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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
This book has... potential. In it, a nuclear physicist has two strange attacks while working on experiments in his lab at Dartmouth College. The doctors are a bit confused, so he carries on working. One day, he's seen being carried off campus, so people assume it's another attack, only for them to find out he'd been kidnapped, on the brink of a big discovery.
The book swings between your standard whodunit and something mystical, using quantum mechanics to explain how someone knows something. Therein lies the problem. If you've read any recent Stephen King (Mr. Mercedes for example), you'll know he can write mysteries, with added elements. This book wants to tap into that, but it doesn't quite work. When a book launches into an explanation of an idea (that is needed to get the book to work), at the start of the book, you're either treating people like they're stupid, giving away any mystical elements, or you've picked the wrong damn subject.
It's not a bad read, it's just it's sort of obvious (but not 100% obvious) who did it, because it's written from multiple perspectives. The detective isn't sure which of the suspects did it, but we get to see what people are thinking, because we're in their heads. This rules out a suspect who is considered the main suspect for a lot of the book. If you can accept that, then there are worse books to read.
Incidentally, I know quantum mechanics is real, but it's treated almost musically here.
The book swings between your standard whodunit and something mystical, using quantum mechanics to explain how someone knows something. Therein lies the problem. If you've read any recent Stephen King (Mr. Mercedes for example), you'll know he can write mysteries, with added elements. This book wants to tap into that, but it doesn't quite work. When a book launches into an explanation of an idea (that is needed to get the book to work), at the start of the book, you're either treating people like they're stupid, giving away any mystical elements, or you've picked the wrong damn subject.
It's not a bad read, it's just it's sort of obvious (but not 100% obvious) who did it, because it's written from multiple perspectives. The detective isn't sure which of the suspects did it, but we get to see what people are thinking, because we're in their heads. This rules out a suspect who is considered the main suspect for a lot of the book. If you can accept that, then there are worse books to read.
Incidentally, I know quantum mechanics is real, but it's treated almost musically here.
bradparks's review against another edition
3.0
There was a plot hole about 1/4 the way through the book that ultimately revealed itself at the end.
The missing "why didnt they ask this question" is what makes it 3 stars - if they had asked it, I wouldn't have figured it out early, but did.
Still enjoyable, with memorable characters and good storytelling
The missing "why didnt they ask this question" is what makes it 3 stars - if they had asked it, I wouldn't have figured it out early, but did.
Still enjoyable, with memorable characters and good storytelling
zawicki's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
barbtrek's review against another edition
5.0
Quantum physics is fun in nonfiction so I knew I’d love it in fiction. I was not disappointed! This was a great kidnapping/mystery.
debyik's review against another edition
4.0
Intriguing and suspenseful. The author keeps you guessing by misdirection throughout the book. The characters are all well developed and you could feel the chill in the March air in New Hampshire. The motives were all believable and you get to follow multiple POVs. There is some stereotyping so if that is something that triggers you, be warned.
The relationship between Matt and Brigid Bronik was great and after 25 years of marriage, I agree that along with communication as the number one thing, this quote sums up a lasting marriage well.
“Wasn’t that one of the secrets to a lasting marriage? When one person was down or doubting themselves, the other person lifted them up, made them believe. Made them better than they would be alone.”
The relationship between Matt and Brigid Bronik was great and after 25 years of marriage, I agree that along with communication as the number one thing, this quote sums up a lasting marriage well.
“Wasn’t that one of the secrets to a lasting marriage? When one person was down or doubting themselves, the other person lifted them up, made them believe. Made them better than they would be alone.”
courtney_mccallum's review against another edition
3.0
This is more of a “whodunnit” than a science fiction book, but you don’t learn that until you’re already 80 percent finished with the book, which makes the whole quantum physics premise feel like a bait-and-switch.
And without spoiling anything, I think there is some pretty blatant sexism going on, there is subtle racism in the way roles are cast, and overall the characters are never fully developed and therefore don’t feel believable.
That being said, I still thought this was entertaining enough—if you like crime thrillers, I’d give it a shot. Otherwise, skip.
And without spoiling anything, I think there is some pretty blatant sexism going on, there is subtle racism in the way roles are cast, and overall the characters are never fully developed and therefore don’t feel believable.
That being said, I still thought this was entertaining enough—if you like crime thrillers, I’d give it a shot. Otherwise, skip.
kimminy's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting premise. I could deal with the poor police procedures in the beginning, but then it just got ridiculous.
winglady's review against another edition
5.0
Hang onto your hat as you dive into this mix of mind-blowing concepts of quantum physics, a mad (?) scientist or two, a bored billionaire, and several very relatable "ordinary" people caught up in an extraordinary situation. Intriguing, mystifying, and sometimes frightening, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the surprising conclusion is revealed.