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Restos Humanos
Você conhece bem seus vizinhos? Saberia dizer se eles estão vivos ou mortos?
Ao encontrar por acaso o corpo de uma vizinha em avançado estado de decomposição, Annabel Hayer, que trabalha com análise de informações para a polícia, fica horrorizada ao pensar que ninguém — e isso inclui ela mesma — sentiu falta daquela mulher. De volta ao trabalho, ela vasculha os arquivos policiais e encontra dados que mostram um aumento significativo de casos como aquele nos últimos meses em sua cidade. Conforme aprofunda a investigação, Annabel parece cada vez mais convencida de estar no rastro de um assassino, e é obrigada a enfrentar os próprios demônios e a própria fragilidade. Será que alguém perceberia se ela simplesmente desaparecesse? Um thriller psicológico extremamente perturbador, Restos humanos fala de nossos medos mais obscuros, mostrando como somos vulneráveis — e a facilidade com que vidas podem ser destruídas quando não há ninguém que se importe com elas.
Ao encontrar por acaso o corpo de uma vizinha em avançado estado de decomposição, Annabel Hayer, que trabalha com análise de informações para a polícia, fica horrorizada ao pensar que ninguém — e isso inclui ela mesma — sentiu falta daquela mulher. De volta ao trabalho, ela vasculha os arquivos policiais e encontra dados que mostram um aumento significativo de casos como aquele nos últimos meses em sua cidade. Conforme aprofunda a investigação, Annabel parece cada vez mais convencida de estar no rastro de um assassino, e é obrigada a enfrentar os próprios demônios e a própria fragilidade. Será que alguém perceberia se ela simplesmente desaparecesse? Um thriller psicológico extremamente perturbador, Restos humanos fala de nossos medos mais obscuros, mostrando como somos vulneráveis — e a facilidade com que vidas podem ser destruídas quando não há ninguém que se importe com elas.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 14, 2013
343 people are currently reading
14469 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haynes
23 books2,061 followersElizabeth Haynes grew up in Seaford, Sussex and studied English, German and Art History at Leicester University.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 799 reviews
August 14, 2014
This is a deeply disturbing book, and it is definitely Elizabeth Haynes darkest so far. I devour her books as soon as they are released and I have loved them all so far. In each book I can back track to different times in my life and see a little bit of myself in each central character, which makes them all very real to me.
HUMAN REMAINS is told from two main points of view:
Annabel -a lonely police analyst who lives alone except for her cat.-why don't lonely woman ever have dogs?-Annabel discovers the decomposed body of her next door neighbour and quickly realises that something just doesn't seem right.
...and
Colin -a socially awkward individual who is trying a tad too hard to meet the ladies, but is he a dangerous psychopath? Maybe...maybe not.-I had a very hard time being in Colin's head. I will admit to sometimes skimming over his thoughts to rush to the safety of Annabel.
I have always thought we are all only one big catastrophe (or series of terrible events that break you down a little at a time) away from wanting to shut the rest of the world out and hide away. HUMAN REMAINS is a chilling tale of someone who is ready, waiting, and hoping for his next victim to do just that.
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HUMAN REMAINS is told from two main points of view:
Annabel -a lonely police analyst who lives alone except for her cat.-why don't lonely woman ever have dogs?-Annabel discovers the decomposed body of her next door neighbour and quickly realises that something just doesn't seem right.
...and
Colin -a socially awkward individual who is trying a tad too hard to meet the ladies, but is he a dangerous psychopath? Maybe...maybe not.-I had a very hard time being in Colin's head. I will admit to sometimes skimming over his thoughts to rush to the safety of Annabel.
I have always thought we are all only one big catastrophe (or series of terrible events that break you down a little at a time) away from wanting to shut the rest of the world out and hide away. HUMAN REMAINS is a chilling tale of someone who is ready, waiting, and hoping for his next victim to do just that.
September 29, 2015
*5 scary, psychotic and yucky stars*
Absolutely loved it!
I was hesitant to read this book because of some of the reviews I've read that said it's nothing like the first book, that this one is slow, boring, gross and disgusting. Actually, gross and disgusting was the reason I decided to read it anyway :-). And why should it be like the first book anyway?
It's true, the book is slow paced and could feel like a drag. But I loved the book because of it. Stories like these should be descriptive and have a lot of details. It showed the amount of work and research the author put it. If one of the characters is a psychopath, the descriptions should give you a clear picture of who that person is. That shouldn't be rushed. Psychopaths are complex and complicated characters, it's hard to relate to them in books as it is, so descriptions should help us, if not relate, at least to understand better who the person is and how he/she thinks. I thought the author did an amazing job with that.
Mainly, this story is told from a dual point of view. First we have Annabel. She is a police analyst. She is not one of those analysts you see running around on CSI. She is a geek and an office rat. Day in and day out she sits in her office, collecting and analyzing data that field officers send her, organizing it, finding patterns and similarities in the data. For me it sounded like a boring job, but she loved it and was good at it, and that's what made her character so interesting.
One day, she finds her cat by the door, all greasy and sticky, smelling disgusting. Her cat tends to visit her neighbor's backyard, so she goes to check what is going on over there. She knocks on the door, no one answers, but there is a light inside, she goes in. She find her neighbor sitting in her living room chair, decomposing. The whole scene was written in such details that I could almost smell it, and it made my stomach turn. Yuck. She found it strange that her neighbor was dead fro so long and no one noticed.
The next day at work, just out of curiosity, she decides to check how many people has been found like this. The number is very strange. The numbers of this year is 4 times higher that it was last year, or the year before. She brings that up in the next office meeting, but gets brushed off, because investigations showed no signs of violence or struggle, autopsies didn't show any unusual drugs in their systems or other things that would indicate foul play.
What I loved about Annabel, and what made her different from other heroines in similar stories, was the fact that she never took upon herself to be the hero and save the day. She was trying to go trough proper channels, to get the attention of the people who have the background and experience to deal with the case.
Then we have Colin. His character is very difficult to describe. He seems like an ordinary guy. Well, not really. He looks the part, but he's highly educated and intelligent man. He's not antisocial, he has friends he hangs out with, but he sees himself above them. He is incredibly good at reading people. In the parts told from his pov you can see how much homework author did creating his character. She doesn't make sh!t up, she uses scientific facts. I know that because I've read quite a few scientific articles and books on psychology behind body language in collage. Elizabeth Haynes is spot on.
Plus, Colin has this... How can I put it? A very weird "hobby" :-).
I won't spoil the story by telling that he is the guy. Why? Because this story is not about finding out who did it. That's not the main focus. Author herself doesn't hide the fact from the reader that he is the only suspect. Already in the second chapter, which is told from his pov, you know. This story is not about who did it, but how and why. The circumstances surrounding deaths are very bizarre and mysterious. There is no signs indicating struggle, violence or break in. Rotting bodies are found in their own homes, either sitting in a chair or lying in a bed, looking kind of peaceful. They all are different, different ages, different social backgrounds, family, no family, males and females. There is nothing about them that's similar. The most important question is: how did he manage to convince people to give up on life? I imagine it would be very difficult to do.
One other thing. I see this book is much less popular than E. H's first book, because it's gross and disturbing. But come on, people, you pick up a book written by Elizabeth Haynes and expect what exactly? It's not like her first book was all hearts and flowers :-).
As for the other point of views. All the way up until 40% I struggled to understand their relevance to the story. I thought "Well, that's not random at all." But then it hit me and I went "Oh!". What a glorious moment that was :-). I like when an author does that to me.
The ending was, I don't know, open-ish type of ending, it left me with couple of questions. I love this type of endings. Those are the best kind. It ended on a similar note as Into The Darkest Corner.
I absolutely loved this book. It's unique, interesting, complex and fascinating. Books like these raise my expectations. I feel a little bit sorry for the future book I will read in this genre, and authors who don't put in the same work/research while writing their books :).
I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good and well written psychological thriller.
Absolutely loved it!
I was hesitant to read this book because of some of the reviews I've read that said it's nothing like the first book, that this one is slow, boring, gross and disgusting. Actually, gross and disgusting was the reason I decided to read it anyway :-). And why should it be like the first book anyway?
It's true, the book is slow paced and could feel like a drag. But I loved the book because of it. Stories like these should be descriptive and have a lot of details. It showed the amount of work and research the author put it. If one of the characters is a psychopath, the descriptions should give you a clear picture of who that person is. That shouldn't be rushed. Psychopaths are complex and complicated characters, it's hard to relate to them in books as it is, so descriptions should help us, if not relate, at least to understand better who the person is and how he/she thinks. I thought the author did an amazing job with that.
Mainly, this story is told from a dual point of view. First we have Annabel. She is a police analyst. She is not one of those analysts you see running around on CSI. She is a geek and an office rat. Day in and day out she sits in her office, collecting and analyzing data that field officers send her, organizing it, finding patterns and similarities in the data. For me it sounded like a boring job, but she loved it and was good at it, and that's what made her character so interesting.
One day, she finds her cat by the door, all greasy and sticky, smelling disgusting. Her cat tends to visit her neighbor's backyard, so she goes to check what is going on over there. She knocks on the door, no one answers, but there is a light inside, she goes in. She find her neighbor sitting in her living room chair, decomposing. The whole scene was written in such details that I could almost smell it, and it made my stomach turn. Yuck. She found it strange that her neighbor was dead fro so long and no one noticed.
The next day at work, just out of curiosity, she decides to check how many people has been found like this. The number is very strange. The numbers of this year is 4 times higher that it was last year, or the year before. She brings that up in the next office meeting, but gets brushed off, because investigations showed no signs of violence or struggle, autopsies didn't show any unusual drugs in their systems or other things that would indicate foul play.
What I loved about Annabel, and what made her different from other heroines in similar stories, was the fact that she never took upon herself to be the hero and save the day. She was trying to go trough proper channels, to get the attention of the people who have the background and experience to deal with the case.
Then we have Colin. His character is very difficult to describe. He seems like an ordinary guy. Well, not really. He looks the part, but he's highly educated and intelligent man. He's not antisocial, he has friends he hangs out with, but he sees himself above them. He is incredibly good at reading people. In the parts told from his pov you can see how much homework author did creating his character. She doesn't make sh!t up, she uses scientific facts. I know that because I've read quite a few scientific articles and books on psychology behind body language in collage. Elizabeth Haynes is spot on.
Plus, Colin has this... How can I put it? A very weird "hobby" :-).
I won't spoil the story by telling that he is the guy. Why? Because this story is not about finding out who did it. That's not the main focus. Author herself doesn't hide the fact from the reader that he is the only suspect. Already in the second chapter, which is told from his pov, you know. This story is not about who did it, but how and why. The circumstances surrounding deaths are very bizarre and mysterious. There is no signs indicating struggle, violence or break in. Rotting bodies are found in their own homes, either sitting in a chair or lying in a bed, looking kind of peaceful. They all are different, different ages, different social backgrounds, family, no family, males and females. There is nothing about them that's similar. The most important question is: how did he manage to convince people to give up on life? I imagine it would be very difficult to do.
What could override the basic human instinct?
"I have no idea."
"Scary thought, isn't it?" he said.
One other thing. I see this book is much less popular than E. H's first book, because it's gross and disturbing. But come on, people, you pick up a book written by Elizabeth Haynes and expect what exactly? It's not like her first book was all hearts and flowers :-).
As for the other point of views. All the way up until 40% I struggled to understand their relevance to the story. I thought "Well, that's not random at all." But then it hit me and I went "Oh!". What a glorious moment that was :-). I like when an author does that to me.
The ending was, I don't know, open-ish type of ending, it left me with couple of questions. I love this type of endings. Those are the best kind. It ended on a similar note as Into The Darkest Corner.
I absolutely loved this book. It's unique, interesting, complex and fascinating. Books like these raise my expectations. I feel a little bit sorry for the future book I will read in this genre, and authors who don't put in the same work/research while writing their books :).
I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good and well written psychological thriller.
April 19, 2014
You can always tell when an author really enjoys writing a story, and I think with this one the reader feels that in spades. The story tackles themes with which Elizabeth is more than familiar, and the psychological component can't be beat.
March 4, 2013
Go here....
http://badassbookreviews.com/human-re...
or here....
Michelle’s Review – 5 Skulls – A+
This book is so disturbing. I hated what it did to me, how it made me think, made me question how I treat others, question my own motives, and question my relationship with my family. I hated how I was so deeply embedded in the mind of a narcissistic sociopath that I could predict his reactions. What does that say about me when I know how a sociopath is going to react (or in this case, not react)? It says nothing about me, and everything about the author and her brilliant writing. Haynes is a master at creating memorable characters in a terrifying but thought provoking story.
Human Remains is NOT for everyone. It is NOT a happy story with happy characters. In fact, it is gloomy, sad, and has a character that is now at the top of my “Most Evil” list. In addition, the protagonist, Annabel, is insecure, oblivious, not always the nicest to those around her, and a bit of a bore. As a reader, you often want to scream at Annabel for her actions, or tell her how stupid she is being for her reactions to others.
The story is told from two main points of view and additional points of view from minor characters that play a role in the story moving forward (it’s hard to tell you anything about these “minor” characters without spoiling it). While I would usually say this is too many perspectives, once you catch on to the story, you know exactly why the author is doing the multiple points of view and how brilliantly Haynes set this book up for the reader.
Main Point of View # 1- Annabel:
Getting inside Annabel’s head was absolutely essential to understand her insecurities, and her decisions (or lack thereof). While initially, it was so hard to cheer for her, especially when she was being mean to another character that was trying to help her, you learn so much about why she acts the way she does based on knowing what is going on in her head.
There is a turning point for Annabel. It wasn’t an earth shattering moment but you, as the reader, applaud what happens to Annabel and how she transitions beyond what is expected of her.
Main Point of View # 2- Colin:
The other main point of view belongs to Colin. Holy crap. Seriously. This is where I face a real problem with this review. I knew nothing about the story and had no clue what to expect with Colin. Was he a love interest for Annabel? Why is he important? Why do I care? This was my thoughts at the beginning, and frankly, at the beginning, I was stumped at why I should care about Colin’s thoughts. Trust me, not knowing what Colin’s significance is in the story, makes the book 10 times more enjoyable when you learn what he is doing and what he truly is. Ok, so that was so fricking cryptic but oh well. I’m not going to ruin this story for you. Just trust me, Colin is someone I will never forget.
Ok, I have to tell you a little bit. You probably guessed he is the narcissistic, sociopath I mentioned above (that is really my own completely unprofessional diagnosis). Colin is someone that you must pay attention to, not because of what he is saying or doing, or reacting to, but what he is not saying, and not reacting to. Being in Colin’s head was so normal, so uneventful. So boring. However, once you leave Colin’s head and see Colin’s actions from another point of view, you see an entirely new picture of Colin. That is what makes the switching point of views so perfect. You really see how twisted Colin is by seeing the world through Colin’s head and how normal and eventual Colin thinks his actions are and then seeing what Colin is actually doing when you switch views.
The Story:
What happens to the war refugee that goes from a school teacher with her own friends in her own country, to a manual laborer with no one in her refugee country? She ceases to exist.
What happens to the wife of a sex molester who really had no clue what was going on, when all her friends and family have shunned her for being blind to her husband’s criminal acts? She ceases to exist.
What happens to the husband that drinks away his broken marriage? He ceases to exist.
What happens to the girl who is insecure, and loses her only family member? Does she cease to exist? That’s the story, that’s Annabel’s story.
What happens to the guy who thinks he has the answer to the non existing living? He terrifies you.
http://badassbookreviews.com/human-re...
or here....
Michelle’s Review – 5 Skulls – A+
This book is so disturbing. I hated what it did to me, how it made me think, made me question how I treat others, question my own motives, and question my relationship with my family. I hated how I was so deeply embedded in the mind of a narcissistic sociopath that I could predict his reactions. What does that say about me when I know how a sociopath is going to react (or in this case, not react)? It says nothing about me, and everything about the author and her brilliant writing. Haynes is a master at creating memorable characters in a terrifying but thought provoking story.
Human Remains is NOT for everyone. It is NOT a happy story with happy characters. In fact, it is gloomy, sad, and has a character that is now at the top of my “Most Evil” list. In addition, the protagonist, Annabel, is insecure, oblivious, not always the nicest to those around her, and a bit of a bore. As a reader, you often want to scream at Annabel for her actions, or tell her how stupid she is being for her reactions to others.
The story is told from two main points of view and additional points of view from minor characters that play a role in the story moving forward (it’s hard to tell you anything about these “minor” characters without spoiling it). While I would usually say this is too many perspectives, once you catch on to the story, you know exactly why the author is doing the multiple points of view and how brilliantly Haynes set this book up for the reader.
Main Point of View # 1- Annabel:
Getting inside Annabel’s head was absolutely essential to understand her insecurities, and her decisions (or lack thereof). While initially, it was so hard to cheer for her, especially when she was being mean to another character that was trying to help her, you learn so much about why she acts the way she does based on knowing what is going on in her head.
There is a turning point for Annabel. It wasn’t an earth shattering moment but you, as the reader, applaud what happens to Annabel and how she transitions beyond what is expected of her.
Main Point of View # 2- Colin:
The other main point of view belongs to Colin. Holy crap. Seriously. This is where I face a real problem with this review. I knew nothing about the story and had no clue what to expect with Colin. Was he a love interest for Annabel? Why is he important? Why do I care? This was my thoughts at the beginning, and frankly, at the beginning, I was stumped at why I should care about Colin’s thoughts. Trust me, not knowing what Colin’s significance is in the story, makes the book 10 times more enjoyable when you learn what he is doing and what he truly is. Ok, so that was so fricking cryptic but oh well. I’m not going to ruin this story for you. Just trust me, Colin is someone I will never forget.
Ok, I have to tell you a little bit. You probably guessed he is the narcissistic, sociopath I mentioned above (that is really my own completely unprofessional diagnosis). Colin is someone that you must pay attention to, not because of what he is saying or doing, or reacting to, but what he is not saying, and not reacting to. Being in Colin’s head was so normal, so uneventful. So boring. However, once you leave Colin’s head and see Colin’s actions from another point of view, you see an entirely new picture of Colin. That is what makes the switching point of views so perfect. You really see how twisted Colin is by seeing the world through Colin’s head and how normal and eventual Colin thinks his actions are and then seeing what Colin is actually doing when you switch views.
The Story:
What happens to the war refugee that goes from a school teacher with her own friends in her own country, to a manual laborer with no one in her refugee country? She ceases to exist.
What happens to the wife of a sex molester who really had no clue what was going on, when all her friends and family have shunned her for being blind to her husband’s criminal acts? She ceases to exist.
What happens to the husband that drinks away his broken marriage? He ceases to exist.
What happens to the girl who is insecure, and loses her only family member? Does she cease to exist? That’s the story, that’s Annabel’s story.
What happens to the guy who thinks he has the answer to the non existing living? He terrifies you.
May 29, 2018
I decided to read this fantastic novel again as it had so much impact on it when I read it before, my rating stays the same at 5 stars. I have loved all of Elizabeth Haynes' books, this one being no exception.
What I love about her books is her inside knowledge because of her career in the police force in the UK that she can put across in detail in her books.
Then there is always that underlying creepy tension that makes her books a blend of psychological thriller/crime/police procedural.
How well do you know your neighbours? Would you notice if they lived or died? Police analyst Annabel wouldn’t describe herself as lonely. Her work keeps her busy and the needs of her ageing mother and her cat are more than enough to fill her time when she’s on her own.
But Annabel is shocked when she discovers her neighbour’s decomposing body in the house next door, and appalled to think that no one, including herself, noticed her absence. Back at work she sets out to investigate, despite her police officer colleagues’ lack of interest, and finds data showing that such cases are frighteningly common in her own home town.
The plot cracks on from the start and the book is paced to hold your attention, it's one of those books that as Annabel is considering deep things inside herself and about the human race, I did too. I loved the way she tackles this case even without the support of her mate at the station. And good job she does too.
Many have read and praised Into the Darkest Corner so if you enjoyed that you will like this too, if not READ BOTH! As excellent reading, quality writing, great twists. Easy peasy 4 stars from me (again).
What I love about her books is her inside knowledge because of her career in the police force in the UK that she can put across in detail in her books.
Then there is always that underlying creepy tension that makes her books a blend of psychological thriller/crime/police procedural.
How well do you know your neighbours? Would you notice if they lived or died? Police analyst Annabel wouldn’t describe herself as lonely. Her work keeps her busy and the needs of her ageing mother and her cat are more than enough to fill her time when she’s on her own.
But Annabel is shocked when she discovers her neighbour’s decomposing body in the house next door, and appalled to think that no one, including herself, noticed her absence. Back at work she sets out to investigate, despite her police officer colleagues’ lack of interest, and finds data showing that such cases are frighteningly common in her own home town.
The plot cracks on from the start and the book is paced to hold your attention, it's one of those books that as Annabel is considering deep things inside herself and about the human race, I did too. I loved the way she tackles this case even without the support of her mate at the station. And good job she does too.
Many have read and praised Into the Darkest Corner so if you enjoyed that you will like this too, if not READ BOTH! As excellent reading, quality writing, great twists. Easy peasy 4 stars from me (again).
January 28, 2020
Truthfully, I am a bit disappointed. The reviews were hinting on something really gruesome and terrible. It wasn't. At least for me. Maybe it is because I am already familiar with the topic discussed in the book. But still, an interesting highlight from the writer on connecting NLP, influence and intent.
December 18, 2016
This author certainly knows how to create a shocking read! Her stories are dark and hit upon some of the most secretive taboos in society.
Told from multiple perspectives but predominately from Annabel, the crime analyst, and Colin, the typically weird loner type with an obsession of decomposing human flesh.
When bodies increasingly start to be found in various states of decomposition, Annabel is determined to find the link between them. What she doesn't realise is that the suspect already has her in his sights.
At times this story makes for difficult reading: it is undoubtedly graphic and not for the faint hearted! The authors history of working for the police gives her an advantage in her writing. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
Told from multiple perspectives but predominately from Annabel, the crime analyst, and Colin, the typically weird loner type with an obsession of decomposing human flesh.
When bodies increasingly start to be found in various states of decomposition, Annabel is determined to find the link between them. What she doesn't realise is that the suspect already has her in his sights.
At times this story makes for difficult reading: it is undoubtedly graphic and not for the faint hearted! The authors history of working for the police gives her an advantage in her writing. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
February 20, 2024
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Creepy! Thrilling! Disturbing! Those are just some of the words used to describe this book, influencing my decision to read it. Yeah, I did not get any of that out of this.
It was plodding and predictable. There was no tension, no mystery, no thrills and it was not creepy - just kind of gross sometimes. The only reason I kept reading was that I was led to believe there was a big twist that would knock my bits off near the end. But like my stepchildren's deadbeat mother, it never showed up.
Chapters are split between the protagonist Annabel, and the antagonist Colin. It is in no way a mystery who Colin is or why we're reading about him, so no spoiler alert is required here. He's got this weird-kid-in-seventh-grade-who-always-holds-a-binder-over-his-boner-and-is-probably-fascinated-by-dead-animals personality vibe. And then there's Annabel. Ughh, Annabel. To facilitate the story, Annabel needed to be a loner and I get it. I'm not oblivious to the connections being drawn between the victim's sad lives and Annabel, but it was sooooo boring to read.
If you've ever said to yourself, "I really want to read about the daily routine of a single, anti-social, self-conscious, late-thirties cat lady", then this book is for you. Let me summarize: home alone with her cat, alone at work with no one to talk to, picking up groceries, home alone with her cat. Repeat.
This is a sleepy novel, with a sad and pathetic lead character and a "killer" whose M.O. was literally all about sleep and hypnotism. At the very least I can say, the novel really did stay true to its sleepy theme because I did, in fact, fall asleep while reading this a number of times.
People seem to really like Elizabeth Haynes, but besides being a cure for my insomnia, I don't have much good to say about this particular book. Not sure I'll be reading her again???
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded up
Creepy! Thrilling! Disturbing! Those are just some of the words used to describe this book, influencing my decision to read it. Yeah, I did not get any of that out of this.
It was plodding and predictable. There was no tension, no mystery, no thrills and it was not creepy - just kind of gross sometimes. The only reason I kept reading was that I was led to believe there was a big twist that would knock my bits off near the end. But like my stepchildren's deadbeat mother, it never showed up.
Chapters are split between the protagonist Annabel, and the antagonist Colin. It is in no way a mystery who Colin is or why we're reading about him, so no spoiler alert is required here. He's got this weird-kid-in-seventh-grade-who-always-holds-a-binder-over-his-boner-and-is-probably-fascinated-by-dead-animals personality vibe. And then there's Annabel. Ughh, Annabel. To facilitate the story, Annabel needed to be a loner and I get it. I'm not oblivious to the connections being drawn between the victim's sad lives and Annabel, but it was sooooo boring to read.
If you've ever said to yourself, "I really want to read about the daily routine of a single, anti-social, self-conscious, late-thirties cat lady", then this book is for you. Let me summarize: home alone with her cat, alone at work with no one to talk to, picking up groceries, home alone with her cat. Repeat.
This is a sleepy novel, with a sad and pathetic lead character and a "killer" whose M.O. was literally all about sleep and hypnotism. At the very least I can say, the novel really did stay true to its sleepy theme because I did, in fact, fall asleep while reading this a number of times.
People seem to really like Elizabeth Haynes, but besides being a cure for my insomnia, I don't have much good to say about this particular book. Not sure I'll be reading her again???
⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded up
July 20, 2013
Colin is a biology nut and a behavioral science aficionado. His life is one of careful order, his job is with the city financial department. He is a perfectionist and feels vastly superior to everyone else. Colin has long since given up on looking for Ms. Right as no one can hold to his standards. Oh, and his mother is in a nursing home. His take on that is this - 'May she rot quietly and stinkingly in her wingback armchair.' Delightful chap, wouldn't you say?
Annabel is a police analyst. She has no friends, carries a crystal angel in her pocket, and is on the frumpy side. She feels that no one finds her attractive and thus anyone showing an interest in her must be dangerous. She lives alone, but with a cat, and most of her time outside of work is spent shopping and cooking for her aged mother.
The story is kicked off when Annabel discovers the body of her neighbor in the house next door. Alone, forgotten, no one had missed the lady, including Annabel. As it turns out, more and more instances are coming to light of decomposing bodies being found in the city. Be prepared for some graphic mental images. The writing is vivid. This is not a who-done-it, we know who done it. We are on a quest to discover the hows and maybe the whys.
This subject matter is dark, disturbing and sad. Very few light moments are to be had, but the ones I found made me smile. A man who pronounced the word 'hospital' as 'ospickle' was one. Another was the description of one of the women in the HR department as having 'a face that could turn milk.'
This was a first-reads giveaway, thank you. Off to add this author's other books to my to-read list.
Annabel is a police analyst. She has no friends, carries a crystal angel in her pocket, and is on the frumpy side. She feels that no one finds her attractive and thus anyone showing an interest in her must be dangerous. She lives alone, but with a cat, and most of her time outside of work is spent shopping and cooking for her aged mother.
The story is kicked off when Annabel discovers the body of her neighbor in the house next door. Alone, forgotten, no one had missed the lady, including Annabel. As it turns out, more and more instances are coming to light of decomposing bodies being found in the city. Be prepared for some graphic mental images. The writing is vivid. This is not a who-done-it, we know who done it. We are on a quest to discover the hows and maybe the whys.
This subject matter is dark, disturbing and sad. Very few light moments are to be had, but the ones I found made me smile. A man who pronounced the word 'hospital' as 'ospickle' was one. Another was the description of one of the women in the HR department as having 'a face that could turn milk.'
This was a first-reads giveaway, thank you. Off to add this author's other books to my to-read list.
April 17, 2013
I really enjoyed finishing this one. It did have a very satisfying ending, which made up for some disappointment along the way.
I enjoy psychological thrillers but this one really lacked something for me. The psychology of the victims was central to the story and very compelling, in spite of the fact that the author relied on having several sections narrated by the dead. And the sections narrated by the killer (this isn't much of a spoiler since it's pretty obvious who did it from the start) are convincingly creepy. As a writer I wouldn't want to spend too much time inside that head. There wasn't much of an explanation for why he was that way...which I suppose is fair in the sense that in life we don't really know exactly why some people are twisted that way.
It was very readable, and once I was well into the story it was hard to put down. An interesting heroine, though very flawed. Not sure I quite believed in her transformation.
It was my first Elizabeth Haynes, and I probably won't seek out her others.
I enjoy psychological thrillers but this one really lacked something for me. The psychology of the victims was central to the story and very compelling, in spite of the fact that the author relied on having several sections narrated by the dead. And the sections narrated by the killer (this isn't much of a spoiler since it's pretty obvious who did it from the start) are convincingly creepy. As a writer I wouldn't want to spend too much time inside that head. There wasn't much of an explanation for why he was that way...which I suppose is fair in the sense that in life we don't really know exactly why some people are twisted that way.
It was very readable, and once I was well into the story it was hard to put down. An interesting heroine, though very flawed. Not sure I quite believed in her transformation.
It was my first Elizabeth Haynes, and I probably won't seek out her others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2015
This book was a friend's gift, an ebook.
I didn't know the author or the storyline.
And I'm not a fan of digital reading, but I decided to give it a try.
And the result? I really don't like reading e-books but Elizabeth Haynes has been a wonderful discovery for me!
I didn't know the author or the storyline.
And I'm not a fan of digital reading, but I decided to give it a try.
And the result? I really don't like reading e-books but Elizabeth Haynes has been a wonderful discovery for me!
May 2, 2019
This book was lacking it was slow and going nowhere for me.read other book from this author which I've enjoyed.didnt enjoy the characters theres no excitement or twist.hope next one is alot better.
June 30, 2013
This one is tough (for me) to review. I don't think this is a book that can be enjoyed in terms of, say, liking what you're reading and fully intending to go back and reread it with some frequency, because the subject matter is far too sad, disturbing, and gruesome for that. Making things more complicated is that Elizabeth Haynes is a very talented author; one who knows how to evoke strong emotions in her readers. We're given insight into the lives of many of the "victims" (though calling them "victims" isn't necessarily a black and white kind of issue), and it's tragic and depressing to read about these people who've lost everything (or never had anything to begin with) only to die alone and remain undiscovered for long periods of time because no one missed them. I think that taps into a primal human fear, i.e. dying alone and unloved, and reading the details of some of those situations and the aftermath was intense and, just like another reviewer mentioned, led to some super-disturbing nightmares for me.
Also, a word of warning to potential readers: there is many a description of the process of decomposition and all aspects thereof, and it is detailed and gory and gruesome in the extreme (in my view, at least). That definitely didn't help with the nightmare situation.
While all of that is transpiring, we follow two characters - Annabel and Colin. The former is leading a very nondescript, uneventful life; she is lonely and alone (except for her cat and her ailing, alcoholic mother for whom she is the sole caregiver). She begins to notice the alarmingly high numbers of bodies that have been discovered well-after death and becomes determined to find out the cause, with the aid (though she doesn't always welcome it) of Sam, a reporter who teaches her what it means to have a real friend.
Colin seems intriguing for the first couple of pages, but after that, he is revealed in short order to be repellent and disturbed. He feels extreme contempt for everyone around him, is extraordinarily fascinated with decomposition, and has devoted a significant amount of his time to learning what basically amounts to the power of suggestion and how that can be used against people. He soon finds himself obsessed with the girlfriend of his one and only "friend" and that, to no one's surprise, quickly devolves into yet another frightening set of circumstances. (As a side note, all of this is made even more disturbing because there are times when Colin deliberately addresses the reader, as though engaging us in conversation. It was a keen decision on Ms. Hayne's part to employ that particular story-telling device because I feel like it engages and involves the reader even more.)
Is this a full-fledged murder mystery? Kinda, sorta. However, the story goes to great lengths to make you ponder the difference between murder and enabling self-harm. More than anything, I think the book - though it is obviously fiction - is more along the lines of a psychological study of both intense depression and feelings of hopelessness, and a journey into the mental processes of a deeply-disturbed (what I can only call) sociopath. The book does suffer from some pacing issues: there is a lot of repetition, and a significant number of pages pass without the story advancing. The final climactic scenes seemed to drag: I was interested enough to keep reading, just to see how everything ended, but what should have been the height of "I can't wait to see what happens next" wasn't all that suspenseful, except for maybe a handful of pages.
So, the pacing and repetition are problematic, but Ms. Haynes gets high marks for how remarkably evocative her writing is. I think the bottom line, for me anyway, is that this was not an easy read because it delved into such heavy fare, such intensely sad, tragic, and disturbing material and emotions. Through it all, I felt for Annabel and the victims and I was horrified by Colin. I finished the book quickly both because I wanted to see how the author wrapped everything up and (probably more than anything) I just wanted to be done reading it. I want to reiterate that this is not a bad book, and Ms. Haynes is very talented, but the subject matter is very, very dark and is a lot to process.
Also, a word of warning to potential readers: there is many a description of the process of decomposition and all aspects thereof, and it is detailed and gory and gruesome in the extreme (in my view, at least). That definitely didn't help with the nightmare situation.
While all of that is transpiring, we follow two characters - Annabel and Colin. The former is leading a very nondescript, uneventful life; she is lonely and alone (except for her cat and her ailing, alcoholic mother for whom she is the sole caregiver). She begins to notice the alarmingly high numbers of bodies that have been discovered well-after death and becomes determined to find out the cause, with the aid (though she doesn't always welcome it) of Sam, a reporter who teaches her what it means to have a real friend.
Colin seems intriguing for the first couple of pages, but after that, he is revealed in short order to be repellent and disturbed. He feels extreme contempt for everyone around him, is extraordinarily fascinated with decomposition, and has devoted a significant amount of his time to learning what basically amounts to the power of suggestion and how that can be used against people. He soon finds himself obsessed with the girlfriend of his one and only "friend" and that, to no one's surprise, quickly devolves into yet another frightening set of circumstances. (As a side note, all of this is made even more disturbing because there are times when Colin deliberately addresses the reader, as though engaging us in conversation. It was a keen decision on Ms. Hayne's part to employ that particular story-telling device because I feel like it engages and involves the reader even more.)
Is this a full-fledged murder mystery? Kinda, sorta. However, the story goes to great lengths to make you ponder the difference between murder and enabling self-harm. More than anything, I think the book - though it is obviously fiction - is more along the lines of a psychological study of both intense depression and feelings of hopelessness, and a journey into the mental processes of a deeply-disturbed (what I can only call) sociopath. The book does suffer from some pacing issues: there is a lot of repetition, and a significant number of pages pass without the story advancing. The final climactic scenes seemed to drag: I was interested enough to keep reading, just to see how everything ended, but what should have been the height of "I can't wait to see what happens next" wasn't all that suspenseful, except for maybe a handful of pages.
So, the pacing and repetition are problematic, but Ms. Haynes gets high marks for how remarkably evocative her writing is. I think the bottom line, for me anyway, is that this was not an easy read because it delved into such heavy fare, such intensely sad, tragic, and disturbing material and emotions. Through it all, I felt for Annabel and the victims and I was horrified by Colin. I finished the book quickly both because I wanted to see how the author wrapped everything up and (probably more than anything) I just wanted to be done reading it. I want to reiterate that this is not a bad book, and Ms. Haynes is very talented, but the subject matter is very, very dark and is a lot to process.
November 1, 2013
DNF at 30%, which is a little over four hours in. I could not do the other 9, no way.
AUDIOBOOK.
This audiobook was awful. Truly awful.
Before I bought it, I listened to the sample. The sample was great; a British narrator with a pleasant voice who I felt really brought the character to life. I enjoyed the humour in the writing even in the five minute sample. And Human Remains was quite pleasant to listen to. For the first chapter. Only. Which is only thirteen minutes long.
In the second chapter, Karen Cass narrates a new character, Colin. Now, you are supposed to hate Colin. He's not a character you're supposed to feel comfortable listening to. But Karen's voice for Colin actually made me feel sick. My jaw aches from grinding my teeth upon hearing THAT voice again and again every alternate chapter. The voice (and not even the character) is the most annoying, pretentious, condescending thing I've ever heard. You know that person everyone hates, who you just want to punch, with THAT voice? Yeah. That's the voice for Collin.
And this just affected my whole enjoyment (or lack of) as it turns out Karen Cass's different voices aren't really different at all.
I'm sure the story itself was actually OK. In fact, I think it was pretty good. There was an underlying and pretty scary message to what I read - what if no one realised you were dead? What if your neighbours didn't even realise you were gone or that something was wrong until the smell of your decomposing corpse hit their noses weeks or even months later?
AUDIOBOOK.
This audiobook was awful. Truly awful.
Before I bought it, I listened to the sample. The sample was great; a British narrator with a pleasant voice who I felt really brought the character to life. I enjoyed the humour in the writing even in the five minute sample. And Human Remains was quite pleasant to listen to. For the first chapter. Only. Which is only thirteen minutes long.
In the second chapter, Karen Cass narrates a new character, Colin. Now, you are supposed to hate Colin. He's not a character you're supposed to feel comfortable listening to. But Karen's voice for Colin actually made me feel sick. My jaw aches from grinding my teeth upon hearing THAT voice again and again every alternate chapter. The voice (and not even the character) is the most annoying, pretentious, condescending thing I've ever heard. You know that person everyone hates, who you just want to punch, with THAT voice? Yeah. That's the voice for Collin.
And this just affected my whole enjoyment (or lack of) as it turns out Karen Cass's different voices aren't really different at all.
I'm sure the story itself was actually OK. In fact, I think it was pretty good. There was an underlying and pretty scary message to what I read - what if no one realised you were dead? What if your neighbours didn't even realise you were gone or that something was wrong until the smell of your decomposing corpse hit their noses weeks or even months later?
January 24, 2021
Looking for a disturbing thriller that you don't want to put down but at the same time want to cover your eyes? This is the book for you!
I saw this book recommended on a book page saying how it was disturbing but an unforgettable read and WOW is that true. There were parts that made me cringe, parts where I just couldn't understand how people could just decide to lay down and sleep, not eat or drink until they die. Obviously that became clear later.
Then there was a part where Annabel and Colin meet and I literally shouted NO. I felt so protective of Annabel and Colin's control over her broke my heart. I love her friendship with Sam and I kinda hope that if another book had them both in then it might lead to more than just friendship.
I can't really put my thoughts into words because it's still going around in my head. Colin really thought he had done nothing wrong, that he was just helping them with what they wanted 'deep down'. It's just a book that really makes your mind work. A very thought provoking, gasp out loud and want to close your eyes but at the same time not wanting to put it down kind of book.
Very much recommend!!
I saw this book recommended on a book page saying how it was disturbing but an unforgettable read and WOW is that true. There were parts that made me cringe, parts where I just couldn't understand how people could just decide to lay down and sleep, not eat or drink until they die. Obviously that became clear later.
Then there was a part where Annabel and Colin meet and I literally shouted NO. I felt so protective of Annabel and Colin's control over her broke my heart. I love her friendship with Sam and I kinda hope that if another book had them both in then it might lead to more than just friendship.
I can't really put my thoughts into words because it's still going around in my head. Colin really thought he had done nothing wrong, that he was just helping them with what they wanted 'deep down'. It's just a book that really makes your mind work. A very thought provoking, gasp out loud and want to close your eyes but at the same time not wanting to put it down kind of book.
Very much recommend!!
April 9, 2013
I loved Haynes' other 2 books but this was a huge disappointment. This was most certainly not a 'thriller that would have you locking your windows and doors' (as described) there wasn't a moment where I felt gripped or tense, the storyline was weak as were the characters. I still dont know anything about Annabel and Colin apart from the fact she was alone and he liked masterbating oh and of course the text book broken relationship between mother and son, Yawn yawn! Her mother died, she seemed to be dealing with it then she was starving herself to death after bumping into Colin in the shopping centre! Although the idea was an interesting one, there was nowhere it could really build tension or suspense, the two ingredients Elizabeth Haynes is known for. Definitely in my 'waste of time' book pile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2017
After the creepy but brilliant, 'Into the Darkest Corner', Elizabeth Hayes had a difficult task to follow it with something just as engaging. I'm afraid, for met at least, this was not it. 'Human Remains' is by no means a bad book, Hayes writing is sharp and the story well thought out.Inevitably though, I compared it to her first novel and it just didn't quite measure up.
What I like about this book and 'Into the Darkest Corner', is that Hayes doesn't make human weakness or neuroses something shameful or pathetic. She writes characters you feel for(obviously not the villains, who are particularly nasty), or at least are interested in. I liked Annabel, though she wasn't as fleshed out as Cathy, she was a good main character, who felt very human and real.
The part I wasn't too excited about was the plot. While it was very precise and clever in some ways, it was dissatisfying in others. I don't want to give too much away, but Annabel is drawn into a mystery surrounding the growing number of deaths of lonely people in her town. People who die alone in their homes and aren't found until well after it has happened. The idea again highlights Hayes insight into human psychology, which adds depth to the characters and their individual stories as part of the whole picture. Unfortunately, I felt the story took to long to gather momentum and while I never would have abandoned the book, there was a while in the first third or so, where I just didn't see it going anywhere.
All in all, this is a clever and well written psychological thriller, and if you like Hayes' style, you'll probably be entertained by this book. It certainly raises certain questions about society today, and how hard it can be to connect to others, and how easily people lose touch in a world that is moving ever faster, it seems.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
What I like about this book and 'Into the Darkest Corner', is that Hayes doesn't make human weakness or neuroses something shameful or pathetic. She writes characters you feel for(obviously not the villains, who are particularly nasty), or at least are interested in. I liked Annabel, though she wasn't as fleshed out as Cathy, she was a good main character, who felt very human and real.
The part I wasn't too excited about was the plot. While it was very precise and clever in some ways, it was dissatisfying in others. I don't want to give too much away, but Annabel is drawn into a mystery surrounding the growing number of deaths of lonely people in her town. People who die alone in their homes and aren't found until well after it has happened. The idea again highlights Hayes insight into human psychology, which adds depth to the characters and their individual stories as part of the whole picture. Unfortunately, I felt the story took to long to gather momentum and while I never would have abandoned the book, there was a while in the first third or so, where I just didn't see it going anywhere.
All in all, this is a clever and well written psychological thriller, and if you like Hayes' style, you'll probably be entertained by this book. It certainly raises certain questions about society today, and how hard it can be to connect to others, and how easily people lose touch in a world that is moving ever faster, it seems.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
September 17, 2013
When police analyst Annabel Hayer arrived home from work one evening, all she wanted was to relax in a hot bath. But the fates had other ideas! As she walked to her front door, she detected an unpleasant odour – believing her cat Lucy had decided to gift her with a mouse or similar, she prepared herself, but the smell was worse than that. Following her nose to the house next door, a house she believed had been empty for some months, she was horrified to discover the decomposing body of her neighbour.
Upon investigation, Annabel was appalled to discover there had been many more bodies discovered in Briarstone where they had been unfound for some months. The police department determined these deaths were from natural causes, but Annabel was not satisfied with that. She began looking further into the deaths, and what she found sent shivers down her spine.
In the meantime she was also caring for her mother, but when she suddenly died Annabel couldn’t take it in. Suddenly Annabel was in danger – but she was totally unaware of the turn her life had taken. She was convinced no-one would miss her if she disappeared; where would this strange turn of events take her? Would the enigmatic Sam help her? Or was it too late?
This was a very strange book. We knew who the “person of interest” was right from the beginning, so there was no mystery. I felt the characters were stilted with very little emotion, and I just couldn’t get into the story. I wasn’t sure about my star rating after struggling through the book – the ending picked up, but of course you have to make it through two thirds of the story to get there. I just felt disappointed as I had enjoyed Into the Darkest Corner … I’m not sure if I’ll read anything more by Elizabeth Haynes.
Upon investigation, Annabel was appalled to discover there had been many more bodies discovered in Briarstone where they had been unfound for some months. The police department determined these deaths were from natural causes, but Annabel was not satisfied with that. She began looking further into the deaths, and what she found sent shivers down her spine.
In the meantime she was also caring for her mother, but when she suddenly died Annabel couldn’t take it in. Suddenly Annabel was in danger – but she was totally unaware of the turn her life had taken. She was convinced no-one would miss her if she disappeared; where would this strange turn of events take her? Would the enigmatic Sam help her? Or was it too late?
This was a very strange book. We knew who the “person of interest” was right from the beginning, so there was no mystery. I felt the characters were stilted with very little emotion, and I just couldn’t get into the story. I wasn’t sure about my star rating after struggling through the book – the ending picked up, but of course you have to make it through two thirds of the story to get there. I just felt disappointed as I had enjoyed Into the Darkest Corner … I’m not sure if I’ll read anything more by Elizabeth Haynes.
August 17, 2013
Having loved Into the Darkest Corner, but not enjoyed the storyline of Revenge of the Tide, I was unsure where Elizabeth Haynes third offering would lie but needn't have worried; this psychological thriller had me gripped from the first page, and remained so until the last word was read.
Annabel returns from her work as a Police Crime Analyst to find her cat covered in a sticky substance having visited the house next door. Going to investigate she finds far more than she expected.
The story is mainly narrated by Annabel and Colin, a worker at the council, and both seem to have difficulties with relationships witnessed by their working relationships, both find office life hard to deal with. Colin studies in his spare (and work) time with a particular interest in Neural Linguistic Programming, unfortunately he studies hard and his interest and motive run far beyond the simplified version that appears on many work training courses.
This book is fascinating as well as having a good story line and being well written. Relationships of all sorts except the normal romantic kind feature as well as the bigger picture on how as a society we fail to care about those who retreat from life. It is refreshing to have one of the main characters is a Police Data Analyst based upon the author's profession; they do not often warrant a mention in crime novels.
The story is fresh much like Into the Darkest Corner and the writing engaging. There is a real feeling of menace to the book and I have a hunch that it is going to linger for a while.
Annabel returns from her work as a Police Crime Analyst to find her cat covered in a sticky substance having visited the house next door. Going to investigate she finds far more than she expected.
The story is mainly narrated by Annabel and Colin, a worker at the council, and both seem to have difficulties with relationships witnessed by their working relationships, both find office life hard to deal with. Colin studies in his spare (and work) time with a particular interest in Neural Linguistic Programming, unfortunately he studies hard and his interest and motive run far beyond the simplified version that appears on many work training courses.
This book is fascinating as well as having a good story line and being well written. Relationships of all sorts except the normal romantic kind feature as well as the bigger picture on how as a society we fail to care about those who retreat from life. It is refreshing to have one of the main characters is a Police Data Analyst based upon the author's profession; they do not often warrant a mention in crime novels.
The story is fresh much like Into the Darkest Corner and the writing engaging. There is a real feeling of menace to the book and I have a hunch that it is going to linger for a while.
February 6, 2017
Human Remains is the third novel by former police intelligence analyst and author, Elizabeth Haynes. Searching for her missing cat, police intelligence analyst Annabel Hayer enters the abandoned house next to hers. She is shocked to find the decomposing body of her next-door-neighbour sitting in a lounge chair. Back at work, her interest piqued, she checks the data for similar cases, and is disturbed to note that the number has spiked in the last few months. Her superiors are only vaguely interested until someone rings The Briarstone Chronicle with a location for another body. And then it gets personal.
Haynes uses two main narrators to tell her tale: Annabel gives the perspective of a potential victim as well as illustrating the role of a police analyst; from Colin, the reader gets the point of view of a predator who, almost convincingly, justifies his actions. The rest of the story comes from multiple narrators: the dead tell how they have arrived at the point of dying alone and undiscovered; their stories are prefaced by articles in The Briarstone Chronicle.
Haynes gives the reader an original plot with an exciting climax and a female lead character who shows a hidden strength and tenacity. She also illustrates how easily a person can be reduced to despair, to hopelessness, to wanting to withdraw from the world, from life. She raises the issue of caring for neighbours versus interfering with the human right to decide one’s own fate. Yet another gripping page-turner from this talented author.
Haynes uses two main narrators to tell her tale: Annabel gives the perspective of a potential victim as well as illustrating the role of a police analyst; from Colin, the reader gets the point of view of a predator who, almost convincingly, justifies his actions. The rest of the story comes from multiple narrators: the dead tell how they have arrived at the point of dying alone and undiscovered; their stories are prefaced by articles in The Briarstone Chronicle.
Haynes gives the reader an original plot with an exciting climax and a female lead character who shows a hidden strength and tenacity. She also illustrates how easily a person can be reduced to despair, to hopelessness, to wanting to withdraw from the world, from life. She raises the issue of caring for neighbours versus interfering with the human right to decide one’s own fate. Yet another gripping page-turner from this talented author.
September 15, 2018
This wasn't a comfortable read, nor a particularly enjoyable one at times, but it overall did impress me and strike me as impactful. The plot surrounds an apparent epidemic of people being found alone, dead and in a state of decomposition in their own houses, and a journalist and (unusual vocation choice) civilian data analyst for the police trying to get to the bottom of it.
I can understand those readers who complained that the book did drag a little at times, there was a slow sense to parts of the narrative, and it certainly isn't a 'seat of your pants' thriller. However for me I found that the lack of pace at times did enhance the sense of unease and creepy mood of the story.
I'm not sure I'd be comfortable recommending it to every reader - at times I found aspects of the novel, the comment on the sad lives of victims and the psychopathy of the protagonist to be depressing and upsetting - but there was a definite quality to the book and a sense that Haynes has here succeeded in putting together a thought-provoking and disturbing thriller.
I can understand those readers who complained that the book did drag a little at times, there was a slow sense to parts of the narrative, and it certainly isn't a 'seat of your pants' thriller. However for me I found that the lack of pace at times did enhance the sense of unease and creepy mood of the story.
I'm not sure I'd be comfortable recommending it to every reader - at times I found aspects of the novel, the comment on the sad lives of victims and the psychopathy of the protagonist to be depressing and upsetting - but there was a definite quality to the book and a sense that Haynes has here succeeded in putting together a thought-provoking and disturbing thriller.
August 12, 2020
This book, published in 2013, is the third one I've read in the last few weeks by Elizabeth Haynes. In it, Annabel is a public protection analyst at the police department, meaning she usually analyzes data on sex offenders. Colin watches porn all night. He's a nasty pervert who has research projects on the side. Annabel discovers that 24 bodies have been found in various stages of decomposition in the city since the beginning of the year. Red flag for her even though she can't find evidence of murder.
In the first part of the book, some of the chapters are narrated by the dead people. Most of the rest is told by Annabel and Colin. I detested Colin who is a true creep and worse. The author obviously did a great job with his character in making me feel this way. I'd have liked Annabel a lot more if the author had made her character stronger, although she stepped up in the end. Out of all the books I've read by this author, her debut novel Into the Darkest Corner remains by far the best.
In the first part of the book, some of the chapters are narrated by the dead people. Most of the rest is told by Annabel and Colin. I detested Colin who is a true creep and worse. The author obviously did a great job with his character in making me feel this way. I'd have liked Annabel a lot more if the author had made her character stronger, although she stepped up in the end. Out of all the books I've read by this author, her debut novel Into the Darkest Corner remains by far the best.
December 10, 2017
Μα πόσο το αδικεί ο τίτλος τούτο το βιβλίο...πόσο;!
Η κεντρική ιδέα τού πολύ-καλογραμμένου θρίλερ είναι η ζωή των μοναχικών ανθρώπων και κατά ποσό η μοναξιά τους κάνει ευάλωτους.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια γεμάτη ανασφάλειες και φοβίες μπλέκεται παραπάνω από όσο θα ήθελε στην υπόθεση, ενώ παράλληλα ενδιαφέρον στοιχείο είναι η οπτική των θυμάτων.
Με τρόπο που σίγουρα δεν γίνεται κουραστικός, αλλά ίσως ενοχλητικά αληθινός, γίνεται μια μνεία για όλους τους μοναχικούς ανθρώπους καθώς και πώς μπορεί να διαλυθεί η ζωή τους χωρίς να γίνει αντιληπτό.
Η κεντρική ιδέα τού πολύ-καλογραμμένου θρίλερ είναι η ζωή των μοναχικών ανθρώπων και κατά ποσό η μοναξιά τους κάνει ευάλωτους.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια γεμάτη ανασφάλειες και φοβίες μπλέκεται παραπάνω από όσο θα ήθελε στην υπόθεση, ενώ παράλληλα ενδιαφέρον στοιχείο είναι η οπτική των θυμάτων.
Με τρόπο που σίγουρα δεν γίνεται κουραστικός, αλλά ίσως ενοχλητικά αληθινός, γίνεται μια μνεία για όλους τους μοναχικούς ανθρώπους καθώς και πώς μπορεί να διαλυθεί η ζωή τους χωρίς να γίνει αντιληπτό.
May 18, 2015
Very disturbing but interesting read.
I do think the author captured really well the mind of a psychopath, Colin’s chapters were always my favorite, however it is a bit hard to believe that all these people were depressive enough to just kill themselves or allow to be killed by starving, can’t seem to think of a worse death than that!
I was torn between ratings for this one but ended giving it 4 stars, it’s not a perfect book but it was gripping and exciting to read.
I do think the author captured really well the mind of a psychopath, Colin’s chapters were always my favorite, however it is a bit hard to believe that all these people were depressive enough to just kill themselves or allow to be killed by starving, can’t seem to think of a worse death than that!
I was torn between ratings for this one but ended giving it 4 stars, it’s not a perfect book but it was gripping and exciting to read.
March 5, 2022
I disliked Haynes’ Dark Tides so much that I’ve resisted picking up anything else by her ever since. Hard.
Then we decided to take a little last minute get away trip up to the Grand Canyon last week, it’s quite beautiful in the winter, before it gets hot and 2 million people descend. There aren’t as many restaurants and other venues open but the weather was lovely and it was a very nice cure for our case of Cabin Fever, The Winter Edition. That said, it gets dark and cold early and I have insomnia so I knew I’d need a book but I’d just finished my last library book and didn’t have time for a refill.
Calamity!
My emergency paperback stash took a big hit last summer when we moved cross country leaving me with exactly 2 books to choose from. A biography of Eleanor Roosevelt I cannot seem to get enthused about and Human Remains, by Haynes.
Calamity!
But needs must and leaving Eleanor at home, off we went.
Oh man, I am so sad I only just got around to reading this because wow. This was one dark, disturbing, truly scary read. I was so anxious for the main character, Annabel. I was initially kind of annoyed with Annabel but towards the end I was holding my breath; worried someone unexpected was going to hurt her as she blithely shared details of her investigation.
And there’s more going on than a good thriller/mystery here. Themes of loneliness and depression are explored in a rather unsettling way as told by alternating voices. Why is it harder for some to form connections? Who hasn’t wondered what would happen if they died alone - who would find them? How long would it take? Would my cat eat me? (Don’t dwell on that one 😱) And what about neighborliness? I have a nodding acquaintance with one set of neighbors, real friendship with another set, but I have never, ever even seen the neighbors to our immediate left. Never. We could practically pass a cup of sugar between our kitchen windows but I don’t even know what kind of car they drive because apparently they actually have room in their garage for their vehicles. I will have to make a greater effort now that winter is winding down. Since I live in Arizona now, I haven’t used a real coat yet, I think we’ve had 2.5 days of what I might classify as winter, but I digress, I need to meet my neighbors.
Elizabeth Haynes is back on my TBR radar.
Then we decided to take a little last minute get away trip up to the Grand Canyon last week, it’s quite beautiful in the winter, before it gets hot and 2 million people descend. There aren’t as many restaurants and other venues open but the weather was lovely and it was a very nice cure for our case of Cabin Fever, The Winter Edition. That said, it gets dark and cold early and I have insomnia so I knew I’d need a book but I’d just finished my last library book and didn’t have time for a refill.
Calamity!
My emergency paperback stash took a big hit last summer when we moved cross country leaving me with exactly 2 books to choose from. A biography of Eleanor Roosevelt I cannot seem to get enthused about and Human Remains, by Haynes.
Calamity!
But needs must and leaving Eleanor at home, off we went.
Oh man, I am so sad I only just got around to reading this because wow. This was one dark, disturbing, truly scary read. I was so anxious for the main character, Annabel. I was initially kind of annoyed with Annabel but towards the end I was holding my breath; worried someone unexpected was going to hurt her as she blithely shared details of her investigation.
And there’s more going on than a good thriller/mystery here. Themes of loneliness and depression are explored in a rather unsettling way as told by alternating voices. Why is it harder for some to form connections? Who hasn’t wondered what would happen if they died alone - who would find them? How long would it take? Would my cat eat me? (Don’t dwell on that one 😱) And what about neighborliness? I have a nodding acquaintance with one set of neighbors, real friendship with another set, but I have never, ever even seen the neighbors to our immediate left. Never. We could practically pass a cup of sugar between our kitchen windows but I don’t even know what kind of car they drive because apparently they actually have room in their garage for their vehicles. I will have to make a greater effort now that winter is winding down. Since I live in Arizona now, I haven’t used a real coat yet, I think we’ve had 2.5 days of what I might classify as winter, but I digress, I need to meet my neighbors.
Elizabeth Haynes is back on my TBR radar.
April 27, 2021
A gruesome series of crimes with a truly disgusting psychopath at the center. The story is a bit too extended, but the protagonist whose perseverance solves the case is admirable. I wil read more by Haines but ho-e that the villains are not as unpalatable.
March 13, 2013
Ms Haynes, usually so good at writing about relationships, takes a U-Turn for "Human Remains" and writes about what the lack of relationships can mean. Annabel, Police Analyst,discovers her neighbour's decomposing body in the house next door. Horrified by her discovery, she researches the subject and finds that such cases are terribly common in her home town. Told from the point of view of Annabel, Colin who works for the council and various "victims" this is a chilling read and one that won't leave you easily once completed. If you are expecting a mystery, don't, for this is very much a character driven piece - there is no attempt at a twist, or to hide the villain, but that is what makes it so powerful as a novel. Quite brilliant!
February 17, 2014
This is the type of book that you stumble upon accidentally and then you can't put down! Haynes tells the story, in great detail, of the inner workings of a serial killer and those of his victims. Although he would not define himself as a "serial killer", which of course, makes it even creepier seeing as he has "willing" victims. This book definitely will make you look twice at people. Although Haynes details of the police investigations can be a bit wordy (I had to read these passages a couple of times!) I guess it can't be helped, with Haynes' occupational background. Overall though, a good read. The perfect amount of chills!
May 30, 2013
Elizabeth Haynes is fast becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors. I absolutely loved her first book which I stumbled upon by chance and this third book is excellent too. It focuses on an unusual serial killer and the unique way he preys upon his victims (I shan't say any more than that at this point). It is very dark as it highlights the group in society which wants to withdraw from the world and whose absence is not always missed. I also liked the narrative from both the perspective of the hunter and his prey. Definitely one to recommend for those who enjoy crime/thriller.
September 4, 2015
I think if this would've had fewer pages, I probably would have felt differently and rated it higher. I thought Colin was creepy, Annabel was sad, and all the victims were just so depressing. I know this is a psychological thriller. But for me, I did not get connected enough to the story or the characters. This was verbose and just too drawn out. I'm a little bummed for I had high hopes with this one. I really enjoyed Into the Darkest Corner. Ah well, I'll try more of Haynes in the future. This definitely didn't deter me......yet.
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