Helpful Score: 2
I love mystery/suspense where the main character is not a cop or PI.
That's about the only good thing I can say about this book. Interesting premise, but soooooo poorly executed. The story jumps forward illogically, and you're just supposed to accept the turn of events. The dialogue is IRRITATING: The main character says "I don't understand" so often that I not only noticed it, but started counting during the last 1/3 of the book. Had to keep up my interest somehow. And when the character says it, it is very stilted and sounds completely wrong. The rest of the writing is very disjointed as well. I only finished this book because I *did* want to see what happened, but I say don't waste your time. There are many brilliant mysteries out there, and this ranks WAY toward the bottom.
That's about the only good thing I can say about this book. Interesting premise, but soooooo poorly executed. The story jumps forward illogically, and you're just supposed to accept the turn of events. The dialogue is IRRITATING: The main character says "I don't understand" so often that I not only noticed it, but started counting during the last 1/3 of the book. Had to keep up my interest somehow. And when the character says it, it is very stilted and sounds completely wrong. The rest of the writing is very disjointed as well. I only finished this book because I *did* want to see what happened, but I say don't waste your time. There are many brilliant mysteries out there, and this ranks WAY toward the bottom.
Helpful Score: 2
Great story! Suspenseful with many twists and turns. Excellent book about writing.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting (if you like to write or are interested in writing/the process there's an extra intrigue) and kept my attention throughout, but I didn't really think it was "scary" as it says on the book (comments). One one level there's the mystery of the casino robbery and what happens to a missing woman. On the other level, there's a man in Ivy's prison writing class who fascinates her with his stories... Much more to the story, of course, but there's the idea. I guessed part of the outcome before the end, but it didn't really bother me because there's plenty to wonder about here. Great ending.
good book...good ending... a female who teaches a writing class in a mens' prison...Peter Abrahams was a new author for me, but I will certainly read more of his work.
Interesting premise of a writer who teaches male inmates at a writing class. The story manipulation/twists makes it a good read!
Interesting story with lots of suspense... but I HATED the ending!!!
Great book with a GREAT ending!!!
When Ivy begins teaching a writing class in a nearby prison, she has no idea how much her life will change. But when Harrow joins the class and she reads his talented stories, she becomes convinced that he is innocent of the crime for which he is incarcerated. All her investigations into his background and the crime itself only reinforce her belief in his innocence. Although early on the reader figures out the "mystery," there is one final, unexpected twist on the last page. This is an absorbing book which grows on you.
You won't forsee the ending - but Peter Abrahams always makes sure of this! What I like about his writing is that the plot twists, while unexpected or undesired by the reader, are always plausible, and if you just saw the signs earlier....
* * ½* Not 'scary' or 'thrilling' as the cover of the paperback edition describes. This is more mystery than anything. It is also a good study in character development.
Throughout, the characters are real; they jump right off the page, whether you care for them or not. They are real, that is, until the end, when unbelievable decisions are made; then all credibility is lost. At one crucial scene, I almost expected a character to yell out, "My hero!" That's how silly it became. Nice effort, sloppy ending.
Throughout, the characters are real; they jump right off the page, whether you care for them or not. They are real, that is, until the end, when unbelievable decisions are made; then all credibility is lost. At one crucial scene, I almost expected a character to yell out, "My hero!" That's how silly it became. Nice effort, sloppy ending.
Great read. Fascinating tale of the warping of a personality.
