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The Rask Trilogy #1
Divisive
The Connors are your All-American dysfunctional family. Carolyn, the matriarch, is a hard-drinking single mother with no desires to be a 'sitcom mommy." Elizabeth, her seventeen-year-old daughter, is a Goth dressing, snarky teenager who lives to protect her baby sister and to find love. Precocious Emily, twelve, is the peacemaker of the family saddled with issues of her own. Enter Dennis Rask, a charming rogue who insinuates himself into their family and brings them together as a self-appointed messiah - becoming loved by Carolyn, idolized by Emily, and accepted with reservations by a suspicious Elizabeth. Little do the Connors know, Rask has united three families before them, with every unit destroying themselves from within by his hellish machinations. Rask views the Connors as a hobby - a game - which has left no survivors in the past.
Divisive starts the reader off at the end of their story. Detective Frank Bostick attempts to unravel the reasons behind a tragic event in the Connors house, resulting in a 'supposed' death, a 'questionable' overdose, and a brutally 'perceived' attack of Rask by one of the members. Switching back between the past, and the present, Divisive ensnares the reader in a thriller that goes back several years in the life of Dennis Rask until ending in a grim battle for the soul of the one he has hand-picked to be his 'Queen."
Divisive starts the reader off at the end of their story. Detective Frank Bostick attempts to unravel the reasons behind a tragic event in the Connors house, resulting in a 'supposed' death, a 'questionable' overdose, and a brutally 'perceived' attack of Rask by one of the members. Switching back between the past, and the present, Divisive ensnares the reader in a thriller that goes back several years in the life of Dennis Rask until ending in a grim battle for the soul of the one he has hand-picked to be his 'Queen."
678 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 28, 2012
J.D. Tucker's "Divisive" is quite a departure from the noir hard-boiled California mystery novels that are usually my first choice. This rather unusual character study of a driven detective and his, well, divisive suspect is set in Tucker's contemporary southern U.S. The plot seems straightforward enough: It begins with Detective Frank Bostick's new case---the trifecta of an apparently simultaneous suicide of a 12 year old girl, the drug overdose of her 17 year old sister, and the assault and stabbing by their mother of the man she was engaged to. However, things are not as they seem at first glance and the novel examines the events that lead up to this night of horror. We learn about these events from flashbacks over the events of the preceding two months, and Rask's relevant acts over the preceding 3 years. We see these events through the eyes of Detective Bostick and several of the other participants. All of the characters including the detective have flaws, and these flaws drive the events in the story.
The novel is likely to be loved by some readers, but not by all. The author's style makes for a long read, some 186,000 words according to my computer. We get to know the characters in depth, as seen by their activities and actions in daily life. If you love a character-driven story, with several people you will remember for a long time afterwards, this is the book for you. If you need your plots action driven, with plenty of car chases and fights, be cautioned that you will find some slow moving sections in this book. Another word of caution: If you are offended by frequent use of profanity, sexual scenes and situations, and/or (consensual) underage sex, this novel contains all of these components.
Tucker has a good ear for dialogue, writes convincingly of the characters of his angst-ridden detective and several of the supporting cast, and has a good knack for describing the settings and places in the novel. All in all a good book if it fits your tastes in genre and style. I recommend that you download a sample chapter or two, and if you like what you've read thus far, buy the book. You'll like it.
The novel is likely to be loved by some readers, but not by all. The author's style makes for a long read, some 186,000 words according to my computer. We get to know the characters in depth, as seen by their activities and actions in daily life. If you love a character-driven story, with several people you will remember for a long time afterwards, this is the book for you. If you need your plots action driven, with plenty of car chases and fights, be cautioned that you will find some slow moving sections in this book. Another word of caution: If you are offended by frequent use of profanity, sexual scenes and situations, and/or (consensual) underage sex, this novel contains all of these components.
Tucker has a good ear for dialogue, writes convincingly of the characters of his angst-ridden detective and several of the supporting cast, and has a good knack for describing the settings and places in the novel. All in all a good book if it fits your tastes in genre and style. I recommend that you download a sample chapter or two, and if you like what you've read thus far, buy the book. You'll like it.
November 17, 2012
I know this is a cliche, but I literally could not put this book down. It had me right from the very first chapter.
I am a fan of psychological thrillers and suspense, and this is about the best I've read.
The character drawing is superb. The villain Dennis Rask, a nasty piece of work, is finely drawn and oh-so convincing as a master manipulator and psychopath. The detective, Bostick, is likewise very well fleshed out and in his case, is a wonderful, likable character. I'd love to see Bostick star in his own television series. I very much enjoyed the way that the reader is kept up with how Bostick's mind works at all times. We follow his intuition about Rask and the initial crime scene, and then his deductive processes.
Divisive follows the machinations of the evil Rask. Carolyn Connor, the mother, has a difficult and antagonistic relationship with her daughters Elizabeth, a Goth seventeen year old, and Emily, a twelve year old. Rask worms his way into their lives and charms all three soon-to-be victims by means of his frightening skills of psychological manipulation. As Divisive unfolds, we are given insights into the mind of Rask, and find that the Connors are not his only victims: far from it. Yet Rask is not your standard serial offender; we are given profound insight into his thought processes and what drives him, even his unfolding and somewhat bizarre relationship with Elizabeth. I particularly liked the way in which we are also given insight into how Elizabeth struggles against the truth. I found this most realistic.
Divisive is a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is far from predictable, so much so, in fact, that I had a hard job not turning to the end to see what would happen.
This is good, long book, yet not once was I bored. I tend to skim material in books, but I read every word of Divisive. I found it fascinating.
Divisive would make a fabulous television series. I hope it's picked up for TV!
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of crime fiction, psychological thrillers, suspense, or thrillers in general.
I am a fan of psychological thrillers and suspense, and this is about the best I've read.
The character drawing is superb. The villain Dennis Rask, a nasty piece of work, is finely drawn and oh-so convincing as a master manipulator and psychopath. The detective, Bostick, is likewise very well fleshed out and in his case, is a wonderful, likable character. I'd love to see Bostick star in his own television series. I very much enjoyed the way that the reader is kept up with how Bostick's mind works at all times. We follow his intuition about Rask and the initial crime scene, and then his deductive processes.
Divisive follows the machinations of the evil Rask. Carolyn Connor, the mother, has a difficult and antagonistic relationship with her daughters Elizabeth, a Goth seventeen year old, and Emily, a twelve year old. Rask worms his way into their lives and charms all three soon-to-be victims by means of his frightening skills of psychological manipulation. As Divisive unfolds, we are given insights into the mind of Rask, and find that the Connors are not his only victims: far from it. Yet Rask is not your standard serial offender; we are given profound insight into his thought processes and what drives him, even his unfolding and somewhat bizarre relationship with Elizabeth. I particularly liked the way in which we are also given insight into how Elizabeth struggles against the truth. I found this most realistic.
Divisive is a page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is far from predictable, so much so, in fact, that I had a hard job not turning to the end to see what would happen.
This is good, long book, yet not once was I bored. I tend to skim material in books, but I read every word of Divisive. I found it fascinating.
Divisive would make a fabulous television series. I hope it's picked up for TV!
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of crime fiction, psychological thrillers, suspense, or thrillers in general.
May 4, 2014
Divisive by John Tucker is a hardcore detective novel chronicling an episode in the career of Detective Frank Bostick as he and his partner Marcus Taylor investigate the suicide of Emily Connors. The author takes The Stepfather themes and motifs to the next level as we are introduced to Dennis Rask. He is a wealthy lottery winner who hides his riches in seeking out lonely women to manipulate and destroy in the spirit of his muse Iago of Shakespearean lore. His most recent victim is Carolyn Connors, a widow whose dysfunctional family appears ripe for the taking. Her lesbian daughter Elizabeth seems intent on unmasking Rask, but the calculating fraud remains one step ahead of everyone but the relentless Bostick.
Tucker, as all his faithful fans know, has upped his game since his Splits in the Skin thriller of 2013. In a departure from the fanatical Moses Bailey, we find Dennis Rask’s encounter with Sharon and Steven Gainey tinged with religious fervor. Yet Rask’s Messiah complex is exacerbated by his nihilistic ‘scorched earth’ fantasies as he moves from train-wreck to train-wreck. Captain Leonard Nichols sics his dogs on Rask, but Bostick himself goes from heartache to heartache as he uncovers ever more disheartening evidence against the Connors. Carolyn proves to be a neurotic child abuser, while Elizabeth’s perversions enhance the darkness that might cause a child to take her own life. Bostick is in the process in tightening the noose around Rask’s neck, but the emergence of the vengeful Corey Brenson may prove to be a segue to an encore novel by the author.
John Tucker is proving to be an indie author to watch for in 2014, demonstrating versatility with his fantasy Bemused and Bedeviled series being complemented by these high-tension thrillers. Divisive by John Tucker is a worthy addition to every suspense lover’s collection.
Tucker, as all his faithful fans know, has upped his game since his Splits in the Skin thriller of 2013. In a departure from the fanatical Moses Bailey, we find Dennis Rask’s encounter with Sharon and Steven Gainey tinged with religious fervor. Yet Rask’s Messiah complex is exacerbated by his nihilistic ‘scorched earth’ fantasies as he moves from train-wreck to train-wreck. Captain Leonard Nichols sics his dogs on Rask, but Bostick himself goes from heartache to heartache as he uncovers ever more disheartening evidence against the Connors. Carolyn proves to be a neurotic child abuser, while Elizabeth’s perversions enhance the darkness that might cause a child to take her own life. Bostick is in the process in tightening the noose around Rask’s neck, but the emergence of the vengeful Corey Brenson may prove to be a segue to an encore novel by the author.
John Tucker is proving to be an indie author to watch for in 2014, demonstrating versatility with his fantasy Bemused and Bedeviled series being complemented by these high-tension thrillers. Divisive by John Tucker is a worthy addition to every suspense lover’s collection.
June 26, 2013
"Divisive" by John Tucker is a detective story as much as it is a family drama.
Dennis enters the life of a single mother of two girls. The mother is a heavy drinker, seems self involved and usually falls for the wrong kind of man but this time has seemingly struck gold.
We know she has not, a separate narrative tells a different story, through the eyes of the police detective investigating some incidents in the family home.
The book shockingly and provocatively shows the minds of everyone involved as we get to witness the story as it involves.
Themes of violence, family dysfunction, suicide and paedophilia are covered that may offend some readers. I felt they were important for the narrative without being exploitative. It got to show the games played, the powers of seduction and manipulation and the nastiness of some of the characters.
This was quite an emotional read and a powerful story, cleverly told and well presented.
Dennis enters the life of a single mother of two girls. The mother is a heavy drinker, seems self involved and usually falls for the wrong kind of man but this time has seemingly struck gold.
We know she has not, a separate narrative tells a different story, through the eyes of the police detective investigating some incidents in the family home.
The book shockingly and provocatively shows the minds of everyone involved as we get to witness the story as it involves.
Themes of violence, family dysfunction, suicide and paedophilia are covered that may offend some readers. I felt they were important for the narrative without being exploitative. It got to show the games played, the powers of seduction and manipulation and the nastiness of some of the characters.
This was quite an emotional read and a powerful story, cleverly told and well presented.
January 1, 2013
My Review: This more than the usual thriller. The author weaves a disturbing main character in Dennis Rask. Spurred to his own acts of revenge against a dysfunctional mother he sets out to take his act on the road. Being lucky enough to win the lottery and ease any financial worries each time he drifts into town and insinuates himself into another broken set of lives the chaos gets grimmer. The latest set of conquest the Conner family leads to more emotional ties than he really wants but does lend him a Queen in the making. The police antagonist seems to be the first challenge he has met on his quest. He plays a masterful game and you almost cheer him on sometimes as some of his victims seem so deserving. The book does get a little long winded in the middle but it was a very good read and I would recommend it to any one who likes this type of a dark thriller.
February 2, 2013
**************ARC*********This is not a book I probably would have just picked up off the shelf. This book is very well written and pulls the reader into the story. This book takes you on a wild ride into the disturbing and dark mind of Dennis Rask and how he plays his victims differently to get the same outcome each and every time. Dennis is the true definition of evil in my book. I would highly recommend this book, but be aware it is not for the weak of heart.
March 6, 2014
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
At first I wanted to give this book a 4 star review, and if I can be brutally honest; I thought to put down the book a few times at first. Well I didn't and as you can see it had progressed to 5 Stars. My reasons, well read on...
I must be honest with you as a reader, but this book had me puzzled, annoyed and at times down right mad. If that was the objective of the author I would say he'd succeeded in his task. You are drawn into from page one as you learn more about each character.
The blatant disrespect from these characters, the immaturity of the parents and the abusive language from everyone involved had me going. Religion was also used often to accomplish the goal. To come back to the profanity; good grief, do parents and children really talk like this with each other? I'm by birth an Afrikaner from South Africa, with a very strict up-bringing and disrespect in any form will never be tolerated; not even now when everyone are 'enlightened' in this modern age. It will never do.
Well enough of my ranting, I think the author did a great job creating each scene that kept on building to the end...and what an ending.
The book's subject is about pedophiles and their manipulation of young people; girls in this case and how they use their lack of love and basic things to buy their way into their pants.
The many different layers to this story had me spell bound, guessing and wondering what makes a person like this tick. Wondering if the perpetrator would be caught. Nerve-racking I say.
Dennis Rask was an influencer of minds and souls, a manipulator of situations, an sex addict, graving for righteousness; due to a mother's abuse; in his own sick way. The list can go on but its just to long. The way that he would find a 'victim' and the places he would go to accomplish this; normally a mother and daughter that hates each other with a passion, destroying each other while it seems he is innocent; playing them until he gets what he wanted. He is creating scenarios where doubt and mistrust is in the order of the day and at the end his games ends up in disaster for these unexpected families.
With no idea who the sick bastard is...sorry but this man is passed sick.
Layer upon layer you learn more about his twisted ways and how he will go to great lengths to achieve his goal. He is the mastermind of the game, pulling the strings like a puppeteer and still enjoy his time while doing it.
But the mother who deserves her own focal point is Caroline, a widow left with two daughters after the death of her husband in a accident; a she-devil. She hates her daughters unashamedly, not even hiding the fact and when she ends up in an asylum you know it cannot be good. Playing with her daughters lives while on drugs and alcohol, never taking responsibility for them as a parents suppose to do. Even planning their demise because of her jealousy towards them. It is simply unreal. You can actually taste the venom dripping from her as she tunnel all her animosity on them. Accusing them of all sorts of things.
Emily, the youngest daughter, received the worst treatment. A real darling, but so messed up and afraid that she would take any kind of love and flourish on it. Heart breaking.
Elizabeth, the older sister, acting as the strong one, trying to defend Emily the best she could but at the end...well I was in for a surprise.
Her Love relationship with her best friend Brei had grown in much more than just friends and at the end their relationship led them into trouble. Dangerous trouble.
Throughout all of this Rask played a huge role in their destruction and the ending or beginning in this case is very sad.
The story start off right away with police investigating the crime scene and your heart wants to break as you learn more about them. Especially about the two daughters Elizabeth and Emily struggling to survive under their mother's abusive tongue.
When Rask stepped into the picture he was literally seen as their knight in shining armor.
The more you read and the more you get to know the characters you started to sympathize with them.
The story goes back and forth between the present and past and you could not help but to hate this villain of innocent lives. The author masterly crafted this plot so that you didn't get confused about the next chapter as it went back and forth between other victims that suffered under his hand. Each time it felt like an continuation of the present giving you greater clarity as the story unfolds.
The detective, Frank Bostick, had a hard time believing the so-called evidence that had everyone believed this was an open and shut case. He was more in trouble with the police captain and his peers and it seemed that even his partner worked against him at times. You could feel his frustration and powerlessness as he tried to find solid evidence against Rask.
The author did a great work in opening the world of pedophiles and how they think, how they act and what they do so that a child would believe his lies, preying on the weak and vulnerable with no conscientiousness.
Even the young women in this book was not unaffected by Rask. His unconditional love for each of them put them at ease as they explored the world of sex openly while he planted the seeds of sexual intercourse, death and secrets in their mind.
This is not a book for someone that is easily offended, the profanity alone is enough to make your skin crawl; your hands itching to wash out their mouths, but yet the author did a wonderful job creating this story. There is no doubt in my mind about it.
Thanks for the opportunity John.
At first I wanted to give this book a 4 star review, and if I can be brutally honest; I thought to put down the book a few times at first. Well I didn't and as you can see it had progressed to 5 Stars. My reasons, well read on...
I must be honest with you as a reader, but this book had me puzzled, annoyed and at times down right mad. If that was the objective of the author I would say he'd succeeded in his task. You are drawn into from page one as you learn more about each character.
The blatant disrespect from these characters, the immaturity of the parents and the abusive language from everyone involved had me going. Religion was also used often to accomplish the goal. To come back to the profanity; good grief, do parents and children really talk like this with each other? I'm by birth an Afrikaner from South Africa, with a very strict up-bringing and disrespect in any form will never be tolerated; not even now when everyone are 'enlightened' in this modern age. It will never do.
Well enough of my ranting, I think the author did a great job creating each scene that kept on building to the end...and what an ending.
The book's subject is about pedophiles and their manipulation of young people; girls in this case and how they use their lack of love and basic things to buy their way into their pants.
The many different layers to this story had me spell bound, guessing and wondering what makes a person like this tick. Wondering if the perpetrator would be caught. Nerve-racking I say.
Dennis Rask was an influencer of minds and souls, a manipulator of situations, an sex addict, graving for righteousness; due to a mother's abuse; in his own sick way. The list can go on but its just to long. The way that he would find a 'victim' and the places he would go to accomplish this; normally a mother and daughter that hates each other with a passion, destroying each other while it seems he is innocent; playing them until he gets what he wanted. He is creating scenarios where doubt and mistrust is in the order of the day and at the end his games ends up in disaster for these unexpected families.
With no idea who the sick bastard is...sorry but this man is passed sick.
Layer upon layer you learn more about his twisted ways and how he will go to great lengths to achieve his goal. He is the mastermind of the game, pulling the strings like a puppeteer and still enjoy his time while doing it.
But the mother who deserves her own focal point is Caroline, a widow left with two daughters after the death of her husband in a accident; a she-devil. She hates her daughters unashamedly, not even hiding the fact and when she ends up in an asylum you know it cannot be good. Playing with her daughters lives while on drugs and alcohol, never taking responsibility for them as a parents suppose to do. Even planning their demise because of her jealousy towards them. It is simply unreal. You can actually taste the venom dripping from her as she tunnel all her animosity on them. Accusing them of all sorts of things.
Emily, the youngest daughter, received the worst treatment. A real darling, but so messed up and afraid that she would take any kind of love and flourish on it. Heart breaking.
Elizabeth, the older sister, acting as the strong one, trying to defend Emily the best she could but at the end...well I was in for a surprise.
Her Love relationship with her best friend Brei had grown in much more than just friends and at the end their relationship led them into trouble. Dangerous trouble.
Throughout all of this Rask played a huge role in their destruction and the ending or beginning in this case is very sad.
The story start off right away with police investigating the crime scene and your heart wants to break as you learn more about them. Especially about the two daughters Elizabeth and Emily struggling to survive under their mother's abusive tongue.
When Rask stepped into the picture he was literally seen as their knight in shining armor.
The more you read and the more you get to know the characters you started to sympathize with them.
The story goes back and forth between the present and past and you could not help but to hate this villain of innocent lives. The author masterly crafted this plot so that you didn't get confused about the next chapter as it went back and forth between other victims that suffered under his hand. Each time it felt like an continuation of the present giving you greater clarity as the story unfolds.
The detective, Frank Bostick, had a hard time believing the so-called evidence that had everyone believed this was an open and shut case. He was more in trouble with the police captain and his peers and it seemed that even his partner worked against him at times. You could feel his frustration and powerlessness as he tried to find solid evidence against Rask.
The author did a great work in opening the world of pedophiles and how they think, how they act and what they do so that a child would believe his lies, preying on the weak and vulnerable with no conscientiousness.
Even the young women in this book was not unaffected by Rask. His unconditional love for each of them put them at ease as they explored the world of sex openly while he planted the seeds of sexual intercourse, death and secrets in their mind.
This is not a book for someone that is easily offended, the profanity alone is enough to make your skin crawl; your hands itching to wash out their mouths, but yet the author did a wonderful job creating this story. There is no doubt in my mind about it.
Thanks for the opportunity John.
June 7, 2020
Too much
Too much ex bordering on child porn. I only finished the book to see if the man for caught in the end. I felt the methods of the murders were weak and there was way too much emphasis on Brown men having sex with teenaged girls. In fact, it seemed every man in the story, except the police, we're pedophiles. Makes me wonder about the author's thinking. Very disappointing.
Too much ex bordering on child porn. I only finished the book to see if the man for caught in the end. I felt the methods of the murders were weak and there was way too much emphasis on Brown men having sex with teenaged girls. In fact, it seemed every man in the story, except the police, we're pedophiles. Makes me wonder about the author's thinking. Very disappointing.
January 28, 2013
A genuine page-turner, “Divisive” lets you know in the first chapter Rask is an evil, evil man, a Jim Jones with his Koolaid elixir of poison disguised as love. The story itself opens with the doomed family spewing hatred at each other, and the anticipated new love interest a possible beam of hope for this lost family. When Rask politely slithers in as an all around good guy, so does your feeling of dread.
Rask dives into the shanty town of dysfunction in the guise of making things better, but it’s only the story that gets better and better as he makes things worse and worse for the characters. He preys upon the vulnerabilities of family strife, manipulates his victims to turn on each other, and compels you to turn the page to see what will happen next.
When Rask thinks of cutting loose some unnecessary baggage, you know exactly what he means, just not how he’ll go about it, and not who the fickle bastard will choose as that baggage, either.
This guy is a horn-dog, Johnny-on-the-g-spot, conducting incestuously pretzeled three-ways that make plain old cheating pale in comparison. Some parts of this book verge on soft porn. Mainstream contemporary readers may feel squeamish at some of the sex scenes, while seasoned readers of erotica will be pleasantly entertained.
Word sleuths will enjoy the puns inside the chapter names, the play on words, the nicely drawn metaphors. There are moments of laugh out loud absurdities, seeing in the mind’s eye red and white pom-poms shaking furiously from super-glued palms, the teen slut fanning her face with a WatchTower pamphlet, the trashy lover trying to hold on to her sanity while Rask screams, “It’s always all about you!”
Author John Tucker writes in a believable voice of youth: the lingo, the sass, the vigor. He has the talent of drawing the reader right into the sick machinations of Rask’s thoughts, his evil plotting and planning, his wicked past, his manipulations of the present to bring about more evil ploys for the future.
More than once, I found myself comparing John Tucker’s writing to that of Stephen King, only Tucker’s writing is more up to date on modern culture, a bit more violent, a lot more sexual, and not a bit less suspenseful.
The timeline jumps about a bit, but reading the chapter titles and the dates supplied clears up any confusion. I enjoyed the parallel stories, seeing a bit into the detective’s life and the other families Rask laid waste to.
The ending wrapped up on a surprising, but very satisfactory, note.
I rate this a high five and look forward to reading other John Tucker novels.
Rask dives into the shanty town of dysfunction in the guise of making things better, but it’s only the story that gets better and better as he makes things worse and worse for the characters. He preys upon the vulnerabilities of family strife, manipulates his victims to turn on each other, and compels you to turn the page to see what will happen next.
When Rask thinks of cutting loose some unnecessary baggage, you know exactly what he means, just not how he’ll go about it, and not who the fickle bastard will choose as that baggage, either.
This guy is a horn-dog, Johnny-on-the-g-spot, conducting incestuously pretzeled three-ways that make plain old cheating pale in comparison. Some parts of this book verge on soft porn. Mainstream contemporary readers may feel squeamish at some of the sex scenes, while seasoned readers of erotica will be pleasantly entertained.
Word sleuths will enjoy the puns inside the chapter names, the play on words, the nicely drawn metaphors. There are moments of laugh out loud absurdities, seeing in the mind’s eye red and white pom-poms shaking furiously from super-glued palms, the teen slut fanning her face with a WatchTower pamphlet, the trashy lover trying to hold on to her sanity while Rask screams, “It’s always all about you!”
Author John Tucker writes in a believable voice of youth: the lingo, the sass, the vigor. He has the talent of drawing the reader right into the sick machinations of Rask’s thoughts, his evil plotting and planning, his wicked past, his manipulations of the present to bring about more evil ploys for the future.
More than once, I found myself comparing John Tucker’s writing to that of Stephen King, only Tucker’s writing is more up to date on modern culture, a bit more violent, a lot more sexual, and not a bit less suspenseful.
The timeline jumps about a bit, but reading the chapter titles and the dates supplied clears up any confusion. I enjoyed the parallel stories, seeing a bit into the detective’s life and the other families Rask laid waste to.
The ending wrapped up on a surprising, but very satisfactory, note.
I rate this a high five and look forward to reading other John Tucker novels.
May 18, 2013
Book Title: Divisive (The Rask Trilogy) (Kindle Edition)
Author: J.D. Tucker
Published By: Self-Published
Recommended Age: 18+
Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson
Rating: 5
I have never been unlucky enough to knowingly meet a sociopath, but if he is anything like the man who derailed single mothers and their families, such as the main character of this novel did, I hope I never do.
Dennis Rask is a man known to many, and loved by all who know him. He is a man used to getting his own way. He is also a cold-blooded killer. The women and children he enamours never know their fate until it is too late.
Detective Frank Bostick knows what kind of a man Rask is, but the evidence is slack and his case becomes more of a personal vendetta than by the book detective work.
I do not wish to give too much of a description of this book, as I want the reader to be as shocked, angry, disgusted, and sucked in by Rask’s character as I was. My emotions ran from anger at the foolish women Rask preyed upon, to deep sadness for the children caught up in his game. When a novel can connect me so deeply to a character I immediately hate on a level where I can understand the reasons behind the villain’s behaviour, the book is one I can only highly recommend.
As a self-published first in a trilogy, Divisive is frighteningly riveting. You may not want to believe such heinous evil exists in the world, but this story is definitely feasible and will have you questioning the background of those you know and love.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to receive a free Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson is the author of Georgia’s Smile, Love’s Trust, Callie’s Fate, Love And Liberty (also available in print), her children’s picture book series Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom – Sugarland, and her most recent release Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom – Litterbug.
March 2, 2015
Divisive is 5-star dynamite entertainment!
John Tucker is a refreshing voice of fiction and has unleashed his creative talent in crafting an edge-of-the seat psychological thriller, Divisive. Tucker pulls out all stops as he allows his cast of characters a wide range of behaviors. Maybe misbehaviors is more accurate. By any measure, Divisive is highly entertaining. The characters’ emotional involvements unwind page by page as opposing motives collide.
As a reader, I especially enjoyed Tucker’s colorful, full-dimensioned characters. Chapter by chapter, they become real like your neighbors next door. Tucker lets a great deal of Divisive unfold through crisp dialogue. It’s almost like being privy to some neighborhood gossip over the back fence, except Divisive is filled with divisive plotting and planning that will no doubt create “reader insomnia” until one reaches the last page. Riveting!
But the reader isn’t the only one kept guessing; Detective Frank Bostick is challenged by what’s facing him beginning on page one. Tucker tantalizes not only Bostick, but readers as well by dangling any kind of resolution out of reach until the last page. Tucker digs deep behind the veil of human psychology to entertain his readers.
The good news is: Divisive is a planned trilogy, and I can’t wait to read the next two books. Author John Tucker has earned my 5 stars! Keep writing, Mr. Tucker!
John Tucker is a refreshing voice of fiction and has unleashed his creative talent in crafting an edge-of-the seat psychological thriller, Divisive. Tucker pulls out all stops as he allows his cast of characters a wide range of behaviors. Maybe misbehaviors is more accurate. By any measure, Divisive is highly entertaining. The characters’ emotional involvements unwind page by page as opposing motives collide.
As a reader, I especially enjoyed Tucker’s colorful, full-dimensioned characters. Chapter by chapter, they become real like your neighbors next door. Tucker lets a great deal of Divisive unfold through crisp dialogue. It’s almost like being privy to some neighborhood gossip over the back fence, except Divisive is filled with divisive plotting and planning that will no doubt create “reader insomnia” until one reaches the last page. Riveting!
But the reader isn’t the only one kept guessing; Detective Frank Bostick is challenged by what’s facing him beginning on page one. Tucker tantalizes not only Bostick, but readers as well by dangling any kind of resolution out of reach until the last page. Tucker digs deep behind the veil of human psychology to entertain his readers.
The good news is: Divisive is a planned trilogy, and I can’t wait to read the next two books. Author John Tucker has earned my 5 stars! Keep writing, Mr. Tucker!
August 17, 2014
I think if I could have given this book 10 stars, I would have, and then probably asked for more. I am a very picky reader. I also read A LOT. So when someone says they have a really good book I would love, I usually take it with a grain of salt. I was TOTALLY unprepared for what John Tucker and Dennis Rask had in store for me. From the very first page, I had a feeling this was going to be very very different that the usual mystery/thriller I was used to reading, and imagine my surprise when it not only was, but surpassed ANY notion I had of what the hell would happen next. Just when you think you are going to make sense of something - BAM! He hits you over the head with something totally out of left field. I read this book in one sitting, because there was absolutely no way in hell I was going to put it down until I knew what happened to everyone. This book is truly not for the faint of heart - it is sick, twisted, and way beyond the realm of what I am used to reading. There are only a couple of other authors who come close to this - J.A. Konrath and Blake Crouch come to mind, and John Tucker is in great company with those two. A phenomenal read - I could not recommend this book any more than I have. It is sheer and utter amazement and depravity personified. One of THE best books I have read in years.
July 7, 2013
Behind the amicable, genuine appearance of Dennis Rask is an insidious force. Tucker has crafted the perfect psycho. With his easy and trustworthy ways, Rask ingratiates himself. He works his way into families, families riddled with their own insecurities and contradictions, and then he begins. Although the actions of Rask are deplorable, he is not merely a one-dimensional character. He is intricate and dynamic, a product of his own strained familial relations, and master of his lethal game. His adeptness at winning over the mom and children is almost admirable, even though his intent could not be more dark. Juxtaposed with the cunning Rask is the equally sharp Detective Bostik. Bostik is appalled and disgusted by the ways of the psychopath, and catching this sicko becomes the engrossing mainstay of the novel--despite a dearth of evidence. Although the novel traces the investigation into the dubious suicides and deaths of the Connors, I found Rask and Bostick to be the most compelling. Be warned: lewdness, perversion and horrid mutilation pervade. However, the violence and sex serve their purpose. They are not mindlessly gratuitous--they are there for a reason. And more likely than not, they'll keep the pages turning. That is, if you can stomach the journey...
June 22, 2014
Divisive by John Tucker is arguably one of the best cliffhangers I have ever read. Dennis Rask is a sociopath, who after winning the lottery has preyed on vulnerable families. He sabotages them from the inside out. In Divisive he chooses the Connors a highly dysfunctional mother and two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth. He wraps them all around his swarthy, scum ridden finger, then one by one dismantles their already deteriorated family. A year previous Mr. Connors had passed away and since the mother, Carolyn, drowned the girls in torment and verbal abuse. Dennis Rask with his sweet words and kind gestures is an angel to the Emily and Elizabeth.
Tucker’s pacing of the novel runs at a perfect momentum to keep the reader on the edge of their seat contemplating what will happen next, and who is more evil. There are all types of vile characters in this novel, Carolyn may be the most repugnant. The way she treats her daughters is enough for anyone to cheer Rask on. Twists lurk on every page guiding the reader’s emotions and curiosity. I can’t give away any spoilers you will have to read to find the unexpected twists which take this novel spiraling into a sequel.
Can’t wait to read the sequel, awesome read!
Tucker’s pacing of the novel runs at a perfect momentum to keep the reader on the edge of their seat contemplating what will happen next, and who is more evil. There are all types of vile characters in this novel, Carolyn may be the most repugnant. The way she treats her daughters is enough for anyone to cheer Rask on. Twists lurk on every page guiding the reader’s emotions and curiosity. I can’t give away any spoilers you will have to read to find the unexpected twists which take this novel spiraling into a sequel.
Can’t wait to read the sequel, awesome read!
December 6, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about a dysfunctional family and the man that plans to tear that family apart. The Connors family consists of Carolyn, the mom that never wanted to be a mom; Elizabeth, the protective older sister; and Emily, the baby of the family that just wants to be loved. Enter Dennis Rask, the man that seems to be the answer to the Connors prayers. Divisive tells the tale of one mans game of destroying families.
I was caught up in this story from the very beginning. It was an edge of your seat thriller that kept you guessing throughout the story. I loved all the different perspectives of the characters. You got to see the story through the eyes of every character. I had no idea who the bad guy really was throughout. Was Dennis really a killer or was he wrongfully accused by an overzealous detective? The ending was unexpected and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
5-star review
Reviewed by Tracy
This book is about a dysfunctional family and the man that plans to tear that family apart. The Connors family consists of Carolyn, the mom that never wanted to be a mom; Elizabeth, the protective older sister; and Emily, the baby of the family that just wants to be loved. Enter Dennis Rask, the man that seems to be the answer to the Connors prayers. Divisive tells the tale of one mans game of destroying families.
I was caught up in this story from the very beginning. It was an edge of your seat thriller that kept you guessing throughout the story. I loved all the different perspectives of the characters. You got to see the story through the eyes of every character. I had no idea who the bad guy really was throughout. Was Dennis really a killer or was he wrongfully accused by an overzealous detective? The ending was unexpected and left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
5-star review
Reviewed by Tracy
May 30, 2014
The police arrive on the scene to find a 12-year old hanging in the closet, a 17 year old has taken an overdose, a male fiance has multiple stab wounds and is blocking the door to the bathroom which holds the mom who has self-inflicted stab wounds and the knife. The detective is sure the man is the reason for the whole scene, but can he prove it? A dysfunctional family in Georgia, who lost their father two years previous, is joined by Dennis Rask. Carolyn, the mom, is a drunk and on meds for depression and insomnia. Elizabeth, the 17 year old is into Goth and anything that will tick of her mom. Emily is 12 and just wants love. Elizabeth is her protector from her hateful mother who spends all her efforts letting both children know they are hated. Rask seems to be a gift from God. He makes Carolyn treat the girls better and shows them love. However, he is just the devil in disguise. He uses the money he won in the lottery (which he keeps secret), sex, compliments, and implied threats to work his way into the family. John takes us on an evil trip. Well done!
February 18, 2014
This book is awesome. Its thrilling, full of twists and has a real surprising ending.
It is about a guy who likes to play cruel games. And the Connors family.
this guy is the devil I think, but Mrs. Connors is not an angel as well.
And as soon as u feel compassion for one of the protagonists the next page will turn it into hate.
In this book no one is really innocent except Emily Connors.
I was shocked(in a good way, better say thrilled) by some incidents.
It was never boring. I recommend this book to everyone who likes twists and books where u don't know till the last page how it ends.
Its the first book in a trilogy and I cant wait to read the next one.
Its amazing John Tucker created a book, a world where ppl seem to have no heart at all, but there is still hope I think cos Frank Bostick(a detective) follows his instincts and comes the devil very close.
It is about a guy who likes to play cruel games. And the Connors family.
this guy is the devil I think, but Mrs. Connors is not an angel as well.
And as soon as u feel compassion for one of the protagonists the next page will turn it into hate.
In this book no one is really innocent except Emily Connors.
I was shocked(in a good way, better say thrilled) by some incidents.
It was never boring. I recommend this book to everyone who likes twists and books where u don't know till the last page how it ends.
Its the first book in a trilogy and I cant wait to read the next one.
Its amazing John Tucker created a book, a world where ppl seem to have no heart at all, but there is still hope I think cos Frank Bostick(a detective) follows his instincts and comes the devil very close.
February 12, 2015
5 ☆'s!!!
Divisive pulled me in, spit me out and rocked me to my soul. John Tucker's amazing writing skills and incredible characters are so real you can see and feel everything they're experiencing like your in the room watching.
Dennis Rask loves to play games! He is a sinister, manipulative monster who gets off on destroying people.He chooses the weakest families for his games. Pitting one against the other in the most deceitful ways, he engineers his murderous scenarios like a puppet master.When he decides it's time to end the game, he sits back and watches his destruction.
Divisive is a long ,dark, twisted and disturbing journey! I loved it!! Can't wait for book 2 of this trilogy! Thank you John Tucker:) Kate Spiers John's Angel
Divisive pulled me in, spit me out and rocked me to my soul. John Tucker's amazing writing skills and incredible characters are so real you can see and feel everything they're experiencing like your in the room watching.
Dennis Rask loves to play games! He is a sinister, manipulative monster who gets off on destroying people.He chooses the weakest families for his games. Pitting one against the other in the most deceitful ways, he engineers his murderous scenarios like a puppet master.When he decides it's time to end the game, he sits back and watches his destruction.
Divisive is a long ,dark, twisted and disturbing journey! I loved it!! Can't wait for book 2 of this trilogy! Thank you John Tucker:) Kate Spiers John's Angel
April 5, 2013
I found John Tucker's story telling skills and use of language were a perfect match to this gritty tale. The hero of the tale, Bostick, was well drawn and interesting. Other characters felt one dimensional in comparison. The world of Divisive is disturbingly heavily populated by paedophiles. The female characters seem to have only two interests: money and sex. The family dynamic is shockingly dysfunctional.
The detective story is great. There are twists and turns galore. The background story of sexual desire is uncompromising and becomes hard to read at times. It isn't a story for everyone, but worth a read if you enjoy gritty suspense.
The detective story is great. There are twists and turns galore. The background story of sexual desire is uncompromising and becomes hard to read at times. It isn't a story for everyone, but worth a read if you enjoy gritty suspense.
August 20, 2013
I read this book and The Fifth Game one after the other...so I will review them together!
Dennis Rask is a self-admitted twisted man. Twisted doesn't even begin to describe what direction this story takes. There is so much action and insanity that I was overwhelmed - in a good way. The books were so well written that even with a huge cast of characters, I never felt lost. Every detail was so well explained and I loved every sordid moment.
This is not a tale for the faint of heart. It contains some major intense elements. It is like an X-rated episode of Criminal Minds on steroids. Once you start, you will not be stopping until the end.
Dennis Rask is a self-admitted twisted man. Twisted doesn't even begin to describe what direction this story takes. There is so much action and insanity that I was overwhelmed - in a good way. The books were so well written that even with a huge cast of characters, I never felt lost. Every detail was so well explained and I loved every sordid moment.
This is not a tale for the faint of heart. It contains some major intense elements. It is like an X-rated episode of Criminal Minds on steroids. Once you start, you will not be stopping until the end.
October 8, 2013
This book is surprising and very original. Divisive (The Rask Trilogy) by John Tucker is populated by well-drawn characters. These are very real (and very flawed) people that the reader gets to know intimately. And by getting us into the heads of Carolyn, Elizabeth, Emily and Dennis Rask, we are pulled into what becomes an edgy thriller. The author effectively tells the story of the past in order to build tension in the present and using psychological drama to create a compelling read. This is one of those books that you keep thinking about, that keeps calling you back. I’m looking forward to reading other books by John Tucker. Recommend 5-stars.
May 15, 2016
WOW!! There is so much said in that one word. I don’t know where to begin with this book. There is so much I could say, but once again I don’t want to ruin the book. You have a dysfunctional family that will make your family look like Leave it to Beaver. You get to meet and see the past and present. I love how John made it easy going from past to present. There were so many emotions I had during this book. I went from sad, feeling sorry, to mad, and so many more. You will have to read to find out all the emotions this book will pull from you. Well done John. I can say very few books has made me feel all these emotions in one book and yours has done just that.
April 12, 2013
The story of Divisive has an intense story line that delves into a families dysfunction with dark overtones that involves a main character that is serial with his intentions of wanting to kill other mothers, due to the demise of his relationship with his own. It is a thriller that is dark and lengthy. I would recommend it to others who like a twisted read and want to brood in the quake of it all.
February 23, 2015
This is one of those books that is so disturbing you feel like you should stop reading, but you won't. Dennis Rask works his way into your mind piece by piece and step by step. This psychopath slowly disassembles a dysfunctional family without remorse or regret. Dennis Rask is a powerful villain who lives to terrorize then rule. Divisive is scarier and more disturbing than anything Stephen King ever wrote.
May 31, 2014
John Tucker is an amazing writer. This book had my attention from the very first page and was hard to put down...I just HAD to know what was going to happen next. The characters are flawed to perfection, due to their perfectly written and flawed backgrounds! There were times I stopped myself from liking Dennis. Excellent and I absolutely recommend it!!
August 23, 2014
Oh my wow!! This is one of those books that will grab you from the get go and keep you hooked! I don't think page turner does it justice. No spoilers here, but if you want a book with some sick and twisted turns this is it! And I was super excited to see that's there's not only a sequel, but that it's a trilogy! That's next!
May 27, 2014
Divisive by John Turner is full of well thought out and very well developed characters. This book kept me turned the pages until the very end! A great read all the way through, five stars!
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