Every Vow You Break is the fifth book I’ve read by US author Peter Swanson and ever since his debut, The Girl with a Clock for a Heart, he’s offered readers something a little different. A little off-centre.
His latest is no different. In fact he’s written it in a way that the introduction misleads readers completely. I wasn’t quite sure who I should be trusting or believing. In some ways, he offers us an anti-hero who ends up being a bad guy. Like Clark Kent becoming The Joker. Or something.
Peter Swanson’s latest release Rules for Perfect Murders (also released elsewhere as Eight Perfect Murders) is a very clever novel. I notice Anthony Horowitz has offered up a recommendation quote for the cover, which makes sense as it’s reminiscent of his (more traditional crime fiction) work as well.
I guess, by its nature the book is (in fact) a homage to crime fiction – particularly that by some of the greats. It’s twisty and very intelligently written. Indeed it’s very different. It could have been amazing but (though still a good read) I felt it fell slightly short of its potential.
I only requested this book for review recently, though it was released earlier this year. I’ve read two books by Peter Swanson and still remember the beguiling title of his debut… The Girl With a Clock for a Heart.
His novels are satisfyingly twisty with complex characters, usually with frailties and there’s often moral or ethical challenge at the heart of the book. His latest is no different.
I’d seen this book on a few blogs before my copy arrived and had an unfortunate case of book envy. It’s exactly the sort of novel I adore and I was starting to worry it was out overseas but not here.
Thankfully, fate, luck and the gods were all on my side as the book arrived and – despite some other commitments – I was able to polish it off in a couple of days.
In his freshman year of college George Foss fell in love with The Girl with a Clock for a Heart. And now, 20 years after she disappeared from his life (and after many false alarms), he spots her in a Boston bar.
George knows Liana’s appearance in an obscure local tavern can’t be a coincidence. He realises she’s trouble but at the same time knows he’s powerless to refuse any request.
Follow me!