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Good Morning, Darkness
Francisco follows "Confessions of a Deathmaiden," her acclaimed debut, with a thrilling new mystery about a young woman's unexplained disappearance.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2005
13 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Francisco
20 books27 followersI tend to write novels that are a little controversial. I don't intend to, but a question grabs hold of my mind--Do we have a right to say no to medical technology? What would it be like to be Jackie Kennedy? Where is Islamic extremism taking us?--and it won't let go. I have to explore it, I have to write about it.
Since my interests are varied, my books are varied, perhaps too much so. But whatever the theme, I always explore identity, trying to reconcile the physical and spiritual worlds. My characters respond sensually to the world as I do, they question and doubt. It would be easier to be a different kind of writer maybe. I hope you get something out of my little efforts.
Since my interests are varied, my books are varied, perhaps too much so. But whatever the theme, I always explore identity, trying to reconcile the physical and spiritual worlds. My characters respond sensually to the world as I do, they question and doubt. It would be easier to be a different kind of writer maybe. I hope you get something out of my little efforts.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 17, 2019
Laura Finnegan, breathtakingly beautiful in the manner that makes men feel protective of her, seems to be an entirely blameless, utterly admirable individual. We get an inkling that perhaps this view is simplistic when we learn that Laura is looking forward to seeing the pain of her surf-dude boyfriend Scott when she tells him that, far from accepting his proposal of marriage, she's dumping him. Still, maybe that was just a momentary lapse.
Then Laura goes missing. A little while later, two severed arms wash up on the California shore; it doesn't take the cops long to establish that, even though the arms were discovered miles apart, they belong to the same person. After a while, the assumption grows that this person is Laura.
Well, yes, except we've all read this sort of tale before . . .
The familiarity of it all wouldn't have bothered me so much (and it did occur to me that this novel could equally well have been called Gone Girl, thus beating Gillian Flynn to it by a decade or so and thereby tripling xanax use among publishers' publicists) if the book had been better written. The narrative is shared for the most part between (a) an unnamed Mexican (in first person) who noticed Laura during his early morning fishing trips and became infatuated by her, (b) the narcissistic, borderline psychotic boyfriend Scott (in third person) and (c) Reggie Brooks (in third person), a middle-aged cop whose spare-time martial-arts classes Laura attended in case she ever had to defend herself against Scott, and who has likewise become infatuated with her. (Both the fisherman and Reggie tell themselves that really, no, honest, really, their motives are pure.)
We also get a few early sections from Laura's point of view.
Credit where credit's due: Francisco nails the angler's voice perfectly. Whenever I saw one of "his" sections was up next I relaxed in my seat, looking forward to what he had to tell me. The trouble was that he didn't have a huge share of the text. When I was reading the tale from the viewpoint of Scott and Reggie -- in third person, remember, not first -- I was far less entranced. The telling seemed to sort of bump along, being not exactly bad but seeming a bit mediocre where surely we were entitled to expect more.
That Laura wasn't the sweet person everyone thought she was was something I figured out in my own stupid fashion by, I dunno, page 10 or 20; that she was a femme fatale took me until maybe page 50; sometime not so long before or after that, it seemed obvious she wasn't dead. Working out who the arms belonged to didn't take so very much longer. I know there was the occasional twist I didn't see coming, but they were all minor to the point that right now I can't remember what they were.
All of that said, this is a very readable novel. Ruth Francisco is, I think, like Stuart Woods in this respect: as with the TV series Lewis and Midsomer Murders (aside from the hot Mrs. Barnaby), you finish this week's episode reckoning it was pretty mediocre yet somehow find yourself tuning in the following week anyway. I'm sure I'll read some more Francisco somewhere down the line. Certainly her psychological thrillers like this one shouldn't be ignored.
Then Laura goes missing. A little while later, two severed arms wash up on the California shore; it doesn't take the cops long to establish that, even though the arms were discovered miles apart, they belong to the same person. After a while, the assumption grows that this person is Laura.
Well, yes, except we've all read this sort of tale before . . .
The familiarity of it all wouldn't have bothered me so much (and it did occur to me that this novel could equally well have been called Gone Girl, thus beating Gillian Flynn to it by a decade or so and thereby tripling xanax use among publishers' publicists) if the book had been better written. The narrative is shared for the most part between (a) an unnamed Mexican (in first person) who noticed Laura during his early morning fishing trips and became infatuated by her, (b) the narcissistic, borderline psychotic boyfriend Scott (in third person) and (c) Reggie Brooks (in third person), a middle-aged cop whose spare-time martial-arts classes Laura attended in case she ever had to defend herself against Scott, and who has likewise become infatuated with her. (Both the fisherman and Reggie tell themselves that really, no, honest, really, their motives are pure.)
We also get a few early sections from Laura's point of view.
Credit where credit's due: Francisco nails the angler's voice perfectly. Whenever I saw one of "his" sections was up next I relaxed in my seat, looking forward to what he had to tell me. The trouble was that he didn't have a huge share of the text. When I was reading the tale from the viewpoint of Scott and Reggie -- in third person, remember, not first -- I was far less entranced. The telling seemed to sort of bump along, being not exactly bad but seeming a bit mediocre where surely we were entitled to expect more.
That Laura wasn't the sweet person everyone thought she was was something I figured out in my own stupid fashion by, I dunno, page 10 or 20; that she was a femme fatale took me until maybe page 50; sometime not so long before or after that, it seemed obvious she wasn't dead. Working out who the arms belonged to didn't take so very much longer. I know there was the occasional twist I didn't see coming, but they were all minor to the point that right now I can't remember what they were.
All of that said, this is a very readable novel. Ruth Francisco is, I think, like Stuart Woods in this respect: as with the TV series Lewis and Midsomer Murders (aside from the hot Mrs. Barnaby), you finish this week's episode reckoning it was pretty mediocre yet somehow find yourself tuning in the following week anyway. I'm sure I'll read some more Francisco somewhere down the line. Certainly her psychological thrillers like this one shouldn't be ignored.
September 2, 2023
3.5/5 A mystery that kept me wanting to read more! Also enjoyed the psychological/ cynical undertones. Some under developed characters.
March 2, 2014
Nice twists and turns, although I pretty much figured it out before the end, that wasn't too frustrating because it was an exciting ride. Not as obvious as it seems throughout, although there are clues if you're paying attention.
January 11, 2019
Laura, she seems to be the center of the story....all of their stories......
This was so interesting to read. Not only was it a great story, but they way it was told held my attention and propelled me into the depths of the story deeper and faster. Each time I thought I might be able to guess what was coming next, I'd turn the page, only to find I was wrong. In the end, I was left utterly surprise. Great story, great characters, great writing.
This was so interesting to read. Not only was it a great story, but they way it was told held my attention and propelled me into the depths of the story deeper and faster. Each time I thought I might be able to guess what was coming next, I'd turn the page, only to find I was wrong. In the end, I was left utterly surprise. Great story, great characters, great writing.
March 2, 2016
"Petit" format (en hauteur) de ma collection chouchou, un peu oublié dans ma PAL- vu que je pense l'avoir acheté dès sa sortie fin 2008 hum- je me suis enfin plongée dans ce roman de Ruth Francisco. Auteur que je ne connaissais ni d'Eve, ni d'Adam (en même temps, je n'ai pas la connaissance infinie des auteurs du monde entier), mais à vrai dire, je n'ai pas trouvé beaucoup d'informations à son sujet sur internet. J'ai pu, en effet, me rendre compte qu'elle était américaine, qu'elle avait étudié à New-York avant de s'installer sur la côté ouest (non, vous n'avez le générique d'un soap qui vous passe par la tête comme moi en ce moment), pour travailler dans le cinéma. Elle a également d'autres titres à son actif (dont une bio de Jacqueline Onassis).
La lecture de cet ouvrage entre en plein dans mon challenge Kill/PAL (challenge de longue haleine, étant donné que ma vitesse d'achat de livres est (était) beaucoup plus élevée que ma vitesse de lecture).
Ce polar n'est peut-être pas mon préféré de la collection, mais il m'a été tout de même de bonne compagnie!
Le résumé : Nous sommes à Los Angeles, Laura est une jeune femme plutôt charmante qui sort avec Scott, jeune agent immobilier plutôt macho. Tout roule, jusqu'au jour où Laura rêve que Scott la tue. Rêve prémonitoire... ou pas, Laura ne veut prendre aucun risque et décide de mettre fin à leur relation. Scott prend très mal la chose et ne l'entend pas de cette oreille. Il commence alors à lui mener la vie difficile, au point que Laura s'inscrit à des cours d'auto-défense.
Quelques temps après cet épisode, un pêcheur mexicain retrouve, de beau matin, sur la plage un bras, avec une bague au bout d'un doigt. N'ayant pas l'envie d'être mêlé à une affaire judiciaire, il attend patiemment qu'un autre quidam passe par là et fasse la macabre découverte. Il est néanmoins quasi certain que ce bras appartient à la jeune-fille (Laura) qu'il avait pris l'habitude d'admirer tous les matins à la fenêtre de son appartement, et qu'il n'avait plus vue depuis quelques jours.
L'agent Reggie est mis sur l'affaire. Obsédé par cette affaire, il va se mettre sa femme et ses supérieurs à dos pour trouver la clé du mystère. Facile à comprendre quand on sait que Reggie était le prof d'auto-défense de Laura. Pour le reste... je vous invite à lire le livre.
Mon avis : A la lecture du résumé, on est en droit de penser que l'intrigue est facile, droite et que le mystère n'est pas très mystérieux. Bien au contraire. L'auteur nous entraine dans un enchevêtrement de rebondissements qui nous fait perdre le nord. Le livre est découpé en plusieurs parties (5 si je me souviens bien), elles-mêmes découpées en "chapitres" qui donnent la voix aux différents protagonistes : Laura, le flic, le mexicain, Scott. L'auteur nous donne ainsi un point de vue différent du récit en cours. Cette pratique est intéressante car elle permet de découvrir tous les personnages, d'en savoir plus sur leur profil psychologique, de mieux les aimer ou de les détester encore plus. Ca m'a permis de m'accrocher à ceux-ci. Je ne serais pas contre retrouver la suite des aventures de Reggie (bon là je spoile le fait qu'il ne se fait pas tuer ;-) )
Néanmoins, je suis un peu restée perplexe à la fin (un point que je ne peux évidemment soulever ici, me semblait assez limite niveau cohérence). Sans entrer dans les détails, malgré le fait qu'on voit par les yeux des personnages, on ne sait quand même pas tout. D'une part, ça évite de rendre l'enquête "trop facile" pour le lecteur, d'autre part, j'ai été quelque peu déroutée.
Alors tactique de l'auteur ou emberlificotage du lecteur... J'attends vos avis!
Ma note : 3,25 étoiles
La lecture de cet ouvrage entre en plein dans mon challenge Kill/PAL (challenge de longue haleine, étant donné que ma vitesse d'achat de livres est (était) beaucoup plus élevée que ma vitesse de lecture).
Ce polar n'est peut-être pas mon préféré de la collection, mais il m'a été tout de même de bonne compagnie!
Le résumé : Nous sommes à Los Angeles, Laura est une jeune femme plutôt charmante qui sort avec Scott, jeune agent immobilier plutôt macho. Tout roule, jusqu'au jour où Laura rêve que Scott la tue. Rêve prémonitoire... ou pas, Laura ne veut prendre aucun risque et décide de mettre fin à leur relation. Scott prend très mal la chose et ne l'entend pas de cette oreille. Il commence alors à lui mener la vie difficile, au point que Laura s'inscrit à des cours d'auto-défense.
Quelques temps après cet épisode, un pêcheur mexicain retrouve, de beau matin, sur la plage un bras, avec une bague au bout d'un doigt. N'ayant pas l'envie d'être mêlé à une affaire judiciaire, il attend patiemment qu'un autre quidam passe par là et fasse la macabre découverte. Il est néanmoins quasi certain que ce bras appartient à la jeune-fille (Laura) qu'il avait pris l'habitude d'admirer tous les matins à la fenêtre de son appartement, et qu'il n'avait plus vue depuis quelques jours.
L'agent Reggie est mis sur l'affaire. Obsédé par cette affaire, il va se mettre sa femme et ses supérieurs à dos pour trouver la clé du mystère. Facile à comprendre quand on sait que Reggie était le prof d'auto-défense de Laura. Pour le reste... je vous invite à lire le livre.
Mon avis : A la lecture du résumé, on est en droit de penser que l'intrigue est facile, droite et que le mystère n'est pas très mystérieux. Bien au contraire. L'auteur nous entraine dans un enchevêtrement de rebondissements qui nous fait perdre le nord. Le livre est découpé en plusieurs parties (5 si je me souviens bien), elles-mêmes découpées en "chapitres" qui donnent la voix aux différents protagonistes : Laura, le flic, le mexicain, Scott. L'auteur nous donne ainsi un point de vue différent du récit en cours. Cette pratique est intéressante car elle permet de découvrir tous les personnages, d'en savoir plus sur leur profil psychologique, de mieux les aimer ou de les détester encore plus. Ca m'a permis de m'accrocher à ceux-ci. Je ne serais pas contre retrouver la suite des aventures de Reggie (bon là je spoile le fait qu'il ne se fait pas tuer ;-) )
Néanmoins, je suis un peu restée perplexe à la fin (un point que je ne peux évidemment soulever ici, me semblait assez limite niveau cohérence). Sans entrer dans les détails, malgré le fait qu'on voit par les yeux des personnages, on ne sait quand même pas tout. D'une part, ça évite de rendre l'enquête "trop facile" pour le lecteur, d'autre part, j'ai été quelque peu déroutée.
Alors tactique de l'auteur ou emberlificotage du lecteur... J'attends vos avis!
Ma note : 3,25 étoiles
March 4, 2017
This book started off good but dragged after awhile. For the most part I enjoyed it. New to me author I would try out more books by.
December 5, 2010
Laura Finnegan is the type of woman that men are drawn to. She is almost too perfect in her beauty, but Laura is much more than meets the eye. The author gives us a few clues to her past – a dancer who can’t dance anymore – although most of the story focuses on her sociopath boyfriend, Scott Goodsell, a Mexican fisherman who watches her every morning from the pier and Detective Sgt. Reggie Brooks, Laura’s martial arts instructor, who becomes obsessed with finding out what happens to her when she suddenly disappears.
The story opens up with Laura telling Scott that she cannot see him anymore because she had a dream that he would kill her. This sets in motion of series of events that keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to guess what “the truth” is and who is guilty of what. When Laura disappears, Det. Reggie becomes even more obsessed with her and jeopardizes his job and marriage to find out what happened to her. Reggie wrestles with his own inner demons during his investigation – does he love Laura or is he only being protective of a vulnerable woman?
There are so many twists and turns in this book that it is impossible to know what is coming next. When you think you have it figured out, Ms. Francisco throws a monkey wrench into the mix and you’re back at square one again. I only have a few minor complaints about the book. I thought the gang crime thread was a bit long – I realize the author was trying to convey the scope of Reggie’s neglect of his job, but I found myself losing interest in that part of the book. Also, there was some weird formatting on my Kindle every time there was a street name in italics. There was a huge amount of space between the street name and the next word and that was annoying.
“Good Morning, Darkness” is a fantastic thriller and I definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers.
The story opens up with Laura telling Scott that she cannot see him anymore because she had a dream that he would kill her. This sets in motion of series of events that keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to guess what “the truth” is and who is guilty of what. When Laura disappears, Det. Reggie becomes even more obsessed with her and jeopardizes his job and marriage to find out what happened to her. Reggie wrestles with his own inner demons during his investigation – does he love Laura or is he only being protective of a vulnerable woman?
There are so many twists and turns in this book that it is impossible to know what is coming next. When you think you have it figured out, Ms. Francisco throws a monkey wrench into the mix and you’re back at square one again. I only have a few minor complaints about the book. I thought the gang crime thread was a bit long – I realize the author was trying to convey the scope of Reggie’s neglect of his job, but I found myself losing interest in that part of the book. Also, there was some weird formatting on my Kindle every time there was a street name in italics. There was a huge amount of space between the street name and the next word and that was annoying.
“Good Morning, Darkness” is a fantastic thriller and I definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers.
October 3, 2010
The opening premise for this book has been done so many times that I felt like I could just stop after the first 15% or so and write the rest myself... and then the author screwed with my head. Everything you think you know in this book is wrong. Then it's wrong again. Well, crud.
The author's writing is some of the best in the self-published world. The words flow easily through the pages and I found myself getting lost in time several times, transported into Laura's world. If there was a grammar error in here, I certainly didn't catch it... and as those of you who follow my reviews know, that's a huge pet peeve of mine in the Independent world.
The story was well developed. Yes, it's been done before, but not quite like this. The action was fast-paced, twisting and turning and I just never knew where the author was going. This last bit is the reason it loses a star though. I think if I were to go back and read the book again, I wouldn't see it coming because there's no real foreshadowing. I've had the opposite problem lately with thrillers, so it was a change, but no less annoying. It really did come out of left field.
Having said that, I would much rather have no inkling than to have it all figured out. And that doesn't take away from the story or the great story that this is.
Just don't think you're all so smart and have it all figured out. Cuz you don't. No matter how smart you think you are.
This is recommended for readers who like a good mystery/thriller. It definitely made me want to read more of her work!
The author's writing is some of the best in the self-published world. The words flow easily through the pages and I found myself getting lost in time several times, transported into Laura's world. If there was a grammar error in here, I certainly didn't catch it... and as those of you who follow my reviews know, that's a huge pet peeve of mine in the Independent world.
The story was well developed. Yes, it's been done before, but not quite like this. The action was fast-paced, twisting and turning and I just never knew where the author was going. This last bit is the reason it loses a star though. I think if I were to go back and read the book again, I wouldn't see it coming because there's no real foreshadowing. I've had the opposite problem lately with thrillers, so it was a change, but no less annoying. It really did come out of left field.
Having said that, I would much rather have no inkling than to have it all figured out. And that doesn't take away from the story or the great story that this is.
Just don't think you're all so smart and have it all figured out. Cuz you don't. No matter how smart you think you are.
This is recommended for readers who like a good mystery/thriller. It definitely made me want to read more of her work!
Want to read
February 15, 2016320p Everyone is in love with Laura: the Mexican fisherman who admires her through her kitchen window as he walks in the predawn darkness to the ocean; her boyfriend, Scott, a successful real estate agent who asks her to marry him and won 19t take no for an answer; the detective who instructs her in martial arts; and her lascivious boss.
Then one day Laura disappears. There is no evidence of foul play 14she had quit her job and claimed to be visiting her sick mother on the East Coast. But while wandering the beach one night, the fisherman finds a woman 19s severed arm. When another one turns up shortly afterward, he believes they must be Laura 19s. LAPD Detective Sergeant Reggie Brooks is also wondering if Laura is alive or dead. Yet without a missing person 19s report or any evidence to suggest that the arms belonged to Laura, he cannot officially investigate.
Unofficially, however, Reggie Brooks can 19t stop thinking about what happened to the vanished, beautiful woman who took his martial arts classes and now haunts his dreams. Soon he is driving up and down the windswept, lonely coastal highway in search of answers. He risks his job and his marriage as his obsession deepens. And his passion will lead him to a dark, terrifying place of unthinkable acts, irrational behavior, and premeditated murder...
Then one day Laura disappears. There is no evidence of foul play 14she had quit her job and claimed to be visiting her sick mother on the East Coast. But while wandering the beach one night, the fisherman finds a woman 19s severed arm. When another one turns up shortly afterward, he believes they must be Laura 19s. LAPD Detective Sergeant Reggie Brooks is also wondering if Laura is alive or dead. Yet without a missing person 19s report or any evidence to suggest that the arms belonged to Laura, he cannot officially investigate.
Unofficially, however, Reggie Brooks can 19t stop thinking about what happened to the vanished, beautiful woman who took his martial arts classes and now haunts his dreams. Soon he is driving up and down the windswept, lonely coastal highway in search of answers. He risks his job and his marriage as his obsession deepens. And his passion will lead him to a dark, terrifying place of unthinkable acts, irrational behavior, and premeditated murder...
June 17, 2011
Ruth Francisco's books are works of art, something we don't see much of in this day and age. Although this book is primarily about Laura Finnegan, we really don't know anything much about her - except that everyone who meets her loves her, often to the point of obsession. When she disappears, it turns everyone's lives upside-down - and then two dismembered arms wash up on the beach, and some suspect they may have belonged to her. Not knowing if she is dead or alive, Det. Sgt. Reggie Brooks, LAPD Homocide and her martial arts instructor, sets off to find out what happened to her - putting both his marriage and his job in danger.
The layers, twists and turns in this novel will keep you guessing right up until almost the very end; what you discover will be a shocker. Don't miss this amazing book!
The layers, twists and turns in this novel will keep you guessing right up until almost the very end; what you discover will be a shocker. Don't miss this amazing book!
September 7, 2013
This is my first look at Ruth Francisco, and I’m impressed. Good Morning, Darkness is an intriguing murder without the mystery. You think. It is skillfully written, and is told from the viewpoints of several people. One is taken into the lives and thoughts of these people, each revealing a bit more of this fascinating story. Each one was a distinct character, and each character stayed in character throughout the book. I was particularly drawn to the Mexican, an important voice who remained nameless to the end. He was a man, down to earth and pragmatic with the soul of a poet .
Grammar, diction, and spelling were excellent. The editing was almost flawless. Two typos were amusing: “his stocks didn’t match” and “her public hair”.
I highly recommend this book and give it 4 ½ stars.
Grammar, diction, and spelling were excellent. The editing was almost flawless. Two typos were amusing: “his stocks didn’t match” and “her public hair”.
I highly recommend this book and give it 4 ½ stars.
December 16, 2012
“What was it with these people? Couldn’t they leave her alone? Scott was obsessed with her; her boss looked at her like a horny ape; and her landlord was acting like some possessive Neapolitan godfather, as if her affairs were any of his business. Who was next? She thought her self-defense instructor might have a crush on her. And what about the Mexican she’d caught spying? Even Vivian, wanting to know her every move. Didn’t these people have lives? And now some crazed girlfriend threatening her?”
Read my review here:
http://mostlyfiction.com/mystery/fran...
Read my review here:
http://mostlyfiction.com/mystery/fran...
June 23, 2015
The story is intended as a crime thriller, and while it does a decent job of it, it would nowhere deserve anything near 5 stars if that was all it was. What makes this a great novel is that every character is complex and has conflicting motivations, everyone acts like they do in real life, imperfectly, sometimes indecisively and ruled by emotions as much as reason. If you're tired of crime thrillers where people are one-dimensional problem-solving superheroes/villains with only plot-relevant weaknesses, give this a try. Ruth Francisco has a new fan in me.
March 1, 2010
Very tricky mystery. If you assume even just a little bit then you are so off base. Laura was definitely well thought of by the men. Which helped out a lot. I can't say much more without giving so much away.
January 10, 2012
I must admit that I totally stumbled onto this book because I needed its' theme for a challenge I was doing. I am very happy I did! This book was extremely fast paced and kept me guessing as to where the storyline was heading. This is def. another author I will continue to stumble across!
May 10, 2013
Totally enjoyed this book! Enjoyed the twists and turns. I wasn't sure about so many "speakers" but (for me) it worked. I could feel and understand each perspective and how Laura's life affected that particular individual. this book is well worth the time invested.
August 5, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyable detective/mystery story with some good twists and turns of plot. Thought it was interesting that one (of several) narrative(s) was in the first person, but this was one of the fairly minor players in the story. Interesting and well-painted characters and a very enjoyable read.
December 8, 2010
Couldn't put it down.
March 19, 2011
Saw this mentioned on the Amazon Kindle Boards as "cant put down" - neither can I!
June 4, 2012
Page turner. I read it in one sitting. Lots of unseen twists~
Highly recommend it.
Highly recommend it.
August 22, 2013
Somewhat predictable with stereotypical characters. It had a few twists, but I guessed it about half way through. Was a fun read, but not a list and kind of a raucousy ending.
January 20, 2011
Took me a bit longer to read than normal as it was not a very exciting read.
interesting-possibilities
February 1, 2011Interesting description, beautiful eye-catching cover, great reviews
May 23, 2011
One Dimensional characters, silly plot, just plain boring
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews