Review: Sunburn by Laura Lippman

Sunburn by Laura Lippman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been reading Ms. Lippman's books for a good many years. This by far, was the best one yet (I know, she has more!). This is a story of a woman who has been abused and exploited most of her life. When she abandons her husband and three-year old child and makes a run for it to disappear in Delaware, she is unaware that she is being followed by a PI named Adam. Employed by a mendacious crook once involved in criminal dealings with Polly's ex, Adam finds himself falling in love with the subject of his investigation. Is there a chance for their relationship? Or is Polly like the socialite in BODY HEAT, an unrepentant man eater? The listener (great narrator!) alternates between feeling pity for Polly and despising her and feeling Adam is either a chump or a true romantic. There are no in betweens in this story. Told in third person, present tense, the reader is immersed completely in the story in real time (BRILLIANT!) Be prepared to be engrossed in this psychological thriller and to be stunned by the ending.

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Review: The Hunger by Alma Katsu

The Hunger by Alma Katsu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What could be creepier than cannibalism? This book. Set aside any fanciful notions you have about pioneers crossing the great sea of the American west and prepare to be up all night with this gripping story. THE HUNGER is at once a retelling of a historical story (the Donner Party, who hasn't heard of them?), a psychological profiling of the people heading west (not all were "good" folks, many had destroyed their social standing back East), a examination of the meaning of family (lots of widow, lots of step-children), and a supernatural tale that will make you get up and turn on all the lights. Ms. Katsu's research is detailed and impeccable, placing the reader in the scene, bumping along in those wagons that broke down with alarming frequency. Her word choice evokes a need to get up and raid the refrigerator and her descriptions of people, places, and events are vivid. From the start with little whispers, to the increasingly odd events, slow to appear at first but coming faster with impeccable pacing, this book is a master class in horror. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a view into past events from a very different perspective.

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Review: The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood

The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading THE KILLER NEXT DOOR, I immediately dove into THE WICKED GIRLS--and I was NOT disappointed. Two girls, children from opposite ends of the social spectrum, meet on a hot summer day. The wealthier child takes pity on the poor one and gives her a gift of candy that the shop owner wouldn't allow the poor child to buy. What begins as an act of kindness devolves into a day from hell from both children. Years later, they meet again. Both are terrified by this bizarre turn of events. Each has paid a terrible price for that hot summer day, but no one will permit them the luxury of being forgiven. This is a tragic tale of of family secrets, truth, justice, and redemption. Have tissues at hand and be prepared to be stunned by the ending.

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