Disturbed

by Kevin O'Brien

Deceptive

The houses in Willow Tree Court are sleek and modern--the kind designed to harbor happy families and laughing children. No one would guess the secrets that lurk beyond the neat lawns and beautiful facades.

Depraved

Molly Dennehy is trying to fit in to her new surroundings, though her neighbors are clearly loyal to her husband's ex-wife. But that's the least of Molly's worries. Her stepson's school has been rocked by a brutal slaying, and a psychopath known as the Cul-de-Sac Killer is murdering families in Seattle homes. Homes just like Molly's.

Disturbed

With each passing day, Molly grows more convinced that someone is watching her family, someone consumed with rage and vengeance. On this quiet road, a nightmare has been unleashed, and the trail of terror will lead right to her door...

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Horror

528 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 30, 2011

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tall about an edge on your seat kind of thriller! I had my breath held the whole time!!! It seemed like with every page I turned there was something new popping up to twist the reader's mind. I got this book free on my Nook a couple of years ago and would recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller. Will read more from this author in the future! This book doesn't disappoint.

[Titas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe no one and nothing is what it seems!
It is very hard to write a proper review of this book because if I try to talk about the premise or concept then it would seem very simple. Also it doesn't contain any detective, chase, fight scene or dashing protagonist. Yet it turned out to be one of the most catchy and suspenseful thriller I have ever read. And that is exactly why I loved it so much!

Molly is a newly wed who is still trying to figure out how to win smiles from her stepson and stepdaughter from her husband's last messy marriage. With her stepson's school still trying to cope up with two recent scandal and tragic incidents and all the neighbours still being best friends with her husband's ex-wife, Molly has a lot on her plate. But when a serial-killer known as the Cul-de-Sac Killer (who murders families living in Seattle homes) turns his gaze to Molly's neighbourhood things get a lot lot worse for Molly. With everyone Molly knows turning out to be not who they are, with each passing day Molly becomes more and more convinced that her own family is the final target of the killer.

Kids and families are all this book has. But I had no idea of how much of a suspense and mystery can be built with just that. And the twists- oh my god! I bit my nail, I scratch my head again and again but the book just never ran out of twists and turns.
It felt like I was having a conversation with Kevin O'Brien-
Me: Is he the..?
Book: Nope.
Me: Is she a...?
Book: Nada.
Me: Aha! He did it by doing...
Book: Nah. Try again.


If I try to say anything more, it might ruin the book for you! So just read this book if you are a suspense and mystery lover.
All I can say is, "Believe no one and nothing is what it seems!"

[Jeremy Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instead of reviewing this book specifically, I'm going to talk about the author's work in general. I read a Kevin O'Brien novel ages ago and I liked it. But then I didn't read another for about ten years. This might be because I was traveling, and while O'Brien is an established NYT bestselling author, many of the little book stores I visit overseas only have the really big names, so I guess he just flew under my radar. Anyway, I found one of his books--Make Them Cry--and really enjoyed it, so I picked up this one. And I wasn't dissapointed. It has all the ingredients of a tight suspense novel. A killer. A torubled family. Revenge. However, what I like most about O'Brien are his characters. I've read a lot of crime novels where the protagonist is an FBI agent or Detective etc. These are fine, but all the characters eventually wash together for me. I like books where, sure, there might be a serial killer, but the story is told from a regular person's point of view. In the previous one I read--Make Them Cry--this was a priest. In the case of Disturbed, it is a mother, Molly Dennehy, who (andother good plus) is not only likeable but flawed.
Bottom line, if you haven't read Kevin O'Brien, do yourself a favor and check him out.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 3 out of 5]

DISTURBED
Written by Kevin O'Brien
2011, 528 Pages
Genre: thriller, suspense, mystery

Rating: ★★★

Molly is newly married to a divorced man with two children still living in the home his ex decorated. When her stepson’s guidance counselor is murdered things start to come apart for everyone living in the cul-de-scac. Secrets, lies and revenge are all in play while there is also a serial killer loose killing families who live in cul-de-sacs.

First of I liked this novel but found much wrong with it at the same time. After finishing the novel I still have no clue what the prologue was supposed to explain to me. After a few chapters I figured out the murderer but the author was clever enough to keep me intrigued and reading. Molly was a bit annoying as she always seemed to be steps behind everything in her life, but I liked her stepson, Chris as a character.

My Novelesque Life

[Vicki Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! My kind of book. This was about a woman who was adjusting to life with her new husband and his kids. But evil is lurking and once it gets going there is no stopping it! This book had nonstop tension. I was on edge the whole way through. There were lot of characters because it focused on a neighborhood cul de sac and they were varied and well done. It was hard to set this book down because the pacing was excellent. I had not read a book by this author before, but I definitely will check out his other work. A recommended read for anyone looking for a fast paced suspense thriller!

[Adam Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's say that Kevin O'Brien's solid 4* novel wasn't quite enough to convince me to read everything else the guy has written. If this had been true (which it isn't)

Disturbed would have been that book that plants the drive to read all of an author's work in my head. This was a brilliant mystery/thriller novel. The plot was complex,

but that is to be expected with books like this. The characters were so damn likeable though and O'Brien's way of steadily letting us get to know them through emotional

flashbacks is masterfully done. Also, the main serial killer in the novel, called the Cul-de-Sac Killer, is very intriguing. When I read the description of the book, I

thought that maybe O'Brien, and all writers of serial killer fiction, was reaching a bit far with that one. It reminded me of Carlin's rant about TV programs. "Serial

killers who force their victims to play Yahtzee before hand." But this guy is genuinely creepy and is also very well written. The drive behind this book is the feeling

of trust, or rather the lack of. Molly doesn't know if she can trust her neighbors, new friend, husband, and so on. Everyone is accusing each other more and more as the

story doesn't unfold but rather explode in the readr's face. It is also a novel about reality in my opinion and describes how harmful things like Facebook can be to

certain people. Don't look for just one theme here because you will miss several more. Just find this great novel and start reading. Although no one in the novel seems

trustworthy, O'Brien is. Hell, I can't wait until he writes a novel about the Monopoly Killer who, if you lose to him, will murder you with a life-sized version of your

game piece.

[Carm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Not my least favorite. Absolutely brought to you by "big newel post". 😅

[Melanie Chabrol- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read 10 various books in 1 month, and decided at this time, I would save it for another day, I know it will be great, as i have become a great fan of Kevin O'Brien's still think about that one I highly recommend WATCH THEM DIE but, decided to read VICIOUS. alot of times you will find I will switch authors as i am on the mood to read a different style of book




Well, don't know why I couldn't get into this book before, but it was well written. Kevin O'Brien has a nack for really getting into your conscious knowing what we want to read, it is like a barcode and GPS knowing what we want to read next. When you scan the book you know what is next thriller/mystery, suspense/romance etc.... Somedays I am in the mood for one genre over the other.
Who would imagine marrying a man, and becoming a step mom would be easy? The beautiful family neighborhood that is kid- friendly. Neighbors looking out for one another, then suddenly the crimes start. Who is the Cul-de-Sac killer? why are we targetting the people who end up either dead or in ICU. What is the connection? I won't tell and neither will Kevin.After my car accident I couldn't write to my penpals and had to read to waste time, it is not taking over my 1st hobby slowly. Ended up with Insomnia when it becomes bed time and I will read until my eyes get droopy, once that light is off well I am up and ready to read again. But don't, as I think my hubby would need his rest too. If you ever want to stay up and wait for the kids, or have insomnia this is one for you.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say avout Kevin O'Brien. I was randomly checking for a new book to read while on one of my 3 hour Barnes and Noble runs, when I stumbled upon "Vicious" in the thriller section. I picked it up, thought it looked interesting so grabbed it along with a delicious Starbucks latte! Let's say I finished the book before the latte, it was THAT good. For the next 60 days I read EVERY book this man has written and not one of his books disappointed me. "Disturbed" was a great book... I recommend it to everyone. I even had to fight with my local library to add some O'Brien books to their shelves. "The Only Son!" Wow... let me just say... to go from his thrillers to that book was incredible. I have seen authors (not mentioning any names ... rhymes with Pames Jatterson) write some great thrillers then bomb when switching over to another genre.... I recommend this book along with EVERY book written by Kevin O'Brien.

[Barrymore Tebbs · Rating 1 out of 5]

All these five star reviews baffle me. Such a convoluted plot. So many characters coming and going with zero to little development. Similar sounding names, characters with multiple names. Couldn't keep any of it straight. O'Brien thanks all his editors and agents - didn't anyone have the nerve to go through this thing line by line and trim, trim trim. Useless descriptions of what TV shows are playing in the background. Outfits women wore and descriptions such as "the pretty blonde." It was suspenseful but that was about it. New York Times Bestseller my ass. If, as other reviewers say, this is O'Brien's best work, I can't imagine what garbage his worst is.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure hope I get through all of this man’s books soon so I can get something done. They are riveting – everything I look for in a thriller. Average people in average situations make you look at your neighbors differently. Twists, turns and suspense at every corner.

I also wrote a blog post on Kevin O'Brien at http://www.discoverwashingtonstate.co...

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!!! Really enjoyed it. A page turner!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to keep me turning pages! It is the type of book I like to jump into and ride the ride...guessing and doing my arm chair psychology. Nice twists and overall a very good read!

[Emilie Haydel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! You’re in for a wild ride if you like mystery, thrillers, psychological thrillers! So intense and I loved it! Just a warning tho, if you are sensitive, check the trigger warnings, there are so many. This book is definitely for people with no triggers! But damn I can’t recommend this enough! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few books by Kevin O'Brien and one was Vicious, which was AWESOME!!! Disturbed was just OK in comparison, good but different... that's the reasoning for 4 Stars...

[Shania · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars*

Wow, Kevin O’Brien does it again! This main can write thrillers like it’s nobody’s business! This is my third book of his I’ve read and definitely won’t be the last.

The twists and turns in this book keep you gripping the pages. I literally found myself freaked out at 1 in the afternoon while reading this book. Kevin O’Brien has a way of setting the atmosphere in a suspenseful scene so vividly, you feel like you’re living it along with the characters.

It makes me sad that Kevin O’Brien doesn’t seem to be as popular as other thriller authors because his work is high quality and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait to read more from him!

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i don't know what it is with Kevin O'Brien. I really don't know why I like him so much. If you were to look at all his books, they are all basically the same story, just with slightly different characters in slightly different settings. And yet, somehow, I can't stop reading the guy.

"Disturbed" doesn't meander much off his normal premise. A killer on the loose, a teenager who is suspicious, a strong, almost independent woman, who comes face to face with the killer. But time and time again, O'Brien makes it work and makes the story still seem new. Maybe that's because "Disturbed" was more suspenseful then the other 2 I've read. Or maybe it seemed more real and plausible? Or maybe it's because all of the interweaving story-lines made it difficult to figure out the real villains? I don't know. I just know that this one (as have been all 3 novels I've read) was intense and incredibly hard to put down (I guess that's why I read it in only 3 days).

My complaints for this one seem to fall on the character's dumb actions and choices. I don't want to give away too much, but why does the killer have to announce to a dying person their dastardly plan? I mean, I get it for the book's sake, and it's a convenient way for the readers to understand why the killer's motives are what they are, but it's just so cliche and too contrived. And while we are on the subject of dumb choices, wouldn't Rachel (a character) have figured out the school would cross reference with Erin's (another character) mom about being picked up? Just seemed a little lazy on O'Brien's part, but it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of this book or really ruin it in any way.

[Alicia Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very happy with this book!!! Though, I found parts of the book a bit predictable; that was the only down-side for me. Despite minuscule predictability, Kevin O'Brien wrote in such a way that kept me wanting to turn the page. I usually try to take my time with books because I am, by nature, a slow-reader and slow in the way of comprehension. However, I surged on -without fear- through this entire book. I wanted to find out how everything fit together for the victims and suspects, alike. I can honestly say I will be reading many more books by this author. I was anything but disappointed by his writing and this book.

[Marianne Stehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Kevin O'Brien books in the past, I have always liked them, but I forget about him as an author and don't look out for his new releases...I MUST CHANGE THAT!!!!! This is one of the best mystery/thrillers I have read in a long time (and it is my first choice in genres). This had it all, thrills, revenge, plot twists, serial killers, you name it. If you live on a cul-de-sac, you may not want to read this one! I was impressed with character development, the plot twists and really cannot say enough about this one, truly one you have to read!

[Crystal Trent Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly is trying to fit into her new neighborhood and Family. She just married Jeff, which has two children and an ex wife.

Molly is carefully following all the cul-de-sac murders ,but it's begining to hit to close to home, with deaths , accidents , and threatening phone calls , Molly's world starts to turn upside down. No one is who she thinks they are, and she has to figure out who her real friends are , before she ends up murdered.

This is a fantastic book , it's got such a twist to it. I haven't reada book this exciting and thrilling in a while. Great Book!

[Dlmoore83 Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

summer leaves me thirsty for a psycho thriller and Kevin O'brien's Disturbed did a great job of starting me out in June. a quick read, i hit 1/2 way and couldn't put it down - even though i figured it out, i didn't know how the characters would react in the end. I was pleasantly surprised when individual unknown strengths pulled them through. i think i'll check out his other books - as soon as my heart stops pounding....

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read two of O'Brien's books now and I am so happy I did. I just bought "Terrified" on a whim and was surprised at how awesome the book was. The way a book is written is very important to me.. I couldn't put either book down. I am also happy with the prices, affordabily is also something I give points for as well when considering if a book is good. I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys reading an entire book very quickly and being "on edge" for what will happen next!

[DAISY READS HORROR · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Hands down this is the best suspense/thriller book I have read this year! There were so many times when the author takes a turn on the reader that it leaves you saying whatttttttt the heck?! LOL I seriously could not put this down and I wish I could have finished it sooner, had I not had to work lol. I finally finished it tonight and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend this to everyone but do not read it alone ladies it will creep you out!! I kept watching my back lol

[Maggie61 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin O'Brien is a master of thrillers. I have loved all the books of his that I have read, this one included. There is a definite creepy factor as you experience that tense spine tingling feeling as the suspense builds. Mr O'Brien teases the readers leading up to where they'll be given the answers only to reveal just a little until the next time. While I did figure out where it was going well before the end, it was a great trip, with lots of twists and turns. Solid 4 1/2.

[Jan Vermillion Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

No kidding - I got this edge of your seat recommendation from reading one of my friends "books read" and it really was edge of your seat. I love a book that captures me immediately and as you can see by looking at my books read and to read, I love a lot of genres. This was a great read if you like thrillers.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as all Kevin O'Brien's books are - excellent! I can't believe he isn't better known or more popular. My library doesn't even carry his books and yet his mysteries are some of the best. There were so many different crimes and scandals going on but he manages to bring them all together to an explosive ending!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one! One of the true marks of a good thriller/suspense novel is in it's ability to keep the reader guessing. Disturbed does just that! It even made me contemplate going back to read a previous section to see if I had missed the markers. And the ending...again a great surprise.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been so long since I've read anything by O'Brien that I'd forgotten how much I enjoy his books! I know it's not inspiring literature, but this was a damn good suspense story! I was up waaaaay too late reading on Saturday.

[Nancy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Disturbed. I was so dark and moody. And the Seattle setting felt like another character. I was sucked into this story immediately. The characters are well-drawn and the story is gripping, with a big surprise at the end. If you like dark, moody mysteries, you'll love this book!

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering I should be writing a paper and couldn't, because this book just sucks you in, it deserves good ratings! Honestly, it kept me guessing and I really enjoyed it. I love a good thriller that gives you a bit of a scare!