Quick Take

Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. Nothing else, just a list of names on a single sheet of paper. None of the nine people know or have ever met the others on the list. They dismiss it as junk mail, a fluke - until very, very bad things begin happening to people on the list. First, a well-liked old man is drowned on a beach in the small town of Kennewick, Maine. Then, a father is shot in the back while running through his quiet neighborhood in suburban Massachusetts. A frightening pattern is emerging, but what do these nine people have in common? Their professions range from oncology nurse to aspiring actor.FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who is on the list herself, is determined to find out. Could there be some dark secret that binds them all together? Or is this the work of a murderous madman? As the mysterious sender stalks these nine strangers, they find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering who will be crossed off next....

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Nine Lives

Introduction

Nine Lives, written by Peter Swanson, is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the lives of nine individuals who receive a list with their names on it. As they begin to die one by one, they realize that they are all connected in a sinister way. With its nod to Agatha Christie's famous mystery, And Then There Were None, Nine Lives offers a fresh and exciting take on the genre. In this article, we will delve into the book's author, analyze readers' views, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this captivating novel.

About Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson is the author of six novels, including The Kind Worth Killing, which won the New England Society Book Award and was a finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in various publications. Swanson is a graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College. He currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, with his wife and cat.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Plot: Readers found Nine Lives to be an unputdownable and exciting read. The mystery surrounding the list of names and the subsequent deaths of the individuals kept them hooked from start to finish.
Homage to Agatha Christie: While acknowledging the nod to And Then There Were None, readers appreciated Swanson's ability to create his own unique spin on the story. The book's self-contained narrative and concise pacing made it both accessible for those who haven't read the original work and enjoyable for those who have.
Character Depth: The characters in Nine Lives were found to be well-developed and relatable. Readers appreciated the author's ability to create a diverse cast of individuals with different backgrounds and professions. The unfolding story and the elimination of characters kept readers engaged and invested in their fates.
Tightly Plotted: Many readers praised the book's tightly woven plot and its ability to keep them guessing until the end. The twists and turns kept readers on their toes, making for an entertaining and suspenseful reading experience.
Engaging Characters: The characters in Nine Lives were found to be both likable and flawed, which added depth to their stories. Readers enjoyed getting to know them and were invested in their relationships and personal journeys.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Plot: The book's gripping plot and fast-paced narrative keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Homage to Agatha Christie: While paying homage to a classic mystery, Swanson adds his own unique spin on the story, making it fresh and exciting for both fans of the original work and newcomers.
Well-Developed Characters: The diverse cast of characters is well-written and relatable, adding depth to the story and keeping readers invested in their fates.
Tightly Plotted: The book's tightly woven plot keeps readers guessing until the very end, making for an engaging and suspenseful reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Slow Pacing: Some readers found the beginning of the book to be slow and lacking in investigation or plot progression. They felt that it took too long to get to the heart of the mystery.
Limited Memorable Characters: A few readers felt that there were not enough memorable characters in the book, making it difficult to become fully absorbed in their stories or care about their fates.

Conclusion

Nine Lives by Peter Swanson is a thrilling mystery novel that pays homage to Agatha Christie's classic And Then There Were None while offering its own unique spin on the story. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and tightly plotted narrative, Nine Lives captivates readers from start to finish. While some readers found the beginning slow and felt that certain characters lacked memorability, overall, Nine Lives is recommended for those who enjoy a fast-paced mystery with relatable characters and unexpected twists.