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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Great book! Excellent writing. I stayed up until 11:30pm three nights in a row to finish it.
Original review: http://onabookbender.com/2012/10/15/review-heartsick-chelsea-cain
3.5
In a weird way, Archie reminds me of the J.P Beaumont of J.A. Jance’s series. Of course, J.P. marries a murderer rather than being kidnapped (and then released) by one, but the twisted feelings are there. Despite Archie being a central character, he is closed off to us readers, only letting us see certain things about himself–much like how he controls the information that Susan, a reporter writing a feature on him, receives.
Heartsick is set up so that we get snippets of Archie’s time with Gretchen before she released him tucked in between the current serial killer case. I found that even though we were getting the information, there was still a lot left unsaid or untouched. Either we were supposed to fill in blanks, or there will be more information in the next few books (I’m hoping for the latter, actually). Other than knowing Gretchen is one messed up person, we don’t truly know much about her. And she is fascinating enough to want to know why she is the way she is.
The current serial killer case doesn’t necessarily strike me as a “thriller”; the thriller is more in Archie and Gretchen’s relationship and how it affects the case. I was also intrigued in Susan–the reporter–and her story. Her role in Heartsick is…never quite what it seems on the surface. I believe she continues to play a part in future stories, so I think it will be interesting to see how that develops.
And I don’t quite think a review would be complete without mentioning the setting. In some ways, Portland plays its own role in this story, as vibrant (or dreary, as the case may be) as if we were there ourselves. Chelsea Cain brings Portland alive much the same way that Karin Slaughter does with Atlanta. You feel you’re there, and that is not something that many authors can achieve with real live cities.
Overall, Heartsick is an intriguing mystery that actually depends more on its characters than the mystery itself. I look forward to seeing what becomes of all our players–the game is far from over.
3.5
In a weird way, Archie reminds me of the J.P Beaumont of J.A. Jance’s series. Of course, J.P. marries a murderer rather than being kidnapped (and then released) by one, but the twisted feelings are there. Despite Archie being a central character, he is closed off to us readers, only letting us see certain things about himself–much like how he controls the information that Susan, a reporter writing a feature on him, receives.
Heartsick is set up so that we get snippets of Archie’s time with Gretchen before she released him tucked in between the current serial killer case. I found that even though we were getting the information, there was still a lot left unsaid or untouched. Either we were supposed to fill in blanks, or there will be more information in the next few books (I’m hoping for the latter, actually). Other than knowing Gretchen is one messed up person, we don’t truly know much about her. And she is fascinating enough to want to know why she is the way she is.
The current serial killer case doesn’t necessarily strike me as a “thriller”; the thriller is more in Archie and Gretchen’s relationship and how it affects the case. I was also intrigued in Susan–the reporter–and her story. Her role in Heartsick is…never quite what it seems on the surface. I believe she continues to play a part in future stories, so I think it will be interesting to see how that develops.
And I don’t quite think a review would be complete without mentioning the setting. In some ways, Portland plays its own role in this story, as vibrant (or dreary, as the case may be) as if we were there ourselves. Chelsea Cain brings Portland alive much the same way that Karin Slaughter does with Atlanta. You feel you’re there, and that is not something that many authors can achieve with real live cities.
Overall, Heartsick is an intriguing mystery that actually depends more on its characters than the mystery itself. I look forward to seeing what becomes of all our players–the game is far from over.
What a sick and twisted train wreck Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell are. And like most train wrecks I could not look away. I have now read the last book and the first book in the series and I still do not get the sick relationship these two have. I am looking forward to Book 2 in the hopes that I can get something that will explain why these two are obsessed with each other, especially Archie. So Gretchen is beautiful... beauty does not overshadow her psychotic nature. Hopefully we get some more insight because I would hate to believe it's just her beauty that is captivating him. Then again he's a man. No offense to normal sane men.
Aside from that the murder mystery was good, if not convenient. We find out why it turned out so convenient in the end.
Aside from that the murder mystery was good, if not convenient. We find out why it turned out so convenient in the end.
A great beginning to a series that I will be continuing. I loved the characters of Archie & Gretchen. Susan wasn't as likable a character as the others, but still entertaining. I'm hoping we get more of the back story & maybe some of Gretchen's past from before, in the next books.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping
dark
fast-paced
What a great read! I've read quite a few detective/thriller/serial killer books in my day and this one is definitely one to remember. Its flawed main character is one the reader immediately cares about and - as so many reviews have already stated - it has one of the most unique and horrendous serial killer characters since Hannibal Lecter. All the story lines are tied up neatly - some might think a bit TOO neatly but I like it when there aren't any loose ends but the promise of future stories and this one doesn't disappoint. I will definitely put any future books by Chelsea Cain on my TBR list and they will be READ with great enjoyment I'm sure.
Grim and beautiful. Addictive. Disturbing. I loved it.
For the most part it is a rather predictable and derivative. The "twists" are pretty obvious and her foreshadowing lacks subtlety. You can basically figure out what is gonna happen by adhering to the principle of Chekhov's Gun.
It's basically Silence Of The Lambs with a female Dr. Lecter, of which Cain is self - aware enough to allude to while simultaneously attempting to nullify the obvious comparison. It reads a lot like James Patterson's popular Alex Cross books, which is not a compliment. The characters are mostly one dimensional, cliche, or simply uninteresting, including the dual cop/journalist protagonists. They all think they are clever, but are ridiculously transparent, predictable, and prone to comically poor decisions.
Despite the criticisms it is still a fun and easy read. Good light reading for when you don't want to think too much and just go along for the ride. Not nearly on the same level as other writers like Monica Drake or Amy Hempel that I've discovered because of recommendations by Chuck Palahniuk
It's basically Silence Of The Lambs with a female Dr. Lecter, of which Cain is self - aware enough to allude to while simultaneously attempting to nullify the obvious comparison. It reads a lot like James Patterson's popular Alex Cross books, which is not a compliment. The characters are mostly one dimensional, cliche, or simply uninteresting, including the dual cop/journalist protagonists. They all think they are clever, but are ridiculously transparent, predictable, and prone to comically poor decisions.
Despite the criticisms it is still a fun and easy read. Good light reading for when you don't want to think too much and just go along for the ride. Not nearly on the same level as other writers like Monica Drake or Amy Hempel that I've discovered because of recommendations by Chuck Palahniuk