Havana Storm by Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler

Reviewed by Desere


First time read from this author for me, from the plot description it looked to be a promising action adventure set in the Caribbean.  It almost, almost made my top list, but there was some lacking in the actual action, the plot promised.

The read tells of Dirk Pitt , while investigating a toxic outbreak in the Caribbean Sea that may ultimately threaten the United States , Dirk becomes involved in something more dangerous, a post - Castro power struggle for control of Cuba.  Meanwhile his children are on a treasure seeking adventure of their own, they are chasing an Aztec stone that may reveal the whereabouts of a vast historical Aztec treasure. Their adventure leads them to Cuba, and squarely in harm's way. Father, son and daughter have faced some desperate adventures before but this time it seems to be dire.

As I said the action was there but did not quite hit the BOOM mark I am use to finding in action adventure , treasure seeking reads. It peek through and before it actually takes full growth it fades out and the next part of the story kind of just drag onward to the next almost action part.

Aside from the lack of action the book is fascinating , it's a good typical plot that certainly is entertaining , I mean it's not everyday you get to read about a missing stone that holds the clue to a treasure unlike ever seen before, oh okay maybe the treasure of King Tut comes close, but this books describes the treasure , or rather the author tries to make it sound far greater than the treasure of King Tut.

And then there is the mystery of the toxic waters, now that little getting all scientific part was fun to read!  I recommend this read for fans looking for some low key action adventure and for those who love to solve a mystery.

4.5 star review

" The Caribbean is meant to be magical , but what really lies beneath it's waters?"

Copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for a honest review 

The Girl On the train by Paula Hawkins

Reviewed by Desere

This was a really interesting read. It dips in to  the lives of various characters , with really fantastic insight.

The main focus is on Rachel, she takes the exact same commuter train every single morning. It rattles down the tracks, past piles of old clothes, dirt and various houses.

But from all the houses it passes the one that get's Rachael's undivided attention every single day is the one where " Jess and Jason " lives. The couple intrigue Rachael, they fascinate her like no other. Then one morning as the train passes the house, Rachael sees something, it's only for a split second and the train is pass, but it's enough to make Rachael go to the police, but has this caused more harm than good?

Fast paced and a nice even flow are the first things I have to say about this read, it moved from point a to b at a really good pace, none of that stop start that is found in so many similar reads, that my dear reading friends drive me crazy !

I really loved the mystery in this book, but sadly I figured it out too quickly and I felt a little cheated that I was able to get it so fast.

Now that we have that out of the way I can tell you all about the most amazing part of this read, the unrealiable narrator , man it drove me crazy at first but then suddenly it all just became clear and it was like some kind of high to try and outsmart the narrator.

To sum it up , this is a terrific read for any reader that loves a great mystery, lots of emotional drama and loads of guessing if you don't pay attention.  Don't start reading this one if it's late at night , because after the third chapter it really grips the reader!

4.5 star review
" Rolling past the image that changes her life" 

Available now at Penguin Random House South Africa

Invincible by James Patterson

Reviewed by Desere

Everyone thinks Emma Dockery has gone mad, as in completely off the deep end! She's obsessed with finding the link between hundreds of unsolved cases, she's even gone as far as taking leave from her job as a FBI researcher.

Surrounding herself with newspaper clippings on the walls of her bedroom and night after night suffering through endless nightmares of a raging all-consuming fire, she dredges on day after day seeking to find that one vital clue to make the world believe her.

She of course comes off as so nuts that not even her ex-boyfriend, FA Harrison 'Books' Bookman will believe her crazy theory that hundreds of kidnappings, rapes and murders are somehow all connected. That all comes to a earth-shattering " now you believe me" moment when Emma finds the one piece of evidence not even Books can ignore.  As more and more murders are reported each passing day with no motives, no murder weapons in sight and zero suspects Emma's chances of proving the unthinkable seem bleaker with each murder, and worst of all, she might just die trying.

I loved this book, it had me guessing at each and every turn, and best of all it was one of those books that once you start, putting it away for later is simply just not possible. The author sucks you in to the mystery and there is no way you can leave this absolutely thrill ride of a book for even a second!

There was many twists and turns in this book, but not the kind that would have you thinking " I saw that coming!" and then silently keeping the " I so did not see it,  but I want to look smart " comments to yourself, no this author hits you with the unexpected when you least expect it and completely threw me for a loop each and every time.

I am a big fan of mystery reads and I am pretty good with solving the mystery after about six or seven chapters and long before the end, yet with this read I simply could just not get to it. Each time I thought I have it all worked out the author would bring forth such a rollercoaster of a twist it made me feel like Emma , back to square one!

I could not get enough of the emotion in this book, from frustration to anger to hurt to absolute " Eureka!" moments and back again to " Oh no, that did not just happen!!" very addictive !

I highly recommend this book for all fans of a fantastic, blow your mind, knock your socks off mystery reads. Once you start this book you will simply be trapped in this author's world and believe me you will not want to leave, it's simply too good to want to go!

4.5 star review
" Within the flames of hate lies the truth of death" 

*** Now available at Random House Struik South Africa