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A Penny For Your Thoughts
Fresh from a stretch in prison, Joe Openshaw is living at home with his father and trying to get his life together again. He has let go of old habits, especially the ones that turned him into an addict and helped land him in prison.
On a hike along the Lowback Trail, Joe stumbles on one of the town's oldest secrets--buried long ago, if not forgotten.
It's an unusual but safe enough treasure--a jar of old pennies. What interests Joe isn't the pennies themselves, but the pieces of paper taped to every coin--a child's handwritten wish on each one.
When the first few wishes come true, they are simple things. Fun. Harmless.
Except as time goes on, Joe realizes they aren't really wishes at all...they're exchanges, and the bill was racking up.
Nothing is free in life.
Sooner or later, you always pay.
On a hike along the Lowback Trail, Joe stumbles on one of the town's oldest secrets--buried long ago, if not forgotten.
It's an unusual but safe enough treasure--a jar of old pennies. What interests Joe isn't the pennies themselves, but the pieces of paper taped to every coin--a child's handwritten wish on each one.
When the first few wishes come true, they are simple things. Fun. Harmless.
Except as time goes on, Joe realizes they aren't really wishes at all...they're exchanges, and the bill was racking up.
Nothing is free in life.
Sooner or later, you always pay.
292 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2019
22 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 22, 2019
4.5/5 stars, rounded up due to the laugh factor! Who knew how powerful a jar of pennies could be?
Fresh out of prison, Joe enjoys walking in the woods of his hometown, (who wouldn't when they had been confined for so long?) A glint of glass beneath the leaves catches his eye, and he doesn't know it yet, but it will change his life forever. How could a jar do such a thing? You'll have to read this to find out!
Even though Joe is an ex-con, he's a good guy. He's trying to do the right thing. He's off the drugs, he's off the lousy wench of a girlfriend, and he's trying to make things right with his dad. It's not long after he gets home that his friend Kenny is trying to talk him into returning to a life of crime and it's hard for Joe to resist. I think this is part of the reason that I liked Joe so much, he was realistic. It's easy to say you're going to go straight when you get out, but nothing is easy about reestablishing your life, and his character reflects that reality.
I'm not going to delve further into the plot, because it should unfold as the authors intended. However, I will say that there were portions of this book that were LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. Not just for people like me, (I've been told I have a juvenile sense of humor at times), but for anyone. I DARE people to read about what happened to Kenny without laughing. (I read that part on my lunch hour and couldn't tell my co-workers what made me laugh so hard I cried.)
Joe was my favorite among the main characters, but I did like the others as well-they were well drawn and felt real to me. There were a few people and items mentioned that I would have liked to learn more about-namely the Crimson Sisters. And what was up in that room full of statues and goat guts? This inquiring mind wants to know!
Be prepared to read this rather quickly, as I posted an update last night at 80% and about 2 minutes after that, I knew I was staying up to finish this book. It was exciting, it was hilarious at times, it was scary, it felt realistic and the ending was only slightly predictable.
I don't know if these authors are planning to collaborate again in the future, but let this serve as my plea...I need more! Preferably, as soon as possible!
Highly recommended!
Available June 1st, but you can preorder here: https://amzn.to/2JV0fuU
*Thanks to Mr. Ford for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review consideration. I considered it, said HELL YEAH! and here we are.*
Fresh out of prison, Joe enjoys walking in the woods of his hometown, (who wouldn't when they had been confined for so long?) A glint of glass beneath the leaves catches his eye, and he doesn't know it yet, but it will change his life forever. How could a jar do such a thing? You'll have to read this to find out!
Even though Joe is an ex-con, he's a good guy. He's trying to do the right thing. He's off the drugs, he's off the lousy wench of a girlfriend, and he's trying to make things right with his dad. It's not long after he gets home that his friend Kenny is trying to talk him into returning to a life of crime and it's hard for Joe to resist. I think this is part of the reason that I liked Joe so much, he was realistic. It's easy to say you're going to go straight when you get out, but nothing is easy about reestablishing your life, and his character reflects that reality.
I'm not going to delve further into the plot, because it should unfold as the authors intended. However, I will say that there were portions of this book that were LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. Not just for people like me, (I've been told I have a juvenile sense of humor at times), but for anyone. I DARE people to read about what happened to Kenny without laughing. (I read that part on my lunch hour and couldn't tell my co-workers what made me laugh so hard I cried.)
Joe was my favorite among the main characters, but I did like the others as well-they were well drawn and felt real to me. There were a few people and items mentioned that I would have liked to learn more about-namely the Crimson Sisters. And what was up in that room full of statues and goat guts? This inquiring mind wants to know!
Be prepared to read this rather quickly, as I posted an update last night at 80% and about 2 minutes after that, I knew I was staying up to finish this book. It was exciting, it was hilarious at times, it was scary, it felt realistic and the ending was only slightly predictable.
I don't know if these authors are planning to collaborate again in the future, but let this serve as my plea...I need more! Preferably, as soon as possible!
Highly recommended!
Available June 1st, but you can preorder here: https://amzn.to/2JV0fuU
*Thanks to Mr. Ford for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review consideration. I considered it, said HELL YEAH! and here we are.*
July 10, 2019
This book was sent to me by Poltergeist Press in exchange for an honest review. Video review coming soon!
Typically, I don't give five stars to a book unless it is on my 'favorites' list. Four stars tends to be the highest praise I give, praise that I've had the pleasure of awarding several books this year. Four stars means--while it may not be my favorite book of all time--I was very happy with the reading experience. But every once in a while, a book will come along that blows my brains out and reminds me that I have a long way to go as a writer. I think that's called 'jealously', which sounds about right. And, boy, did A Penny For Your Thoughts have that effect on me!
A Penny For Your Thoughts by Robert Ford and Matt Hayward is the story of Joe, a free man! He has just been released from prison when he finds a jar of pennies while hiking. What's so special about a penny jar? Well, these aren't just normal pennies. Each coin has a piece of paper taped to it, and scribbled on each scrap is a wish. When the wishes begin to come true (with consequences, of course), Joe and his friends start to sniff around town for an explanation, encountering occult magic, ancient gods, and goat guts.
First off, A Penny For Your Thoughts contains some of the most lovable characters I've read about in some time. Joe is just trying to put his life back together, even though it's hard. Thankfully, he has his dad to help him along, whom I adored. Joe's dad might be my favorite character, even though I cared for Joe's friends equally. Even the villains are fun to read about. They're evil, but its done in a tongue-in-cheek way, playing on archetypes while adding interesting dynamics.
The high-speed pace of the novel is assisted by a witty narrative and some of the most hilarious scenes I've ever read. Yes, this is a horror novel with some darker elements here and there, but it is one funny book. I burst out laughing several times, so I wouldn't recommend reading this at work unless you're allowed a few book breaks like I am.
Aside from the humor, A Penny For Your Thoughts is chocked full of heart, leaving me with a fist-sized lump in my throat at the end. The only thing more lovable than these characters are the relationships they form with one another. It gave me feelings.
Lastly, Ford and Hayward's writing styles match beautifully. The writing is seamless, making it impossible for me to discern who was writing what. Just... so good. Read this one.
Typically, I don't give five stars to a book unless it is on my 'favorites' list. Four stars tends to be the highest praise I give, praise that I've had the pleasure of awarding several books this year. Four stars means--while it may not be my favorite book of all time--I was very happy with the reading experience. But every once in a while, a book will come along that blows my brains out and reminds me that I have a long way to go as a writer. I think that's called 'jealously', which sounds about right. And, boy, did A Penny For Your Thoughts have that effect on me!
A Penny For Your Thoughts by Robert Ford and Matt Hayward is the story of Joe, a free man! He has just been released from prison when he finds a jar of pennies while hiking. What's so special about a penny jar? Well, these aren't just normal pennies. Each coin has a piece of paper taped to it, and scribbled on each scrap is a wish. When the wishes begin to come true (with consequences, of course), Joe and his friends start to sniff around town for an explanation, encountering occult magic, ancient gods, and goat guts.
First off, A Penny For Your Thoughts contains some of the most lovable characters I've read about in some time. Joe is just trying to put his life back together, even though it's hard. Thankfully, he has his dad to help him along, whom I adored. Joe's dad might be my favorite character, even though I cared for Joe's friends equally. Even the villains are fun to read about. They're evil, but its done in a tongue-in-cheek way, playing on archetypes while adding interesting dynamics.
The high-speed pace of the novel is assisted by a witty narrative and some of the most hilarious scenes I've ever read. Yes, this is a horror novel with some darker elements here and there, but it is one funny book. I burst out laughing several times, so I wouldn't recommend reading this at work unless you're allowed a few book breaks like I am.
Aside from the humor, A Penny For Your Thoughts is chocked full of heart, leaving me with a fist-sized lump in my throat at the end. The only thing more lovable than these characters are the relationships they form with one another. It gave me feelings.
Lastly, Ford and Hayward's writing styles match beautifully. The writing is seamless, making it impossible for me to discern who was writing what. Just... so good. Read this one.
March 31, 2020
Easily the best book I've read this year, and it'll take a heck of a read to knock it out of its place. A refreshing, unpredictable page-turner. I can't say enough good about it. The characters are real and 3-dimensional. The story is unique, giving you the sense that anything could happen. A very enjoyable ride.
May 6, 2019
My review of A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS can be found at High Fever Books.
Fresh out of prison, Joe Openshaw is hiking the Lowback Trail when he discovers a glass jar filled with pennies taped to scraps of folded paper. Curious, he opens one scrap and finds a young girl’s handwriting and a wish for a bike. It’s not just mere coincidence when his friend Kenny gives him a stolen bike to fence a short time later, and Joe sees a few other wishes come true. As a recovering addict, though, Joe knows nothing comes free, that there’s always a hook. Nothing is as simple as a wish granted, no string attached. There’s a cost, and the debt is starting to pile up…soon enough, it’s got to be collected.
Robert Ford and Matt Hayward have crafted a compulsively readable work of horror crime fiction. A Penny For Your Thoughts has a killer premise, and it’s populated with a ton of rich characters. Joe is a highly sympathetic and deeply flawed protagonist, with his background as an addict and unwitting getaway driver for a store robbery that landed him and his girlfriend in prison. His relationship with his father is rich and relateable, and the authors do a wonderful job of exploring the burgeoning friendship that arises between Joe, Kenny, and newcomer Ava.
Ford and Hayward also do a wonderful job of introducing their concept, exploring the curiosity and initial light-hardheartedness of it before plunging the story and its characters into darkness. There’s a great sequence early on when one character reads a young girl’s wish to hilarious results, but as Joe, Kenny, and Ava dig deeper into the nature of these wishes and their penny payments things get progressively darker. The innocuous wishes written by a young girl decades earlier take some horrific turns, and soon enough Joe is forced into the position of keeping this jar safe from others who would deliberately seek to use these magical pennies for devious ends.
My only criticism of A Penny For Your Thoughts is actually less a criticism and more of a desire for more. The Crimson Sisters are a mysterious group, one that sticks to the shadows, but what we get to know of them is pretty tantalizing stuff. I had really hoped for more involvement on their end, and the authors promised greater depths to their purpose with minor dashes of cosmic horror. With nods toward Elder Gods, and even Brian Keene’s Ob from The Rising, I had hoped for some deeper involvement of ancient beings. Unfortunately, the potential for the Crimson Sisters are not fully realized, and are, at a crucial moment, reduced to little more than a deus ex machina. The nature of the Crimson Sisters, though, is highly intriguing and I really wanted to spend more time with them, for Joe to learn more about their practices and peel back some of their mysteries. I wanted to know way more about them than the story or the authors could commit to. I wanted them to become a more prominent and overt force in the story, but Ford and Hayward keep things teasingly subtle.
Despite wanting more out of the Crimson Sisters, everything else about A Penny For Your Thoughts worked really, really well, and Ford and Hayward work with the synchrony of a well-oiled machine. Their collaboration here is awfully smooth, and it’s clear these two spent a good amount of time ensuring their prose styles mesh and seamlessly disappear into one another. A Penny For Your Thoughts is a smooth, easy, engaging read, and if I had but one wish it’d be for more Ford and Hayward collaborations. Maybe on something exploring the Crimson Sisters further, if I might be so bold.
[Note: I received an advance readers copy of this title from the authors.]
Fresh out of prison, Joe Openshaw is hiking the Lowback Trail when he discovers a glass jar filled with pennies taped to scraps of folded paper. Curious, he opens one scrap and finds a young girl’s handwriting and a wish for a bike. It’s not just mere coincidence when his friend Kenny gives him a stolen bike to fence a short time later, and Joe sees a few other wishes come true. As a recovering addict, though, Joe knows nothing comes free, that there’s always a hook. Nothing is as simple as a wish granted, no string attached. There’s a cost, and the debt is starting to pile up…soon enough, it’s got to be collected.
Robert Ford and Matt Hayward have crafted a compulsively readable work of horror crime fiction. A Penny For Your Thoughts has a killer premise, and it’s populated with a ton of rich characters. Joe is a highly sympathetic and deeply flawed protagonist, with his background as an addict and unwitting getaway driver for a store robbery that landed him and his girlfriend in prison. His relationship with his father is rich and relateable, and the authors do a wonderful job of exploring the burgeoning friendship that arises between Joe, Kenny, and newcomer Ava.
Ford and Hayward also do a wonderful job of introducing their concept, exploring the curiosity and initial light-hardheartedness of it before plunging the story and its characters into darkness. There’s a great sequence early on when one character reads a young girl’s wish to hilarious results, but as Joe, Kenny, and Ava dig deeper into the nature of these wishes and their penny payments things get progressively darker. The innocuous wishes written by a young girl decades earlier take some horrific turns, and soon enough Joe is forced into the position of keeping this jar safe from others who would deliberately seek to use these magical pennies for devious ends.
My only criticism of A Penny For Your Thoughts is actually less a criticism and more of a desire for more. The Crimson Sisters are a mysterious group, one that sticks to the shadows, but what we get to know of them is pretty tantalizing stuff. I had really hoped for more involvement on their end, and the authors promised greater depths to their purpose with minor dashes of cosmic horror. With nods toward Elder Gods, and even Brian Keene’s Ob from The Rising, I had hoped for some deeper involvement of ancient beings. Unfortunately, the potential for the Crimson Sisters are not fully realized, and are, at a crucial moment, reduced to little more than a deus ex machina. The nature of the Crimson Sisters, though, is highly intriguing and I really wanted to spend more time with them, for Joe to learn more about their practices and peel back some of their mysteries. I wanted to know way more about them than the story or the authors could commit to. I wanted them to become a more prominent and overt force in the story, but Ford and Hayward keep things teasingly subtle.
Despite wanting more out of the Crimson Sisters, everything else about A Penny For Your Thoughts worked really, really well, and Ford and Hayward work with the synchrony of a well-oiled machine. Their collaboration here is awfully smooth, and it’s clear these two spent a good amount of time ensuring their prose styles mesh and seamlessly disappear into one another. A Penny For Your Thoughts is a smooth, easy, engaging read, and if I had but one wish it’d be for more Ford and Hayward collaborations. Maybe on something exploring the Crimson Sisters further, if I might be so bold.
[Note: I received an advance readers copy of this title from the authors.]
Want to read
June 6, 2019Cover art by Ben Baldwin.
September 13, 2019
An amazing read!! I couldn't tell which author wrote which section. Matt Hayward and Robert Ford blend together so beautifully, you'd think they'd been collaborating for years... and hope they do it again. No favoritism, no nepotism, this is truly a great story and must-read from both of them.
September 13, 2019
Robert Ford and Matt Hayward take the adage, "Be careful what you wish for," and twist it into, "Be careful what someone else has wished for." Thus the premise for A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS goes. This is a killer angle for an eerie horror tale and is executed beautifully by two skilled writers.
The opening chapters grab you and pull you into the backwoods Pennsylvania town of Lowback and drag you through the seedier parts that exists just out of view from the everyday townsfolk. That's where the dark and excitement collide. The story twists and turns as it tries to find the dark answers to darker questions. The plot always has you on your toes and gets darker and more supernatural as you go. The ending is a near gut-punch that caps the whole story off the only way it could be told.
Oh! Also, the paperback is honest-to-goodness mass market size so you can stick it in your back pocket and keep it close to your sexy ass at all times!
This is a no-brainer of a book considering Robert Ford and Matt Hayward are a logical dream team. You get the exact type of classic horror you would expect to read from these two talented writers. What they have left in their wake is an unforgettable town that seemingly has more tales to give up. Let's hope Ford and Hayward visit Lowback again real soon.
The opening chapters grab you and pull you into the backwoods Pennsylvania town of Lowback and drag you through the seedier parts that exists just out of view from the everyday townsfolk. That's where the dark and excitement collide. The story twists and turns as it tries to find the dark answers to darker questions. The plot always has you on your toes and gets darker and more supernatural as you go. The ending is a near gut-punch that caps the whole story off the only way it could be told.
Oh! Also, the paperback is honest-to-goodness mass market size so you can stick it in your back pocket and keep it close to your sexy ass at all times!
This is a no-brainer of a book considering Robert Ford and Matt Hayward are a logical dream team. You get the exact type of classic horror you would expect to read from these two talented writers. What they have left in their wake is an unforgettable town that seemingly has more tales to give up. Let's hope Ford and Hayward visit Lowback again real soon.
April 10, 2019
Incredible story. Well-written, great plot twists, and characters that make you want to dive into the pages to help them. Put this on top of your must-read list for 2019. It's THAT good.
April 14, 2019
Review copy
I recently started reading Matt Hayward's work with his most recent book, The Faithful, of which I said, "If you're a fan of Lovecraftian horror, you don't want to miss this one. Certainly recommended."
I've long been a fan of Bob Ford. Read anything by Bob and I can promise you won't be disappointed.
One of the cool backstories to A Penny For Your Thoughts is that Matt lives in Ireland and Bob in Central Pennsylvania, a distance of about 3,300 miles, not to mention an entire ocean. Thank God for the internet, without which this book would be nigh on impossible. And that would be a shame because this book is so damn good.
A solid opening sets the stage for all the goodness to follow...
"Whenever I take the Lowback Trail, I always find something new: unknown names carved into tree trunks, discarded briefs by overeager dippers, a smoldering pit left from weekend hikers…but today? Today I found a penny jar."
Yep. It all started with that damn jar of pennies. Wheat pennies, to be exact. Pennies with wishes taped to them. Wishes which when read, came true. Just ask Kenny who read the one about wanting big boobies. It seems the pennies were also reusable for new wishes. It also seems each wish came with a price. What could possibly go wrong?
Then there's the overall writing. There are so many wonderful bits of prose...
"Rumor had it those waters were home to a school of catfish so big they'd eat a gaggle of kids and ask for seconds."
"Place was quiet as a mouse fart."
"Sometimes you can't let a fart without a neighbor three doors down knowing what you had for dinner,"
Overall, A Penny For You Thoughts gave me that Twilight Zone vibe. I love that feeling the reader gets when the writers are just "in the zone". This is a story which is humorous, dark, bittersweet, and despite its outlandish plot, it somehow manages to be completely believable.
Published by Poltergeist Press, A Penny For Your Thoughts is available for pre-order. Scheduled for release on June 1, 2019, the book will be available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.
For the Author's bios...
Robert Ford has published the novels, The Compound, and No Lipstick in Avalon, the novellas, Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, Bordertown and the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
Matt Hayward is a Bram Stoker Award-nominated author and musician from Wicklow, Ireland. His books include Brain Dead Blues, What Do Monsters Fear?, Practitioners (with Patrick Lacey), and The Faithful. He compiled the award-winning anthology Welcome To The Show, and is currently writing a novel with Bryan Smith. Matt wrote the comic book This Is How It Ends (now a music video) for the band Walking Papers, and received a nomination for Irish Short Story of the Year from Penguin Books in 2017.
I recently started reading Matt Hayward's work with his most recent book, The Faithful, of which I said, "If you're a fan of Lovecraftian horror, you don't want to miss this one. Certainly recommended."
I've long been a fan of Bob Ford. Read anything by Bob and I can promise you won't be disappointed.
One of the cool backstories to A Penny For Your Thoughts is that Matt lives in Ireland and Bob in Central Pennsylvania, a distance of about 3,300 miles, not to mention an entire ocean. Thank God for the internet, without which this book would be nigh on impossible. And that would be a shame because this book is so damn good.
A solid opening sets the stage for all the goodness to follow...
"Whenever I take the Lowback Trail, I always find something new: unknown names carved into tree trunks, discarded briefs by overeager dippers, a smoldering pit left from weekend hikers…but today? Today I found a penny jar."
Yep. It all started with that damn jar of pennies. Wheat pennies, to be exact. Pennies with wishes taped to them. Wishes which when read, came true. Just ask Kenny who read the one about wanting big boobies. It seems the pennies were also reusable for new wishes. It also seems each wish came with a price. What could possibly go wrong?
Then there's the overall writing. There are so many wonderful bits of prose...
"Rumor had it those waters were home to a school of catfish so big they'd eat a gaggle of kids and ask for seconds."
"Place was quiet as a mouse fart."
"Sometimes you can't let a fart without a neighbor three doors down knowing what you had for dinner,"
Overall, A Penny For You Thoughts gave me that Twilight Zone vibe. I love that feeling the reader gets when the writers are just "in the zone". This is a story which is humorous, dark, bittersweet, and despite its outlandish plot, it somehow manages to be completely believable.
Published by Poltergeist Press, A Penny For Your Thoughts is available for pre-order. Scheduled for release on June 1, 2019, the book will be available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats.
For the Author's bios...
Robert Ford has published the novels, The Compound, and No Lipstick in Avalon, the novellas, Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, Bordertown and the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
Matt Hayward is a Bram Stoker Award-nominated author and musician from Wicklow, Ireland. His books include Brain Dead Blues, What Do Monsters Fear?, Practitioners (with Patrick Lacey), and The Faithful. He compiled the award-winning anthology Welcome To The Show, and is currently writing a novel with Bryan Smith. Matt wrote the comic book This Is How It Ends (now a music video) for the band Walking Papers, and received a nomination for Irish Short Story of the Year from Penguin Books in 2017.
March 18, 2019
Review Copy
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS by Bob Ford and Matt Hayward is exactly what I want in a book. Not just a well planned and well written book, but well edited as well. A collaboration is not easy to pull off, usually the authors simply round robin the chapters or the characters. It can be easy to tell who wrote what. But this story flowed very well. It's clear a lot of thought went into the preparation of this before putting it out for review.
The characters are people. Just people. People with problems. People that make wishes. People that don't make the best choices. But sometimes wishes come true, right? Sometimes you see magic happen right in front of you. And then you need to make a choice.
Right now your choice is whether or not to buy this book. It's a fast, fun read that I highly recommend.
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS by Bob Ford and Matt Hayward is exactly what I want in a book. Not just a well planned and well written book, but well edited as well. A collaboration is not easy to pull off, usually the authors simply round robin the chapters or the characters. It can be easy to tell who wrote what. But this story flowed very well. It's clear a lot of thought went into the preparation of this before putting it out for review.
The characters are people. Just people. People with problems. People that make wishes. People that don't make the best choices. But sometimes wishes come true, right? Sometimes you see magic happen right in front of you. And then you need to make a choice.
Right now your choice is whether or not to buy this book. It's a fast, fun read that I highly recommend.
January 9, 2021
My first time reading both of these talented authors and it won't be my last!
A Penny for Your Thoughts is a beautifully crafted little novel with an emotionally charged depth. The characterisation is on point, and reminded me a lot of King's early work.
The story evolves around a jar of old pennies complete with wishes, found by the protagonist, Joe, as he tries to rebuild his life after a stint in prison. But there is a price to pay for such wishes, and Joe quickly realises that there is nothing innocent about his discovery.
Relationships form the foundation to this story and I absolutely adored Joe's bond with his father, and grew to despise his former girlfriend, Angie, as her actions dragged Joe further and further towards the edge.
I'll leave you with simply this - if you want a book that will leave you wanting more, pick this one up, definitely one of my favourites of this year!
A Penny for Your Thoughts is a beautifully crafted little novel with an emotionally charged depth. The characterisation is on point, and reminded me a lot of King's early work.
The story evolves around a jar of old pennies complete with wishes, found by the protagonist, Joe, as he tries to rebuild his life after a stint in prison. But there is a price to pay for such wishes, and Joe quickly realises that there is nothing innocent about his discovery.
Relationships form the foundation to this story and I absolutely adored Joe's bond with his father, and grew to despise his former girlfriend, Angie, as her actions dragged Joe further and further towards the edge.
I'll leave you with simply this - if you want a book that will leave you wanting more, pick this one up, definitely one of my favourites of this year!
August 10, 2019
An excellent book. I read the last 100 pages in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. In short, I loved it.
November 7, 2019
Oh, A Penny For Your Thoughts, where do I even begin?
This book is AMAZING. I never thought I could fall so in love with such a hodgepodge collection of folks, but I have. These characters are tangible, people we can sympathize with, and I appreciate the careful crafting of Joe and his friends. Penny and its cast made me laugh, made me cringe, and by God did it make me cry.
The incredible writing of this book makes me wonder how two others could be one seamless voice. However that works, Hayward and Ford did an amazing job. There was not a single point in this book that I felt was out of place. The story and the settings are immersive, the plot both familiar (be careful what you wish for) and completely original. It won't be long before I go to reread this book. Please, please, please pick this up.
This book is AMAZING. I never thought I could fall so in love with such a hodgepodge collection of folks, but I have. These characters are tangible, people we can sympathize with, and I appreciate the careful crafting of Joe and his friends. Penny and its cast made me laugh, made me cringe, and by God did it make me cry.
The incredible writing of this book makes me wonder how two others could be one seamless voice. However that works, Hayward and Ford did an amazing job. There was not a single point in this book that I felt was out of place. The story and the settings are immersive, the plot both familiar (be careful what you wish for) and completely original. It won't be long before I go to reread this book. Please, please, please pick this up.
May 30, 2019
Collaborative novels by horror authors seem to be increasing lately. A Penny for your Thoughts combines the literary talents of Bob Ford and Matt Hayward. Mr Hayward is a young author who has had a great output in recent years. I think Mr Ford has been at it longer but he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. The novelists have done a fantastic job at making the writing seamless. I never knew which author wrote what. This is a novel with well created characters who all have plenty of flaws. Sometimes it is hard to tell if a character is “good” or “bad” which means the characters are very realistic. There is a lot of humor in this book while at the same time there is a great deal of darkness as well. There is plenty of action and horrific happenings and the book moves along at a quick pace. As other reviewers have noted I was left wanting to learn more about the Crimson Sisters. The scenes with them were really good and I’d love to see another story which contained them. Overall this was a very enjoyable book with lots to please readers of horror and crime novels. I definitely recommend it.
March 23, 2019
First off I was graciously provided this ARC by the author pre-release and my review is my own.
Joe is a post addict released from prison with demons already at his heels. Growing up in a blue collar forgettable neighborhood with a Dad who loves his son more than anything. Joe finds a jar of wheat penny wishes that seems amusing at first, until they become to come true. Kenny, his best not best friend and Eva? She’s an amazing character rounds out a supporting cast of who are on an adventure to solve a mystery and stop the madness super natural style! Angie the psychopath ex girlfriend and Crazy cult ladies and Ancient Gods? No spoilers is and will always be my mantra and safe to say this is not a typical horror story.. that’s not a bad thing. Joe trying to find the answers, trying to save the day with a paranormal back story makes for a very interesting read! Be careful what you wish for! Excellent book! Look for more collaborations soon from these talented writers!! Enjoy!!
Joe is a post addict released from prison with demons already at his heels. Growing up in a blue collar forgettable neighborhood with a Dad who loves his son more than anything. Joe finds a jar of wheat penny wishes that seems amusing at first, until they become to come true. Kenny, his best not best friend and Eva? She’s an amazing character rounds out a supporting cast of who are on an adventure to solve a mystery and stop the madness super natural style! Angie the psychopath ex girlfriend and Crazy cult ladies and Ancient Gods? No spoilers is and will always be my mantra and safe to say this is not a typical horror story.. that’s not a bad thing. Joe trying to find the answers, trying to save the day with a paranormal back story makes for a very interesting read! Be careful what you wish for! Excellent book! Look for more collaborations soon from these talented writers!! Enjoy!!
November 10, 2019
From the forward this book exudes magic. In one sitting I was able to fly through the pages grasping for the next. With dark humor to make light of troublesome pasts and possible new beginnings, Ford and Hayward created a seamless story together. I loved everything about this novel and the emotions it gave me and left me feeling. Their only wish was for us to enjoy it and my only wish is that these two continue to collaborate and feed us more of their “wheat” penny driven world.
June 11, 2019
Ok, so I am not going to beat-around-the-bush on this review. I LOVED this book. Robert Ford and Matt Hayward have taken one of the oldest idiom's "be careful what you wish for, you just might get it" and put a new twist on the story with horrifying outcomes.
And it all starts with a jar of pennies. Our main character Joe is trying to get his life together after serving time in prison. While hiking he stumbles upon an old jar of pennies with strange written notes attached to them. A seemingly innocent find that will lead Joe and his friends and family down a path that will leave them changed forever.
The authors writing styles come together seamlessly to create a compelling and wondrous story. We are treated to some truly frightening and disturbing scenes, but they manage to even it all out with doses of comedy (mainly centered around Joe's friend Kenny who falls victim to a very particular wish early in the story). You become invested in Joe very quickly in the story. His character is believable and very likable and you will find yourself rooting for him as the tale progresses. Really all of the characters that the authors have created in this story are believable, and that is a true writing art in my eyes. To connect with a character and in turn the story itself, you have to become vested in the characters lives and care about their outcomes. It came to the point that I could not put the book down and found myself reading until 3am just to finish it.
While there is comedy present in the book, there is also a fare share of horror, loss, sadness and finally redemption.
This is just such a well written novel and I could not recommend it higher. A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS is sure to be on everyone's top 10 lists for 2019.
And it all starts with a jar of pennies. Our main character Joe is trying to get his life together after serving time in prison. While hiking he stumbles upon an old jar of pennies with strange written notes attached to them. A seemingly innocent find that will lead Joe and his friends and family down a path that will leave them changed forever.
The authors writing styles come together seamlessly to create a compelling and wondrous story. We are treated to some truly frightening and disturbing scenes, but they manage to even it all out with doses of comedy (mainly centered around Joe's friend Kenny who falls victim to a very particular wish early in the story). You become invested in Joe very quickly in the story. His character is believable and very likable and you will find yourself rooting for him as the tale progresses. Really all of the characters that the authors have created in this story are believable, and that is a true writing art in my eyes. To connect with a character and in turn the story itself, you have to become vested in the characters lives and care about their outcomes. It came to the point that I could not put the book down and found myself reading until 3am just to finish it.
While there is comedy present in the book, there is also a fare share of horror, loss, sadness and finally redemption.
This is just such a well written novel and I could not recommend it higher. A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS is sure to be on everyone's top 10 lists for 2019.
April 17, 2020
Oh man. This was so dang good.
When Joe Overshaw finds a full penny jar in the woods he thinks it's weird. When her sees the pennies have paper inscribed with wishes taped to them, he thinks it's even weirder. But when those wishes start coming true, THAT'S when it all goes to hell. First, the wishes are innocent enough but slowly Joe realizes that there's a cost to these wishes that he may not want to pay.
This will probably shake out as one of my favorite reads of this year and I'm highly anticipating the sequel in August. Matt and Bob can write characters that pull you in emotionally in both positive and negative ways. I loved Ava, Kenny, and Pop but there was a character in here that I just deeply despised, I won't say who to avoid spoilers but they made my blood boil at every appearance. One thing I wish there was more of was the Crimson Sisters because I thought there was so much more to explore but I have faith that the sequel will deal with them in more detail. That's not enough of a complaint for this to not be a full 5 star read and the last 30-40 pages had me tearing up. If you like books that...no, no qualifiers, just if you like books you should read this one, it's exceptional.
When Joe Overshaw finds a full penny jar in the woods he thinks it's weird. When her sees the pennies have paper inscribed with wishes taped to them, he thinks it's even weirder. But when those wishes start coming true, THAT'S when it all goes to hell. First, the wishes are innocent enough but slowly Joe realizes that there's a cost to these wishes that he may not want to pay.
This will probably shake out as one of my favorite reads of this year and I'm highly anticipating the sequel in August. Matt and Bob can write characters that pull you in emotionally in both positive and negative ways. I loved Ava, Kenny, and Pop but there was a character in here that I just deeply despised, I won't say who to avoid spoilers but they made my blood boil at every appearance. One thing I wish there was more of was the Crimson Sisters because I thought there was so much more to explore but I have faith that the sequel will deal with them in more detail. That's not enough of a complaint for this to not be a full 5 star read and the last 30-40 pages had me tearing up. If you like books that...no, no qualifiers, just if you like books you should read this one, it's exceptional.
November 5, 2023
Damn, this was a really great novel. Characters you'll love, loathe, be amused by, and everything else. A bit of Lansdale, a touch of King, this book gripped me and never let go. And this tale has 'heart', something I love in a 'horror' novel. And laughs. Plenty of them. An old jar of pennies found by an ex-con stirs up one of the most exciting, suspenseful, thrilling horror novels in recent memory. I applaud the two authors, and I surely wouldn't mind another collaboration. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2019
“Something I learned on the inside is if you’re going to do something, then do it fast and hard and don’t let up until you’ve achieved your goal.”*
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Joe was recently released from prison for a robbery conviction. He’s doing his best to keep his parole officer and his dear dad convinced he’s staying away from drugs and a life of crime. Unfortunately, bad influences like his friend Kenny, his former drug dealers, and his girlfriend Angie abound. As much as he wants to go straight, he misses the oblivion of the drugs, and he can’t imagine doing the day-in-day-out grind of his Dad’s mill job. Guys like Joe wish for a better life, yet the only kind of luck they draw happens to be of the bad variety. After an unexpected find in the woods, he discovers that magical pennies may make wishes come true, but the costs go way beyond a single cent.
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS is a well-crafted tale. Every single story promise is paid off in spades. Every character shines. Every page pulls the reader deeper into Joe’s personal noir nightmare. The story contains hits of humor, which somehow make the emotional cuts even deeper. This new spin on the old adage “be careful what you wish for” is a wild and scary thrill ride.
Thanks to the authors and Poltergeist Press for the opportunity to experience this novel in advance of its release.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Joe was recently released from prison for a robbery conviction. He’s doing his best to keep his parole officer and his dear dad convinced he’s staying away from drugs and a life of crime. Unfortunately, bad influences like his friend Kenny, his former drug dealers, and his girlfriend Angie abound. As much as he wants to go straight, he misses the oblivion of the drugs, and he can’t imagine doing the day-in-day-out grind of his Dad’s mill job. Guys like Joe wish for a better life, yet the only kind of luck they draw happens to be of the bad variety. After an unexpected find in the woods, he discovers that magical pennies may make wishes come true, but the costs go way beyond a single cent.
A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS is a well-crafted tale. Every single story promise is paid off in spades. Every character shines. Every page pulls the reader deeper into Joe’s personal noir nightmare. The story contains hits of humor, which somehow make the emotional cuts even deeper. This new spin on the old adage “be careful what you wish for” is a wild and scary thrill ride.
Thanks to the authors and Poltergeist Press for the opportunity to experience this novel in advance of its release.
*Please note that my review is based on uncorrected text.
January 28, 2020
This book seriously had so much packed into the almost 300 pages. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but it had been recommended to me by some friends in the #bookstagram community, so I knew I had to give it a go. Matthew Hayward and Robert Ford are well-established names in the horror community, so the only thing I expected with this book was an enjoyable, wild ride, and it certainly delivered!
I don't want to get too much into the plot, but I did really enjoy the realistic and relateable characters. Joe was just a real as they come. As an ex-con trying to do right after his release from prison, Joe was both a likable character and one that everyone can root for, despite his unsavory past. I absolutely adored the relationship between Joe and his father. The character development in this book was incredible.
When Joe finds a jar full of pennies with handwritten wishes taped to each one, he decides to take the jar home with him. What he finds is that wishes can come true, but at what extent? What if there is something sinister lurking behind the wishes? What if each wish is more than a wish, but an exchange that comes a debt that must be paid?
Reading this book brought to mind the familiar cliche, "Be careful what you wish for." The authors' take on this familiar adage was dark, unique, and gripping. The way these two authors worked together to weave this somewhat cautionary tale was just phenomenal and seamless.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for me! I really loved this book, I just thought there were some portions that slowed down a little for me, and I had to push myself to continue. This book runs the gamut of emotions from gut-wrenching horror, edge-of-your-seat anxiety, laugh our loud hilarity, and such deep and heartbreaking sadness. I think it's difficult for a "horror" book to play on so many emotions and explore human nature at such a depth as this one did.
**Thank you to Poltergeist Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read/review.**
I don't want to get too much into the plot, but I did really enjoy the realistic and relateable characters. Joe was just a real as they come. As an ex-con trying to do right after his release from prison, Joe was both a likable character and one that everyone can root for, despite his unsavory past. I absolutely adored the relationship between Joe and his father. The character development in this book was incredible.
When Joe finds a jar full of pennies with handwritten wishes taped to each one, he decides to take the jar home with him. What he finds is that wishes can come true, but at what extent? What if there is something sinister lurking behind the wishes? What if each wish is more than a wish, but an exchange that comes a debt that must be paid?
Reading this book brought to mind the familiar cliche, "Be careful what you wish for." The authors' take on this familiar adage was dark, unique, and gripping. The way these two authors worked together to weave this somewhat cautionary tale was just phenomenal and seamless.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for me! I really loved this book, I just thought there were some portions that slowed down a little for me, and I had to push myself to continue. This book runs the gamut of emotions from gut-wrenching horror, edge-of-your-seat anxiety, laugh our loud hilarity, and such deep and heartbreaking sadness. I think it's difficult for a "horror" book to play on so many emotions and explore human nature at such a depth as this one did.
**Thank you to Poltergeist Press for providing me with a copy of this book to read/review.**
June 29, 2020
Not taking down my review, but note that I no longer support Matt Hayward in any way, and will not be reading/reviewing works he is involved with going forward.
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
**Full review HERE at The Literary Hooker. Thanks to the authors for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Guys, this book is a fucking trip! It's been a while since I've had this much fun with a book. It's hilarious, it's gross, it's creepy, it's touching...this book gave me a lot of very conflicting feels and I loved every second!
The writing in this book is awesome. So often, collaborative projects end up feeling a little clunky because the authors' styles just don't fully mesh, but this book is seamless. Ford and Hayward clearly jive, because at no point could I pick out a section and say "oh yeah, this is where things switched off." I also loved, LOVED all the little witticisms and descriptions thrown in, they definitely had me chuckling more than once. The story is completely unique, and while I had a couple of points where I had to remind myself not to think too hard about the specifics and just enjoy the ride, for the most part everything weaves together in a rewarding way. I wish we'd spent a bit more time with the Crimson Sisters, and I would have liked a little more detail on the mechanics of the wishes, but honestly this book is so much fucking fun that I can look past the areas that lack a bit of detail.
This book is a seriously fun read. I was hooked from the very first page and I had a hard time tearing myself away from it. It has a couple tiny weak points, but really the story as a whole is strong, original and just SO. DAMN. FUN. Highly recommend grabbing this one if you need a bit of a creepy laugh in your life (and really, who doesn't?)!
June 20, 2019
What a wonderful mix of what I'd like to describe as "country noir," cosmic horror with a bit of bizzaro-weird, and the supernatural. But here's the thing: this novel isn't just a riff on "be careful what you wish for." That's just the surface vehicle for some deeper stuff, as far as I'm concerned. It's really a pretty disturbing/sobering/gut-wrenching examination of an addict in recovery, trying desperately to resist that all-consuming desire (one which never goes away, no matter how long in recovery an addict is) to start feeding that addiction once more. Anyone who's battled an addiction of ANY kind will immediately feel sympathetic with Joey's plight as he tries to be better than the only life he's come to know.
Also, as a guy who grew up in the country and had all sorts of friends from all sorts of social classes; Joey, Ava, and Kenny are remarkably true to life. They want something better, but life doesn't offer Hallmark, gift-wrapped chances to succeed. And here's what I really loved about this novel: it could've very easily gone where so many noirish stories do - into a hopeless pit of despair. It doesn't. The resolution is gentle and hopeful, but not forced.
Also? I found the humor pitch-perfect, with just the right amount of weird. And I like the fact that Ava and Joey (spoiler alert) aren't immediately tossed together as love interests. That, and Joey's ex-girlfriend Angie is the WORST PERSON EVER. But she's not merely a toxic character. She not only represents EVERYTHING Joey wants to get out of his life, but she also represents addiction itself - how every time you think you've got a one-up on it, it side-steps your attacks - "because addicts are resourceful."
It doesn't hurt that the story moves at a brisk pace. A sobering, powerful, and fun-as hell read.
Also, as a guy who grew up in the country and had all sorts of friends from all sorts of social classes; Joey, Ava, and Kenny are remarkably true to life. They want something better, but life doesn't offer Hallmark, gift-wrapped chances to succeed. And here's what I really loved about this novel: it could've very easily gone where so many noirish stories do - into a hopeless pit of despair. It doesn't. The resolution is gentle and hopeful, but not forced.
Also? I found the humor pitch-perfect, with just the right amount of weird. And I like the fact that Ava and Joey (spoiler alert) aren't immediately tossed together as love interests. That, and Joey's ex-girlfriend Angie is the WORST PERSON EVER. But she's not merely a toxic character. She not only represents EVERYTHING Joey wants to get out of his life, but she also represents addiction itself - how every time you think you've got a one-up on it, it side-steps your attacks - "because addicts are resourceful."
It doesn't hurt that the story moves at a brisk pace. A sobering, powerful, and fun-as hell read.
September 9, 2019
What a great spin on a classic tale. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story from Bob Ford and Matt Hayward. As I was reading, I forgot that I was reading something blended from the minds of two separate authors because it came together so well at every turn.
I thought Ford and Hayward did an excellent job bringing our characters to life. Kenny was easily my favorite character in this story. He kept our friend Joe on his toes and in the real world when Joe may rather keep his head higher than one ought to.
Though the jar offered a mixed emotion, I was looking forward to seeing what the next thought would be every time!
To keep it short and sweet, this is a must read that I have and will continue to recommend to everyone!
I thought Ford and Hayward did an excellent job bringing our characters to life. Kenny was easily my favorite character in this story. He kept our friend Joe on his toes and in the real world when Joe may rather keep his head higher than one ought to.
Though the jar offered a mixed emotion, I was looking forward to seeing what the next thought would be every time!
To keep it short and sweet, this is a must read that I have and will continue to recommend to everyone!
June 28, 2020
I’m pretty new to reading in this area and just beginning to realize what I like and don’t like. And I didn’t much like this. The writing was good, but I like my strangeness nesting in a predictable normality. That is what grabs me. Once the tree that locks earth to sky is gone and everything becomes unpredictable, then that unpredictability has less effect on me. I am also not much taken by a sort of boyish humor that accompanies the story. Strange how so many reviewers I respect and even follow here loved it.
September 1, 2019
Great fun seeing what can happen from a simple jar of wishes. Loved the character depth and the unexpected twists. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2019
Очень добрая и хорошая книга, которая напоминает нам, что с желаниями нужно быть осторожным каждому. Авторы, конечно, эту тему обыграли, и сделали это изящно, что "нужно быть осторожным не только со своими, но и с чужими желаниями". И мне это понравилось.
Честно, не скажу, что это роман ужасов - больше городское фэнтези, фантастика, триллер и криминал, но жанр здесь очень трудно определить. Мне важен был сюжет и герои, а тут ничто не провисало - всё ОК.
По сюжету главный герой - паренек, который только что вышел из тюрьмы, прогуливаясь в отдалении от города (что, собственно, ему запрещено по УДО - уже намек на библейские истины со Змеем), находит странную банку, где каждая бумажка с детским почерком на желание прикреплена к монете 1 центом 50-х годов. Он не хотел, но инстинктивно оторвал "копейку" от бумаги, и понеслось...
Да, этол всё тот же сюжет, где "нужно быть осторожным с желаниями, ибо иногда они исполняются", но, как уже написал выше, авторы обыграли эту тему довольно изящно. Не только судьба управляет нами, но и "первородный грех", и еще пара грехов - любопытство, тщеславие и т.д. и т. п.
Напоследок добавлю, что роман очень кинематографичен...если бы добавить больше про изначальное зло, этих "Систер", и вывести их на чистую воду, то готовый сюжет для сценария. Мне больше всего при прочтении книга напомнила серию фильмов Земекиса "Назад в будущее". Кому-то может показаться, что по синапсису тут будет "Эффект бабочки", но...нет - только Земескис, только добро. Приятно, что западные авторы стараются не просто добавить, а построить на вроде бы страшной истории доброе повествование, наполненное искренней любовью к родителям, друзьям и окружающим.
По поводу любимого персонажа - то главгер меня полностью устраивает. За него я переживал, за его приключениями наблюдал. Остальные персонажи - не просто "добавка", а вполне живые и интересные, но для меня лично они были не очень.
В книге есть юмор - не черный, а вполне традиционный. Если бы не пару печальных моментов, то сказал бы, что, книга - юмористический фантазийный хоррор с элементами триллера.
P.S. Книгу получил для чтения от Полтергейст Пресс давно, но читал, смаковал и только сегодня решил разместить отзыв. Огромное спасибо авторам, всем причастным к выпуску книги и, конечно же, Анне!
Честно, не скажу, что это роман ужасов - больше городское фэнтези, фантастика, триллер и криминал, но жанр здесь очень трудно определить. Мне важен был сюжет и герои, а тут ничто не провисало - всё ОК.
По сюжету главный герой - паренек, который только что вышел из тюрьмы, прогуливаясь в отдалении от города (что, собственно, ему запрещено по УДО - уже намек на библейские истины со Змеем), находит странную банку, где каждая бумажка с детским почерком на желание прикреплена к монете 1 центом 50-х годов. Он не хотел, но инстинктивно оторвал "копейку" от бумаги, и понеслось...
Да, этол всё тот же сюжет, где "нужно быть осторожным с желаниями, ибо иногда они исполняются", но, как уже написал выше, авторы обыграли эту тему довольно изящно. Не только судьба управляет нами, но и "первородный грех", и еще пара грехов - любопытство, тщеславие и т.д. и т. п.
Напоследок добавлю, что роман очень кинематографичен...если бы добавить больше про изначальное зло, этих "Систер", и вывести их на чистую воду, то готовый сюжет для сценария. Мне больше всего при прочтении книга напомнила серию фильмов Земекиса "Назад в будущее". Кому-то может показаться, что по синапсису тут будет "Эффект бабочки", но...нет - только Земескис, только добро. Приятно, что западные авторы стараются не просто добавить, а построить на вроде бы страшной истории доброе повествование, наполненное искренней любовью к родителям, друзьям и окружающим.
По поводу любимого персонажа - то главгер меня полностью устраивает. За него я переживал, за его приключениями наблюдал. Остальные персонажи - не просто "добавка", а вполне живые и интересные, но для меня лично они были не очень.
В книге есть юмор - не черный, а вполне традиционный. Если бы не пару печальных моментов, то сказал бы, что, книга - юмористический фантазийный хоррор с элементами триллера.
P.S. Книгу получил для чтения от Полтергейст Пресс давно, но читал, смаковал и только сегодня решил разместить отзыв. Огромное спасибо авторам, всем причастным к выпуску книги и, конечно же, Анне!
June 7, 2019
I love discovering authors that are new to me and that goes doubly for co-authors Robert Ford and Matt Hayward. As always, thanks to fellow book lovers for recommending this book. A Penny for your Thoughts is such a fun read that even though it has horrific elements, there are moments of absolute hilarity that occurs throughout the story. Other reviewers have hinted at a really funny moment that occurs to the character Kenny, you just have to read it to understand! Without giving to much away, Joe, our main character is newly released from prison at the start of the book, on a hike he discovers a jar of pennies that have wishes attached to each coin. In reading one of the wishes, Joe discovers that these pennies will grant you the wish that is written on the attached paper. Interesting premise that takes quite a turn, if you decide to read this, you’ll see what I mean. I really enjoyed the characterization of Joe, he is flawed, he knows it, even as he tries to straighten his life out post prison. This is a quick read, slightly over 200 pages, that moves really fast. Definitely check this little gem out, it’s absolutely worth it.
May 12, 2020
I have mixed feelings about my experiences with Bob Ford and Matt Hayward. Don’t tar and feather me, yet. Let me explain. Despite having books by each author on my shelf, this is my first time reading either one. While I’m a bit embarrassed about that, I kind of like the way that the two styles blended together as I remained blissfully unaware of which aspects came from which author. The storytelling is masterful in this book. Come to think of it, masterful may not cut it. Hayward and Ford take a really good and unique story, and elevate it to the next level with the execution on display.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.
Ford and Hayward create a place in the Lowback Trail that warrants repeat visits, not necessarily just because of the locale, but because of the people. Joe is an ex-junkie and ex-con, and yet we’re unequivocally on his side just a chapter or two in. His friendships with Kenny and Ava are entertaining and put a smile on our faces, but the heart of the story comes from Joe’s relationship with his Pop. It’s written in such a subtle way that the reader doesn’t realize until later in the book just how invested they are in the father-son dynamic. As you might imagine, with the son having the issues he does, their relationship is a complicated one, but the love on display allowed this story to work on me.
The authors have a sequel story coming out later this year in Lady Luck and they’ve said that there’s no finite amount of stories they might have to tell in this world. What works so well here, is that Ford and Hayward have created a world where magic is possible. The jar of wishes the story revolves around sets a precedent for what is and isn’t possible. It may or may not figure into future books, but the idea of grounded characters with just a hint of fantasy has this reader very excited for what comes next.
April 23, 2020
Great story with an interesting premise. I loved the characters, but there were still a lot of loose ends that I wanted to follow up on. Give me more from this story...the second book in the series is due out later this year, but I'm ready to dive into it now.
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