Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Thirteen - Susie Moloney- Review AND Giveaway

I first discovered Canadian author Susie Moloney when I read her novel A Dry Spell way back in 1997. She followed that up with The Dwelling in 2003. Both seemed to fall under the horror genre - a la Stephen King - with everyday occurrences and things becoming sinister, such as a lack of rain and a house that just won't sell. But Moloney also does a fine job of exploring reactions and behaviour as a result of those occurrences.

Moloney's latest novel - The Thirteen - centres on the perfect little town of Haven Woods. Things are, well, just as they should be, according to the thirteen women who seem to have a grip on the town. Until one of their own breaks rank and upsets everything. What to do? The leader Izzy calls Paula -daughter of one of their group (coven) and convinces her to come home - with her daughter Rowan. After all thirteen is the magic number and a sacrifice is needed...

Moloney has crafted another entertaining tale, drawing upon today's fascination with all things paranormal. But it just didn't grab me as much as her past books. Paula is unable to contact the doctor tending to her mother in the Haven Woods Hospital. Or even a nurse (other than one of the thirteen posing as one). No cleaners, no other patients, nothing. Really, after the fourth or fifth visit and she is still acquiescing, it stretched credibility. It reminded me of a slasher film where you want to yell at the lead character to "open your eyes and look around!"

Desperate Housewives sprang to mind and indeed this is one comparison that the publisher uses as well - "The Witches of Eastwick meets Desperate Housewives in Susie Moloney's The Thirteen, her new and long-awaited novel."

Once I got past being annoyed at the hospital situation, I did enjoy the book. Moloney has a wry sense of humour that is fun to catch. She again explores the human dynamic with lots of back stories of many of the characters and emotion drives some of the plot line.  I was never really 'horrified', but did appreciate Moloney's take on urban witches and the desire of many to 'have it all.' The action in the last few chapters had me quickly turning pages and the ending employed a great hook.

Read an excerpt of The Thirteen.

And thanks to the lovely folks at Random House Canada, I have a copy of The Thirteen to giveaway. Open to Canada only, one win per household. Simply comment to be entered. Ends Sun. Sept. 11 at 6 pm EST.

16 comments:

Aislynn said...

Sounds like an interesting read!!

aislynnt(at)gmail(dot)com

bermudaonion said...

I'm not one much for horror, so I'm not sure this would be for me.

Hot Off the Shelves said...

Sounds interesting. Please enter me.

jasmyn9[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this.
gardnerad@juno.com

Gwendolyn B. said...

Too bad I can't enter, but I'm making a note of this author - she sounds good and creepy!

Unknown said...

I'd love a chance at this giveaway!

unforgetable_dreamer_always (at) hotmail (DOT) COM

holdenj said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crystal said...

I got the first copy from Vancouver Public Library! I read it, OMG I LOVE THE ENDING........not saying more don't want to give it away :)A book I would definitely read again!

lag123 said...

I am sure I would love this!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Turtle said...

I would very much love a copy of The Thirteen! I have read many favourable reviews of this book and I am excited to read it. <3

Maureen said...

I have never read this author and her stories sound different.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

traveler said...

this would be an exceptional book. I read another book by this author which was great. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

Sounds like this is a very interesting book! Love to read it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Unknown said...

Thanks for the giveaway! Please count me in!

chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Hope it scares me!
teressaoliver at gmail dot com

Misusedinnocence said...

This sounds like a great read!
misusedinnocence@aol.com