May 102013
A Brief Madness
Linden House Publishing is proud to announce the selection of A Brief Madness as a finalist in the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
A Brief Madness:
While serial murderer Richard Earl Dayle lies dying of heart failure, he desperately urges his limbs to push the soft earth over his final victims. Preserving his persona is ultimately more important to him than survival. With the discovery of his crimes, his family is faced with a mystery: How could this be the man they
List Price: $ 5.99
Price: $ 5.99
Fascinating book!,
The entire time I was reading this book, I was thinking about how it was such a unique way to approach the topic of murder or crime fiction. When I read stories in the news about a murderer, I always wonder what his or her family is going through, but I don’t remember ever reading a book that delved into that topic in any depth before. In A Brief Madness (an absolutely perfect title) the author uses an amazing amount of imagination and insight into other peoples’ feelings to be able to approach the topic of murder from the point of view of the murderer’s family members. Richard’s family members and other characters in the book are dealing with various stories of grief that are each deeply personal. As the characters each deal with their particular tragedies in their own ways, you get to know their flaws and limitations as well as their generosity and humor. As in Karisha Kal’ee’ay’s first book, this novel makes one consider how we are sometimes quick to cast judgment on others when there is often much about them that we don’t understand. And once again, despite the deep and sometimes heavy topics discussed in the book, when you come to the end you find yourself feeling light and hopeful. This is one of those books that it is hard to stop reading once you begin because you become so interested in the characters and their stories, which I think says a lot for the author’s writing ability and style.
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I absolutely loved this book,
As in her first novel,Waiting to Know You, Kal’ee’ay’s unique and interesting characters make this book a joy to read. The story is fascinating and skillfully presented as she brings a diverse cast together and lets you follow along on their various emotional as well as geographical adventures. I enjoyed the way the book provides insight into the complex mind and background of the serial killer in stages. As you learn more about him, so do the other characters, but from their unique perspectives. Kal’ee’ay has the ability to make me understand her characters from the inside out in a sympathetic way, so that I even developed a new perspective about the feelings, thoughts, and struggles of a serial killer. But what is even more fascinating is the story of his family, friends, and others affected by his life. All of these complex characters have incredible stories as well, and their journey in the wake of the murderer’s life was absorbing. As with her other writings, I love how Kal’ee’ay deals with the important subjects and stages of life. The way she thoughtfully addressed these issues left me with new insight and created powerful moments throughout the book. I couldn’t recommend this book enough for a unique and compelling read.
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