Kindle Customer

Interesting, but missed the mark

Reviewed: 11-10-24

The storyline was interesting and while not necessarily suspenseful, kept you guessing. But in the end it seemed to miss the mark to be considered "a great read/listen". In fact, maybe it reads better, but on audio, only 3 stars.

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Interesting, engaging, "must get to the end"

Reviewed: 03-09-24

A uniquely written plot that leaves you guessing until the end. Looked forward to having car time so I could get back to listening. A psychological mystery that moved fast as it unfolds dark and disturbing family secrets. The audio presentation was well done. At the end, I felt satisfied and unsatisfied all at the same time, but not in a bad way. Read or listen to find out for yourself. Definitely recommend.

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1 person found this helpful

A rare quick moving enjoyable mystery thriller

Reviewed: 02-17-24

A refreshing psychological thriller that kept you engaged and intrigued. The setting in Kansas added to the story as the author did a good job painting a picture with words. You could feel the beauty and eerie vastness all at the same time. I also appreciated the references to the extraordinary classic true crime novel "In Cold Blood".

The protagonist and side kicks were likeable. The story from different perspectives kept you interested, confused (in a good way) and definitely guessing about who was evil and who was just small-town unusual. The storyline was unique and well written, not the same 'ol, same 'ol who dunnit. It was delightful the author did not get distracted by trying to also create a romance. Relationships seemed to build and grow at a normal human pace, not madly in love in a minute.

I will definitely read more by this author.

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An interesting twist in the series

Reviewed: 08-20-23

Another enjoyable story in the series but an outcome I definitely wasn't expecting after the first book. Good plot. Good twists. Good narration. All made for an audible experience I would recommend. I believe reading or listening to both books would make the storyline a better experience but it's not absolutely necessary. It will be interesting to see what happens to Gretchen next.

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Refreshingly new serial killer plot.

Reviewed: 07-31-23

I can't quite give it five stars, it has its flaws, but overall enjoyed it. It was good for audio or reading. Might even read better. The author came up with an interesting, although disturbing, storyline. The plausibility of it actually happening, is a bit unnerving. You never were quite sure if you figured out the pieces, so you weren't bored and stayed engaged right to the end. There were many blanks to fill in and I think she closed the loop nicely on all of them.

The characters were pretty well written. Sometimes the author tried too hard with some of them, but for the most part she managed the narrative. Hopefully this is a one and done. I don't think any of the characters are ones I'd want to see in a series.

Overall worth your time if you like serial killer plots such as in "Criminal Minds".

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1 person found this helpful

Weird not overly enthralling story.

Reviewed: 06-28-23

A very strange novel and story. Went the very long way to get to the point and climax. Once there, not really worth it. None of the characters were all that likeable. Story was just weird. I'm not sure if there was a point or just people are strange and some flat out nuts. Overall can't say I would recommend it.

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Quality Sandford style but story tried too hard.

Reviewed: 05-08-23

Don't get me wrong, Lettie is great. If you're new to his work it's probably much more enjoyable. As a very long time reader, it unfortunately didn't really do it for me. I felt very "been there done that" while at the same time it was trying too hard not to be that way. It had some unique aspects. Introduced some good new characters so it had potential. Maybe it was picking a storyline that's just too sensitive right now. You can't do an "Inglorious Bastards" TYPE spin while a war is still happening (ok not that extreme, but definitely oversells US having active role in aiding Ukraine) So maybe the war in Ukraine backdrop was the bad mix, I don't know. Just not the best Sandford work for me.

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A little George Cooper Sr, A little Liam Neeson

Reviewed: 05-02-23

Jake Slater is the perfect blend of Texas football coach and instant don't mess with my family "action hero". The author skillfully writes a story with just enough bravado, suspense, action and sensationalism to make it enjoyable but not over the top. The who, the what and the why are an unexpected maze of twists and turns. Staying true to "just enough" the plot wraps up with grit and satisfaction but stays in the lane of rational human behaviors so as not to ruin the integrity of the storyline. Overall an engaging book that helped a long ride fly by in no time. I'm sure it would be worth reading as well.

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Uniquely predictable

Reviewed: 04-21-23

What does that mean? The story had lots of potential to be a "Gone Girl" but falls short. There is a unique plot with twists that don't quite shock because you're able to figure out too many strands of where it's probably going. You might not get it quite right but enough where "no way" isn't the feeling. It also gets very slow moving at times. But it might be because it's audio. Maybe it reads differently. The moment where the big storyline change happens is a bit hard to follow at first when listening. Once you catch up, the pieces fall together too fast and the shock value is lost when the book catches up to you. The very very ending, however, was not predictable and saved the parts that lost the "gotcha" value. It gives a sense of satisfaction that good will prevail not psycho. Ironic to the entire storyline (or maybe not), is it probably could/will translate into an excellent screenplay and make for a great movie. Overall, however, it was worth the listen (or a read).

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Unexpectedly fun and endearing.

Reviewed: 04-11-23

A unique and joyous ride of becoming "an adult" as well as learning how love, friendship and pain live in harmony.... once you realize they can. Young and old can help each other grow and find the best out of life, even when it seems hopeless. A sweet coming of age story for both characters, even though Tanner was at times like nails on a chalkboard annoying. Sweet. Charming. And just enough drama and surprise to keep it interesting..

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