This is my second book for my 2nds challenge. The first I had read of Linwood Barclay’s was No Time for Goodbye which I really liked.
Too Close to Home is another good thriller of a ride from Linwood Barclay. The novel is set in Promise Falls and isn’t exactly the kind of place where a family would end up brutally killed. Yet, that is just what happens. The Cutters; Jim, Ellen and their son Derek live next door to the murdered family. Derek had been good friends with their son Adam. What is happening to their neighborhood? Could they be next? Should it have been them in the first place?
The story unfolds with many twists and turns and keeps you wondering about what could possibly happen next in true Linwood Barclay fashion. He has a way of taking many elements and bringing them together in the end with a big bang not to mention usually a big surprise too. You’re left amazed at how he takes so many seemingly unrelated occurences and puts them together for a heart pounding ending.
I enjoyed the book. It took a while to build up but once it did the pace of the story took off and I was hooked. I had trouble putting it down as I needed to know what was going to happen next and how it was all going to come together. If you’re a fan of Linwood Barclay, you’ll enjoy this latest novel of his and if you’re just looking for a good thriller, this is a good pick.
The part of your review that stood out the most to me was where you said:
“He has a way of taking many elements and bringing them together in the end with a big bang not to mention usually a big surprise too. You’re left amazed at how he takes so many seemingly unrelated occurences and puts them together for a heart pounding ending.”
I LOVE when authors do this well. I’m no longer into thrillers but Stephen King’s first books were that way.
I’ve added this to my tbr list! Yest another great review and book…Thanks.
Another author I haven’t heard of! I’m always reluctant to abandon books because more often than not I become really hooked to the story. Glad that happened for you with this one!
Ti, I still like a good thriller. I loved King’s first books, his later ones now are not for me at all.
Serena, thanks 🙂 Those lists just keep growing don’t they. lol.
Trish, that’s so true and I find it with a lot of thrillers. They really build up the background of the story and then it takes off. I knew I liked Barclay’s writing so I figured the pace was going to pick up soon.
Thanks for you latest suggestion! I will have to add it to my ‘read soon’ list. I love good thrillers. It is hard to find one that I like, but based on your review I am optimistic about this one.
Hi Dar.. another great review! This sounds like it could be a good movie… of course you know me.. I probably would be too afraid to watch. 🙂 You are going through books like water…. Right on Dar.
Toni
I haven’t heard of this author either, but it sounds like there are some great twists in this book. That cover gives me the creeps too. Very appropriate for the upcoming holiday!
I just got No time for Goodbye so it’s good to know he’s got more good ones out there if I really like it.
Great review, Dar. I have this book to review…I’m hoping to get to it soon! The publicist also sent a copy of No Time for Goodbye to read.
Great review. I want to read the first book, No Time for Goodbye. I’m sure our library has it.
Veronica, it is getting harder to find the old time good thrillers anyway-but I do like Barclay, John Saul, there are still a few favorites.
Toni, you’re right it would really make a good movie. Yes, you probably would be scared. lol.
Janel, the cover is creepy but I love it.
Lenore, I look forward to your review when you get to it.
Jenn, No Time for Goodbye is really good. I liked it better than this one.
J.Kaye, definitely go for the first one-it’s really good.
I haven’t read anything by Barclay, but was interested in No Time for Goodbye.
Nice review Dar! Sounds like this was one of those books that you'd stay up late reading because you need to know what happens next.
Are the first & second books connected in any way?
Shana
Literarily
Hi Dar,
I absolutely loved this book too! Could not put it down and stayed up way too late trying to finish it. He’s great with suspense!
Great review! I haven’t read anything by this author, but this book sounds interesting.
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
this sounds like a good read, great review! Its always good when you find a book hard to put down.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Joy, try your library for No Time for Goodbye-they should have it.
Shana, I did stay up late reading this one to try and get it done. lol. No the books aren’t connected in any way, all of his books stand alone.
Luanne, I have to go back and read your review. I remember seeing it and commenting that I would be back once I’d read it.
Anna, if you do ever try one of his novels I’d be curious to see what you think. I’ll be having a giveaway of it soon.
Naida, I agree 🙂