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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Or Else


I absolutely loved Obscura by Joe Hart, so when I saw that there was a new book coming - and a thriller- I was in. I'm glad to report it lived up to my hype. Andy is an author who has moved home to care for his dad, who is in the early stages of dementia. The problem is- he's struck up an affair with the woman down the street. He hasn't really seen her since they were kids, and when it becomes clear she's not happy, sparks fly. Unfortunately, she's married, and her husband turns up dead. Oops. Guess who the suspect is? 

Before all this, though, a note is delivered to Andy warning him to break off the affair. Who knows about them? Could be anyone on their street. And then Rachel and her kids go missing (don't worry, this is all in the blurb) so our intrepid author has to figure out what's happening. He has a little help, though. Well, maybe.   

I enjoyed this so much. It's fairly short and even though I envisioned enjoying this over a few nights, I devoured it in one sitting. I've seen mixed reviews so maybe it's not for everyone, but I really enjoyed the author's takes on things- like who to trust. The author of course is writing a protagonist who is also an author- fun- and there's even a side character who plays on that. 

I really felt for the dad and the sister- Kel- I was pulling for the family. There's humor here as well, mixed in with some bittersweet personal stuff- the author can really pull off the combo of making you laugh and having you think about deep stuff at the same time. I was tense as well a few times- there's a particularly harrowing sequence where I was on the edge of my seat.  

I'd be remiss though in not pointing out one gripe- the protagonist makes some questionable decisions. A few times I was like nooo- don't make that decision. Or when people don't tell relevant information to others- I hate that. Especially if it puts someone at risk. So I had those issues a bit. Otherwise though this was a fun, fabulous read, and the chilling bit at the end- icing on the cake. 

18 comments:

  1. Nice review, Greg. This sounds like it has everything!

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  2. I too came to this one after I had a great time with Obscura, and it's good to know Joe Hart's talents for writing excitement translates well to the domestic suspense thriller genre too!

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  3. Oh, this looks like a page turner. Loved your review ❤️ Thanks so much! Thanks for being here!


    Caitlin&Megan
    Ivy&Ellie
    Carefully Listening
    Ellie
    The Book Group
    Holly&Stevie
    Cherry Blossoms
    Better Off Unsaid

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    1. Oh, I can't believe you haven't read THE OUTSIDERS! I also liked Hinton's THAT WAS THEN THIS IS NOW. I loved the opening paragraph of THE OUTSIDERS. P.S. Bright does look like he could be Ralph Macchio's perfect grandson!

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  4. My first comment disappeared, so I'm trying again. This book sounds like fun; and I do love it when the protagonist is also an author. :)

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  5. Issues aside, this sounds like a great thriller to add to my TBR! (I find myself in need of new authors to try!)

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  6. I like the sound of this although, like you, I'm not a fan of this whole 'people don't tell relevant information to others' .
    Lynn :D

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  7. Sounds like a great read despite those few issues! I mean, the character's gotta make a few mistakes, right? LOL

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  8. I still haven't read anything by Joe Hart, although I still want to. This new one does sound really good....

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  9. This sounds really good. I don't think I've read this author before.

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  10. Gracias por la reseña, lo tendré en cuenta.

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  11. I haven't read this author but I'm looking for more thrillers so I'll have to check him out!

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  12. Good review Greg - and though I get your comment about characters keeping relevant info to themselves, isn't that also kind of true to life? People often hide or don't share what they know and don't we all make bad decisions from time to time? However, sometimes books do have their characters make stupidly bad choices - I guess it's if the author makes some attempt at providing a rationale for the decision, no matter how lame. At any rate, I'm not familiar w/ this author and am always up for a good thriller, so I'll look for this one!

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  13. Great review Greg! This one has piqued my interest and I will add it to my thrillers list. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. This sounds really interesting. I'm going to look this author up.

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  15. Chilling bit at the end? Now I am curious

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  16. I love when a book is good enough to make me devour it like that! Glad this was so good for you, despite the couple little issues.

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