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The Trouble With Being God
Steven Carvelle is a journalist and a self-diagnosed alcoholic. Lately his dreams have been taking a turn for the worse, and the violence that was once only in his mind has begun to manifest in the world around him. When a series of murders overflows into the lives of Steven, his girlfriend, Karen, and best friend Miles (a detective on the local police force), Steven is forced to dive further into his mind and the realm of self-awareness than ever before. Questioning not only society and religion, but even his own sanity, he must decide what is real, what is not, and how everything in his life has intertwined to lead him to now. Then he is required to make a decision. At its heart, a tale about what happens to these characters while these events unfold around them. Most of all it's about understanding and coming to grips with who you are, and the frightful and dangerous consequences of thinking you are someone you are not.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2008
80 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
William F. Aicher
24 books324 followersWilliam F. Aicher is the author of The Trouble With Being God, A Confession, The Unfortunate Expiration of Mr. David S. Sparks., Calibration 74, and the Phoenix Bones: International Monster Hunter series, as well as a series of short horror and suspense pieces collectively referred to as “Creepy Little Bedtime Stories.” Tending to lean toward the creepy and fantastical, his work has appeared alongside such well-known writers as Stephen King, Richard Chizmar, and Neil Gaiman.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he holds degrees in journalism and philosophy. He currently lives outside Milwaukee with his wife, three sons, and a pair of lazy cats.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, he holds degrees in journalism and philosophy. He currently lives outside Milwaukee with his wife, three sons, and a pair of lazy cats.
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May 27, 2018Marking as read because as the author I've read this more times than I can count. No review/rating though as I don't review my own books.
I'd love it if you did though. :)
I'd love it if you did though. :)
September 29, 2010
My God.
I couldn't put this down. The entire time reading this novel, I pictured a movie. It was a very fast read with truly mentally deranged points of view. There are religious criticisms and descriptive psychological disturbing acts layed out in the book. In a movie, it's the shock and gorge that scares a viewer, but as a reader Aicher is able vividly create an image in your mind that you can't shake. You can't cover your eyes and say to the person next to you "I'm not looking, tell me when it's over" - you're screwed, once you read it, it's in there.
What made me cling to the story was the assurance that I knew exactly how it would end. I will admit, after the first few chapters I said to myself "Oh, I know the ending already". I was proud of my self and I kept that mentality throughout the book. I was completely and utterly wrong. That just made me love this F*&$@ED up book even more.
In addition to the mental cluster F$%# the book gave me, I loved the footnotes at the bottom of certain chapters. Example: 1Play Audio: “Shuffle Your Feet” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC). Of course I would search my ITunes or Youtube and listen to the entire song before reading the upcoming chapter. This isn't required but I strongly encourage you to do so. The music either sets the mood or solidifies what just occurred.
In horror movies, the music alone can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on it's end (Signs or The Shining) but the music selection chosen by Aicher are subliminal and prodigious. Picture the ending scene of the movie The Departed - Roy Buchanan's - Sweet Dreams just wrapped up that entire moment of justice.
Note: I mentally casted John Cusack as Steve, and that's because he did an excellent job in Stephen King's short story: 1408.
Let me know what you think about this book! If you love criminal and thriller movies, you'll love this book!
I couldn't put this down. The entire time reading this novel, I pictured a movie. It was a very fast read with truly mentally deranged points of view. There are religious criticisms and descriptive psychological disturbing acts layed out in the book. In a movie, it's the shock and gorge that scares a viewer, but as a reader Aicher is able vividly create an image in your mind that you can't shake. You can't cover your eyes and say to the person next to you "I'm not looking, tell me when it's over" - you're screwed, once you read it, it's in there.
What made me cling to the story was the assurance that I knew exactly how it would end. I will admit, after the first few chapters I said to myself "Oh, I know the ending already". I was proud of my self and I kept that mentality throughout the book. I was completely and utterly wrong. That just made me love this F*&$@ED up book even more.
In addition to the mental cluster F$%# the book gave me, I loved the footnotes at the bottom of certain chapters. Example: 1Play Audio: “Shuffle Your Feet” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC). Of course I would search my ITunes or Youtube and listen to the entire song before reading the upcoming chapter. This isn't required but I strongly encourage you to do so. The music either sets the mood or solidifies what just occurred.
In horror movies, the music alone can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on it's end (Signs or The Shining) but the music selection chosen by Aicher are subliminal and prodigious. Picture the ending scene of the movie The Departed - Roy Buchanan's - Sweet Dreams just wrapped up that entire moment of justice.
Note: I mentally casted John Cusack as Steve, and that's because he did an excellent job in Stephen King's short story: 1408.
Let me know what you think about this book! If you love criminal and thriller movies, you'll love this book!
April 3, 2019
Aicher is someone who captures my interest because of his descriptions - not only certain details in a scene, but also the psychology of the characters. I did not like the journalist in the story (protagonist). He was an asshole journalist on a mission to get a story. Like most writers, he becomes obsessed with the story to the detriment to his relationship with a woman who loves him. The climax of the novel is how the news story invades his psyche and the confusion of what is real and what is not becomes blurred. Is the story out there or inside him? Is he the story itself? The end is not only surprising but for some it might be disappointing. I experienced the former not the later.
July 15, 2018
"The Trouble with Being God" by William F. Aicher is an example of horror done right. I was cringing in disgust by the second paragraph. That’s great writing!
Artful descriptions, eloquent dialogue, and truly grotesque scenes make this thriller a must-read.
Artful descriptions, eloquent dialogue, and truly grotesque scenes make this thriller a must-read.
January 17, 2009
Brutally murdered, a catholic priest hangs crucified on the side of an abandoned brewery. Steven Carvelle, a feature reporter for the Courtsdale Courier, covers the slaying. One murder leads to the another, each one more heinous, and a serial killer is born. Tormented by his own internal demons while covering these cases, Carvelle begins having his own nightmares of increasing brutality. Subsequently, his relationship with his girlfriend, best friend, as well as his inner self deteriorates and his grasp on reality begins to warp. Carvelle questions the meaning of life, the purpose of religion, and what the slayings all have in common. Unfortunately, the answer may be one he is unwilling to face.
While reading William Aicher’s, The Trouble With Being God, I was reminded of the 1987 movie Angel Heart starring Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, and Lisa Bonet. Both feature a main character trying to solve the mystery surrounding a series of brutal slayings while evidence mounts pointing to them as the potential killer. Both also have substantial religious overtones.
Aicher’s writing is crisp and the novel moves quickly. There are a number of philosophical discussions between Carvelle and his friend Miles that recall the days of late night college dorm room discussions. Many of these involve religion and its role in society. However, not all are delved into as deeply as I would have liked. Also, for those expected neat and tidy closure to the various story arcs, you may be a little frustrated at the end. But realize Aicher’s focus isn’t necessarily the slayings themselves, though this provides the novels backbone pushing the plot forward, but the inner journey of our own occasional brutal thoughts and passions and how we choose to manage them.
Something unique offered by this novel to enhance the readers experience, are Aicher’s footnoted musical selections to be listened to while reading various parts of the novel. For this, Aicher draws on his experience as Director of Marketing for an online sheet music retailer and previous position as Editor In-Chief for an online music review website. The songs are available on the books website.
For those looking for a face paced read, while realizing the novel contains violence similar to that featured on an intense CSI episode, check out The Trouble With Being God.
While reading William Aicher’s, The Trouble With Being God, I was reminded of the 1987 movie Angel Heart starring Mickey Rourke, Robert De Niro, and Lisa Bonet. Both feature a main character trying to solve the mystery surrounding a series of brutal slayings while evidence mounts pointing to them as the potential killer. Both also have substantial religious overtones.
Aicher’s writing is crisp and the novel moves quickly. There are a number of philosophical discussions between Carvelle and his friend Miles that recall the days of late night college dorm room discussions. Many of these involve religion and its role in society. However, not all are delved into as deeply as I would have liked. Also, for those expected neat and tidy closure to the various story arcs, you may be a little frustrated at the end. But realize Aicher’s focus isn’t necessarily the slayings themselves, though this provides the novels backbone pushing the plot forward, but the inner journey of our own occasional brutal thoughts and passions and how we choose to manage them.
Something unique offered by this novel to enhance the readers experience, are Aicher’s footnoted musical selections to be listened to while reading various parts of the novel. For this, Aicher draws on his experience as Director of Marketing for an online sheet music retailer and previous position as Editor In-Chief for an online music review website. The songs are available on the books website.
For those looking for a face paced read, while realizing the novel contains violence similar to that featured on an intense CSI episode, check out The Trouble With Being God.
July 23, 2018
A suspenseful story with a truly shocking ending. The Trouble With Being God is an early novel by William F. Aicher, refreshed for its 10th anniversary with an additional scene and an afterward by the author. Aicher intersperses philosophical musings about life, religion and journalism into a story of a reporter and a police officer hunting a vicious serial killer with a taste for grandiose, macabre scenes. The book kept me guessing right up to the final page.
July 20, 2018
Aicher’s book, “The Trouble With Being God: 10th Anniversary Special Edition” could be considered a gritty murder mystery at the start but, as the pages turn and the body count rises, it begins to manifest itself into something much more frightening. It will leave many questioning everything they know about the human condition and the monsters that may lurk just beyond our own reflections.
Aicher’s ability to flawlessly pull his readers in from the very first page offers up subtle clues to his overall theme and direction with sickening detail and psychopathic flair before slowly whipping his created urban setting of Courtsdale into a maddening frenzy. From the moment readers are introduced to the main character of Steven Carvelle, part-time journalist and full-time drinker, we are already fully aware that Aicher intends to shatter any notion his work could be considered a cozy mystery or a simple crime thriller and for that, we should greedily devour his creation.
As the stakes are raised for Steven and the mystery deepens, Aicher’s talent for adding in a roster of townspeople, or possible upcoming victims for fans of thrillers and mysteries, adds to the overall feel of the book and fleshes out their connection to not only themselves, but to each other. Each supporting player is given enough information to make them believable and seem real through backstories and heartfelt snippets. It is with these additional players that Aicher’s skill at being able to plunge the knife deeper into his readers’ hearts when the death toll begins to climb, and people start showing their true colors, that shines a light on his creativeness and his overall understanding of the internal workings of man.
Much like an onion, “The Trouble With Being God,” has layers. Some layers are bright while some poignant, others dirty and stained but all work collectively to form a complete picture making this book truly work from every angle. Fast-paced throughout, Aicher quickly splashes the pages with hope and possible resolutions before kicking the brakes off his masterfully created elevator straight to hell and the free of charge provided horror show of seeing everyday citizens break down to their complete worst.
A theme or thought is brought to light within the work readers may or may not discover until hours or days later after the final page is turned on an ending that will most likely force people to gnaw off their own fingernails from the shock alone, that is Aicher has been possibly playing us all along. Crafting a world steeped in human emotion, cleverly disguised ruses, and crime scenes that will no doubt test the limits of most readers’ intestinal fortitude, Aicher has splendidly given us all exactly what we wanted the most in spades, even if we don’t fully understand or never grasp the gift for which he has bestowed until much later. Grab a coat and jump in a cab, Courtsdale is waiting for you as visitor or victim. Great read!
Aicher’s ability to flawlessly pull his readers in from the very first page offers up subtle clues to his overall theme and direction with sickening detail and psychopathic flair before slowly whipping his created urban setting of Courtsdale into a maddening frenzy. From the moment readers are introduced to the main character of Steven Carvelle, part-time journalist and full-time drinker, we are already fully aware that Aicher intends to shatter any notion his work could be considered a cozy mystery or a simple crime thriller and for that, we should greedily devour his creation.
As the stakes are raised for Steven and the mystery deepens, Aicher’s talent for adding in a roster of townspeople, or possible upcoming victims for fans of thrillers and mysteries, adds to the overall feel of the book and fleshes out their connection to not only themselves, but to each other. Each supporting player is given enough information to make them believable and seem real through backstories and heartfelt snippets. It is with these additional players that Aicher’s skill at being able to plunge the knife deeper into his readers’ hearts when the death toll begins to climb, and people start showing their true colors, that shines a light on his creativeness and his overall understanding of the internal workings of man.
Much like an onion, “The Trouble With Being God,” has layers. Some layers are bright while some poignant, others dirty and stained but all work collectively to form a complete picture making this book truly work from every angle. Fast-paced throughout, Aicher quickly splashes the pages with hope and possible resolutions before kicking the brakes off his masterfully created elevator straight to hell and the free of charge provided horror show of seeing everyday citizens break down to their complete worst.
A theme or thought is brought to light within the work readers may or may not discover until hours or days later after the final page is turned on an ending that will most likely force people to gnaw off their own fingernails from the shock alone, that is Aicher has been possibly playing us all along. Crafting a world steeped in human emotion, cleverly disguised ruses, and crime scenes that will no doubt test the limits of most readers’ intestinal fortitude, Aicher has splendidly given us all exactly what we wanted the most in spades, even if we don’t fully understand or never grasp the gift for which he has bestowed until much later. Grab a coat and jump in a cab, Courtsdale is waiting for you as visitor or victim. Great read!
September 3, 2019
Trigger Warning: Blood and gore as well as graphic descriptions of murder victims.
I admit, dear reader, that I read all of The Trouble With Being God in one evening. I started reading it, expecting to finish it in a few days like I do with most books but found myself so absorbed by the story that I couldn’t put it down.
Yet as much as I enjoyed the story, I simply could not stand the main character, Steven. I found him incredibly annoying. He is verbally and emotionally abusive to his girlfriend. He is rude and sometimes even mean to those he supposedly calls his friends. Though honestly, the same can be said of almost every other character in the book. Aside from Detective Miles, nearly every other character that plays a part in the story is bitter, selfish, and mean.
What saves the book from being a total dumpster fire is Aicher’s writing. The pacing and prose keep the story tight and suspenseful. It is enough to keep the reader engaged and guessing right up to and past the final page.
The way Aicher ends the story will certainly not appeal to everyone. I personally liked it since not everything in real life ends all neatly wrapped up like in books or movies.
The 10th Anniversary edition comes with additional extras like the original epilogue that was not published with the first edition of the book as well as a new afterword by the author. The afterword was interesting and gave insight in to the author and how his feelings towards the book have changed over the 10 years. The epilogue was worthless and didn’t add anything to the story. Personally, I’m glad it was scrapped.
Fans of Aicher’s books will likely enjoy The Trouble With Being God if they haven’t already read it. For any one else, I encourage them to at least give it a try.
May 6, 2019
It's unusual for me to read and let alone like a novel with graphic gore, but William Aicher's "The Trouble With Being God" was most certainly an exception. This thrilling murder mystery kept me riveted to the pages until the very end. The work is well crafted keeping the reader on their toes with each unexpected twist and turn. Each time you are led to believe that you've worked out what's happening with the plot, you realize that you've been deliberately misled by an author who enjoys frequently startling his reader with a sudden turn of events. Apart from the well-knit structure, believable characters and a perfectly paced, suspenseful plot, the highlight of this story for me was the internal journey of the protagonist who is depicted not as an emblem of perfection but as an antihero, a flawed, realistic human being, not entirely likeable, but with several redeemable characteristics. Another quality that sets this novel apart from other murder mysteries of its kind is the deep philosophical undertone with some profound reflections on humanity and social power-play. The book also offers a critique on the effects of institutionalized religion and the all-pervasive culture that allows the power-wielding sections of society to manipulate the unsuspecting weaker minds. Overall, this book was certainly worth the read!
March 14, 2013
The characters were flat and the dialogue amateurish. It violates the most basic premise of writing, namely show (through dialogue and plot) don't tell (through third party description and overly dramatic adjectives) your story. Though very violent, the plot did not build dramatic tension, but then gimmicks and cliché seldom do. After reading this self published (and apparently self edited) novel, I can only conclude that the rave reviews are from family, friends, old classmates and the author himself (who graciously gave himself 5 stars in his review of his own book). I was looking for something twisty and in the spirit of Chuck Palahniuk, but this doesn't cut it. I would pass on this one.
February 15, 2011
I loved the idea of this novel, it had potential. I really feel the characters lacked depth and sometimes the conversation they carried on seemed somehow staged. Like the author wanted to say something through the story and just threw them in. People say it was graphic? I don't see that in the least... When it comes down to it I feel this novel is a watered down version of a b rate movie with bad actors and an even worse script. If you want something better read Will baer or really anything eles.
April 25, 2012
I thought this book had a unique take on the multiple personality phenomena. There was one Steve (albeit a prick in his own right) that was inherently good even though he was a harassed, harried journalist. However, at night, he became what he really wanted to be; a person who could take out all those people who had done him an injustice in the world.
A strange but incredibly fascinating book. I liked the suggestion to listen to a certain song at points in the book. Never knew anyone who liked the Black Rebel Motorcycle club before :) Kudos. Good book, and an enjoyable read.
A strange but incredibly fascinating book. I liked the suggestion to listen to a certain song at points in the book. Never knew anyone who liked the Black Rebel Motorcycle club before :) Kudos. Good book, and an enjoyable read.
May 19, 2018
This is the third book I've read by William Aicher and yet again he comes up with the goods. Each book being different in theme, scope and genre. Each book being highly readable, well written, and entertaining. I enjoyed the sharp dialogue between Steve(n) and Karen, very realistic of a couple that cannot remember why they are together. The story had some gory moments, however I felt they weren't the main part of the story which made a nice change for these type of books. The extra features were a lovely addition.
June 22, 2018
In 'The Trouble With Being God,' William F. Aicher constructs a world that's easy to get lost in. His characters are deep and real, and the suspense only builds throughout the story. It's hard to find someone who focuses on characters without losing track of the plot (and vice versa), but Aicher manages to make it look easy.
December 22, 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. Bill keeps you engaged in the characters activites and does a great job of keeping you guessing as to what is coming next. The ending is not what you expect, but Bill does make his point with it (which is what he intended!)
July 17, 2018
Dark, deviant & chilling.
What do people do when they are in grave danger? Pray to God that they will be ok; unholy murder & the killer thinks he's God.. But why? Grab yourself a copy of this book & find out! Page turning that will keep you up @ night!
What do people do when they are in grave danger? Pray to God that they will be ok; unholy murder & the killer thinks he's God.. But why? Grab yourself a copy of this book & find out! Page turning that will keep you up @ night!
January 4, 2011
Umm what?!? Mind blowing, so psychological, so crafty. Definitely a good read on a dark and lonesome night.
March 7, 2011
Book was good but the ending was absolutely god awful.
July 30, 2008
Truly troubling.
July 14, 2018
I am not sure how I feel about this book. I do like a good murder mystery, but this one left me feeling unsatisfied. Although the story flowed well, and the characters were well written, there were too many questions throughout the book that did not get answered by the end. Who is the killer? Why did he do it? Why does Steven hate God? Why is Karen so bitchy? Overall, this is a well written book, and it has an ending that you are not expecting. However, I just wish there was a little more to the story.
May 11, 2018
This is the third book I've read by William Aicher and yet again he comes up with the goods. Each book being different in theme, scope and genre. Each book being highly readable, well written, and entertaining. I enjoyed the sharp dialogue between Steve(n) and Karen, very realistic of a couple that cannot remember why they are together. The story had some gory moments, however I felt they weren't the main part of the story which made a nice change for these type of books.
August 27, 2019
This book is like a swift kick to your gut! It leaves you excited and wanting more. A perfect train wreck that has no conclusion. I recommend it for its pure depravity and imaginative storyline. You will never guess the ending but you will enjoy yourself throughly. 🐾🐺
November 3, 2018
Left to many questions and the ending was horrible!!
April 2, 2019
Read this review and more on my blog at Hey, Roxie Reads.
‘The Trouble With Being God’ by William F. Aicher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on March 29, 2019
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $4.99 on Kindle | $13.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A priest is found naked and crucified in an abandoned building, and it starts a horrifying chain of murders. Investigative journalist, Steven Carvelle, is tasked with writing about them. The story isn’t the only thing on his mind, though. He’s plagued with violent nightmares.
As the murders pile up and the investigation intensifies, Steven realizes there is a horrible parallel between the killings and his dreams.
MY REVIEW:
This was a solid 3.5-star review for me.
Everyone, except for Miles, in this book are jerks. They’re selfish, bitter, and mean. Even those who claim to love each other don’t step outside of themselves to be tender to anyone else’s needs. A perfect example being that when a little boy loses both parents, those charged with helping him ruminate on how much of an imposition he is. I have a hard time enjoying stories with unlikeable characters.
Aicher’s writing style saved the story for me, though. His pacing is on point, and the mystery is suspenseful enough to have kept me turning pages late into the night.
The ending is definitely not for everyone, but I prefer stories that aren’t wrapped up with tiny, perfect bows.
This is the first thing I’ve read from Aicher, and I will read more in the future.
‘The Trouble With Being God’ by William F. Aicher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Finished on March 29, 2019
FREE on Kindle Unlimited | $4.99 on Kindle | $13.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
A priest is found naked and crucified in an abandoned building, and it starts a horrifying chain of murders. Investigative journalist, Steven Carvelle, is tasked with writing about them. The story isn’t the only thing on his mind, though. He’s plagued with violent nightmares.
As the murders pile up and the investigation intensifies, Steven realizes there is a horrible parallel between the killings and his dreams.
MY REVIEW:
This was a solid 3.5-star review for me.
Everyone, except for Miles, in this book are jerks. They’re selfish, bitter, and mean. Even those who claim to love each other don’t step outside of themselves to be tender to anyone else’s needs. A perfect example being that when a little boy loses both parents, those charged with helping him ruminate on how much of an imposition he is. I have a hard time enjoying stories with unlikeable characters.
Aicher’s writing style saved the story for me, though. His pacing is on point, and the mystery is suspenseful enough to have kept me turning pages late into the night.
The ending is definitely not for everyone, but I prefer stories that aren’t wrapped up with tiny, perfect bows.
This is the first thing I’ve read from Aicher, and I will read more in the future.
June 26, 2020
This book certainly turned out as gory as I expected it to be after reading the blurb and some reviews, but then, you see a lot of gory stuff on your average TV show. But maybe you shouldn’t read it if you can’t see blood. If you can handle a fair amount of gore, it’s a nice ride.
There are two things I loved about this book: the story itself and the ending. The story itself because the thought that you might be wrong about what’s real and what’s not is quite intriguing, and because William F. Aicher convinced me to like chaotic Steven, and after a while, I had to face the possibility that I was rooting for the wrong guy. I liked that.
And the ending? I loved the ending! There’s nothing worse than a deus ex machina to save the day, and I would have hated a forced, implausible ending. I was so relieved to read something else instead. For those who are into more traditional endings, the bonus content includes an alternative ending, which is completely acceptable as well.
There are two things I loved about this book: the story itself and the ending. The story itself because the thought that you might be wrong about what’s real and what’s not is quite intriguing, and because William F. Aicher convinced me to like chaotic Steven, and after a while, I had to face the possibility that I was rooting for the wrong guy. I liked that.
And the ending? I loved the ending! There’s nothing worse than a deus ex machina to save the day, and I would have hated a forced, implausible ending. I was so relieved to read something else instead. For those who are into more traditional endings, the bonus content includes an alternative ending, which is completely acceptable as well.
August 9, 2018
In true Aicher fashion, this narrative expertly weaves together plot and existential crisis. It's dark, horrific, and fascinating, reminiscent of the grisly tone of the crime thriller, Se7en; in fact, I found myself picturing the likes of Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in main roles. (Hey Hollywood - this would translate to the screen brilliantly!) The ending certainly took me by surprise and I would suggest to anyone reading it now that they skip over the added 'lost ending' epilogue — (though honestly, if anyone told me that before I would have read it anyway because I WANT TO KNOW ALL THE THINGS!) — it answers questions, sure, but this isn't the kind of book that should help you settle, it's the kind of book that will have you looking over your shoulder and questioning what's going on behind the scenes in the lives of the people you think you know and can trust.
October 6, 2018
Confession: I read this all in one sitting. I was so absorbed in it that by the time I realized I had been reading for almost two hours, I was 3/4 done with it and didn't want to stop. The storytelling is great, and watching the decline of the main character was fascinating. The ending was a bit abrupt, and I appreciated the author note about that at the end.
If half-stars could be given, I would give this 4.5 stars, only because there were some odd punctuation errors that kept pulling me out of the story. However, as a book editor, I would worry if that didn't catch my eye. Even so, the story was so good that I couldn't in good conscience give it just four stars.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes suspenseful stories with a little bit of creep factor.
If half-stars could be given, I would give this 4.5 stars, only because there were some odd punctuation errors that kept pulling me out of the story. However, as a book editor, I would worry if that didn't catch my eye. Even so, the story was so good that I couldn't in good conscience give it just four stars.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes suspenseful stories with a little bit of creep factor.
November 28, 2018
Steven Carvelle is a journalist investigating the horrific murder of a priest. What follows is continuing murder and mayhem that seems suspiciously connected to Steven. Is he involved? Is it a setup?
**I really wanted to like this book and I did, sort of. As a fan of books like Silence of the Lambs, I had I hopes for this book. What I found was an annoying lead character that can't keep his s*#t together long enough to do any proper journalistic investigation. The writing was strong, I guess, or I wouldn't have been so annoyed. Good luck.
**I really wanted to like this book and I did, sort of. As a fan of books like Silence of the Lambs, I had I hopes for this book. What I found was an annoying lead character that can't keep his s*#t together long enough to do any proper journalistic investigation. The writing was strong, I guess, or I wouldn't have been so annoyed. Good luck.
December 28, 2019
A solid thriller with a unique pay-off. Some of the dialogue seems out of step considering characters sometimes have quite conciliatory thoughts but then end up saying things designed to create conflict. There are some really good descriptive passages though and I'd be interested to see what the author would do with the story - it was originally written in college - if he decided to turn a more seasoned eye to it.
October 18, 2018
I would give no stars if that were possible. Quite possibly the worst book I have ever read. I found nothing even resembling the descriptors that I read about this book. The words used were: scary, gruesome, gory. Not even close. I read the entire book to give it a fair shot. Wish I could have that time back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews