Fool Me Once

Happy Book Release Tuesday!  My favorite day of the week!  Who doesn't love getting new books?  Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben and No One Knows by J.T. Ellison came out today. Today is National Goof Off Day (it is not a "real" national holiday).  A day that people can kick back, relax, and have fun (but nothing dangerous, illegal, or that will get you into trouble).  Every now and then a person needs a day off when they can do what they want.  If you are a parent or a caregiver, you know what I mean.  And thanks to Auguste and Louis Lumiere, you can go to a movie.  On March 22, 1895 the invited 200 people to watch their first film on their cinematograph.  The patent for the laser was issued to Arthur Schawlow and Charles Townes in 1960.  Laser stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation".  The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) passes Congress in 1972 (took them long enough). Unfortunately, the amendment does not get enough state votes to be ratified (it dies).  

Fool Me Once is a new novel by Harlan Coben.  Maya Stern Burkett is burying her husband, Joe Burkett.  He was shot in the park on night when out with Maya.   Maya is a former Army Captain (returned home amid a little scandal) back home after being in Iraq (suffering PTSD).  Maya now teaches others how to fly.  She also has a two-year-old daughter, Lily.  Maya is devastated at the loss of her husband.  Maya lost her sister, Claire Walker within the last year as well.  A friend gives her a picture frame that is also a nanny cam.  Maya can take out the SD card and view the coverage of her daughter with the nanny, Isabella.  Maya is checking the camera one morning and sees a man that looks just like her husband (wearing her husband’s clothes), Joe with their daughter, Lily.  Maya confronts Isabella who denies seeing anything on the screen.  She then sprays Maya with pepper spray, takes the SD card, and runs.  Could Joe still be alive?  Maya did not see the shot that killed her husband and it was a closed casket funeral (arranged by his family).  Maya is determined to get some answers.  Will Maya like the answers she receives?  Of course, answers can lead to more questions!

I was excited when I was contacted and asked if I wanted to read and review Fool Me Once.  However, I was disillusioned.  Fool Me Once is a fast-paced book and quick book (above average writing).  There is too much of the book devoted to Maya thinking (especially paranoid thinking).  The ending was also a big letdown (and slightly odd).    I kept waiting for a big twist or a shocking reveal, but I did not get it.  What I got was predictable and just what I expected.  I was surprised by the choices Maya made especially considering that she had a child (a lot of parents will be appalled by Maya's decisions).  I just expected more from this author. I give Fool Me Once 3.75 out of 5 stars.  I did learn one important thing from Fool Me Once.  Do not bring a nanny cam into my home! 

You can follow Harlan Coben on Amazon to get updates on his latest books.  I received a complimentary copy of Fool Me Once from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I got some wonderful news today!  I received an advance copy of Rachel Caine's new book Ink and Bone!  I cannot wait to read it (and I hope it is good).  I am off to run a few errands.  We are having a beautiful cool day in my area and I am loving it (so are the dogs).  Have a wonderful Tuesday!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Here is an Easter coloring page for you!  Enjoy!