Friday, August 21, 2015

Review: Black-Eyed Susans by Julia Heaberlin

Title: Black-Eyed Susans
Author: Julia Heaberlin
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Publication Date: 26th August 2015
Pages: 368
Book Source: Penguin Australia & NetGalley


Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Tessa, dubbed a 'Black-Eyed Susan' by the media, became famous for being the only victim to survive the vicious attack of a serial killer. Her testimony helped to put a dangerous criminal behind bars - or so she thought.

Now, decades later the black-eyed susans planted outside Tessa's bedroom window seem to be a message from a killer who should be safely in prison.

Haunted by fragmented memories of the night she was attacked and terrified for her own teenage daughter's safety, can Tessa uncover the truth about the killer before it's too late?

My Thoughts:
HOLY guacamole this was BRILLIANT, a 2015 favourite read. It's intelligent, edgy and tight ... the very best kind of psychological thriller. Even the title and cover art is creepy good. 

Tessa is the only surviving victim of the Black-Eyed Susans serial killer. The story moves seamlessly between past and present, teenage Tessie and adult Tessa almost 2 decades on, with a teenage daughter of her own. 

Tessa's fragmented memories and growing desperation added wings to my own anxiety and as the murderer's execution loomed the sense of urgency grew. Was he wrongfully convicted?

Black-Eyed Susans had my skin crawling with dread, there's no graphic violence but the suspense almost killed me. My thoughts were jumping as erratically as my heart. So true about the sense of smell and memories. Such visceral reactions to Heaberlin's writing ... LOVE that. 

I had my suspicions and I was correct (to a point) but the author's skill with misdirection. Wow, talk about amping the suspense. I was all over the place. 

What more could you ask for? ... superb characterisation, gorgeous writing, the forensic science/DNA, psychological and legal aspect all fascinating, obviously well researched and executed brilliantly. 

I'd laughed, something close to the way I used to, and imagined it drifting out under the bedroom door, smoothing out a tight wrinkle in my father's face. 

I can't wait to read more from Julia Heaberlin!

Recommend: an unputdownable read


Connect with Julia Heaberlin

26 comments:

  1. I hear the enthusiasm. I have noticed a large number of bloggers giving this one a very big thumbs up. Unfortunately probably not best suited to me, would love every thing except the suspense that makes the skin crawl with dread!!

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    1. lol yes I love the creepy reads but they're not for everyone.

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  2. Aww, the creepy book. I would be so scared

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  3. Oh wow ... I am loving the enthusiasm for this book!! Need to read this one!!!!!!

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  4. Love your review and so happy you loved this book, too! Definitely my favorite suspense read ever!

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    1. Wasn't it amazing!! It's up there with another fave Dark Horse by Honey Brown, I think you'd love it too :)

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  5. Love that it's a favorite but I'm too much of a wimp...

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    1. yeah I've tamed my reading, not too much graphic violence or horror for me but this ... ahhh soooo good :))

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  6. I've meant to read something by this author for quite a while. This book is getting lots of great reviews. I'm planning on reading it soon.

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    1. This was my first Julia Heaberlin read, I can't believe I hadn't heard of her before this. Hope you love it too Kay!

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  7. This sounds soooo good! I love that this book relies on suspense instead of graphic violence as that can get a bit too much. I can't wait to read this one!

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    1. I agree Katherine, hope it's a fave for you too. Seriously awesome read!!

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  8. I've seen this book around but yours is the first review I've read. Thanks.

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    1. hope it's enough to entice you to read this one Mystica ;)

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  9. I think I've requested it cos I read stacks of reviews of it a little while ago (via US bloggers) and as soon as I saw it on lists here I put in a request. My fingers are crossed. Thanks for this great review Teddyree... I'm even more hopeful now!

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    1. Yay I hope you get it Deb ... can't wait to see what you think!!

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  10. This sounds so good! I will have to look for it. I don't read suspense very often but serial killer fiction can be page turning!

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    1. definitely page turning ... I read it in one sitting, finished it at 3am. So tired but it was worth it lol

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  11. THis sounds like right up my alley though I havent read a good suspensful thriller in a long long time. Sold! this is going onto mt TBR!

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    1. lol I see you raced off to buy it Mandy ... is it up next, after Terry Pratchett?

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    2. Almost I started the new Kim Harrison book but Im not even a quarter of the way in and Im not really enjoying it. Might have to out it down and move on to black-eyed susan instead.

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  12. Great review Sheree, adding to my Wishlist

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  13. Wow! Great review! Off to add it to my list :)

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