Quick Take

The competitive selection process for a prized college scholarship turns deadly in the latest thriller from USA Today bestselling author David Bell.On a beautiful spring day, six college students with nothing in common besides a desperate inability to pay for school gather to compete for the prestigious Hyde Fellowship.Milo--The front-runner.Natalia--The brain.James--The rule follower.Sydney--The athlete.Duffy--The cowboy.Emily--The social justice warrior.The six of them must surrender their devices when they enter Hyde House, an aging Victorian structure that sits in a secluded part of campus.Once inside, the doors lock behind them. The students are not allowed to leave until they spend eight hours with a college administrator who will do almost anything to keep the school afloat and Nicholas Hyde, the privileged and notoriously irresponsible heir to the Hyde family fortune. If the students leave before time is up, they'll be immediately disqualified.But when one of the six finalists drops dead, the other students fear they're being picked off one by one. With a violent protest raging outside and no way to escape, the survivors viciously turn on each other.The Finalists is a chilling and profound look at the lengths both students and colleges will go to survive in a resource-starved academic world.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Finalists

Introduction

"The Finalists" by David Bell is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that takes readers on a journey inside a locked room filled with six college students competing for a prestigious scholarship. Set against the backdrop of a college campus, this book explores the lengths individuals will go to survive in a resource-starved academic world. With its intriguing premise and gripping plot, "The Finalists" has garnered attention from readers who are eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of Hyde House.

About David Bell

David Bell is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning suspense novelist known for his captivating storytelling and intricate plot twists. With a diverse range of novels under his belt, including "The Request," "Layover," and "Since She Went Away," Bell has established himself as a master of the thriller genre. As a Professor of English at Western Kentucky University, Bell brings his expertise and passion for storytelling to his writing, creating immersive and unforgettable experiences for readers.

Analysis of Views

Intriguing Premise: Many readers found the premise of "The Finalists" to be highly intriguing, with its locked room mystery set in a college campus. The combination of a prestigious scholarship competition and the confined space of Hyde House added an element of suspense that kept readers engaged from beginning to end.
Engaging Characters: While some readers found the characters in the book to be less likable than in other David Bell novels, most agreed that the protagonist, Troy Gaines, was relatable and easy to root for. The diverse cast of characters, including the front-runner, the brain, the rule follower, the athlete, the cowboy, and the social justice warrior, added depth and complexity to the story.
Suspenseful Plot: The book's plot was praised for its ability to keep readers on edge, with unexpected twists and turns that kept them guessing until the very end. The slow-building tension and the sense of danger lurking within the walls of Hyde House added to the overall suspenseful atmosphere.
Intriguing Setting: The setting of "The Finalists" was also highly praised by readers, with its portrayal of a college campus and the challenges faced by students in today's academic environment. The combination of the scholarship competition and the protests outside Hyde House created a backdrop that added depth and relevance to the story.
Engaging Writing Style: David Bell's writing style was widely praised for its short chapters and ability to keep readers hooked with cliffhangers at the end of each one. His use of descriptive language and attention to detail added depth and immersion to the story, making it a page-turner for many readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Intriguing Premise: The intriguing premise of "The Finalists" makes it a must-read for fans of locked room mysteries and suspenseful thrillers. The combination of a prestigious scholarship competition and a confined space creates a captivating story that will keep readers guessing until the end.
Well-Developed Characters: While some readers found certain characters less likable than others, most agreed that Troy Gaines was relatable and easy to root for. The diverse cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more engaging for readers.
Suspenseful Plot: The book's plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers on edge until the very end. The slow-building tension and sense of danger create a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Engaging Writing Style: David Bell's writing style is highly praised for its short chapters and ability to keep readers hooked with cliffhangers at the end of each one. His use of descriptive language and attention to detail adds depth and immersion to the story, making it a page-turner for many readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Likable Characters: Some readers found certain characters in "The Finalists" less likable than in other David Bell novels, which may detract from their enjoyment of the book. The lack of relatable characters may make it harder for some readers to connect with the story and feel invested in the outcome.
Predictable Plot Twists: While some readers found the plot twists in "The Finalists" unexpected, others felt they were predictable or lacked surprise. This may be a drawback for readers who prefer more unpredictable or shocking plot developments in their thrillers.

Conclusion

"The Finalists" by David Bell is a captivating thriller that explores the lengths individuals will go to survive in today's resource-starved academic world. With its intriguing premise, engaging characters, suspenseful plot, and engaging writing style, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its unique blend of locked room mystery and college campus setting. While some readers found certain characters less likable or felt certain plot twists were predictable, overall "The Finalists" is recommended for fans of suspenseful thrillers who enjoy being kept on edge until the very end.