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The Throwaways
Four old friends.
Three murdered girls.
Two dead brothers.
One astonishing secret. George Engle has lived in the long shadow of his superstar twin brothers since they died in a freak accident when he was thirteen. Now, in the spring of 1986, George and his childhood friends are living lives they never wanted. It's easy to sleepwalk through insignificance, until a second freak accident jolts them awake—only it's no accident. One night, George regains consciousness just in time to watch an unfamiliar house explode, and finds evidence of the crime he didn't commit planted on his back seat. He narrowly eludes what may or may not be police and subsequently learns the explosion was a cover-up for three baffling execution-style murders. George was supposed to take the fall, and now the killers are hunting him. George and his friends reunite to probe the mysterious deaths, a murderous drug cartel, and their own self-deception. But in the process, they'll discover they can trust no one and nothing—not even their own memories. Fans of THE DROWNING GAME will love meeting Dekker's Uncle Curt and George, the attorney he introduces Petty to, as young men in the 1980s.
Three murdered girls.
Two dead brothers.
One astonishing secret. George Engle has lived in the long shadow of his superstar twin brothers since they died in a freak accident when he was thirteen. Now, in the spring of 1986, George and his childhood friends are living lives they never wanted. It's easy to sleepwalk through insignificance, until a second freak accident jolts them awake—only it's no accident. One night, George regains consciousness just in time to watch an unfamiliar house explode, and finds evidence of the crime he didn't commit planted on his back seat. He narrowly eludes what may or may not be police and subsequently learns the explosion was a cover-up for three baffling execution-style murders. George was supposed to take the fall, and now the killers are hunting him. George and his friends reunite to probe the mysterious deaths, a murderous drug cartel, and their own self-deception. But in the process, they'll discover they can trust no one and nothing—not even their own memories. Fans of THE DROWNING GAME will love meeting Dekker's Uncle Curt and George, the attorney he introduces Petty to, as young men in the 1980s.
- GenresMystery
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2019
38 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
L.S. Hawker
5 books134 followersLS Hawker grew up in suburban Denver, indulging her worrisome obsession with true-crime books, and writing stories about anthropomorphic fruit and juvenile delinquents. She wrote her first novel at 14.
Armed with a B.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, she had a radio show called “People Are So Stupid,” edited a trade magazine, and worked as a traveling Kmart portrait photographer, but never lost her passion for fiction writing.
Her debut thriller, THE DROWNING GAME, was a finalist in the 2016 ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category.
She’s got a hilarious, supportive husband, two brilliant daughters, and a massive music collection. She lives in Colorado but considers Kansas her spiritual homeland. Visit her website at LSHawker.com.
Armed with a B.S. in journalism from the University of Kansas, she had a radio show called “People Are So Stupid,” edited a trade magazine, and worked as a traveling Kmart portrait photographer, but never lost her passion for fiction writing.
Her debut thriller, THE DROWNING GAME, was a finalist in the 2016 ITW Thriller Awards in the Best First Novel category.
She’s got a hilarious, supportive husband, two brilliant daughters, and a massive music collection. She lives in Colorado but considers Kansas her spiritual homeland. Visit her website at LSHawker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 1, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
The Throwaways by L.S. Hawker is surprising... in a good way!
What it's about: George is 28 and has never really been able to make anything of himself. He has big dreams that he never follows up on, and is a guy that generally just fades into the background. But when he wakes up outside of a house that has just exploded with a gun and a knife dripping in blood in the backseat of his car, he needs to make some quick decisions. The last thing he remembers is a girl named Stacia that he was giving a ride home to smiling at him, and then poof she was gone. Then the house exploded. Someone is trying to frame him, but who? And how is he going to get himself out of this mess?
The main plot of The Throwaways has to do with George, but we do get the viewpoints of his old friends Bill, Curt, and Travis as well. Everyone is dealing with their own issues, but they band together to help George. This novel is about the mystery of who is framing George and why, but it also speaks about addiction and old friendships being renewed.
The writing of this book was a little weird for me. I don't know if it was the language Hawker uses or what, but I found it bugging me. It's hard for me to explain, but I did want to mention it since that's the only thing that really held me back from giving this a higher rating. Honestly, I want to read Hawker's other work just to see if the way she writes is the same all the time, or if it was because this book has a male protagonist instead of female.
When I started The Throwaways I wasn't sure how much I was going to like it because of the writing, but by the time I got to the end I was enjoying it a lot more. And the twist ended up being something I never saw coming. The heartfelt subjects of friendship and overcoming addiction were nice additions to the plot, and I think this is a very worthwhile read if you are looking for a mystery with some soul.
Final Thought: While The Throwaways didn't completely blow me away or anything, I thought it was a very solid novel and I do want to read more of this author's work. I heard at an event that The Drowning Game has some of the same characters (only older) even though it was written before this book, so at the very least I will be checking that one out.
*Thank you to JKS Publicity and the author for sending me this novel and a swag box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
The Throwaways by L.S. Hawker is surprising... in a good way!
What it's about: George is 28 and has never really been able to make anything of himself. He has big dreams that he never follows up on, and is a guy that generally just fades into the background. But when he wakes up outside of a house that has just exploded with a gun and a knife dripping in blood in the backseat of his car, he needs to make some quick decisions. The last thing he remembers is a girl named Stacia that he was giving a ride home to smiling at him, and then poof she was gone. Then the house exploded. Someone is trying to frame him, but who? And how is he going to get himself out of this mess?
The main plot of The Throwaways has to do with George, but we do get the viewpoints of his old friends Bill, Curt, and Travis as well. Everyone is dealing with their own issues, but they band together to help George. This novel is about the mystery of who is framing George and why, but it also speaks about addiction and old friendships being renewed.
The writing of this book was a little weird for me. I don't know if it was the language Hawker uses or what, but I found it bugging me. It's hard for me to explain, but I did want to mention it since that's the only thing that really held me back from giving this a higher rating. Honestly, I want to read Hawker's other work just to see if the way she writes is the same all the time, or if it was because this book has a male protagonist instead of female.
When I started The Throwaways I wasn't sure how much I was going to like it because of the writing, but by the time I got to the end I was enjoying it a lot more. And the twist ended up being something I never saw coming. The heartfelt subjects of friendship and overcoming addiction were nice additions to the plot, and I think this is a very worthwhile read if you are looking for a mystery with some soul.
Final Thought: While The Throwaways didn't completely blow me away or anything, I thought it was a very solid novel and I do want to read more of this author's work. I heard at an event that The Drowning Game has some of the same characters (only older) even though it was written before this book, so at the very least I will be checking that one out.
*Thank you to JKS Publicity and the author for sending me this novel and a swag box in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
January 22, 2019
Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "The Throwaways" by L.S. Hawker, The Vanishing Point Press Ltd., January 22, 2019
L.S. Hawker, Author of "The Throwaways" has written an intense, intriguing, energetic adventure. The Genres for this story are Mystery, Suspense, Thriller and Fiction. The timeline for this story is around 1986 and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters or events in this story. The author describes her quirky and dysfunctional characters as dull, complex, and complicated.
George Engle has had 2 significant moments in his otherwise unnoticeable life. The first was when his idolized twin brothers were killed in an accident, when George was 13. The second was when he wakes up in a car , and sees a house explode. In the car with him are cocaine, and evidence of other significant items that fit with the crime. George doesn't remember anything. George does realize that he has to do something.
George has always seemed like an "invisible" guy with no major motivation or inclination to achieve anything in his life. At this moment he is anything but. If he didn't cause the explosion, who did? George seeks out his High School friends to help him solve this mystery. Only this mystery now has turned into three murders. George's friends each have their own unique set of problems.
Who and why would anyone want to frame George for anything? There are twists and turns, and ups and downs, and danger from the get-go. The world George seems to be running from is involved with drugs and criminal activity. I would recommend this exciting thriller for readers who enjoy action and suspense.
L.S. Hawker, Author of "The Throwaways" has written an intense, intriguing, energetic adventure. The Genres for this story are Mystery, Suspense, Thriller and Fiction. The timeline for this story is around 1986 and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters or events in this story. The author describes her quirky and dysfunctional characters as dull, complex, and complicated.
George Engle has had 2 significant moments in his otherwise unnoticeable life. The first was when his idolized twin brothers were killed in an accident, when George was 13. The second was when he wakes up in a car , and sees a house explode. In the car with him are cocaine, and evidence of other significant items that fit with the crime. George doesn't remember anything. George does realize that he has to do something.
George has always seemed like an "invisible" guy with no major motivation or inclination to achieve anything in his life. At this moment he is anything but. If he didn't cause the explosion, who did? George seeks out his High School friends to help him solve this mystery. Only this mystery now has turned into three murders. George's friends each have their own unique set of problems.
Who and why would anyone want to frame George for anything? There are twists and turns, and ups and downs, and danger from the get-go. The world George seems to be running from is involved with drugs and criminal activity. I would recommend this exciting thriller for readers who enjoy action and suspense.
January 25, 2019
There are catchy reader's hooks; there are great reader's hooks; and then there is the explosive reader's hook that blasts open a door into apparently alternate reality--a reality that is so unbelievable and so disarming that no one in their right mind would want to inhabit it. Poor George Engel certainly doesn't want to be here; he has enough troubles just being himself, at the age of twenty-eight already considered a "life passed him by" candidate. But just when George finally finds something going for him--his acceptance into Law School--life upends him. His topsy-turvy new existence doesn't seem to ever pause; he can't catch a breath and he can't catch a break. George gives an entirely new meaning to the term "feckless hero." Feckless can't even begin to describe what this guy goes through.
Tension-laden with suspense ratcheted to the max, THE THROWAWAYS is a book you can't put down. It will blast you out of your complacency and into an entirely new manner of perception, and you will simultaneously hate it and love it, close your eyes and open them as wide as possible, cheer on feckless George and scream "oh no!" The one thing you will NOT be with this novel is bored.
Tension-laden with suspense ratcheted to the max, THE THROWAWAYS is a book you can't put down. It will blast you out of your complacency and into an entirely new manner of perception, and you will simultaneously hate it and love it, close your eyes and open them as wide as possible, cheer on feckless George and scream "oh no!" The one thing you will NOT be with this novel is bored.
May 20, 2019
5++ stars from me! Loved everything about this book. The plot was clever and the storytelling was fantastic. The writing was so compelling that I devoured this book in one sitting. Attention to detail was amazing and the "filler" moments enhanced the story and the characters rather than just added to the word count. Everything was fully developed, specially the characters and they were at the forefront more than the 'crime'. I was rooting for them all the way and found the ending very satisfying. The blend of genres makes it difficult to categorize, but I'd say it is a mystery/crime story with a strong focus on friendship; it had a lot of heart. I was totally immersed in the plot and visualized this as a 5 star movie.
December 11, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The title refers to those unfortunate people, caught up in the drug business, who are expendable in the eyes of major drug dealers. But we don't learn this until quite late in the book. The plot is clever and very interesting. A young man on the run, framed for murders he did not commit and finding himself in possession of drugs that make him the target of criminals...or is that really what the drug dealers are after?
There are definitely some unexpected twists to the plot. The main character and the characters of his friends are well developed and individually spotlighted, which makes for short chapters and contributes to making this book a page turner.
The title refers to those unfortunate people, caught up in the drug business, who are expendable in the eyes of major drug dealers. But we don't learn this until quite late in the book. The plot is clever and very interesting. A young man on the run, framed for murders he did not commit and finding himself in possession of drugs that make him the target of criminals...or is that really what the drug dealers are after?
There are definitely some unexpected twists to the plot. The main character and the characters of his friends are well developed and individually spotlighted, which makes for short chapters and contributes to making this book a page turner.
January 22, 2019
This story brought back some nostalgia for friends that I have known in high school and don't get to see as often as I like. The adventure and suspense of the story had my heart beating out of my chest and I was rooting for the "good" guys. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. Thank you Netgalley for my copy of the book.
#TheThrowaways #NetGalley
#TheThrowaways #NetGalley
February 1, 2019
*I received a free copy of this eBook for my honest review*
In 1986, George Engle didn't have a lot going for him. A nothing special job, no real ambitions, just living a mediocre life. When George gets a letter accepting him to law school he thinks finally his life is about to change! He's going somewhere now! George was definitely right, just not in the way he thought. While out celebrating Law School George meets a girl who will flip his world upside down. Later that night, George wakes up in a car next to an exploding house with a bag of incriminating evidence in the backseat of his car. George doesn't remember anything after the drink that Stacia gave him. Terrified and not sure what to do George goes to his home town to hide until he can figure out what happened. Childhood friends become involved in trying to help George and they are all in for a wild ride. Who to trust? Where to turn?
I thought this was a good read. I was interested the whole way through and wanted to see how the story ended. I did not read LS Hawker's first book "The Drowning Game" beforehand so I was meeting the characters for the first time. I feel like there was depth and growth of the characters throughout the story. At times reactions and character behavior was confusing and dramatic but all in all, I liked the characters. LS Hawker did a good job of placing a group of friends in an impossible situation while dealing with their own very real problems in life. I think it's a good story of friendship and loyalty. I did not expect the ending and who the "bad guy" actually was shocked me.
In 1986, George Engle didn't have a lot going for him. A nothing special job, no real ambitions, just living a mediocre life. When George gets a letter accepting him to law school he thinks finally his life is about to change! He's going somewhere now! George was definitely right, just not in the way he thought. While out celebrating Law School George meets a girl who will flip his world upside down. Later that night, George wakes up in a car next to an exploding house with a bag of incriminating evidence in the backseat of his car. George doesn't remember anything after the drink that Stacia gave him. Terrified and not sure what to do George goes to his home town to hide until he can figure out what happened. Childhood friends become involved in trying to help George and they are all in for a wild ride. Who to trust? Where to turn?
I thought this was a good read. I was interested the whole way through and wanted to see how the story ended. I did not read LS Hawker's first book "The Drowning Game" beforehand so I was meeting the characters for the first time. I feel like there was depth and growth of the characters throughout the story. At times reactions and character behavior was confusing and dramatic but all in all, I liked the characters. LS Hawker did a good job of placing a group of friends in an impossible situation while dealing with their own very real problems in life. I think it's a good story of friendship and loyalty. I did not expect the ending and who the "bad guy" actually was shocked me.
February 7, 2019
George Engle usually lets life happen to him. When he wakes up behind the wheel of his car covered in blood and the house he is parked near explodes, he can no longer be so passive. George and his three friends from high school are throwaways, living lives even they aren't paying attention to. But George's ordeal throws them back together and they are forced to fight back and look deep within themselves.
This is Hawker's fourth thriller novel and it holds thrills and twists and surprises. It is a fun, fast, thought-provoking read. While I found myself biting my nails over who would live or die, I also pondered the nature of friendship and how old wounds often tell us the wrong story about ourselves. Hawker, therefore, digs deep into her characters. They are far from perfect humans and therefore easy to love and cheer for. Curt, an artist, hippy, and womanizer, is my favorite and the hub of the wheel of the old high school friendship.
Hawker is an excellent writer and a fabulous story-teller.
This is Hawker's fourth thriller novel and it holds thrills and twists and surprises. It is a fun, fast, thought-provoking read. While I found myself biting my nails over who would live or die, I also pondered the nature of friendship and how old wounds often tell us the wrong story about ourselves. Hawker, therefore, digs deep into her characters. They are far from perfect humans and therefore easy to love and cheer for. Curt, an artist, hippy, and womanizer, is my favorite and the hub of the wheel of the old high school friendship.
Hawker is an excellent writer and a fabulous story-teller.
March 27, 2019
In 1986, 10 years after graduation from high school, George finally gets a break. After working in a dead end job he finally get accepted into law school. Instead of celebrating with sane people he gets tied up with some girl who is in deep trouble with drug traffikers. Georges life spirals out of control as he returns to his home town and his old high school friends get involved with trying to help George. With a trip down memory lane and the KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) looking for him in connection with 3 murders, George is in more than deep trouble that could cost him and his friends their lives. George and his friends go through some harrowing circumstances.
The Throwaways was an entertaining story with an intense plot, good character portrayals and good order to the story. It was interesting and kept my interest throughout.
The Throwaways was an entertaining story with an intense plot, good character portrayals and good order to the story. It was interesting and kept my interest throughout.
February 1, 2019
Loved it, loved it, loved it! Even though I was drawn in from the first page, it moved fast from character to character. That took a little getting used to, but it was perfect for this story. Was half way through yesterday morning, and finished the last 10% this morning. Would have finished it last night if my eyes hadn’t betrayed me.
This story of friendship was so real. It’s the people you love and depend on that hurt you the most. They are also the ones who help you grow, and learn who you are and how to love yourself the most. LS Hawker captured friendship in all of its glories and pitfalls, and within that story wove a fast moving thriller. I can’t wait to read her next book!
This story of friendship was so real. It’s the people you love and depend on that hurt you the most. They are also the ones who help you grow, and learn who you are and how to love yourself the most. LS Hawker captured friendship in all of its glories and pitfalls, and within that story wove a fast moving thriller. I can’t wait to read her next book!
November 13, 2018
LS Hawker did not disappoint in her first foray into writing from the male perspective. This gripping story gives nods to previous books and characters from Hawker that devoted fans will live for. If you love thrillers with characters that both create and break tension then I would highly recommend.
November 13, 2018
LS Hawker's versatility is extremely evident in this mystery novel. However, she remains loyal to her fanbase in writing a character from a previous book 30 years younger. This book is nothing short of a heartracing blast to the past that leaves you shocked. The characters and plot blend into an exhilarating story.
December 28, 2018
This isn't a book I would typically pick up on my own but I received an early copy for review and was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The writing flowed well and the story switched easily between multiple POV. Its quite a twisted little tale and I was really glad that we weren't left with any questions, all the stories woven throughout came together really well at the end.
November 13, 2018
I seriously couldn't put it down! George is an amusingly complex protagonist in a very serious and thrilling storyline. The relationship between him and his old friends makes for a great arc running alongside a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
January 27, 2019
Barely finished
I had read The Drowning Game by Hawker and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book...not so much. It took me half way through the book to keep the characters straight and another 1/4 before I liked any of them. Too long, too slow moving for me.
I had read The Drowning Game by Hawker and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book...not so much. It took me half way through the book to keep the characters straight and another 1/4 before I liked any of them. Too long, too slow moving for me.
December 11, 2018
A fast-paced thriller that pulls in characters from other books by L.S. Hawker. I really enjoyed this alternate look into some more minor characters from her other books!
February 28, 2019
Great read picked by my book club. Look forward to reading another book by this author.
March 12, 2019
LS Hawker does it again.
May 13, 2020
https://bookishdevices.com/2019/01/21...
2.5 ⭐️
That’s it? Well, that was a disappoint! Those were my thoughts when I finished The Throwaways.
George regains consciousness in his car just in time to watch an unfamiliar house explode and finds evidence of the crime he didn’t commit planted in his back seat. He learns the explosion was a cover-up for three execution-style murders. George was supposed to take the fall, now the killers are hunting him.
When the book began I thought the plot sounded promising, but it wasn’t carried out in a stellar fashion. I felt like some of the story was thrown away (Ha! Ha!), that chunks of the story were missing. Therefore, I found the characters were underdeveloped and there was no depth to the story.
In the end, this book left with me a blah feeling. At no time did I experience butterflies in my stomach because of the suspense. I did find one of the reveals to be a surprise, but it wasn’t enough to save this book for me.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend The Throwaways. However, all readers are not the same, so if this one intrigues you don’t let my review stop you from reading. It could be your next favorite book. It simply wasn’t mine.
My thanks to JKS Communications for the advanced copy of this book.
2.5 ⭐️
That’s it? Well, that was a disappoint! Those were my thoughts when I finished The Throwaways.
George regains consciousness in his car just in time to watch an unfamiliar house explode and finds evidence of the crime he didn’t commit planted in his back seat. He learns the explosion was a cover-up for three execution-style murders. George was supposed to take the fall, now the killers are hunting him.
When the book began I thought the plot sounded promising, but it wasn’t carried out in a stellar fashion. I felt like some of the story was thrown away (Ha! Ha!), that chunks of the story were missing. Therefore, I found the characters were underdeveloped and there was no depth to the story.
In the end, this book left with me a blah feeling. At no time did I experience butterflies in my stomach because of the suspense. I did find one of the reveals to be a surprise, but it wasn’t enough to save this book for me.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend The Throwaways. However, all readers are not the same, so if this one intrigues you don’t let my review stop you from reading. It could be your next favorite book. It simply wasn’t mine.
My thanks to JKS Communications for the advanced copy of this book.
November 27, 2018
Not surprisingly, L.S. Hawker brings her A-game once again! Her latest thriller is intense, gritty, and will make your spine shiver. A visceral read that plays with a previous character from "The Drowning Game," depicting him in his younger years. Die-hard fans will enjoy this expansion of Hawker's fictional world.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews