Joe by H.D. Gordon Series: Joe Knowe Series #1
Publisher: Self-Published on June 30, 2012
Genres: Mystery, New Adult, Suspense, Thrillers
Pages: 336 (felt like more)
Source: Author
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
From the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga comes a story that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people, and the world of a very special girl named Joe. Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities, Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color into her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her. Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary people.
At A Glance
Good and bad.
The Good
Even though there was a lot I didn’t like, I was strangely drawn to this book. The tension was nonstop. I liked getting inside the head of a psychopath. Yeah, I’m weird like that. I liked Joe and her inner-turmoil. She was a very meek and quite person, but she had strength, even when she doubted herself. A few of the other characters were interesting enough to keep my attention as well.
The concept of a school shooting hits close to home for me. My brother had a close call at the Columbine high school shooting. It’s such a horrible thing to read about but it’s kind of important too. I think it’s important to be aware of these things and try to do all that we can to prevent them. Even though in Joe the killer is a psychopath, sometimes the killers are just kids who are bullied or abused. It’s freaking sad and horrible.
Anyway, this book made me tear up because of the subject matter and even the ending, but I am happy I read it.
The Bad
I am not sure, but I don’t think this was a well written book. However, it might just be that I didn’t like the writing style. The POV kept changing from omniscient to 3rd person, and there were six or so POVs all together. It was odd and felt disjointed.
The foreshadowing was waaaaay overdone. Each chapter ended in a foreshadow and it was too melodramatic. Too much information was given away. I would have rather been surprised by events instead of told they were coming.
The book felt way too long! I almost gave up two times. I started skipping paragraphs just to get to the point. The story didn’t need to drag on that much.
The Snuggly
There was a little romance but nothing to write home about. But, obviously, that wasn’t suppose to be the focus anyways.
Final Thoughts
I don’t think I would continue this series. Too much went wrong for me, but I don’t regret reading it. Not recommended.
Quotes
“Evil is not just a thing of fairytales. Evil is real and it walks among us. Evil is jealousy and hate and fear and fire.”
“It’s always easier to pick up the pieces as a knee-jerk reaction, as something blindsides us, when we don’t see it coming over the horizon. That is how life was supposed to work. No one wants to watch the beast as it slowly approaches, its glistening jaws snapping and its head lowered and stomach growling. Most of us know this. We know that when things happen—and things do happen—they come from nowhere. At least from nowhere our eyes can see. But we ignore this hard fact of life. Which is fine. Which is good. Which is right.”
“Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. –Susan Ertz”
Brandi Breathes Books
So creepy to get inside the mind of criminal
Jennifer Bielman
I know, it gave me the chills.
Olivia
Ooh when I first saw this book I fell in love with the cover, but now I am a bit disappointed after reading the review. 6 or so point of views is definitely too much for me! I think I will pass it up, even though being in the mind of a psychopath must’ve been unique!
Check out my review and giveaway: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/09/bridge-of-deaths-blog-tour-giveaway.html
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, it was too many POVs.
braine
I am weirdlike you so take comfort in numbers LOL.
That is sad, the cover and premise.sounds so exciting. Too many POVs can ruin the suspense and the shifting voice sounds annoying. What a disappoinment.
Jennifer Bielman
I know, the concept was so freaking amazing. I am so sad.
Jaclyn Canada
I agree that it’s important to learn more about the topic. Very sad to hear something like that was so close to home for you. I’m glad you enjoyed the glimpse into the psychopath head…I find myself watching shows about serial killers just to try and understand so I get that. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
Me too! I am always watching serial killer shows. it freaks me out but I am obsessed.
Christy
I enjoy being in the head of a psychopath too. This sounds kind of crazy, in a good way.
Jennifer Bielman
It was totally crazy.
sarah elizabeth
Hmm, not sure I really want to read this one now.
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, I wouldn’t suggest it.