Official Review: Binary Witness by Rosie Claverton

erasmus · Post by **erasmus** » 10 Jul 2014, 08:37

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Binary Witness" by Rosie Claverton.]

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Binary Witness is the first of a series (at least, that's what it says on Goodreads), and takes the reader through a thrilling mystery set in Cardiff with our protagonists, Amy Lane and Jason Carr.

Amy Lane is a computer genius: hacking CCTVs, e-mail accounts, phone records etc. As long as she doesn’t have to take a step out of her home, she can do it. Amy’s not only good at what she does - she’s so brilliant the police consult her for cases. And when detectives Bryn and Owain come to her with a case of what seems to be a simple missing-persons at first, she just might be in over her head.

Jason Carr is an ex-convict on parole trying to get over his criminal past and look for a job. Desperate, he lands on the position of cleaner. When he ends up cleaning for Amy Lane, he never expected to get involved with the police, let alone assisting Amy with investigative footwork. But that’s okay, because he doesn’t mind seeking justice. And he actually likes weird, reclusive Amy, who panics at even the thought of stepping out of her home.

I love, love, love Amy and Jason. They’re like another version of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson - they work well as a team, and they’re funny and entertaining. In fact, Amy is a mystery unto herself. I also adore that there is chemistry between Amy and Jason, but it does not take precedence despite its development. I feel that Claverton has done very well in terms of with her characters. They are constantly growing, engaging, and even the minor roles get to play their part in the plot. Honestly, it’s very hard not to like them all.

And while Binary Witness might lack the details (and jargon) that some readers like when it comes to the technical/procedural stuff like most mystery thrillers (Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell comes to mind), I find it most refreshing. Without the need to absorb chunks of information or science of any kind, it’s straightforward, simple to read, and easy to understand.

We also have a convincing, brilliant mystery thriller that accumulates suspense, keeps us on the edge of our seats, climaxes with a bang!, and ends with a satisfying conclusion. The mystery itself may seem like a predictable (sometimes), common plot or cliche at first, but it may surprise you with it’s twists - I was kept on my toes the whole time.

This first installment makes the reader crave for more of the characters, and curious about the next mystery Amy and Jason are going to come across. This book is definitely deserving of 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend Binary Witness to mystery lovers who love a good thrill!

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ALRyder · Post by **ALRyder** » 23 Jul 2014, 17:50

This looks like a great new spin in the Mystery genre. Thanks for the suggestion, and great review!

erasmus · Post by **erasmus** » 23 Jul 2014, 18:04

ALRyder wrote:This looks like a great new spin in the Mystery genre. Thanks for the suggestion, and great review!

Welcome!

Binary Witness is definitely unique. I really recommend you read it if you're interested in the mystery genre.

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 05 Aug 2014, 21:39

Wow, so exciting that a new series is coming out and it's so promising!

Do we get to see much of Cardiff during the book?

erasmus · Post by **erasmus** » 05 Aug 2014, 22:01

H0LD0Nthere wrote:Wow, so exciting that a new series is coming out and it's so promising!

Do we get to see much of Cardiff during the book?

This book is definitely a good one!

Well, not much. Actually, now that I think about it, Cardiff doesn't really stand out in Binary Witness. It could have been in the Scotland and I might not have noticed...

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 06 Aug 2014, 22:26

Well, too bad, but you can't have everything I suppose. Ha ha, I suppose it is because Amy rarely leaves her house!

erasmus · Post by **erasmus** » 07 Aug 2014, 01:47

That might really be the reason! X)

Anyway, I really hope you would pick up this book and enjoy it as I did.

sahmoun2778 · Post by **sahmoun2778** » 08 Aug 2014, 13:16

Thanks for the review. This sounds like a really good book!

erasmus · Post by **erasmus** » 08 Aug 2014, 19:44

sahmoun2778 wrote:Thanks for the review. This sounds like a really good book!

Welcome! I hope you try it too!

TrishaAnn92 · Post by **TrishaAnn92** » 02 Sep 2016, 08:57

Awesome review! Congrats to the author on a positive review!

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 11 Sep 2016, 21:29

I love the book already

Sounds like a very interesting mystery story. I, myself, prefer minimal use of jargons. I think it makes for easier and faster reading. Great job on the reading. Congratulations to Rosie Claverton on an obviously well written book

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 08 Nov 2018, 17:06

It's good when people maximise their chance at redemption. It's better when technology is utilised for doing what is right. It's quite amazing how you've written this piece four years ago and it still remains relevant. Thank you for your insightful review.