Who am I?
Paperback, 306 pages
Expected publication: June 26th 2018 by Affirm Press
Here you are coming up to 30 years of age and you think you have your life together, you are teaching photography, have a place of your own and a loving family. Then one day a male stranger sits down in front of you and says, ‘you are my long lost sister who disappeared over 28 years ago.’ Well, that would certainly turn your life upside down and that is exactly what happens to Kimberly Leamy. For Kim has to know the truth and leaves Australia to head back to Manson, USA to discover the truth about who she is.
White has crafted an intriguing mystery thriller that keeps throwing doubts and suspicions on a cast of fascinating characters. The story is told via switching from ‘now’ to ‘then’ as you learn about the events surrounding Sammy’s disappearance and Kim’s attempts to learn about her past. From the outset, you are quickly absorbed into this fast-paced novel. The writing is crisp, descriptive and creates an atmosphere that is unsettling at times.
Kim is a character whose life is in turmoil and reacts by being erratic, unsure and in a state of emotional flummox. Not knowing why she was taken from her family and why her mother may have done it creates a toll and White aptly captures her distress. I really liked that Kim is not rational or calm as she tries to figure out what is going on. It makes her as the hero of the story likeable, flawed and empathetic.
The supporting cast of characters move in and out of Kim’s life. It would be easy to make the characters stereotypical but White is able to give each one depth and imperfections. All of them have hopes and dreams that are stifled by the attitudes of small town living.
As a debut novel, White has made an impressive foray with a taut thriller that is absorbing and will keep you turning over the pages until you reach the end. A terrific read.
by Blake Crouch
Kindle Edition, 309 pages
Published August 21st 2012 by Thomas & Mercer
"Since the Industrial Revolution, we’ve treated our world like it was a hotel room and we were rock stars. But we aren’t rock stars."
Special Agent Ethan Burke is trying to discover what has happened to two of his colleagues who have gone missing. Burke is involved in a car accident and finds himself in Wayward Pines, a town that is just not quite right. This is an action packed thrill of a ride as you try to figure out just what is happening in Wayward Pines.
Crouch has created an atmospheric story where all the clues that are presented do not quite prepare you for the reveal at the end.
Burke is a tenancious man who really wants two things in life, to go back to his family and discover the truth. It those two motivators that drive the story along and keep the interest levels high. The writing is tight and the pacing of the novel keeps you flicking pages over. There are interesting characters and the world building is clever.
It is the first time I have read one of Crouch's works and it certainly wont the the last.
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