Random Things Tours: The Penthouse by Catherine Cooper

 

Catherine Cooper is an author I´ve featured before on my blog and I am always happy to discover her intelligent twists. A luxury travel writer, her books always have an unique approach to human psychology. The Penthouse, her latest, is following the same complex narrative. However, this time was even more intense, which makes this book one of my favorites so far.

Enola, a rich and famous singer, disappeared suddenly 15 years ago. Now, the members of her band are back to Las Vegas for some concerts, but unfortunate events do affect their schedule and everyday lives. Suddenly, they may think that it has to do at a certain extent with Enola, but they are not prepared to the truth to be revealed to them.

The mystery regarding the case is permanently maintained, as there is an unnamed character who will add a perspective to the story during the coming and going of points of view shared by the different characters. The characters themselves seem to be plagued by deep inimities and jealousy, something to expect in the world of showbiz, but the extent of this is hard to estimate.

I may confess that I´ve found the book pretty addictive, keeping me focused for a long amount of time, playing the crime detective and trying to understand what exactly is happening and if there will be any follow-up regarding Enola´s fate.

The Penthouse is a recommended read to anyong in love with good thrillers, with a hint of mystery and deep insights into human nature. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: Dirty Business by Evie Hunter

Evie Hunter is no new name for my blog readers, and I am always enjoying her better than life characters and their unexpected turns of events.

Her latest, Dirty Business, has a story that brings to the forefront the usual mixture of human greeds, with a detective-like twist. When Gavin, Callie´s husband, disappears without a trace, the comfortable everyday life in the posh  Frenchurch Falls is under threat. Gavin´s whereabouts may jeopardize not only Callie´s situation, but also other people lives, hence her determination to find the truth. 

What follows, is an intricate encounter of misplaced trust, naivity and acknowledgement of tracheary. Everyone is vulnerable and there are no heroes, but way too many villains. Instead, we are faced with a panopticon of human imperfections. It feels less as a novel but as a daily adventure in the real life of the rotted rich and fabulous.

In this book, women do play a very important role, as even abadoned by their unfaithful men, they do raise and find out new reasons to thrive. Together, and using their smart survival skills, they can overcome any difficulties, be it drug dealers or corrupt policemen. 

The book starts in a very direct way, taking us instantly into the chore of the story. No time to introduce the story and the characters, there are more urgent things to deal with. The language is also very colourful, a good introduction to regional British English if you are trying to upgrade your everyday life vocabulary.

Dirty Business looks like a good inspiration for a movie, as it has the kind of emotions and characters that always do very well on screen. I was very pleased reading this book and I cannot wait to get into her next one. She always delivers what she promises and sometimes, even a bit more.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own