“We saw him crouch to scoop away earth with one hand, running his fingers along the shiny, black plastic. It was four days, since anyone, including us“We saw him crouch to scoop away earth with one hand, running his fingers along the shiny, black plastic. It was four days, since anyone, including us, had seen Esther Bianchi.”
I was unfamiliar with the term “Greek Chorus” but it refers to a homogeneous, non individualized, group of performers of a Greek tragedy, who comment in a collective voice, periodically about the dramatic action.
The book opens with the Greek Chorus-like narrator “WE”- the remaining children, of Durton (Dirt Town), letting us in on the fate of 12 year old Esther, although in reality, these omniscient narrators were not “in the know” at the time of the discovery.
Fortunately, these short chapters only occur sporadically, as they didn’t quite work for me.
They felt COLD, when a book about a young girl losing her life, should feel ANYTHING BUT!!
This is a SLOW BURN, mystery about what happened to Esther, on the day she disappeared while walking home from school, and thankfully we feel more emotion from the remaining narrators, whose point of views alternate.
Ronnie ‘s narrative is shared in the first person, and is the most moving. She is an only child who loves Llamas, and her best friend Esther, like the sister she never had.
She thinks Esther was the brave one-but she will do anything to try to find her friend.
We also have the viewpoint of another child, Lewis who was a classmate and friend to both Esther and Ronnie.
Adult viewpoints are shared from the third person POV of Constance (Esther’s mom) and Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels- sent from Melbourne to investigate.
Dirt Town is a dying town, hot and dusty, and small enough for everyone to know one another.
At least, they think they do.
But even in small towns secrets can be hidden…
MELANCHOLY and SOMBER, this is another well written, character driven crime story-and an impressive debut-but for such a sad story, I expected to feel more, emotionally for the characters.
I probably would have-if the Greek Chorus “WE” chapters had not been included.
3.75 rounded up!
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: This book has them all! A brief but GRATUITOUS scene of the abuse of a kitten. and disturbing treatment of a dog. Domestic abuse, child abuse and mention of rape.
This was a group read which included DeAnn, MarilynW, Susan, and Mary Beth and our opinions were very mixed! Be sure to read their insightful reviews for additional feedback! ...more
On New Year’s Eve, 1999-the whole World was afraid that computers would be unable to transition to a new century, causing planes to fall from the sky,On New Year’s Eve, 1999-the whole World was afraid that computers would be unable to transition to a new century, causing planes to fall from the sky, elevators to plunge to the ground and the Stock Market to collapse-and Everyone was partying like it could be the last time…
But, it’s just a typical night at the Blockbuster video store in Linden, NJ for the 4 teenaged girls and their manager who were working the NIGHT SHIFT. Rewinding the videos returned, selling microwave popcorn, and gossiping in the break room, eager to close at 10 PM so they could celebrate with friends.
None have them could have guessed that they might not survive the night for reasons other than Y2K. None could have guessed that they would soon be BRUTALLY attacked.
There was just one survivor-Ella.
Fifteen years later, four more teenaged girls are VICIOUSLY attacked in Linden, NJ, just before closing time at the Dairy Creamery Ice cream shop.
Again, there is just one survivor-Jesse.
And now, in the aftermath of this crime, Ella, now a therapist will be called to try to help Jesse make sense of what has happened.
Vince Whitaker, the boyfriend of one of the girls from the Blockbuster Video had been swiftly arrested, following that tragic night, but when he was released on bail, he disappeared and has never been seen again. Could he be back?
His younger brother, Chris, now a Public Defender who has always maintained his brother’s innocence doesn’t think so. But, local police are able to call in the FBI because of this possibility, and Sarah Keller, (from Every Last Fear) arrives to assist.
Each will try to figure out IF these two crimes are linked.
Alex Finlay’s writing HOOKS me instantly! I was immediately drawn in by the nostalgia and the well developed characters.
Although I guessed one piece of this puzzle pretty early, I couldn’t put together how it would all come together in the end. I think his books are written this way-giving you a chance to solve the crime-as in both books the crimes felt plausible to me. That isn’t to say that there won’t be surprises-there definitely are-but there isn’t going to be that crazy twist that comes out of left field.
And, I personally LOVE stories written like this! ❤️
If you enjoyed his last-I don’t think you will be disappointed by this one. I am already looking forward to seeing what he pens next.
4.5 ⭐️ rounded down AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!!...more
When Chloe Davis was twelve, six teenage girls went missing in her small Louisiana town.
Lena Rhodes was the first. The o4.5 ⭐️ Happy Publication Day!
When Chloe Davis was twelve, six teenage girls went missing in her small Louisiana town.
Lena Rhodes was the first. The original. The girl that every girl in Breaux Bridge envied UNTIL her face became the one seen on every TV, and on all of the MISSING posters around town.
Robin, Margaret, Carrie, Susan, and Jill were the others.
Then, Chloe’s father confessed and went to prison, and the killings stopped.
Twenty years later, Chloe is a psychologist in Private Practice. She tells herself that she chose this career to help others-But, it doesn’t hurt that she can prescribe the drugs, that help get her through the day. She just calls in the prescription under her fiancé’s name, and picks them up at the drive-thru on the way home.
She seems to have finally attained happiness, and then a local teenage girl, Lacey Deckler, goes missing. And, then another.
Is history repeating itself? Is there a copycat killer? Or is Chloe imagining similarities that don’t exist?
This is an IMPRESSIVE debut, with well developed characters and lyrical prose.
As I read, I wondered if it would be a character study of how a person can be a serial killer and fool others, or if there would be a twist? Is the tension in the fact that we are one step ahead of our protagonist, Chloe at all times, or is she convincing us to believe one thing, which might turn out to be quite another?
I was never bored as the facts were unspooled, like a ball of yarn-the revelations coming faster as we neared the end. Maybe just a little too fast-as I had some unanswered questions about the final reveal.
The only reason I am rounding down instead of up, is that the ending went ONE STEP FURTHER than I would have liked. Though it’s still plausible-it would have been EVEN more so-if had not gone there.
I can’t wait to see what Stacy Willingham comes up with next!! Highly recommended!
And, just a side note…I am also impressed at how many times she was able to use the word “Flicker” throughout the book!
Thank You to Minotaur Books for my gifted copy, provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Allie and her husband Mark have just moved to an upscale DC suburb, with their young son, Cole, and she is hoping to make a good first impression …
NotAllie and her husband Mark have just moved to an upscale DC suburb, with their young son, Cole, and she is hoping to make a good first impression …
Not bringing the little square hamburger buns for the sliders, which you supposedly signed up to bring, doesn’t earn you points.
A picture of you, snapped at that same neighborhood gathering, where your head is awfully close to a neighborhood Dad, over glasses of wine, doesn’t help either.
Especially when you exit the party quickly after an altercation-and that same Dad is found murdered the next day, texts between the two of you on Tinder, linking you to the dead man..
But Allie has never been on Tinder, and she soon discovers that her identity has been hacked, and someone is impersonating her online. Just one of the eighteen million fake FB accounts according to Google...
But why?!
It is amazing how many people believe whatever they read on a Facebook page.
Or that people believe videos and pictures posted, even though everything can be doctored nowadays.
“He who controls the camera controls the truth”
And, to think that I have sat in a Starbucks and logged on to public wi-fi! ...more
Mr. Wright is a self confessed workaholic and screenwriter, who has lived with face blindness his entire life. Success has been elusive despite the faMr. Wright is a self confessed workaholic and screenwriter, who has lived with face blindness his entire life. Success has been elusive despite the fact that he sold the rights to his first screenplay, Rock, Paper, Scissors at age 21-sadly it never made it out of the development stages.
Disappointment can take a toll on any marriage.
Mrs. Wright has been his biggest supporter. It’s clear from the letters she writes on each of their anniversaries (an idea she got from his screenplay) that they began their marriage very much in love. Each would try to outdo the other, by finding the most creative ways to exchange the traditional anniversary gifts-paper, cotton-pottery-tin etc.
When disagreements arose, or big decisions needed to made, they would play the childhood game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide the outcome-always knowing who would win.
So, what went wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Wright?
Now, Adam, Amelia and their Labrador Bob, are on their way to Scotland, for a weekend away to SAVE their marriage, despite a blinding snowstorm.
Each knows it could be their LAST as a couple.
Conveniently, Amelia won the trip through a raffle at her place of employment, the BatterSea animal rescue.
But, they didn’t randomly win this getaway… WHO lured WHO, to the secluded, converted Blackwater Chapel, and WHY?
I love this author’s prose…passages like “words don’t come with receipts-you cannot take them back” really resonate with me.
I couldn’t figure out if either Adam or Amelia were reliable and the very atmospheric Chapel with its SUPERNATURAL history, was seeping in atmosphere-CREAKY STEPS, LOCKED DOORS, NARROW STAIRCASES, COBWEBS, and WHISPERS which taunt you by saying your name THREE times…
The first TWIST was a good one-though I questioned if a certain character could so dramatically transform themself, more than once.
The final REVEAL, shown through the eyes of a minor character, was also a nice touch, which I enjoyed.
WHO has learned to play ROCK PAPER SCISSORS best?
There are some tense moments with Bob, but he isn’t harmed. However not ALL of the pets mentioned in this book were as LUCKY.
Overall-a CAPTIVATING read, making me already wonder how long I will have to wait for another book from this talented author!
NOW AVAILABLE!!
I received a free ARC of Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review …...more
Once a New and Noteworthy author on the New York Times bestseller list, Jacob Finch Bonner’s novel is all but forgotten and he is teaching a writing cOnce a New and Noteworthy author on the New York Times bestseller list, Jacob Finch Bonner’s novel is all but forgotten and he is teaching a writing course for a third-rate MFA program.
So, it is ALMOST comical, when student Evan Parker, attends his first session boasting that he has a PLOT so original that he is convinced that his story will not only get published, but will become a bestseller, an Oprah pick and will be optioned by an A-List producer who will make it into a movie.
He is so protective of it, that he will only share a few pages with his instructor or his classmates.
He has even selected a pseudonym, Parker Evan-to protect his anonymity.
Years later, Jacob wonders whatever became of this student and his story. He certainly doesn’t recall seeing Evan Parker’s name on a bookshelf or movie marquee.
A little research reveals that Evan died tragically before he could publish giving Jacob the idea that maybe HE should flesh out this PLOT. And, when he does, all of Evan’s predictions for it come true for author JACOB FINCH BONNER.
Until a troll threatens to expose him as a thief of someone else’s work! But, can you steal a PLOT?
After all he didn’t publish someone else’s written words as his own.
The book started a bit slowly for me, and I didn’t find excerpts of Jacob’s book, called “Crib” all that remarkable. The PLOT is really NOT that scintillating!
AND, I guessed the troll!
So where could the book go from here?
Thankfully the book builds momentum when Jacob begins investigating to figure out who is accusing him of plagiarism in an attempt to stop his troll -before his troll stops him-and his now promising career.
And, when his Publisher, Macmillan gets involves and explores APPROPRIATION in the Publishing World, and how COMBUSTIBLE this topic has become.
Narratives get told and retold all the time. Can you own a PLOT?
Who will prevail in the end? The ACCUSER or the ACCUSED? Will the truth get exposed or buried?
The ending raised my rating to 4⭐️ NOW AVAILABLE!!
I received a free ARC of The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz in exchange for an honest review! ...more
Twelve years ago, in the small town of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, two young men, Finn and Toby, lost their lives when their boat overturned in a violent stTwelve years ago, in the small town of Evelyn Bay, Tasmania, two young men, Finn and Toby, lost their lives when their boat overturned in a violent storm.
On the same day, 14 year old Gabby disappeared. Her purple backpack filled with waterlogged library books will wash up on the shore two days later.
It had been the worst storm in eighty years.
At the very tip of the furthest rocks, jutting out from the caves to the sea, stood “The Survivors”-three life sized iron figures, which stood guard, side by side, their faces gazing toward where the “Mary Minerva” had sunk years prior, taking 54 souls with it.
Townsfolk would gauge the weather by how much of the statues could be seen above the water.
THAT day, they completely vanished for the first time. And, much of the day is still shrouded in mystery.
Kieran, his partner Mia, and young daughter Audrey have returned to Evelyn Bay, to help his mother pack up the family home and move as his father has dementia.
He had been widely blamed for his brother Finn’s death years prior, and he is not sure how welcomed he will be.
On the night of his arrival, a waitress from the Surf and Turf restaurant and bar is found murdered on the beach.
Could her death be related to the deaths of Finn, Toby and Gabby years prior?
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be MOODY .
From the townsfolk who turn on each other, to the screeching gulls, the angry sea, and the pelting rain -this book OOZES atmosphere and melancholy.
This story is labeled as crime/mystery so the pace is not as fast as a thriller, but instead it reveals its clues at a more steady clip while offering up plenty of suspects and misdirection to keep you guessing.
It was my first read of a Jane Harper book, and I devoured it in just two sittings.
I received a free ARC from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. Thank You for the introduction to Ms. Harper’s work.
Grayson Skies is put on the case. It may be her first as a P.I. but she knows a thing or two about disappeIsabel Lincoln is gone. But, is she missing?
Grayson Skies is put on the case. It may be her first as a P.I. but she knows a thing or two about disappearing.
Excerpt: Natalie Dixon, a woman Gray knew once upon a time, had disappeared like that. Unlike the men who disappeared, women left their egos behind along with their keys, photo identification, and unpaid electric bills. These women may have wondered about their past lives-What are they doing back home? How are they living without me? Did somebody finally wash those damned dishes? -but they rarely did more than wonder. They never visited old haunts, They never searched their names on Google or checked their Facebook pages. Unlike most men who vanished, women rarely got caught. They just wanted a new beginning."
There were one or two passages like the one I just shared that made me hopeful that this could be a 4 or 5 star read for me.
BUT, unfortunately, the MAJORITY of the author’s descriptions were METAPHORS and that did NOT resonate with me. Nobody thinks or speaks this way so the dialogue and prose did not sound natural, and it took me out of the story.
I rapidly lost interest.
This cat and mouse, cross country chase DID go in an unexpected direction, but it came out of left field and did not match with the storyline which had been put in place in chapter one.
This book was just not a good fit for my personal taste.
2.5 ⭐️
I received a free ARC of "And, Now She's Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review."
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