Readers' Comments for BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE
In February, a select group of readers won copies of both BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE, the first two books in the Promise Falls trilogy by Linwood Barclay. Take a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight...and watch out for spoilers!
Rosa H. from Pine Bush, NY
I thought BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE were very good. They both kept me interested throughout the story. I was afraid I was going to lose interest during the second one; which is what normally happens when I read a new series, but I was pleasantly surprised.
BROKEN PROMISE hooked me in from the opening sentence! It was so much fun trying to figure out the story. I was worried that there were too many characters and no way to tie it all together, but I worried needlessly; the payoff was awesome!
FAR FROM TRUE continued the story seamlessly. It is good enough to be a stand-alone book. The way it is written, you can jump in and not be lost. This story was top notch. There is nothing I like better than a book that keeps me guessing until the end!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Thrilling, fast-paced, page-turner
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 4
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Twisty, exciting, engrossing
How would you describe these books to a friend?: It's an excellent whodunit series that will keep you up all night. You are not going to want to put them down. Once you are done, you'll want to read them again to try and pick up the clues you missed the first time.
Would you recommend?: I already have. It's too much fun to keep it to myself! I absolutely love it when "I didn't see it coming.”
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Absolutely! I've already marked my calendar with the release date advertised in the final pages of FAR FROM TRUE.
Linda M. from Lititz, PA
I loved them!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Eventful, suspenseful, fast-paced
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Eventful, suspenseful, fast-paced
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Suspenseful, mysterious, crime-filled
How would you describe these books to a friend?: Hold on to your seat for a very fast-paced roller coaster ride through these two books. They both grab you from the first chapter and keep your interest all the way through. The author has very well-developed plots, subplots and so many other characters and crimes occurring, I would need to keep reading way into the wee hours of the morning. I can't wait for the final book.
Would you recommend?: I already have! They are the best two crime/mystery books I have read in a while.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes. I can’t wait!
Anne C. from Reading, MA
I thought both books were so well written. They held my interest, were very quick moving and real page-turners. I hated for them to end, as some issues were not resolved. I understand that his third book in the series may bring conclusions. I can hardly wait!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Thrilling, exciting, full of suspense
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Troubles abound, many characters, the number 23
How would you describe these books to a friend?: I was not able to put BROKEN PROMISE down, once I had started reading it. I am so happy to have been introduced to Linwood Barclay. He will certainly be one of my favorite authors.
Would you recommend?: I have recommended these books to my book group. I suggested we start off with this series for our get together in the fall. My group loves fast-moving, great writing, twists and turns type of books..and this series does it all! Also, I have suggested these books to many of my friends.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: I would be very interested in reading the third book in the trilogy. I need to have closure to the many incidents brought up in the first two books.
Kathie M. from Lake Peekskill, NY
I thought they were both suspenseful, page-turning reads.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Twists and turns
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 4
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Gripping, page-turner
How would you describe these books to a friend?: This is a series of whodunit that you can't figure out “who-done-what.” Each book has wrapped up a problem, while still leaving you with a total cliffhanger.
Would you recommend?: I have already recommended the series to my friends.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Absolutely! 23 times yes!!
Kimberly M. from Runnemede, NJ
I loved both books. There was a lot going on, but it wasn't overwhelming. I couldn't put them down because I wanted to see what was going to happen next. I loved the characters even though some of them are jerks. They kept my attention. They were good.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Fast-paced, suspenseful, intense
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Suspenseful, intriguing, complex
How would you describe these books to a friend?: These books are about a small town that has very interesting characters and an unsolved mystery from the past when a lot of new mysteries start happening. Through the series, the past and the present are tied together with what I am hoping is a great ending. They were easy reads that made it very hard for me to put them down.
Would you recommend?: I already have!
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes. I preordered it for my Kindle.
Stephanie P. from Matthews, NC
I enjoyed both novels. They were very suspenseful and full of many twists and turns.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Emotional, packed thrills
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Emotional, packed thrills
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Another excellent sequel
How would you describe these books to a friend?: These novels are full of emotion, mystery and developed characters.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend both novels to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: I would love to read the final novel in this series. I plan to read THE TWENTY-THREE once it is available.
Kimberly N. from Oregon, MO
BROKEN PROMISE was awesome...more than I expected it to be. FAR FROM TRUE was an interesting book that kept me glued.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Fascinating, thrilling, awesome
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Intriguing, action-packed, a gripping thriller
How would you describe these books to a friend?: This is a very interesting and intriguing series that will keep you fascinated. Iit will be hard to put the books down once you start reading them. They are an awesome, action-packed thrill.
Would you recommend?: Yes.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes.
Jean F. from Wilmington, MA
I thoroughly enjoyed both books.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Suspense, page-turner, unpredictable
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Thrilling, engaging, action
How would you describe these books to a friend?: These hard-to-put-down thrillers are set in a small town with secrets that are eventually exposed. They are action-packed, page-turners with twists and turns that keep the reader wondering what will happen next.
Would you recommend?: Yes.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes.
Shirley C. from Germantown, TN
I liked BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE. BROKEN PROMISE, in my opinion, had too many characters involved in the stories. There were too many plots and subplots all going in different directions. I liked the story line, but I thought it took too many people to tell it. I liked the sarcasm that was dotted throughout the story. Some of it really amused me.
FAR FROM TRUE did a good job of catching us up on what had happened in BROKEN PROMISE. Even if you hadn't read BROKEN PROMISE, it was still easy to follow along. However, I think there were too many people involved, but I liked the book. I liked all of the twists and turns.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Intense, interesting, surprising
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 4
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Exciting, suspenseful, surprising
How would you describe these books to a friend?: These are well written, with spots of humor, sadness and mystery. You will want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. There are a lot of characters, but once you get them straight in your head, it's easier to follow along.
Would you recommend?: I already told my sister about the books and will pass them along to her to read.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes, I HAVE to read the final book and find out how it ends, and what number 23 is all about and who is behind it. I like that there is no clear answer to that question yet.
Beverly S. from Chesterton, IN
I enjoyed both books and look forward to the third book!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Fast- paced, captivating, suspenseful
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Thrilling, entertaining, chilling
How would you describe these books to a friend?: BROKEN PROMISE is set in a small town full of many interesting people. Be prepared for a thrilling story as the characters are intertwined. some are living and some are already dead.
FAR FROM TRUE is the second book in the series and continues to provide neW surprises, some are good and some are shocking. Everyone has a secret to share, as the police force uncovers one crime after another.
Would you recommend?: Yes and I already did.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: I can't wait to read the third book and see how everything comes together. Thank you for sharing these two books with me.
Vivian T. from Charleston, WV
Although I was looking forward to reading these books, they really didn't engage me much as a reader.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 3
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Suspenseful, intriguing, strange
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 3
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Thrilling, bizarre, interesting
How would you describe these books to a friend?: Big city problems and intrigue in a small town arena. Everyone may know your name, but not your secrets and you want to keep it that way.
Would you recommend?: Maybe, if I think that this is the type of series they might find interesting (especially since I know some books that don't work for me are just the ticket for them).
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Not really, but thank you for the offer.
Debbi W. from Andover, KS
I enjoyed both books very much. Although, I wouldn't want to live in Promise Falls!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Great characters, suspenseful
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 4
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: A cliffhanger --- Aaaack!
How would you describe these books to a friend?: BROKEN PROMISE and FAR FROM TRUE are highly suspenseful novels about a town hiding a lot of secrets. It's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys at times. Promise Falls seems like a lovely town, until one digs a little deeper.
Would you recommend?: Yes I would recommend both books. The books were well-written and interesting.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes, I want to read the final book!
Jean K. from Davenport, IA
I thought the books were very well written and very intriguing. As much as I love series, I like a book to end with the story so I’m not left with a cliffhanger. In case I can't read the next book, at least I have the answer to something. I felt the ending of FAR FROM TRUE was not good.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4.5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Enjoyable and exciting book
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 4
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Very gripping, but confusing
Would you recommend?: Yes, if I had all three and could give them all at once. Or, explain that you have to commit to all three.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Oh, I have to read the final one.
Mary R. from Charlotte, NC
BROKEN PROMISE held my interest because both the storyline and many of the characters had depth. One example of a good plot was that there were many things left unresolved: what the heck caused the drive-in theatre to come down "with a crash?” Why were people screaming? What is Marla's disability? And for goodness sake, what is the significance of 23? I found the characters engaging, especially David. For me, he was clearly the protagonist, the good guy around whom the other characters seemed to revolve. Some figures were obviously meant to be mysterious, such as Marla and (for me at least) Agnes. I knew something was going to center around this overprotective mother. It took me too long to guess the role the Gaynors played in the story. However, there were some weaknesses in the plot. It felt as if the author was trying too hard for an interesting story and as a result, crammed too much into it.
I was eager to read FAR FROM TRUE because of the unresolved storylines from the previous novel. In fact, I delved into it as soon as I finished BROKEN PROMISE. I liked Chapter One and the one-line "THEY ain't seen nothin' yet." BROKEN PROMISE set the mood nicely. There was no doubt that trouble was impending. I wondered if Cal, Dwayne and Celeste were going to be major characters in the beginning. Or, were their stories going to be mostly filler in this lengthy (400 plus pages) novel? There are so many characters, at times I had to think twice about who was whom. One person who was always easy to characterize, though, was almost-candidate for mayor Randall Finley. While a number of other people were less than desirable residents of Promise Falls, Finley stands out as a sleazy individual.
The plotting is complex, but some plot devices have appeared in many prior novels. Many characters from the first novel appear in the second, although the significance of their roles have changed. The book is interspersed with romances and the misadventures of a local college Chief of Police. The result is an interesting, sometimes exciting, mystery novel. I liked it, but didn't love it. And, we still don't know what the significance of the number 23.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 3
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Lucid, perplexing, unfinished
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 3
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Complex, captivating, intriguing
How would you describe these books to a friend?: I recommend you read these books because while there are characters that appear in both books, they don't have the same prominence in each. You get a better perspective on the people who you read about in both. The stories are interesting, and there are surprises in each book. These books are mysteries with different important elements.
Would you recommend?: Yes, I would. I love mystery series and have friends who do also.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes! I want to find out how the series ends, the significance of 23, and what was meant by "They ain't seen nothin' yet."
Donna P. from Macomb, MI
I loved them both.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Introduction wonderful series
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: More Promise Falls
How would you describe these books to a friend?: Suspenseful view of a small decaying town and its residents. I loved the realistic mystery and life-like characters. Both books were a breath of fresh air. They were well-written and intriguing.
Would you recommend?: YES! I am a long time mystery/suspense lover. I am very picky with my choices. For me to recommend a book means a lot.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: YES! I can’t wait to read more.
Patrick M. from York, ME
Both books were very, very good reads. There were so many twists and turns that kept the stories going to the end in each book
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 4
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Fast, clever, surprising
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 3
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Crazy, thrilling, devious
How would you describe these books to a friend?: These two books offer a thrilling story with many interlocking stories and great characters. The action starts at the beginning and never lets up. The people of the story are extremely well drawn.
Would you recommend?: Yes I would. Both books are wonderful stories which never let up from start to end.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: I will definitely read the third book.
Amy B. from Cairo, GA
I loved them both. This was my first time reading Linwood Barclay. I loved his style and vernacular. The sassy expressions, I enjoyed it so much. I have a few writer friends, who are trying to write their first book so I passed his books on to them to study his style. The stories were changing, twisting, intriguing from the first page.
BROKEN PROMISE: I made the mistake starting it the night I received it in the mail, and stayed up till 3 a.m.! I finished it the next night. I'm now hooked on Promise Falls!
FAR FROM TRUE: I was almost done with it then I had to leave abruptly. Again, I could not put this book down. I LOVE Mr. Barclay's writing. I burst out laughing at so many of his comments. Both books were fun reads! I love his style of writing.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5+
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Read (in) one day!
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5+
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Can't put down!
How would you describe these books to a friend?: I loved these books from the very first sentence. It catches you immediately, the storyline keeps you on the edge of your seat. If I read it and loved it, you will too! Those that know me know I recommend good books!
Would you recommend?: Yes, I have told many! Why? Because he's a fantastic writer, storyteller. The intrigue and mere fact you cannot figure out 'who did it' is what I look for, even my friends want this in a writer and Linwood Barclay is excellent on all accounts!
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Oh, most definitely. I will not rest till it's read then I'm sure I'll start all over with BROKEN PROMISE again, that's just me! You learn something different each time you go back and start a series again!
Belinda J. from Fort Valley, GA
I enjoyed them very much. This was my first time reading the writing of Linwood Barclay and he gives the mystery and suspense lovers a great read and leaves us wanting more.
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Murder, mystery, thriller
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Explosive suspense thriller
How would you describe these books to a friend?: They both were well-crafted books that give you great plots, mystery, intrigue, action and leaves you wanting more. It makes it even better that it is a trilogy.
Would you recommend?: Yes, awesome mysteries to enjoy.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes I would love having to opportunity to read the final trilogy in Promise Falls.
Lisa Q. from York, SC
I loved them!
BROKEN PROMISE Rating: 5
Describe BROKEN PROMISE in three words: Suspenseful, exciting, nail-biting
FAR FROM TRUE Rating: 5
Describe FAR FROM TRUE in three words: Thrilling, electrifying, exciting
How would you describe these books to a friend?: I would tell them that they are good mysteries and great reads and were not boring at all.
Would you recommend?: Yes I would, because they are great reads.
Would you read the final book of the Promise Falls trilogy?: Yes. I sure would!
