sospeso.
Lettura consigliata? Decisamente sì.
javalenciaph's review against another edition
5.0
Note: This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Merchant of Death is the second book in the Playing the Fool series by the writing team of Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock and picks up soon after the events of the first book. As always when it comes to book series, I highly recommend that you read the books in order because that helps build the foundation as the series progresses. And well, the first book is really good as well so go and read it before starting this one! ^.^
Henry Page has run away...again. This time, though, he's got a good reason for doing so. His sister Viola called him asking for his help. But Henry isn't Henry to Viola. To her, he is and always will be Sebastian or, as she fondly calls him, Sebby. The Hanes twins only have one another to rely on and with Viola being in the condition she's in, Henry/Sebastian takes full responsibility and will do whatever he can for her.
Ryan "Mac" McGuinness is no longer surprised that Henry's run off...again. However, he can't focus all his energies trying to track him down because it appears as if someone's out to get him, trying to destroy his career as an FBI agent in the process. He soon realizes that he needs Henry to back him up on the events that happened in the cabin in Altona but first things first--he needs to find Henry, the sooner, the better.
As Mac finds out more about Henry's past, he suddenly knows where to find him. Once he gets there, he's in for a shock. Henry isn't Henry--he's Viola. Well, he's dressed and looks like his sister but he had to do it in order to find out what's going on in the center where she's been staying. Mac reluctantly helps Henry out, intrigued by the case but more so by Henry looking the way he does. Or is Henry now Sebastian?
Mac's personal and work issues are tugging him in opposite directions and the fact that he's got the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) breathing down his neck. When Henry appears to be connected in one way or another to names mentioned by his boss Val Kimura and by the OPR, Mac can't help but wonder if he's being played for a fool by the very same man he finds himself falling in love with.
Henry knows that what he and Mac is up in the air, due in no small part to his numerous disappearing acts, but he also knows that if he decides to take a chance, it could be something oh-so-worth it. His first instinct has always been to run but with Mac now being in hot water at the bureau and that it's a paid set-up, Henry knows he needs to stick around and be there for the man that he never imagined he'd ever fall in with.
Ah, goodness me. The stuff that Henry gets into certainly keeps Mac on his toes and definitely keeps their non-relationship rather interesting. The fact that Mac is an FBI agent and Henry is a grifter of sorts makes what's brewing between them difficult to define and complicates matters. The back and forth is often witty with an undercurrent of sorts. The thing is, does Mac want Henry Page or Sebastian Hanes or both?
The introduction of Viola, Henry's sister, was a good one because readers get to see a different side of Henry. He certainly carries a great deal of guilt upon his shoulders but what he does for her isn't merely based on that. There's a genuine love between Viola and her Sebby, something that Henry cannot fake or take lightly. Mac notices how vulnerable Henry is when he's Sebastian, a rare occurrence for Henry.
I was expecting the cliffhanger so I'm just glad that I have the ARC of the third book patiently waiting for me on my tablet. Each book in the series finds me becoming more invested in Mac and Henry and I really hope these two get their happily ever after. The Merchant of Death had suspense, mystery, and thrills of every good kind. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book and am giving it a perfect five-star rating. ♥
Release Date: 02 February 2015
The Merchant of Death is the second book in the Playing the Fool series by the writing team of Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock and picks up soon after the events of the first book. As always when it comes to book series, I highly recommend that you read the books in order because that helps build the foundation as the series progresses. And well, the first book is really good as well so go and read it before starting this one! ^.^
Henry Page has run away...again. This time, though, he's got a good reason for doing so. His sister Viola called him asking for his help. But Henry isn't Henry to Viola. To her, he is and always will be Sebastian or, as she fondly calls him, Sebby. The Hanes twins only have one another to rely on and with Viola being in the condition she's in, Henry/Sebastian takes full responsibility and will do whatever he can for her.
Ryan "Mac" McGuinness is no longer surprised that Henry's run off...again. However, he can't focus all his energies trying to track him down because it appears as if someone's out to get him, trying to destroy his career as an FBI agent in the process. He soon realizes that he needs Henry to back him up on the events that happened in the cabin in Altona but first things first--he needs to find Henry, the sooner, the better.
As Mac finds out more about Henry's past, he suddenly knows where to find him. Once he gets there, he's in for a shock. Henry isn't Henry--he's Viola. Well, he's dressed and looks like his sister but he had to do it in order to find out what's going on in the center where she's been staying. Mac reluctantly helps Henry out, intrigued by the case but more so by Henry looking the way he does. Or is Henry now Sebastian?
Mac's personal and work issues are tugging him in opposite directions and the fact that he's got the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) breathing down his neck. When Henry appears to be connected in one way or another to names mentioned by his boss Val Kimura and by the OPR, Mac can't help but wonder if he's being played for a fool by the very same man he finds himself falling in love with.
Henry knows that what he and Mac is up in the air, due in no small part to his numerous disappearing acts, but he also knows that if he decides to take a chance, it could be something oh-so-worth it. His first instinct has always been to run but with Mac now being in hot water at the bureau and that it's a paid set-up, Henry knows he needs to stick around and be there for the man that he never imagined he'd ever fall in with.
Ah, goodness me. The stuff that Henry gets into certainly keeps Mac on his toes and definitely keeps their non-relationship rather interesting. The fact that Mac is an FBI agent and Henry is a grifter of sorts makes what's brewing between them difficult to define and complicates matters. The back and forth is often witty with an undercurrent of sorts. The thing is, does Mac want Henry Page or Sebastian Hanes or both?
The introduction of Viola, Henry's sister, was a good one because readers get to see a different side of Henry. He certainly carries a great deal of guilt upon his shoulders but what he does for her isn't merely based on that. There's a genuine love between Viola and her Sebby, something that Henry cannot fake or take lightly. Mac notices how vulnerable Henry is when he's Sebastian, a rare occurrence for Henry.
I was expecting the cliffhanger so I'm just glad that I have the ARC of the third book patiently waiting for me on my tablet. Each book in the series finds me becoming more invested in Mac and Henry and I really hope these two get their happily ever after. The Merchant of Death had suspense, mystery, and thrills of every good kind. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book and am giving it a perfect five-star rating. ♥
Release Date: 02 February 2015
gillianw's review against another edition
4.0
This was lots of fun. I had the audiobook version and both the story and the narration were fantastic. Henry is bloody hilarious and the scenes at the care centre were so entertaining. Mac is lovely and his affection for Henry/Sebastian is so sincere, it's a little heartbreaking. One thing is for sure: I will never look at mac 'n cheese the same way again!
I can't wait to get to the next book - Meet The Parents :) 4 stars
I can't wait to get to the next book - Meet The Parents :) 4 stars
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
Despite it being forever ago since I read [b:The Two Gentlemen of Altona|22439645|The Two Gentlemen of Altona (Playing the Fool, #1)|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408431875l/22439645._SY75_.jpg|41864532], and admittedly, hardly remember any details, it didn't negate too much the interesting push pull of Henry and Mac.
Taking off immediately from where the first book ended, Henry is called away to attend some family business. What ensues is a very unbelievable improbable setup as he impersonates his sister at the home she’s living in to make sure her nebulous fears are unfounded or not. If something nefarious is going on, Henry is going to find out before he allows Viola to return. Against his will, federal agent Mac is pulled into Henry’s investigation which is completely out of his jusristation. Thing is, Mac just can't say no, no matter how hard he tries.
The dynamic between these two is funny and sometimes silly, the attraction never dimming. One MC is not sure if he could ever trust a con man, the other not sure if he can be trustworthy. In between the farcical situations these two get themselves in, it becomes more and more apparent that there’s some meat to this bone with plenty of angsty moments (mostly on Henry’s side) that explain why he is the way he is. Mac too, has his own problems brewing as someone wants him out of the way and this second installment builds on the first revealing a broader and more complex story arc that will see its conclusion in the next book.
Overall, interesting enough. The dynamic again, is compelling between these two complete opposites both in personality, motivation, and morality. I guess that makes them the perfect pair, and they’re going to need each other’s unique skill set to get them out of the trouble they find themselves neck deep in, while of course, falling further in love.
Despite it being forever ago since I read [b:The Two Gentlemen of Altona|22439645|The Two Gentlemen of Altona (Playing the Fool, #1)|Lisa Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408431875l/22439645._SY75_.jpg|41864532], and admittedly, hardly remember any details, it didn't negate too much the interesting push pull of Henry and Mac.
Taking off immediately from where the first book ended, Henry is called away to attend some family business. What ensues is a very unbelievable improbable setup as he impersonates his sister at the home she’s living in to make sure her nebulous fears are unfounded or not. If something nefarious is going on, Henry is going to find out before he allows Viola to return. Against his will, federal agent Mac is pulled into Henry’s investigation which is completely out of his jusristation. Thing is, Mac just can't say no, no matter how hard he tries.
The dynamic between these two is funny and sometimes silly, the attraction never dimming. One MC is not sure if he could ever trust a con man, the other not sure if he can be trustworthy. In between the farcical situations these two get themselves in, it becomes more and more apparent that there’s some meat to this bone with plenty of angsty moments (mostly on Henry’s side) that explain why he is the way he is. Mac too, has his own problems brewing as someone wants him out of the way and this second installment builds on the first revealing a broader and more complex story arc that will see its conclusion in the next book.
Overall, interesting enough. The dynamic again, is compelling between these two complete opposites both in personality, motivation, and morality. I guess that makes them the perfect pair, and they’re going to need each other’s unique skill set to get them out of the trouble they find themselves neck deep in, while of course, falling further in love.
acaprice20's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
fae_princess_in_space's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another fun one from the Henry/Rock duo! Following on from where the last book left off, Mac is in trouble at work - he is being accused of being inappropriate with his witness, Henry Page, of using excessive force with suspects and even using drugs. A murder of a drug dealer has occurred with a note saying it is all Mac’s fault… but Mac has no idea what is going on.
Henry meeting up with his twin sister Viola, who is convinced that someone is hurting residents at the care home where she lives. Desperate to uncover what is going on and to protect his sister, Henry goes undercover at the care home posing as Viola… what could possibly go wrong?
I loved this - we learn more about Henry’s past and meet his twin sister Viola. There is lots of scandal and intrigue and this book is very action packed. Again, it ends on a cliffhanger as it seems that Henry and Mac are going to stay tangled up as their lives just seem to keep colliding…
Henry meeting up with his twin sister Viola, who is convinced that someone is hurting residents at the care home where she lives. Desperate to uncover what is going on and to protect his sister, Henry goes undercover at the care home posing as Viola… what could possibly go wrong?
I loved this - we learn more about Henry’s past and meet his twin sister Viola. There is lots of scandal and intrigue and this book is very action packed. Again, it ends on a cliffhanger as it seems that Henry and Mac are going to stay tangled up as their lives just seem to keep colliding…
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.25 Stars - I liked The Merchant of Death much more than book one in the series. Henry’s tragic past is explained in more detail and we see the pressure he puts on himself. We are introduced to his sister Viola and it goes a long way to understanding Henry.
The plot was fun, if you can consider investigating shady dealings at a mental care facility while in drag fun. There were a lot of humour and Shakespeare references that gave the mystery a comedic edge.
Henry as Viola was not something to laugh at, though; it was not poking fun at anyone. I found a sweetness to it and to how Mac responded to him.
I liked Mac and his dependability. We see more of him as a man and I loved one scene where he is racing down the highway with the music blaring and imagining himself the hero. It gave a different picture of him than the buttoned up, gruff, dieting FBI agent.
The plot twists and turns and I can’t wait to find out where it goes next. Luckily I have Tempest queued up next in audio!
Narration Review:
Nick J Russo again does a wonderful job on this series. I enjoyed listening to his voice and I believed all the characters. I look forward to more of his work.
4.25 Stars - I liked The Merchant of Death much more than book one in the series. Henry’s tragic past is explained in more detail and we see the pressure he puts on himself. We are introduced to his sister Viola and it goes a long way to understanding Henry.
The plot was fun, if you can consider investigating shady dealings at a mental care facility while in drag fun. There were a lot of humour and Shakespeare references that gave the mystery a comedic edge.
Henry as Viola was not something to laugh at, though; it was not poking fun at anyone. I found a sweetness to it and to how Mac responded to him.
I liked Mac and his dependability. We see more of him as a man and I loved one scene where he is racing down the highway with the music blaring and imagining himself the hero. It gave a different picture of him than the buttoned up, gruff, dieting FBI agent.
The plot twists and turns and I can’t wait to find out where it goes next. Luckily I have Tempest queued up next in audio!
Narration Review:
Nick J Russo again does a wonderful job on this series. I enjoyed listening to his voice and I believed all the characters. I look forward to more of his work.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
This one was still good but not quite as funny or as light as the first one. this gets into a little darker themes and a little more serious content. Not bad, it was still pretty good, but I didn't like it like I did the first one.