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The Troubles Keeper
Bus driver Rory Fine has a gift. He can take troubles from others with merely a touch. On a rain-swept night he asks his glum passengers to leave their worrisome emotions in his palm. But when he touches one passenger's hand everything he knows about troubles keeping is shattered. Somebody aboard hides a deadly and dangerous secret. What began simply, descends into a perilous battle with a menacing and evil dark entity and Rory now faces a terrible decision. Should he reveal his secret gift to Mariana, the passenger he's come to love but barely knows? The last time that happened somebody died. But Rory must find a way because someone or something stalks Mariana. Someone who kills in a macabre and sickening way. Someone with abilities more powerful than his own. Should the killer's plan succeed it's not just Mariana at risk but the very fabric of the world. Rory will need to discover a strength he may not possess. Even then, that might not be enough. For when the Trepan Killer wants you, there's nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Can Rory stop the Trepan Killer before he loses all? To do so, he will face more than the killer. He will face his own harrowing past.
404 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2016
2888 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Susan May
307 books616 followersTo enjoy a Susan May starter library of two free books, join her reader's club at
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
susanmaywriter.net/free-books
I was four when I decided I would be a writer, packed a bag, and marched down the road looking for a school. But for forty-six years, I suffered from life-gets-in-the-way-osis. Setting a goal to write just one page a day cured me in 2010. This discipline grew into an addictive habit that has since borne several novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas--many of which are published award-winners in Australia, the US and the UK.
My childhood reading diet consisted of Edgar Allen Poe, O'Henry, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents, plus horror comics like Tales From the Crypt. Anything out of this world like The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had me glued to the television.
Inspired by these classics, I attempt to pen tales that are simply about the story and the characters and not about fancy words or beautiful descriptions. At the end of my stories I hope, wonderful reader, that you will feel you've enjoyed a journey into the fantastic with a neat twist at the end.
Every day I pinch myself that I am able to do what I love and be in control of every facet of it. And I can wear my track suit pants and slippers while doing it. Bliss.
Most days I'm just an average mother and wife living in Perth, Western Australia, but this darn imagination of mine keeps constantly venturing into the crevices of dark worlds, whether I want to go there or not.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 15, 2025
Thank you to Susan May for my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
On the face of it, Rory Fine is exactly the same as all the other bus drivers working out of his depot, but never take things at face value, for Rory has a special gift - at the touch of his hand, a mere brush of the fingers, he has the ability to take away the troubles of his recipient.
One stormy night, Rory picks up on the negative feelings of his passengers, and he asks them to just brush his hand as they alight the bus. They all leave with a lighter heart and a great big smile on their faces - having been relieved of their troubles. However, on touching the hand of Mariana ( one of his regular passengers) he senses something very dark and dangerous. Rory loves Mariana, even though he barely knows her, and he believes she's in great danger.
There is a serial killer on the loose nicknamed 'The Trepan Killer' a sick and sadistic killer, and if he seeks you out, there's nowhere to hide, as he appears to have supernatural abilities that allow him to find his prey.
Initially I didn't connect with Rory's character, but as the pace picked up, I found that his character became more gritty and well rounded in his fight against this dark soul, which incidentally, makes Rory's powers pale in comparison.
As the story found its feet, I found myself racing through the pages in time with Rory's desperate fight against very dark forces.
This was quite a unique take on a serial killer and the author (as I've discovered before) is brilliant at creating a storyline that leaves the reader breathless.
October 27, 2016
Go on, read the book, I told myself. You'll probably learn something by getting out of your comfort zone.
The upshot is that this novel took me further out of my comfort zone than I ever cared to be. I don't usually write my reviews while hiding under the bed. Furthermore, I will probably never feel comfortable on public transport again. What if that fellow on the seat next to me is a serial killer? I probably won't even be able to get a refund on my bus ticket until it's too late!
So why have I given this dark thriller four stars?
I'm a humour novelist but I gladly accepted a review copy of The Troubles Keeper so I could see what the other side of the coin looked like.
I'm pleased to say it's a well-told story, a good piece of escapism.
Seeing as I'm not a regular visitor to this genre, I'm just guessing it has elements that sets it above others: a big slab of romance, a smidgeon of humour, a little bit of science fiction based on actual science (which is way, way above my head), good building of characters, a pinch of nostalgia, lots of tension and, oh, in case I haven't got my message across well enough, big chunks of scary bits.
(I'd like to think I incorporate all those same elements in my storytelling, albeit in different proportions. My chunks of scary bits are probably minuscule.)
The author says at the end of her book: "My greatest wish is that for a few hours, at least, my gang of characters and I have taken your troubles from your mind."
Shouldn't that be the role of every author? Susan May has done it well. She's taken us somewhere unbelievable and made it believable.
The upshot is that this novel took me further out of my comfort zone than I ever cared to be. I don't usually write my reviews while hiding under the bed. Furthermore, I will probably never feel comfortable on public transport again. What if that fellow on the seat next to me is a serial killer? I probably won't even be able to get a refund on my bus ticket until it's too late!
So why have I given this dark thriller four stars?
I'm a humour novelist but I gladly accepted a review copy of The Troubles Keeper so I could see what the other side of the coin looked like.
I'm pleased to say it's a well-told story, a good piece of escapism.
Seeing as I'm not a regular visitor to this genre, I'm just guessing it has elements that sets it above others: a big slab of romance, a smidgeon of humour, a little bit of science fiction based on actual science (which is way, way above my head), good building of characters, a pinch of nostalgia, lots of tension and, oh, in case I haven't got my message across well enough, big chunks of scary bits.
(I'd like to think I incorporate all those same elements in my storytelling, albeit in different proportions. My chunks of scary bits are probably minuscule.)
The author says at the end of her book: "My greatest wish is that for a few hours, at least, my gang of characters and I have taken your troubles from your mind."
Shouldn't that be the role of every author? Susan May has done it well. She's taken us somewhere unbelievable and made it believable.
October 1, 2016
3.5 stars
My first experiences with author Susan May (Deadly Messengers and Behind Dark Doors (the complete collection): Eighteen suspenseful short stories) really blew me away and I became an instant fan. I was really excited about reading her latest, The Troubles Keeper.
While I can't say I'm as enthusiastic about this story as I am of her previous work, I can't ignore the fact that this is one highly imaginative and creative tale!
This might seem like an odd combination but I would describe this as being reminiscent of a Dean Koontz book with more of a scientific flair and Ghostbuster-like weaponry to help save the day.
Intrigued? I sure was! As the story unfolded I was completely clueless as to what was transpiring, and where it was headed, which I love. I think where the book lost me a bit was in all the scientific mumbo-jumbo. I'm never one to discredit an author for making me think outside the box, but I just couldn't get behind the possible explanations of what was the root of all that was going on...
I was also missing a bit more back story to the characters, which I think would have allowed me to be more invested in what happens to them. Last, I found the numerous quotes from the main protag's mother that were used throughout the book a bit random and distracting. Maybe just because there were so many of them.
But with all this said, I still have to give this book a solid 3.5 stars. This was such a unique and imaginative tale that kept me guessing and while I might have zoned out for a lot of the scientific scenes, Susan once again proves that there isn't any place she won't go for a good story. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!!
My thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My first experiences with author Susan May (Deadly Messengers and Behind Dark Doors (the complete collection): Eighteen suspenseful short stories) really blew me away and I became an instant fan. I was really excited about reading her latest, The Troubles Keeper.
While I can't say I'm as enthusiastic about this story as I am of her previous work, I can't ignore the fact that this is one highly imaginative and creative tale!
This might seem like an odd combination but I would describe this as being reminiscent of a Dean Koontz book with more of a scientific flair and Ghostbuster-like weaponry to help save the day.
Intrigued? I sure was! As the story unfolded I was completely clueless as to what was transpiring, and where it was headed, which I love. I think where the book lost me a bit was in all the scientific mumbo-jumbo. I'm never one to discredit an author for making me think outside the box, but I just couldn't get behind the possible explanations of what was the root of all that was going on...
I was also missing a bit more back story to the characters, which I think would have allowed me to be more invested in what happens to them. Last, I found the numerous quotes from the main protag's mother that were used throughout the book a bit random and distracting. Maybe just because there were so many of them.
But with all this said, I still have to give this book a solid 3.5 stars. This was such a unique and imaginative tale that kept me guessing and while I might have zoned out for a lot of the scientific scenes, Susan once again proves that there isn't any place she won't go for a good story. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!!
My thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2016
Susan May continues to astound me. While 'Deadly Messengers' remains my firm favourite I have to admit that 'The Troubles Keeper' kept me spellbound.
Once in a lifetime, if we are lucky, we meet someone who makes us feel better, lighter, more joyous; someone who lightens our load, who makes us forget our troubles.
Bus driver Rory Fine is one such person. He has a gift. A gift that he delights in, one that he uses to rid people of their day to day troubles. Once, in the past, this has caused Rory great trouble. Now even worse is coming, for Rory has lifted a deadly and dangerous trouble from one of his passengers and now he must act quickly in order to save those he loves.
This is a thrilling tale with more than a touch of the paranormal. There is a serial killer, a little romance. There is suspense and excitement. A great read!
Thank you Susan May for a digital ARC of The Troubles Keeper in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Once in a lifetime, if we are lucky, we meet someone who makes us feel better, lighter, more joyous; someone who lightens our load, who makes us forget our troubles.
Bus driver Rory Fine is one such person. He has a gift. A gift that he delights in, one that he uses to rid people of their day to day troubles. Once, in the past, this has caused Rory great trouble. Now even worse is coming, for Rory has lifted a deadly and dangerous trouble from one of his passengers and now he must act quickly in order to save those he loves.
This is a thrilling tale with more than a touch of the paranormal. There is a serial killer, a little romance. There is suspense and excitement. A great read!
Thank you Susan May for a digital ARC of The Troubles Keeper in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
September 25, 2016
Rory Fine is a bus driver but he's far from your ordinary every day blue collar worker. Rory was born with a gift that allows him to ease the fears and troubles from others with just a touch. One night along his regular route Rory gets the feeling that his passengers are a bit more bogged down with their problems so he offers to help them all as they depart his bus.
As Rory touches one particular passenger though he finds himself taking on something dark and evil that he's never experienced before. Little did Rory know that his offer to brighten the day of his passengers would lead him on a perilous journey dealing with forces that he never could have imagined before.
The Troubles Keeper is another book that is an interesting mix of elements involved in the story. It's definitely part paranormal fantasy with Rory having a special ability but there is also the edgy thriller side of it that I became a fan of Susan May for from her book Deadly Messengers that I read last summer and ended up one of my favorites of 2015.
Rory is a very likable main character that is a bit of a superhero with what he can do to help people. Those he touch have all of their misery lifted from their minds that bog them down so you can only imagine the possibilities in what this gift could do. Think of those suffering depression or contemplating suicide, families that are torn apart as relationships crumble over arguments that if given the chance at clearing your head and tackling problems from a better state of mind could be saved it became clear while reading the world could really use someone like Rory in it.
Along with the gifts of the main character though we have an intense plot that pulls you in rather quickly and keeps the pages turning. The reader learns early on there is a killer on the loose but things quickly get escalated which you would expect with the paranormal elements to the book. I won't go too into the details to not spoil things but it's definitely one I'd recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
As Rory touches one particular passenger though he finds himself taking on something dark and evil that he's never experienced before. Little did Rory know that his offer to brighten the day of his passengers would lead him on a perilous journey dealing with forces that he never could have imagined before.
The Troubles Keeper is another book that is an interesting mix of elements involved in the story. It's definitely part paranormal fantasy with Rory having a special ability but there is also the edgy thriller side of it that I became a fan of Susan May for from her book Deadly Messengers that I read last summer and ended up one of my favorites of 2015.
Rory is a very likable main character that is a bit of a superhero with what he can do to help people. Those he touch have all of their misery lifted from their minds that bog them down so you can only imagine the possibilities in what this gift could do. Think of those suffering depression or contemplating suicide, families that are torn apart as relationships crumble over arguments that if given the chance at clearing your head and tackling problems from a better state of mind could be saved it became clear while reading the world could really use someone like Rory in it.
Along with the gifts of the main character though we have an intense plot that pulls you in rather quickly and keeps the pages turning. The reader learns early on there is a killer on the loose but things quickly get escalated which you would expect with the paranormal elements to the book. I won't go too into the details to not spoil things but it's definitely one I'd recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 27, 2016
Rory Fine enjoyed driving his buses, interacting with his passengers, especially the regulars. And he was a person who loved helping people – with a touch of his hand he could remove the worries and troubles from a person; they would be happier and calmer and not realise why. But the wet and rainy night he decided to take the troubles from every passenger as they departed, Rory felt a darkness release from the young woman who had stolen his heart…
Mariana was generally a happy, bubbly person, so when Rory felt the darkness in her which he had removed, he was concerned. He knew there was more to it – this wasn’t Mariana’s way; who had done this to her? Was there a malevolent and evil presence out there which had attached itself to his sweet Mariana?
The Trepan Killer continued to strike – his latest victim much too close to home for Rory. He knew Mariana was in danger but the confusion about his gift and what it enabled him to do; the decisions he needed to make to keep both Mariana and himself safe, was tormenting him. But Rory knew he had to move quickly – he only had a few hours left and then it would be too late.
Could Rory decipher the meaning of the oblique messages he was receiving? Would he be able to stop the twisted and psychotic killer before he struck again? And who could he trust with his secret?
The Troubles Keeper by Aussie author Susan May includes a mixture of genres – thriller, crime and mystery, as well as paranormal plus an element of horror. There was much darkness and violence in this novel and I will admit to skimming over the graphic details. I also picked the killer quite early in the book. Not for the faint hearted, The Troubles Keeper will be one enjoyed by lovers of the dark entity which invades these pages. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Mariana was generally a happy, bubbly person, so when Rory felt the darkness in her which he had removed, he was concerned. He knew there was more to it – this wasn’t Mariana’s way; who had done this to her? Was there a malevolent and evil presence out there which had attached itself to his sweet Mariana?
The Trepan Killer continued to strike – his latest victim much too close to home for Rory. He knew Mariana was in danger but the confusion about his gift and what it enabled him to do; the decisions he needed to make to keep both Mariana and himself safe, was tormenting him. But Rory knew he had to move quickly – he only had a few hours left and then it would be too late.
Could Rory decipher the meaning of the oblique messages he was receiving? Would he be able to stop the twisted and psychotic killer before he struck again? And who could he trust with his secret?
The Troubles Keeper by Aussie author Susan May includes a mixture of genres – thriller, crime and mystery, as well as paranormal plus an element of horror. There was much darkness and violence in this novel and I will admit to skimming over the graphic details. I also picked the killer quite early in the book. Not for the faint hearted, The Troubles Keeper will be one enjoyed by lovers of the dark entity which invades these pages. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2016
I received a free copy of this book by the author and I can honestly say that I am in love with it. I loved it since the very beginning. The characters are very well developed, the storyline doesn't allow you to stop reading. Just amazing. This was the second book I had to read from an emerging author and I couldn't even think about it that way. It was like reading some of the big's best works. I sincerely hope Susan writes a sequel and not just one! there are so many possibilities for further storylines!! I am reading right now her other works, I want to congratulate her on a job very very well done, thank her for letting me discover her work and I really really hope more and more people give her a chance, find the time to get to know that she has to say and help her get noticed since she so deserves it! I mean, my favorite author is Stephen King and haven't actually read all of his works because I like to have them and wait as long as possible because otherwise there will be no more some day. Now, in a similar way, I hope Susan gets to write more and more and I will be waiting! Amazing book really!
definitely 5 stars!
thank you!
definitely 5 stars!
thank you!
August 31, 2016
Rory Fine has a gift. He can take your troubles away just by his touch. As a bus driver he has driven the same bus route for years.
One rainy night he asks his glum passengers to leave all their emotions in his palm. When touching one persons hand he knew what he had known about trouble keepers is shattered. Someone aboard hides a deadly and dangerous secret.
Great characters and a bit supernatural powers makes this a really enjoyable novel. Susan May at her best.
Thank you so much Susan for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
One rainy night he asks his glum passengers to leave all their emotions in his palm. When touching one persons hand he knew what he had known about trouble keepers is shattered. Someone aboard hides a deadly and dangerous secret.
Great characters and a bit supernatural powers makes this a really enjoyable novel. Susan May at her best.
Thank you so much Susan for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
September 11, 2016
I loved this ARC from Susan May! It was fun working with her as she's turned out to be a very warm, sweet person. One whose completely humble and open to changes. That's rare in an author, and makes her one special lady!
Parts reminded me a little of Stephan King, especially Danny Torrence in The Shining and Dr. sleep, you'll see when you get there....for now all I'll say is it has to do with keeping bad things locked in boxes within yourself.....something Rory does with troubles in this book, until he's faced with something dark that won't stay in the box created for it, yet in no way should it be let loose on the world. Usually he can remove everyone's troubles with a simple touch--then throw them all away. This "darkness" he picked up is new to him and he can't deal with it alone.
These are the beginning of Rory's own troubles. Troubles not so easily taken care of. It makes matters worse when the "dark thing" inside Rory is revealed to belong to a serial killer; one who is aiming for the girl Rory loves. To save her, he must share this secret with her, and hope that she believes him.
As we read on, we find that this killer has paranormal gifts of his own. Dark ones, that, as I said, Rory needs help with because he is no match for this murderer on his own. I was a little excited finding an old friend turn up in Rory's life that introduces quantum physics into the novel. Does this old friend have knowledge to help Rory fight the darkness?
This was a huge page turner, as the killer keeps striking those close to Rory.....headed ultimately towards the girl Rory would give his life to save. I loved this paranormal/thriller/serial killer/romance! After the first several chapters I was so hooked that I stayed up all night to keep reading. I'm terribly happy I got to try this book and have found a wonderful new author to follow!!
Parts reminded me a little of Stephan King, especially Danny Torrence in The Shining and Dr. sleep, you'll see when you get there....for now all I'll say is it has to do with keeping bad things locked in boxes within yourself.....something Rory does with troubles in this book, until he's faced with something dark that won't stay in the box created for it, yet in no way should it be let loose on the world. Usually he can remove everyone's troubles with a simple touch--then throw them all away. This "darkness" he picked up is new to him and he can't deal with it alone.
These are the beginning of Rory's own troubles. Troubles not so easily taken care of. It makes matters worse when the "dark thing" inside Rory is revealed to belong to a serial killer; one who is aiming for the girl Rory loves. To save her, he must share this secret with her, and hope that she believes him.
As we read on, we find that this killer has paranormal gifts of his own. Dark ones, that, as I said, Rory needs help with because he is no match for this murderer on his own. I was a little excited finding an old friend turn up in Rory's life that introduces quantum physics into the novel. Does this old friend have knowledge to help Rory fight the darkness?
This was a huge page turner, as the killer keeps striking those close to Rory.....headed ultimately towards the girl Rory would give his life to save. I loved this paranormal/thriller/serial killer/romance! After the first several chapters I was so hooked that I stayed up all night to keep reading. I'm terribly happy I got to try this book and have found a wonderful new author to follow!!
November 10, 2016
This a chillingly horrific thriller told from the alternating point of view of the killer and the hero. Being in the mind of the killer and seeing how he is tortured his victims was especially hideous. It was too easy to imagine the pain they experienced. In a movie you can look away and wait for the scene to be over. This book gave me the shivers.
The hero's paranormal ability is one I've never read before and found very imaginative. I like how Rory is so generous in sharing his gift with others to help them even though he suffers until he gets rid of the troubles he collected from everyone else. It was heartwarming to see how the lives of those he helped were improved. I like Mariana for being sweet and accepting. This is a fast paced story right up to the very end.
The hero's paranormal ability is one I've never read before and found very imaginative. I like how Rory is so generous in sharing his gift with others to help them even though he suffers until he gets rid of the troubles he collected from everyone else. It was heartwarming to see how the lives of those he helped were improved. I like Mariana for being sweet and accepting. This is a fast paced story right up to the very end.
November 24, 2016
I absolutely loved this book just as much as I did the others and more....
I want to thank Susan for the early copy of this fantastic book and say once again how great she is. I know without her and many others like her we wouldn't have the books and adventures we have when we spend our time on their journeys reading their books and being part of their worlds. So people if you haven't read this book yet then what are you waiting for...the world to end well with Rory Fine on the bus you might have to wait and see if it does or how it all ends. I'll be watching just like everyone else on the bus waiting for you to join the ride...Til then and as always...
Happy Reading,
JANE CULWELL
This was my second time reading and loved it just as much as I did the first time reading it
I want to thank Susan for the early copy of this fantastic book and say once again how great she is. I know without her and many others like her we wouldn't have the books and adventures we have when we spend our time on their journeys reading their books and being part of their worlds. So people if you haven't read this book yet then what are you waiting for...the world to end well with Rory Fine on the bus you might have to wait and see if it does or how it all ends. I'll be watching just like everyone else on the bus waiting for you to join the ride...Til then and as always...
Happy Reading,
JANE CULWELL
This was my second time reading and loved it just as much as I did the first time reading it
October 13, 2016
I think my edition was a "late" ARC for this book that is due any day now. Very few things left to be edited and I daresay they did not distract from either the story or the flow of the narrative. The narrative is great by the way, the author writes really well and that has been true for everything I read by her. Not in any way "simple", but I rarely, if ever, stumble or have to backtrack through the text. Narrative voice and perspective shift between chapters in this story, but it's so nicely flowing and told that you're just going with the flow.
The story calls for quite a substantial suspension of disbelief of course, which I'm happy to give. Even though the story is of a quite grand scale, involving string theory physics and dark matter - not to mention that the endgame deals with consequences that even the 'Moonraker'-era James Bond would feel a bit daunted about. It starts out at a more manageable level though.
One thing I wondered about concerning the 'trouble keeping' of the title is that would it always be a good idea to remove 'troubles' (should that be 'worries'? Can that be the same thing? Maybe it's a language thing. In Swedish I would, e.g. have money troubles and be worried about them. Removing my worries would make me feel better, but would not remove my troubles. Giving me money would do that.). Anyways, disregarding the nomenclature, is it a good idea? certainly in the case of the quarreling couple - it's easy to see that when you are deeply troubled by something you may very well be unable to find your way out of a situation, even if there is one. Heck, you may be unable to say "I'm sorry". In the case of my money troubles though, I'm not sure removing my worrying about them would be the best. But see, I expected this - no matter what, Susan May gets me thinking.
I liked the characters and feel I got to know them quite well. It is a limited character gallery, but still, the author managed to surprise me with an identity as well as with how it turns out for a bunch of the main ones.
I had one (minor) complaint; the killer nickname did not sit right with me. There's no doubt in my mind that the media would disregard the possible copyright infringement of the Abel Ferrara 70's movie and go with that nick, rather than the awkward name of the ancient surgical practice.
The story is postfaced, as one also have come to expect, with another "From the imagination vault". The author gives a bit of background and speaks about the development of the story and I always enjoy and appreciate this part very much.
The story calls for quite a substantial suspension of disbelief of course, which I'm happy to give. Even though the story is of a quite grand scale, involving string theory physics and dark matter - not to mention that the endgame deals with consequences that even the 'Moonraker'-era James Bond would feel a bit daunted about. It starts out at a more manageable level though.
One thing I wondered about concerning the 'trouble keeping' of the title is that would it always be a good idea to remove 'troubles' (should that be 'worries'? Can that be the same thing? Maybe it's a language thing. In Swedish I would, e.g. have money troubles and be worried about them. Removing my worries would make me feel better, but would not remove my troubles. Giving me money would do that.). Anyways, disregarding the nomenclature, is it a good idea? certainly in the case of the quarreling couple - it's easy to see that when you are deeply troubled by something you may very well be unable to find your way out of a situation, even if there is one. Heck, you may be unable to say "I'm sorry". In the case of my money troubles though, I'm not sure removing my worrying about them would be the best. But see, I expected this - no matter what, Susan May gets me thinking.
I liked the characters and feel I got to know them quite well. It is a limited character gallery, but still, the author managed to surprise me with an identity as well as with how it turns out for a bunch of the main ones.
I had one (minor) complaint; the killer nickname did not sit right with me. There's no doubt in my mind that the media would disregard the possible copyright infringement of the Abel Ferrara 70's movie and go with that nick, rather than the awkward name of the ancient surgical practice.
The story is postfaced, as one also have come to expect, with another "From the imagination vault". The author gives a bit of background and speaks about the development of the story and I always enjoy and appreciate this part very much.
May 3, 2020
I received this book for free by the author as an ARC. Twisted; dark; and completely delightful! I don't know what I like more, the book itself or the fact that one of the main character's was inspired by the main character from It's a Wonderful life?! I like to read books that are light and feathery, but sometimes I find myself falling into something heavy and loving it. I'm glad I read this book, it's well-written and the characters are so real and it made my experience that much more enjoyable. I think fans of the Mara Dyer series will enjoy this book. I'd like to take this time to thank May for giving me the opportunity to read this book in an exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2016
If there's one thing Susan May knows how to do (and probably in her sleep, too), it's creating bone-chilling suspense. While this book starts out rather slow and gives the reader (maybe just a little too much) time to get acquainted with the protagonist, there's hardly any time to take a little breather once the action starts.
I very much enjoyed the premise of this story: A twentysomething bus driver, just a little awkward but the most beautiful soul, with the gift to relieve those around him of troubles and pains simply by touching them, confronted with a power so dark it threatens to destroy not only him but everything he loves.
Rory Fine is an amazing, adorable main character and I loved being in his head.
This book is a mix of genres - paranormal, horror, thriller, sci-fi and even some romance, interspersed with just a teeny bit of dry humor here and there. There are quite a few violent, gory scenes from the killer's perspective, so the faint-hearted among you might want to take a pass on reading this one.
What I just couldn't wrap my head around, though, was all the scientific talk. This is a personal thing, but I'm a total dead loss when it comes to physics, so I had a really hard time comprehending any of this.
Add to that the fact that except for Rory, I didn't care for any of the characters and even would've preferred this book without the romance part... I just couldn't bring myself to give more than 3 stars.
All in all, though, this was an enjoyable read.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2016
Rory Fine is a young man with a secret. He discovered when he was just a young boy, that he had the ability to take troubles and lock them away. This ability has been both a gift and a curse. One day he meets Mariana whose "troubles" are unlike anything he has ever experienced. A trouble that is so huge, so evil, it can not possibly be her own, and he can barely contain it. Rory knows that she is in danger but doesn't know from who, or how to help her. When another young woman falls victim to a serial killer Rory begins to suspect that the killer is closer than he thought.
This was a very original, well written thriller with just a hint of romance.
I received a complimentary copy for review
This was a very original, well written thriller with just a hint of romance.
I received a complimentary copy for review
July 18, 2020
I love this book! You've done it again Susan! Rory is amazing all of your characters are. Please write a second book or more, I NEED to know what happens to them all! I wish more people were like Rory, Mariana and Daniel in this world. There are sadly not enough. I figured out who did it before the story ended but it's ok because you put so many twists in that there was doubt. I really wish troubles keepers were real. At least they exist in your book so thank you for that.
October 23, 2016
I don't normally read this genre of book but it had a serial killer in it. I started it and it was so hard to put down. I loved the main character, a bus driver and his interactions with his regular passengers. I had absolutely no idea who the killer was and it was so surprising how things happen. I hope there is a book 2.
January 21, 2020
A new superhero is born. No he can't fly, no he can't jump over buildings, see through walls, stop bullets, or any of those other things superheroes supposedly can do. What he can do is so much better, what he can do is something in these terrible times we are living in is so special. Such a beautiful, amazing, miraculous, gift that we could all use a person like him and his gift right now in all of our lives. .
I loved this concept, Susan May has come up with just such a super hero. What an amazing gift to have and this story is about such a person, a . There has been times in my life where such a person would have helped immensely. This type of respite would have allowed me a very different perspective, a change I might not have thought about instead of just riding my emotions, a resolution I might not have seen by myself, and I might have made different choices in my life. To have a person in your life like Rory many of you may have gone down different paths yourself, if you had a Troubles Keeper in you life too.
You are going to fall fast in love with Rory. You are going to want Rory to be in your life, you will want him to be a friend of yours. He is the center of this book, the backbone. If I rode a bus back and forth everyday I would want him as my bus driver. The love, compassion, and eagerness to help others is a wonderful gift and Rory shares it freely. Love or hate these other characters, it doesn't matter, Susan May has an amazing talent writing amazing detailed characters. They are so well written that you may love them one minute and hate them the next. You will laugh with them and cry with them. You get really involved in their lives. You have the whole horror element in this book plus the supernatural thrown in also. Add to that a friendship and love and you have one fantastic book.
The serial killer in this book is one scary, crazy, wicked, bloody, and atrocious guy. He is very disturbing and disgusting. He is smart in planning his kills and takes great pleasure in those kills. His crimes are horrific. But he also brings his own suitcase of self doubt, pain, love, and mental illness. Sometimes you may feel sorry for his own suffering. He is very meticulous in his killing, it is almost religious for him. He almost seems supernatural, not a true demon, but not a true human either, somewhere in between.
This is a fast, fantastic read. You will be sucked right into this book and the characters lives. This book will be a super success, it is amazing, Susan May has really outdone herself on this one. The book is electrifying to the very last page. You should definitely grab this book. Amazing Author, Amazing Book. Amazing afterward, don't skip Susan's "From the Imagination Vault", a look into herself as a writer and what went into getting us her awesome book.
I loved this concept, Susan May has come up with just such a super hero. What an amazing gift to have and this story is about such a person, a . There has been times in my life where such a person would have helped immensely. This type of respite would have allowed me a very different perspective, a change I might not have thought about instead of just riding my emotions, a resolution I might not have seen by myself, and I might have made different choices in my life. To have a person in your life like Rory many of you may have gone down different paths yourself, if you had a Troubles Keeper in you life too.
You are going to fall fast in love with Rory. You are going to want Rory to be in your life, you will want him to be a friend of yours. He is the center of this book, the backbone. If I rode a bus back and forth everyday I would want him as my bus driver. The love, compassion, and eagerness to help others is a wonderful gift and Rory shares it freely. Love or hate these other characters, it doesn't matter, Susan May has an amazing talent writing amazing detailed characters. They are so well written that you may love them one minute and hate them the next. You will laugh with them and cry with them. You get really involved in their lives. You have the whole horror element in this book plus the supernatural thrown in also. Add to that a friendship and love and you have one fantastic book.
The serial killer in this book is one scary, crazy, wicked, bloody, and atrocious guy. He is very disturbing and disgusting. He is smart in planning his kills and takes great pleasure in those kills. His crimes are horrific. But he also brings his own suitcase of self doubt, pain, love, and mental illness. Sometimes you may feel sorry for his own suffering. He is very meticulous in his killing, it is almost religious for him. He almost seems supernatural, not a true demon, but not a true human either, somewhere in between.
This is a fast, fantastic read. You will be sucked right into this book and the characters lives. This book will be a super success, it is amazing, Susan May has really outdone herself on this one. The book is electrifying to the very last page. You should definitely grab this book. Amazing Author, Amazing Book. Amazing afterward, don't skip Susan's "From the Imagination Vault", a look into herself as a writer and what went into getting us her awesome book.
September 23, 2016
Rory Fine has the ability to lift the worries and concerns of a person just by touching them. A handshake or the briefest touch can leave people feeling lighter, happier and as if their troubles have just disappeared. In fact, Rory takes those troubles and stores them away in his mental attic until he can dispose of them later. What a guy!
What do you think a man with this type of gift would do for a living? Counsellor, doctor or emergency worker springs to mind. Nope, Rory drives a bus and uses his gift to alleviate the worries and concerns of his regular passengers; and they love him for it.
One day Rory picks up a negative energy, something dark and powerful, and that's where The Troubles Keeper by Australian author Susan May really kicks off.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz, I was far more interested in Rory than the thrilling circumstances he finds himself drawn into, and would have been happy to learn more about him and his youth given the chance. The character reminded me a little of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, where I'm always more fascinated by his gift than what he 'gets up to' in each book. I wanted to stop and sift through the troubles Rory takes from people and was somewhat reluctant to be pulled into a thrilling ride to pursue the owner of the dark energy.
The Troubles Keeper has a touch of everything to keep the reader entertained throughout, including elements of crime, science fiction, the paranormal and the age-old motivators of love and revenge. Recommended for fans of Dean Koontz and Stephen King.
* Copy courtesy of the author *
What do you think a man with this type of gift would do for a living? Counsellor, doctor or emergency worker springs to mind. Nope, Rory drives a bus and uses his gift to alleviate the worries and concerns of his regular passengers; and they love him for it.
One day Rory picks up a negative energy, something dark and powerful, and that's where The Troubles Keeper by Australian author Susan May really kicks off.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz, I was far more interested in Rory than the thrilling circumstances he finds himself drawn into, and would have been happy to learn more about him and his youth given the chance. The character reminded me a little of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, where I'm always more fascinated by his gift than what he 'gets up to' in each book. I wanted to stop and sift through the troubles Rory takes from people and was somewhat reluctant to be pulled into a thrilling ride to pursue the owner of the dark energy.
The Troubles Keeper has a touch of everything to keep the reader entertained throughout, including elements of crime, science fiction, the paranormal and the age-old motivators of love and revenge. Recommended for fans of Dean Koontz and Stephen King.
* Copy courtesy of the author *
October 1, 2016
Thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Susan May is Australia's best kept secret. Her name belongs to the A-List suspense writers Parthenon, next to Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Dean Koontz or Glenn Cooper.
The Troubles Keeper is a supernatural thriller where Rory Fine, an apparently common bus driver, is able to take your worries away just by touching you, making you instantly feel better and more positive (I know: where can I fin him, right?). After falling in love at first sight with one of her passengers, Rory takes something dark and evil away from her that he has never encountered before, and that seems to be connected to a serial killer.
The first half of the book may seem a little slow, but this is due the fact that in order to understand the story properly, you need to know and understand the characters, what they do and the situation. Although not much happens during this first half, Susan May's ability to create and describe the players and their motivations will keep you wanting to know more about them. Actually, I believe this is a common feature in most of Stephen King's early works, who is one of the author's main influences.
Once the equator is reached and Chris Lampen is introduced, the story just goes downhill with no brakes, growing in intensity until the final climax.
With a great narrative, perfectly constructed characters (at one point or the other of this book, any reader would feel sympathy for Rory and would like to meet him) and a steady pace, Susan May creates another great novel that kept me at the edge of my seat from the beginning till the end.
Susan May is Australia's best kept secret. Her name belongs to the A-List suspense writers Parthenon, next to Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, Dean Koontz or Glenn Cooper.
The Troubles Keeper is a supernatural thriller where Rory Fine, an apparently common bus driver, is able to take your worries away just by touching you, making you instantly feel better and more positive (I know: where can I fin him, right?). After falling in love at first sight with one of her passengers, Rory takes something dark and evil away from her that he has never encountered before, and that seems to be connected to a serial killer.
The first half of the book may seem a little slow, but this is due the fact that in order to understand the story properly, you need to know and understand the characters, what they do and the situation. Although not much happens during this first half, Susan May's ability to create and describe the players and their motivations will keep you wanting to know more about them. Actually, I believe this is a common feature in most of Stephen King's early works, who is one of the author's main influences.
Once the equator is reached and Chris Lampen is introduced, the story just goes downhill with no brakes, growing in intensity until the final climax.
With a great narrative, perfectly constructed characters (at one point or the other of this book, any reader would feel sympathy for Rory and would like to meet him) and a steady pace, Susan May creates another great novel that kept me at the edge of my seat from the beginning till the end.
October 18, 2016
There is a broad category of writing known as speculative fiction. I know this because I actually took a class in speculative fiction in college (it seemed like an easy A, and it was). THE TROUBLES KEEPER falls quite nicely into this category.
There is a really nasty serial killer here, yet there is no big police investigation in the book. I must confess that halfway through the book, I started looking for such an investigation and realized this isn't a serial killer whodunnit but a study in human nature. It's not just good versus evil; it's how an individual interacts with those around him or her. There is the sense that a good heart begets good actions.
The main characters are everyday folk. Our hero is a bus driver. There is a sweet boy meets girl romance about to bloom. In other words, it is a story of your life and mine except for that bit of supernatural ability that is not totally understood by its possessor. I found that I was more than curious about the ability, not only how it impacted ordinary mortals but the way it developed in the core characters.
Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of Stephen King. She tells you a story that is easy to believe and taunts you with a bit of the supernatural so you suspend your disbelief. Then, she uses science to draw you in even further. This is a masterful technique that promises her an ever-expanding readership. I, for one, have already put her on my 'if she writes it, I will read it' list. You might just consider doing the same.
There is a really nasty serial killer here, yet there is no big police investigation in the book. I must confess that halfway through the book, I started looking for such an investigation and realized this isn't a serial killer whodunnit but a study in human nature. It's not just good versus evil; it's how an individual interacts with those around him or her. There is the sense that a good heart begets good actions.
The main characters are everyday folk. Our hero is a bus driver. There is a sweet boy meets girl romance about to bloom. In other words, it is a story of your life and mine except for that bit of supernatural ability that is not totally understood by its possessor. I found that I was more than curious about the ability, not only how it impacted ordinary mortals but the way it developed in the core characters.
Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of Stephen King. She tells you a story that is easy to believe and taunts you with a bit of the supernatural so you suspend your disbelief. Then, she uses science to draw you in even further. This is a masterful technique that promises her an ever-expanding readership. I, for one, have already put her on my 'if she writes it, I will read it' list. You might just consider doing the same.
September 17, 2016
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
As usual I try to keep this spoiler free.
I never read a paranormal thriller. I have read thrillers before but never with a paranormal element.
So when Susan was so kind to approach me and sensed me the synopsis I was a bit skeptical, not knowing what to expect of The Troubles Keeper.
But I instantly liked the idea of someone being able to take Troubles from people and keep them.
So here we have Rory Fine, a busdriver with a special gift called Trouble keeping. One day he offers his passengers to take their troubles and by doing so Rory discovers darkness that brings himself into trouble.
What that darkness is? You need to see for yourself.
I simply loved that concept, although I had huge problems finding my way with this book as first.
Susan Mays writing is so beautiful but for me so hard to read with this concept that I needed to get used to it first, but once I got the hang of it I didn't want to stop reading.
Beautifully written, great concept so 4 out of 5 stars as I had a bit trouble at the beginning.
Thank you again for providing me with a copy it was a unique read that dragged me into something completely new.
As usual I try to keep this spoiler free.
I never read a paranormal thriller. I have read thrillers before but never with a paranormal element.
So when Susan was so kind to approach me and sensed me the synopsis I was a bit skeptical, not knowing what to expect of The Troubles Keeper.
But I instantly liked the idea of someone being able to take Troubles from people and keep them.
So here we have Rory Fine, a busdriver with a special gift called Trouble keeping. One day he offers his passengers to take their troubles and by doing so Rory discovers darkness that brings himself into trouble.
What that darkness is? You need to see for yourself.
I simply loved that concept, although I had huge problems finding my way with this book as first.
Susan Mays writing is so beautiful but for me so hard to read with this concept that I needed to get used to it first, but once I got the hang of it I didn't want to stop reading.
Beautifully written, great concept so 4 out of 5 stars as I had a bit trouble at the beginning.
Thank you again for providing me with a copy it was a unique read that dragged me into something completely new.
October 22, 2016
Rory Fine is his name. Tall, 26 years old, good looking, extremely nice to others. A real people person. I’d shake his hand if I ran into him. He has the ability to take your troubles away. It's a psychic kind of power which is a secret. So he thinks. He's a transit bus driver by choice. The love of his life is a regular passenger. She does find this out slowly. When delving into other people's troubles to take them away sometimes you meet true evil. Rory has met true evil. Of course he takes full responsibility for this new evil thing. The stakes are high. He could loose the girl he's decided to marry. The magnitude of what could happen if this evil prevails is unknown. It's beyond this world. It's a bad situation. Rory’s abilities must grow a lot stronger if he’s to win this battle. Unknowing to him, he's not only the one doing battle. He’s also the creator. I voluntarily wrote this review. I received a complimentary copy of The Troubles Keeper in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank Susan May for giving me the opportunity to read this very original and amazing story. Odd Thomas and Chris Snow fans this is a book for you. Release Date 10/23/16
September 5, 2016
Omg I can't say enough about this book. I really really really loved it. Susan May has done it again. This is one book you have to read. It was so exciting I didn't want to put it down so much so I stayed up until 4:00 in the morning the first night and it was well worth it.
September 4, 2016
I received this early copy from the author.
This was an interesting Paranormal thriller, with a nice romance and a side touch of science fiction! really an interesting mix. And i loved it.
So, the story is about this nice and friendly bus driver, Rory Fine ("Fine by name, fine by nature"), who happens also to have a nice gift, he can take away the troubles of people just by touching them.
But then one day he picks up something terrible, something dark that endangers the girls he likes, and he finds himself facing challenges he never imagined, and making decisions he never imagined he would make.
A dark think that awakens the memories of a tragedy he lived in school, and put him straight in the path of a serial killer, the Trapan Killer.
The story was told from the point of view of Rory, and occasionally from the Trapan Killer.
I liked the story, and this was due mostly to the character of Rory Fine. He is not that kind of ordinary heroes who save the day, he was different and really refreshing as a character. I think my favorite parts were the scenes of the bus, that unique relation between the bus driver and his regulars, that was really heartwarming.
I enjoyed this book very much and i recommend it to my friends.
This was an interesting Paranormal thriller, with a nice romance and a side touch of science fiction! really an interesting mix. And i loved it.
So, the story is about this nice and friendly bus driver, Rory Fine ("Fine by name, fine by nature"), who happens also to have a nice gift, he can take away the troubles of people just by touching them.
But then one day he picks up something terrible, something dark that endangers the girls he likes, and he finds himself facing challenges he never imagined, and making decisions he never imagined he would make.
A dark think that awakens the memories of a tragedy he lived in school, and put him straight in the path of a serial killer, the Trapan Killer.
The story was told from the point of view of Rory, and occasionally from the Trapan Killer.
I liked the story, and this was due mostly to the character of Rory Fine. He is not that kind of ordinary heroes who save the day, he was different and really refreshing as a character. I think my favorite parts were the scenes of the bus, that unique relation between the bus driver and his regulars, that was really heartwarming.
I enjoyed this book very much and i recommend it to my friends.
October 12, 2016
(Wonderful! This was a fun read and a thriller. Rory Fine is a simple bus driver with a simple gift. He can take people's troubles and dispose of them. On a rainy and glum day he stops his bus and tells the passengers that he will take their troubles, to just leave them in his hand when they get off the bus. The problem begins when he senses an evil presence on the bus and then when he takes the troubles of the girl he secretly loves, Marianna, she gets rid of a great darkness ... the greatest darkness he has encountered. Little does he know that the person with sights on Mariana is a horrific killer and Rory is in for a race to help save Marianna from this killer. As he later learns, he is also on a mission to save the world.
This book delves into the supernatural, which I love; but mostly it is about goodness. The goodness in Rory in his determination to discover the truth and deal with the darkness even at the cost of his life.
The plot is unique. The main characters come alive and the writing is captivating. I have to thank the author for gifting me with this book and the great reading experience I had. It really was a gift! Being gifted with this book did not influence my review.
This book delves into the supernatural, which I love; but mostly it is about goodness. The goodness in Rory in his determination to discover the truth and deal with the darkness even at the cost of his life.
The plot is unique. The main characters come alive and the writing is captivating. I have to thank the author for gifting me with this book and the great reading experience I had. It really was a gift! Being gifted with this book did not influence my review.
September 13, 2016
This was the first book of Susan May’s that I have read and I can tell you that it won’t be the last!! Every once in a while you come across a novel that is genuinely unique; that touches upon ideas that you’ve never seen written about before. When that happens it’s truly special and that happens within the pages of The Troubles Keeper.
The conceit at the heart of how one “trouble keeps” is at once complex (string theory being no one’s idea of a picnic) and welcoming in the way this author presents it. She showed a real flare for taking a complicated concept and explaining it simplistically within the natural flow of the story.
I found it took a while for the story to get going and really hit its stride but once it did the pages just flew by. As a main character I found Rory Fine to be reminiscent of Odd Thomas and so Koontz fans should find a home here. In him Susan May has created an innocent and genuine hero who despite his fantastic ability is relatable and eminently likeable.
4 stars.
The conceit at the heart of how one “trouble keeps” is at once complex (string theory being no one’s idea of a picnic) and welcoming in the way this author presents it. She showed a real flare for taking a complicated concept and explaining it simplistically within the natural flow of the story.
I found it took a while for the story to get going and really hit its stride but once it did the pages just flew by. As a main character I found Rory Fine to be reminiscent of Odd Thomas and so Koontz fans should find a home here. In him Susan May has created an innocent and genuine hero who despite his fantastic ability is relatable and eminently likeable.
4 stars.
September 13, 2016
Just above the box I'm typing this in, there is the question 'What did you think?'... hard to say, because I've finished reading this but I'm still thinking. Not about whether or not I liked it (I really liked it), but thinking about the characters, the subject matter and the unanswered questions. Well done, Susan May. This work gets a solid 4 stars from me (the only 5-star reviews I've ever offered were for writers named Dickens, Dumas and Tolkien, who sadly aren't here to see them).
I had intended to highlight the editing issues as I went, in an effort to assist - but after several pages realized I was too dialed into the story to worry about word-usage or punctuation.
It would be too easy, and kind of useless, to re-hash the plot here. I'll just say that this book has the things I'm looking for in a novel - interesting characters that grow, change and adapt to their challenges as an imaginative story moves along.
Thank you, Ms. May, for the advance copy and for the very enjoyable read. Again.
I had intended to highlight the editing issues as I went, in an effort to assist - but after several pages realized I was too dialed into the story to worry about word-usage or punctuation.
It would be too easy, and kind of useless, to re-hash the plot here. I'll just say that this book has the things I'm looking for in a novel - interesting characters that grow, change and adapt to their challenges as an imaginative story moves along.
Thank you, Ms. May, for the advance copy and for the very enjoyable read. Again.
September 11, 2016
Thanks to the talented author, Susan May, for the digital ARC of her latest book in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading The Troubles Keeper. I had loved Ms. May's novel, Deadly Messengers, and I wondered if the author's latest book would be as good. It is great! It's a paranormal winner with lots of action, mystery, sci-fi, twists and turns, and a tender romance. Due to Ms. May's lively imagination, writing style, and superb pacing, this book will pull you in and you won't want to put it down. I have never seen my fingers move across the pages on my Kindle as fast as they were during the last third of this novel.
I fell in love with the protagonist, Rory Fine, who has a gift with superhuman abilities. I liked the other characters as well. In fact, I think a sequel is in order!! I also enjoyed the Epilogue in which the author shares her inspiration and ideas for writing this book.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading The Troubles Keeper. I had loved Ms. May's novel, Deadly Messengers, and I wondered if the author's latest book would be as good. It is great! It's a paranormal winner with lots of action, mystery, sci-fi, twists and turns, and a tender romance. Due to Ms. May's lively imagination, writing style, and superb pacing, this book will pull you in and you won't want to put it down. I have never seen my fingers move across the pages on my Kindle as fast as they were during the last third of this novel.
I fell in love with the protagonist, Rory Fine, who has a gift with superhuman abilities. I liked the other characters as well. In fact, I think a sequel is in order!! I also enjoyed the Epilogue in which the author shares her inspiration and ideas for writing this book.
October 3, 2016
What is a simple concept has been weaved into a dark and disturbing serial killer thriller.
This has been achieved by the creativity and story telling ability of Susan May and her skill to produce lasting and memorable characters. There are none better in this book than Rory Fine, and humble bus driver who over time has discovered a wonderful gift to ease others' burdens and anxieties with a simple touch that removed troubles which he can store away before releasing them into the river.
He drives a regular bus route and has a number of passengers he meets and greets over the working week. He has learned over time their names and has been delighted to take away their worries and cares and found his talent to be a natural extension to a welcoming smile or an encouraging word.
Unfortunately, he has a major problem, he is slowly falling for a young woman who daily rides his bus but despite his diverse skills he lacks the words or the ability to ask her out.
Matters deteriorate when in taking her troubles he is overwelmed by a dark entity from deep within her that he can barely control and something he feels he cannot just release back into the world.
Like all good stories you want to know what happens next. Despite the simple concept it explores a whole series of dark places; the fight of good and evil and those hidden pyschic powers that can be used for good or ill. Susan May through Rory's self awareness asks questions around motivation, altruism and whether what we do can become a blessing or a curse.
When a serial killer takes an interest in Rory's working day you fear for all he cares about and wonder if his simple philosophy can sustain him and save the people he cares about when the world is full of evil that he first encountered when that darkness came from his female passenger.
For someone who has hidden his trouble keeping from the world, he has limited options, who can he trust with his secret and is one of his passengers the trepan killer?
A book to make you think, smile and sense a tingling chill or two. Reading is like stepping into a swiftly descending lift; you just hope you'll catch up with your stomach before you reach the ground floor.
When I think of evil I always say: "Life goes on, you can't dwell on stuff in society, as you don't even know who you are sitting next to on a bus." This book brings that fear home to me and gives voice to one's darkest thoughts.
This has been achieved by the creativity and story telling ability of Susan May and her skill to produce lasting and memorable characters. There are none better in this book than Rory Fine, and humble bus driver who over time has discovered a wonderful gift to ease others' burdens and anxieties with a simple touch that removed troubles which he can store away before releasing them into the river.
He drives a regular bus route and has a number of passengers he meets and greets over the working week. He has learned over time their names and has been delighted to take away their worries and cares and found his talent to be a natural extension to a welcoming smile or an encouraging word.
Unfortunately, he has a major problem, he is slowly falling for a young woman who daily rides his bus but despite his diverse skills he lacks the words or the ability to ask her out.
Matters deteriorate when in taking her troubles he is overwelmed by a dark entity from deep within her that he can barely control and something he feels he cannot just release back into the world.
Like all good stories you want to know what happens next. Despite the simple concept it explores a whole series of dark places; the fight of good and evil and those hidden pyschic powers that can be used for good or ill. Susan May through Rory's self awareness asks questions around motivation, altruism and whether what we do can become a blessing or a curse.
When a serial killer takes an interest in Rory's working day you fear for all he cares about and wonder if his simple philosophy can sustain him and save the people he cares about when the world is full of evil that he first encountered when that darkness came from his female passenger.
For someone who has hidden his trouble keeping from the world, he has limited options, who can he trust with his secret and is one of his passengers the trepan killer?
A book to make you think, smile and sense a tingling chill or two. Reading is like stepping into a swiftly descending lift; you just hope you'll catch up with your stomach before you reach the ground floor.
When I think of evil I always say: "Life goes on, you can't dwell on stuff in society, as you don't even know who you are sitting next to on a bus." This book brings that fear home to me and gives voice to one's darkest thoughts.
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