Don't Get Caught by Kurt Dinan Review and Giveaway

Title: Don't Get Caught

Author: Kurt Dinan

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Don’t Get Caught Book Trailer Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZoTwKPU78

Praise for Don’t Get Caught

“Don’t Get Caught is just everything I love about young adult fiction. It's funny and awkward and exciting and full of revelations and surprises.” -Josh Berk, author of The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

"Not only is Don't Get Caught the best kind of underdog story---heartfelt and hilarious---but it's filled with genuine surprises up until the very last page, which features one of my favorite endings in recent memory. I'm highly inspired to prank someone right now." -Lance Rubin, author of Denton Little's Deathdate 

"Witty, charming and always surprising...Call it OCEAN'S 11TH GRADE or whatever you like, Don’t Get Caught snatched my attention and got away clean." --Joe Schreiber, author of Con Academy and Au Revoir Crazy European Chick

“Genre-savvy, clever, and full of "Heist Rules" like "If questioned, be evasive" and "Play to your crew's strengths," this twisty tale is funny, fast-paced, and full of surprises. –Publishers Weekly

“This caper comedy about an Ocean's 11-style group of high school masterminds will keep readers guessing.” –Kirkus

“Teen readers will delight in the way such totally different individuals begin to cooperate to triumph over their wrongs.” –VOYA Magazine

Summary:

10:00 tonight at the water tower.  Tell no one.   —Chaos Club

When Max receives a mysterious invite from the untraceable, epic prank-pulling Chaos Club, he has to ask: why him? After all, he’s Mr. 2.5 GPA, Mr. No Social Life. He’s Just Max. And his favorite heist movies have taught him this situation calls for Rule #4: Be suspicious. But it’s also his one shot to leave Just Max in the dust…

Yeah, not so much. Max and four fellow students—who also received invites—are standing on the newly defaced water tower when campus security “catches” them. Definitely a setup. And this time, Max has had enough. It’s time for Rule #7: Always get payback.

Let the prank war begin.

Oceans 11 meets The Breakfast Club in this entertaining, fast-paced debut filled with pranks and cons that will keep readers on their toes, never sure who’s pulling the strings or what’s coming next.

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24157427-don-t-get-caught?from_search=true&search_version=service

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://ow.ly/1089vd

Apple- http://ow.ly/108aEM

Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/108b7h

BAM- http://ow.ly/108bm3

!ndigo- http://ow.ly/108buQ

Indiebound- http://ow.ly/108bC9

About the Author:

Kurt Dinan has taught high school English for over twenty-one years, and while he’s never pulled any of the pranks detailed in this novel, he was once almost arrested in college for blizzarding the campus with fliers promoting a fake concert. He lives and works in the suburbs of Cincinnati with his wife and his four children he affectionately refers to as “the Crime Spree.” Don’t Get Caught is his first novel.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://kurtdinan.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @KurtDinan

Excerpt for Don’t Get Caught:

Ellie calls it Operation Stranko Caper and gives each member of the Water Tower Five code names related to his or her role.

Adleta is Goon.


Malone is Shadow.


Wheeler is Potatoes.


Ellie is Crybaby.


And I’m Bleeder.


But at the moment, waiting for zero hour while standing in the back hallway where I can view the filled cafeteria, I’m feeling more like Puker because I want to sprint to the bathroom to vomit up my guts.

And to think this was all my idea. Here’s Heist Planning 101:

1.Identify your target. In this case, the target is Stranko’s phone. Clearly he’s investigating the Chaos Club; the pictures he took in the office prove that. Who knows what other evidence against them he might have? 


2.Formulate a plan. It took a week of observing Stranko during school (all of us) and after (thank you, Adleta) 
to realize he’s most separated from his phone during lunch duty. It sits on a table on the stage next to where Stranko polices the cafeteria. Now, if he were to be pulled away from the stage...

3.      Practice, practice, practice. The five of us rehearsed our roles for over a week. The plan isn’t the most complicated, but we only have one shot at Stranko’s phone.

Our final run-through of the plan lasted two hours on Saturday, with Ellie and Wheeler the most excited. Even Adleta, who’s probably risking at least a thousand push-ups every day for the rest of his life, liked the idea. Malone, go figure, predicted failure.

“It won’t work,” she said. “Maybe in a movie, yes, but not in real life it won’t.”

“No, they won’t see it coming,” I said. “No one expects things like this to happen, and especially not from us. We’re trying to stay out of trouble, remember? Why would we risk getting suspended?”

“Max is right,” Adleta said. “There’ll be too much going on for Stranko to realize what’s happened. It’s going to work.”

“What if we get caught?”

“Then we do what you should do whenever you get busted,” Wheeler said. “We lie our asses off.”

I don’t mind Malone’s concerns. In fact, I appreciate them. The more I’m around her, the more I depend on her skepticism. Every heist crew needs someone to point out the weaknesses in a plan. Malone’s perfect for that. She’s also tech savvy, a brilliant artist, and athletic as hell. A jack-of-all-trades, really. Or more like a jill-of-all-trades.

A heist can go wrong for any number of reasons, the worst of which is the double cross. You can just never be sure if everyone is really on your side or if they’re working an angle. I don’t necessarily think anyone in my crew is behind the setup at the water tower, but the hint of doubt is there. Still, why would someone set us up to get busted and include him or herself in the busting? It makes no sense.

We picked Monday for our heist because that’s the school day where everyone, even the administration, just slogs through until the final bell. At the time I was excited, but now it’s nausea city. Reality sucks that way. But I’m not going to back down and hide in the theater again like I did the day after the water tower. Not that I could put a stop to our plan if I wanted to. Everyone’s in position. The pin’s pulled and the grenade heaved. All I can do is try not to get my head blown off.

On stage, Stranko reads something on his phone, then places it on the table beside him before returning to his surveillance. In a lot of ways, thinking of him as a prison guard is dead-on. The entire building is a prison, with the staff as guards, students as prisoners, and rules that dictate when we can stand up and leave, talk, and even go the to the bathroom. The school even has security cameras, which are positioned in all corners of the cafeteria. I’ve seen the room with the video monitors though and am not as worried as I might be in a newer school. The monitors here are in black and white and the images almost blurry, like it may be the first security system ever created, maybe used back in the Garden of Eden where God watched a grainy image of Eve heisting that apple.

Then, right on cue at 11:45, Crybaby, sitting at her usual table near the front of the cafeteria, pushes her tray aside and puts her head down in her arms.

Step One, the Split, has begun. 

Rafflecopter Giveaway Link for 2 Copies of Don’t Get Caught:

Runs April 1-April 30 (US & Canada only):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review:

I don't want to give away too much of the plot because that's part of the fun of reading a new book but this was insanely fun! The concept isn't new. But the fresh writing style, humor, and amazingly fun characters are definitely worth picking up this book.

I can't believe this hasn't gotten more hype. Just look at the attached youtube.com book trailer and if that doesn't convince you to read this little gold nugget of a book then I don't know what will.

The characters are fresh and current and I think that added a lot to the story. I thought it was paced well and over the course of the book I felt like the characters were easy to relate to. They were definitely people that I went to high school with and that I could see the faces of my friends doing a lot of the same things. 

I know this sounds a little vague but I don't want to spoil anything. If you read the excerpt provided by the publisher above and watch the book cover and are STILL not convinced to pick this up then I don't want to be the reason because I told you too much about the best parts.

If you want a book that feels like the best moments of high school and reads like a fun beach read then I would not hesitate to pick this up and enjoying it immediately.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Read This If You Enjoyed:

  

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and netgalley.com. All above information and the giveaway are hosted by the publisher. All opinions about the story are my own.***

You Were Here: Cori McCarthy Review and Giveaway

You Were Here

By Cori McCarthy

March 1, 2016; Hardcover, ISBN 9781492617044

Book Info:

Title: You Were Here

Author: Cori McCarthy

Release Date: March 1, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Praise for You Were Here

“The mix of forms as well as the insights each character gleans through their urban explorations render this book both readable and teachable on multiple levels.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED Review

“Readers who appreciate stories of searching for personal truths will be happy to join this meaningful quest for identity and independence.” –Booklist

“You Were Here  is wrenchingly beautiful in its honest and achingly accurate portrayal of grief and how it breaks us--and the way unconditional friendship puts us back together.” -Jo Knowles, award-winning author of See You At Harry’s and Read Between the Lines

“Through razor-sharp wit, no-holds-barred momentum, and heart-wrenching twists, Cori McCarthy dares you to climb through the broken, abandoned wreckage of the past, stand on the edge of the world, and face something even scarier: the truth.” -K.A. Barson, author of 45 Pounds (More or Less and Charlotte Cuts it Out

"The urban explorers of You Were Here dive deep into the forgotten man-made spaces all around them--and their own feelings of loss, love, and fear. McCarthy deftly intertwines the characters' stories, filling them with authentic pain and heartache as well as soaring moments of grace and humor. I dare you to read it!" --Maggie Lehrman, author of The Cost of All Things

Summary:

Jaycee is about to accomplish what her older brother Jake couldn’t: live past graduation.

Jaycee is dealing with her brother’s death the only way she can – by re-creating Jake’s daredevil stunts. The ones that got him killed. She’s not crazy, okay? She just doesn’t have a whole lot of respect for staying alive.

Jaycee doesn’t expect to have help on her insane quest to remember Jake. But she’s joined by a group of unlikely friends – all with their own reasons for completing the dares and their own brand of dysfunction: the uptight, ex-best friend, the heartbroken poet, the slacker with Peter Pan syndrome, and… Mik. He doesn’t talk, but somehow still challenges Jayce to do the unthinkable—reveal the parts of herself that she buried with her brother.

Cori McCarthy’s gripping narrative defies expectation, moving seamlessly from prose to graphic novel panels and word art poetry, perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, Jennier Niven, and Jandy Nelson.  From the petrifying ruins of an insane asylum to the skeletal remains of the world’s largest amusement park, You Were Here takes you on an unforgettable journey of friendship, heartbreak and inevitable change.

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25679559-you-were-here?from_search=true&search_version=service

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://ow.ly/WhdGD

Apple- http://ow.ly/WhdNA

Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/WhdTs

BooksAMillion- http://ow.ly/WhdXE

!ndigo- http://ow.ly/Whe42

IndieBound- http://ow.ly/Whe8J

About the Author:

Cori McCarthy studied poetry and screenwriting before falling in love with writing for teens at Vermont College of Fine Arts. From a military family, Cori was born on Guam and lived a little bit of everywhere before she landed in Michigan. Learn more about her books atCoriMcCarthy.com

Social Networking Links:

Website- http://www.corimccarthy.com/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/CoriMcCarthy

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/authorcorimccarthy

Tumblr- http://youwereherebook.tumblr.com/

Excerpt from You Were Here:

“What do I see?” I asked, turning back to the halo effect created by Margaret’s splayed hair. “It was a game. She died because she was playing a game.”

“Just like Jake,” Natalie said.

“Right,” I quipped, trying to mask not only my annoyance at Natalie’s psychoanalyst tone but also a flare of grief. My chest grew tight. Why wouldn’t it go away? Why did all this still buckle me to the ground? Tears burned my eyes, and I took my hair out of my ponytail. This never happened when I came here with Mik. Mik didn’t talk or prod. Mik let me be while we walked around Jake’s old haunt, wondering if he was actually haunting it.

“My dad said that OU will raze the TB ward.” Bishop pointed out the window toward the building on the very top of the hill, by far the spookiest and most unkempt in The Ridges compound. “It’s the only fully abandoned building.”

“Raze?” I asked, suddenly angry. “When?”

“End of the summer, I think. My dad said it was going to cost a ton but that leaving the old building there while it was falling in is just asking for lawsuits.”

“Jake loved the TB ward,” I said. “They haven’t stripped it down like this building.”

“TB?” Zach asked.

“Tuberculosis,” Natalie said.

Bishop squinted at his friend. “TB has been one of the leading terminal diseases in society since the dawn of civilization, Zach.”

“But it doesn’t exist anymore,” Zach said. “Like leprosy.”

“It totally exists,” Natalie said. “And so does leprosy. Where do you learn these things?”

“TB is still the leading cause of death for all people with HIV,” Bishop said. “But don’t worry, Zach. You won’t get it.”

I was surprised to find Zach looking at me. “What kind of things are in there?”

I shrugged. “I’ve never been, but I know it’s more dangerous. All the windows and doors are boarded up to keep drunk undergrads out.”

“So there’s no way in?” Bishop asked.

I shook my head. “Didn’t say that. Every building in The Ridges compound is connected by basement tunnels. If we get into the basement, we can get into any building.”

We all shuffled to our feet and stood around the last portrait of Margaret Schilling.

“I’m in,” Bishop said, and I nodded. Bishop was cool; we’d been partners for two semesters straight in woodshop. He said odd, grandiose things sometimes, but I liked him for it. Plus there was a pretty good chance that Mik would show himself with only Bishop around.

“I’ll take you two to the exit,” I told Natalie and Zach.

“Well, hey,” Zach said. “What if I want to come?”

Natalie looked at him, stunned. “You want to go? What about Kolenski’s three kegs?”

“Kolenski gets kegs every couple of weeks.” Zach shoved his hands in his pockets. He had sobered up since they’d entered The Ridges, and now he just looked worn down. Even his hair had flattened. I’d written him off years ago, but the way he’d helped me find Jake’s footprint and waylaid Natalie…maybe he wasn’t such a garden-variety “dude.”

“Who else can say that they did this the night after graduation?” he added with a shrug.

“So Natalie’s the loose end?” I said. “Big surprise.”

“Wait a second. It was my idea to follow you in the first place. And I…I want to see it.”

“Really?” Zach asked her. “Even if it’s dangerous?”

“I’m going to minor in history. It’ll be like walking around inside of history.”

I knew Natalie well enough to know that she was deluding herself, but when I opened my mouth to point it out, I saw something instead. Bishop did too.

“Apple.” He pointed to the ground. “Guys. There’s an apple.”

A shiny, green Granny Smith apple sat in the doorway. I picked it up.

“Where the hell did that come from?” Zach asked, fear trilling his voice. “Is someone else here? That wasn’t there a few minutes ago, right? Right?”

They all looked up and down the hall. Nothing.

“Maybe Jake’s ghost put it there. Or Margaret’s,” I said. A thump of what could only be described as happiness resounded through my chest. It was foreign and weird, and yet welcome.

“You’re smiling,” Natalie said. “Why are you smiling? You never smile.”

I rubbed the apple on my shirt and took a huge crunching bite. Natalie looked like she was going to pass out. I winked. “This way to the basement.”

Rafflecopter giveaway link for two copies of You Were Here:

Runs 3/1-3/31 (US & Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review:

I have honestly never experienced a book like this. Not only was the story compelling and well developed but it also flowed between artistic mediums in a way I have never experienced. Let me elaborate.

This is the story about Jaycee who is struggling the death of a sibling but reenacting all the crazy things they used to do. It isn't really the smartest way to handle things but that it how she has decided to cope with her feelings. 

I was really touched by everything the main character had to deal with and how it was handled. She started out irrational and immature but developed into an understanding young person.

I think the main thing that makes this story unique is the beautiful style of prose.

The story switches seamlessly between a standard novel format, to poetry, to graphic novel, and back again. Each flip of the page is a new adventure. 

This is just an example of something you might see peppered throughout the story.

I know that it is marketed as being for fans of Jandy Nelson but I also think if you liked the creative elements of "Everything, Everything," by Nicola Yoon you would also find this appealing.

Overall, one of the most unique books I have read in recent years. With the excerpt and praise above I don't want to give too much away but all I have to say is Sourcebooks does it again. 

Excellent read.

MY RATING:

4.25 out of 5

READ IF YOU ENJOYED:

   
 

4 Upcoming April Children's Books: Which Should You Read

Title: Do Princesses Boogie?
Author: Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrated by: Mike Gordon 
Publisher: Rowan & Littlefield/ Taylor Trade
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

I was excited to find out that there is a whole series by this author after reading this incredibly fun children's book. 

I think was a fun look at attitudes toward standard girl roles and that it was presented in a way that will empower young girls to know that they can do anything anyone else can.

Other titles in this series include "Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?" and "Do Princesses Scrape Their Knees?" 

What an excellent thing to present to growing girls that helps instill confidence in them and allow them to think they can be both beautiful and strong. 

Great message and 5 out of 5!



Title: Manner Are Not For Monkeys
Author: Heather Tekavec
Illustrated by: David Huyck 
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Well this was very cute. A fun little story about manners and why they are important.

I think the illustrations are fun and capture the attention and the story is simple but the message is there.

However, I didn't really feel like their was anything to unique about it and really any book about manners has a similar plot and message. 

It was fun though.

3 out of 5



Title: Life Without Nico
Author: Andrea Maturana 
Illustrated by: Fransico Javier Olea
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

I think this was a great story about what it is like when someone close to you has to leave. The art is simple but expressive and I think it is exactly what story needed.

As a young girl deals with the loss of a friend and his return there is a teachable moment here. Even though sometimes people have to leave our lives for one reason or another the bond you shared can last a lifetime.

Would be great for a child whose friend might move away soon or even any child who has difficulty understanding why someone can't always be around.

3.5 out of 5



Title: Outdoor Math
Author: Emma Adbage 
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

Another book that I think will be a great upcoming release is this great math activity book focused on enjoying the subject outside.

Not only does this book encourage children to get out and experience nature but it also has fun and education activities to accompany the typical playing outside.

I thought it was full of great interactive ideas and I think it would be great in a classroom setting or even at home to break up the sometimes bad image of doing math. 

This adds a fun element any child would enjoy. 

4.5 out of 5

***I received all the above referenced books for review from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***

The Truth by Jeffry W. Johnston Review and Spotlight Tour ***GIVEAWAY***

The Truth

By Jeffry W. Johnston

February 2, 2016; Tradepaper, ISBN 9781492623205

Book Info:

Title: The Truth

Author: Jeffry W. Johnston

Release Date: February 2, 2016

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Praise for The Truth

"Such a fast-paced read!  What really happened that night? The truth will leave you gasping.” - April Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Girl, Stolenand The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

Summary:

“I tied you up because I need you to listen,” Derek says. “Focus.”

“Please…  W-what do you want from me?”

“The truth,” he says.  “About what happened the night my brother died.” He reaches for my left hand. “If I think you’re lying…” With his other hand, he flourishes a pair of flower cutters. Curved. Sharp.

And he smiles.

When Chris wakes up in a dark basement tied to a chair, he knows that he’s trapped—and why. Eight nights ago a burglar broke into Chris’ home. Eight nights ago Chris did what he had to do to protect his family. And eight nights ago a 13-year-old runaway bled to death on his kitchen floor.

Now Derek wants the truth about what happened that night. He wants proof his little brother didn’t deserve to die. For every lie Chris tells, he will lose a finger. But telling the truth is far more dangerous…

A riveting, edge-of-your-seat thriller from Edgar Award-nominated author Jeffry W. Johnston that explores the gray area between what is right and what we’ll do to protect the people we love.

Goodreads Link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26595315-the-truth?from_search=true&search_version=service

Buy Links:

Amazon- http://ow.ly/Wf7sO

Apple- http://ow.ly/Wf7BB

Barnes&Noble- http://ow.ly/Wf7Iw

BooksAMillion- http://ow.ly/Wf7MH

!ndigo- http://ow.ly/Wf7Uq

IndieBound- http://ow.ly/Wf7Zf

About the Author:

Jeffry W. Johnston has published about thirty-five short stories and more than two hundred articles. His first young adult novel, Fragments, was an Edgar Award nominee for Best Young Adult Mystery and a Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers selection by YALSA.  He lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and their teenage son.  Visit him at jeffrywjohnston.com. 

Social Networking Links:

Website: http://jeffrywjohnston.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffrywjohnston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jeffry-W-Johnston-1488825668047456/

Excerpt from The Truth:

I wake up to find I can’t move, my arms and legs duct-taped tight to a wooden chair.  Duct tape is also wrapped around my chest and the chair’s hard, unyielding back. 

The only thing not bound is my head, but I can only turn it left and right.  I can’t look behind me because of the chair’s high back.

Christ, what is this!

            My head hurts.  I feel nauseous, dizzy.  Can’t focus.  What happened?  How did I get here?  My memory’s a blur. 

            “Hey!” I shout.  “Hey!  Anybody here?”

            I wait a few seconds.  Nothing.

            I see unfinished walls, but I could be in a room anywhere.  The only furniture I can see is a metal folding chair leaning against the wall opposite.

            Wait a minute!  What about Devon!  The last thing I remember was calling on my cell phone to make sure he got to the field OK.  What time is it?  Is he in the middle of his game, wondering where I am?  Is Mom there, wondering the same thing?

I can tell my cell is not in my pocket, not that I’d be able to reach it anyway. Where is it?  How long have I been out?  A couple hours?  A whole day?  Is it still …what, Saturday?  Are people looking for me?  The police?

            “Hey!” I shout again.  “Heeeyyyy!”  I try harder to break free.  “Is somebody here?  Can somebody help me?  Please!  Please…!”

            Who could have done this to me?  Why?

            “Help!  Help me!  Heeelllp…”

            This isn’t working.  I need to calm down and try to think.  Come on; breathe.  That’s it.  Again.  OK, now another breath.  My heart is starting to slow a bit.  That’s good.  Maybe closing my eyes will help.

            Two more deep breaths.  Okay.  Now, think.

I remember dialing my cell.  But before that. I had knocked on Rita’s front door.  We were going to go to Devon’s game together.  I was waiting for her to open the door.  Wait, the door did start to open.  Then … nothing.  Or … something.  Something made me pass out.  Something with a sweet smell.  Held against my face.  Making me gag.  Feel sick.  I couldn’t push it away.  Something very strong was holding it in place. 

Not some thing.  Some one.

            I hear movement.  Behind me.  A door opening.  I try to look back; can’t.

The door closes.  A quiet click.

            Then footsteps.  Steady, determined. 

            I recognize the guy who appears in front of me.  Derek Brannick. Only a year older than me, which makes him seventeen, but with the broken front teeth and scar on his throat he looks much older.

            He’s holding something in his hand, which he slips into his pants pocket before I can see it.  Then he picks up the metal chair from against the wall and opens it before straddling it and leaning over the back, facing me.  He lowers his head.  Does nothing for a couple minutes.  My heart slams against my chest.  I wait.  So scared I can’t think straight.

Finally, he raises his head and looks at me.  His eyes… It’s as if there’s no light in them.  Nothing.  Dead eyes.

            “You want some water?”  His voice is raspy.  He stands and moves out of my field of vision.  I hear a faucet turning on and off.  Then he’s back with a paper cup.  “Tilt your head back,” he says.  I do the best I can.  Some of the water runs down my chin but enough makes it into my mouth.  The water’s lukewarm, but I welcome it.

            “Feel better?  Can you talk?  ’Cause you’re gonna need to be able to talk. ” He crumples the cup and throws it on the floor.

            “Yes,” I croak.  “Th … thank you.”  My voice is trembling.  I can’t help it.

            Derek nods, lets out another long breath as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, and sit back down in his chair, pulling it closer to me.

“I’m … I’m sorry,” I try.  “I’m really—”

“Shh,” he says sharply, pointing a finger at me.  “I told you before, Chris…I’m not looking for that.”

“I should have showed up at the—”

“Shhh!”

He begins to cough.  It sounds painful.  He starts to talk again, then stops. Maybe it’s painful to talk too.  The way his voice is all rough and raspy, it wouldn’t surprise me.

Derek tries again.  “I tied you up because I need you to listen,” he says. “Focus.  Think you can do that?”

“Please…  Wh … what do you want from me?”

“The truth,” he says.  “That’s all.”

            He reaches for my left hand.  Tied the way I am, I can’t resist.  “I don’t want to hurt you if I don’t have to,” Derek says.  “But you need to know that I’m serious.  If I think you’re lying…” With his other hand, he pulls out what he had shoved into his pants pocket and shows it to me.

A pair of flower cutters.  Curved.  Sharp.

Slowly, even gently, he opens them and slides the little finger of my left hand in between the razor edges.

“One finger for each lie,” he says again, “Do you understand?”

            Oh God!  Oh Jesus!  All at once, I’m sweating, my eyes stinging.

            “Do you understand?” he asks again, voice unchanging, low key.

            “Yes,” I croak.  My eyes remain riveted to the cutters, expecting them to move, to squeeze.

            “Chris.  Look at me.”

            I look up into those dead eyes.

            “I meant what I said.”  He stops to cough again; continues.  “I need to understand everything.  This,” he says, indicating the cutters lightly caressing my finger, “will help you to tell the truth.  That’s all I want.  Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear.  There’s no right or wrong answer.  There’s only the truth.  Do you understand?”

            But I can’t tell him the truth.  Not the whole truth.

My eyes dart back to the cutters. 

Abruptly, he squeezes them.  “Do you understand?”

Rafflecopter Giveaway for 2 Copies of The Truth By Jeffry W. Johnston:

Runs 12/23-2/29 (US & Canada only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review:

***Trigger warning for murder and kidnapping***

***I received this book from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Sourcebooks Fire is hosting the above listed giveaway. Make sure to enter and win a copy of the thrilling new release***

If you took a few minutes out of your day to read the praise for this book and the brief excerpt listed below and you haven't already gone out and purchased this book, maybe my review can help.

I thought this was fantastic. 

When Chris wakes up in a dark basement tied to a chair, he knows that he's trapped-and why. Eight nights ago a burglar broke into Chris' home. Eight nights ago Chris did what he had to do to protect his family. And eight nights ago a 13-year-old runaway bled to death on his kitchen floor. Now Derek wants the truth about what happened that night. He wants proof his little brother didn't deserve to die. For every lie Chris tells, he will lose a finger. But telling the truth is far more dangerous.

Armed with a pair of garden shears I was constantly restless and nervous for the time when Derek would finally use them to extract the truth about what happened that night. The book is told in a backwards order that leaves you questioning when the big twist/reveal will take place and basically stressing because it could be around any turn.

I couldn't stop reading this. I had to know and when I did finally find out what had happened I was genuinely shocked. The "then" and "now," "back" and "forth" structure could be a little distracting and hard to follow but it all wrapped up in a fantastic way.

If you enjoy lies, intrigue, suspense, murder stories, and just plain exciting story telling then you should definitely enter the giveaway and if you don't win pick this up from one of the links above. You will not regret it.

My Star Rating:

4 Out of 5 Stars