Grade 10
The premise of Kendare Blake’s All These Bodies was AMAZING. The mysterious atmosphere. The murders. The setting. The characters. Consequently, I cannot explain why it didn’t catch me. “Sometimes the truth is as hard to believe as it is to find.” Even the summary on the back of the book was enthralling. Regardless, All These Bodies was not the best book.
In
1958, seventeen-year-old Michael Jensen, a journalist wannabe, is growing up in
Black Deer Falls, Minnesota. However, his life has taken a change for the
worse. Everyone’s has. All throughout the Midwest, murders are taking place,
and in every instance, the victims’ blood has been drained completely. In
small-town Black Deer Falls, the murderer claimed the lives of Bob and Sarah
Carlson and their son, Steven. The sheriff, Michael’s dad, found fifteen-year-old Marie Hale at the scene of the crime…covered in
blood. Michael wasn’t even friends with
Steve, but he knew him, and the death hits him hard. And for some strange
reason, Marie refuses to tell anyone what happened besides Michael. For
Michael, this is a chance of a lifetime. A chance to hear what EVERY journalist
in the country wants to know. Why? How? Nevertheless, this chance could bring
more damage than opportunity. Is it worth it? Could such a young girl truly be
guilty of such a big crime?
As
you can see, the plot was incredible. I’m still trying to pinpoint why I didn’t
enjoy it. It may have been the author’s writing technique. Then again, it could
have been the deep and dramatic changes that unfolded throughout the novel. I
appreciate a good murder mystery every now and then, but books start to lose me
once they get into nasty, blood-drinking stuff.
Though most of all, it was that All These Bodies did not
leave me feeling fulfilled. It left me a little sad and kind of defeated. I
realize the author set the book up for a sequel; therefore, the ending of the
novel was NOT the ending of the story. But even then, the book didn’t leave me
craving more. I never say never, but I seriously doubt I’ll want to read
the sequel.
In
order for me to recommend this book, I would have to know who I was
recommending it to. I know some people love depressing murder mysteries, while
I know others who cry when they watch Bambi. It all depends on taste, and every
individual is unique. This novel wasn’t my cup of tea; still, it could be
yours. I appreciate books with an encouraging message and a happy ending.
Therefore, this wasn’t for me. However, if you are into murder mysteries with a
dash of horror, look no further.
Also by Kendare Blake - Anna Dressed in Blood
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