Review: The Returned by Jason Mott

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Jenn

  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Harlequin MIRA (August 27, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0778315339
  • Source: Publisher

In 1966, Harold and Lucille Hargrave’s son died at his eighth birthday party. Now in their seventies, their lives have resumed without him, filled with loss and regret.  Then the dead begin to return, not as zombie-like version of their previous selves but exactly as they were when their lives were brought to an end. Harold and Lucille discussed what would happen if Jacob returned, both convinced that it was impossible for them to accept him as their son if he did return.  And then it happened: a knock at the door changing their lives forever. A government man standing alongside their son, just as he was when he died.

Despite what she stated previously, Lucille welcomed him back with open arms. Harold was more reserved, unsure how to treat this little boy who, on the surface, looked just like his little boy whose body he recovered from the river. Harold isn’t the only one unsure of how to deal with “the Returned.” An entire government agency, the International Bureau of the Returned, was charged with dealing with this unusual phenomenon, including reuniting the Returned with their loved ones and asking the fateful question: “Do you want to keep them?”  So many people were returning that the Bureau soon faced funding issues, spending it faster than they could accumulate it.

The social reaction to the Returned made the decision for them: concentration like camp facilities were created to house these individuals.  One such camp is created in the Hargrave’s small town of Arcadia, causing an influx of Returned.  The town shifts from a quite respite to a military-like front filled with armed soldiers. In addition to dealing with the rapid influx of residents it is difficult to ignore the questions left dangling: how and why did these individuals return? Has the world come to an end? Why are only some individuals returning, but not all?

The setting, our nation’s “Bible Belt” adds an interesting spin to this novel. A region that so passionately embraces and celebrates religion is forced to deal with a situation like no other. Their reaction seemed to be quite polarized: either they embraced the Returned, welcoming them back into their lives or shunned them like some sort of beast sent by the Devil. Their religion is tested at a time in which they are at their most vulnerable.  The worst aspects of human nature come to the surface as the world as  a whole is forced to come to terms with this miraculous event.

This debut novel was one of many books I mentioned during the Fall Preview event hosted by my favorite independent bookstore, One More Page Books & More.  I mentioned it not only because it is a stunning debut, but of the reaction it evokes from readers. You’ll be left questioning your own response if you were in the Hargrave’s shoes. Would you be able to accept your loved one back?

My only issue with this novel is that we never learned how or why these individuals have returned.  It is my fear that so many people will tear through the pages, hoping to receive some glorious revelation as to the cause of the return and in doing so miss out on some pretty outstanding writing.  Mott himself explains that the inspiration from this book came from a dream he had a few years ago in which his mother, who passed away in the summer of 2001, returned from the dead and was waiting for him when he returned home from work.  They had the opportunity to catch up on all things that she missed in the time she’d been gone.  Upon waking from his dream Mott was left wondering what his reaction would be if that really happened.  Understanding that the impetus for this novel came from somewhere so close to the author’s heart moved me, wanting me to contemplate these very questions myself.

So, while the cause of the return is never revealed, I think this was an intentional move on the part of the author. He doesn’t want readers to get caught up in the mechanics of what happened, instead focusing on the characters and their reactions, questioning our own responses should we ever find ourselves in this situation.  So, I implore readers not to get so wrapped up in the how and why it happened but focus on the characters and their response to this life-altering experience. Highly, highly recommended.

It’s no surprise to me that ABC has picked up the pilot of a television series based on The Returned, renamed Resurrection for its television review. Check out the trailer:

The book trailer is pretty outstanding as well:

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing me the opportunity to participate in this tour. Please be sure to check out the other stops along the way!

Also, if you are a fan of audiobooks, I do encourage you to check out these free prequels to The Returned.

Posted in Literary Fiction, Mira Books, Paranormal Fiction, Review | 5 Comments

TSS: Fall Preview: October 2013

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Jenn

Yesterday, I shared the September book releases worth checking out. Now, on to October! My favorite month of the year. October brings fall weather, Halloween and…spooky books. You’ll notice quite a few of those in this list!

The Tilted World by Tom Franklin & Beth Ann Fennelly:  Written by New York Times bestselling author of Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter and his award-winning poet wife.  Set during the historic flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927.  Two federal revenue agents are in Hobnob, MS investigating the disappearance of two agents on the trail of a bootlegger. They find an infant abandoned in the middle of a crime scene. Wanting to find the infant a home, they meet a woman who has lost her child to illness. Little do they know that woman is also the best bootlegger in the business and may be connected to the other agents’ disappearance.  A story of “murder and moonshine, sandbagging and sabateurs, and a man and a woman who find unexpected love.”

Leaving Haven by Kathleen McCleary: Georgia and Alice are best friends, always there for one another. Georgia is struggling to get pregnant and, after several miscarriages, Alice agrees to donate on of her eggs. The procedure is a success and Georgia finally gets the child she’s long desired. While Alice is happy for her friend, she reflects upon her life and notices something is missing. A devastating discover rocks both women’s lives, forcing them to confront the choices they’ve made. Absolutely heart-wrenching story.  Publishing straight to paperback so perfect for book clubs.

Let the Old Dreams Die by John Alvide Lindqvist: Short story collection that continues the stories that began in Let the Right One In and Handling the Undead.

Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson: Originally self-published, recently picked up by a major publisher. A respected civil leader is accused of being a former Nazi SS officer. Accuser is convinced he knows this because the office was abandoned as a child, raised like his brother, but betrayed their family during the Nazi occupation. A story of two boys, once as close as brothers, finding themselves on opposite sides of the Holocaust.

This House is Haunted by John Boyne: Written by the author of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. A classic 19th century ghost story. A woman responds to an ad for a governess position. Upon her arrival at the grand home she’s greeted by the two children now in her care. While there doesn’t seem to be an adult presence in the home, an eerie presence does seem to live in the walls of Gaudlin Hall.

The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P.D. Viner: Twenty years ago, college student Dani Lancing was kidnapped and brutally murder.  The killer was never found and the case ultimately went cold.  Her parents marriage was destroyed.  Her mother, Patty, was a successful journalist who through it all away after becoming obsessed with her daughter’s death. Every little clue consumes her.  Dani’s boyfriend is now a detective, solving cases much like Dani’s. He finds an opening in Dani’s case and Patty’s obsession reawakens. She’s willing to drag her family through all of the pain again,  revealing lies and secrets, if it means the truth about Dani’s death is uncovered.

We Are Water by Wally Lamb: We all know this author from his books The Hour I First Believed  and I Know This Much Is True.  In this novel, Anna is a middle-aged wife, mother, and artist. Despite being married for years, she’s revealed she has fallen in love with the art dealer responsible for her success, a woman. The two plan to marry in the family’s town of Three Rivers, CT where gay marriage has recently become legalized. The wedding opens up wounds that have festered over time. The most remarkable thing about this novel is how it is an exploration of modern America including issues of racial violence, class, and our ever-changing social values.

The Abominable by Dan Simmons: Simmons is known for his retellings of actual historical events. In 1924, the shocking disappearance of George Malloy and Sandy Irvine has caused the race to reach the top of Mount Everest has stopped. A year later, three climbers attempt the climb.  Funded by the mother of a man who disappeared on Mount Everest, she begs the men to bring him home.  As they climb, they notice that someone (or something) is following them. A chilling tale of death and survival.

 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: It’s been seven long years since Tartt published The Secret History so needless to say, The Goldfinch is a long-awaited novel. Thirteen year old Theo Decker survives an accident that kills his mother. He’s taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. As he grows up in a world that seems to overlook him, he’s drawn to the one thing that reminds him of his mother: a painting that captivates him. A breathtaking novel about loss, sorrow, and the power of art.

 

Whew!! I told you October was a crazy busy month concerning book releases! These are just a sampling of the magnanimous volume of outstanding books coming out in October!

What are your favorites? Which books, even if not mentioned on this list, are you most looking forward to?

Posted in Bookish Chatter | 8 Comments

Fall Preview: September 2013

Posted on August 24, 2013 by Jenn

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining Katie and Swapna as we discussed the books we were most looking forward to this fall.  It was a pretty daunting task,  I must say! We only had an hour to accomplish this. In total, our combined list had 52 books!

Since my list was quite long I’m going to break it up into a few posts, starting with books I’m recommending that come out in September. Hopefully, this post will give you time to preorder an of these books that pique your interest or request them from your local library. I’ve included a small blurb about each book. A review of each is certain to follow.

MaddAddam by Margaret Atwood: I don’t think this recommendation requires much explanation. The stunning conclusion to the trilogy that started with Oryx and Crake and The Year of the Flood. Absolutely beautiful storytelling.  While Atwood does provide a bit of backstory, I really do recommend that you start at the beginning of the trilogy.

The Edge of Normal by Carla Norton: Ten years ago Reeve was abducted and held captive. She was able to escape and has spent the last six years trying to get her life back to normal.  When she is asked by her therapist to help another girl in a similar situation, Reeve cannot refuse. Soon, however, she realizes that one of the men responsible for this girl’s disappearance is still on the loose, following their each and every move. A chilling psychological thriller

 

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent: Inspired by a true story of the final days of a young woman accused of murder.  Set in Iceland in 1929.  Despite being convicted of murder, Agnes was never given the opportunity to tell her side of the story. A stunning debut about how one’s fate can be determined by the stories of others.

 

Help for the Haunted by John Searles: Sylvie’s parents have an unusual occupation: they help haunted souls find peace.  One evening, they receive a strange phone call and leave the house, lured to an old church on the outskirts of town.  Upon entering the church, they are brutally murdered.  A year later, Sylvie is now living with her older sister, who may have played a part in her parents’ death. She’s determined to find out what happened that night. In doing so, she uncovers secrets about her family’s past that have haunted them for years.

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King: The book I have been anticipating for years. Stunning sequel to the classic The Shining. My life will essentially be put on hold the instant I receive this book.

 

 

 

Come back tomorrow when I share the October releases I highly recommend!  How about you? Are there any books coming out in September you are really looking forward to?

Posted in Bookish Chatter | 6 Comments

Review: Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives: Stories from the Trailblazers of Domestic Suspense by Sarah Weinman

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Jenn

  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Books (August 27, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0143122541
  • Source: Publisher

We’re all familiar with modern bestselling crime fiction authors like Gillian Flynn and Tana French, but before them were a host of trailblazing women writers who paved the path for others like them. In Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives: Stories from the Trailblazers of Domestic Suspense, Weinman, an authority in crime fiction, showcases fourteen stories from women who set the stage for today’s female crime fiction authors.  Each story focuses on a wide range of women who have turned to the dark side, spurned by anger or abuse (or, in some cases, pure insanity).

It wasn’t until the launch of Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine in 1941 that female crime and suspense writers had a venue for publishing their work, in a world dominated by fame writers. After given this opportunity, these women flourished, many receiving Edgar nominations and going on to writing bestselling novels.

Ranging from the 1940s through the 70s, these women wrote short stories about the darker side of domestic tranquility.  From well-known authors like Patricia Highsmith and Shirley Jackson to many lesser known authors, Weinman not only showcases the stories written by these progressive women authors, but also provides a foray into their lives, describing how many of them had first-hand experience of the chilling stories they portrayed. The majority of these stories, while many are over six decades old, stand the test of time and continue to send a chill down readers’ spines these many years later.

What is most remarkable about this anthology is the timing. Female crime fiction authors are at an all time high in popularity thanks to novels like Gone Girl.  Weinman’s intent in publishing this anthology is not only to remind us all of the women who came before but also to detail the evolution of women crime writers, showing just how far women writers in this genre have come. The future is limitless, given the sheer volume of brilliant female suspense writers out there.

A truly inspiring and simultaneously chilling anthology, Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives is a must read for fans of crime fiction, a book that will have a permanent home in my library. Highly, highly recommended.

Interested in learning more about the authors showcased? Visit the anthology’s companion web site, Domestic Suspense.

Posted in Crime Fiction, Penguin, Review, Short story | 4 Comments

Review: Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Jenn

  • Hardcover: 624 pages
  • Publisher: Random House (August 20, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 140006788X
  • Source: Publisher

“I love to put my characters in the dark. It’s only then that I can see exactly who they are.”

Scott McGrath is an investigative journalist who knows his fair share about Stanislas Cordova, an infamous director of horror films so horrifying that studios refused to produce them. Despite being sued by the Cordova family for a libelous story, resulting in the end of his career as well as his marriage, Scott continues to find the mysterious man intriguing. Cordova hasn’t been seen in over three decades but his fame continues.  When his daughter, Ashley, is found dead in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan, Cordova’s mysterious life is once again brought to center stage.

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Scott is unable to accept the coroner’s ruling that Ashley’s death is a suicide and immediately begins digging up information about what Cordova has been doing for the last thirty years. His films were horrific, so shocking and intense that the actors refuse to speak of word of what transpired. It’s obvious that Cordova has always had an disturbing attraction to death and it is Scott’s opinion that this somehow has something to do with Ashley’s death. The family has a history of death, perhaps Ashley’s is yet another example of the family’s supposed curse catching up with them.

With the help of two complete strangers who both have an uncanny connection to the Cordova family, following random bits of information about Ashley’s life that take them all over the state of New York. Scott once again steps into the dark and evil world of Stanislas Cordova, this time delving far deeper than he ever had before.

Please bear with me while I try to put into words the pure brilliance contained within the pages of this novel.  Is it the tremendously elaborate multimedia aspects, including screen shots of web sites, case files, handwritten notes, and more?  Readers follow Scott through his investigation, viewing and discovering evidence as he does, gaining access to visuals and getting a perspective not many novels afford.

We say authors write novels. In this case, however, the word “write” is not enough to describe the act that Pessl has performed.  Instead, she constructed a product that is much more than a simple novel, an absolutely stunning piece of art. The level of skill and research she dedicated to this novel is tremendous, each character and each plot point expertly crafted.  The underground world she creates surrounding Cordova’s character is elaborate, dark, and tremendously terrifying.  I was both horrified and intrigued by Cordova’s character and the aspects of his life that were revealed. His character truly came to life to me, I fully expected to be able to Google his name and find web sites upon web sites of information about him.

Be prepared to dispel disbelief, just give yourself up to the author and allow her to transport you into the dark world of Stanislas Cordova. The rewards will be innumerable, the lasting effects of this novel will remain with you months upon months after you turned the last few pages. You will overlook the daunting length of this novel, instantly transfixed and transported into another world. I guarantee Night Film is like no novel you have ever read, or ever will read. Believe all the buzz you’ve heard about this novel. It really is that good. I read this book not once, but twice, unable to cut the ties that bind me to its brilliance. Highly, highly recommended.

Note: as if the existing multimedia contained within this novel wasn’t enough…there is an app that allows you to scan certain images within the nvoel to unlock even more multimedia content. This Night Film Decoder app will be available tomorrow, August 20th, the release date for this novel. Brilliant!

Posted in Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Random House, Review | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

TSS: A Week in Review

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Jenn

What a beautiful week! We got teased with some fall weather last week. I loved waking up to cooler temperatures.  We still have a bit of summer to go but this little fall preview has me craving cooler weather!

Speaking of fall previews, next Friday, I will be joining Swapna and Katie at One More Page Books & More in Arlington, VA to do a preview of the fall books we’re excited about.  There are so many excellent books coming out this fall and I’m really looking forward to talking about them. I’ll be sure to post a list of the books we chat about next week!

Looking back at last week, I reviewed some pretty stellar thriller titles, including Let Me Go (the latest in the Archie Sheridan/Gretchen Lowell series) by Chelsea Cain and Human Remains by Elizabeth Haynes.  In preparation for my fall Halloween feature, I’m hoping one of my readers can suggest a title that spooks me!

In a little over the week, the entire JCrew and I will be heading to a cabin in the Shenandoah Valley. I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to this getaway! School starts in just two weeks so this will be the last chance we have to relax before the chaos begins.

How was your reading week?

Posted in The Sunday Salon | 1 Comment

Frightful Friday: Human Remains by Elizabeth Haynes

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Jenn

Frightful Friday is a weekly meme in which I feature a particularly scary or chilling book that I’ve read that week.

The featured title this week is Human Remains by Elizabeth Haynes:

  • Paperback: 464 pages
  • Publisher: Harper Paperbacks (August 20, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 006227676X
  • Source: Publisher

Despite the fact she doesn’t have many friends, Annabel would never consider herself to be lonely.  Her work as a police analyst and the regular care of her ailing mother keeps her rather busy.  One evening, she returns home and notices a pervasive, foul odor.  Her cat has returned home, drenched in the same odor. She notices a light on in her neighbor’s home.  The couple next door recently parted ways, so when she didn’t see anyone entering the residence in some time she assumed they had moved.  Upon entering her neighbor’s home, the smell increases. Annabel assumes the odor is caused by food that hasn’t been thrown own. Instead, she discovers the decomposing body of her neighbor. How could she and her surrounding neighbors have gone so long without noticing something?

Her neighbor’s demise shocks Annabel so greatly that she begins to look into other similar incidents and uncovers a chilling pattern: Over 20 individuals have been found dead, decomposing in their homes as life continues to go on around them.  They weren’t missed by anyone, simply lonely individuals who passed away unnoticed. Unfortunately, Annabel’s coworkers show no interest in her findings…that is, until they hit a little close to home. One sick and twisted individual is responsible for coaxing…leading these lonely individuals to their deaths.

Human Remains is a tremendously dark, and sometimes disturbing, glimpse inside the world of individuals so lost and lonely that they become vulnerable to persuasion. What makes this thriller unusual is that they aren’t killed by stabbing or gunfire, but instead coaxed and guided to allow themselves to die of thirst and starvation.  The perpetrator, an incredibly disturbing individual wields so much power over them, yet never renders any sort of physical brutality toward them.  He is obsessed with and turned on by decay and the decomposition process.

Additionally, Haynes focuses on the fact that so many individuals go on with life, ignoring the well-being of those around them. This includes Annabel herself, unnoticed and ignored until her life is at risk. Grown children ignore their sick and ailing parents, neighbors ignore one another. It isn’t until the deaths become noticeable that they think to check up on their loved ones.  Annabel’s persistence, aided by young and dedicated reporter, bring to light the real circumstances involving these deaths.

Due to some of the content, this isn’t a novel that I would recommend to just everyone. There are some pretty graphic scenes, including some pretty graphic scenes of a sexual nature.  If you are able to get beyond this, you will be handsomely rewarded with a brilliant, well-plotted thriller.  Passages from the deceased that serve as voices of the dead add a chilling element that borders on horror.  Having read all of this author’s previous work,  Human Remains is by far the darkest.  If you are looking for a terrifying psychological thriller, look no further. Highly recommended.

 

Posted in Frightful Friday, Harper Books, Review, Thriller | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Review: Let Me Go by Chelsea Cain

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jenn

  • Series: Archie Sheridan & Gretchen Lowell (Book 6)
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Minotaur Books; First Edition edition (August 13, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 0312619812
  • Source: Personal copy

*Note: This title is the sixth book in a series. There may be spoilers listed in the review below. Please avoid if you have not read the previous books in the series*

It’s Archie Sheridan’s birthday and his hopes of celebrating a quiet evening with his ex-wife and kids is ruined when he is called to investigate a murder.  A body has been found in the bathroom of the Gold Dust Meridian.  Despite the fact that the indentity of the victim is unrecogniable at first, Archie soon discovers that the body is that of a DEA agent and the contact for Leo Reynolds, the son of one of the largest drug dealers in the Pacific Northwest.  Leo has beeen working with authorities to bring down his father for some time now. The fact that his contact has been murdered leads Archie to believe that Leo’s father, Jack Reynolds, may be on to their plan.

Shortly thereafter Leo disappears. It’s not an unusual occurence but his girlfriend and Archie’s close friend Susan is worried.  When Susan and Archie are invited to an invitation-only masquerade party on Jack Reynold’s island, they both see it as a unique opportunity: Susan can confront Leo about his disappearance and recent behavior; Archie can get inside Reynold’s home an potentially identify some of his cohorts. Yet the next morning, Archie wakes up with a concussion and no other knowledge of what transpired. Leo is still missing and the body count continues to climb.

Security footage from the island sheds new light on the situation. Gretchen Lowell, on the run after escaping from a mental institution, killing several during her escape, is back.  While authorities try to pin more recent deaths on Gretchen, Archie would recognize her handiwork if he saw it. Archie is closer to Gretchen than anyone, their illicit affair when Gretchen was working with authorities on the case bringing the two closer than Archie would have liked, especially now that Archie knows just how sick and twisted Gretchen can be. The recent murders are too “clean” to have been done by Gretchen’s hand; she’s known for slashing and mutilating her victims.

Despite what transpired between Gretchen and Archie in the past, seeing her on the footage renewes his deep physical attraction for her. If she is not responsible for the killings, why has she returned after being quiet for so long?

Let Me Go is the sixth book in this truly addictive series (following HEARTSICK, SWEETHEART, EVIL AT HEART, THE NIGHT SEASON, and KILL YOU TWICE).  I do not hide my adoration for this series. I’ve even named my Macbook “Gretchen” (mainly due to its bright red cover).  I’ve followed Archie and Gretchen’s sick and twisted relationship from the beginning.  Each time a new title is released, I must get my hands on a copy as soon as physically possible.  I keep my standards high when it comes to reading anything Chelsea Cain writes and I have yet to be disappointed.

In the most recent books in this series, while Gretchen doesn’t play a largely active role in the storyline from the beginning, her character is definitely a presence throughout. Archie is still recovering from his addiction to Gretchen, but in this novel his healing process has reached a climax: he must now face the guilt he holds after his actions lead to the deaths of so many, as well as the destruction of his marriage. Admitting just how involved he was with Gretchen is the final step in getting his life back to normal.  The title is most appropriate, for Archie must force Gretchen to remove the ties she has on him if he is ever to maintain a normal life.  Finally taking responsibility for his action adds a completely new dimension to Archie’s typically cold character.

When Gretchen finally makes an appearance, she’s still just as sick and twisted as she’s ever been. It astounds me how much I love her character, given how evil and tortourous she can be. This is at true testament to Cain’s writing, her abilily to create a character, a truly psychotic serial killer, who fans can’t help but love. I imagine readers cheering when her characters enter a scene, for her character has a unique charisma you don’t often see in fiction.

While many readers may crave for some sort of conculsion to Archie and Gretchen’s “relationship,” I was thrilled to see that while there is a bit of resolution, Gretchen Lowell will continue to play an ever-present role in Archie’s life.  In Let Me Go readers will see a definite shift in their relationship but any fears of a rapid conclusion are unwarranted.

I could honestly go on and on about my fondness for this series but, for fear of boring you, I’ll wrap it up with this: if you haven’t started this series (REALLY!?) then I highly encourage you to do so. Fans of this series will be handsomely rewarded with this most recent addition. Highly, highly, highly (ok, I’ll stop!) recommended!

Interested in trying out the audiobook production of Let Me Go? Sample a clip here.

Posted in Minotaur Books, Review, Thriller | 2 Comments

Operation: Scare Me!

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jenn

I have this Halloween blog feature coming up in a few months you may have heard me talk about once or twice.  Each year, I try to do something new to add a bit of excitement and interest.  As I was plotting ideas I was reminded of a recurring issue I have: I have read so much horror and thriller fiction that it’s rare that a book actually terrifies me.  Therefore, I have come up with a challenge for you, my readers:

scareme

Operation: Scare Me!  The goal of this challenge is for you to introduce me to a book that absolutely terrifies me, so much that I cannot sleep with the lights on,  jumping at every bump in the night. Yes, this is actually a feeling I desire! What do you get out of this?  Well, I’m still working on the prize details but I guarantee it will be worth your while.

The rules:

  1. The book you nominate must be in print, one that I can obtain relatively easily. 
  2. While I want to be scared, I have no desire to read books with an excessive amount of gore. Scare me the old fashioned way!
  3. I will collect submissions via the comments below.  I’m starting this now so I have the time to obtain and read all the titles nominated. The deadline to nominate is Sunday, September 1st.

Now, I’ve read a lot of horror and thrillers, so you may have to work a bit to come up with a title I have not read. For example, I’ve read everything Stephen King and Shirley Jackson have written, so no need to nominate any of those titles.  I’ve read the Exorcist (the last book that honestly terrified me). Other than that, I leave it completely up to you to decide what title to nominate.  Remember, this title can be horror, suspense, thriller…just as long as it has the potential to scare me!

So, submit your nominations in the comments below. Be sure to include a means for me to contact you in your comment field (not the actual comment itself), be it your address or your Twitter handle.  I will post a list of all the titles submitted and my conclusions upon reading each of them.

Good luck!

Posted in 2013 Murder Monsters and Mayhem | 8 Comments

Review: Son of a Gun by Justin St. Germain

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Jenn

  • Hardcover: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Random House (August 13, 2013)
  • ISBN-10: 1400068622
  • Source: Publisher

In September of 2001, when the mother of twenty-year-old Justin St. Germain is murdered at the hands of her fifth husband in Tombstone, AZ, it is written off as “A real-life old West murder mystery.”  Despite its famous history, Tombstone is still a small-town, and rumors about Debbie St. Germain’s lifestyle begin to escalate.  Justin, now living in California, returns to Tombstone after his mother’s death, his life now forever segmented into “before” and “after” his mother’s murder.

Justin rushed to escape his former life in Tombstone as soon as he was able, creating a new life in San Francisco. Yet this tragedy forces his previous life to come flooding back to him.  His mother, a former army paratrooper, was an incredibly strong and independent, working hard and sacrificing a great deal to give Justin and his brother a better life. Her murder forces Justin to re-examine what he thought of his mother and the life they had together.  Desperate to find answers to the cause of her death, Justin re-unites with his mother’s former husbands, men who had a fleeting involvement in his life. In his search he discovers and realizes the true meaning of family. all the while hoping that he has become the man his mother would have wanted him to be.

On the surface, one may be lead to believe that this is true crime novel, but instead it is far more than that. As Justin uncovers information about his mother’s life and a myriad of men who passed through their lives, it’s hard to avoid the realization that his mother’s life was far different than what he perceived.  What caused her to go from one man to another, forcing Justin and his brother to move from home to home? In the end, her marriage to her fifth husband was so different than the others, the two never leaving each other in the last few days of her life. The more he examines his mother’s life, and his own, the more questions go unanswered.

Giving the setting, it’s hard not to compare his mother’s death to the infamous shoot-out that transpired in Tombstone ages ago, not necessarily due to the specifics but because of the aftermath. In both cases, people seem far more mesmerized by the killers than the victims themselves. Justin’s mission, in this emotional and enlightening memoir, is to bring to light his mother’s life for fear that it may lie buried like so much of Tombstone’s past.  A town riddled with a past full of gun violence, Justin can’t ignore the fact that his mother is just another one of Tombstone’s victims.

I cannot begin to summarize how mesmerized I was by Justin’s memoir.  From page one, when his mother’s death is relayed, I was transfixed and almost hypnotized by the emotion relayed in Justin’s words as he learned of, and dealt with, his mother’s death.  He was never really a “Mama’s boy,” always seeking independence and escape from his life in Tombstone, yet his mother’s death lassos him back into this life he once despised.  He now feels guilt for being the son that escaped, “forcing” his mom to give up so much in order to grant him the life he felt he deserved.  Discovering so much about his mother and her many husbands, he has a reawakening of sorts, finally seeing through the tinted glasses he’d worn all his life, for the first time truly understanding the woman his mother was, and grew to be. At the same time he is transformed from a confused and floundering victim to a self-realized young man.

An incredibly remarkable memoir that melds past with present, Son of a Gun will force readers to reflect upon their own life and family and the choices and the sacrifices they make all in the name of family. Highly, highly recommended.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing me the opportunity to review this book. Be sure to check out the other stops along the way!

Posted in Memoir, Random House, Review | 4 Comments