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Promise Falls #2
Far From True
Et grotesk uheld har slået Lucy Brightons far ihjel. Og da hun besøger hans hus, er hun sikker på, at nogen har brudt ind. Hun beder den private efterforsker Cal Weaver om at undersøge det � men hun er ikke forberedt på, hvad han vil finde.Cal opdager et hemmeligt ”legerum� i kælderen, som er komplet med videoudstyr, og det lader til, at der er en optagelse, som mangler. Hvordan hænger den stjålne DVD sammen med de andre forstyrrende begivenheder, som finder sted i byen? Da Cal fortsætter sin undersøgelse, og flere folk begynder at dø på mærkværdig vis, står det klart, at nogen går målrettet efter Promise Falls. Men hvem? Og hvor langt vil denne person gå?
449 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2016
661 people are currently reading
5183 people want to read
About the author
Linwood Barclay
108books6,893followersLinwood Barclay is the #1 internationally bestselling author of seventeen novels for adults, including No Time for Goodbye, Trust Your Eyes and, most recently, A Noise Downstairs. He has also written two novels for children and screenplays.
Three of those seventeen novels comprise the epic Promise Falls trilogy: Broken Promise, Far From True, and The Twenty-Three. His two novels for children � Chase and Escape � star a computer-enhanced dog named Chipper who’s on the run from the evil organization that turned him into a super-pup.
Barclay’s 2011 thriller, The Accident, has been turned into the six-part television series L’Accident in France, and he adapted his novel Never Saw it Coming for the movie, directed by Gail Harvey and starring Eric Roberts and Emily Hampshire. Several of his other books either have been, or still are, in development for TV and film.
After spending his formative years helping run a cottage resort and trailer park after his father died when he was 16, Barclay got his first newspaper job at the Peterborough Examiner, a small Ontario daily. In 1981, he joined the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation newspaper.
He held such positions as assistant city editor, chief copy editor, news editor, and Life section editor, before becoming the paper’s humour columnist in 1993. He was one of the paper’s most popular columnists before retiring from the position in 2008 to work exclusively on books.
In 2004, he launched his mystery series about an anxiety-ridden, know-it-all, pain-in-the-butt father by the name of Zack Walker. Bad Move, the first book, was followed by three more Zack Walker thrillers: Bad Guys, Lone Wolf, and Stone Rain. (The last two were published in the UK under the titles Bad Luck and Bad News.)
His first standalone thriller, No Time for Goodbye, was published in 2007 to critical acclaim and great international success. The following year, it was a Richard and Judy Summer Read selection in the UK, and did seven straight weeks at #1 on the UK bestseller list, and finished 2008 as the top selling novel of the year there. The book has since been sold around the world and been translated into nearly thirty languages.
Barclay was born in the United States but moved to Canada just before turning four years old when his father, a commercial artist whose illustrations of cars appeared in Life, Look and Saturday Evening Post (before photography took over), accepted a position with an advertising agency north of the border.Barclay, who graduated with an English literature degree from Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario, was fortunate to have some very fine mentors; in particular, the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Laurence, whom Linwood first met when she served as writer-in-residence at Trent, and Kenneth Millar, who, under the name Ross Macdonald, wrote the acclaimed series of mystery novels featuring detective Lew Archer.It was at Trent that he met Neetha, the woman who would become his wife. They have two grown children, Spencer and Paige.
Three of those seventeen novels comprise the epic Promise Falls trilogy: Broken Promise, Far From True, and The Twenty-Three. His two novels for children � Chase and Escape � star a computer-enhanced dog named Chipper who’s on the run from the evil organization that turned him into a super-pup.
Barclay’s 2011 thriller, The Accident, has been turned into the six-part television series L’Accident in France, and he adapted his novel Never Saw it Coming for the movie, directed by Gail Harvey and starring Eric Roberts and Emily Hampshire. Several of his other books either have been, or still are, in development for TV and film.
After spending his formative years helping run a cottage resort and trailer park after his father died when he was 16, Barclay got his first newspaper job at the Peterborough Examiner, a small Ontario daily. In 1981, he joined the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest circulation newspaper.
He held such positions as assistant city editor, chief copy editor, news editor, and Life section editor, before becoming the paper’s humour columnist in 1993. He was one of the paper’s most popular columnists before retiring from the position in 2008 to work exclusively on books.
In 2004, he launched his mystery series about an anxiety-ridden, know-it-all, pain-in-the-butt father by the name of Zack Walker. Bad Move, the first book, was followed by three more Zack Walker thrillers: Bad Guys, Lone Wolf, and Stone Rain. (The last two were published in the UK under the titles Bad Luck and Bad News.)
His first standalone thriller, No Time for Goodbye, was published in 2007 to critical acclaim and great international success. The following year, it was a Richard and Judy Summer Read selection in the UK, and did seven straight weeks at #1 on the UK bestseller list, and finished 2008 as the top selling novel of the year there. The book has since been sold around the world and been translated into nearly thirty languages.
Barclay was born in the United States but moved to Canada just before turning four years old when his father, a commercial artist whose illustrations of cars appeared in Life, Look and Saturday Evening Post (before photography took over), accepted a position with an advertising agency north of the border.Barclay, who graduated with an English literature degree from Trent University, in Peterborough, Ontario, was fortunate to have some very fine mentors; in particular, the celebrated Canadian author Margaret Laurence, whom Linwood first met when she served as writer-in-residence at Trent, and Kenneth Millar, who, under the name Ross Macdonald, wrote the acclaimed series of mystery novels featuring detective Lew Archer.It was at Trent that he met Neetha, the woman who would become his wife. They have two grown children, Spencer and Paige.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,127 reviews
February 11, 2016
3.5 Stars
I have read and enjoyed a few other books by Linwood Barclay.
If I had read the entire description on NetGalley before requesting this book, I would have realized that this was book #2 of the author’s series "Promise Falls". I'm used to ŷ showing the series book number right after the title at the top of the page. However, although NetGalley didn't say book #2 in the title it did say "following the electrifying cliffhanger ending of Broken Promise" which should have been my first clue. I guess I should read a little more before I start pressing buttons requesting everything I see.
"Far From True" begins with a group of teens heading to the drive-in movie theater. "The Constellation" will be closing soon so this will be the last chance for these boys and everyone else to enjoy the outdoor theater. The boys are sneaking some beer in by hiding it in the trunk. They also decide to honor tradition and have one of them hide in the trunk with the beer. Derek is the boy chosen to hide in the trunk. Derek hates small, confined spaces. When he was 17 he witnessed a horrific crime while hiding. However, he doesn't want his friends to tease him and gets into the trunk. It feels like forever as he waits for them to get past the gate so he can get out. However, as they get to the gate, the owner asks to look in the trunk. They start to argue and all of a sudden there's a loud BOOM.
At first Derek is terrified that someone has been shot....
What has happened is that the drive in theater screen has blown up killing quite a few people. No one can figure out why this happened. There is speculation that the demolition crew had their explosives set up early and they accidentally went off. However, they realize quickly that isn’t the case.
So what did happen? Was this a planned attack? Who would do this?
Private Investigator Cal Weaver is asked by one of the victim's daughters to investigate a break-in that occurred at her father’s house. The break in seems to have occurred at the same time the explosion at the drive-in took place. As he walks through the house he doesn't see any obvious signs of a break-in. But when he happens to lean against a bookshelf in the basement, it moves revealing a hidden room. A room with red walls, adorned with sexually graphic pictures, a DVD player, handcuffs and well you get the picture....
"This room was for when sex was an event. This was a room dedicated solely to sex"
At first Cal Weaver believes the break in was to steal DVD's from the basement. But soon starts to wonder what the thief was actually after.
We also have Detective Duckworth who is still trying to solve two murders. But one of the murders is three years old.
All of this had me intrigued and interested in what was going to happen next. But as more people were introduced in the story I found it harder to keep everyone and everything straight. There are a TON of characters in this book. There were a few times that I got characters mixed up and it took a bit of time to get things figured out again.
On one hand the many characters combined with very interesting story-lines made it a good read but on the other hand it is bit confusing having so much going on. However, once I got everyone straight things went better. Maybe part of this was due to not reading the first book? I won't know for sure. But even so there was a lot of people and a lot of action and some may find it hard to follow at times.
The book is full of twists and turns that caught me off guard. Barclay does a great job of adding suspense and keeping his readers interested. The stories are interesting and we find out some of the answers to questions from the first book. However, as this is only the second book in the trilogy, we are again left with many unanswered questions.
Although it read okay as a stand-alone, I think I would definitely recommend that they be read in order if you have that option. Had I thought it through I would have read book one first. However, hindsight is 20/20 and as I said this was still a pretty good book.
I'm pretty sure I will be reading book three as there are many questions that I would like to see answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I have read and enjoyed a few other books by Linwood Barclay.
If I had read the entire description on NetGalley before requesting this book, I would have realized that this was book #2 of the author’s series "Promise Falls". I'm used to ŷ showing the series book number right after the title at the top of the page. However, although NetGalley didn't say book #2 in the title it did say "following the electrifying cliffhanger ending of Broken Promise" which should have been my first clue. I guess I should read a little more before I start pressing buttons requesting everything I see.
"Far From True" begins with a group of teens heading to the drive-in movie theater. "The Constellation" will be closing soon so this will be the last chance for these boys and everyone else to enjoy the outdoor theater. The boys are sneaking some beer in by hiding it in the trunk. They also decide to honor tradition and have one of them hide in the trunk with the beer. Derek is the boy chosen to hide in the trunk. Derek hates small, confined spaces. When he was 17 he witnessed a horrific crime while hiding. However, he doesn't want his friends to tease him and gets into the trunk. It feels like forever as he waits for them to get past the gate so he can get out. However, as they get to the gate, the owner asks to look in the trunk. They start to argue and all of a sudden there's a loud BOOM.
At first Derek is terrified that someone has been shot....
What has happened is that the drive in theater screen has blown up killing quite a few people. No one can figure out why this happened. There is speculation that the demolition crew had their explosives set up early and they accidentally went off. However, they realize quickly that isn’t the case.
So what did happen? Was this a planned attack? Who would do this?
Private Investigator Cal Weaver is asked by one of the victim's daughters to investigate a break-in that occurred at her father’s house. The break in seems to have occurred at the same time the explosion at the drive-in took place. As he walks through the house he doesn't see any obvious signs of a break-in. But when he happens to lean against a bookshelf in the basement, it moves revealing a hidden room. A room with red walls, adorned with sexually graphic pictures, a DVD player, handcuffs and well you get the picture....
"This room was for when sex was an event. This was a room dedicated solely to sex"
At first Cal Weaver believes the break in was to steal DVD's from the basement. But soon starts to wonder what the thief was actually after.
We also have Detective Duckworth who is still trying to solve two murders. But one of the murders is three years old.
All of this had me intrigued and interested in what was going to happen next. But as more people were introduced in the story I found it harder to keep everyone and everything straight. There are a TON of characters in this book. There were a few times that I got characters mixed up and it took a bit of time to get things figured out again.
On one hand the many characters combined with very interesting story-lines made it a good read but on the other hand it is bit confusing having so much going on. However, once I got everyone straight things went better. Maybe part of this was due to not reading the first book? I won't know for sure. But even so there was a lot of people and a lot of action and some may find it hard to follow at times.
The book is full of twists and turns that caught me off guard. Barclay does a great job of adding suspense and keeping his readers interested. The stories are interesting and we find out some of the answers to questions from the first book. However, as this is only the second book in the trilogy, we are again left with many unanswered questions.
Although it read okay as a stand-alone, I think I would definitely recommend that they be read in order if you have that option. Had I thought it through I would have read book one first. However, hindsight is 20/20 and as I said this was still a pretty good book.
I'm pretty sure I will be reading book three as there are many questions that I would like to see answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2018
Okay, first off I must say that I really like LINWOOD BARCLAY and have really enjoyed reading his books. But, I have never been so confused while reading one. I read the first book in this series, BROKEN PROMISE back in March of last year so I did remember some of the characters and the plot-line from that book. But in FAR FROM TRUE there seemed to be a lot more happening in this story and I found it a little challenging to keep up with all the characters and deciphering how the storylines were intertwined between FAR FROM TRUE and what was actually from BROKEN PROMISE. Although I did feel that BARCLAY did a great job refreshing our memory of what happened in the first book. I think maybe I just needed to read them a little closer together and just have read it without worrying so much about not remembering everything from the first book.
FAR FROM TRUE by LINWOOD BARCLAY is the second book from the Promise Falls Trilogy and I would really recommend reading these books in order. I still found it to be an interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful thriller though that kept my interest to the very end. I just didn’t find it as gripping and fast-paced as some of his other novels and I wasn’t completely hooked until about half-way into the book and then I couldn't put it down.
I really like LINWOOD BARCLAY’S writing style and he delivers another action-filled read here with a solid plot, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns to keep us engaged and guessing. Although, I did find it a little challenging at times to follow along with the storyline and all the characters involved as I would get a little mixed up with some of the characters and I had to figure out who was who a few times. I think I might have been a little distracted while reading this one and that could have been some of my problem.
To sum it all up it was an interesting, suspenseful, steady-paced, and a pretty good read with a satisfying ending but leaving us with a few unanswered questions to entice us to read the next book in this series, THE TWENTY-THREE which I will definitely be reading!
All of Brenda & my reviews can be found on our Sister Blog:
FAR FROM TRUE by LINWOOD BARCLAY is the second book from the Promise Falls Trilogy and I would really recommend reading these books in order. I still found it to be an interesting, intriguing, and suspenseful thriller though that kept my interest to the very end. I just didn’t find it as gripping and fast-paced as some of his other novels and I wasn’t completely hooked until about half-way into the book and then I couldn't put it down.
I really like LINWOOD BARCLAY’S writing style and he delivers another action-filled read here with a solid plot, strong characters, and lots of twists and turns to keep us engaged and guessing. Although, I did find it a little challenging at times to follow along with the storyline and all the characters involved as I would get a little mixed up with some of the characters and I had to figure out who was who a few times. I think I might have been a little distracted while reading this one and that could have been some of my problem.
To sum it all up it was an interesting, suspenseful, steady-paced, and a pretty good read with a satisfying ending but leaving us with a few unanswered questions to entice us to read the next book in this series, THE TWENTY-THREE which I will definitely be reading!
All of Brenda & my reviews can be found on our Sister Blog:
March 13, 2017
I am really enjoying this series and I have been a big fan of Linwood Barclay for years. This is the third book in the Promise Falls Trilogy counting the novella.
During the local drive-in's last-ever triple feature, a mysterious explosion topples the screen, killing four people. It's not the only bizarre incident shaking up the New York town of Promise Falls, a popular suicide spot where all lives seem at risk.
A few hours after the drive-in disaster, which some locals insist was an act of terrorism—someone breaks into the home of one of the victims and steals revealing DVDs from a hidden sex lair. Police Detective Barry Duckworth already has his hands full with a series of seemingly related killings of young women. PI Cal Weaver, who is trying to get over the murders of his wife and son, is busy protecting Samantha, a laundromat owner whose ex-husband is serving time for a bank stickup. David Harwood, a former journalist reluctantly working for loathsome former mayor Randall Finley, has to explain to his son why his late mother killed a man and cut off his hand. Its blue-collar setting is a bottomless pit of nefarious acts including baby theft and kidnapping. The only true innocent is Crystal, a girl with special abilities whose capacity for living inside her head must be regarded as a gift.
The number 23 still turns up in all kinds of bad situations here.
As the lies begin to unravel, Cal is headed straight into the heart of a dark secret as his search uncovers more startling truths about Promise Falls. And when yet another murder happens, Cal and Barry are both driven to pursue their investigations, no matter where they lead. Evil deeds long thought buried are about to haunt the residents of this town—as the sins of the past and present collide with terrifying results.
During the local drive-in's last-ever triple feature, a mysterious explosion topples the screen, killing four people. It's not the only bizarre incident shaking up the New York town of Promise Falls, a popular suicide spot where all lives seem at risk.
A few hours after the drive-in disaster, which some locals insist was an act of terrorism—someone breaks into the home of one of the victims and steals revealing DVDs from a hidden sex lair. Police Detective Barry Duckworth already has his hands full with a series of seemingly related killings of young women. PI Cal Weaver, who is trying to get over the murders of his wife and son, is busy protecting Samantha, a laundromat owner whose ex-husband is serving time for a bank stickup. David Harwood, a former journalist reluctantly working for loathsome former mayor Randall Finley, has to explain to his son why his late mother killed a man and cut off his hand. Its blue-collar setting is a bottomless pit of nefarious acts including baby theft and kidnapping. The only true innocent is Crystal, a girl with special abilities whose capacity for living inside her head must be regarded as a gift.
The number 23 still turns up in all kinds of bad situations here.
As the lies begin to unravel, Cal is headed straight into the heart of a dark secret as his search uncovers more startling truths about Promise Falls. And when yet another murder happens, Cal and Barry are both driven to pursue their investigations, no matter where they lead. Evil deeds long thought buried are about to haunt the residents of this town—as the sins of the past and present collide with terrifying results.
April 22, 2018
4.5 stars!
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I think I'm in the minority but I really enjoyed this one! For those new to the series, start with #1 as this is the second in the trilogy.
Not much to hash up plot wise as this is the middle segment, but it was structured differently than the first. There isn't really a main focal story, just a continuation and connecting of previous threads left hanging from the first book. I'll say there was one particular plot aspect that blew me away and completely fooled me. I knew going into this one that I would again be left hanging with many questions so that didn't take away from my reading experience as it did for some others. I'm looking forward to the conclusion coming in November. My only drawback was it seemed a little wordy and could have probably been about 50-75 pages shorter.
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing my copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I think I'm in the minority but I really enjoyed this one! For those new to the series, start with #1 as this is the second in the trilogy.
Not much to hash up plot wise as this is the middle segment, but it was structured differently than the first. There isn't really a main focal story, just a continuation and connecting of previous threads left hanging from the first book. I'll say there was one particular plot aspect that blew me away and completely fooled me. I knew going into this one that I would again be left hanging with many questions so that didn't take away from my reading experience as it did for some others. I'm looking forward to the conclusion coming in November. My only drawback was it seemed a little wordy and could have probably been about 50-75 pages shorter.
December 2, 2021
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the 'Broken Promise' trilogy. Plot-wise, the story could be read as a standalone. However, I'd strongly recommend readers begin with book one, for character development.
This sequel to Broken Promise picks up where the first book ended. Two women in Promise Falls, New York have been brutally killed in a disturbingly similar fashion - Olivia Fisher several years ago and Rosemary Gaynor just recently.
In addition the town has experienced a rash of crimes connected with the number 23.
As this second book in the trilogy opens a car full of boisterous youths is heading for the 'Constellation Drive-In Theater' for it's last show ever.
As the boys are trying to get past the gatekeeper - with one boy hiding in the trunk just for fun - there's an explosion and the movie screen collapses.
Two cars are squashed, four people are killed, and many movie- goers are injured. As it turns out the catastrophe occurred at 11:23 P.M. (or 23:23 in military time).
Detective Barry Duckworth is the lead investigator for all the crimes, a high stress job that interferes with his (supposed) weight loss regime.
While Duckworth's wife gives him grapefruit and skinless chicken, the detective sneakily eats hamburgers and pie on the job. LOL. 😊
Duckworth soon discovers that one couple killed at the drive-in was local celebrity Adam Chalmers and his wife Miriam.
In his youth Adam belonged to a criminal biker gang but gave it up to become a successful (and wealthy) writer....and Miriam is his beautiful third wife.
As the story unfolds private detective Cal Weaver (a character in previous Barclay novels) is caught up in the drama when Adam's Chalmers' daughter, Lucy Brighton, hires him.
She thinks someone has been sneaking around her deceased father's house. Weaver makes a startling discovery in the Chalmers' home, a finding that soon interests the police as well.
Various characters from the first book are on hand once again. Former journalist David Harwood.....
.....continues to work for slimy disgraced ex-mayor Randall Finley, who's determined to get back into office any way he can; the scene where Finley announces his candidacy is priceless and funny.
Samantha Worthington is still being harassed by her jailed ex-husband's parents, who are trying to wrest away custody of her son Carl; this leads to plenty of excitement and danger.
And Clive Duncomb, Thackeray College's head of security, is once again hiding things from the 'real cops.' Clive, who thinks he's smarter than everyone else, is a truly unlikable guy.
An array of minor characters from book one also make an appearance. And - for those who like that kind of thing - the story also has a couple of budding romances. I don't like love affairs in mystery books but these aren't graphic or heavy handed.
The book is an arresting page turner that kept my interest throughout. I have to admit, though, that one of the 'secrets' in the book stretched my suspension of disbelief to the breaking point. As with Broken Promise, the end of the book leaves things unresolved. I look forward to finishing the trilogy to discover exactly what's going on. I have some theories....but we'll see.
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October 29, 2019
The first book in the series ended with the strange situations involving the number �23� still unresolved, as well as the murder of Olivia Fisher. This begins with the deaths of four people at drive-in movie when the screen collapses and crushes them. Private investigator Cal Weaver is asked by the daughter of one of the victims to find out who invaded her father’s home shortly after his death. Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth continues to pursue Olivia’s and Rosemary Gaynor’s murder while investigating what happened at the drive-in.
I highly recommend reading the first book before starting this one. There’s too much background and a continuing story arc. I also read the novella, which was helpful in learning more about Cal and another character, Lucy Brighton, but it wasn’t critical.
There’s a LOT going on here and a host of characters to keep up with but they all connect pretty easily. I enjoyed the twists and bends toward some of the conclusions and the discoveries along the way. There’s a pretty big twist at the end, as well as a cliffhanger, all leading up to what I think will be the big resolution. I was so engaged I didn’t even care that everything wasn’t wrapped up but that’s probably because I’ve got the next audiobook in the queue😏
I really liked this story, especially its complexity, host of characters and multiple plot lines. The narration was simply excellent and I’m very glad I opted to listen to this series. Brian O’Neill had to manage most of the voices, providing enough distinction for each that I always knew who was in play. And, his female interpretations were done well. Mark Ziesler handled Cal’s voice and he sounded exactly how I envisioned the character...cool under fire. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
(Thanks to Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I highly recommend reading the first book before starting this one. There’s too much background and a continuing story arc. I also read the novella, which was helpful in learning more about Cal and another character, Lucy Brighton, but it wasn’t critical.
There’s a LOT going on here and a host of characters to keep up with but they all connect pretty easily. I enjoyed the twists and bends toward some of the conclusions and the discoveries along the way. There’s a pretty big twist at the end, as well as a cliffhanger, all leading up to what I think will be the big resolution. I was so engaged I didn’t even care that everything wasn’t wrapped up but that’s probably because I’ve got the next audiobook in the queue😏
I really liked this story, especially its complexity, host of characters and multiple plot lines. The narration was simply excellent and I’m very glad I opted to listen to this series. Brian O’Neill had to manage most of the voices, providing enough distinction for each that I always knew who was in play. And, his female interpretations were done well. Mark Ziesler handled Cal’s voice and he sounded exactly how I envisioned the character...cool under fire. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
(Thanks to Recorded Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 20, 2023
“Cut the bullshit. That’s what I’m about. I want to cut the bullshit�
FAR FROM TRUE, the second installment in Linwood Barclays� best selling Promise Falls trilogy, was published in 2016. So it’s possible that Randall Finley, the ne’er do well attempting to gain re-election to the Promise Falls mayor’s office after an unsavory wrangle with the law involving sex with an underage girl, resembles Cheetolini merely by coincidence. And that campaign slogan? It hardly comes more Trumpian right-wing than that. Well, as a Canadian reader who welcomes any opportunity to make mock of the most disgusting president in the USA’s 250 year history, I suspect that Linwood Barclay knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he created the character! But I digress �
Here’s the thing! FAR FROM TRUE is a genuine barn-burner, gut-busting thriller that will have you turning the pages long past your bedtime. But � and this is a HUGE but � do NOT read it before BROKEN PROMISE, the debut novel in the trilogy. BROKEN PROMISE, FAR FROM TRUE and THE TWENTY-THREE actually comprise a single full length story that would best be enjoyed by reading them back to back in order. BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE don’t really end on what lovers of the suspense thriller or the psychological thriller genre would call cliff-hangers. A much better description would simply be to say that somewhere around 450 pages, the publisher, the editors and the author just decided to call it a day, publish, package it up, sell it as a book and move on to the next title. Tying up the threads and resolving the intricately connected plots doesn’t happen until THE TWENTY-THREE comes to a close, over 1,300 pages later.
In short, don’t read them out of order, don’t read any of them unless you’re willing to read all three, and, for best results, read them all back to back. In the words of the immortal James Patterson, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.
Paul Weiss
FAR FROM TRUE, the second installment in Linwood Barclays� best selling Promise Falls trilogy, was published in 2016. So it’s possible that Randall Finley, the ne’er do well attempting to gain re-election to the Promise Falls mayor’s office after an unsavory wrangle with the law involving sex with an underage girl, resembles Cheetolini merely by coincidence. And that campaign slogan? It hardly comes more Trumpian right-wing than that. Well, as a Canadian reader who welcomes any opportunity to make mock of the most disgusting president in the USA’s 250 year history, I suspect that Linwood Barclay knew EXACTLY what he was doing when he created the character! But I digress �
Here’s the thing! FAR FROM TRUE is a genuine barn-burner, gut-busting thriller that will have you turning the pages long past your bedtime. But � and this is a HUGE but � do NOT read it before BROKEN PROMISE, the debut novel in the trilogy. BROKEN PROMISE, FAR FROM TRUE and THE TWENTY-THREE actually comprise a single full length story that would best be enjoyed by reading them back to back in order. BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE don’t really end on what lovers of the suspense thriller or the psychological thriller genre would call cliff-hangers. A much better description would simply be to say that somewhere around 450 pages, the publisher, the editors and the author just decided to call it a day, publish, package it up, sell it as a book and move on to the next title. Tying up the threads and resolving the intricately connected plots doesn’t happen until THE TWENTY-THREE comes to a close, over 1,300 pages later.
In short, don’t read them out of order, don’t read any of them unless you’re willing to read all three, and, for best results, read them all back to back. In the words of the immortal James Patterson, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED.
Paul Weiss
September 11, 2016
I really enjoyed the first of this trilogy, Broken Promise.
I had hoarded them to read until I had all three books, which in hindsight, was a mistake.
The first half of Far From True is largely dedicated to reminding the reader what happened in Broken Promise, interwoven with developments in the new story, which focuses mainly on different characters, with the exception of David Harwood and Detective Barry Duckworth. So if you have only just finished the first book and gone straight onto the second as I did, a lot of it is superfluous.
And so, I wasn't really grabbed by the plot until just after half way through when there is, and I quote the author on this, a 'holy shit' moment. It is not the last one. I did not put the book down after that - just read until I was finished.
I am hanging out to read the third. But in order to blur the memory a little I am reading a couple of books in between. But Twenty Three, I am coming for you!
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, NAL, for providing a digital ARC of Far From True by Linwood Barclay in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I had hoarded them to read until I had all three books, which in hindsight, was a mistake.
The first half of Far From True is largely dedicated to reminding the reader what happened in Broken Promise, interwoven with developments in the new story, which focuses mainly on different characters, with the exception of David Harwood and Detective Barry Duckworth. So if you have only just finished the first book and gone straight onto the second as I did, a lot of it is superfluous.
And so, I wasn't really grabbed by the plot until just after half way through when there is, and I quote the author on this, a 'holy shit' moment. It is not the last one. I did not put the book down after that - just read until I was finished.
I am hanging out to read the third. But in order to blur the memory a little I am reading a couple of books in between. But Twenty Three, I am coming for you!
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, NAL, for providing a digital ARC of Far From True by Linwood Barclay in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 16, 2016
3.75 stars
Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives in Promise Falls...
And that pretty much sums up book 2 in Barclay's Promise Falls series.
For such a small, quaint town, there sure is a lot of crazy going on there! From bombs blowing up a movie theater, couple swapping and sex parties, child abduction, blackmail, racism vandalism and a serial killer running loose, it all seemed a bit much for me.
I really enjoyed the book-I'm a big fan of Barclay's writing style-but with so much going on, I had a hard time keeping track of the large cast of characters. I think I was missing a main focal point, like in book one, , David H was the main protag, and the subplots expanded around him. In this book, there were just too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.
The other issue I had is that too many of the stories weren't resolved and are being carried into the next book. It's going to be a lot to try and remember.
While not as strong as Broken Promise, I'm still hooked on the series and am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this soap opera town...especially who the heck Mr. 23 is!!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives in Promise Falls...
And that pretty much sums up book 2 in Barclay's Promise Falls series.
For such a small, quaint town, there sure is a lot of crazy going on there! From bombs blowing up a movie theater, couple swapping and sex parties, child abduction, blackmail, racism vandalism and a serial killer running loose, it all seemed a bit much for me.
I really enjoyed the book-I'm a big fan of Barclay's writing style-but with so much going on, I had a hard time keeping track of the large cast of characters. I think I was missing a main focal point, like in book one, , David H was the main protag, and the subplots expanded around him. In this book, there were just too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.
The other issue I had is that too many of the stories weren't resolved and are being carried into the next book. It's going to be a lot to try and remember.
While not as strong as Broken Promise, I'm still hooked on the series and am looking forward to finding out what happens next in this soap opera town...especially who the heck Mr. 23 is!!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 24, 2016
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Linwood Barclay, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
From the author of well-crafted psychological thrillers comes another novel set in the bucolic town of Promise Falls. Picking up days after the previous novel ended, Barclay parachutes readers into a place still coming to terms with a collection of noteworthy events: a slain rapist on the university campus, a baby swapping scheme that went awry, and a downturn in the economy that has local business pulling out. After a freak event at the local drive-in theatre leaves four dead, the town is left to wonder if this was an accident or another item to add to the tragic narrative. Local private investigator, Cal Weaver, is approached by the daughter of one of the drive-in victims to explore a break-in at her father's home. What begins as a crime without apparent motive (and loss of property) soon spins into the revelation of an alternative lifestyle group alive and well under the radar within Promise Falls. A collection of DVDs has been taken from a 'secret room' whose content leaves little to the imagination, but the rationale is anyone's guess. As Weaver pieces the clues together, he cannot help but speculate that the contents of the discs contain vital information that surpasses their intrinsically erotic value. Detective Barry Duckworth wrestles with two unsolved murders that bear great similarities, though the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi. Could there be something deeper that Duckworth cannot see, or is a murder still on the loose in Promise Falls? These and many other sinister storylines that include a host of characters, each with their own backstory, permits the reader to follow plot lines down the rabbit hole, only to realise how they link together, at the least expected moment. Barclay weaves a wonderful follow-up to his explosive BROKEN PROMISE, which grips the reader until the final pages and leaves them to wonder just how sure they are of where this narrative will end.
While Barclay is not new to the psychological thriller genre, this novel (and the others in the series) propel him into a league all his own. Placing the story mere weeks after BROKEN PROMISE, the reader has not yet had time to catch their breath or construct a viable explanation as to what they've just finished reading. With a large cast of characters, the story is able to expand on numerous levels and pushes the narrative boundaries, such that there are numerous plots worth exploring. Barclay sows the seeds for further exploration in the next novel, but also revisits some key aspects to past stories that keep the reader connection and on the ball throughout. Exploring the narrative from Cal Weaver's perspective, as well as that of a passive overseer, the reader gains additional insight in the lead-up to what is sure to be an explosive next novel, where the '23' concept may finally be revealed. Only the attentive reader need indulge, as there are numerous references to the previous pieces, with only a sprinkle of reminiscent breadcrumbs to help the reader along. Novels of this calibre are gifts for the reader, though waiting for the next instalment could drive anyone around the bend!
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for such an addictive piece of work. I am hooked and can only hope that you will continue to dazzle and intrigue as you build on this series for your avid fans.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
From the author of well-crafted psychological thrillers comes another novel set in the bucolic town of Promise Falls. Picking up days after the previous novel ended, Barclay parachutes readers into a place still coming to terms with a collection of noteworthy events: a slain rapist on the university campus, a baby swapping scheme that went awry, and a downturn in the economy that has local business pulling out. After a freak event at the local drive-in theatre leaves four dead, the town is left to wonder if this was an accident or another item to add to the tragic narrative. Local private investigator, Cal Weaver, is approached by the daughter of one of the drive-in victims to explore a break-in at her father's home. What begins as a crime without apparent motive (and loss of property) soon spins into the revelation of an alternative lifestyle group alive and well under the radar within Promise Falls. A collection of DVDs has been taken from a 'secret room' whose content leaves little to the imagination, but the rationale is anyone's guess. As Weaver pieces the clues together, he cannot help but speculate that the contents of the discs contain vital information that surpasses their intrinsically erotic value. Detective Barry Duckworth wrestles with two unsolved murders that bear great similarities, though the prime suspect has an iron-clad alibi. Could there be something deeper that Duckworth cannot see, or is a murder still on the loose in Promise Falls? These and many other sinister storylines that include a host of characters, each with their own backstory, permits the reader to follow plot lines down the rabbit hole, only to realise how they link together, at the least expected moment. Barclay weaves a wonderful follow-up to his explosive BROKEN PROMISE, which grips the reader until the final pages and leaves them to wonder just how sure they are of where this narrative will end.
While Barclay is not new to the psychological thriller genre, this novel (and the others in the series) propel him into a league all his own. Placing the story mere weeks after BROKEN PROMISE, the reader has not yet had time to catch their breath or construct a viable explanation as to what they've just finished reading. With a large cast of characters, the story is able to expand on numerous levels and pushes the narrative boundaries, such that there are numerous plots worth exploring. Barclay sows the seeds for further exploration in the next novel, but also revisits some key aspects to past stories that keep the reader connection and on the ball throughout. Exploring the narrative from Cal Weaver's perspective, as well as that of a passive overseer, the reader gains additional insight in the lead-up to what is sure to be an explosive next novel, where the '23' concept may finally be revealed. Only the attentive reader need indulge, as there are numerous references to the previous pieces, with only a sprinkle of reminiscent breadcrumbs to help the reader along. Novels of this calibre are gifts for the reader, though waiting for the next instalment could drive anyone around the bend!
Kudos, Mr. Barclay for such an addictive piece of work. I am hooked and can only hope that you will continue to dazzle and intrigue as you build on this series for your avid fans.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
June 18, 2018
The four teenagers were determined to enjoy the final night of the local drive-in theatre � but Derek had drawn the short straw to be smuggled in for free � in the trunk. It was while the others were arguing with the man on the gate that the explosion occurred. The huge movie screen fell forward, almost in slow motion, and four people were crushed to death in their cars.
Private Investigator Cal Weaver was called by the daughter of one of the victims, while Detective Barry Duckworth was investigating the drive-in tragedy. Then the ex-Mayor of Promise Falls was determined to be re-elected � things were happening. But there was more that would happen in the small town and the coincidences had Detective Duckworth highly suspicious. He didn’t believe in coincidences. The murders must be connected. And then there was the college�
Although it’s been awhile since I read book #1 in this trilogy, it wasn’t long before it all came back to me! Far From True is the 2nd in the Promise Falls trilogy, and #3 won’t be long off my radar. Gripping, intense and utterly thrilling, the tension and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. Not often I read an almost 500 page book in only a few hours, but I did this time! Highly recommended � but I do also recommend reading them in strict order 😊
Private Investigator Cal Weaver was called by the daughter of one of the victims, while Detective Barry Duckworth was investigating the drive-in tragedy. Then the ex-Mayor of Promise Falls was determined to be re-elected � things were happening. But there was more that would happen in the small town and the coincidences had Detective Duckworth highly suspicious. He didn’t believe in coincidences. The murders must be connected. And then there was the college�
Although it’s been awhile since I read book #1 in this trilogy, it wasn’t long before it all came back to me! Far From True is the 2nd in the Promise Falls trilogy, and #3 won’t be long off my radar. Gripping, intense and utterly thrilling, the tension and suspense had me on the edge of my seat. Not often I read an almost 500 page book in only a few hours, but I did this time! Highly recommended � but I do also recommend reading them in strict order 😊
August 20, 2024
4.5�
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Promise Falls #2
Others in the series ~
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ March 8, 2016
Est Page Count ~ 447 (69 chapters)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 47 minutes
Narrators ~ Mark Zeisler, Brian O'Neil
POV ~ single 1st, present tense & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ small town, private investigator, murder, secret life, #23
Detective Barry Duckworth is back solving murders. Four are dead; Adam and Miriam Chalmers and 2 teens as a result of an accident at a drive-in.
PI Cal is hired by Lucy for a break in at her father and stepmother, Adam and Miriam's, house. After a through sweep of the house he finds a hidden room. I love a secret room, but what went on in this room isn't really my cup of tea. His parts are told in the 1st person, present tense.
Alternating chapters with multiple 3rd person POV's really brought the suspense to this one. What is the significance of the #23? I can't wait to hopefully find out in book 3.
Another fast paced, thrilling ride in the series that leaves off on a cliffhanger. The story continues in .
Series notes:
Definitely read because there was a bit of a cliffhanger that that's resolved here.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me � ~ ~
Genre ~ crime thriller
Series ~ Promise Falls #2
Others in the series ~
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ March 8, 2016
Est Page Count ~ 447 (69 chapters)
Audio length ~ 12 hours 47 minutes
Narrators ~ Mark Zeisler, Brian O'Neil
POV ~ single 1st, present tense & multiple 3rd
Featuring ~ small town, private investigator, murder, secret life, #23
Detective Barry Duckworth is back solving murders. Four are dead; Adam and Miriam Chalmers and 2 teens as a result of an accident at a drive-in.
PI Cal is hired by Lucy for a break in at her father and stepmother, Adam and Miriam's, house. After a through sweep of the house he finds a hidden room. I love a secret room, but what went on in this room isn't really my cup of tea. His parts are told in the 1st person, present tense.
Alternating chapters with multiple 3rd person POV's really brought the suspense to this one. What is the significance of the #23? I can't wait to hopefully find out in book 3.
Another fast paced, thrilling ride in the series that leaves off on a cliffhanger. The story continues in .
Series notes:
Definitely read because there was a bit of a cliffhanger that that's resolved here.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me � ~ ~
March 22, 2016
The screen of run-down drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, but was it really an accident? Or could someone have planned it? Private investigator Cal Weaver gets a call from the daughter of one of the victims who thinks that her father's house have been broken into. In the house, they find a secret room where it's quite clear that salacious activities have taken place, they also discover that there are missing DVDs. Could the burglar have taken them and why? Meanwhile, Detective Barry Duckworth is trying to solve two murders that seem to be connected with each other.
Far From True is the sequel to the thrilling Broken Promise and I was very eager to start reading this book. What I like with Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls series is that there are a lot of things going one in the books. Some of the storylines are connected with each other, some get answered in one book, while some span over the books, like the connected murders that were discovered in the first book, and that storyline is part of this book and will be part of the next. I do recommend reading Too Close to Home before reading this series because that book's story also takes place in Promise Falls and the events taken place in Too Close to Home has ramifications on the town and it's people. And, it's darn good book so read it. Also, I would recommend not reading this book without having read the previous one. I read the first book last year, but I still had some trouble getting into the book and its characters stories. It took some time for me to place them all and get my bearing.
It's a thick book, but much is happening and it's never a dull moment in the book. Although I felt that I could get a bit frustrated with the book, not in a bad way, more I want some storylines to have more focus like the serial killer storyline and less about the couple that wants to kidnap their grandchild. But, the last 100 pages is really good when (some) answers are given to the reader. But, the ending almost broke me. It was intense, I turned the page, it was just a line and then I turned the page and the next page was blank. The book had ended and then it was just acknowledgment and the first chapter of the next book. I wanted to scream!
I recommend this series very much. Do you like Harlan Coben? Then you will love Linwood Barcley's books!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
Far From True is the sequel to the thrilling Broken Promise and I was very eager to start reading this book. What I like with Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls series is that there are a lot of things going one in the books. Some of the storylines are connected with each other, some get answered in one book, while some span over the books, like the connected murders that were discovered in the first book, and that storyline is part of this book and will be part of the next. I do recommend reading Too Close to Home before reading this series because that book's story also takes place in Promise Falls and the events taken place in Too Close to Home has ramifications on the town and it's people. And, it's darn good book so read it. Also, I would recommend not reading this book without having read the previous one. I read the first book last year, but I still had some trouble getting into the book and its characters stories. It took some time for me to place them all and get my bearing.
It's a thick book, but much is happening and it's never a dull moment in the book. Although I felt that I could get a bit frustrated with the book, not in a bad way, more I want some storylines to have more focus like the serial killer storyline and less about the couple that wants to kidnap their grandchild. But, the last 100 pages is really good when (some) answers are given to the reader. But, the ending almost broke me. It was intense, I turned the page, it was just a line and then I turned the page and the next page was blank. The book had ended and then it was just acknowledgment and the first chapter of the next book. I wanted to scream!
I recommend this series very much. Do you like Harlan Coben? Then you will love Linwood Barcley's books!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
February 27, 2017
This continues the story of the sleepy little town of Promise Falls, where nothing much happens other than serial killings, sex swinger parties, child kidnapping, shootings at the laundry, etc. You know, the usual small-town fare.
The audiobook version is very good, and I recommend it if you either prefer audiobooks, or want to start out and try one.
After finishing this, there was no question about continuing on to the 3rd book of the trilogy. In fact, I don't know why I'm spending time writing this when I could be reading more right now. See you later! :-)
The audiobook version is very good, and I recommend it if you either prefer audiobooks, or want to start out and try one.
After finishing this, there was no question about continuing on to the 3rd book of the trilogy. In fact, I don't know why I'm spending time writing this when I could be reading more right now. See you later! :-)
August 14, 2018
In the second book in the Promise Falls trilogy, the reader goes deep into the lives of a few residents of the town.
The novel starts when a drive in screen goes down crashing on the cars on its last day of operation.
We goes into the life of a pair of victims and that opens a can of worms.
We meet creeps and villains
Psychopaths and innocent victims
We also meet characters from the first book mainly detective Duckworth, David Harwood, and Sam.
Lets see how this all concludes in the last book 23.
The novel starts when a drive in screen goes down crashing on the cars on its last day of operation.
We goes into the life of a pair of victims and that opens a can of worms.
We meet creeps and villains
Psychopaths and innocent victims
We also meet characters from the first book mainly detective Duckworth, David Harwood, and Sam.
Lets see how this all concludes in the last book 23.
April 28, 2024
4.5 Stars
I recommend reading this series in order. Of course, I didn't, so I had to remember the MCs story lines
Two detective stories in this series. Cal Weaver and Barry Duckworth.
In this story, a drive-in movie theater explodes while people are there, which results in multiple deaths.
Adam, who is well known in Paradise Falls, was at the drive-in on that fateful night, and Cal discovers more than he wants to about Adam.
Lots going on in this book as always with LBs books.
Cal and Barrys separate cases eventually come together in this series thriller.
I recommend reading this series in order. Of course, I didn't, so I had to remember the MCs story lines
Two detective stories in this series. Cal Weaver and Barry Duckworth.
In this story, a drive-in movie theater explodes while people are there, which results in multiple deaths.
Adam, who is well known in Paradise Falls, was at the drive-in on that fateful night, and Cal discovers more than he wants to about Adam.
Lots going on in this book as always with LBs books.
Cal and Barrys separate cases eventually come together in this series thriller.
January 9, 2016
This is the second in a trilogy about the town of Promise Falls and its citizens. (First was BROKEN PROMISES). The reader should definitely read this series in order.
There are so many things going on in this one, I barely know where to start. It's like cascading dominoes .... knock one over and they all fall down.
It starts when an outdoor movie theater screen explodes and falls down on several cars, killing several people. Which leads to a hush hush wife swapping club. Which leads to a secret room. Which leads to missing "home movies".
There is still the ongoing question of the number "23" .... attempted rapes, burning buses, a firebombed book store, but what the connection is... no one knows.
There are several repeat characters which are the meat to the story. Bodies are mounting out and the sheriff is desperate to save his town. The ex-mayor is creating all sorts of havoc. Personal relationships are made and they all have secrets.
I thought this was an exceptional Barclay book. There are many threads to follow, but it's so well written, the reader doesn't get lost. The characters are so substantial they could be your neighbors. There are many twists and turns ... some of them are highly surprising.
An excellent read. I also got a sneak peek and the third book coming in November 2016 ... and it looks like it's going to be a wild ride to the finish.
My thanks to the author / Berkley Publishing Group / NetGalley who furnished a digital ARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 21, 2016
This book is the second in a trilogy. I read the first one, Broken Promise, in August of 2015. I'd kept notes on the first book, but it seems I really didn't need to because they didn't help with this book. Things that should have been remembered were mentioned in this book, and I was very surprised that I recalled them.
There is *SO* much going on in this book!!! I was constantly shaking my head in wonder. Here's a quote from Promise Falls Detective Barry Duckworth. "There was too much shit going on in this town." I had to laugh when I read it, because he sure is right. However, I had no problems keeping track of the action and keeping characters separated. I wonder how Barclay kept everything straight while writing this.
I'm not going to discuss the plot. I'd have to write a book, and you wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway.
I still like Duckworth, and I have the same concerns as his wife. I like Cal Weaver, and I wonder what he's going to do now. I like David Harwood, but I can't understand why he's agreed to work for Randall Finley. I love Chrystal Brighton, but I worry about what her mom, Lucy, is up to. I like Sam Worthington, and I think her problems may be resolved now, but what do I know.
I am really looking forward to The Twenty-three, the final third due out in November!
There is *SO* much going on in this book!!! I was constantly shaking my head in wonder. Here's a quote from Promise Falls Detective Barry Duckworth. "There was too much shit going on in this town." I had to laugh when I read it, because he sure is right. However, I had no problems keeping track of the action and keeping characters separated. I wonder how Barclay kept everything straight while writing this.
I'm not going to discuss the plot. I'd have to write a book, and you wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway.
I still like Duckworth, and I have the same concerns as his wife. I like Cal Weaver, and I wonder what he's going to do now. I like David Harwood, but I can't understand why he's agreed to work for Randall Finley. I love Chrystal Brighton, but I worry about what her mom, Lucy, is up to. I like Sam Worthington, and I think her problems may be resolved now, but what do I know.
I am really looking forward to The Twenty-three, the final third due out in November!
January 10, 2016
Linwood Barclay is one of my favourite authors and I have read and enjoyed everything he has ever written so when I was given the opportunity to read his latest offering I jumped at it. I had already read the first in this series which I also enjoyed so I eagerly awaited the follow up.
Normally I find Linwood Barclay novels instantly gripping and fast paced, however while this book was fast paced I never felt completely hooked. That said he is an excellent author and his books are well written with strong characters and well thought out plots and this book has plenty to offer.
The screen of a drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, the daughter of one of the victims asks private investigator Cal Weaver to look into a recent break-in at her father’s house. Cal discovers a hidden basement room where it’s clear that strange activities have taken place. It becomes obvious that there are missing DVDs.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
Normally I find Linwood Barclay novels instantly gripping and fast paced, however while this book was fast paced I never felt completely hooked. That said he is an excellent author and his books are well written with strong characters and well thought out plots and this book has plenty to offer.
The screen of a drive-in movie theater collapses and kills four people, the daughter of one of the victims asks private investigator Cal Weaver to look into a recent break-in at her father’s house. Cal discovers a hidden basement room where it’s clear that strange activities have taken place. It becomes obvious that there are missing DVDs.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
February 2, 2016
Received from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Whew! This is the second book in the Promise Falls series and I enjoyed it very much. I have not read the first book in the series but I am going to add it to my want to read list. For the second book in the series, I found it worked well as a stand alone book for me. There are A LOT of characters in this book. In the beginning I thought "maybe I should take notes" as there were so many people and so many plots and subplots going on. But after a while, I found it easy to follow with the exception of two of the characters names looking similar to me: Duckworth and Duncomb. There are also two investigators working in this book. In the beginning I found this confusing but then I found my stride and it all made sense to me.
Secrets, Secrets, Secrets. Secret lives, secret rooms, secret lovers,secret rendezvous, secret appetites are exposed after a drive in theater movie screen falls on two parked cars killing the occupants. Small towns tend to have BIG secrets and Promise Falls is no exception. The Daughter of one of the victims hires a private investigator to investigate a break in at her deceased father's home. What is found in the basement is shocking and holds many of the town members secrets. Missing DVD's are sought and secrets are revealed. Two investigators work at solving the crimes.
There is a cliff hanger at the end that leaves me wanting to find out more. I understand this is how the first book in the series ended as well. My advice to anyone is if this book seems confusing or there are two many characters, just give it time, write down some facts and characters if you need to, but do not give up on this book. This is a very well thought out book. I found the writing to be very engaging and intelligent. I really love books that I can't figure out all the way. This book kept me guessing and I still don't know what is going to be revealed next.
I will definitely read the first book in this series as soon as possible and I will also be reading the next in this series.
Whew! This is the second book in the Promise Falls series and I enjoyed it very much. I have not read the first book in the series but I am going to add it to my want to read list. For the second book in the series, I found it worked well as a stand alone book for me. There are A LOT of characters in this book. In the beginning I thought "maybe I should take notes" as there were so many people and so many plots and subplots going on. But after a while, I found it easy to follow with the exception of two of the characters names looking similar to me: Duckworth and Duncomb. There are also two investigators working in this book. In the beginning I found this confusing but then I found my stride and it all made sense to me.
Secrets, Secrets, Secrets. Secret lives, secret rooms, secret lovers,secret rendezvous, secret appetites are exposed after a drive in theater movie screen falls on two parked cars killing the occupants. Small towns tend to have BIG secrets and Promise Falls is no exception. The Daughter of one of the victims hires a private investigator to investigate a break in at her deceased father's home. What is found in the basement is shocking and holds many of the town members secrets. Missing DVD's are sought and secrets are revealed. Two investigators work at solving the crimes.
There is a cliff hanger at the end that leaves me wanting to find out more. I understand this is how the first book in the series ended as well. My advice to anyone is if this book seems confusing or there are two many characters, just give it time, write down some facts and characters if you need to, but do not give up on this book. This is a very well thought out book. I found the writing to be very engaging and intelligent. I really love books that I can't figure out all the way. This book kept me guessing and I still don't know what is going to be revealed next.
I will definitely read the first book in this series as soon as possible and I will also be reading the next in this series.
Read
June 22, 2017I realized I didn't write a review for this second book in the series. One of the things I love about this series is the small town. Like with the 1st book, the number 23 comes up often, but you don't get answers until the 3rd book. I highly recommend that you read these back to back.
Lots of catastrophes happen and you'll start wondering who's responsible, but you won't get answers in this one!
Lots of catastrophes happen and you'll start wondering who's responsible, but you won't get answers in this one!
October 24, 2016
This review can also be found at .
I enjoyed this book This is the second book in the Promise Falls trilogy which really does need to be read in order. I actually think that it would be best to read the trilogy in quick succession if at all possible. I actually waited a little more than a year after reading the first book and ran into a few problems remembering everything that was going on in Promise Falls at the end of Broken Promise. Once I regained my memory, the book moved really fast and I didn't want to put it down by the end. This book was really quite the page-turner!
As I mentioned, this book starts right after the events in the previous book which ended in a bit of a cliffhanger. This book follows a similar pattern but the cliffhanger seemed a bit more intense at the end of the book. I am so glad that the final book is scheduled to be released soon because I really need to know what is going on.
The book seemed almost too busy to keep up with at times but it all worked in the end. Many of the key players from the first book play an important role in this book as well. Detective Barry Duckworth has his hands full with all of the issues going on in this town. There is a drive in collapse that kills four people that starts this chapter of the trilogy off with a bang and the action never stops.
I would recommend this book to others. This was a solid addition to the trilogy although it would not work as a stand alone novel at all. I do enjoy Linwood Barclay's writing style and look forward to seeing how this trilogy wraps up.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this one. This trilogy is probably best read in quick succession. It has been some time since I read the first book in the trilogy, , and it took me a while to remember what was going on in the town. This book has a whole lot going on from a lot of different points of view. The story ends in a big cliffhanger. I am glad that I have an ARC of the final book in the trilogy ready to go because I am ready for some resolution.
I enjoyed this book This is the second book in the Promise Falls trilogy which really does need to be read in order. I actually think that it would be best to read the trilogy in quick succession if at all possible. I actually waited a little more than a year after reading the first book and ran into a few problems remembering everything that was going on in Promise Falls at the end of Broken Promise. Once I regained my memory, the book moved really fast and I didn't want to put it down by the end. This book was really quite the page-turner!
As I mentioned, this book starts right after the events in the previous book which ended in a bit of a cliffhanger. This book follows a similar pattern but the cliffhanger seemed a bit more intense at the end of the book. I am so glad that the final book is scheduled to be released soon because I really need to know what is going on.
The book seemed almost too busy to keep up with at times but it all worked in the end. Many of the key players from the first book play an important role in this book as well. Detective Barry Duckworth has his hands full with all of the issues going on in this town. There is a drive in collapse that kills four people that starts this chapter of the trilogy off with a bang and the action never stops.
I would recommend this book to others. This was a solid addition to the trilogy although it would not work as a stand alone novel at all. I do enjoy Linwood Barclay's writing style and look forward to seeing how this trilogy wraps up.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this one. This trilogy is probably best read in quick succession. It has been some time since I read the first book in the trilogy, , and it took me a while to remember what was going on in the town. This book has a whole lot going on from a lot of different points of view. The story ends in a big cliffhanger. I am glad that I have an ARC of the final book in the trilogy ready to go because I am ready for some resolution.
June 5, 2019
Die Promise Falls-Trilogie sollte man auf jeden Fall sehr zeitnah lesen, denn die Geschichten bauen aufeinander auf. Ich hab den ersten Band vor 3 Jahren gelesen & der Wiedereinstieg fiel mir ziemlich schwer. Viele Personen (manchmal mit Vor, ein andermal wieder mit Nachnamen angesprochen) vorherige Ereignisse & ungelöste Fälle (aus dem ersten Band) etc. haben es mir zu Beginn nicht so einfach gemacht. Es ist ein solider Thriller, der sich schön flüssig lesen lässt. Es gab die ein oder andere Wendung die ich klasse fand, es gab aber auch schleppende Momente. Und vorallem erfährt man wohl als Leser erst im finalen, dritten Teil die Auflösungen ...
October 15, 2018
FAR FROM TRUE
(PROMISE FALLS: #2)
Written by Linwood Barclay
2016; Doubleday Canada (480 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, suspense
RATING: ★★�1/2
Wow, this seemed like one very long novel! I thought I would finish Far From True yesterday but I literally just finished reading. Trying to complete this book has put me a bit behind on my posting schedule so please forgive me and Linwood Barclay on that delay :) I will first say that I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would especially since the last book was not as promising (pardon the pun) as I expected from Barclay. (His standalone novels are very much like Harlan Coben's writing). I think with all the introductions of characters, background and plots and setting up of the series arc finally out of the way it was more enjoyable to read. In having said that, I am sure this one could have been edited down a wee bit more.
Barclay's novella (Book #1.5) Final Assignment sets us up for Cal Weaver's point of view in this novel. Cal, former cop turned private investigator, is a likeable and a character you root for so it was very easy to look forward to more of him in the next book. Far From True opens up with the a drive-in theater screen collapsing and killing four people. Cal is hired by the daughter of one of the victims to look into a break-in at her late father's place. As he investigates Cal learns that this couple has a secret room for their sexual games and it appears that DVD discs are now missing. What is on the DVD and why they were taken is Cal's next steps.
Cal's former co-worker, Detective Barry Duckworth, is looking into why this incident has happened but also investigating the case from the previous book, Broken Promises. He thinks that that case may be connected to another one three years ago...but is on his own in finding the truth.
We also have David Hardwood, who was the "main character" in Broken Promises returning in this novel as another major character. He is now working as a campaign manager for Randall Finley, has his parents living with him and trying to win over Sam Worthington. Cal is also trying to help Sam who is being threatened by her ex-boyfriend's parents and want to kidnap her son. And, then we get a cliffhanger..
In this book we get Cal's first person point of view instead of David's but we do still get everyone else's point of view in third person. I don't know why Derek is in the novel at all as his appearances do not help the story much. I love the scenes between Cal and Crystal (the young daughter of Cal's client). I am very curious to see how Crystal and her mother fare in the story and what decisions Cal makes towards them. With a cast of some very unlikable people - Clive, Liz and Randall are on my top 3 list. I am hoping they keep getting the bad part of the karma stick. On the whole, the book had me engaged and I did not skim much in this book. I am looking forward to the third book which is coming out in the late Fall and we will finally know what is behind the number 23. I will let you know then if sitting down with this very long series was worth the time!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
(PROMISE FALLS: #2)
Written by Linwood Barclay
2016; Doubleday Canada (480 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, mystery, suspense
RATING: ★★�1/2
Wow, this seemed like one very long novel! I thought I would finish Far From True yesterday but I literally just finished reading. Trying to complete this book has put me a bit behind on my posting schedule so please forgive me and Linwood Barclay on that delay :) I will first say that I enjoyed this novel a lot more than I thought I would especially since the last book was not as promising (pardon the pun) as I expected from Barclay. (His standalone novels are very much like Harlan Coben's writing). I think with all the introductions of characters, background and plots and setting up of the series arc finally out of the way it was more enjoyable to read. In having said that, I am sure this one could have been edited down a wee bit more.
Barclay's novella (Book #1.5) Final Assignment sets us up for Cal Weaver's point of view in this novel. Cal, former cop turned private investigator, is a likeable and a character you root for so it was very easy to look forward to more of him in the next book. Far From True opens up with the a drive-in theater screen collapsing and killing four people. Cal is hired by the daughter of one of the victims to look into a break-in at her late father's place. As he investigates Cal learns that this couple has a secret room for their sexual games and it appears that DVD discs are now missing. What is on the DVD and why they were taken is Cal's next steps.
Cal's former co-worker, Detective Barry Duckworth, is looking into why this incident has happened but also investigating the case from the previous book, Broken Promises. He thinks that that case may be connected to another one three years ago...but is on his own in finding the truth.
We also have David Hardwood, who was the "main character" in Broken Promises returning in this novel as another major character. He is now working as a campaign manager for Randall Finley, has his parents living with him and trying to win over Sam Worthington. Cal is also trying to help Sam who is being threatened by her ex-boyfriend's parents and want to kidnap her son. And, then we get a cliffhanger..
In this book we get Cal's first person point of view instead of David's but we do still get everyone else's point of view in third person. I don't know why Derek is in the novel at all as his appearances do not help the story much. I love the scenes between Cal and Crystal (the young daughter of Cal's client). I am very curious to see how Crystal and her mother fare in the story and what decisions Cal makes towards them. With a cast of some very unlikable people - Clive, Liz and Randall are on my top 3 list. I am hoping they keep getting the bad part of the karma stick. On the whole, the book had me engaged and I did not skim much in this book. I am looking forward to the third book which is coming out in the late Fall and we will finally know what is behind the number 23. I will let you know then if sitting down with this very long series was worth the time!
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
November 20, 2017
Linwood Barclay heats up the action, drama, secrets, betrayal, and scandal in the fictional Upstate New York small-town of Promise Falls, with the second installment, FAR FROM TRUE, following “Best Cliffhanger Mystery Thriller Suspense Series� Broken Promise, #1, landing on my and teaser novella, Final Assignment #1.5.
Barclay fans will love all the characters from previous books: Detective Barry Duckworth (loves his donuts), David Harwood, his parents, Marla, Lucy Brighton, Cal Weaver, Derek Cutter, and Randal Finley, etc�..
Keep your scorecard handy, in order to keep up with all the characters and how each is connected. There are murders to solve, as evil lies from the past began to surface, further complicating the lives of those in Promise Falls.
A rundown drive-in movie theater, the Constellation collapses, killing four people and injuring others. Demolition was not scheduled for the following week. The owner had sold the property to a developer, Mancini Homes and he and his wife were headed to Florida for retirement. A shootout at the laundromat, an attempt to kidnap a child, and we are just getting started.
This was supposed to be the last night at the drive in. Of course, Randel Finley, who is trying to work his way back into the good graces of the people and politics, does not listen to David Harwood, a former reporter and now assistant to the former mayor. David did not even want this job; however, he needed the money to start his new life over with his young son.
David is not cut out for all the drama. He had enough of it with his late wife, Jan, and the episode with Marla and her baby. Even his former reporting days had not prepared him for this kind of unrelenting stress.
Detective Duckworth is on the case. In the meantime, Lucy, (daughter Crystal), we met in FINAL ASSIGNMENT, hires Cal Weaver regarding a break-in at her dad's house. (Adam) and stepmom, Miriam. They were at the drive-in --her father’s Jag car was crushed. Former writer, and bad boy ex Harley biker. (hedonist)
Turns out Lucy’s dad was up to no good (naughty, naughty)—a sex room, (a man on the verge of sixty with a younger wife, a past, no new books, a hidden sex room, fully equipped with sex toys, spouse-sharing, prostitution, and a break-in. (how many involved-and participants) ? A missing letter, and an ex-wife. Someone is after some incriminating evidence and Lucy is in search of something critical. Her biggest concern is to protect her daughter and provide special needs.
As always, things become complicated, connected, and one thing leads to another. Nothing is how it appears. Everyone has hidden secrets and motives. The connection between Jack Sturgess and Olivia? Now Cal and Lucy become close, jeopardizing the case, a stepmom appears, and of course, we are updated on the events from the last book, Thackery College drama, the murders of Olivia Fisher and Rosemary Gaynor, blackmail, murder, and last but not least the mystery surrounding NUMBER 23. From the 23 dead squirrels, the number on Mason’s hoodie, the three mannequins with “you’ll be sorry� in carriage 23 of the Ferris wheel at Five Mountains—coincidence?
The explosion at the drive-in occurred at twenty-three minutes past twenty-three hundred hours. (military time)-No coincidence. Duckworth no longer believed the frequency with which �23� was popping up was just happenstance. Something was going on. Mr. Twenty-three (per media) is trying to scare everyone to death. Terrorism? Finley is such a politician, always working an angle and David may be the person to finally put him in his place (maybe—for 5 seconds).
Readers are left with another cliffhanger and new drama. Sorry, folks, we need to wait until the next installment to solve this mystery of Twenty-Three.
As I mentioned in my tweet this week to Lisa Unger and Linwood Barclay. I want a joint collaboration to combine both fictional upstate New York troubled cities Unger's (The Hollows) with Barclay’s (Promise Falls). Possibly Unger’s Eloise or Finley (psychics) could head over to Promise Falls to help solve this #23 Mystery. Can you image this two cast of characters in one book, plus the creativity of Unger and Barclay? Explosive!
Entertaining! Even though I am enjoying this series and a huge Barclay fan, with lots of wits, mixed with crime thrills---#1 Broken Promise was a little more intense; possibly from the usage of so many characters--#2, this go around (making your head spin); a lot of S**T going down. However, anxiously awaiting #3! Highly recommend all his books.
Peyton Place + Desperate Housewives + Murder + Lies + Dark Secrets + Twenty-Three = Promise Falls
A special thank you to Berkley/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *4.5 Stars*
Barclay fans will love all the characters from previous books: Detective Barry Duckworth (loves his donuts), David Harwood, his parents, Marla, Lucy Brighton, Cal Weaver, Derek Cutter, and Randal Finley, etc�..
Keep your scorecard handy, in order to keep up with all the characters and how each is connected. There are murders to solve, as evil lies from the past began to surface, further complicating the lives of those in Promise Falls.
A rundown drive-in movie theater, the Constellation collapses, killing four people and injuring others. Demolition was not scheduled for the following week. The owner had sold the property to a developer, Mancini Homes and he and his wife were headed to Florida for retirement. A shootout at the laundromat, an attempt to kidnap a child, and we are just getting started.
This was supposed to be the last night at the drive in. Of course, Randel Finley, who is trying to work his way back into the good graces of the people and politics, does not listen to David Harwood, a former reporter and now assistant to the former mayor. David did not even want this job; however, he needed the money to start his new life over with his young son.
David is not cut out for all the drama. He had enough of it with his late wife, Jan, and the episode with Marla and her baby. Even his former reporting days had not prepared him for this kind of unrelenting stress.
Detective Duckworth is on the case. In the meantime, Lucy, (daughter Crystal), we met in FINAL ASSIGNMENT, hires Cal Weaver regarding a break-in at her dad's house. (Adam) and stepmom, Miriam. They were at the drive-in --her father’s Jag car was crushed. Former writer, and bad boy ex Harley biker. (hedonist)
Turns out Lucy’s dad was up to no good (naughty, naughty)—a sex room, (a man on the verge of sixty with a younger wife, a past, no new books, a hidden sex room, fully equipped with sex toys, spouse-sharing, prostitution, and a break-in. (how many involved-and participants) ? A missing letter, and an ex-wife. Someone is after some incriminating evidence and Lucy is in search of something critical. Her biggest concern is to protect her daughter and provide special needs.
As always, things become complicated, connected, and one thing leads to another. Nothing is how it appears. Everyone has hidden secrets and motives. The connection between Jack Sturgess and Olivia? Now Cal and Lucy become close, jeopardizing the case, a stepmom appears, and of course, we are updated on the events from the last book, Thackery College drama, the murders of Olivia Fisher and Rosemary Gaynor, blackmail, murder, and last but not least the mystery surrounding NUMBER 23. From the 23 dead squirrels, the number on Mason’s hoodie, the three mannequins with “you’ll be sorry� in carriage 23 of the Ferris wheel at Five Mountains—coincidence?
The explosion at the drive-in occurred at twenty-three minutes past twenty-three hundred hours. (military time)-No coincidence. Duckworth no longer believed the frequency with which �23� was popping up was just happenstance. Something was going on. Mr. Twenty-three (per media) is trying to scare everyone to death. Terrorism? Finley is such a politician, always working an angle and David may be the person to finally put him in his place (maybe—for 5 seconds).
Readers are left with another cliffhanger and new drama. Sorry, folks, we need to wait until the next installment to solve this mystery of Twenty-Three.
As I mentioned in my tweet this week to Lisa Unger and Linwood Barclay. I want a joint collaboration to combine both fictional upstate New York troubled cities Unger's (The Hollows) with Barclay’s (Promise Falls). Possibly Unger’s Eloise or Finley (psychics) could head over to Promise Falls to help solve this #23 Mystery. Can you image this two cast of characters in one book, plus the creativity of Unger and Barclay? Explosive!
Entertaining! Even though I am enjoying this series and a huge Barclay fan, with lots of wits, mixed with crime thrills---#1 Broken Promise was a little more intense; possibly from the usage of so many characters--#2, this go around (making your head spin); a lot of S**T going down. However, anxiously awaiting #3! Highly recommend all his books.
Peyton Place + Desperate Housewives + Murder + Lies + Dark Secrets + Twenty-Three = Promise Falls
A special thank you to Berkley/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. *4.5 Stars*
November 27, 2015
I have been a fan of Linwood Barclay from the start and think his novel NO TIME FOR GOODBYE is still one of the finest thrillers I have ever read. Being a Canadian journalist/writer it is interesting at the amount of Barclay's work that is set in New York State.
FAR FROM TRUE is no exception. Based in the town of Promise Falls, NY, this novel is the middle chapter of a trilogy set in upstate NY. Not having read the first of the series may have put me at a disadvantage --- but I'm not completely sure that is the reason why I didn't love FAR FROM TRUE. I found it lacked the typical Linwood Barclay bite that he has become famous for --- nail-biting suspense, intricate plotting and interesting characters. The only thing FAR FROM TRUE has is the latter. The issue is that there are far too many of them. Readers will literally need a scorecard to keep track of the myriad of characters and plot-lines. The fact that there are parallel investigations --- one by Police Detective Barry Duckworth and the other by P.I. Cal Weaver really confuses the matter.
My head was spinning at the end of this one and not in a good way. Felt exhausted trying to keep everything straight and kept having to go back and re-read earlier chapters to remember who was who. I love Barclays' work and trust this was only a minor setback and he returns to full form with his next effort.
FAR FROM TRUE is no exception. Based in the town of Promise Falls, NY, this novel is the middle chapter of a trilogy set in upstate NY. Not having read the first of the series may have put me at a disadvantage --- but I'm not completely sure that is the reason why I didn't love FAR FROM TRUE. I found it lacked the typical Linwood Barclay bite that he has become famous for --- nail-biting suspense, intricate plotting and interesting characters. The only thing FAR FROM TRUE has is the latter. The issue is that there are far too many of them. Readers will literally need a scorecard to keep track of the myriad of characters and plot-lines. The fact that there are parallel investigations --- one by Police Detective Barry Duckworth and the other by P.I. Cal Weaver really confuses the matter.
My head was spinning at the end of this one and not in a good way. Felt exhausted trying to keep everything straight and kept having to go back and re-read earlier chapters to remember who was who. I love Barclays' work and trust this was only a minor setback and he returns to full form with his next effort.
August 7, 2023
The funeral home(s) in Promise Falls must be the busiest in the United States. Murder and mayhem in this town is relentless and has carried over from Book 1 in the Promise Falls trilogy with an almost daily catalogue of death and destruction. Only a handful of the characters are decent people; the rest are too busy killing each other off when they're not threatening each other with death or, at the very least, a severe beating. Linwood Barclay keeps up the frantic pace of this thriller series, somehow managing to link several plots together to show that there's more to this tale than meets the eye. It's an easy read and great fun - if you can describe a book filled with vicious murders in that way. Anyways, I'm looking forward to the 3rd and final book in this trilogy - if only to find out what this mystery about the number 23 means.
March 13, 2016
What a page turner!
January 15, 2016
When my request for an advance review copy of this book from the publisher was granted, I was very excited even though I knew it's the second in a trilogy. Then, I had second thoughts about starting in the middle, got my hands on the first, Broken Promise, and gave it a 5-star rating. I knew I wouldn't be at a disadvantage when I opened this one, but I also tried to attack it with fresh eyes. Would it do well on its own?
The short answer is yes; the author does a more than respectable job of presenting enough background that everything in this one makes sense - especially important given the large number of characters in both books. The longer answer, though, is that I do recommend reading first things first; I have no doubt whatsoever that my enjoyment of this one was enhanced by knowing the people and events in that first book. The same will be true, I expect, with the third. And, in case anyone is interested, an 82-page novella titled Final Assignmentwas released Jan. 12 that also deals with the upstate New York town of Promise Falls. I'm passing on that, as I did with the first few chapters of the final book, The Twenty Three, which takes up the last 5% or so of this one (in the ebook version).
Cliffhangers, however, are a totally different animal. The first two books in the trilogy end with at least one biggie, so unless you plan to read the follow-up ((or just don't give a hoot whether you find out what happens after the one you just read), my advice is to be prepared to tackle them all.
This one begins as a set-for-demolition drive-in theater screen blows up a week early, crashing down on cars and the occupants. When the daughter of one of those killed asks local private eye Cal Weaver to investigate a break-in at her father's house, they are astounded to find a secret room that seems to have been the scene of, shall we say, adult activities. Also apparently, some of those activities were recorded, as evidenced by signs that DVDs are missing - presumably the object of the break-in.
At the same time, local Detective Barry Duckworth is continuing his work that began in Book One of solving the similar murders of two women (one recent and the other three years old) as well as the possible relevance of the number 23 that turns up in various crimes. When yet another murder happens, the investigations intensify - putting the lives of both Weaver and Duckworth in danger and, if they manage to escape that fate, leading them down paths that may twist together in a sinister fashion.
Call it another one well done - and if anyone is wondering, there's no question that I plan to read the last installment. There are just too many issues left to be resolved!
The short answer is yes; the author does a more than respectable job of presenting enough background that everything in this one makes sense - especially important given the large number of characters in both books. The longer answer, though, is that I do recommend reading first things first; I have no doubt whatsoever that my enjoyment of this one was enhanced by knowing the people and events in that first book. The same will be true, I expect, with the third. And, in case anyone is interested, an 82-page novella titled Final Assignmentwas released Jan. 12 that also deals with the upstate New York town of Promise Falls. I'm passing on that, as I did with the first few chapters of the final book, The Twenty Three, which takes up the last 5% or so of this one (in the ebook version).
Cliffhangers, however, are a totally different animal. The first two books in the trilogy end with at least one biggie, so unless you plan to read the follow-up ((or just don't give a hoot whether you find out what happens after the one you just read), my advice is to be prepared to tackle them all.
This one begins as a set-for-demolition drive-in theater screen blows up a week early, crashing down on cars and the occupants. When the daughter of one of those killed asks local private eye Cal Weaver to investigate a break-in at her father's house, they are astounded to find a secret room that seems to have been the scene of, shall we say, adult activities. Also apparently, some of those activities were recorded, as evidenced by signs that DVDs are missing - presumably the object of the break-in.
At the same time, local Detective Barry Duckworth is continuing his work that began in Book One of solving the similar murders of two women (one recent and the other three years old) as well as the possible relevance of the number 23 that turns up in various crimes. When yet another murder happens, the investigations intensify - putting the lives of both Weaver and Duckworth in danger and, if they manage to escape that fate, leading them down paths that may twist together in a sinister fashion.
Call it another one well done - and if anyone is wondering, there's no question that I plan to read the last installment. There are just too many issues left to be resolved!
June 14, 2021
Linwood Barclays 2nd novel in the Promise Falls trilogy. Still going strong - maybe not as engaging as the first book but still an enjoyable read.
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