Review - Looking Over Your Shoulder

**I hate giving reviews like this, but I must always give my honest opinion. I still greatly admire the feat the author has accomplished by completing this novel. It's no easy task.

Looking Over Your Shoulder by P.D. Workman
Genres: Mystery/Suspense, Contemporary
My rating: 1 star
Pages: 262

Image from Goodreads.com

“Just because you're paranoid, that doesn't mean someone isn't out to get you."


Despite being diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, Abe VanRam does a pretty good job at maintaining a normal life. He takes his meds, goes to work, and comes home to his family. But when he's suspected of jewel theft the good life he's built for himself is threatened.

Abe knows he didn't take those jewels. But those who were really behind the crime are out to get him. Or so he thinks. He keeps seeing things and gathering evidence that points to someone other than him. But can he really trust his eyes?

And after all—who'd believe someone who's mentally ill?

My review: I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this novel. I mean, a paranoid schizophrenic suspected of jewel theft? Never heard that one before. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed.

For being a suspense novel, Looking Over Your Shoulder was sadly lacking in suspense. It took a while before there was any real action. At the beginning, the story was mostly contrived of the goings on of Abe and his family. At first I was okay with this. I thought it was nice that it wasn't all about the mystery, and that I'd get to know more of the characters. BUT, when I had to read through a pages long, pointless discussion between Abe and his young daughter, and STILL there was no suspense, I got a little frustrated.

Frankly, I was bored with the story. And it didn't really pick up for me. Added to that, the main plot ended up being underdeveloped.

Maybe this isn't worth mentioning, but it is a huge pet peeve of mine. Twice in this book, two men were said to giggle. It wasn't even in unusual circumstances; they just giggled at something someone else had said. Now...in general, grown men don't giggle. They laugh, or chortle, or even guffaw. But they don't giggle. Just had to clear that up.

There were a couple of typos and instances in the book that were in need of editing. I think that's what this novel really needed—a good editing. Cut some scenes, add some more action, get rid of the typos and this read would have been much more enjoyable.

On the bright side, I do think that Abe was an interesting character. And I did like the relationship he had with his children. Their banter was really fun. I just wish that it didn't take up so much of the story.

Overall, this book just wasn't to my liking. Wouldn't recommend it.

Content: Mild language. Mentions of drinking alcohol.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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