Review of Mysteries

[OTrain Disene]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mysteries" by Graham Wilson.]

---

3 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Mysteries by Graham Wilson is a very good human drama with elements of mystery and thriller to move it forward. It follows one family that has been scattered throughout Australia. Fate, if you could call it that, is doing all within its power to bring this family together in mysterious ways that cannot be explained. The author’s bio is very colourful because of his many accomplishments in the writing and publishing industries. He is described as having published more than twelve books, with a couple of series and a memoir under his belt. Though it was very thrilling and poignant, it had its own flaws that took away from its quality.

Jim is a man with a horrible past who has lost so much in his life that living now seems like a duty without purpose. He has a child with a woman called Cindy, but he doesn’t know where they are. He has tried everything he could think of to find them but with no success. Now he happens to move into this house that intrigues him because of its many features that tell its ancient history, one that might be lost in time. In one room, he saw something peculiar, and after investigating, he realised that he should call the authorities to come and investigate this. He calls the Heritage Office, and a woman by the name of Kate comes to investigate. That’s when Jim recognises something about her that leaves him in disbelief.

Kate is another person with an uncertain history that is filled with its share of mystery. There are many things about her life that she does not know, and when this man, Jim, notices something in her, her life begins to change. What is it that Jim saw in Kate? Are they ready to face the truth, no matter how painful it is? What about Jim’s house? Who lived there?

The answers to all of these mysteries can be found between the covers of this book. I enjoyed reading this book. It was not like any other thriller I have read. This one was different. It was not epic but rather historical and grounded in its drama. This combination of two genres made sure that the story balanced well and, most importantly, that it was realistic above everything else. When Kate and Jim went out to search for answers, I could feel their uncertainty, their hope in finding only good answers, and most of all, their anxieties. They were both walking on uncharted territory. They did not even get the chance to become familiar with each other. So it all happened quickly.

The characters were amazingly developed. There were not that many characters. It was about two leading characters: Jim and Kate. And all the others were supporting characters. What I loved was that though they were not main characters; they were also well developed and appeared a lot. They all added substance to the story. There was no character that vanished just as quickly as they appeared. The book leaned more on narration than dialogue. I found this disconcerting because sometimes I felt like it was told to me rather than shown to me. But when the dialogue did happen, it was long, and I forgot entirely about the narration.

The pace was quick. It was one thing that put me off. Though the story started way back, to give context to the type of build-up the author was creating, it all moved unnaturally fast. I did not like how Kate took the confession (if I could call it that). Then the introduction of Jim to people close to her. I found that to be moving fast. Then the relationship between Josephine and Jim I found it unnecessary. I felt the author, with this, was pushing the happy ending of the book. I think it could have been just as good without the type of ending it had. Another thing I disliked was the switch from back in time to the present. I felt like the book could have just stuck with the switch of point of view between characters instead of a timeline. The switch in timeline didn’t add much value except for taking me back when there was no need. One or two chapters dedicated strictly to the past timeline would have sufficed. The last thing I bumped into were grammatical and typographical errors. They put me off, and in so doing, they ruined the experience.

I think the fair rating for this book is three out of five stars. It is not that bad of a book. It is also not that great, either. It could do with another round of editing. I recommend it to lovers of family mysteries.

******
Mysteries
View: on Bookshelves

[Umesh Bhatt]

Seems to be a mystery and thrill filled book. Thanks for an honest review.

[luligonnzalez_]

Graham Wilson's "Mysteries" is an intricate masterpiece that navigates the depths of human psychology and the enigmatic tapestry of existence itself. With the dexterity of a literary virtuoso, Wilson weaves a captivating narrative that seamlessly blends elements of suspense, intrigue, and profound introspection.

The author's keen ability to craft multi-dimensional characters imbues the story with an unparalleled authenticity. Through their eyes, readers are invited to unravel layers of secrets, emotions, and motivations that resonate on a universal level. Wilson's prose is both elegant and evocative, capturing the reader's imagination from the very first page:

"In the dimly lit alleyways of human consciousness, the characters tread, their footsteps echoing the cadence of untold stories."

"Mysteries" takes its readers on a spellbinding journey through the labyrinth of human experiences, exploring the uncharted territories of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The narrative dances gracefully between the past and the present, painting a vivid tableau of emotions that is both poignant and relatable:

"As time's waves crashed upon the shores of memory, the characters found themselves adrift amidst the fragments of their past, each shard a clue to the larger puzzle."

Graham Wilson's masterstroke lies in his ability to seamlessly fuse the elements of mystery with profound philosophical reflections. The novel's intellectual depth is accentuated by passages that provoke introspection, inviting readers to contemplate the enigma of life itself:

"Between the lines of the mundane and the extraordinary, the characters discovered the subtle artistry of existence - a tapestry woven with threads of questions that may forever remain unanswered."

In "Mysteries," Wilson has created a literary symphony that resonates with the harmonious blend of intellect and emotion. It is a testament to his prowess as a wordsmith, an architect of the human soul, and a maestro of intrigue. This novel stands as a captivating exploration of the unknown and a masterpiece that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the final page.

[Aramba]

"Mysteries" by Graham Wilson appears to be a title that captures the reader's curiosity, suggesting a collection of enigmatic and intriguing tales. While I don't have specific details about this book, the title alone suggests that it could encompass a variety of stories centered around mysteries, secrets, and unknown phenomena.

In a book titled "Mysteries," readers might expect to find a diverse range of narratives, each offering its own unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. These stories could explore themes such as unsolved crimes, hidden truths, unexplained phenomena, and the depths of human curiosity and exploration.

Graham Wilson, the author, may have skillfully woven together a series of captivating stories that challenge readers to think critically, analyze clues, and venture into the unknown. Each tale could provide an opportunity for readers to engage in solving puzzles, piecing together information, and unraveling the complexities that lie within the narrative.

Ultimately, "Mysteries" could offer an immersive reading experience that allows readers to step into a world of suspense and wonder, where the unknown beckons and the thrill of discovery awaits. If you're intrigued by tales of intrigue and enigma, this book could be a captivating choice for your reading list.

[Okewunmi Pelumi]

I have been searching for thus book. The titled captivated my attention plus the review. So unique.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I wanted to read this book, now I'm not sure. It does sound quite muddled and if the errors are enough to distract you from the story, that's frustrating. Thanks for sharing such an honest review, it's helped me to decide if I'll read it or not.