Paul Davis happens upon a colleague on a deserted road, unwittingly catching him in the process of disposing of the bodies of two young women. He barely escapes with his life and nine months later, he’s still struggling with the after effects of the physical and emotional trauma. Paul’s memory lapses and fugues are unsettling him and he’s seeing a therapist. When his wife gifts him with a vintage Underwood typewriter, he’s pleased but soon begins hearing typing sounds in the middle of the night. In his mentally fragile state, Paul begins to wonder if the dead women are trying to send him a message from beyond through that typewriter!
The action begins right away and I felt like I was experiencing Paul’s journey to the truth right alongside him. The typewriter messages may sound kooky but it all seemed plausible given the circumstances, which I’ll leave for you to discover. There are other characters and distractions that become quite meaningful, even creepily so, making this an intriguing story.
I’m a fan of George Newbern and he delivered his usual fine performance, mastering each character and telling the story in a way that kept me engaged. It’s Paul’s point of view for most of the story and Newbern became him so easily, at least in my ear.
I’m such a fan of this author, particularly how he takes ordinary people, puts them in trying situations and has them respond atypically. While I deduced what was going on pretty early, it still was a challenge finding clues to support my theories. And, I was treated to a few surprises in the end. I really enjoyed the story, particularly in the audio format as Newbern made this feel like a movie.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 24, 2018
- Narrator: George Newbern
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 9 minutes
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(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)
Lovely review… It has been so long since I read this author
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Thanks, Shalini! I’m also reading his Promise Falls series.
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I have not read anything yet by this author. I think I should start. Wonderful intriguing review, Jonetta!
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Thanks, Marialyce! This is a great one to begin. I’ve read several and highly recommend this one.
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So glad you enjoyed this as much as I did! Hope you enjoy the Promise Falls trilogy too.
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Thank you, Cathy! I was so happy to see your post as I was just starting. I’m already enjoying the Promise Falls series (he’s added a 4th book).
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Oh, I didn’t know that! Thanks for the heads up – off to Amazon!
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Excited to read this one (my first by this author)!
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Great one to start, Holly! My first was The Accident, which I highly recommend, too.
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Wonderful review, Jonetta!
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Thank you, Darinda!
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Ah, this sounds awesome!
Linwood Barclay is a big fave of mine 🙂 Can’t wait to get my hands on this.
I totally agree on the characters being just completely normal people, going on about normal things and still the author makes all the stories really suspenseful.
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Oh, Norrie, you’ll enjoy this one. Barclay has the knack of transforming the ordinary to something special.
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Sounds like an interesting book. I am so glad you liked it, and that this author you love didn’t disappoint. 🙂
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Thanks, Irena! He’s becoming an auto read☺️
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I love your review of this one Jonetta. I’m such a huge fan of Barclay’s but I think this may be my favorite. There was so much psychological tension and I loved the way he made the typewriter a character in itself. I just loved it!
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Thanks, Mackey! You are so right about the psychological tension. That typewriter WAS a character.
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Wonderful review! I have this sitting in my Audible library I need to move it up my huge mountain! Looks so good!😍
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Thanks, Berit! Fire up that Audible app because this one is a keeper. And, it was a fast read.
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Wonderful review! I really like the sound of this one.
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Thanks, Yvo!
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I’ve always wanted to read this author, Jonetta, and I’m glad to hear this is a good place to start, and that the audio is a great option. Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Jennifer! It’s a perfect one to start.
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Wonderful review Jonetta. I am next in line to get the audiobook from the library so am waiting somewhat impatiently after reading this review.
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That’s great, Carla! Enjoy.
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It is good when a figuring out the mystery doesn’t ruin the book. Says something about the story. Great review.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Melanie! I thought so, too.
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