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The book opens with murder, mystery, and a forgotten past. This is no slow starter. I was immediately hooked and wanted to know what was happening in our protagonist’s, Mason Mackay’s, frazzled young mind.
As the story unfolds, the question of Mason’s past becomes a major focal point and I was ready for some answers long before they were delivered. I began to lose hope (and admittedly a bit of interest somewhere in the middle), but things really pick up again at the end as secrets are uncovered ...more
As the story unfolds, the question of Mason’s past becomes a major focal point and I was ready for some answers long before they were delivered. I began to lose hope (and admittedly a bit of interest somewhere in the middle), but things really pick up again at the end as secrets are uncovered ...more
Listened on Audible.
I have to admit i wasn’t sure this was my kind of book when I first started Efficient and Devine: Almost Heaven and I LOVE crime stories! I wasn’t mad about the narrators voice for Mason (kind of had a 1930’s Dick Tracey detective vibe which there is nothing wrong with but seemed out of place in the modern setting), i didn’t love the protagonist at first and i wasn’t sure what it was all about. So it took me a while to get into it but once I did I discovered how wrong I was. ...more
I have to admit i wasn’t sure this was my kind of book when I first started Efficient and Devine: Almost Heaven and I LOVE crime stories! I wasn’t mad about the narrators voice for Mason (kind of had a 1930’s Dick Tracey detective vibe which there is nothing wrong with but seemed out of place in the modern setting), i didn’t love the protagonist at first and i wasn’t sure what it was all about. So it took me a while to get into it but once I did I discovered how wrong I was. ...more
A nice but dizzying read, reminiscent of True Detective or other detective thrillers plus paranormal/supernatural shows with dark events. There is a lot of action and death, though I won't go into too much detail, so as not to give away the revelations. It is interesting to finally get to know Mason as a character, especially since I have seen the author's profile pic before, and always wondered about the iconic cover. It also reminds me of a 90s alternative/grunge album cover, which is cool. Ma
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Wow, this book is one that starts off making you think one thing, but then twists and turns so much, your jaw drops. The clues are all there and that is the hallmark of a well-crafted, mystery thriller.
The novel is about a man named Mason, who is accused of murder. The thing is, from the first chapter, we know he did it. This is not the important thing though, it is the why that is the mystery. At the same time, a group of people are after him. Who are they and what is their relationship to him? ...more
The novel is about a man named Mason, who is accused of murder. The thing is, from the first chapter, we know he did it. This is not the important thing though, it is the why that is the mystery. At the same time, a group of people are after him. Who are they and what is their relationship to him? ...more
Psychological thriller with supernatural undertones
Gene Kendall's Efficient and Divine: almost heaven, is a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones. Mason Mackay's dark side is triggered during an interview for his latest documentary. But did he really kill the subject? He doesn't know and neither do the police, including his fiance, Nathalie. Mason must face up to his sketchy past: why has he suppressed the first ten years of his life, why does he hate his adoptive parents, when the ...more
Gene Kendall's Efficient and Divine: almost heaven, is a psychological thriller with supernatural undertones. Mason Mackay's dark side is triggered during an interview for his latest documentary. But did he really kill the subject? He doesn't know and neither do the police, including his fiance, Nathalie. Mason must face up to his sketchy past: why has he suppressed the first ten years of his life, why does he hate his adoptive parents, when the ...more
A filmmaker’s life (and psyche) begins to come apart after someone he was interviewing turns up dead. Things get intense and surreal. Gene Kendall’s Efficient and Divine: Almost Heaven is a dark and at times devastating psychological puzzle that keeps the reader on their toes.
It takes some investment, but the plot unfolds with purpose. Each chapter seems to reveal something new or raise the stakes. The twists and mysteries make this book a compelling read, even if they sometimes get in the way o ...more
It takes some investment, but the plot unfolds with purpose. Each chapter seems to reveal something new or raise the stakes. The twists and mysteries make this book a compelling read, even if they sometimes get in the way o ...more
An engaging story with a main character you want to root for, but …
Efficient and Devine: Almost Heaven starts with a plot that moves quickly and can be challenging to follow. Yet the main character’s demeanor sucks you in, and the narration compels you to dig further. The writing is smooth, the dialogue crisp, and the pacing moves the story along at a spell-binding clip. Gene Kendell writes for those who enjoy lots of twists and those who appreciate character arcs far from flat. This story is no ...more
Efficient and Devine: Almost Heaven starts with a plot that moves quickly and can be challenging to follow. Yet the main character’s demeanor sucks you in, and the narration compels you to dig further. The writing is smooth, the dialogue crisp, and the pacing moves the story along at a spell-binding clip. Gene Kendell writes for those who enjoy lots of twists and those who appreciate character arcs far from flat. This story is no ...more
The idea of this book is intriguing. We are following the transformation of the character as his storyline unfolds layer by layer.
I like the fast pace, the willingness to create impacts, and the body counts along the way. The tightly woven of interlocking flows between scenes and characters are established firmly. There are enough revelations and mysteries; it was not a difficult read for me. The author manages to handle some sensitive topics delicately, and personally, I don't mind others that ...more
I like the fast pace, the willingness to create impacts, and the body counts along the way. The tightly woven of interlocking flows between scenes and characters are established firmly. There are enough revelations and mysteries; it was not a difficult read for me. The author manages to handle some sensitive topics delicately, and personally, I don't mind others that ...more
What a story! It’s like a mystery mixed with psychological thriller that will keep you wanting to know more.
Although this was an enjoyable read and the ending was satisfying, I had a hard time connecting to any of the characters.
The beginning starts out with a lot going on but in a way that was sometimes confusing and other times boring. It felt like to much information at one time and certain areas dragged on, making me want to skim over it.
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Mason and where ...more
Although this was an enjoyable read and the ending was satisfying, I had a hard time connecting to any of the characters.
The beginning starts out with a lot going on but in a way that was sometimes confusing and other times boring. It felt like to much information at one time and certain areas dragged on, making me want to skim over it.
I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Mason and where ...more
