Bohjalian’s (Midwives) historical novel is full of twists and turns. Though not a typical suspense novel, the story has many of the page-turning plot lines of a thriller, and is sure to keep readers enthralled. Though it’s set in the 1600s, Mary’s story resonates today, as it addresses the role religious and societal expectations can play in the lives of individuals. A must-read and highly recommended.
Best-selling author Bohjalian (The Flight Attendant) paints a bleak picture of pharmaceutical espionage, worldwide pandemics, and the breathtaking adaptability of the rat. Alternating action between Vietnam and New York, along with the dynamic pace, will please suspense fans. [See Prepub Alert, 8/25/19.]
Regular fans of Bohjalian are used to far better from him. ["Readers who enjoyed the imperfect heroine in…The Girl on the Train and the anxiety-ridden paranoia of…Crime and Punishment will be hooked by…Cassie's struggle to untangle her life and regain her self-respect": LJ 12/17 starred review of the Doubleday hc.]
Readers who enjoyed the imperfect heroine in Paula Hawkins's The Girl on the Train and the anxiety-ridden paranoia of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment will be hooked by this murder mystery and Cassie's struggle to untangle her life and regain her self-respect. [See Prepub Alert, 9/26/17.]
Despite potential flaws in the aural incarnation, libraries will still want to meet the demand of Bohjalian's vast fan base clamoring for his latest. ["Will captivate readers who crave an edge-of-your-seat page-turner": LJ 12/16 review of the Doubleday hc.]
No stranger to tough issues, Bohjalian tackles nuclear power, homelessness, and self-mutilation with his trademark sensitivity, careful research, and elegant prose. These are heavy subjects to read about—Emily's story is both heartbreaking and frightening, and even the final denouement is afflicted with sorrow. Nevertheless, the book rings with poetry and truth. Neither Bohjalian's fans nor book clubs will be disappointed. [See Prepub Alert, 1/10/14.]
Thoroughly gripping, beautiful, and astonishingly vengeful, this novel is a heartbreaker. Bohjalian's latest turn to historical fiction is immensely rewarding. [See Prepub Alert, 1/25/13.]
Highly recommended as adult fiction and historical artifact. ["Bohjalian powerfully narrates an intricately nuanced romance with a complicated historical event at the forefront. With the centennial of the Armenian genocide fast approaching, this is not to be missed. Simply astounding," read the review of the Doubleday hc, LJ 6/1/12.—Ed.]