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Readers' Comments for the Promise Falls Trilogy

In October, a select group of readers won copies of all three books in Linwood Barclay's Promise Falls trilogy: BROKEN PROMISEFAR FROM TRUE and THE TWENTY-THREETake a look at some of the readers' comments to give you more insight...and watch out for spoilers!

Sherrie E. from Bloomfield Hills, MI
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I was quickly drawn into the first of three, the story moves fast and is a thrill ride until the end. I loved it!
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: My favorite part [SPOILER] after the return of David Harwood is the introduction of Cal...and the thread continues. [END SPOILER]
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I loved 23 and the manner in which the events and story escalate to include all our "friends" from the past included in the take-down of the good and the bad. The nonstop action and the veritable twists and turns kept me turning pages and in my seat until the end!
 
Series Rating: 5
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Thriller, explosive, page-turner
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: It was very satisfying. I love when you think you've got and don't...I was engaged and loved the suspense.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: This is a story you can picture on screen as you read. It’s a thriller that keeps you engaged without overthinking. It’s a short-chapter vacation ride.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: For sure!
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Absolutely!
 
Anne M. from Charlotte, NC
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I had never read anything by this author, so I began reading this book with no formed opinions. BUT by the first page, I was definitely getting drawn into the story. There are no flowery passages or endless descriptions in this novel. It is an “in your face” book. I will never look at an empty ferris wheel the same way again. Every character in this thriller is multidimensional and every page leads you down an unknown passageway.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: I had high hopes for this book. Every one was fulfilled! I could not wait to read this book and I could not put it down, once I began it. Nothing is what it seems. And no one is exactly who you think they are. I know I will have to read more by this author. I read it on Halloween night, which was quite appropriate.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I want more books in this series. I felt I was left hanging and left looking for more answers. There were many plots and many twists in this thriller. I did enjoy the novel very much. It was both chilling and thrilling. There were unexpected side roads and dead ends.
 
Series Rating: 5
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Spine-tingling, exploding, scary
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: I wish these books explained a few more questions that I have. I hoped that another book in the series would pull all the loose strings together.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: I would describe this book to a friend as “books you have to read.” It was a really great thriller. It’s a trilogy that will take your breath away!
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Yes, I would recommend this series and I already have to many friends. This author leaves you begging to be scared to death again.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: This series left me with many questions so I would have liked another book to bring the loose ends together.
 
Eleanor J. from Sun City, AZ 
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: It was easy reading. I enjoyed it.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: It was a great continuation from BROKEN PROMISE.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: Wow! It was a good finale.
 
Series Rating: 5
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Exciting, captivating, surprising
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes! I figured out who was doing the 23 events. I was really surprised at who committed the murders.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: It is a must-read. You will be shocked at the ending. It’s excellent writing that keeps you wanting to know how it ends.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Yes. The series was a great mystery/thriller story.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Definitely!
 
Terri M. from Stockbridge, GA
I loved all three books.
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: In BROKEN PROMISE, I met all the characters I grew closest to...David, Marla and Duckworth. Their stories all intertwined and then there were the peripheral stories. [SPOILER] While I was able to figure out that Matthew was Marla's baby I was shocked that her mother killed herself at the end of the book. [END SPOILER]
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: When I began reading FAR FROM TRUE, I at first thought...okay this is a little bit different from BROKEN PROMISE. The storylines in that book were more intriguing than BROKEN PROMISE.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: From the moment I began THE TWENTY-THREE, I found myself thinking...oh no not her..not him. The people in Promise Falls had begun to mean something to me...even Finley. The ending was a total surprise. [SPOILER] I thought that I has it all figured out..and then no..it was not Vincent. [END SPOILER]
 
Series Rating: 5 (I couldn’t put the book down!)
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Suspenseful, engaging, powerful
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: I am hoping that the Promise Falls trilogy will expand to a series. It answered most questions, but there are so many stories to finish. What happened to Duckworth? Did he have a heart attack? Did someone come in time to find him handcuffed to the pedestal sink? What will happen to David? Will Finley become mayor? What will happen to Promise Falls if he does? 
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: I would first say that I found a new author that I love. The Promise Falls trilogy is about a town much like Peyton Place. There are murders, a sex club, possible terrorist attacks and a varied assortment of characters that are completely realistic. The ending is a surprise and it leaves you almost satisfied. But, when it is over you will agree that Promise Falls is a town that you will drive around to avoid even stopping at a red light...much less run out of gas in.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I have already passed on the books to my husband and I have recommended to several friends.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: I have added Linwood Barclay to my must read list.
 
Kelli C. W. from Leitchfield, KY
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: BROKEN PROMISE is an exciting and riveting thriller that seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines. It is one of those books that you hate to finish. Luckily, there are two more to go!
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: FAR FROM TRUE is a worthy continuation of the Promise Falls trilogy. There are likeable characters, witty dialogue and nonstop action leading to a cliff-hanger ending that leaves you eager for more.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: THE TWENTY-THREE continues with characters you have grown to love and hate to leave. The intersecting storylines and plot twists continue to please and surprise. It’s an enjoyable read!
 
Series Rating: 5
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Riveting, compelling, thrilling
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: There was a satisfying ending to the series with a believable conclusion that you did not see coming. 
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: The Promise Falls trilogy is an exciting and compelling thriller that combines witty dialogue, likable characters and nonstop action. Each book in the series leaves you eager for more.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I would recommend this series to a friend because each book in the series is as good as the last. 
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: I will definitely read more by Linwood Barclay.
 
Diana P. from Schulenburg, TX
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I totally enjoyed BROKEN PROMISE. It was very fast-paced and full of twists and turns.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: FAR FROM TRUE was a really good sequel to BROKEN PROMISE. Some of the pieces began to fall into place from the first book.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: THE TWENTY-THREE proved to be a good finale to the trilogy although the ending was rather abrupt.
 
Series Rating: 5
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Rollercoaster ride
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: No, I was not really satisfied with the ending. I felt like the book just stopped!
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: It is a wild ride with lots of twists and turns. A very addictive read!
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Definitely, I will recommend it to friends.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: I have already ordered another book by Linwood Barclay.
 
Susan B. from Altoona, PA
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: BROKEN PROMISE is the first Linwood Barclay book I’ve ever read so I didn’t know what to expect. I was sucked in from the very first page. Kidnapping, murder, family secrets --- everyone in Promise Falls seems to have an agenda or be a suspect. The book is narrated by ex-reporter “down on his luck” David Harwood who is constantly underfoot of detective Duckworth’s investigation. There were so many unexpected twists and turns. I’m hooked! 
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: The second book starts with a bang, adding the idea of terrorism to the serial killer plot, while exposing dirty secrets about some of the town’s more prominent citizens. There were several big moments I didn’t see coming. It really moved along and set up book three perfectly.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: The third book was amazingly even better than the first two. Everything was happening so fast. It was impossible to put down --- I read it in only three days. I really love Barclay’s writing style where each chapter ends with a surprise. [SPOILER] People are dying all over town and one by one everyone Duckwork suspected is eliminated making him re-evaluate everything and everyone he knows. [END SPOILER]
 
Series Rating: 4.5 [SPOILER] (would have been a 5 if not for the situation with David Harwood at the end. It seemed out of character for him.) [END SPOILER]
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Fast-paced, unpredictable, entertaining
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes and no. [SPOILER] I was satisfied that the bad guys were caught and I loved the huge reveal at the very end. However, I thought the ending with Duckworth was open to interpretation. Did he live or die of a heart attack on that bathroom floor after cracking the case of his career? I’d like to think he lived, but he seemed at peace with whatever fate was coming. I definitely would welcome a fourth book, although I’m not sure there are enough people left alive in that town to base it on! [END SPOILER]
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: This series is a suspenseful murder mystery in small town America where an unsolved act of violence creates a tsunami affect for hundreds of people. It’s a roller coaster ride and just when you think you’ve got it all figured out Barclay pulls the rug from under your feet. It’s fantastic --- just read it!
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Definitely! In fact, I already am lending them to a friend I share books with.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: OMG YES! All his past novels are going on my reading list as well as future ones. I cannot believe what I’ve been missing. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read them all back-to-back because I don’t think I could have waited months in between books!
 
Terri H. from Byron Center, MI
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I enjoyed the fast-paced suspense and twist and turns of this book. I also enjoyed being introduced to the many characters in the town of Promise Falls, including David Harwood and Barry Duckworth. The book sweeps you along and just when you think you know what’s coming, another plot twist hits you. Very strange things are happening in this small town and you are kept on the edge of your seat. 
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: I liked this book a little less than BROKEN PROMISE, but it was still a riveting novel. There were many characters to keep track of in this book, and a lot of crime. It was another fast-paced thriller with never a dull moment.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I loved THE TWENTY-THREE. It was my favorite of the trilogy. The book starts out with the town’s water supply poisoned and hundreds of people violently sick and dying. There is never a dull moment from start to finish. The author wraps up most of the loose ends very nicely. We finally have answers to all the crimes including the mysterious number 23 and who is the serial killer (very surprising)! So exciting and very well written!
 
Series Rating: 4
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Exciting, riveting, suspenseful
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: There was a very satisfying ending to the series. Most of the questions were answered from the previous two novels in a very exciting way. It was very fast-paced and kept you guessing to the very end. Some things were expected, but there were still a lot of twists along the way. I loved it!!
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: This is an exciting psychological thriller about the small town of Promise Falls, where a series of strange crimes and odd events have thrown the town into upheaval. Detective Barry Duckworth and PI Cal Weaver are working to figure out the murders and who poisoned the water supply and what is the significance of the number 23. There are many interesting characters along the way and asks the question: who can you trust? 
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Yes, indeed! I already have!
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Yes, I will.
 
Nina M. from Greenwood, IN
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: BROKEN PROMISE was a fast-paced murder/mystery. I appreciated Barclay's character development. Halfway through the book, it was obvious that it was being set up for a sequel. There was lots of plot twists and action. The storyline was easy to follow and intriguing. The main character, David Harwood, struggles to recover his personal life while being drawn into family secrets.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I found myself losing track of characters and having to backtrack to remind myself of characters and plot development. After I got into the book, I realized it could be read as a stand alone without benefit of BROKEN PROMISE.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I thoroughly enjoyed the final chapter of this trilogy. Lots of deaths and loss of trust between the main characters made it a fast-paced read. Barclay was masterful in tying up loose ends.
 
Series Rating: 4
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Intriguing, mysterious, secretive
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: The final chapter in this series did not disappoint. It was fast-paced, mysterious and brought all details into focus.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: This series is must-read. Generally, it was fast-paced with great characters and plot twists.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I would recommend this series to a friend. Many of my friends enjoy mysteries...this series would not disappoint!
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: This is my first time reading Barclay. I will definitely look for future reads.
 
Joanie H. from Springfield, MO
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I felt BROKEN PROMISE was a good read, but was long and seemed to have too many minor stories within the main story. However, it was still a book that kept me reading till the end.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: FAR FROM TRUE was easier to read than BROKEN PROMISE. I still feel like it was a little long, but it still kept me reading.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: THE TWENTY-THREE was good to read to wrap-up the trilogy. I liked that all my questions were answered and they were satisfying answers.
 
Series Rating: 4
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Long, but intriguing
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes. I feel the series ending was very satisfying as it put an answer to all the questions raised and wrapped up everything.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: The series had a slow start, but keep reading. You'll be hooked. Enjoy the read and don't try to think too much ahead.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I already have recommended this series as it is intriguing and that is what I look for when reading/recommending books or series.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Yes, most definitely.
 
Lorena K. from Lenexa, KS
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I liked BROKEN PROMISE. It drew me in and kept me interested.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: I enjoyed FAR FROM TRUE. I was anxious to find out what would happen next.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I liked THE TWENTY-THREE, but I was disappointed in the ending.
 
Series Rating: 4
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: A subtle thriller
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: No, I thought the ending left a lot to be desired. Sure, the two big events had a wrap up, but we were left hanging about any number of other stories.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: A small town falls on hard times, and a series of curious mishaps begin to happen to its occupants.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I would, but I would let them know the ending is a serious let down.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Yes, I think I've found a writer I'll follow.
 
Vicki H. from Brigham City, UT
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I thought this book was okay. It was good, but dragged on in places.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: This book was my least favorite of all three books. I just felt it was a bit far-fetched with the squirrels, etc. I had a hard time with this one. 
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: This was definitely my favorite of the three. The series really picked up in the last book. It made me glad I stuck with it. I really like the way he put the detective front and center, and did things from his view during certain chapters. 
 
Series Rating: 4.5 (mostly because the last book really exceeded my expectations)
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Stick with it
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: I loved the ending. It tied up all the loose ends except for [SPOILER] David (hope that's the right name) that shoots his girlfriend's ex [END SPOILER]. There was no more about that. I wish the author would have finished that up. However, there was more humor in the last book even if it was sarcastic humor. I really enjoyed it the most. 
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: It's a series about a sleepy little New York town that all of the sudden is hit with a major crime wave. It all goes back to a murder three years ago and escalates from there. However, other things happen along the way. It really can be mundane in parts, but the ending book is worth it all. 
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: Yes. I didn't think I would after reading the second book, but he did very well with the final book. I really just felt the middle book was boring, but he totally redeemed himself with the final book. [SPOILER] I still want to know what happened with the shooting of the ex. [END SPOILER] I think that left us hanging.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Yes. I did not think I would read anything by him again until the last book, but I think I would give him another shot now.
 
Mindy D. from Bethpage, NY
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I enjoyed the characters and the quirkiness, but I was disappointed that I kind of figured out much of the storyline midway through the book. That rarely happens when I read a suspense kind of book.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: I liked this one a bit better as there was a bit more suspense. However, I thought it left too much unresolved (since not everyone reads an entire trilogy). I still like the characters!
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: I thought it was the best of the three books, but I was disappointed that all loose ends were not tied up.
 
Series Rating: 3
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Quirky, quick-read, semi-suspenseful
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: [SPOILER] I was a bit disappointed with how the David Harwood character ended. I felt that there was definitely more that should have been tied up with him as he was a very key person. [END SPOILER]
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: It's a quick-read series. Most of the characters are easy to like. At times, I had to think hard about who a character was because there were so many. If you are looking for an easy read that is a bit suspenseful, give it a try.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I might recommend it, although I have a list of suspense/thriller authors who I love.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: Yes. I would definitely give him another go as each book did get better in the series.
 
Kara S. from Farmington, MI
I enjoyed all three books.
 
Series Rating: 3
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Quick, suspenseful, forgettable
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: Yes, my satisfaction with the ending is based on the fact that I didn't find it overly predictable at any point --- overall ending included.
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: I would describe this series as a quick and entertaining set of reads. I found the books to be suspenseful and the plot resolution unpredictable. Each book is a fast-paced, dialogue-rich page-turner.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I might recommend this to a friend as I enjoyed the series. However, as I indicated in my answer to above, I found these reads to be of comparable quality to any number of works. I think that good mystery/suspense reads are not hard to find.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: I would definitely consider reading Linwood Barclay again, but there are a lot of other good authors and books to choose from.
 
Irene M. from Toms River, NJ
What did you think of BROKEN PROMISE?: I thought that the first few chapters were unorganized as if the author hadn't decided on a plot. After those chapters, the action seemed to flow more freely. Unfortunately, I didn't find any of the characters likeable.
 
What did you think of FAR FROM TRUE?: The action was better than the first book in the trilogy, but I still couldn't find any characters I particularly liked.
 
What did you think of THE TWENTY-THREE?: The action continued, but everything seemed to be a bit contrived. Still, there were no characters that appealed to me.
 
Series Rating: 1
 
Describe the Promise Falls trilogy in three words: Dark, depressing, hopeless
 
Did you feel there was a satisfying ending to the series?: I did not feel that the ending was satisfying, although I should have expected it from the tenor of everything that preceded it. None of the characters seemed to learn anything from their mistakes. None of them had any hope of improving their life at the end. [SPOILER] The character who actually seemed to be somewhat positive made a fatal mistake at the end. [END SPOILER]
 
How would you describe this series to a friend?: It seemed as though the author simply created a series of horrendous events and then figured out how to string them together. He must have used people he disliked as the basis for his cast of characters.
 
Would you recommend this series to a friend?: I would not recommend this series to anyone who would prefer a positive outlook on life.
 
Will you read more by Linwood Barclay?: No. In fact, after reading the first disorganized chapter of the first book, the only reason I finished the series was because I felt obligated to do so.