laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Live to Tell
3.5 Stars
Note: This is a review of the audiobook read by 4 separate female narrators. The narration flows smoothly and the 4 distinct voices makes it easy to follow the transitions in perspective. My one small nitpick is that the male and female voices sound identical.
Warning: Some readers may find the subject matter of this book, family annihilators and children suffering from acute psychiatric issues, difficult to read about. While the descriptions of the troubled children are disturbing and emotionally draining, Gardner should be praised for tackling such a controversial topic and for presenting it in a compelling and sympathetic manner.
That said, there are several aspect of the book that annoyed me. First and foremost are the transitions between first and third person perspective. Rather than adding to the plot, it causes the pacing to lag and the tension to deflate.
While the mystery is good and following the various clues and suspects is entertaining, the identity of the villain is obvious toward the end and the motive is not surprising. Moreover, the 'woo woo' elements, as D.D. calls them, are unnecessary and detract from the excitement and suspense of the story. Also, the final explanation offered in the epilogue undermines the evildoer's culpability and leaves the reader with a dissatisfied feeling.
The characters are well-developed and interesting, Danielle in particular. Unfortunately, D.D. is still coming across as a secondary character and it is difficult to sympathize with Victoria, despite the hardships of her life, because her actions and the reasons for them are simply incomprehensible to me.
Overall, a solid thriller for fans of Gardner's D.D. Warren series but for those new to this author, I would recommend the Quincy/Rainie series instead.
3.5 Stars
Note: This is a review of the audiobook read by 4 separate female narrators. The narration flows smoothly and the 4 distinct voices makes it easy to follow the transitions in perspective. My one small nitpick is that the male and female voices sound identical.
Warning: Some readers may find the subject matter of this book, family annihilators and children suffering from acute psychiatric issues, difficult to read about. While the descriptions of the troubled children are disturbing and emotionally draining, Gardner should be praised for tackling such a controversial topic and for presenting it in a compelling and sympathetic manner.
That said, there are several aspect of the book that annoyed me. First and foremost are the transitions between first and third person perspective. Rather than adding to the plot, it causes the pacing to lag and the tension to deflate.
While the mystery is good and following the various clues and suspects is entertaining, the identity of the villain is obvious toward the end and the motive is not surprising. Moreover, the 'woo woo' elements, as D.D. calls them, are unnecessary and detract from the excitement and suspense of the story. Also, the final explanation offered in the epilogue undermines the evildoer's culpability and leaves the reader with a dissatisfied feeling.
The characters are well-developed and interesting, Danielle in particular. Unfortunately, D.D. is still coming across as a secondary character and it is difficult to sympathize with Victoria, despite the hardships of her life, because her actions and the reasons for them are simply incomprehensible to me.
Overall, a solid thriller for fans of Gardner's D.D. Warren series but for those new to this author, I would recommend the Quincy/Rainie series instead.
elle_loves_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! Just wow! Lisa Gardner is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Another fabulous psychological thriller that I (again) listened to on audio and absolutely loved. It was fast paced from the get go with an ending that I didn't see coming. The narrators really brought this story to life too. I took this audiobook with me everywhere! Yes, everywhere
mom4mad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
whaney's review against another edition
3.0
Good book, but it got a little weird at the end when wrapping things up. Still worth the read. Kept me wondering all the way thru as to what really had happened to Danielle.
orygunn's review against another edition
3.0
A perfectly inoffensive mystery which I solved early on.
anamesquitaribeiro's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sjj169's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a full out roller coaster ride. I think it's my favorite Lisa Gardner book ever!
gastonjr45's review against another edition
5.0
I love all of Lisa Gardner's books that I've read. The plot is so juicy and good and you don't know who the culprit is until the very end. She puts so much detail into her characters and setting and the criminal story line is so great.