Customer Reviews

Red Leaves

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of the few books this summer where I found that I just couldn't put down. This is an engrossing novel filled with twists and turns that it leaves the reader anxious to know what happened till the final page has been turned. Even then, the story still haunts the reader.

This novel focuses on four friends ~ Kristina, a beautiful basketball player, Conni, her former roommate, Jim, her boyfriend and Albert, Conni's boyfriend. Kristina is found dead and the novel focuses on the unraveling of secrets among the four friends. It is a chilling portrayal of three human beings who are indifferent to the fact that their friend is dead. It's a creepy novel ~~ with dark undertones. The dark undertones has to do with apathy and indifference of another human being's plight in life or in Kristina's case, death. Cossetted and spoiled, these undergraduates in a priviledged college fought the investigator in the murder case in his attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Kristina's death.

This book will creep you out ~~ it will annoy you because Simons shows the worst of human nature. It will leave you twisting in your seat as you think of one scenario or another till you are ended up with surprises that you didn't think of. It is a riveting book ~~ perfect for those lazy summer days at the beach or sitting in your hammock. If you're looking for an intense suspense novel ~~ this one would be it!

7-28-05

As most students reading books for their final English Studies I wished to get through this book as quickly as possible...and yet once started I could not put it down. It has pace and Simmons' has created thoroughly believable and recognisable characters. The lead, Spencer Patrick O'Malley, creates in himself such a sense of sympathy that it is impossible not to to relate to him and indeed the rest of the characters follow suit. Yet of all the good points of this novel the finest would have to be the ending - for in what has become a world of cliched happy endings Simmons' has instead granted us a glance into the darkest side of the human spirit.

If you've read Tully and like it,then you'll definitely cherish this lovely book by Paullina Simons. I like the way she gets her readers so emotionally involved with the characters. These youngsters in Red Leaves, Kristina, Constance, Albert and Jim felt like my family, or they could have been my children for that matter. I felt especially close to Kristina, the main character as I felt her pain and her cold lonliness. With a cleverly crafted detective storyline, it has the capacity to keep you up all night long until you've turned the last page. After you've turned that last page, you can't get those characters out of your head. If you haven't bought it yet........get it.......it's worth every penny. Thanks Ms Simons

After reading Bronze Horseman (my now all time best loved book) I decided to read other books by Simons. Even a week after finishing this book I am still thinking about it. Simons is a master of describing the settings for her books. Though the character development was slightly lacking, I found the twists and turns interesting. The cool thing about this book is that they mystery isn't the murder. You know it's going to happen. The mystery is in the details of the life of the main character. Each layer peels away like an onion as the story progresses making you doubt yourself and opening new possibilities for the conclusion of the book (one that you'll think you've guessed a few times throughout the book). There are still questions lingering at the end, but maybe that's a good thing. I enjoyed it thoroughly and even though one or two of the scenarios are not as credible or realistic as they could be, the story is put together like a jigsaw puzzle where pieces fall together to eventually make a full logical picture.

I thought this was a very well written book. Her characters were eery but interesting,and I think as a writer Paullina Simons is brilliance untapped.

I loved: "Tully". Red Leaves is an unbelievably great book. Ms. Simon's characters are taken from life. This particular novel is set at college, about four friends and the choices they make. The novel is shocking, sad and achingly funny. Headlines ripped from today's real world.

Paullina Simons delivers a tense, suspenseful story, full of dark undertones and nice plot twists. We meet Kristina and get to know her before her untimely death, helping the reader connect and care about why she was murdered. You feel the frustration and sadness right along with Spencer, the lead detective, as he tries to unravel the lies, half-truths, and explosive surprises that tremor below the surface of Ivy League Dartmouth College.

I am in awe,yet again,of Paullina's writing. This book hooks you on page one- makes you care about the characters and long for more once the book is over. Like other Paullina Simons' books- this is a dark book- don't expect a cheerful, happy ending. Still, a wonderful mystery with twists and turns through the entire book.

In this story, a Kristina, a 21 year old Dartmouth student, is found murdered in the woods on campus. Survived by 3 friends who all seem to have something to hide, Detective Spencer O'Malley tries to uncover the truth about Kristina's death, her relationship with her friends, and her past. This is a good story, suspensful and easy to read. The personal attachment between O'Malley and the victim make the story more disturbing. I found the story to be a bit far fetched at some point, but still credible. Recommended.

Once I start reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It was so full of mysterious twist and turns. I also read "Tully" by Paulina Simons.But I think this book was much better.