Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

MY SEARCH FOR MY SELECTION. When I was checking out this month’s selections for Kindle First, I read the first few pages of this novel. I liked the sensory descriptions and the intrigue of a murdered victim using a cell phone to communicate with her fiancé. I also was convinced by the “From the Editor” glowing comments. So eagerly I looked forward to an intriguing read during the early morning hours. I usually completely read a book before breakfast and even write a review – a task of 4 hours or so. MY REACTIONS. Soon I was confused and found I had to work hard to understand the story. We have too many points-of-view, including whoever the narrator is, philosophical intrusions by the author, too many characters, and the murdered victim Alice. We also have present tense and past tense, and italicized sections. We have “stream of consciousness” rambling descriptions that serve little or no purpose to the plot. PLOT? This supposed to be a “suspense” genre. The plot played more on our curiosity—Who actually killed Alice? Was it really the “half-wit?” By page 94 this “suspense” novel turned into porno with more than enough “f-words” and vivid descriptions. So from then on I skimmed over the remainder to the end to find out who the killer or killers were. Surprise? More than that—unbelievable. A lot of holes in the plot too, such as a cell phone still working after being boxed for 10 years. And speaking of that box, why didn’t the police comb the house of Enrico, one of the main suspects, shortly after the murder of his girlfriend? LESSON: Don’t trust the glowing descriptions, especially from an editor who may have a vested interest in the success of the book. I look forward to your comments, whether agreeing or disagreeing with me. As a fiction writer myself, this will help me learn. Thanks.