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celtic67's review against another edition
4.0
Can you hunt for two killers when all you have is a coma induced dream.
steveinadelaide's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Pain Tourist by Paul Cleave is an engrossing mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. James Garrett, a young man, awakens from a nine-year coma to a world that's moved on without him. The brutal home invasion that put him there remains unsolved, his parents dead, and his sister, Hazel, burdened by the weight of his care. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent is tasked with reopening the cold case, all while a copycat killer mimicking a notorious serial offender terrorises the city. As James grapples with a fragmented memory and unsettling dreams that seem eerily real, the lines between past and present blur. The quest for answers becomes a desperate fight for survival, forcing James to confront the trauma he's been holding onto.
Cleave's prose is sharp and suspenseful. He masterfully weaves between past and present, keeping the reader guessing about James's dreams and their connection to the crimes. Descriptive passages paint a vivid picture of James's internal struggle. The narrative structure keeps the pacing brisk, with cliffhangers that leave you scrambling for the next chapter.
Character development is a strong point. James is a complex protagonist who struggles with self-doubt and the ghosts of his past. We see his determination to piece together his shattered life and his fierce protectiveness of Hazel. However, some secondary characters, like Rebecca Kent, feel a bit underdeveloped. Their motivations and backstories could have added depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The originality of The Pain Tourist is what makes it so great. The concept of a coma victim experiencing a "dream life" that intertwines with reality is fascinating. It raises questions about memory, perception, and the nature of consciousness. Cleave explores the psychological trauma of violence and the lasting impact it has on victims and their loved ones. Deeper than the average thriller, this one explores the human psyche, elevating it above the level of a standard detective story.
While the core mystery is captivating, there are occasional pacing issues. The introduction of the copycat killer feels slightly disjointed and could have been better integrated with the main plot. Additionally, some plot threads, particularly around James's dreams, are left a little loose at the end, which might leave some readers wanting more closure.
The Pain Tourist is a strong contender for fans of dark psychological thrillers. It shares similarities with works by authors like Mo Hayder or Tess Gerritsen, but Cleave's exploration of the trauma of violence sets it apart. The focus on James's internal journey adds a layer of emotional complexity that elevates the story. There are a few small issues, but overall, the book is worth reading because of its unique ideas, exciting plot, and likeable protagonist. If you are in the market for a gripping thriller that will linger in your mind for quite some time, The Pain Tourist is definitely worth adding to your collection.
smcl992's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
"First-rate! Powerhouse international bestselling crime thriller author Paul Cleave knows how to keep readers turning the pages, and he is in 'top form' with his latest—THE PAIN TOURIST."
INTERVIEW: Check out my fun #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Paul, where we go behind the scenes of the book and the author!
"Pain Tourists" —people who revel in the misery of others. Those who find personal satisfaction in visiting people or places associated with tragedies. And when the TV shows, podcasts, and books aren't enough for them, they break into houses to collect souvenirs.
This riveting thriller begins in Christchurch with a home invasion under the disguise of a wounded cop (three monsters) gone bad (wrong house). Frank and Avah Garrett are both real estate agents with two children.
Leaving two parents murdered and James, their eleven-year-old boy, shot in the back of the head and left for dead. While fourteen-year-old sister, Hazel manages to escape with her little brother's help.
Detective Inspectors Theodore Tate and Carl Schroder (from previous books) are on the case. The case was not solved.
James managed to be alive; however, the surgeons lost him four times. Finally in a coma for nine years with his sister Hazel by his side. Then one day, after nine years, he comes out of his coma.
James was an imaginative young boy with an eidetic memory and always wanted to be a writer. During his nine years in a coma, he created a world called Coma World.
He can visit Coma World whenever he likes (the warehouse with cabinets (his parents purchased in his dreams). He can clearly remember those moments, as though he is transported into them. Everything outside of the Coma World (one of happiness) is The Real World (one of fear).
There, he can access the vast warehouse filled with hundreds of file cabinets—a place where he can lock away the painful memories and a place of solace where he can reimagine the story with a more happy ending.
James cannot speak due to his brain injuries, now age twenty, and he quickly writes, filling notebooks full of happenings during these nine years. His sister is now thirty-two and supportive of her brother in every way.
His surgeon, Doctor Wolfgang McCoy, quickly realizes in James' Coma World; memories are details and dates that coincide with the real world, including information about a possible murder.
CASE ONE: James may be able to help solve the case of his parent's death nine years earlier.
CASE TWO: While in a coma, there was a woman in his room (Georgia), and he overhears the husband (Nathaniel) confessing to attempted murder. (she later dies after being in a coma). How many other murders did he commit?
CASE THREE: Enter Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent, charged with solving another case—Copy Joe, the serial killer.
Years ago, there was Joe Middleton, dubbed the Christchurch Carver (previous book), who terrorized the city for years picking off women while working as a janitor at the police department. He was arrested and then escaped, and no one knows if he is still in Christchurch or New Zealand.
Is Joe back, or is this a copycat? Copy Joe.
Kent is now juggling all three cases.
She consults with Shroder and Tate; neither is still on the force, but they want to be involved. They work with a TV show, The Cleaner, filmed in Christchurch that follows the lives of two crime-scene cleaners finding themselves solving the crimes they're there to clean up. Solving cases the police can't. There is also a show called Crime Busters. The show has produced a steady income for Tate as a liaison between the TV studio and the police department.
How do these three cases connect?
The Garrett Family
Copy Joe, serial killer
Nathaniel and Georgia Perry
Pain Tourists go where the Joes of the world have been.
Tate, Kent, Hazel, and James are all now in danger. Can they stay one step ahead of the monsters who want to take them down? Who can they trust?
Many villains and monsters hide in plain sight, those who are pain tourists, delighting in others' pain and tragedy—some who seek notoriety, filled with greed and revenge. Some are disguised as cops, law-abiding citizens, colleagues, or friends with connections.
There are past and present detectives, some with troubled, haunted pasts trying to capture the monsters. Some are still grieving and struggling with the moral consequences of the crimes they investigate, and then there are survivors and heroes.
However, at its center is the greatest hero of all— we find in the unforgettable character of James Garrett. Brilliantly crafted, he and his sister, Hazel, are the "stars" of this show and ones you will remember long after the book ends.
Those who like their crime thrillers infused with humanity are richly rewarded!
This complex story has many moving parts, but Cleave has a confident and steady hand. His skills as a master storyteller are on full display.
Readers will be immersed in the suspenseful, alternating three investigations (storylines) and will not want them to end.
Perfect for crime junkies, true crime fans, and dark, well-written thrillers and procedurals that explore human nature.
Multi-layered, complex, cleverly plotted, and wildly entertaining! Packed with non-stop action, twists, turns, emotion, and heart, THE PAIN TOURIST is CRIME fiction at its most THRILLING.
If you enjoyed Cleave's The Quiet People, you will devour his latest. I am a long-time huge fan and have read all his books. One of my favorites —I highly recommend it along with his entire backlist.
Relentlessly suspenseful and furiously paced, a searing, unforgettable novel with a seamless blend of twisty police procedural, ingenious psychological thriller, gritty crime thriller, captivating literary fiction, suspense, mystery, and action—THE PAIN TOURIST has it all!
When combined, you get the best literary fiction which blends plot and story with character development to envelop you in a compelling work of art.
If you are a Cleave fan (like myself), you will enjoy catching up with familiar characters from previous books. However, the novel can be read easily as a standalone—new fans will delight. And if you haven't yet read him, this is the moment. Do not miss this one.
For fans of authors: Michael Connelly, Michael Robotham, Linwood Barclay, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, and Dean Koontz.
Verdict: Simply the best crime fiction you will read this year! Highly creative, filled with intriguing turns, surprising revelations, and a compelling cast of characters who leap from the page— THE PAIN TOURIST is Cleave's most electrifying, provocative, gritty, and suspenseful novel yet!
His superb writing is captivating, raw, powerful, and utterly gripping, yet written with humor, tenderness, and empathy that will break your heart—making him one of the "best" crime thrillers of today.
A special thank you to #OrendaBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also purchased a copy.
TV ADAPTATION: Congrats! Look for the upcoming TV adaption six-part series of Paul's debut novel "The Cleaner" called "Dark City," coming in 2023 to be filmed in Christchurch!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 10, 2022
My Rating: 5
INTERVIEW: Check out my fun #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Paul, where we go behind the scenes of the book and the author!
"Pain Tourists" —people who revel in the misery of others. Those who find personal satisfaction in visiting people or places associated with tragedies. And when the TV shows, podcasts, and books aren't enough for them, they break into houses to collect souvenirs.
This riveting thriller begins in Christchurch with a home invasion under the disguise of a wounded cop (three monsters) gone bad (wrong house). Frank and Avah Garrett are both real estate agents with two children.
Leaving two parents murdered and James, their eleven-year-old boy, shot in the back of the head and left for dead. While fourteen-year-old sister, Hazel manages to escape with her little brother's help.
Detective Inspectors Theodore Tate and Carl Schroder (from previous books) are on the case. The case was not solved.
James managed to be alive; however, the surgeons lost him four times. Finally in a coma for nine years with his sister Hazel by his side. Then one day, after nine years, he comes out of his coma.
James was an imaginative young boy with an eidetic memory and always wanted to be a writer. During his nine years in a coma, he created a world called Coma World.
He can visit Coma World whenever he likes (the warehouse with cabinets (his parents purchased in his dreams). He can clearly remember those moments, as though he is transported into them. Everything outside of the Coma World (one of happiness) is The Real World (one of fear).
There, he can access the vast warehouse filled with hundreds of file cabinets—a place where he can lock away the painful memories and a place of solace where he can reimagine the story with a more happy ending.
James cannot speak due to his brain injuries, now age twenty, and he quickly writes, filling notebooks full of happenings during these nine years. His sister is now thirty-two and supportive of her brother in every way.
His surgeon, Doctor Wolfgang McCoy, quickly realizes in James' Coma World; memories are details and dates that coincide with the real world, including information about a possible murder.
CASE ONE: James may be able to help solve the case of his parent's death nine years earlier.
CASE TWO: While in a coma, there was a woman in his room (Georgia), and he overhears the husband (Nathaniel) confessing to attempted murder. (she later dies after being in a coma). How many other murders did he commit?
CASE THREE: Enter Detective Inspector Rebecca Kent, charged with solving another case—Copy Joe, the serial killer.
Years ago, there was Joe Middleton, dubbed the Christchurch Carver (previous book), who terrorized the city for years picking off women while working as a janitor at the police department. He was arrested and then escaped, and no one knows if he is still in Christchurch or New Zealand.
Is Joe back, or is this a copycat? Copy Joe.
Kent is now juggling all three cases.
She consults with Shroder and Tate; neither is still on the force, but they want to be involved. They work with a TV show, The Cleaner, filmed in Christchurch that follows the lives of two crime-scene cleaners finding themselves solving the crimes they're there to clean up. Solving cases the police can't. There is also a show called Crime Busters. The show has produced a steady income for Tate as a liaison between the TV studio and the police department.
How do these three cases connect?
The Garrett Family
Copy Joe, serial killer
Nathaniel and Georgia Perry
Pain Tourists go where the Joes of the world have been.
Tate, Kent, Hazel, and James are all now in danger. Can they stay one step ahead of the monsters who want to take them down? Who can they trust?
Many villains and monsters hide in plain sight, those who are pain tourists, delighting in others' pain and tragedy—some who seek notoriety, filled with greed and revenge. Some are disguised as cops, law-abiding citizens, colleagues, or friends with connections.
There are past and present detectives, some with troubled, haunted pasts trying to capture the monsters. Some are still grieving and struggling with the moral consequences of the crimes they investigate, and then there are survivors and heroes.
However, at its center is the greatest hero of all— we find in the unforgettable character of James Garrett. Brilliantly crafted, he and his sister, Hazel, are the "stars" of this show and ones you will remember long after the book ends.
Those who like their crime thrillers infused with humanity are richly rewarded!
This complex story has many moving parts, but Cleave has a confident and steady hand. His skills as a master storyteller are on full display.
Readers will be immersed in the suspenseful, alternating three investigations (storylines) and will not want them to end.
Perfect for crime junkies, true crime fans, and dark, well-written thrillers and procedurals that explore human nature.
Multi-layered, complex, cleverly plotted, and wildly entertaining! Packed with non-stop action, twists, turns, emotion, and heart, THE PAIN TOURIST is CRIME fiction at its most THRILLING.
If you enjoyed Cleave's The Quiet People, you will devour his latest. I am a long-time huge fan and have read all his books. One of my favorites —I highly recommend it along with his entire backlist.
Relentlessly suspenseful and furiously paced, a searing, unforgettable novel with a seamless blend of twisty police procedural, ingenious psychological thriller, gritty crime thriller, captivating literary fiction, suspense, mystery, and action—THE PAIN TOURIST has it all!
When combined, you get the best literary fiction which blends plot and story with character development to envelop you in a compelling work of art.
If you are a Cleave fan (like myself), you will enjoy catching up with familiar characters from previous books. However, the novel can be read easily as a standalone—new fans will delight. And if you haven't yet read him, this is the moment. Do not miss this one.
For fans of authors: Michael Connelly, Michael Robotham, Linwood Barclay, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner, and Dean Koontz.
Verdict: Simply the best crime fiction you will read this year! Highly creative, filled with intriguing turns, surprising revelations, and a compelling cast of characters who leap from the page— THE PAIN TOURIST is Cleave's most electrifying, provocative, gritty, and suspenseful novel yet!
His superb writing is captivating, raw, powerful, and utterly gripping, yet written with humor, tenderness, and empathy that will break your heart—making him one of the "best" crime thrillers of today.
A special thank you to #OrendaBooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also purchased a copy.
TV ADAPTATION: Congrats! Look for the upcoming TV adaption six-part series of Paul's debut novel "The Cleaner" called "Dark City," coming in 2023 to be filmed in Christchurch!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 10, 2022
My Rating: 5
doctahjonez's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
2.75
katlinmb's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
brodi_'s review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
kellyvandamme's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my giddy aunt, what an adrenaline rush this was! I’ve been a Paul Cleave fan for quite a while now and with The Pain Tourist he proves yet again what an absolutely brilliant author he is. As a matter of fact, The Pain Tourist may very well be my favourite Paul Cleave to date, and that is saying something.
The Pain Tourist’s main plot is about James Garrett. Nine years ago, James and his family were the victims of a home invasion in which his parents were killed and he was so badly injured he ended up in a coma. No one expected him to wake up, but nine years later he does wake up and he opens a whole new can of worms by opening his eyes.
So first of all, the story follows James, what happened to him while he was in a coma, and what’s happening to him now, because he and his sister who managed to escape nine years earlier, might still be on the radar of the home invaders who killed their parents, them wanting to tie up loose ends.
A subplot derives from here, namely that James was really rather alert while he was in a coma and his doctor believes James may be on to something when he claims that another coma patient was in fact murdered instead of killed in a tragic accident.
And then there’s another subplot in which a serial killer is on the loose, a copycat of the Christchurch Carver, whom you might remember from some of Paul Cleave’s earlier books. (I have to say, it was so much fun to hear from Joe the cleaner again! And on that note, the name Theodore Tate might ring a bell too.)
I hope I haven’t convoluted things, because yes there are a number of storylines, and yes it’s all quite intricate, but the whole story is so well-plotted and cleverly written it never gets confusing in any way.
The Pain Tourist is incredibly imaginative. I am honestly in awe of what Paul Cleave imagines the mind of a coma patient might be like. It is all quite over the top, yet as you’re reading, there’s this sense of plausibility. Like yeah sure, you’ve never heard of anything like it but you might just read about it in next week’s paper, you know? In terms of medical topics, The Pain Tourist reminded me of this author’s A Killer Harvest, which was even more over the top, but in that same way that makes you not give two hoots about plausibility and possibility. (If you haven’t read it, do so ASAP!)
The Pain Tourist is positively riveting. If you like your thrillers action-packed, high-octane, suspenseful and cleverly plotted, here is where you start!
Massive thanks to Orenda Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The Pain Tourist’s main plot is about James Garrett. Nine years ago, James and his family were the victims of a home invasion in which his parents were killed and he was so badly injured he ended up in a coma. No one expected him to wake up, but nine years later he does wake up and he opens a whole new can of worms by opening his eyes.
So first of all, the story follows James, what happened to him while he was in a coma, and what’s happening to him now, because he and his sister who managed to escape nine years earlier, might still be on the radar of the home invaders who killed their parents, them wanting to tie up loose ends.
A subplot derives from here, namely that James was really rather alert while he was in a coma and his doctor believes James may be on to something when he claims that another coma patient was in fact murdered instead of killed in a tragic accident.
And then there’s another subplot in which a serial killer is on the loose, a copycat of the Christchurch Carver, whom you might remember from some of Paul Cleave’s earlier books. (I have to say, it was so much fun to hear from Joe the cleaner again! And on that note, the name Theodore Tate might ring a bell too.)
I hope I haven’t convoluted things, because yes there are a number of storylines, and yes it’s all quite intricate, but the whole story is so well-plotted and cleverly written it never gets confusing in any way.
The Pain Tourist is incredibly imaginative. I am honestly in awe of what Paul Cleave imagines the mind of a coma patient might be like. It is all quite over the top, yet as you’re reading, there’s this sense of plausibility. Like yeah sure, you’ve never heard of anything like it but you might just read about it in next week’s paper, you know? In terms of medical topics, The Pain Tourist reminded me of this author’s A Killer Harvest, which was even more over the top, but in that same way that makes you not give two hoots about plausibility and possibility. (If you haven’t read it, do so ASAP!)
The Pain Tourist is positively riveting. If you like your thrillers action-packed, high-octane, suspenseful and cleverly plotted, here is where you start!
Massive thanks to Orenda Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/pain-tourist-paul-cleave
anneduff's review
5.0
This was my first book by Paul Cleave but it is most definitely not my last.
I was engrossed from the start and couldn't wait for a spare minute or two so I could get another fix.
There are many levels to the plot, each one a gripping story just on its own but, spliced in with the other levels, they make for a whirlwind ride where you're holding your breath one minute then galloping ahead with the next.
I've discovered a new favourite author and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I was engrossed from the start and couldn't wait for a spare minute or two so I could get another fix.
There are many levels to the plot, each one a gripping story just on its own but, spliced in with the other levels, they make for a whirlwind ride where you're holding your breath one minute then galloping ahead with the next.
I've discovered a new favourite author and I'm looking forward to reading more.