Say Goodbye

This book was very disturbing in its subject matter. A little on the "too graphic" in the details, but it grabbed your attention. The message, although subtle at first, was very powerful. The story of the "burgerman" was frightening and pathetic. But the twists and turns made you continually re-think the plot and outcome. The secondary love story was acceptable but Kimerly's attraction to Sal was ridiculous - I was pleased to see that the author restrained herself in permitting anything to happen between them. One of Gardner's better books.

Let me first say that Lisa Gardner is one of my favorite authors, and I have loved all of her other books. I could not wait for this one, and was really disappointed. The only reason it got 2 stars is because the last 80 pages or so are pretty good, and I liked the way the story was tied up. However, having to read about every spider fact known to mankind got old very quickly. I really hated this aspect of the book.

Like others, the child sexual abuse was hard to take, though I do not think that Gardner exploited it. Having recently had a child, it was difficult reading about every mother's nightmare.

I also agree with another reviewer's comments about some of the dialogue, "Look at That" ??! seeming so amateurish, in addition to the sudden desire that came on between Kimberly and Sal out of nowhere.

The book is "ok", but certainly not one that I would recommend.

This is by far one of the best books I have read. In fact, I couldn't put it down. I always have a book in tow,no matter where I go. This one I put on my "red light" list. My red light list are those books that are so good that when you get to a red light you have to pick it up and read a few lines before the light turns green. Believe me, there are plenty of good books but very few red light books.

The story begins with a plane crash which appears to be an accident until extra body parts turn up. This investigation leads the main character, FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy to a serial killer that might not have been discovered for years if not for the accident.

While Agent Quincy connects the dots, the story flips back and forth from the the killer's point of view to his past to the present investigation. The reader will get the inside scoop on how this killer was created. And warning folks, this psychopath has a major creep-out factor going for him. Also, the killer's voice is where this writer is at her most creative state.

Another place where Gardner exercises her creative skills was with the main character. Quincy is pregnant, but aside from the food cravings, not your typical stereotype first time mom-to-be. All she has ever known is has been put into work and she's not ready for motherhood. She puts herself and her unborn child in danger more than once and I don't know if readers will be cool with that.

When I compare SAY GOODBYE with her previous work such as HIDE or ALONE, this latest book is probably her most extraordinary piece of work. Her characters are deeper, richer than ever before. HIDE will remain my favorite, but this book exposes her incredible talent.

I listened to this book, and found it utterly confusing. Without visual clues as to flashbacks, all the different "I" backstories with no name attached made it seem like characters were constantly dying and apparently coming back to life. Authors need to think of audiobook listeners and provide cues for us - many do it well.

I learned something about spiders, but the book was too dark to call enjoyable. I stayed with it throughout but never quite sorted out who was who, who was killing who, and which of the boys and men were speaking as part of the backstory.

On the plus side, it kept me awake while filing a year's worth of bills, and provided some useful warnings to parents complacent about the internet activities of their offspring.