Helpful Score: 8
The story is quite incredible. I would love to see the movie. What a mind. I didn't like Smith's second book, but this one, his first, blew me away! Just when you think nothing worse can happen, it does and it keeps on happening! It's a good book!!!
Helpful Score: 6
this is one of my all time favorite books. it keeps you spellbound from page one. the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. i could not put it down!! hard to think that good people can get caught up in such bad things.
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book and it is a keeper for me. I have not seen the movie and I also read Scott Smith's other book, The Ruins, first. I was not impressed at all with that book so I put reading this one off. Wow, I shouldn't have. This book is horrifying and gives new meaning to "money is the root of all evil". As each new horror is revealed you are just left with the most sickening feeling. Yes, it is pretty outrageous and a little unbelievable but considering some of the true stories of what people have done for money, it's not that far off the mark. I didn't feel that the ending was predictable as some reviewers do, there was a very subtle twist there that I didn't see coming and just blew me away. I give it 5 stars
Helpful Score: 4
If you enjoyed the movie, you'll probably like the book. The movie closely follows the book. I saw the movie long before I read the book, but I felt the movie did a good job of cluing you into the emotions of the characters and their anxieties. Not a lot is added through the written text (which is rare between a book and a movie, since in the written word the author can explore the inner thoughts of the character and voice commentary about the characters). The ending of the book and the movie are different enough that you'll be glad you read the book.
Helpful Score: 3
It took awhile to post this book because my entire family had to pass it around. There is NO way you can anticipate the ending. I'm keeping my eyes open for other novels by this exceptional author. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.