Customer Reviews

Burning Time (April Woo Mysteries)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was made aware of Leslie Glass' novel by a Japanese friend of mine, who had read her translated books and thought that the Asianness of the book was great. We're both big mystery fans, so I quickly went out and bought whatever Glass novels I could find. Being half Asian, it is great to not only see a leading Asian character, but also see someone capture the Asian culture and essence so well. April's mother is somewhat like my mother (and definitely like many of my friend's Chinese mothers!), she always makes me laugh - especially her dialog, which is just so true to form. I would be very interested to find out how Glass learned so much about Chinese culture??

Compared to her other books (I'm afraid I haven't read then in chronological order), this one came across as a bit more gruesome and gory. However, I enjoyed it nevertheless. It's a good murder mystery, with solid characters, what else can one ask for?

This was my first exposure to Leslie Glass - great first impressions! I really enjoyed the book, the characters were well defined and the plot was exciting and twisted. April Woo is a great character - strong, independent and smart! Other reviewers have correctly compared this author to Thomas Harris (Hannibal series) - April is similar to Clarice, the serial killer plot is well thought out and moves at a great pace.

I have already purchased Hanging Time and can't wait to get started!

Glass does a great job in getting the reader into the story, creating an interesting plot and intricate characters. Nevertheless, towards the end the action is too rushed and events unfold without a clear connection. It seems to me as if the author had to comply with a deadline and could not finish the book in the way it deserved. This series will get another chance from me, and hopefully the experience will be better next time!

I have enjoyed Leslie Glass' writing a great deal but have found that I need a break from reading her books too close together. I love reading a series in order as I like to see the character progession and development. I also like the feeling that I am getting to know the characters. In that vein though, I can get frustrated at the communication that the characters show. In most of the books I want to shout at April to just tell her mother how she feels! I know communication exists like that but I find it frustrating.

Overall the stories are engrossing and very interesting with a great focus on New York. I love books that show me a great deal about the area they are in. I would suggest these books to anyone who likes detective mysteries that are not graphic. Very solid series, just can't read them in a row.

This is the first book I have read by Leslie Glass and was pleasantly surprised. My husband also read the book and liked it very much.

The plot is believable, as are the characters. The book moves along at a quick pace and I liked how the author went back and forth among the characters. I'm looking forward to reading Leslie's other books. The vilain was quite creepy without being too gory.

This book introduces Detective Woo, a twentyish Chinese American detective and Dr. Frank, a fortyish psychiatrist in a true to life police milieu which serves as the crossroads to characters of varied ethnic origins and social classes. Leslie Glass knows how to tell a suspense story a la Silence of the Lambs. But the books deapth comes from the way Glass shows the gradual emergence of trust in the detective hero. She learns how to work with men without working under them. And of course love conquers all. Excellent read. Why this is not a movie yet I can't imagine.

Has she ever written a bad book? I'm amazed at the suspense.

first time i pick up a book from this author and i loved it.the storyline keeps you wanting more and more.good story but some facts about san diego are not accurate.