Member Reviews

I liked the beginning of this book and had high hopes for it. Unfortunately I lost that interest in the middle of it. It seemed to have fallen flat. It wasn’t a bad book, I just have a hard time paying attention unless the book is a little faster.

Was this review helpful?

Ruth barely has time to think. She runs a bed and breakfast in a tourist town with the help of her brothers Johnny and Davis. But Johnny has a full time job and Davis isn't much help so almost all the work falls on Ruth. She doesn't even have time for romance although Cole, Johnny's best friend, would love to have a relationship.

Then disaster strikes. Davis goes on a road trip and brings back a woman, Ashley. Ruth dislikes her on sight but everyone else is fascinated by her. She is beautiful but Ruth doesn't trust her and suspects there is a story behind her smiles. Ashley invites herself along on Ruth's errands and the two of them are attacked on the road by a man in a truck with a gun. They manage to escape and Ruth is sure it is someone from the family her own family had a running feud with.

Then the deaths start. The first is the brother of a bride who is having her wedding at Ruth's venue and who got into a fight with Davis at the reception. The second is the son of the family the feud is with. Ruth is afraid that Davis will be suspected or even worse arrested. She spends her time trying to figure out the killer along with all her other work. Then the climax; two bodies in the house right before Davis and Ashley's engagement party. Who is trying to set up her family?

This is my first Britney King novel. She specializes in psychological thrillers. I listened to this novel and the narrator was the perfect Ruth, from whose eyes the story is told. Ruth isn't a goodie two shoes; she is often sarcastic and rude to others and she clearly sees the defects in her brothers although she loves them dearly. The ending was not as strong as the beginning but all ends satisfactorily. This book is recommended for mystery readers.

Was this review helpful?

Embarking on the riveting journey that is "Passerby" by Britney King was like entering a maze of shadows, where the idyllic facade of Jester Falls conceals a tangled web of secrets. Britney King, a maestro of twisted narratives, once again proves her mastery in crafting psychological thrillers that leave you breathless.

In the heart of Jester Falls lies Magnolia House, an enchanting bed and breakfast curated by the eccentric Channing family. As Ruth Channing, the linchpin of what's left of her family, I found myself drawn into a labyrinth of deception when her brother brings home Ashley Parker—a woman whose every facet seems shrouded in falsehoods. King's descriptions are a vivid brushstroke, painting Jester Falls as both a tourist's haven and a clandestine theatre for the unfolding drama.

The characters are a complex dance of motives and secrets. Ruth's devotion to her family is palpable, and as the enigmatic Ashley Parker disrupts the tranquility, the tension escalates. Each character harbors a mysterious allure, and King's skillful character development adds layers of uncertainty, making it impossible to discern friend from foe.

As I delved into the audio rendition of this psychological thriller, the immersive experience elevated the suspense to new heights. The small-town vibes, the enigmatic disappearances, and the relentless pace of the narrative created a palpable tension that echoed in the recesses of my mind. King's narrative prowess, combined with the audio medium, made "Passerby" an enthralling symphony of suspense.

The genre, a gripping psychological thriller, thrives on the interplay of deception and revelation. King's narrative prowess keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, with every revelation sending shockwaves through the carefully constructed facade of normalcy. The small-town setting, coupled with the mysterious disappearances, adds an extra layer of intrigue, making Jester Falls a character in itself.

"Passerby" unfolds like a heart-pounding odyssey, beckoning readers into a world where every smile conceals a secret, and every picturesque facade hides a dark truth. Britney King has woven a tale that captivates the mind, leaving you guessing until the final crescendo. The immersive experience of listening to this psychological thriller on audio only heightens the suspense, making it a must-read for lovers of the genre.

Was this review helpful?

I just didn’t connect with this one. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, but I know I love a thriller when I want to read or listen every moment I am not. This one didn’t give me the urge to pick it up. Almond Eastland’s narration picked up the quirky characters.

Don’t get me wrong, I was entertained, but not like her previous books. I’ll be interested to read/listen to the next one.

Was this review helpful?

The plot did lose me at times. For me the narrator did not really work as it interrupted the parts of the book that interested me more. And I didn’t fully understand the motivation for the murders. But I did enjoy the reading experience

Was this review helpful?

Although I found that this had a semi slow start it was very well written and once it caught your attention it sucked you right in.
Magnolia House is Jester Falls most popular bed and breakfast. It’s run by the rather eccentric Channing family. Since the town is an idyllic town where people flock to when they are looking to escape, the Magnolia House is doing well.
Ruth Channing absolutely adores what’s left of her family and she will do anything to protect them. However, when her brother brings home a mysterious lady he found on the side of Route 76. Ruth begins to realize that “anything” can take on a few different meanings.
Ashley Parker is the name of the woman her brother picked up. Nothing about her rings true. Her past, her profession, and even her very name seem suspicious. What she is most concerned about though is that she really doesn’t want to leave. Soon, guests start disappearing and it becomes clear that there is a whole lot more at risk than just the family business.
This book was really good once the slower bit, or the bit where you are being introduced to main characters I suppose, was through it really became involved and it left you wondering who was doing what and why.
I would recommend this book. It’s a good length and can be finished in a good amount of time.

Was this review helpful?

If you want a semi-suspenseful book with incredibly unlikable characters than boy have I found the book for you.

This book was just - not what I was expecting. I didn’t NOT like it, but I can’t say I liked it either. I’m definitely confused about how I feel about it, but it isn’t something I’d read again.

There’s plenty of family drama in this one - that’s pretty much the central theme - and that’s not my cup of tea. A little family drama to spice it up sure, but not nothing but family drama.

Since I can’t even decide how to feel, ⭐️⭐️⭐️, right down the middle. Thanks to NetGalley for the audio copy.

Was this review helpful?

Good audiobook with a decent storyline. I liked some of the characters and the ending was just okay.

Was this review helpful?

Gripped me from the start but unfortunately dragged throughout the middle of the book and I was left disinterested by the end. The narrator was difficult to listen to which may have contributed to me losing concentration whilst listening. I am sure others would enjoy this but unfortunately this audiobook wasn't to my taste.

Was this review helpful?

This is my second try with this author and again I just couldn’t get into the story like I wanted to, I think alot of people would like this fun thriller

Was this review helpful?

This book was very interesting and fast-paced, the author held my attention and the narrator was very appealing. I would recommend this book to friends.

Was this review helpful?

This was my 2nd novel by the author. It's a good story if you like psychological mysteries. I listened to the audiobook and liked this format. I liked the story and reading about the setting. I would read more by the author.

Was this review helpful?

The storyline for this book was rather interesting.  Its quite a short mystery book. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrators voice.  However, I did struggle when she was reading the males voices. As it didn't sound much different from her voice I lost track of who was talking and started get a little confused. This lead to me not being fully connected with the characters.  I felt we need a bit more background or descriptions of the characters to feel a better connection. Im not entirely sure if I lost my attention due to the narrator or that the book just wasn't to my tastes. I just didn't feel the flow of the book at all. But please remember I am just one person if you are a mystery fan then give it a go, try a sample of it first.  I just needed a little more attention to detail, atmosphere and tension to give the extra stars. Im still glad I read it as I did enjoy the storyline and I was intrigued enough to finish the book.
Thanks to the author and publishers for creating this book and allowing me to read and review it for you all.
The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/passerby-by-britney-king-orangesky-audio-3-stars
Under my name or ladyreading365 or lady Reading365

Was this review helpful?

Unfortunately, I could not get into this book, and it was a DNF. I am sorry that I was not able to complete this book. I only review books I love. I did not want to post a negative review that could deter somebody else from reading the book. I hope I will still be eligible for futire titles from you.

Was this review helpful?

I really wasn’t able to get into this book. I’m not sure what it was but I couldn’t keep listening. I think it may have been the voice they used. It was bland and didn’t keep me holding on. I also tend to prefer actual books over e-books so that may have also played into it. I did try to give the audiobook a chance but I think I’m old school.

Was this review helpful?

I wanted to love this, I really did! The beginning really pulled me in & started out strong. However, the writing felt a tad amateur & the end “motive” for the murders didn’t really seem believable. There were some interesting twists & I connected with Ruth’s character enough to enjoy the story. I listened to this one & thought Almond Eastland did an excellent job narrating. Overall, it was a good reading experience & I’m looking forward to checking out more of Britney Kings work.

Was this review helpful?

For some reason, the file for Passerby would not download, so I was not able to listen to the audiobook or give a proper review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

Was this review helpful?

The beginning of this book was hard to follow and slow. I had a hard time keeping track of what was going on. The story picks up the pace around the halfway mark, but it was to late for me to really get into it and like it.

Was this review helpful?

Passerby just never really caught me. It was confusing at times, and my attention kept drifting. Other might enjoy this one, but it wasn't for me.

Was this review helpful?

The story begins with Ruth and her two brothers, who own a B&B in a small tourist town. One of her brothers brings home a woman he says he picked up along the road, and Ruth thinks she's up to no good. As the story progresses, we also hear from the perspective of "The Passerby" who brings a sinister perspective on the unusual events as they occur. There are a lot of twists in this story that lead you in all kinds of directions. You'll never believe who's behind it all! The narration could have been better. Several characters, particularly Cole, had a nasal twang that made them less than desirable.

Was this review helpful?