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| Book Cover via Amazon.com |
I’ve read a lot of hooks in my days of reading, and I find I’m becoming a connoisseur of well-written hooks in a book. I love when a writer can take me into their world quickly so that I am immersed in it and I can enjoy what it is they are trying to tell me as soon as possible.
Take this book for example, as I found it both delightful and devious. When an author can describe the cruel massacre of a vegetable, with details and wicked bravado, they may have written a good hook. What makes it a great hook is when said carnage grabs attention demanding that the reader know more about this world. I’ll let you judge it for yourself, but I found it delightful. Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time for my honest review of “The Innocents” by C.A Asbrey. Buckle up buttercup; this is going to be a fun one!
For those of you who may be asking yourself, “Why should I read this?” let me assure you that you should read it because it will make your day feel better in the end. It’s funny, but has suspense, and yet has dark themes. There is a part of the book that is downright disgusting, but not in a way to make anyone so sick they cannot stand it.
And as I usually do, I will tell you the pacing, tense, repetition and even the accented dialogue in this book, are superb. There are no words in here that do not make any sense, and I read this book in a day and a half, joyfully even.
I am left feeling happy, and I want to buy C.A Asbrey a blueberry scone, some tea and have her tell me where she got these ideas from for characters and dialogue this well constructed. I love this book. I loved everything about this book. I came away happy and exuberant after reading it, and it's late tonight as I write this.
Opinion
Did you like the book?
Yes, I did; it was terrific. Mostly what I love about the book is how well the dialogue fits. I also like a detective story that isn’t trying to be a ‘Sherlock Holmes’ or ‘Batman.’ I love Abi, the character is endearing and sweet, and even I have issues with men taking me seriously. Nothing makes me giggle more than how Abi handles having almost every male she encounters ‘Mansplain’ things to her in this story. I won’t ruin it for you, but it’s delightful what the character does to handle it.
But more than Abi is Nat. Nat reminds me (but is not at all precisely alike) that of the Comic Book Anti-Hero Gambit, without the Cajun accent and overtly sexual overtones. Nat is a beautiful kind of character, venerable yet tough, witty yet stupid at times. He’s the kind of guy that I like to be friends with, but would never date because let’s face it; he’s not the most wholesome kind of man. I do know this; if I ever needed someone to help me with something, I’d want him on my side.
What was your favorite part of the book?
I am not going to spoil the heck out of this book because I feel that anyone can read it and should, but I do have a favorite thing about it, not so much a part. C.A Asbrey paints tension so well in her words. There is dynamic, sexual, and page-turning tension in this book woven together masterfully. At no time does it come across as just a detective story, nor just a tale of thieves, nor a romance novel by itself. Instead, there is an apt portrayal of many factors coming together to form one beautiful symphony of a story. It’s the kind of book I want to read many times in a year, one that makes me happy and gives me hope, but still keeps me enjoying the main plot.
Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
I usually have a least favorite thing about a book, and if I only have one, it’s that there is not enough of the Nat vs. Abi conflicts. THEY WERE SO GOOD TOGETHER. Oh yes, I’m popping out caps locks folks, it’s worth it. I cannot stress enough how amazing the main character is, nor can I stress the rubber band back and forth banter between her and Nat is worth reading.
If you could change something, what would it be (NOT THE ENDING)? I want an audible version of this book, and I wish it read by Shelly Long, who played Diane on the television show “Cheers.” The tension between Nat and Abi is as good, If not better, than the “Will they or won’t they?” of the first seasons of Chears. I want the woman who made that so much fun for me to watch in my younger days, to make the pages of this book come out and pop. I know she can do a Scottish Accent as well; I saw one of her plays once.
Other than that, THERE IS NOTHING I would or could ask to change. I love “The Innocents.” I’m keeping this book with me for ages. I needed this fun book to wrap up my summertime and give me some banter to enjoy.
Recommendations
Would you recommend this to another person? Yes, anyone with a pulse. But aside from that, do you like romance? Do you like detective stories? Do you like witty women who are in lead roles and know more than most men, but can also be vulnerable and sweet when they want to be? Oh yeah? Well, you will love this book.
I’m giving “The Innocents (The Innocents Mystery Series Book 1)” A 94/100 only removing a few points because I feel like I’d be giving a perfect score to the first one of the series and possibly neglecting whatever else is to come. (Can you tell how much I love this book?)
GET A COPY!! Seriously it's worth it!
