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becross96's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
billd's review against another edition
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
4.0
Peter James is best known to me for his DS Roy Grace mystery series set in Brighton, England. I've read a couple of books in that series so far and my wife and I have been enjoying watching the TV series based on the books. But James has written many other books, some short series and a large group of standalones. Twilight, originally published in 1991, is one of his standalones.
The story follows American reporter, trying to settle into a new job in Brighton, as she investigates a story about the exhumation of the grave of a young woman. It turns out that various people, neighbors to the cemetery (who wants to live next door to a cemetery??) and some employees of the church have heard noises from the newly dug grave.
After a few days, the local coroner, at the behest of the grieving husband, agrees to exhume the coffin. Reporter Kate Hemingway is sent by her paper to report. She manages to get into the site where the body is being exhumed (sorry for the repetition of exhumed) and when the coffin is open, everyone is shocked to see scratch marks on the lid of the coffin, broken fingernails on the young woman and most shockingly, that she has born a baby (neither have survived of course.)
The story moves from Kate Hemingway into the past and also follows one Harvey Swire, who will play a 'big' role in this present story. Living with his doctor father, as his mother has passed away, Harvey is unloved and on his own. Harvey has an accident and while in unconscious at the hospital, his spirit leaves his body seemingly and he sees himself from above, his body undergoing surgery.
This sets a course for Harvey as he tries to investigate what happens to the body's 'soul' after death. He becomes an anastheologist and will play a large role in what happens in the present. Kate continues her investigation, somehow managing to sneak into places that I would imagine no reporter should be able to sneak into. But she is intrepid. Pulled off the exhumation case after trouble by the hospital administration, she still manages to keep investigating, while getting help reporting on other articles by a potential beau.
The investigation will take a nasty turn for Kate and I'll let you read it to discover what happens and how it all resolves. Suffice it to say it's quite intense and thrilling.
James has crafted an excellent thriller here. You can see elements of the Roy Grace series; the locale of course, the paranormal aspects. Kate is assigned to investigate a medium, Dora Runcorn, who plays a deeper role later in the book, but she manages to catch Kate's attention by seeming to contact her dead brother, who may or may not (see what I'm doing here?) play a role as well in this story. As I said earlier, it's an intense thriller that builds nicely. It can be a bit graphic at times, but not drastically. The paranormal aspect adds an interesting sideline as well. Most enjoyable. (4.0 stars)
The story follows American reporter, trying to settle into a new job in Brighton, as she investigates a story about the exhumation of the grave of a young woman. It turns out that various people, neighbors to the cemetery (who wants to live next door to a cemetery??) and some employees of the church have heard noises from the newly dug grave.
After a few days, the local coroner, at the behest of the grieving husband, agrees to exhume the coffin. Reporter Kate Hemingway is sent by her paper to report. She manages to get into the site where the body is being exhumed (sorry for the repetition of exhumed) and when the coffin is open, everyone is shocked to see scratch marks on the lid of the coffin, broken fingernails on the young woman and most shockingly, that she has born a baby (neither have survived of course.)
The story moves from Kate Hemingway into the past and also follows one Harvey Swire, who will play a 'big' role in this present story. Living with his doctor father, as his mother has passed away, Harvey is unloved and on his own. Harvey has an accident and while in unconscious at the hospital, his spirit leaves his body seemingly and he sees himself from above, his body undergoing surgery.
This sets a course for Harvey as he tries to investigate what happens to the body's 'soul' after death. He becomes an anastheologist and will play a large role in what happens in the present. Kate continues her investigation, somehow managing to sneak into places that I would imagine no reporter should be able to sneak into. But she is intrepid. Pulled off the exhumation case after trouble by the hospital administration, she still manages to keep investigating, while getting help reporting on other articles by a potential beau.
The investigation will take a nasty turn for Kate and I'll let you read it to discover what happens and how it all resolves. Suffice it to say it's quite intense and thrilling.
James has crafted an excellent thriller here. You can see elements of the Roy Grace series; the locale of course, the paranormal aspects. Kate is assigned to investigate a medium, Dora Runcorn, who plays a deeper role later in the book, but she manages to catch Kate's attention by seeming to contact her dead brother, who may or may not (see what I'm doing here?) play a role as well in this story. As I said earlier, it's an intense thriller that builds nicely. It can be a bit graphic at times, but not drastically. The paranormal aspect adds an interesting sideline as well. Most enjoyable. (4.0 stars)
itscakey's review against another edition
4.0
This book was BRILLIANT. The gruesome parts at the beginning (such as the exhumation) made me a bit uneasy but all in all it was brilliantly written and well paced. Something that annoyed me is that I guessed the connection between Harvey and Kate about halfway through, so the big reveal at the end wasn't that exciting. This book reminded me how much I love Peter James.
partiallybooked's review against another edition
5.0
It’s not the one you’re thinking of!
Reporter Kate Hemingway refuses to believe Sally died when declared. Especially when the body was disinterred from the grave, only to find there was something off – and that wasn’t just the body. Hemingway takes on the story to uncover the truths behind Sally’s death, discovering a brilliant anaestheist who is also on a mission of his own..
Twilight was a terrific book! This book was gifted by another Bookstagram user and I want to thank them so much. I took this photo in my local graveyard, which is full of history. To this day, when I'm walking around with my dogs - I get a little chill thinking about the book. I loved capturing this photo and am quite proud at my artistic attempt. I first came across Peter James during a Live Instagram feed with Jackie Kabler, discussing his latest book Find Them Dead. I was fascinated by his writing process and how he shadows officers or professionals to get an inside on the procedures. It reminded me of my days at my local paper where I too had the same opportunity. For me, it was a learning curve on how I want to structure my novel - when I get round to writing it.
The book was interesting, provoking real controversial questions. One that came to mind: Is there life after death? Hemmingway comes across a research doctor named Harry. He has managed to learn how to capture the brain into a sub-conscious state that is replicating hypothermia which is then triggered back to it’s normal state but only occurs in epileptic patients. James has approached this scientific curiosity in a clever, subtle and non-standardized way. Swire is a mirror of the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde characterisms.
Through the journey of his discovery, we find he battles with Swire’s own sub-conscious of believing what is real and what is not. He also questions his own experiences, when he meets his mother, compared to what people saw him like. James really knacked the art of Swine’s point of view, making the readers question if Swire’s really “neurotic”. I think this also draws a flexible barrier or “Good vs Evil” through the themes of science and religion. Although Swire was making a good discovery, it cost the life of a patient reflecting bad practice(by a doctor of all people) shadowing the public’s perception of local authorities in that time of suffering. I think Swire’s bad memories are what caused him to take the path of destruction as he was really in search to see his mother again. Does this really make him a bad person?
On the contrary, Kate Hemmingway is a reporter for the Sussex News. Her family seem pretty “standard” compared to Swire’s. She has a inkling to compete against her sister, seems natural but explains her impeccable reporter instincts. Through the dark shadows of Dr Swire, Hemmingway rises above as a beacon of light. She is humorous, engaging, realistic and passionate. This drives away the dark tension of Swire’s mission so the readers are blinded by his true intensions. It was a smart move played by James’s to keep the readers on side. I like how Hemmingway snuck in to the graveyard to get an inside scoop because the recovery of Sally was believable, genuine and spooky! There were some real gruesome descriptions throughout the book that made me want to know more.
This book was impressive. There was medical lexicon thrown around but not in an intimidating way. For every medical thing raised, James explained after. Perhaps because Hemmingway isn’t a medical profession either but this aided the readers’ perspective. I personally learned from this book and have relayed it into other conversations who appeared to be impressed by the “useless” information I retrieved. The points of view were well planned in line with the plot structure. This again supported the battle of Swire’s reasoning to consciousness but the race against time that Hemmingway needed for her story. The overall questioning of the book got the readers’ mind questioning the same things James had manipulated within the whole novel. For my first time reading this, I was very impressed and wouldn’t like to read more of his stand-alone books.
Reporter Kate Hemingway refuses to believe Sally died when declared. Especially when the body was disinterred from the grave, only to find there was something off – and that wasn’t just the body. Hemingway takes on the story to uncover the truths behind Sally’s death, discovering a brilliant anaestheist who is also on a mission of his own..
Twilight was a terrific book! This book was gifted by another Bookstagram user and I want to thank them so much. I took this photo in my local graveyard, which is full of history. To this day, when I'm walking around with my dogs - I get a little chill thinking about the book. I loved capturing this photo and am quite proud at my artistic attempt. I first came across Peter James during a Live Instagram feed with Jackie Kabler, discussing his latest book Find Them Dead. I was fascinated by his writing process and how he shadows officers or professionals to get an inside on the procedures. It reminded me of my days at my local paper where I too had the same opportunity. For me, it was a learning curve on how I want to structure my novel - when I get round to writing it.
The book was interesting, provoking real controversial questions. One that came to mind: Is there life after death? Hemmingway comes across a research doctor named Harry. He has managed to learn how to capture the brain into a sub-conscious state that is replicating hypothermia which is then triggered back to it’s normal state but only occurs in epileptic patients. James has approached this scientific curiosity in a clever, subtle and non-standardized way. Swire is a mirror of the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde characterisms.
Through the journey of his discovery, we find he battles with Swire’s own sub-conscious of believing what is real and what is not. He also questions his own experiences, when he meets his mother, compared to what people saw him like. James really knacked the art of Swine’s point of view, making the readers question if Swire’s really “neurotic”. I think this also draws a flexible barrier or “Good vs Evil” through the themes of science and religion. Although Swire was making a good discovery, it cost the life of a patient reflecting bad practice(by a doctor of all people) shadowing the public’s perception of local authorities in that time of suffering. I think Swire’s bad memories are what caused him to take the path of destruction as he was really in search to see his mother again. Does this really make him a bad person?
On the contrary, Kate Hemmingway is a reporter for the Sussex News. Her family seem pretty “standard” compared to Swire’s. She has a inkling to compete against her sister, seems natural but explains her impeccable reporter instincts. Through the dark shadows of Dr Swire, Hemmingway rises above as a beacon of light. She is humorous, engaging, realistic and passionate. This drives away the dark tension of Swire’s mission so the readers are blinded by his true intensions. It was a smart move played by James’s to keep the readers on side. I like how Hemmingway snuck in to the graveyard to get an inside scoop because the recovery of Sally was believable, genuine and spooky! There were some real gruesome descriptions throughout the book that made me want to know more.
This book was impressive. There was medical lexicon thrown around but not in an intimidating way. For every medical thing raised, James explained after. Perhaps because Hemmingway isn’t a medical profession either but this aided the readers’ perspective. I personally learned from this book and have relayed it into other conversations who appeared to be impressed by the “useless” information I retrieved. The points of view were well planned in line with the plot structure. This again supported the battle of Swire’s reasoning to consciousness but the race against time that Hemmingway needed for her story. The overall questioning of the book got the readers’ mind questioning the same things James had manipulated within the whole novel. For my first time reading this, I was very impressed and wouldn’t like to read more of his stand-alone books.
anapthine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
The misogynistic tone of the book made it impossible to enjoy. Women were overly sexualised and considered weak compared to men. The plot was okay.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, Cursing, Gore, Mental illness, Murder, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Emotional abuse, Grief, Death, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexism, Rape, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy, Kidnapping, Torture, and Gaslighting
Minor: Vomit
anomalousheart's review against another edition
5.0
Twilight by Peter James was a gloriously terrifying read! I've been in a bit of a reading slump, so I figured that delving back into my beloved crime-thrillers would spark my interest again. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance - the story kept me gripped throughout, and by the end, I wasn't able to put it down! I'll definitely be looking into reading more books by Peter James. All in all, five stars for this one!
stgiuseppe's review against another edition
4.0
Finished this in one sitting. I'm surprised at how it pulled me in because 'Twilight' hits some of my deepest fears (buried alive) and most disliked tropes (drugged-out-unable-to-fight-back).
Kate as a leading character was solid and relatable. I enjoyed the focus on detail and the slow reveal of important plot points. There are some things I'm a bit grey on, like the grieving husband and his mother being so trusting of her, and the ease with which she trespassed to get crucial information. Also is it really that easy to call in a report to the desk on someone else's behalf?
What I really didn't like was everything post her accident, the whole hospital sequence. I've seen it done before (even if he's one of the first to do it). There's something about the setting that just makes me uncomfortable. But even then there were bits I enjoyed, like the symbol drawn at the top of her lamp, and the way she pieced together the medium's message.
Also didn't mind the supernatural elements too much. All in all a great read.
Kate as a leading character was solid and relatable. I enjoyed the focus on detail and the slow reveal of important plot points. There are some things I'm a bit grey on, like the grieving husband and his mother being so trusting of her, and the ease with which she trespassed to get crucial information. Also is it really that easy to call in a report to the desk on someone else's behalf?
What I really didn't like was everything post her accident, the whole hospital sequence. I've seen it done before (even if he's one of the first to do it). There's something about the setting that just makes me uncomfortable. But even then there were bits I enjoyed, like the symbol drawn at the top of her lamp, and the way she pieced together the medium's message.
Also didn't mind the supernatural elements too much. All in all a great read.
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