Review by PrintedPages -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[PrintedPages]

[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The novel McDowell by William H. Coles revolves around an arrogant wealthy doctor, Hiram McDowell. While outwardly charming, he is cold and critical of those close to him. However, his power in the community keeps his charming facade in place, until he begins to lose control. After being accused of scientific misconduct, his carefully constructed life begins to fall apart. Between the lies, incriminating actions, and unfortunate mistakes of McDowell, the reader is kept in suspense as an observer to the doctor's great downfall.

This novel deserves a 4 out of 4. Mr. Coles writes seamlessly from one point of view to the next. Even though the point of view changes frequently (approximately after every couple of chapters), it does not distract the reader from enjoying the book. In fact, the different perspectives serve to highlight different views of the conflict. These contrasts are intriguing and give a unique insight to the reader at every angle.

Above all, I loved the descriptive detail that was present throughout the book. Throughout reading, I could almost see the events taking place. I also enjoyed how the novel starts out with action to draw in the reader’s interest from the beginning, I could not put it down! The story also advances at a timeframe that feels realistic. Characters change dynamically in ways that are as realistic as they are intriguing. At times, the book feels more like a memoir than a story. I have never felt this way about another book, which makes McDowell unique in this sense.

I would recommend McDowell to fans of suspense and drama. There is always tension to keep one’s interest. Natural high and low points of drama keep the reader interested, and enhance the more thrilling sections of the book. I would also recommend this novel for mature readers, since the serious tone as well as the vocabulary in the novel may be a challenge for some readers. Since some of the problems that McDowell faces are political, readers without much interest or basic knowledge of politics may not understand the novel at these points.

However, I believe everyone should give McDowell a chance. The message of the novel is very important, and is relevant to all audiences. Younger readers can still appreciate the theme of the novel and even pick up some new vocabulary words along the way. All readers can grow, in either mind or maturity, by reading McDowell.

******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

Like PrintedPages's review? Post a comment saying so!