The Puppet Show

Although I read "The Puppet Show" when it was first published, I still consider it to be one of the best books I have read in years. Because of this, I felt compelled to write a review so I could share my enthusiasm with others. This is the story of Michael Turner, an orphan, who later in life meets up with Max, an older man who grew up in the same orphanage as Michael. Their relationship quickly turns into a tale of obsession, control and downright evil. The book is about a myriad of relationships and how Max has an affect on each one of them. In the style of Barbara Vine at her best, the book lulls you along with nothing happening in the traditional sense of a mystery thriller. Although I knew something was going to "happen," I was so lulled into complacency by the narrative, that when that something does happen, I was absolutely stunned. I thought the writing was lean and that there was not a superfluous word in the book. The only fault I found was with the Epilogue. I believe the last chapter could have stood on its own and, in fact, would have made for a far more thought provoking ending to the story. If you pick up a copy of this book, you will be in store for an extraordinary reading experience.