lloydhanneman's review
5.0
After finishing this book, a few things come to mind:
- Tim Meyer can write one hell of a thriller
- The character choices/interactions were so well thought out and realistic. I think this stuck out to me the most. Too many times I made the wrong assumption that a character would make a stupid decision (because doesn't that always happen?) so it was refreshing to see these scenes play out (i.e. without getting into spoilers: a recovering addict who *doesn't* relapse immediately after having a couple beers).
- This needs to be made into a movie, ASAP.
Tim, I can't wait to read everything you write. Keep it up!
- Tim Meyer can write one hell of a thriller
- The character choices/interactions were so well thought out and realistic. I think this stuck out to me the most. Too many times I made the wrong assumption that a character would make a stupid decision (because doesn't that always happen?) so it was refreshing to see these scenes play out (i.e. without getting into spoilers: a recovering addict who *doesn't* relapse immediately after having a couple beers).
- This needs to be made into a movie, ASAP.
Tim, I can't wait to read everything you write. Keep it up!
pbanditp's review
4.0
Drew is a former drug addict that has turned his life around. Now he has a wife of 10 years and a young daughter(Dinah), the perfect life. Until he gets a Polaroid picture sent to his house of his daughter dead and bloodied and chained to a basement wall. But his daughter is fine, home and alive. Then they find out about her nightmares and the Shadow Man that visits at night and has threatened to kill her.
Tim Meyer engages you very quickly, especially if you are a parent. Tense, nerve wracking, you know the fear and uncertainty that Drew and his family are submerged in. The spiral downward continues until the very end. Very compelling
Tim Meyer engages you very quickly, especially if you are a parent. Tense, nerve wracking, you know the fear and uncertainty that Drew and his family are submerged in. The spiral downward continues until the very end. Very compelling
johnlynchbooks's review
5.0
Sometime ago on social media, one of my favorite publishers made an announcement with an author who I’ve enjoyed reading, but I’m ashamed to say, still have much of his work on my back catalog. That author is Tim Meyer, and Dead Daughters is masterwork that this publisher and author duo have released upon us.
Drew Lowery is living the proverbial American Dream, that is, until one day his life is turned upside down and he’s living every parents nightmare. To make matters worse, the cops can’t figure out what’s going on and Drew must take matters into his own hands before it’s too late.
I’m being vague for a reason here, I didn’t even want to reiterate what’s on the back cover of this. I don’t want to potentially spoil a single thing.
What I do feel confident in telling you is that of the works I’ve read from Meyer, this is not only my favorite, but it’s also the best written. Everything flows perfectly. The story moves buttery-smooth, the characters are well developed and the first person narrative keeps you absolutely engaged in the book. I blew through the last 150 pages of this book and when I finished reading it all I could think of is how could I possibly pick up another book after that.
When the book came to its white-knuckled conclusion, I was absolutely satisfied. There were a few times I thought that Tim had shown his hand too early and I knew what was going on, turns out I’m an idiot and was completely wrong. Or maybe I’m not an idiot, Tim’s just a genius. Regardless of the state of my mental faculties, YOU’RE the dummy if you pass this one up.
5/5
Drew Lowery is living the proverbial American Dream, that is, until one day his life is turned upside down and he’s living every parents nightmare. To make matters worse, the cops can’t figure out what’s going on and Drew must take matters into his own hands before it’s too late.
I’m being vague for a reason here, I didn’t even want to reiterate what’s on the back cover of this. I don’t want to potentially spoil a single thing.
What I do feel confident in telling you is that of the works I’ve read from Meyer, this is not only my favorite, but it’s also the best written. Everything flows perfectly. The story moves buttery-smooth, the characters are well developed and the first person narrative keeps you absolutely engaged in the book. I blew through the last 150 pages of this book and when I finished reading it all I could think of is how could I possibly pick up another book after that.
When the book came to its white-knuckled conclusion, I was absolutely satisfied. There were a few times I thought that Tim had shown his hand too early and I knew what was going on, turns out I’m an idiot and was completely wrong. Or maybe I’m not an idiot, Tim’s just a genius. Regardless of the state of my mental faculties, YOU’RE the dummy if you pass this one up.
5/5
scottneumann's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rock_n_reads's review
5.0
I’ve been on a roll with reading some solid 5-star thrillers lately, and DEAD DAUGHTERS is no exception. This is only my second read from Tim Meyer, and while I never had doubts I’d be seeking out more, reading this novel just confirmed that fact and bumped his other books higher on my TBR pile.
It’s always great to discover authors who can write across genres, and I’ve definitely noticed that is one of Meyer’s strengths. His novel THE SWITCH HOUSE was a heart-pounding story with my favorite triple threat—horror, humor, and heart. I was pleased to discover that DEAD DAUGHTERS offers up the same experience in a slightly different package. It’s a dark thriller with elements of horror, full of disturbing images that I won’t forget any time soon.
I was gripped by this story from the beginning, fully invested as I learned more about the characters and watched their experience unfold. This author does an excellent job creating characters that the reader comes to care about. The empathy came easy for me—it never felt like I was searching for relatable or redeemable elements about these characters. I even found myself conflicted about my feelings for the antagonists later on in the story. The dialogue, details, and insight into the characters’ experience all work together to gain investment from the reader.
I mentioned that this story had a hold on me from its early pages, and this only intensified as I moved further into the book. I felt a slow, creeping dread from the moment things begin to go south for Drew and his family, and this continued to build throughout the novel. By the time I reached the last 100 pages or so, I had to force myself to put the book down. Once I picked it back up, I couldn’t flip through fast enough—I just had to know what was coming next. There are many twists and turns in this story—I thought the mystery and the anticipation of what was coming were so well done. Meyer kept me on my toes the whole time I was reading this, and just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong.
It’s tough to say more about this one for fear of giving away too much—no spoilers here! I’ll just sum this up by sharing that I am excited to see what Tim Meyer writes next, and to catch up on his previous work that’s on my shelf. I’m starting to see a pattern here. Not only does Meyer’s work contain the elements I’ve listed above, but it also exudes authenticity, and that’s something I’ll always show up for as a reader.
It’s always great to discover authors who can write across genres, and I’ve definitely noticed that is one of Meyer’s strengths. His novel THE SWITCH HOUSE was a heart-pounding story with my favorite triple threat—horror, humor, and heart. I was pleased to discover that DEAD DAUGHTERS offers up the same experience in a slightly different package. It’s a dark thriller with elements of horror, full of disturbing images that I won’t forget any time soon.
I was gripped by this story from the beginning, fully invested as I learned more about the characters and watched their experience unfold. This author does an excellent job creating characters that the reader comes to care about. The empathy came easy for me—it never felt like I was searching for relatable or redeemable elements about these characters. I even found myself conflicted about my feelings for the antagonists later on in the story. The dialogue, details, and insight into the characters’ experience all work together to gain investment from the reader.
I mentioned that this story had a hold on me from its early pages, and this only intensified as I moved further into the book. I felt a slow, creeping dread from the moment things begin to go south for Drew and his family, and this continued to build throughout the novel. By the time I reached the last 100 pages or so, I had to force myself to put the book down. Once I picked it back up, I couldn’t flip through fast enough—I just had to know what was coming next. There are many twists and turns in this story—I thought the mystery and the anticipation of what was coming were so well done. Meyer kept me on my toes the whole time I was reading this, and just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong.
It’s tough to say more about this one for fear of giving away too much—no spoilers here! I’ll just sum this up by sharing that I am excited to see what Tim Meyer writes next, and to catch up on his previous work that’s on my shelf. I’m starting to see a pattern here. Not only does Meyer’s work contain the elements I’ve listed above, but it also exudes authenticity, and that’s something I’ll always show up for as a reader.
catra121's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this...I think Tim Meyer may be a new favorite author for me. This one is more thriller than horror...but it does have some creepy/spooky elements to it. Very well done.
jojoe72's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you for the ARC
this was a good read, kept you on edge of seat, made it interesting when the author brought in the multiple personalities and that no one knew
this was a good read, kept you on edge of seat, made it interesting when the author brought in the multiple personalities and that no one knew
wellwortharead's review
This is only my second venture into the creative mind of Tim Meyer but he is now officially on my very short list of must read authors. This book came to me on a day when I was in the middle of reading something else. I meant only to take a quick peek at it out of curiosity but was drawn like a high powered magnet into the depth of character building and the blood chilling plot. The author conjures such a sense of dread and anxiety in the reader over what may happen to Drew Lowrey's daughter that I actually had to ask him if he had children because I felt so strongly that only a parent could know this fear. (I was right by the way, he is a dad.)
I am not going to get into the story line too much but I have to tell you that no author in the history of.....ever has been talented enough to give me goose bumps from something as simple as a to do list until now.
This is my first 5 star read of the year.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I am not going to get into the story line too much but I have to tell you that no author in the history of.....ever has been talented enough to give me goose bumps from something as simple as a to do list until now.
This is my first 5 star read of the year.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
motherhorror's review
4.0
I absolutely love a good psychological thriller/mystery ESPECIALLY when a horror author takes a stab at it. I feel like authors who turn out quality horror (Like Meyer) easily step over into thriller territory; giving their audience that yummy high of a fast-paced murder mystery laced with horror nuances. When a horror writer is behind the wheel, the stakes are higher, the violence is cinematic, and the subject matter is pitch-black.
DEAD DAUGHTERS is a dark, twisty-turny little ride meant to keep the reader's nose buried in its pages until Tim Meyer lets you go. This book published by Poltergeist Press is formatted as the perfect, mass-market sized binge-read; over 300 pages clocked in a matter of hours.
I don't need to tell you anything about the story. But if you're reading this review, I can make you hungry for it. So this couple has a daughter, Dinah. They love her. One day, they get a shocking piece of unmarked mail--enclosed is a photograph that completely upends their normal life. The rest of the book is just one remarkable discovery after the other. Every chapter leaves the reader in the lurch-- wanting more. More, more, more.
Some of the revelations do require the reader to suspend disbelief--but I feel like Tim Meyer made the unbelievable quite probable in the case of DEAD DAUGHTERS. The concept is wildly imaginative and I had fun going where Meyer was leading me.
I'm sure some readers who rely on keeping their feet squarely planted on the ground might have a hard time with some of the psychology here, but horror fans are used to buying in.
I feel like certain aspects could have benefitted from a little more time in the oven, but overall, I had a great time investing in this story and seeing it through to the epic conclusion.
Love Tim Meyer's work! Buy it all.
DEAD DAUGHTERS is a dark, twisty-turny little ride meant to keep the reader's nose buried in its pages until Tim Meyer lets you go. This book published by Poltergeist Press is formatted as the perfect, mass-market sized binge-read; over 300 pages clocked in a matter of hours.
I don't need to tell you anything about the story. But if you're reading this review, I can make you hungry for it. So this couple has a daughter, Dinah. They love her. One day, they get a shocking piece of unmarked mail--enclosed is a photograph that completely upends their normal life. The rest of the book is just one remarkable discovery after the other. Every chapter leaves the reader in the lurch-- wanting more. More, more, more.
Some of the revelations do require the reader to suspend disbelief--but I feel like Tim Meyer made the unbelievable quite probable in the case of DEAD DAUGHTERS. The concept is wildly imaginative and I had fun going where Meyer was leading me.
I'm sure some readers who rely on keeping their feet squarely planted on the ground might have a hard time with some of the psychology here, but horror fans are used to buying in.
I feel like certain aspects could have benefitted from a little more time in the oven, but overall, I had a great time investing in this story and seeing it through to the epic conclusion.
Love Tim Meyer's work! Buy it all.
ericarobyn's review
5.0
Dead Daughters by Tim Meyer is a fast-paced murder mystery that blends horror and thriller aspects together wonderfully! Buckle up before you begin this one; you won’t want to put it down.
There was one night that I was reading this book, and I looked at the time and saw that it was just fifteen minutes before I wanted to head to bed. I told myself, just one more chapter… Of course, an hour and a half later, I was finally going to bed.
Trigger Warning: Of course, as you can likely assume by the title, this would be a tough read for someone who has lost a daughter.
When this story begins, Eve has thrown a surprise birthday party for her husband, Drew. The party goes very well and Drew has a great time celebrating with his family and friends. At the end of the party, and after they had put their daughter to bed, he opens up the cards he had gotten in the mail. But the contents of one envelope, one with no name, held something that brings time to a standstill.
Soon afterward, they realize that someone has been in their daughters room… and it only get more terrifying from there.
Gosh this book had me totally hooked, but I dreaded what would happen next! I loved that the author ended many chapters with things like:
I nodded, but something told me it wasn’t that simple.
And it wasn’t.
Not at all.
Or:
Something was wrong.
Very fucking wrong.
Or, the one that made me keep reading even though I really needed to be sleeping:
The next time we talked, the detective had news.
Big news.
Things like that made it impossible to put the book down! I just had to learn more.
Through absolutely wonderful character development, I found myself really attached to these characters very quickly. I just wanted the detective to hurry up and solve the mystery so the family of three could live happily ever after…
One smaller, but really spooky element of this story, were the letters that were added here and there. They were clearly from someone deeply troubled. These letters were rather puzzling until one bit of information drops and it all suddenly makes more sense. But one thing that I really wanted to know- when were these letters written?! Yikes!
In one of the letters, the writer was listing off things he’d kill for. One of the things on the list is an encore episode of Alf! That gave me a great chuckle. The mom on Alf is a family friend, so I always love seeing mentions of the show in books!
There is SO much about this book that I would love to rave about, but you really need to experience it on your own!
My Favorite Passages
My throat felt restricted, as if a snake had coiled around my windpipe and squeezed my breath away.
We live or die by the choices we make.
I walked over to the kitchen table, the soles of my shoes feeling like they were blanketed with chewed bubble gum. The muscles in my legs lost their feeling and my knees wobbled and knocked together. I reached out and put both hands on the chair to keep myself from going down.
My Final Thoughts
I felt so unsettled reading this one but I was hooked! That sense of unease began very early on, and it only got worse the further into the story that I read. There were many small instances that had me feeling wary about certain characters very early on. But while I had some suspicions and kept trying to guess at what was going on, I wasn’t even close to figuring out this psychological horror story.
This story has such a dark undertone with highlights of interesting technology-related aspects and a ton of love.
I highly recommend this to horror/thriller fans that enjoy read filled with twists that will keep you guessing and a dash of sci-fi that adds a very intense layer to the story!
There was one night that I was reading this book, and I looked at the time and saw that it was just fifteen minutes before I wanted to head to bed. I told myself, just one more chapter… Of course, an hour and a half later, I was finally going to bed.
Trigger Warning: Of course, as you can likely assume by the title, this would be a tough read for someone who has lost a daughter.
When this story begins, Eve has thrown a surprise birthday party for her husband, Drew. The party goes very well and Drew has a great time celebrating with his family and friends. At the end of the party, and after they had put their daughter to bed, he opens up the cards he had gotten in the mail. But the contents of one envelope, one with no name, held something that brings time to a standstill.
Soon afterward, they realize that someone has been in their daughters room… and it only get more terrifying from there.
Gosh this book had me totally hooked, but I dreaded what would happen next! I loved that the author ended many chapters with things like:
I nodded, but something told me it wasn’t that simple.
And it wasn’t.
Not at all.
Or:
Something was wrong.
Very fucking wrong.
Or, the one that made me keep reading even though I really needed to be sleeping:
The next time we talked, the detective had news.
Big news.
Things like that made it impossible to put the book down! I just had to learn more.
Through absolutely wonderful character development, I found myself really attached to these characters very quickly. I just wanted the detective to hurry up and solve the mystery so the family of three could live happily ever after…
One smaller, but really spooky element of this story, were the letters that were added here and there. They were clearly from someone deeply troubled. These letters were rather puzzling until one bit of information drops and it all suddenly makes more sense. But one thing that I really wanted to know- when were these letters written?! Yikes!
In one of the letters, the writer was listing off things he’d kill for. One of the things on the list is an encore episode of Alf! That gave me a great chuckle. The mom on Alf is a family friend, so I always love seeing mentions of the show in books!
There is SO much about this book that I would love to rave about, but you really need to experience it on your own!
My Favorite Passages
My throat felt restricted, as if a snake had coiled around my windpipe and squeezed my breath away.
We live or die by the choices we make.
I walked over to the kitchen table, the soles of my shoes feeling like they were blanketed with chewed bubble gum. The muscles in my legs lost their feeling and my knees wobbled and knocked together. I reached out and put both hands on the chair to keep myself from going down.
My Final Thoughts
I felt so unsettled reading this one but I was hooked! That sense of unease began very early on, and it only got worse the further into the story that I read. There were many small instances that had me feeling wary about certain characters very early on. But while I had some suspicions and kept trying to guess at what was going on, I wasn’t even close to figuring out this psychological horror story.
This story has such a dark undertone with highlights of interesting technology-related aspects and a ton of love.
I highly recommend this to horror/thriller fans that enjoy read filled with twists that will keep you guessing and a dash of sci-fi that adds a very intense layer to the story!