"The woman in the window" by A.J. Finn

"The woman in the window" 

by A.J. Finn

Frankly speaking when I picked up this book, the first thought that came to my mind was - Is this like a sister to "A girl on the train", them having some similarity on titles.  I actually started reading it being very sure it will be a similar plot wherein someone sees something, then no one believes due to drinking or some other problem and later on everyone believes and truth prevails.  Well, is it the case?

Yes and No.  The plot might be similar but the narrative and writing are very different.  I picked up the book and could  not keep it down.  Specially after there is a twist in the plot, the reading goes on irrespective of the time.   

The book starts with regular scenario whereby things are going fine and the woman is noticing things in her regular life.  One keeps on wondering as to why is she in such a situation.  A connection to a lesser known medical condition makes one do a little side research.  The writer leaves lots to a healthy imagination as to the situation wherein this woman could be.  The twists are  what brought life  to the book.  The twists regarding her current situation and the twists regarding the protagonist.  Both are new and surprising - enough to hold the reader down and give a value for money. 

Points out of 5

Grip Factor         :  4.5

Language Style   :  4

Engaging Plot     :  5

Characters           :  4.5

Satisfying End     : 4.5

Goodreads Review:  Gave a 5*  (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40389527-the-woman-in-the-window)

"Vegas Lies" by Andrew Cunningham

"Vegas Lies" 

by Andrew Cunningham

As a parent of a young girl, this is actually a horror for me.  I finished reading this in the fastest possible time and still dream about it.  I am scared to death imagining what if similar thing happens to my girl.  I have taught her stranger danger but that was not enough for the girls in this book.  The book, the plot, the narrative all have certainly left a mark on me.  

The book has two stories going on at one  time which I personally like.  The two stories are world apart and then touch each other at the most appropriate time very casually.  In the beginning you can not even imagine the two worlds coming together but they do.  The writer has apparently the end on his mind already when he started writing.  The book is read front to back but to me the ending gelled so well, it seems as if the writer wrote the ending first and then went backwards.  

Five innocent young girls, casually living their carefree life can never imagine such a turn to spring up.  No one in a sane mind can imagine such a life for their girls.  The outcome suggested is disgusting, repelling and depressing.  How some girls submit to their fate is surprising in the beginning and then you tend to relate to them.  At the same time, life of a famous personality full of every dream one can think of is actually not as perfect as it looks.  

What I like the best is when the writer brings up one of the girls and makes her fight for herself.  Young girl who has lost all hopes still fights for self and makes it to safety.  She brings safety not only for self but for all.  

Indeed a very positive narrative and outcome to the darkest situation that can be.  Also, gives something to look up to for any young girl reading this.  Never submit... fight for what you want.  

Points out of 5

Grip Factor          :  4.5

Language Style   :  4.5

Engaging Plot     :  4.5

Characters          :  4.5

Satisfying End     : 5+

Goodreads Review: Gave a 5* (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36356318-vegas-lies)