In the midst of a sudden spring snowstorm, an unknown man armed with a gun walks into an elementary school classroom. Outside the school, the town of Broken Branch watches and waits.Told in five alternating POV's this story grabs hold of the reader and doesn't let up until the very last page. I loved the short chapters and seeing the story unfold from each of the different characters that the author allows to narrate. I liked the cantankerous old codger, Will. He doesn't mean to be hard but he's realistic and doesn't have time for dreaming. He's a real "man's" man and his character seemed real to me. I had a few issues with the portrayal of Augie though. I didn't really buy into her actions (won't state what they are..no spoilers) and so that worked against my overall enjoyment of the book. That, and the ending.
Recommend? Overall this was a good way to spend a few hours. The pages flew by and for the most part I was captured by the story and the people enduring a day from hell. The ending was one that I hoped would be better. I wanted to be shocked but I wasn't. Darn.
Final Thoughts: Even though I guessed early on who the gunman was, I did enjoy the author's fast-paced writing and I will be reading her other two books that are sitting on my shelves!!!
GIVEAWAY INFO
Media Muscle is allowing me to giveaway one paperback copy! You must be in the US/Canada to participate. Please leave me your email address in the comments. Winner will be drawn July 31st!
Check out the other blogs that are hosting Heather Gudenkauf by clicking here.
Source: Moss Media Relations/Media Muscle
Disclaimer: Thank you to Kate and Moss Media/MediaMuscle.com for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.
Review Book #22
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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wow i would love too win this thanks for the chance
ReplyDeletetammyjackson75@yahoo.com
So sad, I do not know if I could read it :/
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that I didn't guess the gunman, not even an inkling til late, DUH :)
ReplyDeleteMy favourite of Heather's is These Things Hidden, read that one next I say!!
If only I had more energy for a scavenger hunt...but I'm glad this author has a new book out and I like the alternating pov as long as it is done well. Sorry the ending didn't work for you!
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me but only because I have too many books waiting to be read. This sounds very relevant for the current time! Your "final thoughts" echo mine in so many instances. Sometimes it doesn't even matter if you do guess ahead!
ReplyDeleteA parent' worst nightmare - reminds me of the PA tragedy a few years ago.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Oh I would love to win!!! I love to read books like this!!! Thanks for the chance Staci! bmwgirl@cox.net
ReplyDeleteNot knowing who the gunman was is what kept me intrigued and glued to the pages, so I can understand your disappointment because you knew! Smarty pants! :) I thought the police procedural portions of the book were not believable, but I still rated it a 4/5 (very good) because I was engrossed. Sorry it wasn't a stellar read for you. I really thought you'd like it more.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound like a heartbreaking story and worth reading even if it is predictable.
ReplyDeleteA compelling novel. Many thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this opportunity. I would like to read this book. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI already have this one, and just finished it...but had to comment. Loved this book, and I agree with you about Will.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts.
I really love Heather's writing, and am excited to hear there's a new book out by her! (even if it is on such a sad topic - and especially with what happened last Friday in Colorado) I would highly recommend "These Things Hidden," as someone else suggested! I'd love to read this, thanks for hosting the giveaway!
ReplyDeletethe cover was enough to pull me in.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway - this sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteLisa.2713 at gmail dot com
I didn't realize that this was told from so many different POVs and a mystery to boot!! it sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeletemelissaseclecticbookshelf at gmail dot com
thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Interesting premise and I like multiple pov for this type of book. Too bad it didn't work better for you.
ReplyDelete