Customer Reviews

Make Them Cry

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...and the "alert" is: When you buy this novel (and I recommend that you do) DO NOT READ the page just inside the front cover. This page is usually reserved for reviews, but since "Make Them Cry" is a paperback original, the publishers have opted to print an excerpt from the novel. Unfortunately, that excerpt is most of page 273 which reveals much too much information and will definitely spoil a lot of suspense regarding what happens to whom and how.

That said, this is the first novel by O'Brien that I've read. I bought it on the strength of the Amazon reviews for his previous books and I was not at all disappointed. O'Brien has a fast-spaced style, an ear for crisp dialogue, a knack for deft plotting, mostly solid characterizations and, in this case, a clever storyline that may turn some heads.

On the fringes of a currently hot news topic, "Make Them Cry" centers around the shady goings-on among the young men at Our Lady of Sorrows seminary, not the least of which is a string of ritual murders. When a good friend of Father Murphy, the group's spiritual advisor, turns up dead under unusual circumstances, he sets out, with the victim's older sister, Maggie, to uncover the truth. The fact that the suspects are all priests or priests-in-training makes for some intriguing suspense. And while Father Murphy's un-priestly attraction to Maggie and the overall homoerotic atmosphere of the seminary are plot elements, O'Brien never stoops to sensationalizing his material. If you're looking for cheap, sleazy thrills, you won't find them here.

What you will find is a genuine, plot-driven page-turner that doesn't get bogged down with lengthy travelogue descriptions or side-trips with irrelevant characters that go nowhere. While I found the ending a little too pat and would have appreciated a more detailed explanation of the killer's obsessions, "Make Them Cry" is still several cuts above the average beach-book read.

With the kind of smart, no-nonsense writing O'Brien delivers, it's easy to see why he is quickly developing a following. And how can you not like a writer who calls the local hair salon the "Curl-Up and Dye"?

I'm putting his previous book, "The Next To Die" on my "next to read" list.

SUMMARY: The rumored haunted hall of St. Bart's at Our Lady of Sorrows Seminary in upstate Washington is the host of a peculiar, loosely-related murder-suicides. New priest Jack Murphy teams up with the sister of one of the victims before the killer can strike again.

WHY YOU'LL LIKE IT: O'Brien's taut terror has never been better; this is by far the best book in what can be called a "series." As usual, characters are numerous, but there is more characterization in this work. You come to know these people and care what happens to them. Genuine twists abound and keep you guessing almost until the end.

WHY YOU WON'T: Anyone who has a problem with the Thorn Birds or the Catholic church in general might not appreciate this book. Burgeoning teenage sexuality (and yes, this includes homosexuality) might turn some people off.

BOTTOM LINE: O'Brien's best work, good characters, intruiging plot. Highly recommend.

I am holding Mr. O'Brien personally responsible for a few nights of no sleep! I could not put this novel down. Wonderfully written, O'Brien has crafted a solid story with memorable characters, witty dialogue, sordid secrets, and so many twists and turns that it keeps you guessing all the way through.

Yes, I am a fan of Mr. O'Brien's. I have read all of his books and have never been disappointed. He has a clear vision of his plot and knows is characters intimately. It is clear that this is a man who writes because it is a passion and wants others to be entertained.

If you enjoy a good mystery, thriller, or topical true crime, "Make them Cry" is the book to read!!!

I have no clue where the writer gets his ideas, but they sure keep the reader going. One does not have to be religious to enjoy this book. As usual, this writer is capturing readers from all walks of life.

The story takes place in a seminary and there is a questionable death of a student. The story also takes the reader back several decades to speak of other incidences that have taken place in the seminary. There is also some humor in the dialogues among the priest and and some of the students in the dorm.

Another thing I liked in this book is that the characters are all down to earth people. Just like all the other books by Kevin O'Brien, this book has a high number of characters and at the same time the plot just thickens and gets mesmerising.

This book is very well written and a must read. I would give this book a much higher rating than a five, but this website only allows a maximun of five. I must say that this is one of Kevin O'Brien's best books. I will always buy his books rest of my life and pass them on to my friends since they are also hooked to any novels by Kevin O'Brien. These are spine tingling stories. I also recommend these books to those who are fans of "Tales From The Crypt". I will tell all not to miss out.

Make Them cry is definitly the type of book to be read in one sitting. People all around Seattle are being killed, with parts of their bodies missing, such as fingers and toes. One of the people who are killed is Johnny Costello, who attends A Catholic school. He is found dead one night, and it is determined to be an accident. Father Murphy, Johnny friend disagrees. When Jack meets up with Johnny's sister, Maggie, they are determined to catch whoever was responsible for Johnny's death. This search leads to a long and winding road, where there is something happening on every page. One you get to the last three or four chapters, you won't be able to stop reading. This book is one that you will never forget, and will want to pass on to others.

I have read all of Kevin O'Brien's other published work and now, finally, Actors. I loved Actors and enjoyed reading it as much as the other books. He is a fantastic author.
It is odd to say that Bobby had integrity considering the things that he did in his life, but somehow the author gave Bobby a good soul. I admired Bobby`s integrity and Lisa's purity.
I was so surprised at the ending. I really want a sequel.
It was fun to read and even though I was extremely busy with work, I would find myself taking breaks and joining up with the story. It was hard to put down.

Ever since "Only Son", O'Brien's masterpiece, I have enjoyed reviewing his novels each and ever year. "The Next To Die" was a bit of a let down, but all that is now forgotten. His new thriller, "Make Them Cry", is extremely fast paced, loaded with murder, mystery, and mayhem. I read this in 3 sittings it was that good. I don't want to give anything away, so I will only say that fans of the thriller genre will not be disappointed. I loved the eerie tone he painted and hope to visit with him again on his next journey. I want to congratulate Kevin on this heart-pounding novel and I very much look forward to his next release...

"Make Them Cry" is a chilling psychological suspense tale about a serial killer studying at a seminary in a Pacific Northwest town.

Father Jack Murphy is the primary protaganist, a widower who lost his wife and child in an auto accident and then took his vows out of guilt and in hopes that he could make a better contribution to other lives.

Maggie Costello is the older sister of John Costello, a freshman who was close to Father Murphy and who dies early in the story. Maggie and Father Murphy have an immediate chemistry, and his struggle with his vows creates plenty of tension throughout the book.

The third protaganist is Peter Tobin, John Costello's best friend, also a talented artist and very confused young man.

All three suspect foul play in the death of John Costello, and their separate investigations lead them to link the deaths of a prominent judge, a waitress, and several boys that died years earlier at the school.

The book is full of suspense and tension on every page, which kept me reading. I enjoyed the details of the college, and found the characters sympathetic. As the pieces come together, the part about the saints is well done and creates an interesting twist as we learn connections with each character's name.

I thought that too much was given away too early, and I guess the villain's identity right away. His voice was just too false and too much like Eddie Haskell from "Leave it to Beaver." I didn't trust him, so I wondered why the characters had no doubts, although he was carefully seducing them by playing on their grief and fears. Also, the villain's motive is never made clear, other than he's a sociopath. There is no depth to why he is carrying out his crimes.
The story is also an indictment of life at a Catholic seminary, with alcoholics, egotists, and closeted and not-so-closeted homosexuals thrown together in a modern Gothic setting.

Still, the book was well-paced and pulled me into the bizarre world.

The book definitely kept me reading, but got me psyched up for a lot more than the book actually gave me. I read this book as the same time as my sister and cousin and we all pretty much guessed who the killer was as soon as he/she (I don't want to give it away) was introduced. This was a nice piece of brain bubblegum. You can definitely get into it without having to think too much. The idea for the ending is a good idea, but not well executed (no pun intended). I felt like the ending was rushed and a little forced. Plus, I still don't get the killer's real motivation. Just plain crazy is a weak reason to have a character kill strangers...the killer lacked substance and motive. Oh, well...I am no better or worse for having read it...it was not a total waste. I'd prefer to spend my time reading a Mary Russell mystery (Laurie R. King), an Amelia Peabody mystery (Elizabeth Peters) or a Victorian mystery (ex. Bishop's Keep - Robin Paige). Overall...three stars because I have been unfortunate enough to have read much worse...

I received and read Make Them Cry, a novel regarding Catholic priests and homosexuality, at a time critical to the Catholic church. It was excellently written, a real page turner, keeping my interest. If you enjoy suspense, buy this book.