When I saw the preview for this book, my thought was whether or not I wanted to read it since the first scene was about Jake Reese getting his finger cut off. Not a great way to start a book but when I checked the preview, I was happy that the author didn’t make it graphic. Instead, I was intrigued since the mystery was about why two people would want to do something so brutal to someone like that in the first place. From there, you could say that Already Gone by John Rector is a fast-paced psychological thriller that was on a high octane level from start all the way to the finish line. In this case, Jake Reese is living a nightmare that he may not get out of and I was wondering why this was happening to him. If that wasn’t enough, seeing his wife disappear only brought out even more tension in the book. If anything, all this kept me glued to the book and I just kept turning the pages not knowing what was going to happen next. Like other psychological thrillers, Jake Reese seems to be on his own in finding out what happened to his wife as the mystery continues to unravel. Rector kept me guessing throughout the novel as more characters were introduced. One of them was Gabby, a man from Jake’s past who may have the answers to why he was living in this nightmare. Being that Gabby was in the criminal underworld, Jake was reluctant to get in touch with him even after his wife demanded that he stay away from him. Add some international intrigue to this novel and you have all the makings of a psychological thriller that made me read this book and finish it in one day, which was a first for me. As far as the ending goes, I think that people will not only be surprised at how the book ended but will feel satisfied since the ending will not be open ended. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that have memorable characters like other great authors like Harlan Coben, Gregg Hurwitz, William Lashner, or Linwood Barclay, then I’m sure that you will enjoy Already Gone. It’s one of the best books that I have read this year and my only wish is that I can give it more than five stars. This book started OK and then got progressively stupider. A guy with a past writes an acclaimed book, gets a university job, settles down. Then terrible things happen that make it seem like his past is out to get him! But wait! Things aren't what they seem! Doesn't that surprise you? It should! But, well, it doesn't. The main character is supposed to have been a real bad dude in his past but he spends an absurd amount of time being beaten up, passing out, and then coming to. It's all just pretty meh. This is 2 for 2 of books I've gotten from Amazon from some sort of coupon/.99 cent deal, so I'm thinking maybe that deal's not as much of a deal as Amazon wants me to think.
What do You think about Längst Vergangen (2012)?
A nice change of pace. The characters are interesting and the story has twists and turns.
—AKornaus
couldn't put it down, but the ending didn't clear any of my questions up.
—Somuchwater
Enjoyed this very much-reads like a Harlan coben book.
—whenyoulosecontrol
