tifflovesbooks80's review against another edition
3.0
I'm still pondering my feelings on this one.....
jdsutter's review against another edition
4.0
Quite an intriguing mystery with some interesting characters. I'll be checking out more by Nappa.
staceace11's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
skyfox24kd's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
juliannealkire's review against another edition
5.0
I am an educated girl. At one point along this education journey I had declared myself to be an English major. And I would have been, too- heaven knows I was tired of my own indecisiveness- except for one deep, dark secret:
There are notable authors I just plain don't like.
The foremost among them is Edgar Alan Poe. The creator of my favorite genre, mystery, somehow managed to make my neck tingle at the thought of his name after one (yes, uno) assigned reading- "The Fall of the House of Usher." Upon reflection, that story was not the most believable, nor is it clear that the creepiest parts were meant as more than symbolism. Still, the tingle remains. Except for "The Raven" and "The Gold Bug," which were also assigned, I haven't read any Poe since. And since I'm no longer an English major, I intend to keep it that way.
So... when my mom recommended this book, I was dubious, to say the least.
Here's a life lesson that my education should have taught me long before now: you always listen to your mother. Especially when she shares your love of mysteries and spy thrillers and is giving you a book recommendation.
So here I am, talking about my dislike of Poe and the amazingness of my mother in a probably incoherent review at 12:03 a.m. because I just finished reading and I really really really really really love this book. (And yes, I just used "really" five times at the end of an already lengthy sentence. All y'all style cops need to chill out.)
Where Poe is melodramatic, this book is realistic. (Well, as realistic as a spy novel can be...) Poe speaks of women as beautiful objects, the destruction if which is the most sublime tragedy. This book portrays them as not only beautiful but also strong and very human. And while it is gruesome at times, it's not gloomy. That's my favorite part.
What I'm trying to say with these many words is this: If you don't like Poe, don't be scared. This book is still wonderful. If you do, WHAT ARE YOU DOING READING MY REVIEW WHEN YOU COULD BE READING THIS BOOK?!? GO GET IT NOW!!! Okay bye.
There are notable authors I just plain don't like.
The foremost among them is Edgar Alan Poe. The creator of my favorite genre, mystery, somehow managed to make my neck tingle at the thought of his name after one (yes, uno) assigned reading- "The Fall of the House of Usher." Upon reflection, that story was not the most believable, nor is it clear that the creepiest parts were meant as more than symbolism. Still, the tingle remains. Except for "The Raven" and "The Gold Bug," which were also assigned, I haven't read any Poe since. And since I'm no longer an English major, I intend to keep it that way.
So... when my mom recommended this book, I was dubious, to say the least.
Here's a life lesson that my education should have taught me long before now: you always listen to your mother. Especially when she shares your love of mysteries and spy thrillers and is giving you a book recommendation.
So here I am, talking about my dislike of Poe and the amazingness of my mother in a probably incoherent review at 12:03 a.m. because I just finished reading and I really really really really really love this book. (And yes, I just used "really" five times at the end of an already lengthy sentence. All y'all style cops need to chill out.)
Where Poe is melodramatic, this book is realistic. (Well, as realistic as a spy novel can be...) Poe speaks of women as beautiful objects, the destruction if which is the most sublime tragedy. This book portrays them as not only beautiful but also strong and very human. And while it is gruesome at times, it's not gloomy. That's my favorite part.
What I'm trying to say with these many words is this: If you don't like Poe, don't be scared. This book is still wonderful. If you do, WHAT ARE YOU DOING READING MY REVIEW WHEN YOU COULD BE READING THIS BOOK?!? GO GET IT NOW!!! Okay bye.
spiritismus's review against another edition
3.0
Een leuke thriller met een verassend mysterie! De personage’s zitten goed in elkaar en zijn verre van perfect, wat een opluchting is. Religie is een thema wat gedurende het boek regelmatig behandeld word, maar er ligt niet de nadruk op. Ik kwam er pas naderhand achter dat deze schrijver voorheen voornamelijk religieuze kinderboeken schreef! Hij geeft je echter de ruimte om je eigen mening te vormen, zodat je heerlijk kan genieten van de thriller. Het boek leest lekker weg en is vrij simpel geschreven.
jjhanna's review against another edition
5.0
This is a gripping story of unorthodox science, government secrets, a child with a complicated past, and a team of private investigators who have a love/hate relationship with each other.
In short, I love this book.
In long, Nappa masterfully weaves the plot together from three perspectives: a little girl (Annabel Lee), an assassin (The Mute), and a private investigator (Trudi Coffey). As each makes headway in solving the mystery left behind by a mysterious man named Truck, each is also pulled into a dangerous hunt by an eccentric scientist who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his hands on Annabel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
In short, I love this book.
In long, Nappa masterfully weaves the plot together from three perspectives: a little girl (Annabel Lee), an assassin (The Mute), and a private investigator (Trudi Coffey). As each makes headway in solving the mystery left behind by a mysterious man named Truck, each is also pulled into a dangerous hunt by an eccentric scientist who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his hands on Annabel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
amandainpa's review against another edition
3.0
I was thrilled to receive this book. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew it was something I wanted to read…I love everything about the cover: the font, the title, and the creepy tunnel. I expected a creepy story with some thrills. Unfortunately, it wasn’t what I expected but I still enjoyed it. The story was more of a crime fiction story then a horror or thriller.
The story has a lot of mystery. For most of the book, the reader doesn’t really know why certain things are happening and what is really going on. I was also unsure who was a “good guy” and who was a “bad guy” at first. By the end, things are clearer, but I was still left with a few questions and felt that some parts of the plot were left unresolved. This is the first book in a series so I’m assuming that as the story continues, things will be explained.
I loved Annabel’s character, a very intelligent 11 year old girl, she was a great protagonist. The investigators, Coffey and Hill were also likable and will be fun to follow throughout the series.
Something about the pacing felt a bit off. I never felt like I couldn’t put the book down and it took me a while to get through. There were a few times when I felt bored with the plot.
The book is classified as Christian fiction, and although the author touches on Christianity, it doesn’t feel forced or preachy.
I am happy to have read Annabel Lee, but it wasn’t the amazing book that I hoped for.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange of an honest review.
The story has a lot of mystery. For most of the book, the reader doesn’t really know why certain things are happening and what is really going on. I was also unsure who was a “good guy” and who was a “bad guy” at first. By the end, things are clearer, but I was still left with a few questions and felt that some parts of the plot were left unresolved. This is the first book in a series so I’m assuming that as the story continues, things will be explained.
I loved Annabel’s character, a very intelligent 11 year old girl, she was a great protagonist. The investigators, Coffey and Hill were also likable and will be fun to follow throughout the series.
Something about the pacing felt a bit off. I never felt like I couldn’t put the book down and it took me a while to get through. There were a few times when I felt bored with the plot.
The book is classified as Christian fiction, and although the author touches on Christianity, it doesn’t feel forced or preachy.
I am happy to have read Annabel Lee, but it wasn’t the amazing book that I hoped for.
I received this book from Baker Publishing in exchange of an honest review.
rubenstein's review against another edition
2.0
Bouncing between a 2 and 3. On the one hand, yay Poe-inspired mystery! On the other, his characterization of the only woman (another had a bit part - few scenes at most - and the other MC was a child) was atrocious. Hating all women because her ex-husband had cheated and fathered a child while stationed in the Middle East. Using gurl multiple times in conversation. Feeling tempted to take back ex-husband after he buys diamond earrings, a red dress, and "sassy" boots. She's the only one who has her size (a 6) and clothing described - sometimes in detail.
While I enjoyed the story (apart from the Dan Brown-esque reveal at the end) the way the author wrote his sole woman rubbed me the wrong way.
For more thoughts head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!
While I enjoyed the story (apart from the Dan Brown-esque reveal at the end) the way the author wrote his sole woman rubbed me the wrong way.
For more thoughts head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!