Review: Strange Buildings

Strange Buildings by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Strange Buildings by Uketsu from HarperVia via NetGalley.  This book was just published.

Strange Buildings is the second book in the Strange Houses series by Uketsu.  Although the first book is mentioned in this one, you can read them as standalones and in any order because nothing from the first book is spoiled here.  The mystery is self-contained.  Everything you need to solve the big mystery is in here and woven through several small mysteries.  Floor plans and drawings along with interviews help you put together what happened.  This book involves a cult with a really unique purpose.  It is a super original idea.  There is also a shady business that will have me questioning marketing tactics even more going forward!  I love that all is revealed in the end so you know whether you got it right.  Are you clever enough to see the clues?  I am a little obsessed with these books now!

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Review: Strange Pictures

Strange Pictures by Uketsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Strange Pictures by Uketsu is a mystery that has all the pieces you need to solve it in the book.  In fact,  the answers can almost all be found in mysterious drawings if you know how to put them together.  Strange Pictures is the first book, but there are now more like it by Uketsu.  I so thoroughly enjoyed trying to solve there mysteries.  They are told as separate tales, but you can start to see threads that run through them that help you figure out the overall solution.  In the end, everything is laid out for you, so you will know if you got it right.  There are even helpful recaps of clues in case you forgot what you read earlier.  The only thing that might make this book better would be if you could download the drawings so you could physically handle them.  If you like puzzles, you will want to try this book.

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Review: Trust No One

Trust No One by James Rollins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Trust No One by James Rollins from William Morrow via NetGalley.  This book has already been published.

Trust No One is a standalone novel from James Rollins. If you enjoy Sigma Force, you should definitely check this out.  It has a similar vibe but new characters. This has historical aspects, occult ties, and mysteries/puzzles to solve.  Very Indiana Jones.   I liked the mix of characters and the fact that you aren't really sure who you can trust as the name implies.  I wouldn't be mad if this became a series too.

Bonus points for some really great animal characters, Hugh and Katch.  Rollins does an excellent job of incorporating animals in a way that makes them feel very real and showcases their extraordinary talents.  He is good about reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts, and the sacrifices some people make to right the wrongs of humanity.

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