Member Reviews
Continues the engaging thriller/mystery story begun in "Operation Cairo" and "The Glass Slipper". It's maybe not the strongest of the three instalments so far, but this is perhaps to be expected - any larger story will have its ups and downs. I'm still interested in seeing how the story progresses.
Thanks to net galley.com and Serial Box, for the advance copy for my honest review.
Who Do You Think You Are?, is the third installment of a series that, will total 11 episodes, that makes up False Idol, Season 1 and the author varies with each episode.
This was my first read from author Diana Renn, while her writing style is likable, felt like this was the weakest installment so far, had something's happen, that I felt was way too easily glossed over, like she pushed the easy button, missed an opportunity that could have made this story better and made the epic ending better.
Seems like it would have made the story better to have Jehen catch Layla snooping in her mom's office verse her mom. Easily explained by her being a journalist, investigating her mom due to the necklace birthday gift and thinking her mom's involved in something illegal.
The whole deal at Hiro's parents house, didn't seem plausible and due his dad protecting expensive artifacts behind glass. So no alarm system or camera's? Plus with Layla taking pictures, looking in his office and no one misses her?
Also felt that FBI Art Crime agent Ellen Pierce talking to Agent el-Deeb, regarding her work at the Bennett Gallery, just seems to be way too lackadaisical with how she talks to Layla, annoyed that she's not getting info from volunteering, also regarding how James is easy on the eyes and doesn't work with it being a undercover operation.
Plus with how the security guard Mackey is, seems better to have Jehen whose working with Layla, flirt with him, distract him and let her snoop without Mackey realizing it.
What makes this work is how likable of a character Agent Layla el-Deeb, to me and definitely will continue reading the rest of serial.
This episode picks up where the last one left off.
Writing wise, it's very simple.
Story wise, it feels recycled. It's almost as though the authors don't have enough ideas to make a whole season and decided to make Layla go through the same things over and over again.
The worst part is that she doesn't learn. She should be becoming a better agent, however, she's only getting worse.
However, I have hope, the plot seems to be picking up.
Rating: 3 stars
The Series didn't really hook in me so I won't be reading the rest of them!
4+ stars
This third installment in the False Idols serial read continues to provide twists and turns. This chapter resolves the cliff hanger from chapter 2 where Layla is caught searching the home office of one of the potential suspects. With some quick thinking, she is able to convince Noor Ghaffar that she is just inebriated and confused.
After returning from Switzerland, Layla returns to the art gallery owned by James’ father Bennett Rothkopf. After assisting his father in a sale to a Turkish couple, proving her ability with languages, Layla volunteers to be an interpreter at the gallery Bennett. Layla hopes that by being able to monitor the movement of goods and people at the art gallery she will be able to make a connection.
Unfortunately, Layla gets pressure from her superiors to make progress and again resorts to searching offices. At the end of the chapter, Layla is caught by Mackey, head of security, leaving Bennet’s office.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Serial Box, for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Serial Box for this Ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third Episode of the False Idols series. After the panic inducing cliffhanger from Episode 2, Who Do You Think You Are? opens up with Layla being able to explain her way out of a bad situation after being caught snooping. Layla catches a lucky break while being at the art gallery of James' father when a couple came in who spoke a different language, being an interrupter for the FBI, Layla was able to act as a translator and help make a sale. Mr. Rothkopf was eager to get Layla on board to act as a translator. Now that she is close to the art dealings going on and close to James, Layla can really get some headway into her investigation. Just when you thought Layla learned her lesson about snooping in the last chapter, she gets caught red handed again. How will she talk her way out of this one? We'll find out in Episode 4.