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Undone
paperback, vg++
405 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 26, 2010
A belter of a thriller, and one of the few books that I put down so that it would last longer. The author manages to create a Superbitch who rivals any I've come across for wanting to see her get her comeuppance! More twists than Karen puts in her hair when she's stressed, that rattle along at such a pace you never question them. Even although things probably wouldn't work out as potrayed, I found myself not caring - never mind the detail, get on with the plot!
September 20, 2020
Promising story, but it felt like a lot was going on with nothing really happening. The characters were cartoonish, especially Noel - an unlikeable cliche. The chocolate sex scene was ridiculous; I quit reading soon after that.
June 4, 2018
I can't believe that I actually read to the end of this book! It's as if the author decided to populate his book from the list of most clichéd characters ever. We have the stoic, intelligent but misunderstood local policeman, as well as the modern but misguided detective, and the loud-mouthed, obnoxious idiotic one. Our 'hero' is a struggling alcoholic with family problems. The anti-hero is a roguish con-man that you really should love. All set in the standard once-prosperous-now-poor-but we're-a-strong-community type town.
Bobby comes up with the most ridiculous way to fake his own death - of course it's going to go wrong. And it's not really a huge surprise who is behind the killings. I guess I carried on reading to see what justification was given, and, to be honest, I'm not sure it was worth the wait.
The most interesting character for me was Sal's wife - at first she seemed just another stereotypical character, but she did seem to have a back story I would have liked to read more about. Unfortunately, she's a minor character and, apart from a couple of scenes at the end, has barely any influence on the story.
So, although I did get to the end, I don't think I'd actively recommend it - unless you fancy something a bit silly.
Bobby comes up with the most ridiculous way to fake his own death - of course it's going to go wrong. And it's not really a huge surprise who is behind the killings. I guess I carried on reading to see what justification was given, and, to be honest, I'm not sure it was worth the wait.
The most interesting character for me was Sal's wife - at first she seemed just another stereotypical character, but she did seem to have a back story I would have liked to read more about. Unfortunately, she's a minor character and, apart from a couple of scenes at the end, has barely any influence on the story.
So, although I did get to the end, I don't think I'd actively recommend it - unless you fancy something a bit silly.
November 6, 2021
I'm not sure the prosecuting council would have had enough hard evidence to convict the true perpetrator of this crime (or should I say crimes), it was all pretty circumstantial. The whole plot was quite ridiculous but the story held my attention because I was constantly thinking: how's the author going to get his characters out of this mess?
What I had expected was that the "country boys" always being looked down upon by the hot-shot city sergeant would come up trumps - and I don't just mean the local constable. But one of the characters I had warmed to throughout the story turned out to be a "bad 'un" and deserved what he got. Despite certain misgivings about the convoluted plot, this novel kept me on my toes and was a definite page-turner. Plus, Michael Kimball can definitely write sex scenes.
I just didn't like the ending...being one of those readers looking for justice to be served. And Detective Shepherd turning up when he did was never fully explained. The awful Noel got off lightly, and so did Sal, frankly. If I'd been Iris I'm not sure I'd have taken him back - but then there wouldn't have been a happy ending, would there?
What I had expected was that the "country boys" always being looked down upon by the hot-shot city sergeant would come up trumps - and I don't just mean the local constable. But one of the characters I had warmed to throughout the story turned out to be a "bad 'un" and deserved what he got. Despite certain misgivings about the convoluted plot, this novel kept me on my toes and was a definite page-turner. Plus, Michael Kimball can definitely write sex scenes.
I just didn't like the ending...being one of those readers looking for justice to be served. And Detective Shepherd turning up when he did was never fully explained. The awful Noel got off lightly, and so did Sal, frankly. If I'd been Iris I'm not sure I'd have taken him back - but then there wouldn't have been a happy ending, would there?
November 15, 2022
’Who do you trust?’
This was better than I was expecting it to be. It’s quite an old book and one I would never have chosen if I had not bought a blind date with a book. It is a thriller so it is the genre of book that I would choose which I think helped. It wasn’t particularly fast paced, I feel like there were times when not a lot was going on. I did think the plot was clever and I’ve never read anything like it before. Maybe it’s just written in an older style than I’m used to. The characters were developed well but I didn’t find myself becoming particularly invested in them. I’m pleased I decided to buy a blind date with a book though otherwise I would probably have never read it.
What would you do for 2 million dollars? What would you risk for 2 million dollars? Bobby is going to fake his own death…he is going to be buried alive…he is going to be rich. But who can he trust to help him?
This was better than I was expecting it to be. It’s quite an old book and one I would never have chosen if I had not bought a blind date with a book. It is a thriller so it is the genre of book that I would choose which I think helped. It wasn’t particularly fast paced, I feel like there were times when not a lot was going on. I did think the plot was clever and I’ve never read anything like it before. Maybe it’s just written in an older style than I’m used to. The characters were developed well but I didn’t find myself becoming particularly invested in them. I’m pleased I decided to buy a blind date with a book though otherwise I would probably have never read it.
What would you do for 2 million dollars? What would you risk for 2 million dollars? Bobby is going to fake his own death…he is going to be buried alive…he is going to be rich. But who can he trust to help him?
September 2, 2017
This book was not good, but I couldn't put it down! It's cliche characters and clunky dialogue only bothered me for the first 30 pages or so, and then I was hooked. The plot is totally convoluted but that's part of the charm...it kept me guessing and I'm still confused! Most of my enjoyment was probably due to the Maine village setting (very similar to where I live) and the fact that it was written by a local author. I can't recommend it, but I did enjoy it. Shelving this one under guilty pleasures.
March 20, 2019
Was not impressed at first, but then was drawn in and couldn't wait to find out wait happened!
January 29, 2021
I would have given a 4.5. Great plot line. Could not put it down. Crazy thrill ride.
April 1, 2023
It was interesting in places, it was boring in most and it was predictable. You pretty much had it figured out from the first few pages.
January 22, 2008
Mike is a friend, and I'm fortunate beyond words to have been asked to review his manuscripts before he has submitted them. I'll never forget Undone, which arrived at our house and sparked a rivalry between Pete and me as we grappled for pages. "Are you done with that page yet???" Fantastic book that captures smalltown Maine and some devious, flawed characters, all wrapped up in a thriller.
June 27, 2013
This was a great suspenseful thriller. I never knew where the characters were going or what they would be doing. There were several murders and just when I thought I had it all figured out, some twist made me realize that until I read the last page, I wouldn't really know who the culprit was. A real entertaining read!
July 29, 2013
Really enjoyed the book. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! The only thing that kept me from rating this 5 stars was the over abundance of characters and subplots....too much. Had this been whittled down a bit the author could continue to develop the plot and characters (bobby and Alston) a bit more. I would definitely recommend it!
April 24, 2015
Although this was an intriguing story that kept me guessing right to the end about who murdered who, I could not connect with any of the characters and thought they were very two-dimensional and stereotypical. I didn't like any of the characters at all. Credit to the author for keeping the mystery ongoing throughout the whole story.
February 2, 2016
Never trust your friend....or maybe even your wife...with your life. Being buried alive (closed casket funeral), to be dug up by friend and wife before your oxygen tank expires so as to collect your own life insurance and to start a new life, is not for the faint hearted. ...especially when your friend and your wife have a thing going. Great story!!!
June 21, 2012
It was very well-constructed and the pace was akin to Stephen King. There were a couple of characters that were kind of caricatures, but some that really rang true to Downeast Maine. I enjoyed it a lot. A perfect vacation murder mystery/thriller.
July 16, 2012
The Stephen King 'seal of approval' is this book's only redeeming feature. After a half decent opening chapter, it quickly turns into a hotch potch of inconsistent and unnecessary characters and plot twists. Disappointing.
June 22, 2015
Second time reading it. Was going through my books to donate to Library and saw this and couldn't remember the ending.
This is a great book - love the characters, even the ones you are suppose to hate. A book that's hard to put down.
This is a great book - love the characters, even the ones you are suppose to hate. A book that's hard to put down.
August 24, 2007
good bit of mind fodder an easily digested bit of electrical horror and suspense!!!
April 24, 2010
I happened to pick this up in a charity shop & once I started reading just could not put it down. I can't remember all the twists & turns now but it is a book I will go back & read again someday.
July 18, 2011
Was very sure Bobby would die. Liked the way how the mystery was created and was looking forward to know who did the killing(s). :)
Note to self*- The book I read it while I was hospitalised
Note to self*- The book I read it while I was hospitalised
July 27, 2011
Bit different for me, but enjoyed once got into it...
September 5, 2011
Started off well but none of the characters were really likeable
September 12, 2016
An entertaining enough read.
did-not-finish
February 25, 2012Donated to Friends of the Library Sale
Read
February 10, 2017Ned. Titel: in vol vertrouwen
April 6, 2013
No idea why I read this...
June 13, 2013
Brilliant thriller !!
January 14, 2014
Unbelievably gripping. When I wasn't reading it, I was trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
February 2, 2015
Great story never 100% sure who's guilty (apart from Noel and Wicker who we're told are).
bought at Westoe Village Fair in 2011 and donated to sunderland PDSA.
bought at Westoe Village Fair in 2011 and donated to sunderland PDSA.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews