Today marks the start of the second week of Halloween Bingo. So far I’ve read books for four of the twenty-five squares. I’m part way through two more and am about to start a seventh
This week, I’m aiming to complete books for three squares
For Genre Thriller, I’m reading a Hard Case Crime novel from 2008 featuring an retired porn star who is looking for revenge on the men who tried to kill her and left her for dead.
For When Mother Nature Strikes I’m reading a Ann Cleeves’ latest book, the third instalment in her Two Rivers series which was released at the end of August.
For Creepy Carnivals, I’m listening to an audiobook released in April, about a serial killer operating in an amusement park in a small seaside town in Washington.
‘Money Shot’ by Christa Faust (2008)
One of the things that I like about playing Halloween Bingo is that I end up reading books that I might not otherwise have chosen. ‘Money Shot‘ is one of those. Normally, I’d look at the cover and the title and move on. Except, this is an original novel published by Hard Case Crime who are famous for their retro covers. This cover was an Anthony Award Nominee for Best Paperback Original and Best Cover Art (2009) and the novel was a Barry Award Nominee for Best Paperback Original (2009)and an Edgar Award Nominee for Best Paperback Original (2009).
I’m part way through ‘Money Shot’ and while it’s definitely odd it’s also definitely well done. Telling the story from the point of view of a mostly retired porn star who now runs a talent agency for films and strip clubs gives a unique perspective to this thriller. I like the humour and the honesty. The mystery lacks a little pace in the first half but that’s because the focus has been on the trauma our heroine has been through so it balances out. I’m looking forward to her getting her own back on the men who hurt her.
‘The Raging Storm’ by Ann Cleeves (2023)
‘The Raging Storm‘ is the novel that will decide if I continue with Ann Cleeves’ Two Rivers series. I enjoyed ‘The Long Call‘ but I was less impressed with ‘The Heron’s Cry‘ which started well but seemed to lose focus. I was insulted by the poor quality of ‘The Girls On The Shore‘, which was listed as Two Rivers 2.5.
I’ve started ‘The Raging Storm’ and although some of the scenes are very strong, the pace is slow and the writing is lazy. The book feels as if it missed a final read-through and edit to tighten it up. My interest is beginning to flag and I haven’t made it to the half-way point yet.
‘Wonderland ‘ by Jennifer Hillier (2023)
Jenifer Hillier is a new author for me. I’m aware of her other books Things We Do in the Dark, Little Secrets, and Jar of Hearts but I haven’t read them.
I’ve picked up ‘Wonderland’ for three reasons: it’s a perfect fit for the Creepy Carnivals square, I’m intrigued by a plot that sounds like a reworking of ‘Jaws’ but with serial killer replacing the shark and an amusement park replacing the beaches and I’ve heard good things about the novel and about the quality of the audiobook.
I’m looking forward to starting this one.
Mike Finn's Fiction 