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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Elisabeth Hyde's THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER.
Readers: Please note that the comments marked with an * next to our advance reader's name and their name in bold red contain spoilers. We suggest you skip those comments if you prefer to discover the story on your own.
Jayne from Newtown Square, PA
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I have not previously read any of her books.
What other authors do you read?
I read many authors --- just about anything new that comes out and is well reviewed.
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
This book drew me in from the first page. Her characters were so well drawn that I could see the expressions on their faces throughout the story.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I loved THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER and will definitely read more books by Elisabeth Hyde.
Kellie from Charlotte, NC
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
ever. After reading this, however, I will definitely read more!
What other authors do you read?
Michael Connelly, Janet Evanovich, Robert B. Parker, Anita Shreve, Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler, Anne Rivers Siddons, Nicholas Sparks, Dennis Lehane, Patricia Cornwell, Jeffery Deaver, Elizabeth George, Michael McGarrity, John Sandford and George Pelecanos
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
This was very good. It was a great example of excellent character development. It had suspense and mystery, but it was obvious that the author was focused on the characters. I think this book would be an excellent book club selection. There is a lot to discuss, especially the title and what it means, as well as abortion and the political
agenda that may or may not play a part in the writing of this book. (Personally, I don't think there is.) This was an easy, quick read and I think it will appeal to almost anyone. If I were to rate this on a scale from 1-5, I would rate it a 4.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I am adding them to my wishlist right now.
Mercedes from Gum Spring, VA
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
No.
What other authors do you read?
I read everything, but my favorites range from Jane Austen to Chris Bohjalian, from Stephanie Kallos to Lemony Snicket.
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
I think it is a great, well-written story. I am not completely done (maybe 30 more pages as I write this), so I am anxious to finish
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
Yes.
Tara from Ballston Lake, NY
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
No, I have not read any books by Elisabeth Hyde.
What other authors do you read?
At the moment, my favorite authors include Linda Fairstein, Stephen White and Janet Evanovich. I also enjoy reading books by Barbara Kingsolver, Dava Sobel and C. S. Lewis.
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
Reading this book was the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. The story grabbed me from the first page and I could not put the book down. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Hyde developed the plot. I also liked the way she allowed her characters to have visible flaws and make questionable decisions in the story. As with all mysteries, I was determined to figure out who killed the doctor before the individual's identity was actually revealed. Of course, I did not and was surprised by the identity of the killer at the end. Overall, THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER was an interesting and enjoyable read.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I would consider reading books written by Elisabeth Hyde in the future. I would also consider reading some of her backlist
Joe from Kingsport, TN
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I have never read a book by Ms. Hyde.
What other authors do you read?
I normally read J. R. R. Tolkien, Dan Brown, Robert Ludlum, Roger Zelazney, Julian May and Ed McBain.
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
I found the THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER to have well-developed characters, but the most developed, Dr. Duprey, was the victim of the murder. Everyone else in the book seemed to be secondary characters. The plot was well conceived, making the book an enjoyable read, but it was less a mystery and more a biography of a person who happened to be murdered. The climactic moment was more of an anti-climax, and the last 50 pages added unnecessary details to what the reader should have already figured out. They, again, developed the victim and left the living characters to be wrapped up hurriedly in the space of a page or two. I think Ms. Hyde shows a great deal of potential --- especially in her character development --- but she needs to focus on the mystery of the killer and the characters who are trying to solve it, rather than the victim.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I think I would be willing to read another book by Ms. Hyde, but I would not go out of my way to get one.
* Sara from St. Cloud, MN
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
No.
What other authors do you read?
MaryJanice Davidson, Janet Evanovich, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and Ernest Hemingway (some mystery, horror, classic fiction and literature, but a lot of nonfiction).
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
At first it was interesting --- the portrayal of the small town with its secrets (like Peyton Place), but once Bill started acting strangely, the ending wasn't a surprise. I was rather surprised at the mother and daughter for not contacting the police earlier about Bill. With the comments made about a lawyer for a husband/father, and knowing things about people in his line of business, I was very stunned that they had not even contacted the parents about his behavior and gross attitude/language. Because the doctor was so concerned about a patient with a threatening/abusive boyfriend, I could not believe that she wouldn't see the same thing happening with Bill. It just doesn't wash. I also couldn't believe that a police officer would have done what Huck did, especially after having seen the photos --- whatever happened to ethics.
The book had a strange ending with the big romance blossoming and puppies --- I don't know if it was a happy ending, but definitely a "feel good" one. The Reverend and his dilemma about his "grandchild" was very interesting. I wanted to know more about Rose (and especially Scott) and why she did what she did. Also, I got some insight into why the doctor had Ben, but I wanted to know more --- that aspect of the story didn't feel really filled out, and you were left guessing about a lot of emotions from the family. THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER also had interesting plays on several difficult "gray" areas (abortion, religion, her disabled child, etc.).
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
Maybe, but probably no.
Amelia from Scottsdale, AZ
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
No. This was my first experience with the author --- and what an enjoyable experience it was!
What other authors do you read?
My personal tastes range from young adult to mysteries to literature. It's difficult to narrow it down, but some of my favorites include: Michel Faber; Stephenie Meyer; Libba Bray; Cecily von Ziegesar; Joanne Fluke; Sheri Reynolds; Sophie Kinsella; Emily Giffin; Jane Green; Marian Keyes; Julia Alvarez; Natsuki Takaya; Laura Levine; Sarah Strohmeyer; Dennis Lehane; Dominick Dunne; P.G. Wodehouse; Alexander McCall Smith; Nathaniel Hawthorne (RAPPUCINI'S DAUGHTER is my favorite piece of fiction); V.C. Andrews; and Edgar Allan Poe. This list could go on for days!
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
I loved it! From start to finish, Ms. Hyde's work was able to keep my attention, so much so that I could not bear to put down the book for a break. Unfortunately, life happens, but I was always able to pick up where I left off and still find myself getting caught up in the storyline. I really enjoyed the way Ms. Hyde switched perspectives by character so that I was able to see the situation through their eyes while simultaneously learning more about each character. For instance, towards the end of the novel when everything came together, she provided the perspective from [two characters], and then switched back and forth seamlessly.
Throughout my reading experience, I felt as if the plot was being laid out before me as if I were watching a movie. THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER had an incredible plotline. I don't think a synopsis of the novel does it any justice but rather [suggest] that everyone should get their hands on a copy of this enticing work and experience it for themselves.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
I most definitely would! I think Ms. Hyde is a great storyteller and I look forward to reading her other works. Thank you, again, for allowing me to participate in the drawing. I really did enjoy the novel and am so glad that I had the opportunity to provide my feedback on a storyline that I honestly found interesting and overall satisfying.
Rina from Uxbridge, MA
Have you previously read a book by Elisabeth Hyde?
Yes, I read and thoroughly enjoyed CRAZY AS CHOCOLATE.
What other authors do you read?
I tend to read whatever grabs me at the moment. I check in at Bookreporter.com frequently for ideas, plus I gets lots of great suggestions from follow readers. When I walk along the beach I'm always checking out the books to see what's being read!
What did you think of THE ABORTIONIST'S DAUGHTER?
I like books with real characters. These characters were very well-rounded and I enjoyed the way the plot developed based on the characters' realistic responses to various situations.
Would you ever read a future book by Elisabeth Hyde?
Yes, she seems to have a style which changes from book to book. I will be interested to see what's next. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this book!
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