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holmstead's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. Not bad. Not incredibly great either. It doesn't try too hard at suspense, but there also lies the lack of conviction. The main character is slightly flawed, but likeable. He comes across a little weak and somewhat sad. All around, the characters needed more development. The story moves a bit too slow, revelations pop up too infrequently. I had more expectations for the ending and execution. The writing kept me engaged enough to finish to the end. However, it was just a little too implausible. But like I said from the start, not bad.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason that I did not give this book five stars is because I did not feel that every one else in this story raised to Nick's level. It was frustrating at times as I thought that Nick came off as the only sane and smart one including the police. It was like every one else was just along for the ride. Nick was way smarter and had to tell the cops what was going on.
The chapters may be short to make for a quick read but it was Mr. Bell's writing that gets the credit for making this book a quick read. The mystery surrounding Nick's girl friend had my interest until the every end. Speaking of ending. It was a fitting one.
The chapters may be short to make for a quick read but it was Mr. Bell's writing that gets the credit for making this book a quick read. The mystery surrounding Nick's girl friend had my interest until the every end. Speaking of ending. It was a fitting one.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice Cover!
Having read David Bell’s Cemetery Girl, The Hiding Place, and The Forgotten Girl, was thrilled to read an early reading copy of SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, a suspense mystery thriller keeping you page-turning into the wee hours of the morning!
Nick Hansen is a social case worker (housing authority) helping those less fortunate find affordable housing. Nick is divorced, and was a stepdad to Andrew, his former wife Gina’s son. He is a lonely soul, grasping time with the boy, and lives alone with his dog (a hero). He has never gotten over the love of his life, Marissa (his first love), from his college days-- over twenty years earlier. She died in a campus fire and he still thinks of her yet today..
One evening, with a quick run to the nearby market, he is astounded when he runs into a young woman, who looks exactly like a younger version of Marissa. He is so shocked, as is the girl---dropping her milk and fleeing. Nick runs to try and catch up with her; however, she gets away. He cannot believe the resemblance to his former girlfriend. He cannot get the girl out of his head.
The next day he discovers the girl he saw in the market the previous night has been murdered in a nearby motel, and to make matters worse, in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! Of course, he has no clue; however, the cops are on his door stop wanting answers.
What comes next is a complex web of deceit, lies, and betrayal; a string of crimes centered around Marissa’s death, her sister, her family, and others all with hidden agendas; endless connections--- caught in the crossfire. Nick is obsessed and will stop at nothing to find answers.
Is Marissa alive? Why did her family fall off the face of the earth? Could this be Marissa’s daughter? Was she faithful to him or was there another guy involved? Can his friend Laura help him find answers?
Nick is a likable romantic soul; however, quite obsessed with Marissa (a lot); carrying his grief and unresolved issues, into his future failed relationships. He never had closure; not being able to grasp why she had broken up with him, when they were so in love--then her sudden death shortly thereafter, as well as her family's abrupt move and disappearance. However, some of the women in his life, not quite as nice.
I was traveling while reading, unfortunately, with a lot of stopping and starting; dying to learn the identity of the killer-- pulling into Starbucks for a cozy seat and a Café Americano for the satisfying grand finale!
David weaves a complex and intriguing plot with skill and finesse, keeping the intense high with twists and turns around every corner. A riveting tale, you could read in one sitting, as difficult to put down. An engaging and absorbing suspense mystery, not to miss ---Bell’s best work, thus far.
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and check out Since She Went Away Coming June 21, 2016!
Having read David Bell’s Cemetery Girl, The Hiding Place, and The Forgotten Girl, was thrilled to read an early reading copy of SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, a suspense mystery thriller keeping you page-turning into the wee hours of the morning!
Nick Hansen is a social case worker (housing authority) helping those less fortunate find affordable housing. Nick is divorced, and was a stepdad to Andrew, his former wife Gina’s son. He is a lonely soul, grasping time with the boy, and lives alone with his dog (a hero). He has never gotten over the love of his life, Marissa (his first love), from his college days-- over twenty years earlier. She died in a campus fire and he still thinks of her yet today..
One evening, with a quick run to the nearby market, he is astounded when he runs into a young woman, who looks exactly like a younger version of Marissa. He is so shocked, as is the girl---dropping her milk and fleeing. Nick runs to try and catch up with her; however, she gets away. He cannot believe the resemblance to his former girlfriend. He cannot get the girl out of his head.
The next day he discovers the girl he saw in the market the previous night has been murdered in a nearby motel, and to make matters worse, in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! Of course, he has no clue; however, the cops are on his door stop wanting answers.
What comes next is a complex web of deceit, lies, and betrayal; a string of crimes centered around Marissa’s death, her sister, her family, and others all with hidden agendas; endless connections--- caught in the crossfire. Nick is obsessed and will stop at nothing to find answers.
Is Marissa alive? Why did her family fall off the face of the earth? Could this be Marissa’s daughter? Was she faithful to him or was there another guy involved? Can his friend Laura help him find answers?
Nick is a likable romantic soul; however, quite obsessed with Marissa (a lot); carrying his grief and unresolved issues, into his future failed relationships. He never had closure; not being able to grasp why she had broken up with him, when they were so in love--then her sudden death shortly thereafter, as well as her family's abrupt move and disappearance. However, some of the women in his life, not quite as nice.
I was traveling while reading, unfortunately, with a lot of stopping and starting; dying to learn the identity of the killer-- pulling into Starbucks for a cozy seat and a Café Americano for the satisfying grand finale!
David weaves a complex and intriguing plot with skill and finesse, keeping the intense high with twists and turns around every corner. A riveting tale, you could read in one sitting, as difficult to put down. An engaging and absorbing suspense mystery, not to miss ---Bell’s best work, thus far.
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and check out Since She Went Away Coming June 21, 2016!
janelleleigh12's review against another edition
4.0
David Bell’s writing is easy to read, and he does a wonderful job of tying up all the loose ends of the story. However, I did not rate this novel 5 stars because the narrative developed a tad slowly for me; It wasn’t gripping enough to keep me from setting the book down or returning to it quickly.
specialk_3's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
From the beginning, I trusted the main character Nick, even when others didn't and I saw something in him that just made me believe that he was honest and trustworthy. In the first chapter, Nick sees a young woman in the grocery store that looks like the spitting image of a girlfriend from his past that died and from this moment the reader knows they are going on an adventure.
This book didn't stop. I couldn't pause to breath and there wasn't a dull moment. Nick goes into his past to relive the details of the house fire and find out the truth that he didn't look for as he was entrenched in emotions. I loved that his quest wasn't easy, but it wasn't too off the wall either! He had hurdles but they weren't out of nowhere.
From the beginning, I trusted the main character Nick, even when others didn't and I saw something in him that just made me believe that he was honest and trustworthy. In the first chapter, Nick sees a young woman in the grocery store that looks like the spitting image of a girlfriend from his past that died and from this moment the reader knows they are going on an adventure.
This book didn't stop. I couldn't pause to breath and there wasn't a dull moment. Nick goes into his past to relive the details of the house fire and find out the truth that he didn't look for as he was entrenched in emotions. I loved that his quest wasn't easy, but it wasn't too off the wall either! He had hurdles but they weren't out of nowhere.
kawarwick's review against another edition
4.0
A really good suspenseful story. Lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
routergirl's review against another edition
1.0
I really wanted to like this, but it just wasn't for me. The dialogue clunky, the characters cardboard, the plot predictable. The writing was almost juvenile - like VC Andrews level, which left me... Meh.
jai1999's review against another edition
5.0
A book with so many different mysteries and twists within it. This could be the next "it" book.