Cover Image: The Kind Worth Saving

The Kind Worth Saving

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Member Reviews

It took me a little while to get into it but it's great from there. Full of twists and keeps you guessing. Enjoyed it a lot.

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Loved the first one in this duo-logy, but this one was a bit of a miss for me. The multiple narrators wasn't my favorite, but it was fun to read a second book in a "series" eight years later.

TW: School shootings.

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I love Peter Swanson, and The Kind Worth Killing is one of my absolute favourites of his (those last few lines!!), so a re-read was in order before I read The Kind Worth Saving. Although it can be read as a standalone, Swanson gives enough context to allow a casual reader to easily read it, I would suggest reading TKWK first, just to give that extra depth.

I was worried that TKWS wouldn't live up to expectations, but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderfully plotted, very intricate at times, and delicious to read. I really enjoyed Harry and Lily's relationship which is complex and multi-layered, and only Swanson could allow the reader to feel some sympathy for a woman like Lily.

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Had this book for months before I got around to reading it, despite the fact I've read most of this authors previous publications. Why oh why didn't I read this sooner.. With characters from The Kind Worth Killing, this is a superb read that reeled me in very early and kept me hooked all the way through to its conclusion.
Peter Swanson is a great storyteller and this publication merits a solid five stars. Here's to many more to come. Thanks again to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review. Apologies again for taking so long to read and review, absolutely my loss.

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Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this one I just thought the first one gripped me a bit more. I own all of Peter Swanson’s books but have only read the two in this little series and have definitely enjoyed both and think he’s a master at what he does I just think this one was a little overshadowed but the brilliance of the first. Probably a 3.5 for me, but still 100% recommend!

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I loved The Kind Worth Killing so have been eagerly anticipating this sequel and I'm so pleased to say I really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite as good as the previous book but it was definitely a gripping read. It follows Henry, now a private investigator, who has been hired by Joan to investigate her adulterous husband, but as he gets further into the case he feels like all is not quite right. I was hooked by this storyline and so keen to find out what was going on. It's later on in the book when Henry meets Lily again, which is what the reader is waiting for. I did find this a little lacklustre but it was good to seem them together again. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it.

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The dynamic of Lily Kintner and Henry Kimball is so powerful that you want them to succeed and whilst Lily doesn’t make her appearance until about the final 1/3 the writing and story for book two in this series is almost as good as the first and it is definitely one to pull you in to the dark side. Richard and Joan are insanely clever when it comes to murder and manipulation so there of course can only be one detective to see through it all and where there’s Kimball there’s Kintner in the shadows.

The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because Lily isn’t in it enough and her part is just a little to easy and too quick to execute.
I received this book as a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Having thoroughly enjoyed “The Kind Worth Killing”, I had high hopes for this neo-noir novel and it thankfully didn’t disappoint!

We again meet Kimball and Lily, with Kimball now in the role of private detective. He is hired by a former student of his to investigate her husband’s affair but is quickly drawn into a tangled web of murder, lies, and misdirection. Knowing that there is more to the story than meets the eye, he turns to the one person he knows that could help him solve the mystery.

The relationship between Kimball and Lily is wonderful, and it was so good to see them interacting in a different way in this instalment. The plot is twisty and clever, and the new characters are as deliciously scheming as those in the first book of the series. I hope there will be more titles featuring this pair, and look forward to reading whatever comes next from this author.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

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With thanks to the author, publishers Faber and Faber Ltd., and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I’ve seen mentions of Peter Swanson on several occasions before, but this was my first foray into his writing, and I am happy to say that I wasn’t disappointed!

“The Kind Worth Saving” is a gripping story of two murders committed decades apart by the same culprits, and to which private investigator Henry Kimball finds himself inextricably linked. After being hired to investigate a seemingly straightforward claim of adultery, he quickly realises that there is more to the story than he first thought, and finds himself drawn back to traumatic events from his past and demons from that time that he must face in order to get to the bottom of the case.

The story is told across two different timelines, and the author does a great job of keeping both exciting and always moving forward, until they are ultimately brought together in a very satisfying conclusion.

This is the second in the Henry Kimball series, with the first published 8 years earlier. I have not read the first installment, but I did not feel that it detracted from my enjoyment of this second installment in any way. I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrators Lisa Larsen and Rob Shapiro were both excellent, portraying the range of characters really well.

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I love anything Peter Swanson writes, I knew I had to read this sequel to The Kind Worth Killing. Unfortunately, it didn't entirely draw me in the same way as TKWK. It was a good thriller and I enjoyed spending more time with Henry Kimball. I liked the flashback scenes but the "twist" disappointed me in the end.

That being said it is still a decent thriller and worth reading.

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In his latest novel, Peter Swanson delivers a spectacularly devious and gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows private investigator Henry Kimball as he embarks on what seems like a routine case of investigating a possibly adulterous husband. However, little does he know that the twisted trail will lead him back to the woman who hired him and a chilling past he thought he had left behind.

Swanson masterfully weaves together a complex web of intrigue and suspense, ensuring that readers are hooked from the very first page. The character of Henry Kimball is brilliantly crafted, with a haunted past that adds an extra layer of depth and tension to the narrative. As he delves deeper into the case, the stakes escalate, and the lines between past and present blur, creating an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Swanson's ability to keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, he expertly throws in unexpected twists and turns that leave you reevaluating everything you thought you knew. The pacing is relentless, driving the story forward at a brisk pace and ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

The character of Joan, the enigmatic woman who sets the events in motion, is both mysterious and alluring. Swanson gradually peels back the layers of her character, revealing hidden secrets and motivations that keep the reader intrigued and invested in her role in the unfolding drama.

The writing in this novel is polished and engaging, with Swanson's prose flowing smoothly and effortlessly. The dialogue is sharp and well-crafted, further enhancing the tension and adding depth to the characters' interactions. Swanson's attention to detail is commendable, creating a vivid and atmospheric setting that immerses the reader in the story.

While the book excels in many aspects, there are a few minor shortcomings. Some readers may find certain plot developments slightly implausible or coincidental, stretching the boundaries of believability. Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may feel slightly rushed compared to the meticulous build-up, leaving a few loose ends that could have been tied up more satisfactorily.

Nevertheless, Peter Swanson's latest novel is a devious and enthralling thriller that will leave fans of the genre thoroughly satisfied. With its well-crafted characters, intricate plot twists, and relentless suspense, this book is a testament to Swanson's skill as a master storyteller. If you're looking for a hair-raising game of cat and mouse that will keep you guessing until the very end, this is a must-read.

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I guess I am one of the few people who's favourite Peter Swanson book is not the Kind worth killing. This is Eight Perfect Murders for me. However I really liked part one of The Kind so I was looking forward to reading The Kind Worth Saving.
Henry Kimball is working as a private investigator now. His current client Joan (who used to be his student) suspects her husband of cheating on her. It is up to Henry to prove that.
We get to know a lot about Joan as a teenager thoughout the book.
I don't want to write about the content too much as one should just dive in and enjoy it! A psychological thriller as one could wish for!
Thank you #NetGalley #Faber & Faber for an ARC of this book

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Really enjoyed this follow up from book 1! Just as twisty and turny and gripping. Really great buildup and very "more-ish"! Definitely preferred book 1, but this was an enjoyable read.

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#TheKindWorthSaving #NetGalley
Awesome.
A private eye starts to follow a possibly adulterous husband, but little does he know that the twisted trail will lead back to the woman who hired him.
There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan. So, when she turns up at private investigator Henry Kimball’s office asking him to investigate her husband, he can’t help feeling ill at ease. Just the sight of her stirs up a chilling memory: He knew Joan in his previous life as a high school English teacher, when he was at the center of a tragedy. Now Joan needs his help proving that her husband is cheating. But what should be a simple case of infidelity becomes much more complicated when Kimball finds two bodies in an uninhabited suburban home with a FOR SALE sign out front. Suddenly it feels like the past is repeating itself, and Henry must go back to one of the worst days of his life to uncover the truth. Is it possible that Joan knows something about that day, something she’s hidden all these years? Could there still be a killer out there, someone who believes they have gotten away with murder? Henry is determined to find out, enlisting help from his old nemesis Lily Kintner—but as he steps closer to the truth, a murderer is getting closer to him, and in this hair-raising game of cat and mouse only one of them will survive.
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Books for giving me an advance copy.

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This is a follow up to one of my favourite Peter Swanson novels, The Kind Worth Killing, Henry Kimball and Lily Kintner are reunited in this sequel where Henry (a private investigator) employs the services of Lily to solve a series of very clever revenge killings which have taken place over several years. When Henry is asked by Joan , a former pupil, to investigate her adulterous husband, he instantly feels uneasy. There is just something odd about Joan that doesn't sit well with him. When Joan's husband and lover are then found murdered, Henry suspects that he is being set up. This is a clever, twisty thriller, not in the same league as The Kind Worth Killing, but a welcome return to form for Peter Swanson, after a couple of weaker recent publications.

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I remember reading and loving The Kind Worth Killing, so I was eager to see if TKWS would grab me in the same way. Especially as it brings Henry and Lily back together. While TKWS is good, I didn’t love it. I found it a little drawn out and repetitive in parts and that in turn made it feel much longer than it actually was. On the whole though, I think if you like psych thrillers, then you’ll enjoy this one for sure.

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A>M>A>Z>I>N>G
I really really enjoyed the kind worth killing when it first came out 6 or 7 years ago and so glad the author decided to do a follow up. I definitely think you need to have read the first one as there is some major cross over that you have to understand and I do wish I had reread it before diving into this one.

The characters are completely flawed and completely psychopathic and i love the different point of views. SHOCKING twist and break neck speed tension, a must read for fans of the author and a twisy thriller! A very fitting sequel <3

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A sequel to The Kind Worth Killing, but I felt this one was not quite as good as the first.
Still an enjoyable read though.

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I first read "The Kind Worth Killing" by the same author last year, and loved it so much that I immediately rattled through the rest of his back catalogue! So when I saw "The Kind Worth Saving" on NetGalley, I hit that request button so fast!

I love when you find an author who ticks every box - smart writing, well developed characters, and beautifully plotted twists and turns. And Peter Swanson has done it again with The Kind Worth Saving.

I loved the dual timelines, and found Joan such an interesting character, and it was lovely to see Lily Kintner make a return! I was completely gripped and couldn't get through this one fast enough, A brilliantly written book with masterful twists, a fascinating folie a deux at its heart, and a mesmerising central protagonist.

My only complaint is that now I have no Peter Swanson left to read and I'm bereft. An EASY five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, and to the publisher, for providing me with a free ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

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I do think that Peter Swanson is at his best when he’s writing unhinged characters with very questionable morals. I read The Kind Worth Killing last summer and was absolutely hooked with all the twists and turns that I had to pick this one up when it was announced. I do have to say that you probably don’t have to read the first one before reading this one, but it will add some character backstories and context that might help with your enjoyment of it.

This was incredibly fast paced, and I loved the way that we get so many different narrators throughout. You never know what’s going to happen next and whether or not your narrator will even make it to the next chapter. Swanson is not afraid to kill off his darlings. This definitely adds a tense and exciting element to the story, and also gives a bit of an unreliable narrator vibe, as it's not always clear what the truth is or who's telling the truth, so you just have to keep reading in order to find out. It was quite addictive like that.

I do just have to say that the characters felt a bit more generic in this one, I wanted more for them, but it just fell flat in a few places. I also wished that we had gotten more of the flashback moments of Joan throughout the years. That was my favourite part and I think it could have gone even further, maybe even gotten a bit darker. I feel like he really could have taken the Joan and Richard storylines even further. Whilst I enjoyed getting to see Lily again in the story I'm not sure that her perspective really added that much, and there are definitely other storylines that I would have preferred to have more information on instead.

Overall, I loved the way that all the mysteries and characters twisted together. It was very well written and there were so many twists that I didn’t see coming. Definitely a fun and easy to read thriller!

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