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Anna Clarke #2
Twisted Truth: A chilling contemporary Irish thriller
The truth doesn’t always set you free
“There’s a devil on my shoulder, Anna, and he wants a word …”
Violent and seemingly random murders are terrorising Cork city and county. DS William Ryan is struggling to connect the victims and find a motive. The crimes have one thing in common – they are being filmed by one of the killers. With each kill the case grows more disturbing.
Anna Clarke, Garda clerical staff, becomes involved. In her personal life, Anna is closer than ever to finding the truth about her parents’ mysterious disappearance ten years before. But the path to answers is littered with heartache and it’s too late to turn back the clock …
Meanwhile, Tom Gallagher is obsessed with revenge. Last year his son was murdered, and the woman responsible slipped through his fingers. But he now has CCTV images of two women crouching in an alleyway, having jumped from a nightclub bathroom window. One of them is her. The other helped her fight off his men, and Tom wants to know who that woman was …
The clock is ticking to a grand finale, as truth twists and lies turn, and it seems Anna will have a front-row seat.
“There’s a devil on my shoulder, Anna, and he wants a word …”
Violent and seemingly random murders are terrorising Cork city and county. DS William Ryan is struggling to connect the victims and find a motive. The crimes have one thing in common – they are being filmed by one of the killers. With each kill the case grows more disturbing.
Anna Clarke, Garda clerical staff, becomes involved. In her personal life, Anna is closer than ever to finding the truth about her parents’ mysterious disappearance ten years before. But the path to answers is littered with heartache and it’s too late to turn back the clock …
Meanwhile, Tom Gallagher is obsessed with revenge. Last year his son was murdered, and the woman responsible slipped through his fingers. But he now has CCTV images of two women crouching in an alleyway, having jumped from a nightclub bathroom window. One of them is her. The other helped her fight off his men, and Tom wants to know who that woman was …
The clock is ticking to a grand finale, as truth twists and lies turn, and it seems Anna will have a front-row seat.
- GenresFiction
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2021
26 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 19, 2021
NOTE: because everyone commented on that cover. It is a mask, worn by a bad guy but not the worst bad guy. The book is not creepy.
Well I really enjoyed the first book in what now appears to be a series, or a trilogy so when this came up I was all in. This book grabs you straight away. Our protagonist Anna Clarke has got some very dark clouds on her horizon and I was on tenterhooks the whole time waiting for the bad things to happen. And I have to say, after a series of very tedious books it was a real pleasure to have the old adrenaline juices flowing again.
Anna Clarke is in admin with the police, she types up reports and does statistical analyses and so on. What it means that a lot of information crosses her desk which is how she cottoned on to a serial rapist in the last book which resulted in his capture. She, and her brother Alex, were also trying to find out what exactly happened when their parents disappeared without trace 10 years ago. And she happened to be present when her friend, Kate Crowley, shot and killed David Gallagher, son of a prominent gang leader in Cork (Ireland).
These story lines all continue in the present book. Tom Gallagher, David’s father, has vowed to bring his son’s killer to account and he believes Anna might have information about Kate’ whereabouts. She is, as yet, oblivious to this danger but the reader has plenty of warning about the gangster’s intentions. Also, there is a problem with the DNA analysis from the serial rapist case so it possible he will be released on bail. Yikes!
The siblings learn more about their parents but the big story is that of a couple of serial killers who kill random people and film it for uploading to the dark web. Anna has the misfortune to be a witness to one of the murders which puts her on their radar. It might sound very spoilery but you get all this info pretty early in the book. What I’m not going to tell you is how this all ends up.
It was, hallelujah for a change, a real page turner with plenty of drama, creeping menace and even some galloping menace. There are some lovely people in these books that you can’t help rooting for. The bad guys are really bad and very scary but none of it comes across as cliched. It was just a really dramatic and suspenseful story and I really hope the author is hard at work on the next instalment because I can’t wait to see how this all ends. Many thanks to Amy Cronin via BookSirens for a free copy of this book which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 4.5 stars rounded down.
Well I really enjoyed the first book in what now appears to be a series, or a trilogy so when this came up I was all in. This book grabs you straight away. Our protagonist Anna Clarke has got some very dark clouds on her horizon and I was on tenterhooks the whole time waiting for the bad things to happen. And I have to say, after a series of very tedious books it was a real pleasure to have the old adrenaline juices flowing again.
Anna Clarke is in admin with the police, she types up reports and does statistical analyses and so on. What it means that a lot of information crosses her desk which is how she cottoned on to a serial rapist in the last book which resulted in his capture. She, and her brother Alex, were also trying to find out what exactly happened when their parents disappeared without trace 10 years ago. And she happened to be present when her friend, Kate Crowley, shot and killed David Gallagher, son of a prominent gang leader in Cork (Ireland).
These story lines all continue in the present book. Tom Gallagher, David’s father, has vowed to bring his son’s killer to account and he believes Anna might have information about Kate’ whereabouts. She is, as yet, oblivious to this danger but the reader has plenty of warning about the gangster’s intentions. Also, there is a problem with the DNA analysis from the serial rapist case so it possible he will be released on bail. Yikes!
The siblings learn more about their parents but the big story is that of a couple of serial killers who kill random people and film it for uploading to the dark web. Anna has the misfortune to be a witness to one of the murders which puts her on their radar. It might sound very spoilery but you get all this info pretty early in the book. What I’m not going to tell you is how this all ends up.
It was, hallelujah for a change, a real page turner with plenty of drama, creeping menace and even some galloping menace. There are some lovely people in these books that you can’t help rooting for. The bad guys are really bad and very scary but none of it comes across as cliched. It was just a really dramatic and suspenseful story and I really hope the author is hard at work on the next instalment because I can’t wait to see how this all ends. Many thanks to Amy Cronin via BookSirens for a free copy of this book which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 4.5 stars rounded down.
March 12, 2022
At the end of Book #1, we read as Anna's friend Kate had disappeared to France leaving behind a dead body and a tortured brother and a mess for the Gallagher family and also Anna had been the victim of a stalker/ assault. Anna also discovered some secrets about her parents and her best friend Vivian found her birth mother. Now in Book #2 which picks up a few months after Book#1 finished and we learn that Kate is off in France with her sister Natalie and two children and David Gallagher is dead and John Gallagher was tortured but his home now, John's parents are struggling with Tom trying to get some order back on their operations and his wife Mae is depressed and turning to the bottle. His only solution is to track down Kate and Anna as an association and bring Kate's head on a platter for his wife. Meanwhile, Anna is about to get some bad news of her own as her attacker Dean is getting out of prison on a technicality as there was a mix-up with forensics and now their evidence isn't valid. Vivian is back home in Ireland after visiting her mother Brenda in New Zealand and life is perking up for her as she gets the job of a lifetime as a tv investigator. Meanwhile, Anna and Alex are closer to discovering the truth about their parents as well as what happened that fateful night ten years ago when they vanished without a trace leaving the pair orphaned and confused. We also have two more storylines of a new pair of serial killers who are using famous killers as their pseudonyms and filming their crimes and the book travels back to the year 1978 when Michael and Yelena first met and what led to their disappearances and name changes. I have to admit, Amy Cronin did a good job with this book as though it is a busy novel with several storylines, it doesn't feel it for the reader and so it is easy to stay on track and follow the book as a whole and I look forward to reading more adventures of the Garda and the characters as the book sets up a new storyline of Dean and Anna.
November 7, 2021
Excellent addition to this series! TWISTED TRUTH takes up exactly where BLINDING LIES left off. I would highly recommend reading these books in order.
Anna Clarke, Garda clerical staff, is once again asked to help DS William Ryan. Random murders are being committed and Anna is known for her penchant of seeing patterns that most others miss.
This is a fast-paced crime fiction with a complex plot. Besides the random killings, Anna is still searching for her parents who disappeared 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, Tom Gallagher is obsessed with revenge. Last year his son was murdered, and the woman responsible slipped through his fingers. But he now has CCTV images of two women crouching in an alleyway, having jumped from a nightclub bathroom window. One of them is her. The other helped her fight off his men, and Tom wants to know who that woman was …
And yet another story line.... Anna was assaulted the previous year and the man charged looks to be out on bond shortly ... swearing vengeance against Anna.
It's well-written with a plot full of twists and turns. Solidly drawn characters keep the story moving. There's non-stop action that begins on page 1 and continues until the explosive conclusion. Looking forward to Book 3!
Many thanks to the author / Book Sirens for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Anna Clarke, Garda clerical staff, is once again asked to help DS William Ryan. Random murders are being committed and Anna is known for her penchant of seeing patterns that most others miss.
This is a fast-paced crime fiction with a complex plot. Besides the random killings, Anna is still searching for her parents who disappeared 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, Tom Gallagher is obsessed with revenge. Last year his son was murdered, and the woman responsible slipped through his fingers. But he now has CCTV images of two women crouching in an alleyway, having jumped from a nightclub bathroom window. One of them is her. The other helped her fight off his men, and Tom wants to know who that woman was …
And yet another story line.... Anna was assaulted the previous year and the man charged looks to be out on bond shortly ... swearing vengeance against Anna.
It's well-written with a plot full of twists and turns. Solidly drawn characters keep the story moving. There's non-stop action that begins on page 1 and continues until the explosive conclusion. Looking forward to Book 3!
Many thanks to the author / Book Sirens for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 9, 2023
I was between a 2.5 and 3 star rating for this book and ultimately decided to round up on the basis that the plot was interesting even if poorly executed.
The hook from the first book on Anna’s parents disappearance kept me interested enough to read this one. However, I really struggled to finish it and considered quitting half way through.
I found there was a real labouring of plot points that made it feel tedious to read and at times felt like a school essay.
Overall it was an interesting plot with a likeable main character but I don’t think I’ll be back for the third instalment.
The hook from the first book on Anna’s parents disappearance kept me interested enough to read this one. However, I really struggled to finish it and considered quitting half way through.
I found there was a real labouring of plot points that made it feel tedious to read and at times felt like a school essay.
Overall it was an interesting plot with a likeable main character but I don’t think I’ll be back for the third instalment.
October 28, 2021
I have to start at the end with this, because WHAT AN ENDING!! This is the second book in the series and so much is happening that you literally can't put it down. Anna Clarke is a great character, but so are all of the main players. I love the Garda characters and how real they are. They ooze personality and the relationship dynamics between the different groups, from the Gallagher crime family, down to Anna's office setting are so well thought out and realistic, making this a real character driven story. Without giving any spoilers, there are parts of this story that you really won't see coming, which I love. Great plotting, combined with such strong characters makes this a five star read for me. I need the final book in the trilogy now, because I have to know what's coming next!
February 29, 2024
The follow up to Blinding Lies, this was another great Irish thriller. I enjoyed this one a little more than the previous and I'm so glad there was some closure for Anna and Alex about their parents. But now I am super excited to read the newest book in the series a little later today.
September 13, 2021
My Rating ~ 3.5*
Twisted Truth by Amy Cronin will be published September 15th with Poolbeg Press and is the second book in this Cork crime series featuring Anna Clarke, a member of the clerical staff of An Garda Síochána. I have read Blinding Lies, Book 1 in this series, where I said that it was ‘a gritty, layered and fast-moving read’ and I can now report back to you all that Twisted Truth follows in a similar fashion.
Anna Clark is a tenacious individual who seems to always find herself in the most uncompromising and dangerous situations. A civil servant by trade, Anna lives alone in the family home in the beautiful town of Kinsale outside the city of Cork. Anna’s parents vanished without a trace when she was sixteen leaving her under the care of her older brother Alex. Alex, now married, has attempted to move on with his life but Anna refuses to let the mystery surrounding her parents disappearance go. In Blinding Lies she started to make a dent in the secrets of her parents past but still their disappearance remains unsolved and Anna’s determination grows stronger. But when the truth finally reveals itself, will Anna be at peace?
While she struggles with her family heritage, Anna is still under the shadow of a previous case she became embroiled in that put her life at risk involving the notorious Cork crime family, the Gallaghers. Anna had unwittingly helped a friend in trouble putting her clearly under the radar of Tom Gallagher, KingPin of a huge drugs empire in the city. Tom Gallagher managed his business with an iron fist, keeping the heat of the local police away from him using whatever means he had at his disposal. But his youngest son, David, is now dead, and his eldest son, John, is recovering from a brutal experience that has permanently scarred him. Tom’s wife is comatose from drinking unable to cope and Tom wants his revenge at any cost. Anna Clarke is his first target.
Meanwhile the city and county of Cork are shocked with the news of a body discovered on a rural road with obvious signs of a heinous crime. With no evidence left at the scene and no obvious reason for this person’s murder, the investigative team are left flummoxed, until another body is discovered. The press cry out that it’s the work of a serial killer but what transpires is far far worse.
Anna Clarke is also reminded that a convicted rapist she helped put away may be released on a technicality causing all sorts of stress and distress for Anna. How much more can she take….
Amy Cronin has yet again written another fast-paced, high-energy novel. I would recommend that you read book 1 in the series to capture the full picture, but Amy does provide a sufficient backstory which gives a highlighted overview of what has already passed. The Gallagher family are depicted with frightening accuracy, one that would cross over to the small screen very well indeed. Being from Cork, there was a great sense of familiarity with the locations mentioned throughout, which added a wonderful layer of authenticity to the novel for me. In my previous review of Blinding Lies I did mention that there were quite a few threads running through this series but Amy Cronin does manage to balance them all together seamlessly tying both books together. There is one character that makes a repeated appearance that I could quite happily live without but I’m assuming that Amy Cronin has some greater plan in mind, so I will wait to see where she goes next.
Amy Cronin has a three book deal with Poolbeg so I expect we have not seen the end of the headstrong and steadfast Anna Clarke. It’s very clear that Amy Cronin is getting into her stride as a writer as her story gathers pace and her characters develop further. A highly entertaining read, Amy Cronin has written a very enjoyable series with a superb Cork edge that I am unashamedly biased toward!!
Twisted Truth by Amy Cronin will be published September 15th with Poolbeg Press and is the second book in this Cork crime series featuring Anna Clarke, a member of the clerical staff of An Garda Síochána. I have read Blinding Lies, Book 1 in this series, where I said that it was ‘a gritty, layered and fast-moving read’ and I can now report back to you all that Twisted Truth follows in a similar fashion.
Anna Clark is a tenacious individual who seems to always find herself in the most uncompromising and dangerous situations. A civil servant by trade, Anna lives alone in the family home in the beautiful town of Kinsale outside the city of Cork. Anna’s parents vanished without a trace when she was sixteen leaving her under the care of her older brother Alex. Alex, now married, has attempted to move on with his life but Anna refuses to let the mystery surrounding her parents disappearance go. In Blinding Lies she started to make a dent in the secrets of her parents past but still their disappearance remains unsolved and Anna’s determination grows stronger. But when the truth finally reveals itself, will Anna be at peace?
While she struggles with her family heritage, Anna is still under the shadow of a previous case she became embroiled in that put her life at risk involving the notorious Cork crime family, the Gallaghers. Anna had unwittingly helped a friend in trouble putting her clearly under the radar of Tom Gallagher, KingPin of a huge drugs empire in the city. Tom Gallagher managed his business with an iron fist, keeping the heat of the local police away from him using whatever means he had at his disposal. But his youngest son, David, is now dead, and his eldest son, John, is recovering from a brutal experience that has permanently scarred him. Tom’s wife is comatose from drinking unable to cope and Tom wants his revenge at any cost. Anna Clarke is his first target.
Meanwhile the city and county of Cork are shocked with the news of a body discovered on a rural road with obvious signs of a heinous crime. With no evidence left at the scene and no obvious reason for this person’s murder, the investigative team are left flummoxed, until another body is discovered. The press cry out that it’s the work of a serial killer but what transpires is far far worse.
Anna Clarke is also reminded that a convicted rapist she helped put away may be released on a technicality causing all sorts of stress and distress for Anna. How much more can she take….
Amy Cronin has yet again written another fast-paced, high-energy novel. I would recommend that you read book 1 in the series to capture the full picture, but Amy does provide a sufficient backstory which gives a highlighted overview of what has already passed. The Gallagher family are depicted with frightening accuracy, one that would cross over to the small screen very well indeed. Being from Cork, there was a great sense of familiarity with the locations mentioned throughout, which added a wonderful layer of authenticity to the novel for me. In my previous review of Blinding Lies I did mention that there were quite a few threads running through this series but Amy Cronin does manage to balance them all together seamlessly tying both books together. There is one character that makes a repeated appearance that I could quite happily live without but I’m assuming that Amy Cronin has some greater plan in mind, so I will wait to see where she goes next.
Amy Cronin has a three book deal with Poolbeg so I expect we have not seen the end of the headstrong and steadfast Anna Clarke. It’s very clear that Amy Cronin is getting into her stride as a writer as her story gathers pace and her characters develop further. A highly entertaining read, Amy Cronin has written a very enjoyable series with a superb Cork edge that I am unashamedly biased toward!!
April 15, 2024
Part two of the trilogy and it keeps up the pace and suspense, making me want to immediately go onto the final instalment.
Anna Clarke is living with the aftermath of the events of book one, Blinding Lies. She is back at work as a civilian data analyst with the Gardaí and has a new relationship as well as continuing her search to find out what happened to her parents since their disappearance ten years ago.
We learn of her parent's younger days via flashbacks to 1978 and her father's first job as a bookkeeper for a business in London, which may not be altogether legit.
In the present day, a strange couple seek out and murder a man who was unlucky enough to fit their requirement of travelling alone the same route on a quiet road every day to work.
At the same time, the Gallagher criminal empire is crumbling in the aftermath of what happened in the first book and the head of the clan, Tom Gallagher is adamant that he wants Anna picked up so he can question her.
The different storylines kept this book moving at a pace that kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading.
Onto book three I go to see this story to its conclusion.
Anna Clarke is living with the aftermath of the events of book one, Blinding Lies. She is back at work as a civilian data analyst with the Gardaí and has a new relationship as well as continuing her search to find out what happened to her parents since their disappearance ten years ago.
We learn of her parent's younger days via flashbacks to 1978 and her father's first job as a bookkeeper for a business in London, which may not be altogether legit.
In the present day, a strange couple seek out and murder a man who was unlucky enough to fit their requirement of travelling alone the same route on a quiet road every day to work.
At the same time, the Gallagher criminal empire is crumbling in the aftermath of what happened in the first book and the head of the clan, Tom Gallagher is adamant that he wants Anna picked up so he can question her.
The different storylines kept this book moving at a pace that kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading.
Onto book three I go to see this story to its conclusion.
October 17, 2021
This is an excellent follow-up to the first Anna Clarke story and is the second book in a trilogy. You really have to read the books therefore in order.
This is another gritty read like the first one and Anna is as determined as ever while being a bit sidelined. Here we get more involved in unravelling the unknown history of her parents and what happened to them. At the same time, the Gallagher family are out for revenge so Anna is a target.
The story grabs you from the start with a senseless murder and never lets up. There are some seemingly motiveless murders which have the Gardai stumped. Despite the various stories all happening at the same time, things never get confusing and I was hooked all the way through. The setting of Cork grabs me again as I know the city well so it's great to recognise the locations in the story. I ended up reading it in a day.
I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another gritty read like the first one and Anna is as determined as ever while being a bit sidelined. Here we get more involved in unravelling the unknown history of her parents and what happened to them. At the same time, the Gallagher family are out for revenge so Anna is a target.
The story grabs you from the start with a senseless murder and never lets up. There are some seemingly motiveless murders which have the Gardai stumped. Despite the various stories all happening at the same time, things never get confusing and I was hooked all the way through. The setting of Cork grabs me again as I know the city well so it's great to recognise the locations in the story. I ended up reading it in a day.
I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2021
This is the second book to feature Anna Clarke, a member of the Garda clerical staff, who has previously been responsible for both the identifying and capture of a rapist. She had also crossed swords with the local crime family by helping in the escape of her friend who had killed their abusive youngest son.
This novel continues Anna's search for answers regarding her parents disappearance and potential repercussions from the enemies she has made from her earlier adventures. Added to this there are a pair of murdering psychopaths on the loose apparently killing entirely at random.
Fans of Blinding Lies will not be disappointed with this follow up, it's another good thriller from Ms. Cronin and sets you nicely for a third in the series.
I gratefully received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with thanks to BookSirens and the author.
This novel continues Anna's search for answers regarding her parents disappearance and potential repercussions from the enemies she has made from her earlier adventures. Added to this there are a pair of murdering psychopaths on the loose apparently killing entirely at random.
Fans of Blinding Lies will not be disappointed with this follow up, it's another good thriller from Ms. Cronin and sets you nicely for a third in the series.
I gratefully received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with thanks to BookSirens and the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2021
I loved Blinding Lies so much I could not wait to read this one and it did not disappoint! Twisted Truth picks up where Blinding Lies left off continuing Anna's hunt for answers and introducing several new sinister characters along the way.
Much like the first, this book is also fast-paced and gritty. The characters continue to be well-written and believable. The plot was as intense as ever with many of our questions from book one coming full circle in unexpected ways.
Amy Cronin is quickly becoming an "auto-buy" author for me and I can't wait for book 3!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.
Much like the first, this book is also fast-paced and gritty. The characters continue to be well-written and believable. The plot was as intense as ever with many of our questions from book one coming full circle in unexpected ways.
Amy Cronin is quickly becoming an "auto-buy" author for me and I can't wait for book 3!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens.
October 12, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 22, 2021
Twisted Truth picks up where Blinding Lies finished, continuing Anna's hunt for answers and introducing some very sinister characters along the way. Once again the story is gritty and fast moving, with a teaser to keep the reader eager for book 3 in the series. Highly recommend for thriller fans, I really enjoyed this read.
September 21, 2021
Just as juicy as book 1, I was sucked back into Anna's life as if I never left. I cried, I feared, this one tugged at every emotion. The plot in Cork city explodes from the get go and I was hooked from start to finish, I didn't want the pages to end. Patiently waiting for book 3.
November 17, 2021
Loved this book i was gripped from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and am eagerly anticipating the next book. Could not put it down!
January 7, 2022
Twisted Truth is a brilliant follow up to Blinding Lies, i was not able to put this book down! Eagerly awaiting the next installment...
January 2, 2022
This is the first time I have read one of Amy Cronin's novels and I would definitely feel comfortable recommending "Twisted Truth" to my friends and family. The many positive aspects of this novel outweigh my criticisms, as for that reason, I have rated it four out of five stars. The novel is engaging and intrigued me enough to want to finish the story. The characters' lives were interconnected which enticed me to want to know more about each one. I did not know the background of Kate Crowley's story, however, this novel gave enough away so I could catch up with the previous story's essential details. "Twisted Truth" left me eager to read more about Anna's story as well as see how the mysterious Myles Henderson fits into the deeper conflict. Myles' role in the story was minor, however, the events in the novel lead the reader to believe there is more to him than Anna anticipates.
The one star I deducted was a culmination of a few small aspects of the author's writing style I feel hindered fluid, easy reading. The Prologue and Chapter 1 were too descriptive for my preference; I did not know who the main character was or where the story was going until Chapter 2. Most characters also had lengthy introductions which were unnecessary and distracting. Personally, the story did not really catch my attention until all of those descriptions were finished and the rising action began. If I was drawing the plot diagram for this novel with my English students, I would say the exposition seemed too long. I understand the value of the Prologue and how it was meant to catch the attention of readers, however, it felt out of place and disconnected. I also believe the introduction could have had less about Seán, his thoughts, and his daily life. This was prolongated by a lengthy description of the Gallaghers in Chapter 1.
My last critique of the book was that some of the events were too coincidental or overly foreshadowed to be believable. In addition, Anna's actions didn't always make sense or align with what we would normally do when afraid, fearful, etc. These things took away from the credibility of the novel for me, but not necessarily my enjoyment in reading the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am happy to recommend it to my friends and family. I also want to thank BookSirens, Crimson, and Amy Cronin for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The one star I deducted was a culmination of a few small aspects of the author's writing style I feel hindered fluid, easy reading. The Prologue and Chapter 1 were too descriptive for my preference; I did not know who the main character was or where the story was going until Chapter 2. Most characters also had lengthy introductions which were unnecessary and distracting. Personally, the story did not really catch my attention until all of those descriptions were finished and the rising action began. If I was drawing the plot diagram for this novel with my English students, I would say the exposition seemed too long. I understand the value of the Prologue and how it was meant to catch the attention of readers, however, it felt out of place and disconnected. I also believe the introduction could have had less about Seán, his thoughts, and his daily life. This was prolongated by a lengthy description of the Gallaghers in Chapter 1.
My last critique of the book was that some of the events were too coincidental or overly foreshadowed to be believable. In addition, Anna's actions didn't always make sense or align with what we would normally do when afraid, fearful, etc. These things took away from the credibility of the novel for me, but not necessarily my enjoyment in reading the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and am happy to recommend it to my friends and family. I also want to thank BookSirens, Crimson, and Amy Cronin for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews