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delirium23's review
3.0
I basically read anything new by Linwood Barclay out of habit and I just realized that this is book 2 in a trilogy so I can't be upset about the ending now. How did I not know?
This book was alright, I will read book 3 because I need to know how he wraps this mystery up.
This book was alright, I will read book 3 because I need to know how he wraps this mystery up.
howjessicareads's review
3.0
This isn't my favorite style of mystery, I prefer less over-the-top thrillers. But, Shelf Awareness sent me a copy for review, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was very well written! I haven't read any of Linwood Barclay's other books - I may have to check some of them out.
amylou215's review
5.0
The Promise Falls Trilogy is turning out to be one of the best trilogies I've read in a very VERY long time. I don't think I've ever gone through 400/500 page books as quickly as I have with these! So fast-paced and completely unpredictable, the story is so easy to devour and the ending of each chapter is a complete cliffhanger. Although at first I thought the amount of characters and smaller plot lines would become confusing, the narrative is kept fairly simple and surprisingly easy to follow throughout all of the smaller mysteries. The only annoying thing is that the bigger mysteries are unfinished and drawn out but that'll surely make the ending so much more exciting, so hopefully this last book doesn't disappoint! I'm thinking Linwood Barclay may well be my new favourite author...
veronica87's review
4.0
There was too much shit going on in this town.
As the middle book in a trilogy, this did not disappoint at all. I was a little concerned that David Harwood, a POV character in the first book, isn't even mentioned in the back cover synopsis but he is still a part of the story...if in a reduced capacity. Detective Barry Duckworth remains a POV character here and is joined by Cal Weaver, a former Promise Falls police officer who is now working as a P.I.
Once again, there is quite a lot going on and it doesn't take long for the drama to be off and running. There are some new characters introduced who ride the narrative right alongside ones we met in book one. It's a quick-paced, addictive story and I read it all in practically one sitting. The long arc threads continue to pull through this installment but newer mysteries present themselves as well. Having some familiarity with the author now, I was able to anticipate some things this time but it didn't lessen my enjoyment and there were still some surprises. On to book three!
As the middle book in a trilogy, this did not disappoint at all. I was a little concerned that David Harwood, a POV character in the first book, isn't even mentioned in the back cover synopsis but he is still a part of the story...if in a reduced capacity. Detective Barry Duckworth remains a POV character here and is joined by Cal Weaver, a former Promise Falls police officer who is now working as a P.I.
Once again, there is quite a lot going on and it doesn't take long for the drama to be off and running. There are some new characters introduced who ride the narrative right alongside ones we met in book one. It's a quick-paced, addictive story and I read it all in practically one sitting. The long arc threads continue to pull through this installment but newer mysteries present themselves as well. Having some familiarity with the author now, I was able to anticipate some things this time but it didn't lessen my enjoyment and there were still some surprises. On to book three!
laural27's review
5.0
Despite reading some negative reviews of this book, I can safely say I loved it. Perhaps I'm slightly biased as I adore Linwood's books but this was a fantastic continuation of the trilogy with an ending that has me waiting desperately for the final installment.
With his trademark tension and twists at every opportunity, Far From True had me gripped from the first page and kept my attention throughout.
I guess I would agree with some people and say it's not my favourite of Linwood's books but that doesn't make it a bad book at all.
Compelling and frightening, Far From True is brilliant.
With his trademark tension and twists at every opportunity, Far From True had me gripped from the first page and kept my attention throughout.
I guess I would agree with some people and say it's not my favourite of Linwood's books but that doesn't make it a bad book at all.
Compelling and frightening, Far From True is brilliant.
canada_matt's review
5.0
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Linwood Barclay, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
From the author of well-crafted psychological thrillers comes another novel set in the bucolic town of Promise Falls. Picking up days after the previous novel ended, Barclay parachutes readers into a place still coming to terms with a collection of noteworthy events: a slain rapist on the university campus, a baby swapping scheme that went awry, and a downturn in the economy that has local business pulling out. After a freak event at the local drive-in theatre leaves four dead, the town is left to wonder if this was an accident or another item to add to the tragic narrative. Local private investigator, Cal Weaver, is approached by the daughter of one of the drive-in victims to explore a break-in at her father's home. What begins as a crime without apparent motive (and loss of property) soon spins into the revelation of an alternative lifestyle group alive and well under the radar within Promise Falls. A collection of DVDs has been taken from a 'secret room' whose content leaves little to the imagination, but the rationale is anyone's guess. As Weaver pieces the clues together, he cannot help but speculate that the contents of the discs contain vital information that surpasses their intrinsically erotic value. Detective Barry Duckworth wrestles with two unsolved murders that bear great similarities, though the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi. Could there be something deeper that Duckworth cannot see, or is a murder still on the loose in Promise Falls? These and many other sinister storylines that include a host of characters, each with their own backstory, permits the reader to follow plot lines down the rabbit hole, only to realise how they link together, at the least expected moment. Barclay weaves a wonderful follow-up to his explosive BROKEN PROMISE, which grips the reader until the final pages and leaves them to wonder just how sure they are of where this narrative will end.
While Barclay is not new to the psychological thriller genre, this novel (and the others in the series) propel him into a league all his own. Placing the story mere weeks after BROKEN PROMISE, the reader has not yet had time to catch their breath or construct a viable explanation as to what they've just finished reading. With a large cast of characters, the story is able to expand on numerous levels and pushes the narrative boundaries, such that there are numerous plots worth exploring. Barclay sows the seeds for further exploration in the next novel, but also revisits some key aspects to past stories that keep the reader connection and on the ball throughout. Exploring the narrative from Cal Weaver's perspective, as well as that of a passive overseer, the reader gains additional insight in the lead-up to what is sure to be an explosive next novel, where the '23' concept may finally be revealed. Only the attentive reader need indulge, as there are numerous references to the previous pieces, with only a sprinkle of reminiscent breadcrumbs to help the reader along. Novels of this calibre are gifts for the reader, though waiting for the next instalment could drive anyone around the bend!
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for such an addictive piece of work. I am hooked and can only hope that you will continue to dazzle and intrigue as you build on this series for your avid fans.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
From the author of well-crafted psychological thrillers comes another novel set in the bucolic town of Promise Falls. Picking up days after the previous novel ended, Barclay parachutes readers into a place still coming to terms with a collection of noteworthy events: a slain rapist on the university campus, a baby swapping scheme that went awry, and a downturn in the economy that has local business pulling out. After a freak event at the local drive-in theatre leaves four dead, the town is left to wonder if this was an accident or another item to add to the tragic narrative. Local private investigator, Cal Weaver, is approached by the daughter of one of the drive-in victims to explore a break-in at her father's home. What begins as a crime without apparent motive (and loss of property) soon spins into the revelation of an alternative lifestyle group alive and well under the radar within Promise Falls. A collection of DVDs has been taken from a 'secret room' whose content leaves little to the imagination, but the rationale is anyone's guess. As Weaver pieces the clues together, he cannot help but speculate that the contents of the discs contain vital information that surpasses their intrinsically erotic value. Detective Barry Duckworth wrestles with two unsolved murders that bear great similarities, though the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi. Could there be something deeper that Duckworth cannot see, or is a murder still on the loose in Promise Falls? These and many other sinister storylines that include a host of characters, each with their own backstory, permits the reader to follow plot lines down the rabbit hole, only to realise how they link together, at the least expected moment. Barclay weaves a wonderful follow-up to his explosive BROKEN PROMISE, which grips the reader until the final pages and leaves them to wonder just how sure they are of where this narrative will end.
While Barclay is not new to the psychological thriller genre, this novel (and the others in the series) propel him into a league all his own. Placing the story mere weeks after BROKEN PROMISE, the reader has not yet had time to catch their breath or construct a viable explanation as to what they've just finished reading. With a large cast of characters, the story is able to expand on numerous levels and pushes the narrative boundaries, such that there are numerous plots worth exploring. Barclay sows the seeds for further exploration in the next novel, but also revisits some key aspects to past stories that keep the reader connection and on the ball throughout. Exploring the narrative from Cal Weaver's perspective, as well as that of a passive overseer, the reader gains additional insight in the lead-up to what is sure to be an explosive next novel, where the '23' concept may finally be revealed. Only the attentive reader need indulge, as there are numerous references to the previous pieces, with only a sprinkle of reminiscent breadcrumbs to help the reader along. Novels of this calibre are gifts for the reader, though waiting for the next instalment could drive anyone around the bend!
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for such an addictive piece of work. I am hooked and can only hope that you will continue to dazzle and intrigue as you build on this series for your avid fans.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
vailynst's review
3.0
Notes:
Less surprises on this one because I'm getting used to the way Barclay likes to setup but still a crazy ride in a town full of secrets. The only thing that bugs me is that the characterizations are starting to feel a bit repetitive. You basically get the same setup & scene for two sets of characters.
More clues on who the serial killer is but I haven't narrowed it down to one person yet.
Less surprises on this one because I'm getting used to the way Barclay likes to setup but still a crazy ride in a town full of secrets. The only thing that bugs me is that the characterizations are starting to feel a bit repetitive. You basically get the same setup & scene for two sets of characters.
More clues on who the serial killer is but I haven't narrowed it down to one person yet.
suspensethrill's review
3.0
4.5 stars!
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I think I'm in the minority but I really enjoyed this one! For those new to the series, start with #1 [b:Broken Promise|23398840|Broken Promise (Promise Falls, #1)|Linwood Barclay|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424368782s/23398840.jpg|42955366] as this is the second in the trilogy.
Not much to hash up plot wise as this is the middle segment, but it was structured differently than the first. There isn't really a main focal story, just a continuation and connecting of previous threads left hanging from the first book. I'll say there was one particular plot aspect that blew me away and completely fooled me. I knew going into this one that I would again be left hanging with many questions so that didn't take away from my reading experience as it did for some others. I'm looking forward to the conclusion coming in November. My only drawback was it seemed a little wordy and could have probably been about 50-75 pages shorter.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I think I'm in the minority but I really enjoyed this one! For those new to the series, start with #1 [b:Broken Promise|23398840|Broken Promise (Promise Falls, #1)|Linwood Barclay|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424368782s/23398840.jpg|42955366] as this is the second in the trilogy.
Not much to hash up plot wise as this is the middle segment, but it was structured differently than the first. There isn't really a main focal story, just a continuation and connecting of previous threads left hanging from the first book. I'll say there was one particular plot aspect that blew me away and completely fooled me. I knew going into this one that I would again be left hanging with many questions so that didn't take away from my reading experience as it did for some others. I'm looking forward to the conclusion coming in November. My only drawback was it seemed a little wordy and could have probably been about 50-75 pages shorter.
wc4's review
4.0
Second in the Promise Falls Trilogy and I can't wait for the final book! This book involves a wider range of characters, some of whom we've met in the first book, Broken Promise. The plot twists and turns even more. We learn more about the lives and backgrounds of the characters. We're still wondering what the significance of "23" is. The small town has seemingly become the locus of crime, both big and small. My heart goes out to Detective Duckworth as the book goes on. The guy deserves a holiday after all that's going on.