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Shattered Illusions
One murder. Four eyewitnesses. An unknown assailant. A victim with a mysterious secret. Bystanders beleaguered by life's losses. A killer at large...
When Sam, the proprietor of a local cafe, is shot dead on the street, four strangers become unwitting witnesses to the crime. As the investigation progresses, this quartet of onlookers find themselves not only haunted by the homicide, but pursued by their own pasts.
As they plunge deeper into the reality of his death, all are forced to realize that the loss of Sam is far from their most devastating. Inner anguish reaches a climax point for Ella, Marco, Sarah, and Danny as the answers they are hunting for continue to elude them—and the evidence they hope will vanish refuses to disappear.
When Sam, the proprietor of a local cafe, is shot dead on the street, four strangers become unwitting witnesses to the crime. As the investigation progresses, this quartet of onlookers find themselves not only haunted by the homicide, but pursued by their own pasts.
As they plunge deeper into the reality of his death, all are forced to realize that the loss of Sam is far from their most devastating. Inner anguish reaches a climax point for Ella, Marco, Sarah, and Danny as the answers they are hunting for continue to elude them—and the evidence they hope will vanish refuses to disappear.
Unknown Binding
First published April 20, 2013
4 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Hershkovich
1 book11 followersLeigh Hershkovich's writing career began almost at infancy. Born and raised in The City By The Bay, Leigh was never seen without a pen and paper by her side, and was never without a story to share. With her vivid imagination and sharp writing tactics, Leigh has taken the world by storm twice over. Now, with her debut novel Shattered Illusions, readers will get a first time glimpse into her first full fiction attempt.
An avid reader, accomplished pianist, passionate scholar of language and the arts, Leigh currently resides in New York with her imagination.
An avid reader, accomplished pianist, passionate scholar of language and the arts, Leigh currently resides in New York with her imagination.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 21, 2013
I was skeptic before I started to read '"SI" as the author calls it. She is young, this is fiction, and i am not that fond of fiction, and this is her first book. Life brought us together through a wonderful poetry course and I have a signed copy of SI. I had to throw away all my skepticism as soon as I read the first paragraph. The narrative is flowing, the story builds onto itself and nails you down to go to the end of it. For me, a book is good when I can picture the plot, the surroundings and all the characters. It is like there is a life in there, like these people really existed and this story really happened. This is not a lemonade fiction book like the tons of bad books around. I not only enjoyed the reading, but also got to learn many things about the Jewish culture that I didn't know before. I strongly recommend this book and I wish to the author all the best. I am sure great things lie in her future as a writer.
May 24, 2013
This was a very well written story of a murder and the four people around it. It was fascinating to learn all about Sarah, Marco, Ella and Danny. For a while I was completely lost and then I realized the brilliance of the storyline. I have to admit when it comes to a mystery or hidden identity I am often the last to pick it up, when I realized who the murderer actually was and how it all tied together I was in awe of the talent this author has and how she spun the tale out.
I recommend this book to anyone liking suspense, and murder mysteries. I found the characters to be very well developed and the storyline excellent. Many kudos to Leigh Hershkovich for a wonderfully written book. Many thanks also for giving me this book to read and review!!
I recommend this book to anyone liking suspense, and murder mysteries. I found the characters to be very well developed and the storyline excellent. Many kudos to Leigh Hershkovich for a wonderfully written book. Many thanks also for giving me this book to read and review!!
January 20, 2013
Read all my reviews here :: http://ssbookfanatics.blogspot.com
ARC copy received from author
I was approached by the author, Leigh Hershkovich with a review request. The blurb sounded interesting, so I agreed.
Shattered Illusions is centered around Sam Knightley. More precisely, his murder. Four completely different people, yet all four knew Sam in some form or another and all are witnesses. Two women, and two men. Two younger (male and female), the other two older (also male and female). Although all knew Sam, these four people would never have socialised with each other outside of Sam's investigation, and they still don't. Actually, they can barely stand each other and throughout the book you are afforded a clear insight into exactly what each thinks and is thinking about the other at any given time.
Although Sam is the 'centre piece' in this story, his life and his murder is not all you will read about. These four individuals - poles apart from each other - also have a story to tell. Each one with struggles. The story begins with the investigation in full swing where it's being determined how it came about that these four individuals were where they were on this fateful day. Shattered Illusions has it's fair share of suspense, but it's also peppered with emotional outbursts, sordid lives, occupational hazards not to mention secrets and a previous murder which also makes it's way in to the midst of all the angst that's taking place.
You're most certainly pulled in one direction and knee-deep in one character's life, when their particular tale of woe is put aside to be pulled into another's. This is not a book that's jam-packed full of action or even a love story of note. What it is, is a story that keeps a reader interested to find out more in regards to how a particular character's life was shaped to make them feel so much bitterness at this present point in their lives. I personally don't think they are very happy people at all, even now, and it's quite understandable once you read what they've had to deal with and are still dealing with. Most things aren't easily forgotten, especially those that hurt not in the physical form, but mentally and deep down in ones heart.
You won't find humour here, as it's not meant to have any. But, for those who want to delve deeper into what makes a particular person tick with the added benefit of finding out if any of these characters are involved in the murder, then this is the book for you. I firmly believe that at certain periods in our life we think that we must have done something really awful in our 'previous' life to deserve whatever horrible situation we may find ourselves in... until you see what someone else has gone through in theirs. Quite eye-opening.
I liked the author's style of writing very much, and even though the book goes from one character to the next and then back to middle where the investigation is concerned, it all flows cleanly and easily and works.
A very good debut for Leigh Hershkovich! I enjoyed reading this story.
ARC copy received from author
I was approached by the author, Leigh Hershkovich with a review request. The blurb sounded interesting, so I agreed.
Shattered Illusions is centered around Sam Knightley. More precisely, his murder. Four completely different people, yet all four knew Sam in some form or another and all are witnesses. Two women, and two men. Two younger (male and female), the other two older (also male and female). Although all knew Sam, these four people would never have socialised with each other outside of Sam's investigation, and they still don't. Actually, they can barely stand each other and throughout the book you are afforded a clear insight into exactly what each thinks and is thinking about the other at any given time.
Although Sam is the 'centre piece' in this story, his life and his murder is not all you will read about. These four individuals - poles apart from each other - also have a story to tell. Each one with struggles. The story begins with the investigation in full swing where it's being determined how it came about that these four individuals were where they were on this fateful day. Shattered Illusions has it's fair share of suspense, but it's also peppered with emotional outbursts, sordid lives, occupational hazards not to mention secrets and a previous murder which also makes it's way in to the midst of all the angst that's taking place.
You're most certainly pulled in one direction and knee-deep in one character's life, when their particular tale of woe is put aside to be pulled into another's. This is not a book that's jam-packed full of action or even a love story of note. What it is, is a story that keeps a reader interested to find out more in regards to how a particular character's life was shaped to make them feel so much bitterness at this present point in their lives. I personally don't think they are very happy people at all, even now, and it's quite understandable once you read what they've had to deal with and are still dealing with. Most things aren't easily forgotten, especially those that hurt not in the physical form, but mentally and deep down in ones heart.
You won't find humour here, as it's not meant to have any. But, for those who want to delve deeper into what makes a particular person tick with the added benefit of finding out if any of these characters are involved in the murder, then this is the book for you. I firmly believe that at certain periods in our life we think that we must have done something really awful in our 'previous' life to deserve whatever horrible situation we may find ourselves in... until you see what someone else has gone through in theirs. Quite eye-opening.
I liked the author's style of writing very much, and even though the book goes from one character to the next and then back to middle where the investigation is concerned, it all flows cleanly and easily and works.
A very good debut for Leigh Hershkovich! I enjoyed reading this story.
July 28, 2013
(View this review on My Library in the Making.)
I have history with Shattered Illusions. September of last year, I restarted my blog, and Leigh was the first author to contact me for a review. Back then, the book didn't even have a cover or release date yet, so I really watched this book grow. And wow, how finely it aged, indeed.
Leigh's captivating prose immediately stood out along with the obvious question of how four people, our main characters, got involved with the homicide. There were, admittedly, times when the story became too vague; one might even consider those parts unnecessary to the plot but, unclear as they were, I actually liked reading those because they tended to be the most descriptive bits and they added a lot to the overall mystery of this book.
What surprised me was how Shattered Illusions isn't a mystery novel so much as an exposition of our main characters' lives that diverged and culminated in Sam's killing. Even then you'd think the whole book is like listening to a new friend's life story, but no—I felt like I lived every moment as Ella, Danny, Sarah, and Marco. Shattered Illusions is dark, gritty, and emotional, just like how it truly is inside a human mind.
There couldn't be a group of four people with more different lives, yet at the heart of them laid one stark similarity: depression from taking the blame for another person's action. But one of this book's very few faults is the lack of distinction in the characters' voices despite their overall differences. Take out the essence of their thoughts and they might very well be the same person. Or maybe that's just a way of showing that suffering identifies with everyone.
A bleak story with lots of lessons to offer, Shattered Illusions is a very unique novel. It's not a simple thrilling mystery, and people looking for something straightforward and easy to read might find themselves easily distracted, but the right readers are surely in for a treat.
MY FAVORITE PART is the realistic ending.
I have history with Shattered Illusions. September of last year, I restarted my blog, and Leigh was the first author to contact me for a review. Back then, the book didn't even have a cover or release date yet, so I really watched this book grow. And wow, how finely it aged, indeed.
Leigh's captivating prose immediately stood out along with the obvious question of how four people, our main characters, got involved with the homicide. There were, admittedly, times when the story became too vague; one might even consider those parts unnecessary to the plot but, unclear as they were, I actually liked reading those because they tended to be the most descriptive bits and they added a lot to the overall mystery of this book.
What surprised me was how Shattered Illusions isn't a mystery novel so much as an exposition of our main characters' lives that diverged and culminated in Sam's killing. Even then you'd think the whole book is like listening to a new friend's life story, but no—I felt like I lived every moment as Ella, Danny, Sarah, and Marco. Shattered Illusions is dark, gritty, and emotional, just like how it truly is inside a human mind.
There couldn't be a group of four people with more different lives, yet at the heart of them laid one stark similarity: depression from taking the blame for another person's action. But one of this book's very few faults is the lack of distinction in the characters' voices despite their overall differences. Take out the essence of their thoughts and they might very well be the same person. Or maybe that's just a way of showing that suffering identifies with everyone.
A bleak story with lots of lessons to offer, Shattered Illusions is a very unique novel. It's not a simple thrilling mystery, and people looking for something straightforward and easy to read might find themselves easily distracted, but the right readers are surely in for a treat.
MY FAVORITE PART is the realistic ending.
May 28, 2013
This is one of the more unusual books that I've read in that it jumps, sometimes a bit abruptly, from one character to another in perspective. However, it was easy to keep track of and the individual stories of the characters were well-planned, well-thought, and well-written. From the very beginning, I was impressed with Leigh Hershkovich, from her easy style to her conversational speech, right down to the way she respectfully writes "G-d" instead of "God," staying true to her own beliefs and not letting her own values down in her writing. I respect that level of self-respect in a great way, not to mention, the writing itself is top notch. Other than the few expected errors which generally cannot be escaped, this book shows off the talent of the author spectacularly.
This story begins with the murder of a man, and follows bits and pieces of the police investigation of the death. Throughout the story, we meet and get to know four witnesses to the murder. We learn to relate to them, even if they are vastly different than we are. We learn to feel for them, all of them.
We do learn who is the murderer. We watch the witnesses together figure out who the murderer is, and in the end we watch them stand up and seek justice, but not in the way you might expect.
This book is full of twists and turns, unexpected little things, and the simple emotion of four very different people thrown unexpectedly together in a crisis. It is an undeniably amazing read, one which I have already recommended to several friends.
Ms. Hershkovich? You should be very proud of yourself.
You've done an amazing job!
This story begins with the murder of a man, and follows bits and pieces of the police investigation of the death. Throughout the story, we meet and get to know four witnesses to the murder. We learn to relate to them, even if they are vastly different than we are. We learn to feel for them, all of them.
We do learn who is the murderer. We watch the witnesses together figure out who the murderer is, and in the end we watch them stand up and seek justice, but not in the way you might expect.
This book is full of twists and turns, unexpected little things, and the simple emotion of four very different people thrown unexpectedly together in a crisis. It is an undeniably amazing read, one which I have already recommended to several friends.
Ms. Hershkovich? You should be very proud of yourself.
You've done an amazing job!
January 8, 2013
Shattered Illusions was a very different story. The focal point of the story is the murder of a local businessman - Sam. But the story is so much more. There are four individuals who have witnessed the murder and are the only people who may be able to shed light on what exactly happened and who possibly did it. They are an unlikely group of four. The story delves into who they are, why they do what they do, how they ended up being where they were on that fateful night. They all have strong histories and stories of their own. We learn a great deal about their struggles, what they may have overcome, where they have been, how well they know themselves. This story is very well written and captivates the reader. I had a difficult time putting it down - At times I felt very sorry for the characters and all they have gone through and other times I was happy with their decisions and understanding. This is a definite 5 star read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2013
I started this book, written by my dear friend, with the assumption that I was starting a mystery book (which I don't normally read). Boy, was I wrong. Leigh will take you by the hand, and with her knack for manipulating the English language, will lead you through the complex minds of four different individuals as they not only examine what they could have done to save their friend Sam on that fateful day, but also their own lives. As you weave in and out of these characters' minds, learning more about them through their past recollections, personal histories, internal struggles, and interrelationships with each other, you begin to understand that this is not "just another mystery." Four different people with four different stories are beautifully woven together into a book that you won't be able to put down.
February 24, 2014
On the surface, this is the story of four strangers who witness a murder but the true story is found in the characters. The story of how they came to be witnesses is far more interesting than the murder itself or the solving of the crime - to the point where the revelation of who did it and most importantly, why, seemed weak. (I read that section twice thinking I MUST have missed something.) The writing style is unique and interesting and compelled me to continue reading. I was fascinated by the characters, especially Ella, providing insight into Orthodox Jewish culture, which I was woefully lacking. The people seem very real, albeit overreacting to somewhat minor events at times. This is a debut novel and I expect wonderful things from this author. I met Leigh through an online poetry class and frankly, I do love her voice and point of view.
November 20, 2013
Ms. Hershkovich has astonished me with her first novel. There were several occurrences when her prose left me literally sitting mesmerized with my mouth hanging open. Her use of language is simply stunningly beautiful.
I found her story-telling style to be unique and quite effective. This seemed to me to be the stories of four people whose lives come together by chance and stories about people are ultimately much more interesting than stories about events.
Leigh will continue to refine her talents. Although I enjoyed this reading experience, I experienced some feeling of confusion at the end of the book. In some ways, her story lines did not always seem to tie together smoothly and clearly.
I do look forward to her future works.
I found her story-telling style to be unique and quite effective. This seemed to me to be the stories of four people whose lives come together by chance and stories about people are ultimately much more interesting than stories about events.
Leigh will continue to refine her talents. Although I enjoyed this reading experience, I experienced some feeling of confusion at the end of the book. In some ways, her story lines did not always seem to tie together smoothly and clearly.
I do look forward to her future works.
June 1, 2013
Wow! The characters in this book are fascinating. I found myself wanting to know more about their lives (especially Ella-the young orthodox Jewish woman). Leigh Hershkovich draws you in to the story with excellent character development-they are all dysfunctional to some extent and have experienced "Shattered Illusions" and Leigh connects their stories in this suspenseful tale.I really enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more of Leigh's work!
September 10, 2016
Oh that was INTERESTING!!! I do have an issue with the revelation ... or did i just not read closely enough? Full review over on my blog Guiltless Reading.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews