He saves others from their troubles. Who will save him?Most of us are lucky if we have one friend to simply be there when we’re down. Well, meet bus driver Rory Fine, who possesses the unique gift of relieving others of their troubles. For real! Strangers, friends, anyone he passes by, he can help. With just the barest of touches, for a while, the troubles in their hearts simply fade away.It’s … their hearts simply fade away.
It’s his way of making the world a better place, by giving people the chance to get out from under the weight of their woes. His bus-driving job is perfect because it allows him to meet so many people every day. And all of them are completely unaware why being near him makes them feel happier and more able to face life’s struggles.
There’s another bonus, too. He’s smitten with one of his regulars, sweet Mariana, but he can’t find the courage to even say hello. He’s shy and awkward and, well, different because of his gift.
Until one stormy night, when he makes a bold announcement to his passengers. Upon disembarking, he suggests they offload their worries into his palm. This might present the perfect chance for him to finally speak to the girl he thinks he just might love.
But…
There’s a killer aboard, and he leaves behind something darker and more terrifying than troubles. Soon Rory will discover a powerful entity also seeks Mariana, but his intentions have nothing to do with love.
Can a gentle soul such as he, stand the remotest chance of stopping a cold, relentless evil?
To do so, he’ll face more than this enemy. He’ll face his own harrowing past. But he will need to find a way to overcome everything he fears. For not only is Mariana in terrible danger but the very fabric of the world is at stake
From international best selling suspense author Susan May, comes another page-turner keeping readers awake way past their bedtime. Board The Troubles Keeper for a non-stop killer suspense ride. Meet memorable characters you’ll love and a world you won’t want to leave.
.. and since the book is available also in paperback and whisper-synched audible, there’s no better time to board this wonderful, killer suspense ride!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Not since Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas have I enjoyed a character as much as I do Rory Fine!” Carolyn Werner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of Stephen King. I, for one, have already put her on my ‘if she writes it, I will read it’ list.” Madelon Wilson(Good Reads Reviewer USA)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A unique take on a serial killer and the author is brilliant at creating a storyline that leaves the reader breathless.” Maureen Ellis (Good Reads reviewer UK)
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I truly enjoyed The Troubles Keeper. The book is a wonderful blend of horror, science fiction, and feel good love story. Rory Fine is caring person with a gift for taking away people’s troubles. But, what happens when he takes more than he’s prepared for? Can he stop a serial killer? Susan May seamlessly blends real scientific theories with science fiction. If you enjoyed Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, you should definitely check out The Troubles Keeper. I’m hoping for a sequel.
This was such a unique supernatural thriller and honestly I loved all the characters. I’m not much a thriller reader, but this one caught my attention with the main character’s gift of collecting people’s troubles. The way the author weaved such a peculiar gift into a story such as this was wonderful storytelling. After I read the insight into the author’s inspiration I enjoyed it even more. My only complaint was the slower beginning to the book. I’m glad there’s a sequel coming though because I can’t wait to read it!
I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
There is a broad category of writing known as speculative fiction. I know this because I actually took a class in speculative fiction in college (it seemed like an easy A, and it was). THE TROUBLES KEEPER falls quite nicely into this category.
There is a really nasty serial killer here, yet there is no big police investigation in the book. I must confess that halfway through the book, I started looking for such an investigation and realized this isn’t a serial killer whodunnit but a study in human nature. It’s not just good versus evil; it’s how an individual interacts with those around him or her. There is the sense that a good heart begets good actions.
The main characters are everyday folk. Our hero is a bus driver. There is a sweet boy meets girl romance about to bloom. In other words, it is a story of your life and mine except for that bit of supernatural ability that is not totally understood by its possessor. I found that I was more than curious about the ability, not only how it impacted ordinary mortals but the way it developed in the core characters.
Susan May seems to be following in the footsteps of Stephen King. She tells you a story that is easy to believe and taunts you with a bit of the supernatural to suspend your disbelief. In fact, she uses science to draw you in even further. This is a masterful technique that promises her an ever-expanding readership. I, for one, have already put her on my ‘if she writes it, I will read it’ list. You might just consider doing the same.
I received a copy of THE TROUBLES KEEPER from the author for review.
Just couldn’t get into this book. I tried two different times, got one fourth of the way thru it before giving up. At that point, nothing had happened. Still doing story set up. I kept thinking something would actually happen, but so far it didn’t. Yeah, you know there is a sicko running around, and that the girl Rory is fascinated with is the next victim, but nothing happened.
I quit.