Book Review - Ponti by Sharlene Teo

 

 

 

Ponti by Sharlene Teo is about a sixteen year old girl who tries to cope with her mother’s death. In Singapore in 2003, Szu lived with her mother, Amisa, and her aunt, Yunxi,  in an old decaying mansion. Amisa was once a beautiful actress but now her roles look a bit different. She pretends to be a medium and performs séances for income. 

Szu has no friends and her father abandoned the family at a young age. Therefore when Szu meets the abrasive and wealthy Circe (who also leads a lonely life), the pair form an unlikely bond that develops into an intense friendship. Szu’s friendship with Circe offers her a way to escape from her mother’s abuse and her loneliness. 

Seventeen years later, the two friends have grown apart. Circe is going through a divorce and struggles to keep up at work. A new project comes across her desk. They are planning to remake the cult seventies horror film “Ponti”. This was the project that has defined Amisa’s short lived film career. It is the film that Amisa still gets recognition for. Circe is taken by surprise by the new project and it brings up memories of the two women in her past. She is plagued by guilt and it consumes her conscience and her every waking moment.  

The novel is narrated by young Amisa, past Szu and modern day Circe. The story has themes of friendship, family, belonging, abandonment, consequences, and memories. It also illustrates that things we do while we are on the cusp of adulthood might come back to haunt us years later.

I found the novel to be a boring and pointless read. I felt that there wasn’t any story or any character development. When the book ended, I had more questions than answers: Why did Szu's father leave? Why was Amisa so mean to her daughter? 

 

As I kept turning pages, I was expecting the story to surface. Instead it was more and more pages of  lush descriptions. I wish that the author spent more time exploring the relationships between the different female characters. I felt like the author just touched the surface level about the relationship without going in further detail. While the book was an easy and fast read, I would have preferred reading a novel that had more going on.

 

Book Review - Human Remains: The Complete Series by Dearbhla Kelly and Peter Milligan

 

Imagine living in a world where you can't express yourself unless you want to be devoured by an alien. In this new world, deadly alien invaders attack and kill humans who display emotions. The aliens hunt humans and everyday life for humans has become a nightmare. People are living on the edge and afraid of everything. 

The book has similarities to how people reacted during the pandemic in the early years. The graphic novel showed people acting hysterically, hiding behind their faith, or being just plain ignorant. It showed how scientists and the military were at odds with each other instead of coming together for the common good.

The graphic novel was a fun and interesting read. The artwork was beautifully done and had diverse characters. The story was engaging as it showed different character perspectives. It was interesting seeing how different characters reacted and adapted to the alien invaders. If you like horror graphic novels, then you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - Flight by Lynn Steger Strong

 

Flight by Lynn Steger Strong is about three siblings, Henry, Kate, and Martin, dealing with the aftermath of their elderly mother’s recent death. The three siblings and their young families decide to spend the Christmas break together at Henry’s house in upstate New York. This is the siblings' first Christmas without their beloved matriarch. They decide to use the time to bond with each other and to decide on what to do with their late mother’s house.

Over the three day gathering, the siblings find themselves squabbling with each other and past resentments bubble to the surface. Each of the siblings want a different outcome for their mother’s house. Kate wants to keep the house, Tess (Martin’s wife) wants to sell the house and split the profits, and Henry wants to donate the land for conservation purposes. They try to perform the same traditions they used to when their mother was alive but the dilemma of the house is hanging above them like a dark cloud.

As tensions rise and tempers flare between the siblings, a local mother, Quinn, reaches out to the group for help. Quinn is a single mother and she is struggling to provide for her young daughter, Maddie. When Maddie goes missing during a brutally cold night, Quinn is desperate to find someone to help her find her daughter. The siblings will need to put their differences aside and help the young woman find a missing child.

The story is told from multiple points of view and the points of view change often enough that it was hard to keep track of who was narrating. The book also had a lot of characters and it was hard trying to remember the family structure, as some of the siblings had multiple kids.

It was interesting seeing how each of the siblings was trying to adapt to the new family dynamics while trying to keep the memories of their mother and her traditions alive. I enjoyed reading how the characters were struggling to find their own identity especially since they were so close to their mother and so different from each other. During the novel, we saw the  siblings’ struggle to connect with each other and move forward after their loss.

The book was mostly narrated by the women including Henry and Martin’s wives. I thought it was interesting how the wives had complicated feelings over their deceased mother in law. However, I felt like the book felt one sided or incomplete as we never got to see the point of views from the male characters.  Also, I felt the book was sparse on character development.

I felt the subplot of Maddie being missing and her relationship with her mother detracted from the main story line. I feel like the book should have focused on the siblings healing and resolving some of their conflicts. The book ended with some conflicts being left to interpretation and I felt like I would have enjoyed the book more if the ending was spelled out and the characters were developed more. If you like character driven family stories that slowly unfold, then you might enjoy this book.   

 

Book Review - Direwood by Catherine Yu

 

 

 

In Catherine Yu’s debut novel Direwood, the novel takes place in a small idyllic town in the 1990s. Aja is a sixteen year old Asian girl who feels different and out of place in her community. She is unable to connect with others as easily as her older sister, Fiona. Everything changes when her beloved sister goes missing the day after her birthday party. Days before Fiona disappears, Aja has a foreboding feeling that something bad is going to happen. She sees signs of malice in everyday occurrences such as trees being infected by caterpillars and the rain being the color of blood.

Aja is desperate to find her sister. She receives the answer to her prayers when a vampire, Padraic, shows up to her window one night. Padraic is a chance for Aja to find her sister along with providing her with the opportunity for freedom from her overbearing community. Aja is enthralled with Padraic as he tells her that she is pretty and special, things Aja yearns to hear.  

Aja decides to go with Padraic to his nest deep in the forest with the condition that she can leave whenever she wants. However, Aja isn’t planning to leave without her idolized sister. As Aja spends time with Padraic in the dilapidated church that is surrounded by a deadly fog and bloodsucking butterflies, Aja realizes that Padraic has secrets that he is keeping from her as well. Will Aja be able to find her sister and escape Padraic’s hold on her?

The book had tons of eerie gothic themes that were spellbinding and alluring to read. The author used lush descriptions to describe the scenery and Aja’s inner turmoil. Aja was stuck between being enraptured by Padraic and having a sense of being wanted and belonging with her need to find her sister. It was interesting reading about how Aja was struggling with choosing the best course of action.

Aja was an interesting character. I commiserate with her need of being the odd duck but, at times, her character felt one-dimensional. She came across as selfish, in that she stated that she wanted to rescue her sister, but made little progress in her actual goal. I felt that she was hard on her friend when they were trying to help her. Aja seemed self-absorbed and stuck in her world failing to realize the danger that was around her. When the time came for action, she seemed like a deer caught in headlights. I also didn’t like that she consistently claimed others were ruining her chances to make her escape.

The author created a descriptive and atmospheric read but the novel lacked a strong story line. The days would progress and there would be little to no development in the story. At times, it felt boring and repetitive after reading various inner thoughts of how Aja thought Padraic was hot. I wished there was more world building and explanations.  Some concepts were introduced, such as the caterpillars and butterflies, but were never fully developed. If you like slow burn horror novels, then you might enjoy this book, otherwise I would skip it.

 

Book Review - We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds

 

We Deserve Monuments by Jas Hammonds is a debut novel about a young girl and her mother trying to connect with their dying estranged grandmother. Avery Anderson is a seventeen year old girl who was looking forward to spending her senior year with her friends and touring colleges.  Instead, her parents take her out of school and move down to the deep South (Georgia) to spend time with her grandmother. Avery tries to connect with her grandmother, Mama Letty, but it’s hard when Avery’s mother and Mama Letty are always down each other’s throats. Avery tries to dig deeper and connect with the two women to figure out what drove the two of them apart.

When tempers flare and tantrums are thrown by her avoidant family, Avery is desperate to escape and find her own place to belong. Avery connects with the girl next door, Simone Cole, and also Jade Oliver, the daughter of a prominent family. The trio connect over their own grief and sadness while quickly forming a bond with each other that Avery never had with anyone else. Simone is dealing with the unexpected death of her brother and her sister leaving her family behind. Simone feels trapped because her mother has no one else but her. Jade’s mother was brutally murdered and the case has remained unsolved. 

As Simone and Avery start to spend more time with each other clandestinely, they feel that their friendship is blossoming into something more. However, not everyone in the small Georgia town is open and friendly as Avery wants to believe. The small town of Bardell, Georgia is steep and tainted with a dark history of racism that still ripples through the community.

The novel was a tearjerker read on how people with broken pieces are trying to find a way to amend the damage done by time and hatred. The book was filled with well-developed and flawed characters who were trying their best to navigate life with the cards they were dealt with. However, there were times I felt that Avery was being unreasonable. When she found out the reason behind her family’s disagreement, she took out her anger on her friend without even trying to apologize for lashing out at them. I understand that she was feeling hurt and betrayed but her friend didn’t do anything to her personally and her friend constantly went out of her way to help Avery.

Mama Letty was a vibrant character but I found it hard to like her at times. As she is nearing the end of her life, she still refuses to acknowledge some of the pain and trauma she has caused others until the very last moment. She, like Avery, were both filled with hate about things that were done to their family and instead of moving forward, they lashed out and hurt others which continues the vicious cycle of pain. The novel does have a redemption part but, will the characters be able to heal from the trauma or will it stick to their soul?

I felt that the story dragged on for a while without any plot progression. The story hinted that someone Avery knew might have murdered Jade’s mother but it was hinted at and left to the readers to infer who the killer was. The murderer was never really ousted and it didn’t really have an impact on any of the characters or the story.  I felt like this arc was just thrown in there to try and tie up loose ends, while it could have been developed more. This young adult novel does have LGBT characters and if you love reading about dysfunctional families with past trauma, you might enjoy this slow burn novel.

Book Review - The Autumnal by Daniel Kraus

 

Kat Somerville and her daughter, Sybil, goes to Comfort Notch, New Hampshire after the death of her estranged mother. Upon arriving the idyllic and quaint town, Kat forgets how beautiful her childhood home was. The small town offers Kat and Sybil a loving home and environment than the tough and difficult situation they were in Chicago. However, under the beautiful facade, the town is hiding a dark and insidious secret.

The graphic novel is a dark and horror filled read. The graphic novel was beautifully drawn and nicely detailed. The book was an entertaining read but, at times I struggled with the pace and Kat as a character. The story moved along very slowly and felt choppy at times. I believe this occurred when the issue had ended and the next issue starts but, it didn't feel like a smooth transition. Kat was aggressive at times and  was hard to like as a person. As the story progressed, she did find her voice and work on her bond with her daughter and acknowledging her past. If you are a fan of dark horror graphic novels, you might enjoy this one.

Book Review - The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

 

Gabe and Pippa has bought their dream home in a small coastal town. Their house is right near a cliff. The cliff is infamous for people who go there to kill themselves. Gabe is famous for talking people off the ledge until one day, he fails and someone falls to their death. When it is discovered that Gabe knew the victim, Pippa questions how much she really knows Gabe.

The book started off interesting and it kept me hook until the half way point. The constant point of view switching became boring and dull because there was barely any movement to the story. I felt like the story dragged and dragged with nothing keeping the readers hooked. I can't say that I really liked any of the characters and I found Pippa annoying. She kept sticking up for Gabe when it was hard to see what he bought to the table other than him being good looking and charismatic. While this book was a bit disappointing, I will still continue reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

 

Aidyn Kelley is a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. She wants meaty assignments instead of the current fluff pieces she's been getting. In an effort to provide herself, she goes over her boss's head and sends a message requesting a bigger story to the managing editor. Aidyn finds herself in deep hot water and is punished by getting a boring assignment. She is tasked with writing an obituary for an elderly woman who just entered hospice care.

Clara Kip is an extraordinary woman contrary to her claiming otherwise. She might be dying but, she isn't ready to give up just yet. She has never shied away from doing God's work and she feels that God brought Aidyn into her life for a reason. However, if Aidyn wants the full scoop of Mrs. Kip's life, it won't come easy.

I thought the book was a delightful and heart warming read. It was inspiring and moving to read about Mrs. Kip's life and her dedication to others. I did think that Aidyn warming up to Mrs. Kip and her willingness to listen did happen a bit quicker than I expected it would. However, I did enjoy reading their interactions and watching their bond grow. I liked how the author dealt with death and overcoming obstacles. Even though the ending was predictable, it didn't stop me from crying. The book is a Christian novel and has a lot references to God and Jesus for those who might shy away from these types of books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Maame by Jessica George

 

Maddie's life in London isn't the life she wants to have. Her mother who spends most of her time in Ghana is overbearing and she barely sees her brother. Maddie is the primary caretaker for her aging father who has Parkinson's. At work, her boss is demanding and Maddie is tired of being the only Black person in every meeting.

When Maddie's mother returns from Ghana to help care for her father, Maddie is excited. She plans to move out and start living and enjoying her independence. Maddie feels that she is a late bloomer and hasn't experienced everything life has to offer. So, she creates a list of important "firsts", she wants to conquer. She decides to get an apartment with roommates instead of living at home with her father. She starts saying "yes" to things she would normally not have time for and fights for more recognition at work. As Maddie's life starts to pick up, a tragedy occurs and it forces Maddie to consider her life, friends, and family.

I thought the book was a highly entertaining and a funny read. It was fun reading some of Maddie's first time experiences and seeing how relatable it was. I enjoyed reading how Maddie navigates the different relationships and how she did it with grace and humor. The text messages were a fun addition to the book and hilarious funny at times. I look forward to reading more books  by the author.

Book Review - Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins

 

Emerson, Georgia, and Marley became best friends when they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. Emerson unexpectedly passes away and leaves one final wish for her friends. She wants them to complete a list they made as teens.

Emerson's wish for them means something different for each of them. Marley is trying to overcome her survivor's guilt that she had since her twin sister died. She is also trying to find romance and love with someone who wants to be with her. Georgia is struggling to learn how to stop trying to live up to her family's expectation of her and learn to accept the love from her ex-husband.

I thought the book was a fun and interesting read. I love reading Emerson's journal entries as they felt so raw and realistic. I love reading how Georgia and Marley work through their list while learning how to love themselves. I would be interested in reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry

 

Smiths Hollow is a small quiet town. So, when two bodies of girls are found torn to shreds, Lauren is surprised. She feels that the police will never find the killer because her father's murder went unsolved. A year before, her beloved father was found dead with his heart missing. Everyone has been able to move on including, her mother. Lauren has a hard time coming to terms with her father's death and she struggles when her best friend, Miranda, is starting to move on too. Miranda and Lauren used to be two peas in a pod but, now Miranda wants to spend more time with boys than hanging out by the old ghost tree, like when they were kids.

One day, Lauren has a vision of a monster dragging the remains of the slain girls through the woods. She knows that she can't just sit there like everyone else and do nothing. She is determined to find the killer. As Lauren tries to find clues, she realizes someone is keeping a dark deadly secret. Will Lauren be able to solve the mystery behind the missing girls before it's too late?

I have read several books by the author and have enjoyed them. I thought the plot of this book was a unique and interesting. However, I don't think the book should have been so long. I felt like that there was unnecessarily long because the "plot" behind the murders was pretty straightforward. For example, when Lauren's grandmother told her story, the author spends pages where Lauren doesn't believe it. Even when, Lauren herself keeps mentioning evidence that her grandmother might be telling the truth. I felt like there could have been more action in the middle of the book because it was a bit slow action wise. Overall, it was a good book and I would read more books by the author.

Book Review - Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly

 

For most people. life is what you make of it. For Dixie Wheeler, her story was chosen for her when her father murdered her family before taking slashing a knife across his own throat. Dixie was the only one spared from the family massacre. She became infamously known as Baby Blue because of the song that was left playing during the aftermath of the murders.

Twenty-five years later, Dixie yearns for a connection with the family she can't remember. When Dixie sees that her childhood home goes on sale, Dixie feels herself drawn to the house. When Dixie moves in against her better judgment, she sees the ghosts of her family taken up residence in the house too. Dixie begins to question her sanity as strange things start happening. She wonders if her father is haunting her or if its an demon of her own making.

Dixie decides to reach out to the original detective who investigated the murders to unravel the truth. As she investigates the murders she realizes that someone else might have committed the murders. Dixie will need to find  a way to prove the truth behind her family's murder and save her loved ones before it's too late.

I thought the premise of the book was interest but, towards the middle of the book I lost interesting. I felt like the story was plodding along. I felt like the story was very unrealistic and the writing was chopping. I didn't find any of the characters and didn't really care what happened to any of them. It was an okay book but, I won't be in a rush to read anymore books by the author.

Book Review - Monogamy by Sue Miller

 

Graham and Annie seem like a golden couple to their friends and acquaintances. They been married for nearly thirty years and have a seemingly effortless devotion to each other. Graham is a bookseller who loves life. He is a big man who loves to entertain people and is eager to please. Annie is a photographer and is the more reserved one in the relationship.

After a six year lull, Annie is about to have her first gallery show. She was worried that her best years of her career has passed. The pair has two adult children; Lucas, Graham's son from his previous marriage and Sarah, who lives in San Francisco. Frieda was Graham's first wife and remains an integral part of the couple's life. While, Annie loves Frieda, Annie knows that she will be Graham's last and greatest love.

When Graham suddenly passes, Annie is lost because Graham had a strong presence in her life. She tries to figure out how to exist without him. While she is mourning Graham, she discovers a secret that makes her question if she ever truly knew Graham.

Honestly, I picked this book because of the cover. I thought it was quite beautiful and I didn't even bother to read the complete blurb for the book. I am sorely disappointed in myself for not taking the time to read the blurb because this book was an utter waste of time. This book was long winded and boring. I felt like there was absolutely no story and it was just rather pointless. I am genuinely surprised this book so many rewards and mentions as this entire book is a long drawn out conversation from someone you would ignore because they go into pointless details about everything.

Book Review - The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland

 

Tessa Markham returns to her home to find a child in her kitchen. The boy thinks that Tessa is his mother. However, doesn't have any children, at least not anymore.

Tessa contacts the police because she doesn't know the boy or how he got inside her home. However, because of her past, Tessa becomes a suspect to the kidnapping of the child. Tessa doesn't know who to believe when her husband reveals a secret of his own. Will Tessa be able to confront her painful past?

I thought the book was an okay read. I was able to guess the ending from a mile away. I felt like all the characters felt predictable and fit into their roles i.e. her boss being a source of comfort while her husband didn't believe a word she said. I also didn't really care for Tessa as a character as she was naive. There was a few times where I rolled my eyes by her actions. I definitely expected more from this book and it didn't deliver.

Book Review - When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen

 

Mira has left her small, segregated hometown in the south more than a decade ago to forget her past. She tried to distance herself from her past and her best friends, Celine and Jessie. Celine was teased because she was the only white girl who had black friends. Her old neighborhood was known for being a poor black area and most people try to avoid it.

Years ago, she and Jessie, her secret crush, decide to visit the creepy Woodsman plantation together. The plantation has been rumored to be haunted by the spirits of slaves. While they were exploring, Mira comes across a ghost and the day goes wrong when a body is found on the plantation. Jesse is accused of murder and Mira is afraid to admit to what she saw that day.

Years later, Mira has returned to Kipsen to attend Celine's wedding at the plantation. The plantation has been remodeled into a vacation resort. Mira was hesitant to come because of her past but, she still hopes to reconnect with her friends.

Even though the Woodsman mansion went through millions of dollars of renovation, it still remains a monument to its racist history. They serve antebellum drinks, have horrifying reenactments and most of the service staff is black. The darkest parts of the plantation's past has been erased; the ones that fuel the rumor mills that the mansion is haunted. The rumor is that many of the slaves were horrendously tortured and then killed. Their ghosts haunt the land and seek vengeance on the descendants of those who hurt them.

I thought the novel started off okay but, then towards the middle of the book it got really slow and boring. I was expecting more from this ghost story. The ending felt rushed and out of place. It left me wanting more but, by then I was already over the book. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters as some didn't feel very fleshed out.

Book Review - The Memory Keeper's Daughter: A Novel by Kim Edwards

 

 

 

In a late winter night in 1964, Dr. David Henry is forced to deliver his own twins in Lexington, Kentucky. His first child, a son, is born perfectly healthy. David notices that their second child, their daughter is born with Down syndrome. He decides that he needs to protect his wife, Norah, from heartache and makes a split second decision that will alter their lives forever. 

 

He asks his nurse, Caroline, to take the child to an institution for children like her and to keep the secret from his family.  Caroline feels conflicted on David's choice and instead, she decides to keep the child for herself. 

I wanted to love this because the description and summary was so spellbinding. However, I was more than 40% into the book before I lost interest. and stopped reading. The story just plodded long with boring details and unnecessary filler. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and I wasn't invested in learning what happened to them. This book is a good reminder why I shouldn't pick up books by the title and cover.

Book Review - The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia by Emma Copley Eisenberg

 

On June 25, 1980 two young women were murdered in an isolated clearing in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The two women were outsiders who came to town for a festival known as the Rainbow Gathering. For thirteen years, the deaths of Vicki Duran and Nancy Santomero has gone unsolved. People believe it was the local people who committed the crime. In 1993, a local farmer was convicted but, he was released when Joseph Paul Franklin, a known serial killer and diagnosed schizophrenic, claimed responsibility for the murders. As time progressed, the truth  had become more elusive and  investigation stalled causing neighbors to turn against each other.

I love reading true crime novels even though this is a relatively new genre of books for me. However, this book was boring read. I am not even sure how this book was even considered a true crime novel as the author spent more time talking about herself and her experiences than anything else. Prior to beginning the book, she listed out a few facts about the case. I read more than half way through the book and yet, I learned nothing more about the case than what she listed in the introduction. However, I learned that the person who found the bodies went grocery shopping before he found the bodies and the author had a relationship with a local man. I think this book would have been better if the author focused on the case and any history regarding the community and kept her life story out of it.

Book Review - Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel

 

 

The last time Maeve saw her beloved cousin, Andrea, was two decades ago when Maeve escaped the cult they were raised in. Maeve has worked hard to put her past life behind her and start a new life in New York City. She tries to keep everyone at arms length to prevent getting hurt again.

One day, Andrea appears in her life again. Maeve feels that she regain a part of herself that she was missing. She spends all of her free time at Andrea's remote Catskills estate. Maeve meets Andrea's wealthy work friends who disapproves of her single lifestyle. She is surprised to learn that Andrea made her fortune in the fertility industry after what happened in their past.  As Maeve spends more time with Andrea, she realizes that her cousin is trigger memories that Maeve fought hard to forget.

The only thing scary about this disappointing book is the cover. The book was boring and very predictable until the end. There wasn't a single likeable character in the entire novel. I found that ending could be seen a mile away and this book felt like torture reading until the very end.

Book Review - The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

 

Lauren Anderson has finally gotten her life back on track after a rough time as a teenager. She has her battle with bulimia under control, her career is progressing, and she has a strong support system. However, all that is threaten when she has a chance meeting with Carter Douglas. He was her first love and he also broke her heart when they were younger. Lauren starts to remember their past and everything she has worked hard to build could come crashing down.

Carter is a TV meteorologist, who is determined to make things right with Lauren. Lauren was his first love and he still loves her. However, the reasons why they broke up the first time is still present in the future. Carter isn't sure that he has enough strength to face his old demons and make a different choice this time around.

Rosie is Lauren's elderly grandmother and she's been having memories about a man named Ephraim. No one in Lauren's family has ever heard of him before. As Lauren begins to dig into Rosie's past, a forbidden love comes to light. Lauren and Carter work to uncover the story of Rosie's past while trying learn forgiveness.

I thought the book was an interesting read. I like the dual timelines and the dual romances but, I like reading about Rosie's history the most. At times, I got frustrated with Carter and Lauren's romance as they wanted to forgive each other and give their relationship a second chance but, they both refused to be honest about the past. They both recognized that they didn't want to relive their past mistakes but, then kept their main hangs up about the past a secret. I feel that no relationship is going to be successful if  one person keeps a part of themselves locked away. This book is the second in a series but, can be read as a standalone.  

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Billy Summers by Stephen King

 

Billy Summer is the best for hire killer in the business. He will only take a job if the target is a bad guy. Billy wants out of the business but, he needs to complete one last job. Billy is a decorated war veteran who is known for his sniper skills. He is also a pro at vanishing after the job is completed. Will Billy be able to complete his last job?

This was my first time reading any of King's books but, I am familiar with his writing from movies and made for TV series. I thought the book was an okay read as I was expecting the novel to be a horror book since, I usually think of him as the "king of horror". The book was thought-provoking read providing a lot of "what ifs" but, I also felt like the book dragged on for a bit.  When all the fluff was removed, the story line was pretty straight-forward and predictable and almost ripped straight from the headlines. Personally, I do not care for Donald Trump as a person but, I felt like King's constant reference to him was like a dog with a bone to pick. While I am in no rush to run out and read another one of his books, I might pick up one of his horror books in the future.