15 September 2011

claire-obscure by BILLIE HINTON

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was expecting to read the typical mystery/thriller. Girl meets boys, boy is a murderer, girl and friends have to solve the murder. Boy was I wrong. This book is nothing ordinary. It is the very complex story of a very complex cast of characters. Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I hated them, sometimes I was just disappointed in them. But always I was intrigued by them.

I could tell right away that this book was going to be a dark one. At the halfway point, I really had no idea how I was going to feel about the story in the end. At one point, I even contemplated whether I should finish it, but I couldn't turn away. It was like watching a train that is on the wrong track. You know it is going to wreck, you don't want to see it, but you can't turn away. The only thing that I will say, though, is that I couldn't read this book straight through. I had to read some each day, but read other things along with it.

This is the first book by Billie Hinton that I have read, but I will certainly be reading more. She really knows how to tell a story that keeps you involved. I loved her edgy descriptions, use of symbolism, and the complexity of the characters. I find that I HAVE to know what happens to these characters and hope to read the sequel to this one soon.

Kudos, Ms. Hinton. A very complex, very dark story!

1 comment:

  1. I just came across this review and wanted to say a huge thank you! I so appreciate it!

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