Maria
Well, it was about time I read another Shari Lapena book! I read An Unwanted Guest and I have to say, I enjoyed this one quite a bit more. I mean they were both good but this one dared to go where the other one did not, it was dark and twisted and the characters were rotten to the core. I have been in a bit of a reading slump due to personal stuff going on in my life and if it hadn't been for that, I would have definitely finished this book much faster. It had almost everything I ever want in my thrillers and it did not disappoint. I will definitely be picking up the rest of Lapena's books very soon.
To begin with, The Couple Next Door is about a couple, Anne and Marco, who have an infant daughter and one night they go to a dinner party next door and leave their baby in her crib whilst keeping an eye on her through the baby monitor. In a shocking turn of events, the baby goes missing and things start to unravel for all the parties involved. I freaking loved this plot! I thought it was unique and fresh and there were nonstop thrills all throughout this book. I prefer my thrillers to contain shock value all throughout and this book did not disappoint on that front. It definitely kept me reading and holding onto the edge of my seat because I wanted to know what would happen and the fate of all the characters involved.
Further on, the characterization was good. I didn't think it was extraordinarily great but it was good, above average. I got to know the characters and their dark flaws and secrets but there was still the feeling of being kept at a distance, in my opinion. It might have also had something to do with the writing style. For this reason, I didn't get too attached to the characters but because the story was so exciting and thrilled me to the bone, I still wanted to find out what the outcome would be for all of them. Either way, it was not bad, not bad at all.
Finally, the writing style is the thing that I have most trouble with in Lapena's novels. It is a very particular style choice and takes a while to get used to but once you get used to it, the story definitely begins to flow. I find her writing a bit over simplistic, even for me and I often feel- the simpler, the better. But not in this case. Also, the tense it's written in might have something to do with that as well, it just doesn't seem to flow as well with this tense choice. Either way, it wasn't bad and didn't take away my enjoyment of the book and the story itself.
In conclusion, I absolutely loved this book and am not surprised that it's a New York Times Bestseller because the plot was something else entirely, in a good way. I would recommend this book to any and all thriller lovers, especially those looking for a very exciting and unputdownable read. You won't be disappointed!
After picking up this book solely on a whim because I fell in love with the cover after I saw it as a possible Book of the Month add on, I am glad to say that I liked it and enjoyed it immensely. Of course, there were things about it that I wasn't particularly thrilled about but in general it was a satisfying reading experience and I will be checking out Megan Collins' other books, even though I've never heard about her work before. It's nice how sometimes you stumble upon authors you would have never come across, totally by accident and maybe partial luck.
First of, The Winter Sister is about a woman named Sylvie, who is drawn back to her hometown because her mother is sick with cancer and she is the only one who can take care of her. This is the same place, where sixteen years ago, her sister Persephone was strangled and the murdered never found. I have read storylines like this one before so it wasn't the most unique in regards to that but I think that the writing and the beautifully complicated relationship that the heroine has with her mother is one of the best I have ever come across in a novel. That's what really bumped the story up to four stars for me and kept me reading and engaged. The pacing it also decent but is somewhat brought down by the rather predictable story.
Secondly, the characterization in this book is probably what I loved the most about it. I loved that all of the characters were flawed and human and it definitely made them very relatable, even in some aspects. And as I have mentioned already, the relationship between Sylvie and her mother was portrayed and brought to life beautifully and it gave me chills because there were so many aspects that I could see in my own relationship with my mother. I have always felt that the relationship between mother and daughter is the most complicated one of all and this book masterfully brings the intricacies of such a fragile thing to life. That's really what made me tear through the book and what I found the most meaningful.
Finally, the writing style was on the higher end for me. It was beautiful and yet it wasn't overdone or made to be longer then necessary. It got the story beautifully across and the meaning behind everything and yet it didn't feel tedious reading it, not even for one second. It felt sophisticated without being too complicated for me to grasp fully the first time I read it. I will definitely be checking out the author's other works exactly for this very reason.
In conclusion, even though I didn't love this book, I definitely enjoyed it. It isn't the most exciting thriller mystery I have ever read but there is a strong mother/daughter relationship in it and I thought it carried the whole book pretty much. I would recommend it to someone looking for a meaningful book with meaningful connections between characters and not necessarily to someone looking for an exciting, “on-the-edge-of-your-seat” type of read.
Woah, okay! Finally, a book that's just as good as the cover! I picked up Goodnight Beautiful as an add-on in my Book of the Month box and I am so freaking glad that I finally got around to reading this incredible book and I am happy that I decided to pick up another book by Aimee Molloy, after not liking The Perfect Mother at all. It really goes to show that not all books by the same author will work for an individual and I will be more hesitant to never read an author's work again, if I didn't particularly like their first one because you just never know. This book had nonstop twist and turns and I was immersed throughout the whole story, almost feeling like I got whiplash at certain points.
First of all, Goodnight Beautiful is about newly married couple, Annie and Sam, who move back to Sam's childhood neighborhood in order to be closer to his mother, who has a bad case of dementia. As they settle into their new lives and jobs, things transpire that no one could have seen coming. I loved this plot! As I have pointed out time and time again, I love a good domestic thriller and this one was fantastic. There were twists and turns all throughout the novel and a few big reveals at equal intervals all throughout as well. I love novels that have a big reveal towards the beginning of the book, it exhilarates me like nothing else can. There were times when I was confused whilst reading this book because I felt like I couldn't trust anything that I was inferring from it but it was more of a positive because it added to the excitement of feeling like I absolutely had to get to the end of the novel and find out exactly what transpired and how. Talk about a wild ride!
Secondly, the characterization was pretty good in this novel, I would put it above average. The main characters had complex backgrounds of their own and things they have been through in their lives and it made the story itself very believable and made the characters' actions understandable, even if also frowned upon. I found the ability to relate to all the flawed, messed up people in this novel and was experiencing the emotions right along with them. I will definitely be picking up Molloy's future works, without a doubt.
Thirdly, the writing style of the novel is the only thing that I found remotely negative at times. For me it felt a little choppy sometimes and there were moments when I had to reread the same sentence again to get the full understanding of what exactly was happening or if that particular thing was something that happened in the past or is happening in the present day. It wasn't too bad however, and I got used to it after a while. Also, the short chapters really added to the fast-paced nature of this novel and it was exactly what I needed after the last book I read was such a disappointment.
In conclusion, I think any and all thriller lovers and seekers will enjoy this novel. It was extremely fast-paced, suspenseful and shocking all throughout with the major and the minor reveals. I also felt that the novel is the perfect length and nothing is wasted or stretched longer then it needs to be. Give this book a shot, I think you'll like it!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review. This was one of those books that I had a really hard time placing between four and three stars. While there were many things that I liked, there were just as many things that either irritated me or just put me off to the story. I originally got the arc a while ago and even though it took me a long time to finally read it, I am definitely glad that I did because even if the story wasn't the most exciting, there are some really deep truths about assault victims and I found the novel to be extremely moving in that regard. I would still recommend this book but know that it's not your typical thriller mystery but if you want to be profoundly touched then it just might be for you.
First of, When the Stars Go Dark is about a missing persons' detective, Anna Hart, who flees from her current family life after a tragic accident back to her childhood home, which stirs up a lot things she left behind and then she is forced right back into her job when a girl goes missing and she can't resist her need to help find the girl. I thought the plot was okay and this is one of my first tropes like this but the story progressed rather slow and I don't think it had to be this long. Things were revealed too slowly for me, especially because I prefer things coming to light all throughout the novels that I am reading, not just at the end. That is what I mean when I say that it's not your typical suspenseful thriller, the unfolding of the story definitely didn't keep me holding onto the edge of my seat.
Secondly, the characterization was probably the thing I enjoyed the most about this book because we really get a good look into Anna's psyche and what makes her tick and we really understand what compels her to be so immersed and obsessed with her job. The writing style definitely helps with that because even though it's more drawn out than I'd prefer in my thrillers, it is also very deeply profound and gets Anna's soul across beautifully. Not something I would expect from a thriller but I enjoyed that aspect of it.
Thirdly, the writing style is beautiful and flowing but a little bit too much for me, especially in a thriller, which I am used to being fast-paced and exhilarating. For this reason, I found it to have progressed extremely slowly. I did enjoy all the deep truths in regards to assault victims, which I haven't pondered that deeply myself yet, I just wasn't prepared for it and thought I was going into something completely different.
In conclusion, even though this book wasn't my favorite, I think readers who enjoy long flowy sentences and an abundance of descriptions would really enjoy this one. However, if you are looking for a fast-paced, mind blowing, shocking thriller, I did not find this to be it.
After reading John Marrs' novel What Lies Between Us, I knew it was only a matter of time before I picked up The One and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The book started a little too slow for my liking but then it picked up and the ending really just sealed the deal for me. John Marrs remains an auto-buy author for me and I will be picking up all his other works eventually, that is for sure.
To begin with, The One is about a matching service of the future, a potential love interests' DNA is looked at to find the one little bit that perfectly coincides with another person's DNA and that is your perfect match. This is a love like no other you will ever experience and five people are about to find out just how life changing finding “the one” is for them and the lives they have constructed so carefully. I freaking loved the premise of this book and the plot is downright genius. How the author came up with this is beyond me and the book deserves all the hype it has gotten, that is for sure. I loved how we followed five different people as they discovered who their matches were and then followed them as their lives completely turned upside down. Even though it wasn't the traditional thriller right off the bat, once I got into all the different characters, I had no problem getting through the rest of the book. Amazing premise!
Secondly, the characterization in this book is excellent. I love dark and messed up people doing dark and messed up things and that's just what I got. The author did not play it safe and I found myself stressing along with the characters, afraid of what would happen to them next. There was definitely the fear factor of being matched and how it caused seemingly normal people to do things they would have never imagined doing in their lives up to that point. The characters were very flawed and it was amazing to see them going through these insane circumstances and they were very relatable because they acted out of an irrational place, which made sense considering the circumstances surrounding them. Loved it!
Finally, the writing was precise and to the point, which I find very enjoyable in John Marrs' novels. It made it a lot easier to get into the book and keep going, without having to go back and reread parts of it. I also loved that the chapters were so short because that kind of format is my favorite and makes me want to get through the book even faster.
In conclusion, even though this is not your typical thriller, once you get into it, it's really hard to put it down because you will want to find out what is going to happen to the five different characters that the book is centered around. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dark and twisted novels, with a hint of mystery to it that's not revealed until the very end. I would definitely recommend you give this book a try, it's not like anything I've ever read before!
Woah! This is what they mean when they say that venturing out of your comfort zone sometimes pays off! I originally brought this book before I even started my bookstagram page, just as I was really getting into reading and discovering a love for it mostly for one reason- the cover. Yes, I am a sucker for beautiful and shiny things and this cover is one of the most beautiful but as I discovered my main love for all things thriller, the book just got left behind on my TBR shelf and I was in no hurry to pick it up. Then, as I gifted this same book to a dear friend from bookstagram and agreed to do a buddy read with her, I had no choice but to give it a shot. And I am so glad I did! It was something new and exciting for me and definitely reminded me of my love for adventure and YA novels. I don't love all of them but this one is just top notch!
First of, Fable is about a girl who was raised on the sea and when her father abandons her on one of the most dangerous islands in the world to fend for herself, after her mother dies in a shipwreck, she must trade and dredge and do everything necessary in order to survive so she can get off the island and claim from her father what's rightfully hers. This plot actually seemed confusing to me when I read the dust jacket but once you get into the book it is very well explained and I had no problem getting sucked into the epic adventure story that blew me completely away. I love the unpredictable plot and now feel like I need to buy the second book as soon as possible because I am dying to see what happens next to these amazing characters.
Secondly, the characterization was mesmerizing. All the characters came alive on the page and jumped right out of the book for me and I felt as if I was on the crew with them, feeling all the emotions as they were feeling them. I loved that they all had pasts and weren't even close to perfect considering they had to do what they had to do in order to survive, but they still strived to be better and didn't let the hard world defeat their goodness completely. Even though the story was so out there and not something I could relate to, the characters have grown to be my friends and it was a joy seeing them form relationships and grow as human beings.
Thirdly, the writing style was very usual for YA but there was a certain sophistication to the way she formed her sentences and carefully connected precise words together to make the story flow beautifully and come alive before the reader's eyes. I really don't think there was anything below extraordinary in this book and I will be reading all of Young's other novels because she is a very gifted author and moved me beyond words.
In conclusion, this is one of those books that I think anyone would enjoy, that's how moving and profound and exhilarating this beautiful story is. Even if YA fantasy is not your thing, I believe strongly that you will be pleasantly surprised. I definitely was!
If I had to describe this incredible whirlwind of a book in one word it would be intensely unsettling. I read most of it late at night, since that's when I have the most time to read after putting the kids to bed, and I was stressing and on edge the whole time, afraid something would jump out at me or break into the house. I have read other books that were suspenseful and really creepy in that way before to give me goosebumps but they paled in comparison. It was like a ghost story on crack and I absolutely loved it. I am only sad that it took me so long to finally get to this book because my TBR shelf is exploding at the moment. Only advise I have, try not to read it alone at night because even if you will get scared, you won't be able to stop reading this novel.
First of all, The Sun Down Motel is a story that follows dual timelines, that from the perspective of Viv, a woman who disappeared from her shift at the Sun Down Motel one night a long time ago, and the other one from the present day eyes of Carly- Viv's niece. Carly is determined to find out what happened to her aunt, no matter what, even if the motel and answers are a lot more than she bargained for. This plot was terrific and I loved that it had so many layers to it, just when I thought I had figured out one layer, I would realize that there are tons more where that came from. It was one of the most suspenseful novels I've ever read and the phrase “keeping you on the edge of your seat” really takes on a whole new level with this book and story. It's hard to put into words just how thrilling this book really is, read it for yourself to find out!
Secondly, the characterization was top notch. As I've mentioned in previous reviews of mine, I like complicated people doing messed up things for various dark and twisted reasons and this book delivered in that area like nothing else. We really got into the heads of the two main heroines of the story and even though they made a lot of questionable choices, it was hard not to like them because they were very relatable and bluntly put- human. No cookie cutter characters in this novel, no these people felt so real that it made my anxiety even worse because I was afraid right along with them as the novel unfolded.
Finally, the writing style is terrific. It's not overly simple with short sentences and overly simplistic vocabulary but it's also not too complicated to understand and follow along with the story either. I really grew to love St. James' writing style and will be diving into the other book I have by her very soon. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me now. And those dual timelines were really just masterfully done and it wasn't confusing whatsoever.
In conclusion, this book is a must read for all thriller lovers alike! It's hard for me to imagine someone not loving it since it delivered on such a high level for me and made me understand that I do love ghost stories, if they are done well. If you're looking for a thrilling rollercoaster of a novel that will keep your heart beating at an accelerated pace, this book is definitely for you. Highly recommend!
Wow, this book very pleasantly surprised me. I wasn't sure at all what to expect when diving into this novel and I haven't watched the movie but when I started it I thought that it would not be my cup of tea. However, I am glad I stuck it out because in all I really enjoyed this whole novel and I can't wait to watch the movie now. I have also discovered an amazing author in the process and will definitely be getting to his other works a lot sooner now. I think it's also important not to go into this book with too much background information because it's pretty easy to follow and after a few chapters I was hooked.
To begin with, Shutter Island is about two marshals who go to a remote island called Shutter Island, which hosts the incredibly insane, because a patient of theirs has escaped out of her cell and they need help locating her. However, things quickly get out of control and we find out that nothing on this island is as it seems. And this book's plot- just WOW! It's got to be incredibly hard to come up with something so original but this surpasses that. The pacing was great and after I was hooked, I couldn't stop reading it because I wanted to see what happens. Also, this book probably has one of the biggest reveals I have encountered so far, it's something akin to the surprise in The Silent Patient, for those who have read it and know what I'm talking about.
Further on, the characterization was pretty good. I wouldn't say they were the most extraordinary characters I have ever encountered in a novel but they were definitely very complicated and complex people, with a lot of skeletons in their closets. This was rather a short read and maybe if it was a bit longer we could have seen a little bit more into the characters' souls. However, with that said the main character, Teddy, definitely has a complete background and by the end of the book everything makes sense about why he acts the way that he acts. So, definitely not disappointed one bit.
Finally, the writing was what I had problems with the most in this book. Even though it flawed well enough, there were times when it felt choppy and I had to reread parts to make sure I understood everything fully. This was very minimal but it still took me a few chapters to fully get used to the writing style because it's not the one that feels the most natural to me in thrillers like this. All in all, not bad though.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this quick, suspenseful thriller and will be recommending it to all my thriller nerds, if not just for that huge twist at the end. It definitely had me holding onto my seat once I got used to the writing style and the plot was set and established. I am so excited to watch the movie after this and can't wait to compare this awesome book to that. It was a great read and I can't wait to check out all of this author's other works!
And just like that I have found a new favorite author of mine! I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this novel but because it was the thriller pick for Book of the Month Club box, I went with it and I'm so glad I did. I thought it was going to be just like many of the other domestic thrillers I have read recently but it was so much more and insanely unique in its own way. I can honestly say that I haven't read a domestic thriller like this before. And the story was so well written and thought out completely that I can't say enough good things about it. I can't wait to see what Carola Lovering writes in the future and will check out her previous work too!
To begin with, Too Good to Be True centers around three characters, depicted through their unique perspectives and in dual timelines. Perfect man Burke Michaels proposes to his girlfriend Skye and she can't believe that even with her OCD, she has found the absolute love of her life but is it too good to be true? Things transpire and get out of hand as the character's multiple truths are revealed but which truth is the actual way the story unfolded? Ahhhh, I loved this plot so much! It was so different and amazingly unique for a domestic thriller and even though it wasn't completely action packed all throughout, little things were revealed all throughout to keep me on the edge of my seat, even if those things weren't always the honest truth. I love the way that the story is presented, through the three main characters eyes in different ways and how their stories all intertwine with one another's. Brilliant.
Secondly, the characterization was superb. I know I've said it before but I am a big fan of complete backgrounds for different characters because it shows how they got to be where they presently are in the story and this book did not disappoint on that front at all. All the characters have complete pictures painted of who they are and where they came from and what their motivations stem from in life. They are all so intricate and complex and perfectly imperfect, which makes it that much easier to relate to them, even the least likeable ones. I felt like I got to personally know all of them and by the end of the book they felt like old friends to me.
Thirdly, the writing style along with the decision to present the book in dual timelines and varying perspectives just completely knocked my socks off. It was a genius decision and a remarkably unique way in which to tell the story. I devoured this book and would have read all day if I didn't have two kids to take care off, that's for sure. I also loved seeing the past as it unraveled and the future and then how it all came together and to a head in the climax. I can't even begin to do it justice.
In conclusion, I will be recommending this book to all the thriller lovers in my life because that's how much this story touched me. I thought it was meaningful and very profound, even aside from it being an amazing thriller novel and possessing all the things I look for in the perfect thriller story. Bravo!
Originally, I am not sure how exactly I stumbled across 13 Reasons Why, I just remember there was a lot of talk around the show coming out and after deciding to give it a shot, I gotta say, I wasn't all that disappointed. I thought the show was done really well and then I saw the book on sale at the store and decided to give it a shot even though Young Adult is not really my thing when it comes to book genres. In this instance I would prefer the show to the book, just because the show was more profound and seemed to dig into all these issues much deeper, whereas the book merely touched the surface. Still, the book was not bad and I don't regret reading it one bit.
To begin with, 13 Reasons Why is about a girl in high school, named Hannah Baker, who commits suicide after a lot of things transpire to push her over the edge and before she dies she records a series of audiotapes explaining why she did it and who was involved in making her feel like she had no other way out. I think the plot is very unique and I haven't really read anything like it before so it definitely stands out and the fact that it's about such a tough but important issue makes it all the more significant and worth a read. I think the high school me would have benefited from this book back in the day, when I had a tough time and life felt like it would never get better. However, being a lot older then I was back than, I kind of found that I wanted more from the book and I really wanted the issues to have been looked into even deeper but I guess that's where the YA aspect of it comes into play.
Further on, the characterization is good but just not enough. It seems that the book is rather short and even though I love a quick read, I really think the author could have dug deeper into all the flawed and sinful characters of this book. Again, it really is my fault because I am obviously not the targeted audience here and I usually tend to find Young Adult novels too primitive and shallow for my liking. I prefer my books to really.....go there...all the way there and in that aspect this book falls flat.
Finally, the writing style was like a breath of fresh air and it really fit with how quick of a read this really was. I didn't have any issues understanding what was happening and didn't find that I had to go back and reread any sections whatsoever. But with it being YA that was expected really. As with everything else in this book, it wasn't bad by any means, it just wasn't amazing.
In conclusion, I would recommend this to people who aren't triggered very easily because this book contains a lot of disturbing triggers, so it's not for the faint of heart. If you don't get triggered easily, I think the people who would enjoy this book the most would be young adults, teenagers. Those are also the people whom it would benefit the most, in my opinion. It could definitely help opening up ways into tough conversations that are not had enough.
Yes! I gotta say, this is one of those books that took me completely by surprise in the end because when I first started reading it I did not think I would end up giving it five stars. The beginning was a bit slow but once it got going it completely won me over and I totally think that this book deserves all the hype that it has gotten. It's a really terrific “closed island” thriller mystery with a murder at the center and the reader trying to figure out, first of all- who is dead, and then- who killed them. Wow, there are not enough good things that I can say about this novel and will be recommending it for years to come.
First of, The Guest List is about a wedding on a secluded island and following all the main individuals involved in it as things transpire and secrets are revealed which leads to a murder and trying to figure out who committed the crime. I have been reading lots of closed-in, murder thriller mysteries lately and I gotta say, this one is probably my favorite so far. Even though this plot has been done countless times, the characters were just so sinister and flawed and messed up, that it was fascinating watching as things came to a head and secrets about how they were all related were revealed. I thought it was clever and very intriguing and I loved every moment of it.
Further on, the characterization was superb, there's no other word for it. I love messed up people doing messed up things and this novel delivered exactly that. Not only were the characters super complex and intricately complicated, but they also had complete backgrounds that really explained how they got to be who they were at the time the novel took place. Even though it was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning, the backgrounds really brought the characters to light even more and made them bigger than life. There were no cookie-cutter characters here, even if they tried to give off that persona in the very beginning. Also, the different characters' perspectives were done incredibly well.
Finally, the writing was flawless and I was able to breeze through this novel without having to go back and reread sections of it to make sure I wasn't missing anything important. I loved that the chapters were so short but even aside from that, the writing painted clearly what was transpiring in the novel and built up to a crescendo at the end of the novel, the climax. The ending of the book was my absolute favorite part because it was mind-blowing and spine tingling and part of that had to do with the extraordinary writing choices that the author made with this novel.
In conclusion, I believe that anyone who loves thrillers and murder mysteries would love this book. I shy away a bit from hyped up novels but this one definitely turned me into a believer and I will be reading Lucy Foley's other works very soon. I love finding favorite authors and she has definitely become one of mine. Don't skip this book, it's well worth a read!
I seriously can't believe it took me this long to read this book! I remember watching part of the movie a long time ago but it never went further than that. I am so glad that I finally got around to reading this book because it was a knockout for me. It had all the things that a great thriller has in my opinion: a twisted plot, messed up characters doing messed up things and an exhilarating climax that brought it all together in the end. I will be recommending this book for a long time to come and Paula Hawkins has officially become one of my favorite thriller authors and I will be automatically any new books that she comes out with in the future.
To begin with, The Girl on the Train is about a woman named Rachel, who takes the same commuter train every day and passes the same row of houses day in and day out. There is a house that interests her beyond all else and she makes up the perfect life that this couple lives in this perfect house and becomes obsessed with seeing them daily. One day, she sees the lady of the house kissing another man and then a short while later it turns out that that lady is missing so she goes to the police and things transpire from there. This plot was nonstop from beginning to end and even though it was a bit of a slow burn at some points, I didn't mind a bit. I loved seeing all the characters relationships between each other and seeing how things develop. There were so many different amazing layers to this plot that I never had any idea where this novel was going and did not have a clue as to who the murderer was until the very end of the book.
Secondly, the characterization was the strongest point of the book for me. Although all the other aspects were great too, the characters were just so imperfect and messed up that it was easy to relate to their humanity and get attached to them. They were depicted as real people, going through their own life obstacles and didn't always deal with it in the best way, which made for even more realistic individuals. I loved that the book was written from different perspectives because we got to see into the psyches of almost all of the characters in this book and were able to see where all of them were coming from.
Thirdly, the writing style was superb. Not too overly simplistic and yet not too wordy and drawn out either. It was a healthy balance and got the story across beautifully. I could envision all the scenes as they were happening in the book and felt as if I was the actual character going through it. I didn't find myself having to go back and reread any parts because the writing was clear and precise the first time.
In conclusion, this book has definitely made it into my favorite thrillers of all time and I will be reading everything that Paula Hawkins will ever come out with in the future. I would recommend it to anyone who loves domestic and suspenseful thrillers as much as I do because this book has got all the stuff that makes those grand. Really glad I finally gave this book a chance!
It's been a long while since I have read an Agatha Christie novel, last one was And There Were None back in grade school, and ultimately I have mixed opinions about. I think because of the novel having been written so long ago and set in a different world from the one we live in today, it was a bit harder to get through this novel than I was anticipating. Still, I am glad that I ventured outside of my comfort zone and gave a good classic mystery a shot because I do not regret reading this one. It had it's pluses and minuses but ultimately it's a story that transcended time and made history so I am working on expanding my horizons a bit.
A Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first novel in the Hercule Poirot series and it's an old fashioned “who-dunn-it”, where a wealthy woman gets poisoned at her estate and the rest of the book is spent trying to figure out what exactly occured and who did the deed. The plot was interesting enough and I enjoyed experiencing something that happened during a different time. A lot of things were a bit confusing to me because the language used was fitting for the times but ultimately I was able to get the gist. It wasn't the most exciting and exhilarating plot but it was nice to take a step back and try to think like detective Hercule Poirot.
Further on, the characterization specifically of Hercule Poirot is astounding. He is a very complex character and that is very evident from the novel. All his intricacies are laid out for us and I grew in awe of him and his brilliance. The other characters weren't as closely observed or delved into but they did show somewhat of themselves and we got a brief look into who they were. All in all, not bad in that area.
Thirdly, the writing is where I struggled the most with this novel. It was rather long winded and drawn out and I was sad to discover that I couldn't get through this novel as quickly as I wanted to because I had to take my time when reading it for fear of misunderstanding something. I understand that this book was written long ago but I don't think I will be venturing into another novel by Christie for a while since this one was just too much for me in regards to the writing style. I want to get to all of her novels eventually but I am in no hurry to do so and will be taking my time.
In conclusion, I think that this classic mystery novel is definitely worth a read but even though the plot and mystery is rather light, the writing makes it feel very heavy and a lot of the information gets repeated many times throughout the book. Also, be prepared not to have any clue as to who the culprit is until the last few pages because even though the information is given to us all throughout the novel, the answers are not revealed until the very end. That frustrated me a little bit but not enough to deter me from her books forever. It was not bad.
This was my first novel by Shari Lapena and it did not disappoint. I don't think it was anything magical or extraordinary but it did all the things I want my thriller novels to do- it shocked, excited and took me unawares. I have never had an easier time getting through a novel and I am officially in love with Lapena's writing style and will be reading all her other works as soon as possible. I don't think it was the most shocking or mind blowing thriller ever but it still took me by surprise and I was not able to foresee the ending, even a little bit. Consider me a fan!
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena is about a group of people who get snowed in inside of a beautiful hotel and as people start getting murdered, things transpire and nerves run rampant. This is not my first “locked-in”, murderer amongst them novel and yet it was extremely enjoyable. The plot isn't anything amazing or earth-shattering but the way that the story was delivered, it was more than able to keep my attention for the long haul. It also really helped that I could not guess who the murderer was for the life of me, so I am an instant fan. Also the snowed-in atmosphere aspect of it was very enjoyable.
Further on, the characterization was above average. Because Shari Lapena's writing is very direct and to the point, we weren't able to get as in-depth into the characters as I would have preferred and yet I found all the different individuals fascinating and they didn't aggravate me in the least. Also, I had no problem remembering who was who and that made the reading experience even better. We definitely got a good taste into who all the people were, if not really into their souls or beyond. All in all, not bad.
Thirdly, the writing style was my favorite part of this whole novel. Often, I have a hard time just letting go and escaping into a story because I feel like I have to go back and reread parts of the novel for fear of having missed something crucial because the writing was so complex. Not with this book. On the contrary, I sped through the book like I've never sped through a book before in my life and I was able to finish it in record time for me. I love that Lapena's writing is so direct and to the point and she never beats around the bush. What a treat! I will be picking up her other novels, if only just for that.
In conclusion, this novel was extremely enjoyable to me even if the premise was somewhat predictable and overdone. I wasn't able to guess who the murderer was but maybe other more seasoned thriller readers would be able to. It's not a book that I would undoubtedly recommend to everyone but for people getting into the thriller genre I think it would be more than enjoyable.
I gotta say, it's been a long while since I've read a Lisa Jewell book and she's proving to be consistently good. Even though I have read many great thrillers since reading Then She Was Gone, I can say that I was not disappointed. I will definitely be reading all her other books as well because she definitely writes really good ones. I found Invisible Girl to be very clever and engrossing, even if it wasn't the most shocking mystery/thriller novel I have ever read. She definitely puts a lot of effort into developing a complete story with many layers and I really like that about her books.
Invisible Girl is a story centering around multiple characters who live in close proximity to each other and how the disappearance of Saffyre Madox, affects them all in turn. A lot of things transpire from there and we also get to see the individual experiences and events of the individual characters that lead to the big mystery and her disappearance. It's not the most shocking plot I have ever come across in a thriller novel but it's very well planned and thought out and the pacing is spot on so I was definitely compelled to keep reading and wasn't bored. Even the slow burn at times didn't feel particularly uninteresting because the novel is just so wholesome and I loved finding out the little reveals and background on the characters.
Further on, the characterization was great. I love books with different points of view and this was no exception. I got immersed into the different lives surrounding the main characters and grew pretty attached to them, even though the writing style wasn't my absolute favorite and took a few chapters to get used to. They were all complicated individuals with histories and pasts and I loved seeing all the things they have been through in their lives and then seeing where life took them next. They were imperfectly flawed and that's the most important thing to me when it comes to a good, engrossing novel.
Thirdly, the writing style is really the only thing I had much problem with. I find Lisa Jewell's writing style rather impersonal and it has a tendency of keeping the reader at a distance which I find frustrating to say the least. Eventually I got used to it and didn't mind it as much anymore because I got invested in the story itself but it's definitely not a writing style that just effortlessly flows and makes the novel a treat to read. If it wasn't for the writing, the book would be even better in my opinion.
In conclusion, Invisible Girl is another great thriller by Lisa Jewell and since it was enjoyable to me, I would recommend it to other thriller lovers as well. Definitely not the book with the highest shock factor but it's really well developed and thought out and executed so it is still worth a read.
Yes! I picked up Killman Creek because I was hoping that it would get me out of my reading slump after the last book was such a disappointment and I was so right! I could not have picked a better time to read this book because my love for reading and books has been restored and all's right with the world again. I am going to try pacing myself in reading the rest of the books because they are addictive and extraordinary and I want to saviour every page and chapter. Rachel Caine has created a masterpiece with this series and because she is such a fantastic writer and storyteller, I will be reading all of her previous works as well, even if they are not my usual genre. That is how amazing I find her work to be.
First of, the second installment in the Stillhouse Lake series follows Gwen, who is now juggling taking care of her two damaged kids and also trying to find her serial killer husband, who has escaped from prison and is now terrorizing her to no end. I seriously didn't think it was possible that anything could come close to being as good as the first book in the series but the second installment has done it. I am not a series type of person but I am not fully invested in the story and the characters and I will not be able to hold off reading the rest of them for a long time whatsoever. The plot was genius and I couldn't wait to see where the story would take us and it blew me out of the water. I was on the rollercoaster holding on for dear life and it was exhilarating and horrifying all at the same time and an experience like no other. It's even hard to put this book into words, you just have to experience it for yourself.
Secondly, the characterization was otherworldly. The characters are far from perfect and they are damaged beyond repair and yet they keep fighting on, however they possibly can. There are a lot of truths in between the pages of this book about the human species and all the ways in which we differ as individuals and are also very much alike. Gwen is probably one of my favorite heroines in all the books I have ever read because she is the embodiment of perseverance and one kickass chick. I aspire to be more like her and she has definitely affected me in multiple ways for the better.
Thirdly, the writing style is my absolute favorite. It's precise and to the point and I don't find myself having to reread paragraphs for clarification like I sometimes do with other works. It flows so smoothly and paints a vivid picture in what is happening with just enough detail to get the complete picture of it. Her writing style is just a joy and I raced through this book just as I thought I would. Talk about all the elements working together to create one flawless and unforgettable work.
In conclusion, this series is by far my favorite thriller series of all time. I am so glad I gave these books a chance because they are unlike anything I have read before. Not only do they keep you on the edge of your seat but the second one in the series somehow was more exhilarating in my opinion and that is no small feat. I would recommend this book to anyone who would listen and it's a must read in my book that's for sure. If you don't check it out, you are missing out definitely. This book is everything a fantastic thriller should be.
Well, that's the last time I pick a book up blindly because a booktuber that I like said she loved it. So to be quite frank it was my fault for choosing to read a book that was not at all my cup of tea but I can't say I didn't enjoy it whatsoever so I am giving it three stars. It was a well written and developed book but it was just too out there for me and so far from any realm of possibility or reality that it was hard for me to take this book seriously and I forced myself to get through it because I have a hard time DNFing books. Plus, I am one of those people who likes to venture outside of her comfort zone so I gave it a chance and just because it was not for me I could see others loving it who are more into fantasy and probably have bigger imaginations than me because I have none.
Imaginary Friend is about a boy who moves into a new town with his mother, who is running away from an abusive relationship and how things start to go crazy after he goes into the woods and is missing for six days after. The plot itself sounded interesting enough to me but was a lot more than I bargained for. I thought it would be more rooted in reality but it was so fantastical that I had a hard time imagining all the weird happenings and growing attached to the characters in these impossible situations. I think I will be taking a long break from horror after this and will be sticking to my more realistic thrillers that seem more plausible and just touch me differently.
Further on, the characterization was probably the strongest point in this book and even though I rolled my eyes a lot at what was happening, I still found myself worried and stressing for all of the different personalities in this book and rooting for them to come out on top. They all had their quirks and flaws and I loved seeing how they all struggled in life one way or another because a lot of times we find ourselves wishing we had someone else's life without knowing what that person is actually going through themselves. I just wish the fantastical aspect would have been toned down just a bit and I would have grown attached to the characters even more but they ended up remaining at a distance to me.
Thirdly, the writing was problematic for me. I have been wanting to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower ever since watching the movie but I will not be doing that anymore because the writing was too much to stomach for me. There were too many descriptions and elongated sentences and they in turn took something away from the actual story in my opinion. There were a lot of instances where I had to go back and reread sentences to make sure I wasn't missing something crucial or significant from it. The overwhelming writing style along with an overly action-packed plot made for one difficult novel for me to finish. Also, what was done in 700 pages could have easily been done in 500 or less and would have been a lot more impactful.
In conclusion, I realize that I am probably not the right reader for this novel but even so there were too many issues that I had with it and had to force myself to get through it so I could move onto other novels. Putting the lack of reality aside, this novel was nothing but overwhelming in every sense of the word and I will not be recommending it to anyone in the near future. It could make a good tv show I think but too many things are up for interpretation and there's nothing much concrete to hold onto at all. For people who love thrillers like me and even horror based more in realism, I would advise you skip this one and save yourself the time of reading a 700 page novel.
This is one of those novels where I felt that there was so much potential but it just didn't deliver in the way I was hoping it would. Right of the bat, I just felt off with reading this particular book and didn't realize the reasons until I was done with it. Even though I did enjoy it and I read it pretty quickly it was not one of those books where I couldn't put it down or couldn't wait to pick it back up again. I was curious to see what would happen in the plot but I wasn't dying to know either. It was neither here nor there for me, in regards to this novel.
The Wives is about a woman named Thursday, who is married to a polygamist but they have a rather unique setup where the wives all live apart and the husband comes to see them all separately one day a week, on their particularly scheduled days. Thursday starts to obsess about the other wives and as she digs to find out more info about who they are, she is thrust into a series of events that no one can see coming. The plot was unlike I've ever read before because this is my first novel about polygamy but whereas the first half of the novel drags a bit, the last half is too confusing and all over the place. I am still having a hard time processing exactly what the outcome of the story was. It had a promising start and premise but then veered of into something so completely out of the realm of possibility to me that I had a hard time connecting and relating to the story and the characters. Also, Thursday's relationship with Seth rubbed me the wrong way and since that was the foundation of the whole story, I was just not in this novel wholeheartedly.
Further on, the characterization was mediocre. It wasn't bad but it wasn't particularly good or memorable either. We got to see somewhat into the characters psyche but a lot of that was overshadowed by the turn the story took and nothing was the same ever again. The main relationship also didn't seem that genuine or believable to me, so that already got the book off to a bad start for me and then it just went downhill from there. The characters were somewhat two-dimensional but definitely did not pass into the realm of 3-D whatsoever.
Thirdly, the writing style was a bit confusing but not bad. There were sentences that were a bit hard to grasp fully and follow the full significance of. It didn't deter me from finishing the book but it definitely made the reading slightly less enjoyable. Also, some writing I found a bit too choppy.
In conclusion, even though I didn't hate this book, I also didn't love it. It sits in the middle for me when it comes to thriller novels. It's not going to be a book I will be recommending because it was just not entirely believable and the ending was confusing and anticlimactic at the most. There are so many great thrillers out there, I don't think you will be missing much by skipping this one.
Woah, I am on a roll reading one terrific thriller after another! I thought I couldn't love another of Riley Sager's books more than I loved Home Before Dark but I gotta say, I think I loved this one a bit more. Everything about this novel kept me glued and hanging on each and every word. I know I've used the word addictive when describing a novel before but it probably stands even more true in this instance because I dove head first into this book and didn't come out until I was completely done with it. I seriously think it's safe to say that Riley Sager is my favorite author currently because I've read almost all of his novels at this point and I've loved each and every one. Maybe I'm not as tough of a critic as some other people but I just can't get enough of all his twists and turns and intricately unique plots.
Lock Every Door is about a woman, named Jules, who has fallen pretty low in life and is struggling to make ends meet, when she sees an ad in the paper looking for a house sitter for three months at a prominent building called The Bartholomew and she ends up jumping at the chance to get her life back on track. She soon realizes that the job might be a lot more than she ever could have imagined. The plot was unlike any I've read before and I thought it was very well done and executed. There were a lot of layers to the story and I immensely enjoyed peeling it all back, layer after layer. I didn't think it was a slow burn because the twists and turns kept coming all throughout the book and just as I thought I had it all figured out, I realized there was a whole other level to the plot that I could never have even imagined.
Further on, the characterization was great. I loved the main character Jules and even the secondary characters because we really got to see what drove them to do the things that they did in the novel and I was never confused as to why a character is acting the way that they did. I love that we get to see into the main character's psyche and I found her very relatable as a struggling young girl trying to make it in life and still in the process of discovering who she is in the world.
Thirdly, the writing style was phenomenal as always. The chapters flowed and I loved how we kept jumping back from what was happening in the present moment with Jules and how she got to be where is she presently and her beginning at the Bartholomew. I find that way makes it even more exciting for me to read, especially when it's done right and Riley Sager did not disappoint. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be preordering and reading all of RIley Sager's novels that he releases in the future.
In conclusion, I loved this book and sped through it, unable to put it down. It was twisted and dark and it spiked my anxiety levels high in some parts. I would recommend this novel to all lovers of dark thrillers or even anyone who wants an exciting, albeit somewhat messed up read. Glad I finally got around to reading it!
Woah. If there's one word I would use to describe this book it would be- trippy. I had no idea what this book was about going in and I didn't know what to expect but it sure as heck was not this. I can without a doubt say that this is probably the best plot I have encountered in a thriller so far. It's just raw and messed up and very unpredictable. I was holding onto the edge of my seat for my dear life and still feel like I didn't escape totally in one piece. This book will suck you in from page one and then spit you out. Exhilarating.
This novel is about Nina, who keeps her mother chained inside her own home for reasons you wouldn't expect and how things transpire from that. I loved everything about this plot, it's exactly what I want from my thrillers. I also loved that we got a peek into what happened in the past and how it led them to where they are today, that made for an even more immersive reading experience and there was not a chance in hell of ever being bored. Anxiety stricken and biting your nails- yes. Bored- hell no. I didn't even try to guess what would happen in this book because the plot was beyond messed-up and I was still recovering from the shock factor of it all. Of course, the shocks just kept coming and didn't stop until the book ended. Talk about a wild ride.
Further on, the characterization in this book is superb. The characters are very well developed and we get to see into all their dark psyches and as more details from the past come to light, we see into their souls deeper and deeper. The characters grew on me but they were probably some of the most wicked, flawed characters I have ever encountered in novels before. From a psychological standpoint I found it fascinating but from an ordinary human standpoint it was beyond horrifying and eye-opening. It really showed the negative aspect of the human race.
Thirdly, the writing style was great. It wasn't my favorite in the whole world but it did it's job and even excelled in doing it for the most part. It was precise and to the point, although it was just a tiny bit too choppy for me in some places. Even so, I ate this book up and that didn't deter me from racing through the novel without barely stopping to take a breath. I will be picking up the other books this author has written and already have one coming in the mail in a few days. Glad I found a new favorite!
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be insanely creeped out and shocked beyond the point of no return. This is one of the most messed up thrillers I have read so far and it chilled me right to the bone. Not for the faint of heart, this book will send you over the edge and you will remain there for a long time after you have finished reading it. Outstanding!
Holly Jackson deserves a standing ovation because she did the impossible, she has single-handedly made me fall in love with the young adult thriller genre! Before this book I didn't even think it was possible because all the young adult thriller novels I have read before were mediocre at best and the vibe they gave off was too naive and they made me feel super old. Not this book. This book didn't even read like a young adult novel and it kept me guessing until the very end, even when I thought I already knew who the bad guy was and have solved the mystery myself. Well, I was extremely wrong.
The book is about a very good student, Pippa, who decides that the subject of a school project for her will be a murder case that happened a long time ago and as she starts looking into this case and gathering up information for her project, she realizes that things might not be as solved as people in her town believe. I loved every second of this plot. It was intricate and I didn't know where it was going to go at any point in the story, which is usually not the case for me in young adult novels. I loved that it felt raw and real and didn't feel as “schooly” as most young adult novels that take place in schools do for me. The only word I can think of to describe it would be- genius. I also loved the pace at which the story developed and how information was revealed all throughout, not just at the very end or the climax. This made for an addicting read that I couldn't put down because I had to find out who the bad guy really was. I will undoubtedly be reading the other books in these series and any other books that Holly Jackson decides to write, I might even pre-order the second book in this series soon, that's how much I freaking loved it!
Secondly, the characterization in this novel was superb. Pippa is undoubtedly one of my favorite heroines of all time and I loved that she was a good girl, through and through and that she felt the need to fight for what she thought was right. I have always been like that and it was very easy for me to relate to her. Some of the things she did was terrifying but I learned to truly appreciate her for her courage and her strong-willed, albeit very good-hearted personality. What a genuinely good person, we need more people like her in the real world. All the other characters were also amazing in their own way and didn't feel like they were just written in to move the story along and serve as place fillers for the story. Well done!
Finally, the writing was precise and to the point, as I love it to be. It wasn't too simple though, like YA writing style usually is, it was a bit more complicated than that and I was there for it. It was a joy to read through this amazing book and I raced through it, imagining what was happening in the book as I went through the story. I love that it took a young adult thriller and made me feel like I was reading an adult one. I think a wide array of different people and ages will love this story as much as I did.
In conclusion, I had no idea I would enjoy this story as much as I did. It took me completely by surprise and I am glad I gave it a chance, even if it was a YA novel and not my usual adult one. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller, regardless of your age or any other characteristics. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and will be pre-ordering it ASAP! I rarely pre-order books but I just can't hide my love for the world and characters that Holly Jackson has created in her novel! Go and read it now, you won't be disappointed!
I have absolutely no words to describe what I am feeling right now because....wow! This book had taken everything out of me and wrung me dry, I would have probably read through the entire night if it had come to that but thankfully it didn't. All I can say is that I have found my new favorite thriller series, all thanks to my good friend from bookstagram. If it hadn't been for her I probably would not have chosen to read this book and now I feel the need to read all the other books in the series. It was so terrific I found myself stress eating and drank a whole bottle of champagne to calm my nerves a bit because it was that exhilarating and I do not remember the last time a book kept me on the edge of my seat to this extent. I mean, I was holding my breath for most of it.
The first book in this series is about a woman named Gwen, who is trying to escape her past life as the wife of a serial killer even though people still think that she was helping him all along. Frustrated and wanting to put her psychopath ex-husband behind her, she keeps running, her kids in tow, and the more she yearns for a normal life, the more she realizes that it's harder to come by then she'd ever even thought. The plot was otherworldly. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it initially but I got drawn into the story so quickly and then the pages rushed by and I was finished with it. I have never read a thriller with such a unique plot and yet it was done so masterfully that it was probably the perfect thriller in my eyes. I just couldn't get enough and even though I wanted to know what happens I had to hold my breath because my heart was beating out of my chest all the way through.
Further on, the characterization is unlike anything I've ever encountered in a thriller/suspense novel and the characters grew on me so much that I will undoubtedly be picking up the rest of the books in the series shortly, that's just how much I need to know what the character's fates are ultimately. I loved the relationships they also formed with each other and it made them even more real to me because I didn't just get to see them as they are independently but as they are in relation to each other. If any of them dies or gets hurt in the other books to come next, I don't know how I will handle that. Probably not that well because I want their ultimate happiness and I want to see them achieve it.
Thirdly, the writing style is top notch. It's not as simple as I'm used to reading in thrillers recently but even though the sophisticated factor has been turned up a notch, I found that didn't hinder in me getting through the book whatsoever. If anything, it might have made it even harder to stop reading and made it all the more addictive to me as a reader. I already have the other books in the series ordered and I can't wait to read them and find out what happens to the heroine next.
In conclusion, this book was unlike anything i've ever read before and I felt as if I was holding my breath the whole time. It kept me glued to my seat and I couldn't put it down even if it meant reading through the entire night. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and thrillers and wants to be taken for a thrill ride that will leave their heart beating fast for a long time after the book has actually ended. It is without a doubt my favorite thriller series of all time and I think everyone should read this book, you won't regret it!
As most of you know, if you read my book reviews, I watch a lot of booktube. Well, many booktubers have mentioned My Lovely Wife as a great domestic thriller and since that is my favorite genre, I knew I had to give this book a try. And I am so glad I did because I loved it! It was great from beginning to end and I will be recommending it to everyone from now on.
The story itself is about a married couple who get bored in their mundane lives and decide to find a woman to kill together and what transpires after that. It wasn't like any plot I've ever come across in any thriller so far and I loved it. Downing is also masterful at pulling you into the story and not letting you out until you have finished the whole book. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because most of the excitement took place in the end of the book and for majority of it the pacing was a bit slower than I'd prefer and nothing major happened. Don't get me wrong, I still found that part of the book exciting enough to keep reading, it just wasn't as fast paced there as I would have liked. Otherwise, the plot was terrific.
Further on, the characterization was wonderfully done. We really got a great look into all of the characters, even the couple's kids. Anyone with whom the main character had any kind of relationship with was portrayed in some detail to us because we got to see into his mind and what he himself made of the relationship and how he saw this person and so forth. I love seeing the story from the main character's eyes and this book did not disappoint on that front. I will be picking up the other works by Samantha Downing, that is for sure.
Finally, the writing style was my absolute favorite. It was precise and clear and to the point. It got the scene across beautifully and I pictured the story in my mind as I was reading it without any problems whatsoever. I hate fluff in my writing styles and so this was a breath of fresh air. The writing didn't take away from the action packed story, only added something to it by making it even more exhilarating
In conclusion, this book has definitely made it into my list of favorite thrillers. I would recommend it to anyone and it delivered in almost every single aspect, except that part of the book moved a little slower than I would have wanted it to. Otherwise it was a terrific read and another great book I have finally gotten around to reading in 2021!.
The author was kind enough to provide me with a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review. First of, let me tell you I don't read a lot of fantasy so my review is solely my opinion and will likely differ from those who are more comfortable in this genre. I can say that I did get enjoyment out of reading this book, even if it was not really my cup of tea. I loved the premise of the plot but felt that the actual plot itself wasn't executed to its highest potential. This book definitely had a lot of potential but ultimately fell short in my eyes.
To begin with, the book is about a girl who's been confined to a glasshouse that she can never leave because of a curse that's been put on her when she was an infant. As Rose gets older and starts to yearn for more freedom and to get out of her confinement, she goes to great lengths and tries to break free against all odds. I loved the idea of the plot but it didn't feel like a fully developed story came from it and I wanted more. I wanted to know more background, more of what happened, just expanding on the plot would have made this story feel a little less rushed and more whole.
Secondly, the characterization is probably the strongest point in this book and yet it still lacks the stuff that transforms the character into a real life person for me. I wanted to see more into their minds and a lot more thoughts behind why they acted the way that they did in the story. The central romance of the story also seemed a little bit forced and sometimes the dialogue was just a bit on the cheesy side. Since the characters could have been developed more fully, the relationship between them didn't quite move me as much as I wanted to be moved and committed to their lifelong happiness together.
Finally, the writing style was precise and to the point and it helped me get through the book even when I was struggling. There was some vivid imagery painted in this book but it wasn't quite enough. I could just imagine what was happening but the very bare minimum at that and my mind had to fill in the blanks myself. Still, the writing style flowed and there was no confusion as to what was happening in the story.
All in all, I believe this book has a lot of potential but many things are missing for me and many aspects aren't as developed as I would want them to. I might read the second book in the series but I am not sure because I didn't feel that invested in the story or the characters. It wasn't a bad read by any means, it just didn't feel like reading a fully developed story.
This was probably hands down, the creepiest book I have read. Part of it is probably because the plot itself, about child abductions, is one that gives me the most goosebumps when I am reading about it. However, the other reason for the creepiness is because that's the atmosphere of this book and it was masterfully written and I loved it, at least right up until the very end. I was going to give it five stars but the ending wasn't as satisfying to me as I would have hoped. Overall, it was a great book and I read it in a few days because that's how addictive it really was. I am now a big Alex North fan and will be reading his other books, definitely.
This novel is about the famous crimes committed by the so called “Whisper Man” who has been in jail for a long time, and how all those years later, similar crimes start popping up and odd things start resurfacing again. I loved this plot because even though it completely creeped me out and I had anxiety just getting through it, that just goes to show how well thought out the plot really was. There wasn't a moment when I was bored and except for the last three chapters or so, I was completely addicted and fully satisfied. The ending fell flat for me because even though it seemed like an overall coherent ending, it failed to satisfy me in the way that I was hoping and it also felt somewhat rushed and even random at times. Apart from that, the premise of the story was top notch and I was hanging off the edge of my seat.
Secondly, the characterization in this book is absolutely great! I loved that the chapters kept changing to different characters' perspectives and it really helped me get into their head and even see into their soul. It was easy to relate to most of the characters because their flaws were not hidden from us and laid bare for us to see. However, even with the flaws, most of the characters still had redeeming qualities and they were striving to be better then they were before, as hard as that might have been given their backgrounds. Alex North definitely knows how to create a well rounded character and that characterization made putting the book down even harder.
Thirdly, the writing style was also great and I have no complaints whatsoever. There is absolutely nothing I would change when it comes to his writing style and even though we switched from character to character, it was super easy to follow along and not get confused as to which character you were reading about.The writing was precise and really painted a picture in my head as to what was happening at what moment. I was afraid that this book might lag for me but the plot along with the characterization and writing style really made that impossible.
In conclusion, I would recommend this book to all fans of thrillers, as I am. The atmosphere is absolutely immersive, the plot is beyond thrilling and the book is extraordinary in almost all aspects. Even with the ending not being my favorite in a thriller novel, I absolutely loved this book and inhaled it in a few sittings.