Category: Book reviews

Defending Jacob

By: William Landay

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney for two decades. He is respected. Admired in the courtroom. Happy at home with the loves of his life: his wife, Laurie, and their teenage son, Jacob. Then Andy’s quiet suburb is stunned by a shocking crime: a young boy stabbed to death in a leafy park. And an even greater shock: The accused is Andy’s own son—shy, awkward, mysterious Jacob.

Andy believes in Jacob’s innocence. Any parent would. But the pressure mounts. Damning evidence. Doubt. A faltering marriage. The neighbors’ contempt. A murder trial that threatens to obliterate Andy’s family. It is the ultimate test for any parent: How far would you go to protect your child? It is a test of devotion. A test of how well a parent can know a child. For Andy Barber, a man with an iron will and a dark secret, it is a test of guilt and innocence in the deepest sense.

How far would you go?

Review:

I simply cannot adequately explain how much I enjoyed this novel.

I had been really excited to read this story after reading the back of the book.

I did not, however realize it would be one of those books I simply couldn’t put down. I’m sure you know the type I’m talking about. The ones you devour. They keep you up at night because you can’t stop reading. This was one of “those”.

It not only kept me guessing on Jacob’s guilt or innocence, but I really enjoyed the in depth look at how the family dealt with the situation. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you wondering, “what would I do”?.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a novel that keeps you guessing. Fast pasted and full of grit. 

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

Released in 1975, Salem’s Lot was Stephen King’s second published novel and remains my favorite to this day. I can recall the first time I read it. Being from a small town, it was easy for me to imagine the story unfolding around me. It’s creepy but not over the top. Come on, who doesn’t love a good vampire story? 

The story takes place in Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine. When a writer comes back to town to write a novel about an old abandoned house in the town he discovers the house has been purchased by an antiques dealer. A creepy, mysterious antiques dealer. See where we’re headed here? 

The man will bring darkness to the the small town and the residents within. 

If you love a good horror story, Salem’s Lot is a classic scare in my opinion. It simply never gets old. 

There are two films based on the book, with the original being released in 1979.

It starred David Soul and was directed by Tobe Hooper and continues to haunt me even now. The second was a remake released in 2004 starring Rob Lowe. I’m usually not a fan of remakes but this one didn’t disappoint. But I will continue to love the original. I think the creep factor comes through better. With Halloween quickly approaching you can never have too many horror tales. Drop me a line about your favorite creepy classic…

Bring Me Back brought me real joy…

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

Published in 2018, this is my first B.A. Paris novel and it was a wonderful read. I devoured this book in one day. 

It’s a mystery about a missing person, something that always gets my attention. But the way the story unfolds keeps you sucked in, just wanting more. 

Finn and his girlfriend Layla stop at a rest stop one day and while he is away from the car she vanishes. Fast forward ten years and Finn is now engaged to Layla’s sister. But hints keep appearing that lead Finn to believe Layla may still be alive. Is she? Or is it simply Finn looking for a way out of his upcoming wedding? Or is someone playing mind games with him? It’s a true mystery at it’s best. 

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery. Let me know what you think…

I’m Thinking of Ending Things by: Iain Reid

I’m thinking of ending things…..

I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the 2016 debut novel by Iain Reid and it has really blown readers away. So much so that Netflix has made a movie based on it. The movie is due to be released on Sep 4, 2020. I’m one of those people who feel the need to read the book first whenever possible. So I dove right into the book and this is what I think:

This book is different. Not bad different. Just different. For those expecting an action filled story, this isn’t it. It’s more of a slow burn. You know you’re building up to something big, it’s just not coming anytime soon. 

I was actually a little put off by the story for awhile. The thing is, I started reading the book not having a clue what it was about. That was sort of a mistake. But after all was said and done, I’m glad I read it not knowing. 

The author takes us on a journey down a rabbit hole even Alice would steer clear of.

The book is read as a narrative. You are experiencing the story from Jake’s girlfriend’s point of view and she is clearly on the fence about ending things with him. 

But she takes a road trip with him to visit his parents on a rural, secluded farm. 

What transpires from there is the most fascinating tale. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I’m not going to say any more about the events that unfold. 

What I will say is I was beginning to feel like I was going crazy trying to make sense  of this story. But now I wonder if maybe that was the whole point. The book leaves you on edge. I was a bit antsy the entire time I was reading it. And the twist at the end left me shell shocked. 

It’s definitely a worthwhile read as long as you don’t mind a slow start. The writing is superb and I’m excited by this new author. Can’t wait to see it on Netflix.

Leave me a comment if you’ve read I’m Thinking of Ending Things. I’d love to know what you thought.