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The Way Life Should Be: A Novel
Just before dawn in Stone Harbor, Maine, two men meet in the bathhouse in a wooded park.
"So what do you have in mind?" one asks.
"A little surprise," the other answers before beating him to death with a steel flashlight.
Newspaper editor John Quinn and his wife have returned to his hometown to raise their son, but real estate prices have soared and natives are being pushed out. Then a popular politician and family man is murdered at a well-known gay pickup spot. The victim was Quinn's childhood friend, Paul Stanwood. Quinn insists Paul was only investigating a police crackdown at the park.
When the police chief and others seem to ignore and downplay obvious clues, Quinn takes matters into his own hands. Even though his wife's car is vandalized and a source is severely beaten after he speaks out on the hidden violence against gays, Quinn refuses to stop looking for answers. With so many people hiding secrets -- secrets some are willing to kill for -- Quinn has to find out the truth about his friend's murder before he, too, is permanently silenced.
"So what do you have in mind?" one asks.
"A little surprise," the other answers before beating him to death with a steel flashlight.
Newspaper editor John Quinn and his wife have returned to his hometown to raise their son, but real estate prices have soared and natives are being pushed out. Then a popular politician and family man is murdered at a well-known gay pickup spot. The victim was Quinn's childhood friend, Paul Stanwood. Quinn insists Paul was only investigating a police crackdown at the park.
When the police chief and others seem to ignore and downplay obvious clues, Quinn takes matters into his own hands. Even though his wife's car is vandalized and a source is severely beaten after he speaks out on the hidden violence against gays, Quinn refuses to stop looking for answers. With so many people hiding secrets -- secrets some are willing to kill for -- Quinn has to find out the truth about his friend's murder before he, too, is permanently silenced.
- GenresFiction
295 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2007
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 23, 2009
I read “The Way Life Should Be” as soon as it came out. After all, I was a “Gather First Chapters Competition” entrant too. And I concluded that Terry Shaw was a worthy winner.
“The Way Life Should Be” is an exciting story, with twists that lead inexorably to turns, and questions that keep you wondering. The locale is beautifully portrayed. I’ve never been to Maine, but I can still see the bridge over the river, the old stone buildings, and the café with the rather large sign; I can still imagine the park where the body is found. And I can still remember the characters. They fascinated, confused and annoyed me with their attitudes and assumptions, just like real people. I was eager to see if they would change and learn during the story, and I’m glad to say they did.
By the end of the book, I knew more about Maine, more about newspapers, and more about those who feel compelled by society to hide who they are. It’s a good read, with an ending that will keep you turning pages, and I’m glad Terry won so we can share the tale.
“The Way Life Should Be” is an exciting story, with twists that lead inexorably to turns, and questions that keep you wondering. The locale is beautifully portrayed. I’ve never been to Maine, but I can still see the bridge over the river, the old stone buildings, and the café with the rather large sign; I can still imagine the park where the body is found. And I can still remember the characters. They fascinated, confused and annoyed me with their attitudes and assumptions, just like real people. I was eager to see if they would change and learn during the story, and I’m glad to say they did.
By the end of the book, I knew more about Maine, more about newspapers, and more about those who feel compelled by society to hide who they are. It’s a good read, with an ending that will keep you turning pages, and I’m glad Terry won so we can share the tale.
July 5, 2008
In Terry Shaw's debut novel, The Way Life Should Be, third-generation journalist John Quinn returns to his hometown of Stone Harbor, Maine, to rescue his deceased father's newspaper, The Pilot, from financial ruin. Quinn had fled Maine for Miami almost two decades prior, much to the chagrin of his closest childhood friends, Paul and Lizz. Paul, now a well-known local politician, husband to Lizz, and father of two children, is found murdered at a notorious gay cruising spot, which raises many questions and concerns among both Paul's family and friends, as well as the townspeople.
Because Paul had indirectly been a proponent of gays, Quinn refuses to believe his best friend had been living a secret life and begins to compile a list of suspects. Using what little clout he has as the local area newsman, his list of enemies grows faster than potential culprits. Those who begin to wish Quinn had never returned to Stone Harbor include local police chief, Al Sears, who takes little interest in the case because of the victim's supposed tendencies; professor Bryan Bowen-Smythe, who is all too eager to replace Paul as chair of the board of selectmen; Quinn's own cousin and The Pilot's general manager, Seth, who always seems to know more than he lets on; and even Lizz, who angrily reminds Quinn that he stopped really knowing who his friends were when he left.
Shaw's novel makes for an intriguing mystery, and while I wouldn't classify it as the quintessential edge-of-your-seat whodunit, both the characters and circumstances are believable, especially the protagonist's struggle, as he tries to be come reacquainted with the life he left behind long ago. The Way Life Should Be is a promising beginning for a new member of the mystery-writing genre.
Because Paul had indirectly been a proponent of gays, Quinn refuses to believe his best friend had been living a secret life and begins to compile a list of suspects. Using what little clout he has as the local area newsman, his list of enemies grows faster than potential culprits. Those who begin to wish Quinn had never returned to Stone Harbor include local police chief, Al Sears, who takes little interest in the case because of the victim's supposed tendencies; professor Bryan Bowen-Smythe, who is all too eager to replace Paul as chair of the board of selectmen; Quinn's own cousin and The Pilot's general manager, Seth, who always seems to know more than he lets on; and even Lizz, who angrily reminds Quinn that he stopped really knowing who his friends were when he left.
Shaw's novel makes for an intriguing mystery, and while I wouldn't classify it as the quintessential edge-of-your-seat whodunit, both the characters and circumstances are believable, especially the protagonist's struggle, as he tries to be come reacquainted with the life he left behind long ago. The Way Life Should Be is a promising beginning for a new member of the mystery-writing genre.
December 30, 2010
OK - this is actually a three star read but I believe we all need to support gather.com and other sources for new authors.
This is a fun book with tight plots, careful phrasing and well developed characters. The author treats Main reverently and fairly. The story is engaging and the characters are well written.
My objections are slight. Most new novelists need time to 'dumb down' their character recognition. I get it - they've spent forever on this labor of love and they know the characters inside and out. Shaw uses common names like John, Jack and Paul (I was good with Lizz because I LOVE Lizz Wright). It would be helpful if Shaw added little reminders in the first 3-4 chapters so we know who is who. I'd either use more unique names or give them 'parrot on the shoulder' gimmicks (e.g. thick glasses, unusual height, asthma, smoker's cough). I almost chucked this book because I needed to refer to the back cover to distinguish the characters.
I think Shaw will produce some fun reads and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does next. Read this book - pay close attention until you're invested in the story.
This is a fun book with tight plots, careful phrasing and well developed characters. The author treats Main reverently and fairly. The story is engaging and the characters are well written.
My objections are slight. Most new novelists need time to 'dumb down' their character recognition. I get it - they've spent forever on this labor of love and they know the characters inside and out. Shaw uses common names like John, Jack and Paul (I was good with Lizz because I LOVE Lizz Wright). It would be helpful if Shaw added little reminders in the first 3-4 chapters so we know who is who. I'd either use more unique names or give them 'parrot on the shoulder' gimmicks (e.g. thick glasses, unusual height, asthma, smoker's cough). I almost chucked this book because I needed to refer to the back cover to distinguish the characters.
I think Shaw will produce some fun reads and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does next. Read this book - pay close attention until you're invested in the story.
April 21, 2008
This is a great first novel! With their less-than-perfect personalities, almost every main character was capable of murder. It kept me guessing throughout the whole story. Really enjoyed the way the author used newspaper stories to explain or sum up issues that arose. I'm also thinking there could be a sequel...there are still some unanswered questions. Hmmm.....
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September 1, 2009When I got the recommendation to read this title, I didn't realize there were two books with the same title,this one by Terry Shaw, and the other one by Christina Baker Kline. So i ended up with both books from the library. The Shaw book is a dark mystery, and very satirical.
January 27, 2008
A real nail-biter. Terry won the Simon & Schuster "First Chapters" novel-writing contest on Gather.com and we are very proud of his accomplishment.
Read
April 18, 2009Easy read, enjoyable mystery, written in a Maine setting. I'd recommend it for entertainment
July 17, 2011
A pretty vanilla mystery about as exciting as watching a rerun of "Murder She Wrote." If this was the winner of the contest I'd hate to see the other entries!
December 31, 2012
Very good book. Just the type of book that gives you a creepy feeling but you HAVE to find the killer. I felt like I was with Quinn every step of the way.
February 17, 2013
The book is pretty typical with nothing too exciting. There are some good morals, such as openness in relationships, trust, and following your heart.
October 7, 2012
Good strong first book - well developed plot.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews