Helen Grace #1
M.J. Arlidge
Mystery/Thriller
432 pages
NAL
Available Now
Source: Finished copy from publisher for review
THE STORY (from Goodreads)
Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive.
It’s a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn’t spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn’t believe them.
Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case—with its seemingly random victims—has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense...
TRACY'S THOUGHTS
Before you read this review and take my opinion into consideration, I need to explain a few things about me. I love the show Criminal Minds - even though most episodes creep me out. I have been known to binge watch the ID channel for weekends at a time. When Jenny asked me to review this serial killer thriller, I jumped at the chance!
Mr. Arlidge sets a fast pace in his first book in the Helen Grace series. He throws us into the terrifying first murder immediately, never wasting a minute to drag us into the darkness of a very 'Saw-like' scenario. I had a very difficult time putting this book down, and could not wait for the next plot twist and intense sinister scene.
That being said, not everyone will love Eeny Meeny. The chapters are extremely short - some are not even one full page in length. Each chapter brings a different point of view, so some readers may not enjoy all of the switching. I liked all of the POV changes, and never once felt it caused any backtracking in the story - it always progressed very quickly.
The main character, Detective Inspector Helen Grace, was fascinating, but was not necessarily the most likeable character. She becomes more likeable as the book progresses and Mr. Arlidge does a great job uncovering her background in the later half of the book to help us reconcile her less appealing side. While we do not exactly like Helen - we do admire her strength and determination in her work. Helen Grace's team is full of great characters - most notably Mark and Charlie - who are both flawed but likeable and relatable.
Overall, Eeny Meeny is a dark and disturbing read, with plenty of action and surprises. Those that are intrigued by the psychological aspect of this book will look past some of the graphic violence that accompanies it. The twist and turns in Eeny Meeny definitely makes it worthwhile. I look forward to reading more Helen Grace mysteries to come.
Rating: 4/5
Find M.J.
This book was sent to me by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of a
review.
I received no other compensation and the above is my, or in this case Tracy's, honest opinion.
That's very scary movie like.....how horrible it would be
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a super scary premise, but one that is worth the read if you can stomach it.
DeleteIt sounds fun and different to read, I'm quite curious about the atmosphere of the book now.
ReplyDeleteBe in the mood for dark, but definitely pick it up!
DeleteI just finished a YA serial killer book and it made me realize how much I miss reading thrillers. This sounds fantastic, Tracy and I like how dark and disturbing it is. I'm not too big on switching of POVs, but I think in a book like this I could enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Tracy!
Thanks Nick. I would say if you can be patient with the POV switching, you will like this one.
DeleteYou have my interest piqued ! Great review Tracy.! I need to get this one
ReplyDeleteThanks! I will put it on the borrow stack. :-)
DeleteOh this sounds like something right up my alley! It sounds fantastic! :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tonyalee! It interested me right away, and I was not disappointed!
DeleteA good thriller can keep me up all night until I finish it! This sounds like it could be one of those. I'm adding it to my TBR list :)
ReplyDeleteAeriko @ http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.com
Yes, it kept me up and night to finish for sure - and it may be a good thing since after some of the chapters, having the lights still on was a good thing! :-)
DeleteI actually like that the chapters are short. I think it will add to the intensity of this book, which works because it is a thriller. This one is totally new to me, but I think it looks really cool! Great review Tracey :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle @ Book Briefs
Thanks Michelle - for me, the short chapters worked, but I think that not everyone loves that particular format. It totally made me want to keep reading, so it worked for me!
DeleteDefinitely sounds like a unique read! I don't think I could get past the graphic violence though!
ReplyDeleteYes, the violence and survival type chapters aren't for the faint of heart...
DeleteI can only indulge in them from time to time, but I can see why this book would be phenomenal to a person who's a fan of the Criminal Minds tv series. :D Great review, Tracy!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes, I felt like I had to give some of my preferences on TV so that folks would get a better feel as to their interest level in picking up this type of book.
DeleteThere was such a huge buzz about this earlier this year. People either loved it or hated it.
ReplyDeleteI could definitely see that you would either be dramatically one way or another - this is the type of book that there is no middle ground due to it's content.
DeleteI set this down but you've made me decide to retry it. I love Criminal Minds
ReplyDeleteI set this down but you've made me decide to retry it. I love Criminal Minds
ReplyDeleteI set this down but you've made me decide to retry it. I love Criminal Minds
ReplyDeleteIt is a book that is not for everyone, but if you love the show, I would consider continuing on!
DeleteI just added it to my TBR! there are times when a lot of POV changes, and by that, I mean SHORT POV changes, bring awesomeness to a book, esp. if it's fast-paced and it brings a lot of angles for us to look at. If it involves a crime, that's even more so, considering this is supposed to be a puzzle to be solved alongside the main character, so I actually get the need to do so. Added it to my TBR and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
Faye - I am glad that you added it to your list, and I hope that you are not disappointed!
DeleteWow, for this one to be comparable to Saw, it must be super creepy! The short chapters, pov changes would make it choppy a bit, but the psychological thrills in this one fascinates me. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeann ~ Yes, it is definitely a psychological one. Yes it is graphic at times, but to me the mental part is always one that is even scarier!
DeleteOh, I don't know about brave - just an addict for anything that can shock and surprise me! :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic review Tracy! I'm not sure I'll be able to read this book given how much of a chicken I am for scary movies like Saw, but I have watched and liked Criminal Minds, so who knows!
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