Gayle Lynds

This book is good, but not great. While the Covert One universe is still interesting and provides for lots of exciting action, this book seems to be poorly edited.

There are two plots, which are not at all related, other than by physical location and some of the people involved. The main plot is great, so the second plot just serves as a distraction, drawing the novel out. Cutting it would probably reduce the length of the novel by ⅓, but and not affect the main story negatively at all, and would prevent several occasions where it stretches the credulity of the reader. That part where they risk their daring mission to prevent terrible things from happening, only to have a nice feel-good moment? This novel would be so much better without it.

All that aside, still a great and interesting plot, if a bit long and from time to time tough to get through.… (more)

Published in 2004, this is a multi-authored novel for charity with too many names to mention, but I picked it up because one of those authors is Jennifer Crusie. Apparently not a new idea, but this is the first time I’ve come across a published novel with a different author writing each chapter. Starting with the first and the next author carrying on the story until the last author writes the ending. A murder mystery with little romance. The novel has a lot happening, with a large and entertaining cast, and it all felt a bit of a jumble but was impressive, with many fun sections. Not sure it’s a book I would want to read twice, but it was worth checking out.… (more)