NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERBarnes and Noble Best Book of the YearBookpage Best of 2017Booklist Best Crime NovelPopSugar Best Book of 2017The new novel from New York Times bestseller Dennis Lehane, author of Mystic River and Shutter Island“Lehane is the master of complex human characters thrust into suspenseful, page-turning situations.” —Gillian FlynnSince We Fell follows Rachel Childs, a former … Shutter Island
“Lehane is the master of complex human characters thrust into suspenseful, page-turning situations.” —Gillian Flynn
Since We Fell follows Rachel Childs, a former journalist who, after an on-air mental breakdown, now lives as a virtual shut-in. In all other respects, however, she enjoys an ideal life with an ideal husband. Until a chance encounter on a rainy afternoon causes that ideal life to fray. As does Rachel’s marriage. As does Rachel herself. Sucked into a conspiracy thick with deception, violence, and possibly madness, Rachel must find the strength within herself to conquer unimaginable fears and mind-altering truths. By turns heart- breaking, suspenseful, romantic, and sophisticated, Since We Fell is a novel of profound psychological insight and tension. It is Dennis Lehane at his very best.
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Lehane has written two books-one, an insightful examination of the search for identity and belonging, and two, a thriller that constantly leaves you guessing—and then smashed them together into one terrific read.
Lehane writes expert, compelling thrillers… He’s one of the game changers who smashed the imaginary boundary between genre and literature, proving that we can have the best of both at once.
Suddenly realized I haven’t recommended a book by one of my all time favorite authors (and, on several occasions, a client of mine), Dennis Lehane. To be honest I wasn’t such a fan of the Joe Coughlin, Prohibition Era trilogy, so I was thrilled when he reverted to a gritty, thriller, with the spot-on dialogue only Lehane can conjure. Stands alone, with no shortage of twists and turns.
One of my favorite books from one of my favorite authors. I read this a while back, but still find myself thinking about it often. Lehane is major #authorgoals.
The most thrilling novel I’ll read all year. Since We Fell is simmering with emotion, menace, and humor. I loved it.
Wow. Another wonderful character-driven book by one of my favorite authors. This one started slower than most and I didn’t know where it was going for a while… dangerous territory. But I stuck with it and was rewarded with one of the greatest books I’ve read this month… definitely in my top reads of the year, actually.
Like all of Dennis’ books, the characters and settings are richly drawn in ways you may not even understand until much later. He has my full trust, so I tend to wait out those moments when others may put it down. I do think there were some backstory elements that were not needed in the beginning but like everyone, we forgive him because the ride was so worth it.
This is the 4th Dennis Lehane book I have read…not a bad one in the lot.
I read the final 100 pages in one sitting.
LOVED THIS BOOK!
It starts slow I thought but then in the middle it becomes a real page turner.
Remember the song? Who wouldn’t – it’s been covered a dozen times. I actually played the original on YouTube to get me in the right mood before I cracked the first page. That song is the backdrop for this story, and when you really think of it, it’s a haunting song about loss and heartbreak at its most intense. Thus, this story.
The beauty of this writer is everytime you think you’ve figured out who’s really doing what, ZING, a twist. And another, and another. And they’re legitimate. Nothing makes you roll your eyes and say, oh, c’mon, how is that possible?
A body here, a body there, and all this time, you’re really pulling for the two of them. I’m not going into plot. My reviews are not going to spoil the story for you. I will say this – I will read this book again in a year, or two. It’s that good!
Five stars without a doubt. Well written, fun and dark, funny and frightening. An excellent story told very well by the author!
Wow. Another wonderful character-driven book by one of my favorite authors. This one started slower than most and I didn’t know where it was going for a while… dangerous territory. But I stuck with it and was rewarded with one of the greatest books I’ve read this month… definitely in my top reads of the year, actually.
Like all of Dennis’ books, the characters and settings are richly drawn in ways you may not even understand until much later. He has my full trust, so I tend to wait out those moments when others may put it down. I do think there were some backstory elements that were not needed in the beginning but like everyone, we forgive him because the ride was so worth it.
Make sure you check out my mood boards for this one Blunt Blog to see my inspiration for this book as a film.
Very original
A bit mixed in my response. Elements are brilliant.
Lehane is masterful in description and immersing the reader in the intrigue, mystery and suspense that the major character experiences.
Storywise I felt the book was a bit disjointed. Early portions addressed at length the protagonist’s history regarding her mother and father. Subsequent developments did not seem meaningfully linked to that arc. The story’s end was not my favorite type stylistically though solid. “Critique” statements aside I find his writing so excellent in portions of this book that it is inspiring to me as an author.
Lehane’s characters are so richly developed and relatable. His study of trauma, shame, and regret is so moving. The first half is a slow build toward heartwrenching twists and surprises. I couldn’t put it down.
Pick any of Dennis Lehane’s novels and a great story will emerge from the pages. “Since We Fell” is another masterful tense thriller. Lehane can tear down characters’ lives and thrust them into jeopardy like few other authors. Hard not to recommend anything he has written.
Journalist Rachel Childs has a meltdown on live TV while covering a devastating news story. The guy who nurses her back to mental health turns out to be not the person she thought he was – should she turn him in or go with him? It ends too soon.
Crazy story with twists and turns to the very end that will keep you guessing
Would give it 5 stars, but the language was a little strong for my taste.
not up to lehanes usual high standards.
A bit over the top for believeability , but all in all it is entertaining and convoluted.