I segreti di Chicory Lane

by Raymond Benson

Shelby Truman, scrittrice di grande successo, riceve una telefonata da parte dell'avvocato Crane: il suo amico d'infanzia ed ex fidanzato Eddie Newcott ha chiesto di vederla un'ultima volta prima di essere giustiziato per l'omicidio della moglie e del figlio che portava in grembo. Shelby accetta di incontrarlo, e nel corso del viaggio da Chicago al Texas ricorda il proprio passato, segnato dal rapporto difficile ma appassionato con l'affascinante e tormentato ragazzo della casa di fronte. Come ha fatto Eddie Newcott a diventare un assassino?

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Ebooks, Coming Of Age

283 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Raymond Benson is the author of approximately 40 titles. Among his works are the critically-acclaimed and New York Times best-selling serial THE BLACK STILETTO, and he was also the third--and first American--continuation author of the official James Bond 007 novels. His latest novels are HOTEL DESTINY--A GHOST NOIR, BLUES IN THE DARK, IN THE HUSH OF THE NIGHT and THE SECRETS ON CHICORY LANE.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel spans over five decades and tells the tale of the friendship / relationship had between Shelby Truman and Eddie Newcott who later in life, after murdering his wife and unborn baby, is known as Evil Eddie. He is now on death row and a week before he is sentenced to die he requests that Shelby come to visit him because he has one last thing to tell her. Surprised because they haven't spoken in twenty years she decides she will visit him because she is afraid she'll regret it otherwise. What could he possibly have to tell her?

Wow, this book was amazing. A very sad yet riveting tale of man and his battle with mental illness. It's always a bit strange to say that you enjoyed a book that covers such a difficult subject matter but I really could not put this down. I became completely consumed by this story and I actually cared about these people, even poor Eddie. My heart hurts.

Thank you to Edelweiss who kindly provided me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby who write romance novels gets a request to visit her old friend Eddie on death row because of the brutal murder on his wife and unborn child. The book dwels in what makes someone evil and how they turn out like that. It's was a deeply moving and shocking novel that would leave no one unmoved.

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably good book. I cried when reading many parts of this all-consuming story. Narrated by popular romance novel writer Shelby Truman, she takes you through her life story up until the present--and boy will her tale stay with you for a long time. At times tragic and melancholy and seriously gut wrenching, the author Raymond Benson does not tell you how to feel or what to think when reading, he simply lets the story be told in Shelby's own words. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It was well written while also being fast-paced and finally revealing a completely satisfying ending. I was truly blown away by this book. If you only have the inclination to read one book this summer and want to pick up something that is worth your precious time-I recommend this book. Oh, I am not sure how I could forget to mention Eddie-Evil Eddie. He plays a huge role in this book and while you are reading about him you alternately feel sorry for him and disgusted with him. READ this book.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this fantastic book.

[thebooknookae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely recommend this book! The book was amazingly well written and fast paced. The author did not give room for boredom, it was page turning and full of mystery. The book felt more like a very realistic movie that you're living in and it was an amazing adventure! read it one go. Definitely recommend!

[Donald J. Bingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished the Same Day I Started

Like me, you probably know Raymond Benson from his officially sanctioned James Bond spy thrillers or his own Black Stiletto thrillers, so you might assume I'm going to say that I read his newest book in a single day because it was a classic page-turner, with pulse-pounding action propelling the reader forward. But, The Secrets on Chicory Lane is more of a literary mystery with a touch of horror than a thriller. I read it in a single day because it has intriguing characters, reflective realism with a touch of melancholy, and, most importantly, a smoothly flowing conversational narrative that sweeps you along for a journey through darkness and despair framed by nostalgia and love. Recommended.

[Wendi Lee]

I rarely DNF ARCs I receive, but unfortunately I stopped reading this novel halfway through. The writing style was difficult for me to get through, and the portrayal of Shelby's mother particularly hard to swallow. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but the events that Shelby's mother (indeed the whole family) has to go through was significantly traumatizing, and the narrator doesn't give her a break at all. There is even a suggestion that because Shelby's mother was older when she had baby Michael, her aged hormones contributed to her inability to cope. Eek. Sorry, this is not for me.

*Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley for an ARC*

[Ms. Just One More Book (Kris Miller) · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROFOPUNDLY ENTRANCING AND FAST PACED!

Shelby Truman and Eddie Newcott grew up on Chicory Lane, in the quiet town of Limite, Texas. The beautiful boy across the street was Shelby's constant in life; a best friend––sometimes more. Over the years, their lives took very different paths. Shelby became an international bestselling romance author, while Eddie currently sits on death row, awaiting execution for a heinous murder. Days before his execution, Eddie requests a final visit from Shelby after years of silence. As Shelby returns to her hometown, she begins reflecting on their five-decade friendship, and the evil that permeated their lives in the summer of 1966. Taking you from the past, through to the present of Shelby and Eddie's friendship, Raymond Benson pulls at the heartstrings in this tragic tale. Peppered with nostalgia, love, heartbreak, and melancholy, the narrative is profoundly entrancing and fast-paced. Part mystery, part reflective coming-of-age, The Secrets of Chicory Lane ensnares readers in its dense web, refusing to let go, even long after its jaw-dropping conclusion.

~Kris Miller (TopShelf Reviews)

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous thriller I couldn't put down! Obsession, betrayal, satan worshiping, abuse...oh and loyalty, friendship, love, and compassion as well! Famous novelist, Shelby is called to her hometown because her once-boyfriend, Eddie--a confirmed murderer on death row--is scheduled for execution and has something he needs to tell her. Even though she hasn't seen or communicated with him for two decades, she makes the trip and as she does, she reminisces about the past they shared--with all the joys and sorrows of their lives. What could Eddie possibly have to tell her? The answer will shock you!

[J.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I last read Raymond Benson, he was still chronicling the adventures of the 1990s and early 2000s Bond, which doesn’t seem like so long ago until I start to think about what year this is. So, when I started reading The Secrets on Chicory Lane, I expected some of those 007 theatrics – some extended action sequences, parachutes, dodging bullets, and beautiful ladies.

The Secrets on Chicory Lane is a bit of a different story – and Benson’s voice was adept at delivering this narrative, in spite of my bombastic expectations. There are moments of tension and mysteries swirling in the story aplenty, but the focus of this narrative is more on the memories of a writer than exploding guns.

This is a story where the main character, Shelby, must come to terms with some demons in her life, and the book is not without its share of twists and heartbreaking turns.

Shelby is looking back over her life, turning over mysteries, and tired of writing yet another entry in successful book series. The story alternates between her present-day life and her memories of life in the 1960s and on through the decades. Shelby ruminates on a troubled romance and what implications her youth still have for her adult life.

There is, it should be noted, a brief reference to attending a James Bond double-feature, which made me smile, but this book is Raymond Benson planting his feet in a new direction, which was welcome for this reader. Secrets on Chicory Lane gave me the opportunity to appreciate a writer I thought I knew in a fresh light.

[Renee Roberts · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh. I did finish it, so that gives it one star. I didn't enjoy the tense changes, employed to distinguish between present and memory. That made me rush through it, as I do when something is written in a play/screenplay format. The character development is flawed, especially the Shelby (main) character. Written in the first person, but you constantly feel the author doesn't really know the person because so many aspects are missing from the personality. The character ends up not only being two-dimensional, but also begging for you to see past that. And as for the secrets, if you think you know what's going to be in the big reveal--you're right, those are the secrets.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

The book has an interesting beginning, and a surprise ending. It kept my interest. Fast, enjoyable read for a lazy afternoon.

[Judy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !!

This was one of the best books I have ever read !! It was riveting from start to finish. I high!y recommend it.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know exactly what it was that grabbed me with this book but I could not put it down. It's dark and not happy but I read this in one day.
It could have been because Shelby is the same age as my Mom and I sometimes wonder what things she went through at the key points in her life before children and marriage.
Maybe it was the author's way of taking the reader back to the days when kids played in the neighborhood park and walked into friends houses without knocking.
All of those plus a gripping story made for a great day of reading.

[Carmen Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite suspenseful...great read.

[Dominus~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Holy crap. I'm so confused with what to think with this. Its so good and good and good and my sucker for romance self is still denying what happened. I don't even want to call Eddie "Evil" like dude, I'm as naive as Shelby. Well not really naive, more like romanticizing stuff. It does feel like the author was romanticizing Eddie through Shelby.

Case in point #1 : Mental issues.
It was obviously clear Eddie had mental issues but there is something like a hole there that could be filled and would make Eddie not having mental issues but just a clear psychopath. Buuuuut the mental issue were pursued.

Eddie's trauma was so horrific I just sympathize with him. It was probably what the author intended.

Case in point #2

Limite—pronounced “la-meet,”

Should've said this from the start you know? Not like 8% in the book where I've been reading it as "Limit."

Case in point #3 : Shelby's inconsistency at the end and her character in general.

I don't like how the ending happened with her epiphany. It feels inconsitent to the whole book.
Her character in general is so good except for the ending- good meaning she was a finely thought of character. She embodies the "blindly in love" character and that was perfect. I liked that a lot.

The way Eddie was romanticized through her was amazing. Even I fell in love with him- a bit. I was hoping that something might be different and they'll have a happy ending. So applause for that.

I was absolutely not bored and deeply intrigued with the whole story. I could not ask for a much better ending. to be honest I do, like them figuring out Eddie was not guilty of anything and he got out and they live happily ever after? Haha

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

The Secrets on Chicory Lane by Raymond Benson is a spellbinding, reflective mystery that has quite a few twists and turns.

Sixty one year old romance author Shelby Truman gets the shock of a lifetime when her former first love and on again/off again lover Eddie Newcott requests to see her before he is executed for a horrific murder. Although she has not spoken to him in years, she alters her plans in order to fulfill his request. Her journey from her home in Chicago to the Texas prison is fraught with her memories of her relationship with Eddie. Their childhood friendship turns to romance when they were young teenagers but after tragedy strikes her family, they gradually drift apart then lose touch after Eddie goes to Vietnam.

Over the years, Shelby goes on to embark on intense, short term romances with Eddie but these relationships are unsustainable over the long term. While Shelby finds success as an author, Eddie travels down a very troubled path and becomes rather infamous as the head of a Satanic Church.  Although no one in their small hometown is surprised when he commits a gruesome murder, Shelby is stunned to learn the truth about what happened to Eddie during childhood and his subsequent struggles with mental illness throughout his adulthood.

Uncertain why Eddie wants to meet with her one last time, Shelby goes into their meeting with a few trepidations. Initially disappointed by his incoherent ramblings, she eventually deciphers what he is trying to tell her.  Much to Shelby’s shock, she uncovers a shocking secret that explains why Eddie was so incredibly tormented throughout his life.

The Secrets on Chicory Lane by Raymond Benson is an incredibly well-written and compelling mystery that tackles some dark subject matter. Shelby is an engaging character who has to face some hard truths about the mistakes and missteps she has made throughout her life. Eddie is a surprisingly sympathetic character once the truth about his very troubled past is fully revealed. This haunting story comes to a somewhat shocking, but completely satisfying conclusion.  An absolutely riveting novel that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Yes, it was very disturbing at times, but it had all the characteristics of a great psychological thriller. 5 stars!

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelby Truman, a successful romance novelist, on the verge of writing her next book, suddenly gets a call informing her that Eddie, her childhood friend, is due to be executed for a particularly dreadful killing.
We go back and forth between the '60's and now, as Shelby recounts her relationship with Eddie, a neighbor boy across the road, that started when she was a 12-year old and he a fairly adult 11-year old. They become extremely close and as adults their friendship becomes an intense love affair.
Life changed irrevocably when Shelby's 2-month old little brother was kidnapped, believed killed, by her next door neighbor, who hanged himself without supplying any answers as to the baby's fate. Shelby's mother becamre practically housebound with depression and Shelby couldn't wait to get away to college. The times she returns home were spent mostly with Eddie.
Going home to visit Eddie before his possible execution is very difficult for her. She's now in her early 60's and hasn't spoken to him in years and dreading the meeting.
I enjoyed this book a lot, even though it was quite sad; the baby subject was very poignant and despite Eddie's mental state I think he got what he deserved. It's a quick read because it's difficult to put the book down once you start reading it...
Thank you Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the eARC.

[Britt Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy wow, I loved this book. As Shelby travels to visit her former best friend and lover before he is executed, she thinks back on her life and her memories with Eddie, and takes us with her. I enjoyed the way the story was told - through Shelby as she sifted through her memories to try to make sense of her life and Eddie's life, and how there is quite a twist at the end, that you would never expect, because you don't even think there will be a twist at all. The story is haunting and fascinating and tells a tale of mental illness and just how our experiences can shape us.

I did receive a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragic and horrific story told in the form of flashbacks over the course of a few days in the narrator’s life, The Secrets on Chicory Lane by Raymond Benson will have you eating up every word to the bitter end. Although it took me a few days to finish it, I absolutely could have finished it in one or two sittings.

You can find the rest of my review at my blog, Finding Land

[Romance e altri rimedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione completa sul blog https://romanceealtririmedi.wordpress...

Per qualche oscuro motivo (forse sarà per l’effetto dello stress accumulato durante l’anno) in estate mi viene spesso voglia di leggere romanzi gialli e thriller. Quando mi è stata proposta la lettura de I segreti di Chicory Lane ho pensato che fosse il libro perfetto per questo periodo!

Sin dalle prime pagine mi sono resa conto di trovarmi di fronte a un thriller abbastanza insolito. Mi spiego meglio: di solito i romanzi gialli hanno una parte introduttiva in cui presentano i personaggi e le situazioni, l’omicidio, e poi nella conclusione viene smascherato il colpevole.

Nel romanzo di Benson, il colpevole è noto al lettore sin dalle prime pagine. Eddie Newcott è stato condannato per un omicidio davvero efferato e come ultimo desiderio prima di morire (in Texas c’è ancora la pena di morte) chiede di poter incontrare la sua amica d’infanzia ed ex fidanzata Shelby Truman. (...) (...)

[Dee Dee (Dee Reads for Food) · Rating 3 out of 5]

At about the halfway point, I was sure that I would be rolling my eyes at the ending of this book, sure that I wouldn't care about Eddie's fate one way or another. I was also equally sure that he would have a miraculous redemption arc in which he's proven innocent of all his various crimes. Instead, this book, though predictable in places, convinced me to like it. I was invested: I needed to know what really happened all those years ago. I got the closure that I was looking for, and so did Shelby.

Shelby wasn't my favorite charcter, I found her self-centered/shallow, but after all that she's been through, it is to be expected. I also liked that there was a repeat of a paragraph that begun the book, towards the very end of the book.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

TW: Child abuse, domestic violence, mental illness seen in a negative light, joke about suicide/suicide

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Rather predictable....I had it figured out partway through, but it was written well enough to keep me reading anyway.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and well written book, good story telling. A bit slow paced but then that made the story more enjoyable.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never saw this ending coming! good story and read!

[Julie Connelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mid

[Cristine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt but tragic tale. A good read thriller with much suspense!

[julie harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

A wonderful story, covering 5 decades.
Dark sat times, but I couldn't put it down.
Highly recommend this novel ,5 stars!

[Melinda Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but really good, not really a thriller by any means.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing

Just an enjoyable, well written story with many twists and turns. Well worth both the time and cost. Surprising consistently