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A review by elvang
All Fall Down by Tom Bale
3.0
This novel begins innocently enough. A family is relaxing in their backyard, enjoying a barbequed meal together when they hear someone banging on their back gate. A man, beaten and near death falls into their yard setting off events which will impact everyone present and not in a good way.
The family in question appear to have many secrets. Rob has had troubles with his business partners leading to near bankruptcy and the need to secure some less than savory sources of capital to stay afloat. Wendy is dealing with her failing relationship with Rob and her challenging youngest daughter's rebellious nature. One son is off at college reluctant to spend any time with the family much less return text messages or phone calls. And now the police are asking questions and trying to understand why this total stranger would choose their yard to stagger into and die.
Suspense begins to build. Odd things are happening in their home like windows left open and things going missing. Some members of the Turner family think they may have someone watching them. Good thing they are all heading off to spend a week at their holiday home so they can leave this random event behind for a few days. Or can they?
I enjoyed this psychological thriller but it didn’t blow my mind or socks off. We learn some background about each family member and those who may be stalking them but not enough to care, especially Rob who comes across as weaker than his three kids when faced with adversity. When the book reaches its climax, the events are not as dramatic as I would have expected based on the buildup. Too neat and too convenient. Maybe I have a sadistic streak but I assumed some dues would be paid for past transgressions by the main players.
ARC received from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.
The family in question appear to have many secrets. Rob has had troubles with his business partners leading to near bankruptcy and the need to secure some less than savory sources of capital to stay afloat. Wendy is dealing with her failing relationship with Rob and her challenging youngest daughter's rebellious nature. One son is off at college reluctant to spend any time with the family much less return text messages or phone calls. And now the police are asking questions and trying to understand why this total stranger would choose their yard to stagger into and die.
Suspense begins to build. Odd things are happening in their home like windows left open and things going missing. Some members of the Turner family think they may have someone watching them. Good thing they are all heading off to spend a week at their holiday home so they can leave this random event behind for a few days. Or can they?
I enjoyed this psychological thriller but it didn’t blow my mind or socks off. We learn some background about each family member and those who may be stalking them but not enough to care, especially Rob who comes across as weaker than his three kids when faced with adversity. When the book reaches its climax, the events are not as dramatic as I would have expected based on the buildup. Too neat and too convenient. Maybe I have a sadistic streak but I assumed some dues would be paid for past transgressions by the main players.
ARC received from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.