Member Since: Nov. 09, 2009
Linda Brandau
Books
This member has not published any books.Smashwords book reviews by Linda Brandau
- Two Bits Four Bits
on March 12, 2011
The main character is a likeable and interesting former homicide detective not quite sure what he wants for his future. He returns to his hometown for a reunion and to tie up some family matters. When the husband of a classmate is murdered, Buddy finds himself in the middle of the investigation. I enjoyed the detail of some of the detective work that Mark Cotton provided in this mystery. Most mysteries overlook those details and just go for action, but I enjoyed getting immersed in the creative work of a detective. There are many characters in Two Bits Four Bits that I see in regularly in small town America. I especially enjoyed the addition of the three older guys that met at the local restaurant every morning for coffee and gossip. This is a good mystery with several suspects that reaches a satisfying conclusion. Buddy is a character that you look forward to seeing in a book series and I hope more are in the works.
- Corona
on April 12, 2011
I don't usually read much Science fiction, but the time travel topic caught my attention. As soon as I started reading I was hooked. There were a couple of confusing parts and an awkward transition in the story, but all in all I enjoyed it very much.
- Next Move, You're Dead
on May 01, 2011
Homicide Detective John Cooper finds himself in what seems to be a cat and mouse game with a serial killer and his life is spiraling out of control. The author, Linda L. Barton does a very good job of bringing to the page the creepiness and violence of the murders without being too graphic. There are quite a few characters involved in the story and she introduced each thoroughly, explaining how each arrived into the story. My main problem with the book is that I didn’t find the main characters of John and his wife Kathy likeable or believable. This is a mystery thriller, but I was able to figure out where the story was heading very quickly. My favorite books are about the mature detective that is able to put together the pieces of the puzzle and solve the case. Although John was touted as one of the best detectives, he did not display any common sense in the book. Even knowing the entire story and looking back, he was not a clever law enforcement officer.
- Shooting Crows At Dawn
on May 06, 2012
ubal Dark has been a tough common-sense sheriff for 20 years and is facing down a re-election that is not going well. In fact, he full expects to lose. Although Dark has caught his share of criminals, there is a hostile attitude in town concerning three escaped killers and an unsolved murder cold case of a young girl. The characters are all believable. Dark is a very likeable character as a widower and father of an adult daughter. Holly Sharps is a crime scene tech working for Texas Ranger Buck Nevis. Buck allows her to make coffee, file, and pick up his dry cleaning. Holly offers to help Dark solve his cold case and work for free if he will just give her a chance. This is a pretty gritty tale and although it had a little more violence than I like, I was impressed with the quality writing and suspenseful plot. This is a great crime drama!