bookbeforeuleap's reviews
842 reviews

 This is such an eye opening and moving memoir that shows a side to Paris I had not seen portrayed in the media. I grew up with Paris as a pop culture icon and so I found a lot of her tales nostalgic and it was interesting to revisit the memories with an adult perspective. I am so pleased I listened to this, it really added to journey through Paris's life. 

I really enjoyed this one, it is a book about trauma, coping mechanisms and human relationships. It is almost like a stream of conscious and is very character focused rather than plot driven. It was thought provoking an very sad at times, I really felt for Dolores.

I do feel like the AI/technology element that I was expecting to developed was a little lacking, Zoey was more of a trigger for the break down of a relationship rather than the deep dive into the way we interact with AI that I had been anticipating. 

This one also has a few triggers so please do check those out before you pick it up.

A bit too mature for my son at age 6, one we will go back too

 

This is the story of 90-year-old Eddie who works in a charity shop, saves mementoes from destruction, owns a hamster called Pushkin and oh yes, has never been kissed. He happens to meet 24-year-old Bella when she is donating items and the two strike up an unlikely friendship.

 Oh how I loved Eddie Winston, what a charming gentleman. It is no secret that I love a tale with an intergenerational friendship and that I adored this authors debut, so I had no fears that I was going to enjoy this book, but I did not expect the huge smile on my face through my time with Eddie. The conversations between him and everyone he meets are witty, engaging, and respectful. Eddie’s internal monologue and observations are hilarious, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud on several occasions.

 I also loved the other prominent characters in this book such as Bella, Marjie, Emmeline, Ham & Cheese and not forgetting Bridie, they all add a unique perspective into Eddies 90 years and were a perfect blend to compliment such a fantastic character.

 

This was a great thriller, every reveal had my mind spinning to think of possible connections and outcomes, a few of which I managed to get right!

I found the look into AI and thoughts around what it is capable of and what large Biotech companies could be using this technology for really interesting (and rather frightening!) It was also good to hear from Connie Woolwine again (character from the authors pervious books) and think this sets up a new investigative team up nicely for future crime solving.

The only story line that I didn't fully buy into/felt a bit rushed was that of DI Ruskin. I don't know whether that is just because I am use to the authors previous incorruptible detectives but it just did not seem to tie with the character arc that had been built with him although I do understand that it was demonstrating the reach the company had and that everyone has a price.

This book, like most of the authors work, has particularly descriptive and gory scenes of the murders so bare that in mind when picking it up.