I was so annoyed with the unlike-ability of the main characters through the first 1/4 of The Kind Worth Killing I was wondering why my good friend had recommended this book. But then something happened that I did not expect and well... I ended up being very entertained and surprised by this book. The book starts with Lilly and Ted meeting in an airport bar and having a conversation during which Ted admits that his wife is having an affair and he offhandedly remarks that he's thinking of killing her. Instead of laughing, Lilly basically says, "I'd like to help you with that." The two plot and scheme through the next few chapters as we get varying viewpoints of Ted and his growing obsession with Lilly and Lilly with her backstory of a lonely childhood with aloof and irresponsible parents. I really can't say more because it would be giving a lot away and honestly being surprised by this book was the best part. Sort of like a Gone Girl feeling. Not quite as well written as a Gillian Flynn book, but well done nonetheless.
4/5 Stars.
Meh. I didn't like any of
the characters and that was a big detriment to this book. Even the ones you are supposed to like aren't likeable for a number of reason. Danny is the hero but comes off as too
perfect and there were little things that bothered me about his
storyline. He has two kids with his wife, but he's only ever talking
about one of them and is only concerned with custody of one.
His Air
Force backstory is a little faulty. From reading the notes this makes
sense w- Iles consulted with an Army warrant officer. The Air
Force doesn't have warrant officers (any more) so that portion was just
weird. I'm not sure why they didn't just make the guy have an Army backstory. In the end, the only purpose this serves is so he can fly a helicopter.
I don't want to sound prudish, but it's a bit hard to drum up some sympathy for these adulteress characters who spend so much time just thinking of themselves.
The story happens in one 24 hour period and it just gets
too black or white at points. The dialogue is not really that believable
either, which I think happens a lot when people write using kids as characters. Towards
the end it felt like Iles backed himself into a narrative corner so the
story just kept going on and on until Warren did himself and the reader
a favor and killed himself. That was really the only logical ending.
2/5 Stars.
