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thecaptainsquarters 's review for:
The Other People
by C.J. Tudor
Ahoy there me mateys! Though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. So occasionally I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were. I received this thriller eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I read the chalk man by this author and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to reading this. While I read this in one sitting and it was sometimes gripping, I ultimately felt it was just okay and didn't have the same punch as the author's other book.
The story follows Gabe who is driving home from work on day only to see his daughter Izzy in the car in front of him. He tries to convince himself that he was mistaken and calls home only to be told that his wife and daughter have been brutally murdered. But he saw Izzy and so knows she is alive. He is determined to find her. Even if no one else believes him.
The book has three subplots that tie together and that is where the problem lies. One follows Gabe, one follows Fran who is on the run with a girl named Alice, and one follows a waitress named Kate. There is also a three year jump after the murder reveal and a seemingly supernatural bent. Together all these elements were muddled and stretched belief. Though I liked Kate, that subplot could have been removed altogether and I think it would have strengthened the story. I also did not Gabe's secret past subplot either.
But ultimately the main dissatisfaction was with the other people themselves and how it all worked. They weren't scary or even very interesting. There are no real answers and the resolution of both the three subplots and the other people themselves didn't do it for me. There were just too many threads in this book and I would have preferred something more streamlined and realistic. I did have fun reading this book but have to admit that overall it be rather forgettable. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine!
I read the chalk man by this author and really enjoyed it so was looking forward to reading this. While I read this in one sitting and it was sometimes gripping, I ultimately felt it was just okay and didn't have the same punch as the author's other book.
The story follows Gabe who is driving home from work on day only to see his daughter Izzy in the car in front of him. He tries to convince himself that he was mistaken and calls home only to be told that his wife and daughter have been brutally murdered. But he saw Izzy and so knows she is alive. He is determined to find her. Even if no one else believes him.
The book has three subplots that tie together and that is where the problem lies. One follows Gabe, one follows Fran who is on the run with a girl named Alice, and one follows a waitress named Kate. There is also a three year jump after the murder reveal and a seemingly supernatural bent. Together all these elements were muddled and stretched belief. Though I liked Kate, that subplot could have been removed altogether and I think it would have strengthened the story. I also did not Gabe's secret past subplot either.
But ultimately the main dissatisfaction was with the other people themselves and how it all worked. They weren't scary or even very interesting. There are no real answers and the resolution of both the three subplots and the other people themselves didn't do it for me. There were just too many threads in this book and I would have preferred something more streamlined and realistic. I did have fun reading this book but have to admit that overall it be rather forgettable. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine!