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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Elizabeth Becka's TRACE EVIDENCE.
Ann from Polk City, FL
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
All of the popular ones --- Koontz, Paretsky, Evanovich, Grafton, Patterson, Kellerman, Cornwell and Mary Higgins Clark. Anything that is on the bestseller list. I especially like the series thrillers.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
I enjoyed TRACE EVIDENCE. It was a quick read with interesting characters. It was well-written and makes you feel like you know the characters. I thought I had the killer pegged halfway through the book, just to find out I was wrong. Evelyn James is not perfect and she does not have a perfect family. She has flaws, but her job is to find traces of evidence that will lead to solving the crime because the killer has a flaw. To me, TRACE EVIDENCE would be a good beach book. You want to sit on the beach or under the covers and not put it down until you are finished.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
I would read future books by Elizabeth Becka especially if they involve the same characters that she introduced in TRACE EVIDENCE. I would like to see how the characters evolve. There were several strings that were left untied.
Joan from Montgomery, AL
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Just about every one I can find! Some of my particular favorites are Harlan Coben, Daniel Silva, Tim Green, Joseph Finder, David Baldacci, Ken Follett, Nelson DeMille and Greg Iles.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
Move over Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs --- you have company! TRACE EVIDENCE is an amazing first outing for Elizabeth Becka. The story is great but I expected that --- the bonus is the characters! The most recent books I've read have been a little thin in that area but Ms. Becka nails it. Not only are there some likable characters but they have realistic lives with ordinary problems in addition to the story-based ones. TRACE EVIDENCE is a book I can confidently recommend!
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
I can't wait!
Elizabeth from New Orleans, LA
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I have read most of Elizabeth George, Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series, Minette Walters and Caleb Carr.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
It is difficult to respond without using any spoilers! I found the novel to be a real page-turner because I cared about the leading characters. Many events occur that surprise the reader. The subplot dealing with Rick and Terri could have been more original. I may have missed something, but the statement at the end of Ch. 30 is not answered, I don't think.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
I would definitely read the next work of Elizabeth Becka.
Kathleen from Shelby Twp., MI
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Scott Turow, Patricia Cornwell, John Sandford, John Grisham, Dan Brown and, most recently, Jeff Lindsay are all "must reads" the week they come out. Other suspense/thriller authors I read are Kathy Reichs, Jeffery Deaver, Jonathan Kellerman and James Patterson.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
I thought it to be a little stiff and strained at the beginning. But things picked after a few chapters and the characters started to take an identity. By the middle of the novel, Becka had me. The plot is elaborate, maybe just a little too much. Her balance between the forensic methodology and storytelling is excellent
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
Yes, I will. Becka is not a must read yet, but worth seeing where these characters go.
Michael from Puyallup, WA
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
I read Robert Ludlum, John le Carre, Patricia Cornwell, Vince Flynn, Linda Fairstein and Perri O'Shaughnessy.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
TRACE EVIDENCE was just okay, but it is a first novel so Elizabeth Becka's writing may develop as the series goes on. The love story was not well developed. Evelyn and David meet on the job and then they are supposed to be a couple especially after getting off to a rocky start? I prefer to read stories that have a back-story as to why the villain does what he or she does. TRACE EVIDENCE does not have a convincing back story on the villain.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
I would read another book by Elizabeth Becka, but if it was not better then I would not read her again.
Jennifer from Bothell, WA
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, Harlan Coben, John Sandford, Phillip Margolin, David Baldacci, Steve Martini, Brad Meltzer, Linda Fairstein, Ridley Pearson, Jeffery Deaver, Greg Iles (not sure if all of these count as suspense writers!).
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
I did not really care for it. I thought that the method the killer used to murder was a little far-fetched. Sometimes I thought the story seemed a little disjointed --- not enough continuity between characters.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
I might try one more.
Randy from Thousand Oaks, CA
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Michael Connelly, Greg Iles, Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs, Jonathan Kellerman, Dan Brown, Ken Follett and James Patterson. I've read all of the books these writers have written.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
I really didn't care for it much. It just lacked that "grab" that a good thriller has.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Becka?
Perhaps, but it would likely be due to the lack of other books out. I'd like to think she will gain experience with time and may become a very gifted storyteller.
Nancy from Wilmington, NC
What suspense/thriller writers do you read?
Perri O'Shaughnessy --- Nina Reilly Series (Law in Lake Tahoe). I love this series. 5 Stars
James Patterson --- The Alex Cross and Ladies Murder Club Series (FBI/Police/Pch. and Brown Sugar in DC)
Iris Johansen --- Eve Duncan series (Forensic Sculptress Series) 5 Stars!
P.D. James --- Adam Dalgliesh Series (English Yard Series) 5 stars
Sue Grafton --- Kinsey Millhone Series (PI Series)
Ridley Pearson --- The Elvis Cole Series (PI Series) 5 stars
Dennis Lehane --- Patrick Series (PI Series)
Davidson --- Goldy Bear Series (great recipes) 5 stars
Martini --- Paul Madriani Series (law) 5 stars
George Pelecanos
Martha Grimes
Elizabeth George
Jerrilyn Farmer --- The Mad Bean Caterer Series --- 5 stars for this group!
Harlan Coben --- Wonderful Sports Agent
J.A. Konrath --- Jack Daniels Series (Police officer). Can't wait for the next of these!
Jasper Fforde --- Thursday Next Series (Literary series with a great deal of info and humor)
There are others, but these are recent reads. I do like the series and like to see the characters mature and grow with their stories.
What did you think of TRACE EVIDENCE?
I enjoyed reading TRACE EVIDENCE. It is a good book for new novelist. I hope she continues along this line and makes this a series. There were many unanswered questions left at the end. There were a couple of sentences that were necessary to read twice in order to get the meaning of them. At the end of the book, the name "Terri" was spelled "Terry." These are minor items but part of the book and hence items that need to be checked more carefully by the editors.
TRACE EVIDENCE is one of the first of many that will show growth in Eve, her office and cohorts.
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