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ladybird444's review against another edition
1.0
Really disappointed given other books by this author. Weak.
hayleypayley85's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lifethroughamicroscope's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Wouldn’t class as a thriller, the book didn’t keep me wanting more I read because I wanted a conclusion, the conclusion was mild. I dunno I think for a person who doesn’t like too much dark stuff then they would enjoy following from books I read I can’t say I enjoyed or recommend
sarahthereadingaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I knew I liked TM Logan's writing style but this book was a step beyond what I'd already read. All of his books (3 I've read so far) are brilliant but this was even better than I thought.
It was so gripping, exciting and interesting. I listened to this on audiobook and I think it was just as good as if I'd read the physical book, potentially even better because of the atmosphere the narrator creates.
I absolutely love that there are 3 or 4 instances where you think you know what's happened and what choice Sarah makes but I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong each time.
It was so gripping, exciting and interesting. I listened to this on audiobook and I think it was just as good as if I'd read the physical book, potentially even better because of the atmosphere the narrator creates.
I absolutely love that there are 3 or 4 instances where you think you know what's happened and what choice Sarah makes but I was pleasantly surprised that I was wrong each time.
sambam1706's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thephdivabooks's review against another edition
5.0
A twisting, tantalizing ride that had me glued to this book to the very final page. What a story!!! What an ending!!! T. M. Logan is one of my favorite writers and this was probably my favorite book yet. In 29 Seconds, a good deed leads to an offer that is hard to turn down, and those 29 seconds set a plan in motion that will change everything…
About the Book
Sarah Haywood is working hard to get a permanent position at Queen Anne University for two years. She gets top marks from her students, has a steady publication record, has helped launch a new program, and has even found leads for grant funding for their department. But all of her hard work won’t matter as long as Alan Hawthorne is in charge of the department. Given his TV fame, high grant funding, and social connections with the University bigwigs, no one goes anywhere without Alan’s approval.
When Sarah is picking her kids up from daycare one day and witnesses something horrible, she acts on instinct and saves the life of a young girl. A few days later, Sarah is contacted by someone who knows what she did. He wants to reward a rare act of selflessness in a very unique way. He gives Sarah and phone and he tells her that she has 72 hours to call the number in the phone and give them a name. Any name. And that person will disappear.
No second chances. Once the decision is made, Sarah can’t change her mind. Sarah can’t imagine herself taking the deal. Until she gets pushed too far. Sarah makes a 29 second phone call, and it sets in motion a series of events that can’t be stopped…
Reflection
The premise of this book gives me chills whenever I think about it. When I first thought about the deal I felt like Sarah did. Sure, there are people I’d prefer to not have to deal with. But making that call would mean I took action that adversely impacted someone else. But as the story unfolds, we see the terrifying events that push Sarah to her limits.
Alan Hawthorne is QUITE a character. As a doctoral student myself, Logan’s portrayal of the university environment really resonated with me. When you are lower in academia—a grad student or a new professor trying to make tenure—the system rarely works for you. Academia allows power and influence to thrive. A bad track record in academia, even when undeserved, blacklists you from the industry.
Alan Hawthorne was flawlessly written. He is the perfect villain—manipulative, seductive, and diabolical enough that I fell into the trap over and over thinking he might have a limit to his behavior. I can’t wait for readers to see the way Hawthorne works—it is terrifying and brilliant!
Sarah is such a wonderful character as well. She has so much complexity to her story. I didn’t share quite a bit about Sarah in my teaser and I think I will hold off, because her life situation is so fascinating. Her family dynamics, her background in her field, and where she is at in her career—these all made Sarah’s character leap right off the page. And as the book unfolds, from her good deed to the phone call to the aftermath, Sarah is full of surprises. She is a delightful character. I’d read a whole series about Sarah if I could!
The ending…it’s quite frankly jaw-dropping!!! The entire book is twisted, fast-paced, and completely diabolical!!! A must-read thriller with a fascinating premise and an even better delivery!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
About the Book
Sarah Haywood is working hard to get a permanent position at Queen Anne University for two years. She gets top marks from her students, has a steady publication record, has helped launch a new program, and has even found leads for grant funding for their department. But all of her hard work won’t matter as long as Alan Hawthorne is in charge of the department. Given his TV fame, high grant funding, and social connections with the University bigwigs, no one goes anywhere without Alan’s approval.
When Sarah is picking her kids up from daycare one day and witnesses something horrible, she acts on instinct and saves the life of a young girl. A few days later, Sarah is contacted by someone who knows what she did. He wants to reward a rare act of selflessness in a very unique way. He gives Sarah and phone and he tells her that she has 72 hours to call the number in the phone and give them a name. Any name. And that person will disappear.
No second chances. Once the decision is made, Sarah can’t change her mind. Sarah can’t imagine herself taking the deal. Until she gets pushed too far. Sarah makes a 29 second phone call, and it sets in motion a series of events that can’t be stopped…
Reflection
The premise of this book gives me chills whenever I think about it. When I first thought about the deal I felt like Sarah did. Sure, there are people I’d prefer to not have to deal with. But making that call would mean I took action that adversely impacted someone else. But as the story unfolds, we see the terrifying events that push Sarah to her limits.
Alan Hawthorne is QUITE a character. As a doctoral student myself, Logan’s portrayal of the university environment really resonated with me. When you are lower in academia—a grad student or a new professor trying to make tenure—the system rarely works for you. Academia allows power and influence to thrive. A bad track record in academia, even when undeserved, blacklists you from the industry.
Alan Hawthorne was flawlessly written. He is the perfect villain—manipulative, seductive, and diabolical enough that I fell into the trap over and over thinking he might have a limit to his behavior. I can’t wait for readers to see the way Hawthorne works—it is terrifying and brilliant!
Sarah is such a wonderful character as well. She has so much complexity to her story. I didn’t share quite a bit about Sarah in my teaser and I think I will hold off, because her life situation is so fascinating. Her family dynamics, her background in her field, and where she is at in her career—these all made Sarah’s character leap right off the page. And as the book unfolds, from her good deed to the phone call to the aftermath, Sarah is full of surprises. She is a delightful character. I’d read a whole series about Sarah if I could!
The ending…it’s quite frankly jaw-dropping!!! The entire book is twisted, fast-paced, and completely diabolical!!! A must-read thriller with a fascinating premise and an even better delivery!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
pam2375's review against another edition
5.0
29 Seconds is all it will take. Just give me a name. Could you/would you do it? How desperate do you have to be to make this decision? Those questions and so much more...
My thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is set to release in September 2019.
My thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy. This book is set to release in September 2019.
nat22's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75