Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - Shutter Island

Shutter Island
Shutter Island
Author: Dennis Lehane
The year is 1954. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner, Chuck Aule, have come to Shutter Island, home of Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane, to investigate the disappearance of a patient. Multiple murderess Rachel Solando is loose somewhere on this remote and barren island, despite having been kept in a locked cell under con...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780380731862
ISBN-10: 038073186X
Publication Date: 4/2004
Pages: 400
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 427

3.9 stars, based on 427 ratings
Publisher: HarperTorch
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

NYbooks avatar reviewed Shutter Island on + 99 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 17
Abandon all expectations ye who enter here!!!

Is there a book that you possibly read 10, 15, maybe 20 years ago that is still ingrained in your memory today? When you think about the book, perhaps you won't be able to recall passages from the book; what most stands out in your memory is THE ENDING?

I picked up this book after reading the inside front pages that contained praises from renown sources. I mean, after all, would you read a book that got 5 stars from the Ridgemont High School Monthly, or some similar obscure media source? Neither would I. But this book had reputable names, and they all spoke about the ending. So I took the bait and began reading.

I was not disappointed; on the contrary, I was deeply affected by this book. I can honestly say, this book will still be a vivid memory 20 years from now, when I am recalling great books I have read. Yes, its that good.

The book begins with two federal marshals investigating the disappearance of a violent criminal from a high security hospital located on a remote island. To say any more about the plot would be to ruin the surprise that awaits the uninitiated.

I can say this: as the story progresses, the author throws in such a wicked twist and pulls out the rug from under you that you will be tempted to reread the entire book. Trying to guess what all the hype and acclaim is about is futile. Surrender yourself to this book and enjoy the ride.
camann704 avatar reviewed Shutter Island on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
I absolutely loved this book! It keeps you guessing right to the end. It is a real page turner and you will not want to put the book down until you finish it!! I highly recommend it!!
whatstacy avatar reviewed Shutter Island on + 235 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
"Insane men deny they are insane".
Great book, it took me a couple of tries to get into it. I have never read this author before, but once i was hooked, i couldn't put it down. It's a puzzle that when you think you have it solved, it adds more pieces. I don't want to give anything away, but nothing is what it seems in this book. And i hope the movie does it justice.

www.texasreader-stacy.blogspot.com
berries674 avatar reviewed Shutter Island on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is my first Lehane book. I have seen Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone and loved them both. Being from Boston, I enjoy reading and watching the work of fellow natives. Wow!! This book was great! I actually had to re-read the last two chapters!!! Just like Lehane to knock your socks off with a wrenching twist in the end!!! CANNOT wait for the movie due out in February '10!
reviewed Shutter Island on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A brilliant novel, in my opinion. After the success of 'Mystic River', I think a lot of people disregarded this novel as pop fiction. I'd just call it a hell of a read.
Read All 123 Book Reviews of "Shutter Island"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed Shutter Island on
While this boook departs from his usual police procedural, Lehane proves himself a master in this genre as well -- and a master at recreating the ambience of the post-Cold War era. Lehane's (relatively young)ear for dialogue puts me in mind of another master, Elmore Leonard, which -- given the age difference -- suggests that in years to come Lehane may surpass Leonard. Lehane's tight, economic style (a welcome change from authors who over-explain, thereby both insulting and annoying the reader) works particularly well in this book, keeping readers on their toes and expecting the unexpected. He even manages to use a somewhat trite device, a huge storm that conveniently strands everyone on the island, in a believable way. Another reviewer referred to "Shutter Island" as "un-put-downable," and I agree.


Genres: