Uncovering the American West: Exploring the History of The Ridge

banksy: Main character was miserable and didn’t use common sense in any of her decisions. I didn’t bother to finish the book. It was a good start but became annoying quickly.

United States on Jun 17, 2021

Edward V.: Starts out as a stereotypical "I was forced to live in the suburbs and I hate it" kind of story. Then quickly becomes something a little different. As usual Rector's books are highly suspenseful and are always straight to the point. The downside of that is that his pride is very bare bones. There are no flashy or sparkling words to spice it up. Another downside of this particular book is that I couldn't stand the main character. I don't mind unlikable characters it's just that this one is very annoying and clingy and makes you want to slap some sense into her and tell her to grow up. The ending also left me a little disappointed. I expected it to go more in a hard sci-fi direction and it goes somewhere else entirely. Overall though it's another good book in John Rector's resume but probably my least favorite of the bunch.

United States on Jan 13, 2020

Patricia H.,: Enjoyed this book, unusual story and well plotted, author kept the momentum and suspense going and I read it over an evening and part of the next day as I had to know what was going to happen. I have just ordered another book by this writer and am glad to find him as I am always looking for good thrillers and new authors (to me) - would recommend.

United Kingdom on Aug 04, 2018

Debra: I really liked the premise but found the characters lacking. I couldn't connect to the main character, or her husband and I didn't understand their relationship. I thought Fiona and Mercer were good strong characters and carried the story along. This book reminded me of Wayward Pines - the shiny neighbourhood where nothing is as it seems. A good premise, and a writing style that's easy to read, but the characters could have been stronger.

Australia on Jul 04, 2018

Todd Lincoln Richards: This is the first book by John Rector that I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last. I started reading The Ridge at a particularly busy period in my life, a time when I really didn’t have time to read it. Subsequently, I had to put it down often to work on other things, but the darn story kept running around in my head and I had to know what happened next, so I went without getting much sleep for a couple of nights to finish it. I suppose that’s about the best thing I can say about it, it kept my interest and made me make time for it. Don’t get me wrong, in my humble opinion, it isn’t a great piece of literature, but it’s a riveting story, and very professionally written (I dig the author’s brevity, he doesn’t write two paragraphs about what can be said in two sentences). I look forward to reading other books by this author. BTW, I purchased this book because of a bad review that I read about it. As I was reading the review, I thought, this reviewer’s obviously a hater, it’s probably a good book. So, I bought it and I’m glad I did.

United States on Jul 05, 2017

Jill: When I started "The Ridge" I thought " Oh no. If this is a rewrite of 'The Grove,' I am going to be so disappointed."

I was not disappointed. "The Ridge" is not a rewrite of anything. It plays with hints of popular horror memes in order to fool the reader into thinking it's just another example of one of the overused memes. Each false expectation heightened my surprise and unease as I realised I was entering uncharted territory.

The author's use of the color blue both as a character in and of itself, and as a twisted roadmap, adds to the suspense and increasingly disquieting atmosphere. Blue is probably most people's favorite color. It's naturally calming as the color of the sky. However, just as the color of the sky is an illusion caused by refraction of light, blue becomes more mystical and ultimately as far from calming as a tornado is from comforting.

The reoccurring use of carnivals adds to the sense that something is not quite as it seems. Carnivals, with their carousels of fake wooden horses, their distorted and fake human clowns, and their entire disturbingly fake reality, are a perfect metaphor for the heart of Willow Ridge.

Kudos to the author...

United States on Jul 02, 2017

Linda Morley: I read this book in a weekend (very quick for me).

It kept me guessing. I liked Mercer.
I can recommend this book.

United Kingdom on Jul 02, 2017

Kindle Customer: Was a good read, but a little predictable towards the end. But I enjoyed it. Bet at the end felt like there could have been more somehow!

United Kingdom on Jun 18, 2017

jannie: Not as good as I thought it was going to be. It started off really well but there was too much of the Stepford Wives theme about it.. Sorry I don't normally give bad reviews but this was a bit disappointing.

United Kingdom on Jun 10, 2017

ReadingGirlReviews: This is one of those books that upon finishing I just kinda said "oohhhhhh kaaaaaayyy" and shook my head. It's not the typical psychological thriller that you are expecting, not at all. Quite the opposite in my opinion. I can honestly say that if the back cover gave more of a clue as to the premise of this book, I probably wouldn't have read it. Nevertheless I gave it 4 stars. Why?? Because it was quite gripping. Once you get involved after the first two chapters, it's all over for you right there......no putting this one down until you figure out what the hell is going on here. I consumed it in a day. I applaud the author in the ability to keep me constantly wanting more, not being able to get through the pages quick enough on such a bizarre unexpected topic.
I would classify this as a quick beach read, and I do recommend it to my fellow readers. Not your typical psychological thriller, that's for sure. ----review by Gina Pelz

United States on May 20, 2017