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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Sandra Brown's HELLO, DARKNESS.
AustadJ@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
No, I have not read her books before, but I will certainly look for her others now.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Tami Hoag, John Sanford, Sue Grafton, Jack Higgins, as many murder mysteries as I can get ahold of.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I thought it was excellently written. Good character development, good suspense, good plot, good read.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Yes, definitely.
Thanks so much for sending me the book. I enjoyed it a great deal.
Bach2Lmp@netscape.net
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, I read FAT TUESDAY.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
This summer that's all I seemed to read. Alex Kava, Lisa Gardner
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
It was great! I kept wondering who Valentino was. Even when I thought I had a clue, Brown added another surprise. She kept me guessing. That's what makes a great read for me. At first the characters didn't seem to have any connections to one another, but as the novel progressed. Brown provided those connections. That just makes for a good read. I also kept thinking about how the title fit many of the characters. There were times when I didn't want to stop reading the novel, but if I didn't I would have gone to work feeling like a zombie.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Absolutely.
cama@pnx.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, I had read a couple of other books by her.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen White, Robert Crais.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I really enjoyed this novel. It was fast-paced and had some interesting sub-plots. I thought she placed several plausible red-herrings in the mix which kept me guessing until the end.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Yes, I would if the storyline grabbed me.
cam2006@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Since reading MIRROR IMAGE I have read and kept every book Sandra Brown has ever written. I have a complete collection under Sandra Brown, Laura Jordan, Rachel Ryan and Erin St. Claire.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Some of my favorites are Lisa Gardner, Linda Howard, Tami Hoag, Nora Roberts, Brenda Joyce, Joy Fielding, Lisa Jackson and Jodi Picoult.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
WOW.....A flat out page turner. I couldn't put it down. I think this is her best yet. It was so hard to keep myself from reading the last pages to find out who Valentino was? Until those last 20 pages I wasn't sure who the killer was. The ending was chilling. Sandra Brown's characterization and plotting are all right on target. Her ability to portray compelling characters who grapple with challenging issues is outstanding. Who was Valentino was gripping, but the second layer of the mystery, what was the history of Paris and Dean was also compelling. I loved how it was played out over the story instead of just handed to the reader in one flash back. Their history was dramatic and heartrending the emotions are almost tangible. It was intricate, seductive and a darned good read.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
She is an auto buy for me.
CYLCA@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
I have read all of Brown's books. I love them.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Carla Negger, Robb, Karen Robards, Tami Haig, Catherine Coulter, Elizabeth Lowell
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I think it is up there as a great read!!! I got the book yesterday and I have already read half of the novel. I will let you know what I think of the second half. It is extremely suspenseful. The main characters are people that you care about. The characters are interesting to read about. Whatever the formula, tell Ms. Brown to continue to write wonderful books just like this one. I buy about 6 books every two weeks. (Hardcover and softcover) and think there are few authors that entertain in this genre as Sandra Brown. I was crazy about her books when she was writing romance novels. I was telling all my friends to read her books way back then. I introduce a number of my favorite authors to my family and friends who are avid readers. Many of them purchase books all the time. They love her too.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Everyone I can get my hands on.
Dotcu@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, almost all of her books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
James Patterson, John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
Great, suspenseful to the end.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Yes.
dressagechic2000@yahoo.com
Sandra Brown has delivered a fast paced suspense novel with HELLO, DARKNESS. This is the first Brown book I've read, but rest assured it will not be my last. Paris Gibson is a night radio deejay. She hides from the world in the dark and behind her sunglasses. Dr. Dean Malloy has moved to Austin to start a new job. His teen age son, Gavin, has moved with him. Little do Paris and Dean know that their worlds are about to collide again because of the sadistic games of a man called Valentino. HELLO, DARKNESS is a spine chilling glimpse into the world of a predator and the access that predator has to his prey via the Internet. I've read James Patterson, Daniel Silva and Kay Hooper. Sandra Brown will be joining those authors on my keeper shelf.
elleng71@cox.net
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Stephen King, James Patterson, John Grisham, Dean Koontz, Mary Higgins Clark, Stuart Woods, Jeffery Deaver, I'm sure there have been more but the names escape me right now.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
Well, at first I didn't think I could get past the part where Valentino had bound and gagged Janey and was raping her, that really disturbed me, but I kept reading and just had to know what if anything Paris was hiding. It turned into one of those books I couldn't put down. I really liked the twist at the end.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Yes, definitely!
Thank you for sending me such an awesome book to read!! I will recommend it to all my reading friends when it is released next month.
Ery222@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
I have never read Sandra Brown before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
My usual authors are Martha Grimes, Elizabeth George and Steven King, to name a few.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I enjoyed the book, found it entertaining and suspenseful.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
I will definitely add Sandra Brown to my authors list.
hschinmann@hotmail.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
No, I had not read Sandra Brown before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I don't usually read suspense/thriller.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
It was very intriguing and suspenseful all the way through --- didn't know who did it until the last page.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
For sure --- excellent writing style. Only comment I had that I didn't like was the language and sexuality which I thought the story could have survived without.
ItsAggie@aol.com
Thank you for allowing me to participate in this review! This is totally new to me and I've enjoyed the opportunity. Below are my answers to your questions. Thanks again.
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, I've been reading her work for several years now
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Carol O'Connell, James Grippando, David Baldacci, Richard North Patterson, Steve Martini, Michael Crichton, Catherine Coulter, Tammy Hoag, Ridley Pearson, Perri O'Shaughnessy, John Grisham... who am I forgetting?
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I thought it was good. I had some issues with the proofreading in some places --- do all Advance Reader's Copies have that many typographical errors in them?
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Of course! I look forward to reading her work!
indigo_rhapsody@comcast.net
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
No. Sandra Brown is new to me. What a great find, indeed. I discovered her by accident while doing research for my own novel. I was searching for writing/editing tips and I discovered Bookreporter.com I was immediately drawn to Sandra. What a total honor to discover someone new --- and FANTASTIC!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I love Catherine Coulter, Stephen Frey, Dean Koontz, and many more. I must admit, though, my first love is a female writer of suspense.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
FABULOUS! I read it in record time. I usual read daily on my breaks and lunch, however, I was drawn to read it nightly as well --- thereby totally shucking all my housely duties! :)
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Yes. Definitely. I plan to read some of her previous novels.
InMyHeart01@aol.com
Have you eve read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, I've read Sandra Brown books before.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I like Jonathan Kellerman, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and James Lee Burke.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
It was good. A little predictable, but enjoyable
Would you read more by Sandra Brown?
Yes, I enjoy her book, so I'd definitely read more from her.
janrogoway@earthlink.net
Thank you so much for the book. I was very excited to hear that I had won a copy. I was so thrilled to receive it last Saturday...Started it at once, and, of course, finished it by Monday!!!! I couldn't put it down! This is typical Sandra Brown magic!
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
I have read ALL of her books! Discovered her years ago, and have "hunted down" her earlier books, and read them all. I always look to see when a new one is coming out. I've even got my husband hooked now!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I love Tess Gerritsen, Catherine Coulter, Kay Harper, Kat Martin, Kathy Reichs, Brenda Joyce...the list goes on and on! I also love Robin Cook, Michael Connelly, Michael Palmer. (I'm an insatiable reader.)
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
I thoroughly enjoyed HELLO, DARKNESS. I didn't want to put it down, and didn't want it to end. Sandra brings her characters to life, and reels you in so that you really care about what happens to them. This one kept me guessing far longer than usual as to who the real villain was. I could never pick a favorite Sandra Brown....they are all terrific.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
No doubt about that! As I said, I love her books and eagerly anticipate the arrival of her newest ones!
Thank you once again.
JEANISRAEL@aol.com
First, thank you for the copy of HELLO, DARKNESS. I was in between books when I received the copy and decided to read it immediately. I read and read for two hours past the usual time I retire and I finished it the next day.
It was an excellent suspense thriller. Characters were well developed and their emotions were believable. As I ended each chapter I knew I was being drawn into the next one smoothly.
I don't believe I have read Sandra Brown before but you have a faithful follower now.
Reading is a passion of mine and I read most of the authors on the library shelves. Clarks, Patterson, Iles, Clancy, Baldacci, Grisham, Hillerman, Woods, Paretsky, Peters and a host of others.
My sister, who does read Sandra Brown saw my copy and grabbed it to read over the weekend.
Thank you again.
mad4rombks2@earthlink.net
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Yes, she was one of the first romance authors I read years ago...her TEXAS! series is still a favorite as are most of her older books. :)
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Kay Hooper, Maggie Shayne, Katherine Sutcliffe, Karen Rose.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
It was pretty good...I have her last few books but haven't had a chance to read them yet but this one...the blurb immediately grabbed my attention.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Absolutely.
rhoannac@yahoo.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
Everything she has written. She is an auto-buy.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Linda Howard, Julie Garwood's newer books, Iris Johansen.
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
Sandra Brown once again proves her mega-star talent in HELLO, DARKNESS. Her writing, as usual, is a pleasure to the senses. Readers 'experience' a Sandra Brown novel. HELLO, DARKNESS captures the reader and doesn't let go.
Would you read more Sandra Brown titles?
Absolutely.
SBanton343@aol.com
Have you ever read Sandra Brown before?
I have read several of Sandra Brown's suspense or "crossover" books and though I shouldn't admit it I have even read a few of earlier romance books. My advance reader copy will be the 14th book of hers on my bookshelves. Of course, this isn't half of what she has written!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read just about anyone and everything, I have two shelves of books that I consider emergency reserves in case I can't make it to the library on a timely basis. I have been known to select cereal boxes due more to the outside rather than the contents….
What did you think of HELLO, DARKNESS?
This was a solid piece of beach reading. Voracious readers will know exactly what I mean, but for the rest of the world, I guess I need to explain this remark. This was a nice, comfortable, at times very engaging thriller. It is solidly written but it is not a novel I will rave and rant about to others. There is a select type of readership that this book will appeal to and luckily for Sandra Brown this is a target audience that will propel this book to the Best seller's lists.
It starts with a wonderful introduction to Paris Gibson, a late night DJ in Texas, who hosts a request show which emphasizes love and relationships. She has hidden herself away in the darkness, hiding from her past. One night she gets a call from a listener, Valentino, who claims he is holding a young woman hostage. He will kill her within 72 hours and lay the blame at Paris' feet. Paris is to blame because during her radio show she gave the young woman relationship advice, i.e., "dump" Valentino. Paris contacts the police and the game is afoot. One of the things I really enjoyed about this was the abundance of suspects and I only figured out who the bad guy was a few pages (or was it a chapter or two?) ahead of it being disclosed.
What I didn't like was the Internet sex, the behavior of the town's young people, the main victim's stereotypical story of being from a "good" family whose family is more concerned about their public appearance and the predictability of the teenager son going bad turning good. That being said, Sandra has some wonderful characters in HELLO, DARKNESS almost any of which could be "Valentino." Her method of unraveling the tale and her development of her characters and timely plot unraveling saved this novel from being a trite cliché ridden body of work. If I had to rate it on a scale of one to 10, I would give it a 5.
Would you like to read more Sandra Brown titles?
I will read Sandra Brown again.
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