Reviews

The Ruth Valley Missing by Amber West

nursenell's review

2.0

I had expected to like this book but I was disappointed in it. Jameson Quinn decides to leave Brooklyn, NY for a quiet, small town somewhere in the south. She's not getting along with her boyfriend and she wants a change of scenery. She ends up in a place where everyone knows everyone's business. The priest reminds you weekly about going to confession, there is a nun (sister really but I'm giving up on trying to educate on the differences between nuns and sisters) who is not very friendly but knows everything going on. Jameson's landlord is the sheriff. She notices there seem to be few men in town beyond boys still in school and older retired men. Where are they? She gets nosy and starts her own investigation, which ends up with her being assaulted. From here on it's a story that reminds me of Motel Hell. It is just too off the wall to believe.

And the priest, it turns out, is really an FBI agent who has spend 3 years pretending to be a priest working on this case. Sorry, that would never be in the realm of possibilities. The Church wouldn't allow it and the FBI would not waste an agent for 3 years on what is a case they could have solved much more quickly.

realistic_optimist's review

5.0

This is a great, quick read. It is captivating, funny and suspenseful. The characters were engaging. I love James! I love other characters too but I don't want a spoiler in my review so read the book and I'm sure you'll fall in love; fall in love with the quirky writing, quick wit, and people that you'd like to have a cup of tea and a brownie with before you head out on an adventure. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and I wasn't disappointed.

books2pineapples's review

5.0

This book was awesome. Not what I was expecting, but still awesome.

dreamstobecome's review

4.0

This is a stellar example of blending suspense with charming location-based characters. I felt the textures of Ruth Valley as clearly as though I were studying photographs, and I could practically smell the coffee brewing in the next room anytime it was mentioned. Amber West does a rock star job with a witty but faulty heroine who keeps us intrigued and still manages to avoid cliches, and the cast of supporting roles is neither too big nor too small. The mystery unwinding in Ruth Valley isn't typical or obvious in any way and it takes a while for the reader to adjust to the light of "small town perfection," which is what helps build the suspense without readers having to be hit over the head with it.

As a usually genre-specific (read: sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk, spec fic) reader, every now and then I like to step out of my usual little boxes and read something out of the ordinary for me. I am terribly glad I nabbed this opportunity (read: won a Doctor Who trivia contest on the author's twitter and got a copy) to read West's THE RUTH VALLEY MISSING because it was a huge breath of fresh air, complete with white knuckled, breath-holding anticipation and delight.

Like character based plot? Like just a dash of the unexpected and a pinch of the suspenseful? Read this, and join me in wishing for more. Sequel, anyone?

aubreewissman's review

4.0

Surprisingly great! The characters needed more developing. But all in all it keeps you guessing and was good for a quick read.

almosvajda's review

1.0

Estaba mas o menos bueno... Hasta que llegamos a la mitad.

windyskirt's review

3.0

Some fact and continuity problems, but the book was a quick, fun read.

rhonda's review

5.0

Great characters, fast-paced, and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Amber West.