Eileen Finn

No one writes about hero kids better than King

Revisado: 02-13-20

I've always found it so interesting that the "Master of Horror" is SO GOOD at writing kids as the main characters in the stories. I think about all the books that feature them with "It" and the short novella "The Body" (later made into the amazing movie "Stand by Me") being the most recognized. King is able to perfectly capture that turning point in our lives when we were heading more toward being adults than remaining kids.. All the silly stuff we would do like trying out our own "swears" or stealing a cigarette, etc.

The kids in this story are forced to grow up much faster than they should because of what happens to them. It's a brilliantly written tale with exceptional characters who will run away with your heart. It's not the first time King has touched on this subject matter - a place who is after kids with supernatural talents like telekinesis or telepathy - Firestarter comes to mind right away. This is a more fleshed out version of the place where it happens - The Institute . The story is terrifying in many ways because in the world we live in now - it seems like anything is plausible.

This is one of my fave most recent King books. It reminds me of why I first started reading his books over 40 years ago.. don't miss this one!

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More than "just a a therapy" book

Revisado: 02-13-20

What a fantastically well-written book about how we, as humans, tick. I've always been fascinated by books like this, so I was an easy sell. However, you don't have to be a therapist or in therapy to appreciate this book. The stories Lori gives us about herself and her patients are universal to the human condition. She learns as much from them as they do from her. I was honestly disappointed when the book ended as I could've gone on hearing more stories about these people's lives. It was a real testament to the idea of trying to go deeper with those in our lives instead of immediately judging and writing people off after our first impression. There is so much more underneath that is worth finding so much of the time.

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Another masterpiece by THE MOST UNDERRATED AUTHOR

Revisado: 02-13-20

Adrian McKinty is an author who consistently doesn't get the attention he so richly deserves. I just don't understand it. I've read every single one of his books, and I have loved every one of them. I've encouraged my friends to read his books, and they all have and have also fallen in love with him. He is witty and often times hilarious. His characters feel REAL. He doesn't just phone it in.

This book was a stand alone story (he has a few series that are just mind-blowing). The story itself was very unique but definitely plausible enough to be something that could actually happen which is scary. There is a LOT of tension in the story, and I assure you that you will not want to put it down. The narration is also good (thank god), so you have no reason not to check this out. If you like a good suspense story, this one is for you.

After you listen to this (and love it), be sure to check out Adrian's other books.. then come back and thank me.

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That F***ng Flowers..

Revisado: 02-13-20

The entire Virgil Flowers series is one of my all time favorites. They are consistently good, and this is no exception. While Virgil's cases aren't always as "high profile" as his buddy Lucas Davenport of the "Prey" series.. the cases he does handle are always interesting and always with a good dose of humor. Eric Conger, to me, is Virgil. He is a terrific narrator who definitely adds to the enjoyment of these stories I usually don't have time to write long reviews, but I wanted to at least comment here and say that I hope these books keep on coming. They are such a nice diversion from the usual stuff.. and I am always, ALWAYS laughing at that fu**ing Flowers. I'd love to have a beer with the guy. John Sandford is the actual bloody genius.

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McKinty at his best

Revisado: 05-17-17

Where to start?

There is a reason that the previous book in this series just won the Edgar Award. I wouldn't be shocked if this book would be in the running for a sweet two-fer. It would be well deserved.

Duffy seems to be growing up - he's come a long way from being the pessimistic, pot-smoking, lonely cop. He's practically married and has a wee girl whom he clearly adores. Duffy's character and growth has been believable and steady, and yet he still maintains that wise-ass sense of humor which makes these novels so enjoyable. I have yet to make it through one of these books without many real belly laughs.

Duffy's fellow detectives, Lawson and "Crabby", make for a perfect Irish Three Musketeers. The relationships between the three men are fleshed out beautifully throughout the series so that I can't even imagine Duffy without them.

I've shouted from the hilltops to everyone I know that they should read all of the Sean Duffy books. The latest book only strengthens my case that this series is one of the best I've ever read. I've gotten nothing but thank yous from my friends who've jumped on the McKinty bandwagon.

Gerard Doyle is THE PERFECT narrator as well. I can't imagine Duffy without him either. I love Gerard so much, I've actually searched other books he's narrated, and I have stumbled on some other great authors.

My only regret is that I have now officially listened to every single McKinty book, and I have to wait for more. Crap.

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Not only a great mystery but very funny as well

Revisado: 04-14-16

I've listened to all of Adrian McKinty's books (HUGE love for Gerard Doyle), and after each book ends, I actually go through a period of minor depression. I'm not kidding. The man has a true talent for creating characters that you are quickly convinced are real people. Rain Dogs is no exception.

I adore Det Sean Duffy. He's a sarcastic, witty bastard (I say this with the utmost love), and his two mates at the station, "Crabbie" and "Lawson" bring out the best in him. So many series books can't seem to keep up with the changing times or the changing person who is the center of the stories, but Adrian makes sure to let us see Duffy's progression. There is real growth in the character of Sean Duffy from book to book, and I guess that's why it feels so real. When I leave for work in the morning (I listen mostly during my commute), I say, "I'm off to work with Sean today." I know - sounds ridiculous - but how many times have YOU looked forward to your commute?

The story itself is centered around a "locked room murder" - in other words, a murder happens where it seems impossible that anyone could've actually done it because the physical place is locked up, well, like a fortress. You'll understand when you read this (because you WILL read this, or you'll be doing yourself a disservice). For the life of me, I tried very hard to think of every possibility on how to explain how the murderer pulled it off. Along with the "how" of the murder, we are taken on a whirlwind of accusations and interrogations from a variety of characters with some shocking surprises. Oh, and let's not forget the many laugh-out-loud moments. Adrian has a knack for throwing in a perfect brand of sarcasm at the most unexpected moments. There was one particular rant that had me laughing until tears squirted from my eyes, and I thought I would have to pull my car over.

Believe me, aside from the great storytelling, it's the characters that will keep you coming back. It's the vulnerability, the humor, the determination, the humanity.

Let's not forget the FANTASTIC narration of Gerard Doyle who is perfect, brilliant, amazing - a true delight. His performance gives life to these books. He IS Sean Duffy.

What are you waiting for? Time to go to work with Sean.

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Pay attention to all these reviews! Annoying!

Revisado: 06-09-15

While the story was intriguing enough - as are all of Harlan's books - listening to this book was a test of my personal stamina. It's very rare that I start a book and do not finish it. In fact, the only exception to this rule of mine in the last 10 years was Dan Brown's latest.. but I digress. I've dealt with a book like this before where the narrator almost made me drive my car into the lake, but I made it through that book, and the story wasn't even this good.

It is a testament to Harlan's ability to write a good suspense novel combined with occasional breaks when Luke Daniels takes over the narrating that is allowing me to finish this book. However, if you're considering getting this book because you are a completist like I am (making sure I read ALL of Harlan Coben's books), then get this one in actual book form or on an e-reader. Trust me, you do NOT want to endure this god-awful attempt at narration by Angela Dawe. Everything the other reviewers have said about her is 100% true. The whole thing is garbage and the producer of this book should now be working at Burger King.

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Smart, funny writing and brilliant narration

Revisado: 05-26-15

Adrian McKinty, the most under-rated thriller novelist of our time, pulls off another great story. Det Sean Duffy is an extremely intelligent yet very human character who, despite his personal flaws, always fights to find the truth. He's a smart ass - kind of like an Irish John Corey (i.e. Nelson DeMille). I enjoy these books so much because the backdrop of Ireland in the mid-80's adds to the tension, not to mention my imagination as our brave hero attempts to solve another complicated crime. These stories are never boring. They are full of the right amount of tension, suspense and laugh-out-loud humor that makes for a very enjoyable read.

Then, there is the brilliant Gerard Doyle who can switch from an Irish brogue to an English accent to an American southern drawl in a matter of seconds. I LOVE listening to him, and his contribution is the icing on this delicious cake. If you haven't met Sean Duffy yet, listen to the other three books first and take your time. It's well worth it.

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Beautiful, emotional story

Revisado: 09-08-14

I can't say enough about this book. If you are a dog lover, you MUST get this book. What an emotional and heart-breaking yet wonderful story. I thought "The Art of Racing in the Rain" was an outstanding dog book - this one rivals it. The point of view from the dog is priceless. As a "mommy" to my own rescued pittie, there were parts of this story that hurt my heart and also made me so angry I could hardly contain myself. Yet, this is a very good depiction of how truly evil and mean some people can be, and also how truly loving and good they can be. Don't miss this one.

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Horror? No. Great book? Yes!!

Revisado: 08-19-14

I purposely didn't read any synopsis or reviews of this book because I wanted to experience the story for myself. King is an amazing writer, and, amazingly, he just keeps getting better. Mr. Mercedes proves this.

It's not a horror story in the traditional sense.- there is nothing supernatural going on here. However, it's a horror story in other ways as it tells the tale of a very disturbed young man (even scarier given the headlines over the last ten years) who goes on a rampage and then plots more destruction. There is a retired cop who picks up the trail and goes on the hunt for this killer.

I read a LOT of John Sanford, Harlan Coben and Lawrence Block - all authors who nail this kind of writing. King more than holds his own here. He has always been the master of character development, and he does it brilliantly in this story. This book is for fans of King and fans of great story-telling normally too scared to read King. Spread the word to your nervous friends that they can read this one, too. Don't miss it.

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