Too Close to Home: A Thriller

I read across many genres, but often struggle to find modern thrillers that mix intriguing plots with strong characterization. I discovered Linwood Barclay through his latest book, "Fear the Worst", and I look forward to his upcoming title, "Never Look Away." In the meantime, "Too Close to Home" filled the void. It's the story of a triple slaying in a house next door to the Cutter family. Jim and Ellen Cutter are hard-working parents who are not entirely aware of their son's teenage activities--or of each other's, for that matter. The secrets that divide them will also entangle them as it becomes apparent that their son, Derek, was in the neighbors' house when the crime took place. A missing computer, possible double dealings by professors and politicians, and the philandering ways of the townsfolk of Promise Falls spiral into fast-paced mystery and suspense, with Jim Cutter trying to unravel the truth before those he loves pay the ultimate price. Once again, Barclay uses believable dialogue, workable characters and motivations, and clever plot-weaving to create a heart-pounding novel. I have to agree with the Booklist reviewer, that excessive profanity dragged down the story, especially in the first half of the book; and yet, Barclay seems intent on showing us the consequences of poor moral choices and long-kept secrets. Some reviewers claim his plot is farfetched and convoluted. It seems to me, though, that he explains everything with deceptive clarity, and that, as in any real-life crime scene, the more people dragged into an investigation, the more likelihood of their dirt being uncovered. Harlan Coben, Joseph Finder, Stephen James, and James Lee Burke are already on my "must read" mystery/thriller list, and now Linwood Barclay joins them.

I have read all of Mr.Barclays wonderful books and once again this one is great ! Buy it, light the fireplace, sit back and enjoy a great read.

Too Close To Home was fantastic. One of the best books I have read, and I read about 3 books a week. You cannot stop reading this as you can't wait to see what will happen next. I read this in 2 days.

I no sooner finished "No Time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay that I knew that I just had to find another book by him. This book certainly did not let me down!! It was an easy read, captivating ~ I hated to put it down ~ had enough murder and intrigue to hold anyone's interest!!!

Promise Falls, New York is a small town where big crimes are never supposed to happen. Teenager Derek Cutler hides in his neighbor's basement crawlspace waiting for them to leave so he have some cuddly time with his girlfriend Penny. When they finally go, he takes a tour of their house, but hears a noise and scurries back to his basement hiding place. The Langleys have returned home because the wife felt ill. Derek waits for them to go to sleep so he can sneak out. Someone enters the house and shoots the entire family; Derek flees without talking to anyone including the police about what he witnessed. The police find a suspect who lied to them. They realize Derek was in the house when the homicides occurred based on phone calls he made. His earring is found in the bed of the late mother and the blood on his sneaker belonged to his friend Adam. The cops arrest Derek; however other evidence surfaces exonerating Derek who is freed from imprisonment as the charges are dropped. His parents fear the nightmare has just begun as a cold blooded killer is still on the loose and their family may be the target. Linwood Barclay creates a great complicated crime caper that seems so genuine especially for anyone who has a teen in the household. The murders strip away the veneer of safety in the small town ands secrets become known that were never meant to see the light of day. The only moralistic person in Promise Falls is Derek's dad Jim who always wants to do the right thing, but also realizes how difficult that can be with so many choices to make that harm perhaps kill someone; often an innocent. Although he knows there is NO TIME FOR GOODBYE with his expecting a stalking killer coming their way, his cerebral ethical pondering adds depth to a strong whodunit that will have sub-genre fans seeking Mr. Barclay's backlist. Harriet Klausner.