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A Short Time to Die
In this electrifying thriller, two women from opposite sides of the country find their lives inextricably bound--by blood, by fear, and by a merciless, murderous revenge . . .
Walking home on a foggy night, Marly Shaw stops in the glare of approaching headlights. Two men step out of a pickup truck. One of them is her stepfather. A sudden, desperate chase erupts in gunshots. Both men are left dead. And a terrified girl is on the run--for the rest of her life . . .
Thirteen years later, human bones discovered in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California are linked to a mother and son from Central New York. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Detective Vanessa Alba and her partner, Jack Wong, dive into an investigation that lures them deep into the Finger Lakes. They find a community silenced by the brutal grip of a powerful family bound by a twisted sense of blood and honor, whose dark secrets still haunt the one family member who thought she got away . . .
Walking home on a foggy night, Marly Shaw stops in the glare of approaching headlights. Two men step out of a pickup truck. One of them is her stepfather. A sudden, desperate chase erupts in gunshots. Both men are left dead. And a terrified girl is on the run--for the rest of her life . . .
Thirteen years later, human bones discovered in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California are linked to a mother and son from Central New York. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Detective Vanessa Alba and her partner, Jack Wong, dive into an investigation that lures them deep into the Finger Lakes. They find a community silenced by the brutal grip of a powerful family bound by a twisted sense of blood and honor, whose dark secrets still haunt the one family member who thought she got away . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
182 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
About the author
Susan Alice Bickford
5 books63 followersEdgar nominated author, Susan Alice Bickford, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Central New York, the setting for many of her stories.
Eventually her passion for technology pulled her to Silicon Valley, where she held a wide range of diverse roles and became an executive at a leading technology company.
She is now a full-time author but continues to be fascinated by all things high tech. She is the President-elect of the Sisters in Crime Northern California Chapter and splits her time between Silicon Valley and her family’s home base in Vermont.
Bickford writes thrillers and suspense stories that are deeply embedded in the rural areas of New York State and New England, featuring resourceful female protagonists.
Bickford’s debut novel, A Short Time to Die, was published in 2017 and a was nominated for the 2018 Left Coast Crime Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, Dread of Winter, released in 2019 was nominated for an Edgar. Her short stories have appeared in the anthologies Fish Out of Water and Fishy Business.
Eventually her passion for technology pulled her to Silicon Valley, where she held a wide range of diverse roles and became an executive at a leading technology company.
She is now a full-time author but continues to be fascinated by all things high tech. She is the President-elect of the Sisters in Crime Northern California Chapter and splits her time between Silicon Valley and her family’s home base in Vermont.
Bickford writes thrillers and suspense stories that are deeply embedded in the rural areas of New York State and New England, featuring resourceful female protagonists.
Bickford’s debut novel, A Short Time to Die, was published in 2017 and a was nominated for the 2018 Left Coast Crime Best Debut Novel. Her second novel, Dread of Winter, released in 2019 was nominated for an Edgar. Her short stories have appeared in the anthologies Fish Out of Water and Fishy Business.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 6, 2017
So this one was a little unusual. Unsure as to whether it was for me or not, after a few chapters it had drawn me in and held me for its duration.
Marly Shaw is a teenager in a small town in rural New York. On her way home from a dance, she is chased by her stepfather and his father, Del and Zeke Harris. Part of the Harris family, the family that have ruled and terrorised Charon Springs for as long as people can remember.
The chase ends with the two men dead and Marly terrified for her life as she plans her escape once and for all from Charon Springs.
Fast forward to present day and two bodies are found on the other side of the country in California. Detective Vanessa Alba is put in charge of the investigation, an investigation that leads her to Charon Springs as she tries to dig up the sordid details of the past and figure out who the victims are what happened that ultimately lead to their death.
This book had quite a different tone to it than many Ive read lately. Although it's a police procedural in a way, a genre that I've read plenty of and it uses a familiar vehicle to flesh out the story - the story being told both in the past and in the present, it just feels like you are reading something different. There were few if any"oh my god" or "wow the tension and pace is really ramping up now" moments but had a calmness and patience with itself about telling the story.
I found it a little confusing at first as there is quite a list of characters to come to grips with, especially in the Harris clan and I wasn't sure I wasn't going to be able to keep track but there are subtle reminders of who minor characters are throughout the book without being "this person is the one who earlier....dummy," clunky reminders.
It's a weird one because, it's an average size book but there is loads going on and a lot to get through in the story but it never feels rushed and is always telling it story in its own time. Great credit to the author for that.
The story, once you get to grips with it(I went in totally blind) is really interesting and as it played out I never found my interest waning in any way. It's a story of small town mobism, abuse, revenge,escape, defying the odds, love, all wrapped up in a police procedural.
I have to say I really enjoyed it. I feel like I've read something out of the ordinary and different even though the subject matter is very familiar to my reading tastes. An author to watch out for I think. Already a very distinctive writing style I'd have no hesitation in recommending this.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and Susan Alice Bickford for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Marly Shaw is a teenager in a small town in rural New York. On her way home from a dance, she is chased by her stepfather and his father, Del and Zeke Harris. Part of the Harris family, the family that have ruled and terrorised Charon Springs for as long as people can remember.
The chase ends with the two men dead and Marly terrified for her life as she plans her escape once and for all from Charon Springs.
Fast forward to present day and two bodies are found on the other side of the country in California. Detective Vanessa Alba is put in charge of the investigation, an investigation that leads her to Charon Springs as she tries to dig up the sordid details of the past and figure out who the victims are what happened that ultimately lead to their death.
This book had quite a different tone to it than many Ive read lately. Although it's a police procedural in a way, a genre that I've read plenty of and it uses a familiar vehicle to flesh out the story - the story being told both in the past and in the present, it just feels like you are reading something different. There were few if any"oh my god" or "wow the tension and pace is really ramping up now" moments but had a calmness and patience with itself about telling the story.
I found it a little confusing at first as there is quite a list of characters to come to grips with, especially in the Harris clan and I wasn't sure I wasn't going to be able to keep track but there are subtle reminders of who minor characters are throughout the book without being "this person is the one who earlier....dummy," clunky reminders.
It's a weird one because, it's an average size book but there is loads going on and a lot to get through in the story but it never feels rushed and is always telling it story in its own time. Great credit to the author for that.
The story, once you get to grips with it(I went in totally blind) is really interesting and as it played out I never found my interest waning in any way. It's a story of small town mobism, abuse, revenge,escape, defying the odds, love, all wrapped up in a police procedural.
I have to say I really enjoyed it. I feel like I've read something out of the ordinary and different even though the subject matter is very familiar to my reading tastes. An author to watch out for I think. Already a very distinctive writing style I'd have no hesitation in recommending this.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Kensington Books and Susan Alice Bickford for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2022
I found the story to be very well written, the characters to be believable and mostly likeable. Overall, it was compelling and engaging, with just enough lightness to keep me reading. It moves gradually through the past to meet the present in well-executed flips back and forth in time that are easy to follow. I read somewhere that this is the authors debut novel, but it reads as if she has been writing her entire life. Anyone that reads and enjoys mysteries will find that there are parts that are predictable, but it didn't take anything away from the enjoyment of the story. I'm looking forward to more by Susan Bickford.
February 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Deep in Central New York in village ruled by a crime family, Marly escaped her stepfather and his father, but she is nowhere to escaping their grasp. When some bodies turn up almost fifteen years later, Marly's story will slowly start to unravel.
I found the story of Marly quite interesting, and also the murder mystery itself was quite nice. I thought I had figured it out quite early on, but some questions remained unanswered for some time. All female characters, both good and evil, were particularly strong characters. In the end, I thought the conclusion came a bit quick compared to the rest of the story, but all in all it was a very nice mystery book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
Deep in Central New York in village ruled by a crime family, Marly escaped her stepfather and his father, but she is nowhere to escaping their grasp. When some bodies turn up almost fifteen years later, Marly's story will slowly start to unravel.
I found the story of Marly quite interesting, and also the murder mystery itself was quite nice. I thought I had figured it out quite early on, but some questions remained unanswered for some time. All female characters, both good and evil, were particularly strong characters. In the end, I thought the conclusion came a bit quick compared to the rest of the story, but all in all it was a very nice mystery book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 7, 2017
The intertwined story of two women. Vanessa Alba is a detective with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's office in California. She and her partner are investigating the deaths of 2 bodies found in the local mountains. Their search leads them to Charon Springs in Central New York. The town is under the rule of the Harris crime family and their extended clan. It is while visiting Charon Springs to investigate that the detectives learn of the families activities, and of the life of Marley Shaw.
Marley's story is told in flashbacks, from the year 2000 when she is attacked by her step father and his father, to 2013 when 2 bodies are found in California. Her story is very compelling. She lives a life in fear of her step father and his family. Not behaving as the family wishes results in beatings or worse. We follow Marley as she makes plans to leave Charon Springs and get away from the Harris family.
I thought this was a really interesting book, especially the story of Marley. She is a really strong character. This book is full of strong women. Some, like Marley and Vanessa, are good. Others are pure evil. But all are strong. I was rooting for Marley the whole way through, and even though I finished a couple of days ago, I still find myself thinking about her. I would definitely recommend this for fans of crime thrillers.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Marley's story is told in flashbacks, from the year 2000 when she is attacked by her step father and his father, to 2013 when 2 bodies are found in California. Her story is very compelling. She lives a life in fear of her step father and his family. Not behaving as the family wishes results in beatings or worse. We follow Marley as she makes plans to leave Charon Springs and get away from the Harris family.
I thought this was a really interesting book, especially the story of Marley. She is a really strong character. This book is full of strong women. Some, like Marley and Vanessa, are good. Others are pure evil. But all are strong. I was rooting for Marley the whole way through, and even though I finished a couple of days ago, I still find myself thinking about her. I would definitely recommend this for fans of crime thrillers.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2017
Another sleepless night!
The remains of two bodies have been washed out of the mountains (most likely the Santa Cruz Mountains) into Santa Clara County and the police are investigating. Specifically Detective Vanessa Alba and Detective Jackson Wong.
The bones are four or five years old. A DNA FBI data base search confirms that the bones belong to a Louise and Troy Rasmussen, a mother and son, part of the Harris clan.
Their investigations lead them back into 'them thar' hills to Charon Springs, New York, home of the clan. As the Chief of Police of Avalon says, 'the Harrises have been a malicious disease in this area for as long as [his] grandparents can remember.'
The officers and we are soon caught up in the vicious entanglement of a lawless family that ruined people's lives and ruled their small bit of turf in the mountains with an unpredictable and ferocious iron fist.
The central character is Marly Shaw. It's through her eyes that we become engaged with this dysfunctional community and its various layers. The action switches between past and present. Marly in her last years at high school and the present investigation by two police officers. I have to admit that I was glued to this story with its unexpected twists. Sleeping ran a bad last.
A NetGalley ARC
The remains of two bodies have been washed out of the mountains (most likely the Santa Cruz Mountains) into Santa Clara County and the police are investigating. Specifically Detective Vanessa Alba and Detective Jackson Wong.
The bones are four or five years old. A DNA FBI data base search confirms that the bones belong to a Louise and Troy Rasmussen, a mother and son, part of the Harris clan.
Their investigations lead them back into 'them thar' hills to Charon Springs, New York, home of the clan. As the Chief of Police of Avalon says, 'the Harrises have been a malicious disease in this area for as long as [his] grandparents can remember.'
The officers and we are soon caught up in the vicious entanglement of a lawless family that ruined people's lives and ruled their small bit of turf in the mountains with an unpredictable and ferocious iron fist.
The central character is Marly Shaw. It's through her eyes that we become engaged with this dysfunctional community and its various layers. The action switches between past and present. Marly in her last years at high school and the present investigation by two police officers. I have to admit that I was glued to this story with its unexpected twists. Sleeping ran a bad last.
A NetGalley ARC
March 30, 2017
Once upon a time, she had been a listener in the snow, savoring life in a frozen landscape. Now she had grown up. She cried for her father, who had never had a chance, and for her mother, who had no inner compass to guide them out of harms way. Vicious human nature had robbed Marly of her place in this world and made her hate this lovely valley that had both molded her and driven her away.
What are you capable of when defending your family? Marly Shaw lives in upstate New York with her mother and stepfather. A quaint town of Charon Springs with a mafia style family war that represents the likes of Deliverance. Marly a senior in high school is counting the days to escape her town and those that oppress her. Her step father is part of the problem, and when she over hears a threat, she knows that her time has become limited. She does not take the threat lying down but fights back, always keeping ahead of any and all threats. When the attempt on her life fails with her crazy family members, she takes from the family the key that holds wealth and freedom. The secret is holding on to it when she is under the suspicion of Rosie the family matriarch who is about control and punishing. Rosie is about to punish.
Marly knows she cannot fight the family alone, and receives help from a once known enemy. Together, the forge their way from the small town to California only to have their small town come back to them years later in the discovery of bones in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California . Detectives Vanessa Alba and her partner, Jack Wong, go on search to find out why a mother and son from Charon Springs remains would be so far from home. Why were they killed and who killed them.
The narration is done with two perspectives. One with Marly and her quest for freedom and the other with Detective Alba who is determined to leave no stone unturned.
A character driven plot that kept me engaged and wanting to fight alongside Marly to escape the life of fear in living in Charon Springs. Her determination and grit was winsome and her wisdom of others was one of integrity.
A Special Thank You to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What are you capable of when defending your family? Marly Shaw lives in upstate New York with her mother and stepfather. A quaint town of Charon Springs with a mafia style family war that represents the likes of Deliverance. Marly a senior in high school is counting the days to escape her town and those that oppress her. Her step father is part of the problem, and when she over hears a threat, she knows that her time has become limited. She does not take the threat lying down but fights back, always keeping ahead of any and all threats. When the attempt on her life fails with her crazy family members, she takes from the family the key that holds wealth and freedom. The secret is holding on to it when she is under the suspicion of Rosie the family matriarch who is about control and punishing. Rosie is about to punish.
Marly knows she cannot fight the family alone, and receives help from a once known enemy. Together, the forge their way from the small town to California only to have their small town come back to them years later in the discovery of bones in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California . Detectives Vanessa Alba and her partner, Jack Wong, go on search to find out why a mother and son from Charon Springs remains would be so far from home. Why were they killed and who killed them.
The narration is done with two perspectives. One with Marly and her quest for freedom and the other with Detective Alba who is determined to leave no stone unturned.
A character driven plot that kept me engaged and wanting to fight alongside Marly to escape the life of fear in living in Charon Springs. Her determination and grit was winsome and her wisdom of others was one of integrity.
A Special Thank You to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
February 25, 2022
2.5 rounded up. Things I liked about this book: Bickford's description of places. She does a great job of capturing some of the small towns in Central NY, where she and I both went to college. (And I loved that she named the bar the Rock - an alt spelling of our college dive bar.) I also liked the climactic scene. What I didn't like: There were so many characters introduced that I couldn't keep them all straight. Also the time hops. Bottom line: this didn't make me want to read more by this author.
January 8, 2017
Thank you to Kensington Books & NetGalley. I received a galley Kindle e-book A Short Time To Die by Susan Alice Bickford for review.
The beginning is in a small town. Secluded enough from prying eyes and powerful magistrates to get away with murder. They are ripe with inbred mafias. It is rare that anyone escapes from these cloistered holes long enough to tell their stories. Successful escape is unheard of. The odds are a million-to-one.
A Short Time to Die is ripe with strong females. Protagonists and antagonists abound. It is a relief to see the roles change, in some cases it is murder.
Marly Shaw has a lot to live for. She risks generational laws of punishment. Using survival skills passed down through her community since pioneer days. The librarian helps save her.
Clara County Sheriff’s Detective Vanessa Alba shows up decades late in a sordid game of King of the Mountain. She and partner Jack Wong travel out of jurisdiction to make death notifications. The journey takes them to the Finger Lakes of central New York. Back in time. Where they attempt to wrap up loose ends on a California death scene. The mystery is no easy solve.
This novel evoked a wide range of emotions in me. The characters are well developed. I could picture them and feel their essence.
Once I started reading, I could not stop.
Powerful, enchanting and haunting.
I will recommend this for our library collection and to other readers who like unique mystery.
The beginning is in a small town. Secluded enough from prying eyes and powerful magistrates to get away with murder. They are ripe with inbred mafias. It is rare that anyone escapes from these cloistered holes long enough to tell their stories. Successful escape is unheard of. The odds are a million-to-one.
A Short Time to Die is ripe with strong females. Protagonists and antagonists abound. It is a relief to see the roles change, in some cases it is murder.
Marly Shaw has a lot to live for. She risks generational laws of punishment. Using survival skills passed down through her community since pioneer days. The librarian helps save her.
Clara County Sheriff’s Detective Vanessa Alba shows up decades late in a sordid game of King of the Mountain. She and partner Jack Wong travel out of jurisdiction to make death notifications. The journey takes them to the Finger Lakes of central New York. Back in time. Where they attempt to wrap up loose ends on a California death scene. The mystery is no easy solve.
This novel evoked a wide range of emotions in me. The characters are well developed. I could picture them and feel their essence.
Once I started reading, I could not stop.
Powerful, enchanting and haunting.
I will recommend this for our library collection and to other readers who like unique mystery.
January 2, 2017
This is an intriguing debut thriller set in two time frames 13 years apart. In 2000 young Marly Shaw is walking home from a local dance in Charon Springs,New York after her step father, Del, fails to pick her up as had been arranged. En route she is attacked by two men who follow her in a truck and her life changes forever.
In 2013 two bodies are found in California and they are identified as Louise and Troy from Charon Springs. Part of the Harris crime family who rule the town and related to Del why have they turned up dead on the other side of the country?
Californian detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong are tasked with looking into the murders and they fly to Charon Springs to find out what has been going on.
I loved the female characters in this book, particularly Marly who has had a difficult start in life but uses her keen intelligence and natural leadership qualities to turn her life around and escape her past. Vanessa is also a strong character and is dogged in her determination to discover what has happened. She will not give up until she thinks she has solved the crime.
It was one of those books that just kept the reader guessing. Even when I'd worked out what had happened I really wasn't sure how it was going to end. Using the different time frames to tell the story worked extremely well and I was equally interested in Marly's story set in 2000 and Vanessa's in the present.
A five star review from me and I will be looking forward to Susan Alice Bickford's next novel. If you like suspense thrillers that really grab your attention I suggest you read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
In 2013 two bodies are found in California and they are identified as Louise and Troy from Charon Springs. Part of the Harris crime family who rule the town and related to Del why have they turned up dead on the other side of the country?
Californian detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong are tasked with looking into the murders and they fly to Charon Springs to find out what has been going on.
I loved the female characters in this book, particularly Marly who has had a difficult start in life but uses her keen intelligence and natural leadership qualities to turn her life around and escape her past. Vanessa is also a strong character and is dogged in her determination to discover what has happened. She will not give up until she thinks she has solved the crime.
It was one of those books that just kept the reader guessing. Even when I'd worked out what had happened I really wasn't sure how it was going to end. Using the different time frames to tell the story worked extremely well and I was equally interested in Marly's story set in 2000 and Vanessa's in the present.
A five star review from me and I will be looking forward to Susan Alice Bickford's next novel. If you like suspense thrillers that really grab your attention I suggest you read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2017
I received a free advance e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Wow!! A fantastic book with strong female characters. It grabbed me at the first sentence and didn’t let go until the very end. An amazing thrill ride. I couldn’t put it down as I anticipated what was going to happen next. Full of twists and turns, dysfunction, lawlessness, danger, and mayhem. The action and suspense never quit. The entire town of Charon Springs, New York, is terrorized and controlled by the cold-blooded Harris clan. There is incest, murder, and infighting with a constant power struggle among the members of the Harris clan who all seem to mistrust and hate each other. This is the story of how one young girl decides she is going to save herself and her family and get out any way she can. She is smart and crafty and covers her tracks very carefully. The police start investigating after bones of two Harris family members turn up in a California gulley. This is a very well written and fast paced crime thriller with exceptional character development and an amazing plot. ‘A Short Time to Die’ is a keeper and well worth the read. I look forward to reading more books by Susan Alice Bickford in the future.
December 29, 2016
I received a free copy of this from NetGalley.
The publisher just offered me this book which I hadn't planned on reading. Seemed a bit too thrillerish from the blurb. My goodness was it good. Sat down and read in a couple of hours, staying up far too late to finish before bed. The book follows the townspeople of a small town in Central New York in two time periods thirteen years apart tied together by the cruel reign of a local warlord basically. In the year 2000, the Harris clan led by Zeke and his son Del terrorize the town and family loyalty is everything. Del's stepdaughter Marly tries to keep her head down until she graduates, but events intervene. Two girls her age are beaten then Del and Zeke go missing. Fast forward to the discovery of two Harris clan members found dead in California. In the present day, two detectives from California travel to the little town in New York to get a sense of who their victims were and why they might have been in California. Really amazing book. Time slip handled well and clearly. Characters well developed as is the crazy world that is Charon Springs.
The publisher just offered me this book which I hadn't planned on reading. Seemed a bit too thrillerish from the blurb. My goodness was it good. Sat down and read in a couple of hours, staying up far too late to finish before bed. The book follows the townspeople of a small town in Central New York in two time periods thirteen years apart tied together by the cruel reign of a local warlord basically. In the year 2000, the Harris clan led by Zeke and his son Del terrorize the town and family loyalty is everything. Del's stepdaughter Marly tries to keep her head down until she graduates, but events intervene. Two girls her age are beaten then Del and Zeke go missing. Fast forward to the discovery of two Harris clan members found dead in California. In the present day, two detectives from California travel to the little town in New York to get a sense of who their victims were and why they might have been in California. Really amazing book. Time slip handled well and clearly. Characters well developed as is the crazy world that is Charon Springs.
January 12, 2017
5 Stars
We begin our book with a chase through the woods. A young girl is being chased by two men who are firing a gun at her. She escapes, but is she really safe?
This book has some real characters of depth, especially the woman, Marly and Vanessa. While Marly’s story begins with a chase through the woods in central New York State, Vanessa’s picks up thirteen years later in California.
Marly’s life is ruled by the Harris family. Terroristic and cold-blooded the Harris clan rules everything that goes on in the town. Thirteen years later, two of the Harris clan are found dead in California. The police, Vanessa and her partner, come to central NY to give notice and learn what happened.
Fast paced and suspenseful, this book is a remarkable journey through the life of a frightened young girl and a resourceful and determined detective. It is a very well written book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book to read and review.
We begin our book with a chase through the woods. A young girl is being chased by two men who are firing a gun at her. She escapes, but is she really safe?
This book has some real characters of depth, especially the woman, Marly and Vanessa. While Marly’s story begins with a chase through the woods in central New York State, Vanessa’s picks up thirteen years later in California.
Marly’s life is ruled by the Harris family. Terroristic and cold-blooded the Harris clan rules everything that goes on in the town. Thirteen years later, two of the Harris clan are found dead in California. The police, Vanessa and her partner, come to central NY to give notice and learn what happened.
Fast paced and suspenseful, this book is a remarkable journey through the life of a frightened young girl and a resourceful and determined detective. It is a very well written book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book to read and review.
June 11, 2017
I received a copy of this book "A Short Time to Die" from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
First this is a book I probably would not have bought. I don't usually read this type of book. I am so glad that I received this book to read because I really loved it! I went to look up the author and this is her first novel - wow! I want to read more! Anyway this book held my attention from the beginning to the end. I was sad that it ended and that is how I know it was a good book. The story starts out in Central New York and travels across country to California. This story really kept me guessing and it had many twists and turns. Marly needs to get out of Charon Springs before she ends up dead. The Harris family runs everything in this small town and you go along with what they say or you won't be around much longer. The story switches back and forth between 2000 and 2013 and mainly follows Marly and her life of terror. Very suspenseful book - I highly recommend! Thank you so much NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
First this is a book I probably would not have bought. I don't usually read this type of book. I am so glad that I received this book to read because I really loved it! I went to look up the author and this is her first novel - wow! I want to read more! Anyway this book held my attention from the beginning to the end. I was sad that it ended and that is how I know it was a good book. The story starts out in Central New York and travels across country to California. This story really kept me guessing and it had many twists and turns. Marly needs to get out of Charon Springs before she ends up dead. The Harris family runs everything in this small town and you go along with what they say or you won't be around much longer. The story switches back and forth between 2000 and 2013 and mainly follows Marly and her life of terror. Very suspenseful book - I highly recommend! Thank you so much NetGalley for the chance to read this book.
February 3, 2017
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this great debut thriller!
The book is told in two different voices 13 years apart. Marly Shaw is a teenager growing up in Central New York in the Harris family that is holding the area hostage to their violent ways. The police are powerless, the family breeds among themselves, and no one can get away. Marly is coming home from a dance when she is chased by two men, one of them her stepfather. Both die and Marly is forced to start making plans to escape.
Thirteen years later, Vanessa is a sheriff's detective trying to solve the deaths of two people found in California. The dead turn out to be from the Harris family and her and her partner, Jack, are off to New York to investigate.
This is a great thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Filled with powerful women who show their resilience and faith in each other. Don't miss this one! I'm already looking forward to Bickford's next novel!
The book is told in two different voices 13 years apart. Marly Shaw is a teenager growing up in Central New York in the Harris family that is holding the area hostage to their violent ways. The police are powerless, the family breeds among themselves, and no one can get away. Marly is coming home from a dance when she is chased by two men, one of them her stepfather. Both die and Marly is forced to start making plans to escape.
Thirteen years later, Vanessa is a sheriff's detective trying to solve the deaths of two people found in California. The dead turn out to be from the Harris family and her and her partner, Jack, are off to New York to investigate.
This is a great thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Filled with powerful women who show their resilience and faith in each other. Don't miss this one! I'm already looking forward to Bickford's next novel!
January 9, 2017
An amazing story that lays bare the activities of a criminal clan from a small town in New York. Elements of the narrative bounce in time and location as the reader develops an understanding of the evil deeds that have transpired, and the impact on the people involved. The suspense remains high from page to page, with many different kinds of danger for the people involved. Marly is the young woman trying to save herself and her family. Vanessa is the detective trying to solve the deaths of two people whose bones were found in a California mountain gulley. They each do what they have to do until the very end when they finally connect. The descriptions of weather issues, family interactions and geography create interest and make the story real. Great writing makes this a great book.
March 6, 2017
This compelling debut novel takes the reader on a thrilling ride from California to upstate New York. The discovery of bones in a ravine near the San Francisco Bay Area lead investigators to uncover the secrets of a severely dysfunctional family in a small New York town. Strong writing, well fleshed out characters and an atmospheric setting kept me turning the pages. Bickford deftly weaves together two timelines as the story moves back and forth in time between the present-day investigation of suspicious deaths to related events that happened fifteen years earlier. Highly recommended for readers who like fast-paced suspense, strong female characters and atmospheric settings that are like another character in the book. I can wait to read this author’s next book.
February 6, 2017
The author uses a slight variation of the format of -- then, year 2000, and now year 2013 - alternating chapters. Knowing the status of Marly, the main character, from high school in 2000 to her life in 2013, leaves the intervening years in question. How did Marly manage to get from here to there? Bickford does a great job of using this somewhat more unusual format to keep the reader [me] interested throughout the book. Crimes, murders, dysfunctional families, apathetic police, all add up to a great story.
I am looking forward to future books by this author.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I am looking forward to future books by this author.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
December 30, 2016
A well written story, set in upstate New York, about a town controlled by a local family of thugs. The book flits between two time periods, thirteen years apart. It was well written and had good characters. Marly is a good lead characters and the plot moved at a thrilling pace. My first read by this author but I will look out for another one. A good suspenseful book for fans of thrillers. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
January 9, 2017
This book goes back and forth between the past and present and at the end the two merge to an exciting conclusion. Throughout the author keeps you in suspense as you try to understand how past and present will come together, leaving me wanting to keep reading but not wanting the story to end. This is a classic story of good conquering evil in a way you would never expect. Looking forward to hearing more from this author!
February 3, 2017
Marly Shaw, of Charon Springs, New York, has missed her lift home and is now being chased by two men.
Detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong, are investigating why two members of the Harris criminal clan ended dead up in California, thirteen years later, a long way from Charon Springs.
The story tales what happened between these two dates.
An interesting thriller with a lot of unlikeable characters but it still made for a good read.
A Netgalley Book
Detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong, are investigating why two members of the Harris criminal clan ended dead up in California, thirteen years later, a long way from Charon Springs.
The story tales what happened between these two dates.
An interesting thriller with a lot of unlikeable characters but it still made for a good read.
A Netgalley Book
June 1, 2017
I marked this "read" but really I started it and read 70 pages and then quit. I really wanted to like this book but the writing style was choppy and disjointed and the many characters that were introduced who had not meaning to me made it really confusing.
I was bummed because after I quit and looked at some of the reviews, lots of people liked the book. I just couldn't pummel my way through it anymore.
I was bummed because after I quit and looked at some of the reviews, lots of people liked the book. I just couldn't pummel my way through it anymore.
August 15, 2016
Full disclosure---this is a book published by us at Kensington Publishing. That being said, it's a wonderful story about a small town which is controlled by a bunch of redneck thugs. Unfortunately for them, one of the young women in the family is smart enough to try and get away from her family, to get retribution and start a new life.
December 25, 2016
A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Normally, I'm not a big fan of books that switch back and forth in time. But this one did it perfectly. Great characters, a great heroine, and a suspenseful story that grabs you from the beginning. This is a new author for me, but I'll be looking for more from Susan Alice Bickford!
Normally, I'm not a big fan of books that switch back and forth in time. But this one did it perfectly. Great characters, a great heroine, and a suspenseful story that grabs you from the beginning. This is a new author for me, but I'll be looking for more from Susan Alice Bickford!
February 8, 2017
I received this arc from Netgalley.
This book fell flat for me. It needs a shot of adrenaline. Boring.
This book fell flat for me. It needs a shot of adrenaline. Boring.
July 6, 2017
In 2000, 17-year old Marly is in New York, walking home one night after a school dance when her stepfather, Del Harris, and his father, Zeke, begin shooting at her, and this event ends with both men dead, and Zeke’s wife, Rosie, convinced Marly was responsible for their demise. Fast forward to 2013, when the bones of two people have been discovered in California and identified as Del’s sister, Louise, and her grown son, Troy. Investigators then fly to New York to interview members of the Harris family in order to determine why Louise and Troy were on the other side of the country, and to see if it has anything to do with Marly, who now lives in California, not far from where the remains were found.
While the writing here is good, and I liked some of the characters, the ending left me with questions, and I had tremendous difficulty accepting the premise, which made it less-than-engaging for me. First, the New York town dynamic is described as a small backwoods town where EVERYONE is a Harris, and cousins marrying cousins is common practice. Then, the ruling members of the Harris clan, Zeke, his wife, Rosie, and their son, Del, are described as rednecks living in absolute squalor, and using brute force to bully the townspeople in order to maintain their drug trade in this shabby little town, with the local police aware of their activities, but too afraid to do anything, so they just turn a blind eye to the drugs and violence. Oh, and almost a decade AFTER the death of her husband and her son, Rosie possibly sent her daughter and nephew to exact revenge on Marly. And when the detectives on the case in California fly to New York, their hotel rooms get ransacked and they are followed, but this doesn’t warrant a follow-up explanation. And they fly cross-country BEFORE even interviewing Marly, who lives in the same county the bones were found—the very same county they work for! Considering how tight budgets are for law enforcement, that doesn’t seem realistic. And an incestuous mob family ruling their drug empire from a double-wide, with an entire police force too terrified of them to do their job? Come on! It’s simply not relatable (no pun intended), and a bit of a stretch, to say the least. 2.5 stars
While the writing here is good, and I liked some of the characters, the ending left me with questions, and I had tremendous difficulty accepting the premise, which made it less-than-engaging for me. First, the New York town dynamic is described as a small backwoods town where EVERYONE is a Harris, and cousins marrying cousins is common practice. Then, the ruling members of the Harris clan, Zeke, his wife, Rosie, and their son, Del, are described as rednecks living in absolute squalor, and using brute force to bully the townspeople in order to maintain their drug trade in this shabby little town, with the local police aware of their activities, but too afraid to do anything, so they just turn a blind eye to the drugs and violence. Oh, and almost a decade AFTER the death of her husband and her son, Rosie possibly sent her daughter and nephew to exact revenge on Marly. And when the detectives on the case in California fly to New York, their hotel rooms get ransacked and they are followed, but this doesn’t warrant a follow-up explanation. And they fly cross-country BEFORE even interviewing Marly, who lives in the same county the bones were found—the very same county they work for! Considering how tight budgets are for law enforcement, that doesn’t seem realistic. And an incestuous mob family ruling their drug empire from a double-wide, with an entire police force too terrified of them to do their job? Come on! It’s simply not relatable (no pun intended), and a bit of a stretch, to say the least. 2.5 stars
January 5, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this page turner. I liked the way the author told the story focusing on different characters and weaving the past and present. Her descriptions of settings were especially vivid. I can't wait for her next book.
June 14, 2025
3.5 upgraded to 4.
March 2, 2017
Wow! I am still trying to come up with the words to describe this book. It has to be one of the more unusual books that I have ever read. And one that will suck you in from the very first scene.
This book focuses on two women, Detective Vanessa Alba and Marly Shaw. Vanessa is investigating the discovery of two sets of bones that were discovered in California in 2013. Marley is trying to overcome her past and provide safety for herself and her family. Her story begins back in 2000 in a tiny town in New York.
In Charon Springs, everything depends on who you are and who you are related too. It's a poor town known locally for its crime and brutality to the extent that even the police are afraid to get on the wrong side of the reigning Harris family. Marly has dreams of escaping to college if she survives that long. I will admit to being horrified at the things the Harris family was able to get away with.
In an attempt to find out just why the bones of a couple of the members of the Harris family was found in California, Vanessa and her partner travel to Charon Springs. They uncover bits and pieces of what Marly went through to survive.
Incredible writing! Each page is inundated with a sense of dread and horror which will have the reader shuddering while crossing their fingers for Marly. And for Vanessa as she feels rather threatened when she is investigating in New York. It's hard to believe that there are still places like Charon Springs in this century while at the same time, it all too easy to see these events occurring. That both saddens and enrages me. No one should go through what Marly and others did just to live let alone thrive.
I really recommend A SHORT TIME TO DIE to any of my readers who enjoy suspense. There are scenes of violence against both adults and children so be forewarned.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
This book focuses on two women, Detective Vanessa Alba and Marly Shaw. Vanessa is investigating the discovery of two sets of bones that were discovered in California in 2013. Marley is trying to overcome her past and provide safety for herself and her family. Her story begins back in 2000 in a tiny town in New York.
In Charon Springs, everything depends on who you are and who you are related too. It's a poor town known locally for its crime and brutality to the extent that even the police are afraid to get on the wrong side of the reigning Harris family. Marly has dreams of escaping to college if she survives that long. I will admit to being horrified at the things the Harris family was able to get away with.
In an attempt to find out just why the bones of a couple of the members of the Harris family was found in California, Vanessa and her partner travel to Charon Springs. They uncover bits and pieces of what Marly went through to survive.
Incredible writing! Each page is inundated with a sense of dread and horror which will have the reader shuddering while crossing their fingers for Marly. And for Vanessa as she feels rather threatened when she is investigating in New York. It's hard to believe that there are still places like Charon Springs in this century while at the same time, it all too easy to see these events occurring. That both saddens and enrages me. No one should go through what Marly and others did just to live let alone thrive.
I really recommend A SHORT TIME TO DIE to any of my readers who enjoy suspense. There are scenes of violence against both adults and children so be forewarned.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
June 27, 2022
Really, this is 2.5 stars.
This wasn't one I picked, but it was for book club. Sometimes I find I really enjoy book club books I wouldn't have chosen myself. Sometimes...not. This was a Not. I won't fault the book for being hard to obtain (maybe I should fault myself for refusing to do ebooks, despite owning a Kindle that was given to me). And so, I had to make myself read the book. And I still didn't finish by book club time, despite it being summer and my having ALL the time to read.
What I liked: the story itself was interesting and kept me involved. Also, I really like dual narrators and timelines and my ADHD brain is quite good at keeping them separate and together (finally a good use for wibbly wobbly timey)
What I didn't like: The dialogue. The writing in general was stilted. The title--despite appearing on page 15, it never made sense to me. The way Vanessa's Columbian heritage appeared in the text--the first time she shows up, she speaks Spanish. No mention for most of the rest of the book. No explanation. Nothing except that she "isn't white," which is used to show racism among the antagonists. The weather--I'm from a very snowy area. I know how snow works. Snowstorms are NOT common when it's 5 degrees outside. Impossible? No....but unlikely. Also, the story takes place in Central New York (written as not Syracuse, but around there) and characters from CA arrive to weather in the -30s, almost -40s. For days. I did research--the coldest recorded temperature in Syracuse is -26. Not that that isn't cold! -22 was the coldest I've experienced, and that was the worst week of my life (we won't go into that in a book review).
This wasn't one I picked, but it was for book club. Sometimes I find I really enjoy book club books I wouldn't have chosen myself. Sometimes...not. This was a Not. I won't fault the book for being hard to obtain (maybe I should fault myself for refusing to do ebooks, despite owning a Kindle that was given to me). And so, I had to make myself read the book. And I still didn't finish by book club time, despite it being summer and my having ALL the time to read.
What I liked: the story itself was interesting and kept me involved. Also, I really like dual narrators and timelines and my ADHD brain is quite good at keeping them separate and together (finally a good use for wibbly wobbly timey)
What I didn't like: The dialogue. The writing in general was stilted. The title--despite appearing on page 15, it never made sense to me. The way Vanessa's Columbian heritage appeared in the text--the first time she shows up, she speaks Spanish. No mention for most of the rest of the book. No explanation. Nothing except that she "isn't white," which is used to show racism among the antagonists. The weather--I'm from a very snowy area. I know how snow works. Snowstorms are NOT common when it's 5 degrees outside. Impossible? No....but unlikely. Also, the story takes place in Central New York (written as not Syracuse, but around there) and characters from CA arrive to weather in the -30s, almost -40s. For days. I did research--the coldest recorded temperature in Syracuse is -26. Not that that isn't cold! -22 was the coldest I've experienced, and that was the worst week of my life (we won't go into that in a book review).
February 7, 2017
The Harris clan controls Charon Springs, New York. Anyone who crosses them ends up beaten or dead. In 2000, Marly Shaw is attacked by her step-father Del Harris and his father, Zeke. The event is terrifying and at the end, Del and Zeke are dead. Marly runs from her hometown knowing the Harris clan will find out the two men are dead and blame her, even though it was not her fault. She thinks she has escaped, but nobody ever really escapes the Harris family.
Flash ahead to 2013. Two members of the Harris clan are found dead in California. Detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong are on the case to discover what happened. They travel to Charon Springs, discovering the power of the Harris family and Marly's story. Vanessa and Marly finally meet at the thrilling end of the story.
The story is fast-paced, exciting and filled with strong female characters, good and bad. The tension builds at a steady pace til it hits the thrilling end. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I wanted to find out what was going to happen!
A Short Time to Die will be released by Kensington on January 31st. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers or police procedurals. Such an exciting story!
This is Susan Alice Bickford's first novel. For more information on the author, check out her website at www.susanalicebickford.com
Flash ahead to 2013. Two members of the Harris clan are found dead in California. Detectives Vanessa Alba and Jack Wong are on the case to discover what happened. They travel to Charon Springs, discovering the power of the Harris family and Marly's story. Vanessa and Marly finally meet at the thrilling end of the story.
The story is fast-paced, exciting and filled with strong female characters, good and bad. The tension builds at a steady pace til it hits the thrilling end. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. I wanted to find out what was going to happen!
A Short Time to Die will be released by Kensington on January 31st. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers or police procedurals. Such an exciting story!
This is Susan Alice Bickford's first novel. For more information on the author, check out her website at www.susanalicebickford.com
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