Rating: 
Summary: Oversexed
Review: Ok, what drew me toward this book was the idea that the protagonist was an art therapist. I made it through four chapters before I couldn't stand it anymore. I do realize that because of subject matter, it was neccessary to discuss sex in this novel. I have no problem with that. What did annoy me, however, was how much the author focused on sex besides the molestation. I could not get through a chapter without atleast one paragraph referring to sex. Had the author of put in some more plot and take out the ambiguous sex scenes, this novel had potential to be great.
Rating: 
Summary: Bone Chiling Terror
Review: Probably the most terrifying book I've ever read, Hush digs into the mind of the psychokiller while exploring the thoughts of an abused child. Hush is a must-read for the psyco-thiller fan, as it is top notch, from start to finish. What more can I say... get Hush'd today!
Rating: 
Summary: Reviews of "Hush"
Review: Publishers Weekly: "Emmy- and Edgar-winning journalist Nykanen uncovers his characters' psyches with wit, complexity, and originality.... Nykanen's attractively unpredictable characters will keep a stubborn hold on readers' attention."Booklist: "Chet is a terrific creation, a dangerously insane fellow who...is drawn with such precision that he seems not only real but chillingly familiar." Library Journal: "The pace is pulsing and the terror of woman fighting for her life is so real that it is impossible to put this book down.... This well-written novel is highly recommended." Salem (Oregon) Statesman Journal: "Meet Chet Boyce, the most despicable (and most realistic) villain to appear in a thriller in years.... 'Hush'...is bold, gutsy, chillingly realistic and downright unsettling.... Very superior writing... This is dark, compulsive reading. A lot of it will stay with you for a very long time after you've finished the book. Nykanen has more than talent--he has style and the ability to grab the reader by the throat. So if you think that the thriller form has been done to death, read 'Hush' and find out just how wrong you are." King Features: "'Hush' is profound and ingenious and still a thriller that would keep Stephen King up nights."
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Summary: Debut Novel of Thrilling Terror
Review: Seven-year-old Davey Boyce tells his mother that his stepfather, Chet, has been hurting him "down there". When she confronts Chet, he responds with pleasure, "I married you . . . for the boy," and slices her throat with a razor. If that's not enough to grab you, there's more . . . Chet moves Davey to the timberland town of Bentman, Oregon in his trailer. Since his mother's brutal death, Davey hasn't spoken a word; he's become an elective mute. After seriously biting a fellow student and teacher, he is kicked out of school and sent to the Bentman Children's Center for Psychological study. Here he's evaluated by 38-year-old Celia Griswold and placed in her Art Therapy class. Celia works closely with Davey and gets pretty attached to him but also has troubles of her own: dealing with her own abusive childhood and trying to have a child with her husband who, little does she know, it having a torrid affair with a woman at his insurance agency. Through Davey's drawings, Celia sees something dark, horrifying and confronts Chet about her suspicions. First rule of survival: NEVER confront Chet about anything! Now he's going to do whatever's necessary to prevent her from finding out the truth. Certainly a page-tuner, this is a debut novel of thrilling terror by award-winning journalist Mark Nykanen. Well-written with good character development. Chet, the villain, was less developed than I'd hoped, but we do see a bit into his past, his childhood, and definitely get inside his head. The boy, Davey, was so clear to me. This is quite an accomplishment for a character without dialogue. I saw him and cringed for him. Celia was a very well-written character as well. A strong woman, though she wouldn't see herself that way. There were a couple of parts that were pretty gruesome. I wanted to look away, but quickly realized that this is a book, not a movie, although the picture in my head was vivid. Cruelty to animals is also a sub theme throughout. One reviewer mentions the famous scene in "The Shining" where Jack Nicholson breaks a hole in the bathroom door just large enough for his face to poke through and terrify his screaming wife. Yup, I certainly saw that scene repeated here. My favorite parts of the book dealt with the Art Therapy. I found it so fascinating and feel I could evaluate a child's drawing myself. This definitely didn't seem like a debut novel to me. Well-done!
Rating: 
Summary: This book sacrificed plot for graphic, sensational sex.
Review: The use of art therapy as a central element in the plot development of this book was fresh and fascinating. Unfortunately, the book degenerates into a graphic description of violent sexual acts that detracts from the plot. More "detecting" with the art therapy and less focus on sadistic acts would have made the book a better read.
Rating:
Summary: You can't put the book down!
Review: This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Chet is about the most evil person I have ever seen in a novel. I enjoyed this books content so much that I am now thinking of switching college majors to pursue an art therapy degree. It was a fascinating book.
Rating:
Summary: more than a thriller
Review: This book was certainly thrilling to read, but it also offered lots of insight into the psychological aspects of child abuse and the varieties of child abuse. Many times I avoid thrillers because I think they are going to be all blood and guts. This book is anything but. Celia, the central character, is both multidimensional and believable. I have lent this to a couple friends already, and just like me, they couldn't put it down.
Rating: 
Summary: ..a book that shows you what fear is...
Review: this book was incredible, and also horribly graphic. I did like how well the author put together the characters. I am only a sophomore in high school, and i enjoyed it. I think it shows you what kind of twisted freaks they have in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Are you kidding me?
Review: This is one of the worst "psychological thrillers" I've ever read. So predictable, so boring and so glad to be done with it.
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Summary: New territories for "terror"
Review: This thriller puts the reader into situations that even readers familiar with the tactics of thrillers will find unique. The evocative and creepy landscapes, both external and internal are gripping and steadfast. If you think that you can "breeze through" this book, be forewarned. It will take hold until you finish.
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