Tags
Adult Fiction, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Drug addiction, Dysfunctional Families, Mental Illness, Mystery, Satanic Ritual Abuse, Serial Killers, Suspense
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: March 7th, 2017
480 Pages
Synopsis: “We are always telling a story to ourselves, about ourselves,” Dustin Tillman likes to say. It’s one of the little mantras he shares with his patients, and it’s meant to be reassuring. But what if it’s a lie?
A psychologist in suburban Cleveland, Dustin is drifting through his forties when he hears the news: His adopted brother, Rusty, is being released from prison. Thirty years ago, Rusty received a life sentence for the massacre of Dustin’s parents, aunt, and uncle. The trial came to symbolize the 1980s hysteria over Satanic cults; despite the lack of physical evidence, the jury believed the outlandish accusations Dustin and his cousin made against Rusty. Now, after DNA analysis has overturned the conviction, Dustin braces for a reckoning.
Meanwhile, one of Dustin’s patients gets him deeply engaged in a string of drowning deaths involving drunk college boys. At first Dustin dismisses talk of a serial killer as paranoid thinking, but as he gets wrapped up in their amateur investigation, Dustin starts to believe that there’s more to the deaths than coincidence. Soon he becomes obsessed, crossing all professional boundaries–and putting his own family in harm’s way.
Ill Will is the first book I’ve read by bestselling author and National Book Award winner Dan Chaon, and I was so excited when I was approved for this on NetGalley, but after finishing it last night, I’m left with a feeling of overwhelming frustration. While there were some parts that were complete and total genius, there are just too many issues I had with this and the bad wound up outweighing the good. I’m trying to think where to even begin. The story’s timeline alternates between the early 1980s and 2012-2014. The past focuses on Dustin Tillman, his adopted brother Rusty, and his two cousins Katy and Wave. The central mystery is who massacred Dustin’s parents and aunt and uncle. It’s set against the 80s hysteria around satanic cults and repressed memories. This mystery was definitely my favorite part of the book. The author definitely did his research into the horrible witch hunts that destroyed so many lives. Dustin and Rusty’s relationship is complicated, and even though Rusty turns out to be innocent of the murders, as an adult, he himself admits to doing some pretty horrible things to Dustin. Because of this I didn’t feel as much sympathy for him as I ordinarily would have for an innocent person being railroaded by the legal system. Dustin as a child is an extremely complex character and enigmatic one. I felt so sorry for him, but as the story of his childhood unfolds it becomes apparent that there’s something not quite right about him. Whether this is related to his and Rusty’s relationship, or the murders, or something more sinister, is the big question. As an adult, he seems to have put everything behind him. He’s a successful psychologist, with a wonderful wife and two teenage sons. But when one of his patients who’s an ex-cop brings to his attention a series of mysterious drownings of young men, he immediately partners up with him in this crazy investigation that completely crosses the boundaries of professional patient/doctor relationships. Honestly, the whole thing made absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Adding to my confusion was Chaon’s writing style. There are sentences left uncompleted, chapters that are nothing but columns which was so bizarre, I wound up skimming the majority of them, and the choppy transition between the past and the present, as well as the different viewpoints of multiple characters. I was hoping at least the ending would answer my questions, but it didn’t. The identity of the serial killer was revealed, although I had already guessed who it was, but there were numerous plot holes that were never filled, and I was left unsure as to who really murdered Dustin’s family. Overall, this was just a convoluted mess from start to finish, and I confess I’m really annoyed because it could have been a fantastic mystery/suspense novel. However, it’s gotten some rave reviews on Goodreads, as well as from critics at the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Entertainment Weekly, which has left me second guessing myself and wondering what did I miss.
bookdrblog said:
The synopsis makes this sound like something I would like. Your review makes me think twice, I feel like you have saved me from a book I wouldn’t enjoy!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I don’t want to be solely responsible for turning you off from this, so the only suggestion I have is to read some of the other reviews and then make your decision. Argh! I hate giving reviews like this!
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Renee said:
The consensus I’m seeing is that this book is a hot mess which sounds like how you felt about it as well. The weird structure of columns would’ve thrown me off as well. I’m passing on this one but you’re right, the premise does sound like it could’ve been so good
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
What I don’t understand is the rave reviews from the professional critics.😕
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Renee said:
Isn’t that always the way though? I recently finished Idaho which was an amazon editor’s top pick as well as Entertainment Weekly I believe and I have to say I thought it was awful…the rest of my bookclub did as well. I’m really beginning to not trust the “professional reviewers” opinions.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It gets to the point that you wind up questioning if we read the same book!🤷🏻♀️
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Renee said:
I agree, I think there’s a hidden agenda on the part of professional critics..
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Patricia said:
Total agreement!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Soo disappointed!😕 Have you read any of his others?
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LizScanlon said:
Oh I totally hate when that frustration happens… Sorry this one didn’t work out for you. I agree with the others- the blurb makes the book sound like something I would be interested as well… I’ll check it out. Cheers.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Liz. If you read it I’d love to know what you think!💁🏻
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piratepatty said:
I had to jump on my book review blog to check but no I haven’t read him. The column thing was odd. Too many awful things going on here.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Honestly, when I finished it last night my first thought was”What the heck was that?”😕
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piratepatty said:
Yep! And my first email of the day was from the book’s marketing dept. 😂😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I got one from this afternoon! The rep mentioned how much she loved the book so I felt terrible telling her it wasn’t for me. I’m cringing at the thought of her reading my review!
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piratepatty said:
So was I!
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littlebookynook said:
Oh that sucks that this was a crappy read. Sometimes it seems like some authors are in a massive rush to publish their next book that it just ends up being less-than average. I hate reading books that feel like a waste of time and end up more frustrating. Great review! I hope your next read is better 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much! If I ever have the time I may try one of his other books.💁🏻
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Carrie said:
I’ve seen many books get some great reviews and then when I read them I think what the heck did I miss? Having read many of the same books and usually falling around the same ratings I’ll give this one a pass after reading your review on it, I’d probably end up with much the same thoughts.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
We pretty much seem to be in sync with our tastes and reviews Carrie, so I’d definitely say you could give this a pass.💁🏻
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Carrie said:
Definitely, too many others out there to try. 🙂
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Garabrandt Reviews said:
I am nearly done with this and agree completely.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m sorry you’re feeling the same way about it Amber, but at least with you and Patty agreeing I don’t feel like I’m going crazy!
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Garabrandt Reviews said:
Right? I felt like I was being too harsh or just “not getting it”.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly! And then I was reading the rave reviews from the Washington Post , Chicago Tribune and Entertainment Weekly, and those just made me feel even worse?😕
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh! And what was with those columns? I did not understand them at all.
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Garabrandt Reviews said:
I know. I read mostly on a kindle app on my phone so the pagination there was awful for me.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I read it on my iPad Kindle app and it wasn’t any better. I don’t understand the thinking behind it at all, and it just added to my confusion.😕😡
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shivashishspeaks said:
Great post Amazing
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you!
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beetleypete said:
After such a long run of excellent reads, I suppose a 2 star book had to come. Never mind. They can’t all be good, after all.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
C’est La Vie Pete!💁🏻
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Yvo said:
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear this read was so frustrating for you.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Yvo. You can’t win them all!😕
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Jen said:
There’s always going to be that one book, or many, where others love and we’re left scratching our head wondering whyyyyyy. So while it’s normal to second guess ourselves, I think it’s safe to say that with this one, don’t. 😉 I kept thinking that this sounded like a convoluted mess, but then you wrote those exact words lol. Here’s hoping your next book is much better!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
See! I knew we were completely simpatico Jen!😉 Thankfully I just read a really cute children’s fantasy book which took my annoyance away!🤗
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Jen said:
Lol, love it! Thank goodness for cute children fantasy books! I can’t wait to read your review!
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Rebecca Dawn said:
shoot! I really like mystery thrillers about serial killers. now this makes me sad!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Before you give up on it Rebecca, check out some of the other reviews. There’s some that basically have the same complaints as I do, but there’s others who love it. Maybe if you’re still interested you could check it out at the library?💁🏻
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Rebecca Dawn said:
I should do that.
😊
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YAandWine said:
Very well-thought out review as always, Kim! I don’t think this is a book I’d enjoy, but you did a great job pointing out both the pros and cons.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Krysti! I really thought this was going to be a winner.😕
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YAandWine said:
It sounds so intriguing, and the historical witchy elements down-right fascinating. Too bad it just didn’t all come together though.
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Natasha said:
It’s so frustrating when a book/author that is so hyped up is a disappointment. Hope your next read is amazing!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Natasha!💁🏻
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Oh gosh the concept sounded so cool- it’s just such a shame this was a convoluted mess and made no sense!! Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks! It really is a shame.😕
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome!
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
Oh boy. I was THIS close to requesting a copy for this very novel. After reading your complaints about it, I feel like skipping it was a pretty good decision. Excellent review, Kim! 🙂
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
There are some who love it including some professional critics, so don’t let just my opinion sway you Lashaan.
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JJAzar said:
You were on such a nice review streak! It seems you hit a bump in the road. This sounds awful.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
But others really loved it so I just don’t know what to say J.J.🤷🏻♀️
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Ana said:
It’s always a shame when a book you are really looking forward to doesn’t live up to your expectations. Especially a fairly big one. Your review was great, thanks for posting and hope your next read is more enjoyable!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Ana!💁🏻
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Mary P said:
! But others really loved it so I just don’t know what to say J.J.🤷🏻♀️
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