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Cycle of Evil #1
Seeing Evil
Fate in plain sight.
Major Crimes Detective Samantha Reilly prefers to work alone—she’s seen as a maverick, and she still struggles privately with the death of her partner. The only person who ever sees her softer side is Michael Turcotte, a teenager she’s known since she rescued him eleven years ago from the aftermath of his parents’ murder-suicide.
In foster care since his parents’ death, Michael is a loner who tries to fly under the bullies’ radar, but a violent assault triggers a disturbing ability to view people’s dark futures. No one believes his first vision means anything, though—not even Sam Reilly. When reality mimics his prediction, however, Sam isn’t the only one to take notice. A strange girl named Tessa Masterson asks Michael about her future, and what he sees sends him back to Sam—is Tessa victim or perpetrator?
Tessa’s tangled secrets draw Michael and Sam inexorably into a deadly conflict. Sam relies on Michael, but his only advantage is the visions he never asked for. As they track a cold and calculating killer, one misstep could turn the hunters into prey.
Major Crimes Detective Samantha Reilly prefers to work alone—she’s seen as a maverick, and she still struggles privately with the death of her partner. The only person who ever sees her softer side is Michael Turcotte, a teenager she’s known since she rescued him eleven years ago from the aftermath of his parents’ murder-suicide.
In foster care since his parents’ death, Michael is a loner who tries to fly under the bullies’ radar, but a violent assault triggers a disturbing ability to view people’s dark futures. No one believes his first vision means anything, though—not even Sam Reilly. When reality mimics his prediction, however, Sam isn’t the only one to take notice. A strange girl named Tessa Masterson asks Michael about her future, and what he sees sends him back to Sam—is Tessa victim or perpetrator?
Tessa’s tangled secrets draw Michael and Sam inexorably into a deadly conflict. Sam relies on Michael, but his only advantage is the visions he never asked for. As they track a cold and calculating killer, one misstep could turn the hunters into prey.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
99 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
About the author
Jason Parent
50 books690 followersIn his head, Jason Parent lives in many places, but in the real world, he calls New England his home. The region offers an abundance of settings for his writing and many wonderful places in which to write them. He currently resides in Southeastern Massachusetts with his cuddly corgi named Calypso.
In a prior life, Jason spent most of his time in front of a judge . . . as a civil litigator. When he finally tired of Latin phrases no one knew how to pronounce and explaining to people that real lawsuits are not started, tried and finalized within the 60-minute timeframe they see on TV (it's harassing the witness; no one throws vicious woodland creatures at them), he traded in his cheap suits for flip flops and designer stubble. The flops got repossessed the next day, and he's back in the legal field . . . sorta. But that's another story.
When he's not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists into a knot or takes somebody's head off - he misses the appeal). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
Please visit the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonP..., on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorJasParent, or at his website, http://authorjasonparent.com/, for information regarding upcoming events or releases, or if you have any questions or comments for him.
In a prior life, Jason spent most of his time in front of a judge . . . as a civil litigator. When he finally tired of Latin phrases no one knew how to pronounce and explaining to people that real lawsuits are not started, tried and finalized within the 60-minute timeframe they see on TV (it's harassing the witness; no one throws vicious woodland creatures at them), he traded in his cheap suits for flip flops and designer stubble. The flops got repossessed the next day, and he's back in the legal field . . . sorta. But that's another story.
When he's not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists into a knot or takes somebody's head off - he misses the appeal). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
Please visit the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonP..., on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorJasParent, or at his website, http://authorjasonparent.com/, for information regarding upcoming events or releases, or if you have any questions or comments for him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 10, 2015
When we first meet Michael Turcotte he is a very young boy and Samantha Reilly is the detective on the case of his parent's murder.
Fast forward and he is now a freshman in high school. He is living in foster care but has kept in contact with Samantha.
Michael is a very quiet boy and tries to stay under the radar at school. He doesn't have any friends because that would bring attention to him. He just exists. One day he does attract the school bullies though and they target him for abuse. Later on he has a vision of one of the bullies being killed.
He tries to find someone to believe what he saw. He tells the principal, his foster parents and Samantha. It's hard to believe when something like this takes place so no one really takes his vision seriously.
Then it comes true. Michael is angered that no one even Samantha took him seriously so that now a teenager is dead.
Samantha begins to think that Michael is right about the visions because he told every detail of the vision. So what does she do?
She takes him to a missing woman's house with her to interview the husband. Michael has another horrible vision when the man touches him.
Now this part I didn't care for. You just don't involve anyone that is not law enforcement in a case like that. Especially a teenager. I hated that part in I Hunt Killers books. However, Jason Parent does pull that storyline through in a believable way.
Another viewpoint in the story is from another teenager. A girl named Tessa. Who like Michael is very introverted and keeps to herself.
She keeps to herself because she is forced too. Her "Father" is a frigging monster.
This book reads really fast because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It blends the paranormal part of Michael's visions perfectly.
Recommended.
Book source: Gifted copy.
Fast forward and he is now a freshman in high school. He is living in foster care but has kept in contact with Samantha.
Michael is a very quiet boy and tries to stay under the radar at school. He doesn't have any friends because that would bring attention to him. He just exists. One day he does attract the school bullies though and they target him for abuse. Later on he has a vision of one of the bullies being killed.
He tries to find someone to believe what he saw. He tells the principal, his foster parents and Samantha. It's hard to believe when something like this takes place so no one really takes his vision seriously.
Then it comes true. Michael is angered that no one even Samantha took him seriously so that now a teenager is dead.
Samantha begins to think that Michael is right about the visions because he told every detail of the vision. So what does she do?
She takes him to a missing woman's house with her to interview the husband. Michael has another horrible vision when the man touches him.
Now this part I didn't care for. You just don't involve anyone that is not law enforcement in a case like that. Especially a teenager. I hated that part in I Hunt Killers books. However, Jason Parent does pull that storyline through in a believable way.
Another viewpoint in the story is from another teenager. A girl named Tessa. Who like Michael is very introverted and keeps to herself.
She keeps to herself because she is forced too. Her "Father" is a frigging monster.
This book reads really fast because I wanted to know what was going to happen. It blends the paranormal part of Michael's visions perfectly.
Recommended.
Book source: Gifted copy.
August 12, 2015
This book was a police procedural/thriller/psychological horror story-it doesn't neatly fit into any category except for: "damn fine read".
I usually don't get into the plot too much, since the synopsis already does that, but (briefly)- this is a story about a "hard as nails" police detective, (Samantha), who helps to rescue a boy, (Michael), from a murder scene and then kind of keeps an eye on him as he grows up in the foster family system. Fast forward to his early teens and the discovery that when he touches certain people, he sees visions of their deaths and the visions come true.
As we've seen in stories like The Dead Zone by The King, people that have these kinds of visions rarely do well and young Michael is no exception. What happens when he sees in his visions a young girl about to kill her father and another where Samantha, the only stable thing in his life, is about to die? You'll have to read this book to find out.
This story had excellent pacing, great characters and moments that were truly chilling. I think where Jason Parent's writing really shined was in his description and characterization of the villain, Christopher Masterson. This dude was a bad guy in every sense. I've read about a LOT of bad guys, but this one was right up there with the worst deviants of all time.
The only issues I had with the story were with believability-there were two sections where I think my suspension of disbelief was stretched to the max. I'm having a little trouble overlooking them, so I deducted one star as a result.
Overall, this was a fun and suspenseful thriller and one that I have no trouble recommending to fans of such. Jason is a good author and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.
Recommended to fans of thrillers and psychological horror!
*I received a free copy of this book via Red Adapt Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
I usually don't get into the plot too much, since the synopsis already does that, but (briefly)- this is a story about a "hard as nails" police detective, (Samantha), who helps to rescue a boy, (Michael), from a murder scene and then kind of keeps an eye on him as he grows up in the foster family system. Fast forward to his early teens and the discovery that when he touches certain people, he sees visions of their deaths and the visions come true.
As we've seen in stories like The Dead Zone by The King, people that have these kinds of visions rarely do well and young Michael is no exception. What happens when he sees in his visions a young girl about to kill her father and another where Samantha, the only stable thing in his life, is about to die? You'll have to read this book to find out.
This story had excellent pacing, great characters and moments that were truly chilling. I think where Jason Parent's writing really shined was in his description and characterization of the villain, Christopher Masterson. This dude was a bad guy in every sense. I've read about a LOT of bad guys, but this one was right up there with the worst deviants of all time.
The only issues I had with the story were with believability-there were two sections where I think my suspension of disbelief was stretched to the max. I'm having a little trouble overlooking them, so I deducted one star as a result.
Overall, this was a fun and suspenseful thriller and one that I have no trouble recommending to fans of such. Jason is a good author and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us in the future.
Recommended to fans of thrillers and psychological horror!
*I received a free copy of this book via Red Adapt Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is it.*
June 10, 2017
'Aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh' *running from the room *
No more!
This book is just so wrong on so many levels.
What detective is going to take a 14 year old bullied boy around crime scenes and morgues?
The writing is heavy handed and not at all suspenseful.
It is full of ' angst', but lacks detail where it matters.
Abandoned at 52% , concerned for the safety of my Kindle. I thought that if I threw it across the room one more time, I may not be able to resuscitate it.
Thank you to Red Adept Publishing via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Seeing Evil by Jason Parent for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
No more!
This book is just so wrong on so many levels.
What detective is going to take a 14 year old bullied boy around crime scenes and morgues?
The writing is heavy handed and not at all suspenseful.
It is full of ' angst', but lacks detail where it matters.
Abandoned at 52% , concerned for the safety of my Kindle. I thought that if I threw it across the room one more time, I may not be able to resuscitate it.
Thank you to Red Adept Publishing via Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of Seeing Evil by Jason Parent for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 2, 2015
Seeing Evil is the kind of book that's chock full of intriguing elements, the main one and something I particularly enjoy reading about is kids confronted by evil. A parent to be exact, and one that leaks menace from every pore, then smiles and when needed switches instantly into perfect parent mode.
First chapter sees major crimes detective Samantha Reilly at a murder scene, where young Michael Turcotte has just witnessed the death of his parents. Forward 11 years and Michael is now in school about to get his head dunked into the toilet, digestive biscuit style at the hands of bullies. Another thing I love to read about is bullies, the wait for their comeuppance is just consuming, it's the perfect way to get invested in a character but Michael has a lot more going for him than that. Human contact can sometimes bring a vision, a nerve shattering glimpse into that person's future and his first experience sees his friend kill someone at school. Can he stop it?
Tessa Masterson's father possesses a heart of gold and is obviously a candidate for the father of the year award. The first time we see him he's punishing Tess by forcibly restraining her in the bath while it fills with scalding water and the next time he’s using her to gain entry to someone’s house, not a nice guy.
'Her life was like walking on a tightrope through a hurricane.'
Christopher Masterson is one seriously twisted individual, his reign of abuse and destruction is not limited purely to his daughter. He's a killer and he forces Tessa to take part in his cold blooded murderous games.
All these characters are going to meet, they won't all survive, they never do of course but it's gripping as we speed through to a stabbing climax, no not that kind, one involving a sharp implement …. A knife.
Seeing Evil is a very well written thriller, horror comes from abuse and the people that deliver it. The story taps into two things that you just can't turn away from, abusive bullies and the desperation of seeing the appropriate just desserts. The characters are absorbing, depth comes from their action and reactions to what they're confronted with, as it often does with the young. You can’t help but get emotionally invested in these kids. I guess coming off age describes what happens to these kids perfectly and traveling the horrific path with them, you can't help but hope that everything comes good. There is an air of predictability about the story as we see through Michael's visions what's going to happen and the attempts to change the future that follow. The visions themselves are harrowing and add an almost ghostly nightmarish feeling to the proceedings.
'Then, Michael sees someone else opening the passengers-side door of Sam's Camry. Though it makes no sense and chills him to his core, he cannot deny what he's seeing. It's him! He's getting into the car.'
Seeing Evil was provided by Jason Parent for review purposes and that is what you've got.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
First chapter sees major crimes detective Samantha Reilly at a murder scene, where young Michael Turcotte has just witnessed the death of his parents. Forward 11 years and Michael is now in school about to get his head dunked into the toilet, digestive biscuit style at the hands of bullies. Another thing I love to read about is bullies, the wait for their comeuppance is just consuming, it's the perfect way to get invested in a character but Michael has a lot more going for him than that. Human contact can sometimes bring a vision, a nerve shattering glimpse into that person's future and his first experience sees his friend kill someone at school. Can he stop it?
Tessa Masterson's father possesses a heart of gold and is obviously a candidate for the father of the year award. The first time we see him he's punishing Tess by forcibly restraining her in the bath while it fills with scalding water and the next time he’s using her to gain entry to someone’s house, not a nice guy.
'Her life was like walking on a tightrope through a hurricane.'
Christopher Masterson is one seriously twisted individual, his reign of abuse and destruction is not limited purely to his daughter. He's a killer and he forces Tessa to take part in his cold blooded murderous games.
All these characters are going to meet, they won't all survive, they never do of course but it's gripping as we speed through to a stabbing climax, no not that kind, one involving a sharp implement …. A knife.
Seeing Evil is a very well written thriller, horror comes from abuse and the people that deliver it. The story taps into two things that you just can't turn away from, abusive bullies and the desperation of seeing the appropriate just desserts. The characters are absorbing, depth comes from their action and reactions to what they're confronted with, as it often does with the young. You can’t help but get emotionally invested in these kids. I guess coming off age describes what happens to these kids perfectly and traveling the horrific path with them, you can't help but hope that everything comes good. There is an air of predictability about the story as we see through Michael's visions what's going to happen and the attempts to change the future that follow. The visions themselves are harrowing and add an almost ghostly nightmarish feeling to the proceedings.
'Then, Michael sees someone else opening the passengers-side door of Sam's Camry. Though it makes no sense and chills him to his core, he cannot deny what he's seeing. It's him! He's getting into the car.'
Seeing Evil was provided by Jason Parent for review purposes and that is what you've got.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
April 4, 2023
Psychic Suspense!
Small backstory:
Michael Turcotte has a unique ability where if he touches someone he can see what will happen to them in the future which seems to be something bad that will happen to them or something bad they will do. When Michael tries to warn the local authorities that a school bully is about to be murdered no one believes him but when it comes true within a few days people are in shock and everyone looks at Michael differently.
One of the officers, Samantha Reilly who works in the Major Crimes unit comes to Michael's aid with what he is going through but things escalate for Michael when he finds out that one of his school mates father could be a serial killer but proving it will be another matter!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
I have read some books by author, Jason Parent and I have enjoyed everything I have read by him. This book was no exception as the minute I started reading it the story just zoomed me straight into a fast paced suspense along with tension filled moments!
I found myself staying up late a couple or so nights wrapped within the story as I could not put the book down! I loved all the characters in this one and even the villain within this story was very horrific and cruel. I was hoping to see some law-abiding action taken against the villain in this book.
This book is the beginning of a trilogy and I am looking forward to continuing on with the trilogy as I will be stepping into the second book as soon as I can as I don't want to lose momentum with these characters. Giving this book five "Thrilling Terror Tension" stars!
For images of this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
Small backstory:
Michael Turcotte has a unique ability where if he touches someone he can see what will happen to them in the future which seems to be something bad that will happen to them or something bad they will do. When Michael tries to warn the local authorities that a school bully is about to be murdered no one believes him but when it comes true within a few days people are in shock and everyone looks at Michael differently.
One of the officers, Samantha Reilly who works in the Major Crimes unit comes to Michael's aid with what he is going through but things escalate for Michael when he finds out that one of his school mates father could be a serial killer but proving it will be another matter!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
I have read some books by author, Jason Parent and I have enjoyed everything I have read by him. This book was no exception as the minute I started reading it the story just zoomed me straight into a fast paced suspense along with tension filled moments!
I found myself staying up late a couple or so nights wrapped within the story as I could not put the book down! I loved all the characters in this one and even the villain within this story was very horrific and cruel. I was hoping to see some law-abiding action taken against the villain in this book.
This book is the beginning of a trilogy and I am looking forward to continuing on with the trilogy as I will be stepping into the second book as soon as I can as I don't want to lose momentum with these characters. Giving this book five "Thrilling Terror Tension" stars!
For images of this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/...
August 6, 2015
I've enjoyed many thriller novels lately, but I must confess that the "majority" of my favorite books have some sort of supernatural element to them. In respect to Jason Parent's SEEING EVIL, I was not the least bit disappointed.
Michael Turcotte is a boy who's lived in many foster homes during his fourteen years of life. Unfortunately, he's also a natural target for school bullies. After one extreme incident, his mind suddenly transports him elsewhere--to the near future where a brutal murder is going to take place.
Yet who would believe the "vision" of a boy like Michael?
Even after his predictions come true.....
Enter Tessa, a fifteen year old girl harboring awful secrets of her own . . .
When Parent brings these two characters together, the results are simply dynamic! I was astonished to see how well the author was able to get me--as a reader--into the mindset of each of these teens. Their characterization was superb in every manner--and I strongly feel that it takes a large amount of talent for someone to portray events from Michael and Tessa's experiences with such conviction; effortlessly getting the reader to "experience" and "feel" along with them.
Then we have Major Crimes Detective, Samantha Reilly; a woman determined to get results at any cost, regardless of protocol. She has her own, personal convictions; among them the belief that "saving one life isn't worth destroying another's" . Once again, surprisingly unique as a character when we view her through the eyes of these teenagers.
The entire story was strong, driven, and merciless in all regard from beginning to end. Even when you think you know where it's going, there's yet another--logical--twist.
The hardest part of this novel, for me, was that so much mirrored the bitter truth of our society today. The bullying scenes were so well written they could have been done before you! The horrid abuse that goes on behind closed doors, and how even those with the best of intentions are unable to intervene on account of some "technicality" or other. That really got to me on an emotional level.
The sad truth of the matter that Mr. Parent brings to light is that the worst monsters out there, are those masquerading as "everyday people".
This is a story that will resonate within you for several reasons: the exceptional characterization (of both male and female teenagers), the kids ostracized and bullied for no discernible reason other than they "EXIST", and the fact that we stare "true evil" in the face so very often, and probably never even realize it.
SEEING EVIL is a powerful, emotionally charged tale of brutality, friendships, and more than a touch of the supernatural.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was when one of the main characters suddenly has an epiphany: "..... didn't know what the future held anymore..... make an adjustment here or a modification there, and a whole new timeline could fall into place."
A small kernel of hope, in an otherwise dire circumstance? Or perhaps, simply to remind us that we can never be in complete control of anything in this world?
Read on for your own interpretation...
Highly recommended!
Michael Turcotte is a boy who's lived in many foster homes during his fourteen years of life. Unfortunately, he's also a natural target for school bullies. After one extreme incident, his mind suddenly transports him elsewhere--to the near future where a brutal murder is going to take place.
Yet who would believe the "vision" of a boy like Michael?
Even after his predictions come true.....
Enter Tessa, a fifteen year old girl harboring awful secrets of her own . . .
When Parent brings these two characters together, the results are simply dynamic! I was astonished to see how well the author was able to get me--as a reader--into the mindset of each of these teens. Their characterization was superb in every manner--and I strongly feel that it takes a large amount of talent for someone to portray events from Michael and Tessa's experiences with such conviction; effortlessly getting the reader to "experience" and "feel" along with them.
Then we have Major Crimes Detective, Samantha Reilly; a woman determined to get results at any cost, regardless of protocol. She has her own, personal convictions; among them the belief that "saving one life isn't worth destroying another's" . Once again, surprisingly unique as a character when we view her through the eyes of these teenagers.
The entire story was strong, driven, and merciless in all regard from beginning to end. Even when you think you know where it's going, there's yet another--logical--twist.
The hardest part of this novel, for me, was that so much mirrored the bitter truth of our society today. The bullying scenes were so well written they could have been done before you! The horrid abuse that goes on behind closed doors, and how even those with the best of intentions are unable to intervene on account of some "technicality" or other. That really got to me on an emotional level.
The sad truth of the matter that Mr. Parent brings to light is that the worst monsters out there, are those masquerading as "everyday people".
This is a story that will resonate within you for several reasons: the exceptional characterization (of both male and female teenagers), the kids ostracized and bullied for no discernible reason other than they "EXIST", and the fact that we stare "true evil" in the face so very often, and probably never even realize it.
SEEING EVIL is a powerful, emotionally charged tale of brutality, friendships, and more than a touch of the supernatural.
One of my favorite quotes from the book was when one of the main characters suddenly has an epiphany: "..... didn't know what the future held anymore..... make an adjustment here or a modification there, and a whole new timeline could fall into place."
A small kernel of hope, in an otherwise dire circumstance? Or perhaps, simply to remind us that we can never be in complete control of anything in this world?
Read on for your own interpretation...
Highly recommended!
August 11, 2018
First of all, many thanks to NetGalley / the Author / Red Adept Publishing, LLC for furnishing this e-book to be read and reviewed with an honest, unbiased opinion.
I have to say I don't like paranormal ... zombies, shape-shifters, end of the world dystopian, alternate worlds stuff. I do like psychics, though .. those that can see what the future holds or what has happened in old abandoned mansions, etc. This book combines both a psychic and a serial murderer and a female detective ... all my favorites rolled into one.
Major Crimes Detective Samantha (Sam) Reilly has been looking out for 14-year-old Michael since he was three and witnessed the murder/suicide of his parents. He's now living with foster parents who seem to care for him. Michael has been having some problems with the school bullies and one day he passes out and finds himself somewhere else. When he comes to, he realizes that he has had a vision ... and he isn't very happy. He tells his school counselor.. he tells his foster parents ... he even tells Sam and no one believes him. When his vision happens exactly as he described, people look at him with new eyes.
Sam is on a case concerning a missing wife. They have found her car immersed in a nearby lake, but there is no sign of the woman. Sam picks up Michael and takes him with her to interview the husband. Michael accidentally touches him and has another vision ... his wife is in the basement and being horribly tortured.
I will stop here ... for one thing, I needed to suspend belief (more so then usual) because I know of no detective who would take a young teenager along while interviewing someone believed to have killed his wife.
The story continues as Michael crosses paths with Tessa .. and he "sees" her killing her father. No spoilers, but things go terribly wrong when Sam also gets involved. Is Tessa a murderer .. or a victim? Is her father a serial killer? Or is he just an abusive, controlling father?
Although this is mainly a murder mystery, the teenage psychic takes the biggest role. I loved the plot. Characters were well developed. This was a new author to me, and I'd follow him anywhere.
I have to say I don't like paranormal ... zombies, shape-shifters, end of the world dystopian, alternate worlds stuff. I do like psychics, though .. those that can see what the future holds or what has happened in old abandoned mansions, etc. This book combines both a psychic and a serial murderer and a female detective ... all my favorites rolled into one.
Major Crimes Detective Samantha (Sam) Reilly has been looking out for 14-year-old Michael since he was three and witnessed the murder/suicide of his parents. He's now living with foster parents who seem to care for him. Michael has been having some problems with the school bullies and one day he passes out and finds himself somewhere else. When he comes to, he realizes that he has had a vision ... and he isn't very happy. He tells his school counselor.. he tells his foster parents ... he even tells Sam and no one believes him. When his vision happens exactly as he described, people look at him with new eyes.
Sam is on a case concerning a missing wife. They have found her car immersed in a nearby lake, but there is no sign of the woman. Sam picks up Michael and takes him with her to interview the husband. Michael accidentally touches him and has another vision ... his wife is in the basement and being horribly tortured.
I will stop here ... for one thing, I needed to suspend belief (more so then usual) because I know of no detective who would take a young teenager along while interviewing someone believed to have killed his wife.
The story continues as Michael crosses paths with Tessa .. and he "sees" her killing her father. No spoilers, but things go terribly wrong when Sam also gets involved. Is Tessa a murderer .. or a victim? Is her father a serial killer? Or is he just an abusive, controlling father?
Although this is mainly a murder mystery, the teenage psychic takes the biggest role. I loved the plot. Characters were well developed. This was a new author to me, and I'd follow him anywhere.
August 13, 2015
Michael sees evil......
The first five chapters of this thriller blew my mind. In one, a bloody murder scene reminiscent of "Halloween". In two, the horror of "burning" abuse. In three, the terror of bullies. In four, a "killer" vision, and in five, broken rules, discipline, punishment, no mercy and pain.....and that is just the beginning!
A foster child with "the sight", a protective homicide detective, and a relentless psycho killer who tortures first and kills later sets the stage for this fast moving thriller. Although it sometimes felt a bit young adult and had a few far-fetched segments, still a "bloody" good read! 3.5 Stars.
February 10, 2017
This review and the rest of the crap I write can be seen @ my blog Bark's Book Nonsense . Stop by and say hey.
Seeing Evil is a book about the evil human beings inflict on one another. It’s more thriller than horror but has a few disturbing scenes that fall more into the horror realm.
Michael was tragically orphaned as a young boy. Now he’s a teen living with foster parents and dealing with the typical cruelties and horrors of high school. He’s quiet, keeps his head down and minds his own business but one day he finds himself the target of one of the biggest bullies in the school. This scene is horrifying and too well written, if you ask me. I felt like I was in that bathroom stall with unfortunate Michael and, eww, I did not want to be there! Later Michael has a dark and dire vision that eventually comes true. He confides in his police detective friend, Samantha, and she later uses this information to guide her in an investigation.
And this is where I had a problem. The writing is good and the teen characters are amazingly well drawn. You really feel for them. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Samantha using Michael, pretty much without his ok, to help her catch a killer bothered the hell out of me. This poor kid had already lived through hell and here she was forcing him to see things he should never have to see. Once? Okay, I get it. But again and again, after he tells her he doesn’t want to do it? Well, that is completely awful no matter her motives.
I listened to this book as an unabridged audio but I’d suggest you read it as a paperback. I felt the female narrator gave a flat performance and didn’t do justice to the material and it took me way too long to warm up to her voice.
Those two things aside, the book was a creepy and disturbing read with characters you will care about. The story gets a four, the narration a three so I guess I’m ending with a 3 ½.
Seeing Evil is a book about the evil human beings inflict on one another. It’s more thriller than horror but has a few disturbing scenes that fall more into the horror realm.
Michael was tragically orphaned as a young boy. Now he’s a teen living with foster parents and dealing with the typical cruelties and horrors of high school. He’s quiet, keeps his head down and minds his own business but one day he finds himself the target of one of the biggest bullies in the school. This scene is horrifying and too well written, if you ask me. I felt like I was in that bathroom stall with unfortunate Michael and, eww, I did not want to be there! Later Michael has a dark and dire vision that eventually comes true. He confides in his police detective friend, Samantha, and she later uses this information to guide her in an investigation.
And this is where I had a problem. The writing is good and the teen characters are amazingly well drawn. You really feel for them. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that Samantha using Michael, pretty much without his ok, to help her catch a killer bothered the hell out of me. This poor kid had already lived through hell and here she was forcing him to see things he should never have to see. Once? Okay, I get it. But again and again, after he tells her he doesn’t want to do it? Well, that is completely awful no matter her motives.
I listened to this book as an unabridged audio but I’d suggest you read it as a paperback. I felt the female narrator gave a flat performance and didn’t do justice to the material and it took me way too long to warm up to her voice.
Those two things aside, the book was a creepy and disturbing read with characters you will care about. The story gets a four, the narration a three so I guess I’m ending with a 3 ½.
September 4, 2015
Gripping. Suspenseful. Touching.
A truly fine novel.
I first discovered Jason Parent a few years ago, around the same time I'd been reading David Wong's This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don't Touch It. Still craving another dose of comedy-tinged horror, Parent's first novel, What Hides Within, satisfied and then some with its highly original cocktail of thriller, horror and comedy with a touch of bizarro.
I've been lucky enough to meet and get to know Jason Parent in the intervening years, and have had the ongoing pleasure of collaborating with him on several horror anthologies since, so I want to be up front and transparent about my relationship with the author.
Nevertheless, I originally met the author as a result of being a fan first and foremost, and so it was with a bit of trepidation that I approached Seeing Evil, his second full-length novel, and a paranormal thriller rather than horror at that. The book's synopsis didn't thrill me, to be honest, but I decided to give it a go and see if it grabbed me.
It did. Seeing Evil is a perfectly-paced book, with intriguing characters and white-knuckle, edge of your seat tension. The villain is particularly haunting in an all-too-plausible way, and even a few days after having finished reading the events of the book are still vividly etched in my mind. Parent's writing here is top notch - sleek, efficient and with surprising emotional depth.
I can't recommend this book highly enough to fans of almost any genre.
A truly fine novel.
I first discovered Jason Parent a few years ago, around the same time I'd been reading David Wong's This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don't Touch It. Still craving another dose of comedy-tinged horror, Parent's first novel, What Hides Within, satisfied and then some with its highly original cocktail of thriller, horror and comedy with a touch of bizarro.
I've been lucky enough to meet and get to know Jason Parent in the intervening years, and have had the ongoing pleasure of collaborating with him on several horror anthologies since, so I want to be up front and transparent about my relationship with the author.
Nevertheless, I originally met the author as a result of being a fan first and foremost, and so it was with a bit of trepidation that I approached Seeing Evil, his second full-length novel, and a paranormal thriller rather than horror at that. The book's synopsis didn't thrill me, to be honest, but I decided to give it a go and see if it grabbed me.
It did. Seeing Evil is a perfectly-paced book, with intriguing characters and white-knuckle, edge of your seat tension. The villain is particularly haunting in an all-too-plausible way, and even a few days after having finished reading the events of the book are still vividly etched in my mind. Parent's writing here is top notch - sleek, efficient and with surprising emotional depth.
I can't recommend this book highly enough to fans of almost any genre.
June 17, 2024
Seeing Evil was just plain Evil at least if you were a part of the police department or inside of Michael's head.
Detective Sam Reilly and Michael first encountered one another on a crime scene when Michael was just a young toddler. Found in the throes of a violent scene involving his parents made me think of Dexter.
Sam, who had cordoned off her personal life into a small box inside her mind, felt a strange connection and affinity for this boy and a need to look out for him, which led to the two of them keeping in touch throughout Michael's life.
As a high school freshman, Michael has his first premonition of a homicide involving his only friend, and he tries desperately to warn everyone, who just ends up thinking he is crazy. The premonitions begin to come on stronger as Michael tries desperately to alter the future to one with less death.
The book also follows the horrific life of a girl named Tessa. I don't want to talk about her much because her story is quite integral to the book as well, but suffice to say that it was horrifying to read as a mother, the things that she went through self-deprecating thoughts that she had about herself.
Thought I most often had about this book: "Wow, this book is seriously messed up!"
I loved this book, but I have waffled back and forth between a 4 and a 5 star rating and have settled on a 4.75 (rounded up to 5). My main reason for this is that the cops in the story were starting to really exasperate me as a reader. I felt that suspense could have been done better without SO much of it resting on police blunders. Otherwise, it was very horrifically fantastic. Another great job by Jason Parent.
Detective Sam Reilly and Michael first encountered one another on a crime scene when Michael was just a young toddler. Found in the throes of a violent scene involving his parents made me think of Dexter.
Sam, who had cordoned off her personal life into a small box inside her mind, felt a strange connection and affinity for this boy and a need to look out for him, which led to the two of them keeping in touch throughout Michael's life.
As a high school freshman, Michael has his first premonition of a homicide involving his only friend, and he tries desperately to warn everyone, who just ends up thinking he is crazy. The premonitions begin to come on stronger as Michael tries desperately to alter the future to one with less death.
The book also follows the horrific life of a girl named Tessa. I don't want to talk about her much because her story is quite integral to the book as well, but suffice to say that it was horrifying to read as a mother, the things that she went through self-deprecating thoughts that she had about herself.
Thought I most often had about this book: "Wow, this book is seriously messed up!"
I loved this book, but I have waffled back and forth between a 4 and a 5 star rating and have settled on a 4.75 (rounded up to 5). My main reason for this is that the cops in the story were starting to really exasperate me as a reader. I felt that suspense could have been done better without SO much of it resting on police blunders. Otherwise, it was very horrifically fantastic. Another great job by Jason Parent.
September 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this one from Jason Parent. It was a bit Dead Zone-esque in that Michael, one of the main protagonists, gets “visions” from contact with other people, but it goes further than that with excellent characterizations and fast moving intersecting plot lines.
This one read quick and flowed smoothly from beginning to end. A taut thriller - Very little wasted dialog or excessive unnecessary descriptions to bog it down. I especially liked the characterizations in this one. The main characters were fleshed out very well and at once you became invested with their parts in the story.
Overall, Jason Parent whips up a winner with Seeing Evil and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good thriller with supernatural elements. 4 Stars.
*Edited 9-16-15 because evidently I am incapable of spelling "taut". Damn. I hate that.*
This one read quick and flowed smoothly from beginning to end. A taut thriller - Very little wasted dialog or excessive unnecessary descriptions to bog it down. I especially liked the characterizations in this one. The main characters were fleshed out very well and at once you became invested with their parts in the story.
Overall, Jason Parent whips up a winner with Seeing Evil and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good thriller with supernatural elements. 4 Stars.
*Edited 9-16-15 because evidently I am incapable of spelling "taut". Damn. I hate that.*
November 20, 2016
I liked this story, for the most part. One thing I have to say immediately: the narrator is a serious drawback. I'm fairly new to audiobooks; this is only the 5th one I've ever listened to. This narrator was by far the worst out of the few I've heard. Her reading style reminded me of myself reading to my children when they were small--the exaggerated pronunciation, the exaggeration of tone. There was absolutely nothing natural about her reading. Her male voices bordered on comical. I don't know how much of her failings colored my perspective of the book itself, but I tried to separate the two.
I found the writing to be well-done, except for some rather unusual figurative language. In his quest for new and uncharted similes and metaphors, Parent ventures into some rather shaky territory. Some of the comparisons have you scratching your head, others wrinkling your nose in distaste, but either reaction is jarring and takes you out of the story, at least briefly. Other than that, I found his descriptive style a step up from the two audiobooks I had read previously.
I enjoyed experiencing the story from multiple perspectives and found their voices, outside of the actual voice I was hearing, to be interesting. The action kept up a steady pace and was, for the most part, believable. This leads to one of the biggest problems I had with the book.
Masterson is a scary guy, but he seems two-dimensional and sometimes crosses over into cartoonish. I think he would have been more believable if we had been allowed some of his backstory. No one is completely evil or good; we're all a mixture of both. I think even a brief summary of what causes him to become this monster would have developed his character and actually made him scarier by making him more real.
I read this as a group read for the Horror Aficionados group, but I didn't see any real horror in this. It is an entertaining thriller, though!
*The audiobook was generously provided free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I found the writing to be well-done, except for some rather unusual figurative language. In his quest for new and uncharted similes and metaphors, Parent ventures into some rather shaky territory. Some of the comparisons have you scratching your head, others wrinkling your nose in distaste, but either reaction is jarring and takes you out of the story, at least briefly. Other than that, I found his descriptive style a step up from the two audiobooks I had read previously.
I enjoyed experiencing the story from multiple perspectives and found their voices, outside of the actual voice I was hearing, to be interesting. The action kept up a steady pace and was, for the most part, believable. This leads to one of the biggest problems I had with the book.
Masterson is a scary guy, but he seems two-dimensional and sometimes crosses over into cartoonish. I think he would have been more believable if we had been allowed some of his backstory. No one is completely evil or good; we're all a mixture of both. I think even a brief summary of what causes him to become this monster would have developed his character and actually made him scarier by making him more real.
I read this as a group read for the Horror Aficionados group, but I didn't see any real horror in this. It is an entertaining thriller, though!
*The audiobook was generously provided free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2015
Not a horror novel, and that is just fine. Jason shows serious versatility and weaves a gut-wrenching supernatural suspense thriller with everything I could have asked for. I strongly recommend you read this as soon as you can. Big five stars!
November 10, 2016
I took far too long in my many years of reading to pick up and read a book by Jason Parent. I could have had so many good books read by now. However the good news is that I have now read one of his books and it was a fantastic read that exceeded my expectations totally.
We meet Michael who in many ways is a typical teenager in but then in many ways is so very not normal and this dear reader is the key to a very clever and unexpected plot twist that takes you along with it as you turn the pages. It's impossible to go into the plot without having a load of spoilers so I will give you some general thoughts about it. Very well-written with tense moments and often very uncomfortable descriptives, the book takes us in and out of the recesses of the human mind. Not sure I want to hang around those places too long or too often.
Detective Samantha Reilly is working a case and sees that there is something special in Michael. Michael looks to her to fill a role in his life that is missing and at times it was conflicting to know how much Samantha really cared for him and how much at times she used him to achieve her own outcomes from her own agenda. To be honest, it's a bit of both. These are complex and developed characters.
There is torture and killings and a fair amount of that dark stuff that I personally love so much in my books. I whizzed through this book as there was nothing I did not like and found it wholly engaging every step of the way. The plot touches on some of the awful neglect and cruelty that some people are subjected to in their own homes and how badly they want to get out from under that and never look back. But it's not that simple. Nope.
An engaging read that gave this reader that sense of book satisfaction after finishing it and left me wanting more of Jason Parent's books to read. I can confidently recommend this one to my friends that love crime, thrillers, psychological thrillers, mild horror and diving expeditions into the human psyche. You will totally love this one. 5 stars from me for Seeing Evil.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
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We meet Michael who in many ways is a typical teenager in but then in many ways is so very not normal and this dear reader is the key to a very clever and unexpected plot twist that takes you along with it as you turn the pages. It's impossible to go into the plot without having a load of spoilers so I will give you some general thoughts about it. Very well-written with tense moments and often very uncomfortable descriptives, the book takes us in and out of the recesses of the human mind. Not sure I want to hang around those places too long or too often.
Detective Samantha Reilly is working a case and sees that there is something special in Michael. Michael looks to her to fill a role in his life that is missing and at times it was conflicting to know how much Samantha really cared for him and how much at times she used him to achieve her own outcomes from her own agenda. To be honest, it's a bit of both. These are complex and developed characters.
There is torture and killings and a fair amount of that dark stuff that I personally love so much in my books. I whizzed through this book as there was nothing I did not like and found it wholly engaging every step of the way. The plot touches on some of the awful neglect and cruelty that some people are subjected to in their own homes and how badly they want to get out from under that and never look back. But it's not that simple. Nope.
An engaging read that gave this reader that sense of book satisfaction after finishing it and left me wanting more of Jason Parent's books to read. I can confidently recommend this one to my friends that love crime, thrillers, psychological thrillers, mild horror and diving expeditions into the human psyche. You will totally love this one. 5 stars from me for Seeing Evil.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
November 4, 2016
This was my first book by the author and I dug it. I was expecting a horror and this was more mystery/thriller but it was good at what it was. The thriller crowd should find comfort here.
I know Jason through Goodreads and received a free audio review copy.
I know Jason through Goodreads and received a free audio review copy.
September 14, 2015
This is my first read by this author and this certainly won't be my last as I really enjoyed it. Pretty much read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.
Samantha is a police detective. She first meets Michael when his parents are murdered. Although he's in foster care she still keeps in touch with him.
Skip ahead a few years and we see that when Michael touches certain people he gets visions of their deaths.
When his visions come through can he find someone to believe him?
Don't think this fits in one genre. It's a mix of psychological, thriller and horror with a taste of paranormal.
Looking forward to reading more from this author. I loved it.
Samantha is a police detective. She first meets Michael when his parents are murdered. Although he's in foster care she still keeps in touch with him.
Skip ahead a few years and we see that when Michael touches certain people he gets visions of their deaths.
When his visions come through can he find someone to believe him?
Don't think this fits in one genre. It's a mix of psychological, thriller and horror with a taste of paranormal.
Looking forward to reading more from this author. I loved it.
April 2, 2023
I'm not a fan of the book, although I did try to read it in good faith, especially since I adore the folks over at Nightmares & Dreamscapes.
I was turned off in the first chapter, when a three-year old toddler is discovered crying, sitting in a bloody crime scene, and none of the responding cops think to even pick up or remove the child from the blood and hug him or comfort him. So right off the bat, Detective Sam, who takes the clairvoyant child Michael under her wing during his various stints through the foster system, is not really a good person. She's focused more on the job than the person, as is evident when she takes a teenaged Michael to different crime scenes to get him to 'help' her solve murders, despite his anguish at this.
Regarding Michael's special abilities, his visions of the future murderous event were eerily reminiscent of Stephen King's The Dead Zone, from the framing of the scene to the lack of agency by Michael while he was viewing it. I am all about inspiration for a story, but the similarities to me were just too close for my enjoyment.
Ultimately I found myself skimming the second half of the book. Unfortunately, not to my taste.
I was turned off in the first chapter, when a three-year old toddler is discovered crying, sitting in a bloody crime scene, and none of the responding cops think to even pick up or remove the child from the blood and hug him or comfort him. So right off the bat, Detective Sam, who takes the clairvoyant child Michael under her wing during his various stints through the foster system, is not really a good person. She's focused more on the job than the person, as is evident when she takes a teenaged Michael to different crime scenes to get him to 'help' her solve murders, despite his anguish at this.
Regarding Michael's special abilities, his visions of the future murderous event were eerily reminiscent of Stephen King's The Dead Zone, from the framing of the scene to the lack of agency by Michael while he was viewing it. I am all about inspiration for a story, but the similarities to me were just too close for my enjoyment.
Ultimately I found myself skimming the second half of the book. Unfortunately, not to my taste.
November 9, 2016
There isn't such a thing as universal grade scale for books, at least not one I can master. For me the standards for audio books have always been lower. And so accordingly this was perfectly decent, because it maintained my attention and entertained, although the narration wasn't optimal. Had I actually read it, I might have been more critical of it. Thing is the most notable feature of Seeing Evil is its consistent mediocrity. It's a thoroughly mediocre thriller about a lady cop and a teenage boy with precognitive abilities chasing a serial killer with OCD. It doesn't have any original ideas or insights, it isn't likely to impress in any way, but it does pass the time and provide some diversion, for me enough for 3 walks, which is very nice, especially provided the audible copy was free courtesy of the author. The second notable thing about the book is that it maintains its consistent mediocrity in the most consistent fashion. It never really dips below a certain line it sets for itself, it's never terrible, it never puts you off either a book or the writer, which in itself is quite impressive for a freebie from an unknown (to me) author. Serviceable fast paced thriller. Many thanks to our mod extraordinaire for putting this promo together.
June 28, 2018
Detective Samantha Reilly of the Fall River Police Department has known Michael Turcotte most of his life. Brought together by tragic circumstances they've remained close for nearly a dozen years.
When we first meet Michael, he's in a High School restroom witnessing the bullying of Freshman, Jimmy Rafferty, being worked over by Glenn Rodrigues and his cronies. Before the episode is over, Michael's head ends up in a toilet.
Tessa Masterson struggles with an abusive Father, Christopher, a wonderfully awful human being...
"Her life was like walking on a tightrope through a hurricane. Always demanding perfection, Father set her up to fail. And when she did, a spark lit behind his deadpan eyes. Tessa wondered if it was pleasure."
Now that we know a bit about the players, what about the story? The first time Michael sees something that has yet to occur, the experience throws him completely off balance. It happens when he see's Jimmy Rafferty kill Glenn Rodrigues right in a school hallway...
"If it wasn't a dream, then what was it? A premonition? A vision of the future? Michael didn't subscribe to that psychic crap. He'd never had psychic abilities before. He wasn't special. He hadn't felt any different when he's woken up that morning than he had a lifetime of mornings prior."
Seeing Evil is one of those reads where when life interrupts, you can't wait to find time to get back to the story. Jason Parent has the ability to make me empathetic to his characters. To both feel their joy and experience their pain. Seeing Evil is filled with brilliant touches, more than once I heard my inner voice saying, "Oh, yeah."
Strongly recommended and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series, Hearing Evil, which is available now.
Seeing Evil (Cycle of Evil Book 1) is available in paperback and e-book formats from Red Adept Publishing and can also be experienced as an Audiobook through Audible.
From the author's bio - In his head, Jason Parent lives in many places, but in the real world, he calls Southeastern Massachusetts his home. The region offers an abundance of settings for his writing and many wonderful places in which to write them. He currently resides with his cuddly corgi, Calypso. When he’s not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except for the one with that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists in on knot or takes somebody’s head off). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
When we first meet Michael, he's in a High School restroom witnessing the bullying of Freshman, Jimmy Rafferty, being worked over by Glenn Rodrigues and his cronies. Before the episode is over, Michael's head ends up in a toilet.
Tessa Masterson struggles with an abusive Father, Christopher, a wonderfully awful human being...
"Her life was like walking on a tightrope through a hurricane. Always demanding perfection, Father set her up to fail. And when she did, a spark lit behind his deadpan eyes. Tessa wondered if it was pleasure."
Now that we know a bit about the players, what about the story? The first time Michael sees something that has yet to occur, the experience throws him completely off balance. It happens when he see's Jimmy Rafferty kill Glenn Rodrigues right in a school hallway...
"If it wasn't a dream, then what was it? A premonition? A vision of the future? Michael didn't subscribe to that psychic crap. He'd never had psychic abilities before. He wasn't special. He hadn't felt any different when he's woken up that morning than he had a lifetime of mornings prior."
Seeing Evil is one of those reads where when life interrupts, you can't wait to find time to get back to the story. Jason Parent has the ability to make me empathetic to his characters. To both feel their joy and experience their pain. Seeing Evil is filled with brilliant touches, more than once I heard my inner voice saying, "Oh, yeah."
Strongly recommended and I'm looking forward to book 2 in the series, Hearing Evil, which is available now.
Seeing Evil (Cycle of Evil Book 1) is available in paperback and e-book formats from Red Adept Publishing and can also be experienced as an Audiobook through Audible.
From the author's bio - In his head, Jason Parent lives in many places, but in the real world, he calls Southeastern Massachusetts his home. The region offers an abundance of settings for his writing and many wonderful places in which to write them. He currently resides with his cuddly corgi, Calypso. When he’s not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, travel any place that will let him enter, and play just about any sport (except for the one with that ball tied to the pole thing where you basically just whack the ball until it twists in on knot or takes somebody’s head off). And read and write, of course. He does that too sometimes.
September 8, 2015
Seeing Evil by Jason Parent
Imagine what your life would be like if you saw bad things happening to everyone you touch. Now imagine your closest friend is the detective who found you at a murder scene, your parent's murder scene. Jason Parent's Seeing Evil is an edgy thriller with a good bit of the supernatural sprinkled in for a little extra spice. This is my third thriller in the past month and I felt a little more in my horror element with this one. Parent really poured a good bit of his heart and soul into this title and it shows. I really felt for our young protagonist, Michael, and his situation of being bullied every day. One day, his bully grabs hold of him and, with that touch, Michael sees the future unfold for the bully, and it is horrific. Michael, although scared by his "vision" has the general goodness of heart to try to stop it. Does he? Buy Seeing Evil and see for yourself. A lightning fast book that was not a disappointment for this reader.There was a good amount of depth put into his two main protagonists. Jason Parent really writes the hell out of Michael and Sam, a hard as nails detective and close confidant of Michael. She has nerves of steel and a heart of gold. She helped Michael at a very young age and has stayed close to him through the years.The plot to this story is solid. It flows like blood from a wound. There is a killer loose and Michael keeps touching the victims predeath. Can he convince Sam that his visions are real and can they find and stop him before he kills again? Especially when he touches Sam and sees her death at his hand as well. Pick up Seeing Evil and enjoy this searing hot thriller from the mind of Jason Parent. Enjoy the ride and race to its exciting conclusion.
Imagine what your life would be like if you saw bad things happening to everyone you touch. Now imagine your closest friend is the detective who found you at a murder scene, your parent's murder scene. Jason Parent's Seeing Evil is an edgy thriller with a good bit of the supernatural sprinkled in for a little extra spice. This is my third thriller in the past month and I felt a little more in my horror element with this one. Parent really poured a good bit of his heart and soul into this title and it shows. I really felt for our young protagonist, Michael, and his situation of being bullied every day. One day, his bully grabs hold of him and, with that touch, Michael sees the future unfold for the bully, and it is horrific. Michael, although scared by his "vision" has the general goodness of heart to try to stop it. Does he? Buy Seeing Evil and see for yourself. A lightning fast book that was not a disappointment for this reader.There was a good amount of depth put into his two main protagonists. Jason Parent really writes the hell out of Michael and Sam, a hard as nails detective and close confidant of Michael. She has nerves of steel and a heart of gold. She helped Michael at a very young age and has stayed close to him through the years.The plot to this story is solid. It flows like blood from a wound. There is a killer loose and Michael keeps touching the victims predeath. Can he convince Sam that his visions are real and can they find and stop him before he kills again? Especially when he touches Sam and sees her death at his hand as well. Pick up Seeing Evil and enjoy this searing hot thriller from the mind of Jason Parent. Enjoy the ride and race to its exciting conclusion.
August 4, 2015
A copy of Seeing Evil was sent to Confessions of a Reviewer by the author Jason Parent in exchange for an honest review. This is said review. This book is published by Red Adept Publishing.
I have not read a lot by Jason Parent, just his stories as part of the mighty crew that gave us the collections, Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love and Bad Apples: Five Slices of Halloween Horror. I have known him for a while now and have to say he is a decent bloke. I admit to that solely for the purposes of this review. I want it made quite clear that even though I do know him, he is also quite clear that garners no favours when I review books. He knows that I am honest about what I read, no matter who wrote it.
To that end I have to say I was hugely disappointed with what I read in Seeing Evil. Read on and I will tell you why.
Sam Reilly is a detective in the Major Crimes Division. She isn’t exactly orthodox and has a bit of a reputation as being somewhat of a maverick. She is sent to a gruesome murder/suicide where she comes across a small child sitting on the floor in the middle of a pool of blood. His family has been killed in the crime.
The child was Michael Turcotte. 11 years later, he has been in and out of various foster homes, struggling with growing up in a system that sometimes doesn’t care. His only true friend is Sam. She has stuck by him during the years since his family was murdered.
Michael has a secret. It’s so secret he has just discovered it himself. He has visions. Visions of things that are going to happen to anyone that he touches, flesh to flesh. He truly sees evil. When he tells people and Sam about his first vision, they don’t believe him. When it comes true and someone dies, Sam starts to listen to anything Michael tells her.
Tessa Masterton also has a secret. A secret life that no one but her and her father know about. She has heard about Michael’s visions and approaches him to see if he can tell her what her future holds. What Michael sees is something he cannot possibly tell Tessa. He tells Sam though.
What unfolds is a race against time, a race against evil and a race to stop a cold and ruthless killer that won’t let anyone stand in his way. That includes Sam, Michael and Tessa.
So I said earlier I was hugely disappointed. I was. I was expecting the same sort of twisted horror that I had read from Mr Parent previously.
What I got instead was what I would best describe as a thriller. A thriller with a difference though. A thriller with a supernatural element to it. A thriller which was beautifully crafted into a story that will delight both thriller lovers and horror lovers alike. So, although I was disappointed that this wasn’t an out and out horror story, after finishing this book I have to say that if proof was ever needed that Jason Parent can write stuff other than twisted, horrific tales…..this is it.
Characters wise there are a few in this tory but it mainly concentrates on Sam, Michael, Tessa and her father. Sam is brilliant. She is a cop who likes results. Sometimes she doesn’t use normal methods to get the results but you have to admire her for that. She’s a good cop and a good person and you can’t help but like her and root for her. Michael is a fourteen year old boy who has had a traumatic past that he isn’t even aware of. The visions scare him to the point where he doesn’t even want to touch people because he doesn’t want to have them. He soon learns to embrace the visions and use them to his advantage. Tessa was harder to figure out for me. She is mixed up in something that she has no control over. Or does she? I couldn’t help but think Mr Parent was leaving this character open to our own interpretation rather than telling us how to read her. Her father is just an absolute 100% (insert expletive here). A totally horrible individual for one hundred different reasons. I don’t want to tell you exactly what he is like because I would need to give away some of the plot.
When these characters all come together, they blend together so well. Their paths cross for most of the book and they all fit their individual roles perfectly.
In terms of the plot? It’s been done before. Killer on the loose. Someone with a gift can see what’s going to happen next. Cops chase bad guy, get him and everyone lives happily ever after. Jason Parent has added something different to this story to keep you glued to it. I like to call it ”haven’t got a clue where the hell this story is going to end up-itis”.
You sort of know what is going to happen but you cannot in any way shape or form predict how it is going to get there. The plot changes directions more times than me listening to a Chinese speaking sat nav. You think you have it figured out. You think you know exactly what will happen next. In reality you have no idea. This is what makes this book for me. The unpredictability of it.
I was kind of surprised by this book to be honest. Like I said before, I was expecting the twisted horror story. When I realised I wasn’t going to get that, I switched mood to fit with the book and I have to say in terms of the thrillers I have read this year, it is up there with the best.
The pace is perfect. Fast and free flowing from start to finish. There are only one or two parts where you can sit back and catch your breath before it hits the gas and takes off again. It is very easy to read. No big complicated sub plots. No long drawn out sections where you spend unnecessary time learning about the characters past lives that won’t add to the story. It doesn’t need any of this. It has all it needs to keep you glued to the pages and give you the adrenaline rush that a thriller should but, sadly, a lot lack. Also, giving the fact there is the supernatural aspect of Michael’s visions, it is believable. You don’t read it thinking “yeah right that would never happen”. You believe every word of it. Obviously there are murders. Obviously there is blood. Obviously there is one particular murder that I really want to tell you not to read about while you are eating.
Jason Parent has an undeniable talent for writing. I love his style. It’s laid back but one hundred miles per hour at the same time. It’s uncomplicated, making the words just flow across the page. It’s good fun.
To summarise: a thriller with a supernatural twist. Superbly fast paced from beginning to end meaning you will not want to put it down. A plot that will keep you guessing to the very end but not in a confusing way. Brilliant characters that gel together perfectly. A bloody good book. Even though it’s not a horror.
I would say there is scope for a continuation of this story. I really hope he does that. I think this could lead to a very successful series for him.
General rating:
★★★★★ Yeah it's that good!
Thriller / supernatural rating:
★★★★★ Excellent stuff!
I have not read a lot by Jason Parent, just his stories as part of the mighty crew that gave us the collections, Dead Roses: Five Dark Tales of Twisted Love and Bad Apples: Five Slices of Halloween Horror. I have known him for a while now and have to say he is a decent bloke. I admit to that solely for the purposes of this review. I want it made quite clear that even though I do know him, he is also quite clear that garners no favours when I review books. He knows that I am honest about what I read, no matter who wrote it.
To that end I have to say I was hugely disappointed with what I read in Seeing Evil. Read on and I will tell you why.
Sam Reilly is a detective in the Major Crimes Division. She isn’t exactly orthodox and has a bit of a reputation as being somewhat of a maverick. She is sent to a gruesome murder/suicide where she comes across a small child sitting on the floor in the middle of a pool of blood. His family has been killed in the crime.
The child was Michael Turcotte. 11 years later, he has been in and out of various foster homes, struggling with growing up in a system that sometimes doesn’t care. His only true friend is Sam. She has stuck by him during the years since his family was murdered.
Michael has a secret. It’s so secret he has just discovered it himself. He has visions. Visions of things that are going to happen to anyone that he touches, flesh to flesh. He truly sees evil. When he tells people and Sam about his first vision, they don’t believe him. When it comes true and someone dies, Sam starts to listen to anything Michael tells her.
Tessa Masterton also has a secret. A secret life that no one but her and her father know about. She has heard about Michael’s visions and approaches him to see if he can tell her what her future holds. What Michael sees is something he cannot possibly tell Tessa. He tells Sam though.
What unfolds is a race against time, a race against evil and a race to stop a cold and ruthless killer that won’t let anyone stand in his way. That includes Sam, Michael and Tessa.
So I said earlier I was hugely disappointed. I was. I was expecting the same sort of twisted horror that I had read from Mr Parent previously.
What I got instead was what I would best describe as a thriller. A thriller with a difference though. A thriller with a supernatural element to it. A thriller which was beautifully crafted into a story that will delight both thriller lovers and horror lovers alike. So, although I was disappointed that this wasn’t an out and out horror story, after finishing this book I have to say that if proof was ever needed that Jason Parent can write stuff other than twisted, horrific tales…..this is it.
Characters wise there are a few in this tory but it mainly concentrates on Sam, Michael, Tessa and her father. Sam is brilliant. She is a cop who likes results. Sometimes she doesn’t use normal methods to get the results but you have to admire her for that. She’s a good cop and a good person and you can’t help but like her and root for her. Michael is a fourteen year old boy who has had a traumatic past that he isn’t even aware of. The visions scare him to the point where he doesn’t even want to touch people because he doesn’t want to have them. He soon learns to embrace the visions and use them to his advantage. Tessa was harder to figure out for me. She is mixed up in something that she has no control over. Or does she? I couldn’t help but think Mr Parent was leaving this character open to our own interpretation rather than telling us how to read her. Her father is just an absolute 100% (insert expletive here). A totally horrible individual for one hundred different reasons. I don’t want to tell you exactly what he is like because I would need to give away some of the plot.
When these characters all come together, they blend together so well. Their paths cross for most of the book and they all fit their individual roles perfectly.
In terms of the plot? It’s been done before. Killer on the loose. Someone with a gift can see what’s going to happen next. Cops chase bad guy, get him and everyone lives happily ever after. Jason Parent has added something different to this story to keep you glued to it. I like to call it ”haven’t got a clue where the hell this story is going to end up-itis”.
You sort of know what is going to happen but you cannot in any way shape or form predict how it is going to get there. The plot changes directions more times than me listening to a Chinese speaking sat nav. You think you have it figured out. You think you know exactly what will happen next. In reality you have no idea. This is what makes this book for me. The unpredictability of it.
I was kind of surprised by this book to be honest. Like I said before, I was expecting the twisted horror story. When I realised I wasn’t going to get that, I switched mood to fit with the book and I have to say in terms of the thrillers I have read this year, it is up there with the best.
The pace is perfect. Fast and free flowing from start to finish. There are only one or two parts where you can sit back and catch your breath before it hits the gas and takes off again. It is very easy to read. No big complicated sub plots. No long drawn out sections where you spend unnecessary time learning about the characters past lives that won’t add to the story. It doesn’t need any of this. It has all it needs to keep you glued to the pages and give you the adrenaline rush that a thriller should but, sadly, a lot lack. Also, giving the fact there is the supernatural aspect of Michael’s visions, it is believable. You don’t read it thinking “yeah right that would never happen”. You believe every word of it. Obviously there are murders. Obviously there is blood. Obviously there is one particular murder that I really want to tell you not to read about while you are eating.
Jason Parent has an undeniable talent for writing. I love his style. It’s laid back but one hundred miles per hour at the same time. It’s uncomplicated, making the words just flow across the page. It’s good fun.
To summarise: a thriller with a supernatural twist. Superbly fast paced from beginning to end meaning you will not want to put it down. A plot that will keep you guessing to the very end but not in a confusing way. Brilliant characters that gel together perfectly. A bloody good book. Even though it’s not a horror.
I would say there is scope for a continuation of this story. I really hope he does that. I think this could lead to a very successful series for him.
General rating:
★★★★★ Yeah it's that good!
Thriller / supernatural rating:
★★★★★ Excellent stuff!
February 20, 2016
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the book for an honest review
The cover is very intriguing and definitely attracted my attention to read it.
This is my first time reading a novel by Jason Parent, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I’m not usually a horror fan, but I definitely like mystery thriller. I think I might be misjudging books marked horror because of horror movies, but I’m not sure. I definitely liked this version of it, and I might need to check out more.
I definitely feel for Michael and all he goes through since childhood. I really like Detective Reilly too! This book was full of twist and turns that I didn’t know would happen. I think it would be a great young adult book if the violence was toned down. I really love the paranormal twist too! This book had a little of everything making it very entertaining! I only wish I knew more about Michael and Sam’s future at the end. Who knows maybe there will be more or at least I hope so!
I think if you like mystery thrillers with a twist serial killer horror then you will want to read this book :) I will definitely be checking out other titles by Jason Parent!
***Received a copy of the book for an honest review
The cover is very intriguing and definitely attracted my attention to read it.
This is my first time reading a novel by Jason Parent, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I’m not usually a horror fan, but I definitely like mystery thriller. I think I might be misjudging books marked horror because of horror movies, but I’m not sure. I definitely liked this version of it, and I might need to check out more.
I definitely feel for Michael and all he goes through since childhood. I really like Detective Reilly too! This book was full of twist and turns that I didn’t know would happen. I think it would be a great young adult book if the violence was toned down. I really love the paranormal twist too! This book had a little of everything making it very entertaining! I only wish I knew more about Michael and Sam’s future at the end. Who knows maybe there will be more or at least I hope so!
I think if you like mystery thrillers with a twist serial killer horror then you will want to read this book :) I will definitely be checking out other titles by Jason Parent!
August 5, 2015
Jason Parent’s latest novel is a mystery with a psychic twist that had me interested from the moment I read the blurb. It may even be considered as part of the horror genre. Monsters come in all shapes and sizes and the human kind are the worst. Seeing Evil has its share of evil of the two legged kind.
Seeing Evil’s blue watery looking cover, with the eyes looking at me, peaked my interest further. A lot of times, I will grab a novel just because of the cover and this is one of those novels. Job well done Jason and Streetlight Graphics.
The main cast of characters include Fall River Detective Samantha Reilly, Michael, a foster kid who has a special gift, and Tessa, a young girl haunted by her dreams, or should I say nightmares. And, of course, the killer, but I can’t tell you much about him. You will have to find out for yourself.
Samantha has been involved in Michael’s life since his parents were killed when he was three years old. He is the new kid in school and bullied mercilessly. After he was viciously assaulted, he developed a gift, or was it a curse. Why were the visions so horrible? Why didn’t he see wondrous things? He could see bad things coming to people he touched, but was unable to convince those in authority of what was coming. Even Samantha has doubts, until…
Samantha and Michael step out of the normal police investigation mode and hunt for the killer, putting themselves in extreme danger.
I liked that Jason Parent pointed out how often we come in contact with strangers, a casual touch here or a brush against them as we pass by. It is details like this that give a feeling of reality to a novel.
Poor Tessa. She is horribly abused by her father and wonders if he hates her or just takes pleasure in inflicting pain. Evil walks in all forms and doesn’t have to be supernatural. I couldn’t help but feel for her as she searches for a way out of her terror filled life. Isn’t there anyone who can help her?
I see how destiny will draw them all together, but who will be left standing and how damaged they will be when they get there, I am very eager to find out.
Grotesque mutilations, horrendous torture, is there a serial killer on the loose in Fall River? Is Tessa a victim or a perpetrator? What is Michael’s part? Can a psychic who has visions of the future alter the outcome? I don’t see why not and I am hoping so.
Samantha goes above and beyond the norm for a police officer. She has an inside track in the investigation, but wonders how far can she push her secret weapon. Her role has changed, from trying to solve a murder after it happens, to trying to solve a murder before it happens.
Seeing Evil by Jason Parent is a police mystery with a paranormal twist. As the story progresses, the tensions builds and the suspense mounts making me wonder if they will all survive. The killer did not come as a huge surprise, but more than once I was talking to the characters, telling them to not go there, don’t do that, RUN for your life.
The flawed and damaged characters add elements to the story that up my investment in the reading. I am into the characters so much, I wonder if we could be hearing more from Samantha and Michael, even Tessa, in the future.
I loved Seeing Evil. Jason Parent did a fantastic job of grabbing my interest and holding it throughout. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
I was given a copy of Seeing Evil by Jason Parent in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Seeing Evil’s blue watery looking cover, with the eyes looking at me, peaked my interest further. A lot of times, I will grab a novel just because of the cover and this is one of those novels. Job well done Jason and Streetlight Graphics.
The main cast of characters include Fall River Detective Samantha Reilly, Michael, a foster kid who has a special gift, and Tessa, a young girl haunted by her dreams, or should I say nightmares. And, of course, the killer, but I can’t tell you much about him. You will have to find out for yourself.
Samantha has been involved in Michael’s life since his parents were killed when he was three years old. He is the new kid in school and bullied mercilessly. After he was viciously assaulted, he developed a gift, or was it a curse. Why were the visions so horrible? Why didn’t he see wondrous things? He could see bad things coming to people he touched, but was unable to convince those in authority of what was coming. Even Samantha has doubts, until…
Samantha and Michael step out of the normal police investigation mode and hunt for the killer, putting themselves in extreme danger.
I liked that Jason Parent pointed out how often we come in contact with strangers, a casual touch here or a brush against them as we pass by. It is details like this that give a feeling of reality to a novel.
Poor Tessa. She is horribly abused by her father and wonders if he hates her or just takes pleasure in inflicting pain. Evil walks in all forms and doesn’t have to be supernatural. I couldn’t help but feel for her as she searches for a way out of her terror filled life. Isn’t there anyone who can help her?
I see how destiny will draw them all together, but who will be left standing and how damaged they will be when they get there, I am very eager to find out.
Grotesque mutilations, horrendous torture, is there a serial killer on the loose in Fall River? Is Tessa a victim or a perpetrator? What is Michael’s part? Can a psychic who has visions of the future alter the outcome? I don’t see why not and I am hoping so.
Samantha goes above and beyond the norm for a police officer. She has an inside track in the investigation, but wonders how far can she push her secret weapon. Her role has changed, from trying to solve a murder after it happens, to trying to solve a murder before it happens.
Seeing Evil by Jason Parent is a police mystery with a paranormal twist. As the story progresses, the tensions builds and the suspense mounts making me wonder if they will all survive. The killer did not come as a huge surprise, but more than once I was talking to the characters, telling them to not go there, don’t do that, RUN for your life.
The flawed and damaged characters add elements to the story that up my investment in the reading. I am into the characters so much, I wonder if we could be hearing more from Samantha and Michael, even Tessa, in the future.
I loved Seeing Evil. Jason Parent did a fantastic job of grabbing my interest and holding it throughout. I am looking forward to reading more of his work.
I was given a copy of Seeing Evil by Jason Parent in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 22, 2015
Detective Samantha Reilly gets called to a homicide, a husband has shot his wife and lover and then turned the gun on himself. At the scene is then toddler Michael Turcotte. Michael ends up in the foster care system but Sam stays close to him over the years and frequently checks in on him and spends time with him.
When a couple of high school bullies attack Michael he has his first vision. He see an upcoming murder and doesn't know how to stop what he is sure is going to really happen so he turns to his longtime friend and mentor Sam. Sam is not sure whether to believe him or even how to go about stopping something that hasn't even happened yet.
Seeing Evil is one of those books that takes off at a fast pace and doesn't slow down for the entire book. There is always something going on in the story to keep the reader hooked. It switches up the POV between several characters which really adds to the depth and getting to know the whole story and characters.
Some parts of the book are quite gruesome which adds to the intensity of the bone chilling situations. Definitely well written thriller that I'd highly recommend picking up.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When a couple of high school bullies attack Michael he has his first vision. He see an upcoming murder and doesn't know how to stop what he is sure is going to really happen so he turns to his longtime friend and mentor Sam. Sam is not sure whether to believe him or even how to go about stopping something that hasn't even happened yet.
Seeing Evil is one of those books that takes off at a fast pace and doesn't slow down for the entire book. There is always something going on in the story to keep the reader hooked. It switches up the POV between several characters which really adds to the depth and getting to know the whole story and characters.
Some parts of the book are quite gruesome which adds to the intensity of the bone chilling situations. Definitely well written thriller that I'd highly recommend picking up.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 26, 2015
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this story. This review is part of the Seeing Evil Blog Tour at Oh, for the Hook of a Book Follow along to find out more about Seeing Evil and Jason Parent.
Seeing Evil is a fantastic police procedural serial killer novel with a psychic twist. I loved this story!! It's well written and grabs ahold of you and won't let go. The action moves at a breathless pace leaving you hanging on every word. The characters are realistic and it's easy to care about what happens to them. Christopher Masterson is Evil (with a capital E) incarnate. He has all the gruesomeness and creep factor of Hannibal Lector without any of the charm. I think that one of the scariest things about him is that people like him are really out there. I loved both Sam and Michael. Their relationship is complex and moving. I hope that they appear in future novels because I would definitely follow their stories. Tessa broke my heart. I just wanted to hug her and tell her that things would get better. I really wanted things to turn out all right for her. You'll have to read the book to find out if they do. This is a book that will haunt me for a long time to come. If you are looking for a phenomenal story grab this fast paced and horrifying 5 star read.
Seeing Evil is a fantastic police procedural serial killer novel with a psychic twist. I loved this story!! It's well written and grabs ahold of you and won't let go. The action moves at a breathless pace leaving you hanging on every word. The characters are realistic and it's easy to care about what happens to them. Christopher Masterson is Evil (with a capital E) incarnate. He has all the gruesomeness and creep factor of Hannibal Lector without any of the charm. I think that one of the scariest things about him is that people like him are really out there. I loved both Sam and Michael. Their relationship is complex and moving. I hope that they appear in future novels because I would definitely follow their stories. Tessa broke my heart. I just wanted to hug her and tell her that things would get better. I really wanted things to turn out all right for her. You'll have to read the book to find out if they do. This is a book that will haunt me for a long time to come. If you are looking for a phenomenal story grab this fast paced and horrifying 5 star read.
August 25, 2015
Wow! That was just brilliant!
Every single chapter straight from the very beginning had me gripped. I'm exhausted today because I stayed up late last night reading because I just didn't want to put it down.
I would go as far as to say this is probably the best book I've read so far this year. Absolutely loved it.
Every single chapter straight from the very beginning had me gripped. I'm exhausted today because I stayed up late last night reading because I just didn't want to put it down.
I would go as far as to say this is probably the best book I've read so far this year. Absolutely loved it.
October 1, 2016
I received this for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give this a 4.5.
I went back and forth between four and five stars for this and ultimately it was the impressive quality of writing that pushed me to give it five. Even if I hadn't enjoyed the story, this wouldn't have gone lower than 3.5 for that reason alone. But I did enjoy the story.
Story: Engaging and fast paced, I didn't have any serious issues with the plot or the development of the characters. I fully hated Masterson, my heart bled for Tessa, and I even appreciated Michael despite being a sometimes prickly fourteen year old boy. I liked that Sam was a strong, smart, and capable detective. It was nice to have a strong, but believable female character, even if she was closed off and made a couple of questionable choices. I will mention that I wasn't anticipating so much police procedural stuff, but I think that was more my bad than anything else. Should have done my research. I also wish there wasn't so much... gross fluids? Not just the gore, which I anticipate with a story like this, but a lot of my discomfort came from mentions of defecation and urine and other bodily fluids. I don't really care to read about it, though I appreciate that there wasn't a lot of really uncomfortable sex stuff.
Writing: Smooth and streamlined, I appreciated that the story included the things that helped move the story along and not the other stuff. I wasn't left feeling like I was being dragged through the story, bored and unwilling. The writing is excellent and it will bring me back, even if this isn't normally the type if story I read.
I'm glad I read this book and I'm glad I took my time with it, because it definitely left me feeling a little uncomfortable.
All in all, this was a detective story with an element of the supernatural. Fast paced with a bit of mystery, it was a good read - and one I wouldn't recommend to those who aren't fans of detective stories l, gore, or sensitive subject matter.
I give this a 4.5.
I went back and forth between four and five stars for this and ultimately it was the impressive quality of writing that pushed me to give it five. Even if I hadn't enjoyed the story, this wouldn't have gone lower than 3.5 for that reason alone. But I did enjoy the story.
Story: Engaging and fast paced, I didn't have any serious issues with the plot or the development of the characters. I fully hated Masterson, my heart bled for Tessa, and I even appreciated Michael despite being a sometimes prickly fourteen year old boy. I liked that Sam was a strong, smart, and capable detective. It was nice to have a strong, but believable female character, even if she was closed off and made a couple of questionable choices. I will mention that I wasn't anticipating so much police procedural stuff, but I think that was more my bad than anything else. Should have done my research. I also wish there wasn't so much... gross fluids? Not just the gore, which I anticipate with a story like this, but a lot of my discomfort came from mentions of defecation and urine and other bodily fluids. I don't really care to read about it, though I appreciate that there wasn't a lot of really uncomfortable sex stuff.
Writing: Smooth and streamlined, I appreciated that the story included the things that helped move the story along and not the other stuff. I wasn't left feeling like I was being dragged through the story, bored and unwilling. The writing is excellent and it will bring me back, even if this isn't normally the type if story I read.
I'm glad I read this book and I'm glad I took my time with it, because it definitely left me feeling a little uncomfortable.
All in all, this was a detective story with an element of the supernatural. Fast paced with a bit of mystery, it was a good read - and one I wouldn't recommend to those who aren't fans of detective stories l, gore, or sensitive subject matter.
September 3, 2015
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Samantha “Sam” Reilly has taken a special interest in Michael Turcotte for 11 years, ever since she investigated the murder-suicide of his parents when he was three and he was found at the scene. In the topsy turvy revolving door of foster families, Sam is the one constant in his life. He counts on her to always tell him the truth and she tries to help him whenever she can. When some school bullies trigger an ability to see how people will die, no one believes him. Not even Sam. However, when his vision comes true, Sam reassesses the situation and enlists his help to see if it was a one off or something that’s here to stay. In the meantime, when desperate classmate Tessa Masterson asks Michael to look into her future he’s shocked by what he sees. He has no idea that one touch will change his, Tessa’s and Sam’s lives. Michael can see how a person dies, but can he change that future?
Holy shit, the feels are strong in this story! Acknowledging that this book is suspense with a paranormal slant is one thing, but knowing that there are people out there that actually do this kind of shit to others wrings the heart to a pulpy mess. Jason Parent tortures us right alongside his characters. The world building is excellent and very real. The characters are so lifelike you just want to wrap them in a warm fuzzy blanket, hug the shit outta them and tell them it’s going to be ok even if it’s obviously a lie. Monsters are real and they aren’t supernatural in this world. The villain of this tale is shudder-worthy. Seriously. Yeeeeee! And while I like Michael and Tessa, I think my favorite character is Sam. The no-nonsense detective who has a soft spot for a toddler she rescued from a bad scene. And the message that Michael provides at the end? It’s something I firmly believe. While this book has very definite closure, I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel in the future.
Detective Samantha “Sam” Reilly has taken a special interest in Michael Turcotte for 11 years, ever since she investigated the murder-suicide of his parents when he was three and he was found at the scene. In the topsy turvy revolving door of foster families, Sam is the one constant in his life. He counts on her to always tell him the truth and she tries to help him whenever she can. When some school bullies trigger an ability to see how people will die, no one believes him. Not even Sam. However, when his vision comes true, Sam reassesses the situation and enlists his help to see if it was a one off or something that’s here to stay. In the meantime, when desperate classmate Tessa Masterson asks Michael to look into her future he’s shocked by what he sees. He has no idea that one touch will change his, Tessa’s and Sam’s lives. Michael can see how a person dies, but can he change that future?
Holy shit, the feels are strong in this story! Acknowledging that this book is suspense with a paranormal slant is one thing, but knowing that there are people out there that actually do this kind of shit to others wrings the heart to a pulpy mess. Jason Parent tortures us right alongside his characters. The world building is excellent and very real. The characters are so lifelike you just want to wrap them in a warm fuzzy blanket, hug the shit outta them and tell them it’s going to be ok even if it’s obviously a lie. Monsters are real and they aren’t supernatural in this world. The villain of this tale is shudder-worthy. Seriously. Yeeeeee! And while I like Michael and Tessa, I think my favorite character is Sam. The no-nonsense detective who has a soft spot for a toddler she rescued from a bad scene. And the message that Michael provides at the end? It’s something I firmly believe. While this book has very definite closure, I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel in the future.
November 6, 2015
So, I have decided to make a return visit to Fall River. This time around, Samantha Reilly has a new case to solve that has come from a most unusual source. Following an exceptionally tragic event as a young child, Michael Turcotte has had a very difficult life. When he has a horrific vision, he tries to get Sam’s help to prevent the violence that he is convinced will come.
Jason Parent really knows how to kick a story off in high gear. He introduces us to Michael as a small child, setting the stage for the young man that he will become. When we next meet Michael, he is in one of the most terrifying places on earth, a high school, boys’ bathroom. The events that follow bring to the forefront some real life events that no one should ever have to face.
Michael has a gift, which is also a curse. As a reader, I felt his frustration and anguish; Michael is what I want in a hero, a tortured soul who just wants to do what is right, and he must overcome his own weaknesses to accomplish his goal.
The dynamic between Michael and Sam is very well done. These two individuals have been brought together under very dark circumstances, but they bring some light to each other’s life. Sam brings security and stability to Michael’s life, and Michael gives Sam a reason to continue to battle her own demons.
Seeing Evil is a great story that will keep the reader flipping pages until the end.
Jason Parent really knows how to kick a story off in high gear. He introduces us to Michael as a small child, setting the stage for the young man that he will become. When we next meet Michael, he is in one of the most terrifying places on earth, a high school, boys’ bathroom. The events that follow bring to the forefront some real life events that no one should ever have to face.
Michael has a gift, which is also a curse. As a reader, I felt his frustration and anguish; Michael is what I want in a hero, a tortured soul who just wants to do what is right, and he must overcome his own weaknesses to accomplish his goal.
The dynamic between Michael and Sam is very well done. These two individuals have been brought together under very dark circumstances, but they bring some light to each other’s life. Sam brings security and stability to Michael’s life, and Michael gives Sam a reason to continue to battle her own demons.
Seeing Evil is a great story that will keep the reader flipping pages until the end.
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