Customer Reviews

If She Should Die

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I liked this one. Some of the characters were not likable, but the story held my attention from cover to cover.

After three years the body of a young woman is found in the river. Her name is Dara Prince and her father is the guardian of
Christine and Jeremy Ireland. We are lead through the search for her killer by Deputy Michael Winter.

It seem Dara although only 19 was very promiscuous and she was probably killed by one of her lovers. But who are they and which one did it?

A very well thought out plot, with several false trails, however, we finally reach our destination after an entertaining journey through the pages of this book. A very nice read.

I found this book to be one of Thompson's most complex and interesting books. She creates a tale of a girl missing for years whose body turns up wrapped in plastic after a flood in the Ohio River. Shortly afterward, Dara's diary is found, giving clues as to who might have killed her. Christine Ireland, a woman who knew Dara and found the diary, sets out to find the killer, therefore putting her own life in danger.

Christine's dilemna lies in the fact that she learns too late that the finding of the diary has also jeopardized the safety of her mentally challenged brother, Jeremy. Luckily, Thompson walks a fine line in characterizing Jeremy. While he is "slow," with an IQ of 70, he is not "cutsy" nor helpless. Think Forrest Gump--stong and skilled in some ways, childlike in others.

I admit to being an avid fan of Thompson's, and in this book, I feel she has not only created a dark and haunting story, but several unforgettable characters.

Although I am the author of IF SHE SHOULD DIE, I think I should be entitled to comment on the scathing remarks made by an anonymous contributor on July 8. I find it hard to believe this person has the nerve to call a book garbage, along with a number of other unflattering names, when they admit they haven't even read the book. Call me naive, but I believe you should read a book before offering a review.
I offer a rating of four stars only because a rating is required.

In looking over some of the customer reviews of Carlene Thompson's IF SHE SHOULD DIE, I've been surprised by how many people seem disappointed because the plot is neither simple nor formulaic. I have also been deeply offended of the many criticisms of Jeremy, the mentally challenged brother of the heroine. Having a mentally challenged brother of my own, I can tell you that Thompson has done an excellent job of portraying a person with an IQ of 70. As for the many characters in the book, each is interesting, different, and provides a believable red herring. And if anyone thinks the killer just "comes out of the blue," the reader did not pay attention to subtle clues.

I have been a fan of Thompson's for a long time, but I believe her both her plots and her characters have become more complex. I, for one, see growth in her work, and would highly recommend IF SHE SHOULD DIE. And thank goodness someone has finally portrayed a mentally challenged young man as more than an entertaining fool!

In IF SHE SHOULD DIE, Carlene Thompson has created a haunting world of menace and murder. All of her characters are complex, but especially the first victim who largely comes to light through the pages of her diary. Thompson has also ventured into the world of the mentally challenged with the character of Jeremy, who is portrayed with accuracy and compassion.

I loved this book and think it's another fine contribution to Thompson's body of work.

Thompson did a fabulous job of outlining a complex plot and keeping the reader guessing "Who Done It" in this suspense novel about a girl who goes missing three years ago only to be found after a flood upends her body.
The book was fast-paced, witty and detailed accurately police procedures (a big plus in my eyes). My only regret is that the romance was buried within the plot and wasn't developed more. There was a budding sense of connection between Michael and Christine, but it wasn't brought to life, giving it tension and solid reality.

Carlene Thompson is a master of suspense. She creates characters that you really "get to know". I have probably read every one of her books, and I am always surprised at the end. I hope that she keeps the books coming!