paperwitches's review
4.0
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for a ARC.
I was subtly interested in the premise of this book, but I was still utterly surprised. The writing is very well done, and immersive.
I was subtly interested in the premise of this book, but I was still utterly surprised. The writing is very well done, and immersive.
pbanditp's review
4.0
“I gave the last rites to Joseph Hickey before they took him to the electric chair. I remember the look on his face. I remember his twisted smile as I made the sign of the cross. And I remember wanting to kill the sonofabitch with my bare hands.” -Chapter one.
Captivated from the first line. I could feel this was going to be a special book. The kind of book that pops into your head at odd times, makes you try to think of a way out. Knowing what was going on and being unable to convey that to the characters, unable to stop the bloody mess. How do you stop a man when death is but a revolving door? How do you stop a brutal killer when the NYPD just wants to lay the blame of negligence on a detective and think that it’s actually over.
Richard Wall adds little details and emotions that make the characters so real. It makes the story so much more crushing when you have such a fantastic connection. One character named Vinnie is perfect and adds a comedic intermission to a heavy plot. There are several subplots in this intricate book which keeps it fresh throughout the story.
NEAR DEATH runs through all the emotions so be warned. Think of an emotion and most likely the answer is yes, it’s in there.
“For the love of God,” I whispered “why are you doing this?” Webster winked slowly and deliberately. “I already told you. Because I can.”
-I can hear you asking, “but Paul, why is it a different name than the first quote? Are there several bad guys in this?” In reply, I grin devilishly and tell you to go read the book.
Captivated from the first line. I could feel this was going to be a special book. The kind of book that pops into your head at odd times, makes you try to think of a way out. Knowing what was going on and being unable to convey that to the characters, unable to stop the bloody mess. How do you stop a man when death is but a revolving door? How do you stop a brutal killer when the NYPD just wants to lay the blame of negligence on a detective and think that it’s actually over.
Richard Wall adds little details and emotions that make the characters so real. It makes the story so much more crushing when you have such a fantastic connection. One character named Vinnie is perfect and adds a comedic intermission to a heavy plot. There are several subplots in this intricate book which keeps it fresh throughout the story.
NEAR DEATH runs through all the emotions so be warned. Think of an emotion and most likely the answer is yes, it’s in there.
“For the love of God,” I whispered “why are you doing this?” Webster winked slowly and deliberately. “I already told you. Because I can.”
-I can hear you asking, “but Paul, why is it a different name than the first quote? Are there several bad guys in this?” In reply, I grin devilishly and tell you to go read the book.
kirstycarson1's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smpeeden's review
3.0
It was an entertaining enough read, I'll give it that. The problem was that the story was heavily masculinized, there's was a bizarre almost stereotypical rural South representation (I come from the rural South, so), and the use of racial slurs as a cop-out way of saying "the antagonist is a bad guy!!!" Every male character seems to be trying really hard to be the image of the gritty tough guy, and after a while, it's exhausting trying to pick through all that testosterone for the plot. The plot itself wasn't bad, something that isn't quite new but isn't done that often. Overall, 3/5.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my opinion.
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my opinion.
mercurialbooks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley, Richard Wall and Burning Chair for allowing me to enjoy an ARC of Near Death.
I was pleasantly surprised by this indie author. This was not the book I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
A horrific crime has been committed. A death-row prisoner makes a haunting promise that he will return to kill again as he sits in the electric chair. When an identical crime occurs, the police must act fast to find out how. Is it a copy-cat, or has he come back from the dead as promised? This story reminded me so much of the movie Fallen (1993) with Denzel Washington, and that to me is a great thing.
Wall has set this story in 1960's Appalachia, bringing together a disenchanted former priest and an alcoholic cop who has reached breaking point. With social commentary, PTSD and a corrupt NYC police department all serving as background, this was always going to be a gritty, fast-paced thriller.
There was something extra here that I really loved. Wall puts in little details that make the characters seem more real. For example, his main character loves cars. How often have you read about a main character with a hobby that has nothing to do with the progression of the story? Especially in a thriller? I'm going with never, because every author knows about Chekov's gun and so avoids it. But here, it was a touch of genius. I have no personal interest in cars. But having the main character notice engine noises and have them interrupt his train of thought made me like him more. It made him feel real, rather than a contrived invention.
I particularly enjoyed reading about a lawyer named Vinnie, and two days later I can still remember the names of the smaller side characters. Something that never happens in thrillers with me, because characters are normally a means to an end to further the plot.
I will absolutely pick up more work by Richard Hall in future and you should too.
I was pleasantly surprised by this indie author. This was not the book I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
A horrific crime has been committed. A death-row prisoner makes a haunting promise that he will return to kill again as he sits in the electric chair. When an identical crime occurs, the police must act fast to find out how. Is it a copy-cat, or has he come back from the dead as promised? This story reminded me so much of the movie Fallen (1993) with Denzel Washington, and that to me is a great thing.
Wall has set this story in 1960's Appalachia, bringing together a disenchanted former priest and an alcoholic cop who has reached breaking point. With social commentary, PTSD and a corrupt NYC police department all serving as background, this was always going to be a gritty, fast-paced thriller.
There was something extra here that I really loved. Wall puts in little details that make the characters seem more real. For example, his main character loves cars. How often have you read about a main character with a hobby that has nothing to do with the progression of the story? Especially in a thriller? I'm going with never, because every author knows about Chekov's gun and so avoids it. But here, it was a touch of genius. I have no personal interest in cars. But having the main character notice engine noises and have them interrupt his train of thought made me like him more. It made him feel real, rather than a contrived invention.
I particularly enjoyed reading about a lawyer named Vinnie, and two days later I can still remember the names of the smaller side characters. Something that never happens in thrillers with me, because characters are normally a means to an end to further the plot.
I will absolutely pick up more work by Richard Hall in future and you should too.
sucharita's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
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