An intense suspense thriller – A Killer Choice

As I am drafting this post, I am soooo tired! So past me is really happy that when you read this, that it’s Friday! On Friday’s, you know that it’s book review day here on the blog! I had planned to post a different review today, but after finishing ‘A Killer Choice‘ on Tuesday, I wanted to get this review out while it was still fresh in my mind. I will be honest, the synopsis really intrigued me….but when I went to check some reviews on Goodreads, the first one was 4 or 5 stars, the 2nd review was 1 star. My decision then was to not read any more reviews, but that 1 star really threw me off and I went in feeling critical. Like I knew I was not going to enjoy the book….. Was 1 star right?? Keep reading to find out!

Synopsis

Gary Foster’s life is finally heading in the right direction. After years of trying, his wife, Beth, is pregnant, and he recently opened a business with his brother. But one phone call changes everything….

After collapsing suddenly, Beth has been rushed to the hospital. Tests reveal a devastating diagnosis: an inoperable brain tumor. Their only hope is an expensive experimental treatment available abroad, with a cost that’s out of their reach. And Beth’s time is running out….

Then a strange man approaches Gary and offers the money he needs, on one condition: that he kill someone, no questions asked. End one life to save another.

In this nail-biting debut novel of domestic suspense, one man makes a choice that forces him to confront the darkest reaches of his soul and betray those closest to him. As he’s swept up in a nightmare of escalating violence, he must question his own morality—and determine just how far he’s willing to go to save the woman he loves.

My review

The storyline

I have read over 30 books this year so far, and I have to say, this story is not something I’ve seen among all the books I’ve read. Off the bat, the story line really intrigued me! It just has that hook, where you’re wondering: Shoot, would I do it?? So, A+ for A Killer Choices’ story line.

I also enjoyed the writing style….it was an easy read, the dialogue wasn’t complicated and the pages weren’t packed with words. Also, each new section started with the opening line in bold which again, is different to anything I’ve seen in a book so far. Being an easy read, I finished this book in one sitting.

The characters

The 3 main characters are:

• Gary, the husband.
• Beth, the sick and pregnant wife.
• Otto, the person putting the offer on the table. Our resident bad guy.

The book is mostly told from Gary’s POV (point of view) as well as occasionally, Otto’s. I really felt for Gary’s character. My husband and I met as teenagers, so Gary feeling like he needs to consider this, because he can’t picture a life without Beth…..I get it. Beth, she sounds like the perfect wife…but for some reason, I didn’t really get into the emotions of what she was dealing with. With Beth, there was some disconnect for me with her character, and I’m not sure why. Otto…*sigh*….Otto…. but I guess without him, we have no story.

My thoughts

As I said, I was hooked at the synopsis, but put off by the 1 star review on Goodreads. So when I picked the book up, I thought perhaps I’d read a few pages and that would be it. Initially I read a few chapters, put it down, but then realised that I was enjoying the easy writing style so I knew I wanted to read more. Also, I enjoyed the really bendy spine of the book. Just me that appreciates a book that bends easily when you’re reading??

I have asked most people I run into: Would you kill somebody for $200 000 to save your spouse? My husband flat out said no….obviously doesn’t love me as much as I thought he did! LOL. Then there’s the dilemma of, would I trust somebody enough to ask them for their opinion on it? If I did it, would I tell anybody? This would be an AWESOME book club book, just for the discussions you could have.

The book had a bit of a slow start, but if you push through, I think it really delivers. I had to remember to breathe in some parts of the book, it was THAT intense. There were some really action packed moments and I feel like this book HAS TO be adapted into a movie!!

Rating

A Killer Choice has a Goodreads rating of 3.64 out of 5 stars, which I think is a decent rating. I’d rate it 4 stars myself. I feel the story line and the action along the way (even if some of it was crazy unbelievable) makes this one worth picking up for sure! You can pick up a copy for around R155, currently R135 on Takealot.com.

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by Jonathan Ball Publishers for review, but all opinions are my own.