OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fishermen's Court" by Andrew Wolfendon.]

Fishermen's Court is a suspenseful thriller written by Andrew Wolfendon. The story follows Finn Carroll, a 38-year-old artist of animated computer games, who resides in the home of his deceased parents and struggles with depression.

The plot wastes no time jumping into action; within the first few pages, Finn is attacked in his home and left for dead. He can't imagine why anyone would want to kill him, and Finn is further baffled when he discovers a suicide note left by the killers to frame his attempted murder. The note bears an uncanny resemblance to Finn's writing style; plus, it includes details involving a secret from his past. Convinced it is only a matter of time until the killers discover he is still alive, Finn seeks refuge in his former home, Musqasset Island. Perhaps his old friend, Miles, can shed some light on the situation. However, Finn begins to realize he may be trapped on the island with the same people who planned his demise. In addition to solving who and why someone wants him dead, Finn doubts which friends he can trust and at times, his own mental stability.

I must confess I selected this book based on its comparison to a Harlan Coben suspense. Coben has been one of my favorite authors long before his novels became Netflix series, so despite my slight skepticism of the book's blurb, I decided to take a chance and was quite glad I did. I can confirm that the comparison is accurate; the twists and turns of this fast-paced suspense kept me guessing from the opening pages until the very end. Additionally, the book is exceptionally edited.

I particularly liked the winning combination of the author's slightly sardonic writing style and his strong characterization of Finn. The story was told from the first-person narrative, and I was amused by Finn's flair for assigning outlandish nicknames to acquaintances and his ease of retorting with witty one-liners. I found myself simultaneously glued to the suspenseful portions of the plot while laughing at Finn's comedic antics. However, as the story unfolded, Finn's character revealed hidden depth, especially when it came to protecting his loved ones. The supporting characters were also well-developed, and there were a few of the "love-to-hate" variety.

I'm pleased to rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. The fast-paced thriller will appeal to fans of crime and suspense novels. Although there isn't anything about the book I dislike, the profanity bears noting. The author seems to favor a four-letter word that rhymes with "duck." In the overall context of the story, it reads as realistic conversation. However, I would not recommend the book to young readers or those who are offended by profanity.

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Fishermen's Court
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Excellent review! I rarely pick a thriller to read, but you got me interested in this one I also prefer books written in first person. Sounds like an engaging story with many twists and turns. Thank you!

Great Review! Now I have to read the book to find out what happens. Your review is as suspenseful as you make the book sound. I liked your "duck" warning.

Although there isn't anything about the book I dislike, the profanity bears noting. The author seems to favor a four-letter word that rhymes with "duck."

That's a very graceful way of putting it, though I must admit, it made me laugh out loud. It sounds like a very good, intense story. I'm not usually into such suspenseful novels, but I will pick them up on occasion. I'll keep this in mind for those times. Thanks!

Great review! This book looks very entertaining, and hopefully, that four-letter word doesn't detract from the book too much. I am curious to find out who is planning Finn's demise.

This book sounds really interesting! This is a really well-written review, and thanks for the heads up about profanity!

Ellylion wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 05:29 Excellent review! I rarely pick a thriller to read, but you got me interested in this one I also prefer books written in first person. Sounds like an engaging story with many twists and turns. Thank you!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

diana lowery wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 06:05 Great Review! Now I have to read the book to find out what happens. Your review is as suspenseful as you make the book sound. I liked your "duck" warning.

Thank you, Diana.

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 09:04 Great review! This book looks very entertaining, and hopefully, that four-letter word doesn't detract from the book too much. I am curious to find out who is planning Finn's demise.

Thanks for your comment, Stephanie.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 07:48

Although there isn't anything about the book I dislike, the profanity bears noting. The author seems to favor a four-letter word that rhymes with "duck."

That's a very graceful way of putting it, though I must admit, it made me laugh out loud. It sounds like a very good, intense story. I'm not usually into such suspenseful novels, but I will pick them up on occasion. I'll keep this in mind for those times. Thanks!

Thank you.

reneelu1998 wrote: ↑24 Apr 2019, 10:47 This book sounds really interesting! This is a really well-written review, and thanks for the heads up about profanity!

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

Great review! But the plot didn't really grab me, so I think I'll pass.

I'm not too good with suspense thrillers, so I'm passing on this, but it does remind me of a Stephen King story, weirdly. I think it was Storm of the Century. It's the tone that does it, not so much the content.

Wow, this book is very fascinating. I am already pitying Finn just from reading the review. Thanks for this. You've written the review so well. I will most certainly enjoy reading this book.

This sounds like a good one. I am so old school and back in my day, language was kept to a minimum or at least it was used to a purpose. Now, it’s in all things all the time. I still haven’t gotten used to it and probably never will. I just read and try to ignore. Loved this review. I’m off to read some of its sample pages.