7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Just my honest opinion, July 11, 2005
I got this book solely based on the reviews. I was curious as to why the opinions of the readers differed so much. I understand both sides to the reviews.
The book started out a little slow at first and did not grab my attention until a few chapters in it, but then it became quite suspenseful and kept you guessing up to the end. However, the author did not have as many red herrings as she should have making the killer somewhat obvious.
I did feel that it was a bit wordy in parts. I don't mind details, but they do have to pertain to the plot as much as possible or describe a place, situation or character. I found myself skipping some of the trivial aspects that clearly did not need mentioning but in briefer explanations. That is just my opinion though. My only other qualm with this particular authors writing is how she separates sections with numbers. I don't get it, but it must be a writers thing.
All in all, the book was quite suspenseful once you got into it. I do agree with some of the others that no one should write a review if they do not read the entire book. There have been plenty of novels that I was unable to get into, yet have five star ratings. I know that it was just the frame of mind that I was in at the time.
I had no problem getting swept up with this story once I read the first twenty pages. The author continuously poses new questions to the plot to keep the reader guessing. And even though you may guess who the killer is, you still aren't sure why until the very end. It was a good mystery.
I debated on giving this four stars and still am not sure why I only chose three because I did enjoy it, but it just seemed to be missing something that I can not explain and did not seem up to some of the other books I have read that I gave 4 stars to. That does not mean that another person would not think this was one of the best books they have ever read. Hence, why the reviews are so mixed. You really have to read it yourself to form your own opinion.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT BOOK, February 17, 2005
This was the first book I have read by Ms. Thompson. Anyone who says this is a bad book needs their head examined. All I can say is go out and buy a copy now. Great book for suspense lovers.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
exciting action-packed thriller, December 31, 2003
In Winston, West Virginia, Christine Ireland manages the Prince Jewelry store owned by lawyer Ames Prince who took her and her mentally impaired brother Jeremy into his home when their parents died seven years ago. Deputy Sheriff Michael Winter informs Christine and Ames that they found the decomposed body of a teenage female wrapped inside a plastic. The flooding of the nearby Ohio River washed it ashore. Michael believes this is the body of Ames' daughter Dara, who vanished three years ago. Ames says this is impossible because Dara is in Arizona sending him letters.
Jeremy finds Dara's diary hidden in a tree near the bridge where she supposedly died. In her journal Dara mentions that someone wants her dead. She says her prime man is Rey, but that she has two other lovers that she dubs S.C. and The Brian and is pregnant. All three of her lovers are angry at her, but one is stalking her. As Michael and Christine fall in love, Ames remains in denial though the evidence mounts that his daughter is dead. Someone tries to kill Christine while others related in some way to Dara are murdered.
As expected from Carlene Thompson (see ALL FALL DOWN and SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE) IF SHE SHOULD DIE readers receive an exciting action-packed thriller. The story line is fast paced, but contains a strong cast especially the lead couple and several secondary players. Several short flashbacks enable the reader to understand Dara. Though the killer comes out of nowhere forcing a lengthy explanation of motives, suspense thriller fans will enjoy Ms. Thompson's fine novel.
Harriet Klausner
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