All That Glitters

The town of Wickerwire, Iowa has become the target of a jewelry thief with the ability to get by completely undetected. The only trace he leaves behind is candy in place of what he steals. The media gives him the nickname "The Candy Caper" after this calling card. He won't give up until he finds an item believed to be blessed with ancient magic...unless someone else gets in his way.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Jackie Sonnenberg shares the story of a jewelry thief who is only looking for one ancient item in her novel, All That Glitters. When Nick Allen was a child, he was diagnosed with Kleptomania. Now as an adult, he struggles to control it, often losing against his urge. But it has come to his attention that there is an ancient magic in an unidentifiable piece of jewelry that helps the person who has it with overcoming their problems. Now he's on the hunt to find this invaluable piece that will allow him to stop his uncontrollable urge to steal, by robbing jewelry stores until he finds it. 

Nick Allen is the main character and the jewelry thief. By day, he works as a dentist and by night he is, what the newspapers have dubbed him, the Candy Caper. An ironic twist by Sonnenberg that Nick leaves candy in place of what he steals. Everyone knows dentists don't enjoy candy. Though his background information is scarce, almost as if he has no past, character traits can be picked up through context clues. Nick is a very nervous man, incredibly self-conscious, and shy. He has trouble talking to people, even those he calls friends because Nick's always afraid that someone will find out his Kleptomaniac-secret. Though he knows it's wrong, stealing jewelry makes him feel invincible. Nick is able to put on the mask and be someone who isn't scared of what he is. Though I feel readers will have trouble forming a strong connection with Nick, there will be an air of intrigue and interest that will help readers enjoy the story. 

All That Glitters focuses on Nick as the Candy Caper and his ambition to find the ancient piece of jewelry that will solve his problem. Readers watch as Nick avoids the cops, plans his next heist, and falls for a jewelry store owner. While this is occurring, there is another character, an absolute jinx, who is also looking for the ancient piece to wear as a lucky charm. Though the plot is very intriguing, I think the character connections could be a lot stronger. I would have liked a deeper look into the past of Nick, the jinx, and especially the store owner that steals the Candy Caper's heart.

Rating: 2.5/5 Cups

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

In magical Victorian London, orphan Tessa found safety with the Shadowhunters, until traitors betray her to the Magister. He wants to marry her, but so do self-destructive Will and fiercely devoted Jem. Mage Magnus Bane returns to help them. Secrets to her parentage lie with the mist-shrouded Yorkshire Institute's aged manager Alyosius Starkweather.

*May Contain Spoilers*

The Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare continues with Clockwork Prince. Picking up right where Clockwork Angel left off, the Shadowhunters and the Clave are looking for the Magister. But someone in the Clave might be under his mechanical eye, helping him at every turn. And what of the Institute? Could their be another traitor among them? 

Tessa is still the main focus in this novel, as the Magister is still after her and the reason still a mystery, though the Shadowhunters seem to be making progress on this front. Readers solidify the initial connection made in Clockwork Angel. More of her heart is exposed as she falls in love with both Will and Jem for many different reasons. Readers come to understand more of what makes her tick (pun intended) when she agrees to marry Jem. Her friendship blossoms with Sophie, revealing just how loyal Tessa can be. Throughout the story, she still struggles to discover where she came from and what she is exactly. 

Readers also get a deeper look into Will's character in this novel. It's revealed that he was cursed as a young child with the understanding that anyone who comes to love him will die. In the background, Will and Magnus Bane try to uncover the demon who cursed Will in effort to reverse the evil affliction. Readers are more able to connect with Will when this is discovered because they now understand his reasoning behind pushing people away and playing a villainous role. 

The plot of the novel is played out under a restraint from the Shadowhunter Clave: Charlotte and Henry have two weeks to track down the Magister or they forfeit their ruling positions at the London Institute. This ultimatum for the characters will undoubtedly hook the readers, as they continue in their Magister Mystery. Clare's wonderful storytelling and writing style make this book one of pure enjoyment, even if Tessa doesn't end up with the reader's hero of choice. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

WWW Wednesday (79)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
All That Glitters by Jackie Sonnenberg. A jewelry thief is looking for a specific piece that is supposedly laced with ancient magic. And he won't stop until he finds it or someone else finds it first.

02. Recently Finished:
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. Sequel to Clockwork Angel, the shadowhunters are now looking for the Magister and attempting to end a threat to the very institute they call home.

03. Reading Next:
The Plan by Alina B. When a woman tries to prove her independence, she is kidnapped. And it may be by someone she calls family.

Death Never Sleeps

Veteran Homicide Detective James "Big Jim" Donegan and his partner, Detective Chris Hunter, have been called to scene of their latest case, a strangled call girl who has been put halfway through a wood chipper that was left unattended in one of the city's parks.

*May Contain Spoilers* 

David Grace gives fans a crime thriller with meaningful coincidence, intriguing connections, and unusual leads in his novel, Death Never Sleeps. When James and Chris are handed the case, it turns out the killer isn't the only mystery they'll be solving. 

James, "Big Jim," is the father figure of the Murder Crimes Unit. He informally adopted Chris at a young age and raised him with rules to live by. Big Jim is the detective who gives second chances, even to the most unwarranted suspect. Readers will enjoy his gut feelings, his belief that coincidences don't exist, and the nature in which he handles both suspects and witnesses. 

Chris is the complete opposite of Big Jim but that doesn't stop him from trying to emulate his role model. Chris would rather write computer programs and formulate plans than speak to a witness; facts in lieu of faces. As a character, he's completely lost when it comes to people. He struggles with connecting and understanding others. Readers will laugh at the jokes Chris doesn't get and like him that much more for it. 

The plot of Death Never Sleeps brings readers into the murder investigation of an escort, which somehow connects to another murder, this time a school principal. As Big Jim and Chris whittle their way through the facts, lack of evidence, and criminal procedures, readers will be intrigued and entertained by the two main characters. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups