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Skewed
SKEWED… a tantalizing mystery thriller that opens with a bang, turns lives upside down, and delivers a shocking jolt of a finale...
Janie Perkins rocks a warped relationship with cameras. Forced in front of them as an infant under grim circumstances, she now hides behind them as a crime scene photographer with a bad habit. But for a girl born to a waitress in a coma—courtesy of a bullet from her famous father—warped relationships are the norm. When Janie receives two photos of her mother's crime scene, she gains a dire perspective on the decades-old death, one that threatens to upend her life and resurrect the wrath of the long-dormant Haiku Killer.
With her twin brother running for office and her own problems rising to the fore, Janie finds herself in the dreaded spotlight once again. These recent photos won't help matters. Enlisting the help of a unique crime consultant, a newbie detective, and her estranged father, Janie pries off the layers of deceit that marked her mother's final day. But as an unwelcome truth finally comes into focus, Janie may wish she'd left things undeveloped. Will she now pay the ultimate price for finally righting her skewed existence?
Janie Perkins rocks a warped relationship with cameras. Forced in front of them as an infant under grim circumstances, she now hides behind them as a crime scene photographer with a bad habit. But for a girl born to a waitress in a coma—courtesy of a bullet from her famous father—warped relationships are the norm. When Janie receives two photos of her mother's crime scene, she gains a dire perspective on the decades-old death, one that threatens to upend her life and resurrect the wrath of the long-dormant Haiku Killer.
With her twin brother running for office and her own problems rising to the fore, Janie finds herself in the dreaded spotlight once again. These recent photos won't help matters. Enlisting the help of a unique crime consultant, a newbie detective, and her estranged father, Janie pries off the layers of deceit that marked her mother's final day. But as an unwelcome truth finally comes into focus, Janie may wish she'd left things undeveloped. Will she now pay the ultimate price for finally righting her skewed existence?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2014
600 people are currently reading
2086 people want to read
About the author
Anne McAneny
11 books97 followersFor many years, Anne sharpened her writing skills on screenplays that often became contest finalists. Today, she lives in Virginia with her husband and children, along with a puggle and a formerly stray cat that sneaked into the basement years ago. She enjoys biking, hiking, and all manner of activity, as long as it's balanced by chocolate and Belgian beer--or a tasty combination thereof. She loves to hear from readers, so please connect with her on her Facebook Fan Page (Books by Anne McAneny) or on Twitter (@AnneMcAneny).
***Anne is excited to announce that she's just added a fourth mystery-thriller—CIRCLED—to her Crime After Time Collection, which already includes RAVELED, SKEWED, and FORETELLER. The collection revolves around everyday people who feel compelled to investigate past crimes against their loved ones. Their discoveries rewrite the past and reshape the future in exciting, twist-filled plots. All three original Crime After Time books have become Amazon Bestsellers.***
***Anne is excited to announce that she's just added a fourth mystery-thriller—CIRCLED—to her Crime After Time Collection, which already includes RAVELED, SKEWED, and FORETELLER. The collection revolves around everyday people who feel compelled to investigate past crimes against their loved ones. Their discoveries rewrite the past and reshape the future in exciting, twist-filled plots. All three original Crime After Time books have become Amazon Bestsellers.***
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
May 1, 2022
I wasn’t expecting that!
Twins delivered while the Mother lies there in a coma after being shot.
This was a gripping read and to me, something different that held my attention throughout!
So who was it?
What happened.
I loved the dual timelines.
Twins delivered while the Mother lies there in a coma after being shot.
This was a gripping read and to me, something different that held my attention throughout!
So who was it?
What happened.
I loved the dual timelines.
September 25, 2015
Firstly, thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for a copy for a honest review.
No birth announcement could top the headlines from the day Janie and Jack Perkins entered the world. As twins born to a mother in a coma—courtesy of a bullet from their father—the sensational story of their birth never quite died down. While Jack still craves the flash of a camera, Janie seeks sanctuary behind the lens—as a crime scene photographer.
Thanks to Janie’s line of work, she’s comfortable around gruesome murders. But when old photos of her mother’s body arrive in the mail, they open deep-seated wounds and raise chilling new questions about who was really responsible for that deadly night.
Did Janie’s father spend decades in jail as an innocent man? Did an infamous serial killer actually take her mother’s life? With photos in hand, Janie brings the truth into focus. But when her investigation ends up invoking the wrath of the long-dormant killer, she must race to piece together the final evidence—before she becomes the target.
A real mystery, often I choose a thriller, this was a nice pleasant twists that kept me guessing all the way, then fooled me.
Told present day and in flashback to thirty years ago with a murder of Bridget Perkins, a waitress, and the birth of the Haiku Twins, who became famous from birth.
A well paced clever story, with flashback and present stories keep you guessing all the way, a great main lead, and with strong characters and red herring, in this exciting mystery book.
Although maybe stretching realism a little, it reads like a good Agatha Christie mystery book and I found it very entertaining.
Four stars for me.
No birth announcement could top the headlines from the day Janie and Jack Perkins entered the world. As twins born to a mother in a coma—courtesy of a bullet from their father—the sensational story of their birth never quite died down. While Jack still craves the flash of a camera, Janie seeks sanctuary behind the lens—as a crime scene photographer.
Thanks to Janie’s line of work, she’s comfortable around gruesome murders. But when old photos of her mother’s body arrive in the mail, they open deep-seated wounds and raise chilling new questions about who was really responsible for that deadly night.
Did Janie’s father spend decades in jail as an innocent man? Did an infamous serial killer actually take her mother’s life? With photos in hand, Janie brings the truth into focus. But when her investigation ends up invoking the wrath of the long-dormant killer, she must race to piece together the final evidence—before she becomes the target.
A real mystery, often I choose a thriller, this was a nice pleasant twists that kept me guessing all the way, then fooled me.
Told present day and in flashback to thirty years ago with a murder of Bridget Perkins, a waitress, and the birth of the Haiku Twins, who became famous from birth.
A well paced clever story, with flashback and present stories keep you guessing all the way, a great main lead, and with strong characters and red herring, in this exciting mystery book.
Although maybe stretching realism a little, it reads like a good Agatha Christie mystery book and I found it very entertaining.
Four stars for me.
April 23, 2014
I originally downloaded this because it was in one of my daily deals emails and it sounded interesting. I sort of had mixed feelings. While I ultimately ended up enjoying the snarky, sarcastic viewpoint of the main character, it took a little while for me to get into it. I felt like the author was trying too hard in the opening chapters to be witty, and it came across as rather forced. However, the mystery intrigued me immediately and I had to keep reading to find out what the heck actually happened the night Janie’s mother was killed. Accident? Another person in the room? GIVE ME ANSWERS NOW.
That part was excellent, and I liked how it went back and forth between past and present. The whole story was woven together really well, and there were several twists and turns that left me unable to put it down. It haunted my brain.
That said, there was quite a bit more language and sexual references for my taste. I could have done without those. If that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, then check it out for the mystery itself. It’s definitely a good one.
That part was excellent, and I liked how it went back and forth between past and present. The whole story was woven together really well, and there were several twists and turns that left me unable to put it down. It haunted my brain.
That said, there was quite a bit more language and sexual references for my taste. I could have done without those. If that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, then check it out for the mystery itself. It’s definitely a good one.
March 16, 2015
You never know what you'll get when you read an author for the first time. When it comes to this genre, you hope for a smart plot with well developed characters that doesn't telegraph the end from the start. This is a twisty tale of murder, lies & decades old family secrets that will keep you guessing to the last page.
Jane & Jack Perkins lost their mother 30 years ago when she was shot by lover Grady McLemore in the final days of her pregnancy. The twins survived & were raised by their grandfather while a fascinated public watched their every move. Jane is now a crime scene photographer for the local police department & hates dealing with the persistent spotlight. But Jack, a DA with political ambitions, never misses an opportunity to milk their fame for his own purposes. He even has a relationship with their father, much to Jane's disgust.
Grady has always insisted a third person was present & pointed the finger at a serial killer active at the time nicknamed "the Haiku Killer". Grady is due to be released soon & Jane wants nothing to do with him. But when she receives old photos of the crime scene, everything about the original investigation is called into question & she has no choice but to finally speak to her father.
The book opens with a prologue detailing the night of the murder & in alternate chapters we get to eavesdrop on the final few hours in the life of Bridget Perkins, their mother. Several of the flashbacks also give us snapshots of Jane & Jack's childhood & the people who populated their lives.
The bulk of the story follows Jane in the present a she searches for the truth behind her mother's death. It's a typical small town where memories are long & everyone know your business. Many of Bridget's contemporaries are still in the area & one by one Jane tracks them down.
She's helped along the way by detectives Chase Nicholls, "the best looking slob on the Kingsley police force" & the enigmatic Alex Wexler, a recent transplant from out west. She even grudgingly accepts Grady's assistance & they slowly begin to build a relationship.
This is a fast paced read with a twist around every corner as new info is gradually uncovered. Everyone has a secret & more than a few lied during the original investigation. There's a flurry of red herrings & the author does a remarkable job of providing several credible candidates as the killer. She resists the temptation for grand & flashy gestures. Instead, we're treated to subtle hints & casual comments made in passing that put us at risk for whiplash as we swing from one character to the next, trying to guess who's guilty & of what. I wasn't 100% sure who-dun-it right up to the final few pages & that's a rarity.
This is a complex thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see how it all shakes out & I look forward to checking out other books by the author.
Jane & Jack Perkins lost their mother 30 years ago when she was shot by lover Grady McLemore in the final days of her pregnancy. The twins survived & were raised by their grandfather while a fascinated public watched their every move. Jane is now a crime scene photographer for the local police department & hates dealing with the persistent spotlight. But Jack, a DA with political ambitions, never misses an opportunity to milk their fame for his own purposes. He even has a relationship with their father, much to Jane's disgust.
Grady has always insisted a third person was present & pointed the finger at a serial killer active at the time nicknamed "the Haiku Killer". Grady is due to be released soon & Jane wants nothing to do with him. But when she receives old photos of the crime scene, everything about the original investigation is called into question & she has no choice but to finally speak to her father.
The book opens with a prologue detailing the night of the murder & in alternate chapters we get to eavesdrop on the final few hours in the life of Bridget Perkins, their mother. Several of the flashbacks also give us snapshots of Jane & Jack's childhood & the people who populated their lives.
The bulk of the story follows Jane in the present a she searches for the truth behind her mother's death. It's a typical small town where memories are long & everyone know your business. Many of Bridget's contemporaries are still in the area & one by one Jane tracks them down.
She's helped along the way by detectives Chase Nicholls, "the best looking slob on the Kingsley police force" & the enigmatic Alex Wexler, a recent transplant from out west. She even grudgingly accepts Grady's assistance & they slowly begin to build a relationship.
This is a fast paced read with a twist around every corner as new info is gradually uncovered. Everyone has a secret & more than a few lied during the original investigation. There's a flurry of red herrings & the author does a remarkable job of providing several credible candidates as the killer. She resists the temptation for grand & flashy gestures. Instead, we're treated to subtle hints & casual comments made in passing that put us at risk for whiplash as we swing from one character to the next, trying to guess who's guilty & of what. I wasn't 100% sure who-dun-it right up to the final few pages & that's a rarity.
This is a complex thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see how it all shakes out & I look forward to checking out other books by the author.
September 12, 2015
*I received a free ARC of Skewed from Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Skewed played so many tricks on me, I had no idea what clue to follow after a while. Very well written, with the psychological thriller aspect down pat, and the mystery stayed a mystery to me - I was enthralled.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Skewed played so many tricks on me, I had no idea what clue to follow after a while. Very well written, with the psychological thriller aspect down pat, and the mystery stayed a mystery to me - I was enthralled.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
October 24, 2015
This is a story about Jane, her twin brother, Jack, and a 30-year old murder case. Jane and Jack entered the world in unusual fashion when their mother was shot while still pregnant with them. Jane and Jack were born while their mother was in a coma. This entry into the world has made them famous. Jack embraces the fame, Janie hides from it.
There is an ongoing mystery surrounding their mother's death. She was shot by her secret boyfriend and the twins' father, Grady McLemore, a senatorial candidate who has spent 30 years in prison for the crime. Grady claims there was a third man in the room, a serial killer known as the haiku killer, but no haiku was ever found. Jack believes that his father is innocent, Janie believes he is guilty. So what really happened that night?
I thought this book was interesting. I looked forward to getting back to it every time I put it down. Mostly, I enjoyed the writing, though there were a couple of odd jumps that had me turning back pages. I received an ARC of this book, so these jumps may have been cleaned up prior to the final publishing. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery of the book.
There were a couple of minor inconsistencies in the story that bothered me. Unfortunately, I can not go into those inconsistencies without giving away the ending. Let's just say that a couple of things didn't really add up. However, it was easy enough for me to ignore those bits and continue to enjoy the story. If you are going to read this book, plan to read it for enjoyment and mystery. Do not plan to have a fool-proof story that you can analyze. It may not stand up.
Overall, I found this to be a pretty unique and enjoyable story that held my attention. Go ahead and give it a try. 3.5✮
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
There is an ongoing mystery surrounding their mother's death. She was shot by her secret boyfriend and the twins' father, Grady McLemore, a senatorial candidate who has spent 30 years in prison for the crime. Grady claims there was a third man in the room, a serial killer known as the haiku killer, but no haiku was ever found. Jack believes that his father is innocent, Janie believes he is guilty. So what really happened that night?
I thought this book was interesting. I looked forward to getting back to it every time I put it down. Mostly, I enjoyed the writing, though there were a couple of odd jumps that had me turning back pages. I received an ARC of this book, so these jumps may have been cleaned up prior to the final publishing. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery of the book.
There were a couple of minor inconsistencies in the story that bothered me. Unfortunately, I can not go into those inconsistencies without giving away the ending. Let's just say that a couple of things didn't really add up. However, it was easy enough for me to ignore those bits and continue to enjoy the story. If you are going to read this book, plan to read it for enjoyment and mystery. Do not plan to have a fool-proof story that you can analyze. It may not stand up.
Overall, I found this to be a pretty unique and enjoyable story that held my attention. Go ahead and give it a try. 3.5✮
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2014
Intriquing as plot was, no goodly Christian in the whole cast but evolution & angels are ok!?! I read & tts, separately, to see if I was discerning well. I wonder what author thinks of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism - is it just Christianity or religion of any kind? This is still America, author can write what & how she wants - no harm to Christians outwardly promoted, just disrespect. TTS-enabled eBook ©2014
Evolution (?) It was science that, for centuries, earned millions teaching the world was flat.
Evolution (?) It was science that, for centuries, earned millions teaching the world was flat.
September 9, 2015
You'll never guess...
It took some time to get into this author's writing style. Had to look up and read about the meaning of some words. Just as you think who the Haiku killer is, shacking ending will make you jump.
It took some time to get into this author's writing style. Had to look up and read about the meaning of some words. Just as you think who the Haiku killer is, shacking ending will make you jump.
January 1, 2016
Skewed is the story of a pair of twins who survived their mother's shooting whilst in utero. Their father was convicted of the murder but always professed his innocence. Janie (one of the twins), crime scene photographer, is sent two photos that make her doubt her father's conviction.
The story alternates chapters between the present with Janie's investigation and the past, mainly the hours leading up to the mother's death but the odd interlude of the twins growing up.
The synopsis really appealed to me when I saw it and hoped for big things. Unfortunately the book didn't grab me instantly but I kept going and I'm glad I did. About half way in, the twists and turns started to appear. I thought I had it sussed but no, the surprises kept coming!
A slow start but a solid second half.
I received a copy of Skewed from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story alternates chapters between the present with Janie's investigation and the past, mainly the hours leading up to the mother's death but the odd interlude of the twins growing up.
The synopsis really appealed to me when I saw it and hoped for big things. Unfortunately the book didn't grab me instantly but I kept going and I'm glad I did. About half way in, the twists and turns started to appear. I thought I had it sussed but no, the surprises kept coming!
A slow start but a solid second half.
I received a copy of Skewed from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2015
Wow, twins born while their mother was in a coma that their dad put her in. This one starts 30 years after the twins are born and goes from present day to before their mother was shot. It's done in a way that's easy to follow and totally keeps you switching your mind about who you thought "done it" until the very end when your jaw drops when the killer is eventually revealed.
A very entertaining and fast paced read. I definitely recommend it. Thanks Thomas and Mercer and Net Galley for providing this e-galley for free in exchange for an honest review.
A very entertaining and fast paced read. I definitely recommend it. Thanks Thomas and Mercer and Net Galley for providing this e-galley for free in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2015
Twins always seem to stand out when they are born, but Janie and Jack’s claim to fame was the tragedy of their birth, their mother mechanically clinging to life in a coma, their father facing jail for her murder.
Janie’s adult world is seen through the lens of a camera, as a crime scene photographer. Jack has chosen the path to fame and power in the political arena using their shared history as a rallying point to voters’ hearts. At odds about his tactics, Janie and Jack also differ on the release of their father. When she receives two photos from her mother’s death, she begins a twisted and dangerous journey to seeking the truth once and for all. Has the Haiku Killer been resurrected? Is he taunting her emotionally? Janie is determined to uncover every detail about the young woman who gave birth to her. Was her mother a wild child running with a man who took advantage of her or was she a teen in love with a young girl’s idea of living her happily ever after? Did her father love her mother or was she a diversion for him?
As the mystery deepens, the danger and tension rises, could it be that her father was innocent? A slightly deranged man has been keeping tabs on her. Has she gotten too close to the truth of his identity and his crimes? When the final piece falls into place, will she be able to handle the truth? Dysfunctional families often do not change, but can they learn to cope?
Skewed is probably the best description for this dark and edgy mystery. Anne McAneny has done a masterful job of keeping that pins and needles feeling going throughout as each layer removed only begs even more questions in this convoluted tale of pain, death and personal resolution. Ms. McAneny has cast each twist out there and reeled in a gripping and intriguing tale spanning decades with flawed characters and smalltown secrets.
I received this ARC edition from Thomas & Mercer in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 24, 2015
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
ISBN: 9781477827994
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Print Length: 382 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Janie’s adult world is seen through the lens of a camera, as a crime scene photographer. Jack has chosen the path to fame and power in the political arena using their shared history as a rallying point to voters’ hearts. At odds about his tactics, Janie and Jack also differ on the release of their father. When she receives two photos from her mother’s death, she begins a twisted and dangerous journey to seeking the truth once and for all. Has the Haiku Killer been resurrected? Is he taunting her emotionally? Janie is determined to uncover every detail about the young woman who gave birth to her. Was her mother a wild child running with a man who took advantage of her or was she a teen in love with a young girl’s idea of living her happily ever after? Did her father love her mother or was she a diversion for him?
As the mystery deepens, the danger and tension rises, could it be that her father was innocent? A slightly deranged man has been keeping tabs on her. Has she gotten too close to the truth of his identity and his crimes? When the final piece falls into place, will she be able to handle the truth? Dysfunctional families often do not change, but can they learn to cope?
Skewed is probably the best description for this dark and edgy mystery. Anne McAneny has done a masterful job of keeping that pins and needles feeling going throughout as each layer removed only begs even more questions in this convoluted tale of pain, death and personal resolution. Ms. McAneny has cast each twist out there and reeled in a gripping and intriguing tale spanning decades with flawed characters and smalltown secrets.
I received this ARC edition from Thomas & Mercer in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 24, 2015
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
ISBN: 9781477827994
Genre: Mystery | Thriller
Print Length: 382 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 24, 2015
This was a nice surprise as it wasn't what I was expecting from reading the synopsis. And I rather enjoyed it!
Janie and Jack have lived their 29 years being known as "The Haiku twins" after the Haiku killer who was possible involved with their mothers murder. Their mother, a waitress, was attacked in her home while pregnant with the twins and the resulting media attention started after she gave birth to them whilst in a coma from which she didn't recover. Janie is now a photographer and Jack is running for office. Their father is about to be released from prison having served time for shooting their mother accidentally after having been drugged by a third party widely believed to be the Haiku killer. But what really happened that night? Janie risks her own life trying to find out.
As I said this wasn't what I was expecting (hadnt realised it was set in USA!) and it was a bit of a slow burner at the start. As it progressed it became much more interesting due to the twists and turns of the plot and I liked the way that Bridget was able to tell what happened on her last day through a countdown flashback. I think Janie would also work as a character in a future story as well due to her job as a crime scene photographer and I liked her relationship with an underused character called Sophie.
I enjoyed this enough to search out other books by this author.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
Janie and Jack have lived their 29 years being known as "The Haiku twins" after the Haiku killer who was possible involved with their mothers murder. Their mother, a waitress, was attacked in her home while pregnant with the twins and the resulting media attention started after she gave birth to them whilst in a coma from which she didn't recover. Janie is now a photographer and Jack is running for office. Their father is about to be released from prison having served time for shooting their mother accidentally after having been drugged by a third party widely believed to be the Haiku killer. But what really happened that night? Janie risks her own life trying to find out.
As I said this wasn't what I was expecting (hadnt realised it was set in USA!) and it was a bit of a slow burner at the start. As it progressed it became much more interesting due to the twists and turns of the plot and I liked the way that Bridget was able to tell what happened on her last day through a countdown flashback. I think Janie would also work as a character in a future story as well due to her job as a crime scene photographer and I liked her relationship with an underused character called Sophie.
I enjoyed this enough to search out other books by this author.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Skewed had to grow on me. In the beginning I was intrigued, but although I never really got into the story for a while, it kept nagging me at the back of my mind wondering how it was going to end.
Janie has been famous and followed all her life, but not for the right reasons. Her mother was the supposedly last victim of the famous Haiku Killer and killed while Janie was in utero . When Janie starts receiving photographs of the old case and the murderer, her father, is about to be released things will get complicated quickly, especially since he has always claimed to be innocent.
This one really had me guessing until the end, and it has been a while since that happened. In hindsight one can see the hints that are being dropped, but that I didn't take on at first. The main character had a witty sort of sarcasm that I kind of liked. What I was not a big fan of was the second story from Janie's mother's POV which leads up to the murder but didn't add a lot to the story. But, all in all, a nice read that did take some time to get into but it does pay off in the end.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Skewed had to grow on me. In the beginning I was intrigued, but although I never really got into the story for a while, it kept nagging me at the back of my mind wondering how it was going to end.
Janie has been famous and followed all her life, but not for the right reasons. Her mother was the supposedly last victim of the famous Haiku Killer and killed while Janie was in utero . When Janie starts receiving photographs of the old case and the murderer, her father, is about to be released things will get complicated quickly, especially since he has always claimed to be innocent.
This one really had me guessing until the end, and it has been a while since that happened. In hindsight one can see the hints that are being dropped, but that I didn't take on at first. The main character had a witty sort of sarcasm that I kind of liked. What I was not a big fan of was the second story from Janie's mother's POV which leads up to the murder but didn't add a lot to the story. But, all in all, a nice read that did take some time to get into but it does pay off in the end.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 29, 2017
SKEWED is an engaging read, but ultimately one I will probably forget rather quickly. My issue is not with the story, which, was quite gripping, but with the characters, none of whom I cared for much. Jane and Jack felt distant, and despite the fact that their story was a tragic one, I just didn't feel terribly invested in their solving the mystery.
That said, I wasn't bored. It was simply one of those books that is interesting and engaging while you're reading it, but does not stick with you much beyond the last page. Still, sometimes those types of books are what you are looking for, too, a solid distraction, without any frills or too much emotional involvement. I would read a book by this author again.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
That said, I wasn't bored. It was simply one of those books that is interesting and engaging while you're reading it, but does not stick with you much beyond the last page. Still, sometimes those types of books are what you are looking for, too, a solid distraction, without any frills or too much emotional involvement. I would read a book by this author again.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
May 5, 2014
I don't typically write reviews so this is a first. I downloaded this book free from Amazon from a daily deal page on Facebook. I usually am disappointed that most books I find on that page are sequel or trilogy types. Skewed was not but oh how I wish it was. All the characters I found intriguing and really would love to know how their lives continued after this book. Skewed left me guessing throughout. I was sure I had it figured out then another twist or reveal took place. I didn't see the final reveal coming. If you enjoy intriguing mysteries with comical characters this is a great book to pick up. I also enjoyed the writing of the author. She is to add to the list of my favorites!
June 3, 2015
I found myself oddly disappointed about half way through "Skewed" - I never connected to any of the characters, especially not the narrator, Janie, the female half of the twins. Plot line was interesting, but characters were one-dimensional. I had to finish to see if I was right about who the Haiku Killer was...but that's about the only reason I kept going. I would not recommend.
April 20, 2020
Whenever I cannot relate to a main character, I rate the book low; however, in the case of this particular book, not only could I not relate to the character, but the consistently inconsistent detours from the plot made this a mind numbingly awful book.
I love a good murder mystery. I exclusively read Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Grisham from 7th-11th grade. I couldn't get enough of this format, and rarely indulge anymore, so I was pumped to read an adult murder mystery.
Ugh.
When "nonreaders" push books into my hands, I'm eager to give them a try. I love to validate nonreaders and help them move toward becoming readers, as was the case for this particular novel, but this was painful. Fortunately, it was a quick read, but any time I have to pace myself to read a certain number of pages, and the reading becomes a chore, it's not worth it.
If you have low standards for your murder mysteries, this may just do the trick, but I won't be recommending this book ...to anyone.
I love a good murder mystery. I exclusively read Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Grisham from 7th-11th grade. I couldn't get enough of this format, and rarely indulge anymore, so I was pumped to read an adult murder mystery.
Ugh.
When "nonreaders" push books into my hands, I'm eager to give them a try. I love to validate nonreaders and help them move toward becoming readers, as was the case for this particular novel, but this was painful. Fortunately, it was a quick read, but any time I have to pace myself to read a certain number of pages, and the reading becomes a chore, it's not worth it.
If you have low standards for your murder mysteries, this may just do the trick, but I won't be recommending this book ...to anyone.
October 14, 2017
This is the type of story that keeps you guessing. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, you realize you haven’t and start trying to figure it out all over again.
I love the main character Janie, and her strained relationship with her twin brother Jack. I enjoyed watching Janie’s growth and development as her world is turned upside down by the arrival of a photo with clues to who killed her mother while she was pregnant with the twins. Every character has questionable and redeemable qualities, including Janie and Jack.
As I got closer to the ending, I admit I didn’t want it to be over but McAneny did such a great job at closing loops and tying up loose ends that I read the last sentence with a smirk of satisfaction and appreciation for such great writing!
Highly recommend!
I love the main character Janie, and her strained relationship with her twin brother Jack. I enjoyed watching Janie’s growth and development as her world is turned upside down by the arrival of a photo with clues to who killed her mother while she was pregnant with the twins. Every character has questionable and redeemable qualities, including Janie and Jack.
As I got closer to the ending, I admit I didn’t want it to be over but McAneny did such a great job at closing loops and tying up loose ends that I read the last sentence with a smirk of satisfaction and appreciation for such great writing!
Highly recommend!
October 13, 2017
SKEWED 9/8-12 4*stars
THE HARKER TWINS WERE BORN UNDER VERY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. . . VERY UNUSUAL. THIS BOOK WAS FILLED WITH CREEPY PEOPLE, SO MANY SUSPECTS, IT WAS HARD TO FIGURE OUT JUST WHO WAS GUILTY (good I like that). IT HAD A GREAT TITLE BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS SKEWED. THIS HAD MORE TWIST AND TURNS THAN YOU COULD IMAGINE, KEEPS YOU GUESSING, FOR ME IT ENDED JUST RIGHT AND I DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING. ;D
THE HARKER TWINS WERE BORN UNDER VERY UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. . . VERY UNUSUAL. THIS BOOK WAS FILLED WITH CREEPY PEOPLE, SO MANY SUSPECTS, IT WAS HARD TO FIGURE OUT JUST WHO WAS GUILTY (good I like that). IT HAD A GREAT TITLE BECAUSE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS SKEWED. THIS HAD MORE TWIST AND TURNS THAN YOU COULD IMAGINE, KEEPS YOU GUESSING, FOR ME IT ENDED JUST RIGHT AND I DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING. ;D
June 25, 2018
Loved it!
I never saw that coming, I loved it , loved it. Will definitely read more from this author really doon
I never saw that coming, I loved it , loved it. Will definitely read more from this author really doon
December 21, 2016
“Political language . . . is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind."—George Orwell
I've been interested in reading Skewed ever since its release, but like many other novels it got put on the back burner. When I discovered it for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I couldn't pass it up. Yet, it remained on my reader just waiting to be read for months on end. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it, as Skewed was a gripping, suspenseful, murder mystery.
The story centers around the famous "Haiku Twins," who were born to a brain-dead woman a month after she's shot in the head and murdered. The culprit is the man believed to be their father, and has been sitting in prison for the past 30 years. However, his guilt comes into question when Janie Perkins, crime scene photographer, receives a photo of her mother's murder in the mail. If her father is the killer, then who is sending her photos taken moments after her mother's murder?
I liked Jack and Jane's characters, and would love to see them involved in another crime involving their town. Everyone there has lots of character (no pun intended), and I could see a series sprung off of this novel. While Jane loves staying behind the camera, her brother Jack is following in their father's footsteps by running for political office. It was interesting to see how much has come between the twins over the years, yet how tight their bond remains in spite of it all.
The mystery is told from two perspectives: Jane's in present day, and her mother's thirty years prior. McAneny slowly unravels the clues to the mystery as both POVs converge to one final conclusion. The story has lots of twists, turns, and suspects to this heinous crime. Jack and Jane's father came off as a likable character, and I couldn't help to root for his exoneration. If you're looking for a whodunit to read by the fire this winter, Skewed is definitely a book you should put on your list.This review was originally posted on I Was Angelized_1st
I've been interested in reading Skewed ever since its release, but like many other novels it got put on the back burner. When I discovered it for free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, I couldn't pass it up. Yet, it remained on my reader just waiting to be read for months on end. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it, as Skewed was a gripping, suspenseful, murder mystery.
The story centers around the famous "Haiku Twins," who were born to a brain-dead woman a month after she's shot in the head and murdered. The culprit is the man believed to be their father, and has been sitting in prison for the past 30 years. However, his guilt comes into question when Janie Perkins, crime scene photographer, receives a photo of her mother's murder in the mail. If her father is the killer, then who is sending her photos taken moments after her mother's murder?
I liked Jack and Jane's characters, and would love to see them involved in another crime involving their town. Everyone there has lots of character (no pun intended), and I could see a series sprung off of this novel. While Jane loves staying behind the camera, her brother Jack is following in their father's footsteps by running for political office. It was interesting to see how much has come between the twins over the years, yet how tight their bond remains in spite of it all.
The mystery is told from two perspectives: Jane's in present day, and her mother's thirty years prior. McAneny slowly unravels the clues to the mystery as both POVs converge to one final conclusion. The story has lots of twists, turns, and suspects to this heinous crime. Jack and Jane's father came off as a likable character, and I couldn't help to root for his exoneration. If you're looking for a whodunit to read by the fire this winter, Skewed is definitely a book you should put on your list.This review was originally posted on I Was Angelized_1st
March 15, 2015
Since narcissism is fueled by a greater need to be admired than to be liked, psychologists might use that fact as a therapeutic lever - stressing to patients that being known as a narcissist will actually cause them to lose the respect and social status they crave. - Jeffrey Kluger
Jack and Jane Perkins never had a chance at privacy, even before they were born. The story itself has been described before, in the blurb and in the reviews. What is most interesting to me are the personalities involved. While Jane prefers to put the past behind her, dreaming of the sort of quiet life she has always wanted, Jack, her twin, becomes a politician – the perfect life for a totally self-obsessed narcissist who has lived his life in the limelight.
McAneny has a deft hand with characters. From the twins themselves to Grady, the man who went to prison for their mother’s murder to Jane’s beloved grandfather (I really don’t see Jack as caring about anyone other than himself, as he proves over and over again . . . though he does show the occasional thought for his sister – when he isn’t ridiculing her), The fact that my brother now worshipped that phony murderer-cum-jail hero was the sharpest edge of the wedge driven between us. There is a level of ‘quirky’ that drew me into the story. I could see many of the police officers and crime scene analysts I used to know in the qualities of the characters.
Wexler rubbed his chin. “Who were the Haiku Killer’s Other victims?”
”A priest, a philosophy professor, and a doctor,” I said.
“Religion, philosophy, and medicine,” Wexler said. “Renaissance killer.”
What is just as interesting to me is how McAneny explores the phenomenon of Hybristophilia, blending it with the types of political paraphilia inherent in the mindset of the public. It slides beneath the storyline, twisting and turning through and across a story of madness, murder and skewed social truths.
The serial killer story is well written overall, though I did find some glitches that made me scratch my head a bit. But overall, the story is tight. Sophia is probably my favorite character – her personality and particular thought process makes me want to read a book about her!
I received the book from the publisher in return for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
Jack and Jane Perkins never had a chance at privacy, even before they were born. The story itself has been described before, in the blurb and in the reviews. What is most interesting to me are the personalities involved. While Jane prefers to put the past behind her, dreaming of the sort of quiet life she has always wanted, Jack, her twin, becomes a politician – the perfect life for a totally self-obsessed narcissist who has lived his life in the limelight.
McAneny has a deft hand with characters. From the twins themselves to Grady, the man who went to prison for their mother’s murder to Jane’s beloved grandfather (I really don’t see Jack as caring about anyone other than himself, as he proves over and over again . . . though he does show the occasional thought for his sister – when he isn’t ridiculing her), The fact that my brother now worshipped that phony murderer-cum-jail hero was the sharpest edge of the wedge driven between us. There is a level of ‘quirky’ that drew me into the story. I could see many of the police officers and crime scene analysts I used to know in the qualities of the characters.
Wexler rubbed his chin. “Who were the Haiku Killer’s Other victims?”
”A priest, a philosophy professor, and a doctor,” I said.
“Religion, philosophy, and medicine,” Wexler said. “Renaissance killer.”
What is just as interesting to me is how McAneny explores the phenomenon of Hybristophilia, blending it with the types of political paraphilia inherent in the mindset of the public. It slides beneath the storyline, twisting and turning through and across a story of madness, murder and skewed social truths.
The serial killer story is well written overall, though I did find some glitches that made me scratch my head a bit. But overall, the story is tight. Sophia is probably my favorite character – her personality and particular thought process makes me want to read a book about her!
I received the book from the publisher in return for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own.
February 24, 2015
Janie and Jack Perkins made the news when they were born because their brain dead mother had been kept alive in a coma until after their birth. Their biological father admitted firing the shot that ultimately killed their mother, but claimed that it was an accident in the midst of an attack by the Haiku Killer, whose murders had been headline news for some time.
Janie never bought her father's claims, but her twin brother Jack has come to believe in their father's innocence. It is thirty years later, and their father is due to be released.
What if he were innocent? What if the Haiku Killer actually got away with his crimes?
Janie is a crime scene photographer and knows the importance of photographic evidence, so when she receives photos in the mail that may offer a different view of her mother's murder, she delves into the past in hopes of discovering what really happened that night.
Janie's research into the case turns up a number of possible suspects for the Haiku Killer and allows for the possibility of her father's innocence. But she may be putting herself in danger as she seeks the truth.
The book is told from different perspectives and alternates between past and present, so the reader's perception is skewed as well.
My favorite character is another minor character (I seem to keep finding minor characters that I think should have their own books)...Sophie Andricola. "She does loopy stuff with photos, computer forensics, and random clues. Like an idot savant or something." Sophie would make a great (quirky) protagonist.
Read in February. Blog post scheduled for March 5, 2015.
A Garden Carried in the Pocket
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer
Crime/Mystery. March 5, 2014; March 24, 2015. Print length: 334 pages.
Janie never bought her father's claims, but her twin brother Jack has come to believe in their father's innocence. It is thirty years later, and their father is due to be released.
What if he were innocent? What if the Haiku Killer actually got away with his crimes?
Janie is a crime scene photographer and knows the importance of photographic evidence, so when she receives photos in the mail that may offer a different view of her mother's murder, she delves into the past in hopes of discovering what really happened that night.
Janie's research into the case turns up a number of possible suspects for the Haiku Killer and allows for the possibility of her father's innocence. But she may be putting herself in danger as she seeks the truth.
The book is told from different perspectives and alternates between past and present, so the reader's perception is skewed as well.
My favorite character is another minor character (I seem to keep finding minor characters that I think should have their own books)...Sophie Andricola. "She does loopy stuff with photos, computer forensics, and random clues. Like an idot savant or something." Sophie would make a great (quirky) protagonist.
Read in February. Blog post scheduled for March 5, 2015.
A Garden Carried in the Pocket
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer
Crime/Mystery. March 5, 2014; March 24, 2015. Print length: 334 pages.
April 30, 2015
The “Haiku Twins” were born into this world surrounded by a cloud of infamy that was not of their own doing. Janie, who became a crime scene photographer, and her twin brother Jack, who is entering the political ring, were born after their mother was murdered 30 years ago. Their mother, after being shot, was put into a medically induced coma until the twins were born. To make matters much more complex, their father Grady was convicted of her murder.
Jack has formed a relationship with his father, believing in his innocence, but Janie has refused, believing that he was indeed responsible for their Mothers death. As Grady’s release date comes closer and closer, Janie receives photos of the crime scene by someone unknown to her and decides to investigate the murder herself. The twists and turns she goes through to get to the truth will keep you spellbound.
The Author, Anne McAneny, has woven together a mystery that will captivate you and keep you speculating until the end. The writing is powerful and the descriptive depiction of the characters is excellent. Janie is a character that is so well defined you will become privy to her inner feelings. The main focus is on Janie and the dilemma she faces. The other characters lend to the intensity and mystery of the story in their own unique way.
I enjoyed this book very much, it is written in a very cohesive and intelligent manner. The plot is intriguing and unlike any mystery I have read. I also enjoyed how the story would travel back to the past to collect significant details essential to the story. I highly recommend this book to all readers!
Jack has formed a relationship with his father, believing in his innocence, but Janie has refused, believing that he was indeed responsible for their Mothers death. As Grady’s release date comes closer and closer, Janie receives photos of the crime scene by someone unknown to her and decides to investigate the murder herself. The twists and turns she goes through to get to the truth will keep you spellbound.
The Author, Anne McAneny, has woven together a mystery that will captivate you and keep you speculating until the end. The writing is powerful and the descriptive depiction of the characters is excellent. Janie is a character that is so well defined you will become privy to her inner feelings. The main focus is on Janie and the dilemma she faces. The other characters lend to the intensity and mystery of the story in their own unique way.
I enjoyed this book very much, it is written in a very cohesive and intelligent manner. The plot is intriguing and unlike any mystery I have read. I also enjoyed how the story would travel back to the past to collect significant details essential to the story. I highly recommend this book to all readers!
March 25, 2015
Review: SKEWED by Anne McAneny
Twisty and convoluted, enticing and complex, SKEWED will pin you to the page until it's finished. A crime three decades ago in rural Virginia permanently shadowed the lives of twins Jane (Janie) and John (Jack) Perkins, as well as others. At thirty, Janie is a crime-scene photographer with a clever and artistic eye. Jack is an attorney with political visions. They are intermittently in the public eye, forever to be remembered as the Haiku Twins, born to a brutally murdered mother. But now someone seems determined to stir up trouble, with photos of that long-gone but never forgotten crime scene, photos which seem to indicate more to the events than anyone ever believed.
Twisty and convoluted, enticing and complex, SKEWED will pin you to the page until it's finished. A crime three decades ago in rural Virginia permanently shadowed the lives of twins Jane (Janie) and John (Jack) Perkins, as well as others. At thirty, Janie is a crime-scene photographer with a clever and artistic eye. Jack is an attorney with political visions. They are intermittently in the public eye, forever to be remembered as the Haiku Twins, born to a brutally murdered mother. But now someone seems determined to stir up trouble, with photos of that long-gone but never forgotten crime scene, photos which seem to indicate more to the events than anyone ever believed.
September 9, 2015
'Skewed' is one heck of a mystery. I went back & forth with what I thought was really going on. Jane is a very likable character. Her only flaw was that she behaved as if she was a policewoman rather than a freelance photographer. I don't know if too many detectives would have let her essentially run the case the way she did. Jack's role made more sense as he had political ties to rely on & an actual law enforcement background.
Even with this misstep, I loved the unique plot. Our author put a great deal of thought into it. I love a book that keeps me guessing & this one is definitely it! I recommend you look into reading this one for sure. It's a 5 star novel.
Even with this misstep, I loved the unique plot. Our author put a great deal of thought into it. I love a book that keeps me guessing & this one is definitely it! I recommend you look into reading this one for sure. It's a 5 star novel.
September 14, 2017
This books was clumsy. There were too many side plots, that could have been completely left out. Many of the set ups for a future scene and the explanations seemed to come out of the blue. There were inconsistencies with some of the minor details that just didn't line up with the outcome. Also, I could have lived without the romance between Janie and Wexler. That relationship added nothing to the story.
May 12, 2014
Twins that were born after the tragic death of their mother lead their lives believing their biological father is the killer. Events surrounding his release reveal all sorts of crazy twists and turns as the "haiku killer" returns. I totally did not see the ending. But as usual, I rarely do. A fun, quick read.
March 9, 2015
overall not a bad book but unfortunately the characters and storyline didnt really grab me. i dont know if its because it flicks between the twins present day then to the past to their mother then to when the twins were different ages, i think with the author doing this it made it a bit harder to follow the story and for me i just lost interest.
December 30, 2016
A page-turner whodunnit
I started this book with no preconceived ideas about its content and was pleasantly surprised to find myself quickly sucked into the story. A quirky murder mystery with good character development, interesting subplot and a bit of romance, it entertained to the end. An enjoyable read for the winter vacation.
I started this book with no preconceived ideas about its content and was pleasantly surprised to find myself quickly sucked into the story. A quirky murder mystery with good character development, interesting subplot and a bit of romance, it entertained to the end. An enjoyable read for the winter vacation.
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