Rating: Summary: Whispers and Lies... Review: Well, this was my first experience with Joy Fielding, and I thought it was a pretty good book. I don't read many mystery/thrillers, but I liked this one. It's my understanding that this isn't a typical novel for Mrs. Fielding, that most of her stuff is much lighter and not so...twisted. Either way, I'm looking forward to picking up another one of her books. I liked the writing style, it flowed nicely and made the book fly right by.
Rating: Summary: A suspsenseful read! Review: On the recommendation of online friends I read Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding. Familiar with this author's name I previously read Don't Cry Now and remember moderately enjoying this title. I also somewhat enjoyed the made for TV movie based on Fielding's book See Jane Run. Over the years while I've seen many of her titles and heard lots of positive news about Fielding's writings, I didn't read any of her books in recent years. Then as I read Whispers and Lies, I found myself shaking my head thinking I'm really not enjoying this book and also admitted to myself that I don't really enjoy suspense plots. Then a funny thing happened to me midway through the book. I realized that as obvious as the plot might be, or so I thought, and even if this isn't my favorite type of book, the author did a fine job of creating a suspenseful atmosphere. In addition, I found myself totally interested in this book and it would come to its conclusion. And WOW is all I can say for the ending, which was a twist I never ever imagined.Told as a flashback we first meet Terry, a lonely 40 year old nurse. She appears to have little if any social life and occupies a home she inherited from her mother who died a number of years ago. Also on the grounds is a small cottage Terry rents to a younger woman named Allison Simms. Allison needs a place to live and Terry missed the friendship of her former tenant Erica who seems to have disappeared without a trace. But as terry and Allison begin their friendship, many of Allison's stories and past appear to be lies. And when Terry meets her friends who seem rather unsavory, Terry begins to wonder about Allison and her suitability to rent her cottage. Suddenly Terry begins to hear noises at night, feels as though she's being followed or watched and persistent calls asking for her former tenant really set her on edge. It isn't any wonder that as time goes by, Terry is convinced that Allison and her friends are planning her death. But all is not as it seems. Terry hasn't been entirely honest about her lonely life either. And as tension mounts and events happen quickly even a non- suspense reader like myself found I was entirely entranced by this book. I must admit that when I finished reading Whispers and Lies, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. This book wasn't at all as predictable as I thought and the end had one of the best twists I can remember in recent years. I now plan on reading more of Fielding's book and hope they are equally as intriguing and enjoyable.
Rating: Summary: Major Disappointment Review: I have read all of Joy Fielding's books and enjoyed them. This one was a major disappointment.
Rating: Summary: Not really impressed.. Review: This is the first Joy Fielding book I've read. It was easy to get into, the characters likable enough, and the plot slowly (especially in the middle) developing. However, the last 20 or so pages Fielding decided to throw the reader into a loop of unpredictability and confusion...there being only slight, slight hints of anything pointing towards such an unbelievable twist. I think Fielding took excess liberties as the author and had a really good time writing this story, but unfairly put the reader into a spot I don't think I'd want to venture again. And for all you fans of happy endings...don't expect to read "Whispers and Lies" and gain any sort of peaceful, satisfying resolution. It's just not here.
Rating: Summary: Disappointed Review: As a big fan of Joy Fielding, I was expecting much more than she delivered on this one. The ending was terrible and I was sorry I wasted my time on it. I am not so excited to read her future ones as I once was.
Rating: Summary: This book left me feeling depressed Review: This was the third book I have read by Joy Fielding. I loved See Jane Run and Grand Avenue, so I had high hopes for Whispers and Lies. Right away I knew this book wasn't going to reach that high, as I disliked the main character, Terry, from the start. Allison wasn't much better -- I found her annoying at best. There's a part when Terry ponders 'listen to your instincts' and, as a reader, you want to yell WHAT DO YOUR INSTINCTS SAY ABOUT A 40-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO HANGS OUT WITH 20-SOMETHING DRINKERS AND DRUGGIES? Ranting over, the book isn't bad, but unbelievable. When the "surprise" twist at the end finally happens, you think "A-HA!" for about a minute, then realize this is just as boring as the first 280 pages. If you are a fan of Fielding, don't hold this book against her. If you've never read a book by her before, don't read this one first. It will turn you against her writing and she has some great stories out there. Read those instead.
Rating: Summary: After 25 Chapters it finally gets you going Review: Having read 3 of her prior books this one was hard to get through. If I never read one of her books before I would've put it down and added her to the list of Never Buy again. It is a slow, slow, annoying start about a "lonely" 40 year old woman who befriends a 20 year old woman. I suggest if you do get it - please keep reading until chapter 25. Things will FINALLY start to pick up and twist and turn just like you would expect from Joy Fielding. I gave it only 3 stars because it was not the usual thing I have come to expect from Joy Fielding. I do however like the ending - things finally start making sense........(or do they - lol)
Rating: Summary: Incredibly Manipulative Review: This book is the most manipulative book I've ever read in my life, and I'm a two-book-a-week-reader. I was so startled, angry and appalled at the climax and denouement of this novel, that I gasped aloud and wanted to throw the book across the room. Instead, when I finished, I threw it in the trash. Why one of my favorite authors would write this is just bewildering to me. I've loved all of Joy Fielding's past books. What happened here? People in my book group complained that Dennis Lehane's book, "Shutter Island" was manipulative. They should read this one! I'm still angry, months later. Joy, you can do so much better!
Rating: Summary: Great Mystery book Review: This book was a slow mover at first, Terry lives a nice quiet life in Florida with a rental in the back yard of her house. She is a nurse who cares for elderly patients. Her new tenant, Alison, is a very bubbly up beat person with a some what questionable past that is closely guarded. She over hears some strange phone conversations and regular conversations that Terry starts to try to piece together. The writer puts alot of questions in your head as you are reading it. I actually thought it was going to be a "typical" mystery about Allison, but the writer put a twist on that. Wow did she ever!! The whole plot is changed and twisted and the ending really leaves you haunted!! Great book again by Joy Fielding!
Rating: Summary: A plot twist Review: I expected Whispers and Lies to be good, because Joy Fielding's books usually are. I was disappointed by the beginning. It was slower than I expected it to be, and some of the language seemed a bit too flowery and overdone. Plus, the characters didn't grab me. I had a hard time identifying with the main character, Terry Painter, who just seemed boring and scared to do anything. I stayed with the book, and about half way through, I was glad I did. The plot picked up. And, I didn't see the plot twists coming when they did. The characters by the end are well developed, and it is easy to see why they didn't seem so at first. It is a good, quick read. Fielding is a master of pacing and suspense. It is always sort of dream-like to move through her novels, and this one was no exception. I liked some of Fielding's other books better, like Missing Pieces and the First Time and her newest book Lost, because they dealt more with motherhood and family issues, and I think Fielding is exceptional at that. But this one had a satisfying ending and is worth the read.
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