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90 Seconds from Sanity
Michael Flannery’s life is going well. He has a good job, and today he plans to meet his beautiful wife, Ellen, to find out the sex of their first baby. It is the happiest day of his life—until it isn't. Michael gets stuck at the office, and by the time he gets to the clinic, Ellen is gone.
From there, things go from bad to worse. Everything around him indicates Ellen died four days earlier. The police’s suspicions are growing. But Ellen keeps calling Michael, assuring him that she is fine.
Did Michael kill his wife? Why can't he remember anything? And if Ellen is truly dead, who keeps calling him?
Michael’s life and grasp on reality crumble as he struggles to understand conflicting realities over the course of a single day in 90 Seconds from Sanity, the new psychological thriller by author C.J. Wilton.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
"This is writing at its best." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Must read psychological thriller." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Insanely compelling." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Thrilling and suspenseful from beginning to end." Amazon verified purchase review.
"A gripping thriller . . . one of those books you simply can't put down" Barney's Book Blog.
"This is one of the best books I've ever read!" Top Twenty Goodreads Reviewer.
"An intriguing and original psychological thriller that is compulsive reading. I was fascinated by the book's twists and turns and couldn't put the book down. . . . Highly recommended." Author Maggie James.
"I cannot put into words how much you should read this book." Goodreads reviewer.
"This book was awesome!!" Goodreads reviewer.
"Skillfully written and intoxicating." Goodreads reviewer.
From there, things go from bad to worse. Everything around him indicates Ellen died four days earlier. The police’s suspicions are growing. But Ellen keeps calling Michael, assuring him that she is fine.
Did Michael kill his wife? Why can't he remember anything? And if Ellen is truly dead, who keeps calling him?
Michael’s life and grasp on reality crumble as he struggles to understand conflicting realities over the course of a single day in 90 Seconds from Sanity, the new psychological thriller by author C.J. Wilton.
This book is intended for mature audiences.
"This is writing at its best." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Must read psychological thriller." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Insanely compelling." Amazon verified purchase review.
"Thrilling and suspenseful from beginning to end." Amazon verified purchase review.
"A gripping thriller . . . one of those books you simply can't put down" Barney's Book Blog.
"This is one of the best books I've ever read!" Top Twenty Goodreads Reviewer.
"An intriguing and original psychological thriller that is compulsive reading. I was fascinated by the book's twists and turns and couldn't put the book down. . . . Highly recommended." Author Maggie James.
"I cannot put into words how much you should read this book." Goodreads reviewer.
"This book was awesome!!" Goodreads reviewer.
"Skillfully written and intoxicating." Goodreads reviewer.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Wilton
2 books28 followersC.J. Wilton is a Yale Law School graduate who has practiced law for years. His active imagination and love of horror and thriller novels have spawned his debut novel, 90 Seconds from Sanity. He lives with his wife and kids and is currently working on his second novel, Beyond Sanity.
https://www.facebook.com/CJWiltonAuthor/
@CJWiltonAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 19, 2018
So. Many. Twists.
This book very much had the feeling of a Gillian Flynn novel, it was that grand of a psychological thriller, a page turner from the very beginning. I was drawn in by the intensity of Michael’s emotions from his love for his wife to his concern that he’s lost his mind and finally the despair of succumbing to it all.
Michael’s uncertainty of events gives the audience the same feeling. This of course kept me reading. I had to find out which reality was the truth and which one was only in his head. The ending of 90 Seconds from Sanity was just as explosive as the beginning and I can’t wait to see if this book will become a series. Even if it doesn’t, I won’t forget about it for a long time!
This book very much had the feeling of a Gillian Flynn novel, it was that grand of a psychological thriller, a page turner from the very beginning. I was drawn in by the intensity of Michael’s emotions from his love for his wife to his concern that he’s lost his mind and finally the despair of succumbing to it all.
Michael’s uncertainty of events gives the audience the same feeling. This of course kept me reading. I had to find out which reality was the truth and which one was only in his head. The ending of 90 Seconds from Sanity was just as explosive as the beginning and I can’t wait to see if this book will become a series. Even if it doesn’t, I won’t forget about it for a long time!
March 31, 2017
This is one of the best books I've ever read!
As a psychological thriller it is superb - the reader's mind is left reeling from an ending totally unforeseen. The two main characters are extremely well portrayed and are taken through twists and turns - each one bringing them, and the reader, closer to the edge of insanity.
The ending plays on the mind as much as the story does and leaves scope for more - if the reader wants to get further away than 90 seconds from sanity... and this reader certainly would!!
As the story does contain very adult scenes and concepts I recommend this to anyone over 18 who loves to have their reality challenged!
This is a Goodreads First Read
As a psychological thriller it is superb - the reader's mind is left reeling from an ending totally unforeseen. The two main characters are extremely well portrayed and are taken through twists and turns - each one bringing them, and the reader, closer to the edge of insanity.
The ending plays on the mind as much as the story does and leaves scope for more - if the reader wants to get further away than 90 seconds from sanity... and this reader certainly would!!
As the story does contain very adult scenes and concepts I recommend this to anyone over 18 who loves to have their reality challenged!
This is a Goodreads First Read
March 12, 2017
Insanely Compelling
Stories of a fragmented mind are often steeped in reality for me and this book brought that home. Great job at presenting the splintering of madness from both perspectives. Enjoyed this one...even if it did bring back some not so nice memories from the past. Bravo!
Stories of a fragmented mind are often steeped in reality for me and this book brought that home. Great job at presenting the splintering of madness from both perspectives. Enjoyed this one...even if it did bring back some not so nice memories from the past. Bravo!
March 21, 2017
Lawyer Michael, a diagnosed schizophrenic, has managed to maintain a happy and loving relationship with wife Ellen since an earlier serious psychotic episode. Ellen is pregnant with their first child and they're about to discover the sex of the baby... but Michael is running late and his day is suddenly going to get a whole lot worse. Michael discovers his wife died four days earlier and not only that; the evidence points to him having murdered her. If Ellen really is dead, why is she phoning him at 36 minutes past every hour and why does each call last exactly 90 seconds? Has Michael finally lost his sanity or will Ellen return home alive?
90 Seconds from Sanity is a gripping thriller. The suspense builds nicely and it's one of those books you simply can't put down until you know how it ends. I loved the various twists and turns and I'm hoping there's a second book that will develop the character of coroner Lizzy. A great twisty, thrilling read.
The story contains some graphic descriptions of sexual violence so please be aware it can be difficult reading at times.
Thanks to author C.J. Wilton for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/20...
90 Seconds from Sanity is a gripping thriller. The suspense builds nicely and it's one of those books you simply can't put down until you know how it ends. I loved the various twists and turns and I'm hoping there's a second book that will develop the character of coroner Lizzy. A great twisty, thrilling read.
The story contains some graphic descriptions of sexual violence so please be aware it can be difficult reading at times.
Thanks to author C.J. Wilton for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://barnseybooks.blogspot.co.uk/20...
May 10, 2017
I don't know what to think of this book. It is very well-written, with a clever plot that keeps you on you guessing right to the end...and then it doesn't reveal what's going on!
The story starts with Michael, a guy who's had a schizophrenic episode in the past but with his wife Ellen's help and medication, is able to carry on a normal life. Until the day the story starts, where his wife goes missing and he later finds out she died 4 days earlier. So why is she phoning him every hour, on the hour, for precisely 90 seconds?
I must admit I found it hard to feel any sympathy for Michael as the story progressed, due to his arrogant attitude to women. There is a lot of swearing, which was okay when the characters were talking, but I found it a bit unnecessary during the narrative. There are a couple of graphic sexual scenes, which some people could find off putting.
By the time Ellen reappears in the story, things get even more confusing and you finish reading the book feeling confused and frustrated, which is probably the author's intention! So I will probably buy the next book, as I want to find out what on earth is going on!!
The story starts with Michael, a guy who's had a schizophrenic episode in the past but with his wife Ellen's help and medication, is able to carry on a normal life. Until the day the story starts, where his wife goes missing and he later finds out she died 4 days earlier. So why is she phoning him every hour, on the hour, for precisely 90 seconds?
I must admit I found it hard to feel any sympathy for Michael as the story progressed, due to his arrogant attitude to women. There is a lot of swearing, which was okay when the characters were talking, but I found it a bit unnecessary during the narrative. There are a couple of graphic sexual scenes, which some people could find off putting.
By the time Ellen reappears in the story, things get even more confusing and you finish reading the book feeling confused and frustrated, which is probably the author's intention! So I will probably buy the next book, as I want to find out what on earth is going on!!
September 11, 2017
This is not a genre I ever read but I have to say I loved every second of this book, until the end! Grrrrr. I'm left feeling like I'm the one who's mad as I have no idea what just happened. The writing throughout is brilliant, the attention to detail fab and even though it jumped around, I always knew who was talking and whereabouts we were. I kept reading much like everyone else as I was desperate to know the truth and which was real, but, as this is the first in the series, you don't get to know that which is why the ending is frustrating. I hope the second book is due out soon!
May 9, 2017
I did enjoy this I think......it made me think.
May 21, 2017
This was a difficult read due to the violence and language. It was an interesting storyline however, so I didn't have the option of putting it down. I will say the ending left me confused.
January 15, 2018
I really enjoyed the read but dislike being left hanging mid story to force me to buy the next book.
March 18, 2017
From the very first page, CJ Wilton pulls you into an amazing thrill ride. The plot is exciting and the character development deep. The descriptions and dialogue allow you to see everything in your mind with clarity. As I was reading, I constantly wanted more! I couldn't put it down. The author keeps your attention from cover to cover. Best book I've read in a years. CJ Wilton hit it out of the park with this story!
January 3, 2018
wow what a gripping novel, amazing!
A gripping novel from start to finish told from different views with an excellent twist, highly recommended, you won't want to put it down.
A gripping novel from start to finish told from different views with an excellent twist, highly recommended, you won't want to put it down.
March 2, 2017
90 Seconds from Sanity kept my interest from beginning to end. The story focuses on a lawyer, Michael, who finds himself questioning his grasp on reality as the evidence mounts that he killed his wife -- despite the fact that his wife continues to call him throughout the day on his cell phone. The narrative, mostly told in the limited third-person, drives forward at a fast pace as Michael gathers evidence supporting both the possibility that he killed his wife and that she is still alive, while also building the backstory of the key characters. The tension is effectively built as the story continually forces the reader to re-balance the scales when determining what to believe about this protagonist.
The writing style is straightforward, focusing squarely on conveying the plot to the reader. There are some descriptions of dark subject matter (including sexual violence) that may be difficult for readers; the bluntness of the writing during these passages make these depictions especially disquieting.
Not to give too much away, but the book does resolve its central mystery while opening up a multitude of interesting questions that will presumably be answered in the sequel. The story begins to push down what strikes me as a pretty original road, so I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
The writing style is straightforward, focusing squarely on conveying the plot to the reader. There are some descriptions of dark subject matter (including sexual violence) that may be difficult for readers; the bluntness of the writing during these passages make these depictions especially disquieting.
Not to give too much away, but the book does resolve its central mystery while opening up a multitude of interesting questions that will presumably be answered in the sequel. The story begins to push down what strikes me as a pretty original road, so I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
March 4, 2017
What a great book! I usually can figure out where a story is going but this one kept me guessing the whole time. It is very dark and twisted. I truly hated a character. To feel such strong emotions for characters is rare for me. And the ending... wow. I can't wait to read the next book! I have all these questions that I NEED answered. How long until the next book gets released???
March 7, 2017
Wow! What a great book! I could not put it down. This book held my interest from the start. All I can say is that I cannot wait for the next one!
March 30, 2017
“90 Seconds from Sanity” which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is an innovative, gripping thriller that begins with Michael Flannery’s life spiraling out of control after an argument with his wife because he’s late for an ultrasound appointment to learn the sex of his first child, only to return home and discover that his wife Ellen died four days before.
In a fast-paced psychological thriller Michael struggles to discover the truth as he deals with his lawyer and police, while getting phone calls from Ellen who claims she’s alive. With an acute headache, memory of a violent episode when he was at law school and six compelling dreams of sex, death and premonitions of the future C.J. Wilton builds a story where there’s a thin line between reality, and the unreal which is dark and sinister. Intensity and suspense abound as the plot twists and turns and you begin to wonder if Michael’s a loving husband or a monster.
Skilfully written and intoxicating, tension escalates as events unfold that have the evidence against Michael mounting making him suicidal only to culminate in a shocking twist at the end. Throughout the reader struggles to find the truth with Ellen’s calls, her video message as well as the pain of her diary and a hidden safe with a gun inside; nothing is as it seems in a novel that seems all too graphically realistic with its explicit language and sexual violence.
Michael Flannery is the conundrum who’s supposedly a charismatic, charming, rational and calm lawyer hiding a darker, schizophrenic side as he’s reported to be cold, callous, sexually aggressive and rough. Although concerned about her plain appearance Ellen Flannery's personality shifts between that of a smart, funny, feisty and loving woman who is determined to save her husband from a violent decision that will end his nightmare and a wife that's abused and betrayed. It is these characters and others that infuse the drama with emotional intensity.
I enjoyed reading “90 Seconds from Sanity”, a high-powered, intriguing story that holds you enthralled from beginning to the end.
In a fast-paced psychological thriller Michael struggles to discover the truth as he deals with his lawyer and police, while getting phone calls from Ellen who claims she’s alive. With an acute headache, memory of a violent episode when he was at law school and six compelling dreams of sex, death and premonitions of the future C.J. Wilton builds a story where there’s a thin line between reality, and the unreal which is dark and sinister. Intensity and suspense abound as the plot twists and turns and you begin to wonder if Michael’s a loving husband or a monster.
Skilfully written and intoxicating, tension escalates as events unfold that have the evidence against Michael mounting making him suicidal only to culminate in a shocking twist at the end. Throughout the reader struggles to find the truth with Ellen’s calls, her video message as well as the pain of her diary and a hidden safe with a gun inside; nothing is as it seems in a novel that seems all too graphically realistic with its explicit language and sexual violence.
Michael Flannery is the conundrum who’s supposedly a charismatic, charming, rational and calm lawyer hiding a darker, schizophrenic side as he’s reported to be cold, callous, sexually aggressive and rough. Although concerned about her plain appearance Ellen Flannery's personality shifts between that of a smart, funny, feisty and loving woman who is determined to save her husband from a violent decision that will end his nightmare and a wife that's abused and betrayed. It is these characters and others that infuse the drama with emotional intensity.
I enjoyed reading “90 Seconds from Sanity”, a high-powered, intriguing story that holds you enthralled from beginning to the end.
March 31, 2017
I don’t often give 5 star reviews, but this book definitely deserves it. I was hooked the moment I stared reading and my enjoyment did not diminish as I went from chapter to chapter. The author sets a good pace and there are no boring bits. It is about a man experiencing two realities and they are so well interwoven I had no clue as to which one was real. I wanted to keep reading more and more to find out the answer. The way you learn about the characters’ pasts is cleverly written. I cannot put into words how much you should read this book.
April 9, 2017
90 Seconds From Sanity is an intriguing and original psychological thriller that is compulsive reading. I was fascinated by the book's twists and turns and couldn't put the book down. The ending is somewhat abrupt but as this is the first in a series, that's not unexpected. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2017
This novel is a thrilling debut from author CJ Wilton. I’m glad I went with my gut and downloaded this quick, exciting read, which was written by a Yale Law School graduate.
Like its author, the protagonist is a lawyer, but this is not your typical legal thriller. Michael Flannery has a loving wife, Ellen, a stable job with a prestigious law firm, and a baby boy on the way. Life couldn’t get any better. However, it gets much worse when things start to quickly fall apart for Michael. When he arrives late to his wife’s OBGYN appointment, he learns that he has missed her. An angry Ellen calls him and tells him she’s fed up with his excuses and Michael can only apologize for missing such an important event.
But things get even stranger and scarier for Michael when he learns that Ellen couldn’t possibly have called him. She couldn’t have called because she has been dead for four days. Michael is incredulous at this revelation and swears that he just spoke with his wife, but his own nagging doubts about his own sanity rear their ugly head and Michael decides he must learn the truth.
From there, the novel takes an unexpected twist and becomes a very dark psychological thriller that leaves the reader (and the protagonist) wondering what is real and what is an illusion. When the truth is finally revealed about both Ellen and Michael (through a third person, Lizzy, the county coroner), I was left scratching my head and wondering how the author had pulled one over on me. I usually have twists figured out pretty quickly, but not this one. So well done to Wilton for stumping me on this book.
Caveat Emptor – this book is very, very dark and it is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. The protagonist has quite a foul mouth and the author vividly describes some very sensitive and graphic events, especially toward the end. Personally, I think the book could have taken a step back in that department, but it did not impact my ultimate opinion of this book and its author.
If you can stomach dark subject matter and explicit language, then you should definitely read this book. It takes the reader down a curvy, twisted road where we examine the darkness of the protagonist’s mind and uncover a disturbing reality. Very well written and the author’s writing skill far surpasses that of most debut books. Definitely deserving of a good, strong review and the five star rating.
*****5 Stars*****
Like its author, the protagonist is a lawyer, but this is not your typical legal thriller. Michael Flannery has a loving wife, Ellen, a stable job with a prestigious law firm, and a baby boy on the way. Life couldn’t get any better. However, it gets much worse when things start to quickly fall apart for Michael. When he arrives late to his wife’s OBGYN appointment, he learns that he has missed her. An angry Ellen calls him and tells him she’s fed up with his excuses and Michael can only apologize for missing such an important event.
But things get even stranger and scarier for Michael when he learns that Ellen couldn’t possibly have called him. She couldn’t have called because she has been dead for four days. Michael is incredulous at this revelation and swears that he just spoke with his wife, but his own nagging doubts about his own sanity rear their ugly head and Michael decides he must learn the truth.
From there, the novel takes an unexpected twist and becomes a very dark psychological thriller that leaves the reader (and the protagonist) wondering what is real and what is an illusion. When the truth is finally revealed about both Ellen and Michael (through a third person, Lizzy, the county coroner), I was left scratching my head and wondering how the author had pulled one over on me. I usually have twists figured out pretty quickly, but not this one. So well done to Wilton for stumping me on this book.
Caveat Emptor – this book is very, very dark and it is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. The protagonist has quite a foul mouth and the author vividly describes some very sensitive and graphic events, especially toward the end. Personally, I think the book could have taken a step back in that department, but it did not impact my ultimate opinion of this book and its author.
If you can stomach dark subject matter and explicit language, then you should definitely read this book. It takes the reader down a curvy, twisted road where we examine the darkness of the protagonist’s mind and uncover a disturbing reality. Very well written and the author’s writing skill far surpasses that of most debut books. Definitely deserving of a good, strong review and the five star rating.
*****5 Stars*****
April 17, 2017
Great quick read. This book held my attention and had me thinking until the very end. Michael was an interesting character. I weren't sure if I should love him, hate him, or feel sorry for him. I was waiting for a surprise ending and boy did I get one. It definitely left me wanting more. Looking forward to a sequel.
April 20, 2017
I wavered between four and five stars for this book. The reason for the waver is twofold; there were a few errors, (very few, but not minor)--one in particular being a name mistake. In a sentence in Chapter 10, a name was switched between two female characters. This is confusing because the protagonist's delusions throughout the story have you wondering if this was intentional. After careful thought and rereading the sentence, I realized it wasn't intentional and was, in fact, an error. Some of the formatting also needs adjusting. The other reason I considered four stars only was because I did not care for the ending at all. However; I read some other reviews and found out there is to be a sequel to this book. This completely surprised me at first...I didn't think this kind of story could carry a sequel. But I was delighted to hear there is one because then, I decided I could accept this unfinished and confusing ending. So, back up to five stars. I'm curious to see where the author can take this novel for another entire book.
The story is compelling which makes it a definite page-turner. I read this book in one day. I had to know what happens. This is one of those great psychological thrillers and it is well-written. The author gives us a dual side to all characters; I'm not sure if it's because we're seeing these people through the instability of our protagonist's mind, or if we are seeing who they really are. Part of the thrill of the writing...we're not certain what is real and what isn't.
I've read some comments in reviews about the language and descriptive scenes, but this, to me, just make the book all the more real and gritty. Let's face it--people have all kinds of thoughts and when you're diagnosed as a schizophrenic, anything is possible. If someone doesn't like reality, then they probably shouldn't be reading anything other than comedies, Christian books, or formulaic romances. This author's descriptions in certain scenes and his language use is appropriate for the story and fit in well. It pulls the reader to the edge which is where you want to be.
This story is positively worth the read. The writing is good...it's intense and real which makes it entertaining. The characters are fascinating and even likable during all the waves of emotions we are put through. As I said, I'm not fond of the ending in this book, so there better be a sequel, in which case, I'll be acceptable of this ending. I believe this is the first novel from this author, so I have to say outstanding job! I was offered a copy of this novel for an honest review.
The story is compelling which makes it a definite page-turner. I read this book in one day. I had to know what happens. This is one of those great psychological thrillers and it is well-written. The author gives us a dual side to all characters; I'm not sure if it's because we're seeing these people through the instability of our protagonist's mind, or if we are seeing who they really are. Part of the thrill of the writing...we're not certain what is real and what isn't.
I've read some comments in reviews about the language and descriptive scenes, but this, to me, just make the book all the more real and gritty. Let's face it--people have all kinds of thoughts and when you're diagnosed as a schizophrenic, anything is possible. If someone doesn't like reality, then they probably shouldn't be reading anything other than comedies, Christian books, or formulaic romances. This author's descriptions in certain scenes and his language use is appropriate for the story and fit in well. It pulls the reader to the edge which is where you want to be.
This story is positively worth the read. The writing is good...it's intense and real which makes it entertaining. The characters are fascinating and even likable during all the waves of emotions we are put through. As I said, I'm not fond of the ending in this book, so there better be a sequel, in which case, I'll be acceptable of this ending. I believe this is the first novel from this author, so I have to say outstanding job! I was offered a copy of this novel for an honest review.
April 20, 2017
Is he mad? What's real?
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller packed full of suspense, then this is the book for you. I couldn’t stop reading, I had to keep going to find out what was coming, how the tale of Michael was going to turn out. Was he mad? What was real? Parts of the story focus on strong themes, including rape and violence and some of the language in the story is strong. In some ways, I disliked this element, the language and difficult scenes, the character’s clichéd roles/frustrating personas but I believe this is indeed the intention by the Author and is done well. The premise keeps you reading, wanting to hear the conclusion but unfortunately as this is book 1 and I assume more stories in the series are to come, I found the ending somewhat unsatisfying. Frustratingly!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller packed full of suspense, then this is the book for you. I couldn’t stop reading, I had to keep going to find out what was coming, how the tale of Michael was going to turn out. Was he mad? What was real? Parts of the story focus on strong themes, including rape and violence and some of the language in the story is strong. In some ways, I disliked this element, the language and difficult scenes, the character’s clichéd roles/frustrating personas but I believe this is indeed the intention by the Author and is done well. The premise keeps you reading, wanting to hear the conclusion but unfortunately as this is book 1 and I assume more stories in the series are to come, I found the ending somewhat unsatisfying. Frustratingly!
April 30, 2017
3/5. I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads giveaway.
"90 Second From Sanity" is a psychological thriller focusing on the main character, Michael Flannery. Michael is a successful lawyer in a quiet suburb of Chicago, married to his wife, Ellen, an elementary school teacher. Despite a schizophrenic episode earlier in their relationship, Michael and Ellen are seemingly happily married and expecting their first baby together; that is, until Michael's boss and lawyer shows up at his apartment telling him that Ellen died 4 days earlier and Michael is the primary suspect.
This book is definitely suspenseful, and will keep readers guessing until the very end. I also really liked the unique way that the author tied in the opening scene to the rest of the book as this built my interest right from the beginning.
Ultimately, I wasn't quite sure that the mystery was ever really resolved and the ending left me confused and unsure. The other reviews here seem to be okay with the ambiguous ending so maybe this was just me; however, I'm not sure that I even understood what was supposed to have happened. As well, there is an unnecessarily graphic rape scene that really wasn't required, especially with the way other areas were left unanswered.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspense and the uniqueness of the plot; however, the ending was left too unexplained for my liking.
"90 Second From Sanity" is a psychological thriller focusing on the main character, Michael Flannery. Michael is a successful lawyer in a quiet suburb of Chicago, married to his wife, Ellen, an elementary school teacher. Despite a schizophrenic episode earlier in their relationship, Michael and Ellen are seemingly happily married and expecting their first baby together; that is, until Michael's boss and lawyer shows up at his apartment telling him that Ellen died 4 days earlier and Michael is the primary suspect.
This book is definitely suspenseful, and will keep readers guessing until the very end. I also really liked the unique way that the author tied in the opening scene to the rest of the book as this built my interest right from the beginning.
Ultimately, I wasn't quite sure that the mystery was ever really resolved and the ending left me confused and unsure. The other reviews here seem to be okay with the ambiguous ending so maybe this was just me; however, I'm not sure that I even understood what was supposed to have happened. As well, there is an unnecessarily graphic rape scene that really wasn't required, especially with the way other areas were left unanswered.
Overall, I enjoyed the suspense and the uniqueness of the plot; however, the ending was left too unexplained for my liking.
May 28, 2017
This was one hell of a psychological thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and is the first book ( after a really long time ) that I finished in a single sitting. That by itself says tons about how it succeeded as a thriller. That's the whole intent of a thriller, right? It should suck us into the the story from the very first page and like a wormhole should taken us into its twisted settings and throw us out of the loop only at the very end. Now that's a true thriller and this book is the perfect example of the same.
It's hard to believe that this was the debut book by the author. It definitely doesn't feel like it. It's written so well and maturely it feels like that author has tons of writing exeorience
The pacing is perfect.
The characters crazily fucked up- Just the way I love them.
The story - Very twisted, dark, gripping and engaging.
Writing - Dark:p I personally love it ( I have seen that in few reviews, people have complaints against a scene in particular but I don't. I mean, with teh character and settings, it gels very well and I, for one, have no issues with it. In fact, I am glad that author hasn't mellowed it down for the sake of it. And it's not it's too graphical either)
The ending- hmm, I have mixed views about it. first, I didn't like it much but it seemed a perfect closure to the first book but after the chat with the author, I became more accepting of it and given the premise and settings, it does work best and anything is better than going along the same cliche lines, so yeah from that angle, this ending was unexpected but yet justified.
I want to stress again that the mystery element was kept intact throughout the book and there was not even a single page that felt boring. Every chapter revealed soemthing new and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the story to see how it all gets resolved.I tried damn hard to crack it and though I was right in bits, I couldn't guess the whole thing.
Those of you who are still confused at the end of this book ( even I was) I would ask you all to read the two chapters of the sequel which are included at the end of this book. That will give a clearer understanding of what's happening.
I can't wait for the next book!!
Overall, It's a 4.5 star read for me and is a must read for all those who enjoy dark, twisted, juicy thrillers :p
It's hard to believe that this was the debut book by the author. It definitely doesn't feel like it. It's written so well and maturely it feels like that author has tons of writing exeorience
The pacing is perfect.
The characters crazily fucked up- Just the way I love them.
The story - Very twisted, dark, gripping and engaging.
Writing - Dark:p I personally love it ( I have seen that in few reviews, people have complaints against a scene in particular but I don't. I mean, with teh character and settings, it gels very well and I, for one, have no issues with it. In fact, I am glad that author hasn't mellowed it down for the sake of it. And it's not it's too graphical either)
The ending- hmm, I have mixed views about it. first, I didn't like it much but it seemed a perfect closure to the first book but after the chat with the author, I became more accepting of it and given the premise and settings, it does work best and anything is better than going along the same cliche lines, so yeah from that angle, this ending was unexpected but yet justified.
I want to stress again that the mystery element was kept intact throughout the book and there was not even a single page that felt boring. Every chapter revealed soemthing new and I couldn't wait to get to the end of the story to see how it all gets resolved.I tried damn hard to crack it and though I was right in bits, I couldn't guess the whole thing.
Those of you who are still confused at the end of this book ( even I was) I would ask you all to read the two chapters of the sequel which are included at the end of this book. That will give a clearer understanding of what's happening.
I can't wait for the next book!!
Overall, It's a 4.5 star read for me and is a must read for all those who enjoy dark, twisted, juicy thrillers :p
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