Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Suicide House by Charlie Donlea Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
Published by Recorded Books on July 28, 2020
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Length: 10 hours, 24 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Inside the walls of Indiana's elite Westmont Preparatory High School, expectations run high and rules are strictly enforced. But in the woods beyond the manicured campus and playing fields sits an abandoned boarding house that is infamous among Westmont's students as a late-night hangout. Here, only one rule applies: don't let your candle go out--unless you want the Man in the Mirror to find you. . . .
One year ago, two students were killed there in a grisly slaughter. The case has since become the focus of a hit podcast, The Suicide House. Though a teacher was convicted of the murders, mysteries and questions remain. The most urgent among them is why so many students who survived that horrific night have returned to the boarding house--to kill themselves.
Rory, an expert in reconstructing cold cases, is working on The Suicide House podcast with Lane, recreating the night of the killings in order to find answers that have eluded the school, the town, and the police. But the more they learn about the troubled students, the chillingly stoic culprit, and a dangerous game gone tragically wrong, the more convinced they become that something sinister is still happening. Inside Westmont Prep, the game hasn't ended. It thrives on secrecy and silence. And for its players, there may be no way to win--or to survive. . .
I really enjoyed Some Choose Darkness so I was thrilled to hear there would be more with these characters. Lane and Rory are an interesting couple. Rory is a forensic reconstructionist who uses her unique personal style to connect to details in a case as no one else does. Lane, her partner, is a psychologist and profiler.
Rory is on leave after events from her previous case where she learned more about her history. Lane is asked to consult and create a profile for a true crime podcast featuring a series of murders / suicides. Lane wants Rory to go with him and luckily, she does. The Suicide House is just her kind of twisty case.
They really work well together. Rory picks up odd details which point Lane to research certain things and some people. I had no idea of the perpetrators in this complex set of crimes. We get some of the criminal’s point of view which tells us some of his history but other than being male we don’t know who he is. Plenty of people involved have various reasons to not talk.
The setup here is fun with a true crime blogger and podcast. It’s nice to see Lane and Rory get to travel and have sort of a vacation mode even if things get crazy with the case. There’s great suspense and many well-developed characters. This case was dangerous for anyone and everyone from the beginning.
Narration:
This narrator was on the previous book and I have enjoyed her in some other performances. I especially enjoyed her voice for Lane, but all the male and female voices seemed appropriate. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Charlie Donlea
Charlie Donlea is the USA TODAY and International bestselling author of SUMMIT LAKE, THE GIRL WHO WAS TAKEN and DON’T BELIEVE IT. His fourth novel, SOME CHOOSE DARKNESS is available now (5/28/19). He resides in Chicago with his wife and two young children.
He spends a part of each year fishing with his father in the far reaches of Canada, where the roads end and lakes are accessible only by floatplane. These majestic trips to “God’s Country” inspired the setting for Summit Lake. With so many choices of entertainment and countless other books to choose from, he thanks you for spending your time and treasure on his creation.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I’ve read a few rave reviews of this book, so I’m starting to think I should read it at some point!
I’d start with Some Choose Darkness to better understand Rory and because they are both great!
I just skimmed as I’ve got the audiobook coming up. So glad you’re still enjoying Donlea, who’s now moved to favorite status for me. Wonderful review, Anne?
Thank you! I loved it – hope you do too!
I could see myself loving this one Anne. Great review!
I think you would! I would definitely read Some Choose Darkness first, both because it sets up the world and Rory’s history but also it’s amazing.