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Missing Pieces
A woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband's family in this chilling page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf
Sarah Quinlan's husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded.
Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia's accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack's past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for.
Sarah Quinlan's husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded.
Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia's accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack's past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
About the author
Heather Gudenkauf
21 books8,670 followersHeather is the NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE and THE OVERNIGHT GUEST.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,493 reviews
December 21, 2015
Heather Gudenkauf has written quite a few novels and I think I've read all of them or at least the majority of them. I have really enjoyed all of them especially Little Mercies which is my favorite.
Unfortunately for some reason I didn't enjoy Missing Pieces nearly as much as her previous novels.
The story is told from Sarah Quinlan's point of view. Sarah and her husband Jack have returned to his hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa because his aunt Julia has had an accident and is now in the hospital. His Aunt raised him and his sister, Amy after their mother died years before when Jack was just fifteen. However, Jack hasn't told Sarah the truth in regards to his mother's death and his family's past. The more Sarah learns about Jack's past, the more questions she has. She starts to investigate things on her own and as she does she starts to wonder if she knows her husband at all.
I am having a hard time pin pointing what exactly bothered me about this book. I felt like the plot was decent but I didn't care as much about the characters as I normally would. I just felt like some of them weren't as developed as they could or should have been. I had a hard time believing that Sarah and Jack had been married for twenty odd years and even had two university aged children. They just didn't seem to have that close of a relationship or the chemistry that people who have been together for a long time seem to have. I did like Sarah for the most part but some of her actions had me rolling my eyes. A few of her choices as well as some other characters choices felt a bit too unrealistic. I know this a fiction book but normally I'm still able to understand a little of why a main character does what they do. That sounds so cryptic... but I don't want to spoil anything.
Now that I've said all of that I do have to say that the last couple of chapters is what pushed this from a two to a three star read. I was positive that I knew who did what and why. But while part of what happened had crossed my mind as a possibility, I was pretty shocked by the rest of it. I also felt that the ending was tied together fairly well in a way that made sense. I just wish I had felt that way about the first three quarters of the book.
However, this is only my opinion and there will probably be many who will love this book. As we always say that's the beauty of Goodreads. I have really enjoyed many of the authors previous books and while this is far from my favorite, I still look forward to reading Heather Gudenkauf's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
Unfortunately for some reason I didn't enjoy Missing Pieces nearly as much as her previous novels.
The story is told from Sarah Quinlan's point of view. Sarah and her husband Jack have returned to his hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa because his aunt Julia has had an accident and is now in the hospital. His Aunt raised him and his sister, Amy after their mother died years before when Jack was just fifteen. However, Jack hasn't told Sarah the truth in regards to his mother's death and his family's past. The more Sarah learns about Jack's past, the more questions she has. She starts to investigate things on her own and as she does she starts to wonder if she knows her husband at all.
I am having a hard time pin pointing what exactly bothered me about this book. I felt like the plot was decent but I didn't care as much about the characters as I normally would. I just felt like some of them weren't as developed as they could or should have been. I had a hard time believing that Sarah and Jack had been married for twenty odd years and even had two university aged children. They just didn't seem to have that close of a relationship or the chemistry that people who have been together for a long time seem to have. I did like Sarah for the most part but some of her actions had me rolling my eyes. A few of her choices as well as some other characters choices felt a bit too unrealistic. I know this a fiction book but normally I'm still able to understand a little of why a main character does what they do. That sounds so cryptic... but I don't want to spoil anything.
Now that I've said all of that I do have to say that the last couple of chapters is what pushed this from a two to a three star read. I was positive that I knew who did what and why. But while part of what happened had crossed my mind as a possibility, I was pretty shocked by the rest of it. I also felt that the ending was tied together fairly well in a way that made sense. I just wish I had felt that way about the first three quarters of the book.
However, this is only my opinion and there will probably be many who will love this book. As we always say that's the beauty of Goodreads. I have really enjoyed many of the authors previous books and while this is far from my favorite, I still look forward to reading Heather Gudenkauf's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
August 11, 2017
A Traveling Sister read with Norma, Brenda, Lindsay, Jan, Holly and Linda (sister’s mom!)
3.5*
This book has been sitting on my kindle shelf for nearly a year now. After Norma's gentle nudge, it was finally time to click on and change the status to “currently reading.” (Or it may have just sat there for another year.)
Sarah returns to her husband Jacks’ hometown after his aunt has a tragic accident, leaving her in the hospital clinging to life. Soon, past secrets and long-buried lies come to light, leaving Sarah questioning the man she married! Who exactly is he? And what is he truly capable of? Now it's up to her to dig beyond years of deceit and discover what's been buried out of view.
"Don't ask questions if you don't want the answers."
I had some difficulty with the main character Sarah. She seemed to be sleepwalking through her marriage of 20 years. Conveniently waking up at the 11th hour trying to piece together a 20 year old murder and hopefully discover her husband’s long-held deceptions.
No huge twists or surprises. Pretty much guessed the ending (we all did!) But regardless, I still enjoyed.
This is a very light mystery that reads extremely fast. A nice break from all the dark thrillers I have been reading lately.
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
3.5*
This book has been sitting on my kindle shelf for nearly a year now. After Norma's gentle nudge, it was finally time to click on and change the status to “currently reading.” (Or it may have just sat there for another year.)
Sarah returns to her husband Jacks’ hometown after his aunt has a tragic accident, leaving her in the hospital clinging to life. Soon, past secrets and long-buried lies come to light, leaving Sarah questioning the man she married! Who exactly is he? And what is he truly capable of? Now it's up to her to dig beyond years of deceit and discover what's been buried out of view.
"Don't ask questions if you don't want the answers."
I had some difficulty with the main character Sarah. She seemed to be sleepwalking through her marriage of 20 years. Conveniently waking up at the 11th hour trying to piece together a 20 year old murder and hopefully discover her husband’s long-held deceptions.
No huge twists or surprises. Pretty much guessed the ending (we all did!) But regardless, I still enjoyed.
This is a very light mystery that reads extremely fast. A nice break from all the dark thrillers I have been reading lately.
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
August 15, 2017
Traveling Sisters Group Read Review by Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Kaceey, JanB, Linda (Sisters Mom) and Holly
We love how everyone experiences the same book in such differing ways and we really value each other’s opinions. So with that being said this gets 5 Stars for this sister reading experience!
So we were split on our feelings and ratings on this one for some of us we rate 3.5 to 4 stars for others it gets a rating of 2 to 2.5 stars. So for the purpose of this review we have a combined rating of 3 stars!
We really enjoyed gathering the missing pieces from this story with our group of sisters and wow were we ever split on our feelings towards this one. It made for some fun laugh out loud moments and interesting “book talk” among us. A term from Holly that we will now be using as a sister term. This book also inspired another new sister term and we also gave a title to Lindsay the “believability police.” We sure had the believability police out on full force while we were reading this one. Striking up quite the conservation for us.
HEATHER GUDENKAUF has taken a different direction here with her who dunnit plotline with MISSING PIECES from her usual stories that centre around children and family dynamics. It still had a lot of family dynamics to it which kept the conversation going and had some of us questioning the believability to the story.
The story was told from our main characters point of view Sarah who swings from a quiet supportive wife to a suspicious one with many thoughts and questions sparking quite the conversation with us. We follow along with Sarah as she tells us the story and we gather clues by her thoughts through the many questions she asks herself. This became repetitive and unnecessary for some of us and just didn’t work for them. For others it did work and appreciated the lightness of being told instead of being showed and it was a nice break from some of the heavier thrillers that they have read.
All of our suspicions were all over the place with this one as the mystery shifted a few times. Kaceey had us laughing out loud with her comment my radar is pointing in --- direction (today anyway). In the end we pretty much suspected everyone with a few of us picking out the suspect quite early on.
For some of us the setting to MISSING PIECES stood out and the creepy old house was like a character and added to the atmosphere of the story for them, giving them an ominous feel. For others it brought nothing to the story.
Of course the ending had us split with some rushing through it just to get it done, some disappointed, and for others they were completely satisfied. So if you are looking for a quick and easy read with no real guess work and lots of questions we would recommend this book to you!
All of our Traveling Sisters Group Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
We love how everyone experiences the same book in such differing ways and we really value each other’s opinions. So with that being said this gets 5 Stars for this sister reading experience!
So we were split on our feelings and ratings on this one for some of us we rate 3.5 to 4 stars for others it gets a rating of 2 to 2.5 stars. So for the purpose of this review we have a combined rating of 3 stars!
We really enjoyed gathering the missing pieces from this story with our group of sisters and wow were we ever split on our feelings towards this one. It made for some fun laugh out loud moments and interesting “book talk” among us. A term from Holly that we will now be using as a sister term. This book also inspired another new sister term and we also gave a title to Lindsay the “believability police.” We sure had the believability police out on full force while we were reading this one. Striking up quite the conservation for us.
HEATHER GUDENKAUF has taken a different direction here with her who dunnit plotline with MISSING PIECES from her usual stories that centre around children and family dynamics. It still had a lot of family dynamics to it which kept the conversation going and had some of us questioning the believability to the story.
The story was told from our main characters point of view Sarah who swings from a quiet supportive wife to a suspicious one with many thoughts and questions sparking quite the conversation with us. We follow along with Sarah as she tells us the story and we gather clues by her thoughts through the many questions she asks herself. This became repetitive and unnecessary for some of us and just didn’t work for them. For others it did work and appreciated the lightness of being told instead of being showed and it was a nice break from some of the heavier thrillers that they have read.
All of our suspicions were all over the place with this one as the mystery shifted a few times. Kaceey had us laughing out loud with her comment my radar is pointing in --- direction (today anyway). In the end we pretty much suspected everyone with a few of us picking out the suspect quite early on.
For some of us the setting to MISSING PIECES stood out and the creepy old house was like a character and added to the atmosphere of the story for them, giving them an ominous feel. For others it brought nothing to the story.
Of course the ending had us split with some rushing through it just to get it done, some disappointed, and for others they were completely satisfied. So if you are looking for a quick and easy read with no real guess work and lots of questions we would recommend this book to you!
All of our Traveling Sisters Group Reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
August 25, 2017
Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf is a 2016 MIRA publication.
I checked this book out in order to participate in a group read, but I didn’t get around to it in time. But, since I’ve enjoyed several other books by this author, I decided to keep it and read it solo.
How well do you really know your husband?
Sarah is about to find out how well she knows Jack, her husband of twenty years, when they are called back to Jack’s hometown after his aunt suffers a critical injury.
Jack left Penny Gate, Iowa a couple of decades ago, met Sarah, married, and then raised twin daughters. He never talked about his past, or returned to Penny Gate until now. But, once they arrive in Penny Gate, it doesn’t take long for Sarah to discover that not only has Jack failed to relay very pertinent information to her about his past, he has outright lied to her.
The more she learns about her husband, the more she is convinced he might be dangerous. Could her husband be a cold -blooded killer? Could she be his next victim?
Oh dear. This book was pretty much a hot mess. The plotting, pacing and dialogue is terrible, with an abrupt and cheesy conclusion.
Sarah, who was not in law enforcement, could explain to us about the motives of the sheriff and his techniques. At other times, she was TSTL, doing things like taking two pain pills at the same time after drinking vodka, while in the presence of someone she thought might be a killer. Sarah wasn’t the only one who made highly questionable or implausible decisions in the story. At times, I didn’t know if I should roll my eyes or laugh.
Okay, this sounds pretty harsh, and I don’t enjoy book bashing, so suffice it to say this story is not the best representation of this author’s work.
HG is a NYT bestseller, a seasoned author, with a reputable publisher, but even the best authors can have a one off for whatever reason, so I’ll chalk it up to a rushed deadline or something and move forward- on to the next.
2 stars
I checked this book out in order to participate in a group read, but I didn’t get around to it in time. But, since I’ve enjoyed several other books by this author, I decided to keep it and read it solo.
How well do you really know your husband?
Sarah is about to find out how well she knows Jack, her husband of twenty years, when they are called back to Jack’s hometown after his aunt suffers a critical injury.
Jack left Penny Gate, Iowa a couple of decades ago, met Sarah, married, and then raised twin daughters. He never talked about his past, or returned to Penny Gate until now. But, once they arrive in Penny Gate, it doesn’t take long for Sarah to discover that not only has Jack failed to relay very pertinent information to her about his past, he has outright lied to her.
The more she learns about her husband, the more she is convinced he might be dangerous. Could her husband be a cold -blooded killer? Could she be his next victim?
Oh dear. This book was pretty much a hot mess. The plotting, pacing and dialogue is terrible, with an abrupt and cheesy conclusion.
Sarah, who was not in law enforcement, could explain to us about the motives of the sheriff and his techniques. At other times, she was TSTL, doing things like taking two pain pills at the same time after drinking vodka, while in the presence of someone she thought might be a killer. Sarah wasn’t the only one who made highly questionable or implausible decisions in the story. At times, I didn’t know if I should roll my eyes or laugh.
Okay, this sounds pretty harsh, and I don’t enjoy book bashing, so suffice it to say this story is not the best representation of this author’s work.
HG is a NYT bestseller, a seasoned author, with a reputable publisher, but even the best authors can have a one off for whatever reason, so I’ll chalk it up to a rushed deadline or something and move forward- on to the next.
2 stars
December 7, 2015
I would like to thank Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
If I could sum up this entire book in one word it would be this- meh. While the plot was enough to keep me from giving up, it wasn't anything spectacular as I figured out all the "answers" before the halfway mark. For such a short book it felt like something was missing but simultaneously felt too wordy and repetitive at times. Constantly something would be revealed in real time and then Sarah would rehash it all over again as "thinking out loud". Every. Single. Time.
The characters were ok; I think I had a hard time getting past how shallow these decades long relationships seemed and how all conversation seemed, well, awkward. It seemed the author couldn't decide if she wanted this story to be domestic drama or psychological thriller and never committed fully to either. I have read the rest of her books and while I've never felt her writing style was my favorite, I've always enjoyed her books enough to read the next. This one seemed to not live up to her other works.
While not a horrible read it just seemed a bit bland and predictable. This was one that I had planned on purchasing to share with my sister in law but I'm relieved I didn't spend the money.
If I could sum up this entire book in one word it would be this- meh. While the plot was enough to keep me from giving up, it wasn't anything spectacular as I figured out all the "answers" before the halfway mark. For such a short book it felt like something was missing but simultaneously felt too wordy and repetitive at times. Constantly something would be revealed in real time and then Sarah would rehash it all over again as "thinking out loud". Every. Single. Time.
The characters were ok; I think I had a hard time getting past how shallow these decades long relationships seemed and how all conversation seemed, well, awkward. It seemed the author couldn't decide if she wanted this story to be domestic drama or psychological thriller and never committed fully to either. I have read the rest of her books and while I've never felt her writing style was my favorite, I've always enjoyed her books enough to read the next. This one seemed to not live up to her other works.
While not a horrible read it just seemed a bit bland and predictable. This was one that I had planned on purchasing to share with my sister in law but I'm relieved I didn't spend the money.
December 7, 2015
I never was able to get on an even keel with this story. The premise sounded interesting, but in the execution it ended up coming across as hammy. No real depth to the characters, and the relationship between Sarah and Jack was paper thin. These two have been married for over twenty years, raised two daughters, yet the dialogue between them was as awkward as a couple on their first (bad) date.
ARC copy furnished to me by Net Galley in exchange for a review. Thank you.
ARC copy furnished to me by Net Galley in exchange for a review. Thank you.
August 11, 2017
I couldn't decide between 3.5 or 4 stars!
This was my first Heather Gudenkauf novel and my first traveling sister group read with Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Lindsay and Jan and Linda (sisters mom)! We had a lot of fun and great discussion comparing notes on this one! Everyone has a fun side and unique style which added to my reading!
I think I liked it more than the others! I found it to be a quick and well-paced book that I enjoyed. It had just enough action and suspense to keep me turning the pages without being bored.
Sarah has been married to Jack for 20 years and she thinks she knows him well, but he has secrets! The kind of secrets that can devastate, destroy, and shatter a marriage. Can she trust him or is she in danger? Jack's home back in Penny Gate has been referred to as a "house of horrors" by Jack's sister Amy. Why? What kind of secrets does this house of horrors possess?
Jack hasn't returned home for many years because he is haunted by the death of his mother and the mystery that surrounds what happened to her. He has never told Sarah about his involvement or the accusations he faced. Was he involved or falsely accused?
The story is a who-dunnit and Sarah plays the self-appointed detective. She treads carefully and questions everything and everyone. Who can she trust? After all, her life and marriage are at stake here! There were several characters that had motives and I worked hard trying to put all the pieces together. Just creepy enough and it did surprise me!
If you enjoy a fast and entertaining who-dunnit set in a gloomy town with a decrepit house, this one might be for you!
Here is the link to follow along in all the Traveling Sister blog reviews https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
This was my first Heather Gudenkauf novel and my first traveling sister group read with Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Lindsay and Jan and Linda (sisters mom)! We had a lot of fun and great discussion comparing notes on this one! Everyone has a fun side and unique style which added to my reading!
I think I liked it more than the others! I found it to be a quick and well-paced book that I enjoyed. It had just enough action and suspense to keep me turning the pages without being bored.
Sarah has been married to Jack for 20 years and she thinks she knows him well, but he has secrets! The kind of secrets that can devastate, destroy, and shatter a marriage. Can she trust him or is she in danger? Jack's home back in Penny Gate has been referred to as a "house of horrors" by Jack's sister Amy. Why? What kind of secrets does this house of horrors possess?
Jack hasn't returned home for many years because he is haunted by the death of his mother and the mystery that surrounds what happened to her. He has never told Sarah about his involvement or the accusations he faced. Was he involved or falsely accused?
The story is a who-dunnit and Sarah plays the self-appointed detective. She treads carefully and questions everything and everyone. Who can she trust? After all, her life and marriage are at stake here! There were several characters that had motives and I worked hard trying to put all the pieces together. Just creepy enough and it did surprise me!
If you enjoy a fast and entertaining who-dunnit set in a gloomy town with a decrepit house, this one might be for you!
Here is the link to follow along in all the Traveling Sister blog reviews https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
August 13, 2017
2 stars.
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Holly, Linda (sisters' mom) and JanB. It was very interesting to read with this wonderful group of women because this book worked for about half of us and didn't work for the other half. I loved discussing everyone's reactions and seeing how this book affected many of us so differently.
Unfortunately, I fell into the category of not liking this book. I simply couldn't connect with any of the characters or the storyline. I had a good idea who the "bad guy" was fairly early on (which rarely happens for me). My main issue was the believability factor. So many scenes, circumstances and characters actions were very far-fetched for me.
I have read one other book by Gudenkauf - "Little Mercies" - and really liked it. As much as I would not recommend "Missing Pieces", I would still be interested in reading other books by Gudenkauf because I really did enjoy "Little Mercies".
To find our full Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit Norma and Brenda's fabulous book blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
This was a Traveling Sister Read with Brenda, Norma, Kaceey, Holly, Linda (sisters' mom) and JanB. It was very interesting to read with this wonderful group of women because this book worked for about half of us and didn't work for the other half. I loved discussing everyone's reactions and seeing how this book affected many of us so differently.
Unfortunately, I fell into the category of not liking this book. I simply couldn't connect with any of the characters or the storyline. I had a good idea who the "bad guy" was fairly early on (which rarely happens for me). My main issue was the believability factor. So many scenes, circumstances and characters actions were very far-fetched for me.
I have read one other book by Gudenkauf - "Little Mercies" - and really liked it. As much as I would not recommend "Missing Pieces", I would still be interested in reading other books by Gudenkauf because I really did enjoy "Little Mercies".
To find our full Traveling Sister Read Review, please visit Norma and Brenda's fabulous book blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
March 20, 2017
When Jack Quinlan received the phone call to say his Aunt Julia had been in an accident at her home, and was in hospital in a serious condition, Jack knew he needed to go to her. Julia and her husband Hal had been his surrogate parents since his own parents had died, and although he hadn’t been home in over twenty years, he felt the pull to return. Jack’s wife of twenty years, Sarah decided to accompany her husband as their two girls were old enough to remain at home.
But their arrival after two flights to the small town of Penny Gate was the beginning of a nightmare for Sarah. To her horror she discovered she had no idea who her husband really was – who she had been married to for so long; loved for so long. As the secrets and lies were slowly revealed, Sarah had no idea if she could trust Jack any longer – in fact she had no idea who she could trust. Then, as things became even worse, Sarah suddenly realised she was in danger – what on earth was going on? Who really were the Quinlan’s?
Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf is another gripping psychological thriller by this author which I thoroughly enjoyed! I found it fast paced and very hard to put down. The twists and turns; the red herrings – all so well done. And the reveal at the end totally surprised me! I had no idea! Highly recommended.
But their arrival after two flights to the small town of Penny Gate was the beginning of a nightmare for Sarah. To her horror she discovered she had no idea who her husband really was – who she had been married to for so long; loved for so long. As the secrets and lies were slowly revealed, Sarah had no idea if she could trust Jack any longer – in fact she had no idea who she could trust. Then, as things became even worse, Sarah suddenly realised she was in danger – what on earth was going on? Who really were the Quinlan’s?
Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf is another gripping psychological thriller by this author which I thoroughly enjoyed! I found it fast paced and very hard to put down. The twists and turns; the red herrings – all so well done. And the reveal at the end totally surprised me! I had no idea! Highly recommended.
January 12, 2016
3.25 stars
This was just OK for me. One of those non-thinker books that didn't hold many surprises but there was enough there to keep me reading.
I know exactly when the author lost me from taking this book more seriously...
It's a pet peeve of mine when authors take extreme liberties that are so non believable to the reader. I do understand that at times its needed to help get the story moving forward, but sometimes it is just too much.
In this case, it was the 'average civilian convinces someone (like a clerk) to give them access to important documents or files that they have no right to look at'.
It boggles my mind how much this happens in stories. In real life I really want to know- who are these people that are so trusting to strangers that they will let them look at toxicology reports, or criminal investigation interviews and files? This can't be happening in the real world, can it?
There were some shining moments though and I applaud the author for giving us a strong female protagonist. Her reactions to her husband's omissions were very credible. Instead of sweeping it under the rug, she confronts him head on and doesn't let him off the hook. And even though I had identified the antagonist early on, I didn't know the 'why', so that also kept me turning the pages.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was just OK for me. One of those non-thinker books that didn't hold many surprises but there was enough there to keep me reading.
I know exactly when the author lost me from taking this book more seriously...
It's a pet peeve of mine when authors take extreme liberties that are so non believable to the reader. I do understand that at times its needed to help get the story moving forward, but sometimes it is just too much.
In this case, it was the 'average civilian convinces someone (like a clerk) to give them access to important documents or files that they have no right to look at'.
It boggles my mind how much this happens in stories. In real life I really want to know- who are these people that are so trusting to strangers that they will let them look at toxicology reports, or criminal investigation interviews and files? This can't be happening in the real world, can it?
There were some shining moments though and I applaud the author for giving us a strong female protagonist. Her reactions to her husband's omissions were very credible. Instead of sweeping it under the rug, she confronts him head on and doesn't let him off the hook. And even though I had identified the antagonist early on, I didn't know the 'why', so that also kept me turning the pages.
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2016
Loved this book. Dark, edgy and suffused with shady characters, constant tension and plenty of twists and turns. I couldn't put MISSING PIECES down. I am a big fan of all of Heather Gudenkauf's work, but this is my favorite book of hers yet! Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
August 24, 2021
This is my first Gudenkauf novel and I was not disappointed at all. Missing Pieces was exactly the type of mystery I needed for a good, summer read!
Jack and Sarah rush back to Jack's hometown where the elderly aunt who raised him has been hospitalized. Sarah has never been to the town, nor has she really met Jack's family or friends. It appears there are many secrets that Jack has kept hidden, this man whom Sarah has known for twenty years, and as more secrets are revealed the danger to Sarah increases.
The writing itself is simple, however I'm from the Midwestern US and this type of speaking is common here. It's also quite common in Nordic/Scandi literature so this only added to the atmosphere of the book rather than detracted for me. Also, I sussed out immediately who the killer was, but I do this with most books. In this book I believe that the story of the characters themselves were focal point and not the actual "mystery" especially knowing that most of Gudenkauf's books are character driven.
I enjoy mysteries, well written ones, and I read them for escape in a crazy world. To that end, this was a perfect, quick, entertaining read.
Jack and Sarah rush back to Jack's hometown where the elderly aunt who raised him has been hospitalized. Sarah has never been to the town, nor has she really met Jack's family or friends. It appears there are many secrets that Jack has kept hidden, this man whom Sarah has known for twenty years, and as more secrets are revealed the danger to Sarah increases.
The writing itself is simple, however I'm from the Midwestern US and this type of speaking is common here. It's also quite common in Nordic/Scandi literature so this only added to the atmosphere of the book rather than detracted for me. Also, I sussed out immediately who the killer was, but I do this with most books. In this book I believe that the story of the characters themselves were focal point and not the actual "mystery" especially knowing that most of Gudenkauf's books are character driven.
I enjoy mysteries, well written ones, and I read them for escape in a crazy world. To that end, this was a perfect, quick, entertaining read.
September 11, 2022
I have read a few others books by Heather Gudenkauf and enjoyed them which caused me to put her backlist on my TBR without looking at the descriptions or reviews of the others. I wish I had because this book is not for me for the reasons I saw many other reviewers feel the same. I had a hard time connecting to any characters in this one and I didn’t find much to be believable. I also really thought the mystery was obvious fairly on and the narrators slow and methodical trip down the wrong path frustrated me. The book wasn’t that long and it should have been a quick read but I found myself dragging my feet and finding any distraction to delay focusing on this story. Overall I gave it 2.5 stars which I rounded up for star selection.
June 26, 2019
Jack and Sarah Quinlan have been married for 20 years, but during that time have they never traveled home to Penny Gate, Iowa where Jack grow up. But then his aunt Julia is in an accident and they quickly travel to Penny Gate to be by her side. For Sarah is this visitation the start of a nightmare. She has always believed that Jack's parents were killed in a car accident, but it turns out that his mother was murdered and that the main suspects were Jack's father who later disappeared. But, that is not the worst thing. Strange things are happenings and it seems that Julia accident was not so accidental...
Today I'm going to let Gordon Ramsey help me review!
Let's start with the main characters: Jack and Sarah, they have been married for 20 years and have to kids in college. Or so the books say, what I got from reading this book was 2 people that have no chemistry and doesn't seem to know each other very well. I mean Sarah used to be a star reporter and she doesn't know jack shit about Jack. After 20 years you know each other. Hell, I know my cat better than Sarah knows Jack and Caesar is only 3...and a cat!
Then we have Jack's cousin Dean and his wife Celia. Sarah learns that Celia used to be Jack's girlfriend back when they were 15 and is instantly mistrusting both Celia and Jack. because, you know. 20 years ago, those feelings when you were 15 can still burn hot...or not!
The plot: I should have stopped reading this book when I felt that I had no connection to the story or its characters, but I kept on reading. Oh, what I fool I was. Sarah is playing Nancy Drew, trying to find out the truth and getting a CREEPY email from the killer, well it takes some time for her to realize that since she first dismisses them. Meanwhile, is she starting to think that Jack could have killed his mother and that he was a suspect back when he was young. She is also thinking that hot Celia, the WIFE of Jacks cousin is after Jack. Actually, most of the time she seems more focused on Celia than the fact that there could be a killer loose...
The suspects: I had it down to two people because there were so many red herrings thrown at the main suspects that Gordon could have made dinner for a banquet. And, in the end, there was just one logical suspect...so no suspense or anything in finding out the truth.
The final verdict? Half a star! it was not a thick book, but it took forever to finish!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review. And, Tumblr for the gifs!
Today I'm going to let Gordon Ramsey help me review!
Let's start with the main characters: Jack and Sarah, they have been married for 20 years and have to kids in college. Or so the books say, what I got from reading this book was 2 people that have no chemistry and doesn't seem to know each other very well. I mean Sarah used to be a star reporter and she doesn't know jack shit about Jack. After 20 years you know each other. Hell, I know my cat better than Sarah knows Jack and Caesar is only 3...and a cat!
Then we have Jack's cousin Dean and his wife Celia. Sarah learns that Celia used to be Jack's girlfriend back when they were 15 and is instantly mistrusting both Celia and Jack. because, you know. 20 years ago, those feelings when you were 15 can still burn hot...or not!
The plot: I should have stopped reading this book when I felt that I had no connection to the story or its characters, but I kept on reading. Oh, what I fool I was. Sarah is playing Nancy Drew, trying to find out the truth and getting a CREEPY email from the killer, well it takes some time for her to realize that since she first dismisses them. Meanwhile, is she starting to think that Jack could have killed his mother and that he was a suspect back when he was young. She is also thinking that hot Celia, the WIFE of Jacks cousin is after Jack. Actually, most of the time she seems more focused on Celia than the fact that there could be a killer loose...
The suspects: I had it down to two people because there were so many red herrings thrown at the main suspects that Gordon could have made dinner for a banquet. And, in the end, there was just one logical suspect...so no suspense or anything in finding out the truth.
The final verdict? Half a star! it was not a thick book, but it took forever to finish!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review. And, Tumblr for the gifs!
March 5, 2016
I have to say that normally I really like Heather Gudenkauf and this read certainly started off well but by the end of it I was really disliking it. Sarah and Jack have been married for 20 years. They have never really had a great deal to do with his family but when his Aunt Julia, who raised him from a teenager, suddenly has a fall, they return to his home town. Once there, Sarah discovers that Jack has been lying to her for the past 20 years about the death of his parents, and in particular that of his mother. His parents did not die in a car crash, his mother had been murdered and his father had disappeared. Can she trust him again when he has lied about something so fundamental, especially when she uncovers yet more lies? In the meantime, what of his Aunt Julia?
My main problem with the book was Sarah herself. Before she had children she was a respected journalist so should have been in her element as she started to uncover the truth of what happened to Jack’s parents. Yet, she could never seem to be able to see the wood for the trees, being unable to spot those links that she would have been trained to spot.
In her present life she is an agony aunt, yet she seemed to have no compassion for and showed no empathy towards Jack. Yes, she had found out all or most of his lies, but he was caught up in a serious family crisis and she should have been able to recognise the right time to tackle him. She just seemed to have no understanding of how he was feeling whatsoever. In addition, when she meets Celia, who turns out to be an old high school flame of Jack’s she is riddled with insecurity. Surely, after 20 years of marriage to a man and being an agony aunt to boot, she should have been able to ride that one out!
Finally though, I know that since 1985 there have been huge scientific advances in crime detection, what with DNA etcetera. However, surely even in 1985, medical examiners would have been able to pinpoint a time of death? At no time, when talking about the murder of Jack’s mother was a time of death ever mentioned – yet the reader knew what had happened from the prologue and so it soon became pretty obvious that a large part of the plot was being rendered meaningless. The person who was the prime suspect could not possibly have done it and a time of death would have proved that straightaway.
Finally, I did guess who was the guilty party as soon as I met them.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
My main problem with the book was Sarah herself. Before she had children she was a respected journalist so should have been in her element as she started to uncover the truth of what happened to Jack’s parents. Yet, she could never seem to be able to see the wood for the trees, being unable to spot those links that she would have been trained to spot.
In her present life she is an agony aunt, yet she seemed to have no compassion for and showed no empathy towards Jack. Yes, she had found out all or most of his lies, but he was caught up in a serious family crisis and she should have been able to recognise the right time to tackle him. She just seemed to have no understanding of how he was feeling whatsoever. In addition, when she meets Celia, who turns out to be an old high school flame of Jack’s she is riddled with insecurity. Surely, after 20 years of marriage to a man and being an agony aunt to boot, she should have been able to ride that one out!
Finally though, I know that since 1985 there have been huge scientific advances in crime detection, what with DNA etcetera. However, surely even in 1985, medical examiners would have been able to pinpoint a time of death? At no time, when talking about the murder of Jack’s mother was a time of death ever mentioned – yet the reader knew what had happened from the prologue and so it soon became pretty obvious that a large part of the plot was being rendered meaningless. The person who was the prime suspect could not possibly have done it and a time of death would have proved that straightaway.
Finally, I did guess who was the guilty party as soon as I met them.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
May 4, 2018
I am a great fan of Heather Gudenkauf. I have read The Weight of Silence and These Things Hidden. I also bought my daughter One Breath Away to read.
You can imagine the scene with the May sunshine and Lydia making Waffles topped with strawberries and freshly whipped cream. But everything went horrible wrong.
As Lydia went in to her cellar to get something out of her freezer, someone gave her a striking blow. Lydia knew who it was before being struck in the temple, their eyes locking one last time. The question is who killed Lydia?
Jack had been seen to argue with his parents on more than one occasion and once even more violently. Not one person that was interviewed who knew Lydia and her husband John Tierney, could ever recall a fight, a disagreement or harsh words between them. So who was the person that Lydia see that she knew before she died and who wanted to hurt her and why?
What I liked about this story is that quite a lot goes on in Penny Falls, Lowa with quite a few family secrets.
You can imagine the scene with the May sunshine and Lydia making Waffles topped with strawberries and freshly whipped cream. But everything went horrible wrong.
As Lydia went in to her cellar to get something out of her freezer, someone gave her a striking blow. Lydia knew who it was before being struck in the temple, their eyes locking one last time. The question is who killed Lydia?
Jack had been seen to argue with his parents on more than one occasion and once even more violently. Not one person that was interviewed who knew Lydia and her husband John Tierney, could ever recall a fight, a disagreement or harsh words between them. So who was the person that Lydia see that she knew before she died and who wanted to hurt her and why?
What I liked about this story is that quite a lot goes on in Penny Falls, Lowa with quite a few family secrets.
February 25, 2018
For what it was, I enjoyed it. Easy read and suspenseful enough to keep me turning pages. 3.5 stars
February 11, 2017
Thriller/Mysteries are not the first thing I reach for, but I read this one for a book club. I learned, not for the first time, how much a genuinely talented writer can make a difference. The book I read prior to this one was also a Thriller/Mystery and was sort of a slog to get through. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, and I didn't realize until I got into this one that the missing thing in the previous one was a genuine way with words. Plot is obviously important, in this genre more than most, but being a true wordsmith is almost as important, in my opinion. This book really delivered on that front. Ms Gudenkauf is a skilled writer who made the book not only a page turner, but a pleasure to read from a literary standpoint as well. While I have not read widely in the Thriller/Mystery genre, this is one of the few I can say that of.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
July 19, 2016
4,5
Parti para a leitura deste livro sem quaisquer expectativas. Nunca tinha ouvido falar da autora, nem sequer da sua obra, pelo que a surpresa ao desfolhar de cada página ia crescendo cada vez mais.
À medida que a história avança vamos descobrindo que o passado de uma das personagens principais foi completamente ocultado por ele e só o acidente de uma parente dele é que faz reviver tudo de novo.
A história, contada do prisma de Sarah Quinlan, mulher de Jack, tem contornos que se tornam cada vez mais obscuros. Jornalista freelancer desde que teve filhos, Sarah sempre guardou consigo o bichinho da investigação jornalística e isso vai servir-lhe para desvendar os mistérios, que vão surgindo ao longo da história.
(...)
opinião completa aqui: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...
Parti para a leitura deste livro sem quaisquer expectativas. Nunca tinha ouvido falar da autora, nem sequer da sua obra, pelo que a surpresa ao desfolhar de cada página ia crescendo cada vez mais.
À medida que a história avança vamos descobrindo que o passado de uma das personagens principais foi completamente ocultado por ele e só o acidente de uma parente dele é que faz reviver tudo de novo.
A história, contada do prisma de Sarah Quinlan, mulher de Jack, tem contornos que se tornam cada vez mais obscuros. Jornalista freelancer desde que teve filhos, Sarah sempre guardou consigo o bichinho da investigação jornalística e isso vai servir-lhe para desvendar os mistérios, que vão surgindo ao longo da história.
(...)
opinião completa aqui: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...
January 11, 2016
This is my first time reading a Heather Gudenkauf work. I am grateful to the author, Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
How well do you know your spouse? After twenty years of marriage, Sarah Quinlan discovers secrets about her husband that rock her world. In Gudenkauf’s new novel, Missing Pieces, when Jack Quinlan’s Aunt Julia is critically injured in a fall, Jack and Sarah leave their home in Montana and rush to Jack’s hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa, to be by Julia’s side. After Jack’s parents died in a traffic accident when he was a teenager, Julia and her husband Hal had taken in Jack and his sister Amy and raised them as their own. Why has Jack been so reluctant to return to his hometown all these years?
As she meets some family members for the first time and renews acquaintances with others, Sarah gets a sneaking suspicion that Jack has been hiding things from her. She soon learns that not only has he been lying about his mother’s death, he has been covering up much, much more. Eventually, Sarah comes to distrust her husband. Is he protecting himself or someone close to him? Who is reliable? What really happened? As a former journalist who is now an advice columnist, Sarah cannot resist the urge to delve into the past and seek the truth, looking for missing pieces, no matter what the cost.
Despite a number of problems with the characters and the believability of some of the circumstances, I really enjoyed this book overall. Why? The author did a great job of keeping me guessing right up until the end. I had my suspicions, and I went back and forth among several suspects in my own mind, including the real culprit, but I had no idea about the motive.
I could imagine Sarah’s shock and dismay at learning that her husband has been lying to her about who he is and what he had been through as a teen. If he couldn’t trust her with the truth about that, what else could he be hiding? But as the family situation becomes more serious and Sarah herself is threatened, her panic seems to turn to obsession, and her fixation on the past makes her seem paranoid, jealous, cranky, and whiny. It is understandable to a degree, but after a while, it becomes annoying.
Jack was frustrating to me as well. He is described as quiet, almost taciturn. Every time Sarah wants to discuss things and tries to pin him down, he rebuffs her with something like, “I can’t deal with this right now.” What kind of relationship is that? Even though he swears he had nothing to do with his mother’s death, it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust him!
Then there’s Amy, Jack’s younger sister. She’s a mess! But I felt sorry for her. This is one dysfunctional family, and for a good reason, it turns out.
Finally, there’s Margaret, who works in the sheriff’s office. It seems a stretch to think that she would go to such extremes to help a stranger, risking her job for someone she just met. But it’s a small town, she’s known the family for years, and she’s got a good heart. I went along with the story and actually really liked Margaret.
There are other family members and close friends, even the sheriff, who were involved with the past and present events that have beset the family and the town of Penny Gate and may be guarding secrets of their own. The ending seemed like it might be something out of Peyton Place, but for the most part, I found my introduction to Heather Gudenkauf pleasant enough to warrant another look if given the opportunity.
3.5 stars
How well do you know your spouse? After twenty years of marriage, Sarah Quinlan discovers secrets about her husband that rock her world. In Gudenkauf’s new novel, Missing Pieces, when Jack Quinlan’s Aunt Julia is critically injured in a fall, Jack and Sarah leave their home in Montana and rush to Jack’s hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa, to be by Julia’s side. After Jack’s parents died in a traffic accident when he was a teenager, Julia and her husband Hal had taken in Jack and his sister Amy and raised them as their own. Why has Jack been so reluctant to return to his hometown all these years?
As she meets some family members for the first time and renews acquaintances with others, Sarah gets a sneaking suspicion that Jack has been hiding things from her. She soon learns that not only has he been lying about his mother’s death, he has been covering up much, much more. Eventually, Sarah comes to distrust her husband. Is he protecting himself or someone close to him? Who is reliable? What really happened? As a former journalist who is now an advice columnist, Sarah cannot resist the urge to delve into the past and seek the truth, looking for missing pieces, no matter what the cost.
Despite a number of problems with the characters and the believability of some of the circumstances, I really enjoyed this book overall. Why? The author did a great job of keeping me guessing right up until the end. I had my suspicions, and I went back and forth among several suspects in my own mind, including the real culprit, but I had no idea about the motive.
I could imagine Sarah’s shock and dismay at learning that her husband has been lying to her about who he is and what he had been through as a teen. If he couldn’t trust her with the truth about that, what else could he be hiding? But as the family situation becomes more serious and Sarah herself is threatened, her panic seems to turn to obsession, and her fixation on the past makes her seem paranoid, jealous, cranky, and whiny. It is understandable to a degree, but after a while, it becomes annoying.
Jack was frustrating to me as well. He is described as quiet, almost taciturn. Every time Sarah wants to discuss things and tries to pin him down, he rebuffs her with something like, “I can’t deal with this right now.” What kind of relationship is that? Even though he swears he had nothing to do with his mother’s death, it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust him!
Then there’s Amy, Jack’s younger sister. She’s a mess! But I felt sorry for her. This is one dysfunctional family, and for a good reason, it turns out.
Finally, there’s Margaret, who works in the sheriff’s office. It seems a stretch to think that she would go to such extremes to help a stranger, risking her job for someone she just met. But it’s a small town, she’s known the family for years, and she’s got a good heart. I went along with the story and actually really liked Margaret.
There are other family members and close friends, even the sheriff, who were involved with the past and present events that have beset the family and the town of Penny Gate and may be guarding secrets of their own. The ending seemed like it might be something out of Peyton Place, but for the most part, I found my introduction to Heather Gudenkauf pleasant enough to warrant another look if given the opportunity.
3.5 stars
August 11, 2017
This was a Traveling Sister group read with Brenda, Norma, Lindsay, Kaceey, Linda, and Holly. It was so much fun reading with the group - we all agree the discussion was a 5 star experience, even though we didn't all agree on the book :-)
This was my first book with this author, and I've read reviews from fans that it wasn't their favorite so perhaps I'll give one a try someday. To be honest, this read to me like a debut author who got super lucky getting published.
The book just didn't work for me. I knew who did it from the start as soon as that character was introduced, but that's not what ruined it. What did ruin it was the believability factor. There were too many instances where my eyes rolled - none of it was believable right from the start, starting with Jack and Sarah's marriage. I realize it's fiction but it's not a good thing when your eyes roll so much as you're reading your head hurts. The unbelievable things kept piling on top of each other. I don't even care enough to post them hidden as a spoiler.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this one.
You can find the group review here:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
This was my first book with this author, and I've read reviews from fans that it wasn't their favorite so perhaps I'll give one a try someday. To be honest, this read to me like a debut author who got super lucky getting published.
The book just didn't work for me. I knew who did it from the start as soon as that character was introduced, but that's not what ruined it. What did ruin it was the believability factor. There were too many instances where my eyes rolled - none of it was believable right from the start, starting with Jack and Sarah's marriage. I realize it's fiction but it's not a good thing when your eyes roll so much as you're reading your head hurts. The unbelievable things kept piling on top of each other. I don't even care enough to post them hidden as a spoiler.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this one.
You can find the group review here:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
December 10, 2015
Right off the bat, I'll admit fighting the urge to give this one 3.5 stars. But the plot seemed believable to me, the pace was fast enough to hold my attention throughout and better still, for the most part kept me guessing all the way to the end. At issue is the fact that I had a tough time relating to the main character; but in all fairness, my objection touches on a personal bias that really doesn't have much bearing on the quality of writing, so I upped my score to 4.
The story begins as Sarah Quinlan returns with her husband Jack to his hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa, after he learns that his Aunt Julia, who raised him and his rather wigged-out sister Amy, fell down the stairs and is in a coma. Jack, who's always been closed-mouthed about his parents (revealing only that were killed when he was a teenager), hasn't returned to the area since before he and Sarah were married 20 years earlier.
Soon thereafter, Julia dies, and details about Jack's childhood experiences begin to emerge. Sarah - a former reporter turned advice columnist - starts to dig deeper into the events of her husband's past. In the process, she unearths "secrets" surrounding the death of his parents that could put other family members - and perhaps Sarah herself - in danger. From that point on, it's a race to get to the truth before someone else bites the dust (as for how all that turns out, of course, my lips are sealed).
What turned me off, though, is that I have no sympathy for hand-wringing females like Sarah, whose angst jumped to 9.5 on the Richter Scale the second she concluded that her husband of two decades is a lying, cheating scumbag - or worse - simply because he failed to tell her every tiny aspect of his past. He didn't share names of all the girls he dated in high school? Oh, the horror! Granted, there are a few relatively important things he probably should have mentioned somewhere along the way; but it's 20 years and two kids later, woman - get over it. Somewhere around the 50% mark, I decided the best ending for me would be learning that he'd kicked her sorry butt to the curb (no, I won't reveal that outcome, either).
That off my chest, this is a good, solid mystery that gave me plenty of motivation to keep reading (I finished it easily in a couple of days). I had suspicions about how it would all come together, but I had to wait till the final pages to find out for sure. For those who don't mind a goodly dose of melodrama with their suspense, I give it a big thumbs up, and I thank the publisher (via NetGalley) for providing me with an advance copy for review.
The story begins as Sarah Quinlan returns with her husband Jack to his hometown of Penny Gate, Iowa, after he learns that his Aunt Julia, who raised him and his rather wigged-out sister Amy, fell down the stairs and is in a coma. Jack, who's always been closed-mouthed about his parents (revealing only that were killed when he was a teenager), hasn't returned to the area since before he and Sarah were married 20 years earlier.
Soon thereafter, Julia dies, and details about Jack's childhood experiences begin to emerge. Sarah - a former reporter turned advice columnist - starts to dig deeper into the events of her husband's past. In the process, she unearths "secrets" surrounding the death of his parents that could put other family members - and perhaps Sarah herself - in danger. From that point on, it's a race to get to the truth before someone else bites the dust (as for how all that turns out, of course, my lips are sealed).
What turned me off, though, is that I have no sympathy for hand-wringing females like Sarah, whose angst jumped to 9.5 on the Richter Scale the second she concluded that her husband of two decades is a lying, cheating scumbag - or worse - simply because he failed to tell her every tiny aspect of his past. He didn't share names of all the girls he dated in high school? Oh, the horror! Granted, there are a few relatively important things he probably should have mentioned somewhere along the way; but it's 20 years and two kids later, woman - get over it. Somewhere around the 50% mark, I decided the best ending for me would be learning that he'd kicked her sorry butt to the curb (no, I won't reveal that outcome, either).
That off my chest, this is a good, solid mystery that gave me plenty of motivation to keep reading (I finished it easily in a couple of days). I had suspicions about how it would all come together, but I had to wait till the final pages to find out for sure. For those who don't mind a goodly dose of melodrama with their suspense, I give it a big thumbs up, and I thank the publisher (via NetGalley) for providing me with an advance copy for review.
November 29, 2016
How well do you know your partner? Sarah and Jack are about to find out. They return to Jack's home town as Jack's aunt has been injured and is in a coma. Jack's parents died when he was a teenager and once he grew up, Jack left his home town. As the book moves on Sarah discovers there may be more to Jack than meets the eye, she is a reporter and instinct tells her there is something going on that she knows nothing about. I enjoyed this but not as much as her first book, the character of Sarah I found annoying at times and I found it odd she did not know more about Jack's past when they have been married so long but that takes us back to the question of how well we know our partners. An enjoyable read but not one of her best. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
Missing Pieces, by Heather Gudenkauf, is a good, eerie murder mystery with several twists and turns.
Sarah and Jack Quinlan return to Jack's home town when his aunt is seriously hurt after taking a fall. During their visit Sarah learns that Jack has been lying to her throughout their marriage, not only about his mother's death, but about many other things as well. Sarah investigates Jack's family history and is determined to find the reasons behind the lies. She quickly realizes there is something not quite right within the Quinlan family. And it involves murder.
This story kept me guessing and the murderer was a complete surprise!
This is my 6th novel by Heather Gudenkauf and I hope to read more of her work in the future.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this novel.
Sarah and Jack Quinlan return to Jack's home town when his aunt is seriously hurt after taking a fall. During their visit Sarah learns that Jack has been lying to her throughout their marriage, not only about his mother's death, but about many other things as well. Sarah investigates Jack's family history and is determined to find the reasons behind the lies. She quickly realizes there is something not quite right within the Quinlan family. And it involves murder.
This story kept me guessing and the murderer was a complete surprise!
This is my 6th novel by Heather Gudenkauf and I hope to read more of her work in the future.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this novel.
February 6, 2017
I've read all Heather Gudenkauf's books and enjoyed them all. If you are a Jodi fan I recommend you try them. Not this one though. The characters and relationships between them felt obe-dimensional and unbelievable.
April 5, 2017
Top 50 Books of 2016!
A long-time fan of Heather Gudenkauf’s books, she returns following Little Mercies (5 Stars) with her best book yet, MISSING PIECES-a multi-layered, gritty, dark, mysterious, and suspenseful edge-of-your seat (action-packed) domestic crime psycho-thriller. I could not put down. Top Mysteries of 2016!
A woman discovers dark chilling secrets about her husband’s family past. There is suspicion, mistrust, and nothing is as it appears. Two accidents or falls turn, into intriguing murders and a devilishly evil game of "three blind mice".
A whodunit mystery, which will leave your head spinning, while trying to guess the identity of the murderer-- with twists and turns you do not see coming. Once you think you have it figured out, you suspect someone else.
There are Missing Pieces of a strange puzzle hovering just beyond your reach.
As the book opens we meet Lydia Tierney 1985, Iowa farm--she has sent her two children, Jack (fifteen) and Amy (eleven) off to school. She appears to be a happy homemaker planning a special dinner to celebrate their last day at school, prior to summer vacation. She is downstairs, to collect some things for dinner, from the cellar. She and her husband John had lived on the farm for fifteen years. She hears something and turns around, before being stuck down by someone she appears to know.
Flash forward to present day.
Jack is now married with a family in Larkspur, Montana. A happy family, Jack is a physical therapist, and wife Sarah is an anonymous (Dear Astrid) advice columnist for the Midwest Messenger, a prominent newspaper in Montana. A step down from her prior position. She had been a hard-news reporter traveling all over the world, covering major international news stories. After the girls were born she stayed close to home and the job had worked out well for the last seven years.
Only a handful of people knew Astrid’s true identity. Her daughters did not know. The twin daughters in college, at the University of Montana were too busy with their own life. Some of her letters were from weekly people looking for unbiased opinions and a fresh perspective. But some were odd, disturbing, dark, violent, and needy. If so, she had been known to contact the police.
Jack receives a phone call from Amy, his sister regarding his aunt Julia. She was the one who found her. Julia had taken a bad fall, and he needed to come home. Jack has not returned to his home place in twenty years. Penny Gate, Iowa does not hold fond memories for Jack. A three-hour flight from Montana, and the couple are on their way to a town of dark secrets. Hold on for a roller coaster ride.
A past he has not shared with his wife. Plus, Sarah soon learns his last name was Tierney, not Quinlan? Why was he taking his aunt and uncle’s last name? Jack told Sarah his parents died in an automobile accident with the dad driving. This is what she has believed to be true for twenty years.
Until now.
Aunt Julia and Uncle Hal raised Amy and Jack after they became orphans. Sarah soon learns, Lydia was murdered and Jack’s father John has not been seen since. An investigation eliminated a variety of suspects, (Jack being one of them), and it was assumed John was the killer; however, there was no such evidence and he has not been found.
In this small town of Penny Gate there are many secrets. From parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, to siblings. Amy is troubled, and resents Jack for leaving. She calls their old home place a house of horror. Sarah begins to uncover all sorts of lies. Not only did her husband lie about his parents, he also was dating Celia, in high school. She now is married to Dean, Hal’s son, and Jack’s cousin. Sarah had never met Celia, previously. The last time he came was for their wedding and she had stayed home with the twins. Jack is in non-communication mode. He says he wants to forget it. Sarah is livid!
There is a mystery surrounding Julia’s fall—and soon after their arrival, she dies. A full investigation is in force. All fingers point to Amy since she seems unstable with pill popping and alcohol, walking around like a zombie and losing her job. However, she loved Julia and Dean appears to dislike her.
Soon thereafter Sarah with her former investigative reporting skills wants to know more about Jack’s mom and dad’s death; however, he is not forthcoming with any answers. She begins to think the two murders may be connected.
Why is Jack being so secretive? How will her marriage survive this? Why would Jack lead her blindly into a town filled with secrets, horror, evil and violence? She begins doubting her entire life with Jack and their family. Why? What is Jack hiding? Dean and Celia live in the house that Amy and Jack grew up in.
In the meantime, blame is cast upon Amy, who says she is innocent. However, Sarah becomes to suspect Jack. She is trying to get Amy a lawyer, and then she then sees Dean and Celia fighting-- he has a temper.
After the reports come back, appears Julia was poisoned and beaten. Who would do this to a lovely woman? What about Lydia and the murder from twenty years ago, never solved. A bloodbath in the cellar. What is Gilmore, the cop’s connection? Could John Tierney still be alive, and could someone have murdered him too?
Sarah befriends Margaret Dooley, a woman dispatcher at the police department, who likes gossip. Partners in crime, she feeds her information and between the two, they are a riot----sneaking evidence, from a twenty-year-old case, copying files to flash drives, slipping into library and coffee shops, bars; gathering bits and pieces from the old and current murder. Both houses are now a crime scene.
To make matters more intense, Sarah is receiving these cryptic emails about three blind mice. She ignores them, because she has too much other to worry about here in Iowa. Work can wait and she deletes them. She has not had time to answer her editor's calls. She has not a clue they could be connected to what is going on here in Iowa.
However, when someone runs her off the road and leaves a broken watch on her car windshield, and photos of a crime scene and other texts and emails – someone here in Penny Gate could be the one behind the three blind mice?
There are so many suspects: The cop, the uncle, the father, Jack, Amy, Dean—each time someone goes down the steps to a cellar or basement, I am holding my breath! Who would murder two farmer’s wives and why? Similarities between Lydia and Julia’s deaths. What is the motive?
Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlan's is the truth—trust or not? Each secret uncovered adds another crack in Sarah’s marriage. Wouldn’t someone capable of murdering show some signs of insanity, being unbalanced? Is she married to a psychopath or someone in this family? Does she even want to stay here? She has to learn the truth before she leaves.
“You can’t catch me.” A text. Her cell phone.
When Sarah gets her hands on the old evidence, she is afraid of her own husband. Who is this man? Nothing could prepare for darkness and evil of this town. A race against time Sarah is in the middle of danger, the closer she comes to learning the identity of the killer. Clues surface and the missing pieces of the puzzle come to light for an explosive climax.
Wow, this was one intense mystery! Loved Sarah’s character and Margaret (she was a former babysitter for Jack and Amy). The two female feisty sleuths were creative, innovative, and pushed all boundaries—smart, edgy, taking risks, witty, sneaking around making excuses about the food, and uncovering the web of deceit. (they need to be PI partners). A case no one could crack years earlier. These two made the story. A number of evil players with two sides, making it difficult to determine the killer. Cryptic message, clues, beatings, murder weapons, dark cellars, poisoning.
Loved the front cover Perfect title. There are so many missing pieces, clues, and mystery surrounding the two murders----an ideal book for book clubs and discussions. Different personalities and perspectives. Nice character development and plot planning-- the author hands out small clues and pieces, as the story unravels. Very clever twist with the Three Blind Mice nursery rhyme, clues, poisoning, and the eyes being covered, see how they run, etc.…There is so much unknown--and each character has flaws, making more than a few likely suspects with possible motive. By the time you reach the end, you will find another huge piece.
Even though I have enjoyed all Heather’s books, MISSING PIECES is my favorite. Action-packed and a different twist than her previous books. I hope she continues to write more of these fast-paced crime psycho-suspense mystery thrillers; she is in her “element,” and since this is my favorite genre--a glowing 5 stars! Can’t wait to see what’s next! (More of this, please)
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, my wish was granted, with her best yet: Be sure and check out upcoming Not A Sound Coming May 30, 2017. Top Books of 2017!
A long-time fan of Heather Gudenkauf’s books, she returns following Little Mercies (5 Stars) with her best book yet, MISSING PIECES-a multi-layered, gritty, dark, mysterious, and suspenseful edge-of-your seat (action-packed) domestic crime psycho-thriller. I could not put down. Top Mysteries of 2016!
A woman discovers dark chilling secrets about her husband’s family past. There is suspicion, mistrust, and nothing is as it appears. Two accidents or falls turn, into intriguing murders and a devilishly evil game of "three blind mice".
A whodunit mystery, which will leave your head spinning, while trying to guess the identity of the murderer-- with twists and turns you do not see coming. Once you think you have it figured out, you suspect someone else.
There are Missing Pieces of a strange puzzle hovering just beyond your reach.
As the book opens we meet Lydia Tierney 1985, Iowa farm--she has sent her two children, Jack (fifteen) and Amy (eleven) off to school. She appears to be a happy homemaker planning a special dinner to celebrate their last day at school, prior to summer vacation. She is downstairs, to collect some things for dinner, from the cellar. She and her husband John had lived on the farm for fifteen years. She hears something and turns around, before being stuck down by someone she appears to know.
Flash forward to present day.
Jack is now married with a family in Larkspur, Montana. A happy family, Jack is a physical therapist, and wife Sarah is an anonymous (Dear Astrid) advice columnist for the Midwest Messenger, a prominent newspaper in Montana. A step down from her prior position. She had been a hard-news reporter traveling all over the world, covering major international news stories. After the girls were born she stayed close to home and the job had worked out well for the last seven years.
Only a handful of people knew Astrid’s true identity. Her daughters did not know. The twin daughters in college, at the University of Montana were too busy with their own life. Some of her letters were from weekly people looking for unbiased opinions and a fresh perspective. But some were odd, disturbing, dark, violent, and needy. If so, she had been known to contact the police.
Jack receives a phone call from Amy, his sister regarding his aunt Julia. She was the one who found her. Julia had taken a bad fall, and he needed to come home. Jack has not returned to his home place in twenty years. Penny Gate, Iowa does not hold fond memories for Jack. A three-hour flight from Montana, and the couple are on their way to a town of dark secrets. Hold on for a roller coaster ride.
A past he has not shared with his wife. Plus, Sarah soon learns his last name was Tierney, not Quinlan? Why was he taking his aunt and uncle’s last name? Jack told Sarah his parents died in an automobile accident with the dad driving. This is what she has believed to be true for twenty years.
Until now.
Aunt Julia and Uncle Hal raised Amy and Jack after they became orphans. Sarah soon learns, Lydia was murdered and Jack’s father John has not been seen since. An investigation eliminated a variety of suspects, (Jack being one of them), and it was assumed John was the killer; however, there was no such evidence and he has not been found.
In this small town of Penny Gate there are many secrets. From parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, to siblings. Amy is troubled, and resents Jack for leaving. She calls their old home place a house of horror. Sarah begins to uncover all sorts of lies. Not only did her husband lie about his parents, he also was dating Celia, in high school. She now is married to Dean, Hal’s son, and Jack’s cousin. Sarah had never met Celia, previously. The last time he came was for their wedding and she had stayed home with the twins. Jack is in non-communication mode. He says he wants to forget it. Sarah is livid!
There is a mystery surrounding Julia’s fall—and soon after their arrival, she dies. A full investigation is in force. All fingers point to Amy since she seems unstable with pill popping and alcohol, walking around like a zombie and losing her job. However, she loved Julia and Dean appears to dislike her.
Soon thereafter Sarah with her former investigative reporting skills wants to know more about Jack’s mom and dad’s death; however, he is not forthcoming with any answers. She begins to think the two murders may be connected.
Why is Jack being so secretive? How will her marriage survive this? Why would Jack lead her blindly into a town filled with secrets, horror, evil and violence? She begins doubting her entire life with Jack and their family. Why? What is Jack hiding? Dean and Celia live in the house that Amy and Jack grew up in.
In the meantime, blame is cast upon Amy, who says she is innocent. However, Sarah becomes to suspect Jack. She is trying to get Amy a lawyer, and then she then sees Dean and Celia fighting-- he has a temper.
After the reports come back, appears Julia was poisoned and beaten. Who would do this to a lovely woman? What about Lydia and the murder from twenty years ago, never solved. A bloodbath in the cellar. What is Gilmore, the cop’s connection? Could John Tierney still be alive, and could someone have murdered him too?
Sarah befriends Margaret Dooley, a woman dispatcher at the police department, who likes gossip. Partners in crime, she feeds her information and between the two, they are a riot----sneaking evidence, from a twenty-year-old case, copying files to flash drives, slipping into library and coffee shops, bars; gathering bits and pieces from the old and current murder. Both houses are now a crime scene.
To make matters more intense, Sarah is receiving these cryptic emails about three blind mice. She ignores them, because she has too much other to worry about here in Iowa. Work can wait and she deletes them. She has not had time to answer her editor's calls. She has not a clue they could be connected to what is going on here in Iowa.
However, when someone runs her off the road and leaves a broken watch on her car windshield, and photos of a crime scene and other texts and emails – someone here in Penny Gate could be the one behind the three blind mice?
There are so many suspects: The cop, the uncle, the father, Jack, Amy, Dean—each time someone goes down the steps to a cellar or basement, I am holding my breath! Who would murder two farmer’s wives and why? Similarities between Lydia and Julia’s deaths. What is the motive?
Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlan's is the truth—trust or not? Each secret uncovered adds another crack in Sarah’s marriage. Wouldn’t someone capable of murdering show some signs of insanity, being unbalanced? Is she married to a psychopath or someone in this family? Does she even want to stay here? She has to learn the truth before she leaves.
“You can’t catch me.” A text. Her cell phone.
When Sarah gets her hands on the old evidence, she is afraid of her own husband. Who is this man? Nothing could prepare for darkness and evil of this town. A race against time Sarah is in the middle of danger, the closer she comes to learning the identity of the killer. Clues surface and the missing pieces of the puzzle come to light for an explosive climax.
Wow, this was one intense mystery! Loved Sarah’s character and Margaret (she was a former babysitter for Jack and Amy). The two female feisty sleuths were creative, innovative, and pushed all boundaries—smart, edgy, taking risks, witty, sneaking around making excuses about the food, and uncovering the web of deceit. (they need to be PI partners). A case no one could crack years earlier. These two made the story. A number of evil players with two sides, making it difficult to determine the killer. Cryptic message, clues, beatings, murder weapons, dark cellars, poisoning.
Loved the front cover Perfect title. There are so many missing pieces, clues, and mystery surrounding the two murders----an ideal book for book clubs and discussions. Different personalities and perspectives. Nice character development and plot planning-- the author hands out small clues and pieces, as the story unravels. Very clever twist with the Three Blind Mice nursery rhyme, clues, poisoning, and the eyes being covered, see how they run, etc.…There is so much unknown--and each character has flaws, making more than a few likely suspects with possible motive. By the time you reach the end, you will find another huge piece.
Even though I have enjoyed all Heather’s books, MISSING PIECES is my favorite. Action-packed and a different twist than her previous books. I hope she continues to write more of these fast-paced crime psycho-suspense mystery thrillers; she is in her “element,” and since this is my favorite genre--a glowing 5 stars! Can’t wait to see what’s next! (More of this, please)
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Yes, my wish was granted, with her best yet: Be sure and check out upcoming Not A Sound Coming May 30, 2017. Top Books of 2017!
February 1, 2016
Penny Gate, Iowa, sounded like such a serene place, but Sarah found out it definitely was far from serene when it came to her husband's family.
The Quinlans, and especially her husband, Jack, had many secrets about family accidents /murders that were 30 years apart. Sarah found out more about the secrets in the 24 hours she was in Penny Gate than she knew for the past 20 years of her marriage.
Sarah needed to know why Jack lied to her about how his parents died and answers to other secrets she found out he kept from her.
What brought Sarah and Jack back to Penny Gate after 20 years was an accident that his beloved Aunt Julia had that was similar to his mother's accident. Aunt Julia had raised Jack and his sister after his parents were gone.
Every hour Sarah and Jack spent in Penny Gate was an hour that added more questions and more secrets being revealed about Jack and his relatives. The revelations were not pleasant.
MISSING PIECES will have mystery lovers scratching their heads until the last pages as well as loving the intrigue.
Ms. Gudenkauf's detailed writing style and marvelous storyline made MISSING PIECES a book that was difficult to put down. I stayed up way into the night to finish it.
See if you can solve the mystery of the 30-year-old murder as well as the current one. The twists and turns along with the very suspenseful ending will have you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the end.
Don't miss reading MISSING PIECES. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
January 17, 2016
An unexpected phone call turns the lives of Jack and Sarah Quinlan upside down. Their twin daughters, Emma and Elizabeth, are away at college, so they are able to quickly arrange to leave their home in Larkspur, Montana, and to fly to Penny Gate, Iowa.
Jack’s Aunt Julia has taken a bad fall and is in critical condition. Soon, they learn that there is more to the story, and that Julia’s accident might not have been accidental.
But just when Sarah thinks she knows everything about her husband’s family, pieces of a strangely convoluted puzzle begin to fall into place, and she is forced to face that her husband has kept many secrets and told numerous lies. Why did Jack say that his parents died in a car accident, when in actuality, his mother had been murdered and his father, missing, was presumed to be the killer?
Meeting all the family members again, especially after the reporter part of Sarah’s personality leads her to the files from the case of Lydia Tierney, Jack’s mother, and more questions arise, she is also stunned to realize that Celia, married to Jack’s cousin Dean, was his serious girlfriend when they were teenagers. Another lie of omission.
So many suspects for both murders, like Amy, a troubled young woman and Jack’s sister; Dean, the angry cousin; and possibly even Jack. So who could have brought such violence into their lives?
When a series of threatening e-mails addressed to Sarah arrive, and the IP address is somewhere in Penny Gate, the threat becomes startlingly close to home. As the danger ratcheted up, it looked like nobody would walk away alive.
I was stunned by the denouement, as I had my eye on one particular suspect all along…and I was wrong. But I actually liked how it turned out, as the guilty character was very annoying. But what would happen to them all after the Missing Pieces are put together? Could they survive the emotional trauma? Definitely a 5 star read.
***My copy of an e-ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Jack’s Aunt Julia has taken a bad fall and is in critical condition. Soon, they learn that there is more to the story, and that Julia’s accident might not have been accidental.
But just when Sarah thinks she knows everything about her husband’s family, pieces of a strangely convoluted puzzle begin to fall into place, and she is forced to face that her husband has kept many secrets and told numerous lies. Why did Jack say that his parents died in a car accident, when in actuality, his mother had been murdered and his father, missing, was presumed to be the killer?
Meeting all the family members again, especially after the reporter part of Sarah’s personality leads her to the files from the case of Lydia Tierney, Jack’s mother, and more questions arise, she is also stunned to realize that Celia, married to Jack’s cousin Dean, was his serious girlfriend when they were teenagers. Another lie of omission.
So many suspects for both murders, like Amy, a troubled young woman and Jack’s sister; Dean, the angry cousin; and possibly even Jack. So who could have brought such violence into their lives?
When a series of threatening e-mails addressed to Sarah arrive, and the IP address is somewhere in Penny Gate, the threat becomes startlingly close to home. As the danger ratcheted up, it looked like nobody would walk away alive.
I was stunned by the denouement, as I had my eye on one particular suspect all along…and I was wrong. But I actually liked how it turned out, as the guilty character was very annoying. But what would happen to them all after the Missing Pieces are put together? Could they survive the emotional trauma? Definitely a 5 star read.
***My copy of an e-ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
February 25, 2016
This book looks at a woman who has been married 20 years to a man she knows inside and out ... or so she thinks.
Sarah and Jack are called back to Jack's hometown. His aunt, who raised him as second mother, has been terribly hurt and is in a coma. Jack's mother and father were killed when he was a teenager. When he was old enough, he left and never looked back.
When his aunt dies in the hospital, the sheriff starts looking at the family as prime suspects.
Top of the list is Jack's sister, Amy. Amy drinks too much and she's angry all the time. She's the one who found her aunt laying at the bottom of the basement stairs. Then there is Jack ... this won't be the first time he's been looked at when someone has died. There is his cousin who is now married to Jack's high school girlfriend.
Little by little, Sarah learns some shocking information about Jack. Being a former investigative reporter, Sarah's first instinct is to find out the truth. But sometimes learning the truth can be hazardous to your health.
There is suspense, but it doesn't seem to reach the heights I would like. I liked Sarah - she's gutsy and brazen, yet there were times she came across as being a bit of weakling when dealing with her husband's lies. Jack was okay ... he comes across as being secretive, which was the author's intent, but his justifications for his lies just weren't all that believable to me. The cousin is a bully and his wife seems to want to cause problems for Sarah and Jack.
Not a bad read, just not great. 3.5 Stars
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin (US & Canada) / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Sarah and Jack are called back to Jack's hometown. His aunt, who raised him as second mother, has been terribly hurt and is in a coma. Jack's mother and father were killed when he was a teenager. When he was old enough, he left and never looked back.
When his aunt dies in the hospital, the sheriff starts looking at the family as prime suspects.
Top of the list is Jack's sister, Amy. Amy drinks too much and she's angry all the time. She's the one who found her aunt laying at the bottom of the basement stairs. Then there is Jack ... this won't be the first time he's been looked at when someone has died. There is his cousin who is now married to Jack's high school girlfriend.
Little by little, Sarah learns some shocking information about Jack. Being a former investigative reporter, Sarah's first instinct is to find out the truth. But sometimes learning the truth can be hazardous to your health.
There is suspense, but it doesn't seem to reach the heights I would like. I liked Sarah - she's gutsy and brazen, yet there were times she came across as being a bit of weakling when dealing with her husband's lies. Jack was okay ... he comes across as being secretive, which was the author's intent, but his justifications for his lies just weren't all that believable to me. The cousin is a bully and his wife seems to want to cause problems for Sarah and Jack.
Not a bad read, just not great. 3.5 Stars
Many thanks to the author / Harlequin (US & Canada) / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
February 5, 2016
Blah, blah, blah. This was so lazy and uninspired. I feel like I've read it a hundred times. The writing was repetitive, the characters were completely underdeveloped, and the antagonist was obvious by process of elimination. It's a typical whodunit mystery, but there are much better ones out there.
I was just hoping for so much more from such an acclaimed author. This book almost feels pumped out. Like the author and editors didn't take their time with it, didn't try to make it the best it could be. It gets that way with prominent authors sometimes. The quality begins to drop. Maybe this author's earlier books are better, I don't know. But I won't be rushing out to get them.
I was just hoping for so much more from such an acclaimed author. This book almost feels pumped out. Like the author and editors didn't take their time with it, didn't try to make it the best it could be. It gets that way with prominent authors sometimes. The quality begins to drop. Maybe this author's earlier books are better, I don't know. But I won't be rushing out to get them.
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