Killing Spree is a book I have had on my shelves for who knows how long. Probably since it first came out, which was close to 4 years ago! It was a quick read and nice to get back into some suspense and thrills and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When a serial killer gets a taste for blood...Years ago, the Seattle police were baffled by the Schoolgirl Murders. The killer staged the scenes, dressing his female victims in school girl uniforms and saddle shoes. No woman in Seattle felt safe, until they caught the man responsible, and the case was forgotten...He only wants to do one thing...Across the country, a killing spree is taking place. The first victim is attacked in a taxi by a mysterious stranger. The next is found strangled in a changing room. A hitchhiker is left by the side of the road, his identity brutally stolen. The murders are so bizarre, so random, no one would think to connect them...Kill and kill again...Only Seattle writer Gillian McBride sees the disturbing coincidences between all the murders - and it's hitting too close to home. Somehow, she is the link between past and present - and to a twisted serial killer who shows no signs of stopping. With each terrible piece of a sinister puzzle, a psychopath is carrying out a master plan - a killing spree that needs a final trophy to be fully complete...
The one thing I have to say is I hope this wasn't a follow up or sequel to a book about the Schoolgirl Murders because there were quite a few details about those murders given in the book. I tried skipping over some of it, but there were pages and pages and the conclusion of this book really gives it away. I will admit that I had the bad guy picked out from almost the start, but Mr. O'Brien does a great job of making you doubt yourself a few times. I will definitely be reading the rest of Mr. O'Brien's books I have!
Showing posts with label thriller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thriller. Show all posts
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
82. A Stranger Like You by Elizabeth Brundage
I've read and enjoyed Ms. Brundage's previous books so much, so when I saw that she had released a new book, I was very excited. Unfortunetly, A Stranger Like You was a bit disappointing. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Hedda Chase is a top-flight executive producer at Gladiator Films, fast-tracked in the business since she graduated from Yale. An aggressive businesswoman, she recently pulled the plug on a film project initiated by one of her predecessors. The screenwriter on the project was Hugh Waters, a wannabe with a dead-end marriage and a day job at an insurance company. This script was his ticket out-until Hedda tampered with his plans, claiming his violence was over the top, his premise not credible, and his ending implausible. Hugh decides to prove otherwise by staging his script's ending and casting Hedda Chase as the victim. He flies to Los Angeles and finds Hedda, kidnaps her, and locks her in the trunk of her vintage BMW in the parking lot at LAX. He leaves the keys in the ignition, the parking ticket on the dash, and lets "destiny" take its course. This is the set-up for a troubling, smart, deadly look at women and images of women, at media as a high-stakes game and the selling of a war as theatre. (One key character is an Iraq veteran, and one of Hedda's projects is a film about women in Iraq). Brundage's Los Angeles is a casual battleground that trades carelessly in lives and dreams. As always, her characters are complicated, surprising, and intense in this high velocity, provocative novel.
There were a lot of smaller characters that ended up playing a role in the all of the main character's lives and at times it was difficult to keep them all straight. This book was shorter, and I felt like if the ending was a bit rushed and not flushed out enough. I also felt that the author was preaching her views a bit on the Iraq and to some extremes, the Afghanistan wars which turned me off. Whether or not I agree with an author's viewpoint, I read fiction to be entertained... not preached at. I think that is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but something that is important. I won't be giving up on Ms. Brundage, but I am glad that I checked this book out from the library.
From Amazon:
Hedda Chase is a top-flight executive producer at Gladiator Films, fast-tracked in the business since she graduated from Yale. An aggressive businesswoman, she recently pulled the plug on a film project initiated by one of her predecessors. The screenwriter on the project was Hugh Waters, a wannabe with a dead-end marriage and a day job at an insurance company. This script was his ticket out-until Hedda tampered with his plans, claiming his violence was over the top, his premise not credible, and his ending implausible. Hugh decides to prove otherwise by staging his script's ending and casting Hedda Chase as the victim. He flies to Los Angeles and finds Hedda, kidnaps her, and locks her in the trunk of her vintage BMW in the parking lot at LAX. He leaves the keys in the ignition, the parking ticket on the dash, and lets "destiny" take its course. This is the set-up for a troubling, smart, deadly look at women and images of women, at media as a high-stakes game and the selling of a war as theatre. (One key character is an Iraq veteran, and one of Hedda's projects is a film about women in Iraq). Brundage's Los Angeles is a casual battleground that trades carelessly in lives and dreams. As always, her characters are complicated, surprising, and intense in this high velocity, provocative novel.
There were a lot of smaller characters that ended up playing a role in the all of the main character's lives and at times it was difficult to keep them all straight. This book was shorter, and I felt like if the ending was a bit rushed and not flushed out enough. I also felt that the author was preaching her views a bit on the Iraq and to some extremes, the Afghanistan wars which turned me off. Whether or not I agree with an author's viewpoint, I read fiction to be entertained... not preached at. I think that is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but something that is important. I won't be giving up on Ms. Brundage, but I am glad that I checked this book out from the library.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
63. The Chill of Night by James Hayman
I read The Cutting by Mr. Hayman last year and loved it, so I was excited to see he had a new book out. I read through it in a day or so and really enjoyed it. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Glamorous young Portland attorney Lainie Goff thought she had it all—brains, beauty, and a fast-track to a partnership in a top-ranked firm that was going to make her rich. But then one cold winter night she pushed things too far, and her naked frozen body is found in the sub-zero temperatures at the end of the Portland Fish Pier.
The only witness to the crime: a mentally disturbed young woman named Abby Quinn who mysteriously disappears the very same night.
With the discovery of Lainie Goff ’s body and the disappearance of Abby Quinn, Portland homicide detective Michael McCabe finds himself on the trail of a relentless and clever killer. A killer he must find before another life is lost.
With The Chill of Night James Hayman returns to tell a gripping tale of evil and deceit and creates characters so real and so human, we want to meet them again and again.
While I have to admit at first I didn't remember much about The Cutting, as soon as I started The Chill of Night, McCabe and his life came rushing back to me. The mystery was well done and I have to admit to being surprised at who the bad guy was. It was suspenseful, and I was surprised more than once when looking up at the page number and couldn't believe how much I'd read... the story moved that fast! All of the characters were enjoyable and I hope Mr. Hayman continues the series.
From Amazon:
Glamorous young Portland attorney Lainie Goff thought she had it all—brains, beauty, and a fast-track to a partnership in a top-ranked firm that was going to make her rich. But then one cold winter night she pushed things too far, and her naked frozen body is found in the sub-zero temperatures at the end of the Portland Fish Pier.
The only witness to the crime: a mentally disturbed young woman named Abby Quinn who mysteriously disappears the very same night.
With the discovery of Lainie Goff ’s body and the disappearance of Abby Quinn, Portland homicide detective Michael McCabe finds himself on the trail of a relentless and clever killer. A killer he must find before another life is lost.
With The Chill of Night James Hayman returns to tell a gripping tale of evil and deceit and creates characters so real and so human, we want to meet them again and again.
While I have to admit at first I didn't remember much about The Cutting, as soon as I started The Chill of Night, McCabe and his life came rushing back to me. The mystery was well done and I have to admit to being surprised at who the bad guy was. It was suspenseful, and I was surprised more than once when looking up at the page number and couldn't believe how much I'd read... the story moved that fast! All of the characters were enjoyable and I hope Mr. Hayman continues the series.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Roadside Crosses by Jeffrey Deaver
Last week I read The Sleeping Doll, the first book in the Kathryn Dance series, and absolutely loved it, so I was excited that Roadside Crosses came in from the library so quickly. I thought the premise sounded fantastic, but I was a bit disappointed. I end up rating Roadside Crosses a B.
Inside cover:
The Monterey Peninsula is rocked when a killer begins to leave roadside crosses besides local highways- not in memoriam, but as the announcements of his intention to kill. And to kill in particularly horrific and efficient ways: using personal details about the victims that they've carelessly posted in blogs and on social networking sites.
The case lands on the desk of Kathryn Dance, the California Bureau of Investigations foremost body language expert. She and Deputy Michael O'Neil follow the leads to Travis Brigham, a troubled teenager whose role in a fatal car accident has inspired vicious attacks against him on a popular blog, The Chilton Report. As the investigation progresses, Travis disappears. Using techniques he learned as a brilliant participant in role-playing games, he easily evades his pursuers and continues to track his victims. Among the obstacles Kathryn must overcome are politicians from Sacremento, paranoid parents, and the blogger himself, James Chilton, whose belief in the importance of blogging and the new media threatens to derail the case and potientally Dance's career. It is this threat that causes Dance to take desperate and risky measures...
This book really resonated with me, especially since I am a blogger and am on Facebook. We really do reveal a lot about ourselves, no matter how careful we think we are being, which could allow a psycho like this villain to use against you. The book also touches on the subject of cyber bullying which is all too common nowadays. I love books that incorporate real life threats and Roadside Crosses really accomplishes that. And I mean, come on, leaving Roadside Crosses before someone dies... that is just soooo creepy to me! However, I thought that there were some unbelieveable parts, including how Dance and her team comes to solve the case and it comes out of nowhere. That being said, I would still recommend this series to anyone who likes a good thriller/police procedural!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. My reading has slowed down so much, so I hope I can pick up something that will jumpstart it again! I've only finished 4 books this month and last month by this time I had read 7! I know it's quality and not quantity, but I miss reading a lot of books, especially good books. I feel like I am getting in a bit of a depressive slump, so it's something I really need to fight through. I hope you all are reading something fantastic! Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
The Monterey Peninsula is rocked when a killer begins to leave roadside crosses besides local highways- not in memoriam, but as the announcements of his intention to kill. And to kill in particularly horrific and efficient ways: using personal details about the victims that they've carelessly posted in blogs and on social networking sites.
The case lands on the desk of Kathryn Dance, the California Bureau of Investigations foremost body language expert. She and Deputy Michael O'Neil follow the leads to Travis Brigham, a troubled teenager whose role in a fatal car accident has inspired vicious attacks against him on a popular blog, The Chilton Report. As the investigation progresses, Travis disappears. Using techniques he learned as a brilliant participant in role-playing games, he easily evades his pursuers and continues to track his victims. Among the obstacles Kathryn must overcome are politicians from Sacremento, paranoid parents, and the blogger himself, James Chilton, whose belief in the importance of blogging and the new media threatens to derail the case and potientally Dance's career. It is this threat that causes Dance to take desperate and risky measures...
This book really resonated with me, especially since I am a blogger and am on Facebook. We really do reveal a lot about ourselves, no matter how careful we think we are being, which could allow a psycho like this villain to use against you. The book also touches on the subject of cyber bullying which is all too common nowadays. I love books that incorporate real life threats and Roadside Crosses really accomplishes that. And I mean, come on, leaving Roadside Crosses before someone dies... that is just soooo creepy to me! However, I thought that there were some unbelieveable parts, including how Dance and her team comes to solve the case and it comes out of nowhere. That being said, I would still recommend this series to anyone who likes a good thriller/police procedural!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. My reading has slowed down so much, so I hope I can pick up something that will jumpstart it again! I've only finished 4 books this month and last month by this time I had read 7! I know it's quality and not quantity, but I miss reading a lot of books, especially good books. I feel like I am getting in a bit of a depressive slump, so it's something I really need to fight through. I hope you all are reading something fantastic! Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Night Kills by John Lutz
John Lutz is probably one of my favorite serial killer thriller authors. His books are always good to suck you right up into the story and keeping you up way too late (it's almost 12:30 a.m.!). Night Kills was no different and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
Frank Quinn is sure he is hunting for a madman, someone who is shooting young women in the heart, defiling their bodies, leaving only the torsos to be found. Quinn, a former NYPD detective, is called into the case by an ambitious chief of police and mobilizes his team of brilliant law-enforcement misfits. But in the concrete canyons of New York, this shocking serial murder case is turning into something very different...
Jill Clark came to the city with too many hopes and too little cash. Now a seemingly deranged woman is telling her an extraordinary story. New to an exclusive dating service, Jill is warned other women have died on their dates- and that she could be next. Struggling against a death trap closing in around her, Jill has a powerful ally in Frank Quinn. But no one knows the true motives behind a rampage of cold-blooded murder- or how much more terrifying this is going to get...
I loved the idea of a murderer picking up his victims through an online dating service. It reminds me somewhat of the so-called Craigslist Killer, which makes things a bit more spooky since it reflects something that is happening in real life. Mr. Lutz writes loveable, misfit characters who you really want to cheer on. The pages keep turning, and even though this book was over 460 pages long, I read it pretty quickly. I was just dying to find out what was going to happen. The reader knows pretty early on who the killer is, but it doesn't take away from any of the suspense. The only thing that I didn't like was at the end, it seemed like things just got a little too out there and became a bit unbelieveable. It didn't bother me so much that I didn't like the book, but just made me lower my rating a bit. I still have a couple more of Mr. Lutz's books to read and he does have another suspense book coming out in October that I will be sure to pick up!
I picked up two library books yesterday, so I will read one of those next. I think I am going to read I Smile Back by Amy Koppelman. This is another book I read about on someones blog and of course I can't remember whose now. I hope it is good though! Definitely time for me to head to bed now, so Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Frank Quinn is sure he is hunting for a madman, someone who is shooting young women in the heart, defiling their bodies, leaving only the torsos to be found. Quinn, a former NYPD detective, is called into the case by an ambitious chief of police and mobilizes his team of brilliant law-enforcement misfits. But in the concrete canyons of New York, this shocking serial murder case is turning into something very different...
Jill Clark came to the city with too many hopes and too little cash. Now a seemingly deranged woman is telling her an extraordinary story. New to an exclusive dating service, Jill is warned other women have died on their dates- and that she could be next. Struggling against a death trap closing in around her, Jill has a powerful ally in Frank Quinn. But no one knows the true motives behind a rampage of cold-blooded murder- or how much more terrifying this is going to get...
I loved the idea of a murderer picking up his victims through an online dating service. It reminds me somewhat of the so-called Craigslist Killer, which makes things a bit more spooky since it reflects something that is happening in real life. Mr. Lutz writes loveable, misfit characters who you really want to cheer on. The pages keep turning, and even though this book was over 460 pages long, I read it pretty quickly. I was just dying to find out what was going to happen. The reader knows pretty early on who the killer is, but it doesn't take away from any of the suspense. The only thing that I didn't like was at the end, it seemed like things just got a little too out there and became a bit unbelieveable. It didn't bother me so much that I didn't like the book, but just made me lower my rating a bit. I still have a couple more of Mr. Lutz's books to read and he does have another suspense book coming out in October that I will be sure to pick up!
I picked up two library books yesterday, so I will read one of those next. I think I am going to read I Smile Back by Amy Koppelman. This is another book I read about on someones blog and of course I can't remember whose now. I hope it is good though! Definitely time for me to head to bed now, so Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Relentless by Dean Koontz
Relentless was my first book by Dean Koontz and the reason why I have never read anything by him before is because I was always under the impression that most of his books were more horror and supernatural, with perhaps a bit of sci-fi mixed in for good measure, and most of the time I don't really like that. I thought Relentless wouldn't have those aspects, but it did, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Still, Mr. Koontz provides a bit of humor, and I read the book pretty quickly. I give Relentless a B-.
Inside cover:
Bestselling novelist Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich is a lucky man and he knows it. He makes a handsome living doing what he enjoys. His wife, Penny, a children's book author and illustrator, is the love of his life. Together they have a brilliant six-year-old, Milo, affectionately dubbed "Spooky" and a non-collie named Lassie, who's all but part of the family.
So Cubby knows he shouldn't let one bad review of his otherwise triumphant new book get to him- even if it does appear in the nation's premier newspaper and is penned by the much-feared, seldom-seen critic Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows that the best thing to do is ignore the gratuitously vicious, insulting, and inaccurate comments. Penny knows it; even little Milo knows it. If Lassie could talk, she'd tell Cuby to ignore them too.
Ignore Shearman Waxx and his poison pen is just what Cubby intends to do. Until he happens to learn where the great man is taking his lunch. Cubby just wants to get a look at the mysterious recluse whose mere opinion can make or break a career- or a life.
But Shearman Waxx isn't what Cubby expects, and neither is the escalating terror that follows what seemed to be an innocent encounter. For Waxx gives criticism; he doesn't take it. He has ways of dealing with those who cross him that Cubby is only beginning to fathom. Soon Cubby finds himself in a desperate struggle with a relentless sociopath, facing an inexorable assult on far more than his life.
I really thought that Relentless had a lot of promise. I thought that this book could be really spooky and well done, especially in light of what has been happening lately with some authors who are not behaving well with reviews. I understand that Mr. Koontz has a genre and type of book that he normally writes, so I am not disappointed, I just wish it could have been somewhat more straight suspense and not some sci-fi thrown in. That's just me, though, and I wouldn't want that to discourage anyone from not reading it because of that. With all of that being said, Mr. Koontz does write a fast paced story, and I will admit that there were times my heart started beating a bit faster while I was reading. The story was a very fast read, and I read most of it this evening in a few hours. I really adored Milo as well, and even though the story was a horror/thriller type, there were several parts that left me smiling. Milo was absolutely adorable and Cubby is very likeable as well. While I may not pick up another Koontz book anytime soon, I am not upset that I read this book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Can you believe that just as I finished all of my library books (I believe I have now read 7 books from the library in a row!!!) another one came in? I don't care... I have to grab something off of my own shelves. I think I may be in the mood for a straight fiction right now, but who knows? I think I am going to jump in the shower and then just browse my bookshelves. I hope everyone else is enjoying their current reads and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Bestselling novelist Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich is a lucky man and he knows it. He makes a handsome living doing what he enjoys. His wife, Penny, a children's book author and illustrator, is the love of his life. Together they have a brilliant six-year-old, Milo, affectionately dubbed "Spooky" and a non-collie named Lassie, who's all but part of the family.
So Cubby knows he shouldn't let one bad review of his otherwise triumphant new book get to him- even if it does appear in the nation's premier newspaper and is penned by the much-feared, seldom-seen critic Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows that the best thing to do is ignore the gratuitously vicious, insulting, and inaccurate comments. Penny knows it; even little Milo knows it. If Lassie could talk, she'd tell Cuby to ignore them too.
Ignore Shearman Waxx and his poison pen is just what Cubby intends to do. Until he happens to learn where the great man is taking his lunch. Cubby just wants to get a look at the mysterious recluse whose mere opinion can make or break a career- or a life.
But Shearman Waxx isn't what Cubby expects, and neither is the escalating terror that follows what seemed to be an innocent encounter. For Waxx gives criticism; he doesn't take it. He has ways of dealing with those who cross him that Cubby is only beginning to fathom. Soon Cubby finds himself in a desperate struggle with a relentless sociopath, facing an inexorable assult on far more than his life.
I really thought that Relentless had a lot of promise. I thought that this book could be really spooky and well done, especially in light of what has been happening lately with some authors who are not behaving well with reviews. I understand that Mr. Koontz has a genre and type of book that he normally writes, so I am not disappointed, I just wish it could have been somewhat more straight suspense and not some sci-fi thrown in. That's just me, though, and I wouldn't want that to discourage anyone from not reading it because of that. With all of that being said, Mr. Koontz does write a fast paced story, and I will admit that there were times my heart started beating a bit faster while I was reading. The story was a very fast read, and I read most of it this evening in a few hours. I really adored Milo as well, and even though the story was a horror/thriller type, there were several parts that left me smiling. Milo was absolutely adorable and Cubby is very likeable as well. While I may not pick up another Koontz book anytime soon, I am not upset that I read this book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Can you believe that just as I finished all of my library books (I believe I have now read 7 books from the library in a row!!!) another one came in? I don't care... I have to grab something off of my own shelves. I think I may be in the mood for a straight fiction right now, but who knows? I think I am going to jump in the shower and then just browse my bookshelves. I hope everyone else is enjoying their current reads and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Locked Doors by Blake Crouch
Locked Doors is the sequel to Desert Places, which I read a couple of weeks ago. The ending left me hanging a bit, so I was happy to read Locked Doors. The pages flew by and kept me reading and I give it a B+.
Inside cover:
Seven years ago, suspense novelist Andrew Thomas's life was shattered when he was framed for a series of murders. The killer's victimes were unearthed on Andrew's lakefront property, and since he was wanted by the FBI, Andrew had no choice but to flee and to create a new identity.
Andrew does just that in a cabin tucked away in the remote wilderness near Haines Junction, Yukon. His only link to society is by email, through which he learns that all the people he ever loved are being stalked and murdered. Culminating in the spooky and secluded Outer Banks of North Carolina, the paths of Andrew Thoms, a psychotic, and a young female detective collide.
If you plan on reading this book, I would highly recommend that you start first with Desert Places, which really lays a lot of groundwork for this book. I would also want to warn you that both books are very violent and there are a lot of dead bodies left around in the wake. Sometimes I think that the blood and gore was added just for the sake of having more bloods and guts, but the suspense really keeps your heart racing. This book is also leaves the reader hanging a bit, but there doesn't seem to be another book in the series. Mr. Crouch has a new book that was released today, actually, but it seems to go the way of paranormal books, and that just really doesn't interest me.
I'm glad this book was so good, though. I was previously reading another book, one by Thomas H. Cook, and again I was halfway through it and just couldn't finish it. It was too boring. I am beginning to think that Red Leaves may have been a fluke for me, since this was the second book I tried to read by him and didn't love it. Since I had one more by him checked out from the library, I ended up taking it back unread. I still have two more lirbary books to read, and I really need/want to start reading more off of my own shelves. I am going to read another book by Emily Listfield next and then I have Dean Koontz's latest book, Relentless, to read. That will be my first by Mr. Koontz, and from the reviews I have been reading lately, it looks like a good one to start off with. I hope everyone else has had a smooth transistion to work after a long holiday weekend and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Seven years ago, suspense novelist Andrew Thomas's life was shattered when he was framed for a series of murders. The killer's victimes were unearthed on Andrew's lakefront property, and since he was wanted by the FBI, Andrew had no choice but to flee and to create a new identity.
Andrew does just that in a cabin tucked away in the remote wilderness near Haines Junction, Yukon. His only link to society is by email, through which he learns that all the people he ever loved are being stalked and murdered. Culminating in the spooky and secluded Outer Banks of North Carolina, the paths of Andrew Thoms, a psychotic, and a young female detective collide.
If you plan on reading this book, I would highly recommend that you start first with Desert Places, which really lays a lot of groundwork for this book. I would also want to warn you that both books are very violent and there are a lot of dead bodies left around in the wake. Sometimes I think that the blood and gore was added just for the sake of having more bloods and guts, but the suspense really keeps your heart racing. This book is also leaves the reader hanging a bit, but there doesn't seem to be another book in the series. Mr. Crouch has a new book that was released today, actually, but it seems to go the way of paranormal books, and that just really doesn't interest me.
I'm glad this book was so good, though. I was previously reading another book, one by Thomas H. Cook, and again I was halfway through it and just couldn't finish it. It was too boring. I am beginning to think that Red Leaves may have been a fluke for me, since this was the second book I tried to read by him and didn't love it. Since I had one more by him checked out from the library, I ended up taking it back unread. I still have two more lirbary books to read, and I really need/want to start reading more off of my own shelves. I am going to read another book by Emily Listfield next and then I have Dean Koontz's latest book, Relentless, to read. That will be my first by Mr. Koontz, and from the reviews I have been reading lately, it looks like a good one to start off with. I hope everyone else has had a smooth transistion to work after a long holiday weekend and Happy Reading!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Worst Nightmares by Shane Briant
I've heard and read a lot about Mr. Briant's first novel, Worst Nightmares, on several blogs. It sounded like something brand new and not your average suspense book. There is even a website that coincides with the book! I placed it on hold and picked it up a couple of days ago and read it today. It was good, and the ending really left me wanting more. I give Worst Nightmares a B+.
Inside cover:
Dermot Nolan is an international, award-winning bestselling author who seems to have it all- a successful career, fame, fortune, and a beautiful wife. Between the royalities coming in from his most recent book, and the revenue he has received from the film company that bought the rights, Dermot seems every bit the literary darling.
And yet, for the last year, he has suffered from a bout of writer's block and in the process has grossly overspent his income. So when Demont comes across an unsolicited horror manuscript stuffed into his mailbox from one Albert K. Arnold entitled My Worst Nightmares- My Delicious Memoirs, he cannot help but feel intrigued. It tells the story of the twisted, homicidal "Dream Healer" who snares his victims via his website worstnightmares.net, seduces them into revealing their innermost fears, and then kills them revisiting their very own nightmares upon them, magnified a hundredfold. And while Dermot is disgusted by the horror of Mr. Arnold's manuscript, he is also deeply intrigued, so much so that he seeks to solve his writer's block by rewritting Arnold's novel as his own.
Sweeping aside the threatening prospect of plagarism, Dermot begins to rework the novel while simultaneously researching Arnold's stories. In his search, he slowly begins to realize that the novel may not be entirely fictional, that these poor characters may have perished at the hands of the twisted torturer. Could the Dream Healer be real? Could these innocent cyber-surfers have fallen victim to a raving maniac? And could Dermot be writing his own ticket to death... his very own nightmare?
I loved the idea of this book, especially the idea of someone discovering your worst nightmares and then torturing you and killing you through that nightmare. Plus, I had to check out if the website worstnightmares.net was real, and it was! There is a mini trailer and also shows some of the characters telling the Dream Healer their nightmares and watching the Dream Healer talking to them. With all of that being said, I thought the writing was a bit choppy. It seemed to jump around a bit, and there was not a clear linear flow. I had a hard time feeling for Dermot and I really didn't like him, but at the end of the story, I was cheering on for him. Plus the ending really knocked my socks off and I am wondering what is going to happen next. I wonder and hope that Mr. Briant is working on his next novel. If you do read this book, go ahead and check out the website though as it is sure to send shivers down your spine.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but yet again, it will be a library book. I have several more to get through and I think it will be another suspense. I know I have another book or two by Thomas Cook along with the sequel to another book I read last month, so it will probably be one of those. My husband is currently sitting by where I store those books, so I am going to ask him to select one for me. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Dermot Nolan is an international, award-winning bestselling author who seems to have it all- a successful career, fame, fortune, and a beautiful wife. Between the royalities coming in from his most recent book, and the revenue he has received from the film company that bought the rights, Dermot seems every bit the literary darling.
And yet, for the last year, he has suffered from a bout of writer's block and in the process has grossly overspent his income. So when Demont comes across an unsolicited horror manuscript stuffed into his mailbox from one Albert K. Arnold entitled My Worst Nightmares- My Delicious Memoirs, he cannot help but feel intrigued. It tells the story of the twisted, homicidal "Dream Healer" who snares his victims via his website worstnightmares.net, seduces them into revealing their innermost fears, and then kills them revisiting their very own nightmares upon them, magnified a hundredfold. And while Dermot is disgusted by the horror of Mr. Arnold's manuscript, he is also deeply intrigued, so much so that he seeks to solve his writer's block by rewritting Arnold's novel as his own.
Sweeping aside the threatening prospect of plagarism, Dermot begins to rework the novel while simultaneously researching Arnold's stories. In his search, he slowly begins to realize that the novel may not be entirely fictional, that these poor characters may have perished at the hands of the twisted torturer. Could the Dream Healer be real? Could these innocent cyber-surfers have fallen victim to a raving maniac? And could Dermot be writing his own ticket to death... his very own nightmare?
I loved the idea of this book, especially the idea of someone discovering your worst nightmares and then torturing you and killing you through that nightmare. Plus, I had to check out if the website worstnightmares.net was real, and it was! There is a mini trailer and also shows some of the characters telling the Dream Healer their nightmares and watching the Dream Healer talking to them. With all of that being said, I thought the writing was a bit choppy. It seemed to jump around a bit, and there was not a clear linear flow. I had a hard time feeling for Dermot and I really didn't like him, but at the end of the story, I was cheering on for him. Plus the ending really knocked my socks off and I am wondering what is going to happen next. I wonder and hope that Mr. Briant is working on his next novel. If you do read this book, go ahead and check out the website though as it is sure to send shivers down your spine.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but yet again, it will be a library book. I have several more to get through and I think it will be another suspense. I know I have another book or two by Thomas Cook along with the sequel to another book I read last month, so it will probably be one of those. My husband is currently sitting by where I store those books, so I am going to ask him to select one for me. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Desert Places by Blake Crouch
I believe I heard about Desert Places on bookbitch.com though I could be mistaken. My interest was picqued though by reading the review, so I decided to place this one on hold from my library. It was a difficult book to read, and very graphic, but still very suspensful. I give it a B.
Inside cover:
Andrew Z. Thomas is a successful writer of suspense thrillers, living the dream at his lake house in the piedmont of North Carolina. One afternoon in late spring, he receives a bizarre letter that eventually threathens his career, his sanity, and the lives of everyone he loves. A murderer is designing his future, and for the life of him, Andrew can't get away.
There were definitely a lot of twists and turns in this book, and quite often I was left gasping aloud. The book starts out with a bang, when Andrew receives a letter from someone who says there is a body buried somewhere on his property with his blood all over the body. If Andrew doesn't do exactly as the man says, the police will receive an anonymous phone call leading them to the body and all the eveidence necessary for putting Andrew behind bars for a very long time, if not sending him to the electric chair. So starts an exciting ride with Andrew running for his life and trying to save those he loves. Though this book was graphic (at times, perhaps, too graphic where it wasn't necessary), I still enjoyed it. The author left the ending hanging a bit and I just learned that there is a sequel so I just placed that on hold from my library. I am excited to see what is going to happen next.
I think the next book I am going to read is a book by another new-to-me author, Anne Stuart. I have heard/read a lot about her, especially some of her romance novels, which really aren't my cup of tea, but her newest sounds like something I would enjoy. It is another library book, but after that one I am going to read one off of my own shelves. I really need to start buckling down for the RYOB challenge. Dinner is cooking right now and after that I think it will be perfect to relax on my front porch with a great book. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
Andrew Z. Thomas is a successful writer of suspense thrillers, living the dream at his lake house in the piedmont of North Carolina. One afternoon in late spring, he receives a bizarre letter that eventually threathens his career, his sanity, and the lives of everyone he loves. A murderer is designing his future, and for the life of him, Andrew can't get away.
There were definitely a lot of twists and turns in this book, and quite often I was left gasping aloud. The book starts out with a bang, when Andrew receives a letter from someone who says there is a body buried somewhere on his property with his blood all over the body. If Andrew doesn't do exactly as the man says, the police will receive an anonymous phone call leading them to the body and all the eveidence necessary for putting Andrew behind bars for a very long time, if not sending him to the electric chair. So starts an exciting ride with Andrew running for his life and trying to save those he loves. Though this book was graphic (at times, perhaps, too graphic where it wasn't necessary), I still enjoyed it. The author left the ending hanging a bit and I just learned that there is a sequel so I just placed that on hold from my library. I am excited to see what is going to happen next.
I think the next book I am going to read is a book by another new-to-me author, Anne Stuart. I have heard/read a lot about her, especially some of her romance novels, which really aren't my cup of tea, but her newest sounds like something I would enjoy. It is another library book, but after that one I am going to read one off of my own shelves. I really need to start buckling down for the RYOB challenge. Dinner is cooking right now and after that I think it will be perfect to relax on my front porch with a great book. Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Mortal Fear by Greg Iles
I recently discovered Greg Iles and really love his style of writing. I picked this book up last week when I wasn't feeling well and decided to read it last weekend. It was a Chunkster, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it before the end of the month but I was able to squeak it in. It was a good read and I give it an A-.
Back cover:
By day, Harper Cole trades commodities over the Internet from his isolated Mississippi farmhouse. At night, he is systems operator of EROS, an exclusive, sexually explicit on-line service that guarantees total anonymity to its rich and famous clientele.
But now somehone has penetrated EROS's state-of-the-art security... someone who has brutally murdered six celebrated women. Each time, the weapon and the city are different. And each time, the killer has claimed the same horrifying trophy.
For Harper Cole, who has suddenly become the prime suspect, there is only one way to lure the elusive madman into the open. But Harper Cole has dangerous sexual secrets of his own. His daring plan will place everything and everyone he loves in the path of a brillian, unstoppable killer...
This book had a ton of suspense as well as some good emotional tugs to it as well. Because the book was orginally published in 1997, the Internet was a fairly new and not so common thing and I thought Mr. Iles did a fantastic job of explaining it all without bogging down the story or making it too technical. Chat rooms were a new thing and the author even mentions that the FBI isn't completely online... that totally astounded me! Mr. Iles is a wonderful author who is able to weave together storylines and keeps the suspense building and building until the very end. Another great addition from Mr. Iles!
Up next is a book by one of another of my favorite authors, Wendy Corsi Staub. She always seems to release a brand new suspense book around my birthday, so it is hard to forget. I picked it up yesterday and am looking forward to start it. I also went to one of my local library's used book sales today (which is always held on the weekend of my birthday) and got about 22 new books... including a brand new book that looks like it has never been read! Playoff hockey for the Wings starts tomorrow night which I can hardly wait for! I hope everyone else is reading some excellent books! Happy Reading!
Back cover:
By day, Harper Cole trades commodities over the Internet from his isolated Mississippi farmhouse. At night, he is systems operator of EROS, an exclusive, sexually explicit on-line service that guarantees total anonymity to its rich and famous clientele.
But now somehone has penetrated EROS's state-of-the-art security... someone who has brutally murdered six celebrated women. Each time, the weapon and the city are different. And each time, the killer has claimed the same horrifying trophy.
For Harper Cole, who has suddenly become the prime suspect, there is only one way to lure the elusive madman into the open. But Harper Cole has dangerous sexual secrets of his own. His daring plan will place everything and everyone he loves in the path of a brillian, unstoppable killer...
This book had a ton of suspense as well as some good emotional tugs to it as well. Because the book was orginally published in 1997, the Internet was a fairly new and not so common thing and I thought Mr. Iles did a fantastic job of explaining it all without bogging down the story or making it too technical. Chat rooms were a new thing and the author even mentions that the FBI isn't completely online... that totally astounded me! Mr. Iles is a wonderful author who is able to weave together storylines and keeps the suspense building and building until the very end. Another great addition from Mr. Iles!
Up next is a book by one of another of my favorite authors, Wendy Corsi Staub. She always seems to release a brand new suspense book around my birthday, so it is hard to forget. I picked it up yesterday and am looking forward to start it. I also went to one of my local library's used book sales today (which is always held on the weekend of my birthday) and got about 22 new books... including a brand new book that looks like it has never been read! Playoff hockey for the Wings starts tomorrow night which I can hardly wait for! I hope everyone else is reading some excellent books! Happy Reading!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Old Flames by Jack Ketchum
After reading some old Mystery Scene magazines, I cam across a review for Old Flames by Jack Ketchum. He was a new-to-me author but this book sounded like just my type of book... an obsessive woman tries to shatter the perfect suburban life, so I placed it on hold through my library. I started this late last night and finished it today. Two novellas are told in this story with Old Flames being the first one and Right to Life being the second one. I give Old Flames an A- and Right to Life a B.
Back cover:
Burned again. Men never treated Dora well. This latest cheated on her and dumped her. The last decent guy she knew was her old high school boyfriend, Jim. He'd said that he loved her. Maybe he did. So with the help of Flame Finders, Dora's found him again. Turns out he's married with two kids. But Dora isn't about to let that stand in her way...
Old Flames comes in at about 140 pages and while I normally shy away from novellas and short stories, this story was fantastic. It had suspense and even though the writing was different, it didn't bother me. There were a lot of short, choppy sentences but it just seemed to fit the book. There was even one part of the story that I was talking to the book. That rarely happens.
When I finished Old Flames, I really wasn't going to read Right to Life. I could tell from looking at the first pages that it dealed with abortion and I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about abortion. I am glad I ended up turning the pages, though, because it really wasn't about abortion but about some twisted people that kidnap a woman who happens to be going for an abortion appointment. The reason why I marked down the story a bit is the book was very graphic... especially in describing some of the rape scenes. Normally I am not too squeamish, but it was graphic. I wasn't forewarned and by the time some of it happened, I was already sucked into the story. That being said, I will be looking for more of Mr. Ketchum's other books. Stephen King stated that he was an excellent horror writer and I was expecting supernatural horror but it was all of the man-made kind of horror that is much more horrifying if you ask me.
Up next is Little Face by Sophie Hannah. This is another book that I saw in reading one of the Mystery Scene magazines. It is set in England, but with reading the books by Tana French I seem to be expanding my reading locations and traveling across the pond. I hope that it is good because Old Flames has really gotten my reading mojo back. Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Burned again. Men never treated Dora well. This latest cheated on her and dumped her. The last decent guy she knew was her old high school boyfriend, Jim. He'd said that he loved her. Maybe he did. So with the help of Flame Finders, Dora's found him again. Turns out he's married with two kids. But Dora isn't about to let that stand in her way...
Old Flames comes in at about 140 pages and while I normally shy away from novellas and short stories, this story was fantastic. It had suspense and even though the writing was different, it didn't bother me. There were a lot of short, choppy sentences but it just seemed to fit the book. There was even one part of the story that I was talking to the book. That rarely happens.
When I finished Old Flames, I really wasn't going to read Right to Life. I could tell from looking at the first pages that it dealed with abortion and I wasn't sure if I wanted to read about abortion. I am glad I ended up turning the pages, though, because it really wasn't about abortion but about some twisted people that kidnap a woman who happens to be going for an abortion appointment. The reason why I marked down the story a bit is the book was very graphic... especially in describing some of the rape scenes. Normally I am not too squeamish, but it was graphic. I wasn't forewarned and by the time some of it happened, I was already sucked into the story. That being said, I will be looking for more of Mr. Ketchum's other books. Stephen King stated that he was an excellent horror writer and I was expecting supernatural horror but it was all of the man-made kind of horror that is much more horrifying if you ask me.
Up next is Little Face by Sophie Hannah. This is another book that I saw in reading one of the Mystery Scene magazines. It is set in England, but with reading the books by Tana French I seem to be expanding my reading locations and traveling across the pond. I hope that it is good because Old Flames has really gotten my reading mojo back. Happy Reading!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Innocence by Karen Novak
I got Innocence by Karen Novak from the library. I had heard nothing about this book, but it just caught my eye and the premise sounded interesting. It also fit into the Suspense and Thriller Challenge as a private investagor thriller. As I read the book, I thought that it may not fit well but it did. It was a wonderfully written book and I really enjoyed it. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
When private investigator Leslie Stone's own thirteen-year-old daughter, Molly, attempts to hire her to find a vanished friend, the case stirs memories of one from Leslie's own troubled childhood: a series of abductions of girls who became known as the Nightingales. Five eighth-grade boys are being charged with assaulting Molly's friend. But even as their small town erupts in anger and calls for justice, Molly insists that the boys are innocent, and takes the stand to testify on their behalf. Leslie's investigations show that although Molly may be right, someone is guilty. As the case draws her own secret knowledge of the Nightingales' history toward the light, she is left uncertain of every instinct except the one that demands she protect her child- even if she has to betray her own childhood by telling everything.
This book has so much going on, yet the reader is never overwhelmed. The reader gets two stories for one, including old kidnapping and child assults that happened when Leslie was a child. The author does a fantastic job of telling the second story and in such an interesting way as well... by inserting seperate chapters counting backwards. For example, the book opens up with Chapter 19 telling one part of the old story and then counts down after breaking in spots for the current story. This book touches on so many aspects of life today and at times is hard to read. I was still surprised when things came out in the final pages and it didn't bother me. There are a lot of emotions dealing with family that touched me as well and I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a bit. It is part of a series, but I believe it is the last of the series. If this is so, I say it is a perfect ending.
Up next is another library book that will also fit the Thriller Challenge. The book is Close To You by Mary Jane Clark and fits the stalker thriller book. I have previously read one Mary Jane Clark and have several on my shelves, so I hope it is another great one.In 2008 I read 130 books, and this year I would like to beat it by 5. I definitely need to make more time for reading. I get such a great pleasure for it and need to make more time. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When private investigator Leslie Stone's own thirteen-year-old daughter, Molly, attempts to hire her to find a vanished friend, the case stirs memories of one from Leslie's own troubled childhood: a series of abductions of girls who became known as the Nightingales. Five eighth-grade boys are being charged with assaulting Molly's friend. But even as their small town erupts in anger and calls for justice, Molly insists that the boys are innocent, and takes the stand to testify on their behalf. Leslie's investigations show that although Molly may be right, someone is guilty. As the case draws her own secret knowledge of the Nightingales' history toward the light, she is left uncertain of every instinct except the one that demands she protect her child- even if she has to betray her own childhood by telling everything.
This book has so much going on, yet the reader is never overwhelmed. The reader gets two stories for one, including old kidnapping and child assults that happened when Leslie was a child. The author does a fantastic job of telling the second story and in such an interesting way as well... by inserting seperate chapters counting backwards. For example, the book opens up with Chapter 19 telling one part of the old story and then counts down after breaking in spots for the current story. This book touches on so many aspects of life today and at times is hard to read. I was still surprised when things came out in the final pages and it didn't bother me. There are a lot of emotions dealing with family that touched me as well and I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a bit. It is part of a series, but I believe it is the last of the series. If this is so, I say it is a perfect ending.
Up next is another library book that will also fit the Thriller Challenge. The book is Close To You by Mary Jane Clark and fits the stalker thriller book. I have previously read one Mary Jane Clark and have several on my shelves, so I hope it is another great one.In 2008 I read 130 books, and this year I would like to beat it by 5. I definitely need to make more time for reading. I get such a great pleasure for it and need to make more time. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The Devil's Closet by Stacy Dittrich
Got this one in just before the deadline for the end of 2008... and I wasn't sure if it was going to happen. I hoped that I would end the year with a bang and a wonderful book, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. I can only give this book a C+.
Back cover:
Detective CeeCee Gallagher is no stranger to high-pressure cases. But this one could easily cost her career... and her life. A macabre serial killer is on the loose, leaving the bodies of his young victims made up to resemble dolls. With only a Bible passage sent by the killer to guide her, CeeCee will have to sacrafice everything to find him and end his reign of terror before another child is murdered.
There were a couple of things that went wrong with this book. First of all, it was only 292 pages long and more than half of the story was about CeeCee and her affair. I couldn't stand her and her whining all of the time. She was caught between her husband and the man she had an almost affair with a year ago. At the end of the book the author explains that she added this in because the topic, children being killed, was so tough to read that she had to break it up. This book cannot be categorized as a thriller in my mind because most of it was romance. The timeline was very difficult to follow and very few clues were given to the reader to try and solve it. I also couldn't stand CeeCee's calaliver attitude towards marriage and it wasn't just hers either. I think there were three divorces in 292 pages. I don't know... the book just really annoyed me. I read some other reviews on Amazon and they absolutely loved it but it just didn't work for me.
Up next is a library book, one for Library Book challenge. It is called Innocence by Karen Novak, a new to me author. I hope it is good. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Years!! Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Detective CeeCee Gallagher is no stranger to high-pressure cases. But this one could easily cost her career... and her life. A macabre serial killer is on the loose, leaving the bodies of his young victims made up to resemble dolls. With only a Bible passage sent by the killer to guide her, CeeCee will have to sacrafice everything to find him and end his reign of terror before another child is murdered.
There were a couple of things that went wrong with this book. First of all, it was only 292 pages long and more than half of the story was about CeeCee and her affair. I couldn't stand her and her whining all of the time. She was caught between her husband and the man she had an almost affair with a year ago. At the end of the book the author explains that she added this in because the topic, children being killed, was so tough to read that she had to break it up. This book cannot be categorized as a thriller in my mind because most of it was romance. The timeline was very difficult to follow and very few clues were given to the reader to try and solve it. I also couldn't stand CeeCee's calaliver attitude towards marriage and it wasn't just hers either. I think there were three divorces in 292 pages. I don't know... the book just really annoyed me. I read some other reviews on Amazon and they absolutely loved it but it just didn't work for me.
Up next is a library book, one for Library Book challenge. It is called Innocence by Karen Novak, a new to me author. I hope it is good. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Years!! Happy Reading!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
2009 Suspense Thriller Challenge
This one is a no brainer for me to enter since I love thrillers and suspense novels. Here are the rules that the lovely J. Kaye is hosting. Here are the rules!
2009 Suspense & Thriller Reading Challenge
This is for the ones who finished the 2008/09 Suspense & Reading Challenge are ready for another. Rules of this challenge:
* Read TWELVE (12) different sub-genres of thrillers in 2009.
* You do NOT need to select your books ahead of time. Also, you may change as you go. * Your books can crossover into other challenges.
* You don't need a blog to join in this challenge. For those who do, this is important. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your S/T books will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed.
Click to join suspense-thriller-challenge
This is the list of sub-genres of thrillers we've discovered so far:
Action thrillers - often feature a race against the clock, contains lots of violence, and an obvious antagonist. Treasure hunt, search for a lost archeological site, the world's lost meteorite, a mystery lost to time--action-adventure brings back our childhood fantasies of being the adventurer. Examples are Sahara by Clive Cussler, Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston
Amateur Detective mystery - solved by an amateur, who generally has some profession or affiliation that provides ready access to information about the crime.
Comic Thrillers - a thriller played for laughs, whether through a spoof of the genre or wisecracking interplay between the protagonists.
Conspiracy thriller - In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. The Chancellor Manuscript and The Aquitane Progression by Robert Ludlum fall into this category.
Cozy mystery - takes place in a small town—sometimes in a single home—where all the suspects are present and familiar with one another, except the detective, who is usually an eccentric outsider.
Crime thriller - offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. This subgenre often focuses on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, and double-crosses are central ingredients. I think the Dexter series would work well here.
Eco-thriller is where the protagonist must avert or rectify an environmental or biological calamity - often in addition to dealing with the usual types of enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This environmental component often forms a central message or theme of the story. Examples include Nicholas Evans's The Loop, C. George Muller's Echoes in the Blue, and Wilbur Smith's Elephant Song, all of which highlight real-life environmental issues.
Futuristic Eco-thrillers are of the Science Fiction genre that proposes ideas that will or may occur and include such works as Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and Ian Irvine's Human Rites Trilogy.
Erotic thriller simply put consists of erotica and thriller. The genre includes such books as Basic Instinct by Richard Osborne, and Fatal Attraction.
Disaster thriller - In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc., or nuclear disasters as an artificial disaster. Examples include Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, Tremor by Winston Graham, and the 1974 film Earthquake.
Drama thriller - In which the story consists of the elements of a thriller and drama film. These films are usually slower paced and involves a great deal of character development along with plot twists. Examples include The Illusionist, The Interpreter and The Prestige.
Forensic mystery - solved through the forensics lab, featuring much detail and scientific procedure.
Futuristic mystery/thrillers - a crime set in the future.
Hard-boiled mystery - is tougher and grittier than soft- or medium-boiled stories. They often incorporate violence, no-holds-barred descriptions of crime scenes, and sexual encounters. They usually feature a lone-wolf private detective who is cynical yet quixotic. Think Sara Paretsky, Ian Rankin, Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly, James Elroy, Clyde Ford (The Long Mile). Historical Thriller are thrillers set in the past, usually combined with other subgenres. This particular subgenre is rather uncommon. Examples of this are Black Order by James Rollins and The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross.
Hitman Thriller would be where victims are being hunted by a hitman. Dean Koontz's The Good Guy is an example.
Horror thrillers has the conflict between the main characters are mental, emotional, and physical. Examples of this include World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks and 28 Days Later: The Aftermath by Steve Niles. What sets the horror thriller apart is the main element of fear throughout the story. The main character(s) is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting the monster's attention. Other well-known examples are Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs.
Inverted mystery - one where the killer is know and the story is about how the police go about proving and catching the killer- The Columbo movies were based on this genre.
Legal thrillers are where the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham and the Jack Swyteck novels by James Grippando are good examples of the type.
Literary thrillers concern rare books but this one was about art crime. (added by Violette Severin)
Locked Room - mystery in which the crime is apparently committed under impossible circumstances (but eventually elicits a rational explanation).
Medical thrillers are which the hero/heroine are doctors or medical personnels working to solve an expanding medical problem. Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Tess Gerritsen are well-known authors of this subgenre.
Military Thrillers - a thriller featuring a military protagonist, often working behind enemy lines or as part of a specialized force
Murder Mystery - focuses on one type of criminal case. Usually, there is a murder victim, and the detective must figure out who killed him, the same way he solves other crimes.
Mob Mysteries or Thillers are about mobsters, and their life account. It can describe the crimes they have committed, or the mob's general development.
Police Procedural Thrillers - a crime thriller that follows the police as they work their way through a case.
Political thrillers where the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Good examples are Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn, Presidential Games by Alvin E. Hargis, and Happy Holidays: A Political Thriller by J.D. Smith. Private Detective mystery - Focused on the independent snoop-for-hire, these have evolved from tough-guy "hard-boiled" detectives to the more professional operators of today.
Psychological thrillers have (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. The Alfred Hitchcock films Suspicion, Shadow of a Doubt, and Strangers on a Train and David Lynch's bizarre and influential Blue Velvet are notable examples of the type, as is The Sixth Sense by M. Night Shyamalan and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (who also wrote Strangers).
Religious thrillers were popularized by the blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This subgenre uses the rich and long history of religion to build stories with high stakes and deadly politics. More examples are Map of Bones by James Rollins, The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry, and The Last Cato by Matilde Asensi.
Romantic thriller is where the protagonists are romantically involved.
Sci-Fi thrillers - Michael Crichton's first novel, The Andromeda Strain (1969), still ranks as one of the top science fiction thrillers of all time. What could be scarier than microscopic killer germs run amok? Representing the larger end of the weird-creature spectrum, Mammoth by John Varley (2005) imaginatively spins a yarn starring a billionaire, a brilliant nerd, and a gifted animal wrangler whose newest charge happens to be a woolly mammoth.
Serial Killer thriller is an extremely popular subgenre of thriller. In this subgenre, a serial killer is terrorizing a group of people with horrific violence. The detective's goal is to stop the killer before he takes his next victim. Examples here are The Skin Gods by Richard Montanari, The Narrows by Michael Connelly, Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb Spy thrillers (also a subgenre of spy fiction) are where the hero is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or (in recent years) terrorists. Examples include From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming, The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum, and television series such as Mission: Impossible and 24 (the latter demonstrating a break from the norm by Robert Ludlum, as it is as much a psychological thriller as a spy thriller.)
Supernatural thrillers are in which the conflict is between main characters and a supernatural powers. Carrie by Stephen King and Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan are notable examples of this genre. This type of thriller combines tension of the regular thriller with such basic horror oriented ingredients as ghosts, the occult, and psychic phenomenon; the supernatural thriller combines these with a frightening but often restrained film. They also generally eschew the more graphic elements of the horror film in favor of sustaining a mood of menace and unpredictability; supernatural thrillers often find the protagonists either battling a malevolent paranormal force or trapped in a situation seemingly influenced or controlled by an other-worldly entity beyond their comprehension.
Techno-thrillers are work that usually focuses upon military action, in which technology (usually military technology) is described in detail and made essential to the reader's/viewer's understanding of the plot. Tom Clancy defined and popularized the genre with his The Hunt for Red October, and is considered to be the "Father of the Technothriller."
Terrorist thriller is when someone blows up a building and are usually from the middle east or destroys something. True-Crime thrillers - The most famous book in this nonfiction genre is Truman Capote's In Cold Blood (1966). The author spent months in the Midwest painstakingly retracing the steps of two young rural killers -- and then wrote about it chillingly. Another excellent and more recent true-crime book is Green River, Running Red by Ann Rule (2004), the true story of the notorious Green River serial killer who terrorized the Seattle area for decades.
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2009 Suspense & Thriller Reading Challenge
This is for the ones who finished the 2008/09 Suspense & Reading Challenge are ready for another. Rules of this challenge:
* Read TWELVE (12) different sub-genres of thrillers in 2009.
* You do NOT need to select your books ahead of time. Also, you may change as you go. * Your books can crossover into other challenges.
* You don't need a blog to join in this challenge. For those who do, this is important. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your S/T books will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed.
Click to join suspense-thriller-challenge
This is the list of sub-genres of thrillers we've discovered so far:
Action thrillers - often feature a race against the clock, contains lots of violence, and an obvious antagonist. Treasure hunt, search for a lost archeological site, the world's lost meteorite, a mystery lost to time--action-adventure brings back our childhood fantasies of being the adventurer. Examples are Sahara by Clive Cussler, Thunderhead by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston
Amateur Detective mystery - solved by an amateur, who generally has some profession or affiliation that provides ready access to information about the crime.
Comic Thrillers - a thriller played for laughs, whether through a spoof of the genre or wisecracking interplay between the protagonists.
Conspiracy thriller - In which the hero/heroine confronts a large, powerful group of enemies whose true extent only he/she recognizes. The Chancellor Manuscript and The Aquitane Progression by Robert Ludlum fall into this category.
Cozy mystery - takes place in a small town—sometimes in a single home—where all the suspects are present and familiar with one another, except the detective, who is usually an eccentric outsider.
Crime thriller - offers a suspenseful account of a successful or failed crime or crimes. This subgenre often focuses on the criminal(s) rather than a policeman. Crime thrillers usually emphasize action over psychological aspects. Central topics of these films include murders, robberies, chases, shootouts, and double-crosses are central ingredients. I think the Dexter series would work well here.
Eco-thriller is where the protagonist must avert or rectify an environmental or biological calamity - often in addition to dealing with the usual types of enemies or obstacles present in other thriller genres. This environmental component often forms a central message or theme of the story. Examples include Nicholas Evans's The Loop, C. George Muller's Echoes in the Blue, and Wilbur Smith's Elephant Song, all of which highlight real-life environmental issues.
Futuristic Eco-thrillers are of the Science Fiction genre that proposes ideas that will or may occur and include such works as Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars Trilogy and Ian Irvine's Human Rites Trilogy.
Erotic thriller simply put consists of erotica and thriller. The genre includes such books as Basic Instinct by Richard Osborne, and Fatal Attraction.
Disaster thriller - In which the main conflict is due to some sort of natural or artificial disaster, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc., or nuclear disasters as an artificial disaster. Examples include Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen, Tremor by Winston Graham, and the 1974 film Earthquake.
Drama thriller - In which the story consists of the elements of a thriller and drama film. These films are usually slower paced and involves a great deal of character development along with plot twists. Examples include The Illusionist, The Interpreter and The Prestige.
Forensic mystery - solved through the forensics lab, featuring much detail and scientific procedure.
Futuristic mystery/thrillers - a crime set in the future.
Hard-boiled mystery - is tougher and grittier than soft- or medium-boiled stories. They often incorporate violence, no-holds-barred descriptions of crime scenes, and sexual encounters. They usually feature a lone-wolf private detective who is cynical yet quixotic. Think Sara Paretsky, Ian Rankin, Raymond Chandler, Michael Connelly, James Elroy, Clyde Ford (The Long Mile). Historical Thriller are thrillers set in the past, usually combined with other subgenres. This particular subgenre is rather uncommon. Examples of this are Black Order by James Rollins and The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross.
Hitman Thriller would be where victims are being hunted by a hitman. Dean Koontz's The Good Guy is an example.
Horror thrillers has the conflict between the main characters are mental, emotional, and physical. Examples of this include World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks and 28 Days Later: The Aftermath by Steve Niles. What sets the horror thriller apart is the main element of fear throughout the story. The main character(s) is not only up against a superior force, but they are or will soon become the victims themselves and directly feel the fear that comes by attracting the monster's attention. Other well-known examples are Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho and Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs.
Inverted mystery - one where the killer is know and the story is about how the police go about proving and catching the killer- The Columbo movies were based on this genre.
Legal thrillers are where the lawyer-heroes/heroines confront enemies outside, as well as inside, the courtroom and are in danger of losing not only their cases but their lives. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham and the Jack Swyteck novels by James Grippando are good examples of the type.
Literary thrillers concern rare books but this one was about art crime. (added by Violette Severin)
Locked Room - mystery in which the crime is apparently committed under impossible circumstances (but eventually elicits a rational explanation).
Medical thrillers are which the hero/heroine are doctors or medical personnels working to solve an expanding medical problem. Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Tess Gerritsen are well-known authors of this subgenre.
Military Thrillers - a thriller featuring a military protagonist, often working behind enemy lines or as part of a specialized force
Murder Mystery - focuses on one type of criminal case. Usually, there is a murder victim, and the detective must figure out who killed him, the same way he solves other crimes.
Mob Mysteries or Thillers are about mobsters, and their life account. It can describe the crimes they have committed, or the mob's general development.
Police Procedural Thrillers - a crime thriller that follows the police as they work their way through a case.
Political thrillers where the hero/heroine must ensure the stability of the government that employs him. Good examples are Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn, Presidential Games by Alvin E. Hargis, and Happy Holidays: A Political Thriller by J.D. Smith. Private Detective mystery - Focused on the independent snoop-for-hire, these have evolved from tough-guy "hard-boiled" detectives to the more professional operators of today.
Psychological thrillers have (until the often violent resolution) the conflict between the main characters is mental and emotional, rather than physical. The Alfred Hitchcock films Suspicion, Shadow of a Doubt, and Strangers on a Train and David Lynch's bizarre and influential Blue Velvet are notable examples of the type, as is The Sixth Sense by M. Night Shyamalan and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (who also wrote Strangers).
Religious thrillers were popularized by the blockbuster, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This subgenre uses the rich and long history of religion to build stories with high stakes and deadly politics. More examples are Map of Bones by James Rollins, The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry, and The Last Cato by Matilde Asensi.
Romantic thriller is where the protagonists are romantically involved.
Sci-Fi thrillers - Michael Crichton's first novel, The Andromeda Strain (1969), still ranks as one of the top science fiction thrillers of all time. What could be scarier than microscopic killer germs run amok? Representing the larger end of the weird-creature spectrum, Mammoth by John Varley (2005) imaginatively spins a yarn starring a billionaire, a brilliant nerd, and a gifted animal wrangler whose newest charge happens to be a woolly mammoth.
Serial Killer thriller is an extremely popular subgenre of thriller. In this subgenre, a serial killer is terrorizing a group of people with horrific violence. The detective's goal is to stop the killer before he takes his next victim. Examples here are The Skin Gods by Richard Montanari, The Narrows by Michael Connelly, Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb Spy thrillers (also a subgenre of spy fiction) are where the hero is generally a government agent who must take violent action against agents of a rival government or (in recent years) terrorists. Examples include From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming, The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum, and television series such as Mission: Impossible and 24 (the latter demonstrating a break from the norm by Robert Ludlum, as it is as much a psychological thriller as a spy thriller.)
Supernatural thrillers are in which the conflict is between main characters and a supernatural powers. Carrie by Stephen King and Unbreakable by M. Night Shyamalan are notable examples of this genre. This type of thriller combines tension of the regular thriller with such basic horror oriented ingredients as ghosts, the occult, and psychic phenomenon; the supernatural thriller combines these with a frightening but often restrained film. They also generally eschew the more graphic elements of the horror film in favor of sustaining a mood of menace and unpredictability; supernatural thrillers often find the protagonists either battling a malevolent paranormal force or trapped in a situation seemingly influenced or controlled by an other-worldly entity beyond their comprehension.
Techno-thrillers are work that usually focuses upon military action, in which technology (usually military technology) is described in detail and made essential to the reader's/viewer's understanding of the plot. Tom Clancy defined and popularized the genre with his The Hunt for Red October, and is considered to be the "Father of the Technothriller."
Terrorist thriller is when someone blows up a building and are usually from the middle east or destroys something. True-Crime thrillers - The most famous book in this nonfiction genre is Truman Capote's In Cold Blood (1966). The author spent months in the Midwest painstakingly retracing the steps of two young rural killers -- and then wrote about it chillingly. Another excellent and more recent true-crime book is Green River, Running Red by Ann Rule (2004), the true story of the notorious Green River serial killer who terrorized the Seattle area for decades.
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Saturday, October 4, 2008
Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
I loved Ms. Cain's first book, Heartsick, and wasn't sure how this one would follow up. This book far exceeded my expectations and the only thing I can say about this book is WOWZERS and I give it an A.
From Amazon:
With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.
The main character, Archie, is one sick man. When I say sick, I mean sick in the head and physically sick as well. His obsession with Gretchen is unbelievable, but Ms. Cain does such a great job writing about it and explaining all about it, the reader can clearly see how Archie is wrapped around her finger. A lot of the backstory was revealed in this book which the first book didn't have and I loved that. All of the characters are likeable, even though they are all clearly faulted. The suspense is always building and was truly a thriller. It is very dark and not a ton of action, but a lot more in the psyches of people, which I always enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to everyone but suggest that you do start with Heartsick. This morning I kept reading just a few pages because I didn't want the book to end, but finally had to just give in. I was worried about how the book was going to end, because I really do not want the series to end and I think it won't.
I just started a totally different type of book, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell. I have only read 25 pages, but I am afraid that it won't hold up to Sweetheart and I may not give this one it's justice. That is why I purposely chose another book that is not a thriller so I won't be disappointed. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.
The main character, Archie, is one sick man. When I say sick, I mean sick in the head and physically sick as well. His obsession with Gretchen is unbelievable, but Ms. Cain does such a great job writing about it and explaining all about it, the reader can clearly see how Archie is wrapped around her finger. A lot of the backstory was revealed in this book which the first book didn't have and I loved that. All of the characters are likeable, even though they are all clearly faulted. The suspense is always building and was truly a thriller. It is very dark and not a ton of action, but a lot more in the psyches of people, which I always enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to everyone but suggest that you do start with Heartsick. This morning I kept reading just a few pages because I didn't want the book to end, but finally had to just give in. I was worried about how the book was going to end, because I really do not want the series to end and I think it won't.
I just started a totally different type of book, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell. I have only read 25 pages, but I am afraid that it won't hold up to Sweetheart and I may not give this one it's justice. That is why I purposely chose another book that is not a thriller so I won't be disappointed. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sail by James Patterson
Just like always, Mr. Patterson has delivered a good book with plenty of twists and turns that kept the pages turning. I finished this book today and I really enjoyed it. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever.Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens. Survival may be the least of their concerns. Written with the blistering pace and shocking twists that only James Patterson can master, SAIL takes "Lost" and "Survivor" to a new level of terror.
At first, I thought I wasn't going to like this book with these little spoiled brats and a mom who seemed to care more about her job and new husband, but it turned around. I couldn't believe some of the things that happened, and while some of them did seem a little unbelievable, the story was still a good one and I really liked the characters. Someimes with Mr. Patterson's books, I feel like the ending isn't always complete but this time, I thought the story reached a good final conclusion.
I am sorry, you are going to have to forgive me for this weak review. I am struggling to keep my eyes open, so I think I will end it here. I can tell you that my next read will be another memoir called I Was Told There'd Be Cake. I hope it is enjoyable! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Since the death of her husband, Anne Dunne and her three children have struggled in every way. In a last ditch effort to save the family, Anne plans an elaborate sailing vacation to bring everyone together once again. But only an hour out of port, everything is going wrong. The teenage daughter, Carrie, is planning to drown herself. The teenage son, Mark, is high on drugs and ten-year-old Ernie is nearly catatonic. This is the worst vacation ever.Anne manages to pull things together bit by bit, but just as they begin feeling like a family again, something catastrophic happens. Survival may be the least of their concerns. Written with the blistering pace and shocking twists that only James Patterson can master, SAIL takes "Lost" and "Survivor" to a new level of terror.
At first, I thought I wasn't going to like this book with these little spoiled brats and a mom who seemed to care more about her job and new husband, but it turned around. I couldn't believe some of the things that happened, and while some of them did seem a little unbelievable, the story was still a good one and I really liked the characters. Someimes with Mr. Patterson's books, I feel like the ending isn't always complete but this time, I thought the story reached a good final conclusion.
I am sorry, you are going to have to forgive me for this weak review. I am struggling to keep my eyes open, so I think I will end it here. I can tell you that my next read will be another memoir called I Was Told There'd Be Cake. I hope it is enjoyable! Happy Reading!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Perfect Nightmare by John Saul
Another totally and creepy novel by Mr. Saul. As I finished reading this, my heart was pounding and I actually have goosebumps. I never thought that a book would creep me out as much, but this one did. A solid A.
From Amazon:
If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty. Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.
This was such a good book. Unfortunetly because of work, I wasn't able to read it as quickly as I would have liked to, but I stayed up late and then finished it today when I got home. His books are so well written, and I have to say are even creepier because the whole set-up for the abductions seems like it could happen in real life. Mr. Saul may become one of my new favorite authors of thrillers. I will also admit that I was totally thrown at the end of the book and did not expect the ending. That in itself was so creepy and I was astounded. I am so glad I got a couple more of his books from the library and that J. Kaye gave me so recommendations.
Up next is Sail by James Patterson. It is only a 7 day checkout, so I need to fit it in. I hope it is better than the last Patterson I read, You've Been Warned. Usually, I really enjoy his books so I hope this one is just as good. I got a new job today, though it is only 5 hours a week. It is working in a school district that hires new teachers pretty regularly so it will be a good foot in the door. I will be a math teacher for high school students who need additional help. We will be meeting for two days a week, and though it is only 5 hours a week, I will be making as much money as if I subbed for two days. I will only be able to sub a half of a day on those days, but if I don't get called it won't be a loss of money and will be a great opportunity to get in. I had to interview in front of three people, including two principals so I am really happy it went well and I was offered the position. I hope everyone is having a good week and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty. Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.
This was such a good book. Unfortunetly because of work, I wasn't able to read it as quickly as I would have liked to, but I stayed up late and then finished it today when I got home. His books are so well written, and I have to say are even creepier because the whole set-up for the abductions seems like it could happen in real life. Mr. Saul may become one of my new favorite authors of thrillers. I will also admit that I was totally thrown at the end of the book and did not expect the ending. That in itself was so creepy and I was astounded. I am so glad I got a couple more of his books from the library and that J. Kaye gave me so recommendations.
Up next is Sail by James Patterson. It is only a 7 day checkout, so I need to fit it in. I hope it is better than the last Patterson I read, You've Been Warned. Usually, I really enjoy his books so I hope this one is just as good. I got a new job today, though it is only 5 hours a week. It is working in a school district that hires new teachers pretty regularly so it will be a good foot in the door. I will be a math teacher for high school students who need additional help. We will be meeting for two days a week, and though it is only 5 hours a week, I will be making as much money as if I subbed for two days. I will only be able to sub a half of a day on those days, but if I don't get called it won't be a loss of money and will be a great opportunity to get in. I had to interview in front of three people, including two principals so I am really happy it went well and I was offered the position. I hope everyone is having a good week and Happy Reading!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Don't Be Afraid by Rebecca Drake
I seem to have been in a mini reading slump this week and I am not sure why. I did work Monday and Tuesday and had plans for Tuesday night, so that may be part of it. Anyways, I picked Don't Be Afraid off of my bookshelves and it definitely got me out of the slump. This was a great thriller and I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
It''s a beautiful house--a perfect place to live. To dream. To start a life together. It''s the perfect place for so many things, he thinks as he puts on the gloves and reaches for her, enjoying her screams. But today, it''s perfect place to die. Steerforth, Connecticut, was once an idyllic, sleepy New England town. But now the leafy streets and picture-perfect houses have turned shadowy and menacing, every small detail suddenly becoming suspect: lost toys placed carefully on back porches, lights blazing in a house that should be empty, closet doors standing slightly ajar, mysterious flowers wrapped in black tissue paper. And the bodies. A serial killer has come to Connecticut. He is watching, honing his skills, waiting for the perfect time to make them pay for what they''ve done. And when he''s through, home will never be sweet again.
This was the first book by Ms. Drake and she sure does show promise. So much so that today I braved the pouring down rain and got her other two books, with her last one just being released this month. I really liked the main character, Amy, and felt for her. She is a single mother who recently found out that her husband is a serial cheater. While trying to provide for her and her daughter, she is thrown into a mystery where dead bodies are turning up everywhere. The suspense was done really well and there were some clues as to who the killer was. There were red herrings thrown in here and there which threw me off balance. Her writing style really reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Wendy Corsi Staub. Ms. Drake is published through Pinnacle, one of my favorite publishers, so I was sure I would like it. I think I will be reading her other books fairly shortly.
I have been painting again which I really enjoy. I painted some things for my bedroom as we just redid it and also did some Halloween decorations. I will also start painting some Christmas ornaments that I like to give out as tags on packages or as stocking stuffers. I know Christmas is more than three months away, but sometimes I go through spurts. Tomorrow Michaels has all of their painting stuff on sale, and I also want to make a Welcome sign and a couple of other things. We are getting a ton of rain right now, today we have gotten over 7 inches in some places and it is supposed to rain all morning before a short break and then we are expecting the reminants of Ike. My basement does have a bit of water, so hopefully the weather forecasters will be wrong once again. Up next is John Saul's newest book. I don't have the title handy, but it is my first John Saul book. I believe I have some of his but haven't gotten around to reading any of them. This is a library book and I only have a week with it so I want to get to it right away. I hope everyone has had a good week and weekend and if anyone was in the path of Ike that they are all safe and sound. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
It''s a beautiful house--a perfect place to live. To dream. To start a life together. It''s the perfect place for so many things, he thinks as he puts on the gloves and reaches for her, enjoying her screams. But today, it''s perfect place to die. Steerforth, Connecticut, was once an idyllic, sleepy New England town. But now the leafy streets and picture-perfect houses have turned shadowy and menacing, every small detail suddenly becoming suspect: lost toys placed carefully on back porches, lights blazing in a house that should be empty, closet doors standing slightly ajar, mysterious flowers wrapped in black tissue paper. And the bodies. A serial killer has come to Connecticut. He is watching, honing his skills, waiting for the perfect time to make them pay for what they''ve done. And when he''s through, home will never be sweet again.
This was the first book by Ms. Drake and she sure does show promise. So much so that today I braved the pouring down rain and got her other two books, with her last one just being released this month. I really liked the main character, Amy, and felt for her. She is a single mother who recently found out that her husband is a serial cheater. While trying to provide for her and her daughter, she is thrown into a mystery where dead bodies are turning up everywhere. The suspense was done really well and there were some clues as to who the killer was. There were red herrings thrown in here and there which threw me off balance. Her writing style really reminds me of one of my favorite authors, Wendy Corsi Staub. Ms. Drake is published through Pinnacle, one of my favorite publishers, so I was sure I would like it. I think I will be reading her other books fairly shortly.
I have been painting again which I really enjoy. I painted some things for my bedroom as we just redid it and also did some Halloween decorations. I will also start painting some Christmas ornaments that I like to give out as tags on packages or as stocking stuffers. I know Christmas is more than three months away, but sometimes I go through spurts. Tomorrow Michaels has all of their painting stuff on sale, and I also want to make a Welcome sign and a couple of other things. We are getting a ton of rain right now, today we have gotten over 7 inches in some places and it is supposed to rain all morning before a short break and then we are expecting the reminants of Ike. My basement does have a bit of water, so hopefully the weather forecasters will be wrong once again. Up next is John Saul's newest book. I don't have the title handy, but it is my first John Saul book. I believe I have some of his but haven't gotten around to reading any of them. This is a library book and I only have a week with it so I want to get to it right away. I hope everyone has had a good week and weekend and if anyone was in the path of Ike that they are all safe and sound. Happy Reading!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Dirt by Stuart Woods
I have heard a lot about Stuart Woods and his novels, and when I saw this one for sale at my local library, I decided to pick it up. The blurb on the back sounded really interesting and something that I would like, however, I was a bit disappointed. I can only give it a C+.
From the back of the book:
Feared and loathed for her poison pen and ice-queen persona, gossip columnist Amanda Dart has made her share of enemies. Then the tables are turned. An anonymous gossipmanter is faxing Amanda's personal and private peccadillaes to anyone who can read. Desperate to save her reputation, she enlists the help of New York lawyer and private investigator Stone Barrington to learn the identity of the faxer. And everyone in the world of tabloid journalism becomes a suspect.
But the faxes don't stop. In fact, they get worse. And Stone winds up with more leads than one man can handle, until Amanda takes matters dangerously into her own hands and turns the world of gossip on its head. As the circle of suspects shrinks, Stone discovers that even the most respected members of the social scene will stop at nothing-even homicide- to clear their sullied names, in this mesmerizing tale of betrayal, murder, and tabloid terror.
I was a bit disappointed with the story. While the blurb was somewhat true, I felt like it was misleading. A lot of the story was kind of confusing and unbelievable. Amanda was a minor character in the story and I thought a lot of what the faxes had wasn't that big of a deal. There were only about 3 faxes, anyways, and I didn't see a whole lot of problems caused by them. The time line was also very difficult to follow and one day it seemed to be summer and then there was a blizzard. Overall, I was left confused and not 100% clear about everything. A disappointing read for me.
I am not sure what I am going to read now. I have to get to bed because I have to work tomorrow morning, so I probably won't pick anything until tomorrow afternoon. Maybe one of my books I ordered from Mira. I hope everyone had a great weekend and had more successful reading that I did. Happy Reading!
From the back of the book:
Feared and loathed for her poison pen and ice-queen persona, gossip columnist Amanda Dart has made her share of enemies. Then the tables are turned. An anonymous gossipmanter is faxing Amanda's personal and private peccadillaes to anyone who can read. Desperate to save her reputation, she enlists the help of New York lawyer and private investigator Stone Barrington to learn the identity of the faxer. And everyone in the world of tabloid journalism becomes a suspect.
But the faxes don't stop. In fact, they get worse. And Stone winds up with more leads than one man can handle, until Amanda takes matters dangerously into her own hands and turns the world of gossip on its head. As the circle of suspects shrinks, Stone discovers that even the most respected members of the social scene will stop at nothing-even homicide- to clear their sullied names, in this mesmerizing tale of betrayal, murder, and tabloid terror.
I was a bit disappointed with the story. While the blurb was somewhat true, I felt like it was misleading. A lot of the story was kind of confusing and unbelievable. Amanda was a minor character in the story and I thought a lot of what the faxes had wasn't that big of a deal. There were only about 3 faxes, anyways, and I didn't see a whole lot of problems caused by them. The time line was also very difficult to follow and one day it seemed to be summer and then there was a blizzard. Overall, I was left confused and not 100% clear about everything. A disappointing read for me.
I am not sure what I am going to read now. I have to get to bed because I have to work tomorrow morning, so I probably won't pick anything until tomorrow afternoon. Maybe one of my books I ordered from Mira. I hope everyone had a great weekend and had more successful reading that I did. Happy Reading!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Girls He Adored by Jonathan Nasaw
I got The Girls He Adored from my favorite place... the thrift store! It seemed like it was going to be a very engrossing thriller... and it was. However, I can only give it a B.
Back of the book:
Call him Max. But don't shake his hand. Don't get too close at all. Because Max isn't Max. He's a lot of people, a twisted collection of personalities struggling to find a way out. One of those personalitites is vicious. Insatiable. A man with a talent for the blade and a hunger for women with strawberry hair.
Max's latest quarry, Dr. Irene Cogan, is about to learn two things firsthand; what makes Max tick, and what happened to The Girls He Adored.
The book reminded me slightly of The Silence of the Lambs. The psychtitrist who is interviewing the psychopath. And Max is clearly a psycho. He is disgusting and the things he does are quite terrifying. Normally books don't bother me, but there were parts that had me disgusted and I had to take a break from it. There was also a ton of medical terms that weren't clearly explained which frustrated me a bit. Overall, though, the book was pretty engrossing and the suspense was strong. As the book continued, it got much stronger and I was happy I kept reading it.
College football has started, so things are a bit shook up here. We are U of Michigan fans and had quite a few shake ups with the coaching and players so hope is dim here. Oh well, college football is fun to watch and gives me good reading time. I am starting Bad Desire, an old book that I got from the thrift store. I hope it is good! Have a great and safe long weekend and Happy Reading!!!
Back of the book:
Call him Max. But don't shake his hand. Don't get too close at all. Because Max isn't Max. He's a lot of people, a twisted collection of personalities struggling to find a way out. One of those personalitites is vicious. Insatiable. A man with a talent for the blade and a hunger for women with strawberry hair.
Max's latest quarry, Dr. Irene Cogan, is about to learn two things firsthand; what makes Max tick, and what happened to The Girls He Adored.
The book reminded me slightly of The Silence of the Lambs. The psychtitrist who is interviewing the psychopath. And Max is clearly a psycho. He is disgusting and the things he does are quite terrifying. Normally books don't bother me, but there were parts that had me disgusted and I had to take a break from it. There was also a ton of medical terms that weren't clearly explained which frustrated me a bit. Overall, though, the book was pretty engrossing and the suspense was strong. As the book continued, it got much stronger and I was happy I kept reading it.
College football has started, so things are a bit shook up here. We are U of Michigan fans and had quite a few shake ups with the coaching and players so hope is dim here. Oh well, college football is fun to watch and gives me good reading time. I am starting Bad Desire, an old book that I got from the thrift store. I hope it is good! Have a great and safe long weekend and Happy Reading!!!
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