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The Stepchild
A college student is haunted by dreams of the past that could get her into trouble in this psychological thriller by the New York Times bestselling author. Kathi Ellison is an English literature major at the University of California in Berkeley, living with her boyfriend off-campus. She is also the daughter of a candidate for the U.S. Senate, a role that could affect her life should her father win the election. But before she can consider her future, Kathi must first come to terms with her past. A car accident when she was four-years-old killed her mother and left her in a coma for several days. The migraines and nightmares that plagued her as a child have recently returned with a vengeance, leaving her mind full of visions that feel more like memories. Memories that are not her own. Memories of a frightened and traumatized child named Sheri Walker. Memories linked to her mother’s death that her stepmother doesn’t want her to remember . . .For lighter mysteries, don’t miss Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen series!
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1980
424 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Fluke
134 books8,543 followersLike Hannah Swensen, Joanne Fluke grew up in a small town in rural Minnesota where her neighbors were friendly, the winters were fierce, and the biggest scandal was the spotting of unidentified male undergarments on a young widow's clothesline. She insists that there really are 10,000 lakes and the mosquito is NOT the state bird.
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
While pursuing her writing career, Joanne has worked as: a public school teacher, a psychologist, a musician, a private detective's assistant, a corporate, legal, and pharmaceutical secretary, a short order cook, a florist's assistant, a caterer and party planner, a computer consultant on a now-defunct operating system, a production assistant on a TV quiz show, half of a screenwriting team with her husband, and a mother, wife, and homemaker.
She now lives in Southern California with her husband, her kids, his kids, their three dogs, one elderly tabby, and several noisy rats in the attic.
Series:
* Hannah Swensen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 12, 2017
Kathi Ellison is a college student who while trying to start her own life still is living in the shadow of her parents. Kathi's father is up for election as candidate for the U.S. Senate so while Kathi has moved in with her boyfriend she's still hiding that fact so as not to interfere with her father's campaign or earn her father and step mother's disapproval.
Shortly after moving in though Kathi begins to have nightmares and these horrible headaches that seem to make her black out completely. When Kathi was a child she was in an accident that killed her mother after which she had nightmares but as an adult now she thought it was all behind her. Now she's seeing things that she just can't explain and needs to find the answers to what is haunting her.
The Stepchild by Joanne Fluke was originally published back in 1980 and is now being republished by Kensington books. Knowing that the story is over thirty years old I was paying attention while reading to see how dated it may of been. When finished I think it's held up fairly well to be read today as a new book. While there aren't mentions of many of today's electronics and things it didn't take away from the story held within.
The one thing that held me back again with this read from giving it a higher rating is the fact that it seemed that really early on in the book I knew what was coming from the story. At the beginning it opens with the accident happening and then jumps into Kathi as an adult starting to be haunted again and just from the few opening pages I guessed the reveal at the end. However that being said I still found myself enjoying the book and the author's writing style so I would definitely try more of her work in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Shortly after moving in though Kathi begins to have nightmares and these horrible headaches that seem to make her black out completely. When Kathi was a child she was in an accident that killed her mother after which she had nightmares but as an adult now she thought it was all behind her. Now she's seeing things that she just can't explain and needs to find the answers to what is haunting her.
The Stepchild by Joanne Fluke was originally published back in 1980 and is now being republished by Kensington books. Knowing that the story is over thirty years old I was paying attention while reading to see how dated it may of been. When finished I think it's held up fairly well to be read today as a new book. While there aren't mentions of many of today's electronics and things it didn't take away from the story held within.
The one thing that held me back again with this read from giving it a higher rating is the fact that it seemed that really early on in the book I knew what was coming from the story. At the beginning it opens with the accident happening and then jumps into Kathi as an adult starting to be haunted again and just from the few opening pages I guessed the reveal at the end. However that being said I still found myself enjoying the book and the author's writing style so I would definitely try more of her work in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
July 18, 2017
A romantic suspense, it was written 1980. I didn't realize that this author has a number of suspense novels. While it was well written and the narrative flow smoothly, I was disappointed it was very predictable. I knew before I was very far into the book it was written earlier than the current time by the many uses of cigarettes. The ending did give a small surprise that I was not expecting.
Kathy Ellison, a student, and daughter of a candidate for a Senate seat has moved into a boyfriend's apartment. The election is closed and she must do nothing to interest the press. Whenever she has sex with her boyfriend she has dreams of another life. She will go into a trance and speak with a child's voice and called the name Shari. Kathy is afraid of trains and a couple of times she almost committed suicide. What is happening? Is Kathi being processed by a spirit?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Kathy Ellison, a student, and daughter of a candidate for a Senate seat has moved into a boyfriend's apartment. The election is closed and she must do nothing to interest the press. Whenever she has sex with her boyfriend she has dreams of another life. She will go into a trance and speak with a child's voice and called the name Shari. Kathy is afraid of trains and a couple of times she almost committed suicide. What is happening? Is Kathi being processed by a spirit?
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 3, 2017
The Stepchild is a suspense novel by Joanne Fluke. Kathi Ellison is a student at University of California in Berkley and is secretly living with her boyfriend, David. She has yet to tell her parents because she knows they will not approve. Plus, it would not look good if word got out during her father’s U.S. Senate campaign. Kathi has recently started experiencing severe migraines and strange dreams. Then she starts going into trances where her voice and handwriting change. When Kathi comes out of the trance, she remembers nothing about it. Memories start coming to Kathi, but they do not belong to her. Kathi is remembering the childhood of a little girl named Sherri Walker. What is happening to her? Kathi is afraid to tell anyone even her boyfriend. David has noticed her strange behavior, but he cannot get Kathi to confide in him (or seek professional help). Who is Sherri Walker and what happened to her? Kathi starts having nightmares. Things are spiraling out of control. Kathi needs to figure out what is happening to her. But will she like the answers when she finds them?
The Stepchild was easy to read and has a good pace (I am trying to start with the positive attributes). I discovered after I started reading The Stepchild, that is not a newly written novel (the publisher should be disclosed that it is a republished novel). It is easy to tell by the number of cigarettes people smoke, Kathi living with a man was not appropriate and the availability of payphones (I have not seen a payphone in years). The author (or editor) should have updated the book. I thought the story was predictable. I knew how the story would play out after reading the prologue. My rating for The Stepchild 2 out of 5 stars. The ending felt incomplete, abrupt and unsatisfying (and strange). One item (a big one) was never addressed (regarding David and Kathi). I kept hoping for a good twist, a ghost, or that Kathi had a mental illness (schizophrenia). The story is supposed to be scary, but it does not come through (I was bored). I do want to mention that there are intimate relations between Kathi and David are vividly described. The Stepchild was just not the right story for me.
The Stepchild was easy to read and has a good pace (I am trying to start with the positive attributes). I discovered after I started reading The Stepchild, that is not a newly written novel (the publisher should be disclosed that it is a republished novel). It is easy to tell by the number of cigarettes people smoke, Kathi living with a man was not appropriate and the availability of payphones (I have not seen a payphone in years). The author (or editor) should have updated the book. I thought the story was predictable. I knew how the story would play out after reading the prologue. My rating for The Stepchild 2 out of 5 stars. The ending felt incomplete, abrupt and unsatisfying (and strange). One item (a big one) was never addressed (regarding David and Kathi). I kept hoping for a good twist, a ghost, or that Kathi had a mental illness (schizophrenia). The story is supposed to be scary, but it does not come through (I was bored). I do want to mention that there are intimate relations between Kathi and David are vividly described. The Stepchild was just not the right story for me.
May 12, 2021
Bizarre, dumb fun in the way that only 80s horror/thriller novels can be! I actually read this on my Kindle, but it thankfully doesn't appear as though Fluke has done any updating, which I always find clumsy and distracting. So you can still get your 80s craziness here!
Kathi Ellison is living with her boyfriend David, but keeping it on the downlow so as not to distract from her father's campaign to become senator. This was 1980 - you couldn't live in unmarried sin with your boyfriend back in those days! (I'm assuming.) But Kathi is experiencing nightmares and migraines, just like she used to have after the death of her mother when they were in an accident when Kathi was four, when their car was hit by a train. She's also having visions/memories of a little girl called Sheri Walker. She comes to believe that Sheri, who also died in that collision, is trying to possess her.
Any seasoned reader will know from the prologue exactly how things in this book will play out, but that doesn't detract from its daft cheesiness. The book is mostly just Kathi panicking over her situation, and freaking out whenever another Sheri memory descends upon her, putting her in a trance. This scenario plays out over and over again until we get to the couple of twists we all saw coming from the first page.
What I definitely didn't see coming was Not very good by any stretch of the imagination, it's still the sort of what-the-fuckery 80s nonsense I get some nostalgia and giggles out of. I also like to tell people I know all the bizarre goings-on as they happen, and they wonder what the heck I'm reading!
Kathi Ellison is living with her boyfriend David, but keeping it on the downlow so as not to distract from her father's campaign to become senator. This was 1980 - you couldn't live in unmarried sin with your boyfriend back in those days! (I'm assuming.) But Kathi is experiencing nightmares and migraines, just like she used to have after the death of her mother when they were in an accident when Kathi was four, when their car was hit by a train. She's also having visions/memories of a little girl called Sheri Walker. She comes to believe that Sheri, who also died in that collision, is trying to possess her.
Any seasoned reader will know from the prologue exactly how things in this book will play out, but that doesn't detract from its daft cheesiness. The book is mostly just Kathi panicking over her situation, and freaking out whenever another Sheri memory descends upon her, putting her in a trance. This scenario plays out over and over again until we get to the couple of twists we all saw coming from the first page.
What I definitely didn't see coming was Not very good by any stretch of the imagination, it's still the sort of what-the-fuckery 80s nonsense I get some nostalgia and giggles out of. I also like to tell people I know all the bizarre goings-on as they happen, and they wonder what the heck I'm reading!
December 1, 2017
This book was written in 1980 and is republished now. So the story reads a bit backdated with cigarettes and payphones. The premise was good with Kathi, daughter of US senate who is standing for elections, lives secretly with her boyfriend and starts going into a trance at inopportune times. Are these old memories? Is she losing her mind? Is the accident in childhood showing its effects now?
The book which should have been an intriguing fast paced suspense with pulling the reader almost into every page, is slow and predictable.
While reading the book, I expected twists and turns and maybe ghosts or mental illness or something which would cause my heart to race. But it ended before any such things could happen.
On the whole it is a mediocre read by today's standards. Maybe it would have been better if the author or publisher could have edited/rewritten some parts.
The book which should have been an intriguing fast paced suspense with pulling the reader almost into every page, is slow and predictable.
While reading the book, I expected twists and turns and maybe ghosts or mental illness or something which would cause my heart to race. But it ended before any such things could happen.
On the whole it is a mediocre read by today's standards. Maybe it would have been better if the author or publisher could have edited/rewritten some parts.
March 12, 2018
Not a fan. Confused and left little to the imagination.
December 1, 2017
This book was written in 1980 and is republished now. So the story reads a bit backdated with cigarettes and payphones. The premise was good with Kathi, daughter of US senate who is standing for elections, lives secretly with her boyfriend and starts going into a trance at inopportune times. Are these old memories? Is she losing her mind? Is the accident in childhood showing its effects now?
The book which should have been an intriguing fast paced suspense with pulling the reader almost into every page, is slow and predictable.
While reading the book, I expected twists and turns and maybe ghosts or mental illness or something which would cause my heart to race. But it ended before any such things could happen.
On the whole it is a mediocre read by today's standards. Maybe it would have been better if the author or publisher could have edited/rewritten some parts.
The book which should have been an intriguing fast paced suspense with pulling the reader almost into every page, is slow and predictable.
While reading the book, I expected twists and turns and maybe ghosts or mental illness or something which would cause my heart to race. But it ended before any such things could happen.
On the whole it is a mediocre read by today's standards. Maybe it would have been better if the author or publisher could have edited/rewritten some parts.
January 3, 2019
It was a good book but the solution to the mystery wasn't much of a mystery since it was presented at the very start and ending was very odd. I guess what's important here is what happen in between those two events. Frankly the story left me with an uneasy feeling, but it has some unexpected twists that will leave you wondering and thinking long after finishing the book. I had to stop and remember that the book was written in 1980 and this author has since written books that were much more intriguing. I absolutely love her ghost stories. Overall, this was a quick red that was worth the time.
December 10, 2017
Short quick read and was a bit disappointed in it. The story progression seemed implausible and the characters were bland. Didn't hate it but didn't love it either. It was just sort of blah. It made more sense when I realized it was written over 35 yrs ago and the storyline/character development probably fit better with that time period than now.
September 21, 2017
Not the best of Joanne Fluke for sure. Parts were silly but wanted to know the ending. It was so ludicrous that it made me consider not reading the rest of her stories before her Hannah books. Have read some of the others and enjoyed them but this one and the last one were not up to par for her.
July 3, 2017
GN I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Joanne Fluke, and Kensington in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
The Stepchild is an interesting book, a fast read with an unusual ending. The title is a bit misleading, but this is a story told well and enjoyable. This is a novel I am comfortable recommending to family and friends.
pub date July 25, 2017
Kensington
The Stepchild is an interesting book, a fast read with an unusual ending. The title is a bit misleading, but this is a story told well and enjoyable. This is a novel I am comfortable recommending to family and friends.
pub date July 25, 2017
Kensington
January 16, 2024
I kind of wanted to rate this at like 2 1/2 stars, but that wasn’t an option so it gets 2 stars. I almost DNF’d this book part of the way through because it was just really slow and really had a dark feeling to it that I wasn’t comfortable with. I definitely did not like the twist at the end with the implications that were involved with it, if you read it you’ll understand. The end definitely had a big-time yuck factor, especially the way it played out for the female in the story. Like many others have said, there was a lot of loose ends to be tied up at the end of this book that just weren’t handled. I really like Joanna’s Hannah Swenson stories, they’re really cute fun to follow and keep me entertained. This was the first mystery type book I’ve actually listened to of Joanna fluke, I will try another one just to see if maybe I got the not so great one. I will definitely stick with the Hannah Swenson books.
April 5, 2023
I’m rating this a 3.5 stars out of five stars. I liked many of the characters, the switch of views, and the reveal at the end. I was disappointed by the fact that one of the twists was obvious from earlier on in the book, and that last twist. Also, there’s a “yuck” moment if the reader thinks about the first twist with its associated implications. The reader is left so many “why’s” at the end of the book. It felt like the author didn’t know how to tie up the loose ends without having to further involve the “yuck” factor, and so; left them loose for the reader. I rated the book higher because the book had a definitive emotional impact. It’s an interesting book.
September 2, 2017
Very predictable and it didn't work for me.
March 22, 2019
Too dismissal for me!
July 6, 2017
Joanne Fluke is probably best known for her Hannah Swensen Mysteries which is a 20+ book series and many titles have been made into Hallmark Movies. However she has also written many standalone novels that show she can cross the boundary from quaint Hallmark Mystery types into those kind of stories that will make your skin crawl and keep you up at night.
The Stepchild was originally published back in 1980 before modern technology which is evident in her story but I’ve also noticed in even her current books she has a tendency to write her stories and/or characters in a way that has something of an anti-tech bent to them. Makes me wonder if Fluke herself doesn’t like cell phones, internet, computers, etc.
Beyond it being hard for a millennial to connect with there is a decent edge of psychological suspense that will hold the interest especially as the terror ramps up for the main character. It’s fairly fast paced and intriguing so it’s not hard to blow through.
I like Fluke even when I get irritated with the anti-tech bent in her books and some of the clichés because they’re always easy to read and interesting so you get a break from the stress of the world. I have yet to read anything by her I wouldn’t recommend.
The Stepchild was originally published back in 1980 before modern technology which is evident in her story but I’ve also noticed in even her current books she has a tendency to write her stories and/or characters in a way that has something of an anti-tech bent to them. Makes me wonder if Fluke herself doesn’t like cell phones, internet, computers, etc.
Beyond it being hard for a millennial to connect with there is a decent edge of psychological suspense that will hold the interest especially as the terror ramps up for the main character. It’s fairly fast paced and intriguing so it’s not hard to blow through.
I like Fluke even when I get irritated with the anti-tech bent in her books and some of the clichés because they’re always easy to read and interesting so you get a break from the stress of the world. I have yet to read anything by her I wouldn’t recommend.
July 6, 2017
Joanne Fluke is probably best known for her Hannah Swensen Mysteries which is a 20+ book series and many titles have been made into Hallmark Movies. However she has also written many standalone novels that show she can cross the boundary from quaint Hallmark Mystery types into those kind of stories that will make your skin crawl and keep you up at night.
The Stepchild was originally published back in 1980 before modern technology which is evident in her story but I’ve also noticed in even her current books she has a tendency to write her stories and/or characters in a way that has something of an anti-tech bent to them. Makes me wonder if Fluke herself doesn’t like cell phones, internet, computers, etc.
Beyond it being hard for a millennial to connect with there is a decent edge of psychological suspense that will hold the interest especially as the terror ramps up for the main character. It’s fairly fast paced and intriguing so it’s not hard to blow through.
I like Fluke even when I get irritated with the anti-tech bent in her books and some of the clichés because they’re always easy to read and interesting so you get a break from the stress of the world. I have yet to read anything by her I wouldn’t recommend.
The Stepchild was originally published back in 1980 before modern technology which is evident in her story but I’ve also noticed in even her current books she has a tendency to write her stories and/or characters in a way that has something of an anti-tech bent to them. Makes me wonder if Fluke herself doesn’t like cell phones, internet, computers, etc.
Beyond it being hard for a millennial to connect with there is a decent edge of psychological suspense that will hold the interest especially as the terror ramps up for the main character. It’s fairly fast paced and intriguing so it’s not hard to blow through.
I like Fluke even when I get irritated with the anti-tech bent in her books and some of the clichés because they’re always easy to read and interesting so you get a break from the stress of the world. I have yet to read anything by her I wouldn’t recommend.
October 21, 2017
If you are a fan of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen cooking mysteries, you will be surprised and possibly disappointed by The Stepchild. I know Fluke has a huge following for the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series. I found the one I read too syrupy sweet with the emphasis on the personal lives of flat characters and their recipes.
The Stepchild is a completely different type of book. I would classify it as a psychological thriller. It begins with a prologue that focuses on two dramatic events. Then the scene fast forwards to describe the sudden problems of Kathi Ellison whose father is only a few weeks away from becoming a senator. There is a life changing secret in Kathi’s past that even Kathi does not know about.
Three quarters of the way through the book I almost stopped reading it because of what appears to be a strong paranormal aspect. I am glad I continued on to the end as the story progresses in a different and unexpected direction with surprising implications. The Stepchild is an unsettling read, but a good one.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Stepchild is a completely different type of book. I would classify it as a psychological thriller. It begins with a prologue that focuses on two dramatic events. Then the scene fast forwards to describe the sudden problems of Kathi Ellison whose father is only a few weeks away from becoming a senator. There is a life changing secret in Kathi’s past that even Kathi does not know about.
Three quarters of the way through the book I almost stopped reading it because of what appears to be a strong paranormal aspect. I am glad I continued on to the end as the story progresses in a different and unexpected direction with surprising implications. The Stepchild is an unsettling read, but a good one.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2017
Kathi and David….Shari and Baver. The lives of two sets of people converge in this taut thriller from Joanne Fluke.
When Kathi, a student at UC Berkley, starts having nightmares in the weeks before election day in her father’s campaign for senate, she thinks it might be the pressure of keeping the fact she’s living with David off-campus coupled with the stress of exams. Boyfriend and psychology student David is very concerned as Kathi’s behavior becomes more erratic and he attempts to help her find her equilibrium.
Shari and brother Baver were orphans separated by Baver’s adoption as a baby, while Shari stayed with her loving foster parents.
When Shari and Kathi were children, they were involved in the same train derailment, and that episode seems to be what links these four people in this drama that will keep you turning the pages as the mystery intensifies to the climactic ending.
When Kathi, a student at UC Berkley, starts having nightmares in the weeks before election day in her father’s campaign for senate, she thinks it might be the pressure of keeping the fact she’s living with David off-campus coupled with the stress of exams. Boyfriend and psychology student David is very concerned as Kathi’s behavior becomes more erratic and he attempts to help her find her equilibrium.
Shari and brother Baver were orphans separated by Baver’s adoption as a baby, while Shari stayed with her loving foster parents.
When Shari and Kathi were children, they were involved in the same train derailment, and that episode seems to be what links these four people in this drama that will keep you turning the pages as the mystery intensifies to the climactic ending.
July 5, 2021
I'm hesitating between two stars and four stars to give to this book.
I found this thriller very "thrilling" and exciting. I just couldn't stop reading it.
I so felt for Kathy, but I wasn't completely sure about what was happening to her.
At one moment I had thought she was adopted and her parents didn't tell her, but when I found out what really happened, what her "parents" had done, it all fell into place.
What Kathi/Sheri did at the end shocked me, but didn't surprise me either, due to her background story.
The book leaves me with questions, though.
Isn't it a bit far fetched that her boyfriend is her adopted brother? How come they never noticed any fysical similiarities? Why did Harry not see any? And why did she not connect the dots when finding Tiger in David's closet? Was she so spellbound by her old life that she called him Baver?
And is it normal that she regressed and talked like a child when having those childhood memories? Seems a bit strange to me.
I found this thriller very "thrilling" and exciting. I just couldn't stop reading it.
I so felt for Kathy, but I wasn't completely sure about what was happening to her.
At one moment I had thought she was adopted and her parents didn't tell her, but when I found out what really happened, what her "parents" had done, it all fell into place.
What Kathi/Sheri did at the end shocked me, but didn't surprise me either, due to her background story.
The book leaves me with questions, though.
Isn't it a bit far fetched that her boyfriend is her adopted brother? How come they never noticed any fysical similiarities? Why did Harry not see any? And why did she not connect the dots when finding Tiger in David's closet? Was she so spellbound by her old life that she called him Baver?
And is it normal that she regressed and talked like a child when having those childhood memories? Seems a bit strange to me.
March 7, 2022
This book centers around Kathi Ellison who is a college student. Her father is running for senator and the election is very close and signs look good he'll win. So his campaign manager is making sure that nothing can hurt his chances with things from the past.
Kathi starts having these episodes. Almost migraine like headaches and then she goes into trances. When Kathi was younger she was involved in a horrible car accident which killed 4 people, including a little girl around Kathi's age. Things begin to get really strange for Kathi and she thinks she's being possessed.
The twist of the whole story I did figure out but it was fun to watch it be told. I did find the story to be a bit drawn out but I guess that added to the suspense of the twist.
I've read a lot of Joanne Fluke's bakery mysteries. I didn't realize until just recently that she has also written other mystery books. Overall ok read. It was a quick read also.
Kathi starts having these episodes. Almost migraine like headaches and then she goes into trances. When Kathi was younger she was involved in a horrible car accident which killed 4 people, including a little girl around Kathi's age. Things begin to get really strange for Kathi and she thinks she's being possessed.
The twist of the whole story I did figure out but it was fun to watch it be told. I did find the story to be a bit drawn out but I guess that added to the suspense of the twist.
I've read a lot of Joanne Fluke's bakery mysteries. I didn't realize until just recently that she has also written other mystery books. Overall ok read. It was a quick read also.
November 2, 2023
Joanne Fluke authors the highly popular cozy/recipe mysteries featuring central character Hannah Swenson. I've read so many of those, enjoying them all--they're set in Minnesota and Hannah's youngest sister even attends the Minnesota college that I did. I can respect an author stepping outside their wheelhouse so I was curious when I ran across The Stepchild available as a download. The best thing I can say about this book is that it is short. But it's so weird that it seemed long. The central plot was pretty predictable, even the "surprise" twist. But that twist had a big "ick" factor to it. I think the writing talent is there to get out of the kitchen and be less (or not at all) cozy but this wasn't the book to really illustrate that.
September 14, 2017
I enjoyed this book, which was recently reissued, but it could have used some updating since 1980, which it was first released. There are references to smoking in areas that have not been permitted for a very long time, and drinking at a time that would seems hard to believe, considering the character and her situation. Also, basic internet searches are commonplace now, and would have revealed a fair amount of information. Overall, a decent read, although the ending was somewhat distasteful!
February 9, 2018
It was a fairly good story even if you could figure out what was going to occur early on. I really liked the character of David but became a little frustrated with Kathi and her insecurities. The ending was also rather odd but I have read other books by this author that also had odd endings so maybe that is just one of her trademarks. The reader does get pulled into the story and you have to continue to read to see how it all will turn out.
September 3, 2019
Please don’t read this
I can’t rate this story any lower but I wish I could. This is a psychological ripper that will leave you haunted. Please don’t read it. I can’t believe Joanne Fluke would write something like this. Her Murder She Baked series are cozy mysteries that have been turned into Hallmark movies for tv. That’s what I thought I was getting-Cozy. Instead I got nightmares.
I can’t rate this story any lower but I wish I could. This is a psychological ripper that will leave you haunted. Please don’t read it. I can’t believe Joanne Fluke would write something like this. Her Murder She Baked series are cozy mysteries that have been turned into Hallmark movies for tv. That’s what I thought I was getting-Cozy. Instead I got nightmares.
March 11, 2025
Fluke Worms #1
Well that was my first Joanne Fluke book and it was an engaging, if silly read, most of the surprises were well telegraphed although there was one that was left, and there were some questions, that we're left as well.
You would not want to put it under too much scrutiny or it would fall apart very quickly, but if you just take it at face value it is a ridiculous but decent thriller.
Well that was my first Joanne Fluke book and it was an engaging, if silly read, most of the surprises were well telegraphed although there was one that was left, and there were some questions, that we're left as well.
You would not want to put it under too much scrutiny or it would fall apart very quickly, but if you just take it at face value it is a ridiculous but decent thriller.
August 6, 2017
This book was originally published in 1980 and you can tell by the amount of smoking and the lack of technology. I am a big Joanne Fluke fan because of her Hannah Swenson baking cozy's but I've never liked her psychology thrillers near as much. The story line is very good but I didn't like the big gap between Kathi as a little girl and then jumping to college.
September 25, 2019
Interestingly eerie
Kathi was finished with mid terms but the headaches and then the trances were getting worse. And now the campus doctor she visited using an assumed name called to tell her she was pregnant.
She kept hearing the name Sheri Walker, she remembered last week she had written that name as the owner of the mid term book she was taking.
Kathi was finished with mid terms but the headaches and then the trances were getting worse. And now the campus doctor she visited using an assumed name called to tell her she was pregnant.
She kept hearing the name Sheri Walker, she remembered last week she had written that name as the owner of the mid term book she was taking.
June 30, 2021
Kathi Ellison starts being haunted by strange dreams that seem to be from her past but can't be because that's not her life - or is it.
This story proves that telling people the truth, even about hard stuff, is always the best policy. If Kathi had only known the truth she probably would have been able to cope with her dreams and the story would have ended a lot differently.
This story proves that telling people the truth, even about hard stuff, is always the best policy. If Kathi had only known the truth she probably would have been able to cope with her dreams and the story would have ended a lot differently.
May 16, 2022
I loved reading a different type of book from this author. I felt like the book was too predictable and slightly repetitive but this is a story that was written in the 1980s.
Kathi is a college student who begins having horrible nightmares and headaches. Her father is running for senate So far her life has been privileged until the headaches begin.
Kathi is a college student who begins having horrible nightmares and headaches. Her father is running for senate So far her life has been privileged until the headaches begin.
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