Could have been better...and why?

[Heidi M Simone]

I think it would be interesting to have a space where we can share books that we've read under the crime and/or thriller genres, but that fell short of our expectations.

Here are a few guiding points as we think about the books for this topic:

• As you share, please do not give spoilers for potential future readers.
• Include the book title, author, and genre.
• What aspect(s) fell short in your opinion? What could have been better? (i.e. character development, suspense, predictability, plot flow, etc.)
• Share the rating you gave.

[Heidi M Simone]

I recently read The Chain by Adrian McKinty. This can easily be considered a crime and a thriller novel.

I was speeding through the beginning of the novel, which was great. I love when novels can capture your full attention. However, there was a certain point, toward the middle of the book, where I thought the plot dragged a little and was somewhat predictable, which made the intensity of the story drop. The second half of the book had its exciting points, but it also had almost a laundry list of items the author wanted to share, which made the writing somewhat choppy as well.

Overall, I give the book a 3/4 stars. Still a pretty good score, I just wanted it more be more than what it was.

[James Edwards]

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager was so disappointing. It was set up for a perfect story about what appeared to be a haunted hotel where some newcomers were paid to house sit. When the reason behind everything was revealed it was very far fetched and could have been a great book.