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Painting by Numbers
Out of Print
245 pages, ebook
First published September 6, 2012
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Tom Gillespie
14 books30 followersTom Gillespie is a novel and short fiction writer. His stories have been published worldwide in journals, e-zines and creative anthologies including East of the Web, Linden Literary Review, The Ogilvie. His work also features in The Federation of Writers, Scotland New Voices Anthology.
The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce is the first of a trilogy of novels set in Tom’s hometown of Glasgow, published by Vine Leaves Press, and available now.
Glass Work Humans – A collaborative collection of Short Stories will be published in late 2020.
Tom lives in Bath with his wife, daughter, and hyper-neurotic cat 2 . Alongside his compuslive writing habit, he works as English lecturer at the University.
The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce is the first of a trilogy of novels set in Tom’s hometown of Glasgow, published by Vine Leaves Press, and available now.
Glass Work Humans – A collaborative collection of Short Stories will be published in late 2020.
Tom lives in Bath with his wife, daughter, and hyper-neurotic cat 2 . Alongside his compuslive writing habit, he works as English lecturer at the University.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2013
Painting by numbers is part thriller, part mystery and has a surreal quality to it. It explores issues of grief, loss and obsession, and how such emotions can consume and lead to self-destruction. I very much enjoyed how the tension and surrealism are built into the story. I also admired the powerful portrait of a relationship in crises. At times, the details of the mystery dominate to the detriment of some of the characters' motivations and this led to sections which didn't always hold my attention as well as I'd have liked. However, the characterisation is good, and whilst the protagonist, Jacob, is not always likeable, he is realistically drawn. I like how the psychological aspects link to the painting and events, and I found the ending satisfying. This is a complex study of obsession and the search for truth in a chaotic world. Worth reading.
August 18, 2013
This isn’t a thriller, but it is a psychological suspense page-turner. On the surface, I can see why some people might liken it to Dan Brown’s oeuvre – esoteric knowledge about artwork and mathematics, for example, and a quest to a foreign land. That’s as far as such comparisons should go, however. If any comparisons should be made, I’d refer to Christopher Priest – notably his The Affirmation. Priest, like Gillespie, is a wordsmith.
Jacob Boyce isn’t a particularly likeable bloke, but his predicament keeps you reading. From the outset, it’s obvious that he’s obsessed by a particular painting and seems determined to prove that it isn’t the work of Velasquez but the lesser-known Pinero; if true, it could rock the art world. However, his quest is more profound than establishing the artwork’s authorship. As an earth scientist, he’s into maths in a big way and is convinced that this painting can unlock something other than the number 42… Jacob dabbles with the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Mean and mind-blowing formulae. Slowly, it dawns on the reader that not everything is what it seems.
A few mysteries beyond the actual one of the story remain. I wondered when the narrative was set – Spain has had the Euro since 1999, yet Jacob is dealing in pesetas while in Barcelona and Madrid. Jacob likes his cigarettes – and smokes in public places in both Scotland and Spain – yet that’s no longer legal (being banned in Scotland as far back as 2006, in Spain 2011). Why do so many characters’ names begin with the letter ‘J’- Jacob, Jude, José? Of course, these questions could be answered eloquently by the revelations in the final part…
I felt there was undue emphasis on Free Jazz – when perhaps the opportunity was lost to make use of the Fibonacci sequence in music as well as painting, notably Bach’s work. There’s humour to shed occasional light as Jacob sinks deeper into a dark labyrinth of double-meaning and duplicity – for instance, the bumbling Scottish detective has great potential in another guise.
All in all, as a debut novel this is bravura storytelling about dislocation, obsession, grief, guilt, fidelity and intrigue. The ending is perfect.
Jacob Boyce isn’t a particularly likeable bloke, but his predicament keeps you reading. From the outset, it’s obvious that he’s obsessed by a particular painting and seems determined to prove that it isn’t the work of Velasquez but the lesser-known Pinero; if true, it could rock the art world. However, his quest is more profound than establishing the artwork’s authorship. As an earth scientist, he’s into maths in a big way and is convinced that this painting can unlock something other than the number 42… Jacob dabbles with the Fibonacci sequence, the Golden Mean and mind-blowing formulae. Slowly, it dawns on the reader that not everything is what it seems.
A few mysteries beyond the actual one of the story remain. I wondered when the narrative was set – Spain has had the Euro since 1999, yet Jacob is dealing in pesetas while in Barcelona and Madrid. Jacob likes his cigarettes – and smokes in public places in both Scotland and Spain – yet that’s no longer legal (being banned in Scotland as far back as 2006, in Spain 2011). Why do so many characters’ names begin with the letter ‘J’- Jacob, Jude, José? Of course, these questions could be answered eloquently by the revelations in the final part…
I felt there was undue emphasis on Free Jazz – when perhaps the opportunity was lost to make use of the Fibonacci sequence in music as well as painting, notably Bach’s work. There’s humour to shed occasional light as Jacob sinks deeper into a dark labyrinth of double-meaning and duplicity – for instance, the bumbling Scottish detective has great potential in another guise.
All in all, as a debut novel this is bravura storytelling about dislocation, obsession, grief, guilt, fidelity and intrigue. The ending is perfect.
September 16, 2012
In the words of the lovable Forrest Gump, I didn't know what I was going to get...only this wasn't with a box of chocolates, but with each turn of the page! Moving paintings, disappearing wives, and a Welsh-speaking Spanish bus driver are just part of what make up this extraordinary and gripping novel.
Jacob Boyce, an Earth scientist and university professor, is fixated by a 17th-century painting in his local art gallery, much to the exasperation of his wife and his university employer. By carefully, and somewhat obsessively, observing the painting and measuring angles and dimensions within, he firmly believes it is ‘moving’. Despite the pleas of his wife, Ella, to desist from his obsession, he continues to indulge in his compulsion. When Ella goes missing, and he follows her to Spain where he believes she is, or has been taken, chance encounters and too much alcohol send him headlong into intrigue, mystery, and a multitude of unanswered questions. What’s the link between the disappearance of his wife and his firm belief he has uncovered some sort of code in the painting?
This was a superbly crafted novel. Jacob, although intelligent, almost geekish even, was a character I just didn't take to initially—his compulsion and neglect of his wife was unreasonable and somewhat annoying at first and I didn't find myself drawn to him at all. But everything changes in the last part of the book. It wasn’t totally unexpected; you find yourself in limbo between normality and surrealism in the first part of the book, never quite knowing which is which or what the next page is going to bring, but it’s what makes the ending so spectacular and so contrastingly poignant.
A brilliant psychological thriller.
Jacob Boyce, an Earth scientist and university professor, is fixated by a 17th-century painting in his local art gallery, much to the exasperation of his wife and his university employer. By carefully, and somewhat obsessively, observing the painting and measuring angles and dimensions within, he firmly believes it is ‘moving’. Despite the pleas of his wife, Ella, to desist from his obsession, he continues to indulge in his compulsion. When Ella goes missing, and he follows her to Spain where he believes she is, or has been taken, chance encounters and too much alcohol send him headlong into intrigue, mystery, and a multitude of unanswered questions. What’s the link between the disappearance of his wife and his firm belief he has uncovered some sort of code in the painting?
This was a superbly crafted novel. Jacob, although intelligent, almost geekish even, was a character I just didn't take to initially—his compulsion and neglect of his wife was unreasonable and somewhat annoying at first and I didn't find myself drawn to him at all. But everything changes in the last part of the book. It wasn’t totally unexpected; you find yourself in limbo between normality and surrealism in the first part of the book, never quite knowing which is which or what the next page is going to bring, but it’s what makes the ending so spectacular and so contrastingly poignant.
A brilliant psychological thriller.
March 31, 2013
Tom Gillespie's novel is a page turner if ever I've read a page turner. He pulled me in and kept me intrigued throughout, soaking up every word from start to finish. Gillespie's prose is clean, smooth, easy to read, and his knowledge of Baroque art impresses as does the way in which he's created a fictional understudy/rival to Diego Velazquez. I found myself wondering where protagonist Jacob Boyce's mental and physical searches would take him - the mental a search for truth behind an allegorical painting with which he's almost psychotically obsessed, the physical for his wife who mysteriously disappears - and I ate up Boyce's adventures right up until the novel's end.
The only reason I've given this book 4 stars instead of 5 was that it left me feeling slightly unfulfilled in the end. I loved Boyce's journey, but his destination left me with some unanswered questions, and I found myself wanting more from some of the ancillary characters he meets along the way. I won't reveal Boyce's fate here (I try to avoid including any spoilers in my reviews), but just mention that it had a touch too much of a deus ex machina feel to it, and that I would've preferred a more definitive resolution to certain aspects of the plot. With regard to my above mention of ancillary characters, Jose in particular is one from whom I wanted more - he's a fascinating and complex companion to Boyce during his travels in Spain, and I just felt that his existence was never properly accounted for in the end.
Overall, I found this book very enjoyable and particularly liked the way Gillespie seamlessly weaves art history and techniques employed in Baroque period paintings into the narrative.
The only reason I've given this book 4 stars instead of 5 was that it left me feeling slightly unfulfilled in the end. I loved Boyce's journey, but his destination left me with some unanswered questions, and I found myself wanting more from some of the ancillary characters he meets along the way. I won't reveal Boyce's fate here (I try to avoid including any spoilers in my reviews), but just mention that it had a touch too much of a deus ex machina feel to it, and that I would've preferred a more definitive resolution to certain aspects of the plot. With regard to my above mention of ancillary characters, Jose in particular is one from whom I wanted more - he's a fascinating and complex companion to Boyce during his travels in Spain, and I just felt that his existence was never properly accounted for in the end.
Overall, I found this book very enjoyable and particularly liked the way Gillespie seamlessly weaves art history and techniques employed in Baroque period paintings into the narrative.
October 20, 2012
When I started this book I thought it was a thriller. The pace is unbelievably fast and the plot complicated. It wasn't until I was a good way through, that I realised that the novel is actually a travel book about a journey through obsession into madness; more accurate than any Rough Guide and scarier than the London Dungeon.
Being grabbed by the arm and dragged along on the main character's trip (and at times it felt like a very bad acid trip indeed) was, to carry on the artistic metaphor, like finding oneself an unwilling participant in a Hieronymus Bosch depiction of Hell.
A lot of the science and maths left me completely baffled, despite the "explanation for the hard of thinking" included using the medium of a friendly professor ... but that is my own fault for being so useless at these subjects. The background knowledge of Spain, art, history etc is faultless.
A novel I enjoyed very much but wouldn't read again. I know the ending!
Being grabbed by the arm and dragged along on the main character's trip (and at times it felt like a very bad acid trip indeed) was, to carry on the artistic metaphor, like finding oneself an unwilling participant in a Hieronymus Bosch depiction of Hell.
A lot of the science and maths left me completely baffled, despite the "explanation for the hard of thinking" included using the medium of a friendly professor ... but that is my own fault for being so useless at these subjects. The background knowledge of Spain, art, history etc is faultless.
A novel I enjoyed very much but wouldn't read again. I know the ending!
September 28, 2012
Before anything else I have to comment upon the power behind Gillespie’s writing style. He writes beautifully and every moment throughout the novel is captured in exactly the right way, for me anyway. Unlike many other thrillers, the pace of the novel isn’t overly rushed and the author takes time to create a fascinating, obsession-driven world for his protagonist to occupy. As we follow Jacob from Glasgow to Barcelona to Madrid, the surreal edge to the novel becomes more and more overwhelming. The scenes in Barcelona were particularly reminiscent of Zafon who is one of my favourite author’s of all time so I found these scenes especially captivating. The combination of Gillespie’s fantastic writing and an incredibly well managed pace made this novel work for me and when it reaches is huge twist of a climax I could not have been any more surprised.
The speed of the conclusion is much faster than that of the rest of the novel but it works extremely well as the tone, pace and choice of language are all completely different from previous chapters as the ‘truth’ is revealed and despite taking a complete turn away from the rest of the novel it really works.
Characterisation is extremely interesting throughout the novel, Jacob is a far from likeable character from my perspective but following his story is compelling and as he continues to meet all manner of odd characters, Gillespie creates some really fascinating dialogue, although its relevance to the story could sometimes be questioned.
I’d like to thank Crooked Cat Publishing again for providing me with eBook copy of this novel and look forward to seeing what Gillespie has to offer next.
The speed of the conclusion is much faster than that of the rest of the novel but it works extremely well as the tone, pace and choice of language are all completely different from previous chapters as the ‘truth’ is revealed and despite taking a complete turn away from the rest of the novel it really works.
Characterisation is extremely interesting throughout the novel, Jacob is a far from likeable character from my perspective but following his story is compelling and as he continues to meet all manner of odd characters, Gillespie creates some really fascinating dialogue, although its relevance to the story could sometimes be questioned.
I’d like to thank Crooked Cat Publishing again for providing me with eBook copy of this novel and look forward to seeing what Gillespie has to offer next.
October 24, 2012
How to describe Painting by Numbers, the debut novel by Scottish author Tom Gillespie? It has elements of a thriller, aspects of suspense, it’s psychologically intriguing, but, in truth, it defies classification.
Jacob Boyce, the central character, is a university professor obsessed by an obscure Spanish painting in a Glasgow art gallery. He is convinced he can decipher clues within the picture and cannot bear to spend a moment away from it. This leads to conflict within his marriage and the loss of his tenure at the university. So far, so normal.
However, when his wife disappears Jacob follows Ella’s trail to Spain, where his search for her becomes mysteriously entangled with his quest to uncover the painting’s secrets. From this point onwards readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride the like of which they are unlikely to have travelled in any other book. This is not a book for the hard of thinking and requires no small amount of concentration to follow its complex and intriguing plot, but the effort is well rewarded when the finale is reached.
The ending is simply stunning and I want to read the novel again to see if the clues were obvious, if only I had known what to look for.
February 8, 2016
This was an intriguing novel. Times were when I wanted to skip to the end to find out what was going to finally happen regarding the tortuous mystery of the painting that seems to be the crux of the story- and yet, is it? Since I never skip to the end of a novel, I didn't and was left wondering page, yet a full revelation of the story didn’t seem to transpire. Many aspects remain hypothetical; though I’m pretty sure a subsequent reading will provide me with a different outcome. Different interpretations of the plot I feel are quite possible. The time sequencing is an intricate and very thready web and it was only towards the end I felt myself grasping some of the inner strands. There are still bits of that stretchy web that I hope to make better connections with, and characters that I really want to understand in terms of their purpose in the novel. These may appear vague statements but I prefer not to write spoilers. I don’t generally find time to re-read novels but may have to with Painting by Numbers!
May 15, 2013
Jacob Boyce visits a 17th century allegorical painting every single day in a Glaswegian gallery hoping, with meticulous measurements and careful observation, to unlock its secrets. One day he is convinced that an object in the painting has moved. Giving up his career and neglecting his wife, he is determined to get to the bottom of this ancient mystery.
"You can live in denial as long as you please, Monsieur Boyce, but the truth is that fakery and lies are at the heart of all things."
Gillespie weaves a complicated plot of lies, deceit, art and intrigue which takes us on a mad pursuit from Glasgow to Spain. We follow Jacob on this hunt for answers: what is the secret behind the painting? where is his wife Ella? who is the mysterious Jude? And all the time never quite knowing if he is sane, starting to lose the plot or a complete idiot.
Detailed, clever and clearly well-researched, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. And whatever you do, don't think you know what's coming next, because you'll never guess!
"You can live in denial as long as you please, Monsieur Boyce, but the truth is that fakery and lies are at the heart of all things."
Gillespie weaves a complicated plot of lies, deceit, art and intrigue which takes us on a mad pursuit from Glasgow to Spain. We follow Jacob on this hunt for answers: what is the secret behind the painting? where is his wife Ella? who is the mysterious Jude? And all the time never quite knowing if he is sane, starting to lose the plot or a complete idiot.
Detailed, clever and clearly well-researched, this is a thoroughly enjoyable book. And whatever you do, don't think you know what's coming next, because you'll never guess!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2012
An excellent thriller that keeps you guessing all the way, 'Painting By Numbers' is a real page-turner, with very believable characters and realistic settings. That said, some of the episodes verge on the surreal as the narrative takes the reader on a trip through landscapes ambiguously real and dream-like, becoming an exploration of 'inner-space'.
Unlike Dan Brown's novels, with which this has been compared, 'Painting By Numbers' never insults the intelligence of its readers and the characters are far more complex and sympathetic. Gillespie creates memorable settings and uses psychological drama to keep the reader challenged and intrigued. The author also demonstrates insight into the human condition as well as the complications of relationships.
Do yourself a favour and read 'Painting By Numbers'. It's thoroughly enjoyable and keeps you thinking all the way, with its playful twists and turns. Once you've finished you'll want to go back and piece it all together again.
Unlike Dan Brown's novels, with which this has been compared, 'Painting By Numbers' never insults the intelligence of its readers and the characters are far more complex and sympathetic. Gillespie creates memorable settings and uses psychological drama to keep the reader challenged and intrigued. The author also demonstrates insight into the human condition as well as the complications of relationships.
Do yourself a favour and read 'Painting By Numbers'. It's thoroughly enjoyable and keeps you thinking all the way, with its playful twists and turns. Once you've finished you'll want to go back and piece it all together again.
November 12, 2012
A painting which comes alive at the rising of the sun!
Lovers of literature and art will warm to the rich prose as the story follows Jacob, “running through the oil thick darkness of night.”
Later, he explains seismic earth movements to the elusive Jude, and “the booth swelled and the silence pushed between them…”
Descriptions ooze with pungent odours and vivid colour.
Touches of humour lighten the dialogue in places, serving as a foil for the weirdness of the scenes. Something strange is happening. It happens to Jacob in Scotland, through Spain, and back again as he pursues the elusive Jude and tries to find his wife Ella, who has mysteriously disappeared.
Dream melds into fact and we don’t know which is which. But the painting is a link which joins them all. Is it fake or real?
Is Jude real – or does she meld into Ella? Indeed, is Jacob all that he appears to be?
This is a rapid page-turning book with an ending so logical, yet still surprising.
Lovers of literature and art will warm to the rich prose as the story follows Jacob, “running through the oil thick darkness of night.”
Later, he explains seismic earth movements to the elusive Jude, and “the booth swelled and the silence pushed between them…”
Descriptions ooze with pungent odours and vivid colour.
Touches of humour lighten the dialogue in places, serving as a foil for the weirdness of the scenes. Something strange is happening. It happens to Jacob in Scotland, through Spain, and back again as he pursues the elusive Jude and tries to find his wife Ella, who has mysteriously disappeared.
Dream melds into fact and we don’t know which is which. But the painting is a link which joins them all. Is it fake or real?
Is Jude real – or does she meld into Ella? Indeed, is Jacob all that he appears to be?
This is a rapid page-turning book with an ending so logical, yet still surprising.
July 8, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is a fantastic psychological thriller! I loved it! Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, it has taken me a while to get to read it. I am really kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
Jacob Boyce is an interesting character. He is an earth scientist, who has become obsessed with a hidden code in a painting hanging in the Glasgow museum. I liked this character a lot. I found his journey quite interesting, but disturbing at the same time.
I love a good psychological thriller, so when I was offered this book I jumped at the chance to read it. This story captured me from the first page and I struggled to put it down. I admit that this story reminded me slightly of Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code", and it pays a slight homage to it. However, the only similarity is the supposedly mathematical code that is hidden in the painting. This code may help explain earthly seismological events, and Jacob Boyce is determined to crack the code. There are a few interesting twists and turns in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is set in Glasgow, but travels to Spain and then back again. The theory that pictures have hidden codes in them is exciting and disturbing at the same time. Granted, paintings are a great visual record of the world around us, or a weird and wonderful journey into the mind of the artist, but they were the first written language (see cave paintings) and, as such, can carry subliminal messages. People, unfortunately, can also see messages in paintings where there are none; sometimes, a painting is just a painting. Nevertheless, watching and travelling with Jacob on his journey, made me wonder if there is something in our subconscious mind that does "see" codes in everything we interact with on a daily basis. However, our conscious mind has learnt to disregard these codes, and it is only when our subconscious mind overrides it, do we spiral into obsession, depression and paranoia. This story is a visual feast of it's own. The author describes the scenes in such a way that I could picture them with ease. I enjoyed the bus ride scene in Madrid. It was quite entertaining in a scary way. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to been on the bus for real, but then again, I think Jacob didn't want to be there either. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but it gave me a deeper understanding of why things happened the way they did. Other readers may or may not agree with me. However, I leave it up to you to make up your own minds.
To say that this is Tom Gillespie's debut novel, he has written a fantastically dark and suspenseful thriller that delves into man's deepest psyche, and it feels like he's been writing for years. I love his writing style, which was fast paced without being rushed, and the flow was wonderful. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I highly recommend this book if you love Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery or Horror genres. - Lynn Worton
This is a fantastic psychological thriller! I loved it! Unfortunately, due to my rather large reading list, it has taken me a while to get to read it. I am really kicking myself for not reading it sooner!
Jacob Boyce is an interesting character. He is an earth scientist, who has become obsessed with a hidden code in a painting hanging in the Glasgow museum. I liked this character a lot. I found his journey quite interesting, but disturbing at the same time.
I love a good psychological thriller, so when I was offered this book I jumped at the chance to read it. This story captured me from the first page and I struggled to put it down. I admit that this story reminded me slightly of Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code", and it pays a slight homage to it. However, the only similarity is the supposedly mathematical code that is hidden in the painting. This code may help explain earthly seismological events, and Jacob Boyce is determined to crack the code. There are a few interesting twists and turns in this story that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story is set in Glasgow, but travels to Spain and then back again. The theory that pictures have hidden codes in them is exciting and disturbing at the same time. Granted, paintings are a great visual record of the world around us, or a weird and wonderful journey into the mind of the artist, but they were the first written language (see cave paintings) and, as such, can carry subliminal messages. People, unfortunately, can also see messages in paintings where there are none; sometimes, a painting is just a painting. Nevertheless, watching and travelling with Jacob on his journey, made me wonder if there is something in our subconscious mind that does "see" codes in everything we interact with on a daily basis. However, our conscious mind has learnt to disregard these codes, and it is only when our subconscious mind overrides it, do we spiral into obsession, depression and paranoia. This story is a visual feast of it's own. The author describes the scenes in such a way that I could picture them with ease. I enjoyed the bus ride scene in Madrid. It was quite entertaining in a scary way. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to been on the bus for real, but then again, I think Jacob didn't want to be there either. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but it gave me a deeper understanding of why things happened the way they did. Other readers may or may not agree with me. However, I leave it up to you to make up your own minds.
To say that this is Tom Gillespie's debut novel, he has written a fantastically dark and suspenseful thriller that delves into man's deepest psyche, and it feels like he's been writing for years. I love his writing style, which was fast paced without being rushed, and the flow was wonderful. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I highly recommend this book if you love Psychological Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery or Horror genres. - Lynn Worton
March 13, 2015
This was a story that caught my attention right from the start and held it till the end. Jacob is a fascinating and well-drawn character and I felt deeply involved with his story as he tried to unravel the mystery of the painting and began a chase across Europe.
The pacing in this book was skilfully managed and Gillespie really captures the reader's excitement as the action cranks up a notch. I must say that the ending was suspenseful - I really didn't see it coming at all. The sudden change was a little confusing at first, but then it clicks and you realise what is going on.
This is a great literary thriller that will keep you guessing right to the last page.
The pacing in this book was skilfully managed and Gillespie really captures the reader's excitement as the action cranks up a notch. I must say that the ending was suspenseful - I really didn't see it coming at all. The sudden change was a little confusing at first, but then it clicks and you realise what is going on.
This is a great literary thriller that will keep you guessing right to the last page.
February 13, 2013
When I first started this novel, I enjoyed the style and was intrigued by the mysterious painting the protagonist was obsessed by...I was reading steadily and happily plodding along. Then it really took off and I couldn't put it down. It's quite a rollercoaster, with ups and downs, twists and turns and unexpected outcomes. Really enjoyed this...if you've enjoyed Dan Brown (as I have) then this book is for you.
September 9, 2012
This novel has a fascinating central character, Jacob. He is very interesting to read and "get to know".
The story is very well crafted and paced just right to keep you turning the pages right through.
This is a stunning literary debut and I am keen to read more by this author.
The story is very well crafted and paced just right to keep you turning the pages right through.
This is a stunning literary debut and I am keen to read more by this author.
October 31, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had pace, interesting information and intrigue. It was beautifully written and I was grateful for the ending to what was a powerful story of grief, passion and obsession.
February 15, 2013
It has taken me ages to write this! I was in total shock at the end of the book... I wasn't sure whether I liked it or not.
It was such a shock ending!
But I did like it. I loved it.
It's a great read... but brace yourself...
It was such a shock ending!
But I did like it. I loved it.
It's a great read... but brace yourself...
May 20, 2013
Painting by Numbers is another book that had me reading late into the night on several occasions because I wanted to know what was going on. The characters are interesting and the intrigue builds with every interaction.
September 7, 2012
Check out my review below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
February 19, 2013
A good debut novel which I enjoyed reading, I must admit I was eager to find out what happened at the end. The book is well written and captures your interest from the start.
July 19, 2018
Too surreal for my liking, and at the end I felt cheated. Is it paranormal? Is it psychological? I just don't know what the author intended. At the same time there are some fascinating ideas here. I wish the author had been better able to deliver on the novel's premise.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews