Scan barcode
traci1974's review against another edition
3.0
After stumbling upon and enjoying the newest book in this series, I decided to start from the beginning. Libby came through for me, and I was able to borrow the audiobook with no wait. Plot wise, this story was solid enough. And you get some good background on the characters. However, I had some issues.
First, the audio. Like many older audiobooks, the narration is... not great. It feels perfunctory. The voice is just not pleasant. I tried not to let it influence my opinion on the book itself, but it wasn't easy.
Then there's the fact that the book was written in 1985. There are quite a few moments where that is very jarring. Some of the language would never be used today. It's forgivable, I think, because nothing was written with any malice, but it just made me cringe from time to time when certain words came up. It's hard to say whether the omission of those words and a new narrator would have garnered another star, but it's possible.
First, the audio. Like many older audiobooks, the narration is... not great. It feels perfunctory. The voice is just not pleasant. I tried not to let it influence my opinion on the book itself, but it wasn't easy.
Then there's the fact that the book was written in 1985. There are quite a few moments where that is very jarring. Some of the language would never be used today. It's forgivable, I think, because nothing was written with any malice, but it just made me cringe from time to time when certain words came up. It's hard to say whether the omission of those words and a new narrator would have garnered another star, but it's possible.
agemme10's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence
scott_a_miller's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
emperorcupcake's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
So strange to revisit one of the first books that got me into mystery thrillers, back in the day. I remembered this book as being riveting and full of twists, which I still found it to be. This was written in 1985 by a man and you can sure tell. There's a lot of outdated language; the r-slur, racial insensitivity, the descriptions of women. (Every women is either a sex goddess or physically repulsive in some way.) But if you can put all that aside, this really is a great thriller, just the kind I like where you follow someone step by step putting the pieces together. A trip to a creepy abandoned estate on a weird secretive island! yes!! Also the sympathetic portrayal of a gay police detective was probably pretty progressive for its time.
stevem0214's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! I haven't read this one in many years! It was really cool to see how the characters started when you know how they have developed over the years. This one is a really crazy case that ends up being discussed in several other of the series. Good to read it again!
aemesserlie's review against another edition
4.0
The first book in a long going series, When the Bough Breaks introduces Jonathan Kellerman's child psychologist protagonist Alex Delaware. After a traumatic and high profile case involving abused children leaves child psychologist Alex Delaware emotionally battered, he opts for early an retirement funded by wise investment choices and free from any heavy mental lifting. However, Alex is soon drawn into a double murder being investigated by his best friend, police office Milo Sturgis, and is drawn out of retirement in a spectacularly dramatic and dangerous fashion.
I have been a long time fan of this series, and the first book is wonderful. Kellerman has created some wonderful characters that never cease to stop developing and he really knows how to create a tense storyline. I also love the dated feeling of the stories; this book was written in 1985 and this gives the book and the characters a little added interest to readers today while still covering relevant subject matter.
I have been a long time fan of this series, and the first book is wonderful. Kellerman has created some wonderful characters that never cease to stop developing and he really knows how to create a tense storyline. I also love the dated feeling of the stories; this book was written in 1985 and this gives the book and the characters a little added interest to readers today while still covering relevant subject matter.
karenreads1000s's review against another edition
4.0
I'll keep reading this series. Another psychologist detective. Some of the conversations are crass and the scenes are graphic, but overall a good read. Well written with vivid imagery.
maireoverthere's review against another edition
2.0
This is definitely a snapshot of the time period it was written in. LOTS of trigger warnings that I'd rather not post. :/ I picked this up because his blurbs always sound interesting, but I don't think I'll continue this series.