Debut author Gina Wohlsdorf brings a unique style to a combination horror/thriller novel, Security. It’s a gory, fast-paced story with non-stop action.
Tessa, property manager for the Manderley Resort, is checking final preparations for the opening of the hotel. Charles Destin, the hotel’s owner, is demanding and a perfectionist. Tessa has to check on the hotel manager, who is a practical joker, the high-maintenance chef, the ballroom, the housekeeping staff. But, Destin has demanded a great deal of the security staff and all of the cameras throughout the hotel, so Tessa isn’t worried about them. Everything is supposed to be perfect for the high-end clients expected at the resort. But, here’s the question. “If security is invisible, how do you know when it fails?”
It’s obvious early that something has gone wrong. There’s a killer loose, and every staff member is targeted. But, someone is watching on the security cameras, and more than three-quarters of the book is over by the time the reader knows who the unseen narrator and watcher is.
There’s not a lot I can say about Security without giving away the twists. A killer, sex, blood, gore, violence, suspense. And, someone is watching.
Gina Wohlsdorf’s website is www.ginawohlsdorf.com
Security by Gina Wohlsdorf. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. 2016. ISBN 9781616205621 (hardcover), 229p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought the book.
Good Morning,
Gory doesn't exactly sound like your type of book. Did you enjoy it?
Yes, this one seems a little outside of your norm, Lesa. I have been intending to read this one for a while. Can't remember if I already have it. Guess I need to look.
My Bloglovin' feed provides links to quilting posts and book review posts. The illustration here led me to think I was going to read about a quilt!
We listened to this on audio. It was gory but we enjoyed all of the twists.
Oh, that's funny, Nann.
You're right. It's not my normal type of book. But, I'm moderating a panel in a couple weeks, and the author will be talking about this book. Not my type, but it is for others. Sandy enjoyed all the twists.
I read this book, too, and I can tell you what I thought of it without giving the story away.
The book flap description of SECURITY dares to compare its writing with that of Steven King. If I were King, I'd sue. It goes on with phrases like "gasp-inducing terror," "brilliant narrative puzzle," and "multifaceted love story," none of which are true. Characters in this book are shallow and even cartoonish. Nothing is gripping, shocking, or thrilling.
Perhaps Gina Wohlsdorf did suceed in showing the irony in calling a hotel private and secure because security cameras are everywhere. In fact, security and privacy were defeated by the security cameras.
I won SECURITY from Algonquin Books' LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway.