What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dime Box
Greta Giffen barely escaped being murdered by the man she grew up with. She's not sure who Ian is, or who she is, but she's determined to find out. When she bolts from their secluded cabin in northern Ontario and flees to Toronto, her new life comes at a price. Ian dies under suspicious circumstances and a veteran detective believes eighteen-year-old Greta has the perfect motive. A prime suspect in a tense police investigation, Greta finds it hard to make Detective Astra Perez believe the details of her dark and appalling story. Digging deep into her sordid history and forced to face the people from her past in a new light, Greta struggles to accept the secrets that have haunted her since childhood. Still, Detective Perez remains doubtful. And until Greta herself confronts the disturbing evidence in front of her, she will never truly escape that cabin in the woods.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2019
29 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Karen Grose
7 books23 followersKaren Grose is from Toronto, Canada. Her debut novel, The Dime Box, was selected by Amnesty International for its 2021 Book Club. Flat Out Lies, and All June Left Behind followed. What We Keep Silent, the first novel in The Bri Watters Thriller Series will be released April 21, 2026.
She has flash fiction, poems, and short stories published by Roi Faineant Press, Paddler Press, Punk Noir Magazine, Epistemic Literary Magazine, Hooghly Review, Bunker Squirrel Magazine, and Superior Shores Press. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and the #thrillsandchills writing group.
Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, Facebook, or at www.karengrose.ca
She has flash fiction, poems, and short stories published by Roi Faineant Press, Paddler Press, Punk Noir Magazine, Epistemic Literary Magazine, Hooghly Review, Bunker Squirrel Magazine, and Superior Shores Press. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and the #thrillsandchills writing group.
Track her down on X: @kgrose2, IG: karengrosewrites, Facebook, or at www.karengrose.ca
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 12, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Karen Grose. for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Interested in some Canadian crime fiction, I thought that I would tackle Karen Grose’s book to see if it held up to all the hype. Greta Giffen is all of nineteen years of age and already an orphan. When she is seen rushing out of her father’s palliative care room, the nurses know something is up. Ian Giffen is dead in his bed and the authorities can only wonder if and how Greta might be responsible. While being interviewed, Greta takes the detective (and reader) back through her life, one in which she was forced to live under the controlling thumb of Ian Giffen. She reveals much about her home life, something she tried to get away from at every turn. As the story progresses, the reader learns more about the hardships that befell a young Greta and how she coped, with a small dime box as her most trusted companion. When the investigation heats up and Greta seems certain to be guilty, she adds new layers to her story in order to explain things away. However, there is no disputing that Ian Giffen is dead and that she was the last person to see him alive. Where the investigation will end up is anyone’s guess, though the reader will have to travel this long and twisted route to get to the truth. A well-paced debut novel by Karen Grose, sure to pique the interest of the curious reader. Recommended to those who enjoy novels with flashback/forward narratives, as well as the reader who likes to read books set in rural Canada.
I love books set in Canada, particularly when I can somewhat relate to their setting. There is so much to take away from them, rather than flipping through yet another book situated on the gritty streets of America or even into Europe. Grose does well in her development of the setting, but it is the evolution of Greta Giffen that steals the show. Nineteen going on fifty, or so it seems, Greta has much to tell the reader in this ever-revealing story that tells a story in quite the jagged fashion. The reader learns much about the life of this young woman, from foibles to heroic struggles to define herself and find out the truth that might set her free. Other characters throughout offer a wonderful dose of grit and determination, leaving the reader wondering what awaits them in the next chapter or two. The story was decent and told in a unique way. While I love the flashback/forward used in the book, at times I thought it got to be too much; the lines of the narrative too fluid for me to truly grasp where things were headed. Grose has developed this thriller effectively, but I had wished for a little more grounding. The short chapters and numerous cliffhangers kept me wanting to read on (which I did) to learn just what Greta had been doing and how things fell into place. Well-written and easy to read, I will keep my eyes open for more by Karen Grose in the coming years!
Kudos, Madam Grose, for a nice debut that kept me thinking. I hope others trip upon this piece and offer similar praise.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Interested in some Canadian crime fiction, I thought that I would tackle Karen Grose’s book to see if it held up to all the hype. Greta Giffen is all of nineteen years of age and already an orphan. When she is seen rushing out of her father’s palliative care room, the nurses know something is up. Ian Giffen is dead in his bed and the authorities can only wonder if and how Greta might be responsible. While being interviewed, Greta takes the detective (and reader) back through her life, one in which she was forced to live under the controlling thumb of Ian Giffen. She reveals much about her home life, something she tried to get away from at every turn. As the story progresses, the reader learns more about the hardships that befell a young Greta and how she coped, with a small dime box as her most trusted companion. When the investigation heats up and Greta seems certain to be guilty, she adds new layers to her story in order to explain things away. However, there is no disputing that Ian Giffen is dead and that she was the last person to see him alive. Where the investigation will end up is anyone’s guess, though the reader will have to travel this long and twisted route to get to the truth. A well-paced debut novel by Karen Grose, sure to pique the interest of the curious reader. Recommended to those who enjoy novels with flashback/forward narratives, as well as the reader who likes to read books set in rural Canada.
I love books set in Canada, particularly when I can somewhat relate to their setting. There is so much to take away from them, rather than flipping through yet another book situated on the gritty streets of America or even into Europe. Grose does well in her development of the setting, but it is the evolution of Greta Giffen that steals the show. Nineteen going on fifty, or so it seems, Greta has much to tell the reader in this ever-revealing story that tells a story in quite the jagged fashion. The reader learns much about the life of this young woman, from foibles to heroic struggles to define herself and find out the truth that might set her free. Other characters throughout offer a wonderful dose of grit and determination, leaving the reader wondering what awaits them in the next chapter or two. The story was decent and told in a unique way. While I love the flashback/forward used in the book, at times I thought it got to be too much; the lines of the narrative too fluid for me to truly grasp where things were headed. Grose has developed this thriller effectively, but I had wished for a little more grounding. The short chapters and numerous cliffhangers kept me wanting to read on (which I did) to learn just what Greta had been doing and how things fell into place. Well-written and easy to read, I will keep my eyes open for more by Karen Grose in the coming years!
Kudos, Madam Grose, for a nice debut that kept me thinking. I hope others trip upon this piece and offer similar praise.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 9, 2020
In the tradition of the phrase, be careful what you wish for, this book takes you down the winding paths of Greta’s life. Bit by bit more is revealed as to why Greta has trouble remembering or has chosen not to remember until being questioned. With a determined Police Detective and Greta's insistence on telling the whole "why" of her story, I was engaged from the first page.
This was a riveting read that kept my nose in the book. Being a curious person, I now want to know more about Colleen and Detective Perez and their motivations. I think this is one of those books that can lead to some great conversations.
This was a riveting read that kept my nose in the book. Being a curious person, I now want to know more about Colleen and Detective Perez and their motivations. I think this is one of those books that can lead to some great conversations.
May 17, 2021
I can't believe this is the author's first book! I couldn't put the book down and would have read it in one sitting but unfortunately life got in the way...so, I read it in two sittings :) I can't say enough about this story. I could really identify with not only the protagonist's personality but also the different characters'. The author is so skilled at painting a vivid picture of the story that I could imagine being right there with Greta. I'm really hoping that there is a second book written by the same author as I can't wait to get my hands on it.
September 1, 2024
I started this book not really knowing what to expect and was at first not in the mood to read something like this, being told the way it was. But then it got better. I had to know what happens and how it ends. This book surprised me in the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
A good first novel for the author. I hope she writes more. I love books about areas of Canada I am to some extent familiar with. Nice to get a good Canadian book dealing with our 'system' rather than what goes on down south. We have a lot we can be doing better, believe you me.
December 13, 2020
I read this book because of the favorable reviews. I'm not sure if I read the same book everyone else read, but I really struggled to get through this story. The flipping back and forth from Greta's childhood and the murder interrogation gave me whip lash.
March 31, 2024
The Dime Box by Karen Grose
This debut crime novel was an Amnesty International Book of the Month in March/April 2021 to mark International Women’s Day. The story tackles the human rights issue of domestic violence and features an incredibly strong, young woman named Greta who is struggling to survive against all odds.
The story flips back-and-forth between the past and the present. In the past, Greta lived in a secluded cabin in Northern Ontario, with a loving mother and an alcoholic and abusive man called Ian.
In the present, she is 18 years old and the prime suspect in her father‘s death. The secrets of her troubled & mysterious past are slowly revealed during the police interrogation.
This was a suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed reading a book that was set in my home province of Ontario, Canada.
But what I loved most was Greta. She was truly a special character, and I found myself rooting for her as she fought her way through an extremely dark and disturbing childhood, determined to uncover all the secrets of her past.
I would highly recommend this well-written, emotionally moving crime novel. I am looking forward to reading Karen Grose’s second novel Flat Out Lies which is coming out this May 2024.
This debut crime novel was an Amnesty International Book of the Month in March/April 2021 to mark International Women’s Day. The story tackles the human rights issue of domestic violence and features an incredibly strong, young woman named Greta who is struggling to survive against all odds.
The story flips back-and-forth between the past and the present. In the past, Greta lived in a secluded cabin in Northern Ontario, with a loving mother and an alcoholic and abusive man called Ian.
In the present, she is 18 years old and the prime suspect in her father‘s death. The secrets of her troubled & mysterious past are slowly revealed during the police interrogation.
This was a suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed reading a book that was set in my home province of Ontario, Canada.
But what I loved most was Greta. She was truly a special character, and I found myself rooting for her as she fought her way through an extremely dark and disturbing childhood, determined to uncover all the secrets of her past.
I would highly recommend this well-written, emotionally moving crime novel. I am looking forward to reading Karen Grose’s second novel Flat Out Lies which is coming out this May 2024.
April 15, 2020
I was fortunate to get to meet Karen at an author event and just had to read her book. The cover and blurb had me hooked.
Greta Giffen is an eighteen-year old with secrets that Detective Astra Perez must interview to draw out details to solve a murder. The story winds and builds, ebbing and flowing until the reader and Perez finally learn the whole truth.
Grose's writing and imagery kept me on the edge of my seat and just when I think I knew what was coming next, I was thrown into a whole new twist.
If you love a good mystery, this is a great debut novel!
Greta Giffen is an eighteen-year old with secrets that Detective Astra Perez must interview to draw out details to solve a murder. The story winds and builds, ebbing and flowing until the reader and Perez finally learn the whole truth.
Grose's writing and imagery kept me on the edge of my seat and just when I think I knew what was coming next, I was thrown into a whole new twist.
If you love a good mystery, this is a great debut novel!
September 20, 2020
As a child, Greta Giffen endured an abusive childhood filled with secrets and lies, and author Karen Grose does an excellent job of getting into the mindset of a very conflicted and damaged individual in her debut novel. Set in Bracebridge (Muskoka) and Toronto, Grose paints a vivid picture of her protagonist's surroundings and her struggle to get to the truth. A mix of mystery/suspense/coming of age that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
December 9, 2019
The Dime Box was such an enticing and exciting read from start to finish. Protagonist Greta tells the story of her shocking childhood, bringing the reader with her on her journey of inexplicable pain, love, triumph and deceit. This book truly has it all!
I look forward to more novels by Karen Grose, and consider this as successful a debut novel as possible.
I look forward to more novels by Karen Grose, and consider this as successful a debut novel as possible.
January 21, 2020
I have not stayed up into the night reading in a long time....but this book did that for me. I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the author unveiled the story like peeling layers off an onion. Bit by bit we get to find out Greta’s story. A great debut book. I also cannot wait for more books by this author!
May 1, 2021
The Dime Box by Karen Grose is an outstanding read.
Greta’s journey to find the truth about herself .Greta a key suspect in the murder of her father is questioned by Detective Perez and her questioning takes Greta back to her childhood of abuse, pain and the unknown to find the truth. Twists and turns in this gripping novel. Greta’s journey pulled at my heartstrings.
A must read!
January 3, 2024
The characters are well-developed, and Greta's internal struggle to unravel her past is both compelling and relatable. The plot is rife with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the final chapters. The author navigates themes of identity and resilience with finesse, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.
January 1, 2024
While the plot is filled with suspense and unexpected twists, there are moments when the pacing feels slightly uneven. Some sections may feel rushed, while others linger, but this doesn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.
April 18, 2024
Enthralling and heartfelt, this novel pulled me in from the opening page and kept me reading right to the end. Excellent story pieced out page by page until the whole plot comes together in a heart-rending conclusion.
December 7, 2019
Enjoyable read! Loved the character of Greta and certainly had empathy for her. Don't want to spoil things! but liked the twists at the end. Great debut novel.
March 26, 2020
Great read. Hard to put down...you have to know how you t ends.
July 9, 2021
Excellent. Did not want to put the book down.
July 21, 2021
I recommend this novel. It was written with compassion and insite and brings to life the horrors of child abuse. Read this book and be informed. Once you start you won’t be able to put it down.
January 6, 2024
Cabin in the Woods" takes readers on a thrilling and suspenseful journey as it unravels the mysterious life of Greta Giffen. Love the book overall.
January 10, 2024
Each and every page of this book is super interesting , I really love the how author potrait everything so smoothly.
January 14, 2024
My favorite book for all time👍
January 13, 2022
Greta’s father is dead. And she was the last person to visit him in the hospital before he died. He was dying of cancer, but did she kill him while she had the chance?
This is what the Detective (and the reader) wants to know throughout the entire book. But Greta wants to be heard. She and her mother endured abuse at the hand of her father for years, and nobody ever listened. Now is her chance to tell her story, even if it incriminates her even more.
The Dime Box is a gripping story. It’s a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Although it was a very sad story, I enjoyed the book.
This is what the Detective (and the reader) wants to know throughout the entire book. But Greta wants to be heard. She and her mother endured abuse at the hand of her father for years, and nobody ever listened. Now is her chance to tell her story, even if it incriminates her even more.
The Dime Box is a gripping story. It’s a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Although it was a very sad story, I enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews