Today I'm doing short reviews on two books that have been on my shelf for far too long. That's pretty much the only thing these books had in common as they couldn't be more different if they tried!
I don't remember when I first became interested in forensic science. It was either in the first few Kay Scarpetta books by Patricia Cornwell or because of a show on the Discovery Channel called New Detectives which I loved. Where ever it came from I've been a fan of all things crime and forensics ever since so when I saw Silent Witnesses by Nigel McCrery on NetGalley last year I couldn't resist it and I'm so glad I didn't! It was completely fascinating. In each chapter McCrery tackles an aspect important to forensic science (Identification, Blood, DNA, Ballistics, etc) and explores it thoroughly. He gives up the history of the development of the science and actual cases that were landmarks in developing the science I found the old cases interesting and it helped keep the subject from getting too dry. If you're a fan of CSI type shows then I think you would enjoy this one. It definitely helped me understand the science behind the terms that get tossed around on TV and in books so frequently. Rating: 4 Stars
Next up is The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. Like most book lovers, I can't resist a book about a bookshop and put one in Paris on a barge run by a man who treats books like medicine and I was immediately hooked. Unfortunately, this wasn't the book I wanted it to be. I don't think it's a bad book. In fact I think it's an excellent book of it's type but the problem is that it's a type that I don't really relate too. There were parts I really enjoyed. Some of the dialogue sparkled with a dry wit and I very much wanted to see how the story spun out. But, the incident that sparked this journey made absolutely no sense to me. I had little patience with Perdu's worrying and hesitations and the long winded flashbacks and daydreams just didn't click with me. The writing was lovely and I think this is a case of a book and a reader just not working together. I think if you can be sympathetic to waiting 20 years to open a letter from someone you loved who left you, then you might enjoy this book. If you can't you may want to pass. For another take try this review from Tina at Novel Meals, this review from Kathryn at The Book Date, or this one from Heather at Random Redheaded Ramblings. Rating: Not for me
I thought about reading Little Paris bookshop but I decided to wait, I think another review I read say the same thing- why wait 20 years to open a letter? So yeah I probably won't read it right away... I would probably have the same thoughts. The cover and the premise are definitely appealing though.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one that you really like or you just don't get. I didn't dislike it but it definitely didn't click with me partly because I had no patience about the letter!
DeleteThat's too bad about The Little Paris Bookshop. That cover and title are absolutely charming, but I think I might not enjoy it too much.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely wasn't the book for me but I do love the concept!
DeleteHa, I did enjoy The Little Paris Bookshop but waiting 20 years to open the letter - No that is really weird! Forensic science isn't something I follow but can see how it could be very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI think we are reverse on these 2! You dont really get Silent Witnesses but loved The Little Paris Bookshop and I was the reverse.
DeleteOkay, I may not read this book which was on my TBR. I get impatient but don't mind waiting if it's worth it but totally not if it's for silly reasons.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a bad book but it was just impossible for me to connect to. I'll be interested to see where you land if you read this one.
DeleteSilent Witness sounds good, I have always like forensics.
ReplyDeleteI love forensics and this was really fascinating. I liked looking at the history.
DeleteI thought The Little Paris Bookshop would be good, but now I'm not sure.
ReplyDeletePeople seem to fall into 2 camps - love it or don't get it- and I was definitely in the don't get it camp!
DeleteWell, at least one of these worked for you. Both sound good, really.
ReplyDeleteI think the bookshop would be amazing for the right person but I especially enjoyed Silent Witnesses.
DeleteSilent Witnesses definitely speaks to me, I too find forensic science fassinating. I would have been drawn to the bookshop story as well, I love these type of settings, but it just doesn't sound like it worked.
ReplyDeleteSilent Witnesses was fascinating and it was so interesting seeing the history of the silence. I think the Paris Bookshop worked for what it was it just didn't end up being my kind of book.
DeleteI'm sorry that The Little Paris Bookshop didn't work for you, but Silent Witnesses sounds fascinating! I'll bet it would be a great resource for mystery/crime fiction writers, too.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing about it being a resource! It was really interesting.
DeleteI've liked forensic science from the time I read my first Patricia Cornwell. Unfortunately this one has been archived at Netgalley. Will have to look elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI loved the early Patricia Cornwells! It definitely helped get me interested in forensic science.
DeleteI have heard similar comments about The Little Paris Bookshop, which is partly why I still haven't gotten to it. Maybe this way my expectations will be such that I'll enjoy it. :-)
ReplyDeleteSilent Witnesses you mention does sound good. I have always been fascinated by forensic science.
I think you might enjoy The Little Paris Bookshop. I think it's very good at what it is but it just didn't click with me. I'd be interested in seeing what you think of it.
DeleteI just finished Little Paris Bookshop, and I agree it was not what I thought it would be. However, Perdu's journey really helped me through my own grieving period, and the book felt very personal to me. I would recommend it to people for his emotional journey. But I agree - why wait 20 years to open a letter?!
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