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marielle68's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
In Sharon Bolton's Dead Woman Walking, the lone survivor of a horrific balloon crash evades both a killer determined to silence her and the local police investigating the crash. Which begs the question: what possible reason would she have for running from the police? An intriguing question with an equally intriguing answer that does not come into focus until this pulse-pounding mystery's exciting conclusion.
Two sisters are enjoying their balloon ride until one of them spots a horrifying sight: a woman is being chased by a man through the Northumberland National Park. Much to her shock, the man, Patrick Faa, then proceeds to bash his victim over the head with a rock. She manages to take a picture of him but unfortunately, he spots her and immediately begins firing on the balloon. In a terrifying sequence of events, the balloon eventually crashes, killing her sister and the rest of the passengers. Terrified, she flees from the crash site before the police arrive but Patrick is often one step ahead of her as she attempts to elude him and Ajax Maldonado, the Superintendent who is investigating the crash.
The police initially believe the balloon crash is nothing but a tragic accident but several puzzling details soon add up to something far more sinister. With all of the passengers accounted for except one, they immediately begin searching for her. After widespread media coverage begins, reported sightings of the missing woman change the focus of the investigation once the police realize she is deliberately avoiding them. They are even more perplexed about her actions once they dig deeper into her background. Once Superintendent Maldonado comes up with a plausible theory for why she is on the run, they are more anxious than ever to talk to her.
Interspersed with the events of the present are a series of flashbacks that are initially a little confusing. However, it does not take long for the pieces of this intricately plotted storyline to begin to fall into place. Long held family secrets are interwoven with more recent events and a very shocking picture begins to emerge that is quite horrifying.
With non-stop action from beginning to end, Dead Woman Walking is an electrifying read with a clever plot and a brilliant cast of characters. Sharon Bolton skillfully brings this adrenaline-laced, suspense-laden novel to a twist-filled, stunning conclusion. I highly recommend this spectacular mystery to fans of the genre.
In Sharon Bolton's Dead Woman Walking, the lone survivor of a horrific balloon crash evades both a killer determined to silence her and the local police investigating the crash. Which begs the question: what possible reason would she have for running from the police? An intriguing question with an equally intriguing answer that does not come into focus until this pulse-pounding mystery's exciting conclusion.
Two sisters are enjoying their balloon ride until one of them spots a horrifying sight: a woman is being chased by a man through the Northumberland National Park. Much to her shock, the man, Patrick Faa, then proceeds to bash his victim over the head with a rock. She manages to take a picture of him but unfortunately, he spots her and immediately begins firing on the balloon. In a terrifying sequence of events, the balloon eventually crashes, killing her sister and the rest of the passengers. Terrified, she flees from the crash site before the police arrive but Patrick is often one step ahead of her as she attempts to elude him and Ajax Maldonado, the Superintendent who is investigating the crash.
The police initially believe the balloon crash is nothing but a tragic accident but several puzzling details soon add up to something far more sinister. With all of the passengers accounted for except one, they immediately begin searching for her. After widespread media coverage begins, reported sightings of the missing woman change the focus of the investigation once the police realize she is deliberately avoiding them. They are even more perplexed about her actions once they dig deeper into her background. Once Superintendent Maldonado comes up with a plausible theory for why she is on the run, they are more anxious than ever to talk to her.
Interspersed with the events of the present are a series of flashbacks that are initially a little confusing. However, it does not take long for the pieces of this intricately plotted storyline to begin to fall into place. Long held family secrets are interwoven with more recent events and a very shocking picture begins to emerge that is quite horrifying.
With non-stop action from beginning to end, Dead Woman Walking is an electrifying read with a clever plot and a brilliant cast of characters. Sharon Bolton skillfully brings this adrenaline-laced, suspense-laden novel to a twist-filled, stunning conclusion. I highly recommend this spectacular mystery to fans of the genre.
kerrynicole72's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
k8iedid's review
The middle with all the chasing was a little slow and with 4 hours left I skipped to the last hour. Obviously lots of twists happened in that chunk, but I didn't mind missing it.
andimontgomery's review against another edition
4.0
I DEVOURED this book. Dead Woman Walking was both suspenseful and full of surprises, starting with a hot air balloon crash after the participants’ unwittingly see a crime in progress, followed by the perpetrator’s chase of the lone survivor.
The chapters switch back and forth between the past and the present, focusing primarily on two members of the fateful balloon trip, Jessica and her sister the nun, Bella (or, Mary Magdalena). We also get alternating chapters from the perpetrator and the police superintendent trying to piece things together. Things are revealed slowly but artfully, making it impossible for me to put Dead Woman Walking down.
I’ll definitely read more from this author!
The chapters switch back and forth between the past and the present, focusing primarily on two members of the fateful balloon trip, Jessica and her sister the nun, Bella (or, Mary Magdalena). We also get alternating chapters from the perpetrator and the police superintendent trying to piece things together. Things are revealed slowly but artfully, making it impossible for me to put Dead Woman Walking down.
I’ll definitely read more from this author!
puella_ignotum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lisaeirene's review
5.0
WOW! What a crazy book!
The book starts with an exciting bang. About 12 people are in a hot air balloon in England. Two of the passengers are sisters and this was a gift for one of the sister’s 40th birthday. While they are up above the earth, taking in the sights, they see a horrific crime take place below them. The next few chapters are a crazy roller-coaster ride describing in great (and heart-pumping) detail the hot air balloon crash and aftermath.
There are SO many twists and turns and surprises in this book I don’t even know where to start and I don’t want to give spoilers. I will say every little bit of the story was absolutely unique and jaw-dropping. Such a great read!
The book starts with an exciting bang. About 12 people are in a hot air balloon in England. Two of the passengers are sisters and this was a gift for one of the sister’s 40th birthday. While they are up above the earth, taking in the sights, they see a horrific crime take place below them. The next few chapters are a crazy roller-coaster ride describing in great (and heart-pumping) detail the hot air balloon crash and aftermath.
There are SO many twists and turns and surprises in this book I don’t even know where to start and I don’t want to give spoilers. I will say every little bit of the story was absolutely unique and jaw-dropping. Such a great read!
dannih30's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0