thriller - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Karna Small Bodman (Trust But Verify)

December 29, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Trust But Verify by Karna Small Bodman brings to life the inner workings of the White House in a financial thriller. Realistic political intrigue and suspense mirrors the current issues. The story is propelled by her past experiences as deputy press secretary and senior director/spokesperson for the National Security Council, in the Reagan Administration. The plot has Russian oligarchs with the help of the Russian mafia attempting to create havoc within the United States. …

Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd

December 20, 2018December 16, 2018

Title: Dead Girl Running Author: Christina Dodd Series: Cape Charade #1 What the hell is Dodd doing? When I picked up this book for the first time a couple months ago, I intended to write a full review then but was so furious when I was done that I had to tuck it away and forget about it for the sake of my sanity. It haunted me, though, so I skimmed through it a second time, and, knowing its secrets, …

Review Roundup Fall 2018

August 23, 2019December 16, 2018

I don’t review every book I read. Not nearly. As much as I wish otherwise, I simply don’t have time—or sometimes the brain energy—to write dozens upon dozens of reviews. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy a book without having to analyze as I read. But I wanted to talk about some of the books I read recently, so I thought perhaps I could compile a series of brief overall opinions for them. A review roundup, if you will. …

Interview with Louisa Cannon (from Bright Young Dead by Jessica Fellowes)

November 16, 2018

Find an interview with the author HERE. Elise Cooper: Thank you for doing this. You appear very loyal, willing to threaten your job as a nanny to defend your friend who is accused of murder. You live in an exciting time because society is changing and it appears your hopes are changing as well. EC: Why did you decide to become a nanny of sorts? Louisa Cannon: I needed to get away from London and my friend Jennie was with …

Elise’s Review – Vendetta by Iris Johansen

October 26, 2018

Book Review by Elise Cooper Vendetta by Iris Johansen brings back characters introduced in the Eve Duncan books. Although it is billed as an “Eve Duncan” she is only mentioned briefly. But, this does not take anything away from the plot and the main characters, Rachel Venable and Jude Brandon. The story centers on these two and their attempts to bring down Max Huber, the head of Red Star, a terrorist organization with immense power. The story begins with the …

Interview with Wendy Walker (Emma in the Night)

October 26, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker is a psychological thriller about two sisters. This dysfunctional family adds a whole new meaning to this word. Judy Martin always used her beauty and charm to manipulate her family, requiring her daughters to flatter her to win her affection. Threatening her fragile ego are her daughters’ looks. Now the family’s life has been in limbo since the two daughters have been missing for three years. Cass, …

Interview with Karen Rose (Death Is Not Enough)

October 12, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper With Death Is Not Enough Karen Rose has out done herself. This story highlights love and friendship, romance and passion, gruesome murder, frustrating injustice, with an engaging hero/heroine. Although Rose’s readers have seen Thomas Thorne and Gwyn Weaver in previous books this novel is their story. Thorne actually gives defense attorneys a good name, always attempting to help those unfairly charged, as was the case when he was young. His backstory is very compelling, …

Interview with Maxine Revere (from Abandoned by Allison Brennan)

October 6, 2018September 29, 2018

Find an interview with the author HERE Elise Cooper: Thank you for doing this. You have had some hard knocks in your life. Your mother left you just before your tenth birthday and then disappeared off the face of the earth a few years later. Raised by your grandparents you became an independent, strong, determined, person who has little regard for those who are dishonest. Now you use those skills as a cable TV investigative reporter to help solve Cold …

Interview with Marta Perry (Shattered Silence)

October 6, 2018August 18, 2018

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Shattered Silence by Marta Perry flawlessly intertwines a mystery with contemporary themes, while giving a sprinkling of the Amish culture. She illuminates the differences between the Amish community and the larger urban society. The plot begins with new divorcee Rachel Hartline attempting to touch base with her ex-husband, Paul, to discuss putting their home up for sale. After catching him trying to download some sensitive company information things go very awry for her. First, …

Interview with CeeCee Purnell (from Karen White’s Dreams of Falling)

October 10, 2018August 4, 2018

Find an interview with the author HERE. Elise Cooper: For those who do not know CeeCee Purnell she is a reflection of her times, growing up during the 1950s and 1960s in the South. Her life is a plateau, with many ups and downs. Growing up and living in Georgetown, South Carolina, she raises her late friend’s daughter, Ivy, and her daughter, Larkin. CeeCee is grateful that Larkin has returned home after nine self-exiled years to help locate her missing …