What do you think?
Rate this book
The Suicide Tree
A hacker. His employer. Two dead scientists. And a past experiment that ties them together.
Knox Kevel receives the job of a lifetime when a mysterious man gets his charges dropped for cybercrime and hires him for an international job. His infamous parents, who created a cure for the Raven Virus, are dead and gone, but their decision to keep NovaVita from the world has taken a toll on Knox.
Swayed by quick money, Knox flies to Italy with his eccentric employer, Arlo Jenson. Knox must find the woman who experimented on Arlo and triggered his unpredictable personality shifts. But tension heightens when Knox discovers that Arlo knew his parents.
As the adventure unfolds, Knox falls for Arlo’s niece and finds himself in an even bigger mess when he comes face-to-face with the person responsible for his misfortune.
Knox Kevel receives the job of a lifetime when a mysterious man gets his charges dropped for cybercrime and hires him for an international job. His infamous parents, who created a cure for the Raven Virus, are dead and gone, but their decision to keep NovaVita from the world has taken a toll on Knox.
Swayed by quick money, Knox flies to Italy with his eccentric employer, Arlo Jenson. Knox must find the woman who experimented on Arlo and triggered his unpredictable personality shifts. But tension heightens when Knox discovers that Arlo knew his parents.
As the adventure unfolds, Knox falls for Arlo’s niece and finds himself in an even bigger mess when he comes face-to-face with the person responsible for his misfortune.
- GenresEbooks
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2018
4 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Shayla Raquel
12 books136 followersA self-publishing mentor, best-selling author, and public speaker, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with writers every day. A lifelong lover of books, she has been in the publishing industry for a dozen years and teaches on author branding, indie publishing, book marketing, and the craft of writing.
Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books.
She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, “The Rotting” (in Shivers in the Night), The Suicide Tree, The 10 Commandments of Author Branding, All the Things I Should’ve Told You, and “Savage Indulgence.” In her not-so-free time, she studies all things true crime and obsesses over squirrels. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three fur babies.
Her award-winning blog teaches new and established authors how to write, publish, and market their books.
She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, “The Rotting” (in Shivers in the Night), The Suicide Tree, The 10 Commandments of Author Branding, All the Things I Should’ve Told You, and “Savage Indulgence.” In her not-so-free time, she studies all things true crime and obsesses over squirrels. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three fur babies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 3, 2019
This was an adventure in suspense for me. There were unexpected turns and plot twists that kept me turning the pages after bedtime. Knox became such a real character in my mind as I journeyed with him. Shayla painted pictures I can still see in my mind of the shops, eateries, and scenery on his travels. Now I want another adventure with Knox.
October 30, 2018
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Woke up at 3 am and was about to go back to sleep when I realized it was October 30. Release day for THE SUICIDE TREE. And since I had preordered, it was already on my Kindle!
It is now 8 am and I just finished reading one of my new favorite books.
It is everything I hoped for (intrigue! Sci fi! Romance!) and so much more. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before and i know I’ll be re-reading this story again...and again...and again! GREAT read!!!
Woke up at 3 am and was about to go back to sleep when I realized it was October 30. Release day for THE SUICIDE TREE. And since I had preordered, it was already on my Kindle!
It is now 8 am and I just finished reading one of my new favorite books.
It is everything I hoped for (intrigue! Sci fi! Romance!) and so much more. It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before and i know I’ll be re-reading this story again...and again...and again! GREAT read!!!
July 26, 2019
Shayla blew my mind away with this wonderful book! Every time I read the pages I felt like I was being transported to another place in the world. Her descriptions of Italy are breathtaking, and I devoured every place we adventured to.
Her cast of characters are unique, and you can’t help but fall in love with the book’s protagonist, Knox Kevel, a twenty-year-old hacker who gets himself into more trouble than he probably expected.
The plot is twisting with so many questions that kept me racing to the end. I don’t want to give away spoilers, so I’ll just say it was unexpected and kept me glued to the page. I love books with a psychological edge, and The Suicide Tree delivered.
By the end I was left with a warm and satisfied feeling, which was perhaps the best part. The characters grew, they found family and love, and I’m so glad Shayla published the book so I could know them, too.
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Her cast of characters are unique, and you can’t help but fall in love with the book’s protagonist, Knox Kevel, a twenty-year-old hacker who gets himself into more trouble than he probably expected.
The plot is twisting with so many questions that kept me racing to the end. I don’t want to give away spoilers, so I’ll just say it was unexpected and kept me glued to the page. I love books with a psychological edge, and The Suicide Tree delivered.
By the end I was left with a warm and satisfied feeling, which was perhaps the best part. The characters grew, they found family and love, and I’m so glad Shayla published the book so I could know them, too.
4.5 out of 5 stars!
July 28, 2019
Just the title alone will have you wanting to read more about The Suicide Tree.
The Suicide Tree begins in the Sunshine State (Florida), but life isn't very sunny for Knox Kevel. It's been three dreary years since the ex-cyberhacker lost his infamous scientist parents to a tragic fire. While trying to figure out what to do next in his life, Knox randomly gets a job offer he can't refuse. His new boss Arlo says the new gig requires him to use his washed-up hacking skills and travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Italy. Little does Knox know of the family connection he’ll have thousands of miles away from Pensacola.
Your senses will be heightened as you take this journey with Knox and Arlo. Shayla did her research by traveling to Italy. She sets the scene with beautiful and vivid descriptions of the cities and food (you'll want to get your passport if you haven't already).
I absolutely loved the character names! Knox is the protagonist, but I would’ve loved to read more about Arlo's complex backstory. I also appreciate the little bit of romance Shayla weaved throughout the book.
This Sci-Fi page-turner is one you'll definitely want to have in your reading collection.
I hope there’s another Knox Kevel adventure in the future. I’m so proud of Shayla. She makes self-publishing worth it!
The Suicide Tree begins in the Sunshine State (Florida), but life isn't very sunny for Knox Kevel. It's been three dreary years since the ex-cyberhacker lost his infamous scientist parents to a tragic fire. While trying to figure out what to do next in his life, Knox randomly gets a job offer he can't refuse. His new boss Arlo says the new gig requires him to use his washed-up hacking skills and travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Italy. Little does Knox know of the family connection he’ll have thousands of miles away from Pensacola.
Your senses will be heightened as you take this journey with Knox and Arlo. Shayla did her research by traveling to Italy. She sets the scene with beautiful and vivid descriptions of the cities and food (you'll want to get your passport if you haven't already).
I absolutely loved the character names! Knox is the protagonist, but I would’ve loved to read more about Arlo's complex backstory. I also appreciate the little bit of romance Shayla weaved throughout the book.
This Sci-Fi page-turner is one you'll definitely want to have in your reading collection.
I hope there’s another Knox Kevel adventure in the future. I’m so proud of Shayla. She makes self-publishing worth it!
September 13, 2020
On the whole, I enjoyed this book. There's some interesting twists and turns that were quite engaging. My main problem was with the protagonist. I didn't really care for him for maybe 2/3 of the book. As for the other 1/3 of the book, I was with him pretty solidly. Excellent characterization throughout.
June 28, 2019
This book is spectacular! From the wit and humor to the cast of Characters. Shayla Raquel does an amazing job bring each of her characters to life. She made Knox someone I find relatable, because of his awkwardness and wit.
This book took me for a ride and I loved every second of it! When I thought I knew where it was headed it took me in a completely different direction. Shayla’s ability to make you feel like you were actually there is phenomenal. This book deserves it’s five star rating.
This book took me for a ride and I loved every second of it! When I thought I knew where it was headed it took me in a completely different direction. Shayla’s ability to make you feel like you were actually there is phenomenal. This book deserves it’s five star rating.
March 15, 2019
The Suicide Tree by Shayla Raquel was a surprisingly good book. It was not quite what I expected but after reading it I am honestly not sure what I was expecting. Early on it talks about the Suicide Tree being a real tree and I could not help but look it up. What I found is that the Suicide Tree is actually a tree called Cerbera Odollam and is found in Asia and India. I find it interesting Knox uses this tree’s nickname for his tag because of the specific properties this tree has. I will leave it up to the interested reader to look up those properties for themselves. The story was so good that I am afraid to say too much without the risk of spoilers.
Trigger Warning: Although I don’t usually feel like I need to add these to my reviews I feel this may be an exception. The death of Knox’s parents is a tragedy and a large part of the story and is brought up very frequently.
Knox Kevel’s parents died in an explosion three years before the story begins. Knox, being almost a computer genius becomes a hacker known as The Suicide Tree while his parents are still alive. After their death, he works for people on the black market and attracts the attention of the FBI. The FBI gets ahold of him twice and he is facing prison time when Arlo Jenson pops in. Arlo wants Knox to work for him and if Knox agrees Arlo will call in a favor with the DA and have Knox’s charges dropped.
Knox ends up flying to Italy with Arlo, in hopes of finding the person who hurt Arlo as a child. Knox and Arlo stay with Norah, Arlo’s sister, and her daughter Jessa. The four of them team up and travel to many well-known cities in Italy trying to discover the truth. The truth about what? Well, you will just have to read The Suicide Tree to find out for yourself.
What I liked most about this book was the interwoven stories of Knox, Arlo, and the mysterious person who harmed Arlo. It was actually hard to find something that I didn’t really like about this book. After thinking about it I would say that the reasoning behind Arlo’s childhood assault (for lack of a better term) was a bit on the anti-climatic side. I was hoping for something a little more in-depth than what was offered.
In all honesty, I believe just about anyone could read this book. There is little in the lines on inappropriate material in this book. The book is also relatively short and does not require a lot of dedication making it perfect for the occasional reader. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 because the plot line was well thought out and there was very little that I questioned after finishing the book. The story was strong and extremely entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger Warning: Although I don’t usually feel like I need to add these to my reviews I feel this may be an exception. The death of Knox’s parents is a tragedy and a large part of the story and is brought up very frequently.
Knox Kevel’s parents died in an explosion three years before the story begins. Knox, being almost a computer genius becomes a hacker known as The Suicide Tree while his parents are still alive. After their death, he works for people on the black market and attracts the attention of the FBI. The FBI gets ahold of him twice and he is facing prison time when Arlo Jenson pops in. Arlo wants Knox to work for him and if Knox agrees Arlo will call in a favor with the DA and have Knox’s charges dropped.
Knox ends up flying to Italy with Arlo, in hopes of finding the person who hurt Arlo as a child. Knox and Arlo stay with Norah, Arlo’s sister, and her daughter Jessa. The four of them team up and travel to many well-known cities in Italy trying to discover the truth. The truth about what? Well, you will just have to read The Suicide Tree to find out for yourself.
What I liked most about this book was the interwoven stories of Knox, Arlo, and the mysterious person who harmed Arlo. It was actually hard to find something that I didn’t really like about this book. After thinking about it I would say that the reasoning behind Arlo’s childhood assault (for lack of a better term) was a bit on the anti-climatic side. I was hoping for something a little more in-depth than what was offered.
In all honesty, I believe just about anyone could read this book. There is little in the lines on inappropriate material in this book. The book is also relatively short and does not require a lot of dedication making it perfect for the occasional reader. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 because the plot line was well thought out and there was very little that I questioned after finishing the book. The story was strong and extremely entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2019
It is so incredibly hard not to be biased as this novel was written by one of my best friends. I will try to set aside my enormously proud and loving feelings I have for her as a person and give a neutral review of her work.
Get. This. Book.
If you want to feel transported to Italy -get this book. The reader follows the characters as they internationally travel, and the author describes such realistic settings that you will feel like YOU are the one taking the trip. I know for a fact Shayla Raquel went to the destinations mentioned in her story, and she wrote those settings from personal experience. How cool is that?!
If you want to satisfy your romance subplot itch -get this book. I literally could not contain my enthusiasm when Shayla had me (and the rest of our writing group) critique a chapter from this book, because it was then that she revealed to me that a couple of her characters. . . fall for each other! * squeal *
If you enjoy a dynamically varied cast of characters -get this book. I was trying to think of a mainstream example to draw a parallel here, and “Parks and Rec” came to mind. Each staff member of the Pawnee, Indiana Parks Department plays off each other and this enhances everyone’s character. The friends force each other to grow. They are funny, and definitely better together than apart. I think that describes the dynamic Shayla’s group has.
In summation. . . GET THIS BOOK.
Get. This. Book.
If you want to feel transported to Italy -get this book. The reader follows the characters as they internationally travel, and the author describes such realistic settings that you will feel like YOU are the one taking the trip. I know for a fact Shayla Raquel went to the destinations mentioned in her story, and she wrote those settings from personal experience. How cool is that?!
If you want to satisfy your romance subplot itch -get this book. I literally could not contain my enthusiasm when Shayla had me (and the rest of our writing group) critique a chapter from this book, because it was then that she revealed to me that a couple of her characters. . . fall for each other! * squeal *
If you enjoy a dynamically varied cast of characters -get this book. I was trying to think of a mainstream example to draw a parallel here, and “Parks and Rec” came to mind. Each staff member of the Pawnee, Indiana Parks Department plays off each other and this enhances everyone’s character. The friends force each other to grow. They are funny, and definitely better together than apart. I think that describes the dynamic Shayla’s group has.
In summation. . . GET THIS BOOK.
May 8, 2019
Set a few years from now, Knox Kevel is a young man who is on his way to prison for computer hacking. His parents, both famous scientists, were given the task of finding a cure for the deadly Raven Virus. They were successful, but refused to give the cure to anyone. It led to protests worldwide, rampant conspiracy theories and their deaths in a mysterious explosion that destroyed their lab.
Knox is saved from prison by a mysterious man named Arlo. He gets the charges dropped in exchange for Knox's computer expertise. When Arlo was a child, he was the subject of a brain experiment, with the reluctant consent of his parents. It caused the creation of several alternate personalities, not all of them nice people. Arlo does not remember the name of the experimenter, but he wants Knox's help to find that person.
The focus shifts to southern Italy. Maybe one of Arlo's "alters" (other personalities) remembers the name of the experimenter. The "bad guy" is eventually found; does the person agree to give up quietly? Does Arlo get the effect reversed? Does find out exactly how his parents died?
This is a really good present-day thriller, with a little bit of science fiction included. It has everything a reader needs, including good storytelling, good characters, a little romance and a plot that will keep the reader guessing until the end. This is well worth checking out.
Knox is saved from prison by a mysterious man named Arlo. He gets the charges dropped in exchange for Knox's computer expertise. When Arlo was a child, he was the subject of a brain experiment, with the reluctant consent of his parents. It caused the creation of several alternate personalities, not all of them nice people. Arlo does not remember the name of the experimenter, but he wants Knox's help to find that person.
The focus shifts to southern Italy. Maybe one of Arlo's "alters" (other personalities) remembers the name of the experimenter. The "bad guy" is eventually found; does the person agree to give up quietly? Does Arlo get the effect reversed? Does find out exactly how his parents died?
This is a really good present-day thriller, with a little bit of science fiction included. It has everything a reader needs, including good storytelling, good characters, a little romance and a plot that will keep the reader guessing until the end. This is well worth checking out.
April 26, 2019
Fantastic read!
Suicide Tree kept me up way past my bedtime. The suspense and mystery literally had me on the edge of my bed unable to put the story down. Love this story!!!!
Suicide Tree kept me up way past my bedtime. The suspense and mystery literally had me on the edge of my bed unable to put the story down. Love this story!!!!
February 1, 2019
Fascinating Near-Future Ride in the Hands of a Very Capable Author
Taking place in the very near future (2026), the start of this book is unique: We read a newspaper article, which very cleverly reveals part of the backstory of the main character, Knox Kevel. Knox is a young adult who was orphaned a few years back when his scientist parents died while working on a cure for the deadly Raven Virus in what might be a suspicious lab explosion. Now, Knox is facing a criminal trial for hacking that will send him to prison. A man shows up, offering freedom and a unique job opportunity: Find the person who is responsible for my multiple personalities. His new boss isn't even sure what exactly happened to him, but he seems to remember a woman was involved and did something that created his "alters." Things get weirder for Knox when he finds out the new boss knew his parents.
It sounds like a crazy plot line--and at times it is, but in a good way. The author is adept at juggling oddities (like multiple personality disorder) so that they seem normal in the context of the story. She gets us inside the head of the main character, and it's an interesting view. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride this very capable author gives.
The book was relatively free of grammar, punctuation, and usage issues that seem to mar so many books; there were a few issues, to be sure, but not many, and none detracted from the pleasure of reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Taking place in the very near future (2026), the start of this book is unique: We read a newspaper article, which very cleverly reveals part of the backstory of the main character, Knox Kevel. Knox is a young adult who was orphaned a few years back when his scientist parents died while working on a cure for the deadly Raven Virus in what might be a suspicious lab explosion. Now, Knox is facing a criminal trial for hacking that will send him to prison. A man shows up, offering freedom and a unique job opportunity: Find the person who is responsible for my multiple personalities. His new boss isn't even sure what exactly happened to him, but he seems to remember a woman was involved and did something that created his "alters." Things get weirder for Knox when he finds out the new boss knew his parents.
It sounds like a crazy plot line--and at times it is, but in a good way. The author is adept at juggling oddities (like multiple personality disorder) so that they seem normal in the context of the story. She gets us inside the head of the main character, and it's an interesting view. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride this very capable author gives.
The book was relatively free of grammar, punctuation, and usage issues that seem to mar so many books; there were a few issues, to be sure, but not many, and none detracted from the pleasure of reading this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2019
✍🏻: Shayla Raquel
📖: The Suicide Tree
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a solid 5 stars)
Good books really have a way of finding me and this is another one added to the shelf of great reads.
I am so happy I found Shayla Raquel on Instagram, she was one of the first writers I followed when starting my “bookstagram” account a month ago and fell upon her AMAZING NOVEL. I mean really guys, this book was intriguing from beginning to end with absolutely no lag in the middle!
The name of the book “The Suicide Tree” definitely threw me for a loop in terms of what I was expecting the book to be about (yea i could read the back but I don’t do that really, I love a good surprise). The name is so fitting and unique by the second chapter I screamed “BINGO”.
Knox Kevel has gone through a horrific event that no person should have to go through.. losing his parents on the same day, watching it live on television, and watching their name dragged through the mud. This hacker is talented no doubt but finds himself in trouble with the law. As a mysterious man waltzes into his life with half a million dollars and the power to get Knox out of his sticky situation, he dives into the opportunity.. with none of the major details on the bored. Knox and his new gang embark on their journey for the truth, hunting down the devil herself, and uncovering answers he been so desperately seeking.
I want to spill every detail of this book right now but I truly don’t want to ruin it,
📖: The Suicide Tree
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (a solid 5 stars)
Good books really have a way of finding me and this is another one added to the shelf of great reads.
I am so happy I found Shayla Raquel on Instagram, she was one of the first writers I followed when starting my “bookstagram” account a month ago and fell upon her AMAZING NOVEL. I mean really guys, this book was intriguing from beginning to end with absolutely no lag in the middle!
The name of the book “The Suicide Tree” definitely threw me for a loop in terms of what I was expecting the book to be about (yea i could read the back but I don’t do that really, I love a good surprise). The name is so fitting and unique by the second chapter I screamed “BINGO”.
Knox Kevel has gone through a horrific event that no person should have to go through.. losing his parents on the same day, watching it live on television, and watching their name dragged through the mud. This hacker is talented no doubt but finds himself in trouble with the law. As a mysterious man waltzes into his life with half a million dollars and the power to get Knox out of his sticky situation, he dives into the opportunity.. with none of the major details on the bored. Knox and his new gang embark on their journey for the truth, hunting down the devil herself, and uncovering answers he been so desperately seeking.
I want to spill every detail of this book right now but I truly don’t want to ruin it,
June 16, 2019
I loved the writer's voice in this. She really brought Knox to life along with the rest of the characters. But the plot didn't work for me. His parents refuse to release a cure for a disease that is supposed to be devastating much of the world, yet we never see any sign of it in Knox's life. There didn't even seem to be travel restrictions. The tone overall is light with darkness underneath until anything violent happens and then it's gruesome. It doesn't quite match the sweet romance between Knox and Jessa. I'm not sure who the audience is for this book because of that dichotomy which makes it difficult to recommend. The serum given to Arlo is never explained. Knox is mysteriously let off the hook for cyber crimes due to the influence of Arlo. Yet, he's mysteriously re-arrested in Italy by American operatives. He says he's not allowed to use technology, but if all charges were dropped, he wouldn't have any restrictions. Throughout the story, it fell like there were little things that either an editor or beta reader said bothered them, which left a small comment on why that thing that made no sense had to happen, except the explanation didn't fix the unlikelihood or unbelievability of the observation. I won't put in the details so I don't spoil the action. The setting of Italy was incredibly detailed. I felt like I was there on a mini-vacation. Overall, the concept was intriguing, but the follow through was disappointing.
December 1, 2019
This story has nothing to do with suicide, unless you count hacking career suicide lol!
A young aimless hacker, pinched by the FBI, awaiting trial, is approached by a stranger with one more job for The Suicide Tree (his hacker handle). He almost declines until his mysterious would be employer promises to get his current charges dropped, which peaks his interest and along with a 6 figure payoff, cinches his decision to accept.
This young man, who’s parents were brilliant scientists who found a cure for a futuristic horrible epidemic, were brutally murdered, supposedly for withholding said cure from the public. The scorn and shame rubbed off on our young hacker who never figured out the WHY of it all. All he knows is that the public scorn that shamed his parents’ legacy followed him everywhere he went.
So when this mystery man comes along with 6 figures, a clean slate, and an adventure task that whisks him out of the states to Italy, he can’t help but accept.
This story has mad scientists, hackers, and some crazy wild adventures that I wasn’t expecting which really sucked me into the story and held me there til the end.
Kudos for a suspenseful and intense story. I really enjoyed this quick & crazy adventure read!!
A young aimless hacker, pinched by the FBI, awaiting trial, is approached by a stranger with one more job for The Suicide Tree (his hacker handle). He almost declines until his mysterious would be employer promises to get his current charges dropped, which peaks his interest and along with a 6 figure payoff, cinches his decision to accept.
This young man, who’s parents were brilliant scientists who found a cure for a futuristic horrible epidemic, were brutally murdered, supposedly for withholding said cure from the public. The scorn and shame rubbed off on our young hacker who never figured out the WHY of it all. All he knows is that the public scorn that shamed his parents’ legacy followed him everywhere he went.
So when this mystery man comes along with 6 figures, a clean slate, and an adventure task that whisks him out of the states to Italy, he can’t help but accept.
This story has mad scientists, hackers, and some crazy wild adventures that I wasn’t expecting which really sucked me into the story and held me there til the end.
Kudos for a suspenseful and intense story. I really enjoyed this quick & crazy adventure read!!
February 18, 2019
Knox Kevel is the character I have been secretly wishing for these last few months, and his story was an honest joy to read. From the first chapter, I was swept away into his tale. Reading about his origins took me right back to my days at college in Pensacola, and right from the get-go, I found myself invested in Knox's story and his trials.
Shayla has done a wonderful job of submersing her reader's inside her story, as well as sunny Florida and beautiful Italy. Her descriptions are delightful and her characters are so varied and relatable; I would be thrilled to read another story with these same characters on another adventure. And as far as the story goes, Shayla manages to introduce just enough surprises throughout the story to move her plot forward at a consistent pace that encouraged me to just sit and read this book in one sitting. Which I did. I actually read through The Suicide Tree three times, and I enjoyed it each and every read-through.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, exciting, mystery-laced read, then I would encourage you to read this novel. Shayla truly set the bar for herself with this first novel, and I cannot wait to read her future works.
Shayla has done a wonderful job of submersing her reader's inside her story, as well as sunny Florida and beautiful Italy. Her descriptions are delightful and her characters are so varied and relatable; I would be thrilled to read another story with these same characters on another adventure. And as far as the story goes, Shayla manages to introduce just enough surprises throughout the story to move her plot forward at a consistent pace that encouraged me to just sit and read this book in one sitting. Which I did. I actually read through The Suicide Tree three times, and I enjoyed it each and every read-through.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, exciting, mystery-laced read, then I would encourage you to read this novel. Shayla truly set the bar for herself with this first novel, and I cannot wait to read her future works.
March 25, 2019
Great read. Shayla Raquel’s The Suicide Tree is a story of friendship, family, international intrigue, and social justice. Such a clever premise with protagonist, Knox Kevel, an ex-computer hacker in search of the truth of his scientist parent’s death.
Many twists and turns, Raquel’s prose drives at a brisk, playful, and quirky pace. But she layers it all with emotional depth, knows when to slow down and let her character’s breathe. And so cool that the action starts in Florida and shifts to Italy.
There is a rewarding climatic build that gives chills. And damn! The villainous character, Odette, is deliciously evil. So well drawn, as are all the other characters, including a very endearing character with multiple personalities.
Most of all, I appreciate Knox’s backstory—the love of his parents and how he goes about resolving their deaths. And the ending, rooted in love, really brings smiles.
Many twists and turns, Raquel’s prose drives at a brisk, playful, and quirky pace. But she layers it all with emotional depth, knows when to slow down and let her character’s breathe. And so cool that the action starts in Florida and shifts to Italy.
There is a rewarding climatic build that gives chills. And damn! The villainous character, Odette, is deliciously evil. So well drawn, as are all the other characters, including a very endearing character with multiple personalities.
Most of all, I appreciate Knox’s backstory—the love of his parents and how he goes about resolving their deaths. And the ending, rooted in love, really brings smiles.
March 17, 2019
Shayla Raquel is an author, editor and organizer for the Yukon Writers' Society. I discovered her talents while reading a short story of hers in an anthology the YWS published, Shivers In the Dark. The Suicide Tree is her first novel, and I was looking forward to seeing if Raquel was able to make the transition from short story to longer works. I've unfortunately found some writers unable to do so, so I went into this book with high hopes, but mixed evpectations. I was very pleasantly proven wrong. With an original premise, a cast of characters that will draw you in, and a story pace that will not let you put the book down, Shayla Raquel has proven to me that she can hold her own with any writer out today, regardless of story length.
.
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
.
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
August 13, 2019
Just finished and really loved this well-paced, sci-fi thriller set primarily in the beautiful towns and countryside of northern Italy. The plot was intriguing — who wouldn’t be captivated by the novel idea of computer hackers actually doing something good to help save the world from a dreaded disease? — and the characters (especially Knox, Arlo and Jessa) were relatable and fun to follow. Beautiful writing by Shayla … her skills as author and editor really show. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in an enjoyable yet suspense-filled ride through the international world of high-tech medicine and its criminal exploitation.
October 25, 2019
First, this book is not about suicide! Read the book and you'll love finding out the origin of the title. I read this in one sitting because the plot was intriguing, the setting(s) were wonderfully described, and — well, c'mon — with a name like Knox Kevel, you just have to read on. Both Knox and his employer(s) Arlo are fun to be with and carry the story well against a few of the other characters that weren't as deeply developed (but still enjoyable). I loved the relationship Knox has with his parents and his journey through grief was moving and authentic. The icing-on-the-cake was how Knox got his revenge (and I won't spoil it here, but you'd never guess it).
November 18, 2020
Cliffhanger Queen coming through! This book had me up past my bedtime and despite the fictional hangover I suffered at work this morning, I can honestly say it was worth it. The characters are believable (even the unbelievable ones!) and the story gives you details that put you right in the middle of the action. Whether it’s in a festival in Italy or in the middle of a scientific laboratory, the details Shayla Raquel provides put you front row, center, feeling like you can’t turn the pages quick enough to find out what happens next. This novel renewed my love of reading and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
January 13, 2019
The cover and title of this book definitely drew me in. It's an intriguing premise, with a hacker whose parents have died trying to help a peculiar man solve the mystery of who basically ruined his life many years earlier. The characters are well developed and fun to follow. The settings are very well researched and described in a way that makes you feel like you're there. The story is fast paced and leads to a dramatic final act. Good first effort from this author. Enjoyed the read.
November 16, 2019
An amazing book! The suicide tree may start out a bit slow but once it starts going you can't put it down. A fantastic read full of adventure and mystery.
Knox having asthma is something you don't see every. And Arlo... well let's just say that I've had friends that I just met but felt like I've known forever but when I'm surprised into admitting I just met them its not as shocking as Arlo.
This book has adventure, mystery, romance and even travel. Highly recommend.
Now I want to go to Italy.
Knox having asthma is something you don't see every. And Arlo... well let's just say that I've had friends that I just met but felt like I've known forever but when I'm surprised into admitting I just met them its not as shocking as Arlo.
This book has adventure, mystery, romance and even travel. Highly recommend.
Now I want to go to Italy.
November 11, 2018
The Suicide Tree is a fast paced thriller set just a few years from the present. The hero and first person narrator of the book is someone I could identify with. He goes from Florida to Italy in search of answers to a mystery he was hired to solve and which ultimately involve his own origins. The antagonist is a bit too sociopathic, seeming to revel in torture.
March 22, 2020
I wanted to like this book a little more than I actually did, but I still think it's worth a read. However, I could definitely tell it's a first time novel for this author; though, I may be unfairly comparing it to the last debut novel I read. The split personality guy was an interesting character and the plot was intriguing, so by the end of the book I considered it a satisfying read.
November 5, 2018
For everyone who loves a captivatingly good story, rich characters, the scenery of Italy and the smell of coffee and chocolate. Not too much sci-fi, for everyone like me who isn’t a huge sci-fi fan, lots of action, humor, survival and love! Can only recommend it.
March 15, 2019
So darn good! Why didnt I read this the day it arrived!? A wildly interesting story and awesomely peculiar characters!
April 3, 2019
Well this was a fast paced one for sure! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this title. I was thinking something along the lines of the Suicide Forest in Japan. But nope. Even better!
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twist and turns, a bad boy, a murder mystery, some travel sites and a little romance make for a great story. I found it to be a fast read and those are usually the ones that you just can’t put down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twist and turns, a bad boy, a murder mystery, some travel sites and a little romance make for a great story. I found it to be a fast read and those are usually the ones that you just can’t put down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2019
First off, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. A real eye catcher for sure!
The story follows Knox, a hacker who recently got himself into a bunch of trouble, through Italy. Now, he certainly isn't there on vacation. Knox was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what he loves in exchange for his cybercrime charges being dropped. As you can imagine, this job won't be an easy one. He gets to search for the person who experimented on his new employer and triggered multiple personalities.
It's a quick read, and definitely grabs the reader. Especially towards the end! I couldn't set it down for anything. If you guys want a good summer read, and would love to transport yourself to Italy for a bit, I highly suggest this book!
The story follows Knox, a hacker who recently got himself into a bunch of trouble, through Italy. Now, he certainly isn't there on vacation. Knox was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to do what he loves in exchange for his cybercrime charges being dropped. As you can imagine, this job won't be an easy one. He gets to search for the person who experimented on his new employer and triggered multiple personalities.
It's a quick read, and definitely grabs the reader. Especially towards the end! I couldn't set it down for anything. If you guys want a good summer read, and would love to transport yourself to Italy for a bit, I highly suggest this book!
October 6, 2019
Great story
I really enjoyed this book. I love when a story pulls you into their world and I couldn’t wait to pick it up each day. I’m going to miss hanging out with Knox Kevel everyday. I’m sad it’s over, but I can see potential for a book 2 . Wishful thinking, can’t wait for the next project!! Great work!
I really enjoyed this book. I love when a story pulls you into their world and I couldn’t wait to pick it up each day. I’m going to miss hanging out with Knox Kevel everyday. I’m sad it’s over, but I can see potential for a book 2 . Wishful thinking, can’t wait for the next project!! Great work!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews