W “Wanda Hartzenberg” Hartzenberg

Resensie: Adrenalien en Adrenalien: Die Waarheid deur Leon van Nierop Sjoe, Leon van Nierop het ons weer vir 'n wilde rit gevat – en nee, ek praat nie net van die spooktrein wat aanhoudend teen 'n muur vasry nie. Hierdie twee boeke was soos om 'n rit op daardie trein te neem, en eerlikwaar, ek dink die trein het die spore verloor lank voordat hy by die eindstasie aangekom het. Kom ons begin by boek een, Adrenalien. Die titel beloof opwinding en spanning, en ek was gereed vir 'n regte riller. Maar helaas, die enigste adrenalien wat ek gevoel het, was toe ek besef hoe vinnig hierdie boek oor 'n klomp haaie spring – nee, nie net een haai nie, 'n hele trop van hulle! Op 'n stadium het ek amper verwag dat Free Willy self by die toneel sou inspring, net om die absurde toneel af te rond. (Vir die wat nuut is tot die term, "jumping the shark" kom van 'n ou TV-reeks, Happy Days, waar die karakters begin absurd raak het. Dit is ook presies wat met hierdie storie gebeur het—dit het heeltemal die kluts kwytgeraak.) Die storie volg Gustaf Prinsloo, wat in 'n donker hoekie van sy eie verstand worstel met sy demone en ’n fliekprojek in die Bosveld. Nou ja, 'n donker hoekie is dalk waar hierdie storie hoort, want dit is beslis nie iets wat lig en subtiel is nie. Alles word so reguit en in jou gesig vertel dat jy amper wens die karakters het 'n bietjie van hulle adrenalien vir jou kon oorgee—of dalk net 'n bietjie geduld, sodat jy die storie kon verwerk sonder om oor elke absurditeit te struikel. Wanneer ons by boek twee kom, Adrenalien: Die Waarheid, moet ek erken dat daar 'n flou straaltjie lig in die tonnel was. Leon van Nierop het 'n bietjie gegroei in sy skrywersvernuf – maar ook net marginaal. Dit is soos om 'n ou trein te sien wat 'n nuwe laag verf kry, maar die enjin bly dieselfde. Hierdie keer besef Gustaf dat hy nie alleen kan skryf nie, en die verhaal kry darem 'n bietjie meer diepte. Maar die spore is steeds onduidelik, en die trein bly sukkel om momentum te kry. Nou, terwyl ek deur die tweede boek gegaan het, het ek darem iets gevind om 'n ekstra ster te gee: die groei in die skrywer se vaardigheid (al is dit so klein), en natuurlik die omblad van die boek—dis amper 'n meesterstuk op sy eie, en dit verdien 'n ster. So, hoewel ek nie heeltemal kon aanbeveel dat jy jou adrenalien hier kry nie, gee ek darem drie sterre vir die poging. In die geheel gesien, as jy regtig wil weet wat in Gustaf se wêreld aangaan, moet jy albei boeke lees. Maar wees gewaarsku: hierdie treinrit is nie vir almal nie. Dis soos om jou koffie met 'n bietjie sout te drink—jy sal dalk eers daarna uitvind dat dit nie jou smaak is nie.

Women's Murder Club #15 - 15th Affair by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro In "15th Affair," the latest installment of the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, readers are taken on a gripping journey through a web of intrigue, betrayal, and suspense. The story revolves around Detective Lindsay Boxer, whose seemingly perfect life is shattered when she's called to a crime scene at the Four Seasons Hotel. What initially appears to be a straightforward murder investigation quickly evolves into a complex case involving multiple victims and high-tech surveillance equipment. As Lindsay delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a sinister connection between the victims and realizes that the murders are meticulously planned and executed. With each revelation, Lindsay finds herself facing not only the challenge of solving the case but also navigating the complexities of her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband, Joe. One of the notable aspects of "15th Affair" is its exploration of Lindsay's internal struggles and paranoia regarding Joe's actions and allegiances. The authors deftly weave these personal dynamics into the overarching mystery, adding layers of tension and intrigue to the narrative. While some readers may find the focus on Lindsay and Joe's relationship overshadowing the central mystery, the novel still offers plenty of entertainment value with its fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and unexpected twists. The authors skillfully balance the suspense of the investigation with the emotional depth of the characters, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Overall, "15th Affair" may not reach the heights of greatness expected from the Women's Murder Club series, but it still delivers an enjoyable read filled with suspense and intrigue. Fans of the series will appreciate revisiting familiar characters and following Lindsay Boxer as she navigates the complexities of both her professional and personal life in the face of adversity.

I love Alex, and how he thinks. The book had an extremely slow start for me. It was only when Alex met the crazy dog lady that I really got to a point where I wanted/needed to know more. From there on out it was smooth sailing. The book did not disappoint and for fans of psychological thrillers this is one I would consider if I were you.

Title: "A Thrilling Ride: Book Review - 11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro Introduction: In this exhilarating ride through crime and mystery, bestselling authors James Patterson and Maxine Paetro deliver a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book introduces us to Lindsay Boxer, a resilient protagonist who faces both personal and professional challenges while trying to solve a series of perplexing crimes. With the added element of her pregnancy, the stakes are higher than ever. Let's dive into this captivating tale and discover the narrator's impact, the gripping elements of the story, and my personal take on the book. The Impact of the New Narrator: One notable aspect of this book is the introduction of a new narrator. With a softer and more feminine voice, the narrator adds an authentic touch to Lindsay's character. The emotions and reactions portrayed by the narrator make the story more believable, particularly during tense moments involving children. It's refreshing to see a narrator who captures the essence of Lindsay's personality, enhancing the overall listening experience. My Opinion on the Story: As a reader, I found myself rooting for Revenge, a character who has battled against the grip of drugs. While I personally haven't shared that experience, I've dedicated a significant part of my life to fighting against drug abuse. This connection made me genuinely support Revenge and his journey throughout the book. It's a testament to the authors' ability to create multi-layered characters that resonate with readers, even those who might not have personally experienced similar situations. The Skeleton Garden and Plot Flaws: The concept of the skeleton garden is undeniably intriguing and holds great potential within the story. However, as the plot progresses, a few flaws start to unravel, leaving some plot holes along the way. This aspect of the book, unfortunately, hindered my complete immersion in that part of the story. With more attention to detail and a stronger resolution, the skeleton garden subplot could have been a standout element rather than a missed opportunity. Marital Problems and Emotional Reactions: Lindsay's marital problems provide an additional layer of complexity to her character, but I found some of the situations to be a bit far-fetched. However, considering her pregnant state, her heightened emotional reactions can be understood to some extent. If I were in her shoes and received a phone call from a woman claiming to be my partner's lover, I would undoubtedly react strongly as well, hormones or not. Patterson and Paetro successfully portray the tension and vulnerability that seeps into Lindsay's personal life amidst the chaos of her professional endeavors. Conclusion: Overall, 11th Hour is a gripping and action-packed thriller that will keep you hooked until the final pages. While the book takes some missteps along the way, such as a few plot flaws and far-fetched marital problems, it still manages to offer an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. The new narrator's impact adds depth to the story, and the book effectively tugs at the reader's emotions. If you're a fan of mysteries and thrillers, this book deserves a spot on your reading list. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of suspense and high-stakes investigations with Lindsay Boxer leading the charge.

This was really not the worst book in this series I have read thus far. Next to 4th July this is probably the best. The characters get more and more alive for the reader. The Manga angle was quite nice and fresh. I wish I could give it a four star rating it is almost at that stage but not quite. I did however enjoy the book and as per the qualifications of the Goodreads star rating this book was OK. Even if it was a bit better than ok it is not at that 4* rating.