What do you think?
Rate this book
Honeysuckle Lane
Honeysuckle Lane is a street like any other, with secrets behind every door. Compulsive gambler Frank O’Shea is trying to hide his addiction from his family, but that’s hard to do with the local gangster and loan-shark coming to collect. Next door to the O’Sheas, the Murphys are a young and upwardly-mobile couple whose marriage is thrown into ruins by Martha Murphy’s instant attraction to their sexy new neighbor. Across the street from the Murphys, the Sweenys’ abusive patriarch, Pat, has finally pushed his wife, Mary, to the breaking point. Their teenage daughter, Angie, finds escape whenever possible in the company of her boyfriend, Tony, whose life is in danger when the neighborhood creep sets his eyes on Angie. As the residents of Honeysuckle Lane’s stories collide, their secrets spill out for the world to see . . .
- GenresDrama
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2015
71 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 14, 2017
Honeysuckle Lane by Squid McFinnigan is a book I picked from the Kindle Scout list and read. It is rich in character study. Bringing out with tenacity each character was wonderful.
May 9, 2017
I was not sure what to expect when I started Squid McFinnigan's Honeysuckle Lane. I'd read his bio blurb where he mentioned having been a bartender and drawing his characters from his customers, so I expected a varied cast. What I was not expecting was Mr. McFinnigan's deep insight into human nature.
The book starts strongly, capturing the reader's interest from the first page. Mr. McFinnigan's depiction of Frank O'Shea's descent into his gambling addiction and its concomitant complications is riveting and relatable. All of the characters have depth and are believable.
Finally, the plot. I was certainly not expecting this to be a page-turner, but it quickly evolved into just that. By the last few chapters, I couldn't put down the novel. The ending was satisfying and sufficiently open-ended as to allow one to hope for a sequel or at least the reappearance of some of the major characters in another novel.
The book starts strongly, capturing the reader's interest from the first page. Mr. McFinnigan's depiction of Frank O'Shea's descent into his gambling addiction and its concomitant complications is riveting and relatable. All of the characters have depth and are believable.
Finally, the plot. I was certainly not expecting this to be a page-turner, but it quickly evolved into just that. By the last few chapters, I couldn't put down the novel. The ending was satisfying and sufficiently open-ended as to allow one to hope for a sequel or at least the reappearance of some of the major characters in another novel.
February 15, 2018
Honeysuckle
I loved this story! I always look for police procedural, murder mysteries to read but when I saw the author name Squid, I couldn't resist. The people on Honeysuckle Lane drew me in and I didn't do anything all morning but finish the book! I can't wait for something else written by Squid McFinnigan!
I loved this story! I always look for police procedural, murder mysteries to read but when I saw the author name Squid, I couldn't resist. The people on Honeysuckle Lane drew me in and I didn't do anything all morning but finish the book! I can't wait for something else written by Squid McFinnigan!
September 3, 2015
I spotted this book during its Kindle Scout campaign. Told from several different points-of-view, each character lives on Honeysuckle Lane and each household has its own secrets, including one with an unhinged man whose actions spiral out of control. Good characters and great tension that builds with each chapter. Some head-hopping in the narration distracted me at times, and I could have done without the sex scenes, but all in all an entertaining read.
May 9, 2016
I nominated this for the Kindle Scout Program and thought it was a really good read. It's probably more like a 3.5 star read, but I rounded up/not down...just cause.
The plot had some interesting threads pulled together and some of the characters were interesting as well. I would have liked a little more character development of the detectives working through the crimes and sifting through the clues. All in all I enjoyed the read.
The plot had some interesting threads pulled together and some of the characters were interesting as well. I would have liked a little more character development of the detectives working through the crimes and sifting through the clues. All in all I enjoyed the read.
October 18, 2015
Not a genre I would normally engage with but I must say I was pleasantly surprised.The characters were real, the story was quite gripping, it built up a nice pace and came to a fittingly edgy crescendo... I will think more on it but it has kept me up until 4am so right now I'm too tired...
November 28, 2015
Seeing as I wrote this one, I have read it. I hope others like it as much as I liked writing it.
:O)
Squid
:O)
Squid
June 25, 2018
“Every door hides a secret”. Hoo boy, they sure do on Honeysuckle Lane; not an ordinary citizen on the whole block! At first, I didn’t care for this book, as the residents seemed more like caricatures than people. There is the debt-ridden gambler, the abusive husband, the token wife. But the interwoven lives soon pulled me in. Some unlikely scenarios, but a quick & easy read for summer.
October 16, 2018
Several stories in one
I love the concept of this book. The story is about several neighbors who live on Honeysuckle Lane, each with their own set of problems, each with their own unique stories. And each story is full of interesting twists. A great read.
I love the concept of this book. The story is about several neighbors who live on Honeysuckle Lane, each with their own set of problems, each with their own unique stories. And each story is full of interesting twists. A great read.
August 12, 2018
Excellent Read!
Masterfully entertwining multiple threads, the story is well told from different perspectives. There are dark moments - not for the faint of heart! A wonderful blend of mystery, suspense, and thriller. The only ding I have is numerous spelling, word choice, and repeated words issues, which disrupt the flow.
Masterfully entertwining multiple threads, the story is well told from different perspectives. There are dark moments - not for the faint of heart! A wonderful blend of mystery, suspense, and thriller. The only ding I have is numerous spelling, word choice, and repeated words issues, which disrupt the flow.
June 25, 2018
Two is Too Much
Multiple story lines all connected at the seams kept me interested. If you see a house for sale on Honeysuckle, take a pass.
Multiple story lines all connected at the seams kept me interested. If you see a house for sale on Honeysuckle, take a pass.
October 8, 2017
You gotta read it
It is like getting into a car and suddenly speeding off down the road.
It was nonstop from the off.
So buckle up and settle down and just enjoy the ride . S Burdin
It is like getting into a car and suddenly speeding off down the road.
It was nonstop from the off.
So buckle up and settle down and just enjoy the ride . S Burdin
December 23, 2019
Honeysuckle Lane, Every Door Hides a Secret by Squid McFinnigan I received a complimentary Kindle copy of Honeysuckle Lane, Every Door Hides a Secret by Squid McFinnigan, published by Kindle Press in a Kindle Scout promotion in exchange for a fair review.
I gave it four stars. "Honeysuckle Lane is a street like any other, with secrets behind every door...As the residents of Honeysuckle Lane’s stories collide, their secrets spill out for the world to see."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Honeysuckle-La...
I gave it four stars. "Honeysuckle Lane is a street like any other, with secrets behind every door...As the residents of Honeysuckle Lane’s stories collide, their secrets spill out for the world to see."
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Honeysuckle-La...
January 29, 2016
So in the spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that Squid and I did buy the other's book in a show of support and solidarity as first time novelists. While I've never met Squid personally we do follow each other on twitter and goodreads.
So, let's get on with the review.
When I first started reading the book, I got it into my head that it was going to be a series of short stories loosely connected by the fact that they all take place on the same street, but that's not really what this is at all.
The stories are tied together in an incredibly clever way within a larger story, which felt very natural in how it unfolded. As I continued to read the book I found myself getting sucked in more and more, trying to guess what the hell was going to happen next.
Desperation, violence, sex, mayhem and some great twists. This book really gets the blood pumping.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Squid and truly hope that he eventually gets to pitch this to a network because I think it'd make great television.
Now I know what you're thinking, if I liked it so much, why did I only give four stars. Well it's simple really, I'm a pretty competitive guy and I'm also petty.
This is a very crowded marketplace Squid and I are working in and I feel his name gives him an unfair advantage. I mean really, if you saw my novel (available now!) and Squid's side by side, which one are you going to buy? The one written by a fella named Jonathan or the one written by somebody named Squid?
Don't tell me, because I already know the answer.
I am considering changing my name to Chainsaw "Muthereffin" Jackson in order to even out the playing field.
In all seriousness this is really a fun read by a storyteller with a lot of talent, so go buy it.
Why are you still here reading this when you can be reading Squid's book?
Go already!
So, let's get on with the review.
When I first started reading the book, I got it into my head that it was going to be a series of short stories loosely connected by the fact that they all take place on the same street, but that's not really what this is at all.
The stories are tied together in an incredibly clever way within a larger story, which felt very natural in how it unfolded. As I continued to read the book I found myself getting sucked in more and more, trying to guess what the hell was going to happen next.
Desperation, violence, sex, mayhem and some great twists. This book really gets the blood pumping.
I'm looking forward to reading more from Squid and truly hope that he eventually gets to pitch this to a network because I think it'd make great television.
Now I know what you're thinking, if I liked it so much, why did I only give four stars. Well it's simple really, I'm a pretty competitive guy and I'm also petty.
This is a very crowded marketplace Squid and I are working in and I feel his name gives him an unfair advantage. I mean really, if you saw my novel (available now!) and Squid's side by side, which one are you going to buy? The one written by a fella named Jonathan or the one written by somebody named Squid?
Don't tell me, because I already know the answer.
I am considering changing my name to Chainsaw "Muthereffin" Jackson in order to even out the playing field.
In all seriousness this is really a fun read by a storyteller with a lot of talent, so go buy it.
Why are you still here reading this when you can be reading Squid's book?
Go already!
May 13, 2016
Detective Stephen Adams wonders why his investigations keep taking him to a small, middle-class street. Honeysuckle Lane houses no ordinary neighborhood. It's nothing mystical. It's just a place where fate has assembled a cast of residents with secrets. Secrets with disastrous consequences, particularly when intertwined.
Frank O'Shea has a gambling debt with the wrong people. Tim Murphy, obsessed by his career, is boring his lovely wife, Martha. Ogie is an irresponsible musician with eyes for that lovely wife. Mary is a battered wife with a boorish husband, and her daughter, Angie, is in love with a young man she hopes will take her away from her loveless, depressing home.
People everywhere have problems, and, mostly, they remain either hidden or contained, but not on Honeysuckle Lane, which also has resident evil in the person of Brendan Roche, a computer whiz who keeps his neighbors under surveillance as he grows ever more sinister and deranged.
Author Squid McFinnigan weaves all his competing story lines adroitly, and his yarn is full of the unexpected. He is pitiless in the way he disposes of some of the more likable characters abruptly, and the ruthlessness of the ruthless story makes the twists hard to anticipate.
Madness and crime descend on the unwitting residents of Honeysuckle Lane, who have more than enough to occupy their time already.
Surprises emerge all along the way. People die horribly. Unexpected heroes emerge. One hero retires into the background as another emerges, and the body count rises.
Frank O'Shea has a gambling debt with the wrong people. Tim Murphy, obsessed by his career, is boring his lovely wife, Martha. Ogie is an irresponsible musician with eyes for that lovely wife. Mary is a battered wife with a boorish husband, and her daughter, Angie, is in love with a young man she hopes will take her away from her loveless, depressing home.
People everywhere have problems, and, mostly, they remain either hidden or contained, but not on Honeysuckle Lane, which also has resident evil in the person of Brendan Roche, a computer whiz who keeps his neighbors under surveillance as he grows ever more sinister and deranged.
Author Squid McFinnigan weaves all his competing story lines adroitly, and his yarn is full of the unexpected. He is pitiless in the way he disposes of some of the more likable characters abruptly, and the ruthlessness of the ruthless story makes the twists hard to anticipate.
Madness and crime descend on the unwitting residents of Honeysuckle Lane, who have more than enough to occupy their time already.
Surprises emerge all along the way. People die horribly. Unexpected heroes emerge. One hero retires into the background as another emerges, and the body count rises.
November 10, 2015
Honey Suckle Lane is a street in almost every community, where people live their lives and have secret. This is the story of three such houses. It is actually three stories of three different houses on the street, all of which the author has skillfully merged together into one good, solid tale. How the author these stories mesh together is fascinating, as it watching and reading how the author manages to include tidbits in each that keep you interested, reading and looking for how these events/words will intertwine with each other. The stories involve a gambler who lives on the street, trying to hide his addiction, a young married couple who meet head on with potential for disaster when the wife has an instant attraction to a neighbor and a couple who have an abusive marriage and a teenage daughter who tries to find escape wherever and whenever possible even when it leads to danger. The book is aimed at mature audiences because of sex scenes, adult language and violence, but despite this, it reads quite well and interestingly enough. I was immediately caught up in the story of these characters’ lives and how the author managed to mesh it all together. This is as good as any mystery or suspense novel I have read and will look for more by this author. I received this through the Kindle Scout program to read and review.
Read
November 25, 2015This book was fantastic. I won a copy when it was selected for publication of the Kindle Scout campaign and I read it, having to stop in intervals because it was intense!
It was beautifully written and the multiple perspectives, while taking some time to get used to, was expertly done. Behind ever door on Honeysuckle Lane, there was an intricate system of dysfunction and dark drama. Each family brings their own struggle to the story, and each story is crafted brilliantly, intimate and involved, dark and amazing.
The psychosis of the antagonist, the elaborate hallucinations and violence was terrifying to read and the book will definitely give you a good few chills.
The descriptions are phenomenal, as is the detail of the police procedures and especially the climax. Honeysuckle Lane comes to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, with fervent hope for more!
If you want something exciting, new, full of edge, tension, terror and absolute brilliance, I really, really cannot recommend this book enough.
I've read it three times since I got it.
And I'll definitely read it again.
It was beautifully written and the multiple perspectives, while taking some time to get used to, was expertly done. Behind ever door on Honeysuckle Lane, there was an intricate system of dysfunction and dark drama. Each family brings their own struggle to the story, and each story is crafted brilliantly, intimate and involved, dark and amazing.
The psychosis of the antagonist, the elaborate hallucinations and violence was terrifying to read and the book will definitely give you a good few chills.
The descriptions are phenomenal, as is the detail of the police procedures and especially the climax. Honeysuckle Lane comes to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion, with fervent hope for more!
If you want something exciting, new, full of edge, tension, terror and absolute brilliance, I really, really cannot recommend this book enough.
I've read it three times since I got it.
And I'll definitely read it again.
August 28, 2015
I found this book on Kindle Scout, nominated it (along with several other people) and it won a chance of being published on Amazon. As a nominator I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a mixture of mystery/thriller and police procedural.
Honeysuckle Lane has a few houses where the residents mostly mind their own business. A series of seemingly unrelated events have the police out there more than usual. When all the pieces begin fitting together, explosive things begin to happen. Will it lead the police to find the one who has been committing a series of murders?
This book has several mini-stories tucked inside the bigger one. I love how the author gave tiny bread crumbs as each mini-story flowed into the next one. I also loved watching... I mean reading the dramatic ending.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Sexual Situations, and Adult Language.
This is a mixture of mystery/thriller and police procedural.
Honeysuckle Lane has a few houses where the residents mostly mind their own business. A series of seemingly unrelated events have the police out there more than usual. When all the pieces begin fitting together, explosive things begin to happen. Will it lead the police to find the one who has been committing a series of murders?
This book has several mini-stories tucked inside the bigger one. I love how the author gave tiny bread crumbs as each mini-story flowed into the next one. I also loved watching... I mean reading the dramatic ending.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to Violence, Sexual Situations, and Adult Language.
August 25, 2015
I enjoyed this book and I think it was the descriptions that really did it for me. I could clearly see everything that was happening and I stayed engaged for the entire book.
However, I had some problems with the relationships between the men and women on Honeysuckle Lane. They were cliche and they were all left somewhat unresolved. I know there are reasons for cliches (and I struggle with it in my own writing) but I would have liked to see a little more depth to the relationships and some closure.
Despite that, I think it’s a terrific debut from Mr. McFinnigan and I look forward to reading more from him.
However, I had some problems with the relationships between the men and women on Honeysuckle Lane. They were cliche and they were all left somewhat unresolved. I know there are reasons for cliches (and I struggle with it in my own writing) but I would have liked to see a little more depth to the relationships and some closure.
Despite that, I think it’s a terrific debut from Mr. McFinnigan and I look forward to reading more from him.
August 8, 2015
Good story
This is an exceptional book in a lot of ways. A lot of suspense, interesting characters.
But the super-long paragraphs gave me absolute fits and stole so much of the tension, especially from parts that should have been heart-pounding.
Liberal application of the return button made by an editor with a solid understanding of story pace would've greatly improved the flow of this novel.
This is an exceptional book in a lot of ways. A lot of suspense, interesting characters.
But the super-long paragraphs gave me absolute fits and stole so much of the tension, especially from parts that should have been heart-pounding.
Liberal application of the return button made by an editor with a solid understanding of story pace would've greatly improved the flow of this novel.
August 4, 2015
What a stunning debut novel! The characters are genuine, the plot is gripping, and it leaves you wanting more. I couldn't put this one down. Real, raw, and captivating.
McFinnigans strong development of likeable and hateable characters (and the characters are often both) creates a strong base for a thrilling tale. Combine that with suspense, seduction, action, and human darkness, and Squid has given us a tale to remember for some time to come. Well done.
July 10, 2016
Brilliant!!!
First of all I loved the title and the Author's Name. Secondly it was set in Dublin my hometown, and it's a hell of a good book . I loved it, the story begins in a place called Honeysuckle Lane where families live side by side but do any of us really know our neighbours. This is my first read by Squid McFuinnigan I will be keeping an eye out for more. Thanks for a brilliant read
First of all I loved the title and the Author's Name. Secondly it was set in Dublin my hometown, and it's a hell of a good book . I loved it, the story begins in a place called Honeysuckle Lane where families live side by side but do any of us really know our neighbours. This is my first read by Squid McFuinnigan I will be keeping an eye out for more. Thanks for a brilliant read
August 15, 2015
boy, what a diversified group of people live on honeysuckle lane. try make a good story but I wouldn't want to live there. from a computer expert with a fixation on the neighbor girl to a couple who's marriage is threatened by an affair with a new neighbor musician. good luck trying to put this book down until you finish reading it!
May 7, 2016
Page turner
Absolutely loved this book, so much so I read it in one day (I'm currently in Lanzarote) on my holiday I really don't know what I expected when I started this book it does make you think about what goes on behind closed doors I'm gutted that I've now finished it. I certainly hope there are more books to come from Squid
Absolutely loved this book, so much so I read it in one day (I'm currently in Lanzarote) on my holiday I really don't know what I expected when I started this book it does make you think about what goes on behind closed doors I'm gutted that I've now finished it. I certainly hope there are more books to come from Squid
January 7, 2016
A fascinating look into what appears on the outside to be a normal suburban street in Dublin. Each house has a different yet intriguing story, but underlying all is a brewing darkness that builds at a nice pace throughout, speeding to a great conclusion. A great thriller and well worth a read.
February 8, 2016
Thrilling page by page
Very gripping and hard to put down. Enjoyed it very much. Knows how to go in detail. Worth the time.
Very gripping and hard to put down. Enjoyed it very much. Knows how to go in detail. Worth the time.
May 25, 2016
A good story about what obsessed men do for a female with disastrous results throw a gangster into the mix and you have a good story . I give this book 4 stars
July 14, 2018
Honeysuckle Lane is a suburb of Dublin, a cul-de-sac with upscale homes. The people who live there are a mix of society: a compulsive gambler, a domestic abuser, a newly married couple, a psychopath. Their lives intertwine in this complex and enthralling story.
Mr. McFinnigan has created a tense story of varied characters that made me keep reading. I wanted to find out what happens to these people, even the ones who weren't very sympathetic. And many of them are not nice people.
Like most suburbs, the people don't really know their neighbors. It's all too easy to imagine this could be a similar area in the United States or elsewhere. Today, people often have no idea what's going on in their neighbor's homes. This book gives a view of a chilling aspect that could be all too true.
This is an excellent read - just be prepared to stay up late!
Mr. McFinnigan has created a tense story of varied characters that made me keep reading. I wanted to find out what happens to these people, even the ones who weren't very sympathetic. And many of them are not nice people.
Like most suburbs, the people don't really know their neighbors. It's all too easy to imagine this could be a similar area in the United States or elsewhere. Today, people often have no idea what's going on in their neighbor's homes. This book gives a view of a chilling aspect that could be all too true.
This is an excellent read - just be prepared to stay up late!
February 14, 2018
Get ready for a cast of colorful characters who live on Honeysuckle Lane. Several stories of the inhabitants unwind as this tale progresses. In various ways, they intertwine, but are really separate stories of the lives of five families. The most prominent story (most action-packed at least) deals with the creepy renter. The writing keeps you engaged, and the characters keep you wondering what they'll do next. All are very flawed, some to the extreme, but in a way that makes for a fascinating read. By the time I got to the end, I wondered what secrets lay hidden behind the walls of the homes of the families on Honeysuckle Lane that were not mentioned.
Read
August 23, 2016I have sat and thought hard about what I am to say regarding Honeysuckle Lane.
You see, even though this is Squid McFinnigan’s debut novel, I am not new to his writings. I was already a fan of Squid’s short stories before I opened the first page; so reading a novel from the man seemed nothing more than a natural progression.
Many people have written here, in this review section, about the nine houses on Honeysuckle Lane, the characters who live in them, the troubles, trials and tribulations that concern them and, of course, how their lives entwine in this story. So I shall not bother with any of that.
What I shall say is that Squid has a natural and most wonderful narrative voice. Maybe it’s his Irish blood, the ‘gift of the gab’? Whatever it is, his storytelling pulls you in, capturing you with its easy flowing style.
The plot is excellent, occasionally ludicrous, but that is how it is meant to be, funny and serious and entertaining all at the same time. The pace is never slow, there is always something happening, often so quickly you go back and re-read a sentence or paragraph just to make sure you have taken it all in! The action ‘scenes’ are like those from a thrilling movie.
Honeysuckle Lane has a good beginning, is highly entertaining all the way through and has a ‘proper’ ending, although there are a few things unsolved…but that is how it is meant to be!
I have to give Squid five stars for Honeysuckle Lane simply because it has been the best book I have read this year.
You see, even though this is Squid McFinnigan’s debut novel, I am not new to his writings. I was already a fan of Squid’s short stories before I opened the first page; so reading a novel from the man seemed nothing more than a natural progression.
Many people have written here, in this review section, about the nine houses on Honeysuckle Lane, the characters who live in them, the troubles, trials and tribulations that concern them and, of course, how their lives entwine in this story. So I shall not bother with any of that.
What I shall say is that Squid has a natural and most wonderful narrative voice. Maybe it’s his Irish blood, the ‘gift of the gab’? Whatever it is, his storytelling pulls you in, capturing you with its easy flowing style.
The plot is excellent, occasionally ludicrous, but that is how it is meant to be, funny and serious and entertaining all at the same time. The pace is never slow, there is always something happening, often so quickly you go back and re-read a sentence or paragraph just to make sure you have taken it all in! The action ‘scenes’ are like those from a thrilling movie.
Honeysuckle Lane has a good beginning, is highly entertaining all the way through and has a ‘proper’ ending, although there are a few things unsolved…but that is how it is meant to be!
I have to give Squid five stars for Honeysuckle Lane simply because it has been the best book I have read this year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews