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kaylovestoread's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jmj697mn's review
4.0
This one broken my heart on so many levels. I also kind of felt like Stride took a backseat in this one, but I still enjoyed it.
croyalbird13's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
llona_llegaconlalluvia's review against another edition
2.0
attentato alla maratona
CIT: le persone non cambiano.
diventano solo in modo piu preciso ciò che sono sempre state, nel bene e nel male
CIT: le persone non cambiano.
diventano solo in modo piu preciso ciò che sono sempre state, nel bene e nel male
erik_schoneberger's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
As a long time Duluthian and someone who has completed the matathon multiple times, this hits home and is emotional. Love the detail of the city and I’m able to SEE it all so clear because I’ve been to and lived in many areas talked about in the boom
shelfreflectionofficial's review against another edition
5.0
This is book 8 in a series. I have not read any of the other books and still enjoyed reading this one. If you plan to read the other ones after this, you may be exposed to what I perceive to be possible references to earlier books. Nothing major- a relationship change and a wrongly accused suspect from a prior case.
Though a suspense/mystery book, this story is also a discussion of sorts on profiling, terrorism, and inciting hatred and violence on social media.
A bomb is detonated at an annual marathon in Duluth. A witness who claims to have seen the bomber posts the man’s picture on Twitter- also the man is of Middle Eastern descent. After a well-known Anti-Islam figurehead retweets it, the destruction of the man’s life (and other Muslims) ensues. Was he actually the bomber? Was it another Muslim in the community or someone else? How can the police stop the violence from spiraling out of control and conduct a legitimate investigation when operating from potentially biased information?
I believe profiling exists, especially in regards to terrorism. Obviously most Muslims are not terrorists. Can police and government agencies fight terrorism without profiling or being biased? I don’t have answers. Yet, it is an important thing to be aware of when we are making judgments about incidents.
That’s worth repeating: be cautious when making judgments about events, people, statements, incidents. As portrayed in the book- we, as the public, almost always have incomplete information. And we can’t accept blindly the claims of well-known “justice” fighters for any cause, because more often than not, they are pushing a particular agenda. This book shows us one example of the dangerous consequences of passing unchecked information as fact, or getting all worked up about something that has not been verified by the right sources.
In the context of the book, it focuses on profiling based on race. But considering the social climate of America right now I would apply this lesson more widely and say: the things we post on social media have real consequences and I believe Americans as a whole are being largely irresponsible with what they post and how they post it. We say we want to stop violence and hatred but scroll through your newsfeeds and that’s all you see. It’s basically still hatred even if you package it as the condemnation of ‘all that is wrong with the world.’ Regardless of our intentions we must be more cautious in our judgments and seek truth BEFORE we share all the things we deem “important.”
And I say all this to myself as well. We must humbly recognize that it turns out our thoughts and opinions aren’t actually as important or necessary as we think. I believe if we posted and retweeted less, we would have less violence and less hatred. The entire solution is more complex than that but it’s certainly not less than that.
Regardless of race, political, or religious affiliation, I believe the message of this book applies to all of us and is absolutely relevant to today. Seek the truth first, think for yourself, and be cautious in any judgment. Our words and actions have very real, and all too often, dangerous consequences.
Moral lesson aside, it was a well-written and suspenseful book. It’s the Jonathan Stride series, but I kind of liked how it wasn’t written from his point of view and I wouldn’t even say he was the main character throughout it all. Screen time was divided between several likable characters and helped drive the plot. I plan to go back and read others in this series- hopefully in order!
Oh just thought of something else. There is a common subtle theme of ‘purpose’ throughout this book. Each character looking for purpose or finding purpose. I found that really interesting to think about in the context of the overarching purpose of the book. What is the author getting at in regards to a person’s need for purpose? Especially when he writes one character who has a strong faith in God even amidst the pain and tragedy of her life. Although there are several Muslim characters in the story and their faith is talked about, it is portrayed as more of something they do instead of who they are to the core of their being. It didn’t feel as raw or as genuine as the Christian character’s faith but more of a traditional, obligatory aspect of their lives that held meaning but not in the ‘this is my whole worldview, what changed me, what moves me, what gives me hope’ kind of way. Or rather. Their purpose. I did not feel as if Freeman was advocating for a particular faith and haven’t felt that in any of his other books either. So I’m curious to know his intent in including this aspect of purpose. Something I’m still processing.
In case you need it spelled out: I would recommend.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
Though a suspense/mystery book, this story is also a discussion of sorts on profiling, terrorism, and inciting hatred and violence on social media.
A bomb is detonated at an annual marathon in Duluth. A witness who claims to have seen the bomber posts the man’s picture on Twitter- also the man is of Middle Eastern descent. After a well-known Anti-Islam figurehead retweets it, the destruction of the man’s life (and other Muslims) ensues. Was he actually the bomber? Was it another Muslim in the community or someone else? How can the police stop the violence from spiraling out of control and conduct a legitimate investigation when operating from potentially biased information?
I believe profiling exists, especially in regards to terrorism. Obviously most Muslims are not terrorists. Can police and government agencies fight terrorism without profiling or being biased? I don’t have answers. Yet, it is an important thing to be aware of when we are making judgments about incidents.
That’s worth repeating: be cautious when making judgments about events, people, statements, incidents. As portrayed in the book- we, as the public, almost always have incomplete information. And we can’t accept blindly the claims of well-known “justice” fighters for any cause, because more often than not, they are pushing a particular agenda. This book shows us one example of the dangerous consequences of passing unchecked information as fact, or getting all worked up about something that has not been verified by the right sources.
In the context of the book, it focuses on profiling based on race. But considering the social climate of America right now I would apply this lesson more widely and say: the things we post on social media have real consequences and I believe Americans as a whole are being largely irresponsible with what they post and how they post it. We say we want to stop violence and hatred but scroll through your newsfeeds and that’s all you see. It’s basically still hatred even if you package it as the condemnation of ‘all that is wrong with the world.’ Regardless of our intentions we must be more cautious in our judgments and seek truth BEFORE we share all the things we deem “important.”
And I say all this to myself as well. We must humbly recognize that it turns out our thoughts and opinions aren’t actually as important or necessary as we think. I believe if we posted and retweeted less, we would have less violence and less hatred. The entire solution is more complex than that but it’s certainly not less than that.
Regardless of race, political, or religious affiliation, I believe the message of this book applies to all of us and is absolutely relevant to today. Seek the truth first, think for yourself, and be cautious in any judgment. Our words and actions have very real, and all too often, dangerous consequences.
Moral lesson aside, it was a well-written and suspenseful book. It’s the Jonathan Stride series, but I kind of liked how it wasn’t written from his point of view and I wouldn’t even say he was the main character throughout it all. Screen time was divided between several likable characters and helped drive the plot. I plan to go back and read others in this series- hopefully in order!
Oh just thought of something else. There is a common subtle theme of ‘purpose’ throughout this book. Each character looking for purpose or finding purpose. I found that really interesting to think about in the context of the overarching purpose of the book. What is the author getting at in regards to a person’s need for purpose? Especially when he writes one character who has a strong faith in God even amidst the pain and tragedy of her life. Although there are several Muslim characters in the story and their faith is talked about, it is portrayed as more of something they do instead of who they are to the core of their being. It didn’t feel as raw or as genuine as the Christian character’s faith but more of a traditional, obligatory aspect of their lives that held meaning but not in the ‘this is my whole worldview, what changed me, what moves me, what gives me hope’ kind of way. Or rather. Their purpose. I did not feel as if Freeman was advocating for a particular faith and haven’t felt that in any of his other books either. So I’m curious to know his intent in including this aspect of purpose. Something I’m still processing.
In case you need it spelled out: I would recommend.
See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!
laneylegz's review against another edition
4.0
The annual Duluth marathon is underway and right at the end of the race, BOOM goes a bomb. The city is set off in a rage after a very public figure incites vigilantism against the Muslims that she deems responsible for the bombing with no proof or reasoning. Protected by the 1st amendment she continues to spew her rhetoric on twitter along with her followers and pretty soon Stride, Maggie, Serena, & the FBI have more crime on their hands as they struggle to piece together the bombing, potential suspects, peace between the Muslim population that has nothing to do with the bombing, & an unstable FBI agent. Too many suspects, trying to stay ahead of false internet information, & more murders spurs the investigation in too many directions. Stride has a different viewpoint on who is really responsible, Maggie ties up too many coincidences, & Serena pieces together other leads. All while the city is on edge and people are taking the law into their own hands, Stride keeps a level head to get to the bottom of the smokescreens to nab the real bomber.
carajago's review against another edition
3.0
This is the best of the Stride series I've read so far. I am listening to them in order, and feel like this one finally added a bit more substance to the mystery.
candyflynn's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
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