Official Review: Tal Tale's The Knife Trilogy

samuyama · Post by **samuyama** » 15 Mar 2014, 20:18

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tal Tale's The Knife Trilogy" by Sara Johnston.]

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“Tal Tales: The Knife Trilogy” by Sara Johnston is a compilation of 3 short crime-fiction stories following Tal, an ex-cop from Chicago turned PI in Crescent City, California as an escape from the atrocities he faced as a police officer.

I looked up Johnston on Amazon and it seems that this is her first published book. I wanted to check because there is a definite amateur quality throughout the story. I enjoyed reading this from the perspective of looking on someone who’s taking a serious shot at making her dream of being an author a reality, but she needs some work in making her characters real and painting the story in the mind of the reader. There were also many typos and grammatical errors throughout the book.

The protagonist Tal was hard for me to believe. In the beginning of the story he’s a 24-year old PI, but he has the wisdom and somberness of a veteran officer twice that age. Someone that young would still be in the early years of his career and the story doesn’t indicate much reason why Tal would have so much experience under his belt at such a young age (there are hints to a previous incident but it wasn’t convincing). The next most common character is Kaelen James, who doesn’t make much sense either. There was one scene in particular where in a single instant she goes from an emotional train wreck to powerful seductress and I found myself shaking my head in disbelief that that’s the way she would act.

A few of the more suspenseful action scenes went by a little too quickly. I had to read some parts over again to get the image in my mind because it would seem as if two people would be grappling for a gun and next thing someone’s shot and I’m not sure how it happened. I also found the events taking place a little unlikely for a small town of 7,000, but it’s the author’s hometown so she’s likely to know better than I am.

What I did like was the progression of the three stories. They go in chronological order and increase in intensity and excitement; we go from a simple kidnapping to full on conspiracy. The storylines and overall plot ideas Johnston has are interesting.

I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The characters lacked believability that made them hard to relate with and the description of events was sometimes too quick. However, I’m impressed with the world Johnston created as a new author. I believe she’s formed a good backdrop for some exciting stories. I would encourage her to continue honing her skill and I’d be happy to follow up and see how her writing develops throughout the Tal Tales series.

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Buy "Tal Tale's The Knife Trilogy" on Amazon

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 19 May 2014, 10:22

Thanks for this review. Negative(ish) reviews are always fun to read, and it seems you have tried to be fair. One nice thing about reviewing for online book club is that we do get to see stuff by developing authors. It sounds like the author has potential, especially since she knows how to plot.

The problem of a youngish protagonist who is wise and experienced beyond his or her years is rampant in crime fiction, isn't it? And on TV too. The characters are usually all fairly young, yet they somehow have years of training (CIA or military or whatever) that have turned them into hardened, streetwise veterans.

Thanks again.

samuyama · Post by **samuyama** » 19 May 2014, 14:10

thanks for taking the time to read this and my other review, I really appreciate it.

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 19 May 2014, 19:23

My pleasure. Some comment of yours (now forgotten) made me want to check out your reviewer page.

ALRyder · Post by **ALRyder** » 23 May 2014, 11:48

Darn, I would almost want to read this simply because of where it takes place. I spent a lot of summers in Northern California when I was growing up. There are a few books that take place there, but I haven't found many that are worth the read. Oh well, maybe the series will get better with time. You've shown that she has the potential.

samuyama · Post by **samuyama** » 23 May 2014, 12:00

ALRyder wrote:Darn, I would almost want to read this simply because of where it takes place. I spent a lot of summers in Northern California when I was growing up. There are a few books that take place there, but I haven't found many that are worth the read. Oh well, maybe the series will get better with time. You've shown that she has the potential.

If you love the area I'd still take the time. A lot of the geography of the area is mentioned and it's a very short book.