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Kristen H. (Lowell, MA)
(07/25/10)
Slow to capture
The slow start to "Man in the Woods" really disappointed me and made it hard for me to keep on reading though I am glad I did because it got better as the book went on.
To me the idea of Paul standing up for the dog who was being beaten kind of makes one think about today's society and how many people turn their backs on someone who may need their help because they don't want to get involved. Paul may have taken things a bit too far but that then calls into question how far is far enough?
Melissa K. (Oviedo, Florida)
(07/24/10)
Man In the Woods
Scott Spencer's use of rich descriptive language is delightful, although at times I felt the detail a bit tedious. Overall, the book was captivating, and the further I got into the plot, the harder it was to put the book down.
Skye L. (Lake Oswego, OR)
(07/22/10)
A Man in the Woods by Scott Spencer
This book is a quick and often interesting read. The premise is, I think, related to the effects of random violence on all our lives. I write, "I think" because the major flaw of the book, and it is major, is the lack of character development. With little or no back story to the main character's lives- there is no dimension to the story as a whole. Well written in terms of compelling language it is unfortunate that the writing was not expanded to include more sympathetic characters who the reader could believe they knew.
Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)
(07/22/10)
Worth the read
What happens when we do irreparable wrong in the name of right is the focus of this well written novel. A chance encounter with a man abusing a dog forces Paul Phillips to live in fear of being caught...or not. His previous near perfect life is shattered by this chance tragedy and those around him feel the fallout. The characters, Kate, his live in woman friend and her daughter Ruby are as real as those you meet every day. It's a gentle book with an underlying tension portrayed not by action but by the excellent writing of Scott Spencer. I would recommend this book.
Helen M. (Petaluma, CA)
(07/12/10)
A Way With Words
Scott Spencer has a way with words. He includes some remarkable descriptive passages in this novel of one man's journey and the effects this journey has on the people in his life. It is like a tapestry with just a few flaws. I never understood the daughter, Ruby. And as well as we got to know Paul, I felt at the end, there was more to him than was shown. Interesting, to say the least. I am glad I read it. Perfect, no.
Debbie M. (grand junction, CO)
(07/12/10)
Man in the Woods
Man in the Woods was a great suspense novel. I thought I had it figured out and then was surprised at the end.
When the book started, I wasn't sure I liked the main character, Paul. I became more invested in the character and wanted the best outcome. As in real life, all stories have two sides. Everything isn't black and white, making it hard to decide what should happen. Scott Spencer kept you wondering until the last page.
Rebecca C. (Opelika, AL)
(07/12/10)
Great emotional rollercoaster.
I loved Spencer's descriptive writing style, his unusual characters, and the slow build up of suspense that is so subtle that you aren't even aware of it's building until the end. I rarely cheer for the bad guy, but in this one I was. Spencer made his characters so real and warm and understandable that I could crawl inside their skin. This is one great writer. I will be reading more from him soon.
Becky H. (Chicago, IL)
(07/11/10)
Thriller?, Not So Much
I really liked, maybe even loved, the writing. I liked the author's pacing, his sentence structure and his word usage. I liked the characters and that you really got to know them (except Ruby who always seemed a mystery both to me and to the writer).
What I didn't like was the story. Except for three heart pounding pages there was no "thrill" to it. The end left me flat. It seemed as if there was a chapter missing - the last one where all the stories (there are at least 5) would come to their conclusions. If you are looking for beautiful writing and finely drawn characters, you will love this book. If you are looking for a thriller or a mystery, you need to keep looking.
