Rating: 
Summary: Awesome thriller
Review: This was my first introduction to Thomas Cook and it will definitely not be my last. The book is centered around a mysterious woman, Dora March, who appears out of nowhere in a small town in New England, and dramatically affects the lives of two brothers that fall under her spell. One brother, the editor of the local newspaper, falls in love with her and hires her on at the paper after her rich, elderly employer dies. The older brother, a lawyer and the local prosecutor, is wary of the woman and his brothers relationship with her, and seeks to uncover the mysteries of her past. Before he can do so, the woman skips town in the wake of the apparent murder of the younger brother. The story is presented as a series of flashbacks that flesh out the interrelationships between the brothers and the young woman and casts light on the mysterious events that lead to the expiration ot the younger brother and a cast of other characters. Eventually the loose ends dovetail as the author masterfully, and cleverly, unveils the shocking denouement that had me in awe of his expert abilities. I'm not one that easily surprised and am usually quite wary of anytime I have to suspend disbelief, especially when the tables are turned in a thriller. Not so this book - it was so refreshing to have the rug masterfully, and expertly, pulled from beneath with nary a glass falling from the table. Excellent!
Rating:
Summary: Places in the heart
Review: Thomas Cook provides us with a story of two brothers in Places in the Dark. Cal and Billie love each other dearly but are vying for their mothers love .. It is the story of a dysfunctional family and mother who bestows love on one son but leaves the other son alone to be loved by her husband. Thomas Cook is a gifted writer who quickly hooks the reader into the story. We watch Cal and Billie grow up and find them competing for the love of a mysterious young woman, Dora March who drifts into the town of Port Alma, Maine in 1937.As Cal searches for Dora who he believes has murdered his brother the reader is given the story little by little. Billie is presented as a reckless soul who follows his heart but is always flirting with disaster. Cal sees himself as his brother's protector. Cal is an aloof man who has learned to face life without the need for love. It is a moving story of love and betrayal. As the tale unfolds we begin to learn more about Dora, but she always remains a shadow figure. This is a recommended book for readers of mysteries and modern fiction
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