Susan

Biography

I love to read thrillers/mystery/detective and suspense stories, as well as stories of adventure and everyday life. A bit of humour thrown in to that mix is an added bonus!
I appreciate the hard work that goes into writing, and enjoy spreading the word when I've found a good read by those authors who are brave enough to 'have a go'.
Susan

Smashwords book reviews by Susan

  • Thin Blood on Nov. 29, 2010

    A thoroughly enjoyable read. Believable characters who each contributed to the storyline. A descriptive style that gets straight to the point without surperfluous words. The description of Melbourne is spot on! An exciting build to a surprising end. Can't wait to get my teeth into another of Vicki's books, well done.
  • Sleight Malice on Feb. 10, 2011

    Sleight Malice was my reward read after getting on with new years’ projects. I love to have a good read up my sleeve… and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Vicki’s story telling skills are such that I instantly feel I know her main characters very well. No turning back to the first few chapters to check on details. In this story, Desley is a loyal, trusting soul who is confronted with confounding deceptions, and reacts in a very human way. She has a quirky side too … who would’ve thought of preparing a Vegemite snack the way she does! Desley is surrounded by a gamut of strong characters all with their own agenda and seemingly plausible reasons for their actions. A well thought out, entertaining story. Keep writing Vicki. I also appreciate the research your stories contain, in addition to the excellent editing. After reading this story, Thin Blood and Brittle Shadows, I will have no need to check out a preview of your future books... I know I’m assured of a quality read, thank you for that luxury.
  • Curtains on April 13, 2011

    Highly entertaining read. Jam packed with the murderously twisted, weird and vengeful kind of yarns that delight.
  • The Maine Event on April 15, 2011

    I enjoyed this book. A beaut adventure. Descriptive with attention to detail. Much appreciated the free read. Thank you Alex. I look forward to checking out your other works.
  • Old Poison on April 17, 2011

    A top story. Exciting adventure and mystery - totally devoid of any slow bits. Very cleverly thought out with characters whose personalities shine through. Narrative transports the reader to exotic locations.
  • East Coast on April 19, 2011

    A down to earth story of a hard working, world weary couple striving to make the right choices in their chosen careers; as well as for their family unit. Good mix of police and hospital drama.
  • Gloria on April 20, 2011

    Very well done. Excellent!
  • Face Fear: Russel's a Glory Seeker on July 08, 2011

    Well written - a good read.
  • Passengers on July 08, 2011

    Quirky, enjoyable, loved it.
  • Fugue on July 24, 2011

    Fugue was a thrilling read - it kept me guessing right to the end. Each character's individuality shone through in this fast-paced action fantasy. It was the sort of story that I couldn't imagine what the ending would be... it didn't disappoint. Well written, good editing. You have a brilliant imagination Chris! Thank you for the story. I'd thoroughly recommend this book.
  • Fatal Liaison on Aug. 17, 2011

    Vicki has unleashed another compelling story, chock-a-block full of just the right mix of ingredients that we've come to expect from her stylish hand. A simmering mystery that erupts into highly charged emotions combining with dramatic and sometimes confronting encounters, all cleverly woven with an intriguing psychological twist. Vicki's editing is seamless. Her words flow with an ease that is pure delight to read. Her main characters, Greg and Megan, have heart and warmth. I was nail-bitingly, lip-chewingly, carried along not wanting to leave their sides all throughout their harrowing journey. Very highly recommended.
  • The Fallen Tree on Sep. 04, 2011

    A great little read. Well written.
  • Voices on Sep. 04, 2011

    A beauty! Entertaining story with a tantalising ending.
  • Paranormal Activities Unit on Sep. 30, 2011

    A fun read!
  • Cupid's Maze on Oct. 07, 2011

    Really enjoyed it - tension building. Thanks Mark.
  • Color Me Grey: Book One of the Alexis Stanton Chronicles on Oct. 18, 2011

    I just loved this book. An exciting, adventurous and totally entertaining story. The free read was much appreciated, thank you. I have absolutely no hesitation in purchasing Books Two and Three. Most highly recommended.
  • The Piano Book on Oct. 29, 2012

    Enjoyed the read, thank you.
  • The Room: A Tale of Murder in the Social Networking Age on Oct. 29, 2012

    Beaut story and clever ending. Thank you!
  • I, Crime Writer on Oct. 29, 2012

    Full of clever and entertaining writing. Thank you.
  • Shades of Grey: Book Two of the Alexis Stanton Chronicles on Nov. 20, 2012

    My apologies for not writing a review before now. I continued to enjoy your storyline. We can follow Alexis (Ms Grey) as she progresses through the company. Lots of action and fun. A true adventure story. Well done.
  • Reflections of Grey: Book Three of the Alexis Stanton Chronicles on Nov. 20, 2012

    A well thought out character - and lots of drama. Just the ticket for a good read. Looking forward to number 4
  • Bitter Nothings on Nov. 24, 2012

    Bitter Nothings starts as it means to go on – a cover to whet the appetite of mystery/thriller fans everywhere; followed by an intriguing prologue which then jumps head first into a simmering brew of murderous deceit and connivance. The threads of familial complexity stir the pot and, true to Vicki’s inimitable style, the plot thickens until the inevitable happens… a roiling boilover to an unexpected end. In other words – one heck of a read!
  • Now They Call Me Gunner on Jan. 19, 2013

    Thanks Thom, I really got into your book. Well developed and believable characters. The storyline has been written with great heart and understanding of the human spirit. I especially appreciated your treatment of Randal and his private agony. A great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
  • Two Birds (A Short Mystery) on Feb. 02, 2013

    Loved Two Birds - immensely. Great twists and a clever ending . A very satisfying and entertaining short story.
  • Heller on Aug. 04, 2013

    A great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Plenty of action and a good storyline with strong characters. Kept me turning those pages and was sorry when it ended. Excellent editing too. Well done and thanks for the free read. Looking forward to reading book 2.
  • An Artist's Freedom on Nov. 07, 2013

    Thank you John, a story well worth the reading.
  • Short Shorts & Longer Tales on March 09, 2014

    Thanks for another really good read John. A lovely mix of humour and touchingly poignant stories. Highly recommended and I appreciate the free read.
  • Blood Ties on March 09, 2014

    A gutsy read - always a surprise around the corner. The story keeps nipping along and I enjoyed it all the way through. Great characters too. Well written. I've been slow to review it but no reflection on quality of the story.
  • A Soap Slippery Bath Imp on March 11, 2014

    A delightful story, just the right length for a bedtime read to youngsters. It will put a smile on their faces. Also explains a few things for us oldies as well.
  • Darkness Once More (Archie Lemons #1) on March 22, 2014

    Hi Grant, loved your first Archie. You've created a believable character. Full of the complexities of being human and someone to have on your side when life turns upside down at times. I like his little 'asides' - sometimes they're overdone in stories, but Archie's felt just about right. I enjoyed the intro to this book as well, acquaints the reader with all that led up to this first book. Well done. I recommend getting to know Archie Lemons from Book 1. You're very generous with them being a free read too Grant, thank you. I've started on Book 2 and can tell already it's a good 'un too.
  • A Touch of Danger (Archie Lemons #2) on March 28, 2014

    Another beaut read and I not only enjoy the character of Archie, but also that of Elise - she's a good counter balance to Lemons when he gets a bit off the rails. An excellent storyline threaded between the two. Great detective series.
  • Taboo (CSI Reilly Steel #1) on April 29, 2014

    This one kept me turning the pages. I warmed to Reilly straight away. Okay, a bit of fine-tuning needed but I was entertained and enjoyed the suspense.
  • Bumstead's Well on June 14, 2014

    Certainly a good read indeed. Compelling and plenty of incentive to keep at it until finished. Who knew this would lead where it did. Appreciate the (mostly) good editing. Well done and thanks for the freebie.
  • Extreme Malice on Aug. 23, 2016

    A good read, thank you.
  • The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club - Book One on Oct. 17, 2016

    True to its cozy mystery genre, this story was very entertaining and I happily fell into its rhythm from the first chapter. Delightful characters, no untied ends combined with excellent editing and research, which I appreciate. Highly recommended. Thanks for the read Ann!
  • Once Gone (a Riley Paige Mystery--Book #1) on Oct. 21, 2016

    An excellent read from beginning to end.
  • All The Way Under on Feb. 07, 2017

    Thank you for a good read David. Well written and full of suspense. Great to see there's another in this series.
  • Sweet Masterpiece - The First Sweet’s Sweets Bakery Mystery on May 28, 2019

    An enjoyable story all the way through. Loved the mystery, baking, family and romance themes. Looking forward to reading the next one. Thanks for the free read Connie
  • The Iowa Farmer's Wife on June 06, 2019

    A most enjoyable read. Loved the characters and the fact that it was a murder mystery with a feel-good thread running right through it.