I actually first read Looking for Peyton Place several years ago. I had just finished reading my latest book on the beach, and my mom had what was Barbara Delinsky's latest novel in her bag. I had never read (or heard of) Delinsky before, but it was the middle of a summer afternoon on the beach and I was looking for something to read so I started it.It turned out to be one of my favorite books, and I've actually read it more than once. I was instantly drawn into the story by Delinsky's incredible storytelling talent through excellent character development, attention to detail, and intertwining subplots.Grace Metalious claimed her controversial novel, Peyton Place, was fiction, but the residents of Middle River, New Hampshire knew differently. It was about them; it was about their town. Over a half century later, the residents were still on edge.Annie Barnes always related to Grace Metalious. Now a well known author herself, Annie returns to her hometown of Middle River. Her mother has recently passed away and her sister is suffering from similar symptoms. She's looking for answers, but the townspeople are reluctant to talk as they are convinced she's back to write an exposé about them just like Grace did over 50 years ago. To further complicate the situation, initial hints are pointing towards possible mecury poisoning from the local paper mill, owned by the Meades, one of the wealthiest and therefore, most powerful families in town. However, as Annie continues on her quest for answers she finds an unlikely ally in James Meade, who happens to be looking for answers himself.As I said before, I loved this book. Delinsky's attention to detail and character development is in a class by itself. As Annie drives into Middle River around midnight one summer night, you're right there in the passenger seat with her, and as she investigates for her cause, you not only meet the townspeople but you actually feel like you know them. The residents' lives are intertwined through history, and the subplots surrounding the story are so carefully written it's difficult to put the book down. But what's most impressive is that the main plot line is not lost in the midst of the characters and details; it's enhanced. Delinsky is a storyteller in every sense of the word as she takes you on the tale of looking for Peyton Place.
First book I have read by this author. An easy read tells the story of a successful novelist who returns to her home town to discover the real reason for her mother's death. The main character, Annie, felt like an outsider during her entire time growing up in the small town. She has no friends and considered herself as ugly. She left town and became a beautiful sucessful woman. She suspects her mother died from toxic poisoning from the town mill and is determined to find the proof of her suspicions. Her younger sister is now showing similar symptoms but her older sister, Sabina, denies there is a problem and is adamant Annie is a 'troublemaker'. The whole town is dependent on the mill's business, many of the inhabitants work in the mill, including Sabina and her husband, so few are willing to even speak to Annie. Many of them, while in awe of her success do not regard her in high esteem. An unknown individual starts e-mailing her, True Blue and begins pressuring her to find more answers. While True Blue gives her some information that will help guide her in the right direction, she still must do a lot of the footwork on her own.
What do You think about Looking For Peyton Place (2006)?
Writer Annie Barnes returnes to her hometown of Middle River after her mothers funeral looking for answers about her mothers death. Annie is working against time to solve the mystery of her mothers death to save her sister who has the same symptoms along with other people in town. Peyton Place and Middle River are much alike in there small town life as secrets come out. Wonderful story that drew me into the life of Middle River and kept me turning the pages when I should have been turning out the lights.
—Theresa
Probably I am even being nice by giving this book 3 stars. I'm just doing so because the ending was really good and sum up everything just perfectly. My problem was that it took me forever to really get hooked. I didn't mind if I had to close the book to do other things which is weird because if something makes me close a book for a while I get really mad. Well it never happened with this one. IMHO it was just too similar to many movies out there.The romance was not good, almost not there at all. he mystery was even worst because I knew how everything would work out at the end since the beginning. Although I did get to like the characters and the ending was really good for them all. My problem was that it felt rushed at the end because it had a very slow beginning.I'm not saying DO NOT READ IT, i'm just saying that if you have something else to read this is not a good option. I had anything better to read so I didn't mind reading it.Maybe I would have never ended it if I have had a better book at hand.
—valee
Annie Barnes goes home to Middle River to find out exactly what her mother died of, why her sister is sick, and also so many of the towns people. Grace Metalious, the author of "Peyton Place", also new of the secrets of this town and wrote the book with many in mind. Now Annie is a best selling author and is giving the town something to worry about. That maybe Annie has come back to tell the rest of the secrets of the town. The town is run by the Meade family with the large mill there. Annie has already had to deal with Aidan when she was a young girl. Now she must take on the whole family, including the olders and handsome James Meade. I really enjoyed this book, although, I found the beginning difficult to get in to. I barely remember "Peyton Place" as I was a very young child. I felt it was hard to understand the beginning without knowing that whole story of "Peyton Place". I found Annie to be a very strong, independent character and liked how she took on the bullies of the town. She could have easily just walked away. The touching reunion of her and her sisters after being estranged was heartwarming. I really liked the character of James. He wasn't the controling, domineering male that you see in so many books. I never give up on a book and I am glad I didn't start with this one. It was an excellent mystery and romance. Never disappointed with Barbara Delinsky.
—Becky
