Tags
Adult Fiction, Bullying, Cellular Memory, Medical Thriller, Organ Donation, Serial Killers, Suspense
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
400 Pages
Synopsis: Joshua is convinced there is a family curse. It’s taken away his biological parents, robbed him of his eyesight, and is the reason why his father Logan, the detective who raised him, is killed while investigating the homicide of a young woman. The suspect, Simon Bowers, is killed by Logan’s partner Ben, whose intentions are murkier than expected.
After this tragedy, Joshua is handed an opportunity he can’t refuse: a new pair of eyes. But a mishap during surgery leads to Joshua unknowingly getting one eye from his father, and the other from Simon. As Joshua navigates a world of sight, he gets glimpses of what his eyes might have witnessed in their previous life. Memories, truth, and lies Joshua discovers a world darker than the one he has emerged from. What else has he failed to see?
Meanwhile, Simon’s accomplice Vincent, is bent on revenge, going after the loved ones of those involved in Simon’s death, and Vincent is drawing closer and closer to Joshua.
Huh. This was a surprise. I figured I was going to enjoy Killer Harvest after reading so many positive reviews, but I didn’t suspect how much I was going to love it!
At the heart of this story is the controversial phenomenon of cellular memory. Is it possible for a recipient of an organ donation, to receive the emotions and behaviors from the donor through memories stored in the neurons of the donated organ? It seems like the medical community is divided as of now over this possibility, but there have been cases that make you wonder. There have been plenty of books and movies that have used this theory as part of their premise, but Paul Cleave puts a whole new spin on it.
Joshua is one of the most lovable characters I’ve come across in a while. There are times that it really does seem like some supernatural curse is hanging over his head. He grabbed me by the heartstrings from the very beginning and because of that I was thoroughly invested in the story. He’s sweet, compassionate, and determined to do the right thing. He’s also a bit impulsive, like many teens, and this winds up getting him into trouble.
There are many secondary characters, and while I didn’t think all of them were necessary to further the plot, there were a few that play a big part in Joshua’s life and I really enjoyed them.
The story itself has more than one theme with organ donation/cellular memory, bullying, and serial killers, among them. This could have been messy and confusing, but the author deftly brings everything together. I was hooked from the very first page, and the surprising twists and mini cliffhangers at the end of each chapter made it impossible for me to put this book down. I started it mid-afternoon and finished about 1:00 in the morning.
The only reason why I’m not giving this a perfect 5 stars is because of the ending. It’s deliberately left open-ended, which I had no problem with, although it’s left me longing for a sequel. However, there were some loose ends concerning a couple of characters that left me a little frustrated.
There are quite a few reviewers on Goodreads who have mentioned that Paul Cleave, who’s from New Zealand, is underappreciated in the U.S. and after reading Killer Harvest, I have to agree. It’s a brilliantly written thriller and a perfect beach and vacation read. I really can’t recommend it highly enough. This was my first book by Cleave, but it certainly won’t be my last!
beetleypete said:
Shame it didn’t have that satisfying 5-star conclusion, but it does sound like a good one!
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It was practically perfect Pete!😊
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raistlin0903 said:
Wow, really like the premise for this one. It sounds seriously cool 😊And reading through your enthusiastic review for it makes me want to read this even more. Great post!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Michel! This came so close to being total perfection for me! If you get a chance to read it, I’d love to know what you think.😊
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Zoë said:
Ah! I was sold on trying to give this a shot, but don’t see in on NetGalley. Will have to wait a while. Great review, and glad you enjoyed it so much!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Drat! You’re right Zoe. It’s completely disappeared. I hate it when that happens.😒
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Renee (Itsbooktalk) said:
I have this one!! I absolutely love it when a book makes me stay up that late to finish…I don’t even mind being tired the next day. Great review!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! And thank you Renee. I have a feeling you’re going to LOVE this!😊
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Books Teacup and Reviews said:
Nominated you for this award-
https://booksteacupnreviews.wordpress.com/2017/08/10/the-awesome-blogger-award/
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Ooh, cellular memory. This sounds really interesting! Wonderful review, Kim! That’s so great that you loved it even more than you expected to.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Krysti! This was just a thoroughly fun book. Now, how am I going to find the time to read his other books?😒
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Hahaha. Isn’t that the constant book blogger problem! Too many books and way too little time. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sigh. Always.😒
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Carrie said:
Nice review Kim! This one does sound pretty good. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie! I do think you would like this.😊
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Love the idea behind this book. I can see why the community might be divided on the whole memory thing though. But I think.. as long as the author manages to make it sound really believable, I’m sold. This reminds me of The Eye (the one with Jessica Alba or the original one in Japanese called Gin Gwai) where an eye transplant leads to seeing the donors vision. 😛 Great review, Kim, definitely got me super curious about this title. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well, I have to warn you you kind of have to leave believability at the door, not only because of the cellular memory, but other situations that pop up, but this book is just so much fun Lashaan, it’s easy to overlook the more implausible aspects.😊
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vinnieh said:
Now that’s a chilling premise, matched by the cover.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s a perfect summer-time read Vinnie.
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vinnieh said:
Ooh I’m liking it more already. I’m playing catch up on your site at the minute.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I’ve missed you here!
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vinnieh said:
I’ve missed you on my blog too.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve got a couple of your posts bookmarked. You were busy yesterday! I just finished posting a new review, so I’ll be over shortly!
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vinnieh said:
Haha, I had a spurt of inspiration. I’ll be checking your newest review.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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vinnieh said:
I just know you’ll have some great things to say oh both my blogs.
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Jen said:
Ahhh it’s so exciting when you discover a new author who’s writing just clicks with you! Here’s hoping you enjoy the rest of their books too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Ooh Jen! This was so awesome! And it’s another one I think your mom would love!💁🏻
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Jen said:
Thank you for the rec, I’ll pass it along! She’s so slow at reading books though…..I finish a book a week or a little less than that, which I’m sure others consider slow but it’s hard with two little ones lol, but she takes one to a few months to finish a book. It kills me lol!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Blimey! She really likes to savor them doesn’t she?!
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Jen said:
Yes, it’s ridiculous 😂.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😂
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