Book Details:
Book Title: The Forgotten Room
Author: Lincoln Child
Genre: Thriller, mystery, suspense
Publisher: Anchor
Length of the book: 306 pages
Source: A copy picked from local library
Blurb:
A LONG-LOST EXPERIMENT OF UNGUESSABLE INTENT
A SECRET ROOM, INGENIOUSLY HIDDEN INSIDE A VAST SEACOAST MANSION
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR LINCOLN CHILD AT HIS RIVETING BEST
Professor Jeremy Logan (the quirky and charismatic “enigmalogist” who specializes in solving problems of the strange or seemingly supernatural variety) receives an urgent summons from the director of Lux, one of the oldest and most respected think tanks in America. An unexplainable tragedy has taken place in the sprawling compound located on the coastline of Newport, Rhode Island. One of Lux’s most distinguished doctors, overcome by erratic behavior, violently attacked his assistant before meeting with a gruesome self-inflicted end. Deeply shaken by the incident and the bizarre evidence left behind from the doctor’s final project—as well as recent troubling behavior among several of the think tank’s other scientists—Lux fears there is something more sinister occurring within its walls and looks to Jeremy Logan to investigate.
Logan quickly makes a surprising discovery. In a long-dormant wing of the estate, he uncovers an ingeniously hidden secret room, unknown and untouched for decades. The room is essentially a time capsule, filled with eerie machinery and obscure references to a top-secret experiment known as “Project S.” As Logan attempts to unravel its meaning, he begins to discern what transpired in that room—and why the frightening project was suddenly abandoned and sealed off many years before. As his work draws him ever deeper into harm’s way, Logan soon unleashes a series of catastrophic events upon the rest of Lux .. . and himself.
One of Lincoln Child’s most thrilling novels to date, The Forgotten Room is replete with exhilarating action, veiled history, and mesmerizing science—making for a truly intelligent page-turner.
My Review:
I have been reading a lot of review copies from authors these days, but this month I decided to choose one from our library. This is my first book of Lincoln child. As I love thrillers, the blurb immediately caught my attention and 'large print' by Random house is pleasing to the eyes.
The story is about Jeremy, an Enigmologist investigating the death of a scientist 'Will' in a private think tank in Newport called 'Lux'. Enigmologist is a new term I read for the first time, which means an expert in supernatural things and the one who solves mysterious or strange problems. While Jeremy is investigating the death of a scientist, he finds an old hidden room and details about an abandoned science project which is harmful to mankind if not properly used. Is there any link between the death and strange behaviors of other scientists and this old project? Is someone restarting the abandoned project? These questions will be solved by the end of the book.
What did I like?
For any thriller, it is the narration and pace which attracts the reader first.I loved the pace of the story except for the last part where I felt like it is dragging too much. The narration is very good and all scenes blend naturally when the story flows between chapters revealing secrets one after the other. I like Jeremy - he is cool, balanced and a person of action more than talk. Pamela and Kim's characters are great too. I wanted to know more about Roger Carbon and the reason behind his behavior but there is not much covered in the book. Laura Benedict is convincing. The cover of the book is apt and attracts readers.
What's not so great?
I didn't like the last part where Jeremy escapes from Lux for his life. I felt it is too descriptive and boring. I actually flipped through the pages. I also felt the title of the book is not very apt. After reading the story, I thought it is more about the abandoned project or the mystery behind strange behaviors than the hidden room.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's a perfect thriller and I would recommend this to suspense lovers.
PS: I have received this book from the local library and this is my honest opinion on the book.
My Rating: 4/5
Purchase Link:
About the Author:
Lincoln Child is the co-author, with Douglas Preston, of a number of bestselling thrillers including Relic, Riptide and The Ice Limit. Utopia is Lincoln Child's first solo novel: he is currently at work on his second. He lives with his wife and daughter in Morristown, New Jersey.
Until next time,
Hmm, despite this tepid review, I'm intrigued - a little. I might put it on my "when I run out of other books I've bought and haven't read, yet" list. I do love hidden rooms, mysterious passages - like the Winchester House. But I'm not sure this would live up to my hopes.
ReplyDeleteI think, you will love this book holly. Other than a bit dragging part at the end, it's fantastic.
DeleteThat does sound like an engaging read, Mahathi. I love suspense thrillers. And, if a story gets me hooked from the word go, I don't leave the book till I am done reading it. True, at times, some parts can seem to drag a little. At such times, I too flip through the pages! :P
ReplyDeleteI am going to look for this book in my library. it's been ages since I read such a story!
Thank you for the review! :)