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Maestra #1
Maestra
A shockingly original thriller - the launch title of Zaffre, the new fiction imprint of Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Judith Rashleigh works as an assistant in a prestigious London auction house, but her dreams of breaking into the art world have been gradually dulled by the blunt forces of snobbery and corruption. To make ends meet she moonlights as a hostess in one of the West End's less salubrious bars - although her work there pales against her activities on nights off.
When Judith stumbles across a conspiracy at her auction house, she is fired before she can expose the fraud. In desperation, she accepts an offer from one of the bar's clients to accompany him to the French Riviera. But when an ill-advised attempt to slip him sedatives has momentous consequences, Judith finds herself fleeing for her life.
Now alone and in danger, all Judith has to rely on is her consummate ability to fake it amongst the rich and famous - and the inside track on the hugely lucrative art fraud that triggered her dismissal.
Set in the exotic palaces and yachts of Europe's seriously wealthy - plus graphic sex. With a heroine as wickedly perceptive as Amy Dunne and as dangerous as Lisbeth Salander, this marks the beginning of a sequence of novels that will have readers around the world on the edge of their seats and holding their breath.
Judith Rashleigh works as an assistant in a prestigious London auction house, but her dreams of breaking into the art world have been gradually dulled by the blunt forces of snobbery and corruption. To make ends meet she moonlights as a hostess in one of the West End's less salubrious bars - although her work there pales against her activities on nights off.
When Judith stumbles across a conspiracy at her auction house, she is fired before she can expose the fraud. In desperation, she accepts an offer from one of the bar's clients to accompany him to the French Riviera. But when an ill-advised attempt to slip him sedatives has momentous consequences, Judith finds herself fleeing for her life.
Now alone and in danger, all Judith has to rely on is her consummate ability to fake it amongst the rich and famous - and the inside track on the hugely lucrative art fraud that triggered her dismissal.
Set in the exotic palaces and yachts of Europe's seriously wealthy - plus graphic sex. With a heroine as wickedly perceptive as Amy Dunne and as dangerous as Lisbeth Salander, this marks the beginning of a sequence of novels that will have readers around the world on the edge of their seats and holding their breath.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2016
806 people are currently reading
10275 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Hilton
7 books399 followersLisa's forthcoming history book, 'The Scandal of The Century' will be published by Michael Joseph in May 2024. A retelling of the life of England's first professional woman playwright, Aphra Behn, it reveals the true-life source of the first novel in English literature, based on the story of Lady Harriet Berkeley, whose elopement with her own brother-in-law Lord Grey resulted in one of the most sensational court cases of the seventeenth century.
As L.S Hilton, Lisa is currently releasing 'All My Lovers' Wives,' a wry, raw work of autofiction which is being developed for television by Universal Studios. Lisa authored the 'Maestra' Series (Bonnier Zaffre), consisting of three novels, 'Maestra' (2016), 'Domina' (2017) and 'Ultima' (2018). 'Maestra' was a number one Sunday Times Bestseller, a New York Times bestseller and a number one bestseller in 8 European territories. To date, it is on sale in 43 countries and over 1 million copies have been sold worldwide. 'Maestra' is in development for film with Sony Pictures.
Lisa has often taken inspiration from the lives of women who shaped the world, and has written seven other historical biographies around this theme, including 'Sex and the City of Ladies' (Harper Collins, 2020), which was commissioned by the Times Literary Supplement and casts a revisionist eye over the reputations of influential women throughout history whose deeds and dispositions have been distorted by centuries of misogyny.
Other works include 'Athenais: The Real Queen of France' (Little, Brown, 2002 – shortlisted for the Somerset Maugham Prize), 'Queens Consort' (Little, Brown, 2006), a composite biography of England's medieval queens, the authoritative 'Elizabeth, Renaissance Prince' (Orion, 2014) and 'The Horror of Love' (Orion, 2011) – an account of Nancy Mitford’s influential affair with Gaston Palewski.
Lisa's passion for history extends into historical fantasy with her novels 'Wolves in Winter' (Atlantic, 2012) and 'The Stolen Queen' (Atlantic, 2015). Her third historical novel 'The House with Blue Shutters' (Atlantic, 2010) was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Fiction Prize.
A regular art critic, Lisa has worked on projects for museums including the UK National Portrait Gallery and the Pinacoteca di Brera and is the author of 'The Death of Cleopatra' (Skira, 2017), which sheds light on the beauty and ambiguity of Guido Cagnacci’s portrayal of the legendary queen of Egypt.
On screen, Lisa has presented numerous historical series, including Charles I: Downfall (BBC4, 2019) and Charles I: Killing a King (BBC4, 2020), and served as presenter and script-writer for the BAFTA-nominated Elizabeth I’s Secret Agents (72 Films, 2017). She has appeared as a contributor and advisor on several series of Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Channel 5), Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary (BBC2, 2016), as writer and presenter (in French) of the series Tendres Rivales (Arte, 2012), and as co-author and contributor on Versailles: Dream of a King (Brook Lapping, 2011).
Behind the camera, Lisa has written scripts and provided historical consultation on subjects as diverse as women Impressionist painters, vampires, Versailles, English Restoration monarchs to French Renaissance menus and culinary innovation.
Lisa was delighted to be awarded Glamour Magazine Writer of the Year in 2016, Porter Magazine Incredible Woman of the Year and Red Magazine Writer of the Year.
Lisa is fully tri-lingual and is regularly published in all three languages. In Italian, for Corriere della Sera, Vanity Fair and La Repubblica, in French for Elle, and in English, in features for the Sunday Times Style, the restaurant column for The Critic, and features for the Times, Times Magazine, and Times Literary Supplement.
Lisa grew up in the north of England and read English at New College, Oxford, after which she studied History of Art in Florence and Paris. Since then, Lisa has lived in New York, Paris, Milan and London and is now b
As L.S Hilton, Lisa is currently releasing 'All My Lovers' Wives,' a wry, raw work of autofiction which is being developed for television by Universal Studios. Lisa authored the 'Maestra' Series (Bonnier Zaffre), consisting of three novels, 'Maestra' (2016), 'Domina' (2017) and 'Ultima' (2018). 'Maestra' was a number one Sunday Times Bestseller, a New York Times bestseller and a number one bestseller in 8 European territories. To date, it is on sale in 43 countries and over 1 million copies have been sold worldwide. 'Maestra' is in development for film with Sony Pictures.
Lisa has often taken inspiration from the lives of women who shaped the world, and has written seven other historical biographies around this theme, including 'Sex and the City of Ladies' (Harper Collins, 2020), which was commissioned by the Times Literary Supplement and casts a revisionist eye over the reputations of influential women throughout history whose deeds and dispositions have been distorted by centuries of misogyny.
Other works include 'Athenais: The Real Queen of France' (Little, Brown, 2002 – shortlisted for the Somerset Maugham Prize), 'Queens Consort' (Little, Brown, 2006), a composite biography of England's medieval queens, the authoritative 'Elizabeth, Renaissance Prince' (Orion, 2014) and 'The Horror of Love' (Orion, 2011) – an account of Nancy Mitford’s influential affair with Gaston Palewski.
Lisa's passion for history extends into historical fantasy with her novels 'Wolves in Winter' (Atlantic, 2012) and 'The Stolen Queen' (Atlantic, 2015). Her third historical novel 'The House with Blue Shutters' (Atlantic, 2010) was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Fiction Prize.
A regular art critic, Lisa has worked on projects for museums including the UK National Portrait Gallery and the Pinacoteca di Brera and is the author of 'The Death of Cleopatra' (Skira, 2017), which sheds light on the beauty and ambiguity of Guido Cagnacci’s portrayal of the legendary queen of Egypt.
On screen, Lisa has presented numerous historical series, including Charles I: Downfall (BBC4, 2019) and Charles I: Killing a King (BBC4, 2020), and served as presenter and script-writer for the BAFTA-nominated Elizabeth I’s Secret Agents (72 Films, 2017). She has appeared as a contributor and advisor on several series of Secrets of the Royal Palaces (Channel 5), Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary (BBC2, 2016), as writer and presenter (in French) of the series Tendres Rivales (Arte, 2012), and as co-author and contributor on Versailles: Dream of a King (Brook Lapping, 2011).
Behind the camera, Lisa has written scripts and provided historical consultation on subjects as diverse as women Impressionist painters, vampires, Versailles, English Restoration monarchs to French Renaissance menus and culinary innovation.
Lisa was delighted to be awarded Glamour Magazine Writer of the Year in 2016, Porter Magazine Incredible Woman of the Year and Red Magazine Writer of the Year.
Lisa is fully tri-lingual and is regularly published in all three languages. In Italian, for Corriere della Sera, Vanity Fair and La Repubblica, in French for Elle, and in English, in features for the Sunday Times Style, the restaurant column for The Critic, and features for the Times, Times Magazine, and Times Literary Supplement.
Lisa grew up in the north of England and read English at New College, Oxford, after which she studied History of Art in Florence and Paris. Since then, Lisa has lived in New York, Paris, Milan and London and is now b
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,138 reviews
April 22, 2016
This novel is incoherent nonsense. There is a GLIMMER of an interesting idea about rage and class that is destroyed by utter claptrap. The plot makes NO sense. It is choppy. The protagonist hates fat people, or maybe it's the writer, and that's fine, but in the early going it's quite distracting. Then there is the extravagant name brand dropping. The absurd twists that aren't really twists, but perhaps, limp shifts in direction. Nothing in the book is shocking. THIS BOOK DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AT ALL. The sex is just silly. There is a lot of cunt swelling and playing around with vaginal moisture. I don't understand books sometimes.
June 1, 2016
I'm going to start from an unconventional place - the ending. (Don't worry, I won't give anything away.) For me, I can love a book but the ending will ruin it if I don't feel it's done well. Alternatively, as is the case for this book, I can like a book alright but the ending makes it so fulfilling that I find myself loving it.
In this book, I enjoyed the story (didn't love it), I was fascinated by the pacing (but didn't find myself unable to put it down)...and yet the ending will be what has me recommending it.
Maestra is the story of an English girl who finds herself maybe in a bit too deep. The art world is what began as a passion and is now leading her down a destructive path that leaves some wishing they'd never come into contact with her. The front cover asks the question, "Where do you go when you've gone too far?" ...and in this case, I think the answer may be "anywhere but here."
I think the biggest disclaimer I can add to this would be that this is adult reading, but in a tasteful way. It never feels like it's done for cheesiness value or as too much. It adds to the story in a brilliant and entirely well done way. But it is explicit and if that's not something you're comfortable with, maybe stay away from this one.
What did I think?: Although it took me a little while to really get into, I really ended up enjoying this book. I had heard a couple different opinions, one of which loved the story and the other that hated it, so I went in with an open mind. If you're looking for heart-pounding suspense, it's not really that, but you will want to know how someone could fit together these puzzle pieces in such an enticing way.
Who should read it?: I know that a lot of you are fans of romance and others are fans of suspense - and in all honesty, this is the best mix of the two that I've come across. If you love both of those, I'm confident you'd love this one too.
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In this book, I enjoyed the story (didn't love it), I was fascinated by the pacing (but didn't find myself unable to put it down)...and yet the ending will be what has me recommending it.
Maestra is the story of an English girl who finds herself maybe in a bit too deep. The art world is what began as a passion and is now leading her down a destructive path that leaves some wishing they'd never come into contact with her. The front cover asks the question, "Where do you go when you've gone too far?" ...and in this case, I think the answer may be "anywhere but here."
I think the biggest disclaimer I can add to this would be that this is adult reading, but in a tasteful way. It never feels like it's done for cheesiness value or as too much. It adds to the story in a brilliant and entirely well done way. But it is explicit and if that's not something you're comfortable with, maybe stay away from this one.
What did I think?: Although it took me a little while to really get into, I really ended up enjoying this book. I had heard a couple different opinions, one of which loved the story and the other that hated it, so I went in with an open mind. If you're looking for heart-pounding suspense, it's not really that, but you will want to know how someone could fit together these puzzle pieces in such an enticing way.
Who should read it?: I know that a lot of you are fans of romance and others are fans of suspense - and in all honesty, this is the best mix of the two that I've come across. If you love both of those, I'm confident you'd love this one too.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
April 28, 2016
After an uneven start, this became surprisingly entertaining, though it's not a "good" book by any stretch of the imagination, mostly because of the abundance of humorless, meant-to-be shocking sex.
But it's enjoyably sociopathic (or psychopathic, depending on how you interpret the MC's behavior), and it's an interesting/different thriller because of its backdrop of stolen art, expensive clothes and meals, money laundering, and assorted hustlers. I was surprised to see the door left open for another installment, as I think the character has run her course? But another bag of potato chips would be hard to resist.
Great plane reading if you have a weakness for thrillers featuring thoroughly shallow and unpleasant people.
But it's enjoyably sociopathic (or psychopathic, depending on how you interpret the MC's behavior), and it's an interesting/different thriller because of its backdrop of stolen art, expensive clothes and meals, money laundering, and assorted hustlers. I was surprised to see the door left open for another installment, as I think the character has run her course? But another bag of potato chips would be hard to resist.
Great plane reading if you have a weakness for thrillers featuring thoroughly shallow and unpleasant people.
May 4, 2019
"50 Shades" meets "The Goldfinch," but not in a good way.
August 19, 2016
ΠΡΟΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ: ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΕΙ ΚΡΙΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΠΕΔΟΥ ΑΝΑΛΟΓOY ΤΟΥ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ.
Long story short:
«Έι, είδα ότι διάβασες τη Maestra, να το διαβάσω; Στο instagram λένε ότι είναι καλό.»
Ήμουν ανάμεσα στο να γράψω ένα τεράστιο «χαχαχαχα» έκτασης τριών παραγράφων και στο να σας πω ΣΟΒΑΡΑ γιατί δεν πρέπει να χάσετε το χρόνο σας με αυτό το βιβλίο. Επειδή είμαισοβαρή λοιπόν, επέλεξα το δεύτερο. Ορίστε λοιπόν!
Θα ξεκινήσω από τα υπέρ:
1. Το κέρδισα σε διαγωνισμό, πράγμα που σημαίνει ότι δεν ξόδεψα ούτε ευρώ. Ναι, I’m stating the obvious, όχι, δε σας περνάω για ηλίθιους, ξέρω ότι ξέρετε τι σημαίνει διαγωνισμός, ΑΛΛΑ αν είχατε διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο θα καταλαβαίνατε τι σημασία έχει το να ΜΗΝ έχεις χαραμίσει έστω και μισό ευρώ.
2. Το εξώφυλλο της ελληνικής έκδοσης είναι εθιστικά απαλό και με ανάγλυφα γράμματα.
Αυτά. ΔΕΝ ΕΧΕΙ ΑΛΛΑ.
Πριν πάμε στα κατά, θα μου πείτε: γιατί το ξεκίνησες; Μήπως δεν έχεις έναν πάκο από *αξιόλογα* αδιάβαστα βιβλία να σε περιμένουν καρτερικά; Μήπως ο ήδη υπάρχων μαζοχισμός σου υποτροπίασε; Όχι, όχι. Ο λόγος είναι ακόμη πιο ντροπιαστικός. Ήθελα να κάνω ένα διάλλειμα από το «Όλο το φως που δεν μπορούμε να δούμε», ένα βιβλίο το οποίο μόλις τελειώσω θα το εκτιμήσω διπλά, γιατί είχε την τύχη (;) να συμπέσει αναγνωστικά με αυτό το λογοτεχνικό έκτρωμα για το οποίο γράφω κριτική τώρα. Και ξέρετε, χωρίς το σκοτάδι δε θα έλαμπαν τα αστέρια, κουλουπού, κουλουπού.
Note to self: αν θέλεις να κάνεις διάλειμμα από τα «βαριά» βιβλία, πήγαινε να παίξεις κανένα video game, ή δες καμιά σειρά, όπως όλος ο φυσιολογικός κόσμος.Ηλίθια.
Αλλά δεν κλαίγομαι. Ήξερα. Γιατί, παρ’ όλο που όλοι λέτε ότι οι κριτικές στο goodreads δεν έχουν σημασία και αν σου αρέσει κάτι είναι τελείως προσωπική υπόθεση και η γνώμη των άλλων δε μετράει, δεν έχετε υπολογίσει την περίπτωση της Maestra. Το να έχει ένα βιβλίο μέση βαθμολογία 3,5-3,8 σε ένα πλήθος 5000 ψήφων, πάει κι έρχεται. Σε κάποιους αρέσει, σε κάποιους όχι. Το 2,8 παιδιά, ΠΡΟΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΕΙ.
Όντας προετοιμασμένη λοιπόν γι’ αυτό το εξαιρετικό σκουπιδάκι, ενέδωσα στον πειρασμό και είπα «αφού υπάρχει, ας το διαβάσουμε». Καταλαβαίνω ότι για κάποιους δεν έχει νόημα αυτό το πράγμα και δε θα προσπαθήσω να το αιτιολογήσω λέγοντας ότι «αγαπάω να μισώ πράγματα». Το διάβασα. Αυτό ήταν. Can’t go back now.
Και περνάμε (επιτέλους) στα (σ)κατά, τα οποία είναι αναρίθμητα, αλλά θα τα συνοψίσω όσο περισσότερο γίνεται. Δε μπόρεσα να συγκεντρωθώ στην υπόθεση, γιατί η πρωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου, η οποία είναι και η αφηγήτρια (αλί, αλί και τρισαλί) είναι ένα πολυβόλο που πετάει μπαρούφες. Δεν υπάρχει καμία λογική σε αυτά που κάνει, είναι εαυτούλης, μισάνθρωπη, χοντροφοβική (WE GET IT, δε γουστάρεις πατσάδια, εκτός αν ανήκουν σε κάποιον sugar daddy, οπότε θα τα ανεχτείς για λίγο), χωρίς φίλους, χωρίς ενδιαφέροντα και χωρίς λόγο ύπαρξης. Ευχόμουν να αυτοκτονήσει. Έχεις ευχηθεί ποτέ ξανά για πρωταγωνιστή να αυτοκτονήσει; (Τώρα που το σκέφτομαι, εγώ ναι, στον H. Humbert στη Lolita, αλλά ΤΙ συγκρίνουμε τώρα.) Εν τέλει, αν θέλεις να φτιάξεις έναν αντιπαθητικό χαρακτήρα, κάντο σωστά. ΟΥΤΕ ΚΑΝ ΑΥΤΟ ΔΕ ΜΠΟΡΕΣΕ. Για ύφος και γλώσσα δε θα μιλήσω καν. Είναι το λιγότερο.
Να με συγχωρέσετε για τη ρίψη λάσπης, δε συνηθίζω να το κάνω όσο κι αν αντιπαθώ έναν συγγραφέα, αλλά ειλικρινά δεν καταλαβαίνω πως κάποια στιγμή ένας εκδότης διάβασε ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΗ τη Maestra και είπε «φοβερό βιβλίο, ας το εκδόσουμε» και πώς έπειτα κάποιος άλλος εκδότης, σε μία άλλη χώρα, το διάβασε (πάλι ολόκληρο) και είπε «λοιπόν, αυτό πρέπει να μεταφραστεί στη γλώσσα μας». Ενός λεπτού σιγή για τους απανταχού μεταφραστές της Maestra, λοιπόν.
Η L.S. Hilton λοιπόν, η δημιουργός της Maestra, είναι το ζωντανό παράδειγμα για τον κανόνα που λέει ότι εάν έχεις τις κατάλληλες γνωριμίες και χωθείς στους σωστούς κύκλους, θα κάνεις το κέφι σου και θα εκδόσεις και κάτι, Ό,ΤΙ και να ναι αυτό. Μη σου πω θα γίνει και best seller.
Χωρίς να έχω διαβάσει το Fifty Shades of Grey (εκτός από τα χωρία που γράφουν οι κριτικοί για να το θάψουν), το οποίο πολλοί θεωρούν ως το χειρότερο βιβλίο όλων των εποχών, είμαι σχεδόν σίγουρη ότι η Maestra είναι χειρότερη.
Overall, μία φέτα καρπούζι με μουστάρδα θα ήταν πιο απολαυστική από το να διαβάζεις τη Maestra.
(Και τώρα σκέφτεσαι τι γεύση έχει το καρπούζι με τη μουστάρδα. Συγνώμη.)
Long story short:
«Έι, είδα ότι διάβασες τη Maestra, να το διαβάσω; Στο instagram λένε ότι είναι καλό.»
Ήμουν ανάμεσα στο να γράψω ένα τεράστιο «χαχαχαχα» έκτασης τριών παραγράφων και στο να σας πω ΣΟΒΑΡΑ γιατί δεν πρέπει να χάσετε το χρόνο σας με αυτό το βιβλίο. Επειδή είμαι
Θα ξεκινήσω από τα υπέρ:
1. Το κέρδισα σε διαγωνισμό, πράγμα που σημαίνει ότι δεν ξόδεψα ούτε ευρώ. Ναι, I’m stating the obvious, όχι, δε σας περνάω για ηλίθιους, ξέρω ότι ξέρετε τι σημαίνει διαγωνισμός, ΑΛΛΑ αν είχατε διαβάσει αυτό το βιβλίο θα καταλαβαίνατε τι σημασία έχει το να ΜΗΝ έχεις χαραμίσει έστω και μισό ευρώ.
2. Το εξώφυλλο της ελληνικής έκδοσης είναι εθιστικά απαλό και με ανάγλυφα γράμματα.
Αυτά. ΔΕΝ ΕΧΕΙ ΑΛΛΑ.
Πριν πάμε στα κατά, θα μου πείτε: γιατί το ξεκίνησες; Μήπως δεν έχεις έναν πάκο από *αξιόλογα* αδιάβαστα βιβλία να σε περιμένουν καρτερικά; Μήπως ο ήδη υπάρχων μαζοχισμός σου υποτροπίασε; Όχι, όχι. Ο λόγος είναι ακόμη πιο ντροπιαστικός. Ήθελα να κάνω ένα διάλλειμα από το «Όλο το φως που δεν μπορούμε να δούμε», ένα βιβλίο το οποίο μόλις τελειώσω θα το εκτιμήσω διπλά, γιατί είχε την τύχη (;) να συμπέσει αναγνωστικά με αυτό το λογοτεχνικό έκτρωμα για το οποίο γράφω κριτική τώρα. Και ξέρετε, χωρίς το σκοτάδι δε θα έλαμπαν τα αστέρια, κουλουπού, κουλουπού.
Note to self: αν θέλεις να κάνεις διάλειμμα από τα «βαριά» βιβλία, πήγαινε να παίξεις κανένα video game, ή δες καμιά σειρά, όπως όλος ο φυσιολογικός κόσμος.
Αλλά δεν κλαίγομαι. Ήξερα. Γιατί, παρ’ όλο που όλοι λέτε ότι οι κριτικές στο goodreads δεν έχουν σημασία και αν σου αρέσει κάτι είναι τελείως προσωπική υπόθεση και η γνώμη των άλλων δε μετράει, δεν έχετε υπολογίσει την περίπτωση της Maestra. Το να έχει ένα βιβλίο μέση βαθμολογία 3,5-3,8 σε ένα πλήθος 5000 ψήφων, πάει κι έρχεται. Σε κάποιους αρέσει, σε κάποιους όχι. Το 2,8 παιδιά, ΠΡΟΕΙΔΟΠΟΙΕΙ.
Όντας προετοιμασμένη λοιπόν γι’ αυτό το εξαιρετικό σκουπιδάκι, ενέδωσα στον πειρασμό και είπα «αφού υπάρχει, ας το διαβάσουμε». Καταλαβαίνω ότι για κάποιους δεν έχει νόημα αυτό το πράγμα και δε θα προσπαθήσω να το αιτιολογήσω λέγοντας ότι «αγαπάω να μισώ πράγματα». Το διάβασα. Αυτό ήταν. Can’t go back now.
Και περνάμε (επιτέλους) στα (σ)κατά, τα οποία είναι αναρίθμητα, αλλά θα τα συνοψίσω όσο περισσότερο γίνεται. Δε μπόρεσα να συγκεντρωθώ στην υπόθεση, γιατί η πρωταγωνίστρια του βιβλίου, η οποία είναι και η αφηγήτρια (αλί, αλί και τρισαλί) είναι ένα πολυβόλο που πετάει μπαρούφες. Δεν υπάρχει καμία λογική σε αυτά που κάνει, είναι εαυτούλης, μισάνθρωπη, χοντροφοβική (WE GET IT, δε γουστάρεις πατσάδια, εκτός αν ανήκουν σε κάποιον sugar daddy, οπότε θα τα ανεχτείς για λίγο), χωρίς φίλους, χωρίς ενδιαφέροντα και χωρίς λόγο ύπαρξης. Ευχόμουν να αυτοκτονήσει. Έχεις ευχηθεί ποτέ ξανά για πρωταγωνιστή να αυτοκτονήσει; (Τώρα που το σκέφτομαι, εγώ ναι, στον H. Humbert στη Lolita, αλλά ΤΙ συγκρίνουμε τώρα.) Εν τέλει, αν θέλεις να φτιάξεις έναν αντιπαθητικό χαρακτήρα, κάντο σωστά. ΟΥΤΕ ΚΑΝ ΑΥΤΟ ΔΕ ΜΠΟΡΕΣΕ. Για ύφος και γλώσσα δε θα μιλήσω καν. Είναι το λιγότερο.
Να με συγχωρέσετε για τη ρίψη λάσπης, δε συνηθίζω να το κάνω όσο κι αν αντιπαθώ έναν συγγραφέα, αλλά ειλικρινά δεν καταλαβαίνω πως κάποια στιγμή ένας εκδότης διάβασε ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΗ τη Maestra και είπε «φοβερό βιβλίο, ας το εκδόσουμε» και πώς έπειτα κάποιος άλλος εκδότης, σε μία άλλη χώρα, το διάβασε (πάλι ολόκληρο) και είπε «λοιπόν, αυτό πρέπει να μεταφραστεί στη γλώσσα μας». Ενός λεπτού σιγή για τους απανταχού μεταφραστές της Maestra, λοιπόν.
Η L.S. Hilton λοιπόν, η δημιουργός της Maestra, είναι το ζωντανό παράδειγμα για τον κανόνα που λέει ότι εάν έχεις τις κατάλληλες γνωριμίες και χωθείς στους σωστούς κύκλους, θα κάνεις το κέφι σου και θα εκδόσεις και κάτι, Ό,ΤΙ και να ναι αυτό. Μη σου πω θα γίνει και best seller.
Χωρίς να έχω διαβάσει το Fifty Shades of Grey (εκτός από τα χωρία που γράφουν οι κριτικοί για να το θάψουν), το οποίο πολλοί θεωρούν ως το χειρότερο βιβλίο όλων των εποχών, είμαι σχεδόν σίγουρη ότι η Maestra είναι χειρότερη.
Overall, μία φέτα καρπούζι με μουστάρδα θα ήταν πιο απολαυστική από το να διαβάζεις τη Maestra.
(Και τώρα σκέφτεσαι τι γεύση έχει το καρπούζι με τη μουστάρδα. Συγνώμη.)
March 14, 2024
I wanted to keep my hopes up after seeing the reviews but… honestly, this wasn’t it for me. I just couldn’t bring myself to like the main character at all and the plot was overall… not boring but… sorta weird? I know it’s some erotica novel but damn, not even the sex parts lasted more than 2 pages.
I can see how it could be considered a thriller and yet… I just didn’t enjoy it. I was rotting for everything to go downhill for the protagonist… just a no for me.
I can see how it could be considered a thriller and yet… I just didn’t enjoy it. I was rotting for everything to go downhill for the protagonist… just a no for me.
May 20, 2016
Like a person hypnotized by the evil Count Dracula, I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I was inexplicably compelled to keep going until I was finished. But in this instance, the compulsion was to continue reading Maestra by L.S. Hilton. On some level I believe I would have been happier just opening the attic window and allowing a centuries old vampire (in the guise of a black bat) into my home to savage my family, ultimately turning them into the living dead rather than to keep turning the pages of this truly wretched novel.
With Maestra, L.S. Hilton answers the question nobody was really asking as to what 50 Shades of Grey crossed with The Talented Mr. Ripley would look like if written by somebody who had read neither. Apparently it would resemble a car crash strewn with hundreds of pages name-dropping high-end fashion apparel, boring violence, and tedious sex scenes that would cause a 14 year old boy to struggle to achieve a boner. And let’s talk about the sex because that seems to be the selling point here. Written with all the finesse and actual know-how of a 47 year old man still living in his parents basement, the sex, despite being told using only curse words and childish slang, is oddly clinical and bland. Paint drying, Grandma having the calluses on her big toes filed, and infected canker sores are a handful of things more erotic then Hilton’s sex scenes.
The story, as it is, concerns Judith Rashleigh, an English woman just trying to make it in the high stakes art world of London. As fate conspires against her, she loses her job and is soon embarking on adventures across Europe. Judith is finished being stepped on and has decided she will do anything necessary to survive, neigh, to thrive in this unfair man’s world she has not created. As luck would have it this means buying expensive clothes and handbags, taking drugs, performing dull sex acts on unattractive people, and killing folks. Believe me, it sounds much more racy and cutting edge then it actually is. It is like what your parents think is naughty and shocking instead of actually being naughty and shocking. The character of Judith is never fleshed out; she is neither interesting nor original. I’m looking at my bare wall across the room right now and that would make a more interesting character then Judith.
Sadly the movie rights were already sold before the book came out and there are more installments on the way as this is being hocked as a trilogy (the book actually ends with a “to be continued”), so it looks like we will be experiencing more of Hilton’s low-rent Dexter knock-off, Judith Rashleigh, penetrating our world whether we wish it or not.
With Maestra, L.S. Hilton answers the question nobody was really asking as to what 50 Shades of Grey crossed with The Talented Mr. Ripley would look like if written by somebody who had read neither. Apparently it would resemble a car crash strewn with hundreds of pages name-dropping high-end fashion apparel, boring violence, and tedious sex scenes that would cause a 14 year old boy to struggle to achieve a boner. And let’s talk about the sex because that seems to be the selling point here. Written with all the finesse and actual know-how of a 47 year old man still living in his parents basement, the sex, despite being told using only curse words and childish slang, is oddly clinical and bland. Paint drying, Grandma having the calluses on her big toes filed, and infected canker sores are a handful of things more erotic then Hilton’s sex scenes.
The story, as it is, concerns Judith Rashleigh, an English woman just trying to make it in the high stakes art world of London. As fate conspires against her, she loses her job and is soon embarking on adventures across Europe. Judith is finished being stepped on and has decided she will do anything necessary to survive, neigh, to thrive in this unfair man’s world she has not created. As luck would have it this means buying expensive clothes and handbags, taking drugs, performing dull sex acts on unattractive people, and killing folks. Believe me, it sounds much more racy and cutting edge then it actually is. It is like what your parents think is naughty and shocking instead of actually being naughty and shocking. The character of Judith is never fleshed out; she is neither interesting nor original. I’m looking at my bare wall across the room right now and that would make a more interesting character then Judith.
Sadly the movie rights were already sold before the book came out and there are more installments on the way as this is being hocked as a trilogy (the book actually ends with a “to be continued”), so it looks like we will be experiencing more of Hilton’s low-rent Dexter knock-off, Judith Rashleigh, penetrating our world whether we wish it or not.
May 15, 2016
Háganle un favor a este libro y bájenle el hype.
A mí me prometieron una novela tremenda, llena de lujos y, sobre todo, intrigas dentro del mundo de las subastas de arte... Algo muy White Collar, vamos. Pero ni lo uno ni lo otro...
Maestra cuenta la historia de Judith Rashleigh, una mujer que trabaja en la segunda casa de subastas más grande de Londres y que tiene una vida decente. Eventualmente, y para pagar sus deudas, decide empezar a trabajar en un bar por las noches a modo de dama de compañía (que no prostituta, sino más bien rollo geisha para entretener a los clientes). En medio de esta doble vida, Judith descubre un fraude de autenticación de una obra de arte y, cuando trata de revelar el asunto, su jefe la echa del trabajo. Y... aquí es cuando todo empieza a perder coherencia. Viajes de un lado a otro de Europa, delirios de persecución y sexo ocasional... así se puede resumir Maestra.
¿Cuál es mi gran problema con el libro? A pesar de que se lee súper rápido porque la narración es muy amena, sentía que absolutamente nada tenía sentido y que había capítulos y capítulos enteros que no aportaban nada al desarrollo de la trama. Al menos por lo que percibo, no creo que esta historia tenga madera para ser una trilogía... que es lo que pretende ser. Así pues, siento que la autora se iba por las ramas del zarzo tratando de alargar situaciones y escenas que lo único que lograban era que todo el hilo se volviera aún más inconexo de lo que ya era.
¿La protagonista? Seriamente perturbada y más bien desdibujada. A lo largo del libro, no logré crearme una imagen clara de quién era Judith Rashleigh. ¿Femme fatale? ¿Curadora de arte? ¿Aprovechada? ¿Loca? Ni idea. Quizá el único personaje que rescato y que, curiosamente, aparece poquísimo es Dave, el ex-soldado que trabaja en la bodega de la casa de subastas. Los demás son un borrón de nombres, personajes y situaciones que las sentía unidas a la fuerza y que, a medida que avanzaba la historia, se iban yendo hacia la deriva.
PD: Por si no ha quedado claro, EL LIBRO NO TIENE SENTIDO.
A mí me prometieron una novela tremenda, llena de lujos y, sobre todo, intrigas dentro del mundo de las subastas de arte... Algo muy White Collar, vamos. Pero ni lo uno ni lo otro...
Maestra cuenta la historia de Judith Rashleigh, una mujer que trabaja en la segunda casa de subastas más grande de Londres y que tiene una vida decente. Eventualmente, y para pagar sus deudas, decide empezar a trabajar en un bar por las noches a modo de dama de compañía (que no prostituta, sino más bien rollo geisha para entretener a los clientes). En medio de esta doble vida, Judith descubre un fraude de autenticación de una obra de arte y, cuando trata de revelar el asunto, su jefe la echa del trabajo. Y... aquí es cuando todo empieza a perder coherencia. Viajes de un lado a otro de Europa, delirios de persecución y sexo ocasional... así se puede resumir Maestra.
¿Cuál es mi gran problema con el libro? A pesar de que se lee súper rápido porque la narración es muy amena, sentía que absolutamente nada tenía sentido y que había capítulos y capítulos enteros que no aportaban nada al desarrollo de la trama. Al menos por lo que percibo, no creo que esta historia tenga madera para ser una trilogía... que es lo que pretende ser. Así pues, siento que la autora se iba por las ramas del zarzo tratando de alargar situaciones y escenas que lo único que lograban era que todo el hilo se volviera aún más inconexo de lo que ya era.
¿La protagonista? Seriamente perturbada y más bien desdibujada. A lo largo del libro, no logré crearme una imagen clara de quién era Judith Rashleigh. ¿Femme fatale? ¿Curadora de arte? ¿Aprovechada? ¿Loca? Ni idea. Quizá el único personaje que rescato y que, curiosamente, aparece poquísimo es Dave, el ex-soldado que trabaja en la bodega de la casa de subastas. Los demás son un borrón de nombres, personajes y situaciones que las sentía unidas a la fuerza y que, a medida que avanzaba la historia, se iban yendo hacia la deriva.
PD: Por si no ha quedado claro, EL LIBRO NO TIENE SENTIDO.
March 11, 2016
Maestra is fabulous darling.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding this title, the first from Bonnier's crime imprint Zaffre, so it was with great interest that I dived into this one and I was immediately and unequivocably absorbed into Judith's world - an artistic world in more ways than one.
Sometimes all it takes to make a book bang on is a decent main character. Well Judith is that and then some - passionate and perfect, the very definition of girl power but with added mayhem. Seemingly passive in the face of events that bring her down, underneath that cool exterior bubbles a dangerous but intensely likeable anti heroine who you cross at your peril.
Added to that you have an incredibly addictive story that has many layers - the world of art dealing comes vividly to life, a world about which I knew nothing but that is completely fascinating. A really spot on background to set Judith against as she blazes a trail across many different locations, dealing with her problems one (sometimes gruesome) step at at time. Maestra has an incredibly gorgeous vibe about it in both character study and scene setting, the writing is visceral, beautiful and indelible. This one will stay with you.
Judith's tastes are, erm, eclectic - Maestra is strong on graphic sexual content and if this is likely to perturb you then be prepared - the author has created a character that has great psychological depth, if anything Maestra only touches the surface of who she is. In a way she IS Maestra, colourful, vivid, unrelenting, brilliant and well actually quite scary. In an excellent way.
The question I was asked the most while I was reading this in the lead up to publication was "Does Maestra live up to the hype?" - well my answer is a most definitive YES it sure does, This is not one of those that you will come out of with a vague sense of disappointment - this is novel that will live in your memory. The last 3 words I read made me go "YES!" with a huge amount of inner cheering. Bring it on!
Highly HIGHLY Recommended.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding this title, the first from Bonnier's crime imprint Zaffre, so it was with great interest that I dived into this one and I was immediately and unequivocably absorbed into Judith's world - an artistic world in more ways than one.
Sometimes all it takes to make a book bang on is a decent main character. Well Judith is that and then some - passionate and perfect, the very definition of girl power but with added mayhem. Seemingly passive in the face of events that bring her down, underneath that cool exterior bubbles a dangerous but intensely likeable anti heroine who you cross at your peril.
Added to that you have an incredibly addictive story that has many layers - the world of art dealing comes vividly to life, a world about which I knew nothing but that is completely fascinating. A really spot on background to set Judith against as she blazes a trail across many different locations, dealing with her problems one (sometimes gruesome) step at at time. Maestra has an incredibly gorgeous vibe about it in both character study and scene setting, the writing is visceral, beautiful and indelible. This one will stay with you.
Judith's tastes are, erm, eclectic - Maestra is strong on graphic sexual content and if this is likely to perturb you then be prepared - the author has created a character that has great psychological depth, if anything Maestra only touches the surface of who she is. In a way she IS Maestra, colourful, vivid, unrelenting, brilliant and well actually quite scary. In an excellent way.
The question I was asked the most while I was reading this in the lead up to publication was "Does Maestra live up to the hype?" - well my answer is a most definitive YES it sure does, This is not one of those that you will come out of with a vague sense of disappointment - this is novel that will live in your memory. The last 3 words I read made me go "YES!" with a huge amount of inner cheering. Bring it on!
Highly HIGHLY Recommended.
August 11, 2016
Εκνευριστική πρωταγωνίστρια - Τσεκ
Ακατάσχετη ανταλλαγή σωματικών υγρών - Τσεκ
Πλοκή χωρίς συνοχή - Τσεκ
Χαρακτήρες που εμφανίζονται βολικά από το πουθενά και σέρνονται στα πατώματα για την πρωταγωνίστρια - Τσεκ
Κι αν δεν αρκούν αυτά για να σας πείσουν να μείνετε μακριά από αυτό το βιβλίο, ακολουθεί και απόσπασμα (18+):
' [...] Αργότερα, έβαλε το ένα του δάχτυλο στον κώλο μου κι ύστερα το έφερε στη μύτη του.
«Μυρίζει στρείδια. Θες να μυρίσεις;»
Μύρισα το χέρι του και όντως μύριζε στρείδια.
«Δεν ήξερα ότι συμβαίνει αυτό».
Αλήθεια δεν το ήξερα. Έγλειψα το δάχτυλό του για να γευτώ την καθάρια ευωδιά της θάλασσας μέσα από τον ίδιο μου τον εαυτό.'
Ακατάσχετη ανταλλαγή σωματικών υγρών - Τσεκ
Πλοκή χωρίς συνοχή - Τσεκ
Χαρακτήρες που εμφανίζονται βολικά από το πουθενά και σέρνονται στα πατώματα για την πρωταγωνίστρια - Τσεκ
Κι αν δεν αρκούν αυτά για να σας πείσουν να μείνετε μακριά από αυτό το βιβλίο, ακολουθεί και απόσπασμα (18+):
' [...] Αργότερα, έβαλε το ένα του δάχτυλο στον κώλο μου κι ύστερα το έφερε στη μύτη του.
«Μυρίζει στρείδια. Θες να μυρίσεις;»
Μύρισα το χέρι του και όντως μύριζε στρείδια.
«Δεν ήξερα ότι συμβαίνει αυτό».
Αλήθεια δεν το ήξερα. Έγλειψα το δάχτυλό του για να γευτώ την καθάρια ευωδιά της θάλασσας μέσα από τον ίδιο μου τον εαυτό.'
March 15, 2017
ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΕΙ ΚΡΙΤΙΚΗ ΚΟΛΑΦΟΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΠΙΟ FAIL ΒΙΒΛΙΟ ΤΟΥ 2016 ΚΑΙ ΤΗΝ ΗΡΩΙΔΑ ΠΟΥ ΜΙΣΗΣΑ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΟ ΚΙ ΑΠΟ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΤΟΥΣ ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΕΣ ΠΟΥ Μ' ΕΚΟΒΑΝ ΜΕ 4 ΣΤΗ ΣΧΟΛΗ ΜΑΖΙ:
Πριν καν ξεκινήσω να διαβάζω το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο, μου έκανε εντύπωση το χαμηλό του avg (μόλις 2,86/5,00) στο Goodreads. Μπορεί μεμονωμένα η κριτική κάποιου να είναι υπερβολική ή κακιασμένη,όταν όμως οι χρήστες δίνουν αβέρτα μονάστερα και διπλά συνήθως κάποιον λάκκο έχει η φάβα. Η συγκεκριμένη φάβα έχει όχι απλά λάκκο, αλλά ολόκληρο ΓΚΡΕΜΟ!
Το βιβλίο πλασαρίστηκε ως 'συναρπαστικό θρίλερ', 'αστυνομικό που κόβει την ανάσα', 'αιχμηρό σε σημείο που σοκάρει' κι άλλες τέτοιες π@@@ς. Όσο εγώ είμαι μοντέλο της Victoria Secret's,άλλο τόσο λογίζεται κι αυτό για αστυνομικό βιβλίο. Οι ΕΛΑΧΙΣΤΕΣ δραματικές στιγμές του που θα μπορούσαν να το κατατάξουν σ' αυτήν την κατηγορία -οι δολοφονίες δηλαδή- είναι τόσο απλά γραμμένες και τόσο μα τόσο άνευρες, που φαίνεται να ταιριάζουν απόλυτα με το υπόλοιπο "επίπεδο" ύφος του βιβλίου. Εκεί που η ηρωίδα κάνει τα ψώνια της και μας αραδιάζει μάρκες τσαντών και παπουτσιών, διαπράττει και μια δολοφονιούλα. Συνήθως απλά γιατί έτσι γουστάρει! Και μετά το μόνο της άγχος είναι το πώς θα συνεχίσει να κάνει τη ζωή της χωρίς να την πιάσουν, το πώς θα αποκτήσει περισσότερα χρήματα, κι αν βρεθεί στο δρόμο της κανένας άλλος που θέλει να βγάλει από τη μέση, ΟΚ! Με την εμπειρία αποκτάται η γνώση, άλλωστε. Οι αστυνομικές σκηνές του βιβλίου (γρήγορες όσο η λάμψη μιας αστραπής) ΠΝΙΓΟΝΤΑΙ μέσα στις περιγραφές της πλούσιας και λαμπερής ζωής της πρωταγωνίστριας -μιας ζωής που απέκτησε με τον ιδρώτα της,αααα όλα κι όλα- και τις αδιαμφισβήτητα εντυπωσιακές περιγραφές των υπέροχων τοπίων της Ιταλίας, Γαλλίας και Ελβετίας (το ΜΟΝΟ θετικό του βιβλίου, πραγματικά!)
Στις τελευταίες σελίδες το σκηνικό αλλάζει κάπως. Χωρίς να ξεφεύγει από το γενικό ύφος, η υπόθεση αποκτά ένα αναπάντεχο ενδιαφέρον, και αυτό αφορά τον χαρακτήρα του Ρενό Κλερέ, που κυνηγάει την Τζούντιθ -λίγο πριν το τέλος του βιβλίου,ουάου! Το πρόβλημα όμως είναι πως είναι πλέον αργά για να ξυπνήσει το όποιο αστυνομικό ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη, ένα ενδιαφέρον που έχει "κοιμηθεί" για 300 και βάλε σελίδες. Παρά το γεγονός πως είναι το πιο αξιόλογο κομμάτι του βιβλίου, από κάθε άποψη, φαντάζει ξένο συγκριτικά με το υπόλοιπο. Και, απ' ότι διάβασα σε κριτικές ξένων αναγνωστών, πολλοί το παράτησαν αρκετά πριν από τη μέση λόγω βαρεμάρας, και πραγματικά ο μόνος λόγος που λυπάμαι είναι που δεν διάβασαν το συγκεκριμένο κομμάτι. Δεν φταίνε αυτοί βέβαια, αλλά η συγγραφέας.
Και πάμε τώρα στην ηρωίδα του:
Η Τζούντιθ Ράσλι είναι η πιο αντιπαθητική κεντρική ηρωίδα που έχω γνωρίσει ποτέ στα 25 χρόνια περίπου που διαβάζω βιβλία! Ένα εγωπαθές, αξιολύπητο, εγωϊστικό, κακομαθημένο, αχάριστο, αδίστακτο, ανήθικο, κακιασμένο πλάσμα με μια τεράστια ιδέα για τον εαυτό του. Αρχικά ζει διπλή ζωή (το πρωί δουλεύει σε οίκο δημοπρασιών έργων τέχνης και το βράδυ ως συνοδός κυρίων.) Αναμφισβήτητα έχει προσόντα και για τις δύο δουλειές της. Αναμφισβήτητα δεν της αξίζει να απολυθεί, μόνο και μόνο επειδή επιχείρησε να 'σκαλίσει' λίγο την ύποπτη συναλλαγή του αφεντικού της σχετικά με έναν πίνακα. Αναμφισβήτητα, η ζωή δεν είναι δίκαιη.
ΟΜΩΣ το πώς χειρίστηκε τη ζωή της από κει και πέρα, είναι στην κρίση του καθενός από τους αναγνώστες να δικαιολογήσει ή όχι. Εγώ προσωπικά, παρότι δεν είμαι καθόλου πουριτανή κι αυτό το ξέρουν όσοι με γνωρίζουν, δηλώνω αηδιασμένη. Όχι απλά επιλέγει να ξεπουλά συνεχώς τον εαυτό της για να μπορεί να βρίσκεται στο επίκεντρο της καλοπέρασης και να αποκτά χρήματα και υλικά αγαθά, αλλά και σνομπάρει και μισεί και περιφρονεί όλους όσους της τα προσφέρουν. Θεωρεί τα πάντα κατώτερά της, βρώμικα, απαίσια, θλιβερά και λίγα. Ξεχνά από πού προήλθε η ίδια και, ακόμα κι όταν έχει αποκτήσει όσα θέλει κι ίσως ακόμα περισσότερα, αναφέρεται υποτιμητικά σε πράγματα και καταστάσεις που άλλοτε δεν τολμούσε ούτε καν να ονειρευτεί. Ζει μέσα στην πολυτέλεια, κάνει τα αδύνατα δυνατά για να συνεχίσει να το κάνει, και ταυτόχρονα περιφρονεί όλους όσους ζουν το ίδιο με εκείνη -ο εαυτούλης της εξαιρείται πάντα,φυσικά! Και ό,��ι καταφέρνει, το καταφέρνει χάρη στην πονηριά της και την αφέλεια των αρσενικών που την περιτριγυρίζουν, κι όχι χάρη στο ταλέντο της. Είναι δραστήρια και πανούργα, ικανή όμως για δόλιες και ύπουλες πράξεις κι όχι για να χτίσει ένα 'καθαρό' μέλλον. Δεν διστάζει να χρησιμοποιήσει τους γύρω της, προκειμένου να πετύχει το σκοπό της, την ίδια στιγμή που από μέσα της τους σούρνει τα εξ' αμάξης. Δεν διστάζει να δώσει 500 ευρώ στη βιζιτού ναρκομανή γνωστή της για να πάρει ταξί, ως ευχαριστήριο δώρο που την πήγε σε σικ μπουρδέλο και πέρασε καλά, την ίδια ώρα που κλέβει κρουασάν από τον φούρνο και φεύγει ξυπόλητη τρέχοντας, προκειμένου να μην την πιάσουν! Μια εντελώς άδεια συναισθηματικά γυναίκα, κενή και κούφια, σαν ξεθωριασμένο κέλυφος.
Η συγγραφέας θέλει να μας πει δηλαδή πως μια γυναίκα εντελώς ανήθικη, αδίστακτη και αδιάντροπη, που επιλέγει την κοροϊδία, την κλεψιά και τη δολοφονία προκειμένου να ανελιχθεί, είναι άξια θαυμασμού;! Γιατί να θαυμάσει κάποιος τη συγκεκριμένη ηρωίδα;! Οι γνώσεις της στην Ιστορία της Τέχνης δεν την βοήθησαν πουθενά εν τέλει - παρόλο που πάντα είναι εκεί, οι γνωριμίες της με άντρες και το σεξ είναι αυτά που την ανεβάζουν. Παρ'όλα τα εγκλήματά της, δεν πιάστηκε ποτέ. Είναι λόγος αυτός για να την επικροτήσεις;
Θα την θαύμαζα προσωπικά αν σκλήραινε μεν κι αποφάσεζε να πάρει εκδίκηση, αλλά κατακτούσε όσα της έπρεπαν με ψηλά το κεφάλι. Πολεμώντας με όσα όπλα μπορούσε να διαθέσει, αλλά όχι πεσμένη στα τέσσερα. Και στην τελική, ας το κάνει κι αυτό. Όχι όμως να φτύνει στα χέρια που την ταϊζουν. Όχι να μην υπολογίζει τίποτα. Όχι να μην σκέφτεται κανέναν άλλον, ούτε καν τον παρτενέρ της στο σεξ, αλλά πάντα και μόνο τον εαυτούλη της.
Η Τζούντιθ Ράσλι είναι η γυναίκα που καμία δε θα ήθελε για φίλη της, καμία δε θα ήθελε για κόρη της, καμία δε θα ήθελε για γυναίκα του γιου της, κανένας δε θα ήθελε για ερωμένη του. Ειδικά όταν μιλάμε για μια ακριβοπληρωμένη ΠΟΡΝΗ, χωρίς κανένα συναίσθημα. Για κάποια που χρεώνει χιλιάδες ευρώ την παρέα της, την στιγμή που μέσα της σε εξισώνει με το αηδιαστικότερο σκουλήκι. Και που χαμογελάει ψεύτικα, αρκεί να σε μαδήσει.
Η συγγραφέας προσπάθησε να γράψει μια ερωτική ιστορία με αστυνομικές δόσεις σασπένς. Το μόνο που κατάφερε, κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη, είναι να προσφέρει μια αποτυχημένη βερσιόν ερωτικής νουβέλας και ένα εξίσου αποτυχημένο,φτωχότατο δείγμα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας. Και είναι κρίμα, γιατί το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο, με εξαιρετική χρήση της γλώσσας, της γραμματικής και του συντακτικού.
0,5 αστεράκι γιατί βγαίνει εύκολα, το τέλειωσα σε 2 μόλις μέρες, και 1,5 αστεράκι για τα πραγματικά ΕΚΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΑ κοσμοπολίτικα τοπία που παρελαύνουν στις σελίδες του. Δεν αξίζει τίποτα περισσότερο.
Μερικές επιπλέον σκέψεις και κριτική για το βιβλίο, εδώ: Μαέστρα
Πριν καν ξεκινήσω να διαβάζω το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο, μου έκανε εντύπωση το χαμηλό του avg (μόλις 2,86/5,00) στο Goodreads. Μπορεί μεμονωμένα η κριτική κάποιου να είναι υπερβολική ή κακιασμένη,όταν όμως οι χρήστες δίνουν αβέρτα μονάστερα και διπλά συνήθως κάποιον λάκκο έχει η φάβα. Η συγκεκριμένη φάβα έχει όχι απλά λάκκο, αλλά ολόκληρο ΓΚΡΕΜΟ!
Το βιβλίο πλασαρίστηκε ως 'συναρπαστικό θρίλερ', 'αστυνομικό που κόβει την ανάσα', 'αιχμηρό σε σημείο που σοκάρει' κι άλλες τέτοιες π@@@ς. Όσο εγώ είμαι μοντέλο της Victoria Secret's,άλλο τόσο λογίζεται κι αυτό για αστυνομικό βιβλίο. Οι ΕΛΑΧΙΣΤΕΣ δραματικές στιγμές του που θα μπορούσαν να το κατατάξουν σ' αυτήν την κατηγορία -οι δολοφονίες δηλαδή- είναι τόσο απλά γραμμένες και τόσο μα τόσο άνευρες, που φαίνεται να ταιριάζουν απόλυτα με το υπόλοιπο "επίπεδο" ύφος του βιβλίου. Εκεί που η ηρωίδα κάνει τα ψώνια της και μας αραδιάζει μάρκες τσαντών και παπουτσιών, διαπράττει και μια δολοφονιούλα. Συνήθως απλά γιατί έτσι γουστάρει! Και μετά το μόνο της άγχος είναι το πώς θα συνεχίσει να κάνει τη ζωή της χωρίς να την πιάσουν, το πώς θα αποκτήσει περισσότερα χρήματα, κι αν βρεθεί στο δρόμο της κανένας άλλος που θέλει να βγάλει από τη μέση, ΟΚ! Με την εμπειρία αποκτάται η γνώση, άλλωστε. Οι αστυνομικές σκηνές του βιβλίου (γρήγορες όσο η λάμψη μιας αστραπής) ΠΝΙΓΟΝΤΑΙ μέσα στις περιγραφές της πλούσιας και λαμπερής ζωής της πρωταγωνίστριας -μιας ζωής που απέκτησε με τον ιδρώτα της,αααα όλα κι όλα- και τις αδιαμφισβήτητα εντυπωσιακές περιγραφές των υπέροχων τοπίων της Ιταλίας, Γαλλίας και Ελβετίας (το ΜΟΝΟ θετικό του βιβλίου, πραγματικά!)
Στις τελευταίες σελίδες το σκηνικό αλλάζει κάπως. Χωρίς να ξεφεύγει από το γενικό ύφος, η υπόθεση αποκτά ένα αναπάντεχο ενδιαφέρον, και αυτό αφορά τον χαρακτήρα του Ρενό Κλερέ, που κυνηγάει την Τζούντιθ -λίγο πριν το τέλος του βιβλίου,ουάου! Το πρόβλημα όμως είναι πως είναι πλέον αργά για να ξυπνήσει το όποιο αστυνομικό ενδιαφέρον του αναγνώστη, ένα ενδιαφέρον που έχει "κοιμηθεί" για 300 και βάλε σελίδες. Παρά το γεγονός πως είναι το πιο αξιόλογο κομμάτι του βιβλίου, από κάθε άποψη, φαντάζει ξένο συγκριτικά με το υπόλοιπο. Και, απ' ότι διάβασα σε κριτικές ξένων αναγνωστών, πολλοί το παράτησαν αρκετά πριν από τη μέση λόγω βαρεμάρας, και πραγματικά ο μόνος λόγος που λυπάμαι είναι που δεν διάβασαν το συγκεκριμένο κομμάτι. Δεν φταίνε αυτοί βέβαια, αλλά η συγγραφέας.
Και πάμε τώρα στην ηρωίδα του:
Η Τζούντιθ Ράσλι είναι η πιο αντιπαθητική κεντρική ηρωίδα που έχω γνωρίσει ποτέ στα 25 χρόνια περίπου που διαβάζω βιβλία! Ένα εγωπαθές, αξιολύπητο, εγωϊστικό, κακομαθημένο, αχάριστο, αδίστακτο, ανήθικο, κακιασμένο πλάσμα με μια τεράστια ιδέα για τον εαυτό του. Αρχικά ζει διπλή ζωή (το πρωί δουλεύει σε οίκο δημοπρασιών έργων τέχνης και το βράδυ ως συνοδός κυρίων.) Αναμφισβήτητα έχει προσόντα και για τις δύο δουλειές της. Αναμφισβήτητα δεν της αξίζει να απολυθεί, μόνο και μόνο επειδή επιχείρησε να 'σκαλίσει' λίγο την ύποπτη συναλλαγή του αφεντικού της σχετικά με έναν πίνακα. Αναμφισβήτητα, η ζωή δεν είναι δίκαιη.
ΟΜΩΣ το πώς χειρίστηκε τη ζωή της από κει και πέρα, είναι στην κρίση του καθενός από τους αναγνώστες να δικαιολογήσει ή όχι. Εγώ προσωπικά, παρότι δεν είμαι καθόλου πουριτανή κι αυτό το ξέρουν όσοι με γνωρίζουν, δηλώνω αηδιασμένη. Όχι απλά επιλέγει να ξεπουλά συνεχώς τον εαυτό της για να μπορεί να βρίσκεται στο επίκεντρο της καλοπέρασης και να αποκτά χρήματα και υλικά αγαθά, αλλά και σνομπάρει και μισεί και περιφρονεί όλους όσους της τα προσφέρουν. Θεωρεί τα πάντα κατώτερά της, βρώμικα, απαίσια, θλιβερά και λίγα. Ξεχνά από πού προήλθε η ίδια και, ακόμα κι όταν έχει αποκτήσει όσα θέλει κι ίσως ακόμα περισσότερα, αναφέρεται υποτιμητικά σε πράγματα και καταστάσεις που άλλοτε δεν τολμούσε ούτε καν να ονειρευτεί. Ζει μέσα στην πολυτέλεια, κάνει τα αδύνατα δυνατά για να συνεχίσει να το κάνει, και ταυτόχρονα περιφρονεί όλους όσους ζουν το ίδιο με εκείνη -ο εαυτούλης της εξαιρείται πάντα,φυσικά! Και ό,��ι καταφέρνει, το καταφέρνει χάρη στην πονηριά της και την αφέλεια των αρσενικών που την περιτριγυρίζουν, κι όχι χάρη στο ταλέντο της. Είναι δραστήρια και πανούργα, ικανή όμως για δόλιες και ύπουλες πράξεις κι όχι για να χτίσει ένα 'καθαρό' μέλλον. Δεν διστάζει να χρησιμοποιήσει τους γύρω της, προκειμένου να πετύχει το σκοπό της, την ίδια στιγμή που από μέσα της τους σούρνει τα εξ' αμάξης. Δεν διστάζει να δώσει 500 ευρώ στη βιζιτού ναρκομανή γνωστή της για να πάρει ταξί, ως ευχαριστήριο δώρο που την πήγε σε σικ μπουρδέλο και πέρασε καλά, την ίδια ώρα που κλέβει κρουασάν από τον φούρνο και φεύγει ξυπόλητη τρέχοντας, προκειμένου να μην την πιάσουν! Μια εντελώς άδεια συναισθηματικά γυναίκα, κενή και κούφια, σαν ξεθωριασμένο κέλυφος.
Η συγγραφέας θέλει να μας πει δηλαδή πως μια γυναίκα εντελώς ανήθικη, αδίστακτη και αδιάντροπη, που επιλέγει την κοροϊδία, την κλεψιά και τη δολοφονία προκειμένου να ανελιχθεί, είναι άξια θαυμασμού;! Γιατί να θαυμάσει κάποιος τη συγκεκριμένη ηρωίδα;! Οι γνώσεις της στην Ιστορία της Τέχνης δεν την βοήθησαν πουθενά εν τέλει - παρόλο που πάντα είναι εκεί, οι γνωριμίες της με άντρες και το σεξ είναι αυτά που την ανεβάζουν. Παρ'όλα τα εγκλήματά της, δεν πιάστηκε ποτέ. Είναι λόγος αυτός για να την επικροτήσεις;
Θα την θαύμαζα προσωπικά αν σκλήραινε μεν κι αποφάσεζε να πάρει εκδίκηση, αλλά κατακτούσε όσα της έπρεπαν με ψηλά το κεφάλι. Πολεμώντας με όσα όπλα μπορούσε να διαθέσει, αλλά όχι πεσμένη στα τέσσερα. Και στην τελική, ας το κάνει κι αυτό. Όχι όμως να φτύνει στα χέρια που την ταϊζουν. Όχι να μην υπολογίζει τίποτα. Όχι να μην σκέφτεται κανέναν άλλον, ούτε καν τον παρτενέρ της στο σεξ, αλλά πάντα και μόνο τον εαυτούλη της.
Η Τζούντιθ Ράσλι είναι η γυναίκα που καμία δε θα ήθελε για φίλη της, καμία δε θα ήθελε για κόρη της, καμία δε θα ήθελε για γυναίκα του γιου της, κανένας δε θα ήθελε για ερωμένη του. Ειδικά όταν μιλάμε για μια ακριβοπληρωμένη ΠΟΡΝΗ, χωρίς κανένα συναίσθημα. Για κάποια που χρεώνει χιλιάδες ευρώ την παρέα της, την στιγμή που μέσα της σε εξισώνει με το αηδιαστικότερο σκουλήκι. Και που χαμογελάει ψεύτικα, αρκεί να σε μαδήσει.
Η συγγραφέας προσπάθησε να γράψει μια ερωτική ιστορία με αστυνομικές δόσεις σασπένς. Το μόνο που κατάφερε, κατά την ταπεινή μου άποψη, είναι να προσφέρει μια αποτυχημένη βερσιόν ερωτικής νουβέλας και ένα εξίσου αποτυχημένο,φτωχότατο δείγμα αστυνομικής λογοτεχνίας. Και είναι κρίμα, γιατί το βιβλίο είναι καλογραμμένο, με εξαιρετική χρήση της γλώσσας, της γραμματικής και του συντακτικού.
0,5 αστεράκι γιατί βγαίνει εύκολα, το τέλειωσα σε 2 μόλις μέρες, και 1,5 αστεράκι για τα πραγματικά ΕΚΠΛΗΚΤΙΚΑ κοσμοπολίτικα τοπία που παρελαύνουν στις σελίδες του. Δεν αξίζει τίποτα περισσότερο.
Μερικές επιπλέον σκέψεις και κριτική για το βιβλίο, εδώ: Μαέστρα
did-not-finish
February 9, 2017Quit at 30%. It felt like the author really wanted to write about the art world but felt it wasn't interesting enough so created a dark (but unbelievable) underbelly for the main character. The trashy sex scenes did not save the rest of the novel for me, partially because they feel shoved in to keep the reader interested. Sex does not sustain a novel, at least for me, unless it shows something about the character, and she isn't connecting with anyone. Instead those scenes are like the background in Eyes Wide Shut without the level of risk, danger, and drama that would have made them more interesting. Even if they had somehow been a dark side of the art world, that would have brought everything together. The protagonist's emotional range was too high for sociopath (making this not as thrilling as Highsmith or even Kepnes) and too low for anyone I'd have empathy for, and as I wondered why I should care I decided that was a clear sign to set the book aside. Thanks to the publisher for the chance to try it out before the pub date.
January 19, 2020
Mundos Paralelos
Ainda adolescente, Judith deixara-se inebriar pelas formas e cores matizadas que compõem a Alegoria do Triunfo de Vénus.
Esse momento de êxtase, accionara uma Voz de Comando Interior que lhe guiara os Passos Futuros — transformara-se numa credenciada especialista de arte, numa brilhante profissional do Belo!...
Porém, a lei que junta os opostos é implacável, condenando o Belo a coexistir com o Feio, e as escolhas de Judith não escaparão imunes a tal fatalidade.
Assim, num dia menos bom, Judith, mais vulnerável, cede a uma proposta que irá redundar numa bifurcação da sua Vida!
Todas as quintas e sextas feiras à noite, dá-se uma metamorfose: Judith despe a farda de executiva, e veste a pele duma entertainer num clube frequentado por tycoons.
Nesta vida dupla , exploram-se dois universos paralelos, onde se descortinam mais pontos convergentes que os expectáveis!...
Ainda adolescente, Judith deixara-se inebriar pelas formas e cores matizadas que compõem a Alegoria do Triunfo de Vénus.
Esse momento de êxtase, accionara uma Voz de Comando Interior que lhe guiara os Passos Futuros — transformara-se numa credenciada especialista de arte, numa brilhante profissional do Belo!...
Porém, a lei que junta os opostos é implacável, condenando o Belo a coexistir com o Feio, e as escolhas de Judith não escaparão imunes a tal fatalidade.
Assim, num dia menos bom, Judith, mais vulnerável, cede a uma proposta que irá redundar numa bifurcação da sua Vida!
Todas as quintas e sextas feiras à noite, dá-se uma metamorfose: Judith despe a farda de executiva, e veste a pele duma entertainer num clube frequentado por tycoons.
Nesta vida dupla , exploram-se dois universos paralelos, onde se descortinam mais pontos convergentes que os expectáveis!...
September 25, 2016
Śteta što ne postoji nula, kada bi neko napisao zaista dobar psihološki triler, a ne podvojeni roman, jer ne zna da li će pre da zgrne pare erotikom, koja btw nije ni šokantna, psihotikom ili idiotlukom.
Najtužnije je što se kod nas ove knjige reklamiraju kao vrh.
Nije me mrzelo da uradim recenziju na blogu.
http://thestuffdreamsaremadeof21.blog...
Najtužnije je što se kod nas ove knjige reklamiraju kao vrh.
Nije me mrzelo da uradim recenziju na blogu.
http://thestuffdreamsaremadeof21.blog...
May 15, 2016
A special thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
L. S. Hilton's MAESTRA --What is not to love about art theft, a female fatale, a psychological mystery crime thriller? Right? Unfortunately, not what I received. Had higher expectations.
Many of you may not agree with my review. To each their own opinion; however, rather than glossing over, my honest thoughts.
The set up was great. The first part of the book, was entertaining and grabbed my attention. You see Judith as a young woman, trying hard to excel and make her way in the art world. She wants to do the right thing. A lowly receptionist at a well-known art house. She wants respect, has debt, lacks money, poor, and vulnerable. She desires to gain entry into the upper echelon of the art world and society.
Through an old acquaintance, Judith is persuaded to take on a second job, working as a hostess at a champagne bar (not a high class establishment). Here she learns how to manipulate. No salary, only tips. So the goal is to get the guys to buy expensive champagne. However, James, old pasty, overweight gross man does not drink, but buys the champagne and has money. She collects money and builds her savings account. No sex at first. All is good. She is able to buy some nice clothes. (give me hot, good looks, not pasty, and fat)
In the meantime, at the art house, things go south. She stumbles upon a conspiracy-- art fraud with misdeeds of her boss, Rupert – she is fired along with her accomplice.
OK, now at this point, you can see the need for female vigilante – Justice. Was really excited to see how this would unfold. However, not in the way I had envisioned. A let down. No real plotting to seek revenge. Just a lot of brutal killing and sex.
When she goes on the trip with her friend and James, an accident-- not really her fault. She runs to escape. Even the next guy Steve .. I am still hooked. However, thereafter when getting to the next guy, and brutal murders – it is downhill from here until the end.
Judith does a complete 180. Out of nowhere. She is now a cold-blooded killer. If you are going to create a sociopath, lead up to it. Create flash backs of her abusive childhood, what made her turn into a killer. Thoughts, processes. Nothing here. It is supposed to be the journey which carries the reader.
Also what makes a good thriller, is the chase. No real investigation. No forensics. No imagination. No one really much on her trail. Just a girl who has crazy sex, gets high, and goes on to kill more people for no real reason. Where is the hook? You keep reading hoping you will get to the good part, which never comes.
A femme fatale, a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art.
Her ability to entrance and hypnotize her victim with a spell was in the earliest stories seen as being literally supernatural; hence, the femme fatale today is still often described as having a power akin to an enchantress, seductress, vampire, witch, or demon, having power over men. A woman with both intelligence, glamour, sophistication, and sex appeal that uses these skills to manipulate poor helpless men into doing what she wants. May cause death.
When I think of the Greatest Femme Fatales in Classic Film Noir, women were either of two types (or archetypes) - dutiful, reliable, trustworthy and loving women; or femme fatales - mysterious, duplicitous, subversive, double-crossing, gorgeous, unloving, predatory, tough-sweet, unreliable, irresponsible, manipulative and desperate women. Usually, the male protagonist in film noir wished to elude his mysterious past, and had to choose what path to take (or have the fateful choice made for him).
Invariably, the choice would be an overly ambitious one, to follow the dangerous but desirable wishes of these dames. The goadings of the traitorous, self-destructive femme fatale would lead the struggling, disillusioned, and doomed hero into committing murder or some other crime of passion coupled with twisted love.
Instead of: Sexy, seductive, glamorous, provocative, erotic, passion, alluring, tasteful, enticing . .
You get: x-rated porn, gross, disgusting, revolting, distasteful, obnoxious, poor taste
With this being said, when I think of art, culture, wealth, European travel—I think “Class”. With the heavy usage in the book, of designer fashion names, ritzy hotels, yachts, and name dropping---it wipes out all the glamour and class---when replaced with bad trashy porn sex scenes.
Does not add up. Falls apart midway. Even though I am not an erotica fan, I do enjoy good psychological thrillers and have no issues with graphic sex scenes if done in taste. (otherwise, why bother). For example: A. R. Torre (Deanna Madden Series). She can get down and dirty with her sex scenes, but they are tastefully done, and her protagonist is someone you sympathize with, due to her horrific abusive past. So when she is evil, you still root for her.
By 50% into the book, I wanted Judith to be caught--put me out of my misery. I was not even rooting for her. Disliked her, in fact. As far as the next two installments – no desire to read further. However, maybe I should skip to the final installment to see if we learn of Judith’s past, and she gets away with her murders. By the end at 3 am, was glad it was over. Unrealistic. To be continued. Don't think so.
I had pre-ordered the audiobook; however, cancelled. Not up for a repeat performance. In my opinion, does not compare to The Talented Mr. Ripley, nor Gone Girl, nor contains ingredients I look for in a a good psychological crime thriller.
L. S. Hilton's MAESTRA --What is not to love about art theft, a female fatale, a psychological mystery crime thriller? Right? Unfortunately, not what I received. Had higher expectations.
Many of you may not agree with my review. To each their own opinion; however, rather than glossing over, my honest thoughts.
The set up was great. The first part of the book, was entertaining and grabbed my attention. You see Judith as a young woman, trying hard to excel and make her way in the art world. She wants to do the right thing. A lowly receptionist at a well-known art house. She wants respect, has debt, lacks money, poor, and vulnerable. She desires to gain entry into the upper echelon of the art world and society.
Through an old acquaintance, Judith is persuaded to take on a second job, working as a hostess at a champagne bar (not a high class establishment). Here she learns how to manipulate. No salary, only tips. So the goal is to get the guys to buy expensive champagne. However, James, old pasty, overweight gross man does not drink, but buys the champagne and has money. She collects money and builds her savings account. No sex at first. All is good. She is able to buy some nice clothes. (give me hot, good looks, not pasty, and fat)
In the meantime, at the art house, things go south. She stumbles upon a conspiracy-- art fraud with misdeeds of her boss, Rupert – she is fired along with her accomplice.
OK, now at this point, you can see the need for female vigilante – Justice. Was really excited to see how this would unfold. However, not in the way I had envisioned. A let down. No real plotting to seek revenge. Just a lot of brutal killing and sex.
When she goes on the trip with her friend and James, an accident-- not really her fault. She runs to escape. Even the next guy Steve .. I am still hooked. However, thereafter when getting to the next guy, and brutal murders – it is downhill from here until the end.
Judith does a complete 180. Out of nowhere. She is now a cold-blooded killer. If you are going to create a sociopath, lead up to it. Create flash backs of her abusive childhood, what made her turn into a killer. Thoughts, processes. Nothing here. It is supposed to be the journey which carries the reader.
Also what makes a good thriller, is the chase. No real investigation. No forensics. No imagination. No one really much on her trail. Just a girl who has crazy sex, gets high, and goes on to kill more people for no real reason. Where is the hook? You keep reading hoping you will get to the good part, which never comes.
A femme fatale, a mysterious and seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers, often leading them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations. She is an archetype of literature and art.
Her ability to entrance and hypnotize her victim with a spell was in the earliest stories seen as being literally supernatural; hence, the femme fatale today is still often described as having a power akin to an enchantress, seductress, vampire, witch, or demon, having power over men. A woman with both intelligence, glamour, sophistication, and sex appeal that uses these skills to manipulate poor helpless men into doing what she wants. May cause death.
When I think of the Greatest Femme Fatales in Classic Film Noir, women were either of two types (or archetypes) - dutiful, reliable, trustworthy and loving women; or femme fatales - mysterious, duplicitous, subversive, double-crossing, gorgeous, unloving, predatory, tough-sweet, unreliable, irresponsible, manipulative and desperate women. Usually, the male protagonist in film noir wished to elude his mysterious past, and had to choose what path to take (or have the fateful choice made for him).
Invariably, the choice would be an overly ambitious one, to follow the dangerous but desirable wishes of these dames. The goadings of the traitorous, self-destructive femme fatale would lead the struggling, disillusioned, and doomed hero into committing murder or some other crime of passion coupled with twisted love.
Instead of: Sexy, seductive, glamorous, provocative, erotic, passion, alluring, tasteful, enticing . .
You get: x-rated porn, gross, disgusting, revolting, distasteful, obnoxious, poor taste
With this being said, when I think of art, culture, wealth, European travel—I think “Class”. With the heavy usage in the book, of designer fashion names, ritzy hotels, yachts, and name dropping---it wipes out all the glamour and class---when replaced with bad trashy porn sex scenes.
Does not add up. Falls apart midway. Even though I am not an erotica fan, I do enjoy good psychological thrillers and have no issues with graphic sex scenes if done in taste. (otherwise, why bother). For example: A. R. Torre (Deanna Madden Series). She can get down and dirty with her sex scenes, but they are tastefully done, and her protagonist is someone you sympathize with, due to her horrific abusive past. So when she is evil, you still root for her.
By 50% into the book, I wanted Judith to be caught--put me out of my misery. I was not even rooting for her. Disliked her, in fact. As far as the next two installments – no desire to read further. However, maybe I should skip to the final installment to see if we learn of Judith’s past, and she gets away with her murders. By the end at 3 am, was glad it was over. Unrealistic. To be continued. Don't think so.
I had pre-ordered the audiobook; however, cancelled. Not up for a repeat performance. In my opinion, does not compare to The Talented Mr. Ripley, nor Gone Girl, nor contains ingredients I look for in a a good psychological crime thriller.
January 19, 2016
I found myself pushing to get through this, as it was poorly written and the story was badly constructed. The main character, Judith, starts out as a low-paid assistant in an auction house, and very quickly, with no motivation or character development, becomes a thief and a murderer. Her character is never sketched out, we are never even told what she looks like (beyond that she thinks she is too beautiful to have female friends, they would be too jealous of her), and she sleeps her way around Italy in highly graphic sex scenes, engages randomly in some industrial espionage for some guy she's just met who lets her stay on his multi-million dollar yacht and gives her cash handouts every week to buy clothes (because he's rich, there's no other reason given), and murders every second person she meets. The plot changes every few chapters, there's a loose story involving art fraud, but there are a lot of unrelated side-stories that are totally unnecessary and don't contribute to the story at all. This is supposed to be 50 Shades of Grey meets Gone Girl with the thriller aspects of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but it doesn't live up to any of those matches, unfortunately.
April 19, 2016
Well, flagging my review for alleged nudity (come on, Mr Bean in knickers? He's a national treasure!) even though the book's cover alludes to female genitalia and the content is anything but chaste and prim, isn't going to keep this review offline. The time some people have on hand...
================================
50 Shades meets Dexter. Another computer-tailored "bestseller" mix-and-meshing allegedly established bestseller "recipes" while trying to create hype through breaking taboos by a cool journalist/blogger turned sluttish author. Alleged taboos that is. And alleged sluttishness, that is.
I'm so tired of this. When can I read something original?
(Apparently a Mr Bean in knickers is flagworthy these days, well, let's give this a really harmless gif, this time not humorous, instead descriptive of my reaction to this trash:)
ETA: I was just nudged to add the background of how and why I read this book. It was left, apparently accidentally, by a customer in the waiting area of the office of a good friend of mine. He called the customer, when he found it in the evening, and asked whether she would come back to get it, or whether he should send it to her address. She told him to keep it, she didn't want it back. This being somewhat and somehow linked to erotica and erotic content, he then gave it to me. It turns out that her bookmark was left on page 87 - not even 30% in. The rest of the pages were pristine!
By now I know why :)
================================
50 Shades meets Dexter. Another computer-tailored "bestseller" mix-and-meshing allegedly established bestseller "recipes" while trying to create hype through breaking taboos by a cool journalist/blogger turned sluttish author. Alleged taboos that is. And alleged sluttishness, that is.
I'm so tired of this. When can I read something original?
(Apparently a Mr Bean in knickers is flagworthy these days, well, let's give this a really harmless gif, this time not humorous, instead descriptive of my reaction to this trash:)
ETA: I was just nudged to add the background of how and why I read this book. It was left, apparently accidentally, by a customer in the waiting area of the office of a good friend of mine. He called the customer, when he found it in the evening, and asked whether she would come back to get it, or whether he should send it to her address. She told him to keep it, she didn't want it back. This being somewhat and somehow linked to erotica and erotic content, he then gave it to me. It turns out that her bookmark was left on page 87 - not even 30% in. The rest of the pages were pristine!
By now I know why :)
August 8, 2016
★★★½
Maestra is the first installment in an untitled erotic thriller trilogy authored by L.S. Hilton (Lisa Hilton). This novel follows the female lead: Judith as she navigates her bank account, social status, and her pleasure exactly where she sees fit. She exploits her sex appeal and manipulates people and circumstances to get what she wants - she is unapologetic and I loved that. Judith is a dark, driven woman with no shame. I believe this may be exactly the [extreme] point Ms. Hilton is trying to make in Maestra – men are no longer the only cutthroat individuals who climb over rules and people in order to meet their personal goals. Women are broadcasting their determined strength and offering no apologies for being the aggressor.
Ms. Hilton's storytelling, while definitely choppy, held my attention and kept me engaged. There is A LOT of brand name-dropping and the art world is heavily incorporated throughout the storyline. Although erotica is not a genre I reach for often, I enjoyed this raw component simply for the representation of women embracing their sexuality. Judith said what, when, and where...and for the exception of when she (gag), I didn't have a problem with the explicit content. I plan to continue this trilogy and hope to see Judith's history and thought processes fleshed out a little more. Maestra will likely be a love it or hate it experience for most readers but if you're willing to take the risk then check it out!
My favorite quote:
“There's a lot to be said for being bullied as a child. After all, as every misery memoir triumphantly confirms, you're only being picked on because you're special. You become isolated but also adamantine. I had learned a particular set to my spine, a disregard for the whispered taunts, even a kind of pleasure in them, because I told myself that it made me different, and then I'd just carried on believing it. Perhaps a therapist would have confessed it out of me, but I'd never had either the money or the interest, because that knowledge of pain became, in time, a source of defiance, a source – though I was embarrassed to even think the word – of strength. I could take things that others couldn't, and that meant I could do them, too. I had done this, and the relief was glorious.”
Maestra is the first installment in an untitled erotic thriller trilogy authored by L.S. Hilton (Lisa Hilton). This novel follows the female lead: Judith as she navigates her bank account, social status, and her pleasure exactly where she sees fit. She exploits her sex appeal and manipulates people and circumstances to get what she wants - she is unapologetic and I loved that. Judith is a dark, driven woman with no shame. I believe this may be exactly the [extreme] point Ms. Hilton is trying to make in Maestra – men are no longer the only cutthroat individuals who climb over rules and people in order to meet their personal goals. Women are broadcasting their determined strength and offering no apologies for being the aggressor.
Ms. Hilton's storytelling, while definitely choppy, held my attention and kept me engaged. There is A LOT of brand name-dropping and the art world is heavily incorporated throughout the storyline. Although erotica is not a genre I reach for often, I enjoyed this raw component simply for the representation of women embracing their sexuality. Judith said what, when, and where...and for the exception of when she (gag), I didn't have a problem with the explicit content. I plan to continue this trilogy and hope to see Judith's history and thought processes fleshed out a little more. Maestra will likely be a love it or hate it experience for most readers but if you're willing to take the risk then check it out!
My favorite quote:
“There's a lot to be said for being bullied as a child. After all, as every misery memoir triumphantly confirms, you're only being picked on because you're special. You become isolated but also adamantine. I had learned a particular set to my spine, a disregard for the whispered taunts, even a kind of pleasure in them, because I told myself that it made me different, and then I'd just carried on believing it. Perhaps a therapist would have confessed it out of me, but I'd never had either the money or the interest, because that knowledge of pain became, in time, a source of defiance, a source – though I was embarrassed to even think the word – of strength. I could take things that others couldn't, and that meant I could do them, too. I had done this, and the relief was glorious.”
April 22, 2016
What can I say about Maestra? It is entertaining and gives us an anti heroine we can get behind. That is Judith, by the way. Finding herself blocked from progressing in the art world that she wanted so much, she discovers that she can happily murder to gain access to the world of the wealthy and their lifestyles. After having been fired after she comes across fraud, Judith takes a job in a bar where its her job to tempt clients to order as much champagne as possible. A client invites her to the French Riviera, which later leads to his death. Having discovered her inner sociopath, there is no stopping her. She commits fraud without a blink of an eye. And did I mention there is a lot of graphic sex? There is nothing deep and meaningful about it, Judith just has an enormous sexual appetite. There a number of twists and turns which keep the reader engaged. Thanks to Bonnier Publishing for an ARC via netgalley.
August 23, 2016
“Drink from the fountain of love where every drop is eternal passion.”
----Mahogany SilverRain
L.S. Hilton, an English best selling author, has penned a sexy and extremely scandalous thriller, Maestra that narrates the story of a highly educated assistant auctioneer who starts working as a hostess for a shady nightclub to make her ends meet, but when an art dealing goes wrong with a client that makes her to lose her job due to her attitude of sniffing into a possible art fraud case, she plunges into the world of revenge with her rage that makes her weak for designer labels and men with money and sometimes killing too, thereby making her finally powerful.
Synopsis:
A shockingly original thriller - the launch title of Zaffre, the new fiction imprint of Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Judith Rashleigh works as an assistant in a prestigious London auction house, but her dreams of breaking into the art world have been gradually dulled by the blunt forces of snobbery and corruption. To make ends meet she moonlights as a hostess in one of the West End's less salubrious bars - although her work there pales against her activities on nights off.
When Judith stumbles across a conspiracy at her auction house, she is fired before she can expose the fraud. In desperation, she accepts an offer from one of the bar's clients to accompany him to the French Riviera. But when an ill-advised attempt to slip him sedatives has momentous consequences, Judith finds herself fleeing for her life.
Now alone and in danger, all Judith has to rely on is her consummate ability to fake it amongst the rich and famous - and the inside track on the hugely lucrative art fraud that triggered her dismissal.
Set in the exotic palaces and yachts of Europe's seriously wealthy. With a heroine as wickedly perceptive as Amy Dunne and as dangerous as Lisbeth Salander, this marks the beginning of a sequence of novels that will have readers around the world on the edge of their seats and holding their breath.
Judith Rashleigh, a college graduate, works as an assistant art dealer for a reputed auction house in London, but neither her job pays her well to make the ends meet nor does she get that recognition in workplace that she deserve. Soon her luck opens a wide door to become a hostess at a shady nightclub where she needs to wear skimpy uniform to make her clients pay for the costliest bottle of alcohol. But one unfortunate incident while dealing about art with a client as well as her sniffing around a possible art fraud in her company make her lose her job as an assistant, and that throws her on a full-on rage war where she goes on an affluent vacation getaway to the south of France with one of her clients from the nightclub, and when that simple vacation that smelt like money and sea breeze turn deadly, Judith runs from one country to another all the while gold digging into the designer wallets of some rich men and indulging into dirty carnal desires and maybe killing too.
When E.L. James' mummy porn, Fifty Shades of Grey is mashed up with a bit of Patricia Higsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, then it turns into something painful and monotonous like L.S. Hilton's Maestra. Yes welcome to the torturous world of the protagonist, Judith, a.k.a Lauren, who is on a run from the stupid police detectives (who are most probably existing in the oblivion) around the globe, and surprisingly, those kind of incapable detectives existed all through out the globe from London to France to Italy, as wherever she went, she left quite a mess which is loud and observable even by a common individual, but luckily, every one apart from the protagonist are blind.
Okay this book is marketed as a thriller, then where's the thrill or that hair-raising or riveting moment that grasps the readers psychologically with the unexpected twists or the horror? Well sadly, the story is very, very dull and incomprehensible, even the scenes and the logic behind them do not ever sync. And if a reader is frantically looking forward to have that sexy experience that one had while reading that James' mummy porn, then they won't be dissapointed.
The author's writing is okay but not that articulate enough to let the readers comprehend the plot. The narrative is baffling and not at all free flowing, so its very boring and mind numbing. The beginning of the story is quite intriguing but gradually the story begins to show its true color of failed attempts on being thrilling. The pacing is swift moreover what will interest the readers is the different countries and exotic destinations that the author has captured strikingly into the story line.
The characters from the book are not that well developed, moreover they lacked depth or realism from their demeanor. The main character is very disconnected although her passion for sex and money is very much evident from the way her mind works. Although she is smart, but if she could have used that intellect to direct her way to find out about that art fraud, rather than using it to use men like toys. The rest of the characters are also quite unimpressive.
In a nutshell, this is a vague and very boring story about lust where the word "c**t", "thighs", "moisture" will delude the readers from the main story. Apart from that, the author vividly captures the beauty and charm of the each destinations mentioned in the story.
Verdict: Waste of money!
----Mahogany SilverRain
L.S. Hilton, an English best selling author, has penned a sexy and extremely scandalous thriller, Maestra that narrates the story of a highly educated assistant auctioneer who starts working as a hostess for a shady nightclub to make her ends meet, but when an art dealing goes wrong with a client that makes her to lose her job due to her attitude of sniffing into a possible art fraud case, she plunges into the world of revenge with her rage that makes her weak for designer labels and men with money and sometimes killing too, thereby making her finally powerful.
Synopsis:
A shockingly original thriller - the launch title of Zaffre, the new fiction imprint of Bonnier Publishing Fiction
Judith Rashleigh works as an assistant in a prestigious London auction house, but her dreams of breaking into the art world have been gradually dulled by the blunt forces of snobbery and corruption. To make ends meet she moonlights as a hostess in one of the West End's less salubrious bars - although her work there pales against her activities on nights off.
When Judith stumbles across a conspiracy at her auction house, she is fired before she can expose the fraud. In desperation, she accepts an offer from one of the bar's clients to accompany him to the French Riviera. But when an ill-advised attempt to slip him sedatives has momentous consequences, Judith finds herself fleeing for her life.
Now alone and in danger, all Judith has to rely on is her consummate ability to fake it amongst the rich and famous - and the inside track on the hugely lucrative art fraud that triggered her dismissal.
Set in the exotic palaces and yachts of Europe's seriously wealthy. With a heroine as wickedly perceptive as Amy Dunne and as dangerous as Lisbeth Salander, this marks the beginning of a sequence of novels that will have readers around the world on the edge of their seats and holding their breath.
Judith Rashleigh, a college graduate, works as an assistant art dealer for a reputed auction house in London, but neither her job pays her well to make the ends meet nor does she get that recognition in workplace that she deserve. Soon her luck opens a wide door to become a hostess at a shady nightclub where she needs to wear skimpy uniform to make her clients pay for the costliest bottle of alcohol. But one unfortunate incident while dealing about art with a client as well as her sniffing around a possible art fraud in her company make her lose her job as an assistant, and that throws her on a full-on rage war where she goes on an affluent vacation getaway to the south of France with one of her clients from the nightclub, and when that simple vacation that smelt like money and sea breeze turn deadly, Judith runs from one country to another all the while gold digging into the designer wallets of some rich men and indulging into dirty carnal desires and maybe killing too.
When E.L. James' mummy porn, Fifty Shades of Grey is mashed up with a bit of Patricia Higsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, then it turns into something painful and monotonous like L.S. Hilton's Maestra. Yes welcome to the torturous world of the protagonist, Judith, a.k.a Lauren, who is on a run from the stupid police detectives (who are most probably existing in the oblivion) around the globe, and surprisingly, those kind of incapable detectives existed all through out the globe from London to France to Italy, as wherever she went, she left quite a mess which is loud and observable even by a common individual, but luckily, every one apart from the protagonist are blind.
Okay this book is marketed as a thriller, then where's the thrill or that hair-raising or riveting moment that grasps the readers psychologically with the unexpected twists or the horror? Well sadly, the story is very, very dull and incomprehensible, even the scenes and the logic behind them do not ever sync. And if a reader is frantically looking forward to have that sexy experience that one had while reading that James' mummy porn, then they won't be dissapointed.
The author's writing is okay but not that articulate enough to let the readers comprehend the plot. The narrative is baffling and not at all free flowing, so its very boring and mind numbing. The beginning of the story is quite intriguing but gradually the story begins to show its true color of failed attempts on being thrilling. The pacing is swift moreover what will interest the readers is the different countries and exotic destinations that the author has captured strikingly into the story line.
The characters from the book are not that well developed, moreover they lacked depth or realism from their demeanor. The main character is very disconnected although her passion for sex and money is very much evident from the way her mind works. Although she is smart, but if she could have used that intellect to direct her way to find out about that art fraud, rather than using it to use men like toys. The rest of the characters are also quite unimpressive.
In a nutshell, this is a vague and very boring story about lust where the word "c**t", "thighs", "moisture" will delude the readers from the main story. Apart from that, the author vividly captures the beauty and charm of the each destinations mentioned in the story.
Verdict: Waste of money!
June 9, 2017
This book would make excellent reading for Booker Prize judges because like real Booker Prize winners, it has lots of allusions to the history of art, but unlike real Booker Prize winners, it’s actually fun to read. It rather reminded me of a mixture of Patricia Highsmith, Ian Fleming, Sex and the City, and E. H. Gombrich. If you’re pursuing a degree in art history, you’re probably awfully tired of facetious bores intimating that your career prospects are limited to requesting of your clientele, “Would you like fries with that?” After you’ve read Maestra, you’ll be able to reply, “No, I’m not interviewing @ Mackey D’s, or even Sotheby’s. I’m becoming an international sophisticate, gallery owner, and serial killer.”
You’ll learn to pronounce 'baroque' like the first name of a former American president, to carry bags and wear shoes made from the skins of tropical serpents, to enjoy sex in many different postures with strangers who have a bad habit of turning out to be crooks or cops or both, and to know what kind of pistol to employ (Glock 29) when your current lover turns out to be surplus to requirements. You'll not confuse the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. You’ll also not furnish your flat from IKEA. This was perhaps my favourite passage in the entire book: 'And then I went shopping. First to Hôtel Drouot for an eighteenth-century writing desk, a real bonheur du jour with a hidden compartment [comes in handy later] . . . then to La Maison du Kilim in the Marais for a square Anatolian rug in bronze and emerald and turquoise, to Artemide for lamps and Thonet for a sofa, to the Marché aux Puces [that’s the flea market] for a nineteenth-century rosewood credenza and an Art Deco dining table.' And watch out! a ‘bonheur du jour’ is not a ‘joy of the day’ but “un secrétaire dédié a l’écriture des femmes” (Of course I looked it up! My international sophistication licence came with an L-plate.) Unfortunately, the sex scenes (of which there are a whole lot) aren’t so classy. Surely something like, “I want to fuck your arse. May I?” would be expressed more elegantly in French [tho’ it was gratifying to see the distinction between ‘can’ and ‘may’ observed], so if you’re planning to make international sophisticate your vocation, you’ll have to acquire your erotic working vocabulary so to speak ‘sur le tas’ rather than from this book.
You’ll learn to pronounce 'baroque' like the first name of a former American president, to carry bags and wear shoes made from the skins of tropical serpents, to enjoy sex in many different postures with strangers who have a bad habit of turning out to be crooks or cops or both, and to know what kind of pistol to employ (Glock 29) when your current lover turns out to be surplus to requirements. You'll not confuse the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. You’ll also not furnish your flat from IKEA. This was perhaps my favourite passage in the entire book: 'And then I went shopping. First to Hôtel Drouot for an eighteenth-century writing desk, a real bonheur du jour with a hidden compartment [comes in handy later] . . . then to La Maison du Kilim in the Marais for a square Anatolian rug in bronze and emerald and turquoise, to Artemide for lamps and Thonet for a sofa, to the Marché aux Puces [that’s the flea market] for a nineteenth-century rosewood credenza and an Art Deco dining table.' And watch out! a ‘bonheur du jour’ is not a ‘joy of the day’ but “un secrétaire dédié a l’écriture des femmes” (Of course I looked it up! My international sophistication licence came with an L-plate.) Unfortunately, the sex scenes (of which there are a whole lot) aren’t so classy. Surely something like, “I want to fuck your arse. May I?” would be expressed more elegantly in French [tho’ it was gratifying to see the distinction between ‘can’ and ‘may’ observed], so if you’re planning to make international sophisticate your vocation, you’ll have to acquire your erotic working vocabulary so to speak ‘sur le tas’ rather than from this book.
November 25, 2016
1.5 stars
"Sex sells, Lisa! So do erotic trilogies! Just ask EL James. We're smelling film rights, baby. It's gonna be huge!!! Oh, yeah, ya gotta drop the 'Lisa'. From now on, you're LS Hilton! Smart, sexy and mysterious! A name befitting of your writing!"
So I'm sure went the round-table discussion/slobber-fest at GP Putnam's Sons/Zaffre after Ms. Hilton submitted the rough draft for her erotic thriller Maestra. I'm curious, though, if anyone in the publisher's office actually bothered to read this thing. Ok, yeah, I know, I'm not even close to the intended audience for this, but what the hell were they thinking?!? This is no 50 Shades of Grey. This is (at best, and mind you, I hated that book too:) a female-centric American Psycho, hardly thrilling or erotic, just empty and hollow. Ms. Hilton here seemingly aspires (with her London auction house protag Judith Rashleigh) to recreate the materialistic banality of BE Ellis' Patrick Bateman's world (mixed with bad Eyes Wide Shut-esque porn). And it wasn't even the C-word slathered, clinically-described porn scenes that bothered me. It was just that the porn felt completely out of place, like it was surgically inserted for no other purpose than to sell books to horny female readers.(with IQs slightly higher than the typical 50 Shades fan). The core story of Judith Rashleigh, a Fine Arts MFA'd art history scholar (no doubt Ms. Hilton's own CV) with her dreams of owning her own European art studio/salon was a bit trashy, but cerebrally so. But then Hilton (perhaps at the behest of her publishers?) turned her protag into a homicidal sex fiend, and, well, there are limits to how far back your eyes will roll before doing permanent damage. I kind of just stuck with it to see how bad it would get, only to discover a To Be Continued ending. Oh, hell no.
"Sex sells, Lisa! So do erotic trilogies! Just ask EL James. We're smelling film rights, baby. It's gonna be huge!!! Oh, yeah, ya gotta drop the 'Lisa'. From now on, you're LS Hilton! Smart, sexy and mysterious! A name befitting of your writing!"
So I'm sure went the round-table discussion/slobber-fest at GP Putnam's Sons/Zaffre after Ms. Hilton submitted the rough draft for her erotic thriller Maestra. I'm curious, though, if anyone in the publisher's office actually bothered to read this thing. Ok, yeah, I know, I'm not even close to the intended audience for this, but what the hell were they thinking?!? This is no 50 Shades of Grey. This is (at best, and mind you, I hated that book too:) a female-centric American Psycho, hardly thrilling or erotic, just empty and hollow. Ms. Hilton here seemingly aspires (with her London auction house protag Judith Rashleigh) to recreate the materialistic banality of BE Ellis' Patrick Bateman's world (mixed with bad Eyes Wide Shut-esque porn). And it wasn't even the C-word slathered, clinically-described porn scenes that bothered me. It was just that the porn felt completely out of place, like it was surgically inserted for no other purpose than to sell books to horny female readers.(with IQs slightly higher than the typical 50 Shades fan). The core story of Judith Rashleigh, a Fine Arts MFA'd art history scholar (no doubt Ms. Hilton's own CV) with her dreams of owning her own European art studio/salon was a bit trashy, but cerebrally so. But then Hilton (perhaps at the behest of her publishers?) turned her protag into a homicidal sex fiend, and, well, there are limits to how far back your eyes will roll before doing permanent damage. I kind of just stuck with it to see how bad it would get, only to discover a To Be Continued ending. Oh, hell no.
July 27, 2016
Looking through the other reviews they seem to run as 1,2 or 4 star ratings.
I can see why this is a love it or hate it book. If when you read a book you feel that you really need to relate to one of the characters, this book may not be for you. If you do relate to the main character,Judith Rasheigh... Please seek psychiatric help quickly, before it's to late.
1)I did find the book to be a very good adult thriller. There were some surprises along the way but I had no trouble keeping up with the story.
2)My favorite part of this book is that Ms.Hilton used Judith's knowledge of art paintings to expand my own knowledge. The names of wonderful artist I had never heard of are used through out the book. I googled these names and am now in awe of some of their art. Check out the life story of Artemisia Gentileschi and then look over some of her paintings. Also, while I was aware of modern anamorphic perspective, I had never thought artist would have been using this technique as far back as 1485.
3)Judith's growth through this story allows her to dabble in her own art. Like the slit in the cover of this book, Judith's canvas would be nothing without the color of redrum.
An easy four stars from me, Bravo Maestra Lisa Hilton
Enjoy yer libations, Cheers mateys!
I can see why this is a love it or hate it book. If when you read a book you feel that you really need to relate to one of the characters, this book may not be for you. If you do relate to the main character,Judith Rasheigh... Please seek psychiatric help quickly, before it's to late.
1)I did find the book to be a very good adult thriller. There were some surprises along the way but I had no trouble keeping up with the story.
2)My favorite part of this book is that Ms.Hilton used Judith's knowledge of art paintings to expand my own knowledge. The names of wonderful artist I had never heard of are used through out the book. I googled these names and am now in awe of some of their art. Check out the life story of Artemisia Gentileschi and then look over some of her paintings. Also, while I was aware of modern anamorphic perspective, I had never thought artist would have been using this technique as far back as 1485.
3)Judith's growth through this story allows her to dabble in her own art. Like the slit in the cover of this book, Judith's canvas would be nothing without the color of redrum.
An easy four stars from me, Bravo Maestra Lisa Hilton
Enjoy yer libations, Cheers mateys!
March 1, 2016
Being ruthless, ambitious and gorgeous can be a dangerous combination – especially if you have absolutely no empathy or feelings. Judith Rashleigh worked hard in school and thought she had it made when she landed a job at a prestigious auction house in London, but she soon learns her job is far from glamorous. Broke and disheartened, she decides to moonlight at a champagne bar where she flirts with old men for commission on the overpriced champagne sales. She gets sacked from her day job when she reveals an art forgery. Her life among the uber rich begins after she cons her best champagne bar “friend” to take her and a friend to Cannes on an expensive trip. It goes down hill for the fat rich guy after that - way down. The book seems to try too hard to me, with graphic sex scenes and too many flat characters. In fact, they're all flat characters. Unlike The Talented Mr. Ripley, Judith is revealed as the sociopath she is almost right away in the book. To me, there were no surprises after the first couple of chapters, just one con after another on unbelievably stupid rich guys.
March 19, 2017
Quick review for a truly abhorrent reading experience (for me). This was a random library read I picked up, and suffice to say I won't be reading the sequel to this.
*sighs* I'll put it like this: it's a bad sign when you have nothing good to say about a book upon finishing it, but it's even worse when the experience is so bad that you have little to nothing to say about it. Usually when I'm writing reviews about a book that I dislike, I have a plethora of things to say that was wrong with the experience and I'll spell it all out. In this case? Everything with this just didn't work for me. I spent most of the book either bored or just shaking my head at Judith. This book wasn't well written, the sex scenes lacked connectivity (mostly they were for shock value, but I wasn't shocked or impressed at all), the so called crime aspects were fleeting and disconnected. The constant weight shaming, brand dropping, among other things just threw me even further off the plight. I saw where the book was going with Judith's character, but again I couldn't care enough to be able to connect and follow her experience with true investment. I think if there were one thing about the novel that stood out to me on a "good" note was the establishment of the scenic art world and there were tendrils of high society life that could've developed into something interesting, but it didn't immerse me as the book went onward.
If L.S. Hilton writes another series, I might see if I can give her writing another go just to see if it connects better with me, but my journey with this series ends here. I just can't bring myself to care and I'm coming out of this novel more frustrated that I wasted my time with it than taking it for the experience of the story itself.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
*sighs* I'll put it like this: it's a bad sign when you have nothing good to say about a book upon finishing it, but it's even worse when the experience is so bad that you have little to nothing to say about it. Usually when I'm writing reviews about a book that I dislike, I have a plethora of things to say that was wrong with the experience and I'll spell it all out. In this case? Everything with this just didn't work for me. I spent most of the book either bored or just shaking my head at Judith. This book wasn't well written, the sex scenes lacked connectivity (mostly they were for shock value, but I wasn't shocked or impressed at all), the so called crime aspects were fleeting and disconnected. The constant weight shaming, brand dropping, among other things just threw me even further off the plight. I saw where the book was going with Judith's character, but again I couldn't care enough to be able to connect and follow her experience with true investment. I think if there were one thing about the novel that stood out to me on a "good" note was the establishment of the scenic art world and there were tendrils of high society life that could've developed into something interesting, but it didn't immerse me as the book went onward.
If L.S. Hilton writes another series, I might see if I can give her writing another go just to see if it connects better with me, but my journey with this series ends here. I just can't bring myself to care and I'm coming out of this novel more frustrated that I wasted my time with it than taking it for the experience of the story itself.
Overall score: 1/5 stars.
June 1, 2016
I read the hype and decided to check this out of the library. It's now due back and after numerous attempts I admit defeat and list this as a DNF. I just couldn't get into it. I wasn't thrilled with the story, couldn't get into it, tried skipping pages, still a no and finally couldn't even tell what I had read and what I didn't.
I need to to tell myself not to read any "hype" about a book. For me, it's almost always wrong.
I need to to tell myself not to read any "hype" about a book. For me, it's almost always wrong.
January 31, 2018
An unputdownable, 100% original, exquisitely written, erotic (with a dark edge) read. If you are the kind of reader who appreciates well written thrillers and tends to NOT over analyze fiction, definitely give this series a go!
Cheers!
February 6, 2016
I was all set to give this book three stars, maybe even four. Yes, it was a trashy read. Yes, it had a lot of unnecessary graphic sex scenes. However, it was a zillion times better than 50 Shades of Grey (I think most trashy books are) and it was lots of fun to read. Judith, aka Lauren, aka whoever she felt like being, was a fun, sociopathic girl, with a wry sense of humor, and a scarily good head on her shoulders. I should read more books with jet-setting, murderous femme fatales like her. I had fun hopping from one European country to another, leaving a trail of dead bodies behind. I enjoyed reading more about the world of art, and auction houses, although a lot of information went over my head.
And then I got to the final pages, and the anxiety set in. I could tell that this book wasn't going to wrap up in the last few pages. There were loose ends everywhere, and we were already at the epilogue. I read the last sentence, the dreaded "To be continued", and I would have thrown the manuscript across the room if it hadn't been a digital ARC from Netgalley that was downloaded on my phone. I would never have read this book had I known I wouldn't have had a satisfactory ending. It gets two stars for keeping me entertained this weekend while driving to Tucson and back, but the other stars I was planning to give it get flushed down the toilet along with remains of Renaud, and a good, clear cut ending.
And then I got to the final pages, and the anxiety set in. I could tell that this book wasn't going to wrap up in the last few pages. There were loose ends everywhere, and we were already at the epilogue. I read the last sentence, the dreaded "To be continued", and I would have thrown the manuscript across the room if it hadn't been a digital ARC from Netgalley that was downloaded on my phone. I would never have read this book had I known I wouldn't have had a satisfactory ending. It gets two stars for keeping me entertained this weekend while driving to Tucson and back, but the other stars I was planning to give it get flushed down the toilet along with remains of Renaud, and a good, clear cut ending.
April 2, 2017
dakle knjiga je najavljena kao uzbudljiv psiholoski triler... hmmm
ovo nije ni T od trilera, a jos manje psiholoski, uzbudljiv nikako
ovo je pitki krimic s eksplicitnim scenama seksa
citanje za razbibrigu -da, jedna od onih knjiga koje ja zovem ravna crta bez imalo uzbudjenja, donekle dojam popravlja kraj ali je napisan na desetak stranica ono tipa daj samo da zavrsim knjigu
dakle citljivo - da ali sad bas neka preporuke za obavezno citanje - ne
ovo nije ni T od trilera, a jos manje psiholoski, uzbudljiv nikako
ovo je pitki krimic s eksplicitnim scenama seksa
citanje za razbibrigu -da, jedna od onih knjiga koje ja zovem ravna crta bez imalo uzbudjenja, donekle dojam popravlja kraj ali je napisan na desetak stranica ono tipa daj samo da zavrsim knjigu
dakle citljivo - da ali sad bas neka preporuke za obavezno citanje - ne
March 10, 2016
This book confused me.
And I don’t mean that I couldn’t follow the plot, because that was easy enough. It’s just….it felt very much like it wasn’t really sure what it wanted to be. It starts out innocently enough – Judith works for a very prestigious London art house, constantly subject to outrageous demands and exasperation when she cannot complete her impossible or vaguely related tasks. Born into poverty with a mother who drank, Judith has pulled herself up, moderating her speech to hide her background. Despite this regular job, Judith also takes a second job to help her with money, providing “companionship” to men in a bar, encouraging them to order expensive drinks.
Then she is fired, because she could blow open an art forgery fraud and finds herself lacking the security she needs. And this is where the book takes a rather abrupt turn into unexpected territory. The first incident is quite accidental and could be explained away but the ones after that? Judith’s character as a coldblooded sociopath quickly emerges as she sees the way to not only elevate her to a new standard of living but also gain her revenge.
I feel as though Judith crossed a line so fast my head was spinning. One minute she’s an art house assistant looking to improve her position, expanding her knowledge of art and the next she’s murdering people in cold blood everywhere. And then there are the sex scenes – which I think are supposed to be erotic and highlighting danger but really all they are is kind of awkward. There’s definitely an excessive usage of the “c” word and I have to admit, it’s one of my least favourite words, especially in a sex scene. I don’t find it sexy or erotic and it tends to really throw me off every time I read it, especially if it’s preceded by the word “wet” or “aching”. But my biggest problem with the sex scenes was that they really don’t serve a purpose in the novel – I think they’re there purely for shock value. The first one just comes out of nowhere, all of a sudden you’re in a random threesome scene which makes no sense. Perhaps it’s just to highlight the carelessness of the set Judith occasionally socialises with in a ‘nothing is off limits’ kind of way, in an attempt to give another facet of her inability to really connect or have any sort of deep relationship with anyone. Judith’s interactions are all mostly brief and impersonal, all about the physical. Even when it seems like she’s trying to care about someone, it falls flat and comes across as weak and insincere.
Judith kind of has a knack of falling on her feet – whether it’s by convincing a wealthy client of the champagne bar to take her to France after she’s fired or working her way onto the luxurious yacht of a billionaire as a special guest who receives generous gifts whilst there. She also always seems to be able to find someone who will later be crucial to assisting her with something or other. She does think fast on her feet, I will give her that – she runs into someone that she doesn’t know will be there and it seems she has a plan in place very fast that will allow her to cash in and also get revenge and from there, every time it seems like it might be spiraling out of control she hauls it back and regains the upper hand.
But I remained ambivalent to her. Many people say you don’t need to love a protagonist to enjoy a novel and for many people that may be true. I’ve really liked some books where the characters were questionable but with Judith, I found that after the second or third murder I just kind of gave up caring anything about this book. I was hoping she’d get caught but then I got to the last page and saw these three words
To Be Continued…
and I just groaned because I was ready for it to be over 100p ago and now there’s going to be another book or books. I just don’t find Judith’s motivation interesting enough or her character compelling enough for me to want her to succeed or investigate any future books.
And I don’t mean that I couldn’t follow the plot, because that was easy enough. It’s just….it felt very much like it wasn’t really sure what it wanted to be. It starts out innocently enough – Judith works for a very prestigious London art house, constantly subject to outrageous demands and exasperation when she cannot complete her impossible or vaguely related tasks. Born into poverty with a mother who drank, Judith has pulled herself up, moderating her speech to hide her background. Despite this regular job, Judith also takes a second job to help her with money, providing “companionship” to men in a bar, encouraging them to order expensive drinks.
Then she is fired, because she could blow open an art forgery fraud and finds herself lacking the security she needs. And this is where the book takes a rather abrupt turn into unexpected territory. The first incident is quite accidental and could be explained away but the ones after that? Judith’s character as a coldblooded sociopath quickly emerges as she sees the way to not only elevate her to a new standard of living but also gain her revenge.
I feel as though Judith crossed a line so fast my head was spinning. One minute she’s an art house assistant looking to improve her position, expanding her knowledge of art and the next she’s murdering people in cold blood everywhere. And then there are the sex scenes – which I think are supposed to be erotic and highlighting danger but really all they are is kind of awkward. There’s definitely an excessive usage of the “c” word and I have to admit, it’s one of my least favourite words, especially in a sex scene. I don’t find it sexy or erotic and it tends to really throw me off every time I read it, especially if it’s preceded by the word “wet” or “aching”. But my biggest problem with the sex scenes was that they really don’t serve a purpose in the novel – I think they’re there purely for shock value. The first one just comes out of nowhere, all of a sudden you’re in a random threesome scene which makes no sense. Perhaps it’s just to highlight the carelessness of the set Judith occasionally socialises with in a ‘nothing is off limits’ kind of way, in an attempt to give another facet of her inability to really connect or have any sort of deep relationship with anyone. Judith’s interactions are all mostly brief and impersonal, all about the physical. Even when it seems like she’s trying to care about someone, it falls flat and comes across as weak and insincere.
Judith kind of has a knack of falling on her feet – whether it’s by convincing a wealthy client of the champagne bar to take her to France after she’s fired or working her way onto the luxurious yacht of a billionaire as a special guest who receives generous gifts whilst there. She also always seems to be able to find someone who will later be crucial to assisting her with something or other. She does think fast on her feet, I will give her that – she runs into someone that she doesn’t know will be there and it seems she has a plan in place very fast that will allow her to cash in and also get revenge and from there, every time it seems like it might be spiraling out of control she hauls it back and regains the upper hand.
But I remained ambivalent to her. Many people say you don’t need to love a protagonist to enjoy a novel and for many people that may be true. I’ve really liked some books where the characters were questionable but with Judith, I found that after the second or third murder I just kind of gave up caring anything about this book. I was hoping she’d get caught but then I got to the last page and saw these three words
To Be Continued…
and I just groaned because I was ready for it to be over 100p ago and now there’s going to be another book or books. I just don’t find Judith’s motivation interesting enough or her character compelling enough for me to want her to succeed or investigate any future books.
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