Book Reviews

I've been reading a lot of Fiction lately... Finished 5 books over the last 5 weekends. All hubby's fault. He bought me some books for Valentine's day and I've been hooked since.

Thought I might as well do some book reviews since I've got nothing better to do! OK I could play with baby Eva, but she's asleep dy.

These reviews are done in the order I read them, OK!

Book 1: The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Synopsis: Mickey Haller, a down and out lawyer, inherits a whole heap of cases when his lawyer friend is murdered, the most important one being a murder case involving a huge Hollywood mogul. The book revolves around the case, and how Mickey has to find the "magic bullet" - the evidence that will provide reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.

Review: I thought this book very accurately described the legal intricacies in the criminal case. But it was a bit TOO long winded. A bit rambly in the middle, and too abrupt in the end. All in all, a good but a tiring read. Rating 7/10.

Book 2: Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell
Synopsis: Another one in the Kay Scarpetta series, where she has to deal with a series of unusual crimes.

Review: I thought this book was pretty predictable right from the get-go, no surprises and a bit boring. Wouldn't rate it higher than a 5/10. And this coming from a Cornwell fan!

Book 3: A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer
Synopsis: A man is sentenced to 22 years for a crime he didn't commit, and he goes on a path to seek revenge and win justice.

Review: I would say the first 75% of the book was good, the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, but somehow the ending was sooooo disappointing. There was suddenly fresh evidence produced in court that was apparent right from the beginning. So why did it only surface 22 years later? My gosh, that kinda blew it for me. I would give this a 3/10.

Book 4: The Appeal by John Grisham
Synopsis: A jury returns a shocking verdict on a large chemical company, resulting in a multi million dollar settlement for the toxic waste victims. However, the victory is short lived as the corporation decides to appeal to the Supreme Court resulting in the biggest legal battle of their lives.

Review: This was the best book yet!!! Well researched, gives a good insight into the judiciary system. Only thing is, I didn't like the ending. I don't want to spoil it for you by revealing what it is, but it wasn't what I expected. 7/10, would have been higher if the ending was better.

Book 5: One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
Synopsis: A story about four women, living in One Fifth Avenue, and how their lives intertwine and the dramas that unfold due to money, success, greed.

Review: I don't like her style of writing. It was a bit too shallow for my liking. After reading so many crime fiction, I thought it would be a refreshing change, but I didn't like the book. The only thing I did like, was the happy ending. Nuff said. 6/10.

Sigh, now I have nothing to read... Looks like it's back to Borders this weekend.