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Friday, August 14, 2015

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

Why did I wait so long to read Peter Swanson's book, The Kind Worth Killing?  I can't imagine, but I am so very glad that I decided to experience this twisty, creepy, 'mess-with-your-mind' story as an audiobook.  It was very ably narrated by several people, Johnny Heller, Karen White, Kathleen Early, and Keith Szarabajka.  I'm not certain if I've heard any of these voices before, but I do know that I completely enjoyed this method.  Each voice was distinctive and easy to listen to.

All of you know that I read a lot of mysteries and psychological thrillers.  It's my 'go-to' type of book.  I also like movies and TV shows that relate the same sort of story.  The puzzle and figuring out how the author gets from Point A to Point B is great fun for me.  I was quite happy to go along with Peter Swanson's so-called 'update' of the tale, Strangers On A Train, penned by noted author Patricia Highsmith and filmed by Alfred Hitchcock.  I think one day, someone will be relating that a future author will have written an 'updated' version of The Kind Worth Killing.  I really do.

In this book, which by the way has some freaky and very odd characters, a man by the name of Ted is in an airport bar in London.  He meets a woman named Lily and they have a drink together and talk a little bit.  They find themselves on the same flight and manage to sit next to each other.  They talk further, sharing rather personal details of their lives - playing a 'truth' game - and Ted tells Lily that his wife, Miranda, is cheating on him.  Or so he thinks.  He's really, really angry with her.  Can't think what he might do next.  Says he'd really like to kill her.  And Lily says, 'I think you should...and I'd like to help'.

Our story is told from several different viewpoints and I'm not going to relate names or tell anything more about them.  That's part of the puzzle.  Suffice it to say that a plan is made.  And then it might or might not turn out the way the reader would assume.  There are connections within connections within connections.  The narrative switches back and forth as we find out all kinds of very bad things about almost everyone we meet.  And you still don't know everything.

For me, this was the best sort of twisty thinking.  I will be very curious to see if someone doesn't decide to make a movie of this book.  Not really sure how it would work, but it might be interesting.  I will definitely be looking up Peter Swanson's previous book, The Girl With A Clock For A Heart.  I have no idea what that one is about, but I'll check it out.  And, I'll also be watching for his next book.  I'll leave you with one sentence that struck me:


"Be mindful of death."

20 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading this book so much! Yes, I can see this makes a good movie too. Like you, I'll be checking out his previous work as well as his future releases.

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    1. I remember your review of this one and think it was what pushed me to try it. Wasn't it complicated and intriguing?

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  2. I really liked this a lot and tweeted with the author a little after I read it. He said he hopes to revisit Lily in a future book!

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    1. Wow, Kathy. How fun to get to interact with the author and revisiting Lily - hmmm....I'll have to think about that. LOL

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  3. I love this kind of story, too, and I guess I must read this author now! Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel, you should definitely pick this one up. I think you would enjoy it a lot.

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  4. I've never read anything by Swanson, but you have certainly made me want to give him a try. I think having an audio book that gives different voices to different readers is a great idea.

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    1. Jenclair, I think you would appreciate all the intricacies of the plot. It's a twisty ride for sure. The audio is very well done and the different voices works well as the viewpoint switches from character to character.

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  5. I've had THE GIRL WITH A CLOCK FOR A HEART for awhile, but haven't cracked it open. I love a good psychological thriller, so I'm definitely going to have to check out THE KIND WORTH KILLING. Can't remember the plot description for the CLOCK book, but maybe it's time to read that one as well.

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    1. I know. I think I have it on my Kindle but I need to check for sure. This one was quite a story, Susan.

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  6. You've sold me on this one, Kay! You make it sound so good. I love twisty plots.

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    1. This is the twistiest, Wendy. Think you'd probably like it.

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  7. I love this genre and this book sounds really good.

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    1. It is very good, Yvonne. I was really caught up in the story.

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  8. So I read The Girl With a Clock For a Heart and really, really enjoyed it! Now you are making me want to read this one ASAP! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this one!

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    1. Yes, I think you would like this book. A good one for fall reading.

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  9. I don't think I've read too many twisty turny books like this but I think I should change that. I've heard of this one but never picked it up. Sounds like it's way past time! Great review!

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    1. This one definitely messes with your mind, Katherine. It's a good mental workout. LOL

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  10. Considering this is also one of my go-to genres and that I have this book staring at me from the corner of my desk (where it's been for quite some time), I don't know why I've waited so long to read it either! Sounds like I need to soon.

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    1. Yes, yes, yes. You should definitely read this one, Becky!

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Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy to hear your thoughts and will respond as soon as I can. Happy Reading!