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The Loop
by
Can you keep a secret?
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a freezing snowdrift blankets the June Lake Loop. For months, aspiring novelist Gallagher Finch has not written a single word. To pass the time awaiting inspiration, Gal satiates his boredom with Adderall, Evan Williams, and one call girl too many. On the eve of his twenty-sixth birthday, he indulges in all ...more
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a freezing snowdrift blankets the June Lake Loop. For months, aspiring novelist Gallagher Finch has not written a single word. To pass the time awaiting inspiration, Gal satiates his boredom with Adderall, Evan Williams, and one call girl too many. On the eve of his twenty-sixth birthday, he indulges in all ...more
Kindle Edition, 431 pages
Published
September 27th 2019
by JPM Publishing Co.
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Well that took me by surprise. After a slightly inauspicious start, The Loop became quite compelling reading. Following a night of drunken debauchery with a prostitute, Daphne, Gal (Gallagher) Finch wakes up to find Daphne dead in his bed, blood everywhere. His own stag horn handled knife sticking out of her neck. He has no idea what happened as he passed out in the kitchen. Thinking this will be pinned on him, Gal panics, he drags the body out of the house and into the shed for later disposal.
...more
Nicholas Holloway sets a complicated story, with complicated characters, in a stark but beautiful landscape. Spanning over a year in real time, but with lots of chapters explaining past events, the story rolls forward to end in a rather unexpected way.
The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is just that; towards the end the story tends to become a little too complicated and the ending is, for me at least, a litte too rushed.
The Loop is a story about a family, with all members harboring ...more
The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is just that; towards the end the story tends to become a little too complicated and the ending is, for me at least, a litte too rushed.
The Loop is a story about a family, with all members harboring ...more
Holy man was this twisted. I am totally shocked by many pieces of the story... Holloway plays the reader like a goddamn fiddle. A fiddle, I tell you!
I love the way he brought so many meanings to the term the loop.
Life’s a bitch— especially in wintery small towns— and if you’re a dick, and sometimes even when you’re not, it will eat you up and spit you out.
The only thing worse than a nightmare is a nightmare that never ends, and this is totally what that felt like; bleak, gruesome, and unforgiv ...more
I love the way he brought so many meanings to the term the loop.
Life’s a bitch— especially in wintery small towns— and if you’re a dick, and sometimes even when you’re not, it will eat you up and spit you out.
The only thing worse than a nightmare is a nightmare that never ends, and this is totally what that felt like; bleak, gruesome, and unforgiv ...more
A solid 4.5 read for me.
Mr. Holloway really knows how to set the scene. While reading, I kept thinking to myself how vividly he described The Loop in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I felt like I was surrounded by those Jeffrey Pines, standing at the edge of the water as fresh snow fell softly around me. Funny enough as I was reading the "About the Author" section it notes "Nick garners a love of dynamic landscapes and believes a story's terrain is just as important as its characters". Well, he def ...more
Mr. Holloway really knows how to set the scene. While reading, I kept thinking to myself how vividly he described The Loop in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I felt like I was surrounded by those Jeffrey Pines, standing at the edge of the water as fresh snow fell softly around me. Funny enough as I was reading the "About the Author" section it notes "Nick garners a love of dynamic landscapes and believes a story's terrain is just as important as its characters". Well, he def ...more
Wow! I wasn’t expecting that. I ordered this book bc the Author’s wife is a very good friend of my niece. She told me I should read it, it is his first published work so I got on his website and ordered it. I’m so glad I did. It was a pleasant surprise. The Loop is an excellent read. It has everything a good book needs. There was suspense, mystery, secrets, love, and murder. The characters are complex and each one is an important part of the story. They are the kind of characters you want to goo
...more
OMG, what an emotional, nail biting roller coaster, this is the first book that I have read by Nicholas Holloway but hopefully it wont be the last, I was hooked from page one.
Gallagher Finch is a would be writer, that is when he is not drinking, getting high on drugs or entertaining call girls. Apart from the close bond with his sister his family is very dysfunctional.
On the eve of his twenty sixth birthday, Gal wakes up with a call girl in his bed, she is dead, lying in a pool of blood and the ...more
Gallagher Finch is a would be writer, that is when he is not drinking, getting high on drugs or entertaining call girls. Apart from the close bond with his sister his family is very dysfunctional.
On the eve of his twenty sixth birthday, Gal wakes up with a call girl in his bed, she is dead, lying in a pool of blood and the ...more
This book deserves five stars for the ending alone. I normally start reviews discussing the beginning of the book and summarize the story's journey. However, there is nothing normal about The Loop. I have never read a story quite like this one. The author very bravely does not make it easy for the reader to figure out exactly what is going on, what is going to happen and definitely not where we will end up when the last page is read.
From the first chapter The Loop earns its name. The title refer ...more
From the first chapter The Loop earns its name. The title refer ...more
The Loop by Nicholas Holloway scares me... What exactly scares me? That, like Gal, the story is based on true events! Holloway has done am incredible job of setting up a thriller that keeps me questioning not only what's going to happen next, but also whether or not my guesses are correct! I haven't been right, yet! That does not happen for me often in reading, so way to go, Nicholas!
Two complaints:
1. The language and sexual content
2. The introduction of new characters late in the story. They ma ...more
Two complaints:
1. The language and sexual content
2. The introduction of new characters late in the story. They ma ...more
Nicholas Holloway's The Loop is a clever roller coaster of a book. I found this story to have strong characterization, an ideal setting, lots of unexpected twists, and a sense of word play I haven't seen much of lately. I wasn't sure I liked this book when I finished it, but upon reflection, I know that I did, and I liked it a lot.
We meet the Finch family in the midst of their newest crisis (and this family has had several). The siblings have survived a troubled history and now each have a colle ...more
We meet the Finch family in the midst of their newest crisis (and this family has had several). The siblings have survived a troubled history and now each have a colle ...more
The Loop is KILLER! From the first sentence, I couldn’t tear myself away from this winding, thrilling story. Nicholas Holloway’s prose is engaging, poetic and pungent. Each chapter hits readers with new and unexpected twists and turns that culminate in a knock-your-socks-off type ending. Major respect to the author for fully developing so many characters and such a tidy ending. The scenery descriptions create a moody, larger than life set for the drama to unfold. I can’t wait to see what Nichola
...more
Wildly imaginative! Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Thank you to Book Siren for providing a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wow! After suffering through so many so-so reads lately, I am glad I finally found a great one! I seldom hand out 5 stars, but The Loop was a fast paced Thriller that had me hooked from page 1 to the very end. I am normally pretty good at figuring the endings out, but I did not see this one coming. Excellent work! Looking forward to reading more books from Nicholas Holloway in the f ...more
Wow! After suffering through so many so-so reads lately, I am glad I finally found a great one! I seldom hand out 5 stars, but The Loop was a fast paced Thriller that had me hooked from page 1 to the very end. I am normally pretty good at figuring the endings out, but I did not see this one coming. Excellent work! Looking forward to reading more books from Nicholas Holloway in the f ...more
Awesome book! I could not put it down. I had to continue reading to find out what happens next! Finished within a couple of days! Can't wait for the next book to be written!
I want to add that every chapter has a twist or turn up to and including the last chapter. A real mystery thriller. This book is an excellent read!
I want to add that every chapter has a twist or turn up to and including the last chapter. A real mystery thriller. This book is an excellent read!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. I loved it. An action packed thriller about the lengths people will go to for love. Holloway has caught us up in the story with believable characters that we can identify with. The non-stop action culminates in a very unexpected ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you so much to Nick Holloway for the pdf download of the loop about the book...... Can you keep a secret?
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a freezing snowdrift blankets the June Lake Loop. For months, aspiring novelist Gallagher Finch has not written a single word. To pass the time awaiting inspiration, Gal satiates his boredom with Adderall, Evan Williams, and one call girl too many. On the eve of his twenty-sixth birthday, he indulges in all three…
And when he awakens, he disco ...more
In the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a freezing snowdrift blankets the June Lake Loop. For months, aspiring novelist Gallagher Finch has not written a single word. To pass the time awaiting inspiration, Gal satiates his boredom with Adderall, Evan Williams, and one call girl too many. On the eve of his twenty-sixth birthday, he indulges in all three…
And when he awakens, he disco ...more
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
On the morning of his twenty-sixth birthday, Gal awakes to find Daphne Castro, a prostitute from the night before, brutally murdered in his bed.
But if he didn't do it, then who did?
In his explosive debut novel, Nicholas Holloway offers a dark tale reminiscent of the works of Stephen King and Gillian Flynn.
The first half of the novel drips with intrigue and mystery. A slew of interesting characters is introduced, ...more
On the morning of his twenty-sixth birthday, Gal awakes to find Daphne Castro, a prostitute from the night before, brutally murdered in his bed.
But if he didn't do it, then who did?
In his explosive debut novel, Nicholas Holloway offers a dark tale reminiscent of the works of Stephen King and Gillian Flynn.
The first half of the novel drips with intrigue and mystery. A slew of interesting characters is introduced, ...more
The Loop is a 16 mile road in the Sierra Nevada mountains that circles several lakes. It is a vacation spot where a few people live year round. It is here where madams run so called “Lodges” and offer call girls to locals and visitors. Gallagher Finch , an aspiring writer, engages a call girl named Daphne for his 26th birthday. Later that night, he finds her violently murdered body in his home and realizes that he has been drugged. He also knows that he will be the primary suspect in Daphne’s de ...more
I had a huge list of TBR books when I remembered I had this one. I thought this would be a laid back, casual read that I could leave and come back to.
I was very wrong. I was hooked on page 5, which is rare for me.
I stayed up way too late reading this over a 3 day period. If I didn't have a toddler, I would have stayed awake all night and finished it in one go.
I am not one for murder mysteries normally, but this was truly phenomenal. I had a love/hate relationship with a few characters but I foun ...more
I was very wrong. I was hooked on page 5, which is rare for me.
I stayed up way too late reading this over a 3 day period. If I didn't have a toddler, I would have stayed awake all night and finished it in one go.
I am not one for murder mysteries normally, but this was truly phenomenal. I had a love/hate relationship with a few characters but I foun ...more
The Loop
What a great first novel! The Loop is a murder mystery with all of the twists and turns you would expect with the genre. The story has many little fires burning everywhere (figuratively.) At times I was sure the author forgot about one of the loose ends, but he did a great job of tying them all up.
The ending had me thinking for days after putting the book down. There are several characters to keep track of making the storyline deep. I suspected many different endings as the book progress ...more
What a great first novel! The Loop is a murder mystery with all of the twists and turns you would expect with the genre. The story has many little fires burning everywhere (figuratively.) At times I was sure the author forgot about one of the loose ends, but he did a great job of tying them all up.
The ending had me thinking for days after putting the book down. There are several characters to keep track of making the storyline deep. I suspected many different endings as the book progress ...more
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An aspiring author wakes up from a hangover to a gruesome murder scene in his bedroom. He is confused and traumatised and almost certain that he didn't commit the crime. In a panic, he is accompanied by his older sister to get rid of the body and fails to call the police. Months later, his entire life begins to fall apart whilst his novel pieces itself together.
The Loop, by Nicholas Holloway, is a gripping, hea ...more
An aspiring author wakes up from a hangover to a gruesome murder scene in his bedroom. He is confused and traumatised and almost certain that he didn't commit the crime. In a panic, he is accompanied by his older sister to get rid of the body and fails to call the police. Months later, his entire life begins to fall apart whilst his novel pieces itself together.
The Loop, by Nicholas Holloway, is a gripping, hea ...more
This book had everything suspense, thriller, action etc. The story was very intriguing and flowed all the way through, though the ending felt a bit complicated and I had to go back and reread some parts.
Holloway is an exceptionally good writer, the way he sets the scene and creates a complex story complete with complicated characters. The book is set over a time period of a year in the readers world but it makes sense and moves forward in a fast pace way flitting back to past events giving cover ...more
Holloway is an exceptionally good writer, the way he sets the scene and creates a complex story complete with complicated characters. The book is set over a time period of a year in the readers world but it makes sense and moves forward in a fast pace way flitting back to past events giving cover ...more
Well I wasn’t expecting to be taken on a ride like that, now that it what I call a thriller! The writing is done so well I could picture the surroundings perfectly and found the pace spot on. There was only one character I actually liked (Aunt Sandy), but I think that helped as I was happy to keep changing my mind as to who I thought the murderer was – and I did not guess ANY of the ending which is a refreshing change. I liked that all the characters had their purpose and their backstories were
...more
Gallagher, a struggling writer, pothead, and functioning alcoholic, wakes up to find a dead call girl in his bed. His mind blank regarding the events of the previous night, yet convinced he had nothing to do with her murder, he panics and decides to hide the evidence.
In the months that follow, he lives with the daily fear that the body is going to be found, and he will be implicated in the crime. Inevitably, in the spring, a large washout leaves the body exposed and it is found.
As clues slowly s ...more
In the months that follow, he lives with the daily fear that the body is going to be found, and he will be implicated in the crime. Inevitably, in the spring, a large washout leaves the body exposed and it is found.
As clues slowly s ...more
The Loop - Nicholas Holloway
Starting this novel I thought oh dear, here we go again, main character that's an alcoholic, drug using, selfish guy... But then, this novel just engulfs you and like its titel says you just get into this loop... Author has a nice narrative, I loved the description of the snowy cottage and the town... The characters are well built and Holloway does not waste time on unnecessary descriptions of characters past actions. Instead he focuses on here and now, making you gue ...more
Starting this novel I thought oh dear, here we go again, main character that's an alcoholic, drug using, selfish guy... But then, this novel just engulfs you and like its titel says you just get into this loop... Author has a nice narrative, I loved the description of the snowy cottage and the town... The characters are well built and Holloway does not waste time on unnecessary descriptions of characters past actions. Instead he focuses on here and now, making you gue ...more
I enjoyed this novel much more than I expected to! The concept seemed simple, but was executed in a very compelling way.
The twist ending was completely unexpected and the last 5 chapters had me at the edge of my seat.
Mr. Holloway really knows how to set up a mystery. All of the pieces are there, but they click together to form something totally unexpected.
My only complaint was that I wish it were longer! The beginning seemed a little rushed and I wish I could’ve had a longer book to gain more ...more
The twist ending was completely unexpected and the last 5 chapters had me at the edge of my seat.
Mr. Holloway really knows how to set up a mystery. All of the pieces are there, but they click together to form something totally unexpected.
My only complaint was that I wish it were longer! The beginning seemed a little rushed and I wish I could’ve had a longer book to gain more ...more
Wow! A mesmerizing tale that had me hooked from the start!
Nicholas has done a great job telling this multi-layered murder mystery. Great story telling that vividly portrays this saga of a dysfunctional family who's history collides with its secrets and its future. There is a lot going on but I never had any trouble keeping up. I'm hoping for a sequel!
I received a free copy of the book from the author through Booksirens.com and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
Nicholas has done a great job telling this multi-layered murder mystery. Great story telling that vividly portrays this saga of a dysfunctional family who's history collides with its secrets and its future. There is a lot going on but I never had any trouble keeping up. I'm hoping for a sequel!
I received a free copy of the book from the author through Booksirens.com and I am thrilled to be able to give you my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of The Loop from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
The Loop is a gripping murder mystery that will leave readers questioning what is going to happen the whole book. I appreciate how Holloway gives the readers all the character's theories about who is behind all the trouble in the Loop, leaving the reader guessing until the final chapter. I did find the fact that the first victim's only living relative happened to be a police officer a little cliche, but ...more
The Loop is a gripping murder mystery that will leave readers questioning what is going to happen the whole book. I appreciate how Holloway gives the readers all the character's theories about who is behind all the trouble in the Loop, leaving the reader guessing until the final chapter. I did find the fact that the first victim's only living relative happened to be a police officer a little cliche, but ...more
For some reason it took some time for me to really get into the plot and feel connected to the main character, but after I did, it was a ride! While this is a mystery/thriller it didn't feel like a typical "pageturner" where there is one plot twist after another, with each of them trying to be more shocking than the previous one. Here it was more of a slow-burner with no possibility of guessing how the book will continue, which I really enjoyed.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for ...more
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for ...more
Jun 18, 2020
Donel Hardy
added it
I live in June Lake aka the Loop & this is definitely one of the most gripping page turners I have read! It is an amazing book that you WON'T WANNA PUT DOWN! NOW buy it, read it & enjoy it!!!It definitely earned the award it received! Great job Nicholas! I can't wait for the sequel!!!! Of our beloved town!!!!! Thank you
...more
Oh my God, this book! I have read innumerable thrillers over the years, but this ranks among the best ones.
The characterization is brilliant, the storytelling smooth. There is no place where we cannot imagine the cold mountains and the stark scenery. It is as if Sierra Nevada, where the story happens, is a character unto itself.
The ending was fantastic and I did not see it coming. AT. ALL.
Nicholas Holloway has done an excellent job. This is his debut novel (though it doesn't feel like one). I wi ...more
The characterization is brilliant, the storytelling smooth. There is no place where we cannot imagine the cold mountains and the stark scenery. It is as if Sierra Nevada, where the story happens, is a character unto itself.
The ending was fantastic and I did not see it coming. AT. ALL.
Nicholas Holloway has done an excellent job. This is his debut novel (though it doesn't feel like one). I wi ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making Connections: 5666. The Loop by Nicholas Holloway | 6 | 19 | Jan 08, 2020 08:43PM | |
| Making Connections: 5571. The Loop by Nicholas Holloway | 17 | 47 | Jan 02, 2020 10:35PM |
Readers also enjoyed
Nicholas Holloway is an award-winning mystery author based in Texas. His thrilling debut novel, "The Loop", is the winner of the Book Excellence Award for Suspense Fiction.
Nick grew up in southern California and spent his childhood summers hiking the Sierra Nevada mountains where "The Loop" is set. He earned his master’s degree from the MFA Screenwriting Program at California State University Full ...more
Nick grew up in southern California and spent his childhood summers hiking the Sierra Nevada mountains where "The Loop" is set. He earned his master’s degree from the MFA Screenwriting Program at California State University Full ...more
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“For the first time in her career, she felt ashamed to be a member of the force. After all, was it really meant to be a force? Do sheepdogs force lambs into their pen? Or do they guide?”
—
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