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A Study in Terminal
Sean Brogan has spent most of his life running from a past he can never escape. Emotionally abandoned by his alcoholic father and secretly blaming himself for his mother’s death, the scars he carries are ones no one can see.
On the anniversary of the day that changed his life forever, Sean flees New York City on his 1965 Triumph Bonneville, hoping to face the demons that plague his nightmares. He plans to slip into the sleepy town of Lake Fort, West Virginia as quietly as he did ten years before, but his life has never gone as planned. Sean never expects to see Rina, the blue-haired sister of his childhood best friend who makes it her mission to rescue the lost things. A hopeful dreamer who sits on the roof and watches the sunset, she represents all the things that he has lost.
As Sean spends time in the lakeside town that has haunted his dreams since he was a little boy, he has no choice but to face the pain that he buried from a life cut off too soon. In the blink of an eye, with a gun to his head, Sean is forced to confront what it means to fight for the will to live when your world has gone dark.
An anthem for those of us who have been left behind, “A Study in Terminal” is a vulnerable story about the human condition that reminds us that to beat your past, you first must turn around and face it.
On the anniversary of the day that changed his life forever, Sean flees New York City on his 1965 Triumph Bonneville, hoping to face the demons that plague his nightmares. He plans to slip into the sleepy town of Lake Fort, West Virginia as quietly as he did ten years before, but his life has never gone as planned. Sean never expects to see Rina, the blue-haired sister of his childhood best friend who makes it her mission to rescue the lost things. A hopeful dreamer who sits on the roof and watches the sunset, she represents all the things that he has lost.
As Sean spends time in the lakeside town that has haunted his dreams since he was a little boy, he has no choice but to face the pain that he buried from a life cut off too soon. In the blink of an eye, with a gun to his head, Sean is forced to confront what it means to fight for the will to live when your world has gone dark.
An anthem for those of us who have been left behind, “A Study in Terminal” is a vulnerable story about the human condition that reminds us that to beat your past, you first must turn around and face it.
180 pages, paperback
Published June 7, 2022
3 people are currently reading
1796 people want to read
About the author
Kara Linaburg
5 books211 followersGive me all the coming of age, cutesy stories where angsty teenage boys are forever changed by perky, awkward teenage girls. But I also adore the world of C.S Lewis, the voices for women that made Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott ahead of their times in both humor and feminism, and don't get me started on Sherlock Holmes. I reside in many fandoms...
Follow me for my search for solid clean reads!
//misfit
//book collector
//sunset watcher
//old soul
//authentic conversations
//rambler of Porch Swing Conversations podcast -- if we get started talking about theology and worldview, I will be your forever friend. (link to podcast on website).
//author of YA fiction that strives to bring hope (and guys in leather)
//is still waiting on her letter from Hogwarts
Follow me for my search for solid clean reads!
//misfit
//book collector
//sunset watcher
//old soul
//authentic conversations
//rambler of Porch Swing Conversations podcast -- if we get started talking about theology and worldview, I will be your forever friend. (link to podcast on website).
//author of YA fiction that strives to bring hope (and guys in leather)
//is still waiting on her letter from Hogwarts
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 26, 2022
“...you’re like one of those moody, dark, and handsome guys from the movies.”
Sean Brogan is a young man with an unbearable past. Questions run through his head. Is it his fault his mom killed herself? Couldn’t he have stopped her? Why couldn’t he have helped Mia before she was already too far gone? He can’t bear all the guilt and pain anymore so he decides to go back to the town where the pain started. His plan is to write a book and then be done with it all. Finish himself off before someone from his past does. He doesn’t expect to come across childhood playmates and for them to get caught up in the mess of his life.
A few of my favorite things…
-References to The Waltons, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Outsiders, Sherlock Holmes, and the Andy Griffith Show.
-How Sean appears to be such a tough guy, but he sips tea and writes books breaking stereotypes in a way.
-The descriptive West Virginia scenery.
-Cup from Joe’s was such a cute coffee shop.
-The way Rina looks out for her older brother and tries to force Sean to open up and be her friend.
-*spoiler alert* the hopeful ending.
Know that…
-Smoking, drinking, and drugs are all mentioned.
-A boy hits on another boy.
-A boy is bullied and called gay.
-Some mentions of inappropriate conversations that Sean frowns upon.
-A rape victim is left to die in an alleyway.
A Study in Terminal is a heavy read, but an important one. It shows how we’re not always as alone in our pain as we think and that there is community and hope and peace that can be found.
Sean Brogan is a young man with an unbearable past. Questions run through his head. Is it his fault his mom killed herself? Couldn’t he have stopped her? Why couldn’t he have helped Mia before she was already too far gone? He can’t bear all the guilt and pain anymore so he decides to go back to the town where the pain started. His plan is to write a book and then be done with it all. Finish himself off before someone from his past does. He doesn’t expect to come across childhood playmates and for them to get caught up in the mess of his life.
A few of my favorite things…
-References to The Waltons, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Outsiders, Sherlock Holmes, and the Andy Griffith Show.
-How Sean appears to be such a tough guy, but he sips tea and writes books breaking stereotypes in a way.
-The descriptive West Virginia scenery.
-Cup from Joe’s was such a cute coffee shop.
-The way Rina looks out for her older brother and tries to force Sean to open up and be her friend.
-*spoiler alert* the hopeful ending.
Know that…
-Smoking, drinking, and drugs are all mentioned.
-A boy hits on another boy.
-A boy is bullied and called gay.
-Some mentions of inappropriate conversations that Sean frowns upon.
-A rape victim is left to die in an alleyway.
A Study in Terminal is a heavy read, but an important one. It shows how we’re not always as alone in our pain as we think and that there is community and hope and peace that can be found.
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January 10, 2022A Study In Terminal is one of my favorite books (*cough* cough* biased, much? *hides*). AND not just because I wrote it.
But because it helped me heal. It's a deeply personal story about facing your past, about the human condition, and the goodbyes we never got to say.
I remember years ago my friend texted me that she was going to attempt suicide. "I can't take it anymore," she told me. "I think I'm going to do it."
"No, don't you dare," I quickly responded.
Moments later she swallowed half a bottle of pills.
The doctors said it was a miracle she survived.
I write for her and my other friends who share stories that are shockingly identical. It's real for me, this horrific topic.
I read 13 Reasons Why and strongly disliked it. Someone needs to do better, I thought. So I tried.
I guess if I succeeded is up to you.
This is a book about light and darkness. About second chances. About forgiveness.
I hope you like the moody Sean (who is full of angst *heart eyes*!!) as much as I do. I hope you find hope.
Because I know I did.
But because it helped me heal. It's a deeply personal story about facing your past, about the human condition, and the goodbyes we never got to say.
I remember years ago my friend texted me that she was going to attempt suicide. "I can't take it anymore," she told me. "I think I'm going to do it."
"No, don't you dare," I quickly responded.
Moments later she swallowed half a bottle of pills.
The doctors said it was a miracle she survived.
I write for her and my other friends who share stories that are shockingly identical. It's real for me, this horrific topic.
I read 13 Reasons Why and strongly disliked it. Someone needs to do better, I thought. So I tried.
I guess if I succeeded is up to you.
This is a book about light and darkness. About second chances. About forgiveness.
I hope you like the moody Sean (who is full of angst *heart eyes*!!) as much as I do. I hope you find hope.
Because I know I did.
February 14, 2022
With strong contemporary “Sherlock Holmes” vibes and a masterful grasp on description and poignant stories, Linaburg weaves a story of redemption, healing, sacrifice, and what ‘terminal’ means. She infuses hope into desperate situations, forgiveness and healing into torrid circumstances, and memorable characters that will stay with you long after you set the book down. Readers of gritty contemporary, suspense, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fans alike will find something to appreciate in this book.
** I received a copy from the publisher to provide my honest review. The opinions above are my own.
** I received a copy from the publisher to provide my honest review. The opinions above are my own.
February 17, 2022
Once again Kara Linaburg has lovingly punched me in the gut, leaving me breathless and in awe of the raw, unapologetic beauty and pain.
Holy. Moly. Guacamole.
How do I describe this book? A feeling of someone mercilessly tearing a bandaid off an old wound. A moment of pain, and then relief. A moment of choking, unable to breathe, and then a sweet relief and a full appreciation of being able to take a deep breath again.
There is a reason Kara is one of my favorite people and authors.
This book not only had such incredible characters, but it was BEAUTIFULLY written. Oh my goodness. The writing style was incredible. While it was all over the place timeline wise, it was stiched together to masterfully.
The exposition was some of the BEST I've EVER read. How Kara strung the plot together and uncovered each piece of the story was so clever and emotion evoking, I doubt I'll ever read a book that will top that.
It was MASTERFUL.
And did I mention it has a Sherlock Holmes descendant?
Despite obviously not being a gangster, or going through half the horrifying things poor Sean has endured, this story spoke to me, touching the things buried deep down in such a great way. It didn't fear from tough issues and topics. Things you most definitely don't see in normal Christian fiction.
Just like The Broken Prince series, this book earns it's place along with Linaburg masterpieces.
Now, excuse me while I go cry.
Content warning: I would say this book is a hard 16+. There is a LOT of triggering subjects in this books, such as suicide, mentions of r*pe, alcoholism, anxiety, depression, violence, and more. Nothing is shown graphically, but it's definitely written in a way to show how painful these subjects are.
Holy. Moly. Guacamole.
How do I describe this book? A feeling of someone mercilessly tearing a bandaid off an old wound. A moment of pain, and then relief. A moment of choking, unable to breathe, and then a sweet relief and a full appreciation of being able to take a deep breath again.
There is a reason Kara is one of my favorite people and authors.
This book not only had such incredible characters, but it was BEAUTIFULLY written. Oh my goodness. The writing style was incredible. While it was all over the place timeline wise, it was stiched together to masterfully.
The exposition was some of the BEST I've EVER read. How Kara strung the plot together and uncovered each piece of the story was so clever and emotion evoking, I doubt I'll ever read a book that will top that.
It was MASTERFUL.
And did I mention it has a Sherlock Holmes descendant?
Despite obviously not being a gangster, or going through half the horrifying things poor Sean has endured, this story spoke to me, touching the things buried deep down in such a great way. It didn't fear from tough issues and topics. Things you most definitely don't see in normal Christian fiction.
Just like The Broken Prince series, this book earns it's place along with Linaburg masterpieces.
Now, excuse me while I go cry.
Content warning: I would say this book is a hard 16+. There is a LOT of triggering subjects in this books, such as suicide, mentions of r*pe, alcoholism, anxiety, depression, violence, and more. Nothing is shown graphically, but it's definitely written in a way to show how painful these subjects are.
March 11, 2022
"Sunsets remind me that the darkness won't last forever, that the light will come if I only wait for it."
A Study in Terminal is a deep book that deals with real topics. Unfair topics. Unfair trauma. The unfairness of life and how we are expected to cope and live life "normally". It's a book that isn't afraid to face the darkness that most of us--if we're honest--face more than we care to admit.
"People always tell you time heals all wounds, but I don't think that's true. I think time numbs us, allows us to cope, to somehow continue on."
This book isn't the type of 5 stars that I normally say "I finished it in one sitting", it's a book that I read very slowly. Sometimes only a single chapter in a week. But I loved the resolution and ending so much that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars. It's such a powerful journey of overcoming self-hate and coming to terms with trauma.
The lines I highlighted overflow my notes app on my phone. The mystery was well written and though it is very subtle, it was enough to keep me wondering and desperate to learn what happened.
The only thing that left me just a bit dissatisfied was how little the romance was actually involved in the plot. I had expected Rina to be a bigger part of Sean's healing. But as it is, Sean spent most of his time dodging Rina's calls and texts, so that was a little disappointing.
Overall, this book is a really beautiful illustration of searching for light in the midst of the darkest storms.
"That's when the healing begins, Sean, when you let people meet you in the darkness. Don't wait to come to people in the light; let them meet you in the darkness."
Trigger warnings: Suicide | Mentions of rape (not detailed) | Drugs | Smoking | Alcohol abuse
I received this book from the author/publisher for free. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
A Study in Terminal is a deep book that deals with real topics. Unfair topics. Unfair trauma. The unfairness of life and how we are expected to cope and live life "normally". It's a book that isn't afraid to face the darkness that most of us--if we're honest--face more than we care to admit.
"People always tell you time heals all wounds, but I don't think that's true. I think time numbs us, allows us to cope, to somehow continue on."
This book isn't the type of 5 stars that I normally say "I finished it in one sitting", it's a book that I read very slowly. Sometimes only a single chapter in a week. But I loved the resolution and ending so much that I can't rate it anything but 5 stars. It's such a powerful journey of overcoming self-hate and coming to terms with trauma.
The lines I highlighted overflow my notes app on my phone. The mystery was well written and though it is very subtle, it was enough to keep me wondering and desperate to learn what happened.
The only thing that left me just a bit dissatisfied was how little the romance was actually involved in the plot. I had expected Rina to be a bigger part of Sean's healing. But as it is, Sean spent most of his time dodging Rina's calls and texts, so that was a little disappointing.
Overall, this book is a really beautiful illustration of searching for light in the midst of the darkest storms.
"That's when the healing begins, Sean, when you let people meet you in the darkness. Don't wait to come to people in the light; let them meet you in the darkness."
Trigger warnings: Suicide | Mentions of rape (not detailed) | Drugs | Smoking | Alcohol abuse
I received this book from the author/publisher for free. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
June 4, 2022
With a sense of honesty and sheer rawness, this read takes a teens' inability to cope with a terrible past.
It does include alcoholism, death of a loved one, suicidal hints, and nods toward rape, but none of it is graphic and the material is handled appropriately for the intended audience.
Sean has given up. After the tragic death of his mother and living at odds with an alcoholic father for the years following, he can't seem to overcome the nightmare and decides to end it all. Years of trying to escape didn't do anything, so he turns it around and heads back to the place it all happened. He's determined to stay anonymous, but from the very first moments, fate doesn't seem to play along with his plans and has him facing people of his past. This only makes the pain that much worse, and he can't wait for it to end.
I'll just start with saying that this is a well-written read. It's told from the main character's point of view and stays close to his thoughts and feelings. There are flashbacks, and these are marked at the beginning of the chapter to keep things from growing confusing. The entire thing stays concise and hits just short of two hundred pages, and, yet, the author still manages to cover quite a bit of ground. The tale digs deep, flows naturally, holds more than a few surprises, and brings the main character across as a sympathetic guy, who has really hit an awful spot in life.
While this one is dark and allows Sean's pain to come across clearly and understandably, it also offers hope...and not as a cliche or super sweet miracle. Sean's thoughts hit home and his 'loss of hope' pulls at the heart. It makes for a grabbing read on the character end, but there's even more than that, too.
Much of Sean's past comes in bits and pieces. The reader meets him as he starts his journey to the town he once lived in. His thoughts touch upon things that he's experienced without really exposing what these were. Those, then, come in bits and pieces through flashbacks as he experiences different things in the town. And these experiences hold more than a few unexpected twists. While confusing, at times, this also added the required mystery and tension to make this book hard to put down. Everything does fall together, bit by bit, to form a gripping and satisfying end. I received an advanced copy and although I'm not usually a fan of 'deeper' reads, enjoyed this one quite a bit.
It does include alcoholism, death of a loved one, suicidal hints, and nods toward rape, but none of it is graphic and the material is handled appropriately for the intended audience.
Sean has given up. After the tragic death of his mother and living at odds with an alcoholic father for the years following, he can't seem to overcome the nightmare and decides to end it all. Years of trying to escape didn't do anything, so he turns it around and heads back to the place it all happened. He's determined to stay anonymous, but from the very first moments, fate doesn't seem to play along with his plans and has him facing people of his past. This only makes the pain that much worse, and he can't wait for it to end.
I'll just start with saying that this is a well-written read. It's told from the main character's point of view and stays close to his thoughts and feelings. There are flashbacks, and these are marked at the beginning of the chapter to keep things from growing confusing. The entire thing stays concise and hits just short of two hundred pages, and, yet, the author still manages to cover quite a bit of ground. The tale digs deep, flows naturally, holds more than a few surprises, and brings the main character across as a sympathetic guy, who has really hit an awful spot in life.
While this one is dark and allows Sean's pain to come across clearly and understandably, it also offers hope...and not as a cliche or super sweet miracle. Sean's thoughts hit home and his 'loss of hope' pulls at the heart. It makes for a grabbing read on the character end, but there's even more than that, too.
Much of Sean's past comes in bits and pieces. The reader meets him as he starts his journey to the town he once lived in. His thoughts touch upon things that he's experienced without really exposing what these were. Those, then, come in bits and pieces through flashbacks as he experiences different things in the town. And these experiences hold more than a few unexpected twists. While confusing, at times, this also added the required mystery and tension to make this book hard to put down. Everything does fall together, bit by bit, to form a gripping and satisfying end. I received an advanced copy and although I'm not usually a fan of 'deeper' reads, enjoyed this one quite a bit.
January 5, 2022
A Study in Terminal was a really well paced and enjoyable read. I think what struck me most was how much soul the story had. Instead of playing to the crowd and becoming white noise, ASIT is an authentic story that depicts the brokenness of our world without wallowing in despair. The themes of redemption and healing will stick with me for a while.
Characters:
The main character Sean Brogan was a fun and original character. I enjoyed his trademark sarcasm and learning more about his backstory. I didn’t connect as much with the supporting cast, but they were still well developed and distinctive.
Themes:
ASIT is a very thematically driven story, and while that sometimes makes for a less enjoyable read, it seemed to work in this case. One of my favourite song lyrics is that “the shadow proves the sunshine” (from a song of the same name by Switchfoot), and the quote really seems to fit ASIT. The story discusses some dark topics, but they’re always used to show the light, which I really appreciated.
The story also dealt with issues of faith and questions about God. I’ll be honest that explicitly Christian themes often make me uncomfortable in fiction, not because I disagree with the messages (I am myself a follower of Christ), but because the themes often feel heavy-handed and preachy and drive people away instead of welcoming them in. ASIT steered clear of that, and the themes really fit the characters and the backstory, rather than feeling tacked on.
Plot:
The plot largely centers around Sean’s past catching up to him, which was interesting. I think the plot was probably the weakest area for me, since I couldn’t really tell where the book was going for the first half. The story still held my attention during that, but it was hard to guess what was to come. In the second half it picked up a lot and I really enjoyed the plot elements from there.
Final thoughts:
If you’re looking for a clean and authentic story from an indie author, I would definitely recommend A Study in Terminal! It’s not a perfect story, but it’s one that’s worth reading.
Overall, this story gets a solid 4.5/5 stars from me.
Characters:
The main character Sean Brogan was a fun and original character. I enjoyed his trademark sarcasm and learning more about his backstory. I didn’t connect as much with the supporting cast, but they were still well developed and distinctive.
Themes:
ASIT is a very thematically driven story, and while that sometimes makes for a less enjoyable read, it seemed to work in this case. One of my favourite song lyrics is that “the shadow proves the sunshine” (from a song of the same name by Switchfoot), and the quote really seems to fit ASIT. The story discusses some dark topics, but they’re always used to show the light, which I really appreciated.
The story also dealt with issues of faith and questions about God. I’ll be honest that explicitly Christian themes often make me uncomfortable in fiction, not because I disagree with the messages (I am myself a follower of Christ), but because the themes often feel heavy-handed and preachy and drive people away instead of welcoming them in. ASIT steered clear of that, and the themes really fit the characters and the backstory, rather than feeling tacked on.
Plot:
The plot largely centers around Sean’s past catching up to him, which was interesting. I think the plot was probably the weakest area for me, since I couldn’t really tell where the book was going for the first half. The story still held my attention during that, but it was hard to guess what was to come. In the second half it picked up a lot and I really enjoyed the plot elements from there.
Final thoughts:
If you’re looking for a clean and authentic story from an indie author, I would definitely recommend A Study in Terminal! It’s not a perfect story, but it’s one that’s worth reading.
Overall, this story gets a solid 4.5/5 stars from me.
February 18, 2024
Well guys, I’ve decided to finally catch up on the reviews I haven’t written with the books I’ve read. Starting with my most recent read: A Study in Terminal by Kara Linaburg.
Wow… this was a very good book. It was a hard book, very raw… but a good book. A Study in Terminal deals with self-hatred, guilt, and suicidal thoughts. I would recommend this book for teens and above. The main character is Sean Brogan who deals with guilt and depression after his mom’s death. 🚨🚨MAJOR SPOILER ALERT 🚨 🚨 You find out that his mom committed suicide and Sean witnessed it while trying to take sheets from her closet. It was his major catastrophic event that rocked his world 🚨🚨 END OF SPOILER🚨🚨 This was a very good book and in a few years I will probably read it again.
Wow… this was a very good book. It was a hard book, very raw… but a good book. A Study in Terminal deals with self-hatred, guilt, and suicidal thoughts. I would recommend this book for teens and above. The main character is Sean Brogan who deals with guilt and depression after his mom’s death. 🚨🚨MAJOR SPOILER ALERT 🚨 🚨 You find out that his mom committed suicide and Sean witnessed it while trying to take sheets from her closet. It was his major catastrophic event that rocked his world 🚨🚨 END OF SPOILER🚨🚨 This was a very good book and in a few years I will probably read it again.
January 16, 2023
I read this in almost one sitting. That's how good this is. It is dark, brooding, and very raw but so real and a book like this is so needed in today's broken society.
I had to wait till I was in the right headspace for this, as it is so deep and raw, but I am so glad I can say I have read this work of art. From someone who understands the topic of the book deeply, I can say it was written very well.
I loved how Sean seemed so tough, but had a soft spot for a little kitten, and that he wrote a book and drank tea! I liked how there was a hint of romance between him and Rina, nothing less, nothing more.
It was good to see how intentional Sean became about facing his past and healing from it, and that his Dad slowly slowly started to begin the journey of healing.
This is a very real story, and well worth the read, highly recommend!
*I received an ARC of A Study In Terminal in exchange for my honest review*
I had to wait till I was in the right headspace for this, as it is so deep and raw, but I am so glad I can say I have read this work of art. From someone who understands the topic of the book deeply, I can say it was written very well.
I loved how Sean seemed so tough, but had a soft spot for a little kitten, and that he wrote a book and drank tea! I liked how there was a hint of romance between him and Rina, nothing less, nothing more.
It was good to see how intentional Sean became about facing his past and healing from it, and that his Dad slowly slowly started to begin the journey of healing.
This is a very real story, and well worth the read, highly recommend!
*I received an ARC of A Study In Terminal in exchange for my honest review*
January 5, 2022
It is a rare book that grips every emotion inside my chest and leaves me breathless. A Study In Terminal does it, and does it beautifully and tragically well. Kara Linaburg weaves an emotionally heavy story grappling tough subjects: suicide, gang violence, drugs, shame, grief, guilt, and does it in a visceral way that is genuine, believable, and grounded. Not many books will leave me lying awake at night contemplating the emotional, soul-crushing moments a character endured in a story. Every scene carried weight and didn't let up for a moment. I was invested in Sean Brogan from the first page and knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster. The lightning pace and dizzying tension kept me from putting this book down; I had to know what happened next! Every side character added depth, tension, and conflict that kept me hanging on their every line of dialogue. I fell in love with Sean, Rina and Joe! This story will stay with me forever. Sean’s journey through grief to redemption is one we can all take to heart, champion, and learn from. I hope all who read this book find healing from the ghosts in their past and move forward with brave hearts.
December 27, 2021
Some books stay with you forever. A STUDY IN TERMINAL by Kara Lynn will forever be one of those books for me now. As I turned each page, I found myself holding my breath. I needed to read on but was also scared to, almost. Kara tackles the topic of suicide as well as what it does to those left behind. For anyone who has ever lost someone to suicide, the breakneck pacing and dizzying emotions will keep you glued to the page with an important lesson being left at the end: We need to carry on even when doing so feels impossible. We need to free ourselves from the chains that are guilt, shame, and regret. We need to heal and sometimes that means turning toward the people we want to push away. We need each other and we need time. This book helped to heal some of the wounds I’ve carried for so long. It’s a process, I still have some, but it’s one I’m no longer choosing to do alone. There’s a quote that comes to mind when I reflect on Kara’s words: “Everyone wants to be the sun to lighten up someone’s life, but why not be the moon, to shine in someone’s darkest hour?” Thank you for being that moon, Kara.
January 17, 2022
A Study In Terminal is a deep, adventurous story that will touch the hearts of all its readers. It’s emotional, raw, honest, and genuinely captivating. I found myself sympathizing and rooting for the main character as I read more of his past and where he came from, and I felt like I had to finish the book to find out what would happen to him. Linaburg did a phenomenal job creating a storyline that will take its reader on a journey with her relatable, well-written characters.
I can't wait to read more of her work!
I can't wait to read more of her work!
March 23, 2022
A Study in Terminal is a gripping and emotional read that delves into mental illness and loss. While it does indulge in tropes at times (Rina is a bit of a "manic pixie dream girl," but I love her anyway), at the heart of this book is a sincere and hopeful message that came through clearly. ASIT does not hesitate to go into dark places but shows that you can come out the other side even when things become truly terrible. I don't know if I've ever seen suicidal thoughts and depression portrayed so well before.
Big trigger warning for suicide - I had to wait for a while before I was in the right headspace to read this, because I knew it would be extremely triggering but worth the read. Also trigger warnings for violence, rape (not on page), alcohol and drug use/abuse, and loss of a parent. However, everything was very well-handled and not sensationalized or exploitative. I could tell that Kara Linaburg wrote this book out of love and it really shows.
I do not think a 19-year-old boy who is a and who is having a passionate argument with his dad would use the word "flippin," which did take me out of the story. It puzzles me when books address disturbing topics but draw the line at having the characters swear. Are swear words worse than suicide, gang violence, and rape?
Would rate "New Adult" for the dark topics and for Sean's age (19).
Overall, I'm glad I read this book and will definitely read Linaburg's future work, because she is talented and a writer to watch.
Thank you to Monarch Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Big trigger warning for suicide - I had to wait for a while before I was in the right headspace to read this, because I knew it would be extremely triggering but worth the read. Also trigger warnings for violence, rape (not on page), alcohol and drug use/abuse, and loss of a parent. However, everything was very well-handled and not sensationalized or exploitative. I could tell that Kara Linaburg wrote this book out of love and it really shows.
I do not think a 19-year-old boy who is a and who is having a passionate argument with his dad would use the word "flippin," which did take me out of the story. It puzzles me when books address disturbing topics but draw the line at having the characters swear. Are swear words worse than suicide, gang violence, and rape?
Would rate "New Adult" for the dark topics and for Sean's age (19).
Overall, I'm glad I read this book and will definitely read Linaburg's future work, because she is talented and a writer to watch.
Thank you to Monarch Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2022
*Trigger warning* Writing a book centred around suicide can never be an easy feat. All the more reason why our world needs more books like this!
I was tense throughout and not quite sure I wanted to get to the end. It was dark but it needed to be.
Beautifully written and haunting to the point I was on the edge of my seat.
The main character Sean is broken and doesn't feel he deserves redemption. However, deep in his soul he cries out for healing and the way this book handles that is on point.
Thank you Kara for sharing this story with the world. It truly is a book that matters and I hope it will help many out there reading it.
Five stars and I look forward to read more of Kara's work in the future. Highly recommend.
I was tense throughout and not quite sure I wanted to get to the end. It was dark but it needed to be.
Beautifully written and haunting to the point I was on the edge of my seat.
The main character Sean is broken and doesn't feel he deserves redemption. However, deep in his soul he cries out for healing and the way this book handles that is on point.
Thank you Kara for sharing this story with the world. It truly is a book that matters and I hope it will help many out there reading it.
Five stars and I look forward to read more of Kara's work in the future. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2022
This is a really hard review to write. Not because the book was bad (it's amazing), but because my sister is the one who wrote it.
A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this book, and Kara really poured her heart onto the page. The story itself is a heartbreaking exploration of grief, love, and moving on, and I think it's the kind of book that always holds a piece of your heart. And that ending.... *chef's kiss*. Perfection!
Of course, I am Kara's sister, so you may think I'm biased (I might be. Just a tiny bit). But why don't you read the book yourself and find out?
A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this book, and Kara really poured her heart onto the page. The story itself is a heartbreaking exploration of grief, love, and moving on, and I think it's the kind of book that always holds a piece of your heart. And that ending.... *chef's kiss*. Perfection!
Of course, I am Kara's sister, so you may think I'm biased (I might be. Just a tiny bit). But why don't you read the book yourself and find out?
June 7, 2022
I knew almost as soon as I started reading this book that it was going to break my heart, and I was right. Sean's journey is dark, raw, painful, and feels so real. From the start I just wanted him to escape his darkness and be okay. <3
This book shows the struggle of dealing with your past, of letting other people help you, and of having the strength to forgive yourself and let healing begin. It's a beautiful story and so important. <3
This book shows the struggle of dealing with your past, of letting other people help you, and of having the strength to forgive yourself and let healing begin. It's a beautiful story and so important. <3
March 23, 2022
Poignant and visceral, A Study in Terminal takes the reader on a deep dive into the heart of death, what it means, and how we each may become uniquely acquainted with it. With care and precision, Linaburg has crafted a story that will arrest your attention from its beginning all the way through to its soaring conclusion.
March 9, 2022
At only 19, Sean Brogan already knew more than his fair share of hardships. Childhood trauma, poor life choices, and the burning need to just feel loved had led him down a path that twisted and turned until it became a maze he could no longer escape. Now, faced with the tenth anniversary of the event that had shaped every current facet of his life, Sean makes the decision to face the demons he’s always avoided in a battle he has no expectations of winning. As he rides into a home he hasn’t seen in years, he is forced to realize all over again that life won’t always follow the path you laid.
A Study in Terminal by Kara Linaburg is a story about lost childhood, guilt, regret, depression, and the redemption that can possibly come from confronting each of them head on. The book pulls no punches from the very first page, opening with Sean as he prepares himself for death, then continues on to illuminate his journey to that point, often in a tone of gut-wrenching honesty. Linaburg uses frequent flashbacks to build tension and mystery about Sean’s life, teasing the events that have brought him to the present moment in time and giving the book an air of intrigue that makes the heavy subject matter take less of a mental toll.
At its core, A Study in Terminal explores the theme of death and all the associated traumas that come with one that is both unexpected and violent. However, it doesn’t neglect to shine a light on the other side of the coin and eventually also touches on ideas of self-love, acceptance, and the power that comes from forgiveness. It manages to pack a lot of layers into its pages without creating confusion or slowing down the action. As a result, Linaburg has created a tightly wound and efficient story where even the most minor characters play an important role to the plot progression and have an impactful place in Sean’s life.
If I have any criticism of the book, it’s only that Linaburg was so good at building tension and pacing her reveals that I almost expected something more nefarious and scandalous to be in Sean’s past. I loved the references to his famous, distant family relation and I would have enjoyed more of an exploration into that, although I completely understand why it would not have made sense in the context of the narrative. This book gets a an easy recommendation from me!
A Study in Terminal by Kara Linaburg is a story about lost childhood, guilt, regret, depression, and the redemption that can possibly come from confronting each of them head on. The book pulls no punches from the very first page, opening with Sean as he prepares himself for death, then continues on to illuminate his journey to that point, often in a tone of gut-wrenching honesty. Linaburg uses frequent flashbacks to build tension and mystery about Sean’s life, teasing the events that have brought him to the present moment in time and giving the book an air of intrigue that makes the heavy subject matter take less of a mental toll.
At its core, A Study in Terminal explores the theme of death and all the associated traumas that come with one that is both unexpected and violent. However, it doesn’t neglect to shine a light on the other side of the coin and eventually also touches on ideas of self-love, acceptance, and the power that comes from forgiveness. It manages to pack a lot of layers into its pages without creating confusion or slowing down the action. As a result, Linaburg has created a tightly wound and efficient story where even the most minor characters play an important role to the plot progression and have an impactful place in Sean’s life.
If I have any criticism of the book, it’s only that Linaburg was so good at building tension and pacing her reveals that I almost expected something more nefarious and scandalous to be in Sean’s past. I loved the references to his famous, distant family relation and I would have enjoyed more of an exploration into that, although I completely understand why it would not have made sense in the context of the narrative. This book gets a an easy recommendation from me!
June 11, 2022
3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4)
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book contains darker themes, but they were handled so well by the author. This is a raw, emotional story about a young man navigating and overcoming challenges, including the darkness of his past and his sense of guilt over his actions.
The story is told both in present day and flashbacks. As the reader, you get to follow along Sean's journey. It's an emotional roller-coaster, but it delivers such important messages about healing and moving on. This book, particularly the ending, has a powerful lesson that will touch readers.
There were two things that affected my rating. The first was Rina. As much as I like her role in the story, I felt her personality was a little lacking. Maybe that's just because Sean was the focus of the story, but I would have loved to see her character get explored a little more! The second was the main secret of Sean's past. This book was fast-paced, and the second half was action-packed. With all the suspense leading up to the reveal, I expected it to be more than it was. But that's not really a criticism, I was just caught up in all the action!
It's not easy to write a story on subjects like these, but I think Kara Linaburg did an amazing job of it! She created a main character you wanted to see succeed, and her messages were beautiful.
Content: gangs, violence, r*pe, suicide, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, etc. (Nothing is ever shown graphically though)
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book contains darker themes, but they were handled so well by the author. This is a raw, emotional story about a young man navigating and overcoming challenges, including the darkness of his past and his sense of guilt over his actions.
The story is told both in present day and flashbacks. As the reader, you get to follow along Sean's journey. It's an emotional roller-coaster, but it delivers such important messages about healing and moving on. This book, particularly the ending, has a powerful lesson that will touch readers.
There were two things that affected my rating. The first was Rina. As much as I like her role in the story, I felt her personality was a little lacking. Maybe that's just because Sean was the focus of the story, but I would have loved to see her character get explored a little more! The second was the main secret of Sean's past. This book was fast-paced, and the second half was action-packed. With all the suspense leading up to the reveal, I expected it to be more than it was. But that's not really a criticism, I was just caught up in all the action!
It's not easy to write a story on subjects like these, but I think Kara Linaburg did an amazing job of it! She created a main character you wanted to see succeed, and her messages were beautiful.
Content: gangs, violence, r*pe, suicide, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, etc. (Nothing is ever shown graphically though)
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed this story and how the heavy themes tackled within mixed with flickers of hope and answers. Sean’s character and the mystery of his past is well done, as everything unfolds with little hints through his thoughts and the plot, without feeling contrived or like he’s purposefully hiding things from the reader. Sean also has a clear, strong voice that stays consistent and authentic throughout the story, though he does get quite eloquent and thoughtful, and sometimes the internal monologues seemed a little long and repetitive. The story’s structure skips back and forth from present day narrative to letters and flashbacks from different times in Sean’s life, which I enjoyed for the most part. A few times the flashbacks felt like they were placed during tense moments to make things more dramatic, but for me it pulled out of the story because I was more concerned with the present that was interrupted. All in all, this was a deep and relatable narrative about living on without loved ones, how quickly things can change and consume you without realizing, and what it looks like to face your past and demons head-on.
May 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Study in Terminal.” It’s a story of life and death, covering mental health topics and hard subjects through characters that feel tangible and relatable. Sean’s story is told against the backdrop of a small Appalachian town interspersed with flashbacks from his past in New York City in a way that steadily built the tension but kept me guessing. I also enjoyed the elements of the story told through text conversations and journal entries.
One of my favorite themes was the exploration of healing being both a choice and a process, instead of something that happens immediately. Even while handling difficult subjects, "A Study in Terminal" is a celebration of hope and healing, told in a way that felt raw and real without straying into the gratuitous. Kara Linaburg handles tough subjects with grace, compassion, and vulnerability. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone.
Disclosure: I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite themes was the exploration of healing being both a choice and a process, instead of something that happens immediately. Even while handling difficult subjects, "A Study in Terminal" is a celebration of hope and healing, told in a way that felt raw and real without straying into the gratuitous. Kara Linaburg handles tough subjects with grace, compassion, and vulnerability. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone.
Disclosure: I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
"Our struggles teach us how strong we are not."
"ASIT" is a touching story of loss, guilt, forgiveness, and hope. It depicts the journey of Sean, a survivor of suicide loss, and the trajectory his life takes in the ten years after. For Sean, it was making unsound choices that provided him with a feeling of acceptance and dulled his pain, and with this came dangerous consequences.
While the author does a noteworthy job exploring the ugly reality that a loved one's suicide leaves behind, she has an exceptional way of revealing the beauty that stems from forgiveness, not only of others, but also of ourselves. She beautifully pens that it's okay to "let people meet you in the darkness". You are not alone!
While this is classified as ya fiction, I feel it fits better into the na fiction category. With mentions of drug and alcohol abuse, rape, prostitution, and suicide, I would be leery to let a child 17 and under read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"ASIT" is a touching story of loss, guilt, forgiveness, and hope. It depicts the journey of Sean, a survivor of suicide loss, and the trajectory his life takes in the ten years after. For Sean, it was making unsound choices that provided him with a feeling of acceptance and dulled his pain, and with this came dangerous consequences.
While the author does a noteworthy job exploring the ugly reality that a loved one's suicide leaves behind, she has an exceptional way of revealing the beauty that stems from forgiveness, not only of others, but also of ourselves. She beautifully pens that it's okay to "let people meet you in the darkness". You are not alone!
While this is classified as ya fiction, I feel it fits better into the na fiction category. With mentions of drug and alcohol abuse, rape, prostitution, and suicide, I would be leery to let a child 17 and under read this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2022
Kara Linaburg poured her soul into this short novel, and the raw emotions are evident. The reader feels Sean’s pain deeply, giving the story an air of believability.
The characters are what drew me into the story, especially Rina. I loved her outlook, and her character arc might just be my favorite from the book. However, Sean’s arc is just as notable, and the ending was both heartbreaking and perfect.
Each nod to Sherlock Holmes made my nerdy heart smile a little, and I appreciated how they were woven in without taking over the story.
My one quibble with A Study in Terminal is that I wish it had been a little bit longer. As readers, we’re given the opportunity to see so much of Sean’s internal struggle, but I would have enjoyed some slower pacing through his life. The action was so fast-paced at times that I found myself wanting a little longer to process themes and moments. However, if nothing else, I think the desire for a longer book speaks to its quality.
Overall, ASIT was a fast yet heart-wrenching read that I’d love to revisit someday! The world needs more books like ASIT - willing to explore difficult issues while maintaining an engaging story with thought-provoking themes.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full content and personal review at: https://bookishmusings.com/review/a-s...
The characters are what drew me into the story, especially Rina. I loved her outlook, and her character arc might just be my favorite from the book. However, Sean’s arc is just as notable, and the ending was both heartbreaking and perfect.
Each nod to Sherlock Holmes made my nerdy heart smile a little, and I appreciated how they were woven in without taking over the story.
My one quibble with A Study in Terminal is that I wish it had been a little bit longer. As readers, we’re given the opportunity to see so much of Sean’s internal struggle, but I would have enjoyed some slower pacing through his life. The action was so fast-paced at times that I found myself wanting a little longer to process themes and moments. However, if nothing else, I think the desire for a longer book speaks to its quality.
Overall, ASIT was a fast yet heart-wrenching read that I’d love to revisit someday! The world needs more books like ASIT - willing to explore difficult issues while maintaining an engaging story with thought-provoking themes.
I was provided an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full content and personal review at: https://bookishmusings.com/review/a-s...
July 16, 2022
3.5 - Kara has a strong and readable narrative voice, and I really got a sense of Sean’s personality through her writing. I saw a lot of potential in this one, especially with the themes and character development, although I think it needed about 100 pages more of background and plot development. I understood what was going on, but I struggled to remember the significance of some characters like Simon and Jake. Rina felt a bit like a manic pixie dream girl to me. I liked the intermingling of the past and present. I would have liked a bit more development with Sean’s mother - even though she’s dead, this was integral conflict for Sean, and getting to know her better would have made the core of the story more impactful. Overall I still enjoyed this one and would recommend for a quick indie read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
The main character, Sean, is haunted by his mother’s suicide which he actually witnessed as a child. As a teen, he lives life isolated and depressed. When he visits his childhood home in West Virginia, old friendships and memories create a tension which he tries to escape but can’t.
I kept turning the pages because I really didn’t know how this story was going to end. There were no pat answers and no glossing over the harsh realities of life. My takeaway was that even though there are no easy answers and no quick fixes, one can still resolve to survive the darkness in hope that light will eventually arrive. And that hope, however small, is worth fighting for.
A Study In Terminal is well written and Kara Linaburg does a good job of drawing readers into the character’s internal struggles.
I kept turning the pages because I really didn’t know how this story was going to end. There were no pat answers and no glossing over the harsh realities of life. My takeaway was that even though there are no easy answers and no quick fixes, one can still resolve to survive the darkness in hope that light will eventually arrive. And that hope, however small, is worth fighting for.
A Study In Terminal is well written and Kara Linaburg does a good job of drawing readers into the character’s internal struggles.
June 23, 2022
A Study in Terminal is a story that will grip you from beginning to end. This is the first book I’ve read that dealt with suicide and Kara does an excellent job in exploring this struggle through the lives of her characters. I’ve read the book twice now and find myself pulled into the story each time. I would recommend this for teens on up (due to the weight of Sean’s struggle and some of the issues he faced in New York). While Kara doesn’t shy away from real and heavy problems, she points the way to hope, and the reader finds themselves challenged to be a stronger friend to those around them.
February 6, 2024
A STUDY IN TERMINAL is a YA novel that’s both hard-hitting and full of hope. The characters in this story are so well written that you care deeply for them, and I became invested in and cared about the protagonist Sean’s journey from the very start. The setting and imagery were also beautiful. I loved the epilogue and found it perfect. I read it through again after I finished just to savor the ending. While this book doesn’t shy away from tough themes, it also carries hope that may reach readers just when they need it the most. I highly recommend it!
August 17, 2022
I couldn't put this one down, which cost me a night of sleep. It was well worth it though. Linaburg's writing is authentic, and the novel provides hope for those who feel lost. It's a story that needs to be shared.
February 1, 2023
I couldn't put this one down, which cost me a night of sleep. It was well worth it though. Linaburg's writing is authentic, and the novel provides hope for those who feel lost. It's a story that needs to be shared.
dnf
April 9, 2024DNF @ 23% - Not my cup of tea. Seems like it might be very interesting to the right audience, though!
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free eARC. All thoughts are my own. A positive review was not required.*
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free eARC. All thoughts are my own. A positive review was not required.*
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