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Lindsay L's Reviews > Those Empty Eyes
Those Empty Eyes
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by
2.5 stars.
A messy, unrealistic plot with too many side stories.
Alexandra Quinlan is the only survivor the night her parents and brother are killed in their family home. Alex is labelled “Empty Eyes” by the public for the look she had when she was arrested and charged with their murders. Ten years after being cleared and winning her defamation case, Alex is living under the radar but still searching for who killed her family and why.
Charlie Donlea is one of my favourite authors. I request any book he has written without even reading the synopsis. Unfortunately this novel was a big mess for me and not even close to resembling his usual writing.
The storyline was convoluted as it included numerous far fetched plot points which I’ve never had an issue with in his books before (I’ve read them all). Instead of adding layers to the story, the perspective changes damaged the pace and flow of the book and made a lot of the storyline repetitive. I had absolutely no investment in any of the characters lives including the main character who I found irritating and extremely unrealistic.
The author dives into many heavy topics but I wasn’t invested so they didn’t impact me as they should have.
Sadly, this book was not enjoyable for me. I highly recommend reading ANY of this authors’ previous work because I have loved everything else he has written — The Girl Who Was Taken being my absolute favourite!
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
Estimated publication date: March 28, 2023
A messy, unrealistic plot with too many side stories.
Alexandra Quinlan is the only survivor the night her parents and brother are killed in their family home. Alex is labelled “Empty Eyes” by the public for the look she had when she was arrested and charged with their murders. Ten years after being cleared and winning her defamation case, Alex is living under the radar but still searching for who killed her family and why.
Charlie Donlea is one of my favourite authors. I request any book he has written without even reading the synopsis. Unfortunately this novel was a big mess for me and not even close to resembling his usual writing.
The storyline was convoluted as it included numerous far fetched plot points which I’ve never had an issue with in his books before (I’ve read them all). Instead of adding layers to the story, the perspective changes damaged the pace and flow of the book and made a lot of the storyline repetitive. I had absolutely no investment in any of the characters lives including the main character who I found irritating and extremely unrealistic.
The author dives into many heavy topics but I wasn’t invested so they didn’t impact me as they should have.
Sadly, this book was not enjoyable for me. I highly recommend reading ANY of this authors’ previous work because I have loved everything else he has written — The Girl Who Was Taken being my absolute favourite!
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
Estimated publication date: March 28, 2023
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CarolG
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Jan 18, 2023 05:37PM
That's a shame Lindsay. I've enjoyed his previous books as well although I think I'm a couple behind. Good honest review.
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Will not be adding this one! If you love Donlea and were disappointed, that says a lot!! Thanks for your helpful review, Lindsay! 💗
Sorry it was a flop, Lindsay. This one of his is not doing well. Fair and balanced review. 🧡
Thanks for taking one for the team Lindsay, I'm glad I didn't pick up this one!
Thank you Carol, Catherine, Lisa and Dorie!! 💗💛❤️
I couldn’t agree more! It was a DNF for me, and I have loved his other books! 😕
When I saw your DNF, I knew I was doomed because I know you love this author like I do. Too bad it didn’t work out better for us Jayme. Hope you’re reading something you love now!
Fantastic review! 💕 Hope you love your next one. I have this one coming up soon. I am not looking forward to it
Hi Mary Beth! I hope it works out better for you. I’ll be watching for your review. 💗❤️
Sorry this didn’t work for you. I’ll steer clear!
Bummer, I love his work too! Thanks for the heads up
Diane and Cindy - maybe it would work out better for you both? Definitely not his best.
Fantastic review, Lindsay! I agree that this was a convoluted mess.
Thanks Meredith! Too bad this was such a letdown
All the reviews I've seen have been consistent so far. I'm hearing lots of disappointment! I hope you're loving your current read!
Thanks so much Kat!! 🥰
Oh no! I guess every author deserves a clunker now and then.
Yes Marialyce - this was the first time (and hopefully last time) this author has let me down.
Thanks Holly! On to better books now!
Not good. Well explained Lindsay
Thanks Sue!! Hope you have a great current read on the go!
Great honest review Lindsay, shame it was not for you 💕💕💕
Thanks Jennifer!
Disappointing this one wasn't up to the author's usual high standard Lindsay. Hope your next read is better!
Thank you Angela!
Sorry this was a dud Lindsay hope your next is better.💓
Thanks so much Lisa!
Mmmmm. I’ll have to think about this one. I love his other books, too!
Hope it works out better for you if you do read it Donna!
Fair and honest review, Liz!😊 Hope your current read is more satisfying!
Fair review Lindsay. This was my first novel by Donna so I had no expectations but I did find the plot much too busy.
Thanks Carolyn! I found all of his others PHENOMENAL! Hope you give them a try!
Sounds disappointing....hope your next one is awesome, Lindsay!
Totally agree Pink! 💖🌸
Oh no Lindsay! I feel like his books have been going down hill for me too.
Too bad Kendall - I remember our buddy reads with his earlier books being soooo enjoyable!!
I appreciate your honest and well written review, Lindsay. ❤
Thank you Sandy! 💖💛
I really enjoyed it. The "too many side stories" eventually tied together with an interesting twist or two.
Pamela - I’m so glad you really enjoyed it! He is one of my favourite authors.
Glad to know this wasn’t his norm. It was my first time reading one of his books, and I was going to put him in my do not bother list. But now I may try another one just to see.
Amber - please don’t judge this author based on this book. All of his previous books are far better than this one and I have rated 4+ stars on. Hope you get a chance to try them out!
