What do you think?
Rate this book
Left For Dead
Clair Shaw wakes up in a Seattle hospital, the victim of amnesia, and returns to a life and a family she is unfamiliar with on an isolated island where she is surrounded by a dark evil that feeds on her fear. Original.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
187 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 16, 2019
Kevin O'Brien is one of the authors who have been on my radar for years. Every time I get a mail that one of his books is on special and I click the link, the message appears "Not Available in your Country" (and fuck you very much, too). It has gotten so bad that I have all but given up on trying - if only I wasn't such a stubborn ass sometimes.
So, the other day, I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked on the link and didn't get the proverbial middle finger - it was actually available at the advertised special price. Woo-hoo!
I didn't read the blurb and I didn't read any reviews. I just bought it and decided to go into it blind.
In LEFT FOR DEAD, the serial killer is called "Rembrandt" because he makes up the victims' faces before he kills them and puts a plastic bag over their faces to preserve his 'work' until they are found. When Claire Shaw gets discovered in a dump, barely clinging to life, she is lucky enough to survive. But she can't remember anything about what had happened or how she got there.
Upon her release from hospital, she goes back to Deception Island with her husband and best friend, but she doesn't trust them or the stories they tell her, including that her son has run away. Will Rembrandt come to finish what he started?
Is Claire paranoid or is there some conspiracy the people closest to her are trying to hide?
Can she trust anybody?
Okay, the writing was good - this author knows how to build tension.
However, there were some cliche's that really got under my skin. And the worst possible thing happened in this whodunnit - I figured it out at around 60%.
So - before I place a SPOILER tag on it, the book was good but not great. The writing was well enough that I will give this author another go in the future, but I was disappointed with this particular book.
When it comes to a whodunnit, I will ALWAYS try to figure it out, and I NEVER want to be right. Here's some things I look at (and I'm going to call SPOILER on this part because I figured out this one, so if you read any further, don't expect to be surprised in this book.):
The most likely suspect is almost never the guilty party - why read 400+ pages when you know how to get from A to B?
The one person you don't suspect will most likely be the killer - it will be someone likable, but who always pops up, who doesn't seem to have anything invested in the killing, yet always helps with the investigation. Someone you will either dismiss or not believe capable of the crime. Always be wary of helpful individuals.
Some cliche's:
Is it the cop, the doctor or the priest?
Why must the police captain always be against the hero cop of the story?
Why - for fuck's sake, really fucking why - does there have to be romantic feelings between the cop and the heroine???
I hope the next one will be better...
So, the other day, I was pleasantly surprised when I clicked on the link and didn't get the proverbial middle finger - it was actually available at the advertised special price. Woo-hoo!
I didn't read the blurb and I didn't read any reviews. I just bought it and decided to go into it blind.
In LEFT FOR DEAD, the serial killer is called "Rembrandt" because he makes up the victims' faces before he kills them and puts a plastic bag over their faces to preserve his 'work' until they are found. When Claire Shaw gets discovered in a dump, barely clinging to life, she is lucky enough to survive. But she can't remember anything about what had happened or how she got there.
Upon her release from hospital, she goes back to Deception Island with her husband and best friend, but she doesn't trust them or the stories they tell her, including that her son has run away. Will Rembrandt come to finish what he started?
Is Claire paranoid or is there some conspiracy the people closest to her are trying to hide?
Can she trust anybody?
Okay, the writing was good - this author knows how to build tension.
However, there were some cliche's that really got under my skin. And the worst possible thing happened in this whodunnit - I figured it out at around 60%.
So - before I place a SPOILER tag on it, the book was good but not great. The writing was well enough that I will give this author another go in the future, but I was disappointed with this particular book.
When it comes to a whodunnit, I will ALWAYS try to figure it out, and I NEVER want to be right. Here's some things I look at (and I'm going to call SPOILER on this part because I figured out this one, so if you read any further, don't expect to be surprised in this book.):
The most likely suspect is almost never the guilty party - why read 400+ pages when you know how to get from A to B?
The one person you don't suspect will most likely be the killer - it will be someone likable, but who always pops up, who doesn't seem to have anything invested in the killing, yet always helps with the investigation. Someone you will either dismiss or not believe capable of the crime. Always be wary of helpful individuals.
Some cliche's:
Is it the cop, the doctor or the priest?
Why must the police captain always be against the hero cop of the story?
Why - for fuck's sake, really fucking why - does there have to be romantic feelings between the cop and the heroine???
I hope the next one will be better...
February 26, 2025
Somebody pass me the damn popcorn. This was so much fun. Fifteen books into his bibliography, O’Brien has yet to let me down, but I think this was my favorite.
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
February 5, 2017
I think Kevin O'Brien is going to be my new favourite thriller writer while I wait for some of my other favourites to write faster! "A serial killer thriller" - I've seen those words appended to a number of titles recently, not often deservedly. For this book, however, that description could not be more apt.
Claire Shaw was the one that got away. Left for dead by the serial killer dubbed Rembrandt by the media, she was found dumped at a rubbish tip, garishly made up and with a plastic bag over her head in just the nick of time. She has lost her memory and must rely on her husband and best friend for information. But something about both of them just doesn't ring true. I can hear you thinking - oh no, not another book about amnesia. Never fear, its not the main theme and Claire's memory starts to come back reasonably quickly.
After she recovers from her ordeal Harlan, her husband, takes her back to the island of Deception where they live. But he and her friend Linda monitor her very closely. Its quite creepy how they hover over her. Two policemen are also despatched to Deception in case Rembrandt tries to finish the job on Claire.
Claire feels she is being watched and followed. And so does Tim Sullivan, one of the cops who is trying to do is job while the other guy swans around pointlessly. But on the mainland Rembrandt has taken more victims. Are there two killers on the loose? And what are her husband and friend keeping from her?
This book winds you up as tight as a spring as the mystery deepens and the danger to Claire becomes extreme. It seems like half the island is in on some weird plot and Claire doesn't know where to turn or who to trust. Very suspenseful and enjoyable.
Claire Shaw was the one that got away. Left for dead by the serial killer dubbed Rembrandt by the media, she was found dumped at a rubbish tip, garishly made up and with a plastic bag over her head in just the nick of time. She has lost her memory and must rely on her husband and best friend for information. But something about both of them just doesn't ring true. I can hear you thinking - oh no, not another book about amnesia. Never fear, its not the main theme and Claire's memory starts to come back reasonably quickly.
After she recovers from her ordeal Harlan, her husband, takes her back to the island of Deception where they live. But he and her friend Linda monitor her very closely. Its quite creepy how they hover over her. Two policemen are also despatched to Deception in case Rembrandt tries to finish the job on Claire.
Claire feels she is being watched and followed. And so does Tim Sullivan, one of the cops who is trying to do is job while the other guy swans around pointlessly. But on the mainland Rembrandt has taken more victims. Are there two killers on the loose? And what are her husband and friend keeping from her?
This book winds you up as tight as a spring as the mystery deepens and the danger to Claire becomes extreme. It seems like half the island is in on some weird plot and Claire doesn't know where to turn or who to trust. Very suspenseful and enjoyable.
March 28, 2022
Good start devolves into a Lifetime movie. A bad Lifetime movie. Drek.
September 11, 2011
Every now and then, I manage to find a book that is so incredible in so many ways that it changes my life forever. Left For Dead is not that kind of novel (sorry for
the deception) but it is the kind of novel to make me want to track down all of the author's other work and read it as soon as possible. For me, finding a new author is
a bit like finding a twenty dollar bill sticking out of a trashcan full of 100 dollar bills so, naturally, I try to share my experience with everyone else, even if I
don't find it important to share the money. Left For Dead is a solid four-star mystery/thriller. Usually, I compare novels like this to Silence of the Lambs by Thomas
Harris. I know that this is a bad comparison but, after you read a bunch of books like this, they start to have a similar feel to them. What I am trying to say though
is that Left For Dead is different than most mystery/thrillers, at least for me it was. It does the job of the mystery quite well by which I mean that it dumps a bunch
of questions on you, lets you atempt to figure out the answers, and provides them all as late in the novel as possible, making all of your guesses look like those of a
three-year-old in the process. Like always, I never describe plots in my reviews because it is right there for you and most plot descriptions give away far too much,
however, I will give you one thing to think about. Most of the novel takes place on Deception Island. What's this, Watson? Is it one of them cluey thingeys?
Ellementary, my dear Watson. Ella Umbrella Helen Kellamentery! Or so you might think...
Anyway, give Kevin O'Brien a try. I am very glad that I did. Even my mom, who never, ever reads, is half way through this one and is loving it. She recommended it to
me, after all.
the deception) but it is the kind of novel to make me want to track down all of the author's other work and read it as soon as possible. For me, finding a new author is
a bit like finding a twenty dollar bill sticking out of a trashcan full of 100 dollar bills so, naturally, I try to share my experience with everyone else, even if I
don't find it important to share the money. Left For Dead is a solid four-star mystery/thriller. Usually, I compare novels like this to Silence of the Lambs by Thomas
Harris. I know that this is a bad comparison but, after you read a bunch of books like this, they start to have a similar feel to them. What I am trying to say though
is that Left For Dead is different than most mystery/thrillers, at least for me it was. It does the job of the mystery quite well by which I mean that it dumps a bunch
of questions on you, lets you atempt to figure out the answers, and provides them all as late in the novel as possible, making all of your guesses look like those of a
three-year-old in the process. Like always, I never describe plots in my reviews because it is right there for you and most plot descriptions give away far too much,
however, I will give you one thing to think about. Most of the novel takes place on Deception Island. What's this, Watson? Is it one of them cluey thingeys?
Ellementary, my dear Watson. Ella Umbrella Helen Kellamentery! Or so you might think...
Anyway, give Kevin O'Brien a try. I am very glad that I did. Even my mom, who never, ever reads, is half way through this one and is loving it. She recommended it to
me, after all.
May 21, 2017
Never read Kevin O'Brien before. Was a very good read, will be looking for more of his books.
August 12, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. The last book of O'Brien's I read was also enjoyable, but halfway through, it became a bit predictable. Not so with this one.
Toward the end, I literally screamed at the book to give up the information I so desperately wanted. I didn't have to wait long, thank goodness.
There were a lot of plot elements the converged on the main plot of the token serial killer and a nameless victim. That's what made the book so interesting. You could only guess at who was what and what was really going on... right up until the last couple chapters.
I have to say, I actually had to read the last page multiple times; I'm still unsure whether it was a prelude to something more.
I only know that I'll be reading more of Kevin O'Brien!
Toward the end, I literally screamed at the book to give up the information I so desperately wanted. I didn't have to wait long, thank goodness.
There were a lot of plot elements the converged on the main plot of the token serial killer and a nameless victim. That's what made the book so interesting. You could only guess at who was what and what was really going on... right up until the last couple chapters.
I have to say, I actually had to read the last page multiple times; I'm still unsure whether it was a prelude to something more.
I only know that I'll be reading more of Kevin O'Brien!
November 6, 2025
this novel took some effort for me to get through. It was too much of everything that reduced it to almost nothing. Much of the dialogue was artificial sounding, and the plot was plugged full of unnecessary murders.
August 24, 2014
I was fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on how you look at things) to discover Kevin O'Brien early this year when I picked up "Tell Me You're Sorry". That book was a total lesson in how an author should craft suspense, plot twists, interweaving story lines, and overall write a great novel. I flew that one, and there's little doubt that "Tell Me You're Sorry" will go down as one of my favorite books of 2014. Because of that one book, and the time I enjoyed with it, O'Brien has also been added to my list of favorite authors, and it's little surprise that I've been going back through his works and trying to read everything he has published.
This, however, can create a problem: consciously (and even unconsciously) comparing past novels with previous ones. It's a fact that most authors get better with each consecutive book (although we will scratch Koontz, Patterson, and Cussler off this list, as we know they've regressed lately), so when you go backwards, there's always a standard to hold past stories to, and not the other way around. I felt this way when I first picked up "Left For Dead". The book is 10 years old now, which makes for a fairly old novel. There was worry that it would fall flat compared to newer novels. That the basic plot wouldn't be as hashed out, or as complete as say "Unspeakable". I was concerned that even though O'Brien has not let me down after 4 books, "Left For Dead" would be a disappointment.
Thankfully, I can say, now that I have finished it, all those worries and concerns I felt for this book, were unfounded and totally unnecessary. True to form, "Left For Dead", is typical O'Brien, in which I mean that it's captivating and impossible to put down once it gets moving. I guess you could compare it to a literary avalanche; it starts of kind of slow, but with each successive page, it moves, quicker and quicker, until it's devouring everything in its path, and in this case, that path was my time and my hours of sleep I eschewed every night. Seriously, I found myself staying up much too late while reading this book, because I couldn't ever seem to find a decent place to stop. And once I did finally get to a chapter break, I laid awake for some time, trying to piece together the little clues and Easter eggs O'Brien had left, in an effort to try and figure out who "Rembrandt" was and how he would eventually be revealed. I honestly cannot think of many other books (or authors) who have this effect on me.
I will be the first to admit that O'Brien uses almost the exact same formula in every book, but in "Left For Dead", everything works perfectly. The expected twists and turns are placed in exactly the right places and just when you're positive you have things figured out, there's yet another shock, or surprise to make you start guessing all over again. Claire's character is perfect as well. O'Brien really fleshed her out, making her vulnerability and suspicion an excellent addition. Heck, even the setting (on an island this time) was an impeccable choice on the author's part. (Need I mention the island's name is "Deception"? Clever, clever, Mr. O'Brien).
Needless to say, "Left For Dead" (while I just noticed shares the name for a zombie survival video game) is yet another great addition to my O'Brien collection, and, even more so, another reason why his name should me cemented among those of other great authors. To not read this novel would be a real shame, and to leave yourself out of a story that hits every single mystery characteristic. It really should be a model for aspiring (and already famous) thriller/mystery writers. Five stars? This is one of the times Goodreads should give us the option of 10!
This, however, can create a problem: consciously (and even unconsciously) comparing past novels with previous ones. It's a fact that most authors get better with each consecutive book (although we will scratch Koontz, Patterson, and Cussler off this list, as we know they've regressed lately), so when you go backwards, there's always a standard to hold past stories to, and not the other way around. I felt this way when I first picked up "Left For Dead". The book is 10 years old now, which makes for a fairly old novel. There was worry that it would fall flat compared to newer novels. That the basic plot wouldn't be as hashed out, or as complete as say "Unspeakable". I was concerned that even though O'Brien has not let me down after 4 books, "Left For Dead" would be a disappointment.
Thankfully, I can say, now that I have finished it, all those worries and concerns I felt for this book, were unfounded and totally unnecessary. True to form, "Left For Dead", is typical O'Brien, in which I mean that it's captivating and impossible to put down once it gets moving. I guess you could compare it to a literary avalanche; it starts of kind of slow, but with each successive page, it moves, quicker and quicker, until it's devouring everything in its path, and in this case, that path was my time and my hours of sleep I eschewed every night. Seriously, I found myself staying up much too late while reading this book, because I couldn't ever seem to find a decent place to stop. And once I did finally get to a chapter break, I laid awake for some time, trying to piece together the little clues and Easter eggs O'Brien had left, in an effort to try and figure out who "Rembrandt" was and how he would eventually be revealed. I honestly cannot think of many other books (or authors) who have this effect on me.
I will be the first to admit that O'Brien uses almost the exact same formula in every book, but in "Left For Dead", everything works perfectly. The expected twists and turns are placed in exactly the right places and just when you're positive you have things figured out, there's yet another shock, or surprise to make you start guessing all over again. Claire's character is perfect as well. O'Brien really fleshed her out, making her vulnerability and suspicion an excellent addition. Heck, even the setting (on an island this time) was an impeccable choice on the author's part. (Need I mention the island's name is "Deception"? Clever, clever, Mr. O'Brien).
Needless to say, "Left For Dead" (while I just noticed shares the name for a zombie survival video game) is yet another great addition to my O'Brien collection, and, even more so, another reason why his name should me cemented among those of other great authors. To not read this novel would be a real shame, and to leave yourself out of a story that hits every single mystery characteristic. It really should be a model for aspiring (and already famous) thriller/mystery writers. Five stars? This is one of the times Goodreads should give us the option of 10!
January 20, 2015
In "Left for Dead", Kevin O'Brien does an eerily accurate job describing worst-case retrograde amnesia. His main character, Claire Shaw becomes aware of herself but not remembering anything in a Seattle hospital, the ensuing madness leaves her not knowing who she can trust. Her best friends never leave her side, she discovers the love of her life is dead and a husband she can't remember. Her son is nowhere to be found and her home is on one of the San Juan Islands with a strange, closed community.
Kevin does a great job filling out each character, their strengths, foibles and inner workings. They feel developed and there aren't any one-sided/one-note people in the entire book. He has a strong grasp of the geography in and around the Seattle Metroplex and surrounding area, as well as the `feel' of the city, countryside, although I think the Islands get a fairly bad rap. Although we see the world through Claire's faulty memories, vision and meetings with everyone, we can see and feel how she struggles to put two and two together. In the end, she manages to get four, with the help of a detective from Seattle that is assigned to her case after a bad first meeting in the hospital.
Find out who she should trust and who she should keep at arms length!
Kevin does a great job filling out each character, their strengths, foibles and inner workings. They feel developed and there aren't any one-sided/one-note people in the entire book. He has a strong grasp of the geography in and around the Seattle Metroplex and surrounding area, as well as the `feel' of the city, countryside, although I think the Islands get a fairly bad rap. Although we see the world through Claire's faulty memories, vision and meetings with everyone, we can see and feel how she struggles to put two and two together. In the end, she manages to get four, with the help of a detective from Seattle that is assigned to her case after a bad first meeting in the hospital.
Find out who she should trust and who she should keep at arms length!
June 28, 2011
This latest Kevin O'Brien thriller, LEFT FOR DEAD, flows very nicely. It has a fascinating premise -- the only surviving victim of a serial killer has amnesia. This poses an amazing scenerio. Her life is in grave danger because she is the only person that can identify the killer, but she only remembers things in bits and pieces, and doesn't know who to trust. In theory, this should be a 5-star book, but I seemed to figure out the ending less than halfway through. Many of the clues and paranoid character traits tipped me off. I also found a dozen or more spelling and grammatical error that annoyed me. Nevertheless, it was a wild, suspenseful ride and I definitely recommend this book. On a personal note, I very much appreciated Kevin using my name as one of the characters. It made my day.
September 23, 2018
Three words come to mind in all caps and bold lettering when I reminisce about reading this novel. WHAT A BOOK. Peppered with plot twists and brilliantly crafted scenes of suspense, betrayal and drama – the writer wastes no time in catapulting the reader into a truly thrilling ride. The characters are layered, complex and dangerous which contributed to my mutual feelings of mistrust with Claire Shaw. The words may be fiction but they certainly do not fail to evoke real feelings of tension, anxiety and genuine fear in the reader and that alone is a testament to the author’s brilliant writing. I can guarantee that this would not be a disappointing read in the least and is a definite page turner ! Looking forward to reading more of his work.
June 22, 2015
In Kevin O'Brien's Left for Dead, when Claire Shaw awakened in a Seattle hospital, she didn't recognize the faces from her husband and friends, while she knew she was lucky to be alive and a lone survivor from a serial killer. She understood she was a mistake like the others, and there would be no escape, when her eyes focused on the beautiful, perfect terror. When she returned home to her island home from the mainland, she returned to a life she didn't know anymore, a town that can feel it too, when the evil remained hidden behind its facade. Slowly, Claire's memories return and take shape, when it really feels like home.
June 17, 2014
This was the very first Kevin O'Brien book I ever read. And believe it or not it was an accident that I ran across it. I had just moved to Washington State and wanted to read a book set in that state. And I loved it, which is what got me started on the rest of his books. I will not miss one. Even when I read a review and some people give his books a not so glowing recommendation. I read it anyways, because I have never been disappointed with his books.
November 24, 2017
I just finished this book. I thought it started a bit slow but BAM! About 1/4 the way through it started moving and true to O'Brien's style, I was NOT disappointed. He knows how to write a who-done-it!! just when you think you know what's going on and who the killer is, there is a new twist and then you begin to question your own predictiins. I have now read all of his books and can not wait until he releases another book.
February 17, 2019
The plot was really well-laid out and I was riveted the whole way through. But wow did the main character ever bother me - why did she never stand up for herself? Why did she let everyone push her around and decide what she did when? I always have a tough time reading books where women are doormats. Maybe this is why I usually prefer reading books written by women - their female characters are usually far less pathetic.
August 8, 2008
I really liked this book - there was enough stuff left vague that caused you to think who could the killer actually be but not to a point where you can't follow along with the characters. The characters were decent as far as getting to know them - and the story was good. It almost seemed like a CSI ripped from the headlines story. Definatly worth the read!
September 4, 2015
I have read most of Kevin O'Brien's books, and I think this one is the best of the lot. I was totally captured by the main character's plight, and I did not want to put the book down.
The story line is complicated, and there are a lot of characters to keep up with, but it is well worth the effort.
The story line is complicated, and there are a lot of characters to keep up with, but it is well worth the effort.
August 9, 2015
I LOVE Kevin O'Brien!!!! He never fails to thrill me. I had a suspicion of who the killer might be about half-way through the book, but even though I was right I was still surprised at the other twists that came about. Was thoroughly pleased with the ending of this book. Can't wait to read the next on on my list.
November 18, 2015
Left for Dead Delivers
Kevin O'Brien has done it again. His characters are well constructed, the plot grabs you immediately, and the reader is hooked by the terror of a sadistic serial killer. Amnesia and an almost fatal gunshot at the beginning put you on a rollercoaster ride until the end.
Kevin O'Brien has done it again. His characters are well constructed, the plot grabs you immediately, and the reader is hooked by the terror of a sadistic serial killer. Amnesia and an almost fatal gunshot at the beginning put you on a rollercoaster ride until the end.
June 17, 2019
Too much, and too little
Can't quite define it. Has all the ingredients of a good read but goes on and on at times, characters dawdle with messy direction. Could not relate to any of them on the basis of sympathy or as a hero or heroine. Too much psychological meandering of senseless meaning for this reader.
Can't quite define it. Has all the ingredients of a good read but goes on and on at times, characters dawdle with messy direction. Could not relate to any of them on the basis of sympathy or as a hero or heroine. Too much psychological meandering of senseless meaning for this reader.
January 2, 2011
It really kept me interested. The pace was good and the author would throw in little hints and twists at the right moment to want you to keep reading. Definately some twists that I didn`t expect in there.
May 22, 2013
This book has become one of my all time favorites. It is one that I will read over and over. Filled with suspense, this book is definitely a page turner! I never would've guess the ending!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will continue to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and will continue to.
August 16, 2013
I have been reading as many of I'Brien's books as I can find, and not a single one has disappointed me. This one is filled with twists and turns, some I saw coming and others not. Could not put it down. Grabbed me from the beginning.
October 8, 2013
Great twists and turns for a serial killer book. These types of books are seldom memorable but I was impressed at how I never completely guessed until the very end. A great read for when you just want to escape.
July 4, 2014
As with all his other books, it was fantastic!
January 26, 2014
A thrilling book. Lot's of fun twists and turns.
February 6, 2014
really kept you on your toes
July 15, 2014
I am really enjoying Kevin O'Brien books.
March 1, 2017
Excellent!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews