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Good Man Gone
'It's not every day that a good man sets a killing in motion.'
So begins this quirky tale.
Chester has a serious problem. Tender-hearted and utterly devoted to his beautiful wife, he's convinced she will soon leave him in search of another and take their young daughter.
Desperation overcomes him.
But how far will he go? Well, a whole lot farther than you would ever think, and you have a good imagination.
A tidy plan. A very unusual murder.
But...as Kirkus Reviews warns, 'on several levels, all is not as it seems'.
Sometimes funny, sometimes thrilling, always intriguing.
A quirky romantic crime suspense. A tale of love dangerously on the brink.
Kirkus Reviews says, "An entertaining, well-written, and smart crime An excellent read."
Reviews by
'You think you know what's happening, but you don't!'
'Not your typical suspense story.'
'A unique story'.
'Never read anything quite like this before'.
'A smart, suspenseful crime drama involving a hit man, a dastardly plot, a serial killer, crime-solving, marital mistrust, as well as emotionally textured characters.'
The book says 'never underestimate the obvious' and I did just that because it's not what you think.'
'Wow! What a fun read! Surprises galore...kept me guessing, and guessing wrong...a very clever book'.
'This book was full of surprises. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I did not guess the twists until they were right in front of me'.
'It's very clever. Things aren't what they seem. When you think you know what's coming, you'll be shocked!'
'I loved this book! I read a lot of thrillers and did not see the twists coming.'
'You're kept on the edge of your seat wondering how Chester will get out of the mess he finds himself in. A well-written, interesting, and entertaining read. And a great twist at the end.'
'A great, unexpected mystery with surprising twists and developed characters.'
'Get ready for a thrilling ride, an intriguing mystery. You won't see it coming.'
'Twists and turns that lead to a totally unexpected ending.'
'A very well-written book with wonderfully interesting characters. The suspense builds as the story unfolds.'
'Took off towards the middle and blew me away at the end.'
So begins this quirky tale.
Chester has a serious problem. Tender-hearted and utterly devoted to his beautiful wife, he's convinced she will soon leave him in search of another and take their young daughter.
Desperation overcomes him.
But how far will he go? Well, a whole lot farther than you would ever think, and you have a good imagination.
A tidy plan. A very unusual murder.
But...as Kirkus Reviews warns, 'on several levels, all is not as it seems'.
Sometimes funny, sometimes thrilling, always intriguing.
A quirky romantic crime suspense. A tale of love dangerously on the brink.
Kirkus Reviews says, "An entertaining, well-written, and smart crime An excellent read."
Reviews by
'You think you know what's happening, but you don't!'
'Not your typical suspense story.'
'A unique story'.
'Never read anything quite like this before'.
'A smart, suspenseful crime drama involving a hit man, a dastardly plot, a serial killer, crime-solving, marital mistrust, as well as emotionally textured characters.'
The book says 'never underestimate the obvious' and I did just that because it's not what you think.'
'Wow! What a fun read! Surprises galore...kept me guessing, and guessing wrong...a very clever book'.
'This book was full of surprises. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I did not guess the twists until they were right in front of me'.
'It's very clever. Things aren't what they seem. When you think you know what's coming, you'll be shocked!'
'I loved this book! I read a lot of thrillers and did not see the twists coming.'
'You're kept on the edge of your seat wondering how Chester will get out of the mess he finds himself in. A well-written, interesting, and entertaining read. And a great twist at the end.'
'A great, unexpected mystery with surprising twists and developed characters.'
'Get ready for a thrilling ride, an intriguing mystery. You won't see it coming.'
'Twists and turns that lead to a totally unexpected ending.'
'A very well-written book with wonderfully interesting characters. The suspense builds as the story unfolds.'
'Took off towards the middle and blew me away at the end.'
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
1882 people want to read
About the author
Peter McPhie
3 books30 followersPeter McPhie is a writer and lawyer. His quirky thriller, Good Man Gone, received high praise from Kirkus Reviews in New York that said its 'twisty plot...keeps readers guessing until the end...AN entertaining, well-written, and smart crime tale: An excellent read.'
His latest book, The Father's Son, a suspense mystery thriller, is a substantially reworked and improved version of his original novel, Deadly Conviction, and replaces it entirely. (In spite of its positive reviews, he chose to remove Deadly Conviction from the marketplace and all sales channels in 2017. It is no longer available for purchase.)
He is currently working on an historical thriller set in the Second World War and hopes to have a release date in 2024.
He lives near Toronto with his wife.
Thank you for your interest.
Please visit his website at www.petermcphie.com.
His latest book, The Father's Son, a suspense mystery thriller, is a substantially reworked and improved version of his original novel, Deadly Conviction, and replaces it entirely. (In spite of its positive reviews, he chose to remove Deadly Conviction from the marketplace and all sales channels in 2017. It is no longer available for purchase.)
He is currently working on an historical thriller set in the Second World War and hopes to have a release date in 2024.
He lives near Toronto with his wife.
Thank you for your interest.
Please visit his website at www.petermcphie.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 26, 2021
What a strange book that was! Chester Carter is a good man, not bad looking, he earns a good salary but he lacks self esteem - especially around women. When he meets Candace, a waitress at a diner, he falls hard. She is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Against all the odds she agrees to marry him 6 months later and they go on to have a little girl, Amara, who is 5 years old when the bulk of this story takes place. But Candace has a troubled past which involved too many foster homes and too many male wandering hands. She doesn’t always feel loved.
Chester is starting to feel insecure again and wonders if Candace is having an affair. He concocts a complicated plot to hire a hit man because if he can’t have Candace - nobody will. He rents a cottage in ‘cottage country’ in Canada in an area with lots of lakes. He has planned it all out and wants to make it look like the work of a serial killer who has strangled three women in three years with what is suspected to be a silk tie. None of this is a spoiler you learn this right at the start. You might think so far, so interesting - but - things are not so clear cut and the story flatlined for quite a while after that.
There was not much drama in this book. It was written in a rather dispassionate style yet it had an olde world feel about it (I mean in the spirit of the old hard boiled detective stories) even though it was clearly set in the present day. Anyway the story really bogged down in the middle and I was rapidly losing interest. Then it got quite good again in the last quarter or so as the denouement is approached. It was a bit predictable but finally we see some ‘passion’ in the writing. Candace was a strange one, actually I didn’t think the characters were very well developed. I never felt as if I knew them and they were neither likeable nor unlikeable - they simply ‘were’.
The ending was probably the best part of this book but I can’t really say I enjoyed it a lot. It could have been a great domestic noir had it been written in a more intense way. Thanks to BookSirens and Peter McPhie for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
Chester is starting to feel insecure again and wonders if Candace is having an affair. He concocts a complicated plot to hire a hit man because if he can’t have Candace - nobody will. He rents a cottage in ‘cottage country’ in Canada in an area with lots of lakes. He has planned it all out and wants to make it look like the work of a serial killer who has strangled three women in three years with what is suspected to be a silk tie. None of this is a spoiler you learn this right at the start. You might think so far, so interesting - but - things are not so clear cut and the story flatlined for quite a while after that.
There was not much drama in this book. It was written in a rather dispassionate style yet it had an olde world feel about it (I mean in the spirit of the old hard boiled detective stories) even though it was clearly set in the present day. Anyway the story really bogged down in the middle and I was rapidly losing interest. Then it got quite good again in the last quarter or so as the denouement is approached. It was a bit predictable but finally we see some ‘passion’ in the writing. Candace was a strange one, actually I didn’t think the characters were very well developed. I never felt as if I knew them and they were neither likeable nor unlikeable - they simply ‘were’.
The ending was probably the best part of this book but I can’t really say I enjoyed it a lot. It could have been a great domestic noir had it been written in a more intense way. Thanks to BookSirens and Peter McPhie for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
May 5, 2021
Chester is a good man. He has a beautiful wife, a darling daughter. He has a job, while he's not going to get rich, it's enough to pay the bills, although not enough to keep his wife in all the things she would like to have.
After several years of marriage, he feels that she is pulling away from him and their life together. He's terrified that she will leave him and take his daughter with her.
He absolutely cannot let that happen .. he will do anything, anything at all to keep that from occuring.
But how far will he go? He comes up with a plan ... but you know what they say ... The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. And this one goes way off track!
It's unpredictable .. sometimes it's humorous ... sometimes it's scary. Not all is as it seems.
It's well written with a clever plot. I couldn't help but like Chester. His wife ... maybe not so much. When they first meet, the clues are there that she's on the lookout for a man ... a well-off man .. who will take care of her and give her the life she thinks she deserves. Her back-story shows that without bad luck, she'd have no luck at all. It's fast-paced, with twists and turns that lead to a totally unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) / Netgalley for the digital copy of this most entertaining crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
After several years of marriage, he feels that she is pulling away from him and their life together. He's terrified that she will leave him and take his daughter with her.
He absolutely cannot let that happen .. he will do anything, anything at all to keep that from occuring.
But how far will he go? He comes up with a plan ... but you know what they say ... The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. And this one goes way off track!
It's unpredictable .. sometimes it's humorous ... sometimes it's scary. Not all is as it seems.
It's well written with a clever plot. I couldn't help but like Chester. His wife ... maybe not so much. When they first meet, the clues are there that she's on the lookout for a man ... a well-off man .. who will take care of her and give her the life she thinks she deserves. Her back-story shows that without bad luck, she'd have no luck at all. It's fast-paced, with twists and turns that lead to a totally unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) / Netgalley for the digital copy of this most entertaining crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 17, 2021
Chester has found himself madly in love and completely devoted to his wife, until he convinced himself that she was going to leave him. Told in a Before and Now perspective, we learn how Chester met his wife, the struggles she faced to cause her to be cold/hard to get through, her connection with her daughter over fairy princesses and the step's Chester took to put a hit man on his wife.
As the book says, "never underestimate the obvious" and really I did just that because it's really not what you think until the hit happens and then you realize why Chester did what he did and it should've been obvious. A really good twist and plot.
Initially I found the writing a little difficult to read especially in the first 30% of the book. I wasn’t super hooked from the start and at that point I wasn't sure if I would finish it. However, I held out and once I got over the first 30-40% of the book, all the action started, and I could not put the book down! I read the rest in one sitting. I enjoyed the premise of the plot, the reasonings behind why things went the way they went, which at first I did not connect the dots on.
I also enjoyed hearing from the serial killer's point of view too. At one point I thought it was quite random to include those chapters, but once I reached the end it all came full circle and it made for an even more action packed second half of the book.
My biggest issue was really the writing style especially in the first half of the book.
I do wish we had a bit more in the "before" on Candace - how did she feel about Chester throughout her life with him; what intrigued her about him that day at the diner? Why him over the other men since it seems she gets quite a bit of attention. Also, I felt that Chester was so in love with her - but what about her other than her looks did Chester love about her. Either way, the end was really cute and I loved again how everything came full circle at the end.
Overall, after the first 30% an enjoyable, suspenseful, action packed, fast read.
Thank you to the author, publishing company and NetGalley for this electronic review copy in exchange for my honest review!
As the book says, "never underestimate the obvious" and really I did just that because it's really not what you think until the hit happens and then you realize why Chester did what he did and it should've been obvious. A really good twist and plot.
Initially I found the writing a little difficult to read especially in the first 30% of the book. I wasn’t super hooked from the start and at that point I wasn't sure if I would finish it. However, I held out and once I got over the first 30-40% of the book, all the action started, and I could not put the book down! I read the rest in one sitting. I enjoyed the premise of the plot, the reasonings behind why things went the way they went, which at first I did not connect the dots on.
I also enjoyed hearing from the serial killer's point of view too. At one point I thought it was quite random to include those chapters, but once I reached the end it all came full circle and it made for an even more action packed second half of the book.
My biggest issue was really the writing style especially in the first half of the book.
I do wish we had a bit more in the "before" on Candace - how did she feel about Chester throughout her life with him; what intrigued her about him that day at the diner? Why him over the other men since it seems she gets quite a bit of attention. Also, I felt that Chester was so in love with her - but what about her other than her looks did Chester love about her. Either way, the end was really cute and I loved again how everything came full circle at the end.
Overall, after the first 30% an enjoyable, suspenseful, action packed, fast read.
Thank you to the author, publishing company and NetGalley for this electronic review copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 3, 2021
A slow start that took off in the middle of the book and never looked back.
Good Man Gone was a strange but entertaining story by Peter McPhie. Chester is married to a beautiful woman. He’s concerned that she’s going to leave him so he decides to hire a hit man.
I found the character of Chester to be frustrating. He’s somewhat of a wimp, who happened to get lucky enough to marry a beautiful woman. His wife, Candace, has her own issues from a life of foster homes as a child and inappropriate hands from her foster dads. Their marriage is somewhat one sided as Chester is completely obsessed with Candace. This obsession is what leads him to hiring a hit man.
The story moved very slow at first. The story was wimpy, timid, and a bit off balance just like the characters, Chester and Candace. Then the middle of the book really took off, and you started seeing where the author was going with the story, or did you? The police investigation and the tap dancing between characters kept the plot moving until the end.
Thank you to Peter McPhie and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this *** book. My review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
Good Man Gone was a strange but entertaining story by Peter McPhie. Chester is married to a beautiful woman. He’s concerned that she’s going to leave him so he decides to hire a hit man.
I found the character of Chester to be frustrating. He’s somewhat of a wimp, who happened to get lucky enough to marry a beautiful woman. His wife, Candace, has her own issues from a life of foster homes as a child and inappropriate hands from her foster dads. Their marriage is somewhat one sided as Chester is completely obsessed with Candace. This obsession is what leads him to hiring a hit man.
The story moved very slow at first. The story was wimpy, timid, and a bit off balance just like the characters, Chester and Candace. Then the middle of the book really took off, and you started seeing where the author was going with the story, or did you? The police investigation and the tap dancing between characters kept the plot moving until the end.
Thank you to Peter McPhie and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this *** book. My review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 9, 2021
Actually, I'd have to give this one 4.5 stars, but rounded down simply because it took a while for this one to get going. But boy oh boy when it did, it really took off. So very clever and intriguing! I don't know that I've read a storyline similar to this before. It didn't have my mouth quite hanging wide open, but it certainly caught me off guard and that's hard to do with the volume of books I shove into this brain of mine! If you would like to read something a bit different from your normal thriller, give this one a try!
August 4, 2023
A very clever and fast-paced thriller! Enough twists and unexpected turns that, near the end when I thought I’d figured out the big shocker, there was still one final surprise that wrapped the whole thing up neatly, unified and connected many different angles of the story beautifully, and brought everything to a very satisfying conclusion! All that you could ask for in a terrific summer read!
May 28, 2021
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Worthy of your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 22, 2021
I picked up this book thinking it would a thriller centered around a dysfunctional couple like Gone Girl. With that in mind, it's difficult to not make comparisons in terms of character development, plot twists, and tone.
I did not connect with Chester or Candace. I think the minor characters have more personality and are more memorable, mainly Roly and Dennis. There are a few twists throughout the book, but there are subtle hints leading up to the big reveals. There is a shift in tone, once the plan is set in motion and new characters are introduced. The tone of each chapter relies mainly on who the focus of the chapter is on. I feel that's why the blurb states that the book is "sometimes funny" and "sometimes chilling", and I strongly agree with the use of "sometimes". I found myself wishing for more chapters that focus on the minor characters than the main characters. I didn't feel any chills until the last 20% of the book. Even in the most chilling parts, the twists didn't shock me. My preference for a thriller that deserves 5 stars is a story that has an ending that can keep me up at night for days to come. The ending just falls flat from that expectation.
I enjoyed most parts of the book in their own way, and there are definitely a few very quotable one-liners. For any readers who are new to discovering thrillers, I think the twists will intrigue you. Overall, I would recommend this book to any fans of thrillers who also appreciate dark humour.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not connect with Chester or Candace. I think the minor characters have more personality and are more memorable, mainly Roly and Dennis. There are a few twists throughout the book, but there are subtle hints leading up to the big reveals. There is a shift in tone, once the plan is set in motion and new characters are introduced. The tone of each chapter relies mainly on who the focus of the chapter is on. I feel that's why the blurb states that the book is "sometimes funny" and "sometimes chilling", and I strongly agree with the use of "sometimes". I found myself wishing for more chapters that focus on the minor characters than the main characters. I didn't feel any chills until the last 20% of the book. Even in the most chilling parts, the twists didn't shock me. My preference for a thriller that deserves 5 stars is a story that has an ending that can keep me up at night for days to come. The ending just falls flat from that expectation.
I enjoyed most parts of the book in their own way, and there are definitely a few very quotable one-liners. For any readers who are new to discovering thrillers, I think the twists will intrigue you. Overall, I would recommend this book to any fans of thrillers who also appreciate dark humour.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 18, 2021
What a delightfully intriguing mystery. My favorite part of suspense novels is the big reveal—made even more satisfying when it’s a complete surprise, which was absolutely the case for this book. The resolution to Chester’s mysterious hit, the ensuing situation, and the serial killer angle were all completely unexpected and enjoyable. It also wasn’t overly dark, which I liked. There were some threatening/ominous scenes, but the humor and family-oriented moments prevented it from being overly nightmare inducing.
Chester was definitely my favorite character. His boyish innocence and determination to please were charming. I also grew to like Candace, though her hunger for money and lack of consideration for Chester’s feelings were initially off putting. She and Chester were highly witty and intelligent, which set the tone for the entire novel.
Overall, this was a great, unexpected mystery with surprising twists and developed characters. The writing was a bit stilted and would occasionally pull me out of the story, but I still recommend it to anyone who loves suspense.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
Chester was definitely my favorite character. His boyish innocence and determination to please were charming. I also grew to like Candace, though her hunger for money and lack of consideration for Chester’s feelings were initially off putting. She and Chester were highly witty and intelligent, which set the tone for the entire novel.
Overall, this was a great, unexpected mystery with surprising twists and developed characters. The writing was a bit stilted and would occasionally pull me out of the story, but I still recommend it to anyone who loves suspense.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
May 23, 2021
This is a smart, suspenseful, action-filled crime drama that hooks you from the first devilish sentence and doesn't let go. It's got all the elements of a great crime tale: sparse, no-nonsense writing, believable conflicts, tension at every turn, a time frame that keeps you turning the pages, and a hard-boiled detective who is just a little too good at his job, and who keeps the protagonist, and reader, on edge. The suspense and drama involves hit men, a dastardly plot, a serial killer, crime-solving, marital mistrust, as well as emotionally textured characters.
Chester is the "good man" of the title. Unassuming, good-hearted, hard-working, he falls head over heels with Candace, who is a bit of a lost soul and in need of a prince to rescue her. "Ches" is no prince, but he rescues Candace, and believes he has found his happy ever after. Candace may have other ideas....
The storytelling is solid and suspenseful, with some nice twists all the way to the end. The book requires some suspension of disbelief at some character motivations and "coincidental" plot points, but such is fiction.
Chester is the "good man" of the title. Unassuming, good-hearted, hard-working, he falls head over heels with Candace, who is a bit of a lost soul and in need of a prince to rescue her. "Ches" is no prince, but he rescues Candace, and believes he has found his happy ever after. Candace may have other ideas....
The storytelling is solid and suspenseful, with some nice twists all the way to the end. The book requires some suspension of disbelief at some character motivations and "coincidental" plot points, but such is fiction.
April 6, 2021
“It’s not every day that a good man sets a killing in motion”
“A tidy plan, an unusual murder but.. all is not as it seems”
Wow. This book was full of surprises. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I did not guess the twists until they were right in front of me. It was definitely a quick, action packed suspense novel. There’s multiple timelines and different perspectives with a cast of unlikeable characters. I had to know what was going to happen next and the motivations behind everything!
My only critique would be the writing style. It is very choppy and a “telling not showing” type of writing. It was hard to get into the flow at first but once I got it I was hooked. It really picks up about a third of the way through.
This was a unique story with new and interesting characters I haven’t experienced before.
*Thank you Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
“A tidy plan, an unusual murder but.. all is not as it seems”
Wow. This book was full of surprises. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, I did not guess the twists until they were right in front of me. It was definitely a quick, action packed suspense novel. There’s multiple timelines and different perspectives with a cast of unlikeable characters. I had to know what was going to happen next and the motivations behind everything!
My only critique would be the writing style. It is very choppy and a “telling not showing” type of writing. It was hard to get into the flow at first but once I got it I was hooked. It really picks up about a third of the way through.
This was a unique story with new and interesting characters I haven’t experienced before.
*Thank you Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2021
'It's not every day that a good man sets a killing in motion.'
This is the story of un husband that do stupid things for love. And nothing is like as it seems. And then the unpredictable happens. In theory.
A tale of love at the edge.
It was realy hard to get in the story. When I did, it was better. Halfway through, I thought it was going to be over, but the story took a different path, which was nice. And ad the end there was a twist I liked but i would love to get more points to guess that. I liked that I did know that would be the ending but the way it was presented was not just one of the best. To many coindincedences for me.
"Like the sun beams bright and gives warmth to things... like the rain falls to earth and gives life to things... your shine and your shower give warmth and life to me" Chester for Candance
Pub. Date Maj 1st 2021
I received a copy in exchange for a fair review on Netgalley.com
This is the story of un husband that do stupid things for love. And nothing is like as it seems. And then the unpredictable happens. In theory.
A tale of love at the edge.
It was realy hard to get in the story. When I did, it was better. Halfway through, I thought it was going to be over, but the story took a different path, which was nice. And ad the end there was a twist I liked but i would love to get more points to guess that. I liked that I did know that would be the ending but the way it was presented was not just one of the best. To many coindincedences for me.
"Like the sun beams bright and gives warmth to things... like the rain falls to earth and gives life to things... your shine and your shower give warmth and life to me" Chester for Candance
Pub. Date Maj 1st 2021
I received a copy in exchange for a fair review on Netgalley.com
May 24, 2021
I found this a fairly enjoyable read and it was quite different to other books. I did guess the motive for Chester’s actions early on, but was wrong about another twist later in the book.
It did take a while for me to settle into the story, probably once they’d actually gone to the holiday home – but things definitely picked up from there. However, it still never completely gripped me like some other books have, which is why I chose the 3* rating. The most interesting parts for me were when the police were involved, which unfortunately is nearer the end of the book.
I’d be interested in reading other books by Peter as I did like his style of writing and definitely enjoyed the last part of this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It did take a while for me to settle into the story, probably once they’d actually gone to the holiday home – but things definitely picked up from there. However, it still never completely gripped me like some other books have, which is why I chose the 3* rating. The most interesting parts for me were when the police were involved, which unfortunately is nearer the end of the book.
I’d be interested in reading other books by Peter as I did like his style of writing and definitely enjoyed the last part of this book.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 17, 2021
I found this book to be not exactly what I was expecting. The two main characters Candice and Chester were both very odd and not particularly personable. Him very girly and a lizzy dripping and her a strange mix of inadvertent flirt and sad person. It was confusing in some parts and not always believable. The storyline was a little to long at the beginning with too much detail. The last 1/3 of the book was much better and more engaging.
I liked the twists at the end and the use of the “third person in italics” to weave in the silk tie killer. The bits at the cottage at the end were exciting and well written.
Great ending but felt it could have been punchier and more story grabbing at the start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the twists at the end and the use of the “third person in italics” to weave in the silk tie killer. The bits at the cottage at the end were exciting and well written.
Great ending but felt it could have been punchier and more story grabbing at the start.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2021
Mildly entertaining
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book had potential ... however from about 20% - 70% was too long winded and wordy, as I think there were other things that could have been focussed on or the book could have just been shorter.
The idea of the book was quite interesting and I did enjoy the unexpected twist at the end. However, as well as that twist was executed, and even though for me, the author maybe tried to twist the motive in the story I saw it coming from a mile away.
Overall, this was an okay read, if you want to pass the time and you have nothing better on the cards to read. None of the characters in the story were likeable, I found them rather vapid and Chester was too wimpy, but also at the same time - to me, his character was contradictory in many ways.
I did understand his obsessive nature with Candace, but I think the plan he came up with was rather wishy-washy and unbelievable.
This review is of course my opinion, and I would perhaps advise you read this book, with the knowledge that it does move slowly (even more slowly than a 'slow-burn') from around the 20% mark, but it does get better from the 70% mark or so.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found this book had potential ... however from about 20% - 70% was too long winded and wordy, as I think there were other things that could have been focussed on or the book could have just been shorter.
The idea of the book was quite interesting and I did enjoy the unexpected twist at the end. However, as well as that twist was executed, and even though for me, the author maybe tried to twist the motive in the story I saw it coming from a mile away.
Overall, this was an okay read, if you want to pass the time and you have nothing better on the cards to read. None of the characters in the story were likeable, I found them rather vapid and Chester was too wimpy, but also at the same time - to me, his character was contradictory in many ways.
I did understand his obsessive nature with Candace, but I think the plan he came up with was rather wishy-washy and unbelievable.
This review is of course my opinion, and I would perhaps advise you read this book, with the knowledge that it does move slowly (even more slowly than a 'slow-burn') from around the 20% mark, but it does get better from the 70% mark or so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
Good Man Gone is a very different story. Chester Carter is hiring a “hit man” to kill his wife, Candace. The author, Peter McPhie, did not write the same old mystery. He goes back in time to the beginning of Chester and Candace’s marriage. Peter McPhie takes the hired killer and goes back in time to his first murder. I really enjoyed how the author wove current events with the characters history. I was so surprised by the ending...perfection! I received an arc for free, and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 4, 2021
I liked the plot of this book. The storyline was entertaining. I could see where the author was going with the story. The writing style reminded me of an old detective novel which I thought was interesting. The only feedback I have is I would have liked a bit more character development. A little more insight to what they were thinking. Overall, it was a quick read to enjoy while you are relaxing at home if you like crime drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2021
I liked the plot of this book. The storyline was entertaining. I could see where the author was going with the story. The writing style reminded me of an old detective novel which I thought was interesting. The only feedback I have is I would have liked a bit more character development. A little more insight to what they were thinking. Overall, it was a quick read to enjoy while you are relaxing at home if you like crime drama.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2021
Wow! What a fun read! Surprises galore. Peter McPhie just kept me guessing and guessing wrong. McPhie has written a very clever book. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to put together so many details and surprise me so completely. I will definitely be reading his other book and hoping he writes many more.
I read Good Man Gone as a free advanced review copy. It is my pleasure to recommend this book. I do so entirely voluntarily.
I read Good Man Gone as a free advanced review copy. It is my pleasure to recommend this book. I do so entirely voluntarily.
May 12, 2021
To be honest I was having a hard time with the story and wondered if I would finish...am I glad I kept reading. Crazy how a man so in love, can convince himself his wife is going to leave. Worse let his insecurities push him to contemplate the worst scenario. Get ready for a thrilling ride, intriguing murder mystery. You won't see it coming!!
Thanks to BookSiren for allowing me to read this book. I received a complimentary copy and all opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to BookSiren for allowing me to read this book. I received a complimentary copy and all opinions in this review are my own.
June 30, 2021
This is my first Peter McPhie book and will not be my last. I loved the characters and the plot of the story. It was a little slow to start yet kept me guessing the whole time. I loved that it is not your typical mystery.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a slow burn mystery with so many twists and turns you won't know what to think!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a slow burn mystery with so many twists and turns you won't know what to think!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Man! What a fun ride this was!!
Good Man Gone was a very different book than anything I’ve read previously. It is written in kind of like a detective style, where our main character, Chester is hiding a “hit man” to kill his wife Candace.
Then we go to the beginning of their marriage. Then we go with the killer to the past and his first kill.
I loved this book and the ending? Chefs kiss 😘
Man! What a fun ride this was!!
Good Man Gone was a very different book than anything I’ve read previously. It is written in kind of like a detective style, where our main character, Chester is hiding a “hit man” to kill his wife Candace.
Then we go to the beginning of their marriage. Then we go with the killer to the past and his first kill.
I loved this book and the ending? Chefs kiss 😘
April 11, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me interested, kept me guessing, and I enjoyed the ending. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'll be looking for more. Recommended!
I received a free copy of this book, but this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book, but this is my honest review.
May 12, 2021
It was a bit of a slow start for me but definitely took off towards the middle and blew me away at the end. Makes you question just how far will someone go to keep the one they love. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2021
This book's ending was unpredictable even though I felt the story was going to be predictable. The twists, turns and suspense makes it a good read.
January 3, 2022
Started slowly but became a page turner. Just a good fun read. Sit back and enjoy. Loved the ending.
February 24, 2022
Stick with it, bit slower getting into but doesn't disappoint. Suspenseful and good twists, love a book that's unpredictable
December 30, 2023
Good
I enjoy reading this book. He didn't know what to expect
but it sounds like they had a good relationship between two loving people.
I enjoy reading this book. He didn't know what to expect
but it sounds like they had a good relationship between two loving people.
May 11, 2021
Candace wanted her prince. Chester wanted to fill that role for her. From the day that they met, soft-spoken and kind Chester was sure that Candace was out of his league. Beautiful but haunted by a difficult foster home childhood, Candace was never fully satisfied with her life. She longed for a prince to rescue her, to show his full devotion and love. Candace is often distant and unhappy and Chester worries she will leave him. So, Chester does the extraordinary…he hires a hitman and sets himself up as the hero who will save Candace. Taking full advantage of a serial killer working in the area that Chester and Candace head to on vacation, Chester sets up the hit to make it look like the serial killer has struck again. You’re kept on the edge of your seat, wondering how Chester will get out of the mess he finds himself in, and whether Candace will support her hero. This is a well-written, interesting, and entertaining read! Peter McPhie does an excellent job of creating a crime story that keeps mounting in tension, and with a great twist at the end! I received a giveaway copy of the novel and am happy to leave this voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
I received an advance reader copy of this for free.
4.5 stars! This book grabs you from the very first page and the suspense lasts until about the penultimate chapter. It's very clever, things aren't what they seem, when you think you know what's coming, you'll be shocked!
I really liked Chester, you really root for him at all points in the book.
Definitely recommended! It's not your typical mystery thriller.
4.5 stars! This book grabs you from the very first page and the suspense lasts until about the penultimate chapter. It's very clever, things aren't what they seem, when you think you know what's coming, you'll be shocked!
I really liked Chester, you really root for him at all points in the book.
Definitely recommended! It's not your typical mystery thriller.
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