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Tuesday, October 06, 2009

13 1/2


by Nevada Barr

Hold on to your hat!  This book delivers what it promises - a taut and terrifying psychological thriller.

I'm only going to share a little bit from the front flap because I don't want you to know too much going into this book.  Trust me - it's better that way.  You may be a bit confused for the first several chapters but that's the way it's meant to be.  Snuggle in and enjoy the questions.
It (13 1/2) carries the reader from the horrifying 1970's murder spree of a child - dubbed "Butcher Boy" by the shocked public - in Rochester, Minnesota, to Polly, the abused daughter of Mississippi "trailer trash," to post-Katrina, New Orleans.
All you really need to know is this:  If you like suspense/thrillers you'll want to read this book.  I wish I still had it to look forward to.  We'll all have to 'pressure' Ms. Barr into writing another one. 

Tonight, before finishing this book, Candleman and I were watching The National Parks  which is PBS 6-part series.  Really good!  Nevada Barr talked for a few minutes and I wonder why.  Then I remembered (well, I knew this, but it took a minute to make the connection) that she is the author of the Anna Pigeon mystery series and used to be a park ranger herself.  (Anna in the books is also a park ranger.)  My sister, Framed, reads and loves this series.  Dear Reader, I am going to be adding a new series to my list.  YIKES!  When will it ever end?

18 comments:

Book Bird Dog said...

I've liked several of her mysteries and this one sounds like another winner. Here's my Teaser Tuesday

serendipity_viv said...

I have heard such good things about this book, definitely one to add to my list.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

This sounds like a suspense thriller, I'd enjoy. Thanks for the great review.

Nikki in Niagara said...

This sounds really good! I'll have to give it a try. I've never really been interested in her other series, didn't sound gritty enough for me. But this, this sounds gritty!

I'm not sure I ever knew you were Framed's sister! Maybe I did and forgot... but that is still cool!

Myke Weber said...

I hope it never ends! What fun would life be with just enough books. When I go to our favorite Chinese Buffet, I sample here and there, sometimes I wish my stomach was larger, but mostly, I'm just glad I got to try so many things and that I can come back again a sample a few more.

Britt said...

Interesting! I love a good suspense/thriller.

Anonymous said...

I think she is a great writer. I have read many of her books and will add this one to my list as well.

CJ said...

I'm leaning toward this one a little more after your review.

If you haven't read her Anna Pigeon series, you should. I've read them all and have yet to be disappointed.

cjh

Booklogged said...

Book Bird Dog, I look forward to reading your thoughts about this book. And I shall mine on her Pigeon series. Deal?

Vivienne, You've heard good things because it really is good! Hope you enjoy it.

Diane, if you like suspense, you are probably safe picking up this book.

Nicola, I think you'll find 13 1/2 to be gritty enough.

Candleman, Love the analogy of food to books. You know how to talk my language!

Britt, this is one of the best I've read in years.

Beverooni, I hope you'll post your response to the book.

CJ, I think you will really like this especially since you liked the Anna Pigeon series. It's very good!

Wendi said...

I'm impressed that you have 6 banned books in your Library Thing shelf! (I'm talking about last week's Tuesday Thinger) ;)

I would like to go back and re-read a few of the banned books I've read over the years.

Thanks for stopping by and participating in Thingers last week! I've got the post up for this week. ~ Wendi

bermudaonion said...

Boy, does that sound good! I love suspense/thrillers, so I'm adding this to my wish list.

Framed said...

So, can I borrow this?

jenclair said...

I've enjoyed a number of Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon mysteries. Thanks for the update on this one!

Sheila (bookjourney) said...

Sounds good.... I am interested in this one

Terri B. said...

So glad to hear you liked this. I've read all of her Anna Pigeon books and really look forward to this one!

April said...

Ohh, this sounds awesome!! I am going to have to add it to my wish list! The cover is awesome too!

alisonwonderland said...

I love the Anna Pigeon series - and I'm almost up-to-date on it. :)

I added 13 1/2 to my to-read list a little while ago. Your review makes me eager to get to it!

Thoughts of Joy said...

"Terrifying psychological thriller" is my type of book!!! I've seen this around, but only a little bit. It's on my TBR List!