Official Review: A Life Before by Julien Ayotte

DisneyDoug2018 · Post by **DisneyDoug2018** » 24 Feb 2018, 10:52

A taut and engaging story. The author has absolutely written a winner. The reviewer’s review is more what happened rather than why the book was so entertaining. I rate the book 3 stars, on the principle that I never give out 4 stars. But this one comes awfully close.

ayoomisope · Post by **ayoomisope** » 24 Feb 2018, 10:55

Great review. I love your comparisons to other books (this makes more interested in the book). Also, I love how the story alternates between the past and present.

R-Myra · Post by **R-Myra** » 24 Feb 2018, 10:56

The pace in which A Life Before started was a little slow but it utterly gripped me when I continued reading. I would recommend it to all the C/T/M/H fans.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:02

Amazing mystery crime novel that I loved every minute of. I rated the book 3 out of 4 stars and found that the onlinebookclub.org review was one of her best that I have read in a while.

Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:16

I like the complexity and the suspense generated in the book. I think I can truly enjoy this book besides it is of my favourite genre. Thank you for your honesty!

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:22

This sounds like a great crime novel! I am glad the main cast of characters are well-developed and strong! Congrats on book of the day! Great review!

Bhagchandjain · Post by **Bhagchandjain** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:26

Like a movie I enjoyed a lot I can’t explain really I love this story how begins with loving place and how the case of dreadly esbestos gas created lung cancer and number of death cases searched the cause and cause of action accrued against builder and Insurance company
The characters are also very brilliant

ReaderTeacher · Post by **ReaderTeacher** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:36

The concept discussed in this review about jumping perspectives and time periods reminds me of the mysterious text, The Night Circus.

However, the narration told alternately between the past and the present may be confusing, or even frustrating, to other readers

In opposition to the idea that this can be confusing, I have often found that such a perspective simply adds to the puzzle and aids the reader in independently uncovering connections and clues. This is definitely an effective technique to use and I am intrigued by its use in a crime novel.

JuliaKay · Post by **JuliaKay** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:42

I enjoy reading books that switch back and forth between past and present, as long as the author makes it clear. I also think the conversial religion might be interesting to read about. I am sceptical about a great amount of topics that I read, but I don't think that is necessarily a drawback to a story. Sometimes it is enlightening, sometimes educational, and sometimes it simply makes a story interesting. It does seem like a book that would be worth reading. Thank you for a great review.

JuliaKay · Post by **JuliaKay** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:42

I enjoy reading books that switch back and forth between past and present, as long as the author makes it clear. I also think the conversial religion might be interesting to read about. I am sceptical about a great amount of topics that I read, but I don't think that is necessarily a drawback to a story. Sometimes it is enlightening, sometimes educational, and sometimes it simply makes a story interesting. It does seem like a book that would be worth reading. Thank you for a great review.

AbbyGNelson · Post by **AbbyGNelson** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:46

I've never really read a book like this before. It reminds me a bit of film noir where you know from the beginning that someone is going to die, but you don't know how or why just yet.

Samy Lax · Post by **Samy Lax** » 24 Feb 2018, 11:54

An intriguing and suspenseful book with 4 stars. I like the sound of that. Thank you for a wonderful review!

Faith Atieno okoth · Post by **Faith Atieno okoth** » 24 Feb 2018, 12:05

Wow combination of sadness and Joy, wonderful review

CatMomof7 · Post by **CatMomof7** » 24 Feb 2018, 12:10

Reading the sample and this review makes me want to add this book to my 'want to read' list. This is my genre of choice and I thoroughly enjoyed both the sample read and your review of the book. It is interesting and exciting to follow the characters through the story. Thanks so much for your wonderful job covering the book.

eamcnair · Post by **eamcnair** » 24 Feb 2018, 12:21

Based on the cover, I was not initially interested in this book. However, since I now know that there is some romance in the plot thanks to your review, I am more inclined to give the book a chance. Usually, thrillers and crime novels are not my thing.