THE ACCIDENT

Author: Linwood Barclay

Genre: Thriller, Standalone

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 3.25/5 (just okay +)

Format: eBook

Yearly Count:  80

From NetGalley:

In this mesmerizing thriller by acclaimed author Linwood Barclay, a typical American community descends into darkness, as an ordinary man is swept into one of the most violent mysteries of modern life.

It's the new normal at the Garber household in Connecticut: Glen, a contractor, has seen his business shaken by the housing crisis, and now his wife, Sheila, is taking a business coursJe at night to increase her chances of landing a good-paying job.But she should have been home by now.

Waiting for Sheila's return, with their eight-year-old daughter sleeping soundly, Glen soon finds his worst fears confirmed: Sheila and two others have been killed in a car accident. Adding to the tragedy, the police claim Sheila was responsible.

Glen knows it's impossible; he knew his wife and she would never do such a thing. When he investigates, Glen begins to uncover layers of lawlessness beneath the placid surface of their suburb, secret after dangerous secret behind the closed doors.

Propelled into a vortex of corruption and illegal activity, pursued by mysterious killers, and confronted by threats from neighbors he thought he knew, Glen must take his own desperate measures and go to terrifying new places in himself to avenge his wife and protect his child.

Bold and timely, with the shocking twists and startling insights that have become trademarks of this new master of domestic suspense, The Accident is a riveting triumph, a book that moves at a breathless pace to a climax no one will see coming.

I really like Barclay's ability to create suspense and a fast-paced plot.  He keeps the plot moving along and often keeps me wanting to read longer than I have time for.  This particular book did not waver from that, but it did ramp up the unbelievable factor, which instilled disappointment in me.  There were bodies dropping left and right and many connections that were just too coincidental.

The characters were affected by the implausible plot, so I didn't connect with them; however, I was eager to know the truth.  The plot's twists and turns are what kept me engaged, but they were close to reaching the brim of acceptability.  A little crazed read, but still fun to be back in Barclay's midst.






My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.