Making Connections discussion

October's BOTM - Theme - General

Discuss as you read, but please use SPOILERS for those of us who haven't gotten as far as you!!! (Check out the 'some html is ok' box above the post box for spoiler tags.)


Happy reading and discuss away!

Too Dark to Sleep by Dianne Gallagher

Time to wake up…

Maggie Quinn was the top homicide detective in Chicago's Area One before she suffered a devastating loss. Now Quinn is damaged… perhaps beyond repair. Once the best detective in Chicago, she is haunted by dreams of a faceless man she could never catch. When the killer returns, Quinn agrees to serve as a consultant, but most cops in Area One tag her as a hazard. Except rookie detective Nick Dublowski who quickly realizes the only way the Chicago Police will catch this elusive killer is with the help of Maggie Quinn.

Back on the job, Quinn becomes as tenacious and sharp as ever. But as the investigation closes in on a suspect, the escalating murders hit dangerously close to home. Quinn’s sanity again begins to fray and her judgment is questioned. Did the suspect really do it? Or is Maggie’s tormented mind pushing her to ruin the life of an innocent man?

Avid readers of crime fiction, noir or psychological thrillers will find Too Dark to Sleep a fresh take on their favorite genre. This is the first book in a gripping new series and not to be missed.

If your interested in reading Too Dark to Sleep you can sign up here to receive a copy to read and review.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

Thanks for picking my debut thriller as the October BOTM. Looking forward to talking to readers.

I'm new to this group so I hope I'm in the right place to post discussion comments on this book.

Just finished it. A couple thoughts:

I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning. Might just be me (noir is not usually my thing). I'm really glad I kept reading because somewhere around p. 50, it grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Kept me up most of the night.

Also I'd like to point out that I am a psychologist so errors regarding psychology jump out at me. I didn't find any in this book. Maggie presents quite accurately as a severely depressed woman with psychotic symptoms (which one can have in severe depression).

The descriptions of the dark coming after her were very powerful. Okay, I'll stop here until others indicate they have finished it.

Great job, Dianne, especially for a debut novel!

Kass

Kassandra wrote: "I'm new to this group so I hope I'm in the right place to post discussion comments on this book.

Just finished it. A couple thoughts:

I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning. Migh..."

Kass,
Thanks so much for the very kind review and for the insights.

The opening of the book has received different reactions from different readers. It's not the standard thriller opening, but I'm glad you stuck with it. At one point, there was a prologue showing Maggie before she was damaged. I added it at the request of my agent at the time. It was ditched because I didn't think it added to the big picture of the series. Other suggestions were thrown out, including opening with the first killing. Once more people finish, we can talk about why I chose not to take that road. I do understand it's a tough entry and I really appreciate that input. It's going to help me as I tackle the next book in the series.

I took a lot of care in the portrayal of the psychological aspects of the characters, especially Maggie. The DSM was an invaluable guide. I also read a lot of material focusing on depression and trauma... from the POV of medical professionals as well as from those suffering. It's so good to hear that the research paid off and elements ring true with a professional.

Thanks so much for reading, Kass. I look forward to discussing more aspects of the book as readers finish.

Dianne