Reader Friday – Steven James

Patricia Bradley Reader Friday 14 Comments

As I’ve told you in the past, I’m working on two stories dealing with human trafficking and that means digging into the underbelly of this crime. However, there are others who have written fictional stories on this subject, so some of my research is done by reading those books. Last week I read Every Crooked Path by Steven James.

Readers, I’m here to tell you, this is one book you will not be able to put down. While the back cover blurb doesn’t mention human trafficking, the book deals with the subject through the lens of cyber crime. Here’s the back cover blurb and my reaction to the story:

Blurb:

A mysterious suicide and a series of abductions draw Patrick into a web of intrigue involving an international conspiracy where no one is who they appear to be and the stakes have never been higher.

Soon, Patrick discovers that the secret to stopping the Piper’s current crime spree lies in unlocking answers from an eight-year-old cold case—and the only way to do that is by entering the terrifying world of the conspirators himself.

Dark, probing, and chilling, Every Crooked Path takes an unflinching look at the world of today’s cybercrimes and delves into a parent’s worst nightmare as it launches a new chapter of Patrick Bowers thrillers.

My reaction: I’ve been a fan of James since his first Patrick Bowers book came out – The Rook, and this book was no exception. He weaves a spell-binding story with twists and turns that you never see coming even though he lays it out in front of you. I always get so caught up in the story, I forget to look for clues. 🙂

Here’s what Mitch Galin, producer of Stephen King’s The Stand says this of his stories:

“James writes smart, taut, high-octane thrillers. But be warned—his books are not for the timid. The endings blow me away every time.” That about sums up my feelings for James’ writing. He writes thrillers and they are often about dark subjects. But he does it masterfully.

That about sums up my feelings for James’ writing. He writes thrillers and they are often about dark subjects. But he does it masterfully. I first met the hero of Every Crooked Path – Patrick Bowers – in The Pawn and followed him through the Chess books. His books are high tension all the way, but be warned that he deals with dark subjects. That said, he never goes into horrific details, rather he shows how it affects the characters.

So, my question this week: What are you reading, and in the mystery genre, do you prefer thrillers, romantic suspense, cozy or straight out mysteries? Okay, that’s two questions. 🙂

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”] In the mystery genre, do you prefer thrillers, romantic suspense, cozy or straight out mysteries?[/tweet_box]

Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for Sandra Orchard’s Over Maya Dead Body at the end of the month.

Comments 14

  1. Delores Topliff

    I’m not sure I’ve read this one, but did enjoy another of his you lent me. Thanks for these reading tips & for searching out and making known this travesty infecting N. American life.

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  2. Edward Arrington

    I have read all of the Patrick Bowers books except this one. I placed a hold on it at the public library and am just waiting for the email to let me know they have it for me. Actually I believe this is the only one I haven’t bought. I just started reading Katherine Spencer’s “Because It’s Christmas” in the Thomas Kinkade Cape Light series last night. I was busy when it came out last fall and am just getting to it. I like all of the genres you mentioned but probably read more romantic suspense since there seem to be more Christian authors writing those than straight out mysteries.

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      Patricia Bradley

      I haven’t read Katherine Spencer’s books, but just the name – Thomas Kincade Cape Light series sounds intriguing. I have most of Steven’s Chess books, some of them hardback and signed by him. 🙂 Someone borrowed one of them and lost it. Oh! now I have a post for next week– do you loan out your books! Thank you so much Edward for sparking an idea!

  3. Jackie Smith

    I have not read any of SJ books…..but will certainly look at my Library for some of them!
    I guess I prefer cozy mysteries.

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  4. Trixi

    I’m finishing up Deb Kastner’s “The Cowboy’s Baby Blessing” , her July release Love Inspired. Next up, Amish Cooking Class:The Blessing (book 2) by Wanda Brunstetter.
    As for the mystery genre, my favorite is Romantic Suspense. 🙂

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  5. Caryl Kane

    I’m reading Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection. I’ve not read any of SJ’s books. I enjoy mystery/suspense, romantic, thriller, legal. It’s my FAVORITE genre!

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  6. Loraine Nunley

    I am reading A Name Unknown by Roseanne White, which I am thoroughly enjoying. When I read mystery, I tend to lean toward romantic suspense, but I also like cozies. I have been working my way through Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity series which is good. Thanks for the giveaway. I have Sandra’s mysteries on my TBR list. 🙂

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  7. Paula

    I’m just getting into The Mark if the King by Jocelyn Green. I enjoy all kinds of mysteries and suspense. Cozy favorites are Julianna Deering: Drew Farthering, Annie’s Attic series and Ann Gabhart . Suspense: You, Lynette Eason, DiAnn Mills, Dee Henderson, Irene Hannon, Susan Sleeman , Richard Mabry, etc, etc. If history and mystery combine all the better!

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