New book release, review

#BookReview The Shadow Friends by Tess Gerritsen

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Hello!

I’ve been absent for too long. Lots of health issues left me floored for a while, not least of which is widespread severe osteoarthritis. So severe that even typing a brief post is beyond me much of the time. Anyway, I hope you’re all doing well.

Today I have a book review to share.

Book Review

 

Thanks to NetGalley and Transworld—Random House for this review copy.

‘Her life was not supposed to end this way. Then again, in her profession, one never knew how it would end.’ … these opening lines hooked me, and the rest of the book kept me hanging on.

Unfortunately, the passive style and too many clumsy sentences spoiled what would otherwise have been an absolutely fantastic read. The text is filled with filler and crutch words and way too much repetition. For instance, the following is at least the fourth repetition of this same information: ‘They’d come to do the job and get out. Instead, the plan had changed on them, in ways they’d never expected.’ Over egging the pudding. This same thing has been repeated so many times, and falls into gross overkill.

Still, if you can ignore the issues mentioned, you’ll find excellently drawn characters—lots of them! And a complicated plot, filled with lots of people, keeps you guessing and hooked.

This gets a solid 4 stars from me.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

 

(Currently, this book is due for release on January 14th 2028.)

Thanks for visiting! I’ll do my best to not leave it so long to post and visit with you too. Sadly, my health problems do limit me to a vast degree. I’ve missed being online and chatting with you. See you soon 🤞🤗

15 Comments on “#BookReview The Shadow Friends by Tess Gerritsen”

  1. Hi Harmony, it’s really lovely to see a post from you. It’s been a while and I wondered how you were doing. Thanks for the review. Needless repetition is something that irritates me too in books. It’s distracting.

  2. Hey there, Harmony! Love the review, it does make me curious and that is always a good place to start. Sending Angels with support in their vibrations. YOU can direction them however you wish! xx

    • I’m sure doing my best to direct them! I must have one on my shoulder as I receive the strength to smile and keep on going, even when that means retreating every now and again 😉
      Thanks for your lovely words, Annette xx

  3. Oh, dear Harmony, I’m so happy to find you today. Health problems have haunted me this year as well. Please take care of yourself and know that you are much loved. ❤️

    • Oh, John, your lovely words have made me smile! Thank you for saying that. All the best 🤗

    • Thanks so much, Toni! It’s good to be back after so long away. I won’t manage to do as much as I used to but I’m determined to do what I can. I’m glad you like the review 😊

  6. Four stars from you is a high rating, Harmony, and the publication date is well ahead. I shall add it to my “maybe” TBR list and see if the author takes notice of your criticism.

    It was great hearing from you. Loads of hugs.
    With love, Sarah xxx

    • It’s wonderful to hear from you, too! 😁 I do hope the publisher will give this book another run through as it’s an entertaining read. Love and hugs to you as well 🤗xx💖

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