Want to read a book that takes you on for a scary ride? Well, I’ve got two that you might want to make note of.
First up is Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. This Edgar nominated novel is disturbing, has some crazy twists and turns but best of all, has some very sharp writing. The main character is a newspaper reporter investigating the murders of two little girls. She’s had a difficult childhood and isn’t relishing the thought of going back to her hometown but she’ll do it. Oh yes, and she’s a cutter. Here’s a bit on that:
“Getting out of the bath and seeing, out of the corner of my eye, down the side of a leg: babydoll. Pulling on a sweater and, in a flash of my wrist: harmful. Why these words? Thousands of hours of therapy have yielded a few ideas from the good doctors. They are often feminine, in a Dick and Jane, pink vs. puppy dog tails sort of way. Or they’re flat-out negative. Number of synonyms for anxious carved in my skin: eleven. The one thing I know for sure is that at the time, it was crucial to see these letters on me, and not just see them, but feel them. Burning on my left hip: petticoat.”
I admit I didn’t like the ending too much but that is just me. I sort of wanted the ending to go in a different direction. Still a great book and I’d love to see what the writer comes up with next.
The other thriller I’ve recently read was Shadow Man by Cody McFadyen. I think I originally heard about this book via Les. The story is about Special Agent Smoky Barrett who was once one of the best FBI profilers but after a madman killed her husband and daughter she’s been on the verge of a breakdown. Until now, when another serial killer is challenging her to get him.
This is one fast-paced thriller. I was actually surprised though by how well the author was still able to take you into the thought process Smoky goes through as she makes her come back. However, there was one thing that bothered me quite a bit. There is one character who keeps calling everyone “honey-love”. I could get behind that the first few times but it got old very quickly. Oh and despite the thrill ride, I guessed who the killer was very early on in the book. That’s not terrible as sometimes it just happens that way but I would have liked to have been thrown off a little bit.
Would I read another though? Sure. Next time I’m in the mood for a thriller.
What’s my current mystery read? Booked to Die by John Dunning. This is the first in a series featuring a homicide detective who is quite a booklover. In this story, a book scout is dead. Why was he murdered? Was it over a precious manuscript? Can’t wait to see what happens.
So gotta a good thriller to recommend? Let me know and I’ll add it to my list.
Sharp Objects has a really creepy cover! I just read Trap for Cinderella by Sebastian Japrisot-it was a really interesting crime/thriller one. 🙂
I loved your copy of Sharp Objects! Overall, I enjoyed this story. There were a few intense moments that had me biting my nails, LOL.
You know I’ll recommend Mo Hayder’s books to you anytime!! 😀
I really enjoyed Sharp Objects.
I found your blog through Literary Feline. I wonder how it is that I ever missed it! Can I get your feed address for my RSS reader?
Hi Iliana!
Sharp Objects – This is on my TBR shelf and I hope to get to it this year. 🙂
Shadow Man – Best Read for 2008! I love McFadyen and can’t wait for the 4th in the series to come out. And, I do understand the complaint about “Honey-Love”.
Booked to Die – I have only read this one in the series, but the plan is to get to the 2nd this year, as well. I thought this one was really good. I look forward to your review.
Sharp Objects and Shadow Man are now on my list! I have enjoyed the Dunning series since its inception. The first one has a sort of film noir flavor, however, the following novels lighten up some. I like the fact that Dunning allows the novels to transform a bit.
I’m getting into thrillers again and Sharp Objects sounds really good. And I love the cover too!
Both of these books are in my TBR pile. I’m looking forward to reading them. You make me wish I could read them right now, actually!
I have a coworker who calls everyone “Sweetheart” all the time. You’re mention of the “Honey-love” reminded me of him.
Sharp Objects is also now on my TBR list. Sounds dark and interesting! The Dunning series sounds good as well.
Sharp Objects stayed with me long after I finished it. She’s got a new book called Dark Places coming out in May, and I can’t wait.
That Sharp Objects sounds very creepy. Although I am not usually one for thrillers I might have to check that one out! Thanks for the recommendations!
I know exactly what you mean about “Honey-Love.” And then Smokey kept calling one character “Babe” which didn’t quite fit and got a bit overdone. I hope you continue with the others in the series, but if not, no big deal. I’m glad you tried this one!
I’d recommend In the Woods, but you’ve already read it. Hmmm, I’ll have to think on this.
Eva – I agree, that cover is great. Ooh, I’ve read one book by Japisrot and have been meaning to read more. I’m going to look for that one 🙂
Melody – I tried to read one of Mo Hayder’s book but I think it was too soon after these books and I had to put it away. I will go back to it though – I think I just needed a bit of a different pace at the time 🙂
Linda – It was good wasn’t it!
Sheri – Thank you so much for stopping by! Here’s my rss: http://www.bookgirl.net/?feed=rss2
Joy – I hope you’ll enjoy Sharp Objects. I do think the Smoky Barrett series has a good premise so I am looking forward to reading more. I just hope the Honey-Love’s aren’t as over done 😉
jenclair – That’s it! There is a film noir aspect to it. I also keep thinking that he seems much older than what he is supposed to be. I’m really liking it so far and I’ll be curious to see how it ends!
Joanna – I hope you’ll like these. I especially liked Sharp Objects but both are good reads.
Literary Feline – I can’t wait to hear what you think of them. And, that’s too funny about your coworker. I mean, I know I have nicknames for friends but to call everyone some endearment or something is a bit weird.
priscilla – Sharp Objects is dark. It’s very intense and one of those were you think all of the characters are pretty much flawed. And, it works so well!
Karen – I remember you mentioned Sharp Objects to me a long time ago. And, thank you for the heads up on her new book. I will be on the look out for that one!
Bookster – I don’t read too many thrillers either as I tend to go more for mysteries and police procedurals but every once in a while I do crave something with a bit more tension!
Les in NE – I definitely will continue because of course now I’m curious what Smoky is going to do next! Ha,ha… You know, I can’t even remember her calling anyone Babe. I must have been too focused on the Honey Love 🙂 Oh and yes In the Woods was excellent. Did you ever read the sequel? So good too.
I have The Likeness sitting here patiently waiting for me to finish an ARC of Jodi Picoult’s new book. My husband really liked The Likeness a lot! His only complaint is that it was too much a “parlor mystery” which he doesn’t generally care for. But he says her writing is fantastic! I’ll probably start it tomorrow. I’m on quite a roll with my reading these days!
I will have to check out Sharp Objects–that sounds right up my alley. I tend to not pick up books about FBI agents–not sure why as I love anything thriller-ish or suspenseful, but I will have to look this one up as well!
Don’t you hate it when the author’s ending isn’t what you expected or wanted??
Les in NE – Her writing is great. I am not too sure about the next book as it involves (from what I’ve heard) one of the characters in The Likeness whom I didn’t like very much but I think she’s great so I’m sure she’ll pull it off! Yay for being on a reading roll 🙂
danielle – I think you’d enjoy this one. It’s definitely not a cozy and I especially enjoy her more sharp observations on small town life and such. And, you know, now that you mention it, I don’t read too many books featuring FBI agents either. How strange.
Anna – It’s tough because on one hand you really like the book except for the ending. So does it take away from your overall enjoyment?