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Visits
Tony Lansing has just killed a young woman.
He’d never killed anyone before even though he’d met plenty of people who deserved it. He just never had the nerve. For sixty years, it had always been easier to turn the other cheek; to turn tail and run.
But not anymore.
Now he knows he can stand up for himself. He doesn't need to take everything that life dishes out.
He can push back.
He can get even.
And … getting even feels pretty damn good.
So he makes a list of all the people in his life who've done him wrong. His ex-wife, a former lover or two, an old friend ... they all make the list.
But as Tony pays unexpected and very unwelcome visits to old acquaintances, he learns that getting even has a price. A price much higher than he’s willing to pay.
He’d never killed anyone before even though he’d met plenty of people who deserved it. He just never had the nerve. For sixty years, it had always been easier to turn the other cheek; to turn tail and run.
But not anymore.
Now he knows he can stand up for himself. He doesn't need to take everything that life dishes out.
He can push back.
He can get even.
And … getting even feels pretty damn good.
So he makes a list of all the people in his life who've done him wrong. His ex-wife, a former lover or two, an old friend ... they all make the list.
But as Tony pays unexpected and very unwelcome visits to old acquaintances, he learns that getting even has a price. A price much higher than he’s willing to pay.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2013
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 12, 2013
This story was just incredible! I could not put it down once I started. I had to know what was going to happen. I felt so much sympathy for the main character, Tony, that I understood why he was doing what he was doing. I couldn't help but root for him and hope he didn't mess up his plans. After awhile, there's a big twist in the story, and I was shocked! Everything comes to a head and the ending was something I totally did not see coming. I definitely recommend this book and I applaud John Phelps for a job well done on his first novel. I could definitely see this story becoming a movie.
May 26, 2013
Visits, by John Phelps, is a well thought-out and entertaining read.
As the story begins, we meet Tony Lansing, who is a bit down about his life as he celebrates his 60th birthday. Tony's never had it good, and has basically been pushed around and bullied all his life. Finally deciding that he's had enough when he gets robbed by a prostitute, he begins a new chapter in his life when he finally stands up for himself. Of course, standing up for himself means killing the prostitute who wronged him.
Once emboldened, however, Tony makes a list of all those who have wronged him over the course of his life, and begins to decide what -- if any -- revenge is necessary upon those unfortunate enough to have made the list. As Tony works his way through the list, however, he continually has near-encounters with an unexpected acquaintance of the prostitute he killed, who Tony suspects is out for some revenge of their own.
Carefully avoiding these encounters, Tony continues to work his way through his list. As he progresses, he learns many new things about some of the people from his past. As Tony works to reconcile some of this new knowledge with the events of his past, a few profound decisions simply must be made.
Going along with Tony as he makes these decisions takes the reader on a fast-paced and exciting ride through a string of events that, though unlikely as they may be, are pieced together in a very logical and entertaining way.
Visits is a thoroughly enjoyable look into one man's life just as he reaches his breaking point.
As the story begins, we meet Tony Lansing, who is a bit down about his life as he celebrates his 60th birthday. Tony's never had it good, and has basically been pushed around and bullied all his life. Finally deciding that he's had enough when he gets robbed by a prostitute, he begins a new chapter in his life when he finally stands up for himself. Of course, standing up for himself means killing the prostitute who wronged him.
Once emboldened, however, Tony makes a list of all those who have wronged him over the course of his life, and begins to decide what -- if any -- revenge is necessary upon those unfortunate enough to have made the list. As Tony works his way through the list, however, he continually has near-encounters with an unexpected acquaintance of the prostitute he killed, who Tony suspects is out for some revenge of their own.
Carefully avoiding these encounters, Tony continues to work his way through his list. As he progresses, he learns many new things about some of the people from his past. As Tony works to reconcile some of this new knowledge with the events of his past, a few profound decisions simply must be made.
Going along with Tony as he makes these decisions takes the reader on a fast-paced and exciting ride through a string of events that, though unlikely as they may be, are pieced together in a very logical and entertaining way.
Visits is a thoroughly enjoyable look into one man's life just as he reaches his breaking point.
June 24, 2013
This was a very enjoyable book. The story had some interesting twists and turns that I didn't really see coming. The author does a good job of narration through a flawed character. The initial concept of the book (seeking revenge for being wronged) reminded me of the Michael Douglas movie, "Falling Down." Toward the end of the book, the reader can definitely sympathize with the main character while still disagreeing with his actions. I was definitely rooting for him to get a grasp on his life and turn it around so he could get that happy ending, but I praise the author for being more realistic with what had to happen.
The only part that was jarring to me was the character's use of the "n" word. The main character grew up in upstate New York. When the book begins, he's a 60 year old man living in the south. I don't buy that he would use that word. And it's in the book often enough that it doesn't seem right. I don't believe the use of the word was necessary.
Other than that, this is a great book to read. Especially if you would like a quick read or a book that's hard to put down.
The only part that was jarring to me was the character's use of the "n" word. The main character grew up in upstate New York. When the book begins, he's a 60 year old man living in the south. I don't buy that he would use that word. And it's in the book often enough that it doesn't seem right. I don't believe the use of the word was necessary.
Other than that, this is a great book to read. Especially if you would like a quick read or a book that's hard to put down.
March 2, 2013
Visits (John Phelps)
For 60 years Tony Lansing has put up with harassment, teasing (as a young man) and ridiculed by women. Then one day he has had enough and loses controlled and kills some one.
As he contemplates what he has just done, he starts to wonder what it would be like to get even with those who have made his life hell. His excitement grows as he compiles a list of those that have wronged him, and he seeks revenge.
But memories from the past keep haunting him, and he is consumed with his mission, and as he takes gets his revenge he is about to find out the price he must pay for his dirty deeds.
Filled with suspense and secret Visits is a fantastic fasted paced psychological read. John Phelps takes the reader into Tonys mind, you can feel his emotions. I recommend to those who like faced paced emotional thriller.
For 60 years Tony Lansing has put up with harassment, teasing (as a young man) and ridiculed by women. Then one day he has had enough and loses controlled and kills some one.
As he contemplates what he has just done, he starts to wonder what it would be like to get even with those who have made his life hell. His excitement grows as he compiles a list of those that have wronged him, and he seeks revenge.
But memories from the past keep haunting him, and he is consumed with his mission, and as he takes gets his revenge he is about to find out the price he must pay for his dirty deeds.
Filled with suspense and secret Visits is a fantastic fasted paced psychological read. John Phelps takes the reader into Tonys mind, you can feel his emotions. I recommend to those who like faced paced emotional thriller.
June 13, 2013
What an interesting premise!
Mr. Phelps introduces the reader to Tony, not a police officer, or murder victim, but the killer!
The read learns why Tony does what he does and how he chooses who lives, and who doesn't.
Highly recommended!
Mr. Phelps introduces the reader to Tony, not a police officer, or murder victim, but the killer!
The read learns why Tony does what he does and how he chooses who lives, and who doesn't.
Highly recommended!
June 18, 2013
I received a free promotional copy to review, really enjoyed this book, great easy read, didn't want to put it down, I wanted to know what Tony did next...surprised by the ending!
August 23, 2014
I received this book as a kindle edition to review for the group Shut Up & Read’s Read It & Reap #281 opportunity. Let me just say that based off of the description alone I was very interested in this book.
Visits is a book about a sixty year old man named Tony. Tony hasn’t done much with his life thus far. He is a car salesman and he is good at it. In his spare time he likes to frequent the local topless bars. On occasion, such as his birthday he wants a little something extra and will spring for a hooker/prostitute. This time goes a little differently for Tony as he is charged up on his Viagra, and finished up with the “party” he is still tied to a hotel room bed and robbed. Being left tied up and humiliated Tony starts to get incredibly angry and decided he is going to get even and get his money back.
Throughout the story you can tell that Tony’s mind is starting to slip. For me the biggest thing that made this constantly stand out was a constant fixation on a spear gun throughout the story. It seemed like something so unlikely and farfetched that it was the main point that had me constantly questioning the reality of the situation and what was going on in Tony’s mind.
Tony’s quest for vengeance takes him on quite a road trip, both in actual mileage and throughout personal growth and thinking within his mind. This story that John Phelps has concocted is phenomenal. As the reader you are on this journey with Tony as he rationalizes this serial killing spree that seemed to have sprung up out of opportunity. It is very interested to see Tony’s through process in his analysis of each and every person and the sometimes seemingly small items that he holds a grudge against people for to the point of wanting to take their lives.
As you think about the things that causes Tony to want to harm someone from events decades in the past, it makes you remember to always be nice to everyone you encounter whenever you can. You never know when they may come after you on a crazed, seemingly unrelated killing spree.
I also thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Tony’s mind due to the fact that although he may be slightly insane, he is not a dumb man. He is quite observant and a great judge of character, and he is as quite thorough on spur of the moment kills. And it is great to all the while be able to learn new bits and pieces about his background and what kinds of people and events have made him the man he is today, at the end of his rope.
As you are reading and especially at the halfway mark and beyond, you get the feeling that something insane is looming on the horizon. Even if you can guess the half of it, you will never believe some of the crazy twists and turns that the story takes. There were only minor typos of words missed, which barely stood out. This book really draws you into its depths and makes you root for Tony, even though you should be despising him for some of the unforgivable acts that he is committing. Mr. Phelps was descriptive enough to give you a real feel of how things are occurring, but he was not overdoing the visualization to the point of pushing away those with weaker stomachs for violence. By the time you reach the end of the book you can envision it being played in the movie theater and how it would translate over quite nicely to a wonderful thriller/suspense movie.
I commend Mr. Phelps on his book Visits and highly recommend it to anyone who is in for a bit of mystery and suspense that can handle a touch of violence from the mind of a man who has spent his life being kicked around and has decided that he will take a stand…. At sixty. 5 out of 5 stars easily.
Check out my blog to see this and other reviews
Visits is a book about a sixty year old man named Tony. Tony hasn’t done much with his life thus far. He is a car salesman and he is good at it. In his spare time he likes to frequent the local topless bars. On occasion, such as his birthday he wants a little something extra and will spring for a hooker/prostitute. This time goes a little differently for Tony as he is charged up on his Viagra, and finished up with the “party” he is still tied to a hotel room bed and robbed. Being left tied up and humiliated Tony starts to get incredibly angry and decided he is going to get even and get his money back.
Throughout the story you can tell that Tony’s mind is starting to slip. For me the biggest thing that made this constantly stand out was a constant fixation on a spear gun throughout the story. It seemed like something so unlikely and farfetched that it was the main point that had me constantly questioning the reality of the situation and what was going on in Tony’s mind.
Tony’s quest for vengeance takes him on quite a road trip, both in actual mileage and throughout personal growth and thinking within his mind. This story that John Phelps has concocted is phenomenal. As the reader you are on this journey with Tony as he rationalizes this serial killing spree that seemed to have sprung up out of opportunity. It is very interested to see Tony’s through process in his analysis of each and every person and the sometimes seemingly small items that he holds a grudge against people for to the point of wanting to take their lives.
As you think about the things that causes Tony to want to harm someone from events decades in the past, it makes you remember to always be nice to everyone you encounter whenever you can. You never know when they may come after you on a crazed, seemingly unrelated killing spree.
I also thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Tony’s mind due to the fact that although he may be slightly insane, he is not a dumb man. He is quite observant and a great judge of character, and he is as quite thorough on spur of the moment kills. And it is great to all the while be able to learn new bits and pieces about his background and what kinds of people and events have made him the man he is today, at the end of his rope.
As you are reading and especially at the halfway mark and beyond, you get the feeling that something insane is looming on the horizon. Even if you can guess the half of it, you will never believe some of the crazy twists and turns that the story takes. There were only minor typos of words missed, which barely stood out. This book really draws you into its depths and makes you root for Tony, even though you should be despising him for some of the unforgivable acts that he is committing. Mr. Phelps was descriptive enough to give you a real feel of how things are occurring, but he was not overdoing the visualization to the point of pushing away those with weaker stomachs for violence. By the time you reach the end of the book you can envision it being played in the movie theater and how it would translate over quite nicely to a wonderful thriller/suspense movie.
I commend Mr. Phelps on his book Visits and highly recommend it to anyone who is in for a bit of mystery and suspense that can handle a touch of violence from the mind of a man who has spent his life being kicked around and has decided that he will take a stand…. At sixty. 5 out of 5 stars easily.
Check out my blog to see this and other reviews
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October 18, 2013Grade: A- (4 Stars)
This is a fabulous book.. it’s interesting, well crafted, and pretty darn terrifying. This book takes you into the mind of Tony, who has just had a lot of shit handed to him throughout life, and finally snaps and kills a hooker. This isn’t a spoiler, it’s a fact. You face this in the beginning of the book. From the prologue on, I was in the book til then end. I couldn’t help it, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
First, the only reason it got an A- was because in the formatting there’s some errors that ended up throwing me out of the story a little bit. It’s not a big deal, and it doesn’t by any means ruin the book, but it just wanted edited to 5 star standards. Otherwise, this book was great! It’s a 5 star read, just not edited that way right now.
The descriptions in this book are unbelievable. The author has a uncanny knack for describing places so well, you’d believe he was standing there while writing. That he followed this killer around to write this novel, but the descriptions of places are spot on, and make you feel so included in the story, it’s actually slightly terrifying. He creates realistic places and then fills them with realistic characters. This author does not take the easy way out. Here’s another horror writer who’s committed to writing a realistic, terrifying story, and doesn’t need to censor himself to do so. Yes, there’s some language in this book, and quite a bit of gore, so if that’s not for you, now you know, and you can pass on this book. Horror readers, here’s another great book that seems to have been overlooked slightly. It’s got all the right twists and turns, and will keep you engaged until the end! Plus, the ending is great.
If you like horror, check this book out. You won’t regret it!
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fabulous book.. it’s interesting, well crafted, and pretty darn terrifying. This book takes you into the mind of Tony, who has just had a lot of shit handed to him throughout life, and finally snaps and kills a hooker. This isn’t a spoiler, it’s a fact. You face this in the beginning of the book. From the prologue on, I was in the book til then end. I couldn’t help it, I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
First, the only reason it got an A- was because in the formatting there’s some errors that ended up throwing me out of the story a little bit. It’s not a big deal, and it doesn’t by any means ruin the book, but it just wanted edited to 5 star standards. Otherwise, this book was great! It’s a 5 star read, just not edited that way right now.
The descriptions in this book are unbelievable. The author has a uncanny knack for describing places so well, you’d believe he was standing there while writing. That he followed this killer around to write this novel, but the descriptions of places are spot on, and make you feel so included in the story, it’s actually slightly terrifying. He creates realistic places and then fills them with realistic characters. This author does not take the easy way out. Here’s another horror writer who’s committed to writing a realistic, terrifying story, and doesn’t need to censor himself to do so. Yes, there’s some language in this book, and quite a bit of gore, so if that’s not for you, now you know, and you can pass on this book. Horror readers, here’s another great book that seems to have been overlooked slightly. It’s got all the right twists and turns, and will keep you engaged until the end! Plus, the ending is great.
If you like horror, check this book out. You won’t regret it!
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2013
This reader was hooked on “Visits” from the prologue. Phelps descriptive talent led chills to dance down the spine as the reader watched him execute a prostitute. Phelps is one of those authors who can write a high level of violence so matter of factly that the reader is shocked by each new discovery of the depths to which Tony Lansing will go to avenge himself. There is a weight to the atmosphere of the novel that chills to the bone. Tony is an average car salesman. Have you worked with him? Said something to him you may come to regret?
Phelps has reason for what Tony does and he explains the motives through his character. The risk is that a reader will see Tony as an unsympathetic psychopath but the possible reward is a reader bonding with the character. It can’t be said either goal was accomplished with this reader. I do so love a good baddie and Tony is the best kind of baddie.
I have only been to Daytona a few times never spending any real time there but its clear setting is very important to this author. There is a feeling of authenticity in the locales highlighted in the novel. The setting acts as a character in itself adding that so important mood and atmosphere to the third person perspective of Tony’s inner workings.
“Visits” is not for everyone. I know readers who will not read violence or gore. The ending is wonderfully unpredictable but the path to the end is not littered with butterflies and rainbows. Tony has a deadly mission and he does not stare people to death. Blood is shed.
I loved “Visits” by John Phelps. Fabulously gritty and cleverly written, this novel has all of the elements that make us thriller fans run out and buy a novel.
Phelps has reason for what Tony does and he explains the motives through his character. The risk is that a reader will see Tony as an unsympathetic psychopath but the possible reward is a reader bonding with the character. It can’t be said either goal was accomplished with this reader. I do so love a good baddie and Tony is the best kind of baddie.
I have only been to Daytona a few times never spending any real time there but its clear setting is very important to this author. There is a feeling of authenticity in the locales highlighted in the novel. The setting acts as a character in itself adding that so important mood and atmosphere to the third person perspective of Tony’s inner workings.
“Visits” is not for everyone. I know readers who will not read violence or gore. The ending is wonderfully unpredictable but the path to the end is not littered with butterflies and rainbows. Tony has a deadly mission and he does not stare people to death. Blood is shed.
I loved “Visits” by John Phelps. Fabulously gritty and cleverly written, this novel has all of the elements that make us thriller fans run out and buy a novel.
May 7, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This is another book I have a few mixed feelings about by the end.
I did know what I was getting into with this book. It's like watching a slasher movie - I know how things are going to end, but I'm looking forward to something that's going to entertain me.
Tony wasn't really a character I could like or really relate to, though I felt the author did a good job of showing 'the last straw'. There were parts of the book where I did feel a little sorry for Tony, but by the end of the book, that was pretty much gone.
I suppose the desire for revenge is something many people can relate to (including me), if not the main character himself. It was interesting to see Tony's thought processes, too - and how what he thought differed to or was similar to reality.
There wasn't a huge amount of mystery to this book, but there were one or two things that did surprise me. It was interesting how Tony seemed to degenerate further into madness as the book went on and how he was able to justify his actions to himself.
Some of the descriptions really made me cringe. The author did a particularly good job of painting mental pictures.
I couldn't say for sure if I'll read more books by this author. It probably ended the only way it could have done and was quick and easy to read.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This is another book I have a few mixed feelings about by the end.
I did know what I was getting into with this book. It's like watching a slasher movie - I know how things are going to end, but I'm looking forward to something that's going to entertain me.
Tony wasn't really a character I could like or really relate to, though I felt the author did a good job of showing 'the last straw'. There were parts of the book where I did feel a little sorry for Tony, but by the end of the book, that was pretty much gone.
I suppose the desire for revenge is something many people can relate to (including me), if not the main character himself. It was interesting to see Tony's thought processes, too - and how what he thought differed to or was similar to reality.
There wasn't a huge amount of mystery to this book, but there were one or two things that did surprise me. It was interesting how Tony seemed to degenerate further into madness as the book went on and how he was able to justify his actions to himself.
Some of the descriptions really made me cringe. The author did a particularly good job of painting mental pictures.
I couldn't say for sure if I'll read more books by this author. It probably ended the only way it could have done and was quick and easy to read.
June 18, 2013
The book is cleverly written, the title and the cover are well though out. It is an easy book to read if you don´t mind the subject, it often gets a little gorey as the author writes how Tony murders and gets even. It is not a book for the faint hearted. Tony is the main character and is really the only character as the rest get killed off. There is plenty of background to understand why he does what he does, and it almost makes it seems right. There is plenty of detail on Tony´s thought, as he plans the murders. As you read Tony gets better and better at what he does.
And the deal with the spear gun is just hilarious. There is also some humour at times which put a smile onto my face.
The book is also an easy read, easy to pick up and put down, great for those with busy life styles.
And Bub, well Bub is a great addition to the book, you just have to read it to know what I mean.
You will often wonder if Tony gets caught or if the police get a sniff at him, the author writes in such a way that it will keep you wondering. There are also some heart wrenching moments.
The revelation close to the end will blow you away. The ending is surprising, caught me unawares, well worth a read, I hope the author has a great future in writing.
And the deal with the spear gun is just hilarious. There is also some humour at times which put a smile onto my face.
The book is also an easy read, easy to pick up and put down, great for those with busy life styles.
And Bub, well Bub is a great addition to the book, you just have to read it to know what I mean.
You will often wonder if Tony gets caught or if the police get a sniff at him, the author writes in such a way that it will keep you wondering. There are also some heart wrenching moments.
The revelation close to the end will blow you away. The ending is surprising, caught me unawares, well worth a read, I hope the author has a great future in writing.
August 10, 2013
Tony Lansing is tired of taking the crap the world dishes out. When he gets rolled by a hooker, he decides to take matters into his own hands: by paying visits to a list of people who've wronged him in the past and even the score.
Visits is an entertaining read with a twist that you won't see coming (unless you possess uncanny sleuthing talent or have ESP). With spot-on descriptions of locations from Florida to Illinois, you'll swear Phelps has paid a visit to a place near you.
While I found this to be a fun story, there were some problems, which is why I gave it only three stars. First, there were typos and grammatical errors that could be cleaned up with another edit. In addition, there was plenty of repetition that left me feeling like Phelps was unsure of his delivery and had to spoon feed me information instead of trusting that I "got it" the first time. And, on several occasions, I just couldn't buy some of the characters' motivation for their actions. The story's ending seemed too long and I found the outcome anticlimactic and unnatural from what I learned of the main character.
Aside from the flaws, I think Phelps has a knack for storytelling and believe he will get better the more he writes.
Visits is an entertaining read with a twist that you won't see coming (unless you possess uncanny sleuthing talent or have ESP). With spot-on descriptions of locations from Florida to Illinois, you'll swear Phelps has paid a visit to a place near you.
While I found this to be a fun story, there were some problems, which is why I gave it only three stars. First, there were typos and grammatical errors that could be cleaned up with another edit. In addition, there was plenty of repetition that left me feeling like Phelps was unsure of his delivery and had to spoon feed me information instead of trusting that I "got it" the first time. And, on several occasions, I just couldn't buy some of the characters' motivation for their actions. The story's ending seemed too long and I found the outcome anticlimactic and unnatural from what I learned of the main character.
Aside from the flaws, I think Phelps has a knack for storytelling and believe he will get better the more he writes.
February 24, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Finally, a R&R that held me captivated the entire way through! It was an idea I hadn't really come across before, and I think that idea of a man who had just been pushed to his absolute breaking point is quite fascinating. I never really knew how things were going to happen next, and I was intrigued as to how it would end. There were a few things that caught me by surprise. I think the biggest let down for this novel is that it could have looked so much deeper, and I felt the ending was a bit weak. It was such a surface story, when it could have gone further into the morality of killing, pushing back when you've been pushed, vengeance vs revenge, etc. I feel like we only scratched the surface with Tony. The character development could have gone so much further, and even the supporting characters could have been embellished. I also think the epilogue could have tied up a few more things, and I feel a bit like it didn't end properly. With a bit more depth, this could be a five star psychological thriller. Couple of typos and grammar errors that need to be fixed up, but as far as amateur writing goes, it was pretty decent!
Finally, a R&R that held me captivated the entire way through! It was an idea I hadn't really come across before, and I think that idea of a man who had just been pushed to his absolute breaking point is quite fascinating. I never really knew how things were going to happen next, and I was intrigued as to how it would end. There were a few things that caught me by surprise. I think the biggest let down for this novel is that it could have looked so much deeper, and I felt the ending was a bit weak. It was such a surface story, when it could have gone further into the morality of killing, pushing back when you've been pushed, vengeance vs revenge, etc. I feel like we only scratched the surface with Tony. The character development could have gone so much further, and even the supporting characters could have been embellished. I also think the epilogue could have tied up a few more things, and I feel a bit like it didn't end properly. With a bit more depth, this could be a five star psychological thriller. Couple of typos and grammar errors that need to be fixed up, but as far as amateur writing goes, it was pretty decent!
August 9, 2013
Wow this just shows you how things can build up inside of you and one day out the blue things just blow all to hell!
Your mind suddenly takes you back to all the things that have happened in your life and those that you think have wronged you, whether they have really or not, and you just snap and your brain takes over.
This book had me hooked from the start and I followed it sometimes wide eyed NOT believing what was going to happen next.
At times very dark but with many twists and turns that keep you reading unable to put it down although at times you felt like a little kid at a horror, show wanting to cover your eyes
Very well written, the characters all so well developed and with an ending that will just blow you away.
A very well earned 5 stars and I deem it a must read!
Your mind suddenly takes you back to all the things that have happened in your life and those that you think have wronged you, whether they have really or not, and you just snap and your brain takes over.
This book had me hooked from the start and I followed it sometimes wide eyed NOT believing what was going to happen next.
At times very dark but with many twists and turns that keep you reading unable to put it down although at times you felt like a little kid at a horror, show wanting to cover your eyes
Very well written, the characters all so well developed and with an ending that will just blow you away.
A very well earned 5 stars and I deem it a must read!
May 10, 2014
Almost sixty and nothing's gone the way Tony believes it should have. He's been ridiculed, railroaded and has nothing and no one in his life. That is except a stacked safety deposit box full of money and a list of everyone who's ever done him wrong. One by one he tracks down people who have shaped his life ( and in his opinion ruined it) and exacts his own brand of revenge. The more murders he notches up the more you learn about his sordid past and the reasons why he is so alone and so angry. About two thirds of the way through this book I was wondering just where exactly this story was going when wham one huge plot twist turned everything upside down and gave the pivotal character a more sympathetic side. The true irony of this story is revealed in the final chapter and was well worth the wait. I found this novel to be a page turner, very easy to read and well thought out and written.
July 3, 2013
Absolutely loved this. I've read a lot of books for new authors who need reviews and most have been okay, but this one set a new bar. The character development was great, plot was great, detail was good and the back story was informative but not too much. I'm going to be looking for other works by this author.
I felt Tony was a character people could identify with, at least I could. Not that I want to kill anyone in my past. Tony is a lonely loser, who is finally pushed to the brink and begins a voyage to right those who have done him wrong. One trait that Phelps nailed perfectly was the paranoia, I liked how it was a big part of what Tony had become and the paranoia drove him further over the edge.
If you like books that get you into the mind of a killer this is a must read.
I felt Tony was a character people could identify with, at least I could. Not that I want to kill anyone in my past. Tony is a lonely loser, who is finally pushed to the brink and begins a voyage to right those who have done him wrong. One trait that Phelps nailed perfectly was the paranoia, I liked how it was a big part of what Tony had become and the paranoia drove him further over the edge.
If you like books that get you into the mind of a killer this is a must read.
February 27, 2013
This is a well written, engaging read. The main character, Tony, makes a very interesting anti-hero! You want to hate him for the acts he commits yet there is just enough sensibility in his murders that he makes it impossible. Who hasn't ever considered getting even with those who have wronged you? As I went along on the descent into the state of mind Tony finds himself in I really felt what he was going through. I felt his grief, his anger, his total sense of loss... I would highly recommend this book. Not just to fans of gore, but to those who would like an inside view of the degradation caused by a society of self serving individuals.
June 22, 2013
Tony Lansing is about to turn 60, he's robbed on his birthday which leads to other events which in turn push him over the edge. Tony is no longer going to be pushed around and he embarks on a journey of revenge which brings to light events in the past he knew nothing about. Events that might have ensured he led a different life.
Deluded, paranoid and bereft of any sense of responsibility Tony is a surprisingly alluring character.
This short book grabbed my attention and held it to the end. Not for the faint hearted but definitely one for those who like psychological thrillers.
Deluded, paranoid and bereft of any sense of responsibility Tony is a surprisingly alluring character.
This short book grabbed my attention and held it to the end. Not for the faint hearted but definitely one for those who like psychological thrillers.
July 3, 2013
I loved Visits ! The good guy just had enough he did not want to be bad but sometimes you have to take action. It is time for some get back ! I found Visits to be a great read from beginning to end.
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