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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Frank Turner Hollon's BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE.
Readers: Please note that the comments marked with an * next to our advance reader's name and their name in bold red contain spoilers. We suggest you skip those comments if you prefer to discover the story on your own.
Cristene from Red Boiling Springs, TN
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No, I have never previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon, but I definitely will after reading BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE!
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Some other suspense/thriller authors I read are Patricia Cornwell andStephen King, and I am currently reading one by Aphrodite Jones.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I really loved BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE. I just couldn't seem to put the book down! The things the character named Joel says in the book really make a person think. He is very deep. I also loved the surprising twist at the end, which was very unexpected. This book [will leave readers] on the edge of their seats.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
I would love to read another book by Frank Turner Hollon.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to preview this book. It truly was an honor.
* Debbie from Charlotte, NC
Have you previously read a book by Fran Turner Hollon?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Mary Higgins Clark, Elizabeth George, P.D. James, Anne Perry, Stuart Woods andDavid Baldacci.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I found this book to be very emotional. When I finished reading, I had to stop and just think.So much of what "Joel" said is true.Instead of a thriller/mystery, I would classify it as a psychological journey.Who is real --- Danny, Lisa, Dr. Andrews, Joel? Or are these names just different personalities of Joel? Is God real, and what determines the person --- nature or nurture?The real measure of a book is what you retain after reading --- do you think of passages and words long after reading?
I believe thatBLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCEis a thought-provoking book.If presented with the opportunity to play God, would we pull that trigger to end someone's suffering?I believe that in the United States, we are more humane to animals than to human beings.A beloved pet is put to sleep, but a parent in the throes of a long and suffering illness must suffer; if we seek kindness, we --- like Joel --- stand to be labeled as a murderer.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes. I think his writing is interesting.
Donna from Concord, MA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No, I never have.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
David Baldacci and Stephen King.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
It was one of the best books I have read in quite a long time!
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Absolutely.I look forward to his future work and I am planning to browse through his previous novels, as well.
Thank you Bookreporter.comfor giving me the opportunity to read this extraordinary novel.
Kevin from El Dorado Hills, CA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes, I have read several of Frank Turner Hollon's previous books.I would recommend any of them.My personal favorite is LIFE IS A STRANGE PLACE, which I found hilarious. His writing style is friendly, quick and colorful.His suspense thriller books, like BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE, can be deeper and interesting on several levels, but his style makes them flow.He finds ways to deliver the unexpected, even though he brings the reader right in to see and hear all the evidence.My favorite part about reading his books is that I don't even see the curve coming.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
John Grisham.Frank Turner Hollon's books vary in genre and each have a quality that the reader will really enjoy.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
It was a great, thought-provoking read.I recommend it.It brought me in to hear the privileged conversations between an accused murderer and the evaluating psychiatrist.It blends crime, right and wrong, possible mental illness, and manipulation in the story.The dialogue is well written and very interesting.The doctor is trained in understanding human behavior, diagnosing mental illness, and making recommendations concerning competency to stand trial.The intriguing part is the insight, observations, and possible manipulation by the patient.One does not really know who is controlling the conversation.The turns and the unexpected are what makes this book so interesting.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes and I recommend him to my friends.After reading several books, I know I can count on Hollon to write a unique story, whether it is suspense or humor.How many authors can do the same?Frank Turner Hollon's writing style is very easy to read, and he uses phrases that conjure up images that bring you into the story.Hollon is an attorney and uses his real-life experience, which makes the story more compelling.He brings details from within the criminal justice system and lays them on the pages.
Michael from Puyallup, WA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No. Another book this reminded me of was CAGE'S BEND and DIALOGUES.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Linda Fairstein andAnne Perry.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I thought it was well written, in a twisted family sort of way.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Maybe, but not right away. This subject matter takes me to a very sad place, so I have to do some light reading in between (a little Janet Evanovich, probably).
Michelle from Hudson, OH
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Sandra Brown, Jonathon King, Kathy Reichs andJohn Sandford.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I am enjoying it a lot.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes!I'd like to read the other two already out.
Nancy from Claremont, CA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes. I have read THE GOD FILE and THE POINT OF FRACTURE. Thank you for allowing me to read and review the fantastic new book, BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Greg Iles, Jonathan Kellerman, Robert Dugoni, P. J. Tracy, James Patterson, Robert B. Parker, Michael Crichton, Lisa Gardner, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Jeff Lindsay, Julie Garwood, Gillian Flynn, Douglas Preston andLincoln Child.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
From the first page, I was hooked!The dialogue between Joel and Dr. Andrews was extremely well written, and I found myself sympathizing with Joel even though he was accused of murdering his mentally ill brother, Danny.But, I kept waiting for something to happen. Then about 3/4's into the book, a tiny nugget of information was revealed that made my skin crawl. After that, I just could not put the book down.All kinds of scenarios played in my head about what was really going on.I never saw the ending coming. It completely surprised and shocked me.I just love a good twist ending, which is exactly what I got with BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE. Highly recommended!
Would you read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes, as soon as it is available.
Patricia from Lombard, IL
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I don't read suspense/thrillers, so this is my first, and I am impressed.The author, Frank Turner Hollon,conveys so much through the conversations of his characters. By the time I got near the book's end, I was so involved thatI heard myself gasp and say aloud, "Oh, my God."I was surprised and upset by what had happened in the story. Reading this style, in which the readeris like a fly on the wall listening in on a therapy-typesession, really works. The reader gets to know, sympathize, and empathize with both the therapist and the jailed man being interviewed. I found the ideas and observations about life that Hollon makes through the characters easy to relate to, even though some were disturbing. Irereadsentences and sections because they were packed withinsight.
Afterreading this excellent book, I want toget all his books in hopes that he takes me on another tripthrough a person's head and keeps me so interested. The guilt of the accusedwas unsure from the start and kept me wondering what had actually happened.The more the two conversed, the less clear it became where to place the blame. At the end when another character triedto explain, I got confused.Frank TurnerHollonkept me thinking aboutthe characters waypast the ending.
This is a dynamite book andshort in length.
Would you read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
I am looking forward to perusing more of Frank Turner Hollon's works. Thank you for this opportunity.
Ruby from Tulsa, OK
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dean Koontz, Jim Michael Hansen, andCody McFadyen.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
It was different in perspective from other novels I have read, and it hadan interesting twist at the end.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Probably.
Scott from Mansfield, OH
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Thank you for the copy of this latest book by Frank Turner Hollon.I had previously not read any books by this author.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Steve Berry, J. A. Konrath, Chris Mooney, David Morrell, James Siegel, Steven Sidor, Richard Montanari, and many others.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which I read from the first page to the last in one sitting.The prose and the plot, with its twists and turns, drew me into the story, keeping my interest and compelling me to turn the page.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
I would certainly read additional books from this author.
Sherry from Broken Arrow, OK
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No, this is my first time reading one of Frank Turner Hollon's books. I will be check out his others.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Carol Higgins Clark, Shirley Damsgaard, Lisa Unger, Brenna Todd, Elaine Veits, and many more.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I would give ita 5(1 through5, 5 being the best). I would[never have guessed] how BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE ended. It was a great ending.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Yes, I can't wait to read more of Frank Turner Hollon's books.
I would like to thank Bookreporter.com for giving me the opportunity to review BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE.
Wendy from Potomac, MD
Have you previously read a book by Hollon?
This is the first book I've read by Mr. Hollon.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I enjoy reading James Patterson, Brad Meltzer and Carl Hiaasen.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I thought BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE was terrific.I could not put the book down and it was one of those books that remained with me long after I finished it.Because it was not a cut-and-dry finish, it left me pondering the possible conclusions and kept me thinking and thinking.As a member of a book club, I can guarantee that I will be recommending it as a selection because the discussion could be never-ending.
Mr. Hollon's depiction of Joel was done so sensitively and with such depth.I just couldn't put it down.
Would you read another book by Hollon?
Not only would I read another book by Mr. Hollon, I plan on going back and reading all his previous books.
Thank you for selecting me to receive the advance copy of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE. Mr. Hollon now has a new and excited fan!
Matt from Opelika, AL
Have you previously read a book by Hollon?
No. Thanks for the opportunity to review BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I currently read Tony Hillerman, John Grisham, Nevada Barr, Stephen Hunter, Greg Iles and Julia Spencer-Fleming on a regular basis, and dozens of others on occasion.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I can't think of anything I have read that I can compare it to. Maybe some Faulkner? I finished the booktwo days ago and I am still thinking about it. Did I like it? I am not sure. I am also not sure it fits the suspense/thriller category. A psychological study? Fantasy? Whatever it is, it held my interest throughout. I am not sure I like a mystery with no positive answer. There are also a couple of inconsistencies that left me puzzled, but to list them here would give away some of the plot.
Would you read another book by Hollon?
Absolutely! I will probably start with his first novel. I can't believe I haven't already heard of this Alabama author.
Carolyn from Palo Alto, CA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No, I've not read anything by Frank Turner Hollon.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read oodles of suspense/thrillers.Great brain candy.My current favorites are by the author Greg Iles.Other authors I follow include Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly, Denise Mina, Jonathan Nasaw and Lee Child.I look for good character development, court/police procedure, plot twists and research that makes these books credible.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I like the premise --- learning about the crime/event and characters through a psychological interview.I'm finding Hollon's development of the main character, Joel Stabler, disappointing. The dialogue is uneven --- he comes across as a "hick" in some passages, but as an intelligent man with penetrating observations and questions in others. This may be deliberate on Hollon's part, but I find it distracting --- it makes me reread some passages to make sure I'm not misunderstanding the character.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
I'm hesitant about reading another book by Hollon. To clumsily paraphrase one of my favorite quotes --- there are too many books and too little time to spend on unsatisfying reads.However, it's generally not fair to judge an author by only one book.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this book.
Madeline from Sarasota, FL
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
P.J. Tracy, Carol Goodman, Minette Walters, Stephen King, Harlan Coben and Brad Meltzer, to name a few.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
Overall, it was an okay read.The concept of condensing such a "large" story into dialogue between doctor and patient (plus a few other scenes)was intriguing, but it didn't come across as taut and suspensefulas I imagined it would.It was a little slow in parts.
I liked the character of the doctor, and the plot twistheputs into play had me nodding and grinning. However, the novel's ending, in my opinion, left something to be desired.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
Maybe.
Betsy from Fairfax, VA
Have you previously read a book by Frank Turner Hollon?
No, I hadn't been aware of Hollon as an author.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I tend not to read suspense/thriller authors. The closest would be international spy/terrorism "thrillers" by authors such as Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth, David Baldacci and Daniel Silva.
What did you think of BLOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCE?
I was intrigued by the interview nature of the entire book, and the personal narrative. I was less certain that I liked the oblique and sometimes more obvious theological references.
Would you ever read a future book by Frank Turner Hollon?
It's possible, depending on the subject matter.
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