What do you think?
Rate this book
Tormented
Father's Anthony's devotion to God and His Church begins to unravel the moment Rita Wittier steps inside St. Catherine’s Cathedral in San Francisco. He struggles to control his feelings, but two years later, he is a man obsessed.
In an attempt to rediscover the priest he intended to become, Anthony flies back to Delaware to visit Father Timothy. If redemption can be found anywhere, surely it can be found in the church of his childhood and in the soothing Irish brogue of his former mentor.
The months pass, 60 Minutes does a special on Father Anthony and the Shepherd Academy—a school he started for disadvantaged children. He’s become a national hero— nicknamed the Good Shepherd. But he can’t get Rita out of his mind. He wants her more than anything—even God—and can no longer deny it. Six hours after he tells her how he feels, Rita is found dead in her car from an apparent suicide. Or is it murder?
In an attempt to rediscover the priest he intended to become, Anthony flies back to Delaware to visit Father Timothy. If redemption can be found anywhere, surely it can be found in the church of his childhood and in the soothing Irish brogue of his former mentor.
The months pass, 60 Minutes does a special on Father Anthony and the Shepherd Academy—a school he started for disadvantaged children. He’s become a national hero— nicknamed the Good Shepherd. But he can’t get Rita out of his mind. He wants her more than anything—even God—and can no longer deny it. Six hours after he tells her how he feels, Rita is found dead in her car from an apparent suicide. Or is it murder?
- GenresMystery
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2018
11 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Susan Clayton-Goldner
23 books186 followersSusan Clayton-Goldner was born in New Castle, Delaware and grew up with four brothers along the banks of the Delaware River. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona's Creative Writing Program and has been writing most of her life. Her novels have been finalists for The Hemingway Award, the Heeken Foundation Fellowship, the Writers Foundation and the Publishing On-line Contest. Susan won the National Writers' Association Novel Award twice for unpublished novels and her poetry was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies including Animals as Teachers and Healers, published by Ballantine Books, Our Mothers/Ourselves, by the Greenwood Publishing Group, The Hawaii Pacific Review-Best of a Decade, and New Millennium Writings. A collection of her poems, A Question of Mortality was released in 2014 by Wellstone Press. Prior to writing full time, Susan worked as the Director of Corporate Relations for University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Susan shares a life in Tucson, Arizona and Grants Pass, Oregon with her partner, John Carter, her fictional characters, and more books than one person could count.
Her work has appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies including Animals as Teachers and Healers, published by Ballantine Books, Our Mothers/Ourselves, by the Greenwood Publishing Group, The Hawaii Pacific Review-Best of a Decade, and New Millennium Writings. A collection of her poems, A Question of Mortality was released in 2014 by Wellstone Press. Prior to writing full time, Susan worked as the Director of Corporate Relations for University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Susan shares a life in Tucson, Arizona and Grants Pass, Oregon with her partner, John Carter, her fictional characters, and more books than one person could count.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 17, 2018
The main character, Detective Paul Harley Stanwick or Stan, is called to the scene of a murder or suicide of a big criminal defense lawyers wife.
Father Anthony is a well know priest. He helps everyone he can. He is the priest of the deceased woman that Stan is investigating. Last one to see her alive. Nothing is as perfect as it may seem. Slowly things come together for Detective Stan. Not in any way he ever expected.
This is a complex murder mystery. All the characters are well developed. The detective is an awesome character. Far from perfect. 62 years old, bitter about what’s gone on in his life. He follows this case wherever it goes. This is a page turner. So many twists and turns it’s impossible to put your finger on the murderer. Jaw dropping ending.
I would like to thank the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my voluntary review reflecting my own unbiased opinions.
Father Anthony is a well know priest. He helps everyone he can. He is the priest of the deceased woman that Stan is investigating. Last one to see her alive. Nothing is as perfect as it may seem. Slowly things come together for Detective Stan. Not in any way he ever expected.
This is a complex murder mystery. All the characters are well developed. The detective is an awesome character. Far from perfect. 62 years old, bitter about what’s gone on in his life. He follows this case wherever it goes. This is a page turner. So many twists and turns it’s impossible to put your finger on the murderer. Jaw dropping ending.
I would like to thank the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my voluntary review reflecting my own unbiased opinions.
April 11, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. Susan Clayton-Goldner is one of my favorite authors and has never failed to deliver. This one is no exception. I didn’t want to put it down. She takes you on an emotional journey with Father Anthony who falls in love with one of his parishioners, and after telling her how he feels and is ready to leave the priesthood she is found dead. Is it a suicide or homicide? She always told her daughter Connie she loved her to the moon and back ten thousand times. So how could she take her own life. So many twist and turns with a very well written and surprising ending. Can’t wait for more.
April 7, 2018
This is absolutely the best that Susan has written to date. I have read all of her books and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one but this one has so much human interest that I was unable to put it down. Read it in two days. Can hardly wait until she writes her next one. All of her books have such great research and realistic characters that make them absolutely perfect for anyone who likes great mystery books.
August 2, 2018
I sound like a broken record when I say Susan has done it again - but - Susan HAS done it again! In her new book ‘Tormented’ she has managed to yet again pen another ‘can’t put the darn thing down’ murder/detective/mystery/thriller masterpiece. This book of hers (as were her others) is totally responsible for my absence from work and loss of sleep recently (I forgive you Susan). Once more the characters she has created for us in this book are fantastic. She colors the canvas of their lives with the genius of a true literary artist. The book revolves around several coexisting story plots with enough twists along the way to make you dizzy and a final major twist to throw your back out. Not to give too much away… 9 Yr. old Connie Wittier arrives home from school one day to find her mother, Rita, dead (appears to be suicide but later clues reveal may she have met a more sinister end). The investigating detective Paul Harley Stanwick is determined to uncover the true cause of death (tending to believe little Connie who knows mommy ‘would’t kill herself’). As the plot thickens we are drawn into the intricate web of possible suspects, each of whom struggles with their own personal issues/haunted pasts throughout the book. Is it the parish priest, Father Anthony, who was obsessed with his parishioner, Rita, and professed his love to her on the day she was found dead? Was it Rita’s unfaithful high-powered lawyer husband, Konrad ? Was it Daphne Simone, her competition for a job as a lounge singer?…Was her own brother, Gordon, the cause due to his dark secret she uncovered ? Or…..was it none of the above ?..I know the answer and you can find out too. Just buy this book, set aside some quiet time and immerse yourself into the world Susan has created for us. I’ve said it before and will say it again … If you read this book (or any of Susan’s books) you will not be disappointed – ever - I guarantee.
April 24, 2018
This is an interesting psychological thriller/murder mystery. I really enjoyed it!
Father Anthony is an interesting character. I liked him and felt for him as he finds himself questioning his life as a priest when he begins to have feelings for one of his parishioners, Rita Wittier. When she is found dead in an apparent suicide not long after he confesses to her about his feelings, he finds himself torn between grief and determination to find her killer.
I started to read this book and was quickly hooked. Set in 1971, the story takes the reader on an emotional journey of a priest who suffers from a crisis of faith. This story is told through various characters' view points, which made it more interesting so that a reader gets to see what's happening at different points throughout the tale. Tormented is an apt title, as each character is beset by doubts and emotional angst. Besides Father Anthony, the reader is also introduced to Rita's husband, Konrad, who's a criminal lawyer, her nine year-old daughter, Connie, and her brother, Gordon (or Gordy as he's known by) who is a fashion designer/artist. We also are introduced to the investigating policeman, Detective Paul Harley Stanwick.
There are several twists and turns in this story that had me doubting myself, as well as a few well placed red herrings that kept me from guessing who the main suspect was initially. I should have listened to my gut. Even though I had an inkling as to who it was who killed Rita, at least by the half-way point, I was still surprised by how the author gave the reveal a twist. The character I felt for the most was Connie. Being only nine, she has to deal with a lot of emotional baggage, which strips her of her childhood innocence. The tale is a riveting read of danger and suspense. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings - sorry for the characters but glad that the culprit was caught. I really enjoyed the story though.
Susan Clayton-Goldner is a new author to me, as I've never read any of her other books before. I love her writing style, which is not particularly fast-paced even though it kept me turning the pages. The story flowed wonderfully from scene to scene, which made it easy to picture in my minds eye. I would consider reading more of her books in the future,
Due to some moderate violence (implied not shown), I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers or murder mysteries. - Lynn Worton
*****
Please note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author before the publication in May 2018 with no expectation of a positive review.
Father Anthony is an interesting character. I liked him and felt for him as he finds himself questioning his life as a priest when he begins to have feelings for one of his parishioners, Rita Wittier. When she is found dead in an apparent suicide not long after he confesses to her about his feelings, he finds himself torn between grief and determination to find her killer.
I started to read this book and was quickly hooked. Set in 1971, the story takes the reader on an emotional journey of a priest who suffers from a crisis of faith. This story is told through various characters' view points, which made it more interesting so that a reader gets to see what's happening at different points throughout the tale. Tormented is an apt title, as each character is beset by doubts and emotional angst. Besides Father Anthony, the reader is also introduced to Rita's husband, Konrad, who's a criminal lawyer, her nine year-old daughter, Connie, and her brother, Gordon (or Gordy as he's known by) who is a fashion designer/artist. We also are introduced to the investigating policeman, Detective Paul Harley Stanwick.
There are several twists and turns in this story that had me doubting myself, as well as a few well placed red herrings that kept me from guessing who the main suspect was initially. I should have listened to my gut. Even though I had an inkling as to who it was who killed Rita, at least by the half-way point, I was still surprised by how the author gave the reveal a twist. The character I felt for the most was Connie. Being only nine, she has to deal with a lot of emotional baggage, which strips her of her childhood innocence. The tale is a riveting read of danger and suspense. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings - sorry for the characters but glad that the culprit was caught. I really enjoyed the story though.
Susan Clayton-Goldner is a new author to me, as I've never read any of her other books before. I love her writing style, which is not particularly fast-paced even though it kept me turning the pages. The story flowed wonderfully from scene to scene, which made it easy to picture in my minds eye. I would consider reading more of her books in the future,
Due to some moderate violence (implied not shown), I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers or murder mysteries. - Lynn Worton
*****
Please note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author before the publication in May 2018 with no expectation of a positive review.
April 9, 2018
Wow, I did not see this ending coming, and I'm usually pretty good at figuring them out! This was an emotional read, as we got to the depths of the characters' souls (well, most of them), and you may want to weep for the motherless little girl and/or the Catholic Priest who loved the mother. Being a devout Mormon, I don't know a lot about Catholicism but am always interested in learning more about other religions. Methinks Susan Clayton-Goldner has another hit!
April 10, 2018
Father Anthony is truly a mysterious man. The way he helps the church and it’s members is truly amazing. When he falls in love with Rita everything starts to change. The terrible things Connie has to suffer through because of him is awful. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
April 10, 2018
What a fabulous book! There are so many twists and turns that there is no need in guessing where the story is going! I would never have guessed the "who done it." I was shocked! Grab this book as quickly as you can. You will not regret it!
Also, if this is your first time reading this author, go back and read her other books...they are wonderful.
Also, if this is your first time reading this author, go back and read her other books...they are wonderful.
May 3, 2018
Tormented by Susan Clayton-Goldner
With exquisite attention to detail wordsmith Susan Clayton-Goldner has created a story that took me back to the 70’s, presented complex characters dealing with real life issues that I will hopefully never be faced with. Her ability to conjure images with words painted such realistic scenes that I felt I was there feeling what the characters were experiencing.
The main characters are:
FATHER ANTHONY: a priest in conflict dealing with his sudden love for a parishioner while in crisis over vows taken
RITA: a mother, wife, sister, musician, parishioner and woman betrayed then dead
CONNIE: the daughter of Rita and Konrad, niece of Gordy, nine years old and suddenly faced with the loss of her mother.
KONRAD: husband, lawyer, father, political candidate, lover
GORDY: brother, uncle, designer, gentle soul there for those he loves.
DETECTIVE STANWICK: In charge of the case to find out what happened to Rita
OTHERS: various supporting characters
This is a murder mystery, police procedural, story of betrayal, love story and oh so much more. I had trouble putting it down and wondered how an author is able to know characters and present them as fully as they were portrayed in this book. I am once again impressed by the craftsmanship of this author and am eager to read whatever she writes next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
With exquisite attention to detail wordsmith Susan Clayton-Goldner has created a story that took me back to the 70’s, presented complex characters dealing with real life issues that I will hopefully never be faced with. Her ability to conjure images with words painted such realistic scenes that I felt I was there feeling what the characters were experiencing.
The main characters are:
FATHER ANTHONY: a priest in conflict dealing with his sudden love for a parishioner while in crisis over vows taken
RITA: a mother, wife, sister, musician, parishioner and woman betrayed then dead
CONNIE: the daughter of Rita and Konrad, niece of Gordy, nine years old and suddenly faced with the loss of her mother.
KONRAD: husband, lawyer, father, political candidate, lover
GORDY: brother, uncle, designer, gentle soul there for those he loves.
DETECTIVE STANWICK: In charge of the case to find out what happened to Rita
OTHERS: various supporting characters
This is a murder mystery, police procedural, story of betrayal, love story and oh so much more. I had trouble putting it down and wondered how an author is able to know characters and present them as fully as they were portrayed in this book. I am once again impressed by the craftsmanship of this author and am eager to read whatever she writes next.
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
April 10, 2018
Susan Stutz Wow, this was a true who done it book that I found I couldn't put down until I found out who had committed such a heinous crime. It is very obvious that the author does her homework in writing this book in regards to talking about Catholicism, priests, police, medical issues. The characters were very believable and made you feel you knew them from Susan Clayton-Goldner's writing of story. I look forward to reading many more books by this author!
April 13, 2018
I could not read fast enough! I finished Tormented in 2 days, having read all of Susan's books so far, they just keep getting better and better. The character development in this one is very good but the plot will leaving you guessing as it twists and turns through to the end. There were some clues along the way but I never thought it would end the way it did. Just goes to prove what a talent Susan has for imagining the plots and characters in advance and then committing them to paper for all of us to enjoy. Thank you, Susan, for another great novel, please continue to share your love of writing with all of us out here.
April 26, 2018
What happens if your whole life is turned upside down because something you counted as sacred turns out to maybe not be true? What do I mean? Well, as a Pastor I have often wondered why Catholic Priests take a vow of chastity and celibacy. Scripture tells us that God made man and women because he saw that man needed a helpmate. So, he created both genders and meant for them to marry and have families.
But then later in Scripture the Apostle Paul tells us that if you can handle it that it is better to remain single so that you can devote more time to ministry. So, there is where the Catholic Priest gets his marching orders.
So, if your calling from God is to serve Him and remain unmarried that is a good thing. But what if you find yourself falling in love with a woman in your parish? Does that mean you did not hear God correctly when he called you to celibacy? Or does that mean that you didn't interpret Scripture correctly?
So, what happens to a Priest who LOVES GOD and then discovers that he now also LOVES A WOMAN? It means he is tormented by this confusing set of circumstances and he doesn't know what to do.
So, our Priest first has to deal with his love for this woman in his parish. Then he has to act on the decision he makes. BUT, in the midst of this the woman dies, now his torment is even greater.
So, living a conflicted life is difficult. But then living a life that is now going to be void of the woman he has fallen in love with is going to be even worse!
Can the Priest help the police find out the truth behind the death? Can the Priest come to terms with his own calling from God? Can the Priest find peace in the midst of chaos? These are all valid questions.
Susan Clayton-Goldner does a masterful piece of writing to draw you into the turmoil and torment that our main character is going to deal with. She weaves a story that drags you into the plot and makes you want to solve it yourself. But trust me, you will be shocked as to the final conclusion, or maybe you will be better than me and figure it out completely, who knows?
But one final point. Susan deals with the psychological aspect of this conflicted Priest in an amazing way and touches on a subject that might be a bit tender and painful for some to consider. I pray that you will enjoy it as much as I did and then sit and dwell on it as long as I have.
Honestly, I finished the book and then needed two weeks plus to come up with a review I was happy with. I wanted to write so much more, but then I would be giving spoilers and I don't want to do that.
Trust me, this is a book you will love!
But then later in Scripture the Apostle Paul tells us that if you can handle it that it is better to remain single so that you can devote more time to ministry. So, there is where the Catholic Priest gets his marching orders.
So, if your calling from God is to serve Him and remain unmarried that is a good thing. But what if you find yourself falling in love with a woman in your parish? Does that mean you did not hear God correctly when he called you to celibacy? Or does that mean that you didn't interpret Scripture correctly?
So, what happens to a Priest who LOVES GOD and then discovers that he now also LOVES A WOMAN? It means he is tormented by this confusing set of circumstances and he doesn't know what to do.
So, our Priest first has to deal with his love for this woman in his parish. Then he has to act on the decision he makes. BUT, in the midst of this the woman dies, now his torment is even greater.
So, living a conflicted life is difficult. But then living a life that is now going to be void of the woman he has fallen in love with is going to be even worse!
Can the Priest help the police find out the truth behind the death? Can the Priest come to terms with his own calling from God? Can the Priest find peace in the midst of chaos? These are all valid questions.
Susan Clayton-Goldner does a masterful piece of writing to draw you into the turmoil and torment that our main character is going to deal with. She weaves a story that drags you into the plot and makes you want to solve it yourself. But trust me, you will be shocked as to the final conclusion, or maybe you will be better than me and figure it out completely, who knows?
But one final point. Susan deals with the psychological aspect of this conflicted Priest in an amazing way and touches on a subject that might be a bit tender and painful for some to consider. I pray that you will enjoy it as much as I did and then sit and dwell on it as long as I have.
Honestly, I finished the book and then needed two weeks plus to come up with a review I was happy with. I wanted to write so much more, but then I would be giving spoilers and I don't want to do that.
Trust me, this is a book you will love!
April 27, 2018
A priest falls in love with one of his parishioners and decides to leave the church so that he can spend the rest of his life with her. After making his decision Father Anthony makes a trip to Rita’s home to tell her how he feels about her and of his plans to leave the church.
A little girl, nine years old comes home from school worried about getting mad at her mom before she left for school that morning she wants to tell her mother that she is sorry for their argument that morning but when she gets home something is off her mother is not there to meet her like she is every day when she returns from school something her mother would never do even if she was mad at her. Her mother loved her more than anything or anyone.
A few hours after Father Anthony leaves the home of woman he loves he gets a phone call from her nine year old daughter Connie telling him that her mother is hurt and can he come over and make her better.
Tormented is the perfect title for this novel as it fits more than one of the characters as they each have a past that haunts them all for different reasons.
Wow! I don’t know what to say but that Susan has gone and done it again, wrote another best seller. Susan knows how to write a book that is filled with action, mystery and, suspense from the first page and that will keep you hooked right up until the end and long after. Every time I read one of her books I follow all the clues and listen real close so that I can guess whodunit but guess what I have yet to accomplish that task. I don’t think that is even possible with her books anymore I have given up trying to figure out whodunit. But I will never give up on reading a book that she has wrote I don’t even need to read the summary any more. No they are that good.
If you love a good mystery then you are going to love Tormented as it is full of mystery and suspense. And while you are at it give Susan’s other books a try as well. But I give you fair warning set aside a few hours of your day before reading that first page as you won’t be able to put it down. No, once I picked up Tormented and read that first page that was it I was a goner. The next thing I knew I had devoured the whole book in a few hours.
A little girl, nine years old comes home from school worried about getting mad at her mom before she left for school that morning she wants to tell her mother that she is sorry for their argument that morning but when she gets home something is off her mother is not there to meet her like she is every day when she returns from school something her mother would never do even if she was mad at her. Her mother loved her more than anything or anyone.
A few hours after Father Anthony leaves the home of woman he loves he gets a phone call from her nine year old daughter Connie telling him that her mother is hurt and can he come over and make her better.
Tormented is the perfect title for this novel as it fits more than one of the characters as they each have a past that haunts them all for different reasons.
Wow! I don’t know what to say but that Susan has gone and done it again, wrote another best seller. Susan knows how to write a book that is filled with action, mystery and, suspense from the first page and that will keep you hooked right up until the end and long after. Every time I read one of her books I follow all the clues and listen real close so that I can guess whodunit but guess what I have yet to accomplish that task. I don’t think that is even possible with her books anymore I have given up trying to figure out whodunit. But I will never give up on reading a book that she has wrote I don’t even need to read the summary any more. No they are that good.
If you love a good mystery then you are going to love Tormented as it is full of mystery and suspense. And while you are at it give Susan’s other books a try as well. But I give you fair warning set aside a few hours of your day before reading that first page as you won’t be able to put it down. No, once I picked up Tormented and read that first page that was it I was a goner. The next thing I knew I had devoured the whole book in a few hours.
May 13, 2018
When I first started to read TORMENTED, I initially felt that this was going to be something along the lines of The Thornbirds. Boy was I totally blindsided! First of all this was nothing of what I expected.
It was love at first sight from the moment Father Anthony spied the very glamorous beauty, Rita Wittier. From that moment on Anthony’s devotion to God and His Church took a back seat to the thoughts he had of Rita. He was a man obsessed and for the priest who had attained national recognition in a 60 Minute Interview of all the things he had done in establishing a home and school for disadvantaged and orphaned children he needed to talk to his childhood priest to confess his feelings and try to come to terms with his desire to quit the priesthood.
After traveling home to Delaware Anthony felt if redemption could be found, it would come in the form of the soothing Irish brogue of his former mentor. However, Anthony was just as confused after and decided to approach Rita and tell her of his feelings. Unfortunately, six hours after he told Rita she was found dead in her car, an apparent suicide…. or was it murder?
Wow and wow, as a Catholic I was really thrown by this storyline. I could imagine the torment Anthony was going through especially as everyone was in awe of him as the “Good Shephard” since the 60 Minute Interview. How on earth could he accept Rita’s alleged suicide? Was she so shocked at his declaration that she took her own life?
As the story evolves there are numerous suspects as to why Rita might have committed suicide and they all sense. However, her nine year old daughter knew without a doubt that her mommy would never leave her alone and she and the detective investigating the case began to believe her as well.
Bottom line: HUGE twist ending I never saw coming! Ms. Clayton-Gardner is a marvel!!!
Marilyn Rondeau
It was love at first sight from the moment Father Anthony spied the very glamorous beauty, Rita Wittier. From that moment on Anthony’s devotion to God and His Church took a back seat to the thoughts he had of Rita. He was a man obsessed and for the priest who had attained national recognition in a 60 Minute Interview of all the things he had done in establishing a home and school for disadvantaged and orphaned children he needed to talk to his childhood priest to confess his feelings and try to come to terms with his desire to quit the priesthood.
After traveling home to Delaware Anthony felt if redemption could be found, it would come in the form of the soothing Irish brogue of his former mentor. However, Anthony was just as confused after and decided to approach Rita and tell her of his feelings. Unfortunately, six hours after he told Rita she was found dead in her car, an apparent suicide…. or was it murder?
Wow and wow, as a Catholic I was really thrown by this storyline. I could imagine the torment Anthony was going through especially as everyone was in awe of him as the “Good Shephard” since the 60 Minute Interview. How on earth could he accept Rita’s alleged suicide? Was she so shocked at his declaration that she took her own life?
As the story evolves there are numerous suspects as to why Rita might have committed suicide and they all sense. However, her nine year old daughter knew without a doubt that her mommy would never leave her alone and she and the detective investigating the case began to believe her as well.
Bottom line: HUGE twist ending I never saw coming! Ms. Clayton-Gardner is a marvel!!!
Marilyn Rondeau
May 4, 2018
This is a murder mystery of the highest caliber. Father Anthony has been devoted to serving God and his church until he meets Rita Wittier. He tries everything to stay faithful to his vows. He finally tells Rita how he feels about her. Rita is found dead by her daughter. When police first suggest it was a suicide her daughter is sure it isn’t. She is so sure that she convinces Father Anthony how much her mom loved her and that she would never kill herself. The problem is Father Anthony is now one of the suspects along with several of Rita's family member. This story is so full of secrets that carry the story along.
Susan Clayton-Goldner has done it once again. She has created a storyline and characters that you really care about. She has put so many twists in it that I didn’t figure it out on my own. I love when an author keeps me second guessing until the end. This is the third book I have read by this author. I highly recommend it as well as her other books. If you are looking for an author who can write and keep you on the edge of your seat then you have found her.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Susan Clayton-Goldner has done it once again. She has created a storyline and characters that you really care about. She has put so many twists in it that I didn’t figure it out on my own. I love when an author keeps me second guessing until the end. This is the third book I have read by this author. I highly recommend it as well as her other books. If you are looking for an author who can write and keep you on the edge of your seat then you have found her.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
April 28, 2018
Susan Clayton-Goldner has done it again. Another mystery with an ending that will surprise you.
When Rita Wittier is found dead in her car with the motor running, all kinds of people are afraid that they have caused her to kill herself; her brother, her husband, her daughter – even her priest, who has been madly in love with her ever since she first showed up in his congregation.
When the Medical Examiner’s report indicates she was murdered, Detective Paul Stanwick must sort out what really happened. And in this case, it isn’t easy. Of course, it isn’t the daughter, who discovers her mother’s body and is devastated by her loss. You don’t want it to be her brother – he’s too nice a guy. You worry it might be Father Anthony, but you don’t want it to be him either; he’s also too nice, even though he has been so obsessed with her. And it looks like it isn’t him. Detective Stanwick thinks he has it narrowed down to the husband, but by the end, you don’t want it to be him either. For a while, there is another party who looks promising, but it seems she didn’t know anything about the murder.
So, who can it be?
Thanks to the author for a free review copy.
When Rita Wittier is found dead in her car with the motor running, all kinds of people are afraid that they have caused her to kill herself; her brother, her husband, her daughter – even her priest, who has been madly in love with her ever since she first showed up in his congregation.
When the Medical Examiner’s report indicates she was murdered, Detective Paul Stanwick must sort out what really happened. And in this case, it isn’t easy. Of course, it isn’t the daughter, who discovers her mother’s body and is devastated by her loss. You don’t want it to be her brother – he’s too nice a guy. You worry it might be Father Anthony, but you don’t want it to be him either; he’s also too nice, even though he has been so obsessed with her. And it looks like it isn’t him. Detective Stanwick thinks he has it narrowed down to the husband, but by the end, you don’t want it to be him either. For a while, there is another party who looks promising, but it seems she didn’t know anything about the murder.
So, who can it be?
Thanks to the author for a free review copy.
April 15, 2018
With the plot of a priest in love with a woman who dies right after he confesses his love to her, you might be forgiven for thinking that "Tormented" is some kind of lurid story about priestly misdeeds. But, while priestly misdeeds do take place, the book is not titillating trash but a heartfelt story of a conflicted priest and a family in danger of being torn apart by tragedy.
I'm not Catholic (or Christian), so I doubt that I relate these kinds of stories the same way as someone within the church would, but the portrayal of Father Anthony's struggles between his sincere faith and his equally sincere love for a married woman struck me as touching, not distasteful. The trappings of the Catholic Church, with its rosaries and incense and confessionals, are all there, but they work organically with the plot instead of being flaunted as exotic color. The characters are, for all the dramatic story that at times verges on the supernatural, natural and down-to-earth, with the 9-year-old daughter of the dead woman particularly charming and life-like. "Tormented" is a murder mystery, and the reader will want to find out just exactly who and how dunnit, but like Clayton-Goldner's other works, it's first and foremost a family drama, with the relationships between children and parents standing front and center. For fans of crime novels and literary fiction alike.
My thanks to the author for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I'm not Catholic (or Christian), so I doubt that I relate these kinds of stories the same way as someone within the church would, but the portrayal of Father Anthony's struggles between his sincere faith and his equally sincere love for a married woman struck me as touching, not distasteful. The trappings of the Catholic Church, with its rosaries and incense and confessionals, are all there, but they work organically with the plot instead of being flaunted as exotic color. The characters are, for all the dramatic story that at times verges on the supernatural, natural and down-to-earth, with the 9-year-old daughter of the dead woman particularly charming and life-like. "Tormented" is a murder mystery, and the reader will want to find out just exactly who and how dunnit, but like Clayton-Goldner's other works, it's first and foremost a family drama, with the relationships between children and parents standing front and center. For fans of crime novels and literary fiction alike.
My thanks to the author for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2018
Let me start by telling you that this is the fifth Susan Clayton-Goldner book that I have reviewed. The author provided a review copy. I do not know her other than through email correspondence and she found me from a review I had posted on Amazon.
The story is about a priest, a child, a gay couple, a homicide detective and a deceased married woman. All are related to the deceased in one way or another. Other people come into play as well. The story is told through the eyes of each of the individuals as though you are looking over their shoulder.
This book kept me guessing about what happened until the very end. I had my hunch and as I approached the end, I knew I was right. And then I found I was wrong, or was I right? It is a little like Schrödinger’s cat. (That’s the one in the box and you don’t know if it is dead or alive so it is dead AND alive as long as it is in the box.) Needless to say as you approach the conclusion it gets a little confusing, but all is cleared up in the end.
So what does this mean to you the reader? It means you will be entertained throughout with a great whodunit and you will be taken through a range of emotions. Fear, sadness, happiness, confusion, clarity, and apprehension are all there as well as others. Most of Susan Clayton-Goldner’s novels take you on a wild roller coaster ride of emotions. They have been known to bring tears to my eyes as I empathize with a particular character and the events happening to them. This one wasn’t as wild a ride as many, but it added in new elements that kept the book moving and me reading to the ultimate conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. It moved along quickly through all the twists and turns. When I finally finished it, i was wondering how long it will be before her next book comes out!
Read Tormented. You’ll enjoy it.
The story is about a priest, a child, a gay couple, a homicide detective and a deceased married woman. All are related to the deceased in one way or another. Other people come into play as well. The story is told through the eyes of each of the individuals as though you are looking over their shoulder.
This book kept me guessing about what happened until the very end. I had my hunch and as I approached the end, I knew I was right. And then I found I was wrong, or was I right? It is a little like Schrödinger’s cat. (That’s the one in the box and you don’t know if it is dead or alive so it is dead AND alive as long as it is in the box.) Needless to say as you approach the conclusion it gets a little confusing, but all is cleared up in the end.
So what does this mean to you the reader? It means you will be entertained throughout with a great whodunit and you will be taken through a range of emotions. Fear, sadness, happiness, confusion, clarity, and apprehension are all there as well as others. Most of Susan Clayton-Goldner’s novels take you on a wild roller coaster ride of emotions. They have been known to bring tears to my eyes as I empathize with a particular character and the events happening to them. This one wasn’t as wild a ride as many, but it added in new elements that kept the book moving and me reading to the ultimate conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. It moved along quickly through all the twists and turns. When I finally finished it, i was wondering how long it will be before her next book comes out!
Read Tormented. You’ll enjoy it.
May 13, 2018
Susan Clayton-Goldner is a definite author to pursue, she has become one of my favorite authors. I have read every book of hers so far and enjoyed every one of them. "Tormented" is a mystery that will hook you from the first page until the last page.
A mother is found dead by her 9 year old daughter, Connie. It appears to be a suicide, but is it? When the Medical Examiner's report indicates Rita was murdered, Detective Stanwick is assigned to the case. Is it Father Anthony, the priest who falls in love with Rita, one of his parishioners. He confesses his love to Rita on the day she is found dead. Or is it the husband, Konrad, or maybe the brother, Gordon or possibly the 9 year daughter. Each character in the book has their own personal issues or haunted pasts. This is definitely a page turner, it will keep you guessing until you finish, I was shocked at the ending.
If you like reading a great mystery, read "Tormented", you will fall in love with Susan-Clayton-Goldner and want to read all her other books.
A mother is found dead by her 9 year old daughter, Connie. It appears to be a suicide, but is it? When the Medical Examiner's report indicates Rita was murdered, Detective Stanwick is assigned to the case. Is it Father Anthony, the priest who falls in love with Rita, one of his parishioners. He confesses his love to Rita on the day she is found dead. Or is it the husband, Konrad, or maybe the brother, Gordon or possibly the 9 year daughter. Each character in the book has their own personal issues or haunted pasts. This is definitely a page turner, it will keep you guessing until you finish, I was shocked at the ending.
If you like reading a great mystery, read "Tormented", you will fall in love with Susan-Clayton-Goldner and want to read all her other books.
April 22, 2018
I received a copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
What an appropriate title for this book as you, the reader, will be tormented throughout the book!! Was Rita murdered or did she commit suicide? And then when you find out that answer, you are further tormented as to why!!
Once again, Susan has brought the main characters to life and it is great to get their view and prospective on what is happening around them throughout the book.
The readers who like a great mystery will find this book well worth the read!! Don’t miss the chance to read another outstanding book from this author --- Susan Clayton-Goldner.
What an appropriate title for this book as you, the reader, will be tormented throughout the book!! Was Rita murdered or did she commit suicide? And then when you find out that answer, you are further tormented as to why!!
Once again, Susan has brought the main characters to life and it is great to get their view and prospective on what is happening around them throughout the book.
The readers who like a great mystery will find this book well worth the read!! Don’t miss the chance to read another outstanding book from this author --- Susan Clayton-Goldner.
April 21, 2018
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of this author’s books and this one is my favorite. While I usually don’t like the mystery genre, I enjoyed this one immensely. Ms.Clayton-Goldner uses great descriptive language whether she is describing nature or a grisly murder. This plot was very unusual and kept the reader guessing until the very last few pages with all its twists and turns. All of the characters were likable even though they had their quirks. If you like mysteries and thrillers, then I highly recommend this book.
I have read all of this author’s books and this one is my favorite. While I usually don’t like the mystery genre, I enjoyed this one immensely. Ms.Clayton-Goldner uses great descriptive language whether she is describing nature or a grisly murder. This plot was very unusual and kept the reader guessing until the very last few pages with all its twists and turns. All of the characters were likable even though they had their quirks. If you like mysteries and thrillers, then I highly recommend this book.
May 16, 2018
Wow, each book by Clayton-Goldner keeps getting better. This is a great mystery with many twists and turns and a surprise ending that I did not see coming. If you have enjoyed her previous mysteries, or if you just like a good detective style whodunnit, then you have to read Tormented!
July 28, 2020
4.5/5.0
Super interesting and riveting mystery/suspense!
Super interesting and riveting mystery/suspense!
April 23, 2018
Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen in this book, it took another turn. It was really good and I had trouble putting this book down. I really like the books by Susan Clayton-Goldner. They are amazing and always keep me guessing.
April 20, 2018
Absolutely amazing! I could not put this book down!!!! I read it in two days-that's how captivating it was. Not only was the plot ingenious and so well written but the characters were extremely well developed. There was no unnecessary fluff, background, etc that many other authors use to fill pages. Instead, what you get with Tormented is pure genius writing. I was hooked from the first sentence and amazed to the last word. I don't know how Susan Clayton-Goldner outdoes herself every time but she does! I continue to be a huge fan...Susan can write no wrong!
May 7, 2018
A whodunnit that keeps you guessing to the end! Clayton-Goldner has an easy style of writing and this is a real page turner. Her characters are well rounded and no single character takes center stage at any given point. Yet we come to feel almost as much for the priest, Father Anthony, as we do for the little girl, Connie, who has lost her mother.
The author touches on several themes familiar in her writing, including the mentally tormented and the falsely accused.
This is an unusual story and well worth reading
The author touches on several themes familiar in her writing, including the mentally tormented and the falsely accused.
This is an unusual story and well worth reading
May 2, 2018
I'm not sure if I loved the ending to this book. I just finished reading and right now I feel so many emotions. This could have ended in so many ways, but wow did it end with a shock.
At one point, my husband said something to me and I looked up, not realizing I'd gotten lost in the story. Characters were unique with their motivations and the writing was clean and beautiful. Loved how the twists kept me guessing. I was afraid in the beginning that the religious aspect might consume the story but it was well balanced.
At one point, my husband said something to me and I looked up, not realizing I'd gotten lost in the story. Characters were unique with their motivations and the writing was clean and beautiful. Loved how the twists kept me guessing. I was afraid in the beginning that the religious aspect might consume the story but it was well balanced.
May 5, 2018
I was provided a complimentary copy of this work in return for an honest review. This is my fifth book I have read by Susan. Like, the other four, I loved this book. I was not so sure when I first started. Considering what is happening in the world of the Vatican today, I was not sure that I wanted to read a book about any priest. However, I shortly fell in love with Connie and Gordy and kept reading. Once you get into Connie's world you will continue reading. Best part of this book.....never, never saw the ending coming until the end. In today's world of cozies, thrillers, and suspense in books and TV, you always have a chance of a good guess. This book alone deserves five stars for its surprise ending. The detective in this book, takes a back seat to the story. I liked him. I would like to see him again.
May 5, 2018
One of the most incredible books I’ve read
Susan Clayton-Goldner is a wordsmith and craftsman of the art of story telling. I could not put this story down.
Susan Clayton-Goldner is a wordsmith and craftsman of the art of story telling. I could not put this story down.
May 2, 2018
Psychological Thriller
This poignant novel is about a tormented priest, a small child, her mother murdered and a detective determined to find the reason.
Suspense,twists and turns pulls you through this story populated by fascinating characters in 1970's San Francisco.
This book is recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers.
This poignant novel is about a tormented priest, a small child, her mother murdered and a detective determined to find the reason.
Suspense,twists and turns pulls you through this story populated by fascinating characters in 1970's San Francisco.
This book is recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews