Human Remains by Elizabeth Haynes
HarperCollins, 2013
Source? the publisher via TLC Book Tours
**FTC Disclosure - The publisher provided me with a complimentary copy of Human Remains in exchange for an honest review. However, the review below and the opinions therein are my own and offered without bias.
Format? paperback
I was reminded of? Psycho - Norman Bates, Silence of the Lambs, Ted Bundy
Why? Into the Darkest Corner was and still is one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read. I didn't enjoy Dark Tide as much, but I was anxious to see what Haynes would do with Human Remains.
What Now? Bring on the next Elizabeth Haynes.
Golden Lines
After I'd found the body, I went back home and shut the door. Then I'd opened the door again and thrown the cat out and shut the door behind her. In putting my hand under her belly I had felt - instead of soft fur - cold, wet, slimy muck all over her. (29)
"I've been doing some research on unexplained deaths where the deceased has remained undiscovered for some time. It seems that the number of these cases so far this year is unusually high. I've done a chart..." (61)
You never realize what loneliness is until it creeps up on you - like a disease, it is, something that happens to you gradually. (76)
"I have something important to say. There are more bodies," she said, as though she were announcing the arrival of a train on platform seven. "There is one at-" (143).
Remember too that it is not too late to check up on your neighbors! (228)
"I'm worried he wasn't a good angel, Annabel." (288)
The newspaper is their best weapon. Which means they haven't found my notebooks or the images. If they don't find those, they have nothing at all. (361)
Summary
Annabel and her cat Lucy discover a dead body. A dead body that's been dead for quite some time. Annabel, a crime analyst, discovers that there have been entirely too many people in Briarwood dying and remaining undiscovered...for months...even a year. No foul play is suspected...but should there be?
What I Liked
This is a page turner that will turn your stomach at the same time.
The window into each body...these windows gave the victims names and made the story that much sadder. Not only is there a sicko afoot, but these are very real people who find themselves his victims.
What I Didn't Like
Colin - after every Colin chapter I felt like I needed a shower...seriously.
Overall Recommendation
If you like getting jerked around by a book...and then being somewhat disturbed when you finish it, go ahead and dive right in :)
The Author
Other Stops on the Tour
Tuesday, August 20th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Wednesday, August 21st: BoundByWords
Friday, August 23rd: A Bookish Way of Life
Tuesday, August 27th: Book-alicious Mama
Tuesday, August 27th: Peeking Between the Pages
Wednesday, August 28th: Booksie’s Blog
Thursday, August 29th: Books in the Burbs
Tuesday, September 3rd: A Bookworm’s World
Wednesday, September 4th: Kritters Ramblings
Thursday, September 5th: Lectus
Friday, September 6th: Olduvai Reads
Friday, September 6th: From the TBR Pile
Tuesday, September 10th: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, September 11th: Peppermint PhD
Thursday, September 12th: Kahakai Kitchen
Friday, September 13th: Drey’s Library
Sounds like one you don't want to read before bed...
ReplyDeleteOh, I am looking forward to this book now! I loved her first book and was a bit let down with the second.
ReplyDeleteThe viewpoint of the lonely victims seems especially interesting (and sad and creepy!). I'm glad to see this author continue to put out great books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour!
I agree with Patty, DEFINITELY not one to read before bed!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being on the tour.
"after every Colin chapter I felt like I needed a shower"
ReplyDeleteHahahaha! I know just what you mean!