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Try Not to Breathe
Try Not to Breathe
Holly Seddon | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Try Not to Breathe is a terrific thriller from a first time novelist, and I'm already looking forward to her next book. Touted as being "for fans of Paula Hawkins", I was expecting another unreliable narrator thriller, but this story is different. As it says in the description, it is told from both Amy and Alex's points of view, but also from Amy's childhood boyfriend's point of view. Two of the narrators are not unreliable. Alex and Jake / Jacob just don't have all of the answers yet, and we learn any new information right along with them. Amy is another story. In her dream-like state, sometimes she remembers things, and sometimes not. When she does have useful information she is unable to communicate it to anyone.

This book is a great mystery, but it is also a heartbreaking story of a girl left to live inside her own mind after a terrible attack left her in a near vegetative state, and the effect that her attack has on her family and those who love her. However much liberty the author may have taken in creating Amy's world, she did a great job of bringing life to a character who was seen as already dead by so many.

I would recommend this one to all mystery / thriller fans. Whether you are a fan of the unreliable narrator trope or not, this is an enjoyable read.

NOTE: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
  
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Sarah (7798 KP) rated I am Pilgrim in Books

Apr 27, 2018  
I am Pilgrim
I am Pilgrim
Terry Hayes | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.8 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping and thrilling
This book is an entirely unexpected revelation. I've seen the good reviews but just assumed it was yet another run of the mill crime/murder mystery thriller (I may have skim read the synopsis), but I couldn't have been more wrong.

It starts off fairly slowly, but a part of the way in I was hooked. Its a gripping and truly thrilling tale of espionage, terrorism and with a little bit of murder mystery thrown in too. Its well written for the most part and Scott/Brodie/Pilgrim is an interesting and likeable main character. The story itself is so detailed and descriptive, you can't doubt any of it and once it gets going, it really progresses at a very quick pace. The fact that it has links to 9/11 too was also very well done and quite emotional.

My only criticisms are some of the actions of Pilgrim are a little dumb or unbelievable at times, especially considering he's meant to be one of the best. But other than that, this is a fantastic, albeit maybe slightly too long, thriller that really keeps you hooked.
  
Before the Fall
Before the Fall
Noah Hawley | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.4 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
The description of the book (who crashed a private jet killing nearly everyone on board) makes it sound like another twisty-turny thriller along the lines of "The Girl on the Train", and while the central mystery does have some surprises and keeps one wanting to read, this is actually a much smarter book than that. It is far more interested in human nature, what makes each of us what we are, how we cope with tragedy, and how our minds can jump to make conclusions that aren't there. It even manages to dig into themes like art, the recent financial crisis, and the 24-hour news cycle. All of the characters are interesting and very well written. Everything seems entirely believable and the book is full of moments of genuine emotion. Those looking for another trendy "thriller-of-the-month" might be disappointed, but anyone looking for a truly great novel, possibly one of the year's best, should pick this up.