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Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner #2
The Kind Worth Saving
In this spectacularly devious novel by New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson—featuring the smart and complex Lily Kintner from his acclaimed novel, The Kind Worth Killing—a private eye starts to follow a possibly adulterous husband, but little does he know that the twisted trail will lead back to the woman who hired him.
There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: he knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.
Now Joan needs his help in proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a “for sale” sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.
Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: he knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.
Now Joan needs his help in proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a “for sale” sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.
Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
Paperback
First published March 7, 2023
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About the author
Peter Swanson
21 books13.1k followersPeter Swanson is the author of six novels including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, Her Every Fear, an NPR book of the year, and his most recent thriller, Eight Perfect Murders. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, The Atlantic Monthly, Measure, The Guardian, The Strand Magazine, and Yankee Magazine.
A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, he lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.
A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, he lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,936 reviews
February 22, 2023
Ah, it's good to be back to the Swanson I know and love after Nine Lives was such a disappointment. The Kind Worth Saving is a worthy sequel to The Kind Worth Killing and it was so much fun seeing Kimball and Lily again.
Not unlike its predecessor, The Kind Worth Saving features unlikely people coming together and plotting the perfect murder. Or four. When no one even knows they've talked to one another, who could possibly link them?
Enter Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner.
The story opens with Kimball being hired as a private investigator by Joan, who is certain her husband, Richard, is having an affair. But while Kimball is tailing him, infidelity turns to something far more sinister. And when Kimball discovers two dead bodies, he can't help thinking that there's more to the story than there first appears. So he decides to go to the one person who might have insight into the matter.
As with The Kind Worth Killing, we are handed the answers early in the novel and the rest of the story becomes about the characters, the moves they play, and how they figure out the truth. Swanson makes this style of storytelling work well. Instead of hanging everything on a twist that we may or may not figure out, he draws us into his characters' minds and makes wondering what will happen to them the real pull of the book.
Effective storytelling even with the trope.
Not unlike its predecessor, The Kind Worth Saving features unlikely people coming together and plotting the perfect murder. Or four. When no one even knows they've talked to one another, who could possibly link them?
Enter Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner.
The story opens with Kimball being hired as a private investigator by Joan, who is certain her husband, Richard, is having an affair. But while Kimball is tailing him, infidelity turns to something far more sinister. And when Kimball discovers two dead bodies, he can't help thinking that there's more to the story than there first appears. So he decides to go to the one person who might have insight into the matter.
As with The Kind Worth Killing, we are handed the answers early in the novel and the rest of the story becomes about the characters, the moves they play, and how they figure out the truth. Swanson makes this style of storytelling work well. Instead of hanging everything on a twist that we may or may not figure out, he draws us into his characters' minds and makes wondering what will happen to them the real pull of the book.
Effective storytelling even with the trope.
March 7, 2023
The Kind Worth Killing remains my favorite Peter Swanson book to date, but The Kind Worth Saving is definitely a worthy addition to the series, featuring Henry Kimball, now a private investigator, and Lily Kintner who is as sharp and devious as ever.
When Joan Whalen, (nee Grieve) an ex-student from his decades-old short stint as a high school English teacher which ended in a horrific tragedy, enlists his services to find proof of her husband’s infidelity Kimball has no idea what he is getting into. Joan is confident that her husband is cheating on her and also claims to be sure of who he is romantically involved with. All she wants is proof of the same. As Kimball begins to follow Joan’s husband and the woman he is supposedly having an affair with, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into a tangled web of murder, manipulation, deceit, lies and old secrets. It takes one to know one, so Henry turns to the only person he knows who can help him figure out what’s actually going on.
Twisty, suspenseful and fast-paced, The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson is a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While there were a couple of eye-rolling moments, I was too busy turning the pages to care. The narrative is shared from multiple perspectives, which does well in keeping you engaged with the story and the characters. Swanson’s characterizations are superb and the multiple perspectives allow us to get to know these characters, their backstories, connections and motivations. All of his characters are seriously flawed individuals and for the most part unlikeable but the author compels you to choose your favorites among them and root for them. The narrative flows seamlessly and Swanson does a fine job of weaving the past and present together in a tight-knit plot that keeps you hooked till the very last page. I enjoyed how the plot developed and found the ending more interesting than neatly tied up and satisfying. (I’m guessing we’ll be seeing more of some of the characters in the future!)
I would recommend reading The Kind Worth Killing before reading the sequel to fully understand Henry’s and Lily’s characters and their backstories.
I received a digital review copy of this novel from the publisher via Edelweiss+ . All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: The story does venture into sensitive territory.
⚠ Gun violence in schools
When Joan Whalen, (nee Grieve) an ex-student from his decades-old short stint as a high school English teacher which ended in a horrific tragedy, enlists his services to find proof of her husband’s infidelity Kimball has no idea what he is getting into. Joan is confident that her husband is cheating on her and also claims to be sure of who he is romantically involved with. All she wants is proof of the same. As Kimball begins to follow Joan’s husband and the woman he is supposedly having an affair with, he finds himself unwittingly drawn into a tangled web of murder, manipulation, deceit, lies and old secrets. It takes one to know one, so Henry turns to the only person he knows who can help him figure out what’s actually going on.
Twisty, suspenseful and fast-paced, The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson is a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While there were a couple of eye-rolling moments, I was too busy turning the pages to care. The narrative is shared from multiple perspectives, which does well in keeping you engaged with the story and the characters. Swanson’s characterizations are superb and the multiple perspectives allow us to get to know these characters, their backstories, connections and motivations. All of his characters are seriously flawed individuals and for the most part unlikeable but the author compels you to choose your favorites among them and root for them. The narrative flows seamlessly and Swanson does a fine job of weaving the past and present together in a tight-knit plot that keeps you hooked till the very last page. I enjoyed how the plot developed and found the ending more interesting than neatly tied up and satisfying. (I’m guessing we’ll be seeing more of some of the characters in the future!)
I would recommend reading The Kind Worth Killing before reading the sequel to fully understand Henry’s and Lily’s characters and their backstories.
I received a digital review copy of this novel from the publisher via Edelweiss+ . All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please Note: The story does venture into sensitive territory.
⚠ Gun violence in schools
March 19, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
⚠️ SCHOOL SHOOTING
We first met Lily Kintner, in an airport bar, where she agrees with the man beside her, that his wife is “The Kind Worth Killing” (book one to this semi sequel, and the book that began my love of the psychological thriller!)
It left a few questions when it ended, but until now, there hadn’t been answers.
FOR FULL APPRECIATION of this book, you really SHOULD read that one first-it’s a spin on Patricia Highsmith’s “Strangers on a Train”, and you really SHOULDN’T miss out!! 😉
I did a reread before starting this one, and was glad for the refresher of the little details that I had forgotten.
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER
Lily is beautiful and seductive, and definitely the kind of woman who can be your best friend or your worst enemy and she caught Kimball’s attention years ago when he was investigating a crime.
Henry Kimball was with the Boston Police, in book one, but he is a private investigator now, still writing dirty limericks and making questionable decisions.
He has been hired by Joan Whalen, to obtain proof that her husband Richard is cheating. Joan doesn’t really care that he has been unfaithful. What bothers her, is that he thinks he has been smart enough to get away with it.
Joan (Grieve back then) was once a clever, slightly dangerous student in Henry Kimball’s class when he was a first year high school teacher, and she was in his classroom when tragedy struck.
What should have been a simple case of her husband’s infidelity, becomes more complicated when Henry ends up finding two dead bodies in an uninhabited suburban home where there is a “for sale” sign out front.
Suddenly, the crime from their shared history has become tangled up with this one.
BUT, this time, someone is “the kind worth saving”.
I would love to say more, but that would involve *spoilers*!
Suffice, to say, this was one of my MOST ANTICIPATED reads for 2023, and although ”The Kind Worth Killing” is a hard act to follow and it would probably be impossible to equal it- THIS WAS a satisfying follow up for me!!
Recommended !
AVAILABLE NOW!
⚠️ SCHOOL SHOOTING
We first met Lily Kintner, in an airport bar, where she agrees with the man beside her, that his wife is “The Kind Worth Killing” (book one to this semi sequel, and the book that began my love of the psychological thriller!)
It left a few questions when it ended, but until now, there hadn’t been answers.
FOR FULL APPRECIATION of this book, you really SHOULD read that one first-it’s a spin on Patricia Highsmith’s “Strangers on a Train”, and you really SHOULDN’T miss out!! 😉
I did a reread before starting this one, and was glad for the refresher of the little details that I had forgotten.
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER
Lily is beautiful and seductive, and definitely the kind of woman who can be your best friend or your worst enemy and she caught Kimball’s attention years ago when he was investigating a crime.
Henry Kimball was with the Boston Police, in book one, but he is a private investigator now, still writing dirty limericks and making questionable decisions.
He has been hired by Joan Whalen, to obtain proof that her husband Richard is cheating. Joan doesn’t really care that he has been unfaithful. What bothers her, is that he thinks he has been smart enough to get away with it.
Joan (Grieve back then) was once a clever, slightly dangerous student in Henry Kimball’s class when he was a first year high school teacher, and she was in his classroom when tragedy struck.
What should have been a simple case of her husband’s infidelity, becomes more complicated when Henry ends up finding two dead bodies in an uninhabited suburban home where there is a “for sale” sign out front.
Suddenly, the crime from their shared history has become tangled up with this one.
BUT, this time, someone is “the kind worth saving”.
I would love to say more, but that would involve *spoilers*!
Suffice, to say, this was one of my MOST ANTICIPATED reads for 2023, and although ”The Kind Worth Killing” is a hard act to follow and it would probably be impossible to equal it- THIS WAS a satisfying follow up for me!!
Recommended !
AVAILABLE NOW!
October 25, 2022
Remember Lily from The Kind Worth Killing (book #1)?
Well, she is back and just as cunning and devious as ever!
Joan thinks her hubs is cheating. She can feel it. She has also suspects who his afternoon delight is, but she wants proof. Enter Private Investigator, Henry Kimball. Joan meets with him and it could possibly be the worst day of his life! He can't quite put his finger on the chilly feeling that she brought in with her. He decides to help her investigate her hubs and the cat and rat chase begins...........
It was an uncomfortable and tension filled ride, like when you can hear thunder, you just know the storm is coming soon.
Someone is obsessed. Someone has evil in their heart. Someone is plotting murder and revenge....
"Would you really kill if you could get away with it?" hmm, "It's the perfect plan". Really?
I think it will work as a standalone, but if you've read the first you'll remember a few of the characters and their modus operandi. The bad poetry is back too. I would have enjoyed some humor and lighter moments to balance out the dark tension. Also, the end seemed unfinished like I wanted a little more.
CW -
It was a highly engaging plot that had very intense moments, some shock, creepy moments, and once when I even said out loud, "No way!"
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC. This one is OUT March 7, 2023
Well, she is back and just as cunning and devious as ever!
Joan thinks her hubs is cheating. She can feel it. She has also suspects who his afternoon delight is, but she wants proof. Enter Private Investigator, Henry Kimball. Joan meets with him and it could possibly be the worst day of his life! He can't quite put his finger on the chilly feeling that she brought in with her. He decides to help her investigate her hubs and the cat and rat chase begins...........
It was an uncomfortable and tension filled ride, like when you can hear thunder, you just know the storm is coming soon.
Someone is obsessed. Someone has evil in their heart. Someone is plotting murder and revenge....
"Would you really kill if you could get away with it?" hmm, "It's the perfect plan". Really?
I think it will work as a standalone, but if you've read the first you'll remember a few of the characters and their modus operandi. The bad poetry is back too. I would have enjoyed some humor and lighter moments to balance out the dark tension. Also, the end seemed unfinished like I wanted a little more.
CW -
It was a highly engaging plot that had very intense moments, some shock, creepy moments, and once when I even said out loud, "No way!"
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC. This one is OUT March 7, 2023
March 6, 2023
Worthy follow-up to The Kind Worth Killing
Since it had been a while since I read the first book, I did a quick re-read and I was glad that I did. I don't think it's completely necessary to have read the first book, but you'll miss out on the character development and this book definitely has spoilers for the first one, although the mystery itself stands alone.
Henry Kimball is now a private investigator after being asked to resign from the police force after the incidents that occurred with Lily Kintner. He is hired by Joan Whalen, who Henry had as a student during his one traumatic year of teaching. Joan believes her husband is cheating, and she wants Henry to confirm this fact. Yet as we have come to know from Swanson's other books, nothing is as it seems on the surface. Present day incidents are woven in with Joan's past to create an unbelievable tale of secrets, lies, and murder.
There are so many twists in this book it is one surprise after the other. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, something would happen to shock me and take the story in a new direction. This book is quite fast paced and I didn't want to stop reading until I finished.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful tale and wouldn't be opposed to more books with these characters in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Since it had been a while since I read the first book, I did a quick re-read and I was glad that I did. I don't think it's completely necessary to have read the first book, but you'll miss out on the character development and this book definitely has spoilers for the first one, although the mystery itself stands alone.
Henry Kimball is now a private investigator after being asked to resign from the police force after the incidents that occurred with Lily Kintner. He is hired by Joan Whalen, who Henry had as a student during his one traumatic year of teaching. Joan believes her husband is cheating, and she wants Henry to confirm this fact. Yet as we have come to know from Swanson's other books, nothing is as it seems on the surface. Present day incidents are woven in with Joan's past to create an unbelievable tale of secrets, lies, and murder.
There are so many twists in this book it is one surprise after the other. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was going on, something would happen to shock me and take the story in a new direction. This book is quite fast paced and I didn't want to stop reading until I finished.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful tale and wouldn't be opposed to more books with these characters in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Want to read
August 9, 2022WAIT WHAT THE FUCK?!! THIS IS GONNA HAVE ONE OF THE CHARACTERS FROM THE KIND WORTH KILLING?!!!!! AKA THE BOOK THAT GOT ME INTO THRILLERS???!!!!
FUCKING A!!!!!!
FUCKING A!!!!!!
June 26, 2024
I will buy everything he writes… FOREVER!! Such a fangirl. 😍 Okay let’s move on.. this is starting to sound creepy.😂
Anyways… I can’t believe I am just reading The Kind Worth Saving!! I was “saving” it for what… I don’t know 🤷♀️… I tend to do that with my favorite authors. 😬🤷♀️ You all know the next in the series is out tomorrow!! I can’t wait. 🥳 Who else is excited?? 🙋♀️ Let me tell you… I am reading it the second my copy gets here. 😍
I didn’t think it was possible to top The Kind Worth Killing… but I do think he did!! Wow! This is such a intricate woven web. It was so clever… so calculating… absolutely brilliant. All the stars ⭐️ for this baby!! 👏👏
I absolutely loved getting to meet up with some old friends… and some new..😳… Meet Richard… he’s a real estate broker… married to Joan… they went to high school together… Aww right? Don’t aww yet people. 😂 This right here had a twist that litterly blew my mind. 🤔😮🫢🤯🤯🤯 Yep that is how I felt. 😂
Lily and Kimball are back and better than ever!! I love these two!! You can bet… there is NEVER a dull moment. 🔪😬
I loved the flashbacks… getting to know our little psychos better. 😂
That ending was a 100% WTF blow your mind ending!! 🤯 Guys… look… most of you know just how fantastic his books are. If you don’t… trust me… 😉…his writing is phenomenal. 🤩 It sucks you in immediately… He writes books that if you put it down… you think about it… every single second… until you get to pick it back up!! My absolute favorite author!! Tomorrow is a bit like Christmas! 😂🎄
🔪🔪🔪🔪 Have you read this one?? What is your favorite @petermswanson book?? Mine was Eight Perfect Murders… now I am not sure🤔… it might be this one. Are you just as excited as I am about A Talent For Murder??? 🔪🔪🔪
Anyways… I can’t believe I am just reading The Kind Worth Saving!! I was “saving” it for what… I don’t know 🤷♀️… I tend to do that with my favorite authors. 😬🤷♀️ You all know the next in the series is out tomorrow!! I can’t wait. 🥳 Who else is excited?? 🙋♀️ Let me tell you… I am reading it the second my copy gets here. 😍
I didn’t think it was possible to top The Kind Worth Killing… but I do think he did!! Wow! This is such a intricate woven web. It was so clever… so calculating… absolutely brilliant. All the stars ⭐️ for this baby!! 👏👏
I absolutely loved getting to meet up with some old friends… and some new..😳… Meet Richard… he’s a real estate broker… married to Joan… they went to high school together… Aww right? Don’t aww yet people. 😂 This right here had a twist that litterly blew my mind. 🤔😮🫢🤯🤯🤯 Yep that is how I felt. 😂
Lily and Kimball are back and better than ever!! I love these two!! You can bet… there is NEVER a dull moment. 🔪😬
I loved the flashbacks… getting to know our little psychos better. 😂
That ending was a 100% WTF blow your mind ending!! 🤯 Guys… look… most of you know just how fantastic his books are. If you don’t… trust me… 😉…his writing is phenomenal. 🤩 It sucks you in immediately… He writes books that if you put it down… you think about it… every single second… until you get to pick it back up!! My absolute favorite author!! Tomorrow is a bit like Christmas! 😂🎄
🔪🔪🔪🔪 Have you read this one?? What is your favorite @petermswanson book?? Mine was Eight Perfect Murders… now I am not sure🤔… it might be this one. Are you just as excited as I am about A Talent For Murder??? 🔪🔪🔪
March 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How on earth do I review this book without spoilers? You just need to read this book… go in as blind as possible. If you have read The Kind Worth Killing (and seriously, who hasn’t, you will have some idea what to expect.
There was much excitement as well as fear when picking this book up. The Kind Worth Killing is one of my all time favourite books, and one that I am forever recommending and gifting to people. It is amazing. We have some characters returning from the first book, firstly, Harry Kimball. After what happened in the first book, he is a now working as a private eye. And then we have Lily… how could anybody forget Lily.
All I am going to say is enjoy. There are plenty of twists and games happening throughout, and who do you trust? Who do you believe? Read it and find out, you will not be sorry.
Publishes here in Australia on February 28th. A massive thank you to the team at Allen and Unwin for for a very early Christmas present with this ARC. Another must read for 2023.
How on earth do I review this book without spoilers? You just need to read this book… go in as blind as possible. If you have read The Kind Worth Killing (and seriously, who hasn’t, you will have some idea what to expect.
There was much excitement as well as fear when picking this book up. The Kind Worth Killing is one of my all time favourite books, and one that I am forever recommending and gifting to people. It is amazing. We have some characters returning from the first book, firstly, Harry Kimball. After what happened in the first book, he is a now working as a private eye. And then we have Lily… how could anybody forget Lily.
All I am going to say is enjoy. There are plenty of twists and games happening throughout, and who do you trust? Who do you believe? Read it and find out, you will not be sorry.
Publishes here in Australia on February 28th. A massive thank you to the team at Allen and Unwin for for a very early Christmas present with this ARC. Another must read for 2023.
June 16, 2023
A decent read, but it didn’t quite do it for me!
April 17, 2023
I didn't expect there would be book 2, but I'm super excited that Peter Swanson is giving us a series and not any series but THE ONE, that started it all for me!! The Kind Worth Killing got me hooked to psycho thrillers that I didn't know existed and for that, I'm a forever loyal fan.
The Kind Worth Saving is great on its own but I recommend you read the first one before this just because it was phenomenal!!
Henry Kimball is a PI hired by Joan, his ex-student. Joan wants proof her husband is cheating and needs a pro. Sounds pretty simple until it's not. This thriller will give away the reveal pretty early but still keeps you glued to the story and its calculating characters! My only regret is, I wish I reread the first book (read in 2016) before this one. The audiobook is excellent with four narrators, but my favorite goes to Keith Szarabaijka as Henry Kimball.
The Kind Worth Saving is great on its own but I recommend you read the first one before this just because it was phenomenal!!
Henry Kimball is a PI hired by Joan, his ex-student. Joan wants proof her husband is cheating and needs a pro. Sounds pretty simple until it's not. This thriller will give away the reveal pretty early but still keeps you glued to the story and its calculating characters! My only regret is, I wish I reread the first book (read in 2016) before this one. The audiobook is excellent with four narrators, but my favorite goes to Keith Szarabaijka as Henry Kimball.
March 2, 2023
4.5 stars
Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner #2 - the much anticipated, eagerly awaited ‘semi-sequel’ to The Kind Worth Killing.
Private Detective Henry Kimball is hired by an ex-student from his days as a teacher at Dartford-Middleham High. Enter Joan Grieve, now Joan Whalen who reminds Kimball of an event he’d prefer to erase from his mind. Joan wants him to follow her husband Richard to prove that he is cheating on her. He takes the case, it seems a simple one but oh boy, is he ever wrong. It becomes clear he needs to revisit the past to discover the truth about the present.
The story is told from several points of view with the storytelling cleverly flowing seamlessly between one and the other. Each helps us to connect the ever expanding plot dots and piece together to get a full picture - maybe! It’s a slow burner especially at the beginning but the author effortlessly pulls me in and it’s an immersive gripping, glued to the pages read. There’s a growing sense of horrible fascination as revelations give the reader deeper knowledge and understanding of the key characters. The characterisation is exemplary, you can really SEE these flawed individuals as you enter their minds allowing you to see how twisted some are and who should come with flashing amber warning signs ‘Danger Ahead’. There are most certainly characters here that are not the kind worth saving as they utilise and masterfully manipulate, they are smart and can play others so they skilfully, darkly and wickedly achieve the outcome they want. They appal and mesmerise at the same time and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues but who exactly is the cat and who the mouse?
This is a very well written character driven psychological thriller which is suspense and tension fuelled as threats and danger are perceived with actions that beggars belief. Kimball continues to write his bad limericks and these help to break the tension with some making me smile but which are also insightful. You are witness to actions that are calmly calculating which makes them even more chilling. There are several really good surprising twists and one in particular is a case of well played Sir! The ending is deliciously good.
Overall, this is a clever thriller and it’s so good to reconnect with Kimball and Lily again as that relationship is one that will continue to be a source of acute interest. This sequel definitely delivers on its promise as Peter Swanson spins characters making you like those you probably shouldn’t and defies your expectations.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner #2 - the much anticipated, eagerly awaited ‘semi-sequel’ to The Kind Worth Killing.
Private Detective Henry Kimball is hired by an ex-student from his days as a teacher at Dartford-Middleham High. Enter Joan Grieve, now Joan Whalen who reminds Kimball of an event he’d prefer to erase from his mind. Joan wants him to follow her husband Richard to prove that he is cheating on her. He takes the case, it seems a simple one but oh boy, is he ever wrong. It becomes clear he needs to revisit the past to discover the truth about the present.
The story is told from several points of view with the storytelling cleverly flowing seamlessly between one and the other. Each helps us to connect the ever expanding plot dots and piece together to get a full picture - maybe! It’s a slow burner especially at the beginning but the author effortlessly pulls me in and it’s an immersive gripping, glued to the pages read. There’s a growing sense of horrible fascination as revelations give the reader deeper knowledge and understanding of the key characters. The characterisation is exemplary, you can really SEE these flawed individuals as you enter their minds allowing you to see how twisted some are and who should come with flashing amber warning signs ‘Danger Ahead’. There are most certainly characters here that are not the kind worth saving as they utilise and masterfully manipulate, they are smart and can play others so they skilfully, darkly and wickedly achieve the outcome they want. They appal and mesmerise at the same time and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues but who exactly is the cat and who the mouse?
This is a very well written character driven psychological thriller which is suspense and tension fuelled as threats and danger are perceived with actions that beggars belief. Kimball continues to write his bad limericks and these help to break the tension with some making me smile but which are also insightful. You are witness to actions that are calmly calculating which makes them even more chilling. There are several really good surprising twists and one in particular is a case of well played Sir! The ending is deliciously good.
Overall, this is a clever thriller and it’s so good to reconnect with Kimball and Lily again as that relationship is one that will continue to be a source of acute interest. This sequel definitely delivers on its promise as Peter Swanson spins characters making you like those you probably shouldn’t and defies your expectations.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 20, 2023
Our favorite detective Henry Kimball is back. But now he works as a private investigator (Book one will explain how that came to be).
Joan is interested in hiring Henry for what is typically a standard issue job for detectives. Find evidence that her husband is cheating. Should be easy enough. Except…Henry knows this woman. His detective radar tells him there’s more to this job than a bit of spying!
And Henry's suspicions are spot-on! See, I knew he was a good investigator!
I loved the audio with a whole line up of amazing narrators! A few of which appeared in the previous book of this series.
There was a considerable eight-year gap between the release of this book and the first, A Kind Worth Killing. I highly recommend going back to read/listen before starting this latest offering.
And though I thoroughly enjoyed this one I do believe book one was just a bit better!
Joan is interested in hiring Henry for what is typically a standard issue job for detectives. Find evidence that her husband is cheating. Should be easy enough. Except…Henry knows this woman. His detective radar tells him there’s more to this job than a bit of spying!
And Henry's suspicions are spot-on! See, I knew he was a good investigator!
I loved the audio with a whole line up of amazing narrators! A few of which appeared in the previous book of this series.
There was a considerable eight-year gap between the release of this book and the first, A Kind Worth Killing. I highly recommend going back to read/listen before starting this latest offering.
And though I thoroughly enjoyed this one I do believe book one was just a bit better!
February 11, 2023
I AM SO HAPPY. my fave thriller (THE KIND WORTH KILLING) got a sequel and it answered all my questions from the cliffhanger ending and it was a hell of a ride 👀🖤🫢🔪📖🙌🏼
i think this goes without saying but you MUST read THE KIND WORTH KILLING before THE KIND WORTH SAVING or else it will spoil literally everything 😂 if you’re debating if you need a re read of TKWK before this one like i did, do it!! it helped me so much, although Swanson does hint at the details/spoilers.
i thiiiiink this will land at 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because nothing will quiiiiite beat TKWK for me. however, this was SO much fun, i was thinking about it every time i put it down.
Swanson called this a “semi-sequel” and it’s a very good way to describe it. if you’re expecting another story surrounding Lily Kintner, you’ll need to adjust expectations. this book is mainly centered around Henry Kimball, the police officer turned private detective from TKWK buuuut we do get re-introduced to Lily (the MC in TKWK) and she may or may not get herself into trouble again 👀 it was so much fun reading her POV again!!!
Swanson delivered another delicious and suspenseful serial killer thriller and i was here for every second of it. i didnt love the side characters in this one as much as TKWK and it lacked the *WOW* ending of the first, but i still highly recommend! it has a lot of the same elements—murder, suspense, quick pace and fast chapters, lots of twists, unlikeable but quirky characters and a fun ending.
a big thanks to William Morrow for the gifted early copy. a full review will land on my IG later this month with a surprise so stay tuned 👀🤓
i think this goes without saying but you MUST read THE KIND WORTH KILLING before THE KIND WORTH SAVING or else it will spoil literally everything 😂 if you’re debating if you need a re read of TKWK before this one like i did, do it!! it helped me so much, although Swanson does hint at the details/spoilers.
i thiiiiink this will land at 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because nothing will quiiiiite beat TKWK for me. however, this was SO much fun, i was thinking about it every time i put it down.
Swanson called this a “semi-sequel” and it’s a very good way to describe it. if you’re expecting another story surrounding Lily Kintner, you’ll need to adjust expectations. this book is mainly centered around Henry Kimball, the police officer turned private detective from TKWK buuuut we do get re-introduced to Lily (the MC in TKWK) and she may or may not get herself into trouble again 👀 it was so much fun reading her POV again!!!
Swanson delivered another delicious and suspenseful serial killer thriller and i was here for every second of it. i didnt love the side characters in this one as much as TKWK and it lacked the *WOW* ending of the first, but i still highly recommend! it has a lot of the same elements—murder, suspense, quick pace and fast chapters, lots of twists, unlikeable but quirky characters and a fun ending.
a big thanks to William Morrow for the gifted early copy. a full review will land on my IG later this month with a surprise so stay tuned 👀🤓
May 3, 2023
The Kind Worth Saving is the second book in the Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner series. And just like its predecessor, The Kind Worth Killing, I’m left wanting more!! I will say that just like the first book, this one started off slow for me, and then Part 2 of the book really took off. Part 3 is the conclusion of the book that made me sad that it ended. It’s safe to say that Peter Swanson likes to build up a momentum in his stories, and he succeeded once again.
In this story, we meet Joan Grieves/Whalen, who was a former student of Henry Kimball when he taught English classes at the local high school. Henry Kimball is now a Private Investigator working at his own office due to circumstances that happened in book #1. Joan approaches Henry, because she thinks that her husband, Richard is cheating on her, and she would like Henry to follow him and confirm her suspicions.
Henry starts to follow Richard and the woman who he may be cheating with, who is his office manager Pam. During this time, we learn of Joan’s past and backstory, and also how she met her current husband Richard. Joan is such a dislikable character, it angers me that people like her really exist in this world.
Thankfully our good friend Lily Kintner was back in this story, that’s when this story really picked up and became fast paced and fun (Parts 2 & 3). I could honestly read about Lily and Henry forever, as I think they are the two of the best characters around!
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly suggest that you do. I mean, they are the kind worth reading 😉
In this story, we meet Joan Grieves/Whalen, who was a former student of Henry Kimball when he taught English classes at the local high school. Henry Kimball is now a Private Investigator working at his own office due to circumstances that happened in book #1. Joan approaches Henry, because she thinks that her husband, Richard is cheating on her, and she would like Henry to follow him and confirm her suspicions.
Henry starts to follow Richard and the woman who he may be cheating with, who is his office manager Pam. During this time, we learn of Joan’s past and backstory, and also how she met her current husband Richard. Joan is such a dislikable character, it angers me that people like her really exist in this world.
Thankfully our good friend Lily Kintner was back in this story, that’s when this story really picked up and became fast paced and fun (Parts 2 & 3). I could honestly read about Lily and Henry forever, as I think they are the two of the best characters around!
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly suggest that you do. I mean, they are the kind worth reading 😉
March 19, 2023
The Kind Worth Saving is the second book in the Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner series and it does not disappoint. Peter Swanson crafted a clever cat and mouse which had me turning the pages wanting to know how things were going to end. Who would be the kind worth saving in this book?
Henry Kimball is hired by his former student, Joan, to follow her husband who is having an affair with his secretary. She "knows" he is having an affair but wants "proof". Henry accepts the case but can't help remembering his and Joan's shared past, specifically the day that ended in tragedy. A day that haunts him, a day that he can never forget.
As Henry begins to investigate Joan's husband, he begins to take a closer look at the past, and as he begins to put things together in his mind, he begins to become aware of connections, and realizes that things are not as they seem.
This book snuck up on me and I enjoyed reading about Henry and Lily once again. I found this book hard to put down, well written and well thought out book. This book is told through glimpses into the past and in the present and as more was revealed, I was even more invested in this clever book.
This is the second book in the series and I recommend reading the first book in the series, The Kind Worth Killing, first.
Gripping and well thought out!
*Traveling friends buddy read.
Read more of my review at www.openbookposts.com
Henry Kimball is hired by his former student, Joan, to follow her husband who is having an affair with his secretary. She "knows" he is having an affair but wants "proof". Henry accepts the case but can't help remembering his and Joan's shared past, specifically the day that ended in tragedy. A day that haunts him, a day that he can never forget.
As Henry begins to investigate Joan's husband, he begins to take a closer look at the past, and as he begins to put things together in his mind, he begins to become aware of connections, and realizes that things are not as they seem.
This book snuck up on me and I enjoyed reading about Henry and Lily once again. I found this book hard to put down, well written and well thought out book. This book is told through glimpses into the past and in the present and as more was revealed, I was even more invested in this clever book.
This is the second book in the series and I recommend reading the first book in the series, The Kind Worth Killing, first.
Gripping and well thought out!
*Traveling friends buddy read.
Read more of my review at www.openbookposts.com
March 12, 2023
Some kind and not-so-kind words
about Peter Swanson's "Kind" books:
1) "The Kind Worth Killing" was one of my very, very favorite books of 2015.
In 2015, author Peter Swanson completely "wowed" me and instantly became one of my "go-to" authors.
2) "The Kind Worth Saving" is the long-awaited sequel to "The Kind Worth Killing" that could easily be read as a standalone.
Please check my math but "Kind #2" was released eight years after "Kind #1".
Why wait eight years to write a sequel?
Waiting such a long period of time to release a sequel requires readers to remember the details of a book read eight years ago. (Huh?)
This being said, I would have enjoyed "Kind #2" much more had it been released closer to the publication date of "Kind #1".
3) Although "Kind #2" was fast-paced, well-plotted, entertaining, and compulsively readable, it was not in the same league as "Kind #1".
Not even close.
I remember gasping multiple times while reading "Kind #1".
In "Kind #2", there were many eye-rolling moments with few gasps. 😥☹️😭
4) I listened to the full-cast audiobook and all narrators did an outstanding job.
A special shout-out to Keith Szarabajka for his Academy Award-worthy performance. 👍👍👍
TW: School shooting.
3.5 stars
May 18, 2023
4.5 superb sequel stars!
I was late to the party in reading Book 1 in this much-loved psychological thriller series, The Kind Worth Killing. I read and loved it at the beginning of this year in anticipation of Book 2 releasing in March. I’m happy to report I enjoyed this book just as much as Book 1! 🙌🏻 That doesn’t happen very often!
Told from multiple perspectives changing with each chapter, this was a sneaky, suspenseful, twisted, thrilling, fast paced story that had me fully invested from start to finish. The new characters are a brilliant addition to this series — I loved following their backstories.
Although not fully realistic, the storyline had me hooked and engrossed throughout. I was rooting for the manipulative, selfish characters and had a lot of fun following along their paths.
If you’ve read and enjoyed Book 1, then this is a must read! If you haven’t, then I strongly suggest you start with Book 1 as it would make this book much more impactful having that storyline as background.
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical loan!
I was late to the party in reading Book 1 in this much-loved psychological thriller series, The Kind Worth Killing. I read and loved it at the beginning of this year in anticipation of Book 2 releasing in March. I’m happy to report I enjoyed this book just as much as Book 1! 🙌🏻 That doesn’t happen very often!
Told from multiple perspectives changing with each chapter, this was a sneaky, suspenseful, twisted, thrilling, fast paced story that had me fully invested from start to finish. The new characters are a brilliant addition to this series — I loved following their backstories.
Although not fully realistic, the storyline had me hooked and engrossed throughout. I was rooting for the manipulative, selfish characters and had a lot of fun following along their paths.
If you’ve read and enjoyed Book 1, then this is a must read! If you haven’t, then I strongly suggest you start with Book 1 as it would make this book much more impactful having that storyline as background.
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical loan!
March 7, 2023
Have you read The Kind Worth Killing?
If the answer is NO, then I highly suggest you read it before picking up The Kind Worth Saving.
Peter Swanson’s highly anticipated sequel introduces new characters, but also continues with Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner’s story. It contains some recap, but will likely leave readers confused without knowledge of the previous book.
Joan Grieve hires private detective Henry Kimball to investigate whether her husband is having an affair with his co-worker. However, before he can verify this assumption, he becomes a witness for their deaths. Was it murder or suicide? Joan has a bombshell secret that Henry must unravel in order to determine what happened to Richard Grieve and his mistress.
I was one of the few people who didn’t understand the cult following of Peter Swanson’s first book in the series. While I enjoyed some of the twists, it was a three star read for me. After reading the second book in the series, I have realized that the reason I struggled to enjoy it was because the plot glorifies murder and killing. Regardless of the fact that it is fiction, I just can’t get behind that. Additionally, one of the major plot points in this book is a school shooting. This is a hard NO for me.
Those who enjoy books about serial killers will most likely enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I think this will be the last book that I will read about this topic.
3/5 stars
Trigger warning: School shooting
Expected publication date: 3/7/23
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for the ARC of The Kind Worth Saving in exchange for an honest review.
If the answer is NO, then I highly suggest you read it before picking up The Kind Worth Saving.
Peter Swanson’s highly anticipated sequel introduces new characters, but also continues with Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner’s story. It contains some recap, but will likely leave readers confused without knowledge of the previous book.
Joan Grieve hires private detective Henry Kimball to investigate whether her husband is having an affair with his co-worker. However, before he can verify this assumption, he becomes a witness for their deaths. Was it murder or suicide? Joan has a bombshell secret that Henry must unravel in order to determine what happened to Richard Grieve and his mistress.
I was one of the few people who didn’t understand the cult following of Peter Swanson’s first book in the series. While I enjoyed some of the twists, it was a three star read for me. After reading the second book in the series, I have realized that the reason I struggled to enjoy it was because the plot glorifies murder and killing. Regardless of the fact that it is fiction, I just can’t get behind that. Additionally, one of the major plot points in this book is a school shooting. This is a hard NO for me.
Those who enjoy books about serial killers will most likely enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I think this will be the last book that I will read about this topic.
3/5 stars
Trigger warning: School shooting
Expected publication date: 3/7/23
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for the ARC of The Kind Worth Saving in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
This might be the worst book I ever read in my life.
Not just as an unnecessary sequel to my favorite thriller of all time, but just in general... it was bad.
The characters are frustratingly stupid, the dialogue cringy, the motivations are either stupid or none existent. We essentially retcon the original ending of the kind worth killing.
But the worst thing, for a thriller, there was only one plot twist and it was so poorly done that I can't even call it a twist.
Not just as an unnecessary sequel to my favorite thriller of all time, but just in general... it was bad.
The characters are frustratingly stupid, the dialogue cringy, the motivations are either stupid or none existent. We essentially retcon the original ending of the kind worth killing.
But the worst thing, for a thriller, there was only one plot twist and it was so poorly done that I can't even call it a twist.
March 11, 2023
EXCERPT: I have no regrets in my life even though I've killed people, I've always had a reason - a good reason - for what I've done.
ABOUT 'THE KIND WORTH SAVING': There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: he knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.
Now Joan needs his help in proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a “for sale” sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.
Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
MY THOUGHTS: I haven't read the book in this series that precedes The Kind Worth Saving titled The Kind Worth Killing but, really, it's not absolutely necessary. The stories are completely separate and any references to what occurred in the previous book are either superficial or adequately explained.
Henry Kimball is an interesting character, although I didn't immediately warm to him. As an ex-high school English teacher he was involved in a school shooting. As a policeman he was accused of stalking a suspect. Now, as a PI, he has come full circle he finds himself employed by an ex-pupil to investigate her husband, another ex-pupil.
The most intriguing character is Lily Kintner who doesn't appear until the second half of this book. Lily apparently features prominently in The Kind Worth Killing, which I am now intent on reading. She and Henry have a strange relationship, but one where they are each very protective of the other.
I enjoyed this read. It's clever. It's intriguing. It's different, and entertaining. Are we going to get a #3, Mr Swanson? I certainly hope so.
One thing I disagreed with Mr Swanson on was his comment, attributed to Lily's father, that 'Agatha Christie is all imagination and a terrible observer.' My question is this: that if this is indeed true, how did she write the characters of Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot, both of whom are great observers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheKindWorthSaving #NetGalley
I: @petermswanson @faberbooks
T: @PeterSwanson3 @FaberBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #privateinvestigator #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, Peter Swanson lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Faber and Faber Limited via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
ABOUT 'THE KIND WORTH SAVING': There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: he knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy.
Now Joan needs his help in proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a “for sale” sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth.
Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
MY THOUGHTS: I haven't read the book in this series that precedes The Kind Worth Saving titled The Kind Worth Killing but, really, it's not absolutely necessary. The stories are completely separate and any references to what occurred in the previous book are either superficial or adequately explained.
Henry Kimball is an interesting character, although I didn't immediately warm to him. As an ex-high school English teacher he was involved in a school shooting. As a policeman he was accused of stalking a suspect. Now, as a PI, he has come full circle he finds himself employed by an ex-pupil to investigate her husband, another ex-pupil.
The most intriguing character is Lily Kintner who doesn't appear until the second half of this book. Lily apparently features prominently in The Kind Worth Killing, which I am now intent on reading. She and Henry have a strange relationship, but one where they are each very protective of the other.
I enjoyed this read. It's clever. It's intriguing. It's different, and entertaining. Are we going to get a #3, Mr Swanson? I certainly hope so.
One thing I disagreed with Mr Swanson on was his comment, attributed to Lily's father, that 'Agatha Christie is all imagination and a terrible observer.' My question is this: that if this is indeed true, how did she write the characters of Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot, both of whom are great observers.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#TheKindWorthSaving #NetGalley
I: @petermswanson @faberbooks
T: @PeterSwanson3 @FaberBooks
#contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #privateinvestigator #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, Peter Swanson lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Faber and Faber Limited via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
August 12, 2023
This sequel to The Kind Worth Killing is not nearly as good, but was a worthy successor. I had fun reconnecting with Lily and Henry. Their's is a weird, yet wonderful relationship. Can you truly love someone who stabbed you ? Peter Swanson says, yes, and somehow you believe him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
Peter Swanson is back and I am here for it! I've said it a few times before and I'll say it again; Peter is one of my most favourite writers and you can imagine my surprise when a sequel to "The Kind Worth Killing" novel was announced. I just had to get my hands on this book and read it ASAP!
And as expected, I loved it. I loved it so much that I had to write a review as soon as I closed the book—so well-written and there's my favourite, Lily. Need I say more?
The thing about Swanson is, he is incredibly a simple story teller, he doesn't heavily rely on twists and complicated turns, he's straightforward and creates complex characters who are oddly relatable. He pulls us into the minds and their human psyches and lets us figure out the truth on our own without being too cumbersome and plotty but with enough lure and charm.
So so good. Is there another sequel on the series? Please tell me there is!
And as expected, I loved it. I loved it so much that I had to write a review as soon as I closed the book—so well-written and there's my favourite, Lily. Need I say more?
The thing about Swanson is, he is incredibly a simple story teller, he doesn't heavily rely on twists and complicated turns, he's straightforward and creates complex characters who are oddly relatable. He pulls us into the minds and their human psyches and lets us figure out the truth on our own without being too cumbersome and plotty but with enough lure and charm.
So so good. Is there another sequel on the series? Please tell me there is!
March 7, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!
I was wondering how there could be a semi-sequel to The Kind Worth Killing that was just as clever and thrilling, and not a disappointment. Well, I think that Swanson absolutely nailed it!!
This was going to be 4 stars for me and then by the words of the very last chapter it jumped to 4.5 (rounded down).
I enjoyed the story and found it to be written well with multiple, unexpected twists. I love multi POV books the most, often it helps with the pacing and I think it did here too. This also includes two timelines.
One thing that stood out for me as particularly talented was the perfect reminders of relevant book 1 content - done as needed when needed, without boring the reader restating too much detail.
There are quite a few morally questionable and conflicted characters and choices in this one - it often gets one thinking deeper and that can be a sign of a good story IMO.
There is a MMC, Henry, who is sometimes (or often) insufferable, dull and creepy-ish. This combined with about 3/4s into the book slowing down for a bit, and some confusion in the first few chapters about timeline changes reduced my rating.
The latter gripe was easy enough to pick up on upon a quick re-read to clarify that the timeline was changing.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was one I was very excited to be approved for and it did not disappoint.
⚠️ check TWs online but one of note: school shooting ⚠️
I was wondering how there could be a semi-sequel to The Kind Worth Killing that was just as clever and thrilling, and not a disappointment. Well, I think that Swanson absolutely nailed it!!
This was going to be 4 stars for me and then by the words of the very last chapter it jumped to 4.5 (rounded down).
I enjoyed the story and found it to be written well with multiple, unexpected twists. I love multi POV books the most, often it helps with the pacing and I think it did here too. This also includes two timelines.
One thing that stood out for me as particularly talented was the perfect reminders of relevant book 1 content - done as needed when needed, without boring the reader restating too much detail.
There are quite a few morally questionable and conflicted characters and choices in this one - it often gets one thinking deeper and that can be a sign of a good story IMO.
There is a MMC, Henry, who is sometimes (or often) insufferable, dull and creepy-ish. This combined with about 3/4s into the book slowing down for a bit, and some confusion in the first few chapters about timeline changes reduced my rating.
The latter gripe was easy enough to pick up on upon a quick re-read to clarify that the timeline was changing.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was one I was very excited to be approved for and it did not disappoint.
⚠️ check TWs online but one of note: school shooting ⚠️
March 19, 2023
4 Stars
March 28, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. Either I am an outlier or was not in the right headspace to read this right now (Moving will do that) but I didn’t enjoy this as much as many of the author’s other works. The beginning felt way too slow, but it did pick up in the second half & I liked the resolution a lot too. Would still love to see another Henry/Lily book in the future...
May 20, 2023
Following his embarrassing departure from the Boston Police Department, Henry Kimball finds himself running a tiny private investigation firm. Now that he’s on his own, he’ll take any and all cases, so when Joan Whalen comes to hire him, Kimball is quick to accept the case. After all, he knew Joan in his former, former life as a high school English teacher. But, just as his life with the police came to a dirty end, so too did his teaching career in a horrible tragedy that Kimball has worked hard to put in his past. But, at least partly for old times sake, he agrees to take her case.
It seems that Joan has a strong suspicion that her once loving husband, Richard, is cheating on her. She even has an idea of who he’s seeing on the side. She just needs some proof in order to know for sure. But this is anything but an open and shut case of proving infidelity. No, everything will utterly change when he accepts this job. For, after tailing them to an empty suburban home with a FOR SALE sign posted out front, Kimball will make a horrifying discovery: two dead bodies lying inside.
Suddenly, Kimball finds himself thrust back to one of the worst days of his life. Is it possible that Joan knew more than she ever let on? Is there someone out there thinking they’ve gotten away with murder? Before Kimball realizes it, he has only one choice, to turn to his arch nemesis Lily Kintner for help. The more he learns, however, the closer a killer will get to him in the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse. Will he be able to outrun fate yet again? Or, this time, is his number up for good?
Hmmm… The Kind Worth Saving is one hard book to review. On the one hand, I found myself thoroughly wrapped up from page one. But, on the other hand, it just didn’t quite live up to the epic proportions of its precursor, The Kind Worth Killing. Was it because the latter was simply out-of-this-world, or did the former lack that je ne sais quoi that I’ve found every Peter Swanson book to possess? I don’t know if I’ll be ever be 100% sure.
So what made me eat up the pages then? Well, for starters, it was quite the tangled web of sociopaths with nearly every character dark and disturbed. But it quickly became apparent that this cat-and-mouse game was going to turn out to be a battle to the death of only the most enterprising and quick-witted of the bunch. I don’t want to give too much away, but, if you love evil characters who work to set the world to rights, this is your book. Can’t say much more or an errant spoiler may slip in.
Next up, the twists… Be prepared for yet another of Swanson’s trademark revelations that utterly turns the whole story on its head. Is it as jaw dropping as the one from the aforementioned first book? No, not really. That’s not to say, however, that it didn’t bring a huge smile to my face. And be prepared to keep your seatbelt firmly fastened, because the surprises just keep coming. After all, if I had to give the author just one superpower, it would surely rest with his devilish ability to turn a story on its heels.
The only somewhat disappointing fact was that this didn’t exactly feel like a sequel to me. Yes, the same characters are present and accounted for, but there’s no significant character development from the first book. On top of that, in hindsight it felt much more like it was tying up loose ends. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll probably enjoy it just as much as I did. And to be frank, I probably would have been raving about it a tad bit more if I hadn’t just reread The Kind Worth Killing before picking this one up.
So, do I recommend this one? OMG, YES! It is complete with one of Swanson’s characteristic well-organized, riveting, shock-inducing plots all spun around multiple POVs with two tension riddled timelines. So despite the fact that this review may come off as being disappointed, I was anything but. My expectations were just unbelievably high. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: school shooting, mention of: cancer, assault
**Thanks to Peter Swanson, William Morrow, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It seems that Joan has a strong suspicion that her once loving husband, Richard, is cheating on her. She even has an idea of who he’s seeing on the side. She just needs some proof in order to know for sure. But this is anything but an open and shut case of proving infidelity. No, everything will utterly change when he accepts this job. For, after tailing them to an empty suburban home with a FOR SALE sign posted out front, Kimball will make a horrifying discovery: two dead bodies lying inside.
Suddenly, Kimball finds himself thrust back to one of the worst days of his life. Is it possible that Joan knew more than she ever let on? Is there someone out there thinking they’ve gotten away with murder? Before Kimball realizes it, he has only one choice, to turn to his arch nemesis Lily Kintner for help. The more he learns, however, the closer a killer will get to him in the ultimate game of cat-and-mouse. Will he be able to outrun fate yet again? Or, this time, is his number up for good?
Hmmm… The Kind Worth Saving is one hard book to review. On the one hand, I found myself thoroughly wrapped up from page one. But, on the other hand, it just didn’t quite live up to the epic proportions of its precursor, The Kind Worth Killing. Was it because the latter was simply out-of-this-world, or did the former lack that je ne sais quoi that I’ve found every Peter Swanson book to possess? I don’t know if I’ll be ever be 100% sure.
So what made me eat up the pages then? Well, for starters, it was quite the tangled web of sociopaths with nearly every character dark and disturbed. But it quickly became apparent that this cat-and-mouse game was going to turn out to be a battle to the death of only the most enterprising and quick-witted of the bunch. I don’t want to give too much away, but, if you love evil characters who work to set the world to rights, this is your book. Can’t say much more or an errant spoiler may slip in.
Next up, the twists… Be prepared for yet another of Swanson’s trademark revelations that utterly turns the whole story on its head. Is it as jaw dropping as the one from the aforementioned first book? No, not really. That’s not to say, however, that it didn’t bring a huge smile to my face. And be prepared to keep your seatbelt firmly fastened, because the surprises just keep coming. After all, if I had to give the author just one superpower, it would surely rest with his devilish ability to turn a story on its heels.
The only somewhat disappointing fact was that this didn’t exactly feel like a sequel to me. Yes, the same characters are present and accounted for, but there’s no significant character development from the first book. On top of that, in hindsight it felt much more like it was tying up loose ends. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll probably enjoy it just as much as I did. And to be frank, I probably would have been raving about it a tad bit more if I hadn’t just reread The Kind Worth Killing before picking this one up.
So, do I recommend this one? OMG, YES! It is complete with one of Swanson’s characteristic well-organized, riveting, shock-inducing plots all spun around multiple POVs with two tension riddled timelines. So despite the fact that this review may come off as being disappointed, I was anything but. My expectations were just unbelievably high. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Trigger warning: school shooting, mention of: cancer, assault
**Thanks to Peter Swanson, William Morrow, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed The Kind Worth Killing but was much less enthused by The Kind Worth Saving.
Henry Kimball is a PI. Previously, he was a HS Honors English teacher and taught his current client. Joan suspects her husband of cheating on her (not that she’s sure she cares, she just wants confirmation) and hires Henry. In alternating chapters in the first half, we also get a bit from one summer during Joan’s teenage years. This is one of those stories when the reader knows who’s to blame and it’s just a question of how Henry will figure it out. The story moves at a brisk pace with short chapters. It covers the normal psychopath situation with a twist about justice. My problem was that there was nothing unique. Also, Henry felt flat and Joan never came across as real.
Now, I will admit to having trouble with psychological thrillers. They’re like romantic comedies for me. All too often, they sound better than they play out and I end up being disappointed.
What I find irritating is when there are multiple narrators and they make no effort to have the voice of a character sound at all alike. And I don’t mean opposite sex narrators. Here, the two male narrators have Henry sounding like two different people. I wasn’t a fan of Keith Szarabaijka as Henry, but then, Mickey Sholoah speaks as Henry and gives him a strong accent.
Henry Kimball is a PI. Previously, he was a HS Honors English teacher and taught his current client. Joan suspects her husband of cheating on her (not that she’s sure she cares, she just wants confirmation) and hires Henry. In alternating chapters in the first half, we also get a bit from one summer during Joan’s teenage years. This is one of those stories when the reader knows who’s to blame and it’s just a question of how Henry will figure it out. The story moves at a brisk pace with short chapters. It covers the normal psychopath situation with a twist about justice. My problem was that there was nothing unique. Also, Henry felt flat and Joan never came across as real.
Now, I will admit to having trouble with psychological thrillers. They’re like romantic comedies for me. All too often, they sound better than they play out and I end up being disappointed.
What I find irritating is when there are multiple narrators and they make no effort to have the voice of a character sound at all alike. And I don’t mean opposite sex narrators. Here, the two male narrators have Henry sounding like two different people. I wasn’t a fan of Keith Szarabaijka as Henry, but then, Mickey Sholoah speaks as Henry and gives him a strong accent.
February 28, 2023
4.5 stars
The first book in the series, The Kind Worth Killing, is one of my all-time favorite reads. I was excited when I found out a sequel would be coming out. I decided to do a reread of the original book so that way the characters and storyline were fresh in my mind. While The Kind Worth Saving doesn't quite match the awesomeness of TKWK, I still had a blast reading it. A good continuation of the series and a lot of fun. A little more character driven but it definitely has that popcorn thriller type vibe.
Even though this book technically could be read as a standalone, I highly advise you read TKWK before diving into this one so that way you can fully appreciate it.
Thank you William Morrow and Netgalley for giving an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
The first book in the series, The Kind Worth Killing, is one of my all-time favorite reads. I was excited when I found out a sequel would be coming out. I decided to do a reread of the original book so that way the characters and storyline were fresh in my mind. While The Kind Worth Saving doesn't quite match the awesomeness of TKWK, I still had a blast reading it. A good continuation of the series and a lot of fun. A little more character driven but it definitely has that popcorn thriller type vibe.
Even though this book technically could be read as a standalone, I highly advise you read TKWK before diving into this one so that way you can fully appreciate it.
Thank you William Morrow and Netgalley for giving an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
March 22, 2023
So many mixed reviews but I got curious. I loved the first book so much I had to read again and glad I did. Got myself caught up for the newest installment. I think these can be read as standalone but if you want to go into first one with no spoilers I suggest start with that first. I will say this one wasn't as good but still very stellar. It didn't have the OMG that the first one had, but I liked where the author went and the twists that went with it. I also loved the idea of a crossover character- made my day!
We again meet Detective Kimball in a new mystery with a previous student, Joan. We flip back and forth between past and present to see how each came to evolve from a tragedy. What I love about this series is the characters. They are all so unlikable but in a good way, and also how the author pulls everything together. It's tough to get into too more without spoilers but if you like twisty books with unlikable character's then this is it. Ok I still like them! What does that say about me?!
There is a trigger warning: school shooting
I'm hit or miss with Swanson but this series is a hit for me and hope there is a book three.
We again meet Detective Kimball in a new mystery with a previous student, Joan. We flip back and forth between past and present to see how each came to evolve from a tragedy. What I love about this series is the characters. They are all so unlikable but in a good way, and also how the author pulls everything together. It's tough to get into too more without spoilers but if you like twisty books with unlikable character's then this is it. Ok I still like them! What does that say about me?!
There is a trigger warning: school shooting
I'm hit or miss with Swanson but this series is a hit for me and hope there is a book three.
March 20, 2023
A “worthy” (cackle, cackle) ending to the Henry Kimball/Lilly Kintner series – although, that was just a catch phrase, I am not sure it is an ending at all. Worthy it is, though, since Swanson could maintain the same level of mystery and suspense as its predecessor, and yet brings some new elements to give it some fresh impetus, thus making it really quickly readable for those who have read the first book. The case was intriguing, the villain compelling.
I was maybe a little bothered that some of the similarities to The Kind Worth Killing were too similar – the strength of this book being its weakness at the same time. And I cannot stand Henry Kimball. I think he’s a creep and doesn’t deserve Lilly’s forgiveness or interest, if you ask me. I could go on reading with Lilly as the sole case solver, no need for Kimball.
I was maybe a little bothered that some of the similarities to The Kind Worth Killing were too similar – the strength of this book being its weakness at the same time. And I cannot stand Henry Kimball. I think he’s a creep and doesn’t deserve Lilly’s forgiveness or interest, if you ask me. I could go on reading with Lilly as the sole case solver, no need for Kimball.
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