When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have youCatching up…
When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have you read it or seen the movie?
And, do you recall having that feeling about a book or a movie that you aren’t sure you want to re-visit it because it was that frightening?
And, to be honest I am not a fan of horror, scary or being told “boo” around any dark corners.
So, the question for me was, did I really want to go here again just to submit this review?
Well, obviously I did. So, what was I thinking?
When I tell you that this is that kind of a book that once you decide to place yourself within the pages of it, you are making a commitment to maybe not choose to sleep for a week afterwards, will you believe me?
Please know that, I care enough about you to put this much into words. But I am not going to give you explicit details. Nope. Not because I am not a spoiler revealer kind of a person, but this is the kind of a book that is better to go into blindly. At your own risk. It will be important to know that there will be slow reveals. Tension. Because something is ALWAYS happening. And, it WILL always be about choice. For you as a reader. And, for the characters to make. At the cabin. At the end of the world.
And, as the cover of the book says, “save your family or save humanity. Make the choice.”
But the real choice is whether you as the reader will want to just open the pages of this book.
“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened t“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened to Katy’s sister?
In this road trip, 3 narrators will give readers their version of a road trip.
Grief struck Katy who wants to desperately figure out what happened to her sister Phoebe when she went on a solo road trip in her van. Then there is Beth who is also a solo traveler escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas. And, finally, Wyatt, the younger brother of Lucas who lives with their father following their mother’s disappearance.
Everyone has their own story. And, unfortunately for me, this is a psychological thriller. (I say unfortunately, because these-type-of-stories have a tendency to create confusion and twists and darkness that take the story down a road that leaves readers a bit exasperated.) At least, this one.
I prefer a good old-fashioned mystery that doesn’t hurt my head with so much twisty darkness. It is also difficult when you have an unreliable narrator, such as Katy.
So, what happens when Katy and Beth connect? Can Beth be trusted? And, what does Wyatt’s point of view bring to the story?
But wait, there might be another narrator? (No spoilers from me.)
The book will give a sense of strong female characters against all odds, but…and there is that but… it will touch on domestic violence, and trauma. And, the risks of stranger danger. On the pretty side…It will be quite scenic with the Australian outback.
The question is, will readers find the conclusion intriguing, satisfying or confusing? With all the red herrings, it will be hard to know how best to decide.
For me, the story didn’t seem to come to life until towards the end, and by then I just wanted the book to end. By then, I seemed more fascinated with the author’s note.
I am probably an outlier here, so please read other’s reviews.
This was another 4th Wednesdays Mystery Readers Group at the Library Book discussion selection that we enjoyed several years ago. And, it Catching up…
This was another 4th Wednesdays Mystery Readers Group at the Library Book discussion selection that we enjoyed several years ago. And, it had a lot to do with Inspector Adam Dalgliesh and his way of being so deeply engrossed in solving murders, to the point of sometimes not paying enough attention to his own personal life.
And as another donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this is another catch up review for Goodreads.
James has a way of setting the perfect murder scene. Typically, a remote setting. Somewhat spooky. Especially at night.
Readers will find themselves at the Dupayne Museum which is housed in an old mansion. And, as we are soon to discover, one of the museums displays is devoted to a room. Specifically called “The Murder Room.” Of course it is!
And, yes there are a few of them – murders. It wouldn’t be a James novel, without them, right?! So, this will keep the Inspector and his team rather busy.
And, what makes these particular “modern” murders most interesting, is that the current murders are being re-enacted similarly to the murders that are already a part of the display in “The Murder Room.”
Unusual? What message is the murderer conveying here? And, why?
On top of all these murders, and the Inspector attempting to solve them, he is also wanting to conduct his own romance with Emma Lavenham, a lecturer in English literature at Cambridge. Will they have a chance with his distractions to this case?
In typical James fashion, the book moves slowly, but steadily, and answers will come. Which makes this a perfect story for conversation with others....more
Sloan is adopted. She was raised by a very loving supportive family. Now she is in a doctorate program where she is excited to be a part of the emergiSloan is adopted. She was raised by a very loving supportive family. Now she is in a doctorate program where she is excited to be a part of the emerging field of forensic genealogy. So, it makes perfect sense for her to submit her own DNA to an online genealogy site. What doesn’t make sense are the results of the test. In fact, they are shocking to her.
Could she really be the missing baby to affluent parents who also vanished in 1995?
And as a cold case, what will happen if Sloan decides to open this case to discover the truth of what happened?
Well, as it turns out, someone isn’t happy about it, and the closer Sloan gets to the truth, the closer danger gets to her.
This page-turning, twisty, engrossing, propulsive novel is undoubtedly, Donlea at his best....more
Sometimes books just want to make a point. But what happens when a point goes too far?
This book is divided into sections. It isn’t always clear who iSometimes books just want to make a point. But what happens when a point goes too far?
This book is divided into sections. It isn’t always clear who is the narrator at first until you are reading for a while, and then that person is identified, or a format change is created. Or sometimes the chapter will just give you a time elapsed label. And then there are the social media posts which will give readers another viewpoint.
But each narrator will have a completely different perspective which then gives the reader a totally different set-up which makes us then ask…
Who are we to believe?
There are so many different viewpoints that it becomes a bit confusing and convoluted at the same time. And, difficult to create alliances with any one character. Which means, is anybody really likable? And, if they aren’t, is the book?
The focus of the story is on fear, control and what is the truth in any given situation. And…Who is telling the truth – Cole? Mel? Lennie?
Surprisingly, because there are so many perspectives, and opinions, this may make for a good selection for a group discussion because of the male and female narrations. Even if the different angles/perspectives and opposing viewpoints have readers questioning who to believe. That in itself, provides a great basis for discussion, right?...more
I read this not too long ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
No doubt, Roz Chast has a sense of fun and imagination. And thiCatching up…
I read this not too long ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
No doubt, Roz Chast has a sense of fun and imagination. And this is her way of sharing it. Graphically. About dreams. All kinds of dreams. And nightmares. Including celebrities. Dentists, food, or other weird possibilities that might enter into the subconscious mind of the artist/author and/or reader coming along for the ride.
Chast uses this avenue as a creative outlet that showcases her fascination with dreams.
Some may find it a window into her mind, as humor, others, may consider it pages that they would rather have avoided. Hoping perhaps they won’t find themselves amidst their own bad dreams later that night.
To fully appreciate the experience of this book, it is best to have an open sense of humor. Or, just avoid it completely. ...more
With those two books she had stories with strong and relatable characters.
With this one it is going to feel like a gothic fairy tale about an old house full of secrets. An unfortunate man, Arthur, doomed to be its caretaker, and a young woman, Opal who hopes to turn things around.
The question for readers…will they be successful?
Will he be too beastly to her beauty (even though they are both simply deemed ‘ordinary looking’) – or will they be able to manage amongst the old monsters that have inhabited this house and community?
Will they be able to conquer the sinister secrets that lie in this small town?
The characters are complex, and the story does have purpose and meaning. Eden, Kentucky has a dark past it is attempting to overcome. There is history and mysticism that will attempt to create a magical and yet grounded world within these pages. But did it have enough to keep this reader invested?
I appreciated the interweaving of fairy tale elements with contemporary real-world issues. I recommend you read her acknowledgements page. There are some wonderful insights to be gained there.
Still, I usually like Harrow’s stories, but this one was a little darker for my taste, and I found myself struggling to stay interested. But even though it is dark, it is also full of hope. And for that reason, I will round my stars up.
But please don’t think I liked or was happy with this story. I do however love this author and recommend the stories I read and reviewed above.
“The streets were dark with something more than night.” – Raymond Chandler, Author, 1950
Carching up…
I am re-visiting an old novel I read quite some ti“The streets were dark with something more than night.” – Raymond Chandler, Author, 1950
Carching up…
I am re-visiting an old novel I read quite some time ago of Connelly’s and now bringing my review to Goodreads.
It is 2001. A dark case calls for the return of profiler, Terry McCaleb, first seen in Blood Work, who has created a new life for himself. We will also see LA Homicide Detective Harry Bosch. McCaleb and Bosch have been good friends for about 12 years.
This case is complicated and intriguing to McCaleb, and in many ways, it appears to implicate Bosch. Especially since the victim and Bosch had an antagonistic past relationship.
Could Bosch have been responsible for his death?
In the meantime, Bosch, is currently involved in a high-profile murder trial. He is a principal witness under attack. When he realizes that he is being suspected of murder by McCaleb, in the case he has been working, Bosch challenges him with the statement, “you missed something.” But what?
Does someone have something against Bosch? And why?
“Bosch didn’t smile. He didn’t blink. He didn’t do anything but hold the stare.”
In true fashion it typically comes down to the Bosch stare. Connelly provides an excellent police procedural and courtroom drama that keeps pages turning at a classic thrilling pace. Reminding readers not only of early Bosch but of earlier characters we have come to appreciate, too. ...more
So, who needs a vacation anyway when you have this kind of a story that re-defines what a vacation is?
If I were to describe this book in one word?
SiniSo, who needs a vacation anyway when you have this kind of a story that re-defines what a vacation is?
If I were to describe this book in one word?
Sinister.
With lots of characters. Shall I create my list and check it off so I can keep track? Why is that one looking over her shoulder? Who can anyone trust? What is everybody really up to here?
What is the author trying to tell readers about all those secrets? And twists? And surprises? Will readers get answers? Eventually. But keep your lists. It may help.
My Goodreads friend, Corey keeps recommending I read this author. And then, my Goodreads friend, Jayme recommended I read this one of his specificallyMy Goodreads friend, Corey keeps recommending I read this author. And then, my Goodreads friend, Jayme recommended I read this one of his specifically. Here is her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
How could I turn away from her 5-star review? Or Corey’s insistence in his love of this author?
Well, I waited patiently for this book to arrive from the library, and started to read. But it scared me. So, I put it down for a bit. And read other books. And then I would begin to read it again. And put it down again.
Okay, okay, okay. Finally I said to myself, “Self, it is time to finish this book.”
Poor Paul. He thinks he is being a good Samaritan by letting his neighbor Kenneth know that something is wrong with his taillight, and he would hate to see him pulled over by a cop.
Well, whatever Paul experienced in that good Samaritan moment wasn’t exactly what Kenneth wanted, after all, he was being caught in the act of a crime. Now 8 months later, Paul is attempting to recover from a case of PTSD and depression.
His wife rewards him with a vintage typewriter – a classic Underwood so he can write that novel he always wanted to write. What better subject – than Kenneth!
But apparently this typewriter has a mind of its own. Is it writing its own story? Or is Paul losing his mind?
How will Paul overcome this? Does he need to investigate Kenneth’s crimes? By getting to this truth will that help him get over his own nightmares?
And if you think everything is as it seems, don’t be so sure. This is a twisty tale that keeps on twisting. Just keep on turning pages, because more will be revealed, and when you think you are satisfied you have all the pieces to wrap it all up…
The author throws a few more red herrings for readers to snack on. Barclay is truly a genius when it comes to scary typewriter character stories! Is there such a thing?
Thank you, Jayme and Corey. But, please no more Linwood Barclay recommendations. I have been scared enough for a while! ...more
At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book. It seemed like my worst nightmare. A father looking in on his daughter at her job and finds out she doesn’t work there. What? Who is she? What does he not know about his own daughter?
I love that my adult sons call me all the time and tell me what is going on with them, and ask me advice about their jobs and life in general. I can’t ever imagine being faced with this kind of dilemma. But then again, I am not in this mystery.
So here we are readers.
Which makes this the perfect title of a book. Fear the worst? Oh yes. I know I would, too. And this certainly makes for a perfect beleaguered protagonist. And putting the reader through the emotional wringer. Thank you, Corey! ...more
This author who is a prize-winning culture reporter and theater critic knows a thing or two about what they are choosing to write in their psychologicThis author who is a prize-winning culture reporter and theater critic knows a thing or two about what they are choosing to write in their psychological thriller debut novel.
Readers are being introduced to Vivian, a Manhattan-based theater critic who isn’t quite the thoughtful reviewer. She is also mixing sex, booze and pills to quell her anxiety and grief over the loss of her mother.
As a long-term junior critic, she aspires to be a senior critic, and in the interim accepts an invitation from a grad student, David to be interviewed for his thesis. This invitation comes with an expectation to be on a panel which she hopes will help her secure a promotion from her employer.
But, once she meets David, she finds there is something off about him. And then, he disappears, and Irina his fiancé begs for Vivian to help find him. But Irina’s father, a supposed Russian mobster, is not happy about the upcoming nuptials, and suspects foul play.
So…have we been-here-before? What is really happening? What did David know about Vivian that caused her such discomfort? Did she do something to him? Did Irina’s mobster father disappear David? Will Vivian sober up and find herself?
Will readers enjoy this surveillance world, yet modern noir style read with flawed, unlikable characters?
This one was published in the year 2000. I think I have a neighbor who has been cleaning his bookshelves, and deciding it was time to donate his colleThis one was published in the year 2000. I think I have a neighbor who has been cleaning his bookshelves, and deciding it was time to donate his collection to my Little Free Library Shed. He definitely has been making this neighborhood (for the most part) happy with his decision.
On to this story…
3 ex-judges, now imprisoned, have a bit of a side-business in prison of blackmailing some very prominent men who still live their lives in the closet.
Well, what do you think will happen when one of those men that these ex-judges decide to blackmail is going for a very top government position? Do you think that person is going to let their secret be known?
And, what do you think that person is going to want to have done with their criminal blackmailers?
Is there really a safe place to hide?
So, look at it this way. We have criminal judges. We have a criminal at the top of government being blackmailed. Who are readers supposed to root for? ...more
“Why are people drawn to demagogues? Why have millions of citizens of democracies chosen, from time to time over the centuries, to pledge fealty to le“Why are people drawn to demagogues? Why have millions of citizens of democracies chosen, from time to time over the centuries, to pledge fealty to leaders whose actions – political and personal – are obviously repugnant? What could possibly be the appeal?” – Richard Just – former Editor of The Washington Post
I felt Mr. Just’s quote was a perfect introduction to this book, because so much of what we are experiencing in today’s world fits with the message of this book, even if the plot deals with history. Still, Egan’s response could fit Mr. Just’s questions when he writes…
“A vein of hatred was always there for the tapping.”
It is not easy to read a book like this. Especially as we bear witness to our country TODAY being wooed by overt white supremacists in the guise of religious righteous folks.
And as a meticulously researched book, (the Notes section is 31 pages long), Egan strives to share a dark time in history.
Yet, reading it under today’s sharp and revealing light, it appears that this history is catching up to us, much too quickly.
As voters, we have a tremendous responsibility to pay attention and make sure these people are no longer attached or a part of our government offices, school boards, library boards, city councils and boards of supervisors, courts, and any other decision-making body that can take away our rights as citizens of this world.
In fact, reading this book, brings to mind a quote by Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani female education activist and the 2014, world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She received the award at age 17. She said…
“We realize the importance of our voice when we are silenced.”
Hopefully, we will realize the importance of our voice much sooner than that! We can’t afford to have history repeating itself.
And that is why books like this, are important. They show the ugly truth of a way of life that impacts those that are underheard.
Still, even if Egan resists making parallels to the present in this book, they still lurk below the surface in this thoughtfully written story.
This is the story of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) at the height of power. We knew the KKK mostly for their white hoods and robes and their banners insisting that “America is for Americans.”
Egan’s focus. in his book, is on D.C. Stephenson, an amoral drifter with an entrepreneurial streak. He becomes the central figure in the Klan’s expansion across the American Midwest of the 1920’s, when they believed they needed to defend white women against Black people, Catholics and Jews.
Egan presents the KKK quite graphically showcasing them as if we were watching a crime horror show, as opposed to reading a non-fiction story.
As readers we are witness to torture, beatings and horrific lynchings.
The author continues to share that the KKK saw themselves as racial purists, who stoked the fears of white persons against those that were “different” than them. He tells readers that in those days, it was okay to be outwardly Klan. Police and politicians were bribed, corruption was rampant; and, businesses owned by Jews, Catholics or Blacks were actively disrupted.
He also lets us know that Stephenson was a monster and a sadistic sexual predator. But people placed their trust and admiration in this self-evidently horrible man and his fellow terrorists. We can also surmise that anyone with these beliefs were monsters. But, because the Klan was powerful, at that time, they were untouchable.
Egan notes how Stephenson manipulated the public:
“He discovered that if he said something often enough, no matter how untrue, people would believe it.”
It was as if his horrific personality made him more popular.
Why does this sound familiar?
Because we are witnessing moral transgressions with a movement that begins with the unbalanced habitual liars who successfully blur truth and fabrication through endless repetition of falsehoods.
So how do we stop this movement? This person?
If we look at the title of the book it implies that it was one woman who stopped the KKK back then. But did she really?
Apparently, Stephenson abducted, raped and murdered a woman named Madge Oberholtzer. Before she died, she shared a “dying declaration” of who her murderer was, in the hopes that she would get justice.
But did she really stop the KKK?
In some ways yes – with his trial. But most likely there were other mitigating factors.
What readers get mostly is what the author gives us…
His skilled storytelling. There are villains and heroes alike. High stakes drama. Courtroom action.
Mostly, there is opportunity for readers to consider how this past plays out in present time. The unfortunate bigotry – antisemitism – racism – hatred that still exists.
Can we stop this movement again?
Is there a lesson to be learned…
If this looks distressingly familiar – it probably is. Unfortunately, extremism still exists.
And, because it does, we cannot afford to let this hatred walk the halls of government ever again.
For Wren, our first-person narrator, who speaks of Adam Harper, the antagonist, in second person, we are not sure Is dating by app a safe experience?
For Wren, our first-person narrator, who speaks of Adam Harper, the antagonist, in second person, we are not sure what is in store for these two people who meet this way.
As readers, we feel like we are inside Wren’s head as she carries on a conversation with him.
This exchange feels compelling. And suddenly, there is a sense of danger – physically, emotionally and psychologically.
Why?
And when Adam ghosts Wren, after she falls for him, why is she so intent on finding him?
And for readers the questions become…
What is really going on here?
Who do we trust? Believe?
This becomes the true mystery – Wren’s past, and why she is obsessed with Adam.
The problem is that the book, although starting off solidly, slipped in credibility as it went on. Did I need to suspend disbelief?
And when I think that, I wonder if I am truly enjoying the story anymore.
Maybe you will feel differently.
Still, this story is dark, spine-tingling, and very, very uncomfortable. Enter at your own risk....more
This is a short book of short stories. Which made it an easy-to-read, quick read.
McCorkle has a way of creating something for the reader to discover This is a short book of short stories. Which made it an easy-to-read, quick read.
McCorkle has a way of creating something for the reader to discover in just a few pages.
My favorite story was “Confessional.”
So...
Imagine if you will what people might say to a priest in a confessional. Now imagine if you had the confessional in your home? How would you use that confessional? What would you confess?
The author’s dialogue is a masterclass in expert plotting. I felt as if I were watching a movie before my eyes.
And…
With all her stories, the author’s characters were flawed, at times ugly towards one another, and sometimes so real feeling, I had to wonder if I read about them somewhere in a news story.
It is a brilliant collection. Characters are interesting and mostly unlikable, but fascinating.
And…
Gratefully the 12 stories being short enough that I didn’t have to reflect too long on these people. My memories of them were gone in a flash.
For the most part I have grown weary of James Patterson novels.
However…
He is one of my most popular author check-outs from my Little Free Library She For the most part I have grown weary of James Patterson novels.
However…
He is one of my most popular author check-outs from my Little Free Library Shed.
And…
He is also one of the most donated authors, as well.
So…
Whether I am weary of his formulaic plots or not, I do appreciate that Patterson was one of the first authors to co-write books with up-and-coming talented authors…
Thus…
Giving them the name recognition they deserve for their writing capabilities.
So…
When this title came up with two of my favorite characters, Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple, I needed to read it.
The question becoming…
What was Mr. Patterson, and his co-author, Brian Sitts, a go-to writer with Patterson on several other novels, as well as a television writer, going to deliver?
And…
Within a moment, just opening the first couple of pages, it is clear. This isn’t Sherlock Holmes, or Miss Jane Marple, or even Edgar Allan Poe. It is in fact, 3 characters with their last names and the infamous characters mannerisms in present day.
So…
What were the mannerisms that mimicked our famous trio?
First…
For Sherlock Holmes, we can always count on his detection and sharp observation skills and an ability to eliminate the impossible.
Brendan Holmes…
“Maybe, like the original Holmes, he considered himself the last and highest court of appeal in detection. Maybe he was self-destructive. Or maybe he just craved the drama.”
And an…
“Unnaturally acute sense of smell. A genetic fluke.”
Second…
For Miss Marple, mostly dressed in tweed, with a sharp logical mind and an understanding of human nature and their weaknesses.
“…seemed quiet and thoughtful.”
As well as…
“Don’t mind me, I’m just the little old lady in the corner with a book. No life at all.”
Third…
For the famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe, not always agreeable or conscientious, and typically argumentative and untrusting.
“…kind of brooding and rakish at the same time.”
So…
How do these 3 modern versions work?
And…
Most importantly, how do I feel now, knowing they aren’t the original Sherlock, Miss Marple and Poe?
For me…
As a reader I found myself following flawed characters with similar issues to the original characters.
And…
It left me annoyed and frustrated at times.
But…
They did their job and worked well with NYPD detective lieutenant Helene Grey. (And she with Poe, maybe, just a little too well? No spoilers from me.)
Still…
Was it really necessary to namedrop?
“…which is why guests spotted Alicia Keys at the piano and Adrien Brody behind the bar.”
And…
What about those cases they take on?
Predictable.
So…
Why keep turning pages?
Short chapters...
And...
I was simply curious if anything would change. Or liven up. Or be unique or twisty with a surprising reveal.
And…
Could there possibly be more to these 3 characters who just happened to have these names and enough money to transform a building into a showpiece that housed their business and their private apartments?
Was the true mystery these 3?
So…
I kept reading.
And…
One thing you can count on with Patterson…
He won’t let one detail go unaddressed.
Thus…
All was solved.
In this page-turning, predictable, easy-to-read story.
With my Little Free Library Shed donations, and attempting to get my reviews posted on Goodreads.
So…
What happens when you meet someone whCatching up…
With my Little Free Library Shed donations, and attempting to get my reviews posted on Goodreads.
So…
What happens when you meet someone who shares your birthday? Are you excited by the possibilities of how much you might have in common?
Well…
In the case of this story, welcome to a twisty, addictive read with creepy vibes whose characters become irrevocably intertwined because of that commonality.
And…
Is this necessarily a good thing?
Or…
Are we in for something more sinister?
As…
A reader, I felt myself a bit frustrated. The hook of the common birthdays was interesting…
But…
The creep factor which included some foul language, themes of pedophilia and spousal abuse, was hard to read.
Still…
If titles of books are an indication of what is to come, pay attention to this one!
And…
To some extent, be ready to suspend disbelief. (No spoilers from me.)
Because…
Even though this had been moving slowly for me, by the half way point of the book, I really wanted to keep reading. I was interested to find out what was going to happen.
So…
If you can get through the first half of the book…
Readers may find the story compelling, (although sometimes annoying and disappointing, and definitely dark).
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