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QUAGMIRE
Would you protect your brother if he committed a murder? What if the person your brother murdered was related to your spouse? In his trademark style, Bestselling Author, Brian W. Smith has penned a mind blowing novel that will have readers questioning whether marriage vows trump a sibling bond. The suspense is capped off by a mind blowing surprise ending.
- GenresSuspense
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2015
21 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 29, 2017
Brian W. Smith is such a awesome writer. I did not expect the twist and turns that this book took. Because of my personal life I could not finish reading for the outcome. Two brothers looking out for one another after living in a abusive household. Mother always told them to take care of each other. So they did until the eldest brother committed the ultimate act. Feeling as if his brother owed him something because he gave up a sport scholarship, what comes back around is the ultimate. Given a choice between family and your spouse, not sure if men could live up to this quagmire. Shall finish reading at a later date for all the suspenseful twists.
September 25, 2017
It was like buying set of ginsu knives on late tv :). The cover said someone was gonna have to decide to be loyal to family member in this murder mystery. BUT, WAIT, if we add another knife, how much would you pay. I would pay more !! GREAT READ !!
November 3, 2015
Title: Quagmire
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Quagmire" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts.....
All I can say say wow...what a well written intriguing story that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seating with all the suspense, twist and turns and drama of this plotted read. The characters from Rosie, Eric, Ivy, Nick, Carl, Connie and a few others ....will keep you reading to see what will be coming next The reader will find all being so well developed, defined, portrayed, realistic and oh so believable giving you one read that will leave you shaking your head had saying wow...what a story this author has given the readers. Wife. husband,sister, sister, brother brother...what a situation that these people find themselves in and in the end...well it all comes out will there be a showing the 'thin line between love and hate' as one will see from the read how this author shacks it all up especially between the two brothers! This novel is one to definitely check out if you are up to a suspenseful read with some dark secrets because when it's all said and done ...well this is where I say you must pick this one up and read it for yourself to see how well this author presents it to the reader. I just wished it had an epilogue because I wish there had been more about Rose and Eric in how things turned out for them after all was said and done.
Author: Brian W. Smith
Publisher: B.W.S.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Quagmire" by Brian W. Smith
My Thoughts.....
All I can say say wow...what a well written intriguing story that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seating with all the suspense, twist and turns and drama of this plotted read. The characters from Rosie, Eric, Ivy, Nick, Carl, Connie and a few others ....will keep you reading to see what will be coming next The reader will find all being so well developed, defined, portrayed, realistic and oh so believable giving you one read that will leave you shaking your head had saying wow...what a story this author has given the readers. Wife. husband,sister, sister, brother brother...what a situation that these people find themselves in and in the end...well it all comes out will there be a showing the 'thin line between love and hate' as one will see from the read how this author shacks it all up especially between the two brothers! This novel is one to definitely check out if you are up to a suspenseful read with some dark secrets because when it's all said and done ...well this is where I say you must pick this one up and read it for yourself to see how well this author presents it to the reader. I just wished it had an epilogue because I wish there had been more about Rose and Eric in how things turned out for them after all was said and done.
August 23, 2015
Brian W. Smith has done it again. If you are looking for a great page turner this book is for you. What would you do if your sibling murdered your sister-in-law? That's a tough decision. Brian does a great job with this story and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to his next book.
September 22, 2015
This was an excellent and unpredictable book. Every time I thought I knew where Brian W Smith was going with the story, he threw in another twist. I was stuck in my own emotions unsure what I would do and what was morally right. It has been awhile since I had had the time to read a book in a matter of hours. Two pages in, I was hooked.
December 31, 2015
Classic book! Well written!
I loved this book. I thought it was fantastic. Very well written. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Smith. It was complete twist at the end. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but you will definitely enjoy this.
It's a good change of pace from the love stories & street fiction
I loved this book. I thought it was fantastic. Very well written. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Smith. It was complete twist at the end. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone but you will definitely enjoy this.
It's a good change of pace from the love stories & street fiction
February 24, 2016
Oooowweeee! You have got to add this book to your 2016 TBR list!! Quagmire was SOO good. I couldn't put it down! Quagmire means(yay I had to look it up)
"a situation where extraction is difficult". That gives you a little idea what this book could be about. Wow!!
"a situation where extraction is difficult". That gives you a little idea what this book could be about. Wow!!
April 24, 2016
Great book
Excellent book, the twist was great as usual for Brian's books, I would recommend it for any book club or individual
Excellent book, the twist was great as usual for Brian's books, I would recommend it for any book club or individual
Read
November 8, 2016Great read. It keep me wondering!
February 6, 2017
Storyline very well written. Good suspenseful read that kept me guessing & in awe til the end. While the brothers actions threw me for a loop, the ending was also surprising. Great story!
August 1, 2020
Jaw dropping
This book was so hard for me to read. The suspense was killing me to the point of being choked up and I had to keep putting it down. I realized that I was actually rooting for the brothers' deceit to save them and that's why the twists and turns were so hard.
In all my wildest imaginations, this was not how I expected the ending to go. Oh, the deceit and betrayal to have a brother turn on you like that. I was absolutely floored. I mean, jaw dropping, wanting to throw my kindle, no way in heck did this happen. But excellent execution. It made the book, along with karma.
I'm on a Brian W Smith binge and all of his books that I read so far have one thing in a common - a crazy situation with a what would you do theme. But they're all unique and his writing style, analogies, witticisms are so refreshing and insightful. The plots are well thought out and come with twists I couldn't imagine. This book had a few editing issues (really surprising), which is the only reason I didn't rate 5 stars.
Highly recommended.
This book was so hard for me to read. The suspense was killing me to the point of being choked up and I had to keep putting it down. I realized that I was actually rooting for the brothers' deceit to save them and that's why the twists and turns were so hard.
In all my wildest imaginations, this was not how I expected the ending to go. Oh, the deceit and betrayal to have a brother turn on you like that. I was absolutely floored. I mean, jaw dropping, wanting to throw my kindle, no way in heck did this happen. But excellent execution. It made the book, along with karma.
I'm on a Brian W Smith binge and all of his books that I read so far have one thing in a common - a crazy situation with a what would you do theme. But they're all unique and his writing style, analogies, witticisms are so refreshing and insightful. The plots are well thought out and come with twists I couldn't imagine. This book had a few editing issues (really surprising), which is the only reason I didn't rate 5 stars.
Highly recommended.
August 20, 2017
This was my first read by Brian but definitely not my last. Nicholas and Eric Braxton are brothers with a sordid past. They have each been carrying a deadly secret that affected both of their lives in every way. Nick sacrificed his life and his future for that secret and now he has one of his own and it's Eric's turn to pay him back...no matter the cost. What would you do if your spouse's sibling is murdered and you know the killer? Who would you have more loyalty to? In this book we see how it all transpires between Eric, Nick, Rose, and Rose's twin sister Ivy. This was a very different read.....a murder suspense tale. Everytime you think you have the storyline figured out, Brian threw in another twist. I only gave 4 stars because there were a few spelling errors but other than that.....this was a great fast paced weekend read.
February 27, 2024
"Am I my brother's keeper?" Quagmire is a gripping tale of suspense and drama that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The dynamic between the main characters, brothers Nick and Carl, is complex and intriguing, and the twists of the plot will leave you breathless. As you read, you will see how the author explores the thin line between love and hate, especially between the two brothers. If you enjoy dark secrets and suspenseful reads, this novel is a must-read, as the author masterfully presents a story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
June 22, 2017
Family can be your worst enemy.
This was first time reading a book by this author and it will not be my last. There were times I was liking they are getting on my nerves do they not watch any crime shows? Heck Eric was a lawyer and he should have known better. I enjoyed all the plots and twists in this book. I look forward to reading mor by this author.
This was first time reading a book by this author and it will not be my last. There were times I was liking they are getting on my nerves do they not watch any crime shows? Heck Eric was a lawyer and he should have known better. I enjoyed all the plots and twists in this book. I look forward to reading mor by this author.
June 25, 2017
A very good read!
Eric and Nick lived a rough childhood and Nick had the chance to get out. He kept a secret. Fifteen years pass and Eric is living the life Nick thinks he should have. Nick does something that requires Eric to keep a secret from his own wife. What would you do? Who are you loyal to first your spouse or your sibling? A very good read!
Eric and Nick lived a rough childhood and Nick had the chance to get out. He kept a secret. Fifteen years pass and Eric is living the life Nick thinks he should have. Nick does something that requires Eric to keep a secret from his own wife. What would you do? Who are you loyal to first your spouse or your sibling? A very good read!
May 27, 2019
Plots and thoughts
Brian W. Smith has a knack for great plots and lots of twists and turns before you get to be end of the story. This was a great thought provoking read that surely would be a huge read for book clubs.
Brian W. Smith has a knack for great plots and lots of twists and turns before you get to be end of the story. This was a great thought provoking read that surely would be a huge read for book clubs.
September 21, 2020
Nick was really bitter of his brother! I think they should have told how the father was beating Eric and it would have been a different outcome! Remember, Eric said his wife was very keen and didn’t let too much get passed her!
October 4, 2020
Siblings
I couldn't put this book down. I was so tempted to jump straight to the end to see how it played out but I held strong and just kept reading through to the end. Haven't read a book by BWS that I haven't enjoyed.
I couldn't put this book down. I was so tempted to jump straight to the end to see how it played out but I held strong and just kept reading through to the end. Haven't read a book by BWS that I haven't enjoyed.
April 17, 2022
Great Read
What an ethical and moral dilemma! That was a tough spot for Eric to be in. Nick had it coming. I felt Rose’s pain every step of the way. 4 stars because the grammatical errors made it hard to read at times. But it was a great storyline, plot, climax, character development, etc. I highly recommend this read.
What an ethical and moral dilemma! That was a tough spot for Eric to be in. Nick had it coming. I felt Rose’s pain every step of the way. 4 stars because the grammatical errors made it hard to read at times. But it was a great storyline, plot, climax, character development, etc. I highly recommend this read.
May 7, 2025
the plot thicken
Good plot and twist. I really enjoyed reading this book. The details are very visible as if I could see each character and the events surrounding them. This is a must read.
Good plot and twist. I really enjoyed reading this book. The details are very visible as if I could see each character and the events surrounding them. This is a must read.
July 12, 2021
Read 7/12/2021.
September 4, 2021
Where does your loyalty lie?
As always another great book that keeps you going because you want to know how it ends. To me this book was a story of loyalty.
As always another great book that keeps you going because you want to know how it ends. To me this book was a story of loyalty.
September 1, 2017
Whether you like the story telling or agree with the topic, this author ALWAYS writes on a topic that makes you question yourself and your moral issues. Having a sibling hold you emotional hostage because of a childhood incident can lead you to make bad decisions, but I still question whether I would have placed my livelihood in jeopardy for my sibling as an adult. In this story the older brother that sacrificed his personal goals of being a collegiate athlete to protect his younger brother from a bad childhood asks for a very large sacrifice as the two face a similar crisis as adults. As the younger brother, I can understand the allegiance that he feels to return the favor, but I can't help but wonder what the outcome would have been with a different decision made by him. Do you continue to feel that you should pay back your older brother or do you protect your wife and unborn child? Thanks to the author for bringing to light the difficulty of choosing blood or spouse...#thingsthatmakeyougohmmm
8-31-17
Would you give up your collegiate dreams to care for a younger sibling when both parents are dead? Eric gets a chance to repay Nick for making sure that he had clothes, food, a roof over his head and an education when they were younger. But the resentment that Nick felt all those years ago surfaces when the two are put in a quandary after the grim reaper visits the family once again.
Always a joy to read the surprise endings from this author.
8-31-17
Would you give up your collegiate dreams to care for a younger sibling when both parents are dead? Eric gets a chance to repay Nick for making sure that he had clothes, food, a roof over his head and an education when they were younger. But the resentment that Nick felt all those years ago surfaces when the two are put in a quandary after the grim reaper visits the family once again.
Always a joy to read the surprise endings from this author.
September 16, 2015
I would like to say that I love this author and thought this was a 5 star novel for sure but being the editor that I am I found grammatical errors throughout and so I could not give a 5 star rating but a 4.5 is what I would say if I could add 1/2 to the 4 star rating. The book is very well written with regards to the plot, etc. The characters are well developed and I really enjoyed reading it. It usually only takes me several hours to read a novel this size but it took me a little longer for some reason. I loved the twists and how Brian always shakes it up when writing. You will think you know what's about to happen and he will quickly flip the script! I felt like Nick was a manipulator and really did a head job on Eric. I thought Ivy placed herself in the predicament she found her self in that ultimately lead to her death and poor Rose, what a heavy weight to carry being the twin being pregnant and feeling as the twin that something terrible had happened to her twin. What a twist the story took. Poor Connie all for loving a man!!!! I truly enjoyed this book and at the end I was like WOW! Great job Brian W. Smith, keep writing, I'll keep reading!
January 22, 2016
While reading “Quagmire” by Author Brian W. Smith, I found my heart racing, head pounding and questioning if I even understood the meaning of loyalty, before reading this book.
Brian W. Smith, skillfully and seductively grabs the reader and holds them captive from the Prologue to the very last. The rhythm and sway of this Author’s literary voice, catches your attention and you have no choice but to complete reading the story.
Siblings, Nicholas and Eric Braxton, find themselves at ages 18 & 14, respectively, thrown full mind, body and soul, into an imaginable situation that would test the sanity, love and loyalty of anyone. Dealing with the recent death of their Mother, whom they loved and honored and the abusive, substance abusing Father, whom they fear and hate, on this day, the boys come to a crossroad that will alter both of their lives, drastically.
“Quagmire” chronicles the Journey of these young men and the unbelievable twist and turns that I did not see coming. The decision made that dreadful day, as teenagers, has colored and impacted the lives of these men, and the women who love them, in ways you will not believe. (Jamesina)
Brian W. Smith, skillfully and seductively grabs the reader and holds them captive from the Prologue to the very last. The rhythm and sway of this Author’s literary voice, catches your attention and you have no choice but to complete reading the story.
Siblings, Nicholas and Eric Braxton, find themselves at ages 18 & 14, respectively, thrown full mind, body and soul, into an imaginable situation that would test the sanity, love and loyalty of anyone. Dealing with the recent death of their Mother, whom they loved and honored and the abusive, substance abusing Father, whom they fear and hate, on this day, the boys come to a crossroad that will alter both of their lives, drastically.
“Quagmire” chronicles the Journey of these young men and the unbelievable twist and turns that I did not see coming. The decision made that dreadful day, as teenagers, has colored and impacted the lives of these men, and the women who love them, in ways you will not believe. (Jamesina)
June 17, 2016
Nicholas and Eric Braxton are brothers who had a hard time growing up, due to their abusive, alcoholic father. The one bright spot in their lives was their mother. She always told them to "take care of each other." That is exactly what Nicholas does after their father's death. He forsakes a full athletic scholarship at the University of Texas, to take care of his younger brother. Their father's death binds them even closer than blood. Nicholas' life takes a downward spiral with one misstep after another; as Eric's path as an attorney and husband ascends. Through it all, Eric stands by his brother and helps Nicholas where he can. Nicholas makes the biggest mistake in his life, he comes to Eric once again, asking for help. Eric must chose his brother or his wife.
October 10, 2016
Quagmire is another excellent novel by Brian W. Smith, written with his signature twist delightfully inserted into the plot. As I've come to expect with works from this author, the multi-dimensional characters, scenarios, and unexpected plot twists make for an incredibly enjoyable story. His ability to take a seemingly transparent story and add layers upon layers upon more layers to make you ask yourself "What would I do if I were in this situation?" and then have you picking your jaw up at the end.
This was a quick read and I look forward to Glass Houses up next.
This was a quick read and I look forward to Glass Houses up next.
January 18, 2016
If you’ve never read anything by Brian W. Smith, I recommend purchasing his latest selection Quagmire…NOW!! Brian W. Smith has the ability to make you understand that “real things” happen to “real people” and everything isn’t always black or white. This work of fiction sparked a very spirited and lengthy debate amongst our book club members. You never know when you will find yourself in a sticky situation, with your back against the wall and when it does… who will your loyalty side with – your spouse or your sibling? What would you do? Just how far will you go?
February 3, 2017
I fell in love with Brian W. Smith's writing after reading If These Trees Could Talk and Hoarder.
Wow, wow,wow.....Quagmire is a great story full of intrigue,suspense and twists and turns. I felt like I was on a literary roller coaster, every time I thought I had it figured out there was another turn! Mr. Smith developed the characters in such a believable way as he tells the story of two brothers and two sisters that was many times dark with the secrets that wove their lives together. It makes one truly question the "ties that bind".
Wow, wow,wow.....Quagmire is a great story full of intrigue,suspense and twists and turns. I felt like I was on a literary roller coaster, every time I thought I had it figured out there was another turn! Mr. Smith developed the characters in such a believable way as he tells the story of two brothers and two sisters that was many times dark with the secrets that wove their lives together. It makes one truly question the "ties that bind".
October 19, 2015
All I can say is DAMN!!! OMG...isn't strong enough to describe the affects this book had on me. To say I was engulfed, entranced, entertained, while reading this wonderful tale of intrigue; would definitely be an understatement. Mr. Smith really outdid himself with this one! I am fan, forever. If you looking for a book with more drama than teenage girls, you should read Quagmire. All I'm saying is hold on to your seats because you are in for a wild ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews