The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
Unseen by Karin Slaughter
Unseen, pits detectives, lovers, and enemies against one another in an unforgettable standoff between righteous courage and deepest evil.
Bill Black is a scary guy: a tall ex-con who rides to work on a Harley and trails an air of violence wherever he goes. In Macon, Georgia, Bill has caught the eye of a wiry little drug dealer and his cunning girlfriend. They think Bill might be a useful ally. They don’t know that Bill is actually a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent named Will Trent. Or that he is fighting his own demons, undercover and cut off from the support of Sara Linton—the woman he loves, who cannot be told of the risk Will is taking.
Sara herself has come to Macon because of a cop shooting: Her stepson, Jared, has been gunned down in his own home. Sara holds Lena, Jared’s wife, responsible: Lena, a detective, has been a magnet for trouble all her life, and Jared’s attack is not the first time someone Sara loved got caught in the crossfire. Furious, Sara finds herself involved in the same case that Will is working without even knowing it, and soon danger is swirling around both of them.
My Thoughts:
I love Karin Slaughter books. Unseen is a book, in what is classed as a second series, but for me it is a continuation of the first series from the early days of Slaughter’s first book, Blindsighted. There was a crossover novel following a major event in the first series and a new character was born. This was Will Trent. Slaughters strength are her characters. They are flawed and believable. Her novels are extremely character driven as well as gripping and pacey, but they really do rely on the characters. It’s what I love about her books. When I recommend Slaughter to anyone, I do say that it is best to start at the very beginning with Blindsighted because without doing this, you miss so much. This point of view was evidenced when I read a review of Unseen on a blog I visit – I’m really sorry, It was a couple of weeks ago and I can’t remember which one, if it was yours, please let me know and I will link in – and the reader didn’t enjoy the novel at all. The reason being, it didn’t do well as a standalone book. The characters have so much history with each other, it didn’t read well to a new reader.
For me, I loved it. It’s a gripping book with a stunning opening and a strong cast. The story is well put together, the emotion is tangible and if you’re a fan you will love this. I felt like I was at home and I just didn’t want the book to stop.
This is a real series book. The characters are all tightly intertwined with history and problems. If you like your crime fiction with grit, no holds barred and real depth, you will love Slaughter – Just start at the beginning.
readingwritingandriesling says
I loved it too…and the rest of the series and agree with you it all starts with Blindsighted. I love character based crime fiction….which is why I am also a big fan of Michael Connelly and and John Connolly- have you read any of these?
Jacqui Murray says
I read my first Karin Slaughter book through my Vine gig. I’d forgotten about her. When I looked at my review–I loved her. How did I forget. Thanks for the reminder.
Jane Isaac says
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for the tip. Another one on my TBR! Hope you are well.