Official Review: You Say Goodbye by Keith Steinbaum

[Prisallen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "You Say Goodbye" by Keith Steinbaum.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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You Say Goodbye is a novel written by Keith Steinbaum about a musician by the name of Sean Hightower, whose musical career has been going nowhere. The only thing he had to look forward to was time with his girlfriend. After a temper tantrum at one of his gigs one night, Sean went to her apartment and found her dead. There were two signs on her headboard, one saying hello and the other saying goodbye. She had been raped and murdered by a serial killer, who has been called “The Beatles' Song Murderer”. This is because he leaves messages from Beatles' songs at his murder scenes.

Now, Sean has just found out that he probably has cancer. Thinking he has nothing to live for, he plans his suicide. Unexpectedly, he has a chance meeting with a little girl with cancer, Kayleigh, who lives next door. She has such an indomitable spirit and is struggling so hard to survive that he forgets about plans for suicide.

A police officer from the LAPD calls and asks for his help in finding the serial killer. The officer believes the murderer is someone that Sean and his girlfriend knew. Because he is getting close to putting the pieces of the puzzle together, his own life will become endangered.

Keith Steinbaum, the author, is very good at drawing the reader in and holding his attention until the story is over. You think you have figured out who the murderer is until the next clue throws suspicion at someone else. He gives you one twist after another until the surprise, intense ending occurs. The dialogue between characters is believable and written in everyday language. Occasionally, there is some vulgar language mixed in.

I love the character development in Sean and Kayleigh, and they are my favorite part of the book. Sean is someone who thinks mainly about himself at the beginning of this novel, but he evolves into someone who cares about and goes out of his way to protect and bring happiness to someone else. We get to know Kayleigh as well, and we grow to love her and want what’s best for her. Their interactions are a big part of this story. They are both very likable and relatable. The other minor characters, who are mostly the suspects, are developed as well. We get to learn more and more about them as time goes on, although I didn’t really feel the close attachment that I did with Sean and Kayleigh. Also, the descriptions of the characters were skillfully done.

I really didn’t find much to not like about this story, but, if I had to choose something, it would be the five errors that I found. These are simple things that would be easy to fix, such as a lot trouble instead of a lot of trouble and That’s is why instead of That is why.

Because I thoroughly enjoyed this book and there were very few flaws, I gladly give it 4 out of 4 stars. I think it would be appreciated by readers who like crime dramas and suspense. The occasional vulgar language and the rape at the beginning might make some readers want to avoid it. I don’t think it is suitable for children.

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You Say Goodbye
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Like Prisallen's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Dentarthurdent]

Oof! Sean's life hurts so much, I feel it from here. It's terrible enough to lose a loved one in such a horrific manner, but to also find out you could be dying too...
The book sounds great, and Kayleigh seems so lovable. Great review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

That's terrifying, a serial killer that leaves notes taken from Beatles songs? It sounds like Sean has been hit with some terrible luck, but I am glad the story turns around. Sean and Kayleigh's friendship sounds heart-warming! Wonderful review!

[kandscreeley]

Wow! That's a lot for one book. I'm glad the author does it well. The moment I read the "Hello Goodbye" it reminded me of the Beatle's song. Glad to see I'm not going crazy. I guess I'll have to look at this one further. Thanks for a lovely review.

[Manang Muyang]

I'm an oddball, but it's the Beatles that got me at Hello Goodbye. The main character should've been named Jude and the policeman Sgt. Pepper. Oops, my age is showing! This mystery, I'm sure We Can Work It Out!

[kdstrack]

This is a clever title that will pique the interest of many who remember this song title. The summary makes this look like an intriguing mystery. I think that people will have these songs rolling around in their head while they try to solve the case! Thanks the the great recommendation.

[T_stone]

Sean finding his girlfriend dead with those inscriptions is very heartbreaking. Losing a loved one is sad. I hope he survived the cancer.

[Prisallen]

Oof! Sean's life hurts so much, I feel it from here. It's terrible enough to lose a loved one in such a horrific manner, but to also find out you could be dying too...
The book sounds great, and Kayleigh seems so lovable. Great review!

Yes, he had a tough time of it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

[Prisallen]

That's terrifying, a serial killer that leaves notes taken from Beatles songs? It sounds like Sean has been hit with some terrible luck, but I am glad the story turns around. Sean and Kayleigh's friendship sounds heart-warming! Wonderful review!

Thank you for your comments!

[Prisallen]

Wow! That's a lot for one book. I'm glad the author does it well. The moment I read the "Hello Goodbye" it reminded me of the Beatle's song. Glad to see I'm not going crazy. I guess I'll have to look at this one further. Thanks for a lovely review.

I think you would enjoy it. Thanks for the comments!

[Prisallen]

I'm an oddball, but it's the Beatles that got me at Hello Goodbye. The main character should've been named Jude and the policeman Sgt. Pepper. Oops, my age is showing! This mystery, I'm sure We Can Work It Out!

LOL. That's funny! Thanks for the comments!

[Prisallen]

This is a clever title that will pique the interest of many who remember this song title. The summary makes this look like an intriguing mystery. I think that people will have these songs rolling around in their head while they try to solve the case! Thanks the the great recommendation.

Thank you for commenting! I hope you enjoy it, if you read it!

[Prisallen]

Sean finding his girlfriend dead with those inscriptions is very heartbreaking. Losing a loved one is sad. I hope he survived the cancer.

It is, indeed. Thank you for stopping by and for commenting!

[Rachel Lea]

I love the amount of drama and character development that is woven throughout this story, even though it's technically a crime novel. The story has a very interesting premise. Thanks for your review!

[Prisallen]

I love the amount of drama and character development that is woven throughout this story, even though it's technically a crime novel. The story has a very interesting premise. Thanks for your review!

Thank you for stopping by and commenting!