Nine Lives (Peter Swanson)

There are many books that attempt to be thrillers. But somehow, they end up being a half hearted hogwash, often marred by a clumsy end after an otherwise decent plot. Nine Lives by Peter Swanson (yes, I need to specify this since I saw at least three books on Amazon with the same title!) is a most authentic thriller I have read in a long time! It certainly is the best of this year, so far. It comes packed with a chilling plot, some tantalizing situations, hard to guess suspense and a fast-paced, gripping narration with not a smidgen of drag at any point of the book.

Imagine receiving a list of 9 names – including yours, with no explanation. It most certainly brings an eerie feeling sensing something wrong. This chilling idea forms the basic plot of this book. It turns out to be a list of people who are meant to die. Actually, this is a book where you cannot talk much or else you end up giving clues. The tightness of the plot is the USP of this book. So, I won’t really say much more about the story itself.

The best thing I liked about Nine Lives was it’s unique & intelligent premise. Had the author himself not mentioned the similarities (and differences) from an Agatha Christie novel, I would have thought this to be the most original story I have come across as far as thrillers go. It infact didn’t matter to me as I hadn’t read that novel. But even if I had, I don’t think I would have liked this book any less. As this books keep exuding brilliance at each pitstop.

With nine names, and hence nine lives involved, each of these substories start unfurling and provide for a most gripping read. With nine stories running in parallel, the focus keeps hopping from one to the next, thus ensuring there never is any dull moment.

The book succeeds in guarding it’s suspense right through, without dropping any hints or loose ends. It comes as a big punch when the author begins to uncover the truths. It took a while for me to really understand what was happening. I needed to turn back a few pages and rewind a couple of times until it registered with me. And then, it simply left me wowing!

One thing that deserves mention is the semblance of a love story between Caroline and Ethan. How they both find their story being echoed in – We met at the end of the party. It touches you at some level and makes you feel for them.

Conclusion:

Nine Lives is a fine book. After having read the book, and knowing the who and whys, it is fair to say the book has a most satisfactory and a rounded end for a thriller. And if I may add, there is no need to try and find logic. Simply because, how can one try and justify the thinking of a psychopath or serial killer? I would really worry for myself if I found myself agreeing with his thinking! I ain’t saying the reasoning offered is completely bizarre or out of mind. Infact, some points may have you sympathize. But one just needs to take it “as is” and leave it there. It is how that criminal thinks, it doesn’t need to be right or wrong.

With all the suspense and revelations, the author also has a little surprise waiting for you at the end. To me, that was the icing on the cake and I would give it half a point extra just for this author’s touch. It gives the book a happy ending and ends on a positive note.

Get your copy here.

Check out this equally exhilarating thriller – The Judge’s List