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When No One is Watching
On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret. Author Joseph Hayes combines page-turning suspense with a poignant tale of inspiration and redemption as he asks, is “the greater good” just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2010
1042 people are currently reading
1697 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Hayes
3 books25 followersJoseph Hayes is a native of Chicago, and grew up on the City's South Side. He and his wife Susan left there in the 1980s in search of sunshine and warmer weather. They found both, and now split their time between The Woodlands, Texas and La Jolla, California.
After obtaining his law degree from Berkeley, Hayes practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. He also served for many years as the chief ethics officer for a Fortune 1000 company. He now focuses on his writing, specializing in novels that combine page-turning suspense, compelling characters and a thought-provoking exploration of issues that matter -- both timely and timeless
After obtaining his law degree from Berkeley, Hayes practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. He also served for many years as the chief ethics officer for a Fortune 1000 company. He now focuses on his writing, specializing in novels that combine page-turning suspense, compelling characters and a thought-provoking exploration of issues that matter -- both timely and timeless
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
April 16, 2019
Joseph Hayes puts forth an interesting premise in his novel, which sees two men—once best friends—take drastically different paths after a horrible night. After winning a significant legal case, Blair Van Howe and Danny Moran are celebrating together, allowing the champagne and anything else to flow freely. It is at this party that Van Howe divulges that he plans to announce a run for Congress the following morning. On the ride home, Blair sits behind the wheel, while Danny is barely able to stay conscious, both highly intoxicated. A near miss on the road turns fatal when a family swerves and slams into a tree, eventually killing the driver. Panicked and with Danny unconscious, Blair checks in on the victims before fleeing the scene, knowing full well that this will ruin any political ambitions. With a history of drunken stupor, Danny is the perfect scapegoat for the accident and is left to face charges. Blair announces his candidacy and is swept away by the political machine, while Danny faces ruin and is subsumed by the guilt of tearing a family apart. Danny accepts guilt for everything, choosing to turn his life around after serving jail time, even though some who were investigating are unsure of the truthfulness of the narrative. Meanwhile, Blair’s meteoric rise to fame continues until he has his eyes set on the White House. A sure winner, it is only a matter of time before ‘President Van Howe’ will be elected, though begins making noise about the accident and what may really have happened. Two men, one night, a brutal crime. One has served the punishment, but will the real criminal ever be brought to justice? Hayes leaves the reader wondering in this thriller that evolves over a decade. A decent quick read for those who like novels where all is known, it is just a matter of getting from A to B.
I have read a few of Hayes’ books over the last while and enjoyed them all. The characters push the story in some interesting directions, forcing the reader to live through their lives in order to get to the root of the plot. While Blair Van Howe and Danny Moran open the novel as the purported protagonists, it is Moran who takes the lead. The reader is able to see his spiral down after a single night of drinking, where rock bottom has cost him everything. Saved by the help of AA, Moran is able to put the pieces of his life together, though he never forgets the pain he caused one family. Still, he has shouldered the blame for it all, not thinking twice about his former best friend, Blair. Hayes creates a soft and sweet character here, perhaps the vessel that all things can be right if you find yourself and something on which to connect, in this case, AA. Meanwhile, Blair rides success from a run for Congress, a gubernatorial race, and then sets his eyes on the one place every politician dreams of finding themselves, the White House. However, as clean a life as he has been known to have, that one secret in his closet may be come out at the worst possible time. He seems detached from it all, ready to let others clean up the mess and hope for the best. His rise is literally handed to him over a number of pages, with no development, leaving the reader cheated of what could and should have been wonderful development. Others grace the pages of this book and provide the reader with a decent push forward, though there is nothing that will prepare them for the final handful of chapters in the book, when things get real, while still lacking the needed grit with the fodder Hayes has in waiting. The novel has a great premise and decent delivery, but there was so much time spend on Danny ‘finding himself’ and so little on developing the Blair rise to power, something was missing, as if the political aspect was tacked-on later to give it more pizzazz, but was not polished properly. If it had to be done in a single book, there needed to be more meat throughout, as this one seemed to meander for a bit, push forward a number of years, and then slowly develop some grit with too few chapters to really make sense of it all. Hayes does well, but it lacked the knockout I know he can deliver. A decent read for a beach day or when the rains keep the curious reader inside.
Kudos, Mr. Hayes, for a great novel. It needed just a little more teeth to make this novel sensation.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I have read a few of Hayes’ books over the last while and enjoyed them all. The characters push the story in some interesting directions, forcing the reader to live through their lives in order to get to the root of the plot. While Blair Van Howe and Danny Moran open the novel as the purported protagonists, it is Moran who takes the lead. The reader is able to see his spiral down after a single night of drinking, where rock bottom has cost him everything. Saved by the help of AA, Moran is able to put the pieces of his life together, though he never forgets the pain he caused one family. Still, he has shouldered the blame for it all, not thinking twice about his former best friend, Blair. Hayes creates a soft and sweet character here, perhaps the vessel that all things can be right if you find yourself and something on which to connect, in this case, AA. Meanwhile, Blair rides success from a run for Congress, a gubernatorial race, and then sets his eyes on the one place every politician dreams of finding themselves, the White House. However, as clean a life as he has been known to have, that one secret in his closet may be come out at the worst possible time. He seems detached from it all, ready to let others clean up the mess and hope for the best. His rise is literally handed to him over a number of pages, with no development, leaving the reader cheated of what could and should have been wonderful development. Others grace the pages of this book and provide the reader with a decent push forward, though there is nothing that will prepare them for the final handful of chapters in the book, when things get real, while still lacking the needed grit with the fodder Hayes has in waiting. The novel has a great premise and decent delivery, but there was so much time spend on Danny ‘finding himself’ and so little on developing the Blair rise to power, something was missing, as if the political aspect was tacked-on later to give it more pizzazz, but was not polished properly. If it had to be done in a single book, there needed to be more meat throughout, as this one seemed to meander for a bit, push forward a number of years, and then slowly develop some grit with too few chapters to really make sense of it all. Hayes does well, but it lacked the knockout I know he can deliver. A decent read for a beach day or when the rains keep the curious reader inside.
Kudos, Mr. Hayes, for a great novel. It needed just a little more teeth to make this novel sensation.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
July 25, 2015
The author creates an interesting dilemma. The plot steps off at a good pace and then the author drops off to overuse the word raucous, and give his characters speech that doesn't fit them.
July 23, 2023
While reading When No One is Watching I really got swept into the story as author Joseph Hayes took me for a emotional and thrilling ride.
If you're in the mood for a political thriller dealing with issues of morality, betrayal and family, I recommend When No One is Watching. The author creates multi-faceted characters with an interesting storyline, which in turn make for a thought provoking and emotional read.
If you're in the mood for a political thriller dealing with issues of morality, betrayal and family, I recommend When No One is Watching. The author creates multi-faceted characters with an interesting storyline, which in turn make for a thought provoking and emotional read.
March 5, 2015
I don't understand all the reviews with 4 or 5 stars because this book was so predictable with no surprises or suspense, written more like a news report than a story of an attorney involved in a terrible car accident, pinning it on his best friend who was passed out in the passenger seat. Sorry, I just didn't buy any of it.
August 3, 2011
As the child of an alcoholic this book drew me in for both it's content and my sympathy for the main character of Danny Moran, so when I was approached to join the group of book tour reviewers who belong to Partners In Crime Tours and read this novel I jumped in with both feet!
Our whole lives are all about the choices that we make both right and wrong. In this debut novel by author Joseph Hayes there are choices made for the wrong reasons that end up changing so many lives in ways both good and bad.
When No One Is Watching explores a great many topics concerning human nature and how easy it is to convince ourselves that what we are doing is for the "greater good".
The character of Danny Moran is one that is very easily understood, a good man who has a stressful job and finds out that it eases his way to escape the stress by drinking large amounts of alcohol.
The character of Blair Van Howe is a little harder to pin down, he is a very charming man but is morally and ethically easily swayed if it benefits him in the long run.
One night after going out with the other members of their firm to celebrate a courtroom victory Danny ends up drunk so Blair takes the driver's seat of his friends brand new Porsche and as he has never driven one before soon has it roaring through the deserted neighborhood streets at high speed. An accident occurs and Blair panics and changes Danny over to the driver's side and straps him in passed out behind the wheel and then flees the scene.
The events this one night sets into motion careen out of control, almost destroying Danny while his erstwhile friend Blair rockets to stardom in the political arenas that he had aspired to attain entry into. Danny rebuilds his life slowly with the help of his teenage daughter Allie and members of the local AA chapter. In doing so he finds a new calling, helping others who are also alcoholics trying to recover that just cannot seem to stay on the right path. 10 years have passed and Danny is happy with his new life, his many friends and very fulfilled only to find out that he is dying of liver cancer.
Meanwhile Blair is on his way to being elected President of the United States and all that stands in his way is a determined former police detective who has evidence proving that 10 years ago Blair was the driver who caused a man to die, a wife to lose her husband and 2 children to lose their father in the wreck.
When all these threads collide you have to be there to see how it plays out, you have to feel the same heart pounding despair for Danny and the McGrath family, you have to find out for yourself just exactly what happens "when no one is watching"!
This is a tale filled with such an intensity that it draws the reader in and never lets them leave until it is finished.
It is an inspiring tale of ambition, lies, political agendas, corruption, scandal, hope, family, friends, betrayal and second chances.
For readers of true crime dramas who like suspenseful plot lines this is absolutely the read for you.
Our whole lives are all about the choices that we make both right and wrong. In this debut novel by author Joseph Hayes there are choices made for the wrong reasons that end up changing so many lives in ways both good and bad.
When No One Is Watching explores a great many topics concerning human nature and how easy it is to convince ourselves that what we are doing is for the "greater good".
The character of Danny Moran is one that is very easily understood, a good man who has a stressful job and finds out that it eases his way to escape the stress by drinking large amounts of alcohol.
The character of Blair Van Howe is a little harder to pin down, he is a very charming man but is morally and ethically easily swayed if it benefits him in the long run.
One night after going out with the other members of their firm to celebrate a courtroom victory Danny ends up drunk so Blair takes the driver's seat of his friends brand new Porsche and as he has never driven one before soon has it roaring through the deserted neighborhood streets at high speed. An accident occurs and Blair panics and changes Danny over to the driver's side and straps him in passed out behind the wheel and then flees the scene.
The events this one night sets into motion careen out of control, almost destroying Danny while his erstwhile friend Blair rockets to stardom in the political arenas that he had aspired to attain entry into. Danny rebuilds his life slowly with the help of his teenage daughter Allie and members of the local AA chapter. In doing so he finds a new calling, helping others who are also alcoholics trying to recover that just cannot seem to stay on the right path. 10 years have passed and Danny is happy with his new life, his many friends and very fulfilled only to find out that he is dying of liver cancer.
Meanwhile Blair is on his way to being elected President of the United States and all that stands in his way is a determined former police detective who has evidence proving that 10 years ago Blair was the driver who caused a man to die, a wife to lose her husband and 2 children to lose their father in the wreck.
When all these threads collide you have to be there to see how it plays out, you have to feel the same heart pounding despair for Danny and the McGrath family, you have to find out for yourself just exactly what happens "when no one is watching"!
This is a tale filled with such an intensity that it draws the reader in and never lets them leave until it is finished.
It is an inspiring tale of ambition, lies, political agendas, corruption, scandal, hope, family, friends, betrayal and second chances.
For readers of true crime dramas who like suspenseful plot lines this is absolutely the read for you.
I must disclose that this book was an E-ARC review copy provided to me by the author via Partners In Crime Tours in exchange for an honest review for his virtual book tour and that there was no other compensation from either the author, the tour host or the publisher than the pleasure derived from reading the story.
September 1, 2011
Have you ever been sucked into a story from page one? Have you ever known who the bad guy was, but somehow kept rooting for him a little? Danny and Blair, two friends who have stood by each other's side until a fateful night where careless driving ends up with someone dead and a friendship lost.
I had a hard time reading this book because I kept finding myself feeling a little pity for the resident bad guy. I blame the nasty father-in-law and the conniving wife, if it weren't for them our bad guy would have been put in the dog house much faster. Full of colorful characters, this book had heart and soul with a story that progressed through the years with ease and finesse. I loved jumping through times in both of their lives and watching both of them grow.
I would recommend this one to both genders and all ages. The simplicity of the story helps the reader to purely enjoy the writing of each unique character and keep current with the story. I definitely loved this one.
I had a hard time reading this book because I kept finding myself feeling a little pity for the resident bad guy. I blame the nasty father-in-law and the conniving wife, if it weren't for them our bad guy would have been put in the dog house much faster. Full of colorful characters, this book had heart and soul with a story that progressed through the years with ease and finesse. I loved jumping through times in both of their lives and watching both of them grow.
I would recommend this one to both genders and all ages. The simplicity of the story helps the reader to purely enjoy the writing of each unique character and keep current with the story. I definitely loved this one.
July 27, 2022
I started off really enjoying this book with how descriptive the author was. About halfway through I found it to be a bit repetitive and lacking in depth. The characters almost seemed to be written off in order to shorten the book. I personally wish the author would’ve kept up with the momentum in the second half like he did in the first. I wish there would’ve been more to the detective parts and more to the downfall of Blair/his presidential campaign. Overall I must say that I did enjoy this book but found it to start becoming a bit lazy in the writing in order to not create more story to tell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2015
This had promise, but it fell apart in its predictability and prose. The premise and central dilemma are worthy. Unfortunately, the writing is too juvenile, and the characters are nothing but stereotypes.
February 7, 2018
I took one star from my rating because of the profanity in the book. I don't ever use profanity and I don't like to read it either. Other than that this is an awesome book. The timeline is about 10 years and the flow of the years are well written. Your heart will go out to Danny while you want to make Blair own up to his lies. I will be looking for other books by this author.
October 1, 2018
Thought provoking
This is a very intense read that engages the reader entirely. The fate of the two main characters becomes of increasing importance, as does the ever looming hope of eventual justice. The book is well-written, and stays with the reader long after the final word has been read. This is a great book for those who love a moral tale.
This is a very intense read that engages the reader entirely. The fate of the two main characters becomes of increasing importance, as does the ever looming hope of eventual justice. The book is well-written, and stays with the reader long after the final word has been read. This is a great book for those who love a moral tale.
July 30, 2019
I really liked the author's introduction of AA in this book and the important role it played. The ending was somewhat predictable but the influence of AA have it a nice touch. Even though I pretty much knew what was coming, I found myself unable to put it down until I reached its conclusion.
July 15, 2018
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book, liked the characters, enjoyed the pace, would like to try some more by this author.
I enjoyed reading this book, liked the characters, enjoyed the pace, would like to try some more by this author.
May 21, 2020
3 1/2 Quick read!
December 10, 2010
Fans of John Grisham's novels should add this novel to their To-Be-Read list: Joseph Hayes' When No One in Watching.
The story begins as Blair Van Howe is driving his friend and colleague, Danny Moran, home after a celebration for a big legal victory. Danny is passed out drunk when Blair hits another car, seriously injuring the other driver.
Van Howe uses Danny's phone to call 911, and moves Danny into the driver's seat, then flees the scene. The next day, he is scheduled to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Congress, and this would derail his career, which would make his wife and her politically powerful father angry.
Danny has no idea what happened; the last thing he remembers is drinking in the hotel bar. He knows he has a problem with alcohol, but he has never gotten behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
The rest of this fast-paced novel follows the ascent of Blair Van Howe, whom everyone thinks is the next Golden Boy of politics, and the descent of Danny Moran, who loses his job, his wife, and for awhile his freedom, after the driver of the other car dies.
After Danny's loyal daughter begs her dad to get help, he becomes involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. The author says that his father, an alcoholic who got sober and devoted his life to helping others, was the inspiration for Danny. He clearly understands the life of an alcoholic, as he describes Danny's life:
"Even after nearly ten years of sobriety, Danny still craved routine in his life, and the flexible job hours enabled him to live that way. He made his to-do lists every day and followed them with uncompromising discipline. He drank his soft drinks and ate his snacks precisely in accordance with his schedule."
Hayes adds a dash of ethics to this interesting political thriller, one that fans of John Grisham's novels will enjoy. There are the requisite bad guys hired by the father-in-law, the gruff cop who-can't-forget-this one-case, and the greedy, power hungry wife, but it is Danny Moran who is the stand-out character.
Danny Moran and his life bring this novel a notch above the usual run-of-the-mill political thriller and Hayes' experience with his dad helped him create the world of alcoholics, with its successes and setbacks.
The story begins as Blair Van Howe is driving his friend and colleague, Danny Moran, home after a celebration for a big legal victory. Danny is passed out drunk when Blair hits another car, seriously injuring the other driver.
Van Howe uses Danny's phone to call 911, and moves Danny into the driver's seat, then flees the scene. The next day, he is scheduled to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Congress, and this would derail his career, which would make his wife and her politically powerful father angry.
Danny has no idea what happened; the last thing he remembers is drinking in the hotel bar. He knows he has a problem with alcohol, but he has never gotten behind the wheel of a car after drinking.
The rest of this fast-paced novel follows the ascent of Blair Van Howe, whom everyone thinks is the next Golden Boy of politics, and the descent of Danny Moran, who loses his job, his wife, and for awhile his freedom, after the driver of the other car dies.
After Danny's loyal daughter begs her dad to get help, he becomes involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. The author says that his father, an alcoholic who got sober and devoted his life to helping others, was the inspiration for Danny. He clearly understands the life of an alcoholic, as he describes Danny's life:
"Even after nearly ten years of sobriety, Danny still craved routine in his life, and the flexible job hours enabled him to live that way. He made his to-do lists every day and followed them with uncompromising discipline. He drank his soft drinks and ate his snacks precisely in accordance with his schedule."
Hayes adds a dash of ethics to this interesting political thriller, one that fans of John Grisham's novels will enjoy. There are the requisite bad guys hired by the father-in-law, the gruff cop who-can't-forget-this one-case, and the greedy, power hungry wife, but it is Danny Moran who is the stand-out character.
Danny Moran and his life bring this novel a notch above the usual run-of-the-mill political thriller and Hayes' experience with his dad helped him create the world of alcoholics, with its successes and setbacks.
July 30, 2015
One decision can turn your life upside down. As well as the lives of other people.
"When No One is Watching" is full of different "What ifs"?
What if Terry and Ashley McGrath left earlier? What if Danny didn't go for beers? What if Blair confessed? What if...
I found the story a little bit plain, but it raises interesting dilemmas. Blair Van Howe sacrificied his friend's life and career for a greater good. Or at least, he thought so. It appeared that he was a really skilled politician who did a lot of good for his country (it is not stated, what he did, though) and maybe he would have been an even better president. But all the skeletons fall out of the closet sooner or later. Had he confessed then, his political career would have died and he wouldn't have achieved a thing. Such mistakes are seldomly forgotten (and forgiven) in the eyes of the society. And maybe if it hadn't been for his ruthless father-in-law and (quite a bitchy) wife, he would have come clean years ago. Remorse never seemed to leave him completely.
But would have Danny's life change if it hadn't been for the accident? Would he have admitted for himself that his problem with alcohol was bigger than him?
So is it possible to say that Blair's decision benefited Danny as much as it hurt him?
I admired that Danny accepted the fact that he had a problem and needed help, since so many people live in denial and just continue drinking their lives out. I was glad to see that he stopped right before he hurt his daughter to the point of no-return and what he achieved in the end.
The main thread going through the book is that we should always do the right thing... even when noone is watching. But how many people can actualy do that?
"When No One is Watching" is full of different "What ifs"?
What if Terry and Ashley McGrath left earlier? What if Danny didn't go for beers? What if Blair confessed? What if...
I found the story a little bit plain, but it raises interesting dilemmas. Blair Van Howe sacrificied his friend's life and career for a greater good. Or at least, he thought so. It appeared that he was a really skilled politician who did a lot of good for his country (it is not stated, what he did, though) and maybe he would have been an even better president. But all the skeletons fall out of the closet sooner or later. Had he confessed then, his political career would have died and he wouldn't have achieved a thing. Such mistakes are seldomly forgotten (and forgiven) in the eyes of the society. And maybe if it hadn't been for his ruthless father-in-law and (quite a bitchy) wife, he would have come clean years ago. Remorse never seemed to leave him completely.
But would have Danny's life change if it hadn't been for the accident? Would he have admitted for himself that his problem with alcohol was bigger than him?
So is it possible to say that Blair's decision benefited Danny as much as it hurt him?
I admired that Danny accepted the fact that he had a problem and needed help, since so many people live in denial and just continue drinking their lives out. I was glad to see that he stopped right before he hurt his daughter to the point of no-return and what he achieved in the end.
The main thread going through the book is that we should always do the right thing... even when noone is watching. But how many people can actualy do that?
November 2, 2015
This could have been a good book instead of a decent, fast read with a good plot idea. So Danny is framed by the charismatic politician on the rise Blair, his life spirals from guilt and alcoholism. he is redeemed by his involvement in AA, and his good character. Blair and his power loving wife and father in law continue to move toward the white house in political glory. Sounds good, right?
Except...the character development is shallow, the ease in which the FIL successfully covers up for Blair is ridiculous, (the BEST detective on the Chicago PD leaves town after being threatened, without a peep, although he KNOWS Danny is innocent?). The scenarios that are put into place to reinforce Danny's 'good guy " persona are so weak, (Danny's long suffering wife leaves him but leaves her teenage daughter with him to raise as he is being paroled from jail and is still a complete drunk?)
Add a dozen other just idiotic things that make things work out nicey-nice and you become downright trite.
The book is also predictable, the writing repetitious, and the vocabulary and sentence structure so simplistic (but not prose-like) that you begin to wonder if this book was written as teen literature? Too bad, I add this to the stack of "could have been great, but missed the mark, and remained "meh""
Except...the character development is shallow, the ease in which the FIL successfully covers up for Blair is ridiculous, (the BEST detective on the Chicago PD leaves town after being threatened, without a peep, although he KNOWS Danny is innocent?). The scenarios that are put into place to reinforce Danny's 'good guy " persona are so weak, (Danny's long suffering wife leaves him but leaves her teenage daughter with him to raise as he is being paroled from jail and is still a complete drunk?)
Add a dozen other just idiotic things that make things work out nicey-nice and you become downright trite.
The book is also predictable, the writing repetitious, and the vocabulary and sentence structure so simplistic (but not prose-like) that you begin to wonder if this book was written as teen literature? Too bad, I add this to the stack of "could have been great, but missed the mark, and remained "meh""
January 23, 2015
I feel guilty placing this one the 'read' list, because I didn't finish. I put it down in Chapter four. The author's knowledge of police procedural is confined to the extent of what he has seen on television police dramas apparently. And I'm sure that, based on interest in writing such books, he is not just a fan of such shows, but probably has some firsthand experience, that I'm sure will be limited to collegiate courses. And, not that such events would have to have some accuracy to be a good story, but I even had to wonder if the author has ever had interaction with a police event, to the degree that I don't know if he has ever even experienced a ticket. Has he ever seen a policeman working. I didn't mind the one dimensional characters, at first, but Chapter Three was tough to get through, none of the police work made a lick of sense in the real world, and the lead detective character, acts like a guy that is on his first day on the job and certainly shouldn't be in charge of a 'crime scene' like a car wreck. I tried to go a little further and just put it down. Amazon has too many free books to offer for me to consume much more of myself in this poorly crafted story.
Note to the author: They say "write what you know" for a reason.
Note to the author: They say "write what you know" for a reason.
July 19, 2015
SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL!
When I started reading this book I thought it was just going to be a quick read in between the novels I get real involved in. I couldn't have been more wrong.
From the beginning the characters drew me in to that place where you feel like your standing next to them. Before long I couldn't put the book down because the story enveloped me. At about 93% through the book of did see the "end game" but it was so good that didn't stop me from reading. By the time I was to the last few pages, I couldn't see the words anymore through my tears. What a powerful story and what a talented writer. This book can change lives and besides highly recommending it, I'm going tho give it to several people I care about that might really benefit from reading it. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :)
When I started reading this book I thought it was just going to be a quick read in between the novels I get real involved in. I couldn't have been more wrong.
From the beginning the characters drew me in to that place where you feel like your standing next to them. Before long I couldn't put the book down because the story enveloped me. At about 93% through the book of did see the "end game" but it was so good that didn't stop me from reading. By the time I was to the last few pages, I couldn't see the words anymore through my tears. What a powerful story and what a talented writer. This book can change lives and besides highly recommending it, I'm going tho give it to several people I care about that might really benefit from reading it. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :)
November 15, 2016
A late night accident changes the lives of two best friends. Danny and Blair are two attorneys working together who have just victoriously concluded a major case for their client. Alcohol flows freely as everyone celebrates. The night ends in a deadly crash that drastically alters lives. One goes onto a successful career in politics while the other is disgraced.
Politics can be a dirty business and the lengths that politicians will go through to win an election can be extreme. Blair kept a secret for years that slowly ate at him while Danny's life was enriched through his relationships with fellow AA members. Who was the better man in the end?
A heartfelt lesson can be learned by reading this story to its conclusion.
Politics can be a dirty business and the lengths that politicians will go through to win an election can be extreme. Blair kept a secret for years that slowly ate at him while Danny's life was enriched through his relationships with fellow AA members. Who was the better man in the end?
A heartfelt lesson can be learned by reading this story to its conclusion.
July 20, 2015
Wow...just wow. This book is well-written, emotional, and hard to put down. It brought up all sorts of ethical and moral questions for me.
I found myself alternating between respect and disgust for several of the characters. This book was a strong reminder to me that very few people are inherently good or bad. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.
It was also a good reminder for me that life is what you make it. You can choose to either wallow in your misery or celebrate each day that you're alive.
This is an incredible book and I highly recommend it.
I found myself alternating between respect and disgust for several of the characters. This book was a strong reminder to me that very few people are inherently good or bad. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.
It was also a good reminder for me that life is what you make it. You can choose to either wallow in your misery or celebrate each day that you're alive.
This is an incredible book and I highly recommend it.
July 11, 2018
This book starts by posing a moral dilemma. You are driving your drunk mate home and you cause an accident. It will ruin one life. Your best mate has passed out in the passenger's seat. Do you move him to the driver's seat and save your future at his expense?
The book explores the lives of the characters after the accident. Their successes and failures. It poses more dilemmas. It challenges the reader the whole way through. What would you do in similar circumstances?
I found the ending a bit disappointing. I thought it was out of character. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
The book explores the lives of the characters after the accident. Their successes and failures. It poses more dilemmas. It challenges the reader the whole way through. What would you do in similar circumstances?
I found the ending a bit disappointing. I thought it was out of character. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.
February 8, 2015
I liked the premise of this book & the fact that by midway through I'd changed my mind about what I wanted to happen. But the writing is too simplistic, it lacks the tension to draw you in & get you emotional invested. The characters are one dimensional- good or bad & the writer tells you of their character instead of giving you the opportunity to assess this for yourself. It's a decent story but could have been so much more.
July 23, 2015
Exceptional book.
Since I finished reading this book, having discussions in my head. Thought provoking story. There are so many people in this world like Danny Moran that we don't ever hear about. If Blair didn't have his wife and her father encouraging him to forget about it, would h done the right thing? He simply didn't have any integrity to do the right thing, can't forgive him. Spoiler alert, have tissue box handy.
Since I finished reading this book, having discussions in my head. Thought provoking story. There are so many people in this world like Danny Moran that we don't ever hear about. If Blair didn't have his wife and her father encouraging him to forget about it, would h done the right thing? He simply didn't have any integrity to do the right thing, can't forgive him. Spoiler alert, have tissue box handy.
February 13, 2016
What A Great Book
I truly enjoyed reading every page of this book! It wasn't really a true thriller, but, there was a lot of action and twists and turns. I never expected the ending and WHAT AN ENDING!! The book is very well written and I look forward to reading more from this author. It also left you with a lot to think about regarding the choices we make in life and how we affect other people. Loved it!
I truly enjoyed reading every page of this book! It wasn't really a true thriller, but, there was a lot of action and twists and turns. I never expected the ending and WHAT AN ENDING!! The book is very well written and I look forward to reading more from this author. It also left you with a lot to think about regarding the choices we make in life and how we affect other people. Loved it!
February 7, 2015
This is a story about two men, best friends, and the decisions that are made and the impact on their lives going forward. It is also a story that doesn't get all tied up neatly.
It was a good read, as you journeyed with these two men over the years, to see how the decisions were used for both good and bad.
Highly recommend.
It was a good read, as you journeyed with these two men over the years, to see how the decisions were used for both good and bad.
Highly recommend.
August 6, 2015
Absolutely amazing!!!!!
I literally could not put this book down. This is about a tragic, fatal event that changes the lives of two men. This book was very well written. Every character seemed to pop off the page. I recommend it to everyone, just have a box of tissues for the ending
I literally could not put this book down. This is about a tragic, fatal event that changes the lives of two men. This book was very well written. Every character seemed to pop off the page. I recommend it to everyone, just have a box of tissues for the ending
May 20, 2017
This is a story about the actual meaning of one's strength with honesty and integrity. As humans we strive so hard to make ourselves look good in another eyes. This is a story of friendship, family, betrayal of self and friendships, overcoming obstacle's and ultimate redemption. It is a story about the strength and weakness of one's character.
May 30, 2018
I started out really liking this book. There were a couple twists I didn't see coming, but for the most part things just came together too easily. Many times it seemed preachy, and like an advertisement for AA. Much of the dialog didn't ring true to me. I did like the overall story, though. The execution was just a bit off to me, though.
January 29, 2015
A poignant story of the real meaning of life
I highly recommend this book! The characters were real and I was unable to put this down. A story of triumph and love and the meaning of real success. I loved it and would have given it 10 stars if I could have.
I highly recommend this book! The characters were real and I was unable to put this down. A story of triumph and love and the meaning of real success. I loved it and would have given it 10 stars if I could have.
July 27, 2015
Integrity
This was the best written book I have read in a long time . I was crying heart felt tears by the end. Really makes you think and want to be a better person. Teaches you the true meaning of integrity.
This was the best written book I have read in a long time . I was crying heart felt tears by the end. Really makes you think and want to be a better person. Teaches you the true meaning of integrity.
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