Marianne Perry's Blog, page 2
February 1, 2018
Never Saw it Coming
Book Notes:
Never Saw it Coming by Linwood Barclay
I cringed, laughed, wondered and awed. Never Saw It Coming kept me hooked from Chapter One to Chapter Thirty-Four. Keisha Ceylon, a sham psychic, sells hope to people swept up in tragic circumstances. She gets involved in the case of a missing woman and almost becomes a victim herself. I've heard others refer to this book as a "black comedy" and methinks, that might be right! There are twists and turns page after page and though the coincidences are a bit much, it's an inventive and intriguing plot.
Chapter Two is particularly poignant as it describes Ellie Garfield, stabbed and trapped in a car slowly sinking through the cracked ice. The writing is superb and description chilling. Chapter Four whereby Keisha reveals her how-to techniques is quite the reveal. She says (and I paraphrase), the key was to listen and have them provide the clues. Give them something to latch onto.
On the downside, I found the story too quick and the concluding chapters rushed. Character development was minimal but Keisha's devotion to her young son, was clearly conveyed. Most of the characters were scoundrels (a pregnant daughter who stabs her mother!) and there is a darkness at the core of the story; nevertheless, Linwood Barclay has penned a clever and worthwhile read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Never Saw it Coming by Linwood Barclay
I cringed, laughed, wondered and awed. Never Saw It Coming kept me hooked from Chapter One to Chapter Thirty-Four. Keisha Ceylon, a sham psychic, sells hope to people swept up in tragic circumstances. She gets involved in the case of a missing woman and almost becomes a victim herself. I've heard others refer to this book as a "black comedy" and methinks, that might be right! There are twists and turns page after page and though the coincidences are a bit much, it's an inventive and intriguing plot.
Chapter Two is particularly poignant as it describes Ellie Garfield, stabbed and trapped in a car slowly sinking through the cracked ice. The writing is superb and description chilling. Chapter Four whereby Keisha reveals her how-to techniques is quite the reveal. She says (and I paraphrase), the key was to listen and have them provide the clues. Give them something to latch onto.
On the downside, I found the story too quick and the concluding chapters rushed. Character development was minimal but Keisha's devotion to her young son, was clearly conveyed. Most of the characters were scoundrels (a pregnant daughter who stabs her mother!) and there is a darkness at the core of the story; nevertheless, Linwood Barclay has penned a clever and worthwhile read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
January 27, 2018
Somewhere in France
Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson: Book Notes
Set during World War One, Somewhere in France is organized into three parts. It begins July 1914 in London, England, unfolds primarily in medical stations situated in France near the front lines and concludes January 1919 after the war has ended. Lilly is the novel's main character. A twenty-year-old born into an aristocratic British life, she defies family and social expectations, joins the WACCs and becomes an ambulance driver in France. Core to the story is Dr. Robert Fraser (Robbie), a Scottish surgeon from the opposite social class and friend of Lilly's older brother, Edward. Contrary to their parent's wishes, Edward also enlists serving as an infantry Captain. Lilly's friendships with other women prove integral as well including that with Charlotte Brown, a governess who trains and serves as a nurse. Supplemental to the book is a glossary of terms that aids reader understanding of this historical period as well as details pertinent to female ambulance drivers.
Jennifer Robson's extensive research is reflected throughout the almost four-hundred pages. In particular I cite Chapter 17 for its description of the surgery performed by Dr. Fraser at a field hospital in France on injured soldiers. Chapter 21 is an excellent example of the imagery making the devastated farmhouses and landscapes come to life for the reader. And Chapter 37 outlines the aristocratic life of Lilly's parents, The Earl and Countess of Cumberland.
Somewhere in France is a vivid and compelling account of varied personal experiences during World War One. I was disappointed, however, in the romantic relationship between Lilly and Robbie as it fell short in conveying passion. In all other aspects, however, this is a poignant read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Set during World War One, Somewhere in France is organized into three parts. It begins July 1914 in London, England, unfolds primarily in medical stations situated in France near the front lines and concludes January 1919 after the war has ended. Lilly is the novel's main character. A twenty-year-old born into an aristocratic British life, she defies family and social expectations, joins the WACCs and becomes an ambulance driver in France. Core to the story is Dr. Robert Fraser (Robbie), a Scottish surgeon from the opposite social class and friend of Lilly's older brother, Edward. Contrary to their parent's wishes, Edward also enlists serving as an infantry Captain. Lilly's friendships with other women prove integral as well including that with Charlotte Brown, a governess who trains and serves as a nurse. Supplemental to the book is a glossary of terms that aids reader understanding of this historical period as well as details pertinent to female ambulance drivers.
Jennifer Robson's extensive research is reflected throughout the almost four-hundred pages. In particular I cite Chapter 17 for its description of the surgery performed by Dr. Fraser at a field hospital in France on injured soldiers. Chapter 21 is an excellent example of the imagery making the devastated farmhouses and landscapes come to life for the reader. And Chapter 37 outlines the aristocratic life of Lilly's parents, The Earl and Countess of Cumberland.
Somewhere in France is a vivid and compelling account of varied personal experiences during World War One. I was disappointed, however, in the romantic relationship between Lilly and Robbie as it fell short in conveying passion. In all other aspects, however, this is a poignant read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
November 6, 2017
A Stranger in the House
Book Comment: A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
Karen and Tom Krupp are a thirty-something two-year married couple living in trendy New York State. She leaves her home hastily one evening and has a vehicular accident in a “questionable” neighborhood resulting in her suffering amnesia. She is eventually linked to a murder in this area.
Across the street from where they reside are Brigid and Bob Cruickshank. Brigid had an affair with Tom prior his marriage. With this unknown to Karen, she and Brigid become best friends. Brigid's inability to bear a child and her stalking the Krupp's adds another twisted element to this compelling murder mystery.
As the novel unfolds, we learn Tom knew scant about Karen's past when they wed. It is revealed she changed her name and identity plus faked her death to escape an abusive marriage. The murder victim is confirmed to be her first husband, Robert Traynor.
Brigid appears to have followed Karen the night of her accident and witnessed what happened. As the book progresses, Karen's version clashes with Brigid's and nothing at all is at it seems! Every character is shown to be someone else and every incident or detail is turned on its head.
Shari Lapena's prose is spare. With minimal description, imagery or backstory, this is a clean, clinical and sharp plot-driven novel. The action clips and as soon as the reader believes “she's got it,” Lapena pulls the proverbial rug from under our feet. The detectives Rasbach and Jennings are effective agents through which readers can state their assumptions and Lapena then refutes.
The resolutions to the various conflicts are unexpected but the concluding chapters, satisfying and logical. The title is brilliant for the person I believed “The stranger in the House” at the beginning was different than the one revealed at the end. Shari Lapena has penned a great goodread.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Karen and Tom Krupp are a thirty-something two-year married couple living in trendy New York State. She leaves her home hastily one evening and has a vehicular accident in a “questionable” neighborhood resulting in her suffering amnesia. She is eventually linked to a murder in this area.
Across the street from where they reside are Brigid and Bob Cruickshank. Brigid had an affair with Tom prior his marriage. With this unknown to Karen, she and Brigid become best friends. Brigid's inability to bear a child and her stalking the Krupp's adds another twisted element to this compelling murder mystery.
As the novel unfolds, we learn Tom knew scant about Karen's past when they wed. It is revealed she changed her name and identity plus faked her death to escape an abusive marriage. The murder victim is confirmed to be her first husband, Robert Traynor.
Brigid appears to have followed Karen the night of her accident and witnessed what happened. As the book progresses, Karen's version clashes with Brigid's and nothing at all is at it seems! Every character is shown to be someone else and every incident or detail is turned on its head.
Shari Lapena's prose is spare. With minimal description, imagery or backstory, this is a clean, clinical and sharp plot-driven novel. The action clips and as soon as the reader believes “she's got it,” Lapena pulls the proverbial rug from under our feet. The detectives Rasbach and Jennings are effective agents through which readers can state their assumptions and Lapena then refutes.
The resolutions to the various conflicts are unexpected but the concluding chapters, satisfying and logical. The title is brilliant for the person I believed “The stranger in the House” at the beginning was different than the one revealed at the end. Shari Lapena has penned a great goodread.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
October 15, 2017
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Book Comment: The Girls by Lori Lansens
I finished this astounding book a week ago and wanted to comment as to how the characters and their story have lingered. The Girls is about Rose and Ruby; twenty-nine year old craniopagus twins. Fused at the skulls with their heads facing slightly different directions, they have separate bodies. The novel chronicles their attempt to forge ordinary lives despite extraordinary circumstances.
Lori Lansens excels at personifying their different personalities and their individual and collective reaction to a range of issues including: the reality of their birth mother, the death of their "adoptive" parents, the reaction of others they meet and the pregnancy of one sister. It is impossible for me to fathom the degree of research and the painstaking process the author must have conducted to render such realism in her book. I felt as if I'd spent time with Rose and Ruby and gained personal insight into their feelings, aspirations, frustrations and disappointments.
An evocative novel, it is truly a good read.
Marianne Perry
www.marianneperry.ca
I finished this astounding book a week ago and wanted to comment as to how the characters and their story have lingered. The Girls is about Rose and Ruby; twenty-nine year old craniopagus twins. Fused at the skulls with their heads facing slightly different directions, they have separate bodies. The novel chronicles their attempt to forge ordinary lives despite extraordinary circumstances.
Lori Lansens excels at personifying their different personalities and their individual and collective reaction to a range of issues including: the reality of their birth mother, the death of their "adoptive" parents, the reaction of others they meet and the pregnancy of one sister. It is impossible for me to fathom the degree of research and the painstaking process the author must have conducted to render such realism in her book. I felt as if I'd spent time with Rose and Ruby and gained personal insight into their feelings, aspirations, frustrations and disappointments.
An evocative novel, it is truly a good read.
Marianne Perry
www.marianneperry.ca
August 21, 2017
Book Comments: Goodnight From London
Goodnight From London is a historical fiction set in London, England during World War Two. Authored by Jennifer Robson,the book is organized in four parts. Chapter One begins June 1940 in New York City and Chapter Thirty-Two concludes on May 8, 1945 in London, England. The date refers to V-E Day when the Allies accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany. Ruby Sutton, a twenty-four year old American with a mysterious past, is the main character.
Ruby is seconded to Picture Weekly as a staff writer and the novel unfolds through her various experiences. The day to day realities for the ordinary person are revealed in addition to details specific key events of this turbulent period including the horror of The Blitz, the visit of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the destruction of Coventry Cathedral, etc.
Ruby's romance with Captain Bennett, a survivor of The Battle of Dunkirk involved in clandestine assignments for the Inter-Services Research Bureau plus her friendship with the Tremaine family weaves a personal thread helping bond reader and story. Ruby's attempts to foster a career, the dynamics of working with fellow staff and her relationship with Mary Buchanan, a photograph highlight challenges confronting women. And finally, in the aftermath of the destruction of
The Manchester where Ruby resides, what happens beautifully conveys the message of kindness and goodness in the human spirit Robson also delivers.
Goodnight From London has enhanced value because of the reading group guide, glossary of relevant terms plus suggestions for further reading included as well as insights as to Robson's research and motivation. An unforgettable and good read, for sure.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Ruby is seconded to Picture Weekly as a staff writer and the novel unfolds through her various experiences. The day to day realities for the ordinary person are revealed in addition to details specific key events of this turbulent period including the horror of The Blitz, the visit of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, the destruction of Coventry Cathedral, etc.
Ruby's romance with Captain Bennett, a survivor of The Battle of Dunkirk involved in clandestine assignments for the Inter-Services Research Bureau plus her friendship with the Tremaine family weaves a personal thread helping bond reader and story. Ruby's attempts to foster a career, the dynamics of working with fellow staff and her relationship with Mary Buchanan, a photograph highlight challenges confronting women. And finally, in the aftermath of the destruction of
The Manchester where Ruby resides, what happens beautifully conveys the message of kindness and goodness in the human spirit Robson also delivers.
Goodnight From London has enhanced value because of the reading group guide, glossary of relevant terms plus suggestions for further reading included as well as insights as to Robson's research and motivation. An unforgettable and good read, for sure.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
July 26, 2017
Book Comments: Under the Harrow
Under the Harrow by Flynn Berry is a mystery novel about the murder of Rachel Lawrence and the efforts of her younger sister, Nora to solve the crime. Nora takes the train from London to visit Rachel in her country home outside of Oxford. She discovers her sister plus the mutilated body of her dog, Fenno, whom Nora later learns Rachel bought for protection. Woven into Rachel's death is an assault she suffered 15 years ago when 17. Nora is wary of the local police and launches her own investigation. She stays at the local hotel and often crosses the line of acceptability muddling authorities' efforts as well as her own to bring her sister's killer to justice.
The slim book is organized into three sections, unfolds in short chapters and switches from present to past. At times it was difficult to understand the who, what and where of the story plus some of the descriptive passages tended to be tedious. For the most part, however, Flynn Berry's disjointed style reflects Nora's fragmented mind, mood fluctuations and roller coaster state of anxiety.
Berry also explores the love versus hate cycle in the sisters' relationship and their strained parental dynamics. As the plot unfolds and complications revealed, Nora comes to realize she knew little about the sister, the life she'd lived and the future she'd already set in motion. As such, it prompts the reader to reflect on his/her own familial relationships.
Under the Harrow ends quickly and the identity of Rachel's murderer is a twist. A little more reflection in the last chapters would have served a more satisfying conclusion. Nevertheless, this is a good read.
The slim book is organized into three sections, unfolds in short chapters and switches from present to past. At times it was difficult to understand the who, what and where of the story plus some of the descriptive passages tended to be tedious. For the most part, however, Flynn Berry's disjointed style reflects Nora's fragmented mind, mood fluctuations and roller coaster state of anxiety.
Berry also explores the love versus hate cycle in the sisters' relationship and their strained parental dynamics. As the plot unfolds and complications revealed, Nora comes to realize she knew little about the sister, the life she'd lived and the future she'd already set in motion. As such, it prompts the reader to reflect on his/her own familial relationships.
Under the Harrow ends quickly and the identity of Rachel's murderer is a twist. A little more reflection in the last chapters would have served a more satisfying conclusion. Nevertheless, this is a good read.
July 3, 2017
Book Comments: Never Let You Go
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens is a suspense/thriller about thirty-nine year old Lindsey Nash and a mysterious stalker who attempts to destroy her life. The survivor of an abusive marriage, her ex-husband, Andrew was sent to prison after being convicted of vehicular manslaughter. Lindsey had drugged him in order to escape with their daughter, Sophie but without imagining he'd regain consciousness and drive. As such, she carries guilt for the woman killed. When the book opens, she and her now teenage daughter, are trying to make a life; after Andrew is released from prison, however, bad things start to happen.
As twists and turns play out, the reader is left to wonder the identity of the stalker. Is it Andrew; Jared, Sophie's possessive boyfriend; Greg, Lindsey's romantic interest with whom she breaks up during the course of the story; or perhaps, Marcus, the therapist who volunteers at her support group. At various points, I thought it might have been any of them. The revelation is a shocker and though the reader is relieved he is found out, the extenuating circumstances stir our empathy as well.
Chevy Stevens does an excellent job of depicting the mother-teen daughter relationship and the tensions/conflicts when a child transitioning to adulthood. Also, the myriad feelings Lindsey experiences processing her emotions towards Andrew: anger and rage yet a sense of gratitude for her daughter.
There are forty-seven chapters in this book; it is divided into three parts and spans a twenty year period beginning prior to Lindsey's marriage and culminating in 2017 when Sophie begins college. Both Lindsey and Sophie narrate and the story unfolds in a non-linear style so that we learn about the past while the present in process. Well-paced, the backstory never overwhelms the action or diminishes the suspense.
A top notch novel, Chevy Stevens ends with a letter of thanks from Sophie to her mother dated December 2017; four months into her first year of college. It is poignant and elevates Never Let You Go to one of those books that linger in a reader's mind and heart for a long time.
A terrific read and an author whose other books I will read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
As twists and turns play out, the reader is left to wonder the identity of the stalker. Is it Andrew; Jared, Sophie's possessive boyfriend; Greg, Lindsey's romantic interest with whom she breaks up during the course of the story; or perhaps, Marcus, the therapist who volunteers at her support group. At various points, I thought it might have been any of them. The revelation is a shocker and though the reader is relieved he is found out, the extenuating circumstances stir our empathy as well.
Chevy Stevens does an excellent job of depicting the mother-teen daughter relationship and the tensions/conflicts when a child transitioning to adulthood. Also, the myriad feelings Lindsey experiences processing her emotions towards Andrew: anger and rage yet a sense of gratitude for her daughter.
There are forty-seven chapters in this book; it is divided into three parts and spans a twenty year period beginning prior to Lindsey's marriage and culminating in 2017 when Sophie begins college. Both Lindsey and Sophie narrate and the story unfolds in a non-linear style so that we learn about the past while the present in process. Well-paced, the backstory never overwhelms the action or diminishes the suspense.
A top notch novel, Chevy Stevens ends with a letter of thanks from Sophie to her mother dated December 2017; four months into her first year of college. It is poignant and elevates Never Let You Go to one of those books that linger in a reader's mind and heart for a long time.
A terrific read and an author whose other books I will read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
June 27, 2017
Book Comments:
You Will Pay by Lisa Jackson
You Will Pay is set in coastal Oregon. With multiple narrators, this tale of suspense alternates between a period twenty years ago and the present. The action is primarily based in a summer camp operated by Rev. Jeremiah Dalton and his 2cd wife, Naomi. Jeremiah's son, Lucas Dalton is a detective but also, a former camp counselor. The plot focuses on the disappearance and suspected suicide-murder of two teenager camp counselors Monica O'Neal and Elle Brady as well as the unknown fate of a prison escapee, Waldo Grimes and camp worker, Dustin Peters. The discovery of a human skull on the beach forces a reopening of the case and triggers the counselors return to the camp. Lisa Jackson excels at creating a sense of place. By revealing the past and present through various points of view, she unfolds her story in twists and turns that compel the reader to keep turning the page! The truth revealed shows unexpected recklessness in the teen counselors as well as shocking dynamics in the Dalton family. Jackson weaves a thread of the supernatural with several reporting having seen the ghost of Elle over the years. At the end, the author solves the mystery and the reader is left satisfied. This is a good read.
You Will Pay is set in coastal Oregon. With multiple narrators, this tale of suspense alternates between a period twenty years ago and the present. The action is primarily based in a summer camp operated by Rev. Jeremiah Dalton and his 2cd wife, Naomi. Jeremiah's son, Lucas Dalton is a detective but also, a former camp counselor. The plot focuses on the disappearance and suspected suicide-murder of two teenager camp counselors Monica O'Neal and Elle Brady as well as the unknown fate of a prison escapee, Waldo Grimes and camp worker, Dustin Peters. The discovery of a human skull on the beach forces a reopening of the case and triggers the counselors return to the camp. Lisa Jackson excels at creating a sense of place. By revealing the past and present through various points of view, she unfolds her story in twists and turns that compel the reader to keep turning the page! The truth revealed shows unexpected recklessness in the teen counselors as well as shocking dynamics in the Dalton family. Jackson weaves a thread of the supernatural with several reporting having seen the ghost of Elle over the years. At the end, the author solves the mystery and the reader is left satisfied. This is a good read.
June 19, 2017
Book Review: The Rottweiler by Ruth Rendell
Intriguing plot but suspense drawn out. Too much verbal wandering. Character introspection carries on past necessary and becomes redundant. For most part, Ruth Rendell's characters well-developed and book's best feature. The mentally challenged, Will Corbett summons our care and concern as does the nefarious Jeremy Quick-Alexander Gibbons. Re the latter, Rendell arouses our sympathy re his personal history. Zenaib keeps us laughing but also, as her background unfolds, reflecting on her motivations and we feel pity yet admire the steely Inez Ferry. Interactions among characters and antique shop setting plus London description also well done. Recommend it for these reasons.
June 4, 2017
Book Review: Kill The Next One by Federico Axat
Book Review:
Kill The Next One by Federico Axat
I must admit I am rather befuddled as to how to rate Kill The Next One and offer a few opinions in hope they may serve helpful.
A psychological thriller, we are introduced to the central character, Ted McKay, in Part One: Chapters One and Two. A successful businessman with a beautiful wife, Holly and daughters, Cindy and Nadine, he has terminal brain cancer. He is about to commit suicide when a stranger named Justin Lynch knocks on the door and offers him a proposition whereby he kills someone “deserving” death and then, someone kills him. Lynch convinces McKay murder is easier for the family than suicide to accept.
The plot unfolds with twists and turns and nothing is what it seems. The story is threaded with mental illness, personality disorders, serial murders, family abuse, husband-wife infidelity, thwarted love, child neglect and deception.
Whether something is real or imagined by Ted McKay constantly challenges the reader. The author merits credit in spinning a tale keeping one on edge. Unfortunately, I found the action as a whole convoluted, the characters thinly developed and difficult to bond with and overall, the story inadequately detailed. In particular, the conclusion was drawn with haste and the last chapter specific to the possum nonsensical.
Two members of a book club I attend mentioned Kill The Next One as having left them at the end of each chapter astounded and surprised. It was different they'd said and rather dark. Their opinion proved correct. I appreciate reading new authors and credit Federico Axat for his imagination and structure.
Marianne Perry
Author of The Inheritance
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Kill The Next One by Federico Axat
I must admit I am rather befuddled as to how to rate Kill The Next One and offer a few opinions in hope they may serve helpful.
A psychological thriller, we are introduced to the central character, Ted McKay, in Part One: Chapters One and Two. A successful businessman with a beautiful wife, Holly and daughters, Cindy and Nadine, he has terminal brain cancer. He is about to commit suicide when a stranger named Justin Lynch knocks on the door and offers him a proposition whereby he kills someone “deserving” death and then, someone kills him. Lynch convinces McKay murder is easier for the family than suicide to accept.
The plot unfolds with twists and turns and nothing is what it seems. The story is threaded with mental illness, personality disorders, serial murders, family abuse, husband-wife infidelity, thwarted love, child neglect and deception.
Whether something is real or imagined by Ted McKay constantly challenges the reader. The author merits credit in spinning a tale keeping one on edge. Unfortunately, I found the action as a whole convoluted, the characters thinly developed and difficult to bond with and overall, the story inadequately detailed. In particular, the conclusion was drawn with haste and the last chapter specific to the possum nonsensical.
Two members of a book club I attend mentioned Kill The Next One as having left them at the end of each chapter astounded and surprised. It was different they'd said and rather dark. Their opinion proved correct. I appreciate reading new authors and credit Federico Axat for his imagination and structure.
Marianne Perry
Author of The Inheritance
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
