 Excellent |
| Review Date: July 2, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Carla B, SC, United States |
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the story line very entertaining and the characters deep and well-developed. The suspense was just right, keeping me turning the pages without pushing me with so much tension I felt exhausted reading. That's a tough balance to maintain as a writer, and in my opinion it made the experience much more enjoyable.
This is the second book I have read by Linwood Barclay. I will definitely be back to read more. I read the Kindle version of this book (I love, love, love my Kindle!).
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Cheap Shots, With Worthy Redemption
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| Review Date: May 11, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Wolfe Moffat, Franklinville, NY |
Not knowing what to expect, I didn't get just one, but I picked up two books by Linwood Barclay based on an opinion by a good source. I'd heard two things about Barclay. Number one, that he can be pretty funny. Number two, he's a great writer with great stories lying between the pages. Well, let me add a number three. He can be disgusting, and obnoxious when he wants to be like that. At times, he likes to be perverted, but at other times, it actually adds to the story.
Join the Cutter family, a family with a lot to swallow. It starts with murder, and wanting to get laid, and keeps going on because of some dumb choices. Neighbors are murdered, and a young man is at the scene of the crime. That young man is Derek, son of the Cutters. Jim and Ellen Cutter will do anything to get the heat off of Derek. And they both know that Derek is innocent.
But people want answers, and not getting those answers leads to desperate actions. Cops want answers, the mayor wants to snoop around, and it just isn't getting any easier.
Have you ever punched somebody in the nose, knowing you didn't break it, but really wanted to break it? Well, perhaps this is partially the story of that second chance. A lot of cheap shots add up in this one as well, combined with the great writing and humor that Barclay brings to the table. A couple of times, I was shaking my head at the potty-mouth stuff when it wasn't required. But in the end, I really broke out in a big smile. And I was smiling because despite those cheap shots, there was some worthy redemption in the end, and that's not giving anything away! I'm just saying I really enjoyed the first experience I had with a Linwood Barclay thriller!! Can't wait for the next go-round. |
one of my favorite authors and one of his best books yet!
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| Review Date: May 7, 2010 |
| Reviewer: , |
| i read this book last summer and still cant get the story out of my head. It had me guessing who the killer was the whole time. it is the best book i have read by linwood barclay. If you want a book you cant put down this is it. |
Very satisfying . . . like a good cup of tea
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| Review Date: March 24, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Theresa de Valence, Point Richmond, CA USA |
Last year when I read an earlier Linwood Barclay, the story was pretty good, but a bit too contrived; I felt a little manipulated. Lately, I've read several books where, halfway into the story, I've wondered if it would ever be possible to become enthralled.
TOO CLOSE TO HOME by Linwood Barclay (2008) captured my attention within the first few paragraphs, and had thrown the first whammy by the end of Chapter One.
The plot moves, mutates, and continues to surprise. By the time the story is into its final arc, tall tales are being told, but I never felt disconnected. The twists in the plot provide continuing, and captivating, interest.
The protagonist is my favourite kind: fallible, quirky and kinda loveable.
TOO CLOSE TO HOME was a very satisfying story.
Theresa de Valence, Reviewer, [...] |
A Thriller with Depth
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| Review Date: February 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jake Chism, Krum, TX USA |
Jim Cutter doesn't miss his old job. Sure, being the mayor's driver had its perks, but no perk was worth putting up with that man. After his boss took things too far one night, Jim walked away and never looked back. Happy to be free, he started his own lawn service with his son, Derek. It also allowed him to spend more time at home with is wife, giving their relationship some much needed attention. Things seemed to be turning around for Jim. That is until his neighbors ended up dead and his son became the main suspect in their murder.
This was my first Linwood Barclay novel and it most certainly won't be my last. After hearing comparisons to Harlan Coben, I had to find out if such lofty claims were valid.
From the opening lines Barclay weaves a tale of intrigue, murder, and mystery that keeps you guessing. Even when I thought I knew what was coming, I was continually surprised by the number of twists and how brilliantly they were orchestrated. The first person narrative of Jim Cutter is top notch and I was easily pulled into the emotional turmoil surrounding this man and his family.
Too Close to Home might be best described as a dark suburban thriller, but I'm not even sure that accurately describes the depth of this novel. Even some of the best thriller writers often neglect character development, opting instead for relentless action and pacing. Barclay expertly balances a fast paced story with the perfect amount of character building, making this story stand out above so many others written in the same vein.
The only element that seemed off here was the complete overuse of profanity. I understand a writer's desire to create real characters, flaws and all. However, it seems that in several instances the profanity was relied upon too much, seeming forced and manufactured. There is also a smattering of adult content that some readers might want to be aware of.
Overall I was more than impressed with the level of storytelling on display here. Indeed, if you are a fan of Harlan Coben's work you will love what Barclay brings to the table. I predict it won't be long before fresh new thriller writers are being compared to Linwood Barclay himself.
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This was a fun, edge-of-your-seat kind of thriller!
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| Review Date: February 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Yolanda S. Bean, Chicago, IL |
| The plot kept me guessing until nearly the end! The most refreshing thing about it, though, was that the central character of this murder mystery was not a detective, or a PI, or a lawyer or anyone at all affiliated with the legal system. It was a fast read, too. I am certainly interested in reading more books by this author. I think he did a really wonderful job of maintaining suspense, creating mostly likable characters and having a strong, and at times funny, narrator. I really enjoyed this! |
Riveting then disappointing
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| Review Date: January 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Marilyn S. Stark, Farmington Hills, Michigan United States |
why oh why do so many authors of fiction feel they have to have some twisty, absurd and ridiculous ending? to surprise the reader I presume; For two days I could not put the book down; the story reeled me in and kept my interest; at some point, I figured out "who done it" but I was still into the book, totally taken with the story and character development; and then, bam, Mr. Barclay apparently felt he had to venture into some bizarre ending to "surprise" the reader; well, I was surprised at the absurdity of the ending and extremely disappointed. I do like a story that has some believability; the ending of this book left me scratching my head and wondering why Mr. Barclay had to ruin a fine book with a stupid ending. |
4.5 Stars . . . Filling a Void
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| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Eric Wilson, Nashville, TN United States |
I read across many genres, but often struggle to find modern thrillers that mix intriguing plots with strong characterization. I discovered Linwood Barclay through his latest book, "Fear the Worst", and I look forward to his upcoming title, "Never Look Away."
In the meantime, "Too Close to Home" filled the void. It's the story of a triple slaying in a house next door to the Cutter family. Jim and Ellen Cutter are hard-working parents who are not entirely aware of their son's teenage activities--or of each other's, for that matter. The secrets that divide them will also entangle them as it becomes apparent that their son, Derek, was in the neighbors' house when the crime took place. A missing computer, possible double dealings by professors and politicians, and the philandering ways of the townsfolk of Promise Falls spiral into fast-paced mystery and suspense, with Jim Cutter trying to unravel the truth before those he loves pay the ultimate price.
Once again, Barclay uses believable dialogue, workable characters and motivations, and clever plot-weaving to create a heart-pounding novel. I have to agree with the Booklist reviewer, that excessive profanity dragged down the story, especially in the first half of the book; and yet, Barclay seems intent on showing us the consequences of poor moral choices and long-kept secrets. Some reviewers claim his plot is farfetched and convoluted. It seems to me, though, that he explains everything with deceptive clarity, and that, as in any real-life crime scene, the more people dragged into an investigation, the more likelihood of their dirt being uncovered.
Harlan Coben, Joseph Finder, Stephen James, and James Lee Burke are already on my "must read" mystery/thriller list, and now Linwood Barclay joins them. |
Linwood does not disappoint
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| Review Date: December 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: B. Jolly, Pennsylvania |
| I have read all of Mr.Barclays wonderful books and once again this one is great ! Buy it, light the fireplace, sit back and enjoy a great read. |
Lucky Accident
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| Review Date: December 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Sheila, MI United States |
| While vacationing in Florida I picked this book up at the resorts lending library and was hooked after the first chapter. I had not heard of this author before but now intend to read everything he has written. If you like suspense and lots of red herrings read this book!!!!!!!!!! |
Twists, turns and secrets in the suburbs
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| Review Date: December 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Lee, Houston, TX USA |
I bought this off the shelf because the blurb on the front promised that "if I liked Harlan Coben, I'd like this one." (Oddly, even the cover had the same look and feel of a Coben book).
I have to say, it's one of the few times I found a book blurb to be so accurate. Though it has a different premise, this one really reminded me a great deal of Coben's Hold Tightwhich is also set in the suburbs. Barclay, like Coben, is a good suspenseful story-teller.
Short Summary:
Family that lives the 'burbs of a small town get murdered. The son of the next door neighbor is hiding in their house when it happens. Countless suspects and motives emerge throughout the small town.
Here's the upsides and downsides to me:
- Fast-paced, page-turner with lots of suspense and twists.
Everyone has a secret or two - that become revealed, and the author does know how to keep those twists and turns coming in a way that kept me wanting to turn the pages.
- During the last 100-200 pages, it's pretty evident who the real murderer is.
But there was still enough other secrets, plot lines and twists to keep the story moving along and entertaining. I do think it would have been even more suspenseful if Barclay didn't start right off the bat letting you know the son was just hiding in the house. But, I'll give him this - it starts with a bang that grabs your attention immediately.
- As is often the case in this thriller/suspense genre, characterizations aren't all that deep since it's more focused on the action and story. But, I tend to think in this case that's what helped keep it such a suspenseful, page-turner.
- As other reviewers have pointed out, the profanity and some of the angry outbursts did strike me as out of place and over-the-top at times for a middle class suburban family.
Bottom Line: All in all, though it may not be the most memorable book ever, I found the twists, turns and story-telling made it a nice, entertaining roller coaster ride of read that I didn't want to put down - just like Coben's books. Definitely above the average, everyday cliched thriller. |
Boring
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| Review Date: October 5, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Fuzzy Lizard, Georgia, USA |
| I bought this book after seeing a review on the cover saying something like, "If you like Harlen Coben, you'll love Linwood Barclay". This book is nothing like Harlen Coben. Harlen Coben thrillers keep me interested. This book fizzled after the prologue. As soon as the story switched to first person writing in Jim's point of view, the story went downhill. For some reason, I didn't like Jim or Ellen for that matter. |
Will blow you away!!!
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| Review Date: October 3, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Donna, New York |
| Too Close To Home was fantastic. One of the best books I have read, and I read about 3 books a week. You cannot stop reading this as you can't wait to see what will happen next. I read this in 2 days. |
DON'T WASTE YOU TIME
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| Review Date: September 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Dreamer, San Francisco |
| So poorly conceived, written and developed that it is almost unreadable. I virtually never leave a book unfinished once I begin. This was an exception. Characters aren't even one dimensional, serving only as devices for a plot that is too thin to be worthy of serious discussion. The mayor alone is so absurd as to be laughable if his depiction weren't so painful. In a world where there are far too many worthy books, this one is an easy OPT OUT. Please don't waste your time or money. |
A Page Turner For Sure, But Not a Great Book
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| Review Date: September 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: E. Abraham, USA |
This is the second book I've read from Linwood Barclay and there are certain common elements in each of them. The bottom line is Barclay is a far better storyteller than writer. The characters are shallow and the dialog in this one, as well as "No Time For Goodbye" is banal and unrealistic; however, the plot itself keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages. The story is generally well-crafted; however, the "twist" in the plot is a dead-giveaway for anyone paying the slightest attention. The problem, to me, is that characters just relate to each other in ways that seem forced. An educated, artistic couple swear repeatedly in casual conversation with their teenage son. A woman has an affair with a man and, not only does her husband manage to get over this transgression, but he is actually accepting of her working for the same man she cheated with. The main character is intelligent enough to figure out complex aspects of the mystery, yet he is foolish enough to let his son work alone with a mysterious stranger, who happened to show up just after several murders were committed in town. And, as seems to always be the case in pop culture, the evil intolerant politician here is once again a "right winger". It would be refreshing if writers and movie producers made the bad guys left wingers from time to time. Lord knows, there are plenty of real life examples to use for reference.
Overall, this is a decent read, even if the ending is a bit predictable and far-fetched at the same time. |
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Copyright © 2010
I think, some more addition in fear could also be added, like a “psycho” man or a man who sometimes have no control over his mind and kill people randomly. Anyways, nice and attractive title for readers.
'dependable author list' I like that – I might even have to add a category here on Blue Archipelago with my dependable authors in.
Thanks for stopping by Raider Girl
I agree, the two books I've read by Barclay, including this one, have been great reads. He's on my 'dependable author list.'