Nine Lives by Peter Swanson

Meet Author Peter Swanson:

"Peter Swanson is the author of five novels, including The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger, and Her Every Fear, an NPR book of the year. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, The Atlantic Monthly, Measure, The Guardian, The Strand Magazine, and Yankee Magazine.

A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, he lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat." ~Amazon

“[A] smartly entertaining reimagining of Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None… Swanson cunningly plays with readers’ heads as we hope so-and-so gets it next.”— Washington Post

If you’re on the list, someone wants you dead.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Eight Perfect Murders comes the heart-pounding story of nine strangers who receive a cryptic list with their names on it—and then begin to die in highly unusual circumstances.

Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. Nothing else, just a list of names on a single sheet of paper. None of the nine people know or have ever met the others on the list. They dismiss it as junk mail, a fluke—until very, very bad things begin happening to people on the list.

First, a well-liked old man is drowned on a beach in the small town of Kennewick, Maine. Then, a father is shot in the back while running through his quiet neighborhood in suburban Massachusetts. A frightening pattern is emerging, but what do these nine people have in common? Their professions range from oncology nurse to aspiring actor, and they’re located all over the country. So why are they all on the list, and who sent it?

FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who is on the list herself, is determined to find out. Could there be some dark secret that binds them all together? Or is this the work of a murderous madman? As the mysterious sender stalks these nine strangers, they find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering who will be crossed off next… ~Amazon

Numeric Breakdown:
1: didn't like it/skip it

2: it was okay/it wasn't for me
3. liked it/worth a read
4. really liked it/loved it
5. it was amazing/must read!

This author doesn't play fair... ;)

First, I must state that I love when an author rotates between main characters. It sets them all up on equal footing, so to speak, and gives you a glimpse into several different lives. Sometimes, this can lead to a little bit of confusion, but for me, it adds intrigue and suspense and kicks things up a notch. Author Peter Swanson adds the drama and builds upon each of the nine lives he includes in his story. This is the highlight for me. I love learning about each character because it gives me more opportunity to love, hate, or feel indifferent to each in turn. 

So, this is my first Peter Swanson read. I have to say, I'm impressed. He kept me guessing the entire time, and although, I didn't feel as if anyone stood out as the "hero" or resolver of the murders that arose, I still felt satisfied in a sense with how the action and craziness spread itself out on the page. 

I admit, my well deserved impression of this book comes from the author's referrals to Agatha Christie and a main detective's enjoyment of her books. I have to say, as far as all the characters are concerned, Detective Sam Hamilton was my favorite. I loved the background shared on his character, his determination to find connections and figure out what the nine strangers had in common, and of course, because of his love and addiction to reading Agatha Christie. I learned some things  about her work I hadn't known previously. The fact that I could like a male character so much, to the point that he rose to being my favorite character, is a plus in the author's favor. 

Nine Lives pleasantly surprised me. To me, it didn't quite fit any pattern. I know it had the same shape as other books I've read, but even to that end, it still had its own flavor, tone, and ending which threw me for a loop. I did have an inkling of what might develop because of the parallels being made within the plot. However, it still felt surprising when the whole story played out. I was shocked by who died and why. It wasn't a reason I ever would have suspected, but again, there were those parallels, weren't there?

At this point, you're probably asking what parallels? How did you know? What did you figure out? 

Thank you for your questions. 

My answer: Read The Book. It's an intense and engaging read that keeps you hooked until the end. I appreciated the connections it made to one of my favorite mystery authors.

With that said, you know I rate the whole book on personal perspectives and opinions and engagement. While this book held a 5 on plot and mystery, it lost me a bit with some of the characters - who I couldn't connect to or enjoy, and frankly, didn't feel that sad when they died as well as some language and content. These just revolve around personal preferences and in no way diminish my interest in the story or in reading this author's other books. However, I have to be true to my original thoughts. 

Therefore, I recommend this book to mystery lovers and fans of the Christie. My rating reflects my reflection on the content as a 3/5 "liked it - worth a read!" I hope you'll give it a try and see if it fits your suspense standards. I'm always eager to hear other bibliophile's thoughts and perceptions. 

Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading! :)

~Rebecca Reddell, Author