A Face in the Window

by Lorraine Sommerfeld

An escaped killer has made Carly Dawes his prey. She just doesn’t know it.

A quiet lakeside vacation community turns into a tinder box of tension when a homicidal prisoner escapes, and a huge manhunt offers few credible leads. Residents are torn between listening to the words of a shock jock urging them to fight back and police imploring them not to. Single mom Carly wants to keep things calm for her young son, aging dad, and older neighbor as her remote cottage becomes more target than refuge. But the clock is ticking, and the longer it takes a determined cop to track down the killer, the more likely it becomes Carly will cross paths with a dangerous loner who has nothing to lose.

374 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2023

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Burlington, Ontario car expert and Hamilton Spec columnist - Motherlode-has written a riveting novel. Two convicts escape from a work relief program in the Finger Lake region. A single mom is spending the summer at her cottage. Unbeknownst to her, one convict is targeting her as he thinks she knows where a stash of cash is. The author rounds out the book with a host of eccentric characters, including a radical radio host and residents who scorn the warnings of taking care.

[Christracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book as I have always enjoyed Lorraine Sommerfield’s writing in the newspaper. Her Motherlode articles are always great. The book was amazing. It was very suspenseful. Initially I wasn’t sure about all the short chapters but it seemed to really move the story along. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down after the halfway mark. I hope she writes more books!

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read Lorraine Sommerfeld's motherlode column in The Hamilton Spectator newspaper a few times (it is in every friday's paper) and enjoy her sense of humour about day to day life and things she has experienced in her own life. That being said, I did rather enjoy her first foray into novel writing. The story was well paced and not bogged down with unnecessary details and the ending was quite a surprise. I did not struggled with seeing how scenes played out in my mind at all. My only gripe and this is more of a personal one, is the amount of chapters, some chapters only being a handful of paragraphs, but it did not draw away from the overall story. I hope she continues writing and look forward to her next if she does!

[Abigail]

DNF @ 40%. I am not even a little bit invested. I'm sorry I just can't with this one. I don't love the POVs, there are a lot of characters for what I thought was a closed room thriller. At 40% I haven't hit the story. A lot of world building for a standard cop thriller.

[Jodi Pomerleau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fridays are my favourite day to read the Hamilton Spectator...I'm always eager to read Motherlode. So when I found out Lorraine Sommerfeld had written a novel, I didn't wait to get a library copy....I ordered my own copy. That says a lot, because I hate paying for books! The book did not disappoint me in any way. It was an easy, quick read, with plenty of action to keep you glued to the pages. She has written many times about her family and their cottage, and I could picture it in this book. The characters were rich and interesting. I'm not sure if Todd is her ex in real life, but she dodged one if he is. I'd love to read another story with Carly, Tim and Maggie in it....here's hoping one is not enough for Lorraine.

[Jane Mulkewich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Lorraine Sommerfeld's writing in the Hamilton Spectator, and have finally had the chance to read her 2023 novel - and really did enjoy it. I liked her style of very short chapters, and the first few chapters introduced so many different seemingly unrelated characters and storylines that at first I was worried it was going to be one of those books for which I would need to keep notes to keep everyone straight... but it came together very quickly and was a compelling read. Believable characters and plot line, and a story that pulls you in, but not too heavy - a perfect read for a cottage vacation (particularly because of the cottage setting!)

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my shelf to read for a long time, but school and book club commitments kept getting in the way. I finally made time to read it, and I'm glad I did! I knew about Lorraine Sommerfeld through a friend, but I'd never read her writing before, so I went in with no expectations. I was interested enough to keep reading in the first half, and then the second half pulled me in and reminded me of crime shows on TV. It's a well-written story with (for me, anyway) relatable characters. If you like crime drama, this is a good choice.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was pleasantly surprised by this book. I put it on hold because I recognized the author's name from a column she writes that I enjoy in a local paper. Based on the title, I leapt to the conclusion that it was a typical thriller, you know the type, unreliable unlikeable main characters, but it was not! Good mix of suspense with some humour. I hope she's working on book 2. Would like to see more of the Tim and Sanjay team!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover review says “Lorraine Sommerfeld is the real deal”

The cover is correct!

A Face in the Window has it all: suspense, pace, well developed characters and a touch of humour. I devoured this book where I often take weeks or moths to get through a book.

Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Lenore · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started off a little slow for me but I have to say it built to a new level of suspense about half way in. A lot of negative comments were made about the short chapters but I found that is what kept me reading...just one more. Not disappointing for a first book and I really hope that she continues writing.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner. Really enjoyed the quirky characters! Bravo

[Lori Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it - worth the read - kept me interested well done

[Judy Budd wood]

Great suspense filled read.

[Ashley Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrill ride!

This debut book from veteran writer Sommerfeld writes a captivating story with a firey end.

I was riveted from start to finish and what a great cast of characters.

I can't wait to see what Sommerfeld comes up with next and hope it's soon!

[Catherine Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the suspense and humour in Lorraine's novel. Couldn't wait to see where the villain would go next. The characters were diverse and interesting. I really liked the shorter chapter style too which uncharacteristically propelled me onward through several more chapters each read.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent , excellent read !! Can’t wait to read book #2