Victoria Griffith

I really enjoy books that pull you into the plot from the start and fill in the other bits of the story as you read. The characters were unique and interesting to learn about. I like the various threads that were woven into the book along with the primary plot thread. The suspicion and other-worldly elements added to the feel of the read. There seems to be a bit too much effort into keeping the guessers from predicting anything which makes for a bit of a winding type of read. A few less show more switches and twisting turns and the book would easily earn another star. There is rarely a moment where there isn't something going on. Overall this is a good read and certainly something many readers will enjoy. I received an ARC through library thing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion. show less

So this was a short, fun read. The tension and pacing definitely kept me awake and the pages turning! I particularly enjoyed it for seeing how the author kept things happening, setting the pace high and never letting it slack. The setting was great, too; in isolated Scotland with all the mists and mysteries that go along with it. The main character, Maria, was well drawn and definitely going through something terrible, which became clearer as the story unfolded (though admittedly the truth show more about what happened to her mother felt off to me). The story itself reminded me the most of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, with a heathy sprinkling of Jane Eyre tossed in as well. Overall, a fun read with a refreshingly realistic ending that I appreciated. If you're looking for something a little dark, a little suspenseful, and definitely a little creepy, check this one out! show less

Telling the tale of the once famous, now often forgotten aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, sometimes called "the father of aviation," Griffith and Montanari challenge the idea that we owe flight to the Wright brothers alone. Soft pastel illustrations allow the yellowish paper on which Griffith drew them to show through, creating a somewhat airy, textured effect that would not work half so well on a white background. This looseness of pigment in places compliments the long-limbed, slightly show more sketchy art style Montanari favors in this work. The narrative seems somewhat disconnected, in part because after a mid-story time jump, it switches point of view from Alberto to his friend and wrist-watch inventor Louis. The soft illustration, and the unique subject matter, which challenges a standard US-centric view of the history of flight, however, makes this picture book an excellent non-fiction tale for young readers. show less

Those We Fear was very well written. It played out live a movie. I was completely engrossed every time I picked it up, and it was extremely hard to put down. I do not read a lot of mystery books, but I am gad I read this one.Victoria Griffith has a way with words that grips the reader. Though it was on the shorter side, the reader gets to know each character in depth: their fears, hopes, aspirations, and darkest secrets. Her approach to the protagonist's tragedy broke the mold of thriller show more fiction and created a truly remarkable story. Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure spanning from busy Boston to the heart of Scotland. show less