Advance Readers' Comments for THE TWENTY-THREE
In September, a select group of readers who previously had won copies of BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE by Linwood Barclay, won the third and final book in the Promise Falls trilogy, THE TWENTY-THREE. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight...and watch out for spoilers noted in bold!
Wendi M. from Randall, MN
Like the other two books in the series, I loved it.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Exciting, suspenseful, surprising
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: Usually in a trilogy, I prefer the first one to the others, but with this trilogy, I think they were all pretty equal.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes, I do. I also feel that there could be another one coming, but if not, I'm good with this.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: First, I would tell them that they just have to read the first two. Then, I would tell them that this is a book that will grab them from the first page and keep them turning until the end. Linwood is a must-read author. I don't like to give the story away. I want them to read it.
Would you recommend?: I already have. Great author, great story.
Deb K. from Jericho, VT
I loved it! A satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy. I love a mystery when I can’t predict the ending --- that is a rare thing! And, none of the story lines were left entirely unresolved. Although, I admit that I am curious to know what will happen in the fallout with Sam and David. I guess that’s because I enjoyed the characters so much! I read that Linwood Barclay is planning another story starring Duckworth and Cal…looking forward to that!
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Captivating, surprising, clever
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: The plot, writing and characters were great in all three books. This one is the best, only because we get to finally find out what happened!
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes. I was looking for answers to all scenarios that were set up in the first two books and everything was resolved. What made it wonderful is that there were plenty of twists, so you didn’t REALLY know the answers until the very end!
How would you describe this book to a friend?: Everyone has a secret in Promise Falls. [SPOILER] In this satisfying conclusion to the Promise Falls trilogy, you figure out who blew up the drive-in; why would someone kill 23 squirrels and hang them on a fence; why are people dying from drinking the tap water? [END SPOILER] All secrets will be revealed in this fast-paced, compelling thriller.
Would you recommend?: Yes, definitely! I already have. These books are a rare combination of good writing, compelling plot and characters that you like and care about…plus twists that are hard to predict. I know many people who would love this kind of story!
Janet C. from Niles, IL
I thought THE TWENTY-THREE was a page-turner until the very end.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Captivating, suspenseful, climactic
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: BROKEN PROMISE brought the reader in and made the reader want more. FAR FROM TRUE had a more eerie sense to it which ended in a cliffhanger that made it hard to wait for the final book. THE TWENTY-THREE began with a chilling storyline and brought the previous books together to tie up the loose ends with a final twist.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: [SPOILER] The storyline ending with Duckworth figuring out that Walden was the culprit was a bit of a surprise for me. I liked that it all came together at that point. But the actual ending of Duckworth not being able to break free, having a possible heart attack and dreaming of his wife, child and cake left me a little annoyed at first. [END SPOILER] I felt gypped. I felt like there should have been a more definitive ending. After dwelling on it awhile, I realized it was the perfect ending for a Linwood Barclay book. It ends the trilogy, but it's possible that there could be another Promise Falls in the future. What happens to Duckworth? What about David and Sam? Does Finley run for Mayor?
How would you describe this book to a friend?: THE TWENTY-THREE is the third book in the Promise Falls trilogy. It’s best if you read the first two, otherwise you may be a little lost at times. Promise Falls water supply is mysteriously poisoned on May 23. The date itself is ominous for the town because previously strange incidences have been happening all revolving around the number 23. Hundreds of people are dying and there is a race against time is on to find out what caused it and who done it...along with trying to figure the mystery of the 23 happenings.
Would you recommend?: I would definitely recommend this series to my friends and have already done so. I believe my friends would like the characters and mystery, and get as much enjoyment out of it as I have.
Kathy I. from Gardena, CA
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from beginning to end.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Surprising, twisty, intriguing
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: It is as engrossing and surprising as the first two.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: This is a great ending to the series. All my questions were answered, even if not exactly how I wished. Now, there are no more cliffhangers!
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a real ferris wheel (wink) of a book. There are so many ups and downs, and when you think you're safely grounded, up you zip again.
Would you recommend?: Yes, definitely. Although a trilogy is too long for our book group, I think we will have to consider one of his stand-alones as a future choice for that.
Donna P. from Macomb, MI
I thoroughly enjoyed it and I love the author’s work.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: A thrilling ride
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I liked the first and third books the most.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes, it was satisfying. I’m disappointed the series is complete.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: Linwood Barclay always delivers a well-written, suspense-filled and unique book. He is the only current author I will buy in hardback when it is first out.
Would you recommend?: I already have.
Ivy P. from Montclair, NJ
Once again, Barclay has woven an ongoing plot of crazy in Promise Falls...the water system is poisoned and all hell breaks out when residents start dropping dead. THE TWENTY-THREE is fast-paced and exciting. The story is not too tragic, and it’s also funny. It's hard not to laugh picturing Duckworth in his massiveness trying to solve a crime, while pondering his relationship with food. Nor can one keep a straight face when mayhem and death just keep popping up in some unusual places. This is what makes Promise Falls pitiful, yet hilarious. It's anyone's bet as to whom is guilty of putting a deadly substance in the water...many have motives. With each twist a new problem arises. [SPOILER] Crystal's mother is dead from drinking the water, leaving her in the care of Cal who already has his hands full. Sam and Carl are running from ex-husband Brandon, who is on the run from the police and Celeste is convinced that Dwayne is having an affair. [END SPOILER] spoilThe other usual cast of characters, Victor Rooney, Finley and Angus are each suspicious of something, but it's only one of them who will ultimately turn the powers upside down in Promise Falls.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Gripping, surprising, suspenseful
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I like how the story seemed to pick up from BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE with a new crime to solve.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: This was a satisfying read, as I could not put it down. The story and characters hold their own and literally come to life in living color.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: The storyline grabs you from the first line with its very matter-of-fact opening. You just know that things are going to heat up and head south because no one's day starts without a hiccup. Barclay is witty, funny and methodical. Just when you think you have figured out the riddle, a new joker jumps out.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend THE TWENTY-THREE and have done so to people I know who love a good, funny suspense book.
Sonnia F. from Naples, FL
I enjoyed reading THE TWENTY-THREE.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Compelling, mysterious, exciting
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I anxiously awaited book three of this trilogy and was not disappointed. I spent a few very late nights reading "just a little more" because I couldn't put the book down.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: I was pleased with the resolution, but suspect there's more story to be told. A sequel perhaps?!
How would you describe this book to a friend?: The TWENTY-THREE is book three of a trilogy by Linwood Barclay. You don't necessarily need to have read BROKEN PROMISE or FAR FROM TRUE to follow the storyline as it is written in such a way that it has the strength to stand alone. However, because I started this series in May 2015 and just ended (November 2016), references to past events proved to be distractions because so much time had elapsed in my reading and I didn't recollect some of characters or events. This is specific to me and not a criticism of the storyline or timeline of events as outlined in the book.
Would you recommend?: I have already recommended this series and have shared my copies with family and friends.
Kelly P. from Strongsville, OH
This is a fast-paced book.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Mysterious, dark, thriller
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: This one helped clear up some loose ends.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes...unfinished stories were completed.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is an intense thriller. Since this is book three, it cleans up some of the loose ends from the prior books.
Would you recommend?: Yes. I would recommend this to friends who are looking for an intense thriller series.
Linda M. from Lititz, PA
I loved it!!!
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Suspensful, mass-confusion, vengeful
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I felt all three books contained many twists and turns, with this book having the most.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes. The ending answered the repercussions of festering hurt and anger from first murder.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is about a mass murder carried out in a town that has had so many hurts already. It was made to look like multiple people in the community could be responsible.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I already have. This is an amazing triology by an author I read for the first time. I hope to read more by him.
Laura H. from Branchburg, NJ
I loved THE TWENTY-THREE. It was the “icing on the cake” after reading Barclay’s previous two novels in this trilogy. I had difficulty in putting it down as I wanted to know more about what was happening.
I loved THE TWENTY-THREE. It was the “icing on the cake” after reading Barclay’s previous two novels in this trilogy. I had difficulty in putting it down as I wanted to know more about what was happening.
Rating: 5
Describe the book in three words: Mysterious, compelling, rippling
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I felt that I got to know the characters more fully in THE TWENTY-THREE and became immersed in their community as if I was one of their neighbors. The twists and turns in the plot continued but I felt it was more robust in THE TWENTY-THREE than the previous two. After reading the previous two books, this finale drove me, as a reader, to keep going to get the unanswered questions resolved.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: I felt this was a satisfying ending to the story as it demonstrated the impact certain events had on individuals and the community in various ways. As a reader, I learned of the characters’ actions and reasons, both good and bad, that made them “human” as they acted or reacted to certain events and got to the truth.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: Mysterious, devious, and deadly events are occurring in the community of Promise Falls. You meet a number of the residents and learn of the ties that not only bind them but spread the rippling effects of their actions and certain events. The book opens on the 23rd of May with a fatal event, answers questions from the previous two novels as to the strange and intriguing events surrounding the number “23” and culminates with the discovery of who was responsible for the sinister happenings and why.
Would you recommend?: I would and have recommended this series to friends. I like Barclay’s style, his depiction of the characters and the interweaving of a variety of mysterious, devious and deadly events.
Jean K. from Davenport, IA
I thought it was a very exciting book to read. I definitely would not like to live in that town. The book was well-written and very hard to put down when I had to do something else. However, I thought the ending was a little too complicated.
Rating: 4.5
Describe the book in three words: Exciting, worth reading, well-written
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I felt like THE TWENTY-THREE was a little more complicated than the other two previous books.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: I didn't like the ending as much as the rest of the book. I felt it wasn't realistic. There was too much happening, too fast.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a good book to read. I would definitely suggest reading the whole series.
Would you recommend?: I'm going to pass all three books to a friend and her daughter. I will tell them to pass it on to their friends.
Kimberly N. from Oregon, MO
I liked the book.
Rating: 4.5
Describe the book in three words: Interesting, amazing, realistic
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I thought THE TWENTY-THREE was so much better than BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a really interesting book with mystery, drama and suspense. It is amazing and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen next in the chapters. It almost seems like the book is taking place in live time.
Would you recommend?: Yes because it's a good series that everyone should give their own opinion about.
Kathie M. from Lake Peekskill, NY
I thought it was a spine-chilling ending to a superb series. The author kept me guessing till the end.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Spine-chilling, satisfying ending
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I liked THE TWENTY-THREE just as much as the other books in the series.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes, it was a very satisfying ending for me. I suspected everyone in Promise Falls! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what happened.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: It's a plot-twisting end to a page-turning series, with a hard-to-figure-out culprit. I loved the red-herrings in this book. I couldn't figure out what were clues and which were dead-ends. I suspected EVERYONE in Promise Falls!!
Would you recommend?: I already have. It’s a great, spine-chilling series. You can't turn the pages fast enough to find out who done it! It’s a great read!
Kim M. from Runnemede, NJ
I liked it a lot but something just seemed off and I can't really pinpoint what that was and why.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Suspenseful, addictive, gripping
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: Like I said above, I liked the book but something was just off about it. The ending was fine, although I think I would liked to have had another chapter or two, but it didn't need it.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes because we found all the answers to the questions we had from the first two books.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: It is about a town where there are a lot of mysterious things going on over a long period of time and the attempt to find out the cause before any other people get hurt or die.
Would you recommend?: I already have and they are waiting in line to read my copy. The reasoning is because it is a good series with a lot of twists and turns and people. The book does jump around a lot, but it flows and works.
Deb M. from Perry, OH
I thought THE TWENTY-THREE was a compelling read with characters ranging from likeable to twisted, all with fairly credible motives for their actions.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Fast-paced, suspenseful, compelling
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I think THE TWENTY-THREE is the best of the trilogy because of the fast pace in which characters and subplots were further developed from books one and two.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: While the loose ends from BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE were tied together, the reader is still left with questions regarding some of the characters! I could see there being a followup novel (or novella).
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a compelling read. It’s suspenseful in the development of the number of suspects and their motives, and fast-paced as it moved through two days of disasters in Promise Falls. Barclay did an excellent job weaving the intricate plotlines together to give an astonishing ending.
Would you recommend?: I already have recommended the series to friends.
Andrew B. from Wethersfield, CT
I have been anxiously awaiting the publication of THE TWENTY-THREE since I finished Barclay's first two books in his Promise Falls trilogy. I was not disappointed.
Rating: 4 (Simply because this volume lacked the free-flowing suspense of the other two. Barclay had to tie up his multiple plot threads and thus, the book did not have the full momentum of the other two.)
Describe the book in three words: Exciting, comprehensive, satisfaction
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: This book lags behind the previous two books in that Barclay is wrapping up so many plot points that he can't introduce as many mysteries as he has previously. So, by now, we know most of the characters involved, know many of their secrets, so there are fewer surprises about them. However, our knowledge allows Barclay to play with our expectations and resolve some plot points with unexpected and tragic irony.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: The ending ties up most of the plot points believably, with some suspects and perpetrators emerging from the actions of the previous volumes. It keeps the reader guessing until the end. While one suspect's motives do not become clear until the final chapters of the book, Barclay plays fair with the reader at all times. The only disappointment is that he leaves a key denouement hanging, forcing the reader to imagine what will happen to the relationship between several characters following the final pages.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: THE TWENTY-THREE is the final volume in Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls trilogy, which recounts the mysterious and disturbing events in an upper New York State community that seemingly begin with the discovery of the bodies of 23 squirrels hanging from a tree. Barclay's plot encompasses not only the subsequent events that all relate to the number 23, but includes a variety of offshoots that involve an opportunistic environment that exists beneath the friendly facade of the community and which may or may not be related to 23. In this final volume, Barclay ably manages to tie up all of the remaining plot threads from the other two volumes and reacquaints us with most of his deftly defined characters that he introduced us to in the previous books. One can approach this book without having read the other two, but the experience is much more fulfilling if one has read the other two. The book sometimes feels that you are reconnecting with some old friends, especially the three protagonists: a police detective, a private detective who was once a member of the department, and a former reporter for the local paper. Barclay provides an overall feeling about the community as scenes race between the local hospital, the college campus, the municipal water plant and of course, the waterfall that gives the town its name. There are plenty of twists and any number of suspects, and as is typical with Barclay, it’s not over until the very last page.
Would you recommend?: I have recommended this book to several friends...one is hurrying over to pick up my copy now that I am finished with it!
Michael M. from Valley Village, CA
I really enjoyed it! It is a very fast-paced thriller that takes off and never lets up!
Rating: 4 (I would give it a 5 except for the fact that one of the subplots really gets the short shift at the end. It felt rushed and unresolved and thrown in at the last second rather than a real resolution. Also, it had been a while since I read the second book and I didn't automatically remember who was who. A little synopsis or at least a cast of characters from the previous books would have been very helpful.)
Describe the book in three words: Fast-paced, detailed, relentless
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: It has the same tone as the first two books, but somehow seems a little more epic. It has a lot of plot lines to resolve from previous books as well as new ones introduced in this one. The excitement is the same as the other two.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: A qualified yes. Most plot lines had satisfying resolutions, but one did not. For the most part, everything was wrapped up in a satisfying way.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This is a thriller. It is the third book in a series about a huge attack on small town and a serial killer. It covers a lot of plot and keeps things thrilling throughout.
Would you recommend?: I already have. Yes, I love thrillers and this one (the whole trilogy) was very exciting. Even though the books weren't perfect, they are plenty exciting and I don't know if others will be bothered by the same things that bugged me.
Kevin D. from Barrington, IL
Overall, it was very good. Not having read the second book recently, it took me a little while to get back into who all the characters were.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Climax, guessing, engaging
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I thought it was the best of the three. It brings all the story lines to a close. The first book set up the next two and didn’t really stand on its own.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: For the most part, yes but I didn’t get why the David Harwood character couldn’t have had a happier ending.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book is the conclusion of a series about a small town with a lot going on. There’s a potential serial killer and includes other small town mysteries.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would because overall when you put all three books together it was a pretty good story that kept me guessing on who the bad person or persons was well into the third book.
Jean F. from Wilmington, MA
I liked it very much. There were a lot of characters which made it a bit hard to keep track of.
Rating: 4
Describe the book in three words: Thrilling, suspenseful, engaging
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I thought it was just as good as the first two books.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes, I thought it was a satisfying ending because the author wrapped everything up well and it was an unpredictable ending.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: I would describe THE TWENTY-THREE as the conclusion to the Promise Falls trilogy. It’s a thriller that moves right along with the author, doing a good job of blending the characters from the other two novels in the series. Once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down and I couldn't wait to start the next books in the series.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would recommend this series because all three novels were very good and suspenseful.
Kathleen C. from Springfield, OH
It was interesting with multiple interwoven plots and unexpected twists.
Rating: 3
Describe the book in three words: Complex, surprising, scary
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: I liked it because it recapped major plot points in the previous books, which was helpful because one forgets after a while. It also resolved all the mysteries in the first two books.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: Not really. [SPOILER] I would like to know the outcome of David shooting Brandon and his relationship with Sam. [END SPOILER] I really liked the Cal character and would like to see a book featuring him. Also, I’d like to know if Randall Finley is elected mayor.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: It is a look at terrorism in a small town. It shows that terrorism can come from unexpected sources and for obscure reasons.
Would you recommend?: Yes. These books are easy reads yet leaves the reader wanting to keep going to find out what happens next.
Patrick M. from York, ME
It was an exciting book with a storyline that never stopped.
Rating: 3
Describe the book in three words: Fast, non-stop, exciting
How did THE TWENTY-THREE compare to BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE?: The novel was very much in line with the other two books. They are basically all part of the same story. This story was easier to read because the characters are now familiar.
Did you feel this was a satisfying ending to the series?: The ending was not very satisfying as several stories were left hanging with no conclusion.
How would you describe this book to a friend?: This book concludes the story about the crazy events that happen in the town of Promise Falls. There are murders, poisonings, bombs and a host of other things happening all at once. The story never slows down from start to finish.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a fast-moving exciting story. There are so many different stories happening at the same time and thus, quite a read.
