It was good. It was a nice book. I want to read it again.

I have loved this series since the first book, and this novel deepens the reader's understanding of this brutal, extravagant, spectacle of a Rome in its last days society. Haymitch Abernathy is a fascinating character, part good, part bad, a true chiaroscuro of morality. In this novel, we see him younger more idealistic, before loss and alcoholism ate away at him, and yet at the kernel we see the beginnings of his pragmatic, blase outer shell. There are numerous parallels to the first Hunger Games novel and here we meet young versions of Effie Trinket and Caesar Flickerman, along with a young and tragic Maysilee Donner. The writing pulls the reader in from the first page and keeps you turning the pages right up until the tragic end that explains the mystery of why Haymitch behaves the way he does as a mentor to Peeta and Katniss. Excellent addition to The Hunger Games pantheon!

This is an excellent start to a new series by Tana French. The two main characters: mysterious teenager Trey Reddy and retired, emotionally scared Cal Hooper are especially appealing. At first Cal doesn't know what to make of Trey. He isn't even certain if she is male or female. She dresses in androgenous clothes and reveals nothing about her life. All he knows is Trey is persistent. Once she learns he was a detective, she is determined to enlist Cal's help in finding her beloved older brother, one of the few people in Trey's life who has shown her kindness. The novel shows the insularity of rural Irish life where villagers close ranks even when something very bad has occurred. This is a wonderful mystery which slowly develops the friendship and trust between Trey, whose home life is blighted by a mother who can barely cope and an absent, ner'do-well father. The ending and the reasons for the "murder" are beyond tragic. The prose is poetic and fitting for the lyricism of the Irish countryside.

Good

So I like when Tommy and his family on the slime ride.

It was really good.

One of Alex Finlay"s strengths is his solid pacing and characters that are non offensive and relatable. The Parents Weekend is no exception, capitalizing on all of Finlay 's strengths. In this thriller five students, some from exceedingly elite backgrounds go missing before meeting up with their parents. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep the reading turning the pages. One aspect I especially enjoy about Finlay 's writing is the mini cliffhangers at the end of every chapter. This novel has the thrill and glamour of peeking into the lives and foibles of the ultra rich and powerful combined with an engaging mystery that allows the reader to piece together clues. A fun summer read for fans of Mr. Finlay.

Interesting and personal insight but I found the actual poetry/prose lacking. The chapter with all rhyming poems felt really out of place

Goofy saved the parade from catching on fire.

Just a baby bird