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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I haven't read a lot of the Quincy & Rainie books- I really should catch up, so I'm not as attached to them as I am to other Gardner characters. But I really enjoyed the plot twists in this one, which I've come to expect from a Gardner novel. It's also nice to see good examples of adoption, especially adoption through social services. The audiobook was well-narrated and the thriller was a welcome distraction from my life, which I really needed.
4.5* rounded up.
This really is very good. Quincy and Rainie's foster-daughter Sharlah hasn't seen her brother Telly for eight years, since he killed their abusive parents in self-defence. It emerges that he is being fostered himself by a nearby couple, when they are found murdered in their bed. Told from the perspectives of various law enforcement personnel and the first person voices of Sharlah in the present and Telly in the past in flashbacks to the run up to the killings, the various narratives and voices blend well together.
The twists and turns were exciting and logical and kept me guessing to the end. While I think this is the best crime novel I've read for a while, I'm deducting half a star for a few things that made no sense to me:How exactly did the overseas bank account details work as a stalemate? Why didn't Sandra's father just move the money to a different account? Why, on his death, was Sandra suddenly able to move the money without exposing herself by proving herself to be the heir to it? How did the various baddies find out so much about Telly and Sharlah and their past?
This really is very good. Quincy and Rainie's foster-daughter Sharlah hasn't seen her brother Telly for eight years, since he killed their abusive parents in self-defence. It emerges that he is being fostered himself by a nearby couple, when they are found murdered in their bed. Told from the perspectives of various law enforcement personnel and the first person voices of Sharlah in the present and Telly in the past in flashbacks to the run up to the killings, the various narratives and voices blend well together.
The twists and turns were exciting and logical and kept me guessing to the end. While I think this is the best crime novel I've read for a while, I'm deducting half a star for a few things that made no sense to me:
Masterfully juggles multiple narrators and multiple timelines, and makes it all look easy. Super compelling and super twisty, ending up in a completely different place from where it starts--but when you go back and look, every shift is carefully set up.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Like all of Lisa Gardners books, it was hard to put down. It was not my favorite of hers though, but maybe that is because I grabbed a book randomly that was a part of a series of characters she had previously written about. I enjoyed the story line for the most part, but just wanted a little bit more towards the end.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5 stars. This exceeded all of my expectations. I read the synopsis at work and knew that I had to read it and I'm so glad I did.
This was my first Lisa Gardner book and I have to say I really liked her writing style. The story was intense and kept me on edge from the very beginning. It felt like I was watching a really good episode of The First 48 or something. It was so heavy and detailed on detective work and it was very fascinating to follow along and try to solve the crime along with the characters. The pacing was great and the character development was spot on. I felt attached to just about everyone.
I think Gardner handled the Telly's character very well. She could've easily made him a cliche and at times it felt like she was going to go down a certain, predictable path but didn't and I was so happy. He was a very complex character and I empathized with him and everything he went through.
Sharlah was a great character and a great example on how to write young characters without making them annoying (she was 13 and felt absolutely genuine) and inauthentic. I loved her spirit and her personality and her stubborness. I think she was so strong to have gone through all that she did at such a young age. Plus, the connection she had with her dog, Luka was the cutest thing ever.
Quincy and Rainie were endearing. I loved them separately, together and the way that they cared for Sharlah. I'm very interested in them as characters and their back story so I think I'm going to start from the beginning of this series and get to know them more.
Overall, if you are into detective and crime work with great characters then this one is for you.
This was my first Lisa Gardner book and I have to say I really liked her writing style. The story was intense and kept me on edge from the very beginning. It felt like I was watching a really good episode of The First 48 or something. It was so heavy and detailed on detective work and it was very fascinating to follow along and try to solve the crime along with the characters. The pacing was great and the character development was spot on. I felt attached to just about everyone.
I think Gardner handled the Telly's character very well. She could've easily made him a cliche and at times it felt like she was going to go down a certain, predictable path but didn't and I was so happy. He was a very complex character and I empathized with him and everything he went through.
Sharlah was a great character and a great example on how to write young characters without making them annoying (she was 13 and felt absolutely genuine) and inauthentic. I loved her spirit and her personality and her stubborness. I think she was so strong to have gone through all that she did at such a young age. Plus, the connection she had with her dog, Luka was the cutest thing ever.
Quincy and Rainie were endearing. I loved them separately, together and the way that they cared for Sharlah. I'm very interested in them as characters and their back story so I think I'm going to start from the beginning of this series and get to know them more.
Overall, if you are into detective and crime work with great characters then this one is for you.
Netgalley ARC
3.5 Stars
This is the first of Gardner's Profile series I've read. I don't think it's necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this series.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was very fast paced and exciting and I didn't call the twist at the end! I really enjoyed all the characters and will definitely pick up the earlier books in the series.
This book includes a 13 year old narrator, which can be the kiss of death if not done properly. Sharlah's chapters are fine, but they don't really read like a tween voice. Sharlah makes the hasty decisions of of an abused young girl, but the way she speaks and thinks sound like an adult. I think this is fine. Sometimes when an author tries too hard with a young narrator it comes off as forced an annoying. Sharlah's chapters are fine to read.
3.5 Stars
This is the first of Gardner's Profile series I've read. I don't think it's necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this series.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was very fast paced and exciting and I didn't call the twist at the end! I really enjoyed all the characters and will definitely pick up the earlier books in the series.
This book includes a 13 year old narrator, which can be the kiss of death if not done properly. Sharlah's chapters are fine, but they don't really read like a tween voice. Sharlah makes the hasty decisions of of an abused young girl, but the way she speaks and thinks sound like an adult. I think this is fine. Sometimes when an author tries too hard with a young narrator it comes off as forced an annoying. Sharlah's chapters are fine to read.
This is a great book. Not as dark as Find Her (my first book from the author) but I enjoyed it. I haven't read any from the Quincy & Rainie series so I didn't know much about their history but it didn't felt like that. It was very interesting for me to see/know how Quincy and Rainie work together with their team. The characters are well-written and I loved all of them (especially Telly, Sharlah and even Luka). I didn't actually care about the mystery part because I was emotionally invested with the characters and their story will surely remain with me for quite a long time. There were some repetitive parts but overall, Right Behind You is a captivating and very emotional book.
*I listened to the audiobook version and it was a little awkward because the narrator's voice doesn't fit Sharlah's age, in my opinion.
*I listened to the audiobook version and it was a little awkward because the narrator's voice doesn't fit Sharlah's age, in my opinion.
I love Lisa Gardner's books and this was no exception. The ending sort of felt like she gave up, though. So much exposition. But super entertaining and captivating, as usual.
I haven’t read a psychological thriller in years and now I wonder why. This book was fantastic! I instantly bonded with the characters. I found myself rooting for the suspected murderer which is kind of awkward until you read the story. The author writes well and keeps the suspense flowing. I highly recommend reading this book. It won’t let you down!!